Howdy. New Amazon Author Page. Well, Updates and New Photo. :)XO

 

I updated my Amazon Author Page. The new photo is up. I just added a few edits to my Bio, which will be up within a day or so. Just a few things that needed to be added...such as...there is no use of AI in any of my work. I created, wrote, designed, and edited all of my books myself. Yes. :)

Check it out.

Just writing to say hello. If you've read my four novels or my one nonfiction book, leave a review! Pass it on!

I guess I need to succumb to the business of making videos and such to talk about these amazing books. I'd rather work on my next book! Anyone want to market for me? That'd be rad. Ha. Right now, this is an entirely solo venture.

Hope you're doing well today. Love to you,

C.A. MacConnell

P.S. I'm working on getting some talks scheduled for RECOVER WILDLY:  DAILY SPIRITUAL ESSAYS FOR SURVIVORS 

Stay tuned. :)XO.

Hearing You, Every Morning

 

Hearing You

Every Morning

Good afternoon! I just took these on my walk. I don't know about you but lately, I've had some big lessons about unreasonable expectations on myself and others! And acceptance. But once I realized what the hell I was doing, I felt quite a bit of peace roll in. Strange how that works...if I face myself. After all, like I said in my fifth book, Recover Wildly, "It begins with me." Amen! <3 

Remembering to be gentle with myself and others. Remembering to circle back to this moment and celebrate how far I've come. Yes, indeed. You too!

Maybe this will help you as well. Hope so. Just sharing what I've been learning lately. Humbling and unique to me.

I'm regrouping today. It's been a long work week, for sure, and this week is going to be a scorcher. So, I'm chilling. And rewatching The Breakfast Club for the gazillionth time. I'll never get tired of those well-casted films of that era. <3 Bring that back! I'm sitting here trying to think of a recent drama or comedy film that nailed the cast like that, and I can't think of one, except for maybe Sing Sing. But it's biographical, and many of the characters played versions of themselves and so, I don't know if that counts. I adored that film. Just what came to mind off the top of my head.

It feels great to be typing to you. I intend to work on Book Six during down time and in the afternoons, as much as I can, around my deliveries. My life has certainly offered me plenty of material as of late, ha. My brain is filing it all away...which can be annoying, but it's essential to my craft.

Hope you like the photos. Just checking in and saying hello. Hope that your day rolls out peacefully.

Thank you. Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

P.S. Don't forget to check out my four novels, as well as my fifth book, nonfiction. You can find them all, along with descriptions, right here. Pass it on, if you've read!

P.P.S. And don't forget to leave a review.

Shopping with a Master's Degree

I've had a rough couple of days. I was just texting a friend who expressed the same. We both struggle with PTSD, and the anxiety can be difficult to handle some days. It often looks for a place to "land." But it's really just free-roaming, I realize. In other words, it's there. There, present, there. I describe it as a feeling of "on alert," or "anticipation of negative outcomes" and some days, "downright panic" -- shaking, dizziness, physical pain in general, and then some.

When I'm moving and working, it's not as bad. Although today, I admit, was difficult. When I'm playing music or writing, better. Distraction is key oftentimes. When I get home from work, it grabs a hold quite often. I'm learning a lot about it, and I wrote quite a bit about it in my fifth book. Sometimes, when I think about that vulnerable writing (and this vulnerable writing) I feel rather nervous. I'll think things like, What will folks think of me? Will they think I'm strange or defective? Perhaps. I have no idea. But whether or not certain people talk about their deepest struggles, I feel that we all have trauma. XO. And why not speak of it? We can help each other. 

Certain days, I can manage it better than others.

There are definitely triggers. I see that clearly. And I know what they are. Sometimes, that helps to know.

There has been progress, and there have been setbacks. But I've noticed that growth often rolls out that way...not linear but rather, stunted at times. I'll go forward and then regress...then I'll press onward again. Right now, I'm working on getting back to the forward motion.

It rolls out quite a bit like grief...unexpected and unique to me. 

But I will say this:  when I identify it...such as, I say to myself, "This is grief" or "This is PTSD," it can be helpful. Then I allow myself the freedom to just roll with it. It's OK to not be OK. I realize that's cliche, ha, yea, but it's true.

Freedom vs. shame. Feeling vs. holding back. Roll with it instead of fighting it. That can be useful. I thought I'd share that with you. It may help you.

Let it roll, friend. It'll change. The feelings always change.

Right now, I'm chewing gum and grinning a little, writing to you. Life can be tough. We all go through so much. It can't hurt to share something from my heart this afternoon. Perhaps it'll touch a life.

And that's why we're here. We're in this together. And right now, I'm feeling less "on alert" and more loving. See, that's how it works. Thank you, God. Thank you for this gift of writing. I think I'll keep using it. 

Wink. <3

I have a master's degree, and I've written five books and most days, I shop for people. It doesn't make much sense on paper. But you know what? The movement is helping me recover on the inside. And the job gets me out around all of my friends in the stores. And customers often touch my heart. Dogs and cats too, of course. Ha.

And so, instead of being hard on myself in this moment, I choose to see it as God working in my life. Hopefully, this little essay can help you see God working in your life too.

Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

P.S. I am always seeking work, ha, if you hear of anything. Keep me in mind. I can write like a beast. Thirty years, all genres, from screenwriting to copy, and every damn thing in between. I could be an awesome "cleaner" in Hollywood...that is, they should hire me to clean up the scripts. Some of that shit really needs work! Especially the dialogue, which is my specialty. Funny, serious, scary, I can do it.  Hire me, you fools. I'd kill it. Just saying. I minored in film...I am a master at it. Who knows, maybe someone will read this and offer me a job. Ha, can't hurt to try. Until then, I'll keep shopping with a master's degree.

P.P.S. Tell Danny to go piss in the radiator. If you get that reference, you are my hero. Also, you understand good writing.

Gloves 76, 77, 78, 79

 

Um, I saw four lost gloves today. That's a first! XO. Topping my lost glove search of many years. I suppose that's a sign of something BIG. We shall see. I'm excited.

Here are some more shots I took today:

Just Saying Hello Little Cloud

Light Mate

I am taking a few days off, and it feels strange. Slowing down. My body sure needs it. I hope you like the photos. The last one made me think about love from the heart, and the ways that we affect people, even if we don't talk to them directly. I believe in thought and prayer. I was feeling special to someone at this moment. :) You know, with all of the hustle and worldly clamor and noise, there's something to be said for silence and heart connections, in my humble opinion. 

Hope you have a nice evening. Tonight, I plan on playing all of my songs, the whole shebang, all the way through, as if I am performing to a large crowd. After all, the creation is everything...and what's inside is surely special and unique. I have a ton of fun freely playing piano and singing, and I get rather wild when I do it. It'd probably be funny to watch. To me, it feels awesome. I saw Fiona Apple live once, and she was incredible and wild as well. Incredibly talented.

Don't forget to check out my books, speaking of awesome. They are. I have spent thirty years perfecting my craft, and they're all literary, but fast-paced. Addictive, many say. Spread the word and leave a review, if you've read.

We are on our way to number one. :) We've been awfully close.

Every day, I try to grow and notice the progress. I hope you do as well. It can be mighty tough being a human being. I'm convinced that we've all been through trauma, whether we speak of it or not. So, love. Yourself and others. Be like the deer -- compassionate.

Thank you.
C.A. MacConnell

P.S. Don't forget to be gentle with yourself. And I will try too. Whoa! A huge bird just swooped by my window. :) I heard the hawks today, but I didn't see them. 
P.P.S. My author page.

Self June 2026

 

Hi there. Here's a shot of me yesterday evening. XO. Just saying hello. I like it, actually.

I worked my ass off today. I was a machine! It's an absolute blur. Ha. Now I think I'll work on some poetry or an essay for you. I hope you're having an amazing day. I do love The Black Keys! I've seen them a couple of times. Sexy groove.

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of rap and hip hop. But I really enjoy 90s rock, anything with awesome drums! That's why I've always loved Phil Collins and Stevie Wonder. I also like some obscure bands like Lake Trout, because they have an intense jazz influence, and they're really outside of the box. As far as female singers, I prefer powerhouses...such as Nina Simone, Erika Wennerstrom, Janis Joplin and of course, Dolores O'Riordan <3. Oh man, I love Dolores. I could go on and on about who I like. That just came to mind. I also love Jeff Buckley.

Blind Melon, Soup, is one of my favorite albums and yet, it wasn't the most popular. Such great songwriting. When I go to the barber, they always play Guns 'n Roses, Black Sabbath, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and the like. I enjoy it every time. The barber kicks ass.

Hopefully I made you chuckle. If you'd like to talk music, I'm in. You know, I grew up working around bands from the time I was fifteen on and later, I was a music writer for many years. I played out some back in the day, but the songs I'm writing now are so different and unique. They don't even sound like the same person. I suppose I'm letting the lion out to play. :) It's fun. No one has really heard them except God. 

Just sharing something from my life. Right now, I'm both tired and very anxious. I've been struggling with supporting myself in this insane world; it's tough for a lot of folks right now. A day-to-day thing. I see it all around. Don't get me wrong...I'm grateful for what I do have, but I am stressed about that and my living situation. I hope to be gentle with myself but also, improve in these areas. My body hurts, but not as bad as some days. I just had goat cheese and spinach ravioli, something like that. It was so-so. I have been trying new stuff, and I don't think I'll revisit ravioli, but I do like potato gnocchi. I like spinach souffle, and I love Mexican mushroom quesadillas. Do you care? I dunno, I'm just rambling. 

Hope you like my picture. I took it after I sang.

Don't forget to check out my books. And....pass it on! Let's get to number one! All I need is a little push...and we'll be on our way! We've been awfully close before. <3

Thank you for taking the time to visit. Thank you.

Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

Mr. Leaf, Freya, Fred

 
Mr. Leaf

Freya

Fred

Here are some folks I met on my walk today. Fred is 92 years old, and he's out here walking every day! Freya is a yellow Lab. I also met a 5-week-old baby. The whole gamut today. The whole cycle of life. Hope you enjoy the photos. Amazing what we go through over the course of time.

Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

Place to Live

 
Place to Live

Hi there. I took this on my walk today. I found it interesting and unique. Last week, someone had written chalk messages all over the path. There were messages such as "Don't give up," and "Keep going," and the like. It actually brought a tear to my eye last Sunday, because I really needed to see it. I love surprise messages.

And this is part of what's left this week. And so, I took a shot. And I named it, like I do, just to be deep, ha.

The weather is perfect today. And right now, the hawks outside of my window are calling to each other...two of them, a couple. There were three, but one disappeared a few minutes ago.

I do see all of the blessings in my life, and I pray a lot. When I pray, I just simply talk to God, as if he is a close friend who knows and loves me intimately. I can rage, celebrate, weep, whatever the case may be. Sometimes, I talk to the trees, and I often feel that they're listening, whispering back. So gentle, the trees. So comforting. <3

Sometimes, the world events make things seem impossible, but I have everything I need today. And a little extra...I just had some ice cream and a Three Musketeers, ha. I do like that candy bar, as well as the Zero bar. Every now and then, I indulge, when I'm in the mood. I actually eat pretty healthy, but I will often have dessert. I've been a vegetarian for at least 30 years.

Just saying hello, writing to you. Lately, I've been singing and moving a lot and so, it feels rather odd to take a few days off. In order to do so, I worked some doubles. I've been moving more than I've been sitting, for sure, and my body feels it! I'm frustrated because in order to be in the right head space to write, there needs to be more time to settle. But at the moment, I'm doing the best I can with all of it, navigating this world as a single woman, which is challenging, for sure.

All around, people are stressed. I'm happy to have this time to listen to the hawks right here, right now. This moment is special to me. Because you're here.

That's all we've got. This moment. Love to you.

My favorite jobs have all involved movement...right now, shopping and delivering. In the past, working with horses, teaching yoga, and the like. All movement-centered. It suits me.

Even when I'm writing, I'm moving. My mind is. :)

I hope that this little newsy note from Chris finds you well. I am on a mission to dive into Book Six. And I am on a mission to do the best I can to make my heart happy...and make others' hearts happy. I'm not perfect at being loving and gentle, but I give it my best shot, every single day. And boy, do I love to laugh.

Wherever you are, I hope your heart feels happy. We're all doing the best we can. Like the deer, look around, and remember to be gentle with yourself and others.

And I will remember as well. Thank you for supporting me on my journey. My books are amazing, and they're all-authentic. I handled every single detail, from writing to editing to design. I even did the cover art. Take a chance on my all-original work. You will never forget these amazing stories and characters. And remember, pass it on. Word of mouth is my friend. Thank you. XXOO.

C.A. MacConnell

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

Self, Bo.

 

Funny story. When I walked in with new hair and glasses, Bo, the dog, looked at me with great surprise and confusion, as if to say, "Oh, hello stranger." And then, he registered the change and began running and tearing around all over the place, grabbing toys. He may be a little guy, but he's smart as hell. And very human at times, for sure. He has anxiety like me. I like toys too. Ha! Caught you off guard there, didn't I? I have many curveballs. Welcome to my brain.

I feel like I need to wear a T-shirt that says, "Not gay or trans. Ask me about my hair. Rather, I am waiting for my mothership. If you want a label for me, there it is. Call me E.T. I am me, whatever that proves to be at any given moment. Right now, I am a girl who likes cookies, although last night I ODed on icing, and today, I'm cutting back. In the nineties, we didn't label anything. We just wore flannel shirts and screwed whoever."

Good morning. I've been disheartened about all of the AI books coming out and such, as I've spent my whole life perfecting my craft (and continue to do so). But I will continue to use my brain and talents the same way. And I won't use AI to create books, no way. I pour my heart and soul into my work, and I will continue in this manner, with everything -- creation, writing, design and editing. 

I don't feel that a computer is a replacement for all-authentic art. I want to daily celebrate my gifts and use my talent for "pulling dialogue out of thin air," which is fun. Yesterday, I couldn't take a nap because dialogue and standup ideas were pouring into my brain, all collected from my journey of the day. I have a knack for that kind of thing. And no one can do it like me! Not a robot, not a computer, no way. :) XO. It's awesome. And I will continue to share it with you.

My sixth book is roaming around in my brain as I type to you. So are comedy ideas, song ideas, and the like. And the way I create and process things...well...it is essential to my life and recovery. It keeps me alive. It is a God-given gift, and I plan to continue to use it! 

I'd like to share my songs with people soon as well. Let's see how it all unfolds. I am stubborn about wanting to use a real piano to play to folks, not a keyboard. So, that puts a little roadblock there, ha. I may get a digital piano, we'll see. I'm mulling it over. I may just record in the churches and put it out there.

I've never made much money off of my books. They're amazing, actually. I know it, and I feel confident about my work. All of my books are both fast-paced and literary, which is a treat. But without a famous name or a major publisher, it is damn hard to promote! So, word of mouth is still my friend. I suppose, when I'm dead, they'll take off, like poor Vincent, the painter. Hi, Vincent, if you're in heaven watching me type. You rock. Fuck the haters.

Cool story. One night, I made a late delivery, and I happened to hand my card to the customer. She read the card, looked up at me with surprise, and said, "You're C.A. MacConnell? I read 'The Hole!' You are so talented." I chuckled. It was a thrill to connect. My cool little brush with fame. It happens sometimes. Out and about, someone will ask me about my characters as if they're real people. Like this, "I'm worried about what's going to happen to Mary." Ha.

Just saying hi. I'm enjoying becoming "new," so to speak. I look rather different, and I suppose it's reflecting the inner changes. I'm just glad Bo the dog approves! Ha. I got two new tats as well. And let me tell you, tats hurt more when you're older. As Tommy, the artist says, it feels "spicy." That nails it. Ha.

Thank you for supporting my art. If you leave a review, I'd be thrilled. Pass on the word. I have dedicated my life to my craft, and I will continue to use my God-given talents, without artificial aid. Yes! 

Love to you. You are part of my journey. You are in my heart. XO. Thank you.
C.A. MacConnell

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

Self.

 

Here I am at 51. I had fun with Andrew the barber today! Hope you're having a great Sunday. And I hope you get a chance to check out my books! Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

💗💓💥🔥🔥Feeling fired up! And naughty. And wild and unpredictable. Feels great. Also, time for a nap, ha. <3

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

School Doesn't Pay 2, Hot Cocoa

 

School Doesn't Pay 2

Hot Cocoa

Good afternoon. Just some recent shots I took.

I just woke up from the nap, and I was dreaming. In the dream, I was at some kind of lake vacation house, and I met a painter named Zach, and he was tall, and he had curly hair, medium length. He smiled and showed me a painting, and he said he just finished it and then, he disappeared behind a tree branch; he ventured into his house with his family. I loved his creation, but I can't remember what it looked like.

Anyway, I woke up excited to be on vacation, ha. And to meet a Zach. In my real life, I don't know anyone named Zach, come to think of it. Strange.

There is so much going on in this world, and I am not ignoring that. But when I post, and when I spend time on social media, I like to share from my experience or my heart. Or make folks laugh. Create some kind of time away. 

I suppose that's why I write my books as well. Helps me, helps you. That kind of thing...is my hope.

Have a nice evening. With the rest of my day, I plan to attempt to stay positive and not allow my anxiety to grab me. To be present for myself and others. 

Hope you like the photos. I was wondering who might live inside the second. Not sure...seems like someone's in there. Maybe Zach, ha.

C.A. MacConnell

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

Happy Easter...and Some Photos

Banana

Granite

Fan

Easter Egg

Good afternoon. Here are some shots I took today. And I was into bright colors on my walk, for some reason. Usually, I think/see things more in black and white. But today was different. Just how I've been rolling lately. I've been rather wild and unpredictable, and I'm enjoying it.

Weatherwise, today was a perfect day! Not too hot, not too cold, a breeze. Awesome. What a great day to reconnect with the moment. <3 I think I walked like six miles, an old route I used to take. I saw my Pit Bull friend, but I didn't see my German Shepherd friend, bummer. I did see a new character on the scene, though, a Rottweiler; he's not used to me yet. The others are. I also saw a heron, a cardinal, and some pigeons. They were cooing like mad. I think they were welcoming me back; they live under a certain bridge.

I have some change occurring, for sure. My first reaction to change is fear, then anger, then sadness, then fear again and sometimes, excitement. I've simply been allowing myself to roll through it all.

Sometimes I feel a mix of everything.

I am an intense "feeler," for sure. But I wouldn't trade it. You see, it allows me to dream and create while I'm walking. This afternoon, I thought of ideas and storylines for where I want my sixth book to go. Rad. I also thought of some standup ideas...I'll be doing my third attempt soon. The first time, I got some laughs. The second time, I killed it. Now I have to beat that and so, there's pressure, haha. I'm stoked.

At the moment, I feel rather peaceful. And happy. And dreamy. Yes. XO. I have a feeling that God has something wonderful planned for me. :) And the past few years have been preparation. Indeed. 

Hope you have a happy Easter! A few times, since I shaved my head, I've caught a glimpse of myself in a side mirror, and I jumped...because, for a moment, I thought, "Who's that?" Then I realized it was me. Wacky.

Love to you.
C.A. MacConnell

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

Hello. Books.

 

Good afternoon. Here is a photo I took when I was working on my second novel, I believe. I had just printed it out...the actual pages. <3 Hope you're having a great day. I love this photo. I went to the barber, and I loved it. XO. 

Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

Just Saying Hello.

 

Hi there. How are you? Just saying hello. Here's a selfie from last week. Very recent. Proof of life, ha. It's not my usual expression, but I thought it was amusing and so, I posted it. My hair has been driving me wild. I may shave it or go for a Mohawk, not sure which one. Wanna do it for me? That'd be helpful.

Thank you to those supporting my books! If you haven't had a chance to check them out, I have four fiction works and one nonfiction. Right here. Or you can click/touch any of the book covers on the right side of this page, and it'll take you right there -- description and purchase info. 

I did all of the work. I created, wrote, edited, and designed each one, inside and out. I even did the cover art. Sweet. No AI, no assistance, just me. :) If you want to support independent art, here I am! Independent as all hell.

The novels all have a mystery element, and they're all intense, but they're not without humor and light as well. I guarantee you'll never forget the ride. They're all literary but fast paced. That's my niche. Also, dialogue is my specialty. XO. 

The nonfiction book, RECOVER WILDLY:  DAILY SPIRITUAL ESSAYS FOR SURVIVORS, is my latest. People have been loving it...some read it as a daily reflection type book; others read it all the way through. It's written to work both ways.

Well, I'm sitting here having macaroni and cheese...white cheddar, to be exact. And an avocado. I've been overwhelmed by the expense all around; everyone has been struggling. But right now, I have everything I need. 

Right now. Right here, right now. I hear a little bird. I'd like to be a bird, actually. I really would.

I'm excited because I now have a perfect place to practice piano and write songs. My little, secret place. Not so secret. Everyone knows I'm in there. But it's safe, and I don't get in trouble, ha. I'm also excited about Book Six. I guess I'm about fifty pages in. As is my custom, at the moment, it's a mess. All of my books begin with a mess, and I'm not worried.

Hope you're having an amazing day. Hope your life is peaceful. I suppose I can decide to have peace in this moment. I feel a little spark of adventure in my heart too, and that's nice. 

Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

Intuitive Thought, March 1, March. And a Note to You.

 
Intuitive Thought

March 1

March

Hi there. I took these photos today; I'm really happy with how they turned out.

A Note to You. March 15, 2026

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about AI...

I just wanted to mention that I've dedicated my life to the craft of writing. For over thirty years, I've studied and worked hard to both enjoy and perfect all of my work, from poetry to fiction to nonfiction, and then some. I have studied numerous genres, everything from medical copy to screenwriting to journalism to music writing to...obviously, writing novels and nonfiction books. 

I've really tackled the gamut, and I continue to do so. For my books, I do copious amounts of research and sometimes, the inspiration comes from strange places -- strangers, other books, photos, magazine pictures, friends, you name it. I'm always hunting and learning. I'm as curious as they come.

I have a master's degree in English and Creative Writing and for that, I am grateful.

I created, edited, wrote, and designed all of my books. There was absolutely no use of AI in any of my work. And in the future, there will be no use of AI.

I will continue to create authentic art...in the same way that I have for many years. XO. Straight from my tricky brain to you. I realize that the world is changing, and what others do is not of my concern. But I strongly feel that this is the right route for me. I want to share to you from my experience, heart, and soul. I want to share my life, my mind, my darkness, my lightness, my hopes and dreams. And I want to continue to expand my craft authentically.

The way my brain works...indeed, there is a label for it; however, as much as it can be difficult to harness my thinking when it comes to certain aspects of daily living, when writing, it is an absolute gift. See, without even trying, every moment of the day, I file away dialogue, scenes, descriptions, and the like. People often say that I'm quiet. I suppose that's why. I am constantly writing, without even trying. And later, when I'm actually writing and rolling, the words I've "stored away" just come flying out of my brain, as if from nowhere.

A true gift. Awesome. It took me many, many years to understand this truth.

Just wanted to share that with you. I also wanted to thank you for supporting my work. In every way, the creativity that stems from me keeps me alive. I am grateful for this gift, and I am grateful that God has given me numerous opportunities to keep right on growing. 

I have begun to write my sixth book, and it is fiction, and I will create it in the same way that I approached my other five; that is, directly from my mind and experience. And I will edit it the same way as well; that is, directly from my eyes and hands. I am proud of my creations. I am proud of my gift. And I will continue to share it with you, without the use of anything artificial.

Today, I have a rare day off from making deliveries. As far as my photos, I take the same approach. I don't use photoshop. I take one shot, in the moment, and what you see is the shot I took. I merely tinker with lighting, and that is all, but I approach it as if it is film. 

Just sharing my approach and my plans as I move forward in this ever-changing world. I had a beautiful walk today, and I've noticed that lately, the sunrises have been incredibly moving. Glorious, indeed.

So, from here, I plan to chisel away at Book Six, write songs on piano and sing, take photos, crack up as much as I can, and drive around on delivery adventures. My life is extremely simple, but it gives me the time and freedom to create. <3

Love to you. XO.

Thank you. Thank you for supporting my all-original art. Thank you for being here. I hope that your day is amazing. Maybe I'll see you out and about. Sending love and light to you. I hope your life is happy and peaceful. Again, thank you.

From my heart, C.A. MacConnell

Hi There. Self.

Good morning. I found a couple of hats at the dollar store. Good hats are hard to find, and I was happy, ha. Literally, I became excited. I am easily amused. I have suddenly developed a liking for orange. It's strange; it just happened. Today, I'm taking a rare day off, and I plan to celebrate orange, wearing this hat again. Ha. What the hell, why not. A day celebrating orange. My secret holiday. 

Actually, I can't stand holidays. But it is fun when I decide to make the day my own, secret holiday. Feels kind of magical and special. Singing and playing piano makes me feel that way as well. I plan to take a walk today, and I will imagine that I am an orange superhero with a skill for consuming magic.

Life is short. Why not live inside the dream. Truth be told, I worry a lot...that's putting it mildly...and the distraction of imagination is helpful.

Anyway, just saying hello. This photo was taken last night. Sending love and light to you. XO.

Thank you for supporting my art! Hope you get a chance to check out my books. Here is my author page. You know, from time to time, folks approach me about my characters in the fiction works. And other times, people comment on my nonfiction one, RECOVER WILDLY:  DAILY SPIRITUAL ESSAYS FOR SURVIVORS. I must say, it's often strange and surreal when it happens. But it's fun too. They talk about my characters as if they're friends...and indeed, the characters live inside of me as friends. Oftentimes, they'll pop into my head, as if they're real people from my past. :) Rad. Often, they visit me. 

Yes, I frequently exist outside of the real world, ha. But you know what? It makes life more intense, sacred, and unique to me. 

Also, I hope you get a chance to check out my talk at the Northern Hills Unitarian. More to come. This is a little dream of mine, to speak and travel. And so, it begins. 

I have a sixth book started, a love story I think, although my mind has been veering toward scary stuff too and so, I'm letting it roll. Usually, I surprise myself.

Hope you are well and happy.

Don't forget to join me in my writing world. I think you'll be surprised. I think you'll be hooked. Indeed.

Thank you. I hope you stop and think about how beautiful you are. Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

Northern Hills Gathering, Unitarian. My First Talk for Recover Wildly.

Good afternoon, I just came back from a snow walk. <3

If you'd like to see my first talk about my fifth book, RECOVER WILDLY, and if you'd like to hear some of my story, check out this link for the video of the service from this past Sunday! 

Yeah!

I wasn't going to watch it because frankly, it's hard to watch oneself, and that day I happened to be very stressed about outside stuff and so, it was challenging. But I also wanted to see how it came across, etc. So, I did. And guess what? I watched it, and I was proud. And I was pleased, and I have ideas too. I hope to make some other speaking engagements soon. :) XO.

Thank you so much for your support. Spread the word. Pass it on. Word of mouth is my friend. Or share the video if you like. Maybe it'll help some folks. Rad.

I need a nap! 
<3
Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

Speaking Sunday!

Hi there. It's been a while. Just wanted to let you know that I'll be speaking this Sunday, February 1st. Where? The Gathering at Northern Hills, a Unitarian Universalist Community. Address is 460 Fleming Rd. Cincinnati, OH  45231. 

Here is the site for the church.

Service begins at 10:45 a.m. 

I'll tell some of my story, and I'll be talking about my fifth book, RECOVER WILDLY:  DAILY SPIRITUAL ESSAYS FOR SURVIVORS.

Come on out! I'd love to see you. I'm excited. Perhaps I'll post a video about it on FB later today, but I have to get cleaned up from working out in this slick mess, ha.

Hope you're well and happy. And staying warm. We've had quite a storm, but we were lucky considering what others faced!

Thank you for supporting my books. My Author page is here.

Hope to see you at the church Sunday.

Grateful. Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell

Good Morning. Proof of Life and Happy Holidays.

 

Good morning. Here is a rather serious, recent pic of me, wishing you a happy holiday. I suppose I prefer serious photos even though most want "smilers." Ha. This is me, no AI, none of that shit. Although, the lighting is helpful for sure! Ha. The worst lighting, I've found, exists in retail bathrooms. Also, in doctor's offices and hospitals. Hello, circus clown. Just wanted to bring a personal touch to my holiday message. Maybe I'll make it my profile photo, red eye and all. Ha. Selfies are overrated in my opinion. I mean, people can post on social media all day long, and we may have no idea about what's really going on in their lives. I try to be real, but the struggles and truths we face are often hidden to the world when it comes to the net. Myself included. I share about some of it. Sometimes, it scares folks. Aye. 

We're in this together. We all have our triumphs and setbacks and pains and gains, eh? No matter how it may look on a "pretty" post. "Pretty" is overrated as well. I can get caught up in the exterior gaga as much as the next person but then, I am usually heavily reminded by life that the heart is more important.

<3

I can be intense, like this photo, but I can also be hilarious and ridiculous. This morning, I feel kinda naughty. Sorry, Santa.

Thank you to all those supporting Recover Wildly:  Daily Spiritual Essays for Survivors. And thank you to all those checking out my novels as well.

I hope to keep the momentum going in the new year. We've been so close to number one! Help me get there.

I am going to be doing some speaking soon! I've worked hard to get this engagement and so, I'm excited. I'll tell my journey and talk about the books. I'll let you know when I get a firm date. January or February. Soon. And hopefully, there will be many more to come. That's the plan.

I enjoy speaking, and I hope to help some folks!

Hope that this day fills your heart. Today is everything. This moment is everything. <3 I didn't get a chance to play music yesterday, but I will today. :) I've got a whole album of songs now. Rad. I've also got about thirty pages started on a new novel. It's fresh, but I already have an idea of the complex web it'll turn into. My brain is churning, ha.

Hope you have an amazing day. Love to you,

C.A. MacConnell

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

Self, 2025

 

Here's a picture of me just the other day. I liked the softness. My mom bought me some flannels, and I've been loving them. My lovely friend downstairs gave me this head wrap...I liked it but then it gave me a dent in my head, which is big as hell, and it was too tight and so, this is the last you'll see of it. I've also heard that sweatpants are back in, which is cool with me, because I've never stopped wearing them, ha. So now I'm "in." Actually, I don't give a fuck about clothes, but I do like to be warm and cozy.

I've been generating a lot of book interest, and I'm grateful...the numbers are getting closer and closer to number one! I can't wait to get there. :) XO. But what's most important to me? Helping folks, reaching people, sharing my experience to aid others in processing through trauma and the like...heading toward joy and recovery. We are all in recovery from something. And I believe we've all been through trauma. And my fifth book, RECOVER WILDLY, targets this notion in real time. I don't hold back. I'm raw, real, and even funny at times in this sucker. Thank you to those taking a chance on my art. If you'd like to escape for a while, my novels are great for that! Four of those available to you now, and they're all fast paced and unique, although with each one, you can tell it's my style. I'm a master at my craft. XO. And I'm about to do research for book six. Hells yeah.

Love to you. You're a star. I'm a star. Thank you,

C.A. MacConnell

P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE

Beside You, Fifty-one

 

Beside You

Fifty-one

Hi there. Some shots I just took on my walk today. Hope you're having an amazing day. I'm taking care of things and resting...gonna watch a movie I think. Just had a yummy avocado. :) XO. Don't forget to check out my books! Thank you so much for those supporting my art. I sure did work hard to create these amazing books, and if you've read, please don't forget to leave a review! And pass it on. TYVM. XO. 

If you check out my novels, I think you'll be transported by the characters. My writing is very real and intense...and the dialogue is like no other. Hells yeah. People are usually surprised. I have a knack for the male characters...it's fun for me. Let me give you an example. If my character Johnboy were to describe my writing, he'd say:  "Yo, if you digging into C.A.'s mass writings, you are one animal cracker on the scene, 'cause she's all about busting out fly lines like she's gonna shoot up with the Pillsbury Doughboy downtown and take his Candyland ass up to the Dairy Queen to suck down some creamy whip. And no cheap lactose free; I'm talking about the total lard Choco dip special sauce, and the twist, you know wha I'm sayin? When you dig into C.A.'s books, you gonna hit your board goofy foot lead and fly right up to Uranus, and there's no coming back from that asshole, because that space trip is for real, uptown and starry, like no other. So, hang on for the ride, motherfucker, because here comes swallowing rainbow sprinkles and Creamy Deluxe action, for real. Now stop reading my words and hand over my slime gel for my hair. I know you lifted it, dick, so give it up. Time to bust out some graffiti and check out the bony chicks hanging outside the fence. I got my eye on that teeny tiny mean cat with the little titties and the pierced tongue, holy shit. Now get back to reading C.A., before her afternoon nap, which is like a millisecond long, but whatever. I love you, but I'll kill you next time."

See, I can slip into Johnboy if I feel like it. That's what he'd say about me, haha. No AI in any of my books, hells no. I created, wrote, edited, and designed every single one, every page, every line, every word. Right.  Johnboy is from THE HOUSE OF ANCHOR, which is my favorite.

My delivery job has been a great opportunity to work through some PTSD, strangely enough. I'm seeing the bigger picture of God working in my life. I don't like the process of feeling the feelings at all, ha, that's for sure, and it can be ugly some days but, in my experience, it's rewarding to push straight through. Because there have been glimpses of freedom and joy...and that's where I'm heading. That's exactly what my fifth book is about. Yes. <3 Forward! Weirdly, going forward can appear messy but, in reality, transparency shows progress, enormous strength, and awesome internal growth. Can't say it's been fun, no, but it feels right to my heart -- this process of walking right through the toughest layer of shit. That's the best I can describe it to a reader. And perhaps, if you've been through something similar, you can relate. I'm sure many can. We all have trauma, indeed.

Can't wait to see what happens next. I think it'll have to do with some speaking, telling my story, talking about my books, and the like; that's what I've been working on. I'll let you know. I am excited about this, for sure. I love to speak, and I'd love to help folks with my story; it's a unique and amazing one! Isn't that why we're here...to use our stories and experiences to create magic? I think so. 

I think I'll work on some songs tonight. Love to you, C.A. MacConnell

 P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW! 

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email:  right here. 

AUTHOR PAGE