Spotlight on Local Author S.E. Wheeler

Ainsley Shaw • April 1, 2025

Local author S.E. Wheeler opens up about the inner workings of her literary work, and shares the sources of inspiration underpinning her latest adult fantasy series. Wheeler will be doing a book signing at our mobile bookstore for the 2025 Austin Texas Book Trail on April 12th from 12pm-2pm at Wildfire Park in Leander.

AS: Can you start by introducing yourself, and telling us about your background?

SW: “Water has always been my element. As a child, I couldn't be kept out of pools and waves and Texas creeks. Visions of mermaids and underwater creatures filled my imagination. In 2015, after my second child was born, I found myself lost in postpartum depression and anxiety, but was able to experience relief from my symptoms when I submerged myself in writing. Writing Alteration became a refuge, and eventually, something I was very proud of and wanted to share. My background and education is primarily in child development, as is my current day job as the Director of a swim program in the Austin area.”

AS: Can you start by introducing yourself, and telling us about your background?

AS: Tell us more about your novel, “Alteration”, and the series as a whole. What was the inspiration for it?

SW: “Alteration is a new adult fantasy (first in series!) about a woman torn between two worlds - one on land and one in sea - and faced with a choice that risks her life. As her discoveries lead to new perspectives, Ondine must choose to remain set on the path designed for her, or choose Alteration. The underlying story is a reflection of my own transformation from a rigid religious upbringing to a more inclusive and open world view.”

AS: Tell us more about your novel, “Alteration”, and the series as a whole. What was the inspiration for it?

AS: Tell us more about your work. How would you describe your writing style, book genre(s), themes, etc.?

SW: “Alteration is primarily set underwater, so there are a great deal of vivid and visceral descriptions of that world. I enjoy writing engaging dialogue and characters that are complex and curious. I also like my characters to reflect the world I exist in, including all the layers of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and development.”

AS: Tell us more about your work. How would you describe your writing style, book genre(s), themes, etc.?

AS: What messages or sentiments do you want readers to take away from your work?

SW: “Alteration at its core is about accepting and understanding your authentic self, and learning to let go of ideologies/worldviews that are divisive or harmful to self/others. It also explores cultures built on conditioning children to believe one thing, versus teaching children to authentically and critically engage in the world around them.”

AS: What is next for you in your writing career?

SW: “I am currently working on two projects! One is Alignment, the second book in the Alteration Trilogy. It will pick up with Ondine, Cannon, and Waverly roughly a week after the end of Alteration and explore self-forgiveness and trust. Alignment is expected to be available this summer! The second project is titled A Coven of Moderately Depressed Witches and is a cosy fantasy novel that involves seven modern-day mothers stumbling upon a collective power and trying to figure out what to do about it. It will explore themes of female friendship and the struggles of motherhood with a dash of humor and witchy whimsy. There is no timeline yet for this novel.”

AS: How can readers support local authors like you?

SW: “Aside from purchasing a book, social media follows and kind, honest reviews are the most impactful for me personally!”

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7 Must-Read Books from Women Authors Who Used Male Pseudonyms

March 19, 2025

The literary world has long been a battlefield for women seeking recognition. Before the 19th century, publishing under a woman’s name was not just discouraged —it was nearly impossible. Women were barred from universities, denied access to formal education, and often silenced in intellectual spaces. This struggle is both vividly and humorously portrayed in modern takes on literary history, like the series Dickinson . While the show takes creative liberties in its depiction of the titular poet, it captures the frustration and obstacles women faced in making their voices heard. In one scene, Emily Dickinson—portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld—reveals that one of her poems was published anonymously in a local paper. Her father erupts in anger, saying her actions could tarnish the reputation he had carefully built for the family Though fictionalized, this moment reflects a reality that persisted even into the 1990s. For centuries, women had to fight for a place in the literary world, often resorting to male pseudonyms or publishing anonymously just to be taken seriously. Many refused to let these barriers define them, using whatever means necessary to ensure their voices were heard. Let’s take a closer look at the women who defied the odds and shaped modern literature as we know it today.

Tips for Shaking Up Your Book Club’s Routine

By Ainsley Shaw • March 10, 2025

Book clubs are all the rage recently! As they continue to grow in popularity, groups are bound to hit a lull as time goes on. Feel like your book club’s routine is getting old and want to try something new? Check out these tips for changing it up! 1. Find local authors and attend author events Lioness Books is a proud supporter of all things local and independent! We encourage readers to find books written by authors in their communities and include them in their book clubs. Furthermore, attending author events is a great way to open up your book club to new environments and socialize with other readers. 2. Have a (local and independent) free-for-all In this instance, everyone shops at a local independent bookstore and selects their own book! Rather than always reading the same novel, this shakes things up by allowing everyone to explore a different book and discuss their insights and opinions. This also makes room for diverse literature and possible recommendations. 3. Random book selections Have everyone pick a book and draw a title out of a hat, or use a random book generator to change up the way your book club selects your next read! If your club is running out of ideas and feeling adventurous, this is worth a try! 4. Perform table readings Take turns reading aloud pages of your book at meetings! This is a great way to enhance participation and highlight particular parts of your book. You may even use accents or change your pitch and tone of voice to represent different characters—take creative, fun, and dramatic liberties! 5. Book-themed food and drinks Get in tune with all things food and drink related to your book’s setting and characters and bring them to life at your next meeting! For example, if your book is set in New York, consider bringing some bagels or pizza to share as you discuss. This is a really fun way to connect on another level with your literature and friends! 6. Change up your environment Continually meeting in the same location to discuss your books can get old! Try venturing out to a local coffee shop, park, or bookstore. Alternatively, create a rotating schedule of each of your book club member’s houses for your meetings! You never know—you might discover a hidden gem or your next favorite spot!