There’s a version of motherhood we’re all sold. It’s calm. Organized. Meaningful. There are smiling babies, clean kitchens, and a mom who somehow has time to shower, exercise, and make thoughtful meals. And then there’s the real version. The one with crying babies, zero sleep, reheated coffee, and that quiet moment where you wonder if there’s a secret manual everyone else got… and you didn’t. If that sounds even remotely familiar, Family Magic by Michele Emmy might be the most relatable—and entertaining—Mother’s Day gift you could give.

Meet Family Magic

Tina is already overwhelmed. Life is chaotic, her baby won’t stop crying, and postpartum blues are hitting harder than expected. So when her best friend introduces her to a parenting class that promises something different—something easier—she’s willing to try it. This isn’t your average parenting class. This one teaches spells. At first, it seems harmless. Helpful, even. A little magic to smooth out the rough edges of motherhood? Honestly, who wouldn’t want that? But something isn’t right. There’s a strange pull toward a creepy building across the alley. Something darker is going on beneath the surface, and Tina can’t ignore it. What starts as a desperate attempt to survive motherhood turns into something far more unsettling.

Why This Book Hits So Hard (in the Best Way)

What makes Family Magic work isn’t just the fantasy—it’s how real everything feels underneath it. Michele Emmy taps into the raw, unfiltered side of motherhood. The exhaustion. The overwhelm. The moments where you’d honestly consider a spell or two if it meant getting through the day. And then she layers in humor, absurdity, and just enough darkness to keep things interesting. It’s funny without being fluffy, relatable without being heavy, and just unsettling enough to keep you turning pages.

About the Author

Michele Emmy is a Clarion graduate and Colorado Gold fantasy award winner who clearly enjoys putting her characters through a little chaos. She writes fantasy and science fiction with humor, strange twists, and just enough bite to keep things from getting too comfortable. When she’s not building imaginary worlds or wrangling diabolical creatures, she’s managing five Instant Pots and thinking—very seriously—about exercising. Her background in parenting and education adds a layer of authenticity to Family Magic that makes the story hit even harder.

The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift (For the Mom Who Needs a Break)

Not every mom wants another candle. Some want to laugh. Some want to escape. Some want to feel seen without having to explain anything. Family Magic delivers all three. It’s the kind of book a mom can pick up at the end of a long day and think, “Okay… at least I’m not dealing with cursed parenting classes.” And honestly, that alone might be worth it.

Grab a Copy for Mom

Right now, paper copies are 10% off through Mother’s Day, making this the perfect time to give a gift that’s a little different—and a lot more memorable. Because sometimes the best Mother’s Day gift isn’t something pretty. It’s something that makes her laugh, nod, and maybe wonder… what if a spell would actually help?

To celebrate the launch, we’re also unleashing something special—the first three books in the series are completely free on Amazon Kindle from June 5–9. If you’ve somehow missed Call for Obstruction, Warrant for Damnation, or Fall for Freedom, this is your chance to dive headfirst into the chaos without spending a dime (or your soul).

Hell and Second Chances raises the stakes. Barry’s not just dodging his fallen angel father and Hell’s management team anymore. He’s bartering with Satan, wrestling with divine purpose, and trying very hard not to die while using an enchanted eggbeater to suck demon souls out of spines. And yes, it’s somehow funny. And tragic. And weirdly inspiring.

We’re also unveiling the cover for Hell and Second Chances, and it’s everything this chaotic divine comedy deserves. Designed to match the grit, humor, and apocalyptic absurdity of Barry’s journey, the cover blends celestial rebellion with unholy attitude. From the tattered streetwear to the black warriors to the Minotaur at his side, Barry’s back—and he’s not interested in your redemption arc. It’s a visual promise: the war between good and evil is about to get weird, personal, and probably inappropriate.

Where to start:

• Read the first chapters of Hell and Second Chances → Right here
• Grab books 1–3 free on Amazon starting 6/5/25 → Right here

All of the Angels Dark & Dumb covers and characters are done by Rebecca Treadway. You can check out her other cover designs at nekadu.shop. She is so great to work with! She really outdid herself with this new cover and the new characters she's created. Barry looks so badass, as is his role in this final story line where he finally beats Dear Old Dad.

We can’t wait to see where Barry’s bad decisions lead him next.

At ArmLin House Productions, we believe in the power of stories to inspire and educate. Our children’s books are designed to entertain while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and a sense of wonder. Whether it’s a whimsical bedtime tale or an adventurous journey, our stories bring joy to young readers while reinforcing important values like friendship, kindness, and perseverance. Let’s spark a love of reading together—one book at a time!

Fall & Halloween Season Children's Books

The Pumpkin and the Mouse Jinn by Wendy Spurlin

Be careful what you wish for!

All this pumpkin wants is to escape his patch, but when a mischievous mouse jinn offers him three magical wishes, he learns the hard way that the grass isn't always greener on the other side! From a bumpy truck ride to a spooky Halloween porch, the pumpkin's wishes take him on an unexpected, and often hilarious, journey. Will he ever find happiness, or is he too bitter for even a Thanksgiving pie?

A whimsical tale about learning to appreciate what you have, The Pumpkin and the Jinn is a charming story with a twist, reminding readers young and old that true happiness comes from within.

Read this book to your kids or have them read it to you. It’s specifically written for early readers and for the whole family to enjoy!

Available on Amazon and other bookstores worldwide.

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Adventure & Monster Children's Books

The Mutant Monsters of Marsden Mountain

A nasty chemical spill overtakes a town and turns animals & objects into FUN monsters!

When the people of the town return home after a chemical spill, they're greeted by mutated monsters eager to share their newly authentic selves. But the humans force them to relocate to a small hidden mountain town. There, these spunky creatures build a thriving community where they celebrate their differences. The mutant monsters learn valuable life lessons too: acceptance, fellowship, kindness & more.

This quirky & poetic series is for all kinds of kids...big & small. Watch as the monsters’ friendships blossom & creativity sprouts. What will happen as they learn about life & embrace adventure? Read The Mutant Monsters of Marsden Mountain: Genesis and you’ll find out!

Available on Amazon and other bookstores worldwide.

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The Adventures of Mimi and Lulu by Hayde Romero

Stars are falling and a river has run dry!

In Mimi and Lulu’s dreamland adventures, a baby star has fallen from the sky and must get back to her mother. And the girls investigate why a sad river has run dry. With their sidekick dog Magellan, Mimi and Lulu embark on adventures that take them throughout the magical universe to solve mysteries.

Mimi and Lulu's adventures take place while they sleep. In their dreams, they travel to extraordinary lands and transform into fairies and other mythical creatures.

Hayde Romero writes this series to shine a little brightness for children in a complicated adult world.

Available on Amazon.

World-building is one of the most exhilarating aspects of fiction writing. Whether you’re crafting a sprawling fantasy realm, a futuristic sci-fi universe, or a richly detailed contemporary setting, the world you create serves as the foundation of your story. A well-constructed world not only grounds your narrative but also captivates readers, drawing them deeper into the lives of your characters and the events that unfold. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for constructing immersive and believable worlds in fiction.

Why World-Building Matters

World-building is more than just setting the scene; it’s about creating a living, breathing environment that shapes the characters, influences the plot, and enhances the overall narrative. A well-built world adds depth and authenticity to your story, making it more engaging and memorable for readers. Whether your world is fantastical, futuristic, or rooted in reality, the attention you pay to its construction can significantly impact how readers experience your story.

Tips for Constructing Immersive and Believable Worlds

1. Start with the Basics: Geography and Environment

The geography and environment of your world serve as the canvas upon which your story is painted. Consider the physical aspects of your setting: landscapes, climates, ecosystems, and natural resources.

• Tip: Create a map, even if it’s just a rough sketch, to visualize your world’s layout. This will help you maintain consistency in your descriptions and provide a clear sense of place.
• Example: In a fantasy world, you might design mountain ranges that separate different kingdoms, deserts that challenge your characters’ journey, or forests filled with mythical creatures. In a contemporary setting, think about the city’s layout, the neighborhoods, and how these environments influence the characters’ daily lives.

2. Establish the Rules of Your World

Every world operates under a set of rules, whether they involve magic, technology, social hierarchies, or natural laws. Defining these rules early on helps create a consistent and believable world.

• Tip: Decide on the limitations and possibilities within your world. If magic exists, how does it work? Are there consequences to using it? If your world is set in the future, what technological advancements exist, and how do they impact society?
• Example: In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the rules of magic are clearly defined—spells require specific words and movements, and there are limits to what magic can achieve. This consistency helps maintain the suspension of disbelief.

3. Develop the Culture and Society

The culture and society within your world shape your characters and influence their actions. Think about the social structures, religions, traditions, and values that define the communities in your world.

• Tip: Consider how history, politics, and economics affect the culture of your world. What are the social norms? What are the sources of conflict? How do different groups interact with each other?
• Example: In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, the cultures of the different regions—such as the North, the Iron Islands, and Dorne—are distinct and influence the characters’ beliefs, behaviors, and alliances.

4. Focus on Details That Enhance the Story

While it’s tempting to develop every aspect of your world, focus on the details that directly enhance your story. These can be cultural customs, historical events, or even unique flora and fauna that add richness to your narrative.

• Tip: Introduce details gradually through the characters’ experiences, rather than overwhelming readers with exposition. Show how the world impacts the characters’ lives and choices.
• Example: In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the existence of Elvish languages, intricate histories, and detailed lineages enrich the world but are revealed through the characters’ journey, making the world feel lived-in and authentic.

5. Integrate the World into the Plot and Character Development

Your world should not just serve as a backdrop; it should be integral to the plot and character development. The challenges and opportunities presented by the world should influence the characters’ decisions and the story’s direction.

• Tip: Use the world to create conflict and tension. How do the characters adapt to their environment? How do they navigate the social or political landscape? How does the world change them?
• Example: In Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the dystopian world of Gilead is central to the plot. The strict societal rules and oppressive regime shape the protagonist’s experiences and drive the story forward.

6. Consider the Passage of Time

Time plays a crucial role in shaping worlds. Consider how the passage of time affects your world’s history, technology, and social structures. Time can bring about changes in leadership, natural disasters, or revolutions that alter the landscape of your world.

• Tip: Develop a timeline of significant events in your world’s history. This will help you understand the context in which your story takes place and provide depth to your narrative.
• Example: In Frank Herbert’s Dune, the history of the various factions and the long-standing feud over the desert planet Arrakis are key to understanding the motivations of the characters and the unfolding of the plot.

7. Create a Sense of Atmosphere

Atmosphere is the emotional tone or mood of a setting, and it can greatly enhance the reader’s experience. Whether it’s the eerie silence of a haunted forest or the bustling energy of a futuristic city, atmosphere helps immerse readers in your world.

• Tip: Use sensory details—sights, sounds, smells, and textures—to build atmosphere. Consider how weather, lighting, and architecture contribute to the overall mood.
• Example: In Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, the underground world of London Below is depicted with a dark, mysterious atmosphere that contrasts with the mundane reality of London Above, making the setting feel otherworldly and dangerous.

World-building is an essential aspect of fiction writing that requires careful thought and creativity. By focusing on geography, rules, culture, details, and how these elements integrate with your plot and characters, you can create immersive and believable worlds that captivate readers. Whether you’re crafting a fantasy epic, a sci-fi adventure, or a contemporary tale, a well-built world will make your story more engaging and memorable. So dive deep into your imagination, build worlds that resonate, and watch as your readers are drawn into the universe you create.

I’m excited to officially reveal the cover for Family Magic, a witchy contemporary fantasy by Michele Emmy that blends humor, heart, and just enough creeping unease to keep readers turning pages late into the night.

About the Story

In Family Magic, Tina’s life is already spiraling. A colicky newborn has pushed her postpartum blues into survival mode, and motherhood feels like one long improvisation with no instruction manual. When a friend introduces her to a parenting class that teaches simple spells for stressed-out moms, Tina is desperate enough to try anything.

At first, the magic seems harmless—even helpful. The teacher is kind. The spells are practical. But something is wrong. Across the alley from the class sits a squat, unsettling building that seems to call to the students. As Tina digs deeper, she realizes the magic meant to save her family may be tied to something far more dangerous.

The result is a story that’s funny, heartfelt, and quietly unsettling—perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy grounded in real emotional stakes.

About the Cover Design

This design proves that fantasy covers don’t need darkness to carry power. Clean typography keeps the title readable at thumbnail size, while the silhouette and layered textures add depth and mystery. It’s modern fantasy with personality—exactly what Family Magic delivers on the page.

This cover was designed in Adobe Photoshop, using a manipulated stock image layered with textured elements and bold color grading to create a striking magical silhouette. The goal was simple and very intentional: stop the scroll, stand out on a bookstore shelf, and immediately signal fantasy—with a wink of humor rather than doom-and-gloom darkness.

I leaned hard into rich purples, glowing contrast, and a modern, painterly feel to reflect the story’s tone. Family Magic isn’t about grim spellcasting in shadowy towers—it’s about witch mothers juggling family life, exhaustion, love, mistakes, and magic that doesn’t always behave. The cover needed to feel approachable and contemporary while still clearly rooted in the fantastical.

If you’re looking for a magical read that balances humor, motherhood, and just enough menace to raise the hairs on your arms, Family Magic deserves a spot on your shelf.

Buy Family Magic in the store of your choice and discover why Michele Emmy’s stories linger long after the final page.

Cover design for Family Magic was created by Wendy Spurlin at ArmLin House Productions. Learn more about our professional book cover and illustration services for authors and publishers.

A while back we published Pieces of Eight by Michele Emmy, and recently we unveiled the new cover for the book, shown to the right. So, it's about time we post her interview.

Michele lives in Littleton, Colorado with her husband and son. A homeschool mom and tutor, she has written scores of parenting and education articles for newspapers and magazines, as well as fantasy and science fiction stories and novellas. A Clarion graduate, decades of daydreaming finally paid off when she won the Colorado Gold award for fantasy.

Hex-A-Gone is her first novel full length novel and we'll be publishing it in April. Pieces of Eight is an ecofiction novella about a desperate Wetworld confronting the reality of the world above.

Soaring ocean temperatures are destroying the oceans, the scorching heat and putrid waste slaughtering its denizens. A desperate Wetworld sends one of its own to Dryworld to assess and mitigate the threat. But as their emissary struggles to understand and confront their foe, she realizes that if Wetworld wins its battle for survival, something more vital will vanish forever.

Now, let's get to know Michele a little better.

Q: How would you describe yourself/life in seven words?

A: Obsessed with recipes. Delighted when sentences work.

Q: Besides being a writer, what other types of jobs have you held?

A: I've worked as a nanny, homeschool mom, tutor, presidential campaign staffer, customer service representative, medical practice manager, community and commercial barter club owner and operator, magazine editor, and social media advisor.

Q: How do you go about researching for a book?

A: That’s the beauty of writing fantasy. I don’t have to. I make it all up.

Q: What would you like your readers to come away with after reading your book?

A: Mostly I want them to enjoy themselves while reading.

Q: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?  Explain?

A: Seriously? Because that’s what I said to my husband when he popped the question, and it kind of exemplifies my attitude towards life in general.

Thanks to Michele for sharing a few things about her life and writing process. Now here's a teaser from the beginning of Pieces of Eight that you can get on Amazon in eBook.

Pieces of Eight Opener

The language of octopi has no words, no concepts. Only senses. Thousands of them, distinct, each a harbinger of the world unfolding around us. The cease of motion when a predator glides past, the taint of death eddying around it. The cloying stench of coral, comparable to a human with questionable oral hygiene. The soft crack of newly hatched eggs.

We cannot smell, you say? Sounds are muted underwater, shadows distorted? To you, perhaps, who smell only through nostrils, hear only through ears. Wetworld creatures do not separate the senses—they are as tangled as a kelp canopy, accentuating one another.

Even when we hunt, we do not destroy, but envelop. Predator and prey become one as we consume, are consumed, and as part of some new entity, consume again. It is our dance, and we dance it through eternity. Wetworld exists, how would you put it? All for one and one for all.

Octopi are solitary creatures. We lurk in caves, nestle in crevasses—except when on the hunt. Then we glide, a deeper black against dark water. We unfold, senses prickling, until sustenance appears. And then we lunge. Buoyed by a blinding determination that temporarily thrusts aside our shyness—we MUST feed! we WILL feed!—we envelop what we need and retreat, sated. But not merely by flesh—it is the essence of our prey that sustains us, connects us. We savor this feeling, this unity, until our bellies shrink once again and hunger drives us outward.

That was all I knew of life. To me, it was enough. Until the day you plucked me from my world, and altered yours forever.

Cover design for Pieces of Eight was created by Wendy Spurlin at ArmLin House Productions. Learn more about our professional book cover and illustration services for authors and publishers.