August 2025 Giveaway

By / Giveaway / 239 Comments

Announcement: the next giveaway will be in October.

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August 2025 Giveaway

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August Reading

As I mentioned last month, owing to the more difficult travel conditions in fall and winter, spring and summer are often the times associated with great adventure in ancient literature. Such adventure tales often make good modern reading on the beach, in the mountains or in other outdoorsy vacation destinations. Hence, summer becomes a good time to read my mythology books if you haven’t already done so. 

Fateful Pathways: A Story of Theseus

Born of a mother manipulated by the goddess Athena into sleeping with a king and a god on the same night, Theseus’s life was never going to be easy. Athena’s plan is for him to be the hero and king who will preside over a new golden age for Athens. But to achieve that goal, Theseus can never stop fighting, first to win the crown and then to keep it. Bandits, rebels, monsters, witches, and even hostile deities stand in his way. Athena claims he is fated to succeed, but even she admits that fate is not a single path but a road with many forks. Has her intervention helped him become the hero he was meant to be? Or has she doomed him to a life of failure?

For those of you who like seasonal stories, I recommend the Substack novella described below, which is set in late August, right before the start of the school year.

Madisonville Murder

Chris Murphy visits his old high school one last time before he goes to college, but not because he’s getting nostalgic. An old newspaper photo has made him wonder if a student’s death reported as a suicide was actually a murder. Given Chris’s past experience, he also fears a demon may have been involved.

At first, he sees nothing unusual. Then an agrimony test on a deep gouge in the wall conjures up the smell of sulfur. But when an actual demon appears, Chris knows his suspicions were correct. Unfortunately, knowing too much may cost him his life.

To read the first part, click on the title below or on the orange Read on Substack link at the bottom. To easily locate all the episodes, visit https://billhiatt.substack.com/t/madisonville-murder. To visit the home page of my substack and see what other reading is available, click the Everywhere and Nowhere banner below or the Everywhere and Nowhere widget near the top of the sidebar.

Madisonville Murder, Part 1 by Bill Hiatt

Memories

Read on Substack

 

239 thoughts on “August 2025 Giveaway”

  2. Darla Peduzzi

    When I was younger, the summers seemed so much longer. Now it feels like summer just started and it’s time for the kids to go back to school already.

    Reply
  3. shannon fowler

    New beggings come with so much excitement and uncertainty. Hopig everyone reading this is excited for new challenges coming their way.

    Reply
  10. Sarah Turvin

    So many new beginnings happening here. From having a newborn all over again, to our oldest becoming a legal adult, to back to school and our youngest teen starting high school, to saying goodbye forever to someone I loved so much- trying my best to remember to embrace this new season in life!

    Reply
  15. Chad Boyd

    Our little is starting her final shcool yea rin Elementary school. and it is both exciting, and a little sad for su.

    Reply
  17. Caroline Franklin

    I’m so excited for this next year. I’m excited every single day I wake up. Every day is an adventure and I’m so ready to live it! I’m looking forward to getting some new books that keep my enthusiasm going!

    Reply
  23. Mike C

    Beginning a new journey to improve my health and well-being so I can start fresh and enjoy life to it’s fullest.

    Reply
  28. Joe K

    I love starting a new book, where it grabs you and you can’t put it down. Many times, I’ve stayed up all night reading.

    Reply
    1. Cliff P.

      A lot of great books and authors listed . Thank you. It’s a new school year here , 3 kids headed back ,one to college . Been busy and can’t wait for more time to read!

      Reply
  30. Alecia G

    My new beginnings came in April when I moved to a new town. It’s been difficult and I’m still adjusting but I think I’m going to like it here.

    Reply
  31. Kitty

    New somethings. We will be getting a new cash register at the little thrift store where I volunteer. I don’t think it’ll be difficult to Lear, but some of our volunteers who are in their 80’s might not be comfortable learning it. So it will likely be an adventure!

    Reply
  37. Robert A

    I really love new beginnings… whether it’s a new school year, job or even just starting a new book. I tend to get stuck in the past sometimes, so having a chance to start fresh always feels really good.

    Reply
  40. Guille

    Well a new job I have is a website project about fragrances for home , it’s pretty small but technical project

    Reply
  42. Lisa Vance

    At my age, I’ve experienced a lot of new beginnings. They all different, but always a lot exciting and a little scary.

    Reply
  45. USSROVER

    2006 left Iowa (winter time) was heading west or south after 3 days ended up in Las Vegas been here since then. NO MORE COLD lol

    Reply
  48. Kimberly Flickinger

    We are looking forward to all 3 kids being in school this year . Also, Fall in Michigan is one of my favorite seasons .

    Reply
  57. Fourchanner

    New beginnings are the universe’s reminder that every ending carries the seeds of something beautiful—let yours bloom.

    Reply
  61. James Ke

    Having such favour I would have thought Theseus’s life is better than some poor soul that had no interest from the Gods.

    Reply
    1. Bill Hiatt

      Favor could raise one to a higher position–but then one would also perhaps have more enemies, and mistakes would have bigger consequences.

      Reply
  65. Judy Thomas

    I have made a new begining by volunteering , helping to take people to doctors and hospital appointments with our local ambulance shuttle service and helping out at the local hospital. I am really enjoying it.

    Reply
  69. L.E. Mathews

    I remember the first day of college. I was so anxious and felt so small back then. lol It’s amazing to realize how far I’ve come from how I used to be.

    Reply
  70. Colleen Debs

    I adopted a new dog. I’ve never adopted a one year old dog before. I’ve always adopted a puppy. This is a very interesting experience. Lol

    Reply
  79. Jean Holland

    Starting a new book is delving into the unknown. You never know if it will be good or bad. Will it be inspiring? Will it provide valuable knowledge? Will it comfort or excite you? So many unanswered questions.

    Reply
  81. Samantha Thomas

    My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in November 2023. We had drs tell us not to expect more than 2 years. We searched for drs and found one to treat it aggressively. I’m happy to say as of June 2nd he’s been cancer free. It’s a new look on life! We don’t wait to do things we want, we appreciate every moment.

    Reply
  83. RobertoGG

    I’m almost starting a new semester at university, I’m very excited because I’m almost graduating and I’m looking forward to many good things this semester.

    I’ve also started playing a new video game that I’ve been wanting to play for ages: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I can’t hold back the excitement!

    Reply
  85. Carolyn D

    This has been a rough year with my mom’s health going downhill. We are trying to make the most out of it and do everything that she wants to do. Sometimes we get too wrapped up in taking care of things that need to be done we ignore the things we want to do. Life is too short to hold back on doing the things you want. Sometimes you have to make time for the things you want and splurge a little.

    Reply
  88. Marie

    I just found a recipe that my mom made for us when we were kids. I made it, and it brought back such happy memories.

    Reply
  93. Ashley S

    I don’t love new beginnings in life, they make me anxious. Starting a new book though is always exciting.

    Reply
  94. Ekram

    New beginnings are like blank pages, full of possibilities, waiting for your story to unfold. Whether it’s a new school year, a fresh job, or the first chapter of a book, each start brings excitement, growth, and the chance to create something amazing. Here’s to new adventures and the courage to begin!

    Reply
  97. Fran CR

    When starting something it is always better to do it with desire and with some objectives. But if halfway through you decide to quit, nothing happens.

    Reply
  98. Lacey Hilgert

    My kids first year of preschool. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. They’ve never been with anyone else but family. So I’ll be looking for a good book as a distraction from worrying about them.

    Reply
  101. Bryan Adams

    I have a long list of books that I want to read and I can’t wait until it cools off a bit so I can read outside!

    Reply
  116. Daniel Scott

    We are updating and cleaning out our house. This is a new beginning for us as we are purging items from my father and father-in-law’s estates. My wife is also reading new books this summer.

    Reply
  117. Pamela Chambers

    I need to find some new intriguing books and authors so I really appreciate you sharing all of these with us. Reviews and blurbs from other authors is really really helpful for me to choose what I want to read next!

    Reply
  123. L.C.

    already august, it would be nearly a year since we decided to buy instead of rent and ten months since we signed the papers to a new home.

    Reply
  124. JG

    I’ve had to restart my life from scratch four times, each time because of my Muscular Dystrophy and simply not being able to continue in the work I was doing.
    Still working on the last restart.

    Reply
  125. Tomas Polakovic

    New beginnings are very hard, but necessary, unless we are content to remain stuck in the wrong rut.

    Reply
  126. Alana V

    I am looking forward to tomorrow, my birthday, and starting a new chapter in my life. In addition, to all the books I will complete this year. Thank you for this opportunity.

    Reply
  128. Joy Chadwick

    I’m starting a new chapter in my life after losing my husband three years ago. Being with someone for 35 years and since I was a teenager, has been a difficult transition but I still keep chugging along, one day at a time. ❤️

    Reply
  129. Shannon Collins

    Starting something new can be pretty scary, I think that’s why I put up with the same old for so long; fear of the unknown.

    Reply
  137. Rhonda Struthers

    September is always a new beginning to me. After a carefree summer of no big commitments, September brings the choice of new clubs, fitness, hobbies to join. It feels to be the new month of getting down to work.

    Reply
  139. Sk Zubair Ahmed

    i am going to be attending my first day in college in a couple of weeks. i am really excited to begin this new phase of my life and i hope to work hard towards my goals

    Reply
  145. Jamie Johnson

    I can’t believe I’m going to say this after avoiding it my whole life, but I think I’m gonna start teaching, like my mom. If she can get her masters while on chemo, I can make sure kids don’t eat macaroni art.

    Reply
  152. Melissa Shirley

    I am so ready for school to start. I work for a school and I’m off during the summer with no pay so I’m getting to where I need to go back to work cause I’m broke.

    Reply
  158. Lisa F.

    I am in the middle of my break before I work to redefine myself after nearly 30 years at a company that reorganized and I was left out. But, figuring out what to do next can be very exciting. Perhaps I can slow the grind and just do what I want. At the very least, I have more time for reading. 😀

    Reply
  159. Lynn

    I started reading a new book series this summer, written by Uketsu. They are pictorial mysteries and they are very good.

    Reply
  160. Nawaz

    Nothing beats the fresh excitement of a new beginning whether it’s a school year, a job, or even cracking open a new book. It’s like turning the page to endless possibilities!

    Reply
  162. Emmanuel Zulu

    New Beginnings are always interesting be it school or work or just moving to a new town or neighborhood. Nothing else fills up your mind but the thoughts of were you are going, the new people you will meet, new adventures, and just how it will all turn out.

    Reply
  163. Jodi W

    I am on my way to my 40th High school reunion tonight. Looking forward to see many classmates and be so fun to catch up!

    Reply
  164. Annette E

    My kiddos will be going back to college next week. We had a great summer together and I’m going to miss them.

    Reply
  166. Nancy

    Knowing you’re at a crossroads…& have been for a long time. But still only being able to rely on your instincts & saying No to different roads, simply because you STILL have no idea where you’re going.

    Reply
  174. Marilyn Fontenot

    I love reading new books. It’s amazing to see my two granddaughters , teenagers also have the some love for reading, as I do.

    Reply
  177. Lori W.

    New beginnings with the start of school means less time with the kiddos. I have to wait to hear about their day instead of spending it with them. It is hard.

    Reply
  183. Kai

    I’m so excited for Fall and the upcoming spooky season! I hope I get a chance to read more books! Thanks so much for the neat opportunity!

    Reply
  187. Jennifer S

    I am being cross trained at work to work as a Clinical Assistant. Its a little nerve wracking but its always good to learn new things.

    Reply
  194. Leslie Price

    Back to School season always puts me in the mood for new beginnings. I think it’s more of a ‘new beginning’ season than January for sure!

    Reply
  201. Alyce Poalillo

    I have had many new beginnings in my life. I recently moved to another state where I knew no one and “recreated” myself and made anew life. It keeps me on my toes as I age.

    Reply
  205. Tylisha Lenori

    I look forward my birthday which was Saturday Aug 23 now I’m looking forward to read my books I have tuck away that I haven’t read yet.

    Reply
  208. Deacon

    Something new, huh? The only thing new in my life is a new wheelchair. I can walk okay, but not very far. That’s because the right half of my heart doesn’t work at all and that’s the part that’s supposed to clear depleted oxygen from the lungs. So I can start off walking fine, but after a block or two, I’m gasping for air. Sitting and resting, I breathe okay. Walking any distance is impossible. So. now I’ve got a new electric wheelchair that folds up neatly into a relatively small package that will fit fine in a car trunk. With it, I can continue my travels. I’m looking at Portugal and Sicily next.

    Reply
  214. Amber Lee Kolb

    Hi, Bill! I hope you have had a great summer! I always feel like the beginning of fall is a time for a new beginning. I know most people feel like that’s January 1st, but fall is my favorite time of year, and it’s when I’m most active. I love to declutter, make a list of goals, and clean house from top to bottom during this time.

    Reply
  218. Frank Stuart

    I get very excited when starting on something new! I love to learn new things and am constantly searching the internet for new and interesting. When I taught school, I did everything I could to encourage my students to learn and discover things about themselves and the world. There is so much to find out about the wonderful world we live in.

    Reply
  222. Relixo

    New beginnings always feel like a fresh page, whether it’s a new school year, a new job, or even opening a new book. There’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but it’s also a chance to grow, learn, and create new memories. It’s a reminder that every ending leads to another opportunity to start again.

    Reply
  224. Sandra Gray

    The start of a new month is tomorrow and I do vow to make it a new beginning and finish at least one of my writing projects. I am excited!

    Reply
  225. Nathan M

    Theseus’ fate was salvation from stagnation. The warmth of summer can only be appreciated after a long, cold, winter. 🙂

    Reply
  232. Shana Stiles

    I think it would be so cool but so unusual at the same time to revisit my old high school. It would bring back so many memories. I can’t believe it’s been 15 years since I’ve graduated!

    Reply

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