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Explore Life’s Adventures

Michael Lingo Author Interview

Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery follows three friends living in a new part of the woods who hear a strange sound in the dark, leading them to embark on a quest to discover its source. What was the inspiration for your story?

Bunny and Fawn are based on my two rescue dogs, Lulu and Pixie. I’ve drawn from their quirks, personalities, and even some of their funny habits to shape the characters and their adventures.

This second book picks up where the first one left off. After being separated during a storm, Bunny and Fawn find each other again with the help of their new friend, Bear. They decide to stay near Bear’s home by a pond, a perfect spot since swimming is one of their favorite activities.

As for the mysterious creature they meet later in the story, I won’t spoil the surprise, but the character was inspired by Pixie’s love of burrowing into blankets and making playful noises. This new addition will return in future books as part of the continuing story.

Much like my first book, I’ve woven in themes that children can relate to, but that also resonate with readers of all ages. Diversity is a central idea, shown through different species of animals sharing the forest and learning from each other as they explore life’s adventures.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

For all my books, I intentionally include themes that are applicable to children. In Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery, several main themes include friendship, resilience, and discovery. All three themes are truly universal. Our lives are shaped by those around us. We seek guidance from those who have the experience, like Bunny in my first book, when Fawn taught her ways to be safe in the forest. Life is unpredictable, and we need to be ready for various opportunities and obstacles that come into our lives. I want readers to understand that it’s important to learn from experiences, be it good or bad, and that taking away those experiences makes us stronger. Also, specifically related to discovery, there’s so much to our world, and to simply ignore opportunities to meet someone new or experience a new adventure will only serve as a disservice.

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Damien Hall?

I’ve worked with Damien on both books, and the process has been wonderful. I shared my manuscript along with a short description of what I pictured for each illustration, but I encouraged him to bring his own creativity to the art. The process usually went from sketches to final renderings, with my feedback at each stage. Many times, he suggested changes that ended up making the illustrations even better than I imagined. Collaborating with him was smooth and inspiring.

Will this story be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?

Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature is the second book in the Bunny and Fawn series. I’m currently writing the third book in the series, which will be revealed in January of next year, marking the start of the illustrations phase of the process. I have no plans to stop writing books in the Bunny and Fawn series.

Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon

After moving to a new home in the forest, Bunny and Fawn quickly settle into a peaceful life with their new friend, Bear. Their days are filled with fun and adventure-until one night, Bunny hears something strange lurking in the dark. Determined to uncover the truth, Bunny leads Fawn and Bear on a thrilling quest to find out what’s prowling outside their home. But when they finally come face-to-face with the mysterious creature, they are more surprised than they ever imagined.



Awe and Tenderness

Nielle P. Marques Author Interview

Who Are We, Really? follows three inseparable tadpole friends who go on an adventure to figure out who they are meant to be and learn an important lesson in the process. What was the inspiration for your story?

As a mother, watching my little one grow, explore, and dream inspired me to write this story. One moment in particular sparked the idea for this book. I was walking with my son along a trail here in New England when we came upon a small pond filled with tadpoles. My son immediately scooped up a few into his hands. His eyes opened wide with wonder. It was the first time he had ever held tadpoles, and watching him study them so carefully, with such awe and tenderness, was pure magic. I knew then that I wanted to capture a part of that beautiful moment — to preserve the innocence, curiosity, and joy that childhood brings.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

One important educational aspect I wanted to explore in this story is self-discovery. While we all grow and change, who we are goes far beyond our appearance. It is our actions, choices, and character that truly define us. Another educational aspect that I also wanted to explore is creative thinking. Children learn through play, exploration, and imagination. Imaginative play is a vital part of childhood, helping them grow, make sense of the world around them, and discover more about themselves. In Who Are We, Really, the tadpoles imagine themselves as sharks, turtles, and dragonflies. This encourages children to play with different possibilities and outcomes and explore different perspectives.

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

The scene where the three friends discover they have become frogs. Joey, the most stubborn and spirited of the trio, continues to believe they are dragonflies, even though his reflection in the water reveals the truth. In that moment, I wanted to capture a simple yet powerful idea — that who we are comes from within. It isn’t our appearance that defines us, but our feelings, our choices, actions, and the kindness we carry inside.

What story are you currently in the middle of writing?

I am currently illustrating my fourth book, and I started writing my fifth. It tells the story of a bear cub trying to make friends in a forest where all the animals fear him. At its heart, it is a gentle reminder about kindness, acceptance, and seeing beyond appearances.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon

“Not every adventure leads you somewhere new—sometimes it leads you back to yourself.”

Who Are We, Really? is a heartwarming adventure with three tiny tadpoles―Polly, Molly, and Joey―on a BIG quest to figure out what (or who) they’re meant to be. Sharks? Turtles? Dragonflies? The sky’s the limit when you’ve got imagination!

Along the way, they meet wise creatures, swap wild ideas, and stumble onto a truth bigger than any dream: the best thing you can be….is yourself.

With vibrant, handmade watercolor collages and a story packed with heart, humor, and the power of believing in yourself, Who Are We, Really? is perfect for little dreamers ages 0–7—and anyone who’s ever dared to wonder who they might become.

Respect for Nature

Eric Redmon Author Interview

Walk With Me follows a former park ranger and his grandson who bond through hikes and camping trips, and through their adventures learn valuable lessons about passing down knowledge, love, and courage. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Walk With Me was inspired by my three grandsons, and I dedicated the book to them. As they’ve grown, I have tried to be their window to the outdoors, and it has rounded my life in amazing ways.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Important to me in my novella is the passing of valuable information – life skills – from one generation to the other. Respect for nature is a critical concept to pass on to all who will read my novel.

What experience in your life has had the most significant impact on your writing?

Influence from my parents, especially my mother, who encouraged my passion for written expression.

What story are you currently in the middle of writing?

I’ve written books in many genres, and Walk With Me is my latest. My favorite genre to write is historical fiction, and my thoughts are trending there again. Time will tell…

Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon

A wholesome story for young and old, Walk With Me is a stirring adventure that follows Pappy—wise, rugged Nelson—and his curious grandson, Skyler, alongside their faithful yellow Lab, Willis. As they trek through Washington’s breathtaking Cascade Mountains, Pappy teaches Skyler essential lessons in hiking, camping, and surviving in the wild. With each trail conquered and campfire story shared, Skyler grows—not just in skill, but in heart. Willis, with his boundless energy and sharp instincts, brings added joy and protection to their journey. This unforgettable tale of love, legacy, and the power of nature will inspire readers to cherish the wilderness—and the mentors who guide us through it.

Terra Secundus: A Novel of Colonization of Titan

Terra Secundus is a richly imagined sci-fi novel that follows Paul Rexton, a soldier-turned-news-explorer sent to report on humanity’s colonization of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Through his journey, the book explores ambition, identity, and the dangers of unchecked progress. From Earth’s “Longevity Wars” to the discovery of Blue Ice, a mysterious energy source that could reshape civilization, the story blends political drama, personal reflection, and wonder at the unknown.

The author paints a future that feels both vast and believable, filled with new technologies, evolving religions, and the long shadow of human history. The glossary of terms felt like stepping into a fully realized civilization. Yet, at its core, the story stays personal. Paul isn’t a stereotypical space hero; he’s a curious, conflicted observer trying to make sense of a world that keeps expanding faster than its morality.

The writing often feels old-fashioned in a good way, dense, descriptive, and philosophical. When Paul’s editor, Lana Emerson, sends him on his Titan assignment, their exchange brims with tension and respect. It’s less “blast-off adventure” and more about duty, curiosity, and the cost of truth. I especially loved the sections describing Titan itself: the orange skies, the methane seas, and the eerie silence of an alien world. The conversation between Paul and Evelyn Best, a local officer, about Blue Ice and the fragile ecosystem beneath Titan’s crust perfectly captures the book’s sense of awe and unease.

What makes Terra Secundus stand out is its focus on people, not just technology. The Artborn androids, like Erika, Paul’s robotic companion, are more than machines. They’re reflections of humanity’s desire to create, control, and connect. The pacing is slow at times, but it suits the introspective tone. Each scene feels like it’s building toward something deeper, a question about what progress really means.

Terra Secundus isn’t flashy space opera; it’s thoughtful, emotional, and quietly haunting. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy rich, idea-driven science fiction like The Expanse or Solaris. If you like stories that make you think long after the last page, this one will stay with you like a distant echo from the edge of space.

Pages: 157 | ASIN: B0FPBN7GQ8

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Quantum Genesis

From the opening pages, Quantum Genesis pulled me into a world where science, faith, and survival clash in a brilliant storm of ideas. It’s a story about Ode Tillmook, a scientist on a distant planet called Ghia, who’s torn between duty and conscience. His creation, a powerful compound meant to protect civilization, ends up threatening to destroy it instead. What begins as a tale of technology gone wrong evolves into something much larger, touching on consciousness, rebirth, and humanity’s place in the universe. It’s science fiction, but it feels philosophical, even spiritual. The pacing is cinematic, with scenes that swing from tense corporate politics to moments of haunting stillness and cosmic introspection.

Hanley’s writing isn’t just descriptive, it’s alive. Each sentence is humming with curiosity and heart. Sometimes I had to stop and breathe after certain passages because they carried a quiet power. The story takes big swings with its science, talking about quantum coherence, photosynthetic energy, and living planets. Yet, what hit me hardest wasn’t the technology but the emotion beneath it. Ode’s guilt, his love for his family, and his desperation to undo what’s been done all feel painfully relatable. I liked that Hanley doesn’t hold your hand. He lets mystery sit in the room with you. A few sections got a bit heavy with scientific jargon, and I found myself rereading paragraphs just to keep up. But even then, the sense of wonder kept me going.

By the time I reached the final chapters, I was both wrecked and strangely uplifted. The story turns from destruction to renewal, and that shift, from man breaking the world to man helping it heal, felt beautifully earned. Hanley writes with a sincerity that’s rare. You can tell he loves both science and storytelling. There’s awe here, and anger too, and a sense that we’re all responsible for what we build. I closed the book thinking about how fragile and miraculous our world really is.

I’d recommend Quantum Genesis to readers who like their sci-fi with a heartbeat. It’s perfect for fans of The Martian or Contact, people who love the blend of intellect and emotion. It’s not light reading, but it’s rewarding. If you’re the kind of person who looks up at the stars and feels both small and infinite at the same time, this book will feel like home.

Pages: 296 | ASIN : B0FVB43R8M

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The Powers Within: Mystical Beings

Keona thought her life was perfect and ordinary. She is a clinical associate by day, a devoted mother, whose her world revolves around her two sons, Kenai and Kenmoni. Whispers, strange sounds and shadows, and a chill that is hinted that something is beyond her reach.

The darkness and demons arrive.

A demon enters her home, and Keona unleashes powers that she never knew she had, being able to manipulate earth, water, and air. She notices that her quiet life is shattered by a world hidden from view, filled with evil beings that feed on fear. Kenai and Kenmoni are starting to awaken their powers as well.

Now, they are in a battle that they thought they would never be in. Keona, Kenai, and Kenmoni are faced with a harsh truth: demons that walk the earth, and only those with spiritual powers can defeat them. As they wrestle with their newfound gifts, they discover a destiny where they have to protect humanity from darkness and beckon those with spiritual gifts to stand in their truth and not be ashamed of what they have been blessed with.

Can an ordinary family master their powers to save a world that is on the brink of a spiritual war?

Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz

When Droodle the Poodle and Doo Doo Kidoodle tied the knot, they shattered the biggest rule on planet Zoodle: no pets allowed! As punishment, poor Droodle finds himself locked away in Zoodletraz, a prison from which no one has ever escaped. The question that drives the story is irresistible: can Droodle outsmart his captors and return to his beloved Doo Doo Kidoodle?

From the very first page, what stands out most is the comic book format. Children’s literature rarely embraces this style, making Snoodles in Space a delightful exception. Its layout instantly captures attention, not only from young readers but also from parents and educators seeking something fresh and visually engaging. Even reluctant readers will be drawn in, eager to follow the wild adventures of this eccentric cast.

Steven Joseph brings remarkable depth to his characters. In just a few panels, each one comes alive with personality and charm. Readers quickly form connections and root for them as if they’ve known them for ages. This emotional resonance, achieved through vivid details and playful dialogue, ensures that children will feel immersed in the world of Snoodles, Zoodles, and beyond.

The story also shines in its portrayal of community spirit. Whether celebrating victories or lending a hand in tough times, the inhabitants of Zoodle remind young readers of the value of kindness and cooperation. Through these moments, Joseph subtly imparts a lesson: helping others, no matter your age, shapes you into a compassionate, well-rounded person.

Andy Case’s illustrations elevate the story even further. His dynamic art bursts with energy, color, and imagination. Presented in a comic-book style, each page feels alive with detail and movement. The unique character designs and bold hues keep the reader’s eyes dancing from panel to panel. It’s the kind of book that invites you to linger and explore every corner of the artwork.

Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz is a story that entertains both children and adults alike. With its clever concept, lively illustrations, and heartfelt humor, it’s a comic adventure that will have readers laughing, learning, and turning pages long past bedtime.

Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0FMKSM2CK

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Not Yet Your Time

James Terminiello’s Not Yet Your Time is a strange, sharp, and funny novel that refuses to play by any ordinary rules. The story follows Titus Carneades, a self-deprecating office worker whose mundane New York life derails after a near-death encounter with a mysterious woman he dubs the “Benevolent Pumpkin.” What begins as a simple act of rescue spins into an absurd web of government agents, terrorist dance troupes, cultish believers, and philosophical riddles about time, fate, and faith. The tone flips easily between satire and suspense, and the plot lurches forward with a cinematic kind of chaos that somehow always lands on its feet.

Reading this book felt like falling down a rabbit hole built by Kafka and decorated by Mel Brooks. The dialogue snaps with dry wit, and the narrative voice never takes itself too seriously. Terminiello clearly enjoys skewering bureaucracy, politics, and the media, and he does it with a mix of intelligence and goofiness that’s both refreshing and exhausting. Some scenes stretch on like fever dreams full of bureaucratic jargon and absurd acronyms, but that’s part of the joke. Beneath the humor, though, there’s a weird tenderness. Titus, for all his bumbling and sarcasm, starts to feel like an everyman trying to locate meaning in a world so absurd it can only be laughed at. The book made me laugh, then think, then laugh again because I realized how close the nonsense hits to home.

The writing style took me a while to settle into. The sentences wander, full of digressions and witty detours, but there’s a rhythm to it, like jazz. The story moves in bursts, then slows to reflect on life’s ironies, then speeds up again in a flurry of chaos. I liked how Terminiello uses humor to talk about big ideas without sounding preachy. The world he builds feels surreal but eerily plausible, and that combination stuck with me. Sometimes I wanted a breath, a quiet moment without a punchline. But then again, that’s life in Titus’s head, too much, too fast, and too real to pause.

In the end, Not Yet Your Time is an absurdist romp with a beating human heart underneath all the noise. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy satire with teeth, or anyone who’s ever felt trapped in the grind and wondered if the universe is just messing with them for sport. It’s witty, weird, and surprisingly soulful. If you like your fiction bold, funny, and a little philosophical, this one’s worth your time.

Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0FMHB61S5

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