Shadows and Storylines 16: "A Cure for Insomnia?" Responding to a Harsh Book Review

Shadows and Storylines 16: "A Cure for Insomnia?" Responding to a Harsh Book Review

A recent Goodreads review of Last Castle in the Sky stopped me in my tracks.As independent authors, we expect criticism. Not every reader is going to enjoy every book, and that's perfectly fine. But sometimes a review hits differently. In this episode of Shadows & Storylines, I discuss a recent three-star review that described Last Castle in the Sky as "A Cure for Insomnia" and explore what it's really like to receive criticism as a self-published author.We'll talk about:The difference between criticism and insultsThe challenges independent authors face with editing and publishingWhether some of the criticism was fairWhy readers and authors don't always connect with the same storiesHow I plan to improve moving forwardWhether you're a reader, writer, or fellow independent author, I hope this honest discussion provides some insight into the emotional side of publishing.Books by Pelham Pugh📚 Perfidious Tides📚 Last Castle in the Sky📚 Live the Last DayVisit: PelhamPugh.com#WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #BookReview #Goodreads #WritingLife #AuthorTube #PelhamPugh #LastCastleInTheSky #ShadowsAndStorylines

Shadows and Storylines 15: How a Forgotten Protest Inspired Perfidious Tides

What happened when armed troops entered a Florida State University campus during the Vietnam War era? In this episode of Shadows & Storylines, I explore the little-known story of The Night of the Bayonets, a dramatic confrontation that unfolded at Florida State University in 1969. I also discuss how this forgotten moment in Southern history became a key inspiration for scenes and themes in my novel Perfidious Tides. We'll examine: * The events leading up to the Night of the Bayonets * Why the confrontation occurred at Florida State * The atmosphere of protest and unrest during the Vietnam era * How the event influenced the character of Vern Bruce in Perfidious Tides * The connection between history and fiction Some stories fade from public memory. Others leave echoes that continue for generations. If you enjoy Southern history, forgotten events, historical mysteries, and the stories behind my novels, be sure to like, subscribe, and share. #NightOfTheBayonets #FloridaState #FSU #VietnamWar #VietnamProtests #AmericanHistory #SouthernHistory #PerfidiousTides #PelhamPugh #ShadowsAndStorylines #HistoryPodcast #ForgottenHistory #1969 #BookTube #HistoricalFiction

Shadows and Storylines 14: AI, Writing, and Self-Publishing: My Honest Approach

In Episode 14 of Shadows & Storylines, author Pelham Pugh discusses one of the most controversial topics in modern publishing: artificial intelligence. How much AI is too much? Does using AI make someone less of a writer? Can independent authors realistically compete without it? In this episode, I explain exactly how I use tools like ChatGPT, Adobe AI features, and other software in my writing, editing, cover design, and YouTube production process—and where I draw the line. The stories, characters, and imagination are still mine. AI simply helps me polish and present them. I also discuss: • My drafting and editing process • The realities of self-publishing on a budget • Book cover creation • AI in historical YouTube content • Why reviews and ratings matter so much for independent authors If you've read Perfidious Tides or Last Castle in the Sky, please consider leaving a rating or review. It helps more than you know. 📚 Books by Pelham Pugh 🎙️ Shadows & Storylines Podcast 📺 American Shadows • Iron Echoes • Classic Tractors #PelhamPugh #ShadowsAndStorylines #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #ChatGPT #ArtificialIntelligence #WritingLife #AuthorPodcast #PerfidiousTides #BookTube #WritingTips #IndependentAuthor #CreativeWriting #Storytelling

Shadows and Storylines 13: The Book That Changed My Life as a Reader

In this episode of Shadows & Storylines, I talk about the books that influenced my love of reading and eventually led me to become a writer.From the library at Clio Elementary School to discovering "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls, this is the story of the book that hooked me on reading and has remained my favorite for more than forty years.I also discuss:• Growing up in southeast Alabama• The librarians and teachers who encouraged reading• The Hardy Boys series• John Grisham's influence on my reading life• How books helped shape my writing journey• Why Where the Red Fern Grows still resonates todayWhether you're a lifelong reader, a writer, or someone looking for your next great book, I hope you'll enjoy this look back at the stories that stayed with me.📚 Books Mentioned:Where the Red Fern Grows — Wilson RawlsSummer of the Monkeys — Wilson RawlsA Time to Kill — John GrishamThe Rainmaker — John GrishamThe Boys from Biloxi — John GrishamThe Hardy Boys Series📖 Books by Pelham Pugh:Perfidious TidesLast Castle in the SkyLive the Last Day🌐 Website:www.pelhampugh.com#ShadowsAndStorylines #WhereTheRedFernGrows #WilsonRawls #Reading #Books #BookTube #WritingLife #AuthorLife #PelhamPugh #SouthernWriter #BookDiscussion #ReadersOfYouTube #Storytelling #Literature #BookLovers

Shadows and Storylines 12: Am I Finished Writing the Bruce Family?

After finishing the Fractured Horizons trilogy, one question keeps coming back to me: am I truly done with the Bruce family?In this episode, I talk honestly about the future of the series, the characters whose stories still haunt me, and why I intentionally left parts of the ending open. From Burt Williams and Vern Bruce to Jefferson Black and the Confederados of Brazil, there are still stories waiting in the shadows.I also discuss:Why Casey Bruce’s future was left uncertainCharacters I may revisit one dayThe inspiration behind Jefferson BlackIndependent publishing struggles and advertisingWhy word of mouth matters more than everWhat’s next after Come Our WayIf you’ve supported these books in any way — thank you. Reviews, shares, and recommendations truly keep independent authors going.📚 Books Mentioned:Perfidious TidesLast Castle in the SkyLive the Last DaySouthern Cross by Janet Faulk🌐 Website:Pelham Pugh Official Website#SouthernNoir #FracturedHorizons #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #CrimeFiction #BookTube #PelhamPugh #ThrillerBooks #SouthernGothic