The Honest Author on Youtube
It’s true, I’m on Youtube. I’m a booktuber. Have you heard of this? I’ve been reading reviews of my books there for a couple of years now, the good and the bad. Hence ‘The Honest Author‘ angle. I don’t...
What’s Upmarket Fiction?
What is book club fiction? Upmarket fiction. What’s upmarket fiction? Commercial, literary fiction. Is commercial fiction a sellout? No, it’s sellable fiction. There’s a difference. It’s the sort of fiction people actually read. Literary fiction...
Timely Pandemic Reads
THE BLIND AFFECT – Launches June 22, 2021 Poeltl does what a good writer does – he doesn’t tell us, he shows us the lives of these characters. Goodreads Review Has the pandemic left you feeling hollow? Can a book of fiction help you see...
A Timely Story For A Pandemic
How has the pandemic hit you? I know for some people this pandemic has been crushing. Not physically, as I honestly don’t know a soul who has tested positive, but mentally, the fallout has been difficult on many in my circles, myself included...
Earth Day Author
Happy Earth Day 2021 everyone! Do something good for your planet today. Pick up trash, plant a pollinator garden, support sustainable living through your purchases, and educate yourself and your children about the consequences of climate change...
Rebooting a Classic Novel
Well, it’s been eight years, so that makes it one of my classic novels. Why reboot it? Why not? I recently went through the content of Her Past’s Present with a fine-toothed comb and came out the other end feeling all the more...
Banned in Australia
Book bans are an ugly subject, what with the infringements on freedom of speech, but when your illustrated children’s book about the apocalyptic consequences of climate change is banned, you have to ask yourself, do the oil companies own...
Can Books Have Playlists?
Absolutely. Like anyone, if you live long enough, you’ll recognize chapters in your life, and the music you’ve experienced often serves as a memory trigger. Your life is a story and you’re the main character. Life is full of...
New Fiction Cover Reveal
I’m pleased to announce that the final cover design is ready for your eyes only, for my new book The Blind Affect. As with the title for this work of realistic fiction, the cover embodies the story. Taking place in an urban setting, the...
Writing for the Time Period
What if you’re writing a story set in the far out 1970’s Michael Poeltl So, usually, my books take place in the present-day or the near future, so as far as creating authentic period language, it hasn’t been an issue. If people use a bizarre term...
Utopia Avenue, Reviewed
Let me preface this review with the fact that I dreamed about this book. Last night, in fact, mere pages before finishing it. Something BIG happened and I needed to process it. When you dream in the world your book is taking place… I mean...
Cyber Monday Books!
Listen, I’m the last person to encourage anyone to go out and buy the stuff you don’t need. I fully embrace the mantra: It’s not a deal if you don’t need it. That being said, everyone needs books.