Discover the cozy read - Sleepy Sally! It is a short and sweet story about a woman that I know who has a remarkable and charismatic personality. She has too many interests and too little time. Sleepy Sally could fall asleep just about anywhere.  

She lives with her cat and five vacuum cleaners. She knows how to keep things interesting.

Sleepy Sally is a whimsical character study of a contemporary, seafood-loving socialite who marches to the beat of her own drum. Sally is a woman of eclectic passions — ranging from late-night ice skating and watching college football to livestreaming to a wide circle of close friends.

While she avoids the drudgery of housework, she pours her energy into gourmet-quality cooking, daydreaming, and the pursuit of the perfect plate of crawfish. Ultimately, Sally is looking for a kindred spirit: a smart, big-hearted partner who appreciates her unique "range" and is happy to share in a life of romance and frequent naps.

This book is for people who like to sleep! And anyone who appreciates the cut paper aesthetic that pops off the page! It is character-driven and charming with whimsical word play and colorful pictures.

I have been publishing under my brand Refulgent Comics for 4-5 years. I have written and illustrated many books, comics and zines of various types and topics. This book, Sleepy Sally, is the fourth in this style begun in 2025 with cut paper strewn across my desk and studio floor. It contains 24 full-color pages with a musical and quirky poem.  

I am the author-illustrator-creator of Sleepy Sally. My work is simple, hands on, and tells a story in only the unique way I tell them. I hope to find more readers and connections. I am currently working on a longer emotional story about Christmas.

A Journey Must Be Taken – Playlist by CAPA member H. L. Howard is an award-winning romance novel that blends love, music, and spiritual discovery.

The story follows Tauri and Libi as their relationship unfolds through fate, tarot guidance, and an emotional music playlist that expresses what words cannot.

As Tauri navigates a difficult marriage and a growing connection with Libi, destiny leads them through separation, spiritual reflection, and personal transformation. After his divorce, tarot readings guide Tauri on a journey that may bring him back to Libi—but the question remains: are their destinies truly intertwined, or is fate simply testing their hearts?

Combining romance, poetry, humor, and spiritual themes such as astrology, reincarnation, and divine guidance, the novel offers a unique reading experience set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and enriched with Eastern cultural influences.

The novel won the Independent Press Award (2024) and was named a Distinguished Favorite in the NYC Big Book Award (2024).

The story has also been adapted into a screenplay by H. L. Howard.

Author H. L. Howard also participated in the Printed Word Reviews (PWR) Author Signing Event at the AWP 2026 Conference in Baltimore on March 7, 2026.

Find the book here: A Journey Must Be Taken: Playlist - Kindle edition by H.L. Howard. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

One of our members, Katelyn Peterson is hosting a book launch event for her new book, Led by His Past. It will take place in May at The Wicked Press in South Windsor.She is hoping to put together SWAG bags for attendees to the event.

If you are a romance or romance-adjacent author and are interested in contributing SWAG, contact Katelyn at californiabetrayalbook@gmail.com for more information! 

My Warp Threads by one of our CAPA Member's is a powerful memoir of survival, resilience, and reclamation. Maureen traces the tightly stretched “warp threads” of her childhood, those early experiences that shaped her identity in ways she could not yet understand. Through vivid storytelling and unflinching honesty, she explores the impact of trauma, the long shadow of family secrets, and the quiet strength that allowed her to endure. As she moves into adulthood, Maureen begins weaving new threads of choice, healing, forgiveness, and purpose, gradually transforming the fabric of her life. Her journey is not about forgetting the past, but about understanding it, honoring it, and ultimately rising beyond it. Both deeply personal and universally resonant, My Warp Threads invites readers to reflect on their own stories and discover the possibility of weaving something beautiful from even the most difficult beginnings. Learn more and purchase the book here: https://amzn.asia/d/03pAF8FK

WHY CAN’T MY BROTHER BE MORE LIKE MY CAT?

 

In this fanciful rhymed children’s book, with can’t-stop-looking-at-them art by NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ILLUSTRATOR, LEE WILDISH, a little girl stacks up her cat's fine points with her brother's--and the cat always comes out ahead. Or does he?  Available wherever books are sold and on Amazon. https://tinyurl.com/5e5mpw4t.  The

book won a second place in the Connecticut Press Club 2025 Awards, a 2025 Libby Book Award, and was a finalist
in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

FINDING HARMONY: The Kitten Who Taught Friends Kindness

This charming, interactive book takes children on a journey of self-discovery as a little girl and her friends try to
find her lost kitten. Along the way, they learn that shouting, carrying big sticks, and ignoring others’ feelings won’t work, but asking God’s help, paying attention, and being kind will. Kid-friendly illustrations by noted artist Alejandro O’Kif and interactive prompts on every page make this a book kids will clamor to read over and over again. Available wherever books are sold and on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Harmony-Kitten-Friends-Kindness/dp/B0FHHQBV48

https://www.alliawrites.com/ 

Put some magic in your thinking by asking “what if” questions. What if highway blacktop also came in blue top or red top depending on the speed limit? What if there were no bookstores – how would you sell your books? Such questions could stretch your thinking and help lead to new ideas. What off-beat “what if” questions can you ask that could open your mind to think about your concept in a different way? Here are some to get you started:

What if you were given three wishes, what would you wish for?

What if you could be a character in the book of your choice, what book/character would you choose?

What if birds aren’t singing but they are screaming because they are afraid of the heights? (just kidding)

Your personal brand is how people describe you when you are not there. And it should focus on what you do and the value you provide, not just your title or role. For example, instead of saying “I’m an author,” say “I help (parents raise healthy children).” What is your personal brand?

Publicity is an inexpensive and productive promotional tool used by independent publishers to generate exposure for their books. And a press release is the tool most commonly used to stimulate publicity. However, too many publishers' press releases go unheeded because the publicity copywriters make one major mistake--they write their press releases about their books and not about how the content benefits the reader

Your promotion should communicate a single message: why your content is the best means for reaching your prospects’ objectives or solving their problems. And that message should change for each target segment. Remember KISS – Keep It Straightforward and Simple  

There are too many “good enough” books published by unknown authors every year for one to stand out and become a bona fide hit without innovative marketing. The world does not care that you wrote and published a book. Make yours stand above the crowd so people take notice, and that could take years of consistent, strategic marketing – or be more creative in your marketing.