To see my book listed in the March 2026 edition of Kirkus Reviews is an absolute thrill.

Yesterday, I met Jason Reynolds at an author event hosted by the OC Library. Yes! It was an absolute pleasure. I took notes, listening as Jason spoke about words and rhythm and the power of sound; layers of subtext as meaningful ideas that don't have to be shouted in the dialogue or paragraphs of his stories; and his passion for the heartbeat of language, his love of Shakespeare, and his fascination with all creatures living on the land or oceans of our earth.

"A dark bouquet of narratives that often focus on women pushed to emotional extremes." -- Kirkus Review

Author Renee Coloman is inviting new friends to follow me / follow you on Instagram where we can share inspiring insights about books, writing, and the magic of storytelling.

I read and I write and I read throughout the days and nights, because books and their authors have a special way of revealing truths about our humanity, our potential, our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, yet our courage and resilience to survive. These are the reasons why I won’t let go. Why I have to keep going. It’s my writing journey, and there is no end. 

The book is fiction. Yet the narratives feel prickly and real. No matter that the book's genre dives into fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. Certain situations demand certain choices. We do what we must to make sense of our realities.

It's a heartbeat away. Only a few more days until the release of Born of Dirt & Dust---a hybrid collection of 23 short stories spread across 200+ pages; the kind of intense narratives that dip and swirl within worlds of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. Stories that feature diverse characters and settings, offering thoughtful insights into life's hardships and the strength of the human spirit. An experience that will move you, provoke thought, and stay with you long after the last

Born of Dirt & Dust ... Prepare to immerse yourself in this collection of twenty-three captivating stories, artfully blending speculative flash & short fiction doused in literary themes, escapism, sci-fi, and horror.

Sami understood that proper behavior translated into extra bonus points. Especially during substitute-teacher days. And, with enough good check marks next to her name, she would earn the privilege of selecting a special prize posted on the classroom bulletin board, right next to her teacher’s big desk. Right in front of everyone. With a sparkle in her smile, the ambitious second grader focused on the dangling ticket to win a googly-eyed goldfish – FREE! From Mermaid Katy’s A

Currently---before our recent discussion about Cronenberg with my book-club friends, I've been finessing a 1,600-word short story about a boy's relationship with his father, in particular his admiration for father's working-man hands.

Nate Powell shared his process of translating published books into graphic novels. It's a slow, very detailed approach before the graphic novel is published. He talked about multiple reads of the written book, earmarking and taking notes on how best to illustrate the work into visual storytelling.

In this flash moment of time---an experience imprinted deep, deep into my mind---I can't help but think, hating myself, for all the beauty in this world that we bend, break, and destroy. We're good at it. A five-star review.