Updates Archives – Jessica Maffetore

Introducing Somewhere Stories

December 28, 2025December 29, 20251 Min Reading

Introducing Somewhere Stories—a published anthology created by the talented writers from The Writers Group. We are a gathering founded in 2023, that brings together writers of diverse backgrounds and genres, all at different stages of our writing careers, who meet at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. We find encouragement and community through a love of writing and help one another to develop, workshop, strengthen, and share our work.

This newly published collection—the first for The Writers Group—centers on the idea of place. But “place” is more than location. It also symbolizes emotional or psychological places, places in our memories or event places in time. Our writers have contributed works of poetry, short fiction, personal essays, plays, and more. And we’re thrilled to share it.

I have contributed three works of poetry and a brand new short story to Somewhere Stories, and and very excited for their release! Somewhere Stories is now available for purchase on Amazon at the link below. All proceeds benefit the Chelmsford Center for the Arts.

Buy Here

AUTHOR JESSICA MAFFETORE JOINS THE INTERNATIONAL FIREBIRD BOOK AWARD CIRCLE OF WINNERS

October 16, 2024October 16, 20242 Min Reading

October 14, 2024 – Speak Up Talk Radio announced the recent INTERNATIONAL FIREBIRD BOOK AWARDS contest winners.

One of the winning entries was from Massachusetts author Jessica Maffetore, whose book, Eleanora in Pieces, won first place in the “New Fiction” and “Contemporary Novel” categories and second place in the “Women’s Fiction” category.

Authors and publishers worldwide submitted their work to the International Firebird Book Awards. The panel of judges includes 27 individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Two judges from a select panel read and scored each entry. All judges commit to a set of standardized criteria that evaluate the quality of the writing and the production aspects. The judges only award the coveted Firebird to entries with the highest scores.

Authors can view their entry fee for the International Firebird Book Awards as more than just a fee. It’s a tax-deductible donation that supports a noble cause. Patricia J. Rullo, the awards’ founder, explains, “We give back by hand making colorful pillowcases. We send them, along with children’s books, to women and children who are experiencing homelessness. This includes the shelter Enchanted Makeovers, which is a tax-exempt organization. In this way, authors gain recognition for their work and play a significant role in transforming homeless shelters into bright homes. Winning a book award feels good, but knowing your participation makes a difference feels even better.”

“Speak Up Talk Radio is a gateway to multiple avenues for creative individuals to promote themselves. We provide various opportunities for authors and podcasters to showcase their work and connect with their audience. This includes book awards, podcast awards, radio interviews, audiobook production, podcasting services, social media and audio marketing, and book editing and formatting services.”

The International Firebird Book Awards run quarterly contests so authors can receive timely recognition. Authors of all genres, mainstream, independent, and self-published, are welcome. For additional winning authors, titles, and entry information: Speak Up Talk Radio Fireb ird Book Awards

6 month countdown!

March 10, 2024March 10, 20241 Min Reading

This past week I received the galley of Eleanora in Pieces from the publisher. It was the first time I had seen my book in actual book format! It’s a beautiful thing–a truly beautiful thing! I just finished working on galley edits which the publisher will incorporate, and then I’ve got one more look at the entire manuscript before it goes to print. Six months until this beauty is out in the world—available September 5th!