Author J Roe

Writing quirky characters on redemptive journeys

amazing books

What Is Even Happening? (and all the silly updates)

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Umm . . . What Is Even Happening?

My three musketeers and I trade videos back and forth to keep updated on each other’s lives since we live so far apart. In doing so, these impromptu videos are full of all sorts of unscripted ridiculous moments. One bestie is constantly saying “What is even happening?” and she tries to describe in words what defies description. She often gives up and turns the camera around so that we can witness the insanity of the moment. We’re talking crazy cats, rogue turkeys, and snarky teens.

Well, I’m turning around the camera so that you, my loyal readers and true friends, can witness the insanity. For the truth is, I really don’t know what all is happening, but it is proving to be quite the ride. Buckle up!

Health, Wellness, and Moving Forward

In March of 2022 my mental and physical health was at an all time low. Migraines were debilitating to the point that again I could no longer leave my home. My weight had skyrocketed as I sought comfort in food, but food without real nutrition. Depression and anxiety were rampant and while trying a new medication, I almost committed suicide.

Had I lost my faith? No, but I was certainly struggling. Besties, family, and church members were praying. One tenacious friend reached out and made it possible for me to try a nutrition program that drastically changed my life for the better. I returned to life and became able to write again. Rapunzel’s Journey was even finished on time thanks to my amazing other bestie and editor-extraordinaire. Surprisingly, I even started helping and inspiring friends to reclaim their health, and this became an important avenue for my overall health.

While I’d love to report that I am no longer battling migraines or mental health issues, I am struggling again. Fortunately, I am surrounded by great support. I am doing what I can to weather this particular storm. I’ve had these kinds of battles in the past and eventually they do pass.

Despite the mental and financial struggle* for myself and my family, I have found inspiration. A whole new set of characters have shown up, but not the ones I thought I’d be writing. Let me tell you about the surprise that is breathing new life, and lots of chuckles, into my writing.

*for those interested in offering support, click here.

Wacky Jackie Q.

Once upon a time (yes, it has to start this way), a little girl named Jackie loved to laugh and play. She had a melancholy side, but was mostly a sanguine, talkative (some might say “yacky”) child. When she grew up, she left behind her nickname of Jackie and adopted the more mature sounding “JacQueline”, but the Q kept her fun and quirky.

So, you guessed it. My name is JacQueline and as JacQueline, I’ve loved writing the more melancholy Rapunzel with several quirky characters to keep things jolly. Even during more dramatic, and often romantic, moments. And perhaps that is the common thread here. There may or may not be magic in everything I write (whether as JacQueline or Jackie Q. or whatever pen name I may go to next) but there will always be some romance. Because who can live without love? (and isn’t love true magic?)

Crazy Fun in Texas

But, let’s be real, right alongside that romance is that quirky, ridiculous tendency I have. Like maybe I’ve tried to kiss my husband in an ultra-suave move, but accidentally (HOW???) tripped and practically fallen on my face. Trust me, things like this happen when I’m around. (Prayers for my husband’s safety appreciated.)

So, when I realized I couldn’t write the next fairytale retelling series, I was pretty bummed. Then, some super silly friends (all my characters are friends) came along to cheer me up. Because what could be better than being (by the magic of imagination) transported to a German-Mexican town in Texas? Yes, all kinds of silly started happening to create The Love and Laughter series. You should see the menu for Bachmann-Hernandez Restaurant. (Was I inspired by New Braunsfels, TX? Just maybe *wink*wink*). This all and not to mention the goofy little businesses around the town square–like the florist/funeral home. My brain is a silly space.

* Get your free teeny-tiny prequel/sneak peek into the goofy town of Levercusin (mispronounced Leave Ya’ Cousin) here.

Who is Running the Asylum?

Do I really know what is going on? Well, as of writing this, I’m over half-way through drafting The Design and Destiny of Love (UPDATE: it’s now finished and available!). I’ve also gotten a good start on what I hope will be a FREE prequel and some on book 2. With my health and finances as they are currently, I can’t make any guarantees about when these books will be coming your way. But I’m hopeful (take that, depression!) that The Design and Destiny will be published fall of 2024 with the sequel (UPDATE: available for pre-order now) soon to follow. But, who knows?

What I DO know:

  • God is good and my books will have a redemptive, if silly, arc
  • Quirky will win the day
  • Pain loses in the end

Finally, are you one of those amazing generous individuals who likes to support the arts and/or those struggling with their health? Please check out my Patreon and consider becoming a patron, if that aligns with your values. Thank you as always for your prayers, friendship, and support!

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Do You Love Books More if You Read Fast or Slow?

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I feel like I keep coming across this strange guilt in the bookish community and it’s all related to the question, “Do you love books more if you read fast or slow?” The underlying theme is that only fast readers are truly living their best bookish lives now. But, how limiting is it to think that one pace is better than another without taking into account the many other factors that are in a reader’s life? I mean, it SOUNDS like having a life where all we do is read amazing books would be terrific, but that’s just not realistic (or actually living when you think about it!).

So I’m going to break down a few things that can contribute to living life well no matter how fast or slow or whatever your pace is for reading.

Taking a quick reading break while I write my next novel in Rapunzel’s Journey.

Are you a Fast Reader?

Did you know that there are people who read a book a day? I didn’t, not for a long time. Perhaps I had hints of it in the summertime when my bookish (read that: nerdy) friends and I would hole up to “recover” from the rigors of academia by getting lost among the pages of a fantasy world. And I realized that my friends were out-reading me. NOT that it was a competition or that I felt threatened or anything, but still. I remember wondering why I couldn’t read faster like them.

I had long thought of myself as a fast-reader because my mother, who was “slow” according to her own definition, always told me I was. And I thought kindly of myself in this area of my life, until I started comparing my own pace with my exceptional friends who could and did read faster. It didn’t completely steal the joy of my reading life, but I did squirm a little. Maybe I wasn’t the book nerd I thought I was.

Fast-forward to having a family of my own and living the life of a young mother, only able to read a chapter or two a day outside of my Bible reading. Taking my role as guardian and protector alongside my husband very seriously, I tried to read ahead of them. But my early readers were gifted students who had plenty of reading time. But that felt like an excuse to me. Maybe I was just a slow reader after all.

Being a Slow Reader

During this hectic season of my life, I tried to read to please others. I was reading nonfiction that my husband wanted to be able to discuss with me as he made his way through seminary. I was previewing and reading books that I was concerned might have mature content my early readers weren’t ready for yet. My reading life, once a refuge and cozy way to relax and unwind became a chore, another thing to finish up as quickly as possible so I could get to the next thing. Not surprisingly, my writing also suffered at this time.

My pace in reading slowed as my interest in the subject matter waned. But when I allowed myself to reach for books I wanted (I’m thankful for you, Hunger Games, for reigniting my love of reading) then the magic happened again. I won’t say that library due dates didn’t still stress me out, but when I realized that I could easily check out ebooks for extended lengths of time, I relished the books I was able to gobble up. I reclaimed my favorite way to unwind and also allowed myself time to think about the books I was reading. Because that is a huge part of the reading life for me. I can’t just read book after book after book unless I also take time to think about it {and usually find someone to discuss it with me}.

Reading in Different Seasons of Life

I’ve now had several stops and starts in this reading life. When the pandemic hit in 2020, my reading and writing life also took a hit and I realized that I am in fact a pretty moody reader. Making peace with that, and helping other readers make peace with that, has freed me up to enjoy lots of genres in lots of formats and at various paces. When I read romantic comedy, I generally read fast, often in a day or just a few days. When I read angsty ya fantasy, it will take at least a week, sometimes a month if I need more time to sit with the implications of the book. Historical fiction can be similar, but romantic suspense all depends on the pacing of the actual book.

I’ve found that for me reading several books at once is freeing. That way I can be making my way through a slower read that I can ponder while reading something lighter faster. I have different things I do while reading these books, sometimes I exercise while read an ebook, or I listen to an audiobook while cleaning, or read a hardback while taking a bath. If that makes me weird, it’s totally okay, I am having a great time with lots of books and usually not mixing them up. It works for me in the season of life I’m in right now.

Say “NO!” to undue Reader Guilt

Lately, I’ve talked to readers who feel the pressure to read faster and hurry up and conquer their TBR pile. I get it! We who love reading want to be able to get to the latest release everyone’s raving over. But it’s as though we’ve forgetten how privileged we are to have all these awesome books to get to in our own good time. We are missing out on our blessings. And I hate that.

As a writer, I’ve watched my readers practice wildly different paces with Rapunzel’s Journey. Some of the readers like to take my series fast, reading a book in one sitting. Others read a chapter or two a day, taking a month to read and think through each book. Neither one is right, neither is better than the other. I just love when they reach out to discuss what they love or struggled with in the stories.

That’s the kind of reading that benefits everyone. When you read at your own pace, content in your current season, counting your reading among your favorite blessings. You may watch your TBR pile diminish quickly or slowly, but you are making progress either way. I think we should all celebrate that. And it’s not the end of the world if you go a day without reading, I just probably won’t.

Loving Books and the Reading Life No Matter How Fast or Slow

So, what do you think? Do you love to read more if you’re fast or slow? Or do you think, like me, that there’s a flaw in that question. Some people are just fast people, and others of us are slower. We are still living and loving our lives, books in hand, smiles on our faces. Right?

If you are looking for free, short read, I’d love for you to download your copy of Before the Tower here and see if Rapunzel’s Journey is a series you would enjoy. The prequel tells of two sisters, one curse, and the betrayal that led to Rapunzel’s tower.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun. 

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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5 of the GREATEST Heroes {and Why We Love Them}

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Among us silly bookworms, 5 of the GREATEST Heroes {and why we love them} will not be something we can all agree on. It is intensely personal as to what draws someone to a hero. Go ahead and ask the nearest bibliophile, “What makes a hero great?” Depending on who you ask you might get a varied list:

  • a chiseled jawline
  • dry wit
  • unshakeable faith
  • strength of character
  • washboard abs
  • fierce loyalty
  • mysterious past
  • brooding eyes
  • playful smile

. . . I could go on. In fact, I will. But my personal list will be less about physicality and more about what motivates him. There is no way to discuss what makes him great without a few spoilers, but please have grace with me.

I’ve chosen the following 5 GREATEST heroes from my favorite book series. No one hero has it all and no man should have to live up to the reputation of any fictional character. But, I have discovered that the heroes I’m drawn to tell me a lot more about my husband than I realized for a long time. I wonder if the same is true for you and the man in your life (or in your future).

**affiliate links do help provide a small commission to me at no additional charge to you.

Greatest Hero #1: Gilbert Blythe from the Anne of Green Gables series

Of course I started with Gilbert Blythe. How could I not? He is one of the defining heroes that set the bar pretty high in terms of who I am willing sigh over. Fiercely loyal? Definitely, though it hurt him at times. Mischievous nature and playful smile? Both get him into trouble with Anne right from the start, making her a challenge that he pursues and finally wins over. But I love how he does it in stages and though he is besotted by her, he doesn’t lose sight of his own personal goals.

Since they match each other in intelligence, they are constantly pushing each other for the highest honors throughout grade school and throughout college. So, this hero is good for the heroine and brings out the best in her. His sense of humor also tempers our overly dramatic heroine. (My husband, bless him, does that for me) And loyal? He is, as he works his hardest to help provide for his family as a young adult and later for himself, Anne, and their children. Finally, what profession does he choose? He becomes a doctor during a time when they weren’t paid well, and that is very noble and swoon-worthy in my estimation.

Greatest Hero #2: Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series

How can we not all have a little crush on Harry Potter? The abused orphan/chosen one who is destined to save his magical world against all odds? Yes, yes, yes!

Things I love about Harry Potter include:

  • his sense of humor
  • his deep loyalty to his friends
  • even his deep flaws (like his temper)

The very people he surrounds himself with are those who make him stronger and better. He doesn’t play lone wolf too often, and when he does, he learns from his mistakes. By the end of the series, he has become the hero we all hoped he would be back when he was just an orphan locked under the stairs.

Publishing this post during the Christmas season of 2021. There’s been a lot of sadness in our world these past 20 months, I’m thankful for great books with the greatest heroes that make me *happy sigh* LOL 🙂

Greatest Hero #3: Wesley from The Princess Bride

Okay, I have never done this before, but I’m including a character from a book I haven’t read. YET! Instead, I’ve memorized the movie and discussed it at length with a friend who did read the book. Hey, it’s on my TBR and I just COULDN’T leave Wesley off this list!

First, though at the beginning of his journey our hero is just “farm boy,” he shows wisdom in the way that he woos his heroine, Buttercup. He keeps doing things for her and saying “as you wish”–umm, do YOU know a woman who wouldn’t love to have a man say and follow through with that?

Having earned her love, he travels off into the world to earn her hand, showing himself to be self-sacrificial from the very start. He goes on to show he is a man of many talents, what he doesn’t know, he is determined to learn, all in the name of getting back to the woman he loves. You guys, he becomes a PIRATE, and for some reason, that is so swashbuckling and all things awesome.

  • he becomes a master swordsman
  • he uses his brain against brawn
  • he develops an immunity to poison
  • he outwits the fire swamp

I love that he’s a strategist and the perfect foil for the nasty Prince Humperdink. And yes, evidently, heals quickly.

Greatest Hero #4: Wolf from The Lunar Chronicles

Okay, so I’m not really into paranormal-shifter books. I’m not saying I never will be, it’s just not my thing right now. But there is one hero from Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles that I adore, and it is Wolf. Just like his name sounds, he is some sort of human genetically altered into a wolf. Kinda. And his instincts are to be loyal to his pack and fulfill his mission.

But, as the book Scarlet is a sci-fi retelling/retwisting of Little Red Riding Hood, Wolf has a massive redemption arc. And you know I love a great story of redemption. I love the twists and turns that reveal who he is truly loyal to and protective of. And, as so many readers are saying these days, “I. Am. Here. For. It.”

Greatest Hero #5: Paul from Rapunzel’s Journey series

{forgive me, I will include a few spoilers from my series, but nothing you shouldn’t know if you are familiar with the original Rapunzel story from Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales}

When I first discovered Paul, he was listening to Rapunzel sing at night, unable to reach the woman he longs for since she is incarcerated in her doorless tower. Night after night he puzzled out how to get to her. The hunter in him prince loved the challenge. And once he found his way to her, I really fell in love with him. He was:

  • careful with her heart
  • respected her mind
  • shared his faith with her
  • wanted to help free her

Of course, he wasn’t perfect and got a little cocky about his ability to free her. Honestly, this makes him a little lovable to me, because it makes him human. And he paid for it dearly when the witch pushed him from the tower and, it seemed to Rapunzel, died.

But Paul, we find out later, is living under a spell on another island loyally serving a lord. Though bewitched, he is still gentle with her. When he discovers she is engaged, he wants her to decide who to love. He never pushes, but remains steadfast in his love. Later in the series, he grows past some insecurities and becomes an amazing mentor for other struggling young men.

So, yes, he reminds me greatly of my awesome husband. *Happy sigh*

You can purchase my series at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, my bookshop, or get the ebooks free on Amazon in KU (Kindle Unlimited). {For a limited time, all 4 paperbacks are under $40 USD on Amazon. 🙂 Merry Christmas!}

Bonus Hero #6: Rhys from Falling for Your Enemy

First of all, I have developed a major addiction to Sweet/Closed Door Rom-Coms this past year, and I blame Emma St. Clair. So I had to include one on this list. If you need a break from ya fantasy or the classic books you love, I highly recommend you pick up Emma St. Clair’s Love Cliche Series. Every single book includes a swoony hero and when you get to the last book, 5 of the Greatest Heroes {and why we love them} becomes apparent.

For me specifically, though Thayden almost won my heart in this series, I have to give the award to Rhys. And it’s going to make you laugh, but I understood so much more about my relationship with my husband after reading this book. Rhys:

  • is grumpy
  • has a dry wit
  • protects those he loves (oh, his grand gesture is AMAZING!)
  • has a secret wound he eventually confronts
  • is an amazing friend
  • makes Sam (the heroine) better

This book really needs to be read at the end of the series, and if you don’t love Rhys by the end, you may be lacking a soul. Just kidding. Maybe. Seriously, go buy it or listen to the audiobooks!

5 of the Greatest Heroes {and why we love them}

So, to recap, I’m a sucker for any intelligent man who puts others before himself, is fiercely loyal, and loves unconditionally. And evidently, I also like them a little grumpy with a dry wit that makes me laugh till I cry. But that’s me, what about you? You can comment here or hop over to Instagram where I shared this silly reel about heroes I love and tell me all about who else I should have included.

For more Book Recommendations, please visit my Complete List of Book Recommendations page or head over to my Bookshop that supports indie bookstores.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun. 

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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How can Books Connect You to Your Favorite People?

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At my house, we love books. When I say we love books, I mean we are reading constantly. Taking my kids to the library or the bookstore is a timed event. If it isn’t, we lose track of time completely and wonder hours later why we are grumpy and hungry. Might be because we missed a meal while trying to convince ourselves we can realistically read through fifty titles in the next two weeks.

So, yes, we might be a little obsessive about books. And you might be thinking that’s great for your imagination and some alone time . . . But, how can books connect you to your favorite people?

Beware Introverts, Reading can be Social!

Books and reading imply a solitary activity, right? Something you do by yourself, sitting on a couch with your feet tucked beneath you, a nice hot mug of something soothing at your side. It is the respite from being with other people, not having to come up with the right words to say. Right? Well, reading certainly can be that {and all the introverts breathed a sigh of relief}. But, it can also be something different. It can actually be the thing that brings your family or group of friends together. All you need is a little imagination and a good book.

Fandoms, Buddy Reads, Book Clubs, and Literary Societies

What can be more exciting than discovering commonality between two people? When readers connect over a beloved book, author, or make-believe world, it takes very little for that connection to become a fandom. The literary love dominates conversations and “what-if” questions crop up constantly. Pretty soon, you have best friends grabbing books at the same time to have their own buddy reads so they can discuss as they go. Or a larger group might choose a different book each month in order to really dig deep into what they did or didn’t like. Perhaps even better is the idea of a literary society where everyone is reading their own book and then meeting up to give a review and present their case for why everyone should read the book they just fell in love with. Persuasive arguments can get loud and silly at times, just adding to joy of it all.

Book Discussions on the Fly

In my family we have done ALL of the above. And in so doing, we are constantly discussing this or that book issue, problem, dream, whatever. Wouldn’t it be great if it were done in an organized manner with a thoughtful leader who can steer the group seamlessly from point A to point B to point C? Sure, and I bet there are people out there like that. But {spoiler alert} not only am I not like that, but my family is not like that. We are big mess and we hop from one thing to another as our thoughts and discussions collide with whatever events surround us. This means what we read helps us, or distracts us, from understanding the world and the people around us.

For example, our family comes from a more conservative background, but we read and discuss things that may not line up with our beliefs. We want to know other viewpoints so that we can educate ourselves and be considerate friends and neighbors to those who may not think like us or share the same values. This means my husband and I have to do a great deal of research and encourage our kids to as well. It’s uncomfortable at times and there have been occasions where we inadvertently exposed our kids to something we hadn’t anticipated. But because we were discussing things as we went, we walked alongside our kids and evaluated the opinions and decisions along the way.

Bookish Activities to Bring You Together

Another way to use books to connect with your favorite people is to actually engage in the activities that a book recommends. Love The Secret Garden? Why not create your very own garden together? It’s amazing the ways people open up when they are working outside together. Kids love Percy Jackson? Have a Percy Jackson day and play capture the flag and eat some blue food. You might be surprised as you ask your favorite people what they love about the stories that they start talking about Percy’s frustrations, anger, or fun sense of humor. For more fun ideas on how to create a Book Week, visit this blog for inspiration.

Use Books to Connect to Your Favorite People

So, next time you connect with a book, spend a moment and think about how to use that book to connect with one of your favorite people. As a friend, wife, and mother, I’ve discovered that books are more than just a wonderful way to relax alone. If you want to find out more about books that help in this way, head over to my complete list of book recommendations that can link you with some great reads. And if you are looking for a free one to start with, I’d love to send you mine if you click here. You’ll have the option of joining my monthly newsletter where I will continue to connect you with great book recommendations and bookish fun. As always, you can unsubscribe at any time, no hard feelings.

Now it’s your turn, how have you or will you use books to connect to your favorite people?

Books stacked on a desk in front of a book case with a phone propped up displaying the ebook Before the Tower. In a purple shadowbox in front of book case are the words "Journey to Rapunzel's World, Download your free book now!" Colorful bookshelf logo for authorjroe.com tucked into lower lefthand corner.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun. 

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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Who are Your Favorite Bookish Characters?

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A fun pastime of book worms and book nerds is to discuss characters, but what about favorite bookish characters? Which are your favorite? You know, the characters in a book that LOVE to read. Those who answer the call to adventure right away because at last a real-life story is happening to them! . . . Or maybe the ones who have to be persuaded, because life between the pages of a book is a bit safer. Let’s chat about some favorites!

Favorite Bookish Character: Hermione

What list would be complete without including Harry Potter‘s best friend and book nerd? Hermione Granger reveals her love of books when she hauls out the doorstop of a book she’s been studying and states, “I checked this out weeks ago for a bit of light reading.” (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone). And when Harry and Ron need to find her, where do they go? The library, of course! Bookish? Book nerd? Book worm? I would say so.

Unlike some shy bookish folk, Hermione does get out a bit. Though she does spend gobs of time studying in the library, she also runs around enough with Harry and Ron having misadventures. While she is quick with her wand and magic, she’s never afraid to rely on her book smarts to solve the mysteries that follow Harry around.

Favorite Bookish Character: Lia Mara

Like many people who love the young adult fantasy genre, and especially fairy tale retellings, I had to check out Brigid Kemmerer’s A Curse so Dark and Lonely. An interesting portal version of Beauty and the Beast, I was taken with several of the characters. While I liked the first book, my favorite bookish character didn’t show-up until the sequel, A Heart so Fierce and Broken.

Lia Mara is your quentiessential book worm. She has retreated into the world of words because she believes her heartless mother and queen is right, she isn’t worthy to rule. We learn early on of her loyal devotion to her younger sister, the chosen heir. But Lia Mara’s attempts at diplomacy fail, catapulting her into the greatest adventure of her life. It will require all she has studied and learned to survive, but there are some lessons she needs to unlearn to recognize her true worth. My favorite quote in this book is, “Ah, yes, the most dangerous person at the party is always the girl sitting alone with a book.” And yes, it’s because she has secreted away a book among the folds of her skirt so she could go hide and read. Haven’t many of us wanted to do that?

Favorite Bookish Character: Rapunzel

It was inevitable, I suppose, that I would write a character of my own who lives between the pages of a book. Having suffered from chronic migraines during high school, I spent a great deal of time reading and imagining life outside of my house, but not being able to do much.

My retelling of Rapunzel begins with her surrounded by a rounded bookcase that stretches across her tower’s walls. But although she adores reading, she is ready for something to happen. She needs something to change so that she can venture beyond the tower the witch has imprisoned her in. What was great fun in writing this story was exploring how such a bookish, quiet person would react to the world beyond after living her life isolated. How would this book nerd react to fairy tale mysteries and make friends? How on earth would she feed herself? Of course she made the list of our favorite bookish characters, and you can follow the links to get Beyond the Tower for free right now!

Favorite Bookish Character: Owen

This list of favorite bookish characters would not be complete without including one serious fanboy who seems to love reading more than life. He is Owen from James Riley’s Story Thieves series. At the very beginning of the series, we discover Owen bored with school. He is wishing his life were more exciting, and finding the adventure he longs for by reading books.

With a librarian mother, Owen spends most of his time reading. In fact, his bedroom is called a book graveyard, since he gets to take home all the mishandled books that the library rejects. Even better? His new friend, Bethany, accidentally starts teaching him how to jump into books. And thus, his bookish dreams come true. Owen gets to meet all the characters he has been longing to know and become the hero he’s always wanted to be.

Who is Your Favorite Bookish Character?

Alright, I’ve told you about our favorites, so it’s only fair if you were to tell us of yours. Maybe you’d enjoy joining such silly and fun discussions here by commenting, or follow me over on Instagram or FaceBook so we can be goofy and bookish together. For especially book nerdy friends, join my monthly newsletter for fun recommendations and writing updates and get a free novella that unravels the mysteries of Rapunzel’s origins.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Who Are Your Favorite Bookish Characters? - authorjroe.com - Would you identify as a book nerd, book worm, bibliophile, or bookish person? Do you love libraries and bookshelves and even bookish candles? Do you find yourself wanting to find books to read about people like you? Look no further than this list of our top favorite bookish characters sure to delight you with their wit and misadventures along the journey.

Photo Credits: Ruben Garcia, Yuri Efremov, and Sincerely Media.

Social Media Graphics: JacQueline Vaughn Roe.

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Loving {and Hating} a Book Series

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Many of us bookworms find ourselves both loving and hating book series that are incomplete. We live in a world of rapid release where delayed gratification lies untapped while drones bring us our next favorite book. But, what if we find ourselves falling in love with a book series that hasn’t been completed yet? Should we even risk it?

Let’s be honest, some people refuse to pick up a book that is part of a series because they simply don’t want to make that commitment. They aren’t sure they have the wherewithal to get attached to a certain group of characters and travel with them through a new world for thousands of pages. But many of us are not only ready to make that commitment, but we are also eagerly searching for the right one.

Book Series and Nurturing Anticipation

Does this sound familiar? You are reading through a book, either savoring it at an easy pace, or turning the pages as fast you can, and then you get to the end only to discover . . . you have to wait till the next book for the resolution you NEED now! And, what??? It will be at least a year before the next book comes out, maybe two or three or {Jesus, come quickly!} longer???

It reminds me of back in the day when I was watching a favorite television show and the season finale literally left the main character stranded in the middle of an ocean. All summer long, there he was in my mind, just bobbing in the waters and about to drown.

Why We Can Wait

Okay, so not everyone is as dramatic as me {praise God!}, but you get the point, right? Why put yourself through the heartache if you are going to wait f o r e v e r for the next installment in a beloved story? Maybe we should just wait till the entire series is written before we pick it up.

Weren’t you thrilled when Marissa Myers (of The Lunar Chronicles) came out with her third and final book in her Renegades series? Yes! Just pop over, buy the whole set, and read them all without having to wait for years .

But if everyone did that, then Jessica Townsend (of the Nevermoor series) would not have just landed her 6-book contract deal. Her third book is out in just a couple of months, and those pre-orders count, readers! They encourage traditional publishers that these are the types of books we want. Pre-orders count for indie-authors, too, because they tell online retailers and indie bookstores what to highlight.

Book Series and Character Growth

I discovered book series that were incomplete over this last year, but I wanted to invest. My criteria were simple and I only needed one to really push me to give the series a chance:

  1. Was at least the first book easy-to-access?
  2. Did I know and trust the author?
  3. Had I heard something promising about the series from a trusted source?

I’m not going to lie and say it always worked out. Several books disappointed me for various reasons {but that’s a different blog post}. I want to talk about the ones I find worth waiting for. For me, the most important thing in any book series is character growth and a redemptive story arc.

There is something satisfying about following characters around and seeing them make gradual changes, for better or worse, as a series progresses. I want a book full of characters who are real, flawed, and quirky. If they learn hard truths, make mistakes, pick themselves up, and eventually find their way–I’m a happy reader!

When you keep searching for the release date of the next book, then you know you found your series. I found this to be true for me after Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor and Jennifer A. Neilson’s The Traitor’s Game, both of which have a third book coming out this spring {think pre-orders, friends!}

My Own Semi-Complete Book Series

I realize that you are probably in a similar place. You want a fun adventure with characters you love to see develop. You also long for some type of semi-resolution so you can sleep at night. I write what I like to read. When I was developing The Journey Series, I decided to write the entire series in three sets of trilogies. This provides enough story arc over the course of each trilogy that readers will feel satisfied {though still wanting more according to several reviews}. You can find the first three books (updated in 2020 to include the fourth book) in Rapunzel’s Journey here on Amazon, or find the first book for free here on all online stores.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

photography: Alan Lin, Ben White, Anthony Tran, Jessica “Kess” Vaughn, and Kinga Cichewicz

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