‘Royal Beauty Bright’: Seven Questions with Ryan Byrnes [INTERVIEW]

November 14, 2019 by 2 Comments

Ryan Byrnes

Ryan Byrnes wrote his debut novel, Royal Beauty Bright, while he was in high school! (Photo courtesy Ryan Byrnes)

When I finished reading Ryan Byrnes’ new historical novel, Royal Beauty Bright, I was speechless. For such a young writer (he wrote this book in high school), he has penned a story that is by turns heartbreaking, humorous, inspiring, and compelling. As you know, we read a lot of fiction set around World War I, but we seldom encounter characters we enjoy meeting as well as those found here. They make for a brilliant, heartfelt tale that is truly a joy to read. Thus we’re thrilled that he stops by to chat with us about his book, and what comes next. We hope you enjoy this exclusive interview! —J&H
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‘The Hollow Middle’ Captures An Educator in the Midst of an Existential Crisis [REVIEW]

January 16, 2019 by 2 Comments

Man looking to sea

An educator ponders his existence in John Popielaski’s debut novel, The Hollow Middle. (Photo by doublecompile, Flickr)

An educator in the midst of a midlife crisis suddenly receives an unexpected windfall of cash and the opportunity to make some major changes in his life. But as he ponders his existence to date, will he find his way toward self actualization or will he get mired down in the ambiguity of what could have been? Find out in John Popielaski’s The Hollow Middle.  Read more of this post

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