Author Archives: Literary-Titan
Guilt and Solitude
Where Despair Comes To Play follows a man consumed by the voices in his head who is convicted of murder and sentenced to prison, where the isolation drives him deep into paranoia, delusion, and dissociation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Where Despair Comes to Play came from a fascination with the fragile boundary between the mind and reality—how isolation, guilt, and fear can twist perception until the world itself becomes an echo of one’s thoughts. I wanted to explore what happens when a person is left alone with their own darkness, with no distractions, no noise—only the voices that feed on doubt and memory.
The prison setting became a metaphor for internal confinement. I wasn’t as interested in the crime itself as in what happens afterward—how a mind begins to fracture when trapped in silence and shame. Each of Malcolm’s voices—Paranoia, Delusion, and Dissociation—represents a piece of his psyche trying to survive the unbearable weight of guilt and solitude.
I always start my books with a well-refined thesis statement, similar to what I did for my doctoral dissertation. In many ways, the story was inspired by the question: If you can’t trust your own mind, where can you hide?
Malcolm is a fascinating character who draws readers into his mind and the horrors that reside within it. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
The most intriguing scene to write for Malcolm was the one where he finally stops resisting the voices—when Paranoia, Delusion, and Dissociation stop feeling like intruders and start feeling like his only companions. It’s the moment where his isolation becomes complete, and instead of fighting for sanity, he begins to negotiate with his madness.
Writing that scene felt like walking a tightrope between horror and heartbreak. I wanted readers to feel both fear and empathy—to see that Malcolm isn’t a monster but a man slowly breaking under the weight of his own thoughts. Capturing the moment when his inner voices start making more sense to him than reality itself.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My key theme was the personification of mental illness—turning Paranoia, Delusion, and Dissociation into living entities. It allowed me to explore how mental struggles can feel external and invasive, like something whispering just behind your thoughts. My ultimate goal for the book was to explore what happens when the mind becomes the battleground—and whether redemption is possible when your worst enemy is yourself.
What is the next book that you are writing, and when will that be published?
My next book is actually a love story, Framed in Love, that is steeped in fantasy and explores the psychological condition of “How far will you go, and what are you willing to do to keep that love alive?” In a world where love can be bound by spell and sacrifice, a devoted lover discovers that devotion has no bottom, and is preserving love worth losing everything that makes a person human?
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As Malcolm struggles to separate reality from nightmare, every letter etched on the wall draws him closer to a final word he may not survive. The line between guilt and madness blurs, and the only question left is chilling: is he haunted by his own mind—or by something far worse that feeds on silence itself?
Dreaming Big
Dance Masters: Interviews with New York’s Dance Teachers is a collection of interviews conducted over four years with legendary dance teachers from New York, spanning ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance. Why was this an important book for you to write?
As I stated in my introduction, I was obsessed with capturing the thoughts and experiences of master dance teachers who were giving away what they worked so hard to get. It was a four-year project, and I was completely immersed in it on so many different levels, from reading dance-related books to taking numerous dance classes and seeing all kinds of dance performances. At the time, I had just been through a major illness, and dance was my road back to wholeness. Although the book is about dance, it’s about much more than dance. It’s about overcoming obstacles, learning to live, having hope, dreaming big, and the history of many different artistic mediums like Broadway, live television, etc. The stories are very diverse and inspirational.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
To keep striving, that it is possible to achieve things against the odds, that dance and movement are not just physical but connected to the entire self. It’s about learning to live fully.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what was the most rewarding?
Every single interview in this book was taped and transcribed by hand. All had to be edited for clarity. I did a tremendous amount of research to explore the topic from all possible angles, so I asked challenging questions and/or a great variety of questions, tailoring each interview to the individual. Writing a book is time-consuming, and this was a four-year project. But I came away from every interview filled with excitement and on a high. It’s rewarding to see the fruits of my labor in a book that is exactly as I visualized it to be and what I wanted it to be. I feel oral history will be lost if not put in book form, and each individual had such a rich experience. I’m really proud of the result of my labor and the information contained in the book, which is timeless.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Dance Masters?
I want readers to be inspired, to understand what made each of these individuals great, and to know so much more about dance history and the resilience of the human spirit.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Deserving of Grace
Should Have Told You Sooner follows a museum professional navigating the complexities of motherhood, the aftermath of divorce, and a career opportunity that leads her abroad. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The idea for Should Have Told You Sooner came to me while I was immersed in a book of Welsh folk tales. One story in particular, “The Lady of Llyn Y Fan Fach,” captivated me and set my imagination racing. In it, a young farmer named Gwyn visits the lake named in the title, and while he is there, a most beautiful fairy rises from the water and speaks to him. She is Nelferch, and in an instant, Gwyn is in love. Nelferch agrees to marry him, sacrificing the watery world she knows for a life with him on dry land, but their union ends in disappointment and pain. Long after finishing the story, I kept thinking about Nelferch and Gwyn and all the ways we might harm those we profess to love. It wasn’t long before I stopped thinking about the folk tale characters and began imagining a more contemporary pair.
What is one pivotal moment in the story that you think best defines Noel?
After Noel leaves a heart-to-heart talk with Henry, the young artist she’s been working with, she makes a side trip to an art museum instead of returning right back to work. Their conversation has shaken her – and I won’t say why because spoilers! – and as she’s walking through all the London neighborhoods that were her haunts while she was a student, both Henry’s words and her memories are running through her head, and she’s letting them. Until this moment, she’s been the person who put her memories in a box and closed the lid tight on them because the idea of revisiting that part of her life was too painful. I think it becomes clear here how hard it’s been for her to live with the memories and also how hard it’s been to live without acknowledging them, and not only for herself. She realizes something has to change.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
I always hope my stories make readers think about how complex and flawed and yet deserving of grace we all are. That living is all about change and growth and doing the work that helps us heal both ourselves and our relationships with others.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Should Have Told You Sooner, and I have two other novel projects that are in early planning stages. If the sequel is finished within the year, it could be out as early as 2027.
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While studying art history at a London university, Noel Enfield falls passionately in love with aspiring artist and art school student Bryn Jones. Shortly after Bryn leaves for a five-month painting trip through Italy, Noel discovers she is pregnant. She is ecstatic and believes Bryn will be too—they have plans to marry, after all. But mishaps part the two lovers, and a desperate Noel makes a split-second choice to move forward in a way that will change not only her life but also the lives of everyone she loves.
Three decades later, when she is offered a six-month secondment to a London museum, Noel decides it’s time to prove she really has moved on from that difficult period by returning to the city where she met and lost Bryn. But rather than proving she has persevered, the move lands Noel in the thick of London’s insular art world, with only one or two degrees of separation from her past and the people she once loved. After she reconnects with an old, dear friend and learns finally what kept Bryn from returning to her all those years ago, the very underpinnings of her life are rocked to their core. Some decisions made in the past can never be put behind her, she realizes, and armed with this new understanding, she sets out on a journey to reclaim what—and who—she left behind.
Break From Our Mental Pain
In Finley’s Song, readers meet a pianist who is battling grief and despair after her husband’s sudden death and struggling to raise her son through it all. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Finley’s Song was inspired by observing how grief can affect us in ways other than just making us sad or lonely. Guilt can often be an emotion we are grappling with in addition to grief. What could I have done to cause a different outcome or to have had a better relationship with this partner, parent, or child? This can be heightened by a sudden and premature death of that loved one. We always think time is on our side, until it isn’t. I also found it inspiring that Finley and Max never stop trying to find their way back to a healthy relationship while working through their grief in very different ways.
What are some things you find interesting about the human condition that make for great fiction?
Regarding Finley’s Song, I find it interesting how grief, coupled with guilt, can damage our ability to think in a rational or responsible manner. Why is this? I believe we can become overwhelmed with the starkness of reality. I can’t change or fix this outcome. I must live with the finality of it and decisions I made leading up to the end of my relationship with this partner, parent, or child. It can cause us to search for ways to escape… alcohol, drugs, sex…. and other distractions to give our mind the tiniest break from our mental pain. How this plays out in my characters’ lives becomes intriguing and insightful.
Was Finley’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?
Finley’s backstory was something that developed as I wrote. I always know the main plot and themes of the story before I begin. I acquaint myself with the major characters, and I know approximately how the story will end. The middle is a bit of a blur that constantly develops as I write. It is true that at some point the story begins to write itself as characters, settings, and behaviors fall into a pattern. Eventually, I clearly see how to resolve their issues.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I am halfway through my next novel, called The Writer. It is a story about a woman who discovers she is pregnant and has terminal cancer at the same time. She decides to give her baby girl up for adoption, but then fate, as per usual, has its way with her. She must maneuver through the unforeseen twists and turns of what she had once thought was a well-planned resolution for herself and her daughter.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Winter Goose Publishing | Website | Amazon
The Coolest Warrior Ever
The Call of Thunder centers around a young woman struggling with identity and duty, living a hidden existence in a mountain village where she must resist the urge to reveal her own extraordinary powers. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I give a lot of credit to The Legend of Zelda video games, also Marvel (costume was inspired by Black Widow), and movies like The Avengers, Black Panther being my favorite. Being able to create your own world and literally do whatever you want with it got me really excited about this. I spent years trying to create the storyline and figuring out what powers she would have. I truly wanted her to be the coolest warrior ever!
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
There were times in my life that I wanted to stop being so reserved, stop caring what other people thought of every single thing I said and did. I recall in my younger years how frustrating yet amazing it can be to first experience romantic feelings. I wanted to bring that to light in Havanna as somewhat of a reflection of myself.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Probably when Havanna arrives in Sabbia and fights the Backers trap that was set up for her there. I loved writing about Queen Calista and their relationship, and how freaking awesome she is. It was a way to give Havanna some hope after so much loss.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of the Hidden Heroes series? Where will it take readers?
It picks up right where book 1 leaves off, with Quill and Havanna going to find the next Descendant. There are tests along the way to find the other Descendants, such as fighting enormous monsters and one particularly cold, brutal personality. Slow-burn romance is for certain as the characters get to know each other and learn to work together for the same purpose. The ending, in particular, will leave readers shocked, just the way I like it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In the kingdom of Petros, twenty-year-old Havanna wants nothing more than to be free, to find herself, and to use her powers without reserve. But using her lightning abilities could expose her to the Backers—who do the Dormant King’s dirty work in hunting down her kind—and the bloodthirsty, fatal Dormants.
Besides, not even Havanna’s best friend knows her secret.
When her own impatience, isolation, and a bully create the perfect storm, Havanna’s desperation snaps her self-control. But she triggers the wrath of the Dormant King and a deadly raid that leaves her more alone than ever.
Determined to make things right, Havanna breaks out of hiding to take revenge. While searching for the Dormant King, testing her powers, and exploring the kingdom she begged to see her whole life, she finds that this quest is more difficult than expected.
Maybe that’s because this quest was never Havanna’s alone…
The Call of Thunder is a YA fantasy with an epic quest, adrenaline-spiking action, and a heroine learning the full scope of her power.
Success Story
Limited Partner Investing is a guide that inspires everyday investors to move beyond safe bets and discover how funding local businesses, franchises, and partnerships can build personal wealth and strong communities. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I was in a Half Price Bookstore one day, and while looking through the bargain book section, I located a book entitled “Stock Investing.” I then decided to write a book entitled Limited Partner Investing.
In your research, which real-world success story stood out most?
Limited partnership businesses are about cash-cows and modern-day ‘gold mines.’ My favorite modern-day gold mine is the golf driving range. People in the small business industry decided, in the 1970s, that a golf driving range is a modern day gold mine. Why? Because, believe me, golf driving ranges just make money. Anyway, I have interviewed a lot of business owners over the course of my lifetime. And all of these people, every single one of them, shared something with me about how they turned their local business into a local success story.
How do you balance the enthusiasm of your writing style with the need to convey the risks of LP investing?
A well-known LP industry formula is used to make decisions about LP business investments.
What advice would you give someone who wants to take their very first step into being a limited partner?
Read my two books, Limited Partner Investing, and Limited Partnership Basics and More! These two books will provide you with direct information on what you need to get things going.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
The Right Inspiration
Whisk of Dust is a collection of poems that weave together themes of love, faith, struggle, and beauty. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I’m often inspired by simple things that others might take for granted. I found inspiration from different aspects of my life in writing this collection.
Were there any poems that were particularly difficult to write? If so, why?
None were difficult to write. With the right inspiration and motivation, the words were not difficult.
Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
I like to think of this collection as universal. They are for anyone who can relate and or just enjoys poetry.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
There has been no change, my desire has always been and still is to inspire and uplift with my writing.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | YouTube | Amazon
A Sustainable Life
Humanity in Trouble and Our Failure to Act is an unfiltered collection of essays that offer insights into the human condition, where humans have gone wrong, and potential solutions to alleviate human suffering on both individual and global scales. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Because as a species we have not improved our lot or reversed our negative impact on the environment and life on the planet. We have not lived up to our potential given our big brains and despite our “invention” of science and technology and subsequent understanding of how the Universe works.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Humanity’s lack of connection or respect for Nature resulting in our devastating effect on the environment.
Our lack of impulse control, egocentric nature, and failure to live up to the potential of our big brains.
Gradual but impending environmental devastation and high probability of species-level extinctions, including our own.
Perpetual emergence of dictatorial, warlike leaders throughout history, now armed with nuclear weapons.
What advice do you have for individuals who feel powerless in the face of the world’s current challenges and want to make a positive impact?
Start with working to improve all aspects of one’s own existence: live a sustainable life, support humanitarian and environmental action, vote for enlightened political candidates, practice charity, study the self, meditate, improve the education of children, and promote global peace.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Humanity in Trouble and Our Failure to Act?
You are not a “separate being” but rather a sentient member of the Universe interconnected with the web of all life, matter, and energy, and act accordingly by practicing gratitude, love, and compassion.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Amazon
This book is the result of overwhelming outrage and disappointment with our species, our failure to adequately address worldwide problems that threaten our very existence. We (if there is a ‘we’) should be embarrassed and ashamed. Nature has endowed us with near perfect bodies and amazing brains and for the most part we squander our evolutionary inheritance. And the greatest gift of all, consciousness, is under-developed in most of us. In this collection of essays, the author offers insights into the human condition, the reasons we have run afoul of the natural order, along solutions to alleviate human suffering on an individual and global scale plus some playful jabs at our human folly.
LITERARY TITAN 