Wintersβ Day In
Spilling the tea since 2006. Wanna cuppa?
Conversations on life, faith, stories, and creativity from author and songwriter (and aspiring mermaid) Talena Winters.
The Character Who Wrecked Me (And Why Thatβs Weirdly Healthy)
A spoilerβfree look at why character deaths hit hardβcatharsis, empathy, and how fictional stories make a real-world impact.
Behind the Name 2: How I Name Characters in my Mermaid Fantasy Series
Ever wonder how authors choose names for their characters? In this post, Iβm pulling back the curtain on the naming process for some of the key characters in my clean epic mermaid fantasy series Rise of the Grigoriβfrom Calandraβs songbird-inspired origins to Zaleβs sea-strong rebrand, Narcissaβs perfectly βon the noseβ moniker, and more. Youβll get a peek at how meaning, culture, sound, and story all come together to shape name choices for the perfect fit.
Fall in Love this Fall: 3 Faith-Infused Romantic Novels from Clean and Sweet to Gritty and Redemptive
Embrace the cozy charm of autumn with three faith-infused romantic reads! From sweet small-town love stories to gritty, redemptive journeys, find your perfect fall escape amidst stories of love, healing, and community.
Behind the Name 1: The Hidden Names of the Trinity in My Epic Mermaid Fantasy
In my epic mermaid fantasy book series for teens, Rise of the Grigori, explore Elyon, Logos, and Pneumaβthe hidden names of God that transform my clean, Christian-based fantasy world and the journeys of its characters.
Why the World Needs More Christian Fantasy
Is Christian fantasy silly, unbiblical, a waste of time, or even outright dangerous? Not in my opinion. Hereβs why (plus some book recommendations).
From Peace River to Peace Crossing: The True Story Behind My Small-Town Romance Books
Discover the real-life northern Alberta town that inspired my sweet and clean small-town Peace Country Romance series. In this post, I share how moving to Peace River shaped my writing career and why this community keeps calling me back.
Back to Peace Crossing: The Book Iβm Writing Next
Iβve been struggling to decide which of my upcoming writing projects to finish first. Well, the decision has been made. Hereβs the reason why.
How It Started vs. How Itβs Going (Blogging & Books Update)
A brief update about my current writing projects and ideas for a future memoir.
Great Sources for Clean Romance and Fantasy Fiction
Struggling to find good, clean books to read? Hereβs a list of resources to point you in the right direction.
Sowing New Creative Seeds
Notes on the βin-betweenβ stages of creative work and how Iβm planning to tackle my upcoming projects to publish more frequently and keep my creativity fresh.
Letβs Ring some Bells!
My newest book will be released into the world in less than two weeks! Here's a bit more about it and how you can get your hands on it with some awesome extras!
Very Slowly, and then All At Once
I now have an empty nest. Plus, news about my upcoming book launch for Every Bell that Rings and how to get your hands on a review copy.
Top 5 Places to Visit on Sirenia
In the eighth installment of the Rise of the Grigori Beneath the Surface blog series, veteran selvedge expert Nicandra korβNyx gives us a guided tour of Sirenia. Ready for some photography eye candy (and a little behind-the-scenes intrigue)? Read on!
The Good Girlβs Guide to Being Bad
In Part Four of the Rise of the Grigori Beneath-the-Surface series, Narcissa korβAdonia, Opal Princess of the undine Island of Sirenia tells us what her cousin Calandra is really likeβ¦
A Peek Beneath the Surface: Author Interview
In Part Three of the Rise of the Grigori Beneath-the-Surface series, Iβm posting an author interview thatβs mostly about me, not so much the seriesβ¦ but the series does get top billing.