Category Archives: Interviews
An Indoctrinated Horror Enthusiast
Witches and Pumpkins, Fur and Fangs is a collection of twenty short stories surrounding Halloween, bringing together tales of monsters, goblins, ghosts, witches, and everything scary. What was the inspiration for creating this collection of stories?
I got the idea for this collection after I saw the movie Trick ‘r Treat. I first watched that movie in 2009, which also happened to be the year I started writing for the first time. I remember thinking how amazing it was that the movie (almost) had a little bit of everything in it, and how it all took place in the same town on the same night. I thought to myself how cool it would be if a book or movie literally had EVERYTHING in it. Something like that movie, but on a grander scale. A year later, I wrote Jack of the Lantern. After that, I kept adding stories, always making sure they stood alone on their own, but secretly including Easter eggs that connected them to the others. I took the secondary characters from previous stories and threw them into the spotlight for their own stories. I made sure each one either addressed a different type of monster, or revolved around a different Halloween tradition or legend. Almost every character in the book appears multiple times. ‘Science Make Me Mad’ and ‘Can You See Me’ feature the same mad scientist antagonist. The librarian from ‘Hob Gob’ is a main character in ‘Incorporeal Beings’. Things like that. I encourage anybody reading to try to pay attention to the characters and all the connections, because there’s a lot of them.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I became an indoctrinated horror enthusiast since I was eleven. I was a child of the 90’s and grew up on late night television specials like Joe Bob Brigg’s Monstervision every Friday and Saturday night. I would catch Sunday afternoon showings of American Werewolf in London and Children of the Corn, complete with commercial breaks, just to find out later that the only parts they really cut out when editing for television was the nudity and cursing. All the scary parts were mostly still intact. I became fascinated with all things scary, and as a teenager I began reading Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I write other stories in the realm of science fiction or fantasy, but I always end up leaning towards the darker sides of things.
Do you have a favorite story in this collection, and if so, what makes it so appealing to you?
I have a couple. ‘Jack of the Lantern’ has always held a special place in my heart. Not only was it my first to write, it was also my first short story to ever get published. When I was reading these stories again for this collection, I stopped at ‘Incorporeal Beings’. I remember telling myself, “Wow I actually wrote this. This is pretty damn good.” I like a good ghost story, especially when it becomes clear that the ghosts are a real threat and can actually kill you. That story was a lot of fun to write.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am actively working on a novel entitled I Don’t Want to be a Monster. Imagine if Dexter was the Wolfman; that’s the basic concept. It’s about a werewolf who targets serial killers, rapists, child molesters, etc. I currently have several interested parties requesting the manuscript, and I’ve been given an early December deadline to complete (it’s almost done!). Hopefully you’ll be seeing that one soon.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube
The Concept of a Chimera
Split is the story of a boy born with genetic chimerism who faces bullying, identity crises, and the fear of following in his father’s footsteps. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In early 2019, while at the pediatric cardiology office, I learned about a patient who was a fetal chimera. The patient learned about her diagnosis from an astute clinician who observed slight left vs. right-sided physical differences. I had read about chimera patients within the medical literature, but had never read about a protagonist with a chimera diagnosis. However, the scenario seemed perfect for a nature vs. nurture coming-of-age story.
I imagined my protagonist, a chimera, with left vs. right-sided physical differences, but most importantly, those differences aligned with traits he observed within his parents. Families often discuss the physical features of children, such as eye color, a pointed or rounded chin, or hair color, that are passed down through each generation. In my own family, my son is a near replica of when I was a child, and my daughter looks nearly identical to my wife. Those physical traits could serve as a constant reminder of the genetic differences between his left and right sides, creating the feeling that he had two different identities. Whenever he looked in the mirror, his two different colored eyes would stare back. If his mother were passive and his father was violent, it would give the protagonist reason to worry about which side might dominate their identity.
I began searching the literature, reading about various case reports, and watching an episode of CSI and All My Children, where each utilized a chimera as a character. I even discovered that the singer, Taylor Muhl, had recently told the world she was a chimera. The more I read, the more I decided to leverage the chimera diagnosis to highlight a nature vs. nurture theme. I then built the story around the concept of a chimera. I created Ethan, the protagonist in SPLIT, with heterochromia, or different colored eyes. Most physical differences in a chimera are subtle, but two different colored eyes would undoubtedly cause Ethan to be ostracized in school and bullied.
Is there anything from your own life included in the characters in Split?
There isn’t much from my own life that is included in the characters for Split. However, I did grow up on a beef farm outside of Saratoga, New York, and would often get lost playing in the corn fields!
What is it that draws you to write Teen and Young Adult fiction?
I think exploring how adolescents develop into adults is fascinating. There are so many influences between friends, family, genetics, and environment, that all have some impact on the development of who a person will become. Split explores this idea in a new and different way with the use of a chimera.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a story about action vs indifference. When confronted with a dangerous situation, the historical adage was always fight or flight. However, I think there is a growing cohort who no longer flee but watch and record the event on a phone or mobile device. I’m not sure when this will be finished, as I am currently only half way through a first draft.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website
Stories of Real Soldiers
That Such Men Lived follows a young German Jew who finds himself thrust into the chaos of WWII, dealing with grief and loss, and coping with anger and his own fears. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Both of my grandfathers served in World War II. As a sixteen-year Air Force veteran myself, I wanted to highlight the kinds of sacrifices that the men of this era went through. Given the prevalence of stories from this time in American history, I chose to focus on lesser-known aspects of larger campaigns, and I tried to bring the stories of mostly unknown soldiers to the forefront. It was Bruce Henderson’s book, Sons and Soldiers, that led to my focus on a protagonist like Johannes.
Can you share with us a little about the research process that went into putting this book together?
After deciding to write a book about World War II, I read as much as I could about the subject. I read books like The Iron Sea, by Simon Read, The Rifle, by Andrew Biggio, and The Last Battle by Stephen Harding. However, it wasn’t until I read Sons and Soldiers that I knew I had my story. After that, it was a matter of narrowing down the focus, and for that, a big help (probably the biggest help) was Four Stars of Valor by Phil Nordyke. I wanted to get the details right and highlight the stories of real men. In my historical notes within the book, I provide more details, but I’ve tried to ensure that the stories of real soldiers are included in That Such Men Lived.
How were you able to capture Johannes Schmitt’s thoughts and emotions?
I’ve been writing for a long time, and often as you write a character, they kind of begin to tell you their thoughts and emotions. Johannes was probably the most difficult for me to understand. His story went through a dozen different iterations before I developed enough of a relationship with him to understand his motivations. Despite the book being about 90K words, I probably wrote close to 200K before I finished. Spending that kind of time with someone (even someone fictional) helps you gain insight into their mind.
Can we look forward to seeing more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
That Such Men Lived was something of a departure from my normal writing, which focuses more on Medieval and Ancient history. I’m currently working on the fourth book for my series, The Crusader Chronicles, which follows the story of a thief-turned-knight during the First Crusade. I don’t yet have a working title, but I’m hoping to finish that up by the end of the year, with a potential early spring release.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
—General George S. Patton
Seventeen-year-old Johannes Schmitt can do nothing but watch as the Gestapo murders his father in his own home.
Forced to flee Germany, Johannes is torn from the girl he loves and the mother he swore to protect, boarding a ship to America with nothing but a suitcase, a broken Star of David, and the weight of survivor’s guilt. He arrives alone, enraged, and powerless to help those he loves.
That is, until he’s finally drafted into the US Army.
From there, Johannes is sent to the most unlikely of places: the top-secret Camp Ritchie, where he and fellow Jewish immigrants learn advanced interrogation techniques and German order of battle, strategies that promise to change the tides of the war. From the burning streets of Briedheim to the secretive Camp Ritchie to the very walls of Hitler’s Fortress Europe, Johannes must navigate a journey haunted by the past as he tries to keep his honor intact.
In this evocative retelling of the real-life German-born Jewish immigrants known as the Ritchie Boys, That Such Men Live is a gritty and emotional story of sacrifice, war, and maintaining hope when all seems lost.
Introducing Lovecraft to Children
Cats of Ulthar: A Tale Reimagined follows a family of cats on the eve of returning home, where a father recounts to his children the tale of their grandfather, which begins as a bedtime story and becomes a dark memory of captivity, vengeance, and rebirth. What inspired you to reimage the famous H.P. Lovecraft story?
I have been a graphic novelist for over twenty years. The majority of my work has been reimagining Lovecraft for a new generation; largely introducing Lovecraft to children. It started with Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom. That story spawned two other books in the series and three animated movies from them. My latest book before “Cats”, introduced children to Lovecraft’s character Herbert West. I’m honored to state that my work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and Rue Morgue magazine.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
Horror has intrigued me since I was young. It touches on the most primal, darkest side of humanity. I wrote Cats of Ulthar because I loved the original story, but also because it allowed me to delve into modern-day themes that the original did not. This story, wrapped in a bedtime story, deals with questions over modern-day authority, the line between freedom, and what we call “a pitchfork mob”.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Honestly, the final scene. This is a bedtime story, but the young cubs never hear what truly happens because they fall asleep. The father reveals he would never tell them the ugly side of this story because he wants to protect them from the ugliness of the world. It rang true to me as a natural protective moment coming from a parent, but that parent also wishes to unburden himself as an adult and relieve himself of some of the ugliness in the world.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I just finished a futuristic short story about A.I. It defines comfort as a prison. It was inspired by seeing people turning to A.I. to make their lives easier. Slowly watching society turn to A.I. for the “comfort”, or an easy way to create “art”, or even book a vacation, haunts me deeply because I do not see it ending well. I also am fleshing out a graphic novel that is most definitely horror. I can’t predict when the next book will be released because creating stories in this form takes many people, but being a graphic novelist has been my passion for many decades, and I will never stop creating.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Will Humans Become Obsolete?
100 Years to Extinction follows two sisters and their cousin who are caught in a world of chaos where pandemics, gun violence, climate change, and political division all overlap, and they make a pact to do something to save humanity’s future.
I found the science in the novel to be well-developed and engaging. What kind of research did you conduct to ensure you got it right?
My research, combined my knowledge, books on space exploration and AI, help from a fellow physicist on speed of light space travel, advice from a physician on medical issues, use of Google search for articles and the Google AI function, and advice from a NASA expert on the magnetic field for Mars.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme is a world threatened by the Tyranny of Technology and dysfunctional politics. My three young Gen Z protagonists, Liz, Aster, and Milo, want a better world for everyone. The subthemes are the threats from global warming, nuclear security, unchecked AI, and misused genetic engineering. The cover image is a future that my protagonists fantasize: Genetic engineering creates a super-humanoid species that wipes out humans only to be eliminated by robots. All with the background of melting glaciers.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes. My three protagonists, a little older now, are living in what is called the AI Singularity, predicted to occur in 2045. It is at this point that Artificial Intelligence becomes as intelligent and as powerful as humans. What will occur then? Will humans become obsolete? My three protagonists use their skills, intelligence and experience to ensure that humans and AI live together in harmony for mutual benefit.
My new novel, 12 YEARS TO AI SINGULARITY,follows Liz, Aster and Milo as they cope with the new reality. It is coming out in the spring of 2026.
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website
When EMT Liz Arvad is shot while saving a life, her recovery sparks a deeper awakening. Maybe the world isn’t just chaotic, it’s unraveling. Alongside her genius sister, Aster, and politically charged cousin, Milo, Liz makes a vow—do something, anything, to help save humanity. It starts with a promise in a sunlit room, and becomes a mission that could change everything.
In 100 Years to Extinction, physicist and award-winning STEM author Peter Solomon, Ph.D., blends heart-pounding fiction with scientific foresight. Inspired by Hawking’s dire warning that humans may face extinction by 2117, this gripping novel explores the runaway threats we can no longer ignore: climate collapse, pandemics, war, gene editing, AI, disinformation, and more.
But this story isn’t just about what’s going wrong—it’s about what we can still do. Backed by decades of experience founding clean-tech companies, leading multimillion-dollar government research, and writing 300+ scientific papers, Solomon brings unmatched clarity and urgency to the question: Can we still save ourselves?
With characters who feel heartbreakingly real and science that hits close to home, 100 Years to Extinction is both a wake-up call and a rallying cry. It dares readers to imagine a better future … and to fight for it.
Will you join the Earthling Tribe?
Pick up your copy today—and take the first step toward making Earth great again… before it’s too late.
About the Author: Blending heart-pounding fiction with clear, accessible science, physicist and award-winning STEM author Peter Solomon, PhD, explores the runaway threats we can no longer ignore—climate collapse, pandemics, nuclear war, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, disinformation, and more. Solomon offers unmatched clarity on the question: Can we still save ourselves, and how might we do it?
Understanding and Solidarity
Well, Mama, This is It (it’s Now Or Never) is part confession, part storytelling, and part letter-writing, all stitched together with raw honesty and a strong emotional pulse with reflections on love, faith, and the messy business of being human. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was important for me to write because it allowed me to explore different characters and express what I had imagined. It was a way for me to connect with readers who may be going through similar struggles and offer them a sense of understanding and solidarity. This book is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the beauty of embracing our imperfections.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There were key ideas that I found important to share. Some of these ideas include the importance of self-love, unapologetically being yourself, and the value of perseverance in the face of challenges.
How has writing this book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
Writing this book has changed me as a writer, and it’s all thanks to amazing readers like yourself and everyone who has been a part of this journey. I have learned that I am capable of overcoming challenges and self-doubt to produce a work that I am truly proud of. This experience has not only improved my writing skills but also boosted my confidence in my abilities as a storyteller. Writing this book has shown me that with dedication and passion, I can achieve my writing goals and continue to grow as an author. Once again, thanks to everyone!
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Well, Mama, This is It (it’s Now Or Never)?
I hope that readers take away a sense of empowerment and inspiration.
Author Links: GoodReads | Snapchat
We don’t have to fight
We do not have to cry for the rest of our lives
Cause Boys
Girls
And Everyone we know
Seems to drift away just a little bit
That’s life”
Step into a world where love knows no bounds and equality reigns supreme. In this gripping tale, a group of men and women defy the odds and fight for their right to be themselves. As they navigate the twists and turns of their lives, they discover that the greatest strength comes from within.
Meanwhile, teenagers grapple with their own struggles, trying to find their place in a world that often seems to be against them. But as the characters’ stories intertwine, they learn the power of love, the importance of equality, and the beauty of being true to oneself. This is a story that will inspire young women and men in our community to embrace their uniqueness and strive for greatness. So come along on this unforgettable journey of self-discovery and empowerment, and discover the power of love and equality in a world that often seems to be lacking in both.
Leadership Is a Holistic Endeavor
Seven Core Values To Become An Impactful Leader shows how Integrity, Learning, Excellence, Accountability, Determination, Empathy, and Respect form the foundation of authentic leadership. What inspired you to frame leadership around the acronym I-L.E.A.D.E.R.?
The acronym I-L.E.A.D.E.R. (Integrity, Learning, Excellence, Accountability, Determination, Empathy, and Respect) emerged from a deep desire to provide a memorable and actionable framework for aspiring and current leaders. My personal journey and extensive professional background revealed that these seven values are not merely abstract concepts but are foundational to sustained impact and thriving organizational cultures. I wanted to create a tool that leaders could easily internalize and apply daily, transforming their intentions into tangible actions that resonate deeply within their teams and communities. This framework serves as a constant reminder that leadership is a holistic endeavor, demanding both competence and compassion. It encapsulates the essence of what it means to truly guide and uplift others, offering a beacon for ethical and effective leadership. Embracing I-L.E.A.D.E.R. empowers you to lead with purpose, fostering environments where everyone can thrive.
How did your military background shape your perspective on softer values like empathy and respect, which many leaders overlook?
My military background has profoundly shaped my understanding of values like empathy and respect, demonstrating their critical role even in the most demanding situations. In high-stress scenarios, effective leadership requires not only command but also a genuine understanding of individual struggles and the fostering of cohesion. I learned that authentic leadership builds trust and resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and shared success. These “softer values” are not weaknesses; they are powerful catalysts for unity and collective achievement, essential for inspiring unwavering commitment and cultivating a truly impactful team. Experiencing the consequences of their absence firsthand solidified my conviction that empathy and respect are indispensable for genuine leadership, creating a powerful bond that transcends rank and ensures mission success. It is through these values that we unlock the full potential of every individual, fostering an environment where collaboration flourishes and spirits soar.
In your experience, which of the seven values do leaders struggle with most and why?
Leaders most frequently struggle with empathy among the seven core values because it demands vulnerability and a willingness to transcend one’s own perspective. Many leaders prioritize task accomplishment and measurable outcomes, inadvertently overlooking the importance of the human element. Developing empathy requires active listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and genuinely connecting with team members on an emotional level, which can feel challenging and time-consuming in fast-paced environments. However, neglecting empathy creates a disconnect, hindering psychological safety and ultimately stifling innovation and engagement within the team. Genuine empathy requires a conscious effort to step into another’s shoes, which, while challenging, unlocks unparalleled loyalty and commitment. It is the bridge that connects hearts and minds, forging a team that is not only productive but also deeply unified and resilient.
If someone only remembers one takeaway from Seven Core Values To Become An Impactful Leader, what do you hope it is?
If someone remembers only one takeaway from “Seven Core Values to Become an Impactful Leader,” I hope it is this: “Leadership is an act of service, rooted in consistently living your values.” It transcends titles and positions; it is about inspiring others, fostering growth, and creating a positive ripple effect through your actions and character. Your commitment to these core values defines your legacy and truly elevates your ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you lead. This single realization empowers individuals to become beacons of positive influence, transforming every interaction into an opportunity for growth and inspiration. Embracing this principle means leading from the heart, knowing that genuine impact stems from a place of integrity and a selfless dedication to others’ success. This truth will guide you through any challenge, ensuring your leadership leaves an indelible mark of positive change.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
Dr. Gomez, a scholar-practitioner with a doctorate and multiple master’s degrees, meticulously outlines how these values translate into tangible leadership competencies. Each chapter offers practical strategies and real-world examples, enabling readers to internalize and apply these principles for immediate impact. This book serves as an indispensable compass, guiding aspiring and seasoned leaders toward a purposeful and impactful leadership journey, ultimately shaping a new generation of value-based practitioners.
Christianity and Global Civilization
Conflict & Peace explores the struggles of twelve Biblical figures and their contributions to Christianity as it is known today. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Growing up as the son of a pastor, my Christian faith came to me as a young child. Growing into early adulthood, like many I came to question my faith. Seeing obvious (and less obvious) seeming inconsistencies in the Bible, I focused in on the often accepted but unspoken assumption that there is a complete harmony of the various gospel and other biblical accounts. For me, the breakthrough came when I realized that “harmonization” is nowhere mentioned in the Biblical text. Rather, I could take the approach of taking in whatever each biblical author has to say in that individual’s own voice. Accept and explain the conflict where possible. And where not, just let it be.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I have been at the research off and on for about 30 years – reading a wide range of authors, interacting as a teacher in a variety of one-on-one and group settings.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Once I got past the issue of forced harmonization, my next question and key theme for the book was the divine and earthly roles that Jesus of Nazareth played in observing, creating and/or resolving conflict. And then tracking how these conflicts of personality, theology and mission were experienced by the diverse characters that helped shape Christianity and global civilization.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Conflict & Peace?
I hope that readers can draw from the experience of inevitable conflicts driving Christian pioneers to search out pathways for renewed peace. Day by day and at home with Jesus.
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website
In this book, author Eric Hovee traces a seemingly never-ending Christian dialogue and practice that may espouse peace but often engages in conflict. The author explores this interplay through the lives, beliefs, and practices of 12 pioneers who helped shape Christianity as it has been handed down to us today. We begin with the contrasting perspectives of the four gospel writers – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – and continue with pivotal, yet sometimes conflicted, early church leaders such as Paul, James, Peter, Thomas, and Mary Magdalene. The journey then skips forward three centuries to the Roman Emperor Constantine, who sought to marry church and state, before moving another millennium ahead to Martin Luther, who sought to radically reform it all, and finally circles back to our starting point: Jesus, as the one who intended it all.
How best to experience conflict, and yet find peace? Every day and through every phase of human existence, there is an opportunity for resolution and partnership, in step and at home with Jesus. We seek a Jesus who consistently demonstrates that, just when we think we have the answers, new questions arise. When we feel we’ve run the race, we find we’ve only just begun.
LITERARY TITAN 