Book Talks

🧍‍♀️ Character & Relationships

How does Grace’s decision to go off the grid reflect her emotional state and personal growth?

What role does Cam play in Grace’s journey—comfort, conflict, or something more?

How do the dynamics between Grace and the other retreat members evolve as the mystery unfolds?

🧭 Plot & Mystery

What did you think of the geocache clues—did they feel like breadcrumbs or psychological traps?

Were you surprised by the twists surrounding the missing friend? What theories did you form while reading?

How did the pacing and setting contribute to the tension and sense of isolation?

🌲 Themes & Symbolism

What does the northern wilderness represent in Grace’s escape and healing?

How does the story explore the theme of reclaiming identity after trauma?

In what ways does Northern Escape comment on trust, secrecy, and survival?

✍️ Writing & Style

How did the poetic elements and reflections enhance the narrative?

Were there any scenes that stood out for their vivid imagery or emotional impact?

How does Cindy Folk’s writing style balance suspense with introspection?

💬 Wrap-Up & Reflection

What message or feeling lingered with you after finishing the book?

If you could change one decision Grace made, what would it be?

How does Northern Escape set the stage for River Retreat?

🧠 Character & Motivation

What drives Grace’s obsession with rowing, and how does it reflect her emotional state?

How do Grace’s past traumas shape her relationships throughout the story?

Did you sympathize with Grace’s paranoia, or did you question her reliability as a narrator?

🕵️‍♀️ Mystery & Suspense

What were your initial theories about “The Raven”? Did your suspicions change as the story progressed?

How does the use of Edgar Allan Poe’s poem enhance the tension and atmosphere?

Were there any red herrings or twists that genuinely surprised you?

💬 Themes & Symbolism

What does the river symbolize in Grace’s journey—freedom, danger, healing?

How does River Retreat explore the theme of confronting one’s past?

In what ways does the book comment on mental health and resilience?

✍️ Writing & Style

How did the pacing affect your reading experience—did it build suspense or feel overwhelming?

What did you think of the author’s use of imagery and setting to evoke mood?

Were there any lines or passages that stood out to you emotionally or stylistically?

🎯 Wrap-Up & Reflection

If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?

How does River Retreat compare to Northern Escape, if you’ve read it?

What do you think happens to Grace after the final chapter?

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or want help crafting an invite for your Zoom club. I’d be thrilled to help you make it a memorable event.

✍️ Writing Journey & Motivation

What inspired you to start writing, and how did this book help clarify your goals?

Did any part of the book shift your mindset about what it means to be a “real” writer?

Which chapter or section gave you the biggest “aha” moment?

🧠 Practical Tools & Tips

How did the Post-it note party or writing retreat ideas resonate with you? Would you try them?

What strategies from the book do you think will be most helpful in your own writing process?

Were there any myths about writing or publishing that the book helped you debunk?

💬 Style & Voice

How did Cindy’s conversational tone affect your reading experience?

Did the blend of personal storytelling and practical advice make the book more relatable?

Were there any quotes or passages that stuck with you or made you feel seen?

🌊 Self-Publishing & Confidence

What fears or doubts about self-publishing did the book help you confront?

How did the “test the waters” approach make the idea of publishing feel more achievable?

What’s your next step after reading this—outline, draft, or dive into publishing?

🎯 Wrap-Up & Reflection

If you could ask Cindy one question about her writing journey, what would it be?

How does Dip Your Toes In compare to other writing guides you’ve read?

What title would you give your own future book?

🧭 Planning & Mindset

What fears or hesitations did you have about self-publishing before reading this course?

How did the “test the waters” approach help you feel more in control of your publishing path?

What mindset shifts did you experience while working through the modules?

🛠️ Tools & Strategy

Which module—Author Branding, Crafting a Quality Book, or Preparing for Launch—felt most transformative for you?

What tools or strategies from the course do you plan to implement first?

Did the roadmap help you visualize your publishing journey more clearly?

💬 Style & Teaching Approach

How did Cindy’s teaching style affect your learning experience—was it approachable, motivating, or something else?

Were there any metaphors or analogies (like the beach or diving in) that helped you better understand the process?

Did the course feel more like a guide, a mentor, or a cheerleader?

📈 Promotion & Launch

What surprised you most about the realities of book promotion and launch planning?

How did the course help you think differently about budgeting and marketing your book?

What’s your biggest takeaway when it comes to building momentum before your launch?

🎯 Wrap-Up & Reflection

What’s one piece of advice from the course you’d pass on to another aspiring author?

How does Make a Splash Self-Publishing compare to other publishing resources you’ve tried?

What’s your next move—are you ready to dive in, or still dipping your toes?