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Capacity for Greatness
Answering the Human Question: A Gnome’s Essays On Mankind is a story that imagines a world where humans coexist with mythical creatures like gnomes, elves, and dwarves. This is an intriguing setup for a novel that is high in social commentary. What was your moral goal when writing this novel, and do you feel you’ve achieved it?
Our goal with Answering the Human Question was to explore cycles of imperialism, oppression, and humanity’s will to triumph over adversity through a rich fantasy lens. At its core, we wanted to inspire readers to hold faith in humanity and themselves and to keep moving forward no matter what challenges life brings. Through this story of mythical creatures and humans living side-by-side, narrated by an immortal being who observes humanity across centuries, we aimed not only to entertain our readers but to also encourage reflection.
Through the Gnome’s musings on humanity’s resilience, contradictions, and potential for greatness, we invite our readers to see a mirror of their own lives, with echoes of history woven throughout. While the message is ultimately uplifting, we also emphasize caution. As seen in both the story and in our own history, such triumphs often come at a significant cost.
While it’s ultimately up to readers to decide if we’ve achieved our goal, we believe that by staying true to these themes and letting the story unfold authentically, we’ve come close to realizing this vision.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
One of the most fascinating aspects of the human condition—one that lends itself well to fiction is our capacity for resilience and reinvention. Humans are remarkably adaptable, and exploring how characters respond to adversity—whether they bend, break, rebuild, or some combination of such—remains endlessly compelling. From our point of view, this very human trait is at the heart of stories that ask what it truly means to be human.
Another interesting facet that makes for some powerful storytelling is our ability to dream and imagine a future beyond our current circumstances. Characters who grapple with visions of a better world or who dare to push the boundaries of what is possible often lead to stories filled with wonder, hope, and transformation. Such a trait is not limited to personal ambition, it is about confronting fears, learning from failures, and still daring to reach further. At the same time, these aspirations carry the weight of personal sacrifice and unforeseen consequences, reminding us that pursuing progress and success often demands caution and discernment.
Finally, and perhaps most obvious and most significant in the novel, is our paradoxical relationship with time—that is our awareness of mortality yet longing for permanence. We humans are often driven by the desire to leave something behind, to matter, despite the inevitable end. That urgency in turn shapes our passions, our choices, and our relationships. Across fiction, it remains one of the most poignant aspects of ourselves to explore and thus makes for stories that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes we consider central to the book are humanity’s conflict with nature, capacity for greatness, and will to overcome adversity as well as the enduring legacy of those we hold dear. These themes are deeply significant because being history nerds, we’ve seen countless examples of them throughout human history. From our biblical fall from Eden to our evolutionary struggle to dominate the natural world, humanity’s rise to where we are now in spite of the odds is an inspiration of its own; as such, these themes continue to resonate, connecting to many on a personal level, making the story poignant and relevant.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Indeed, we are excited to share that we have several ideas for follow-up stories within the universe of Master Gnome, with one already in progress! This next project is shaping up as a memoir from an ensemble cast of mostly new characters, each offering their own perspective as they navigate the trials of a wartime era. Through their lives and reflections, we’ll delve deeper into the world and its history, exploring the impact of the conflict and the choices people make when confronted by upheaval and uncertainty. We hope it brings readers a fresh perspective on the themes we began exploring in Answering the Human Question and offers an even closer look at resilience and courage in times of hardship.
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To aid in their decision, they summon a Gnome to give testimony. He is the only Elderkin to have witnessed and chronicled humanity’s rise, observing them since their first steps nearly ten thousand years ago. His essays, later compiled into a single text, distill those millennia—from humanity’s humble beginnings in the Stone Age to the brilliant and terrifying present.
“Answering the Human Question” is a tale that chronicles the rise and fall of empires, ages of dark lords and heroes, and the birth of ingenuity in the face of strife—and its consequences. Will Mankind falter and submit to a hostile world, or will it dare to dream of a better one?
Wild Ride
Smuggler’s Love follows a space smuggler navigating a web of intrigue and ruthless gangsters who is trying to keep himself and the woman he loves safe from assassins and other unsavory types. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
So the Reese Daniels Smuggler series is a prequel novella/novelette series for my Epherium Chronicles novel series. I wanted to use as a way to get readers engaged in the events before the novels started, especially the alien invasion. Reese Daniels is such a fun character and I wanted to use his stories as fast-paced action-packed adventures to paint more of a picture for the sci-fi world I had created. With Smuggler’s Love, readers get to experience more of the intrigue in Reese’s life, both from the criminals and from the law enforcement members of EDF Security.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that developed between Reese and Irina?
When I created Reese’s character, he was a free spirit, but he has a protective side. Ever since the tragic death of his parents, he’s been extremely protective of his younger sister and when it comes to relationships, they never really last. In the previous story, Smuggler’s Guilt, Irina Almora enters his life, unexpectedly and presenting a connection he wasn’t prepared for. In Smuggler’s Love, that relationship blooms, but he falls into the same pattern of wanting to protect Irina and she’s someone who has grown up in a life surrounded by dangerous people. It’s an interesting and powerful dynamic which presents challenges for them both. Mix in trouble from both their pasts and you have a wild ride ahead.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
As an engineer, I always want to present a sense of realism in my writing. Having the science in science fiction enhances the story, much like The Expanse series and books like Old Man’s War present. The trick I have found is to not to get trapped in exposition to explain it. Give the feel, the effect, and the visual then let the reader’s imagination take it from there.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I have several more books in this series planned. The next is called, Smuggler’s Loss. Reese, still struggling with the loss of Irina, takes on a new risky set of jobs that put him in conflict with a new enigmatic group called The Collective. His sister, Gracie, will have a much more involved role in this story and characters like Grimm, Jax, and Maya Greywalker will return.
Readers can also follow some new stories about characters from Reese’s first adventure, Smuggler’s Valor. The Marine cadets he saved have graduated and begin their first mission in a story called Titan’s Hell: A Black Watch Regiment Story. It is part of a newly released anthology on Amazon titled, The Expanding Universe Volume 10.
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Relationships and smuggling are tricky business, and for Reese Daniels tricky is a steep slope to disaster.
Enter Irina Almora, niece to mobster Gideon Almora, the same man Reese helped bring down a few months ago. While on a simple delivery to Mars, Reese and Irina become the targets of assassins, security, and other unsavory types who want Irina for who she is and what she knows.
Short on friends and his enemies list growing, Reese must navigate a tangled web of intrigue and ruthless gangsters to keep them both alive.
Answering the Human Question: A Gnome’s Essays on Mankind
Answering the Human Question is a reflective narrative that imagines a world where humans coexist with mythical creatures like gnomes, elves, and dwarves. Told from the perspective of a seasoned gnome, the story delves into humanity’s evolution, from their early steps into civilization to their complex societies and struggles against darker forces. The narrator, a gnome who’s studied humanity over centuries, documents his interactions with humans, weaving history, philosophy, and cultural reflections into a unique series of essays that ponder what it means to be human.
One thing that stands out to me is the narrative voice. The gnome’s voice feels timeless yet quirky, which gives the prose a humorous edge despite the heavy themes. For instance, in the early chapters, the gnome recounts his first meeting with a human family led by Baruk and Jhalyah, nomads striving to survive in a dangerous world. The gnome’s earnest attempts to communicate with them using basic Elvish and their eventual bonding over a shared meal show the gentle humor and wonder of cross-cultural exchanges. The warmth in these interactions makes readers feel the gnome’s attachment to humanity and shows a rare vulnerability in how he admires humans’ resilience despite their fragility.
The gnome’s musings on humanity’s tendency toward conflict also bring a critical but thoughtful tone to the book. When discussing the brutal wars of the “Jaramites,” a later generation of human warriors, he seems almost mournful, especially in his reflections on Varr Scarhand, a warrior king who turns his people’s peaceful legacy into one of violence. The gnome sees this as a tragic turn, almost a betrayal of his early friends, Baruk and Jhalyah. He questions whether humans are truly learning or just repeating the same mistakes with new tools, and his sadness makes these sections resonate with readers who may feel the weight of human history’s cycles of violence and innovation.
However, it’s in the more philosophical sections that I think the book shines. In the concluding essays, the gnome considers the Elderkin Council’s debate on the “Human Question”: Should the Elderkin (the mythical races) welcome humans as equals, or are they fated to remain as lessers? The gnome’s arguments on humanity’s creativity, ambition, and contradictions are compelling. He highlights moments like the rise of Andrwyn the Great, a human king who unites tribes and promotes peace and education, as proof of human potential. The gnome’s admiration for humanity’s ability to dream and achieve something lasting amid mortality leaves readers with a sense of hope.
Answering the Human Question is ideal for fans of fantasy and philosophical thought experiments alike. It’s a reflective and surprisingly touching exploration of the human condition, seen through the eyes of an immortal, who is, in his own way, captivated by humanity. This book would be perfect for readers who enjoy the lore and ethical explorations in works like Tolkien’s or Pratchett’s but are looking for a unique, first-person philosophical twist.
Pages: 155 | ASIN : B0CW1FX44G
Smuggler’s Love: A Sci-Fi Action Adventure (Reese Daniels Smuggler Series Book 3)
Smuggler’s Love by TD Wilson offers a gripping sci-fi adventure that’s both refreshing and thrilling. At its heart is Reese Daniels, a smuggler by trade and a criminal by necessity. While he skirts the law to make ends meet, Reese doesn’t see himself as a villain, just someone who’s willing to bend the rules when it benefits him. His main source of income comes from smuggling, but occasionally, he finds himself entangled in side ventures—like taking down mob boss Gideon Almora. This twist brings Irena Almora, Gideon’s niece, into his life. On a routine delivery to Mars, Reese and Irena find themselves drawn into a dangerous web. Unsavory figures now want Irena for leverage and wouldn’t hesitate to use Reese as collateral. Forced together by circumstance, the two must navigate not only the perilous situations they find themselves in, but also the growing connection between them. What starts as a partnership to survive soon becomes something more, adding emotional stakes to the physical danger.
Wilson’s third installment in the Smuggler series doesn’t disappoint. While Reese may evoke memories of Han Solo, the character stands firmly on his own, with wit, charm, and a knack for getting into—and out of—trouble. Though part of a series, Smuggler’s Love works equally well as a standalone, introducing newcomers to a cast of well-rounded, engaging characters without the need to backtrack. What sets this novel apart from typical sci-fi fare is Wilson’s ability to develop his characters while maintaining the fast-paced narrative. Reese’s charm is magnetic, but it’s his depth and complexity that make readers care about his fate from the very first page. Irena, meanwhile, offers a dynamic counterpoint, evolving from a potential damsel in distress to a force to be reckoned with, holding her own in both banter and action as the stakes rise. I found the plot a bit predictable at times. While the action sequences are fantastic, some of the twists—like the betrayal Reese faces from people he trusts—feel somewhat expected. That said, the writing still keeps the reader invested, and the characters’ decisions—especially Reese’s—are compelling enough to make you care about the outcome.
Smuggler’s Love is a fast-paced, character-driven sci-fi adventure that showcases TD Wilson’s talent for blending action with engaging storytelling. The chemistry between Reese and Irena, coupled with the exciting and perilous situations they find themselves in, makes for a compelling read. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Smuggler series or a newcomer, this book offers a satisfying mix of thrills, humor, and heart.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B0D1LQWKD2
Trusted Friends and Lovers
Trusted Friends and Lovers, by Roxanne Burkey and Charles Breakfield, is an engaging collection of short stories exploring themes of love, friendship, and family. This compilation features seven interconnected tales: “Fears, Tears, or Cheers” follows Jo, a Brazilian model, and JJ, a Chief Master Sergeant. “Hidden Target” introduces Brayson, a cyber security expert, and Marian, a former Air Force member. “Remember the Future” centers on Wolfgang, his daughter Julianne, and his grandson Jacob. “Caribbean Dream” showcases Judith and Zee, friends working in San Juan to fund their college education. “Love’s Enigma” features Buzz and Zara, a couple who moves to San Juan and become teachers. “The Jewel” presents Haddy and Otto, new parents to a baby daughter. “Hot Chocolate” highlights Petra and Jacob, along with their young son, JW.
To fully appreciate this collection, it is recommended to read it alongside the authors’ other works, as these stories provide additional insights into the characters from the Enigma series. The collection effectively highlights pivotal moments in the characters’ lives, and several stories are beautifully interconnected, especially those depicting generational family relationships.
Set in diverse locations worldwide, the stories encompass a wide range of scenarios, such as distant memories, first meetings, reunions, proposals, weddings, and family celebrations during winter holidays. These varied settings and events keep readers hooked and invested in the characters’ journeys. After finishing this book, I was eager to delve deeper into the lives of the characters featured and explore the authors’ other works. A couple of the short stories felt rushed, with months or years passing in just a few pages. Additionally, some backstory details about the characters could have been conveyed more naturally. For instance, descriptions about Jo and JJ would have flowed better as part of the narrative rather than through dialogue, which occasionally felt unnatural. Despite this, Trusted Friends and Lovers remains a captivating read.
The collection’s ability to weave together rich, interrelated stories makes it a worthwhile addition to the Enigma series. Fans of the series and new readers alike will find much to enjoy in this exploration of relationships and life’s significant moments.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0CX2XK5D1
A Large Criminal Enterprise
In Smuggler’s Guilt, a man known for his smuggling skills finds himself working to bring down a cartel at the risk of his own life and moral code. What was the inspiration for this second book in your series?
I enjoy mysteries, adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy stories and shows. With Reese as a Smuggler, I planned for him to have run-ins with various criminal elements, and putting a large criminal enterprise operating in the belt or outer colonies was easy, not unlike The Expanse or Babylon 5.
What were some books or movies that you think were your main sources of inspiration for this story?
Modern and old-style sci-fi like Star Wars, mainly Han Solo, Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Bablyon 5, etc., provided some great inspiration for me.
Are there any characters that you especially enjoy writing for in this series?
Reese is so fun to write. Reese has that snarky, smart-ass quality, but a compassionate side for his family that makes him very relatable. Also, Maya Greywalker is a bad-ass and she is featured in my other Epherium Chronicles novels.
Can you give fans some insight into where the next book will take main character Reese Daniels?
The next story is called Smuggler’s Love and begins 3 months after the end of Smuggler’s Guilt. Reese and Irina’s relationship has progressed, but that kind of involvement with a family member of a crime family is wrought for trouble.
Here is a look at the opening:
“Experience provided me a long career. My adventures took me places I couldn’t dream when I was kid. Along the way, I found people; friends, allies, and plenty of enemies. I never expected to find love, love so innocent it broke boundaries. The kind of love poets wrote about. I heard once that love is patient, love is blind, love is transcendent—well something like that. All I knew was love got me in a whole lot of trouble.”
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Awarded Honorable Mention in the recent second quarter Volume 40 of L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future contest.
Reese Daniels has rules for smuggling and when he follows them everything clicks. Coerced into helping Earth Defense Force Security take down a criminal cartel, Reese has to violate his code to protect his family, his life, and humanity. With everything at stake, he must find unlikely allies to accomplish his mission.
Smuggler’s Guilt
T. D. Wilson’s Smuggler’s Guilt is an enthralling addition to the sci-fi adventure genre, seamlessly continuing the journey of Reese Daniels, the protagonist first introduced in Smuggler’s Valor. As a smuggler turned ally to the Marines in their battle against aliens, Daniels now finds himself in a precarious alliance with the authorities. His mission: to apprehend a group of smugglers who have brazenly pilfered from a headquarters. His reward is freedom, but he will risk his life to gain it.
Wilson’s narrative style remains as compelling as ever, masterfully balancing the pacing of the story with vivid descriptions of settings and action sequences. The blend of action and rich detail draws the reader deeper into the story. Wilson immerses readers fully in the unfolding events, creating another installment fans will find difficult to put down.
The character development in Smuggler’s Guilt is particularly noteworthy. Wilson crafts characters that are intricate and full of unexpected layers. The narrative skillfully reveals these layers, maintaining a sense of familiarity with the characters while allowing for new aspects of their personalities to emerge. The plot moves swiftly, adeptly exploring the complexities of human emotion, decision-making, and the myriad of circumstances that the characters encounter. The book’s conclusion is both satisfying and tantalizing, hinting at the potential for further exploration in the series, particularly with regard to the enigmatic Greywalkers. This effective setup paves the way for future installments, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating what comes next for Reese Daniels.
I highly recommend Smuggler’s Guilt to those who have a penchant for fast-paced, richly woven sci-fi adventures. For a more comprehensive understanding of the characters and storyline, it is advisable to read Smuggler’s Valor before delving into this sequel. Smuggler’s Guilt stands out as an exemplary read in its genre, offering a fulfilling experience that will leave readers both delighted and intrigued.
Pages: 73 | ASIN : B0CGYXJHG9
LITERARY TITAN 