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Sacred Seventh by Peter Bell
Some books entertain you. Others invite you to sit with their characters, to walk beside them through moments of quiet hope, deep uncertainty, and unexpected renewal. Sacred Seventh does exactly that. Each voice feels distinct and real, revealing how lives intersect, fracture, and mend in ways that are both ordinary and extraordinary. Set against the familiar rhythms of Brisbane, the novel gently reminds us that it’s never too late to begin again.
Ruth May
Jan 271 min read


Finding your voice as a writer
Discovering your unique voice and writing style is essential for standing out as a writer. It takes practice, experimentation, and feedback. This post explores practical tips to develop your signature voice: read widely, write consistently, experiment with genres, seek feedback, and most importantly, be yourself. Your distinct style will engage readers and make your writing memorable.
Ruth May
Jan 194 min read


Rolling the dice for story ideas
The Dice Method is a creative writing tool I developed using tabletop gaming dice to generate character roles, settings, conflicts, and plot ideas. By assigning attributes to each die, you can mix and match elements to spark unique story concepts. This playful, flexible approach even helped inspire my debut thriller, The Watcher’s Prey, and can unlock endless possibilities for writers.
Ruth May
Jan 183 min read


The Nowhere Child by Christian White
Absolutely fantastic story. Highly recommend.
Ruth May
Jan 121 min read


Why should writers read?
For years I believed reading was stealing time from my writing. Then life intervened. Children, work, moves, and self-doubt all shifted how and when I wrote. What never left was reading. Eventually I learned that reading is not a distraction from writing, but one of the most powerful tools a writer has.
Ruth May
Jan 114 min read


The Lakewood Legacy
The Lakewood Legacy by E. Denise Billups is a small-town mystery that blends family secrets, past trauma, and modern technology in an ambitious attempt to unravel a decades-old tragedy. The novel opens with a striking hook, particularly a line that immediately establishes emotional stakes and moral tension, and the premise itself is intriguing. The story explores how the past continues to ripple through the present, and there are moments where the atmosphere of a tight-knit
Ruth May
Jan 102 min read


The Watcher's Prey - Sneak Peek
The opening chapter of The Watcher’s Prey immediately grips the reader with its tense atmosphere and unsettling sense of anticipation. It drops you into a world where danger hides behind every ordinary moment, where trust feels like a gamble, and where one decision could change everything. This sneak peek sets the tone for a dark and captivating thriller.
Ruth May
Jan 91 min read


Blood and Gold by Michael Trant
Blood and Gold by Michael Trant delivers a grounded, atmospheric story anchored by strong character voices and a vivid sense of place. The dialogue feels authentic throughout, giving each character a distinct presence on the page. I was especially drawn to Gabe, whose arc adds real emotional weight and kept me invested even during the quieter moments. This is a slow-burn novel, but one that ultimately rewards patience. Once the central plot resolves (without giving anything
Ruth May
Jan 71 min read


When a story finds its name
When I first wrote Hunted Shadows, something about it never quite fit. The words worked, but the feeling didn’t. As an intuitive writer, I’ve learned to trust those creative instincts. A title, after all, is part of a story’s soul. Changing it wasn’t just renaming, it was rediscovering what the story truly wanted to be.
Ruth May
Jan 62 min read


The heart of a great villain: Why we need to understand the darkness
The best villains aren’t simply evil; they’re human. They make impossible choices for reasons we can almost understand. A truly great villain evokes empathy, not hatred. They remind us that darkness often grows from love, loss, or desperation. When a story lets us glimpse that complexity, it becomes unforgettable, and so does its so-called villain.
Ruth May
Jan 22 min read


Reflecting on the Journey - A year of writing, and growth
This year has been one of reflection, growth, and creative fire. After taking six weeks off in January, the first draft came together faster than I ever imagined. Since then, rounds of edits, beta reader feedback, and new story ideas, like Three Little Lies, have kept me busy.
Ruth May
Dec 31, 20252 min read


Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh
This gripping courtroom thriller blends clever misdirection with relentless pacing. The tension builds steadily before racing toward an unexpected twist that redefines everything you’ve read. Smartly plotted and rich in suspense, it’s the kind of book that keeps you guessing until the very last chapter. Readers who enjoy intricate thrillers will find this an absorbing and rewarding read.
Ruth May
Dec 28, 20251 min read


The Editing Process
Editing is both art and discipline. While digital tools promise speed and convenience, I find clarity in the rhythm of paper and pen. My editing process is a tactile experience, crossing out, circling, and rewriting by hand. This post shares my honest reflections, favorite resources, and why the printed page still feels like home.
Ruth May
Dec 27, 20254 min read


Fallen Angel Risen by Darren Crofts
Beautifully written and quietly unsettling, Fallen Angels blends evocative prose, layered symbolism, and a slow‑burn mystery. Though the shifting timelines and large cast can be disorienting, the story ultimately comes together in a rewarding way. Atmospheric, thoughtful, and intriguing — a strong start to a series I’m keen to continue.
Ruth May
Dec 26, 20252 min read


The Watcher's Prey cover reveal
I’m thrilled to reveal the official cover for my debut psychological thriller, The Watcher’s Prey. The novel follows journalist Anna as she navigates a deadly game of survival, relying on her instincts and wits to uncover the truth. This cover marks the culmination of years of persistence and creativity, bringing the story to life before its March 2026 release.
Ruth May
Dec 21, 20252 min read


What is an ARC Reader and how to become one
Ever seen readers talking about getting early access to books before they’re even out? Those are ARC readers! They get Advance Reader Copies to review and help authors spread the word before launch day. Here’s what ARC readers do, how you can become one, and why I’d love to have you join my ARC team!
Ruth May
Dec 20, 20252 min read


Designing a cover that tells a story
Your book cover is the first thing readers notice. It tells a story before a single word is read. In this post, I explore how to research effective covers, balance genre expectations, use symbolism, experiment with DIY or AI tools, and collaborate with professionals to create a visually compelling design that truly represents your story.
Ruth May
Dec 4, 20253 min read


The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
Dan Brown’s The Secret of Secrets is a richly detailed and fast-paced thriller that takes readers deep into the heart and history of Prague. Although it runs longer than expected, the novel showcases Brown’s signature blend of history, mystery, and high-stakes adventure. The vivid descriptions of the city’s architecture and culture make it an immersive read, even if they sometimes slow the pace. For fans of Robert Langdon or those who enjoy intricate historical thrillers fill
Ruth May
Nov 29, 20252 min read


Creating characters that resonate with readers
Creating characters is at the heart of any great story. They don’t need to be likable, but they should be relatable and dynamic. I lean on books like Creating Characters and Write Great Dialogue to help me develop characters that speak with authenticity and depth, making sure they truly resonate with the reader.
Ruth May
Nov 25, 20253 min read


Plotting without losing passion
Outlining doesn’t have to be a creativity killer – it’s about striking a balance between structure and the freedom to let your imagination soar. By using Excel to track scenes and POVs, I ensure consistency in character arcs and narrative flow, without losing sight of the creative spark that keeps me motivated.
Ruth May
Nov 22, 20254 min read

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