{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Mary Zuelke","home_page_url":"https://maryzuelke.com","description":"Mary Zuelke","author":{"name":"Mary Zuelke"},"items":[{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-paranormal-nonsense-by-steve-higgs","html_content":"

đź“šMary's Review Corner: It's been a long time since I had this much fun reading a book. Imagine Laurel and Hardy meet Frankenstein, guided by a James Bond - esque hero who solves supernatural mysteries with charm and g...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-paranormal-nonsense-by-steve-higgs","title":"Mary's Review Corner: Paranormal Nonsense by Steve Higgs","summary":"đź“šMary's Review Corner: It's been a long time since I had this much fun reading a book. Imagine Laurel and Hardy meet Frankenstein, guided by a James Bond - esque hero who solves supernatural mysteries with charm and g...","date_modified":"2026-06-13T02:37:14Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/soul-eaters-author-of-ya-dark-fantasy","html_content":"

Liam and his grandmother sat, hands tense upon their laps. It was the Day of Animavore—the devourer of souls—and this year, it was their turn.

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/soul-eaters-author-of-ya-dark-fantasy","title":"Soul Eaters: : Author of YA Dark Fantasy","summary":"Liam and his grandmother sat, hands tense upon their laps. It was the Day of Animavore—the devourer of souls—and this year, it was their turn.","date_modified":"2026-06-04T13:42:35Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-whatever-is-true-by-claire-oxton","html_content":"

đź“šMary's Review Corner: Whatever is True, The Heart of Africa Series, Book 1 by Claire Oxton

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-whatever-is-true-by-claire-oxton","title":"Mary's Review Corner: Whatever is True by Claire Oxton","summary":"đź“šMary's Review Corner: Whatever is True, The Heart of Africa Series, Book 1 by Claire Oxton","date_modified":"2026-06-04T11:32:37Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-threads-of-shadow-by-p-a-sheldon","html_content":"

📚Mary's Review Corner:  Threads of Shadow by P A Sheldon

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-threads-of-shadow-by-p-a-sheldon","title":"Mary's Review Corner: Threads of Shadow by P A Sheldon","summary":"📚Mary's Review Corner:  Threads of Shadow by P A Sheldon","date_modified":"2026-05-30T15:31:38Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-the-shadow-of-caelunarra-by-scott-hatfield","html_content":"

đź“šMary's Review Corner: The Shadow of Caelunarra: The Prophecy Unleashed by Scott Hatfield

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-the-shadow-of-caelunarra-by-scott-hatfield","title":"Mary's Review Corner: The Shadow of Caelunarra by Scott Hatfield","summary":"đź“šMary's Review Corner: The Shadow of Caelunarra: The Prophecy Unleashed by Scott Hatfield","date_modified":"2026-05-20T00:44:43Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/worlds-beyond-the-warehouse-doors-a-ya-dark-fantasy","html_content":"

Warehouses have existed since ancient civilizations. Roman cities stored grain and goods in massive complexes like the Horrea Galbae, built in the first century 🏛️. Even earlier, Egypt used silos and storage buildings t...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/worlds-beyond-the-warehouse-doors-a-ya-dark-fantasy","title":"Worlds Beyond the Warehouse Doors: A YA Dark Fantasy ","summary":"Warehouses have existed since ancient civilizations. Roman cities stored grain and goods in massive complexes like the Horrea Galbae, built in the first century 🏛️. Even earlier, Egypt used silos and storage buildings t...","date_modified":"2026-05-03T16:24:46Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-the-jared-lagdon-files-dr-raythers-ga","html_content":"

đź“šMary's Review Corner: The Jared Lagdon Files: Dr. Rayther's Game by John Thayer

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-the-jared-lagdon-files-dr-raythers-ga","title":"Mary's Review Corner: The Jared Lagdon Files: Dr. Rayther's Ga","summary":"đź“šMary's Review Corner: The Jared Lagdon Files: Dr. Rayther's Game by John Thayer","date_modified":"2026-04-10T02:25:27Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-stargazing-at-the-june-bug-ranch","html_content":"

đź“šMary's Review Corner: Stargazing at the June Bug Ranch: Justice Demands Satisfaction by Jesse R Traynham

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-stargazing-at-the-june-bug-ranch","title":"Mary's Review Corner: Stargazing at the June Bug Ranch ","summary":"đź“šMary's Review Corner: Stargazing at the June Bug Ranch: Justice Demands Satisfaction by Jesse R Traynham","date_modified":"2026-03-21T13:25:34Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-route-666-by-jd-toepfer","html_content":"

đź“šMary's Review Corner: Route 666 Highway to Hell, Book 1 by J.D. Toepfer

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-review-corner-route-666-by-jd-toepfer","title":"Mary's Review Corner: Route 666 by J.D. Toepfer","summary":"đź“šMary's Review Corner: Route 666 Highway to Hell, Book 1 by J.D. Toepfer","date_modified":"2026-03-14T16:15:58Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/ghost-writer-author-of-ya-dark-fantasy","html_content":"

Here’s a fun Facebook challenge I joined — write a 150‑word story based on a picture like this one.

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/ghost-writer-author-of-ya-dark-fantasy","title":"Ghost Writer: Author of YA Dark Fantasy","summary":"Here’s a fun Facebook challenge I joined — write a 150‑word story based on a picture like this one.","date_modified":"2026-02-20T20:05:00Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/friday-the-thirteenth-author-of-ya-dark-fantasy","html_content":"

Friday the 13th always conjures images of ghosts and ghouls, slasher horror, and the mysterious occult🔮. Being born on Halloween, all of that is already in my blood, but pair it with superstition, and my mind can’t help...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/friday-the-thirteenth-author-of-ya-dark-fantasy","title":"Friday the Thirteenth: Author of YA Dark Fantasy","summary":"Friday the 13th always conjures images of ghosts and ghouls, slasher horror, and the mysterious occult🔮. Being born on Halloween, all of that is already in my blood, but pair it with superstition, and my mind can’t help...","date_modified":"2026-02-14T02:08:16Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/a-nut-like-no-other---short-story","html_content":"

“Let’s get a soda,” Melanie cried as she fell onto her handlebars, exhausted.

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/a-nut-like-no-other---short-story","title":"A Nut Like No Other - Short Story","summary":"“Let’s get a soda,” Melanie cried as she fell onto her handlebars, exhausted.","date_modified":"2026-01-26T01:14:37Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-reads-2026--part-1-author-of-ya-dark-fantasy","html_content":"

Hi everyone, I'm starting my reading year off strong. I'll be be updating this post through the first haft of the year My focus will be mainly on Indie Authors - those are authors like me. The ones that don't have a big ...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/marys-reads-2026--part-1-author-of-ya-dark-fantasy","title":"Mary's Reads: 2026- Part 1: Author of YA Dark Fantasy","summary":"Hi everyone, I'm starting my reading year off strong. I'll be be updating this post through the first haft of the year My focus will be mainly on Indie Authors - those are authors like me. The ones that don't have a big ...","date_modified":"2026-01-19T02:39:11Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/auld-lang-syne","html_content":"

We've all heard the song, year after year. Some of us have even sung a line or two—though I know I never said the words right myself.

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/auld-lang-syne","title":"Auld Lang Syne","summary":"We've all heard the song, year after year. Some of us have even sung a line or two—though I know I never said the words right myself.","date_modified":"2025-12-31T16:45:28Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/past-the-cemetery-gates-%E2%80%93-a-gothic-winter-short-story","html_content":"

A short story came to life when I saw: Extra Post in the Snowstorm. Painted by Hermann Kauffmann (German, 1808–1889.) The original painting is beautiful. You can see it here: Extrapost im Schneesturm - Hermann Kauffman...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/past-the-cemetery-gates-%E2%80%93-a-gothic-winter-short-story","title":"Past the Cemetery Gates – A Gothic Winter Short Story","summary":"A short story came to life when I saw: Extra Post in the Snowstorm. Painted by Hermann Kauffmann (German, 1808–1889.) The original painting is beautiful. You can see it here: Extrapost im Schneesturm - Hermann Kauffman...","date_modified":"2025-12-29T04:01:27Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/%F0%9F%8E%84-a-christmas-village-short-story","html_content":"

There once was a Christmas village tucked away in a dark corner of the world. Each Christmas Eve, the little town lit up for all to see. Children played in the snow, lovers glided across the ice, parents hurried to buy g...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/%F0%9F%8E%84-a-christmas-village-short-story","title":"🎄 A Christmas Village Short Story","summary":"There once was a Christmas village tucked away in a dark corner of the world. Each Christmas Eve, the little town lit up for all to see. Children played in the snow, lovers glided across the ice, parents hurried to buy g...","date_modified":"2025-12-24T14:45:33Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/spotlight-on-the-magician-carnival-of-horror-a-ya-dark-fantasy","html_content":"

When the idea for the Magician's Carnival of Horror came to me, the Magician was a secretive figure, even to me. For thirteen years, he refused to reveal his real name, and I only learned it near the end of editing.

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/spotlight-on-the-magician-carnival-of-horror-a-ya-dark-fantasy","title":"Spotlight on The Magician & Carnival of Horror: A YA Dark Fantasy","summary":"When the idea for the Magician's Carnival of Horror came to me, the Magician was a secretive figure, even to me. For thirteen years, he refused to reveal his real name, and I only learned it near the end of editing.","date_modified":"2025-12-07T15:07:56Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/timeless-traditions","html_content":"

This Thanksgiving message may be “late” this year, but that’s okay—its magic lingers long after the day itself. It’s a holiday of delicious food, laughter, and time spent with those we love. For many, it marks the offici...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/timeless-traditions","title":"Timeless Traditions","summary":"This Thanksgiving message may be “late” this year, but that’s okay—its magic lingers long after the day itself. It’s a holiday of delicious food, laughter, and time spent with those we love. For many, it marks the offici...","date_modified":"2025-11-28T15:38:53Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/spotlight-on-monte-magician%E2%80%99s-carnival-a-ya-dark-fantasy","html_content":"

Step behind the curtain and meet Monte Rosendale. The adventure was his idea—but he had no clue what he and his friends were in for. 🎩✨

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/spotlight-on-monte-magician%E2%80%99s-carnival-a-ya-dark-fantasy","title":"Spotlight on Monte & Magician’s Carnival: A YA Dark Fantasy ","summary":"Step behind the curtain and meet Monte Rosendale. The adventure was his idea—but he had no clue what he and his friends were in for. 🎩✨ ","date_modified":"2025-11-14T03:21:33Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/why-halloween-means-so-much-to-me","html_content":"

Being born on Halloween tends to shape your perspective on life. It forges a quiet bond with the autumn people. I'm one of them. My blood runs a little colder, my mind leans a little darker, my thoughts turn inward, and ...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/why-halloween-means-so-much-to-me","title":"Why Halloween Means So Much To Me","summary":"Being born on Halloween tends to shape your perspective on life. It forges a quiet bond with the autumn people. I'm one of them. My blood runs a little colder, my mind leans a little darker, my thoughts turn inward, and ...","date_modified":"2025-10-29T00:23:35Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/spotlight-on-lee","html_content":"

Some characters take time to reveal themselves. Others arrive fully formed, like a dream coming to life. Writing helps work out the kinks, shaping the characters into real people, perfect for the job. They come to life f...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/spotlight-on-lee","title":"Spotlight on Lee & Magician’s Carnival: A YA Fantasy of Illusions","summary":"Some characters take time to reveal themselves. Others arrive fully formed, like a dream coming to life. Writing helps work out the kinks, shaping the characters into real people, perfect for the job. They come to life f...","date_modified":"2025-10-19T18:15:26Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/%F0%9F%8C%9F-finding-my-hero","html_content":"

I've always romanticized the hero. As a kid, my head would be in the clouds for hours after watching my favorite movies or reading an exciting book. Heroes are timeless and brave. They're strong, courageous, smart, and c...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/%F0%9F%8C%9F-finding-my-hero","title":"Finding My Hero, Magician’s Carnival: YA Dark Fantasy of Illusion","summary":"I've always romanticized the hero. As a kid, my head would be in the clouds for hours after watching my favorite movies or reading an exciting book. Heroes are timeless and brave. They're strong, courageous, smart, and c...","date_modified":"2025-09-23T02:28:33Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/how-to-name-the-characters-in-your-book","html_content":"

Naming a character might seem simple, but for many writers, including me, it’s a deeply intuitive and sometimes painstaking process. In this post, I’ll share how I approach naming characters, places, and the emotional we...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/how-to-name-the-characters-in-your-book","title":"How I Name My Characters: A Fantasy Author’s Process","summary":"Naming a character might seem simple, but for many writers, including me, it’s a deeply intuitive and sometimes painstaking process. In this post, I’ll share how I approach naming characters, places, and the emotional we...","date_modified":"2025-09-06T16:05:10Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/mary%E2%80%99s-reads-%E2%80%93-2025-part-2","html_content":"

Oh my... there are so many good books out there! I've been expanding my horizons with new authors and unexpected reads, and it's been such a fun year. Some are classics, some are newer discoveries. Not a huge stack, but ...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/mary%E2%80%99s-reads-%E2%80%93-2025-part-2","title":"Mary's Reads: 2025- Part 2: Author of YA Dark Fantasy","summary":"Oh my... there are so many good books out there! I've been expanding my horizons with new authors and unexpected reads, and it's been such a fun year. Some are classics, some are newer discoveries. Not a huge stack, but ...","date_modified":"2025-09-01T15:33:51Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/forbidden-journey","html_content":"

Status: Writing Stage

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/forbidden-journey","title":"Forbidden Journey - Part 1","summary":"Status: Writing Stage","date_modified":"2025-08-26T15:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/my-journy-fining-my-villain","html_content":"

Villains come in all shapes and sizes. They might emerge from childhood playgrounds, manifesting as the mean kids who pushed you around or hurled insults that left invisible scars. Sometimes, a villain takes on the form ...

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/my-journy-fining-my-villain","title":"Finding My Villain","summary":"Villains come in all shapes and sizes. They might emerge from childhood playgrounds, manifesting as the mean kids who pushed you around or hurled insults that left invisible scars. Sometimes, a villain takes on the form ...","date_modified":"2025-07-31T06:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/why-i-write","html_content":"

I write stories that haunt me my waking hours—because the stories demand it. The characters want life.

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/why-i-write","title":"Why I Write: Author of YA Dark Fantasy & Horror","summary":"I write stories that haunt me my waking hours—because the stories demand it. The characters want life.","date_modified":"2025-07-24T03:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/enchanted-wood","html_content":"

Status: Pending Editing Stage

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/enchanted-wood","title":"Enchanted Wood","summary":"Status: Pending Editing Stage","date_modified":"2025-06-23T20:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/the-magicians-time-the-space-between","html_content":"

Tentative Release Date: Q3 - 2026

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/the-magicians-time-the-space-between","title":"About Warehouse Chronicles, Book 2 - Young Adult Dark Fantasy","summary":"Tentative Release Date: Q3 - 2026","date_modified":"2025-05-27T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/the-magicians-carnival-of-horror","html_content":"

Release Date May 20, 2025

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/the-magicians-carnival-of-horror","title":"The Magician's Carnival of Horror","summary":"Release Date May 20, 2025","date_modified":"2025-04-22T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/what-am-i-reading-now","html_content":"

Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne

","url":"https://maryzuelke.com/blog/f/what-am-i-reading-now","title":"Mary's Reads: 2025- Part 1: Author of YA Dark Fantasy","summary":"Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne","date_modified":"2025-04-21T13:00:00Z"}]}