The Perfect Blend

Oh, do I have a scoop for you! I’ve been super busy these last several months. Last fall I saw an ad on Facebook advertising for a short story contest to be part of an anthology that would benefit a coffee shop in PA. My mind started brewing the moment I saw the ad. The only thing was, I had two months to get the story written and submitted. In my county, there is an annual coffee tour called Java Journey. It’s a way for the community to support small local coffee shops be visiting and getting their passports stamped. There’s a secret drink on the menu at each coffee shop. I’ve participated in Java Journey the last three years and enjoy having something fun to do during winter. A time when you never know what the weather will be like and less daylight hours.

With only two months to get the story written, edited, and submitted, I didn’t make promises to anyone, but the coffee bean was planted. I reached out to a local coffee roaster, not expecting an answer. Boy, was I surprise when an answer came and a tour to see how coffee beans are roasted was scheduled. Now I had put some pressure on my shoulders. The story I mapped out needed adjusted to add a section on how coffee beans are roasted. I learned a lot from the behind-the-scenes tour. It’s not as easy as 1, 2, 3. The other pressure cooker was writing a strong enough short romance story surrounding coffee that be selected for the anthology. More ideas were brewing in the back of my mind if my story did get selected, but I didn’t want to set myself up for disappointment. The publishing world can be rough. Rejection is part of the business.

Long story short, I managed to get the story written, edited, and sent off in time of the deadline. Now it was a waiting game. The year 2025 wasn’t too good to me, so I didn’t get my hopes up to much. However, everything changed when I received an email stating my story had been selected for the anthology! As one chapter closes, another begins, and I was ready to go full force into 2026. Being accepted into the anthology has lifted my spirits and I’m proud to be part of The Perfect Blend project with Nicole Frail Books.

Why is The Perfect Blend an anthology you should add to your cart today, on release day? Not only does it feature stories by 12 talented authors, but a portion of the proceeds also gives back to Coffee Inclusive located in Pittston, PA. It’s not just about coffee, it’s also about community. Coffee Inclusive employees people with diverse abilities, fostering inclusion.

Becoming an author has always been more about writing to me. I have a talent through the written word and the best way to give back to those in need are through my stories. This project is a way to take my author career on a path that gives back.

The Perfect Blend by Nicole Frail is available as ebook or paperback on all major online platforms such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and my personal favorite, Bookshop, which gives back to local independent bookstores. Order yours today or come out to Coffee Inclusive, in Pittston, PA, on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 10am-1pm for a release party.

In other news, A Darker Demise will be re-released with its amazing new cover on February 24, 2026!

Keep an eye on The Book MAsh Podcast for a feature interview! https://thebookmashpodcast.com/

That’s the scoop for now!