Romance comes in all forms. That handsome fellow is a fur seal staking out his territory on a sub-Antarctic island. The boys show up first in the Antarctic spring, and it’s a good bet he’s dreaming about this year’s mate while battling the other dudes for a prime bit of beachfront. I didn’t start out writing romance. Nope. I started out writing science fiction and fantasy. Hence the whimsical photo above. But you know what? After a while I noticed no matter where my story was set—modern world, high fantasy world, or a twisted science fiction dystopia—romantic elements always crept …
Easy Low Carb Pecan Pie Autumn Tarts
These low-carb, gluten-free mini pecan tarts always remind me of those holiday dinners when pecan pies were the star of the dessert table. The smell alone was enough to make the whole room feel warmer, like the whole family had been wrapped up in a cozy blanket. Everyone had their own way of enjoying it—some went for tiny slivers, others for big, generous wedges with a scoop of ice cream, but my favorite part was always the top layer of pecans. I would eat the crispy, nutty, and sweet halves first. That’s the best part of these tarts! They’re just …
Yes, I have a broom.
I have a broom. Her name is Sally. Why? Well, why not. LOL All witches need transportation and I love to fly. Plus, Sally is gorgeous. Writing is magical. The way I started my book career was filled with dumb luck, lies and magic. I should sweep this story under the rug, but Sally insists I share. Side note… Sally is in my office and I talk to her when I’m stuck on a story. She’s become my magical muse. What she says goes. So here’s the scary truth… I’ve been asked how I got published. The answer is simple…I lied. That’s right, …
Welcome to the Louisaverse!
Hi everyone! I’m Louisa West and I’m thrilled to pop in today to talk about my books and series you might enjoy. So let’s get stuck in! Sleepy Hollow Mysteries – 🌶️ This is my brand new series, having just launched in August this year. The first book, Ghost Appeal, is actually a prequel novel for the series. It tells the tale of how Ivy Hearst–ghost whisperer extraordinaire–solves a murder, keeps herself out of jail, and then has to flee town with a shadow-demon hot on her heels. Book one of the series, Baby Got Ghost, will be released in …
Halloween Movie Marathon Ideas
As the leaves turn golden and the nights grow longer, there’s a certain magic in the air that signals the arrival of Halloween. It’s a time for spooky decorations, pumpkin carving, and, of course, indulging in Halloween movies. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or someone who prefers lighter, family-friendly fare, watching Halloween movies is a tradition that brings people together and sets the perfect mood for the season. So, why do we love watching Halloween movies? The Thrill of the Scare One of the main reasons people love Halloween movies is the thrill of being scared. There’s something exhilarating about …
True Ghost Stories
So today we’re going to talk about ghost stories — real ghost stories from my life. I’ve always been psychic, and I’ve always known when ghosts were around. I’ve dealt with a number of spirits over the years who were passing through my house, and I feel/see them on the side of the road, especially as the veils begin to thin each year near Samhain. But, in particular, several incidents stand out. A group of us were gathered in our living room on Samhain eve. We always do a silent meditation during the ritual, focusing on those who have gone …
Unraveling urban legends
Urban legends have long been a staple of American folklore, weaving tales that blend fear, fascination, and sometimes a touch of humor. These stories often stem from local legends or myths, passed down through generations and embellished along the way. Today, we delve into six American urban legends, including the infamous Headless Horseman (who I’ve taken inspiration from for one of my series!), to uncover the truth behind these spooky tales. The killer in the backseat This chilling urban legend tells of a driver who is followed by a mysterious car. As the story goes, when the driver pulls over, …
Of Home, Hearth, and Family
The holidays are right around the corner. Halloween kicks things off with Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanza close behind. I’ve always viewed this time of year as a special opportunity to let everyone who’s a part of my life know how much I love and appreciate them. I wish I still had living parents. I always sent them cards and called them. We’d often make the trek to Seattle or Missoula to spend holidays with Bob’s family or my own. Halloween originated with the Celts (Ireland, UK, and parts of France) over 2000 years ago. It was called Samhain and represented the demarcation between …
Samhain – More Than Trick or Treat
First, let’s get the name right. Samhain, Gaelic in origin, pronounced “Sow-in” not “Sam-hane.” It’s a common mistake in the pronunciation. The “mh” combination in is typically pronounced like a soft “w” or sometimes almost silent. So, instead of saying “Sam,” it sounds closer to “Sow” (rhymes with cow). The “ai” in “hain” part of the word is pronounced like a short “i,” and the “h” after the “a” softens the pronunciation, making it sound closer to “in” rather than”hane.” Now you know! The Original All Hallows’ Eve. Samhain was popularly celebrated by the ancient Celts who had arrived in …
My Familiars Own My Ass
Yep, I have said many times that I like animals better than people. LOL And I stand by my words except when my dogs get skunked and my cats bring me gifts. Sadly, the dogs don’t understand that sniffing a skunk’s butt repeatedly ends in multiple baths and lots of swear words from Mom. The cats… forget about it. A gift is a gift even if it causes me to scream and run. I love them even with their smelly and unappetizing habits. First thing you should know about me… besides being an author I’m also a collector of stray …