SEPT 2026 Author Spotlight & Literary Feature Today Marissa Koons joins Peter Okonkwo in conversation around her children’s book, The Christmas Pageant. Click here to access the review Peter: Natalie faces bullying and pressure from the "cool kids". As you wrote her struggles, what did you want readers to feel the most; anger, sympathy, encouragement or something else? Marissa: My first feeling I’d like the readers to revisit within themselves is exclusion. No one likes being left out,...

So grateful to have my flash fiction accepted and published by @pulsevoices! 🩺✨My piece joins their "Bravery" collection, looking at the quiet moments of strength in healthcare. Read it here: https://pulsevoices.org/pulse-more-voices/2025/bravery/for-her/

Thrilled to share this wonderful review of The Christmas Pageant by Peter Okonkwo! Thank you, Peter, for highlighting the book's message on empathy, self-worth, and the importance of asking for help. Read the full review here: https://peterokonkwoliterature.wordpress.com/2026/08/19/the-christmas-pageant-by-marissa-koons-a-review/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT9SnVwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5NOWdAkJQOeRXHebGENckf5rAXobtHG-16vlZp1VwicsKTJQYiYshUmHzd8Q_aem_enkG0IRTVKGxzOmVM...