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Meet Theo Gruene!

March 14, 2025 By Talya Tate Boerner

Hello friends! I think it’s time you meet Theo Gruene, the main protagonist of my next book, The Third Act of Theo Gruene. Theo has been occupying a huge portion of my time and mind during the past two years, so it’s only natural I would want you to know him too. AND, at the end of this post I’ve included a link to Chapter One!

You’ll be able to read Chapter One in its entirety, get a real taste for the characters, and decide whether or not it’s something you’ll like. Signed hardback and paperback versions are available to pre-order NOW by clicking HERE, and Kindle and hardback versions can be pre-ordered through Amazon too! (Paperbacks will be available on Amazon soon—there’s no rhyme or reason to the secret schedule of Amazon…)

The Third Act of Theo Gruene officially launches on May 20! 

Alrighty, here we go…

Continue Reading

Grace Grits Reads May 2017

May 31, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Grace Grits Reads May 2017

May 2017 was an odd month for me as I was preparing for my Iceland trip, writing several freelance articles (deadlines!), and evidently not reading as much as normal. Grace Grits Reads May 2017 totals only three books. Sad! (Three that I can recall as I sit here in Iceland trying to remember, anyway.)

My brain is tired.

Maybe I really read eight. Ha.

American Gods
by Neil Gaiman

I selected this book because author Neil Gaiman was inspired to write it after a trip to Reykjavik, AND I thought it would help immerse me in the culture and mood of Iceland. It did. For the most part, I truly enjoyed this book. At times, I LOVED the story. Once or twice, I almost quit reading. But somehow the author casts a spell, and I couldn’t not finish it. American Gods is as long and deep as the Westfjords (over 700 pages!), and the story is as mystical and poetic as Iceland itself. The basic premise involves a man recently released from prison, his dead wife, and a job he reluctantly accepts because he finds himself a bit untethered. Nothing is ever as it seems. Magic plays a role. Or does it? Underlying forces influence everything. Or do they? If you are offended by sex, penises, and the idea of Norse gods, you won’t like this saga. If you prefer a straightforward, black and white story, move on to something else. If you enjoy a touch of fantasy and remember devouring mythology in junior high, you may just see the magic in Gaiman’s prose.

(Yes, Starz produced a series based on the book, but I always favor the book first.)

This book made me:
Think. Look at Iceland differently. Remember the mythology I learned in 7th grade. And FYI, I will never see a taxi / Uber driver the same way again. Never.

My favorite line: “All we have to believe with is our senses.”Continue Reading

So what am I working on these days?

March 2, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

What I'm up to these days...

What am I working on? Lots of things. I’m having a hard time concentrating on one particular thing because there’s so much I want to be doing, as well as things that need my attention.

Rabbits. I’ve been chasing rabbits. And speaking of rabbits, you must read my friend Gary Henderson’s post about Rabbit Holes. Especially you writers. I can so relate, and I’m sure you will too.

So here are my rabbits  projects.

Sequel: I’ve started on my sequel.? Continue Reading

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: May 25, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: May 4, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Rainy Day Edition
  • Spiderwort: my love-hate relationship
  • Sunday Letter: March 23, 2025

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