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.
14 Clean YA Fantasy Reads for Teens and Adults by Canadian Authors
Celebrate Canada Day with these clean YA fantasy books by Canadian authors! From mermaids and magical portals to dream-walking vigilantes and ancient secrets, these highly rated reads deliver adventure, heart, and imaginationβperfect for teen and adult fantasy fans alike.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Where Mythology & Imagination Meet: The Creation of a βReal-Worldβ Mermaid Fantasy
In the Rise of the Grigori Behind-the-Scenes Tour part 2, I dive into how I came up with the idea for the world that became my epic young adult mermaid fantasy series.
Introducing the Rise of the Grigori Beneath-the-Surface Blog Series
The first of a series of behind-the-scenes posts for the Rise of the Grigori series. First up: Whatβs the series about?
Sugar, No Spice, and Everything Nice
Weekly coffee chat: Writing a Christmas romance in a heat wave, breaking through writerβs block, and new character art for Every Star that Shines.
The Undine's Tear on tour!
News about the upcoming blog tour for The Undineβs Tear (with prizes!), and an update on my current work in progress, Every Star that Shines.
Sweet Inspirational Stories to Beat the Heat
Iβm loving these sweet inspirational books and shows right nowβ¦
The Benefits of βEscapist Fictionβ
Humans are made of stories. And, no matter the "world" that a story may be set in, at the heart of every good story is a character who is overcoming difficult situations that must be relatable to the reader in some way, or the story would not resonate with us. In this post, I talk about some ways that fantasy and other genres of fiction have benefited me, and why I think everyone should read or watch it.