Author Archives: Literary_Titan

Questions Remain Unanswered

D.T. Levy Author Interview
  1. Genluminati follows a group of brilliant young scientists who invent a DNA-based religion as a cynical experiment—only to lose control of it when belief spreads, and a charismatic prophet emerges. Did the concept begin as satire for you, or did you always see it turning dark?

It started as an experiment as well. I was fascinated by cult and religious leaders, the power they wield over people, and what may be happening in their own hearts as events unfold, especially if they know that all they proclaim is not true. The weight of responsibility, the mental balance, and the unexpected consequences.

I didn’t know how things would turn out, but the characters started on an innocent enough path; however, power and curiosity are also powerful influences that lead to chaos.

The book asks whether belief can ever be “controlled.” What fascinates you about belief as a force?

Belief is a powerful force; it can inspire people to do amazing things they wouldn’t attempt without faith, but it can also lead people to do horrible things, including hatred, discrimination, and war. In Genluminati, I try to explore what people hungry for faith would accept and do in pursuit of their beliefs. What are the limits the “religious leaders” can cross, and what would they tell themselves?

How much did social media, viral movements, and online communities influence the story?

In Genluminati, social media helps build a community, amplify Genluminati beliefs, and strengthen its economic network. However, social media can amplify marginal social movements, synthetically foster a sense of belonging, and be dangerously exploited to manipulate and abuse people.

What do you hope readers are left thinking about once the book ends?

I would like people to think more independently about their own beliefs, not allow themselves to be manipulated. I would like people to consider the consequences of the pranks we sometimes pull, and, last, I would like us to think more about the responsibility for our own actions. I would like people to have enjoyed the thriller, but to know that, beneath Genluminati, many moral and ethical questions remain unanswered.

Author Interview: GoodReads | X | LinkedIn

What happens when four brilliant scientists at a Boston university decide to invent a religion based on invoking your own DNA? Genluminati follows this group of friends and the charismatic false prophet who fronts their creation.
What begins as a cynical experiment—a mix of curiosity, ambition, and a desire to stay connected—quickly grows beyond anything they intended. Their “innocent” idea spreads, gathering followers who take the message far more seriously than expected. A single misinterpreted “divine” insight sets off a chain of events that spirals toward real harm, forcing the founders to confront what they started and the responsibility they tried to ignore.
A story about science, belief, and the fragile line between fascination and fanaticism.

The book describes the overreaches of religious and governmental institutions that continuously endanger our ability to act as free, autonomous, and thoughtful individuals.

The Love For Truth

J.J. Cheng Author Interview

PHOENIXA: THE NEST is a story blending history and fantasy and follows a spirited girl growing up in turbulent time in China’s history. Where did the idea behind this novel come from? 

I AM  PHOENIXA. PHOENIXA: THE NEST is my personal, lived history, and a passionate initiation of dialogue between myself, my grandfather, and my ancestors—whose connection to me was, in essence, cut off by politics and by time. PHOENIXA: THE NEST can be viewed as a bioepic, in which a real-life story is elevated to mythic, historic and moral significance. I was born and raised in Beijing in Mao’s China, and with only a small dose of private education from my family- one that had been essentially torn apart – I was able to somehow survive the very sweet, sugar-coated terror of collectivism and brainwashing. I am eternally grateful to the motherland that has nurtured me. Yet there is something greater than the love for your motherland, that is the love for truth – truth that lies beyond familiar borders and comfort zones.

The idea behind this novel came from my midlife cry for roots. After leaving my job as a CCTV anchor/journalist in the late 1980s, and living an adventurous, self-exiled life in the United States for two decades, I grew increasingly restless, uncertain of who I was, or what—or where—home truly meant. After a willful search for Cheng family history – I stumbled upon my grandfather’s name – one that my father had hidden all his life, one that struck me like lightning: Cheng Zhenjun 程振鈞, a western-educated Chinese pioneer and leader who died on duty in 1932, advancing China’s modernization. In that moment, I trembled, shocked by the magnitude of family drama as well as the voice of history itself—muffled, suppressed, and long silenced. I felt betrayed, lied to by omission.  Someone—or something larger—had cut off my roots, my very source of becoming.

I picked up my pen and my camera. What followed was more than a decade of research into the life of my grandfather and the forces that shaped him into a hero and a martyr, I have traversing not only the physical terrain of China, but also the inner fabric of Chinese civilization including Chinese mythology. Here you are, PHOENIXA: THE NEST, the first in PHOENIXA trilogy. 

Looking back, I’ve come to realize that I paid a dear price to preserve my naïveté, my idealism, my conscience and, ultimately, my freedom as an individual human being. I am so thrilled today that I am now able to share “the pearl of life “with you – formed over the course of my entire life, but cultivated into shape in the solitude of the three-year COVID lockdown. I feel I have been metamorphosed through creating PHOENIXA and reinventing myself as an author and mythic thinker— and I hope my readers will be too, through reading and listening to this novel ( yes, as an audiobook, too), through pursuing something truly meaningful, something that allows each of us to make a contribution to this troubled yet beautiful world.

What is it that draws you to this period in history? 

The dominant narrative throughline centers around PHOENIXA’s life inside CHENG COURTYARD during the onset of the Cultural Revolution in 1966 — echoes of which a careful reader will recognize not only in today’s China but also other parts of the world. It is the violent nature and its insidious chain of indoctrination that I defy, and from which we must break free; PEACE – world peace – must begin with inner peace. But how does one attain inner peace as an individual? Let the ancient wisdom of Chinese sages guide you.  The novel detours into, and occasionally references, several sub‑timelines, each designed to illuminate the depth of Chinese culture, history, and philosophy, which runs at the core of Cheng values and education. Some explore the dynasties and the Enlightenment of the early twentieth‑century Republic of China; others drift into the timeless, fantastical realms of the Chinese Phoenix and other magical beings. My hope is to lift the spirits of readers, guiding them to navigate this troubled world. Glide with me, and soar on the wings of a child’s imagination!

What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters? 

As the Cheng family historian, I have devoted years to meticulous research on my grandfather’s life—his struggles, his achievements—and the tumultuous era he lived in: China at a crossroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, transforming from a wounded, fragile imperial dynasty into a young, hopeful, and vigorous Republic. I am fortunate to read both simplified and traditional Chinese, as well as classical Chinese.  I have delved deep into the layers of centuries, savoring the flavor and absorbing the nutrients of Chinese antiquity. My research will continue across China, the United States, and soon, Europe, in preparation for the PHOENIXA Trilogy.

Writing, to me, is confessional and a deep act of soul-searching—therefore, an act of courage. You cannot lie; you must lay yourself bare in order to connect with, and perhaps even be rescued by, a higher power—be it your ancestors, a guardian angel, or God.

Can fans of PHOENIXA: THE NEST look forward to a follow-up soon? Where will it take readers?

Yes, I have created my life’s work and brand: PHOENIXA or P.H.O.E.N.I.X.A. Each acronym has its distinct meaning. please discover yours and share with me.

Here is the PHOENIXA Trilogy: THE NEST, THE FLIGHT, and THE RETURN. 

From the enchanted childhood and coming-of-age in tumultuous China in PHOENIXA: THE NEST, to the evocative youth odyssey in America in PHOENIXA: THE FLIGHT, and onward to her middle-age return confronting the dark fate of Cheng Courtyard and enacting a Cheng ancestral resurrection, Cheng continues her bioepic fantasy storytelling deeply rooted in her intimate personal adventure and the unflinching history of China.

Author Website

PHOENIXA: THE NEST
A Mystical Quest for The Cheng Legacy
A novel
by J.J. Cheng
Phoenixa, rising from the ashes of her ancestors, the six-and-half-year-old kite-flying, Phoenix-riding, Chinese girl embarks on a mystical journey into China’s tumultuous past searching for her Renaissance Grandpa who read her Shan Hai Jing, The Lore of Mountains and Seas, seeking cures for human greed.
From the interior of a traditional Beijing courtyard to the tip top of a giant Wu Tong Tree, Phoenixa found her nest being moved from safety to danger. Fortunately, the enduring incandescent Feng Huang, the Phoenix, has kept her amused and protected as a secret guardian from a relentless hidden Red force ready to strip her home bare.
Written in the genre-defining style now called“mystical realism”, Cheng tapped into the subconsciousness and beyond in search of human goodness. Cheng’s debut novel is stunningly visual, fantastical, dreamlike yet achingly real, demystifying China, as it offers a luminous insider’s view on why and how the dragon roared.
Phoenixa: The Nest, A Mystical Quest for the Cheng Legacy, is a story of courage, of hope, of madness, of redemption, of humanity at the brink of self-destruction.

Taking Control of Your Health

Deborah Dolan Hunt Author Interview

When East Meets West offers readers a self-care toolkit derived from both Eastern and Western practices. Can you share with us a little about the research required to put this book together?

I have spent many years learning about complementary care, alternative medicine, and integrative healthcare. I completed a course on Complementary Therapies in my graduate program and a class on Hypnosis in my doctoral program. In preparing to write this current edition of the book, I spent months reviewing the literature on every topic in this book. Although many of the topics do not have strong research evidence, there are many anecdotal articles about the potential benefits and harms of the various self-care practices. This book serves as an introduction to the various practices and readers are strongly advised to consult with their healthcare providers and do their own research before incorporating these practices into their health and wellness plan.

What is one misconception you believe many people have regarding self-care? 

One misconception regarding self-care is that it can replace modern medicine which can result in harm to self or others. I think it’s important to integrate self-care practices into your daily health and wellness regimen.  For example, if you have hypertension (high blood pressure) it is vitally important to treat it with antihypertensives that are prescribed by your healthcare provider. However, it is also important to eat healthy, exercise, and reduce stress. The use of meditation, essential oils, and journaling can help to decrease stress levels. This is an example of how to integrate self-care practice.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from When East Meets West

I hope readers will understand  the importance of taking a holistic approach to their health and well-being and that reading this book will serve as a starting point in this journey. Taking control of one’s health and knowing you have the power to do so is so important. You may not be able to prevent certain illnesses but you can manage them betterwith a holistic/integrative approach. 

Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website

East Meets West: A Practical Guide to Integrative Wellness

Discover the empowering world of complementary and alternative medicine in this approachable, informative guide to enhancing your health and well-being. Drawing on personal experience as a critical care nurse and lifelong learner, the author blends scientific understanding with holistic wisdom to offer a balanced, practical path toward integrative care.

Inside, you’ll explore the benefits, uses, and precautions of:

Essential oils and custom blends for mood, relaxation, and vitality
Herbal teas and tinctures that nourish the body and soothe the mind
Superfoods that can help optimize wellness from the inside out
Mind-body practices like meditation, journaling, therapeutic touch, and self-hypnosis
Energy work techniques to help restore balance and harmony


Whether you’re looking to complement traditional (Western) medical treatments or explore Eastern-inspired wellness methods, this book provides both the knowledge and inspiration to create your own personalized self-care plan. You’ll also find real-life stories-ranging from easing anxiety with meditation to surprising experiences with therapeutic touch-that illustrate just how transformative these practices can be.

This book is not a replacement for medical care-it’s an empowering companion for those who want to take a more active role in their health. With a “best of both worlds” approach, you’ll learn how to blend the precision of modern medicine with the timeless wisdom of holistic practices-helping you not just manage illness, but truly thrive.

It Feels Personal

Susan Reed-Flores Author Interview

The Stanton Falls Mysteries: Promotion to Peril follows the newly appointed Police Chief and his team as they navigate the murky waters of corruption and injustice. Why did you choose to tell this book as three interconnected short stories rather than a single continuous mystery?

    I chose three short stories because the trouble in Stanton Falls doesn’t show up all at once. It comes in pieces. Each story lets the new Police Chief face a different problem, and together they show how the corruption connects underneath it all. Breaking it up kept the pace tight and let me focus on one challenge at a time while still building the bigger mystery.

    What drew you to exploring betrayal from inside the system?

      Betrayal inside the police force hits harder than anything coming from outside. When the people who are supposed to protect and serve the town become part of the problem, it changes everything. It forces the Chief to question who he can trust and how deep the damage goes. That kind of betrayal affects the whole community, and that’s why I wanted to explore it.

      What aspects of small-town life make it effective for exploring secrets and corruption?

        Small towns are perfect for stories about secrets because everyone knows everyone, or thinks they do. People have long memories, old grudges, and close ties that make problems harder to spot and harder to fix. When something goes wrong in a place that close‑knit, it feels personal. Secrets spread quietly, loyalties get messy, and corruption can hide in plain sight.

        Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Stanton Falls and the direction of the third book?

          The third book, Undercurrents of Betrayal, came out last year. I held off on releasing Promotion to Peril for a while because the cover wasn’t finished, but once that was taken care of, the book was ready. This story takes Stanton Falls in a new direction with a fresh storyline. I didn’t want to repeat the same conflict fromPromotion to Peril. I wanted to show how the town moves forward and how new problems can rise up even after old ones are settled. There are new characters, new challenges, and a different kind of trouble working its way into the town. It opens the door to the next phase of Stanton Falls and shows that the town still has plenty of secrets left to uncover.

          Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

          Promotion to Peril: A Stanton Falls Mystery
          In the quiet town of Stanton Falls, danger lurks beneath the surface. Chief Dan Ross and his dedicated team are back, determined to bring justice to those who have wronged the innocent.
          When Chief Ross’s home is ravaged by a mysterious fire, the stakes are raised. As the team delves deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to engulf the entire town. With unwavering support from each other, they must navigate a perilous path to uncover the truth.
          As secrets are revealed and alliances are tested, Chief Ross and his team face their most challenging case yet. Will they be able to bring the culprits to justice, or will the darkness of Stanton Falls consume them?
          “Promotion to Peril” is a gripping tale of suspense, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Join Chief Dan Ross and his team as they battle against time and treachery in this thrilling continuation of the Stanton Falls Mysteries.


          Navigating Expectations

          David Graham Author Interview

          Broken Alliance follows the Venture’s crew as they uncover a conspiracy tied to black-market thetic technology, corporate power grabs, and the lingering ghost of Sovereign. How did your goals for this book differ from the first installment?

          While Tracer was about introducing the crew and establishing the stakes of their world, Broken Alliance shifts the focus to the ‘aftermath.’ I wanted to explore the consequences of their initial decisions—not just for the Venture crew, but for the Settled Systems at large. In many ways, this second book was easier to write because the characters’ voices were already established; however, the challenge lay in ensuring their growth felt organic. My goal was to navigate the expectations set in Book 1, sometimes fulfilling them and other times intentionally subverting them.  

          Characters are often forced to make imperfect choices. Are you more interested in right answers or honest ones?

          Most of us go into heroic stories expecting the characters to make the ‘right’ choice. It’s an expectation built by the books and movies we’ve grown up with. To me, that’s why literature is so vital—it teaches us what it means to be human on this tiny planet. Even when authors ‘flip the script,’ we still have that core desire to see good triumph over evil. I try to lean into honest answers wherever possible, but leading my heroes toward a morally right conclusion is ultimately how I share my own values through my work.

          What makes chosen family such a powerful counterweight to failing institutions?

          We’ve all been told that you can’t choose your family—that ‘blood is thicker than water.’ Personally, I believe that’s a falsehood. There is no greater bond than one forged in a close-knit circle of friends who have proven, time and again, that they have your best interests at heart. These are not always the people who share our blood, but they are often the ones who have bled with us. We can no more choose our relatives than we can choose the systemic world we were born into, but we can choose who to accept as our true family—just as we can choose to speak up against tyranny and corruption.  

          The ending offers a pause rather than closure. What threads from Broken Alliance are you most excited to explore next?

          My goal was to provide a sense of closure for this specific arc while hinting at the larger story still to come. Each character has changed so much, but for me, the most exciting part is knowing they have much further to go. We’ve only scratched the surface of the Tracer universe in these first two books. I’m looking forward to expanding the scope of the series and perhaps even stepping outside the current saga to explore these characters from new perspectives.  

          Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website

          The dust has barely settled but the nightmare, now known as Zero Day, echoes across the Settled Systems, leaving a fledgling Alliance grappling for stability. Sovereign’s terrifying ambition to reshape humanity in its own image may have been thwarted, but its lingering threat casts a long shadow.
          The crew of The VentureAndre, Bex, Bishop, and Caleb—are now Alliance Tracers, tasked with hunting down those who seek to capitalize in the wake of Sovereign’s defeat. But loyalty is a fragile thing in a universe still reeling from the brink of destruction. Meanwhile, General Katherine Mallory navigates a treacherous new battlefield, facing enemies as formidable in the Council Chambers as any on the front lines. And deep within Trelin BaseCommander Bryton guards the galaxy’s most dangerous secret: Sovereign, whose unnatural power remains an ominous threat.
          Old wounds fester and new forces rise, all vying to unlock Sovereign’s power. As the fragile peace threatens to unravel, these heroes must choose where their allegiances lie. Will the Alliance endure this new era, or is it doomed to collapse and shatter into a Broken Alliance?

          The Healing Powers of Travel & Connection

          Barry Hoffner Author Interview

          Belonging to the World is an inspirational travel memoir that shares your journey of healing after the tragic loss of your wife and your mission to travel to all 193 countries on earth, and the personal transformation you experience. Why was this an important book for you to write? 

          I did not start out traveling to write a book, but rather as a means of escape. It was one year into my journey, after a compelling trip to Afghanistan only a year after the Taliban takeover, that I realized that I was really “living” again, learning and, most of all, collecting stories. At that point, I realized that there was an evolving story that I needed to tell. It was about the healing powers of travel and connection. 

          What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?  

          Sure, other than specific profound connections with people from everyday life in countries all over the world, below are some themes and ideas that kept coming to the surface:  

          Ø  The unexpected and transformative power of grief

          Ø  Letting go of control brings unexpected peak experiences around the world

          Ø  Finding awe and wonder in the world’s places considered some of the world’s most dangerous

          Ø  The best things in life can happen by chance if you let them

          Ø  Reconciling a world that feels deeply divided yet profoundly interconnected

          Ø  How do we honor the past yet be ready to step into what may come next

          Ø  How the world can change you if you let it

          What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
             
          It took me a while in my journey to understand that I wasn’t simply seeking new countries, but the people within them. With that came the anticipation of finding the one story in each place that resonated with me, my story, shaped by my own impressions and by the mystery of how and when it would reveal itself. Somehow, it always did.

          I found that profoundly moving: the realization that if you seek people and their wisdom with an open heart and genuine respect, you will find it.

          How has writing your memoir impacted or changed your life?

          I am sure for many writers, the release of a book is the end of a big project. For me it is end of a significant entire chapter of my life, of devastating loss, of being lost, of leaning into grief and going on a amazing journey. That journey completely rewired my brain and changed the way I see the world and my place in it. 

          Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website

          Readers’ Choice Book Awards Bronze Winner, Adult Nonfiction

          Some journeys we choose. Others choose us.

          In the aftermath of tragedy, Barry Hoffner wanted to feel the pulse of the world again. The whole world.
          When Barry Hoffner lost his wife and travel partner, Jackie, in a sudden tragedy, his grief was a black hole that consumed everything. But amid the quiet wreckage of loss, something unexpected stirred: the call to move, to reconnect, and to live fully again.
          What began as a reluctant return to the road became an audacious mission to visit all 193 countries on Earth-not to escape his pain but to transform it. Along the way, Barry discovered a world with far more depth and complexity than headlines suggest-one full of unexpected joy, even amid hardship and struggle. From war zones to mountaintops, refugee camps to ancient ruins, he found people whose kindness and openness brought him back to life.
          Belonging to the World is a deeply felt memoir of healing from grief, finding resilience, and forging human connection across the globe

          Encouraging Emotional Openness

          Anxious Amy: Calming the Worries Within follows an anxious young teen who appears cheerful but feels overwhelmed inside, and how her mom and counselor help her learn to manage these feelings. 

          The book emphasizes that asking for help is a sign of strength. Why do you think that message is especially important for young readers today?

          Strength is especially important for young readers today because many children struggle with self-doubt and a lack of confidence when it comes to expressing their thoughts and feelings. Young people often feel pressure to handle challenges on their own or worry about being judged if they speak up. By emphasizing communication and the importance of asking for help, the book encourages emotional openness, builds confidence, and helps children develop healthy coping skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. By reinforcing this idea early on in youth, the book aims to strengthen a quality in them that may have been lost along the way—the understanding that vulnerability and communication can be powerful, not weaknesses.

          The use of color plays a powerful role in Amy’s emotional journey. How did that concept develop?

          Color is used to visually reflect Amy’s emotional journey and make her feelings easy for young readers to understand. Amy’s character begins in black and white to represent confusion, isolation, and the heaviness of anxiety. As Amy learns to understand her feelings, communicate, and receive support to manage her anxiety, color gradually fills the pages as Amy becomes more visible, symbolizing growing confidence, healing, and hope. This shift shows children that progress takes time and doesn’t happen all at once and that brighter moments are possible, even after feeling overwhelmed.

          How can adults use this story as a conversation starter with children or teens?

          This story offers a gentle, non-threatening way for adults to start meaningful conversations with children or teens about emotions. Its short, visually inviting format makes it easy to read together at home, in classrooms, or in therapeutic settings. By discussing the character’s feelings first, adults can ask open-ended questions that encourage children to reflect without feeling pressured or singled out.

          Focusing on the story helps normalize conversations about anxiety, emotions, and asking for help. This indirect approach encourages open meaningful dialogue amongst young readers, at their own pace while fostering understanding, emotional awareness, and connection.

          Author links: GoodReads Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

          In this short and lyrical rhyming story, teenager Amy constantly feels overwhelmed by worry and fear and struggles to make sense of her emotions. Her days feel exhausting, sounds seem intense, and relaxation feels impossible. With the support of her mom, Amy opens up about her feelings and seeks guidance from a counselor for her anxiety. Through professional help, she learns that anxiety can be managed and that asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. As Amy gains confidence in addressing her challenges, she strengthens her connections with friends, realizing that open communication can benefit everyone.

          Messy and Imperfect is Still Meaningful

          David Hampson Author Interview

          In Rainbow Gold, you share your losses, lessons learned, and the long-term effects of making meaningful choices as you transitioned from struggling restaurant owner to building a thriving aviation insurance group. Why was this an important book for you to write?

          Rainbow Gold was important for me to write because it captures the philosophy that has shaped every stage of my life, that you can build something valuable and meaningful at the same time. During my early struggles owning a restaurant and retail business in South Africa, I made many missteps and got some hard lessons in business and leadership, and success seemed elusive and distant. Over time, I realized the real reward isn’t at the end of the road; it’s woven into the journey; the relationships, resilience, impact, and identity you build along the way.

          When my teams surprised me one holiday season with deeply personal notes about why they loved working at our company, it crystallized what I now call Rainbow Gold: the belief that fulfillment doesn’t need to be deferred. You can build it into your business and your life right now.

          I wrote this book to show entrepreneurs and leaders that the process of building something, or learning how to build something, even in its messy, imperfect stages, can be just as meaningful as the outcome.

          I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

          The hardest parts to write were the chapters where I had to revisit failures, missteps, and emotionally heavy moments, both from my early ventures in South Africa and later, from navigating sensitive family partnership dynamics in our current business. Those years were formative, but they also involved painful mistakes and setbacks that I hadn’t revisited in a long time.

          As a leader who values responsibility and clarity, admitting where I fell short required vulnerability. But leaving those moments out would have made the lessons less authentic. Readers don’t benefit from a polished highlight reel; they benefit from the full picture, including the chapters where the stakes were high and things didn’t go right.

          Those candid moments ended up being some of the most resonant for readers, which affirmed why they needed to be in the book.

          Did you learn anything about yourself as you wrote this book?

          Absolutely. Writing Rainbow Gold reaffirmed that resilience is built in the small, daily choices you make when no one is watching, those “butterfly effect” moments, not in dramatic turning points. As I revisited years of experiences, I saw that it wasn’t one brilliant strategy or one lucky break that moved me forward; it was consistency, perseverance, and staying anchored to my values even in uncertainty.

          I also learned that people, my teams, clients, mentors, and family,  have always been my true driving force. I learned from my father and I’ve said for years that relationships matter more than anything in business, but writing the book helped me understand how deeply this principle has shaped my identity and my approach to leadership.

          What is one thing you hope readers take away from Rainbow Gold?

          If readers take only one idea away, I hope it’s this: You don’t have to choose between building a successful business and building a meaningful life.

          When you invest in people, relationships, and values-driven decisions, financial success will follow organically and it will be financial success that is sustainable and legacy building.

          Rainbow Gold is about rejecting the idea that fulfillment comes only at the end of the journey. Instead, it shows that the “pot of gold” is much broader than profit alone. Making money and being financially successful is certainly an important part of it, but equally important is the legacy you create, the people you grow, the impact you make, and the pride you can take in the work you do every day. When you get your business to the point where you can both fill your wallet and fill your soul, you’ve struck Rainbow Gold!

          If this book encourages someone to build a business with purpose instead of pressure, with sustainability instead of scale, and to enjoy the journey instead of waiting for one perfect moment, then it will have been a success from my perspective.

          Author Website

          🏆 2025 American Writing Award Winner for Entrepreneurship and Small Business

          “David Hampson has written the antidote to startup culture’s obsession with quick exits and venture capital. Rainbow Gold presents a compelling case for building businesses that become life’s work-sustainable, profitable enterprises that provide both financial rewards and deep personal fulfillment. Through his journey from restaurant owner in South Africa to aviation insurance entrepreneur, Hampson demonstrates that the real treasure isn’t reaching the end of the rainbow, but enjoying every step of the journey while building something lasting for your family and community.”-J.J. Hebert, Founder & CEO, MindStir Media; USA TodayWSJ, and Amazon Bestselling Author

          In Rainbow Gold, David Hampsonshares his journey from a college student immersed in science courses—with no formal business education—to becoming a successful acquisition entrepreneur and recognized industry thought leader. This book is for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike, offering a candid look at the challenges, triumphs, and transformative lessons of finding and building a business that is not just a stepping stone but the ultimate destination. Central to the narrative is the “butterfly effect”; the idea that small, decisive actions can create monumental shifts in your life and business. Through David’s story, readers will learn how embracing opportunities and acting decisively can lead to extraordinary outcomes, often in unexpected ways. Rainbow Gold shows what the real “end game” looks like: not an exit strategy, but a deeply fulfilling business that doesn’t need to be sold because its value goes far beyond dollars. It’s about creating a business that represents the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow, one that provides both tangible and intangible rewards. And once obtained, rainbow gold doesn’t trade in fiat currency! With humor, honesty, and practical advice, Rainbow Gold inspires readers to see entrepreneurship not just as a career path, but as a calling that can transform their lives and the lives of those around them.