Cosmic Allies
Inceptum Incubus is an imaginative science fiction novella set in the distant future, where intergalactic warfare, political rivalries, advanced technology, and complex questions of justice collide across the cosmos. What drew you to the novella format for a story spanning galaxies, governments, and competing conflicts?
Ok, so I’ve very loosely based my sci-fi novella on two ultra-famous politicians upon opposite sides of our large pond or ocean. Some years back in time we had, and so I swapped those two opposing guys around, and I used totally fictional characters: a globally famous UK conservative woman politician leader versus a Labour guy, and I called her Du Plessis, with her opposite guy a Labour politician, together with Du Plessis and her US counterpart, the President of the day, instead, as I wrote this novella from a conservative perspective or point of view, but set it in 30,050 AD within our vast Andromedan and Gaian systems, which spills over into the Orion system, with different colliding events of the day!
I loosely based the idea of both Margaret Thatcher versus Jeremy Corbyn, instead of Mrs. May and Corbyn, with her US counterpart President Ron Reagan, … by using totally fictional characters in their places and set my political sci-fi novella in 30,050 AD, which takes place within the Andromedan Galaxy and Gaian Galaxy, and an Orion system spill-over.
How did you develop Margaretta Du Plessis, the outspoken prime minister at the center of so many political clashes?
I developed Du Plessis from Margaret Thatcher, our UK Prime Minister, and gave her a gay brother due to my own background.
What advice would you offer writers who want to combine speculative worldbuilding with political satire?
The current state of our global stuff, mixed within a setting in 30,050 AD, within our vast, far-distant cosmic allies, and tossed in those troublemakers or enemies, etc.
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As political tensions ignite between the Gaian and Andromedan empires, a brutal chain of events unfolds: a near-fatal assassination in the Arctic colonies, covert retaliation missions, and high-stakes trials that shake entire star systems. Meanwhile, deep in space, dangerous experiments near a black hole uncover secrets that could alter the balance of power forever.
With justice blurred, loyalties fractured, and enemies hiding across galaxies, one question looms—can order survive when the past refuses to stay buried?
The Fall
Nicole Gregory’s The Fall is a raw and unsettling work of psychological literary fiction that takes readers inside the mind of Sebastian Holt, a man caught in the relentless grip of opioid addiction. Set over the course of a single night, this experimental short story explores the physical torment of withdrawal, the psychological damage of childhood trauma, and the crushing weight of shame. Sebastian’s world has narrowed to a desperate search for his next fix, with every thought and interaction filtered through his deteriorating mental state. As part of the Holt Universe, the story offers a revealing look at Sebastian before recovery, while also standing on its own as a piece of dark literary fiction. Gregory establishes an atmosphere of desperation almost immediately, pulling readers into a consciousness where memories, hallucinations, and present-day experiences constantly collide.
Gregory uses fragmented sentences, repetition, abrupt transitions, and a stream-of-consciousness approach to capture Sebastian’s increasingly unstable thoughts. His physical pain becomes almost tangible as certain phrases return throughout the story, mimicking the obsessive cycles of addiction and withdrawal. The writing creates a claustrophobic experience, making even ordinary interactions feel threatening or overwhelming. Sebastian’s hallucinations are particularly effective, gradually blurring the boundaries between what he’s experiencing and what his mind is manufacturing. These moments give the psychological fiction elements an almost horror-like intensity. The pacing is equally deliberate, with brief chapters and sharp shifts in thought reflecting Sebastian’s inability to maintain control over his own perceptions. Gregory’s prose is visceral and emotionally charged, immersing readers in a perspective shaped by fear, physical suffering, and years of unresolved trauma.
Sebastian himself is a complicated and often uncomfortable character to follow. His thoughts about other people can be cruel, degrading, and selfish, yet his internal narration also reveals profound loneliness, guilt, and self-loathing. His relationship with Rebecca exposes the destructive dynamics that can emerge when two people are struggling with addiction, especially when their circumstances leave them vulnerable to exploitation. Meanwhile, memories of Sebastian’s family, particularly his brother Damien and their violent childhood, add important emotional depth. These glimpses into his past reveal how deeply fear and shame have influenced his sense of identity. One of the story’s most compelling themes is Sebastian’s belief that he’s a coward, a conviction that colors his memories and shapes his behavior. Gregory connects childhood trauma with present-day addiction through recurring images, sounds, and sensations, allowing readers to experience how the past continues to intrude on Sebastian’s life. There’s an especially painful contrast between the person he believes himself to be and the moments when his capacity for empathy briefly surfaces.
The Fall is an intense exploration of addiction, trauma, and the fragile relationship between memory and identity. Its combination of psychological realism and experimental literary fiction makes it a particularly immersive reading experience, even as its subject matter grows increasingly distressing. Gregory approaches addiction through the lived sensations of someone experiencing it, emphasizing the exhaustion, desperation, distorted thinking, and emotional isolation that accompany the disease. The story also confronts sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and the lasting consequences of abuse, making its content warnings worth taking seriously. What stayed with me most was the way Sebastian’s internal voice shifts between anger, denial, fear, and fleeting moments of clarity. Those contradictions give his character a deeply human complexity and make his struggles difficult to dismiss. Readers who appreciate dark psychological fiction, character-driven literary fiction, and emotionally demanding stories about addiction will find plenty to examine here. The Fall is a haunting portrait of a man consumed by his circumstances, with a narrative voice that lingers long after the final page.
Pages: 53 | ASIN : B0HBJGGNX5
Around the World With a Spare Pair of Jeans: My Adventures Along the Hippie Trail and Beyond
Jean Ramer’s Around the World With a Spare Pair of Jeans is an engaging travel memoir that transports readers to 1975, when international travel required considerable patience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. A young British schoolteacher eager for adventure, Ramer leaves England with her travelling companion, Nicola, intending to reach Australia by following the legendary Hippie Trail through Europe and Asia. Their ambitious journey takes them through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Thailand, introducing them to unfamiliar cultures, remarkable landscapes, and a seemingly endless assortment of logistical complications. Travelling on a limited budget, they rely on local transportation, inexpensive accommodations, and the kindness of strangers. Ramer recounts these experiences with warmth, candour, and an appealing sense of humour, capturing the excitement of exploring unfamiliar territory during a period when independent travel demanded considerable flexibility. Her memoir also offers a fascinating glimpse of countries and communities as they existed more than fifty years ago.
Ramer has the ability to transform ordinary travel frustrations into entertaining stories. Missed connections, overcrowded trains, questionable accommodations, language barriers, and bewildering bureaucratic procedures become opportunities for amusing observations and unexpected encounters. Her descriptive writing brings these experiences to life, whether she’s navigating chaotic city streets, exploring magnificent historical sites, or coping with the unpredictable realities of budget travel. Ramer has a particularly enjoyable way of acknowledging her own mistakes, often recognizing the absurdity of a situation only after she has become thoroughly entangled in it. Her recurring reminders to remain adaptable, including the wonderfully succinct “Lesson #2: Remember Lesson #1,” establish a playful thread throughout the narrative. The conversational style makes readers feel as though they’re listening to a seasoned traveller sharing memorable stories over coffee, complete with entertaining digressions, occasional exasperation, and genuine delight at her discoveries.
Beyond its entertaining anecdotes, the memoir provides a revealing portrait of everyday life along the Hippie Trail during the mid-1970s. Ramer pays close attention to local customs, transportation systems, marketplaces, food, architecture, and the economic circumstances of the people she encounters. Her observations are particularly compelling in Afghanistan and Iran, where her descriptions preserve impressions of societies on the verge of profound historical changes. Equally memorable are the relationships she develops with fellow travellers and local residents, whose generosity, curiosity, and companionship frequently shape her experiences. The narrative also conveys the distinctive challenges of travelling as a young woman, including unwanted attention, concerns about personal safety, and the need to exercise judgment in unfamiliar situations. These experiences are presented through the perspective of a woman learning to navigate cultural differences while developing confidence in her own decisions. The book’s chronological, destination-by-destination structure gives readers an intimate sense of the journey’s changing pace, with practical details reinforcing the realities of extended travel on a shoestring budget.
What makes Around the World With a Spare Pair of Jeans particularly appealing is its combination of personal recollection, historical atmosphere, and infectious enthusiasm for discovery. Ramer writes with an appreciation for both extraordinary sights and fleeting human interactions, recognizing that an unexpected conversation or small act of generosity can become as memorable as a celebrated landmark. Her reflections also reveal how travel encourages independence, resilience, and a growing awareness of the many ways people live. As she observes, “I loved the unpredictability of it,” a sentiment that captures the spirit running throughout her adventures. Readers interested in travel memoirs, cultural history, and the experiences of independent travellers before the digital age will find much to enjoy in this lively account. With its colourful characters, vivid settings, and personable narration, Ramer’s memoir preserves the pleasures and challenges of an adventurous era while celebrating the curiosity and determination that inspire people to explore the wider world.
Pages: 162 | ISBN : 978-1038351449
Serenity Farm: A Safe Haven Novel
Elizabeth Stiles’ Serenity Farm, the second novel in her Safe Haven series, is a moving story of compassion, healing, and the extraordinary connections between humans and animals. Set on a picturesque 300-acre farm sanctuary in Michigan, the novel introduces readers to a community dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. At the heart of the story is Brie Russo, a twenty-three-year-old aspiring animal rights attorney whose arrival at Serenity Farm begins to change the lives of those around her. Brie possesses an unusual ability to connect with animals, a gift that introduces an element of mystery and wonder into the narrative. Through her experiences, Stiles explores the emotional wounds carried by both animals and people, creating a story that blends contemporary fiction, romance, and subtle supernatural elements with a deeply felt commitment to animal welfare.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its cast of characters, each of whom brings a distinct emotional history to the sanctuary. Owen, the aging farmer who established Serenity Farm with his wife, Lillian, has grown weary from witnessing humanity’s cruelty. As the novel opens, “Owen couldn’t remember the last time getting out of bed felt worth the trouble.” His struggles establish an emotional foundation that makes his developing friendship with Brie particularly affecting. Lillian provides warmth, wisdom, and steady leadership, while Jack Chase, the sanctuary’s veterinarian, is a compelling figure whose troubled past influences his relationships and his sense of self-worth. Jack’s evolving connection with Brie gives the novel much of its romantic tension, developing through disagreements, shared responsibilities, and moments of vulnerability. Stiles allows these relationships to unfold alongside the daily rhythms of sanctuary life, giving the characters opportunities to reveal themselves through their actions as well as their conversations.
The sanctuary itself is an essential part of the storytelling. Stiles describes its barns, gardens, pastures, and animal residents with an attention to detail that creates a vivid sense of place. The animals have individual personalities, histories, and needs, making their experiences meaningful parts of the narrative. Veterinary procedures, rescue operations, rehabilitation efforts, and the practical demands of running a sanctuary contribute authenticity to the setting. Some of the most memorable scenes involve quiet interactions between the animals and their caregivers, demonstrating how trust can be restored through patience and kindness. Stiles also incorporates difficult realities surrounding animal exploitation and neglect, giving the novel a strong ethical dimension. Her descriptions can be emotionally challenging, but they serve the story’s compassionate perspective and reinforce the importance of the sanctuary’s work. The recurring idea that “Some wounds run deep. Love heals” captures the spirit of a novel concerned with recovery, resilience, and the courage to care.
Throughout Serenity Farm, Stiles balances tender moments, humor, romantic developments, and emotionally intense situations. The alternating character perspectives allow readers to understand the personal struggles and motivations of the people who call the sanctuary home, while Brie’s mysterious abilities add intrigue to the unfolding story. The novel’s measured attention to relationships and everyday experiences encourages readers to become invested in the community and its inhabitants. Beneath its engaging narrative lies a thoughtful examination of forgiveness, responsibility, grief, and the transformative possibilities of empathy. Stiles writes with evident affection for animals and respect for the people who devote their lives to protecting them. Serenity Farm is a heartfelt and absorbing novel that will especially appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven fiction, emotionally layered romance, animal rescue stories, and narratives in which kindness becomes a powerful catalyst for personal change.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0HGZJBTYL
The Benefits of Self-Reflection
Good Nature follows a 14-year-old farm boy who is determined to prove he is ready to be a cowboy and finds himself in a world of unexpected friendships, dangerous conflicts, and difficult moral choices. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always loved the old Gene Autry and Roy Rogers singing cowboy movies. I wondered what would happen if you took that kind of simple narrative structure and plot devices – boy leaves farm, cattle thieves, murder, and a gangster-like dirty businessman – and treated the story seriously as a ‘real-life’ scenario.
How did you develop Little’s personality, particularly his combination of confidence, inexperience, curiosity, and occasional unexpected wisdom?
One of the things that happened to me around middle age was a very clear understanding of who I had been as a child, accompanied by an empathy for the younger me. At 14 I was intellectually precocious, morally ambiguous, and emotionally very much a child. I used Little to explore the way in which I navigated those characteristics and emerged, not unscathed but OK.
What inspired the title Good Nature, and how does it reflect the personalities, relationships, and moral questions explored throughout the story?
Much of today’s Western realism is stylized cynicism. Many cowboys may have been ‘hard men’ or lived the ‘red tooth and claw’ of nature. But they also laughed, and loved, and had to work through the daily moral and ethical problems that we all work through. The same goes for Native Americans of the time. In short, everyone was a person then as we are now. I wanted to shine a light, without being preachy, on the benefits of self-reflection, self-discipline, responsibility, humility, and love. Those characteristics are often thought of as weakness, but a ‘good nature’ is a strength.
When readers finish Good Nature, what is the most important message you hope stays with them about growing up, doing what’s right, and becoming the kind of person others can depend on?
I hope more than anything that an affection for the characters stays with every reader, and that as a result, readers reflect back on the experiences of Little, Adam, Sam, and Ivy from time to time as instructive in their own lives. I think the best fiction becomes ‘alive’ in that way.
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After joining good-natured rancher Ule Anderson and his Shoshone wife, Lydia, Little is drawn into a deadly scheme involving powerful cattleman Robert Fulbright. With Ule and Lydia gone, their young son Sam and infant daughter are left with nothing-and Little refuses to walk away.
Joined by sharp-tongued Ivy, thoughtful Sam, and an unlikely Crow companion named Adam, Little sets out to find justice without becoming the kind of man he is fighting.
Filled with frontier danger, unforgettable characters, and warm humor, this coming-of-age Western is a story about friendship, family, and learning that growing up is harder than simply leaving home.
Gift yourself this ‘touch grass’ moment … [Thomas’s] earthy writing is an antidote to our digital times
A fun, often funny, coming of age, generational passing of the torch story as relevant today as in 1880 … Thomas writes about animals and nature with a horseman’s familiarity and a poet’s empathy …
A ‘good natured’ ode to the Western adventure tradition with the twists of a thriller …
Our Greatest Potential
The Orchard follows a resourceful orphaned girl whose unlikely bond with an elderly gnome transforms a neglected orchard into a haven of faith, love, second chances, and chosen family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always enjoyed reading coming-of-age stories, and the inspiration they provide as one navigates the passage of time, no matter if that is being a teenager, a harried thirty-year-old, or approaching seventy. Growing up in a rural area, I have spent hours working in the family orchard. Farm work teaches life lessons that carry with one for years. The gnome was based on a dear gentleman that I had an acquaintance with and his character was an inspiration.
Theodore begins as Elsie’s protector and teacher, but their relationship changes over time. What did you want their evolving bond to reveal about family?
The bond between Elsie and Theodore changes to illustrate that caring grows as we spend time with people. Family often doesn’t mean those with whom we share blood ties. Elsie and Theodore develop a mutual dependence, instead of a one-sided relationship where Theodore is the caregiver. He comes to realize his life is richer by sharing it with others. His own fears due to his being different from others held him back for most of his life. Our greatest potential is awakened not when we know we can’t fail, but when we know we are loved no matter what the outcome is.
Elsie is remarkably independent and practical from a young age. How did you balance her childhood vulnerability with her determination and growing sense of responsibility?
Adversity acts as a motivating factor in Elsie’s life. Her early years were unsettled, and when Theodore begins to show her that she has potential for a different life, she grabs it with resolve. As her own life begins to bloom, she is determined to help those around her find their potential. Elsie understands that education, in its many forms, holds the key to overcoming present circumstances.
The orchard’s restoration parallels Elsie’s personal growth and the household’s expansion. How did you develop this setting as a symbol of renewal and belonging?
In parts of the world, there are four very distinct seasons. In the spring, I look forward to new growth on trees and flowers; I watch it through the summer, tending to the needs of the vegetation; in fall comes the harvest and the glorious colors; many people think all is dormant in the winter, but there is maintenance to that plant. Our lives have seasons, both mini-seasons and expanses of years that parallel nature.
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Mathematical Strategies to Winning Short-Term Play Video Poker
Michael Stelzer’s Mathematical Strategies to Winning Short-Term Play Video Poker takes a fascinating look at the mathematics behind one of the casino’s most popular games. With an emphasis on playing sessions lasting between one and eight hours, Stelzer explores how probability, strategy, and thoughtful decision-making can influence a player’s experience. His approach combines mathematical analysis with practical advice, giving readers a deeper understanding of what happens every time they press the deal button. The book begins with a brief history of gambling and poker before introducing the mathematical principles that drive the game. Stelzer explains combinations, probabilities, and the likelihood of receiving particular hands in a way that establishes a foundation for the more detailed discussions that follow. His enthusiasm for the subject comes through clearly, especially in his determination to turn complicated calculations into information that players can put to use.
The heart of the book examines the decisions players face after receiving their initial five cards. Stelzer breaks down the possibilities for improving pairs, three-of-a-kind hands, straights, flushes, and other combinations. He also explores situations where a seemingly unpromising hand still offers opportunities for a favorable draw. One of the book’s most interesting features is its detailed examination of which cards to hold and which to discard. Through worked examples, formulas, and extensive tables, readers can see how different decisions affect their chances of improving a hand. The discussion of drawing possibilities is particularly useful because it encourages players to consider several potential outcomes before making a choice. Stelzer’s explanations reward careful reading, and the numerical examples give the material a practical purpose. Readers who enjoy examining the reasoning behind a strategy will find plenty to explore.
Another engaging aspect of Mathematical Strategies to Winning Short-Term Play Video Poker is its comparison of different video poker variations. Stelzer examines six games, including Jacks or Better, Tens or Better, Aces and Faces, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, and ACE$. He explains how differences in qualifying hands, bonus payouts, and pay tables affect the mathematical expectations associated with each game. The book also considers special features such as Reversible Royals and how these bonuses influence potential returns. Particularly interesting is the attention given to short playing sessions, where the frequency of rare, high-paying hands can have a substantial effect on the results. The numerous tables provide a useful reference for readers who want to compare games or study particular situations. Stelzer also invites readers to test their own playing strategies, adding an element of personal investigation to the experience. His methodical presentation makes the book feel like a combination of instructional guide and mathematical workbook.
What makes this book especially appealing is Stelzer’s interest in helping players understand the relationship between skill, chance, and financial expectations. His discussion of casino advantages, bankroll management, and the independence of individual hands provides important context for the strategies he presents. He also acknowledges the unpredictable nature of short-term results, reminding readers that mathematical expectations don’t guarantee what will happen during any particular session. The book’s technical depth makes it particularly rewarding for readers who enjoy numbers, probability puzzles, and detailed comparisons. I’d recommend it most to video poker enthusiasts who already know the basics and want to develop a more analytical approach to playing. It will also appeal to mathematically curious readers who enjoy discovering how probability applies to everyday decisions. For someone who likes to understand why a particular move makes sense, Stelzer offers an extensive collection of calculations, examples, and strategies worth studying. It’s a thoughtful resource for anyone interested in exploring the mathematics behind video poker and making more informed decisions at the machine.
Pages: 142 | ASIN: B0GYMN42LC
The Ephemeral Nature of Life
The Sorrows of Gathering follows a gifted architect accused of murder and the childhood friend determined to defend him as they confront buried grief, prejudice, and the power of love and compassion. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird played a seminal role growing up. I knew I wanted to write about what seemed to be the last major prejudice — homophobia — as well as its relationship to misogyny. When I discovered surprisingly, that Massachusetts had, back in 1982, reinstated the death penalty, and, of course, the AIDS crisis was beginning shortly thereafter, I found the context for my story. The politics of the Reagan Era also resonated resoundingly in our contemporary world.
Nolan is a deeply compassionate man who has endured profound loss. How did you approach portraying the ways grief reshapes his understanding of love and connection?
Like so many, I’ve endured great loss in my life; it’s inevitable. And, if such loss doesn’t destroy you, it makes you far more sensitive to and appreciative of the ephemeral nature of life as well as its many blessings. One aspect of the novel people haven’t yet picked up on is that I subvert the standard tropes of a mystery and murder trial. Firstly, the body discovered at the opening is a hanging — not a murder. And secondly, Nolan is charged with murder, but there is no body. I have a very low threshold, even with cozy English mysteries, for the body count piling up. Life is too damn precious, and we should never become inured to death.
The novel moves between World War II and the early 1980s. How did you decide which moments from the past would most meaningfully illuminate the present?
The World War II period also involves the Renaissance, in the person of Leonardo. I’m fascinated by how what seems out of date speaks to the present. In a sense, art is the true Time Machine, and novels can transport us to another place and time, one where we can achieve greater understanding and, hopefully, compassion for the present. The Renaissance, as I mention in the novel, is the world throwing off the shackles of the Catholic Church and Feudalism; it’s the segue to the modern, supposedly enlightened, world. And we’re talking about similar controlling, dogmatic, destructive mindsets whether we’re talking about the fascism of Hitler or the prejudice of racism, sexism, and homophobia.
Architecture, theater, music, and philosophy all contribute to the novel’s rich texture. How did these disciplines influence your storytelling and the emotional lives of your characters?
My career as a theater director (and professor) has necessitated my being a polymath, a Renaissance man, and every day continue to build upon my liberal arts education. Except for rap and pop music, I’m pretty good at Jeopardy. I don’t go down the rabbit hole and have a siloed discipline or vision. My art, my creation, is that of a humanist who believes it is the humanities that help us discover and cultivate our empathy for others.
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Set against the backdrop of the Reagan-Era, the novel investigates the twenty-two-month window when Massachusetts reinstated the death penalty and the nation began to face the specter of the AIDS crisis. As the case unfolds, the novel transforms into a lens for a sweeping saga that shows how the present is composed of the layered remains of past bodies and stories.
Combining the sensibilities of literary fiction and the high stakes of a courtroom drama, the novel acts as a profound excavation of historical and emotional memory.
It is a journey exposing how the prejudices of the past pollute the justice of the present, how public panic and institution discrimination bleed into the trial and affect the very personal and heart-rending odyssey of our characters.
