A Spotlight On Southington Authors: Part III
- Philip Thibodeau
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The Southington Outsider recently put out an invitation for authors from the Southington community to tell us about books they have written or are working on. We received an impressive response, with more than twenty people expressing interest. The following is our third batch of replies. The titles cover everything from murder mystery (Rhonda Lane) to fantasy (A.S.K. Florian, Kye Strothers) and children’s books (Jolly TJ).
1. Rhonda Lane
What is the title of your most recent book, and what was it about?
Fatal Image: An Avery Sloane Mystery is a murder mystery with elements of psychological suspense. Too many close calls prompt globe-trotting, award-winning photojournalist Avery Sloane to ditch covering world news to join a school friend at a small rural newspaper. Little does Avery know, she may have survived a war zone, but nosing around small-town secrets could get her killed. The book finaled for a prestigious 2023 Killer Nashville Claymore Award.
Where did you get the idea for it? Although I’ve lived in Southington for decades, I grew up in rural Kentucky on the fringe of its legendary horse country. Close family friends had a horse farm with show horses that inspired the equestrian community in the book. I had seen mystery novels set among horse racing and at western events, but not in the horse show circuit like I attended as a child.
What is your target audience?
Most readers of mystery novels and psychological suspense tend to be adult women, but fans of the Knives Out movies and TV’s Justified can enjoy Fatal Image, too. Readers have told me elements they enjoyed were the fish-out-of-water character, slow burn romance, southern discomfort, and the plot twists.
Is there another book beside your most recent one that you would like people to know about?
Books to which I’ve contributed stories prior to Fatal Image have gone out of print, but I do have a free newsletter that I update frequently. You can sign up, for free, on my website rhondalane.com.
Are you working on another book? What is it about?
Yes! I’m working on the second book in this Avery Sloane series. Avery has some unfinished business, as well as another murder to look into—I mean, cover for the paper. I’m still figuring it out and working with the characters. I’m also working on short stories and a novella or two featuring these characters.
What is the best part of being a writer? What is the hardest part?
The best part is the magic “my mind to your mind” process that transfers the story and the characters from my imagination to a reader’s through black marks on a page. Stephen King may have said that first.
The hardest part happens when I get stuck, even though I do outline to some extent. I have to backtrack through what I’ve written to figure out where the story veered into the weeds. I know the wrong turn is back there somewhere. Finding the choice I made that shut down everything takes me a minute. Or three.
If people want to purchase your books, where should they go?
The paperback, so far, is only available from Amazon. The ebook is also available there and findable at Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and other e-retailers through this link.
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2. A.S.K. Florian
What is the title of your most recent book, and what was it about?
The Chronicles of Krarshe: The Hearts of Men volume 2. The series follows the character, Krarshe, as he sets off in search of the adventure his grandfather always spoke of in his stories and to find where he fits into the world. But instead of the fun adventures he'd heard of, he gets caught up in a conflict that is far bigger than he could imagine.
Where did you get the idea for it?
The world started out as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign I made, with Krarshe being a prominent character in it. When my friends and family were no longer able to play, they convinced me to turn the expansive world and character backstory into a book.
What is your target audience?
While I generally say young adult, I've found that people across the age spectrum have enjoyed it. Though, I wouldn't recommend it to people younger than middle school, due to content and level of understanding. Overall, I hope the series will mature as my fans do, so I don't know if this recommendation would apply to later books in the series.
Is there another book beside your most recent one that you would like people to know about?
There is the first volume, of course. Definitely recommend reading that first, as the story is chronological. I also have my very first book, Keeper of the Mad, a short Lovecraftian horror-style novella about the mysterious events that take place in an old asylum.
Are you working on another book? What is it about?
I'm currently working on the continuation of The Hearts of Men. It'll be the concluding volume for The Hearts of Men arc. My intention is to continue The Chronicles of Krarshe with subsequent arcs after that as well.
What is the best part of being a writer? What is the hardest part?
The best part of being a writer is seeing the excitement on my fans' faces when they meet me after reading the books. That is by far the best, and really motivates me to continue the story.
The hardest part is anything on the business side. Marketing and sales don't come naturally to me, so I'm constantly struggling to promote my work. To that point, I really appreciate the work you're doing here in bringing attention to local authors.
If people want to purchase your books, where should they go?
I have all of the associated links on my website, https://krarshe.com/. You can buy it directly from the publisher, or find links to Amazon or Barnes & Noble where you can also find e-book versions.
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3. Jolly TJ
What is the title of your most recent book, and what was it about?
I am a fairly new author, my family and I have lived in Southington for 18 years. There is nowhere else I would’ve wanted to raise my family. My latest published book, It’s a Frog-tacular Halloween, celebrates Halloween in a delightfully nontraditional way. Instead of focusing on candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating, this story highlights the warmth and fun of family traditions. As children journey through the pages, they’re invited to turn their hands into frog puppets, leap along the illustrated map, and make playful noises that bring the story to life. The book features vibrant, engaging artwork and includes thoughtful “For the Reader” questions to encourage conversation, reflection, and emotional expression. For further engagement and added fun, an I-Spy element invites readers to search for a charming alligator who appears in a different costume on every page.
Where did you get the idea for it?
My childrens book ideas are created with my children and the many children
I feel privileged to have in my life. Many of the stories we would build or craft together, often sitting outside on the back porch letting our imaginations wander. As a mother, I saw an opportunity to weave in the value of responsibility—so my characters do their chores, follow rules, and take care of themselves and each other. These gently woven messages help soften some of the everyday challenges that can make me feel like a “nagging mom.”
What is your target audience?
Every story is layered with fun to keep young readers engaged. There’s always a playful poem that encourages kids to use their hand as a puppet, interactive questions that invite conversation, quirky puns sprinkled throughout, and an I-Spy element featuring a special character hidden on every page.
Is there another book beside your most recent one that you would like people to know about?
I have just completed my second guided self-care journal, designed to let readers move at their own pace while building healthier habits. This journal helps you track your progress, reflect on what’s working, and decide on any changes you’d like to make. Inside, you’ll find mood check-ins, weekly planning and tracking pages, and monthly reflections to help you grow throughout the The guided structure supports goal-setting and provides space to monitor those goals as you go. It’s filled with positive affirmations to nurture self-love and perseverance. For a lighter, more playful touch, the journal also includes helpful “life hacks” to make some of life’s daily tasks a little easier. My wish is to encourage every reader to recognize their incredible potential and celebrate meaningful achievements all year long. This book will be ready for purchase December 15, 2026.
Are you working on another book? What is it about?
My All-in-One Self-Care Journals. The idea for My All-in-One Self-Care Journals came from the many amazing women in my life. We’re all so busy that it can be hard to juggle everything, and when that happens, we often push our own needs to the bottom of the list. That affects how we care for ourselves—and even how we show up for each other.
My superpower has always been helping others, lifting people up, and making them smile. That’s why I included affirmations and life hacks throughout the journals. I believe that anything that helps us improve, simplify, or organize our lives gives us a little extra time and space to appreciate even the smallest I believe the greatest joy of being a writer comes from seeing the happiness my stories bring to readers.
I still remember sharing my first frog story with many classrooms at Hatton Elementary years ago. The principal - who carried a puppet with her everywhere - couldn’t believe I wasn’t already published after hearing it. At the time, the only thing standing in my way was the illustration process. I had no idea how to bring my stories to life on the page.
Everything changed when I discovered Canva. Since then, I’ve illustrated every one of my books myself. With each new project, I feel more connected to my stories and the children who inspire them. My goal is to publish two children’s books each year, continuing to share imagination, joy, and meaningful messages with young readers.
If people want to purchase your books, where should they go?
All of my books can be purchased on Amazon through the link below in addition to my Author Page: https://jollytj.market
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4. Kye Strothers
About the author
Kye Strothers, despite having dyslexia, did not let her disability hold her back from doing something she wanted to do. Her best friend convinced her to start writing down her stories despite her anxiety telling her that no one would ever want to read her books.
Book description
The Wingless Fairy. Light and dark have always been at each other's throats. Their fights got so bad that they were destroying the world around them, so they were both confined in temples. They did something no one expected: working together, becoming a new being called Cypher. Cypher takes over the land of Caitland, using his newfound power to corrupt everything he touches. Ten years later, the last fairy of the land, Danielle, or Dani for short, the elven knight Emma, and an eclipse mage Brody, must find the three ancient magical items so they can be strong enough to go against Cypher.
Where to find my books
My book can only be ordered online and can be found on Amazon and the Barnes & Noble website.
