Writing – Page 2 – M.C.V. EGAN ❧Defining Ways❧

Nontraditional Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers

Published on April 17, 2025 by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

by Margie Pignataro

Genre: Nonfiction Literary Theory, Writer’s Guide

Check out the cover reveal for this free ebook that introduces neurodiverse writers (and neurotypical) to plot structures beyond the commonly used hero’s Journey. These plots are emotionally accessible, highly creative, and more “traditional” than you’d expect.

Nontraditional Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers

by Margie Pignataro

Genre: Nonfiction Literary Theory, Writer’s Guide

Born from a rejected dissertation proposal and reworked over the course of 15 years into a compelling exploration of narrative, Nontraditional Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers challenges conventional storytelling norms. This free ebook delves into how nontraditional plot structures resonate with neurodiverse writers, offering creative frameworks that align with their artistic and intellectual strengths—traits often mislabeled as obstacles.

Through engaging diagrams and dozens of links to free resources, this book examines storytelling across diverse mediums, from Oedipus the King to Squid Game, spanning novels, poetry, visual arts, television, film, theater, and even commercials. The Mona Lisa and Little Red Riding Hood provide illustrated and textual examples of each plot structure. Whether you’re a writer seeking fresh approaches or an artist questioning traditional narratives, this guide provides valuable insights into storytelling beyond the expected.

This ebook lays the groundwork for a forthcoming second edition, arriving next year, which will expand upon these ideas with deeper textual analyses, practical exercises, and hands-on guidance to help you craft your own unique narratives.

**Coming May 1st – and it’ll be FREE!!**

I have been writing with serious intent for thirty years. I’ve been published and produced multiple times. My education has focused on literary theory, theater history and criticism, as well as creative writing. I also sell my collage art in a Redbubble store.

I have been published as a playwright. I had articles about Shakespeare published, as well as blog pieces. I’ve self-published several novels and one book of poetry under the name Lady Ristretto. I have also worked as a freelance erotica writer with individual clients.

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Candle in the Wind

Published on December 20, 2024December 22, 2024 by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

by Kim Baccellia

Genre: Diverse Dystopian Thriller

Betrayed…Banished…Alone

Candle in the Wind

by Kim Baccellia

Genre: Diverse Dystopian Thriller

What if you discovered everything you’ve been taught is a lie?

For most of her life, seventeen-year-old Espie Hernandez’s world revolved around the Branch of Thomas, a cult-like haven in what’s left of a war-ravaged America. Their ruler, Reverent Father, keeps them safe from the Others, those outside the compound who wish to harm them.

Espie questions what she’s been taught and finds herself banished from the compound. She’s thrust into the harsh world beyond their walls with the mission to prove the Others actually have a plot against them. When tensions escalate, Espie must figure out who to trust before everything she loves is torn apart.

**Releases Jan 21 – Preorder Now! **

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Award-winning author Kim Baccellia grew up in Sacramento, California, the oldest of seven. She has a business associate degree from Sacramento City College, a BS degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University, and studied post grad bilingual/bicultural education at CSUF.

She’s been a telemarketer, library helper at the Harold B. Lee library at BYU, assistant manager, sales clerk, tutor, bilingual teacher, and homeschool mother. Currently the author of four YA novels with another one coming out soon!

Author of YA paranormal CROSSED OUT and CROSSED FIRE. YA dystopia CANDLE IN THE WIND. Also the author of the urban diverse fantasy EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA. Short Christmas Magic in the Holiday analogy MISTLETOE AND MAGIC. Re-releasing YA fantasy series under new titles in 2026! Currently working on a historical romance set in Tuscany.

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The Pawn against the King

Published on November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 by mariacatalinaegan1 Comment

by Giorgos Katsoulas

Historical fiction

Date Published: October 10, 2024

The King announces a contest open to everyone, regardless of their financial status. The contest is simple: “Present me with a game that is a true simulation of battle. Whoever succeeds will be richly rewarded. However, anyone who fails and wastes the King’s time will lose their life.” A humble carpenter, confident in what he holds, requests a hearing with the great ruler. Now, he must present his idea at the risk of his life and convince the King that it is exactly what he sought.

Thus begins a mental battle between the powerful and the powerless, the strong and the weak. Genius versus authority.

Praise for The Pawn against the King

“A true gem that took my breath away with its claustrophobic atmosphere.” – Panos Tourlis, book critic.

“The pawn against the king, an ingenious concept by Giorgos Katsoulas to represent the eternal struggle between the strong and the weak.” – Yannis Chronopoulos, historical author and publisher.

“Katsoulas’ ability to convey complex ideas and emotions in such a condensed format left me pondering the story’s implications long after I finished reading.” – K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

“The Pawn Against the King: Genius vs Authority by Giorgos Katsoulas is an absolutely brilliantly written book.” – Joe Wisinski for Readers’ Favorite

“All in all, it’s a fantastic short story for readers of all ages.” – Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite

“The Pawn Against the King: Genius vs Authority by Giorgos Katsoulas will appeal to strategists, especially those who enjoy mentally tasking games like chess.” – Gabriella Harrison for Readers’ Favorite

“What surprised me was the writing style, which can be described as an economy of force, not at a tactical or strategic level, but a literary one instead. Overall, this is a great little tale.” – Gaius Konstantine for Readers’ Favorite

About the Author

Giorgos Katsoulas was born on February 16, 1981, in Athens. He is an honours graduate of the screenwriting school at ANT1, but he is self-taught in literature. He has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and has received numerous literary awards. He has written 15 books of all genres, including poetry, plays, novellas, historical novels, and psychological thrillers. His greatest passion is film music, and he is also a collector of soundtracks and films.

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Wanderer of the Wastes

Published on September 13, 2024September 14, 2024 by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

by Kit Karlsson

Genre: Fantasy Romance

In a world where magic can save or shatter, Kol Mendona must survive lethal secrets—and an even deadlier love—as he discovers he might not be as human as he believed…

Wanderer of the Wastes

by Kit Karlsson

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Kol Mendona, one of the last humans on the magical continent of Alon, is desperate to escape his dying underground compound. When Alessi, a fierce dragon slayer with silver eyes, arrives, Kol sees a way out. As they journey together through the deadly wastes, an unexpected bond forms between them – one fueled by passion and dangerous magic.

But as Kol’s strange new powers awaken, their bond becomes increasingly unstable. Something within him is changing in ways he doesn’t fully understand, and if Alessi ever discovers the truth, Kol may lose more than her affections…

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Kit enjoyed writing as a child and rediscovered her passion during the COVID-19 lockdown. She has a degree in finance and recently graduated from law school, where she was the administrative editor of an academic publication. When she’s not writing, you can find her running barefoot, taming stray cats, or listening to paranormal podcasts.

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The Gnome and the Seedlings

Published on March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

by Marilyn Slaughter

Illustrated by: Angel Neha

Children’s Book

Date Published: ‎February 27, 2024

Publisher: ‎Mindstir Media

This short story is about a mother wanting balance for her children. She wants her children to spend more time outdoor exercising, running and having fun. One weekend mom encouraged her children to stop playing video games and streaming movies while sitting on the couch and spend some time in the local National Park. While at the park the children, Nathan and his sister, met a mythical and magical Gnome, named Gob. Gob the Gnome explained to the children what his role is at the National Park, and how to plant seeds to grow trees.

I chose to add a Gnome as one of the main characters because since the 1400s, folklore has described Gnomes as guards of treasure and the protector of earth. Gnomes represents stability, growth and Good Luck. My six children books all revolve around a Gnome, the protector of a local forest who became friends with Nathan and Iris.

About the Author

Marilyn Slaughter is an educator with experience teaching second through fifth grades, middle school science, and social studies. She now spends time authoring books for children and adults for engagement, learning, and entertainment. Marilyn’s first six books are a set with the theme of children, with their families enjoying the outdoors; and with teachers and classmates learning about the environment. The children are introduced to a magical and mythical being in the forest and they work to save the local forest. Her goal is to provide a fun read with an entertaining way for children to learn about science.

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My Life in Stitches

Published on December 10, 2023 by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

by Dr. Darla Calvet

A Heart Transplant Survivor Story

Memoir

Date Published: December 12, 2023

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Darla Calvet is a thirty-nine-year-old working mom whose life turns upside down when she is diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Suddenly, fear threatens her dreams for the future as doctors’ appointments replace her daily routines and she realizes she may not live to see her daughters grow up. After dying twice while waiting for a new heart, Darla begins to understand her own resiliency—her heart may be weak, but her mind refuses to give up.

My Life in Stitches: A Heart Transplant Survivor Story is a candid, witty account of one woman’s determination to transform a devastating prognosis into an inspiring fight for survival. Darla’s story offers insight into the complex world of medicine with a dose of humor about her challenges and victories as a heart transplant patient. In this sensitive, thorough, and informative debut, Calvet brings compassion and gentle wisdom to a difficult subject in hopes of demystifying the uncertainties that inevitably accompany long-term, life-threatening medical decisions.

About the Author

A heart transplant survivor, Dr. Darla Calvet won a gold medal for ballroom dance in the 2022 Transplant Games of America. Currently, she serves as the vice president of the board of directors for the Southern California Transplant Games of America team. She is also the CEO of Blue Tiger, Inc., a strategic planning consultancy. A doctor of education, Calvet holds degrees from Claremont Graduate University, San Diego State University, and the University of California, Berkeley. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband Pat and their French bulldog Quinn, and she is the proud mom of two adult daughters, Claire and Annie.

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War Cloud’s Passion

Published on December 9, 2023December 10, 2023 by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

Legendary Warriors Book 1

by Karen Kay

Genre: Historical Native American Romance

**Celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of War Cloud’s Passion!! **

A nurse on an orphan train faces danger and soul-stirring passion

if the whispering ancestors have their way.

War Cloud’s Passion

Legendary Warriors Book 1

by Karen Kay

Genre: Historical Native American Romance

A dangerous passion.

At twenty-three, Anna Wiley is lucky. The children aboard an orphan train headed west don’t care that their nurse is too tall, too homely to be loved. They need her, and she will not rest until each one is placed in a loving home, including the last twelve bedraggled, rejected urchins clinging to her skirts.

When their train is attacked by a band of warriors bent on rescuing a kidnapped Indian boy, she doesn’t think twice about protecting the children—all the children, including the boy. Except keeping her charges safe means she must trust the formidable warrior who led the attack.

War Cloud plans to get the strong-willed white woman and her gaggle of children off his hands as soon as possible. Yet as he guides them toward civilization, he realizes there is beauty beneath Anna’s ill-fitting clothes, a strong spirit behind her sparkling green eyes.

Even as passion grows, War Cloud prepares to put her from him, and not only because of the animosity that hangs between their cultures. A centuries-old curse hangs over his ancestral line. A spell that could take her from him forever—should he dare to fall in love.

This book has been previously published.

Warning: Sensuous Romance which contains a passion that could lead to soul-stirring love, if the whispering ancestors have their way.

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Bestselling author of Native American Historical Romance, KAREN KAY is a multi-published author of romance and adventure in the Old West. She has been praised by reviewers and fans alike for bringing insights into the everyday life of the American Indian culture of the past.

As Reviewer, Suzanne Tucker, once wrote, “Ms. Kay never fails to capture the pride, the passion and the spirit of the American Indian…”

KAREN KAY’s great grandmother was Choctaw, and she is adopted Blackfeet. Ms. Kay is honored to be able to write about the rich culture of a people who gave this country so much.

“With the power of romance, I hope to bring about an awareness of the American Indian’s concept of honor, and what it meant to live as free men and free women. There are some things that should never be forgotten.”

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