Author Archives: Literary-Titan
Mental Gymnastics
Posted by Literary-Titan

Dig Two Graves follows a man recently released from prison, armed only with a Bible, rage, and an unresolved history, as he attempts to reclaim his place in the world and regain his respect. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two primary inspirations, which I discuss in the Afterword: the Egyptian novelist (and 1988 Nobel Prize winner) Naguib Mahfouz’s short novel from 1961, The Thief and the Dogs, which is set in the aftermath of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, and living in Southwest Florida, which has undergone its own climatic, cultural, and political upheavals in recent years.
When creating Von Martin, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
Since I was following the plot of The Thief and the Dogs pretty closely, I knew WHAT Von was going to do at every turn. What grew organically, and what interested me enough to actually write the novel in the first place, was that it seemed I knew WHY he would be doing these things, the mental gymnastics he would go through to make each terrible decision seem like the correct one to him. Von’s internal narrative, his voice, carried me through to the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The idea of respect, as opposed to revenge, is huge, obviously. Is respect something you must earn from the people in your life? Or is genuine self-respect a prerequisite?
I’m also fascinated by how I, and many of us, take actions that we are 100% convinced are correct, or righteous, or just, or good, but then these actions have terrible consequences for those around us, and for ourselves. We are often our own worst enemies, and Von is an extreme example of that.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
The next book is a dark fantasy titled This Accursèd Blade. It’s the story of a cursed sword, from the sword’s point of view, and is also centered around a strong revenge plot: Illyria is a young woman whose soul has been trapped in this sword, and she is determined to work her way back to the sorcerer who put her there to exact her vengeance. I’m presently editing the manuscript, and hope to have it out by the end of the year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Amazon
Von Martin walks out of prison with nothing—no job, no home, no real plan. His ex-wife has moved on with his former best friend. His daughter doesn’t recognize him. His old boss pretends he doesn’t exist.
Everyone tells him to play it safe. Keep his head down. Stay clean. Rebuild.
But Von knows respect isn’t something you get by asking politely.
What starts as a quest to salvage his dignity quickly spirals into a blood-soaked reckoning through the sultry heat and septic underbelly of Southwest Florida. Brutally funny, cynically violent, blisteringly sunburnt, this is the story of a man fighting to reclaim his place in a world that has long since left him behind.
You probably shouldn’t root for Von Martin.
But you just might anyway.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: action, adventure, Andrew Hallman, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Crime Action & Adventure, Dig Two Graves, ebook, fiction, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, Mystery Action & Adventure, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, story, suspense, thriller, Thriller & Suspense Action Fiction, writer, writing
I Am Enough
Posted by Literary-Titan

The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed follows Fred and his three dust bunny companions whose lives get turned upside down when an eight-year-old child moves into the bed above them, and turns their peaceful home into a war zone. Sometimes, the only solution is… cookies and conversation. What was the inspiration for your story?
I always wanted to know what the monster was thinking and feeling in all those monster under the bed stories. So, the opportunity to share a story from the monster’s perspective fascinated me, because this connects to my core mission of showing children they can handle life’s challenges when someone believes in them, because even Fred and his dust bunnies need that support and encouragement too.
Fred was inspired by my son’s purple monster puppet that he never played with. I always called him Fred, and whenever I walked by, I’d say, “Someday, I’m going to write a story about you, Fred.”
For the dust bunnies, I had my illustrator render them in a tangled-scribble style because I felt it represents how they’d actually look best.
I loved the original idea behind the dust bunnies being the ones afraid of a human, and their distinct personalities. What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
Whenever I create characters, I research best-fit names, colors, quirks, fears, dreams, likes, and dislikes.
Fred – I thought, what’s the least scary-sounding name? His color purple isn’t threatening either. Plus, he’s tall and lanky, loves a peaceful home, and focuses on keeping his dust bunnies safe—because to him, they’re his family.
The Dust Bunnies – Brutus Bunfluff, big and brave; Gunnar Puffbutz, a regular scaredy-cat; and Dust Puff Ted, who’s terrified of germs.
I thought having three dust bunnies would be perfect. Starting with their names, I looked up strong names that I don’t see or hear often. That’s how I decided on Brutus and Gunnar.
Brutus Bunfluff – Alliteration is the easiest way to convey character traits of big and brave, and the combination of Bun and fluff made me laugh. I also had the illustrator show Brutus with visible abs, which adds to his confident personality.
Gunnar Puffbutz – The opposite of big and brave is a scaredy-cat. But how to show a scaredy-cat without directly telling readers? (Cue the light bulb turning on overhead) Oversized glasses, the character always fidgets with, became his signature trait.
Dust Puff Ted – As I tried in vain to find pictures online of dust bunnies to inspire me, I looked up what they’re made from. An image of a guy cleaning in oversized yellow gloves kept reappearing in search results.
Those yellow gloves made me think of the character “Ted” from the TV show How I Met Your Mother, and how Ted was a neat freak. Having a dust bunny as a neat freak wearing bright yellow gloves cracked me up to no end, so his name naturally became Ted.
However, Dust Ted wasn’t strong enough as a name. Since bunnies have puffy tails, Dust Puff Ted rolled out of my head and off my tongue perfectly.
Character Illustrations – The illustrator’s first two attempts to render the dust bunnies made them feel flat and two-dimensional. That’s where I came up with the idea to have the illustrator retain their shapes but use different, darker colors inside them. This made all of them pop.
That’s how the dust bunnies got their colors: Brutus is charcoal black, Gunnar is dark grey, and Dust Puff Ted is midnight blue—a perfect contrast to his signature bright yellow gloves.
Then the illustrator did something on their own and added stray strands of twirly hair coming away from the bodies. These details show they’re dust bunnies without needing to state it explicitly. And that’s how all the dust bunnies came to be.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Dedication to Readers – In all of my books, the first dedication is always to the reader, where I encourage them to look in the mirror and say aloud, “I am enough.”
Children and adults don’t hear these three words often enough. Worse, sometimes all they’re ever told is the exact opposite.
For the person who needs to read, see, hear, say, and think those words most, it can make all the difference. When a person’s view and self-worth shift for the better, our world becomes better, too. One person might not be able to change the world, but one person can change another person’s life—and that mantra “I am enough” can help make the world a better place, one reader at a time.
Understanding Through Different Perspectives – Everyone’s different, yet everyone wants to be understood and accepted for who they are. Sometimes, context, greater understanding, and communication can help us come together and get along in shared spaces—like our homes, schools, workplaces, and everywhere else.
Perspective-Taking and Problem-Solving – The book teaches children that situations look different depending on your viewpoint—what seems scary from one angle might be completely understandable from another.
It also shows that problems are solvable when approached with patience, communication, and compromise rather than conflict.
Billy and the dust bunnies find common ground through honest conversation, demonstrating that we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always choose how we respond.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
The upcoming books include:
Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi
Pip’s Epic Treasure Hunt
Bella Brown—Dragonfly-Dragonfly-Dragonfly
Bella Brown—Pip’s Perfect Purple Present
Bella Brown’s Ten-Moon Mysteries
Bella Brown’s Baking Bedlam
Bella Brown’s Candy Cane Curfuffle
Bella Brown’s Turkey Trot Tizzy
Bella Brown’s Book of ABC’s
Each book maintains the core “I am enough” message while exploring different challenges—from everyday adventures to epic fantasy quests.
I wrote twelve picture books for children ages four to eight in eleven months. All of which have been edit-reviewed by a professional children’s book editor, and four of these books are currently available online.
The remaining eight books are in various stages of the illustration pipeline. Since illustration and book cover design take approximately four months per book, I’m releasing new titles as they’re completed.
All the books take place in the same universe, with Pip the Domovoi—a Slavic house spirit—appearing across multiple stories, as well as in the background of random illustrations in all of my picture books, so readers know they’re reading one of my books.
So, Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi is currently queued with the illustrator and should be available by spring 2026.
Followed by Pip’s Epic Treasure Hunt, which represents a major expansion, introducing original domovoi folklore with nine distinct magical clans and domovoi children—an expansion beyond traditional Slavic mythology—and five Slavic mystical messengers working together on an epic quest to find five Slavic magical items before the immortal Sinti can, who’s always up to no good.
Because I do author visits, I’ve also developed 48 free lesson plans (24 comprehensive and 24 single-topic focused) for educators, covering grades Pre-K through fourth grade, available on my website for The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed and the first three Bella Brown books.
Each new release includes additional lesson plans, too. This ensures these stories serve both entertainment and educational goals for families, homeschoolers, and classroom educators alike.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Fred has lived peacefully under the bed for years with Brutus Bunfluff (the brave one), Gunnar Puffbutz (the scaredy-cat), and Dust Puff Ted (the neat freak). But when a boy named Billy takes over the bedroom, their cozy world is turned upside down with thunderous footsteps, bouncing bedsprings, and falling puzzle pieces.
In this delightfully twisted tale, discover what REALLY happens beneath the bed when monsters must face their greatest fear—children. Can Fred and his dusty crew make peace with the beast above, or will Billy’s messy habits drive them to declare war?
A heartwarming story about friendship, understanding, and the discovery that sometimes… monsters aren’t always monsters after all.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's Bedtime & Dream, Children's eBooks on Maturing, Children's Sociology Books, childrens books, ebook, goodreads, indie author, J.W. Zarek, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, story, The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed, writer, writing
Genuine Vulnerability
Posted by Literary-Titan
If I Had One Wish: I’d Wish That You Were Here centers around a lonely snowman who makes a simple wish to spend time with his friends and learns an important lesson about missing loved ones. What inspired you to write this book?
The inspiration for If I Had One Wish truly came from observing the universal experience of missing someone. I noticed how children, in particular, can grapple with feelings of loneliness and the ache of absence when a friend or loved one isn’t around. I wanted to create a story that acknowledged these feelings in a gentle and comforting way. The idea of a snowman, so inherently temporary and perhaps prone to a certain solitude, seemed like a perfect vessel to explore this theme. Wynter’s wish is relatable to anyone who has ever yearned for the company of someone special, and I hoped to show that even in their absence, those we love leave an indelible mark on our hearts.
Wynter is a charming character. Where did the inspiration for his traits and dialogue come from?
Wynter’s charm really stems from his earnestness and his simple, pure desire for connection. I envisioned him as someone who is kind and thoughtful, but perhaps a little shy or hesitant as he navigates his loneliness. His dialogue was crafted to reflect this – direct, heartfelt, and unpretentious. I thought about the way children often express their emotions very openly, and I wanted Wynter to embody that genuine vulnerability. His interactions with the bunnies and cardinals are meant to be sweet and a little whimsical, reflecting the joy that can be found in unexpected friendships, even as he holds onto the memory of his dear friend.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea I wanted to share is that the love and memories we have for those we’ve lost never truly disappear. While Wynter’s wish for physical companionship is understandable, the real magic happens when he discovers that his friend is always with him in his heart. I wanted to convey that it’s okay to miss people deeply, and that these feelings are a testament to the love we shared. Ultimately, the book aims to offer a comforting message to children who are experiencing loss, assuring them that they are not alone in their grief and that the bonds of love endure, even when someone is no longer physically present.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
My next title, already in the works, is a Christmas rhyming poetry book for toddlers filled with bright, cheerful artwork. I have also just published a Halloween book for children, ages three through twelve, about a scaredy-cat named Boo! A delightful book, written in verse, that offers a little lesson in bravery and compassion. Of my children’s poetry books to date, Boo, the Scaredy-Cat’s Spooky Night is both my favorite and, I believe, my finest work.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: August E. Allen, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's Books on Death & Dying, Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings, Children's Holiday Books, childrens books, ebook, goodreads, If I Had One Wish: I'd Wish That You Were Here, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, story, writer, writing
Defenseless Sea Life
Posted by Literary-Titan

The Tralls of Colum follows two siblings from the Tralldom of Colum, who face challenges tied to environmental changes, friendship, courage, and discovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was a primary school teacher for many years, and on rainy days, I’d tell my class stories of the tralls and their battles to protect their environment.
I noticed that after a storytelling session, my young audience would become more conscious of their effect on the surroundings and more interested in the local flora and fauna.
So, when I retired from teaching, I decided to publish the stories in the hope of reaching a wider audience
and making more children aware of the ways they could protect their own environments.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
The Tralls of Colum was written for two of my grandchildren, and the main characters Jai and Emi were fashioned on them. They are often complimented on their co-operation, resourcefulness, perseverance, and tolerance, and I wanted to focus on those characteristics in the hope they would resonate with, and influence, my young readers.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I live near the coast, so I often see the deleterious effect that plastic waste is having on our beautiful oceans and our defenseless sea life. I wrote The Tralls of Colum to highlight those problems and make our younger citizens aware of the problems that we will face in the future if we don’t act to rid all our waterways of this dangerous material.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The Trall Series consists of five published books, and each one revolves around a different environmental problem.
The Tralls of Nindarry – displacement of people due to mining.
The Tralls of Mundi – watercourses, aquifers, lakes, and rivers being diverted or polluted due to mining.
The Tralls of Maruchus – the dangerous effects of fracking on the environment.
The Tralls of Colum – the danger our oceans and sea-life face due to plastic waste.
The Tralls of Nosa – the danger faced by native flora and fauna when invasive species are introduced.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Emi overhears her grandfather and two of his chars making plans for them to leave their ancestral lands she is devastated but the next morning a huge island of fresh green kelp and thousands of plump jellyfish miraculously appear off-shore, and she quickly realizes this precious gift from Mother Ocean will change everything.
Emi and Jai are determined to collect as much of the unexpected bounty as they can before the sea creatures devour it all but unfortunately, their dugout is overturned by a mysterious creature. Emi is almost drowned and Jai is lost at sea, and sadly, their exploits were in vain because the kelp and jellyfish are not what they seem. They are an unknown substance that is inedible and very dangerous for all living things.
Eventually, the tralls are forced to leave their beloved tralldom and begin their trek south in search of a new home.
Could this signal the end of the Tralldom of Colum?
The Tralls of Colum is the fourth book in The Trall Series – a collection of environmentally-themed portal fantasies that are set in the Sunshine Coast region of Australia. Each book in the series can be read individually but when read in sequence, they introduce the reader to an enchanting world full of unforgettable characters and locations..
The series is suitable for competent middle-grade readers.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's books, Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy, ebook, fantasy, fantasy for children, fiction, Gayle Torrens, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, series, story, Sword & Sorcery Fantasy, The Tralls of Colum, writer, writing
Reputation Is Paramount
Posted by Literary-Titan

Gods of Glenhaven follows a middle-aged couple and their teen daughter trying to navigate a failing marriage and broken family dynamic in a talkative small town. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I love suburbia for many reasons. What fascinates me most about it is that it seems like the goal is to eliminate as many of the hardships and vicissitudes of life as possible. In the suburbs, you try to capture and keep the good things, while either ignoring or reframing the bad things you can’t manage to avoid. And reputation is paramount — you don’t want to become known as anything other than an upstanding person who loves their job, their children, and their community.
Do you have a favorite scene in this story? One that was especially enjoyable to craft?
I especially enjoyed writing the scene in the Home Depot, which takes place the morning after the Rites of Initiation at the high school. There are seventy naked people slumbering amidst the lumber and wheelbarrows, and a stunned police sergeant has to sort it all out.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The value of the social contract is the big theme. This is why I needed Gods (who don’t play by the rules) and the potential for humans to have unusual power, which might encourage them to break the terms of the social contract.
Can fans expect to see more releases from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I like to write short comedy pieces — my work has been published in McSweeney’s, Points in Case, Weekly Humorist, and other magazines. I’m doing a lot of that kind of writing while also beginning work on a second novel, entitled Little Dan.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Greek gods sweep into the quaint suburban town of Glenhaven to untangle their messy love lives, the helpless mortals don’t stand a chance.
Christian Orr, struggling with work and erectile dysfunction after discovering his wife’s infidelity, has just moved into what his daughter Francesca calls the Divorced Dads Apartment Complex. His high-powered attorney ex, Sloan, is jaded and restless, leaving precocious Francesca caught in the crosscurrents of change.
Enter Dionysus-“Dee”-the god of wine, sex, and questionable decisions, who shows up searching for his estranged wife Ari and their teenage son Maron. After three thousand years of Dee’s antics, Ari has had enough. She’s struck a deal with Zeus to start fresh-as a mortal suburban mom. And what’s more normal than falling for a regular guy like Christian? If only Dee would stop tearing through Glenhaven in his quest to win her back.
Drunk on Dee’s wine, the residents of Glenhaven form chanting covens in the woods, participate in ecstatic rituals, and experience divine revelations-all while Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” loops faintly in the background of their lives.
Gods of Glenhaven is a hilarious, poignant, and confronting novel about the universal fears and follies of the human condition, and the joy and freedom we can experience by letting go.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, dark humor, ebook, fiction, Gods of Glenhaven, goodreads, Greco-Roman Myth & Legend Fantasy, humor, indie author, kindle, kobo, legend, literature, myth, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, Stephen Statler, story, writer, writing
Self-Deprecating Humor
Posted by Literary-Titan

Spelled in Ink centers around a gifted but snarky mage on a supernatural heist that suddenly goes wrong. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Plenty of inspirations for my novels come from my travels. This one was inspired by a trip to the French chateaus of the Loire. We visited both Clos Lucé and Chenonceau, and I found them both so magical that I simply had to write about them. Da Vinci was an amazing person, and the exhibition in the chateau gave me plenty of food for thought. I always have paranormal elements in my novels, and Magical Realism is a thing for me. This one borders on urban fantasy; I simply wanted to have more magic than in my other series, the Magical Misfits Mysteries. I also wanted something faster-paced. Poor Cyn and Dan are almost constantly on the run….
Cyn is such a fantastic main character. What was your inspiration for her traits and dialogue?
I prefer characters who break the mold, that’s why she–while grounded in Europe–isn’t purely of European descent. Fortunately, my kind Indian friends made sure I didn’t introduce any bloopers when it came to the Indian part of her heritage. The voice is typical–or so I’m told. My MCs seem to suffer from self-deprecating humor, are intelligent and resourceful, and that makes for some snappy comebacks. I love writing dialogue. Apparently, it’s one of my strengths, or so I’m told.
What is the most challenging aspect of writing a mystery?
Getting the “trail of breadcrumbs,” i.e., the clues aligned so the ultimate conclusion is not only logical, but the reader also has a chance of working it out for themselves. Getting that right requires a lot of careful planning and mapping. Spelled is also a heist, which means I had another plotline to distract from the murder, but it still had to fit.
Can you give us a glimpse into the next book in the Da Vinci Mysteries? Where will it take readers?
The next one, Cursed out Loud, will take readers to Da Vinci’s home country and even his birthplace – Vinci in Tuscany. This book is stronger on the murder mystery aspect. To get hold of the next part of Vinci’s treatise, Cyn and Dan take part in an oldtimer rally. The winner gets the treatise. Well, that’s the theory. When a rally organizer is murdered, things go sadly pear-shaped… I’ve also been asked about the romance – yes, it develops during the series, and the next instalment makes their attraction very clear. But be warned – I’m anything but linear….
Author Links: GoodReads | Bluesky | Facebook | Website | Amazon
With the goddess Kali’s death curse hanging over her head, dark witch Cyn is running scared.
To get help, Cyn must sell her services to DAFT, a top-shelf supernatural society.
The mission is tricky—find Leonardo da Vinci’s missing formula to protect the witches’ fading psychic powers from modern hi-tech. The last thing she needs is more trouble.
Trouble is what she gets.
Mysterious ongoings at the maestro’s final residence in France throw Cyn’s assignment off track, leaving her with a murdered man, Dan the magic-hating art thief—and a pet tortoise.
Now Cyn and her new criminal sidekick Dan must solve the puzzle and flush out an invisible foe, who might or might not be an undead Da Vinci.
Of course, the killer strikes again.
And misses.
Given their clashing characters, backgrounds, and a slow-burn romance sparking between them, Cyn and Dan are a team forged in hell. But, hey, a little creative chaos can work wonders…
“Spelled in Ink”, the first book in this suspenseful series of paranormal cozy murder mystery and fantasy novels, will keep you laughing—and guessing—right to the very end. If you like witty and strong female characters as written by Janet Evanovich, Kristen Painter, Helen Harper, and Colleen Helme, this short and fast-paced novel will have you rooting for team Cyn and Dan.
And now go up and click Read Now or Buy Now to find out why it’s never a good idea to mess with watersprites!
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, ebook, fiction, goodreads, humorous fantasy, indie author, kindle, kobo, Lina Hansen, literature, mystery, nook, novel, psychic mysteries, psychic suspense, read, reader, reading, series, Spelled in Ink, story, suspense, writer, writing
Explore Life’s Adventures
Posted by Literary-Titan

Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery follows three friends living in a new part of the woods who hear a strange sound in the dark, leading them to embark on a quest to discover its source. What was the inspiration for your story?
Bunny and Fawn are based on my two rescue dogs, Lulu and Pixie. I’ve drawn from their quirks, personalities, and even some of their funny habits to shape the characters and their adventures.
This second book picks up where the first one left off. After being separated during a storm, Bunny and Fawn find each other again with the help of their new friend, Bear. They decide to stay near Bear’s home by a pond, a perfect spot since swimming is one of their favorite activities.
As for the mysterious creature they meet later in the story, I won’t spoil the surprise, but the character was inspired by Pixie’s love of burrowing into blankets and making playful noises. This new addition will return in future books as part of the continuing story.
Much like my first book, I’ve woven in themes that children can relate to, but that also resonate with readers of all ages. Diversity is a central idea, shown through different species of animals sharing the forest and learning from each other as they explore life’s adventures.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
For all my books, I intentionally include themes that are applicable to children. In Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery, several main themes include friendship, resilience, and discovery. All three themes are truly universal. Our lives are shaped by those around us. We seek guidance from those who have the experience, like Bunny in my first book, when Fawn taught her ways to be safe in the forest. Life is unpredictable, and we need to be ready for various opportunities and obstacles that come into our lives. I want readers to understand that it’s important to learn from experiences, be it good or bad, and that taking away those experiences makes us stronger. Also, specifically related to discovery, there’s so much to our world, and to simply ignore opportunities to meet someone new or experience a new adventure will only serve as a disservice.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Damien Hall?
I’ve worked with Damien on both books, and the process has been wonderful. I shared my manuscript along with a short description of what I pictured for each illustration, but I encouraged him to bring his own creativity to the art. The process usually went from sketches to final renderings, with my feedback at each stage. Many times, he suggested changes that ended up making the illustrations even better than I imagined. Collaborating with him was smooth and inspiring.
Will this story be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature is the second book in the Bunny and Fawn series. I’m currently writing the third book in the series, which will be revealed in January of next year, marking the start of the illustrations phase of the process. I have no plans to stop writing books in the Bunny and Fawn series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: adventure, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery, Children's Friendship Books, childrens animals books, Childrens beginner readers, childrens books, Damien Hall, ebook, friendship, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, Michael Lingo, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, story, writer, writing
Awe and Tenderness
Posted by Literary-Titan

Who Are We, Really? follows three inseparable tadpole friends who go on an adventure to figure out who they are meant to be and learn an important lesson in the process. What was the inspiration for your story?
As a mother, watching my little one grow, explore, and dream inspired me to write this story. One moment in particular sparked the idea for this book. I was walking with my son along a trail here in New England when we came upon a small pond filled with tadpoles. My son immediately scooped up a few into his hands. His eyes opened wide with wonder. It was the first time he had ever held tadpoles, and watching him study them so carefully, with such awe and tenderness, was pure magic. I knew then that I wanted to capture a part of that beautiful moment — to preserve the innocence, curiosity, and joy that childhood brings.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One important educational aspect I wanted to explore in this story is self-discovery. While we all grow and change, who we are goes far beyond our appearance. It is our actions, choices, and character that truly define us. Another educational aspect that I also wanted to explore is creative thinking. Children learn through play, exploration, and imagination. Imaginative play is a vital part of childhood, helping them grow, make sense of the world around them, and discover more about themselves. In Who Are We, Really, the tadpoles imagine themselves as sharks, turtles, and dragonflies. This encourages children to play with different possibilities and outcomes and explore different perspectives.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where the three friends discover they have become frogs. Joey, the most stubborn and spirited of the trio, continues to believe they are dragonflies, even though his reflection in the water reveals the truth. In that moment, I wanted to capture a simple yet powerful idea — that who we are comes from within. It isn’t our appearance that defines us, but our feelings, our choices, actions, and the kindness we carry inside.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am currently illustrating my fourth book, and I started writing my fifth. It tells the story of a bear cub trying to make friends in a forest where all the animals fear him. At its heart, it is a gentle reminder about kindness, acceptance, and seeing beyond appearances.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Who Are We, Really? is a heartwarming adventure with three tiny tadpoles―Polly, Molly, and Joey―on a BIG quest to figure out what (or who) they’re meant to be. Sharks? Turtles? Dragonflies? The sky’s the limit when you’ve got imagination!
Along the way, they meet wise creatures, swap wild ideas, and stumble onto a truth bigger than any dream: the best thing you can be….is yourself.
With vibrant, handmade watercolor collages and a story packed with heart, humor, and the power of believing in yourself, Who Are We, Really? is perfect for little dreamers ages 0–7—and anyone who’s ever dared to wonder who they might become.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: adventure, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's Frog & Toad Books, Children's Frog & Toad Fiction, childrens books, childrens literature, ebook, friendship, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, life lessons, literature, Nielle P. Marques, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, story, Who are we really?, writer, writing



