Chasing Your Dreams in Contemporary Fact & Historical Fiction

Themes on strategy, intention, and a willingness to work hard and smart run throughout both of these very different books.

[cover art for "The Creative Entrepreneur, Starting and Thriving in Your Own Small Business" by Gladys Stocks showing the silhouette of a person in profile who's holding a paint brush over a paint palette; colorful brush strokes and a zig-zagged arrow pointing up in the background]

The Creative Entrepreneur: Starting and Thriving in Your Own Small Business by Gladys Stocks

contemporary non-fiction

Book Butler Publishing Company, 2026

Ten chapters that blend aspirational theory with practical strategies and end with a "Creative Reflection" exercise that prompts deep contemplation of a person's interests, motives, concerns, vulnerabilities, and strengths, in addition to options. They move from the general to the specific, then conclude with a focus on the personalized.

from chapter 1:

But the truth is, your creativity is your business. Your ideas, your aesthetic, your process... they're the engine that powers it.

Each chapter dissects, using an approach that's detailed without being tedious, every aspect of conceiving, constructing, solidifying, expanding, and sustaining a business. Overall, The Creative Entrepreneur demystifies how to build a brand with a solid foundation of substance generated through authenticity.

The epilogue is "The Artist's Oath" that names and reinforces intention.

[The Halifax Hellions trade paperback propped up against a TBR bookstack of 4 books, from top to bottom: Enemies to Lovers, The Book Tour, Most Eligible, The Librarians]

The Halifax Hellions by Alexandra Vasti

historical romance

St. Martin's Griffin, February 2026

Intrepid twins devoted to each other, Margo and Matilda have been shockingly unconventional for years, and they're exhausted. When their good intentions instigate confusion and mayhem, the men who love them sign on to assist them in restoring order. Disorderly conduct commences.

And once again my local public library branch continues to support my BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion)!

Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, safety, joy & some pleasure every day

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