Category Archives: Interviews
Sharing the Lives of Free People Of Color
Miles Lassiter(circa 1777-1850) traces the remarkable journey of your ancestor, Miles Lassiter, a free African-American Quaker living in North Carolina before the Civil War, and the impact that he made in history. Why was this an important book for you to write?
There has been much written about the abolitionist support of Quakers, but it was rare for African Americans to be fully admitted to membership in a meeting. To learn that my 4th great grandfather was one of the very few, and the only one in North Carolina at the time of his death seemed significant.
What sparked your interest in genealogy led you to discover this lost portion of your family and its history?
I’ve had an interest in genealogy since childhood. I learned my paternal family story as a child from my father’s sister. However, whenever I asked my mother about her family she said she left North Carolina when she was seven and just didn’t know anything about family that might still be there. Once I moved to the Washington, DC area, I had easy access to repositories such as the National Archives and Library of Congress to begin searching for my maternal ancestors. In addition, I was able to take classes to learn how to research my family and I was introduced to my local Family Search Center (then called genealogy library) which gave me access to the vast research collection of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to share information about the lives of free people of color. It was also important to share the story of my 4th great grandfather specifically. I also wanted to show through my research story how others could research their families.
How has writing Miles Lassiter (circa 1777-1850): An Early African-American Quaker from Lassiter Mill, Randolph County, North Carolina: My Research Journey to Home impacted or changed your life?
The process of researching and writing the many early versions of the story, culminating in the published book, brought me to North Carolina to meet family I had not known, and places that held my history, a place that was my maternal home. It allowed me to become enveloped by the love of a family I almost lost completely because my mother had not grown up around them. It allowed me to take my mother back to that home after 60+ years away. And this year, it allowed me to obtain a William Pomeroy Hometown Heritage Historic Marker for Miles Lassiter.
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Margo Williams had only a handful of stories and a few names her mother remembered from her childhood about her family’s home in Asheboro, North Carolina. Her research would soon help her to make contact with long lost relatives and a pilgrimage “home” with her mother in 1982. Little did she know she would discover a large loving family and a Quaker ancestor–a Black Quaker ancestor. This story follows her research journey through records and Carolina countryside as she uncovers her roots.
“This work re-affirms Margo Williams’s commitment to excellence and perfection, both as a researcher and as a historian. The reader is made part of the story, not only in place but in time. But, most importantly, she re-asserts the point that, by and large, the information is available to the researcher. All one has to do is to look for it. A job well done!” — V. L. Skinner, Jr., Fellow, Maryland Genealogical Society.
Margo Lee. Williams was born in New York. She holds an MA in Sociology and an MA in Religious Education. She developed an interest in genealogy early in life, but only after moving to Washington DC did she actively pursue family research. In the 30+ years since, she has researched and written extensively on her family. She is a well-known lecturer for the Family History Centers of the LDS Church in the Washington, DC area, a former editor of the Journal of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, and through her private research company, Personal Prologue, has developed expertise in identifying heirs for intestate probates. She is currently a National Service Officer with Vietnam Veterans of America. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with her daughter, Turquoise Williams.
I Have to Laugh So I Don’t Cry
Adventures in Online Dating is a humorous chronicle of your plunge into the unpredictable world of online dating, sharing the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre encounters you have had while swiping. What inspired you to share your journey into the shallow end of the pool?
Honestly? I needed to laugh about it or I’d cry! After diving into online dating, I quickly realized I wasn’t alone in experiencing the absurd, awkward, and occasionally wonderful moments that come with swiping through profiles. Every bizarre encounter felt like a story that needed to be told — not just for entertainment, but to help other women feel less alone in the chaos.
I wanted to create something that said, “Hey, this is messy, it’s weird, and sometimes it’s downright ridiculous — but you’re not crazy for trying.” If my misadventures could make someone laugh while they’re navigating their own dating journey, then every awkward coffee date was worth it.
How did you decide what stories to include and leave out in your book?
Great question! I focused on stories that highlighted the full spectrum of online dating — the hilariously bad, the surprisingly good, and everything in between. I wanted readers to see themselves in these experiences, so I chose encounters that illustrated common themes: catfishing, ghosting, first-date disasters, unexpected connections, and those moments where you question your life choices.
I left out anything that felt mean-spirited or too personal to the other person involved. The goal was to share my perspective and lessons learned, not to embarrass anyone (except maybe myself! Okay, and Steve – F*ck that guy!). If a story made me laugh out loud while writing it or taught me something valuable about dating or myself, it made the cut.
What advice do you have for women who are looking to jump into the dating pool?
Keep your sense of humor and your standards high. Online dating can be overwhelming, but remember — you’re not shopping for a discount couch; you’re looking for a genuine connection. Don’t settle just because you’re tired of swiping.
Here’s my practical advice:
● Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
● Meet in public places. Always. Safety first.
● Don’t take rejection personally. It’s not about your worth; it’s about compatibility.
● Take breaks when you need them. Dating fatigue is real.
● Laugh at the absurdity. You’ll have stories to tell, I promise.
● Know your dealbreakers. And stick to them.
Most importantly, remember that you’re already whole. You’re not looking for someone to complete you — you’re looking for someone to complement the amazing life you’re already building.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
That you can laugh your way through life’s messiest moments — and come out stronger on the other side. Online dating is just one chapter in the bigger story of figuring out what you want and who you are. Whether you find love, find yourself, or just find some hilarious stories to share with friends, the journey is worth it.
I hope readers close the book feeling less alone, more empowered, and ready to embrace whatever comes next — whether that’s another swipe, another date, or the decision to take a break and focus on themselves. Life’s too short not to laugh at the chaos.
Author Links: Website | Facbook | GoodReads | X | Instagram | New York Blog | Tik Tok | SELINN FINE ART STUDIO
By S.E.Linn
Forget saving the world—she’s just trying to survive dating apps.
Join author S.E. Linn on a wild and hilarious journey through the chaotic world of online dating in her new memoir, “Adventures in Online Dating.” From the cringe-worthy encounters with a man and his cat-hair-covered adult toy, to the emotionally unavailable “Viking” with a wife and spa plans, this book is a rollercoaster ride of modern love. But amidst the laughter and relatable moments, lies a cautionary tale of the dangers of swiping right.
Meet the fearless and unapologetic main character as she navigates the treacherous waters of online dating, armed with biting wit and brutal honesty. If you’ve ever said, “there are no normal men left,” or Googled “how to exit a date without faking your death,” this book will make you feel grateful for never going on that second date.
And for those who have survived the trials of dating apps, you will feel less alone and less likely to respond to that guy holding a fish.
Stigma About Suicide
In Suicide: Hope Beyond the Darkness, you offer hope and healing through firsthand stories of those who have tried to take their own lives and those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I felt like there was a growing need for information and awareness about suicide. The more involved I was, whether studying, counselling or training people, I saw such a lack of information and so much stigma about suicide. The problem with that was that people were being negatively impacted. People stopped talking about their suicidal thoughts, which is dangerous, and people who lost loved ones to suicide were unable to talk about how they were feeling, which complicated their grief process.
I felt I had something to offer due to my knowledge and experience. That was a big part of my motivation.
And sharing stories helps people connect. People can identify with parts or all of someone’s life experience. And when we hear other people’s stories, we don’t feel so alone. We don’t feel abnormal. It helps break down fear and isolation. It helps break down the stigma.
The stories you share are highly emotional. What was the most difficult aspect of putting this book together?
I think the most challenging aspect for me was ensuring that I truly honoured the people who shared their stories with me. I wanted to ensure the voices of those who are still here were heard and to acknowledge those who are no longer with us. I wanted to be their voice too.
What is one misconception you have found through your research that many people have regarding suicide?
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about suicide — and every one of them is harmful.
One of the most common is the belief that talking about suicide might “put the idea” in someone’s mind and increase the risk of them acting on it. Research consistently shows the opposite to be true. Talking about suicide does not cause suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Rather, it can bring relief and open the door to hope and help.
Having a compassionate conversation about suicide can reduce distress and encourage help-seeking.
In the book, I spoke with Sally, who shared that her son was severely depressed. She was terrified to raise the topic of suicide, believing that mentioning it might make things worse. Many others I spoke with shared the same fear.
In reality, people who are depressed have often already thought about suicide. Offering a safe space to talk about these thoughts can ease their burden and provide an opportunity for connection and support.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
My hope is that someone will read this book and relate to one of the stories or read some of the information, and it will help them manage wherever they are in the suicide spectrum. Whether they have suicidal thoughts or have attempted, or they are supporting someone who is suicidal, or if they are bereaved by suicide, I hope it gives people an understanding of the complexities of suicide and takes away the fear and judgment, reducing the stigma. I hope that people will see that even in our darkest moments, there is hope.
Author Links: Website | Instagram | Facebook
If you’ve been touched by suicide-whether you’ve faced crisis points, supported someone through suicidal thoughts, or lost someone to suicide, this book will reveal that You Are Not Alone! There is hope.
Suicidologist and mental health counselor Debbie Swibel shares powerful and educational insights while weaving together a collection of lived experiences, evidence-based research, clinical knowledge, and a candid but compassionate look at suicide and its impact.
This book has been hailed as a resource for survivors, therapists, the bereaved, caregivers, and those who face challenges around this often “taboo” topic in society.
Suicide: Hope Beyond the Darkness includes stories that are too often left untold-but these are stories that must be told. Real-life experiences of pain, strength, resilience, loss, and of course, the power of the human spirit.
This pioneering book confronts the silence and unravels the complexity of suicide; helping the reader gain understanding and awareness to a subject many don’t find answers to.
More than a book about suicide, this is a book about people: sons and daughters, parents and partners, families and communities. It is a call to awareness, a challenge to stigma, and above all, a gift of hope.
A Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit
The Practice of Immortality is a deeply personal account of your journey from the quiet discipline of a monastery to a life of teaching and guiding others across the world. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book holds deep personal significance for me because it encapsulates what shaped my own journey. The routines, life adventures, and the ancient Yogic systems that transformed my reality. These teachings form the very foundation, the building blocks, of a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
When I stepped into the world beyond the monastery, I observed that while people are incredibly skilled in their professional lives, many are limited not by their abilities but by their own inner state of being. I have an urge to offer the same resilience tools to the world – practices that are rooted in ancient wisdom that are further validated by modern science.
The Practice of Immortality is my way of making these wellness tools accessible to everyone. When individuals begin to heal, they naturally become the seeds of healthier, more compassionate communities across the world.
Can you explain what the Yoga of Immortals (YOI) protocol is, what it is used for, and how you developed it?
Yoga of Immortals (YOI) is a research-backed mental health program that I curated by integrating ancient Yogic systems with modern scientific validation. It is a series of structured practices designed to bring integrative health to the body, mind, and spirit. The protocol includes controlled breathwork, guided meditative techniques, and cognitive stimulation exercises that help regulate the nervous system and enhance emotional resilience for inner stability and balance.
The YOI journey began during the global pandemic crisis in 2020. As the world faced mental health challenges, I felt a calling to offer a practical, evidence-based solution rooted in Yogic wisdom. And they had to be easy to access during the lockdowns. Drawing from my years of rigorous monastic training, I curated specific meditative and breath-based modalities and shared them to help all navigate that period of crisis.
The overwhelming response from thousands of participants inspired me to bring scientific validation to these experiences. I collaborated with senior clinicians and researchers across the United States, India, and South Africa to conduct IRB-approved, double-blind clinical trials. Within just 4 to 8 weeks, the studies demonstrated remarkable results, showing up to 82% reduction in severe insomnia, generalised anxiety, and moderate to severe depression symptoms, along with significant improvements in overall quality of life.
Today, YOI continues to evolve as a bridge between timeless Yogic knowledge, based on Indian Knowledge Systems, and modern mental health science, empowering individuals globally to lead healthier, more conscious lives.
There is a common misconception about the meaning of immortality. In your book, you argue that immortality is not about living forever in the body but about changing our relationship with time, shedding illusions, and learning to live in the present moment.
Yes, in Yogic science, immortality is not about the physical body living forever. It is about realizing the part of us that is timeless. Knowing the pure consciousness that remains unchanged amidst chaos, joy, grief, or fear. Yes, that sounds hard, but it IS possible.
When we awaken to this awareness, we begin to experience life differently. We no longer live trapped in memories of the past or anxieties of the future; rather, become fully present in the now.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Practice of Immortality?
My wish is that every soul under this blue sky, who is seeking healing or hope, may find a guiding light through this book. I hope they realize that within every challenge life presents, there lies a hidden diamond — a lesson, a strength, a success waiting to be discovered.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads
Rooted in the story of his own transformative journey, a monk and internationally beloved founder of Yoga of Immortals shares the methods he uses to help us tap into our unlimited potential.
Ishan Shivanand was born into an ancient lineage of yogis spanning twenty-one generations, and spent the first twenty years of his life in a Himalayan monastery. Grounded in the traditions of yoga, meditation, martial arts, storytelling, and herbal medicine, he developed the Yoga of Immortals (YOI) protocol, which is designed to help followers combat stress, anxiety, depression, and create healthy individuals and healthy communities. The Practice of Immortality shares these lessons and practices. In a world suffering the effects of fear, competitiveness, and anger, Ishan encourages us to take a step back.
Structured as a thoughtful narrative with practices based in the true intentions and meaning of yoga, The Practice of Immortality will help you achieve that which you never thought possible.
A Teacher, Evangelist, and Leader
Born Missionary tells the remarkable life story of Islay Walden, a man born into slavery who overcame blindness, poverty, and prejudice to become an educator, poet, and minister. What inspired you to tell the story of Islay Walden?
Islay Walden was the founding minister and teacher at the church and school where my maternal ancestors lived. I was aware that he was a poet, known as the “Blind Poet of North Carolina.” but when I began looking for information on his life, I noted that there was scant information published about him. Most of the information was repetitious and frequently inaccurate. In addition, none of the essays noted that his primary focus was to bring education and the gospel to his community. Poetry was a tool he would use to help him accomplish that. None of the biographical essays noted that he had begun two successful school programs, one in Washington, DC, and the other in New Brunswick, New Jersey before returning to North Carolina. However, his reputation as a teacher, evangelist, and community leader had not gone unnoticed during his lifetime or at his death. Thus, after reading an obituary that extolled his talent as a “born missionary,” I chose that for the title.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
There was a section about his life primarily focused on his poetry in my previous book, From Hill Town to Strieby, which took about four years to research. This book was published four and a half years later. Once I began seeking research information beyond literary criticism, I found that there was very little official information available. I found that the best guide was Walden’s own poetry, which was heavily biographical, a fact not noted in any of the literary reviews or biographical essays.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to be able to show that while Walden had been successful as a poet, he had used his poetry primarily to further his vocation as a teacher and minister. His desire to bring education and foster the faith of his community were his greatest desires. He believed those were the tools that would help all he encountered and especially his community in North Carolina prosper both materially and spiritually.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Islay Walden’s story?
I want people to know that his was a story of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. He overcame a legacy of slavery, financial challenges and physical disability to gain an education in order to help all he encountered to have a better life.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website | Amazon
Building a Community To Survive
The Reckoning of Chaos and Magic follows a group living in a post-apocalyptic world going on a supply run who are captured, tortured, and imprisoned, causing a supernatural power to awaken inside them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration began with Book One, Rubicon Escape, and continues through this book. My inspiration was to create a hook and immediate tension in the storyline, which would reveal the support from the ranch and the love that TJ has for Mel. As authors, we need that hook in the first few pages to engage and captivate our readers. My hope is that if they pick up this book first without having read the other two, they will go back and grab the other two, and then be waiting for Books Four and Five.
The characters in your book are complex and well-developed, drawing readers into not just their story but the inner workings of their minds. What is your process for creating such in-depth characters?
I write the storyline out in Plotter and build the plot line, the Arcs, and the path I want the story to take. I then began typing on my computer to create the initial draft with this raw idea and the characters. Once completed, I start reviewing, rewriting, and changing how the characters interact and speak in the story. While I’m in the middle of a storyline, I tend to dream about these characters and the storyline, and I wake up making changes based on my dreams and thoughts.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Resilience, perseverance, and survival, and how people will become friends and build relationships in times of need. This story follows a group of people building a community to survive, while also exploring the internal conflicts of a new family coming together. I wanted to portray my characters as relatable to the challenges we face in our everyday lives and how we can learn to get along. The internal conflict is not solved in this book, though the plan is to mend the fences in an upcoming book.
I also wanted to build an external threat to the protagonist and build that conflict and tension in the story.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, Book Four is currently in the works. The next book will cover overcoming fears and fighting for what we believe in. This genre of book always has the good fighting evil, and that will continue. What might start out as someone being good, they will turn to the dark side and try to fight the team at the ranch.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Supernatural Apocalyptic War – Book Three
When the world ended, Freedom Ranch became more than a refuge—it became a fortress of hope, grit, and magic.
After the EMP collapse that shattered every system on Earth, Mel and TJ thought they had built something unbreakable: a home carved from the chaos, protected by veterans, healers, and survivors who refused to give up. But the deeper they dig into the ruins of civilization, the more they uncover that the apocalypse wasn’t only man-made… it was supernatural.
A rescue mission gone wrong thrusts Mel and her team into the hands of a brutal gang, revealing just how far the corruption and cruelty have spread across what’s left of America. But the real threat isn’t human—it’s the darkness rising within the unseen world. When Mel, Gail, Shelly, and Raven are marked by a living tattoo of the Tree of Life, time slows, magic ignites, and the four women discover that destiny has bound them together as the Chosen Four.
Each bears a gift born of ancient power: Mel’s nature magic, Gail’s shapeshifting spirit, Shelly’s crystal sorcery, and Raven’s command of the unseen. Together, they’ll learn that the apocalypse has awakened more than survival instincts—it’s awakened a war between worlds.
As allies gather—veterans, witches, and warriors of light—Freedom Ranch becomes the last bastion between humanity and the encroaching shadow. Ruffus, the loyal Malinois, continues to evolve into something beyond mortal comprehension, guarding the ranch as a griffin of legend. Joe, the quiet neighbor with too many secrets, finally reveals his true name and purpose. And when Merlin himself steps out from myth to stand beside them, the team realizes that magic has always been real—it was just waiting for the right people to believe.
But belief won’t be enough. Evil walks in flesh and fog alike: gangs turned warlords, twisted spirits hungry for vengeance, and a demonic force that feeds on fear and blood. When the Chosen Four are hunted by otherworldly beings sent to destroy them, their friendship and courage will be tested to the breaking point. The line between life and death, love and loss, faith and fear blurs in a battle that spans both realms.
Haunted by visions, bound by prophecy, and armed with grit, humor, and firepower, Mel and her allies must face the truth—magic isn’t a gift. It’s a reckoning.
As the skies burn and the earth trembles, Freedom Ranch will either become the birthplace of humanity’s rebirth… or the tomb of its last defenders.
In The Reckoning of Chaos and Magic, blends post-apocalyptic realism with supernatural mythos, forging a story where survival meets destiny and courage is laced with laughter. Heart-pounding action, loyal camaraderie, and deeply human moments drive this third entry in the Supernatural Apocalyptic War saga.
The end of the world was only the beginning.
The true war has just begun.
Entertaining and Educational
The Adventures of Moly follows a lovable therapy dog who time-travels to ancient Pompeii, befriends a Roman boy and his dog, and faces history’s greatest disasters with courage, heart, and wagging tail. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I always knew that Pompeii would be the destination for Moly in her second adventure. My wife and I visited the ruins of that ancient city on our honeymoon, and I figured that children would love a story about a civilization where a volcano erupted nearby.
How did you research Pompeii to make it come alive for young readers without making it too scary?
I focused on what life was like for everyday Pompeiians and wanted to make it relatable by having a Pompeiian child with his dog guiding Moly through the city’s streets to help steer the narrative. I felt that children would find that entertaining and educational.
The illustrations add so much warmth. Did you collaborate closely with the artist, and how did that process work?
Yes I did. First, I supplied Valeria Leonova, the illustrator, with the final draft of the story with illustration suggestions. Then she supplied illustrations for my review and approval. The process takes about eight months from start to finish.
Can you give us a hint about Moly’s next time-travel destination?
Moly will be traveling on The Underground Railroad with Harriet Tubman in her third adventure.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Instagram
Moly isn’t just a sweet Beagle Terrier—she’s a loyal companion who brings joy to children at Renaissance Academy and adventure to everyone she meets.
But her biggest secret? She can leap through time.
This time, her paws carry her to the bustling streets of Pompeii—an ancient city full of color, laughter, and hidden danger. As Moly explores Roman life, she discovers new friends, breathtaking wonders, and the looming shadow of a disaster no one sees coming.
For kids, every page is a doorway into history. For parents, it’s a story filled with heart, courage, and the kind of magic that makes reading unforgettable.
Perfect for readers who love adventure, friendship, and stories that bring history to life. Scroll up and join Moly on her next unforgettable journey through time!
The Politics of Hope
Beyond the Politics of Contempt explores how ordinary Americans can move from division to dignity, offering a compassionate roadmap for healing relationships, communities, and democracy itself. Why was this an important book for you to write?
We wanted to write the book now given how much division we have in our country. Large numbers of us are fearful and untrusting of others, and many have lost hope in our democratic republic. We wish to transform this politics of fear and contempt into the politics of hope, and build a national culture of kindness, dignity, and respect. At one level, we offer practical solutions for readers who want to heal their relationships with their estranged relatives, neighbors, and friends, and in the process, strengthen their mental health. At another level, through collective action, we can strengthen our communities and nation.
You describe dignity as a “muscle” we’ve forgotten how to use. What daily practices help people strengthen it again?
For many of us, an important first step is getting in touch with our values. We have an entire chapter devoted to identifying our values, and then examining these values in relation to how we feel about others who support politicians we don’t approve of. Owning the disconnect is key to strengthening our muscle of treating others with differing political views with dignity. From there, some engage in a daily physical workshop, or a regular mindfulness meditation practice, or a frequent detox from social media “doomscrolling.” Then, we are ready to tackle conversations on issues we disagree with, becoming curious and humble toward others. We like to say “Be curious, not furious.”
In your research and experience, what’s the most common obstacle that prevents people from having “braver conversations”?
In our experience, there are several obstacles. It may be the fear that others won’t respond positively to our reaching out- -that they will not be heard by “the other side.” Sometimes it’s “Why should I reach out? They created the mess.” Interestingly, sometimes it’s our own side that presents the biggest obstacle – “How can you talk to those people?” We don’t want to alienate our tribes so we stay siloed in our echo chambers.
What gives you hope right now that America can move beyond contempt, and what signs of healing do you see emerging?
Americans are increasingly realizing that we are being manipulated by conflict entrepreneurs, a term describing forces that serve to profit or gain power from sowing division. These include some media outlets, tech companies, some politicians, and foreign powers. Americans don’t want to be taken advantage of – -we believe we are better than this. As we become more aware of the conflict entrepreneurs, our hope is that more of us will see the importance of uniting across differences, not to agree, but to treat each other with respect. We are heartened by the increased membership of Americans in groups such as Braver Angels that promote courageous citizenship, including the skills of engaging in healthy conflict rather than an “us” vs “them” mentality.
Author Links:
GoodReads: Doug Teschner | Beth Malow | Becky Robinson
X (Twitter): Beth Malow
Facebook: Doug Teschner | Beth Malow | Becky Robinson
Website: Book Website | Doug Teschner | Beth Malow | Becky Robinson
“In Beyond the Politics of Contempt, Teschner, Malow, and Robinson offer nourishment for America’s hungry soul. You’ll discover, in invitingly bite-sized chunks, a cogent analysis of how we became so polarized. Diverse in their politics and rich in expertise, these authors add in generous dollops of storytelling where they examine their own assumptions and biases, often with surprising outcomes. Then, they challenge us with intriguing exercises to explore our own role in today’s political dynamic. Take them up on the challenge. Use this book to get together with colleagues or cousins, neighbors or strangers, friends or frenemies, and explore the art of listening to understand.”
—Susan Clark, coauthor of Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home
In a climate of widespread contempt and even hatred for people who disagree politically, we can each make important contributions to better our lives, our relationships, and our country. We can stand up for what we believe while also building bridges across the political divide. While many fear for our nation’s future, there are practical steps we can each take to build hope for a better America. The book includes:Skills for greater self-awareness of how our reactions to political events and others impact our health and well-being;
Practical ways to mend relationships torn apart by politics and to empower yourself and others when difficult conversations arise;
Steps to integrate political activism and bridge building; and
Actions to rebuild a national culture of kindness, dignity, and respect.
LITERARY TITAN 