Modern Naval Warfare Novel
Against All Enemies follows a Naval Commander whose crew is cut off from leadership after a devastating attack on the US. What inspired the setup of your story?
I wrote the first draft between Feb. and Nov. of 2016. Tensions were fairly high with China, again. I worked at the Navy lab where the Prologue is set and often lunched at the cafeteria that features. One day in late 2015, I wondered what it would look like if a cruise missile attack streamed in from the sea. That gave me the opening. A few months later, I listened to the various debates and positions taken by presidential candidates across the spectrum. I took what I felt were the least well-considered positions vis a vis our relationships with China, Russia, and NATO, and combined them all into my president. He was not patterned after any one candidate. I’d always wanted to write a modern naval warfare novel, and the rest of the characters were born as amalgamations of officers and enlisted I served with through my 32-year career. Though I must admit, my Seventh Fleet commander, Vice Admiral Simpson, was influenced by David Weber’s Honor Harrington character! The Russia-NATO war came as a natural consequence of a break with NATO. I am not prescient by any stretch of the imagination, but I did have to make some changes and edits over the next five years. It also required a full year and a half to get the manuscript through the Navy Operational Security review process.
Newly appointed Commander Bill Wilkins is a fascinating character who is thrown into a complex situation. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
There were several, but the scene that sprung fully developed without any conscious thought was when he is reporting in with Rear Admiral Gupta at the end, just before Bill and Nicholas are ordered home. The possibility that Bill would reject an augment to his crew after suffering such losses definitely didn’t come from me! Bill had his own ideas by this point, and he made it clear he didn’t need any help. The real-life USS Franklin analogy is much more nuanced than portrayed here, but Bill was clear about why he wanted his crew to take Nicholas home themselves. The second most interesting, and difficult, scene to write with him was the one (SPOILER!) in which his Navigator dies. I didn’t want her to die, but the story needed it, and it led to the theme, which hadn’t yet revealed itself to me: risk and the need to embrace it.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
I have a wonderful editor, Laura Taylor, who runs a Read and Critique workshop at the Southern California Writers Conference. She’d seen several of the action sequences and encouraged me to keep writing them short and to the point. She doesn’t believe in overdone action scenes, either! I avoided them because I’ve experienced combat at sea myself and want to be true to the way it plays out. Especially today with supersonic missiles, but even as far back as World War II (particularly during the Guadalcanal campaign), sea combat moves quickly. If I were to have characters over-reacting, or inject unnecessary drama, I’m no longer being authentic. Authenticity is very important to me. I want Navy veterans to read this and say, “Yep, that’s how it was.” People do their jobs amidst chaos. There’s no time to let anything else in, even if the ship is taking hits. That was true 249 years ago and has proven true again as recently as last month in the Red Sea.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I’ve been asked that quite a bit. When I finished this book, I didn’t have any plans for these characters, and I will definitely never try writing a story too close related to real-world events again! That said, I’ve played with some possible future scenarios, perhaps where Bill is now a Destroyer Squadron commander. Iran and Korea are obvious possibilities for adversaries, but again, I am leery of writing anything that might be overcome by events by the time it comes to print. I think China is done for this generation, based on where I’ve left it, and I don’t want to stretch the bounds of reasonable to create another conflict with them just to get the characters back into another book. I’m working on a trilogy set during the American Revolution right now, and a World War II novel loosely based on my father’s and two of my uncles’ service. But I’m not ruling out Bill’s eventual return. I wish Barrister were alive, as I think she’d be an interesting character for a future story, but alas, it’s not to be.
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When the People’s Republic of China unleashes a devastating attack on the United States, newly appointed Navy Commander Bill Wilkins and his crew are suddenly alone, deep in the enemy’s backyard, and unable to communicate with naval or national leadership.
At home in Washington, the president is detached from reality. Survivors of his cabinet contend with military leadership for control, some to save the nation they serve, others in pursuit of personal power.As America becomes alienated from her allies, Russia begins a campaign that creates heightened fears of nuclear annihilation.
Bill must navigate a political minefield to find friends among China’s neighbors while undertaking a role that demands he take unimaginable risks and wrestle with the question, What losses are acceptable in order to win?
The Intricacies of Relationships
The Story of Josette and Daniel follows the lives of a couple who meet at Juilliard and the path their lives take both apart and back together again. Where did the idea for this trilogy come from, and how did it develop over time?
The idea for The Story of Josette and Daniel Trilogy began as a seed when I was just 17, sparked by the initial creation of the first three chapters of Josette. However, as life unfolded and presented its twists and turns, the trilogy took shape gradually, with the completion of Book 1, Josette, during the pandemic serving as a pivotal moment. The encouragement and curiosity of my readers further fueled the development, leading to the creation of Book 2, delving deeper into Daniel’s character and perspective. Book 3 emerged as the culmination of their love story, spanning four decades and exploring the enduring nature of their connection amidst life’s trials and triumphs.
What was the inspiration for the love story and the connection the characters have?
The inspiration for the love story between Josette and Daniel stemmed from a desire to capture the essence of a timeless and profound connection. Their relationship was crafted to reflect the complexities of human emotions, the power of shared experiences, and the resilience of love across time. Drawing from personal experiences and observations of enduring relationships, I sought to imbue their connection with authenticity, depth, and relatability, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in their journey.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Several themes were integral to The Story of Josette and Daniel Trilogy, reflecting the broader human experience and the intricacies of relationships. Love, of course, was central, explored in its various forms and manifestations, from the initial spark of attraction to the enduring bond forged over decades. Themes of loss and grief added depth to the narrative, highlighting the profound impact of separation and the journey towards healing. Additionally, themes of personal growth, resilience, and the passage of time were woven throughout, resonating with readers on a universal level and prompting reflection on their own lives and relationships.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Looking ahead, my next project, The KEAK Anthology, Volume 2, continues the exploration of storytelling but in a different format. This collection of short stories offers a diverse range of narratives, each encapsulating unique themes, characters, and emotions. It is an opportunity to delve into new worlds, explore different genres, and connect with readers in fresh and unexpected ways. Stay tuned for its release, where I hope to continue captivating and engaging audiences with the power of storytelling.
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In the embrace of falling snow, Josette, now seated by the window in her cherished chair, is transported back to a moment etched in time—when she, at 25, returned from a triumphant global piano tour to the comforting blanket of snow outside her childhood home.
Josette and Daniel’s serendipitous meeting at The Juilliard School unfolds into a transformative love story. Through shared laughter and profound connection, they became each other’s anchors. Parting ways after Josette’s graduation did not sever their bond; instead, it led to a rekindling of their love in later years.
As life’s seasons unfolded, Josette and Daniel embraced retirement and the pursuit of their passions. Their shared journey witnessed the growth of family, the pursuit of dreams, and the gentle passage of time. Graciously aging together, they reveled in the joys of children and grandchildren.
Now, with snow falling outside her window once again, Josette sits alone, reminiscing. Her beloved Daniel is gone, leaving behind echoes of a lifetime filled with love and cherished memories. The gentle snowfall becomes a bittersweet reminder of a love that transcends time, forever etched in her heart.
A Positive Experience
Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling follows a little girl who, after biting into a candy apple, feels a sharp pain in her tooth and has to visit the dentist for the first time. The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Sameer Kassar?
Working with my illustrator was amazing. He was able to envision the exact details of the images I had in mind. He made corrections when needed, was an excellent communicator throughout the process, and exceeded my expectations.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In terms of the educational aspect of the book, I wanted to reduce any anxiety for a child who would be getting their first dental filling, by providing a step-by-step guide on what to expect during the procedure. I also wanted young readers to see how Mimi responded to the treatment in a positive way and had a positive experience.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling, is my third children’s dental book. I have three books written in total and I’m currently working on a fourth. They are all the same genre; children’s picture dental books.
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Mama takes Mimi on a trip to see Dr. Jason, the town’s pediatric dentist. What will Dr. Jason find when he checks Mimi’s teeth? Will he find the cause of her pain and help her find relief?
Everyone is Capable of Growth
Beneath the Smiling Moon follows a twenty-nine-year-old woman tormented with mental illness and addiction who struggles to pull her life together against all odds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Right out of the gate, I wanted to create a flawed but relatable main character, one that an audience can’t help but cheer for. Painting a realistic picture of contemporary struggles that center around addiction and mental illness were important for me to portray. The main character in Beneath the Smiling Moon chose to deal with her issues and elevate the conversation in an open way. Even though this is a work of fiction, the hope is that the novel can bring attention and awareness to these internal struggles that are so commonplace in today’s society.
Izzie struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, as well as a strained family relationship; despite this, she wants to get help and move forward in life. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
When deciding what kind of plot I wanted to develop for this novel, I was very interested in the Rebirth plot line. It entails: a threat/struggle that sets in, recedes, comes back in full force, the rebirth of a character occurs, and then all is well. Showing an evolution of Izzie’s lived experiences with respect to the plot line illustrates to readers that the main character embraces change for the better while reminding the audience that everyone is capable of growth no matter how dire the situation may be.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One goal for Beneath the Smiling Moon was to highlight the human experience. With that in mind, I felt that it was important for me to explore themes of love and loss so that my target audience and readers of literary fiction felt connected to the story from the start. My theory is that at some point in life, most adults have faced one if not both, emotions. The elements of love and loss that are threaded throughout the narrative will hopefully keep the text relatable and enjoyable. I also wanted to utilize motifs such as lightness and darkness throughout the novel. The darkness the main character feels when she’s at her lowest, versus the light and hope she feels at the end, speaks to the ebb and flow of the human experience and how light cannot exist without darkness and vice versa.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I’m working on is a Southern Gothic tragedy. It will follow three daughters who discover their mother’s journal hidden away in secrecy after her death. The journal and its contents will change everything the girls thought they knew about their mother and their own lives. I have an outline of what I want to accomplish with my next piece, and I’m hoping to focus on the character development with nice plot points throughout, similar to Beneath the Smiling Moon. I plan to dedicate time this summer to begin writing and working on my next project. Follow along for updates on my website at devonjvaldes.com!
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But things take a drastic turn when Annie is involved in a tragic accident. When the truth is finally revealed, Izzie is left not knowing how to cope or what to do. Can she handle the truth, or will it destroy her for good? She must decide if she is going to fight for her life or allow the darkness to overtake her.
Beneath the Smiling Moon is a novel of rebirth that explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and family. Ultimately, it is a story about the human experience and how internal struggles shape who we are destined to become.
An Alternative Power
The Power of the Ascendant follows a man with supernatural abilities who struggles to understand them and what this means for his purpose in life and within the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The world in which we live today is hungry for power. The main way to get power is through money. Unfortunately, this tool aka money has become an obsession and as a result the measure for everything in life. All the old values have been forgotten and in the race for money, people are sacrificing their health, family, and happiness. Most people are not aware that there is an alternative power that doesn’t require such sacrifices.
This is the Power of the subconscious mind. It is real and it works. Every human being possesses that power but it is latent. In order to use that power one has to communicate with his subconscious mind.
For some years now, people like scientists Greg Braden, Dr. Bruce Lipton, and Joe Dispenza have been trying to spread awareness of this power, offering information, methods, and instructions on how to activate it. But still, only a small fraction of people are aware and are trying to actively use it.
This inspired me to take a different approach. Instead of writing a handbook with instructions, in order to spread awareness about the power of the subconscious mind, I decided to write a science fiction book while offering entertainment and showing the possible use of that power.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I followed mainly emotional wellbeing guidelines, like communicating and giving to others, and also emotional intelligence, like empathy. For moral guidelines, it was compassion, loyalty, and responsibility.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme in my book is Power and its use. The other themes are love, loyalty, death, and religion. Actually, the whole fourth part of the book is devoted to the theme of Religion. Certain teachings about religion sound dissonant to me, so I gave my own interpretation of Paradise, Hell, Purgatory, and the Soul.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This book has been written as a stand-alone but I’ve left space for possible two sequels which will be about the Honeymoon of The Ascendants aka The Souls of Philip and Jessica exploring God’s creations. However, for now, it’s just an idea and at present, I am enjoying my well-deserved rest.
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While held prisoner at the Research Institute for Paranormal Power Activity in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Philip develops an ability for telekinesis, teleportation, and other paranormal powers. As a result, he becomes an Ascendant.
When Philip escapes from the Institute, he meets and befriends Steve, a ranger and war veteran with bitter memories of his service in Afghanistan. Together, the two of them face off against forces that want to control Phillip’s powers.
Philip’s biggest challenge is that he doesn’t want to kill or hurt anybody.
Will Philip’s abilities and knowledge be enough to keep him free or will those seeking to recapture him use his abilities and plunge the world into war?
The Power of PR Parenting
Marjie Hadad’s book, The Power of PR Parenting, ingeniously applies the tactics of public relations to the challenging art of parenting. Drawing from her extensive experience in the PR field, Hadad equips parents with tools to handle crises, encourage confidence, and prepare their children for the future using strategies typically reserved for managing media and public perception. This innovative approach is grounded in the belief that parenting, much like PR, often involves managing, mentoring, and motivating with a strategic mindset.
Hadad’s work is refreshingly unique in its perspective, blending the structured, strategy-driven world of PR with the intuitive, often chaotic realm of parenting. The idea that public relations skills can effectively manage family dynamics and children’s development is both intriguing and compelling. Through detailed anecdotes and accessible writing, she brings PR principles to life, making them relevant to daily parenting scenarios, from crisis management to building self-reliance in children.
One of the most interesting aspects is its novel use of public relations strategies to navigate and mitigate family crises, akin to managing brand or corporate crises. This approach advocates for structured communication and strategic problem-solving, typically employed in PR, to create a calm and controlled environment that promotes resilience in children. The application of these professional techniques to personal family dynamics is innovative and offers parents new tools for fostering understanding and cooperation.
Hadad doesn’t just theorize but illustrates how each strategy can be implemented, providing a practical roadmap for parents. This hands-on approach, combined with her conversational tone, makes the book not only informative but also engaging.
The Power of PR Parenting is a must-read for parents looking for a new approach to raising confident and resilient children. Hadad’s innovative take offers a valuable resource for any parent seeking to enhance their parenting toolkit with fresh, proven methods from the world of public relations.
Pages: 222 | ASIN : B0BVGR5X25
Success is a Choice
Success Is a Choice, by Deepak Gupta, initially presents an ambitious premise that might appear to simplify life’s complexities. Yet, as one delves into the pages, the simplicity unfolds into a clear, actionable philosophy. Illustrated through engaging narratives like the opening story of Tom and Dan, who, despite their differing circumstances, discover their capacity to significantly alter their career paths. This theme of empowerment resonates throughout the book, offering readers a practical framework to elevate their professional lives.
Gupta excels in character development and narrative flow, crafting relatable and nuanced characters whose vulnerabilities foster a genuine connection with the reader. This openness not only enriches the reader’s experience but also enhances the delivery of key insights intended to spur transformative growth. The author’s deep understanding of human behavior and interpersonal dynamics is skillfully reflected in both the interactions among characters and the engaging prose that draws readers into a reflective and immersive journey. The book’s practicality is one of its strongest suits. Gupta’s extensive experience and passion for mentorship shine through in the accessible and succinct presentation of concepts designed to be inclusive of readers at any career stage—from beginners to seasoned professionals. The title cleverly plays a dual role, sparking curiosity or challenging the reader’s preconceptions, thereby drawing them into a deeper exploration of the content.
Success Is a Choice serves as an essential guide for those navigating the corporate world, emphasizing that personal and professional growth often requires introspection and a proactive stance. Deepak Gupta’s keen observations and compelling writing style make this work not just a book but a resource for continuous reference. It encourages readers to take command of their paths to success, offering wisdom that is both profound and accessible, proving invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their career trajectory.
Pages: 188 | ISBN : 1804395633
Valentino’s Purpose
Valentino’s Purpose, by Wanda Reyes, is a heartwarming children’s book that champions the themes of acceptance and individuality. Illustrated by Lilly Walther, the book features vibrant and expressive artwork that brings the story to life, with the characters almost leaping off the page. The narrative follows Valentino, a spirited Goldendoodle preparing to become a service dog who learns the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness in the face of adversity.
The story resonates deeply, conveying that being true to oneself is invaluable. This message is particularly poignant given the diverse cast of characters, both canine and human, which underscores the book’s celebration of diversity. The inclusion of a service dog as a protagonist adds a layer of significance, reflecting the essential roles these dogs play in support of military personnel and veterans—a personal connection I greatly appreciate.
The book maintains a seamless narrative flow throughout, with a creative shift from first to third-person narration towards the end that adds a unique touch, although it may briefly surprise readers. Valentino’s Purpose is a compelling tale of diversity, acceptance, and love. It is a delightful addition to any home library, appealing to readers of all ages. This touching story about a courageous dog and his friends is likely to resonate with and inspire anyone who picks it up.
Valentino’s Purpose is more than just a children’s story; it’s a vibrant invitation to celebrate uniqueness and acceptance. With its engaging narrative and striking illustrations, this book not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about individuality and empathy. It’s a delightful read that will enchant and educate, making it a perfect addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0CWJTY4H9
LITERARY TITAN 