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Entertaining and Uplifting
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The Aswan Device follows two sisters whose father creates a parallel reality disrupting their own, and they must rely on each other to save their world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am not really sure. Much of this story was written while I sat down at my computer with the intention of creating a sequel that would be both entertaining and uplifting for young people, and I allowed the words to flow through me and onto the page. The real work for me came in the editing and trying to make sense of what I’d typed.
That being said, I am a huge Star Wars and Marvels Universe fan, so inspiration could have been drawn from these amazing works.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
From my travels. . .
I first learned about the concept of inner-earth beings on a bus tour to Reno, Nevada twenty-three years ago. Our bus stopped at a park with large stone circles where they believed inner-earth beings were close to the surface. This inspired me to dig further.
The folklore of many First Nations cultures depicts their ancestors living within the earth. For example, the Hopi origin story has it that the Hopis used to live beneath the earth and emerged from the Grand Canyon. I traveled to the Grand Canyon to experience this place of wonder for myself. The Grand Canyon plunges so far below that it is easy to envision ancient people emerging from its depths.
The intra-earth city, Mu, in The Intra-Earth Chronicles;Book II:The Aswan Device, was modeled after places I’d seen on my travels to both Egypt and Peru; Mu is nestled on a mesa surrounded by mountains and jungle much like Machu Picchu in Peru and has pyramids like the great pyramids of Egypt.
The inspiration for Aswan, the luminous orange planet, came from my love of Planet Jupiter.
I am also a fan of the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, and there is an episode about the possibility of advanced civilizations existing beneath the earth’s crust. There’s a lot of great inspiration for Sci-fi writers from that television show.
The multiple settings became more detailed and complex in this second installment of the series!
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
I had so many characters in so many different settings, in order to develop each character and place fully, I couldn’t spend too much time on any one character’s magical powers. I hope I succeeded in that delicate balance! 😊
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I haven’t begun Book III yet, but I have a feeling that Sasha, Adrianne, the two Aswan Cadets, and Desoto will travel to other planets within the galaxy to experience how they are governed and have achieved peace and co-exist within the greater system of galaxies. Their travels will also lead them back to our own planet to study many more peaceful Intra-earth Civilizations.
Sasha and Adrianne will learn more about the Prophecy and will have to choose whether to accept or deny their destiny of becoming Lords of the Twelve Worlds.
My intent is that this will be an exciting and uplifting adventure filled with humor. 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
During his escape from the intra-earth, Tartarus disrupts Mu’s spinning magnetic power source, causing explosive bursts of energy to erupt onto the surface. This disruption tears the fabric of time and creates a doorway into a parallel reality. In this new reality, Tartarus reinstates the nuclear machine and positions himself as Earth’s savior in place of the sisters. With unlimited power and resources at his disposal, will Sasha and Adrianne ever be able to stop him?
In The Aswan Device by Kara Jacobson, we experience a fast-paced fantasy adventure where love and friendship prove to be the strongest weapons of all.
The Curse and The Quest
The Curse and The Quest is an ambitious fantasy novel that follows Prince Bryan as he embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious curse threatening his kingdom. The book weaves a tale of ancient rivalries, mythical quests, and political intrigue against a backdrop of rich world-building. It captures the tension between belief and pragmatism as characters wrestle with their destinies.
The writing has its moments of brilliance, especially in its world-building. Jones paints vivid scenes, like the eerie atmosphere of Dandrul’s Pool where Prince Bryan’s bravery is tested as he confronts the sinister pool goddess to save Dreya. That scene kept me holding my breath, it’s the kind of immersive storytelling that transports you. The dialogue sometimes leans into melodrama, like King Torin’s scornful monologues about Eredis, but these exchanges underline their ideological clash.
I found myself drawn to Eredis’s spiritual fervor as she advocates for the quest’s importance, even as King Torin dismisses her warnings as manipulative. The scene at the Festival of the Eclipse, where Eredis reveals the ominous quest given by Sophia, struck a chord. The eerie silence of the crowd and the gravity of her revelation make it a standout moment. The pacing ebbs and flows in some places where exposition slows the momentum and makes readers eager to return to the action.
Prince Bryan’s growth is compelling. He begins as an uncertain heir but shows flashes of courage and thoughtfulness, particularly during his confrontation with the goddess and later when saving Trystan from a lion. Dreya is a standout character. Fierce and driven, she brings an energy to every scene she’s in, though I wished her motivations were explored more deeply.
The Curse and The Quest is a journey worth taking for fans of classic quest-driven fantasies with a sprinkle of political drama. Its layered world and mythic undertones make it an engaging young adult fantasy novel.
Pages: 358 | ASIN: B0DJLCMRC9
Power and Purpose
Restart: Dawn of Shadows – Book 2 thrusts readers into a battle for humanity’s future as a group of survivors fight against a ruthless queen from space to the streets of a post-apocalyptic Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As the story developed, I realized the fantasy side of it naturally flowed from the science fiction developments in book 1. As far as inspiration for the setup of the story, I’ve always been drawn to post-apocalyptic stories. For a lot of us, it’s a well that never runs dry. Yet I wanted to portray characters that resemble, not the future, but those who look to the past for their power and purpose.
Queen Eve is a compelling antagonist. What inspired her character, and did she evolve differently than you first envisioned?
Queen Eve has evolved, or regressed, into something much darker and sinister than had originally been seen when we first met her. This surprises even her own family. The rest of her part in the story developed naturally from that point on as she is virtually elemental.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Restart explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked technological power. The story delves into the blurred lines between humanity and technology, as the characters grapple with the moral complexities of a world redefined by a catastrophic event.
Survival and Humanity: The characters navigate a world where survival tests their humanity, pushing them to make difficult choices.
Betrayal and Trust: The group grapples with internal and external threats, questioning who can be trusted in a world where alliances are fragile.
Power and Consequences: The misuse of technological power leads to catastrophic consequences, exploring the potential dangers of unchecked advancements, such as AI and the military-industrial complex.
Family Ties: The dynamics of family relationships, both blood-related and chosen, play a significant role in shaping the characters’ motivations and actions.
The world-building is so immersive. What research or influences helped shape these settings?
First and foremost, I love books! I also love movies. As I write, I see it all come to life on the big screen. For me, science fiction is best when it comes a little closer to science than it does fiction. For that reason, my historical and theoretical research is quite thorough to ensure plausibility throughout the story. Perhaps it hasn’t happened yet, but it could happen at a later time. As for fiction, it’s certainly necessary as it entertains and intrigues the reader while serving to enrich the plot. In the end, science fiction must be timely.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In a world teetering on the brink of total subjugation, our heroes—Uly and his friends Xavier, Max, and Arden Ray—find themselves once again thrust into a high-stakes battle for humanity’s future. As Queen Eve’s nefarious new world order threatens to engulf what remains of human civilization, our young protagonists must navigate a treacherous landscape of advanced technology, evolved enemies, and moral quandaries.
As new beginnings take flight aboard a space station orbiting Earth—a temporary haven from the chaos below—an unexpected attack shatters their fragile sense of security. Now, Uly and his friends are forced to return to a transformed New York City, amidst the ruins of a once-great metropolis, to confront Queen Eve’s forces and thwart her terrifying plans for a nightmare world. Together, the group must outsmart and outmaneuver Queen Eve’s roving bands of “the changed”—evolved and sinister versions of their former foes.
As the fight to protect the remnants of humanity from a fate worse than death wanes on, Uly, driven by hope and determination, searches for his missing mother and his loyal Irish Wolfhound, Finn McCool. And with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Uly and his friends face impossible odds. If they fail, the surviving humans will be reduced to serving Queen Eve’s twisted vision, with advanced technology wielded by a dangerous few against a helpless populace.
As they fight this ruthless enemy, our heroes must also wrestle with fundamental questions: Can they defeat evil without losing their humanity? Is a normal life ever possible again after facing such extraordinary challenges?
In this gripping sequel about loyalty, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit, Uly must find the strength to resist tyranny, protect his loved ones, and perhaps—against all odds—forge a path to a brighter future for all humanity.
Creating A Modern Mystery
Shell Shocked: An Ocean Mystery follows a teen girl, along with the community, who discovers a bioluminescent, and they must solve the mystery of where it came from before it harms their island. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have long been fascinated with the Outer Banks and the wild horses and sea turtles on the island. I remain grateful for all the organizations and individuals that care for their futures from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund to Outer Banks Forever.
I tried to create a universal story about:
- Real-world environmental concerns: The book draws inspiration from the growing problem of environmental threats to marine life, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.
- The allure of the unknown: The ocean depths hold countless secrets, and the mystery of the bioluminescence taps into our fascination with the unknown. The story is inspired by real-life phenomena like algal blooms or bioluminescent creatures, reimagined in a fictional context.
- The power of community: The story emphasizes the importance of community involvement in solving environmental problems. This is inspired by real-world examples of increasingly communities coming together to protect their natural resources.
- The potential of young people: The protagonist highlights the potential of young people to make a difference in environmental conservation. This is inspired by the growing number of young activists who are leading the charge for environmental protection.
Overall, Shell Shocked: An Ocean Mystery likely draws inspiration from a combination of real-world events, scientific concepts, and my own imagination. I found the characters to be engaging, and they really brought the story to life. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
As a young reader, I really enjoyed and read every Nancy Drew mystery story and wanted to give back by creating a modern mystery with a strong character who worked with others to solve a variety of mysteries. The mystery itself drives the plot, highlighting the importance of scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge. The characters’ efforts to understand the bioluminescence reflect the value of curiosity and the power of human ingenuity. The protagonist’s journey suggests themes of self-discovery, taking initiative, and finding one’s voice. It explores the challenges and triumphs of adolescence and the potential for young people to make a real difference.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
- Environmental responsibility: Given the premise of a mysterious and potentially harmful bioluminescence, the book explore themes of human impact on the environment, the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, and the consequences of environmental neglect.
- Community and collaboration: The story emphasizes the community’s involvement in solving the mystery. This highlights the power of collective action, the importance of working together to address challenges, and the strength that comes from diverse perspectives.
- The relationship between humans and nature: The story explores the complex and often fragile relationship between humans and the natural world. It examines themes of respect for nature, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the need for balance between human needs and environmental preservation.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
The Coral Labyrinth: An Ocean Mystery is nearly complete. I am hoping for May 2025 for the publication release. Alex realizes early on not to rest on her laurels. There is a bigger mystery that needs to be solved. Here’s a sneak peek:
“But for Alex? Alex was standing there, not knowing if she should feel proud of their success or like the world was now a giant target, all thanks to the turtle. She looked down at the shoreline, where the wave-crests licked the sand like they had no idea how much trouble they were about to cause. A few curious onlookers were snapping pictures of the ocean as if they’d never seen water before. She rolled her eyes. Did they really have to show off every little part of the island like it was an exhibit? Sure, the turtle’s release was a big deal—but it wasn’t like she was a human-sized billboard for eco-friendly conservation. Was she?”
Author Links: GoodReads | AKABooks.com | KathyWelton.com
Cataluna Island. A Shimmering Coastline. Two Friends. One Dangerous Mystery.
When a bioluminescent sea turtle mysteriously washes ashore, Alex and Avery’s summer takes an unexpected turn. Concerned for their beloved island and its incredible wildlife, they join forces with a group of dedicated locals to uncover the truth. Cryptic messages are etched onto its shell, leading them on a thrilling adventure. Analyzing water samples, tracking ocean currents, and deciphering ancient maps, they must race against time to find the source of the strange bioluminescence before it devastates the island. Can they uncover the source of the bioluminescence before it devastates the island? Will they be able to save the endangered sea turtles and protect the wild horses that call Cataluna Island home?
Together, they must:Decipher cryptic messages: Hidden on the turtle shells, these clues lead them deeper into the mystery.
Become ocean detectives: Analyzing water samples and tracking ocean currents, they piece together the puzzle.
Unleash their bravery: Facing unforeseen challenges, Alex and Avery demonstrate true friendship and resourcefulness.
Along the way, Alex and Avery learn about the delicate balance of the ocean ecosystem, the importance of teamwork, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. Can they save the endangered sea turtles and protect the wild horses that roam free as they chase their dreams to help safeguard the island’s pristine beauty?
Shell Shocked will ignite a love for the ocean asreaders learn about marine life, ocean currents, and the importance of conservation; foster critical thinking while solving puzzles and analyzing evidence; and inspire a sense of adventure by the group’s courage and teamwork as they face challenges.
Join Alex and Avery on their thrilling quest as they chase their dreams, discover an ocean mystery, and help protect Cataluna Island!
A Unique Challenge
Skull’s Vengeance follows a woman fulfilling a prophecy to become a Celtic warrior queen as she faces off with her half-brother in the fight of her life. What was the inspiration for the conflict in this installment of your series?
Skull’s Vengeance continues the storyline and conflicts from the first three books in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series that began with a revenge curse cast by Queen Rhan against her husband, King Amren. A druidess, Rhan foretells that their son, Marrock, and a daughter sired by a future queen will overthrow him. Amren marries next queen, Rhiannon, with whom he has three daughters, and banishes Marrock for assaulting his youngest daughter, Catrin. Marrock returns with the aid of the Romans and fulfills Rhan’s curse by slaying his father, his stepmother, and eldest half-sister. Catrin is enslaved by a Roman commander but is freed two years later by her secret Roman husband, Marcellus.
At the start of Skull’s Vengeance, King Amren’s spirit charges Catrin to avenge his death and overthrow Marrock who now wields dark magic from the skulls of her slain family members. The inspiration for harnessing the mystical powers from skulls is based on Caesar’s account that Celts believe the soul is immortal and reincarnates into another entity after death. The head is considered the temple where the soul dwells. To possess an enemy’s head is to possess his soul—a symbol of divinity and power from the spiritual world. The story expands on this concept in the conflict between Catrin and Marrock. She must learn how to summon powers from souls trapped in severed skulls to overthrow her half-brother, a powerful sorcerer and shapeshifter.
What challenges, if any, do you face when finding a narrator to help bring your audiobook to life?
Skull’s Vengeance posed a unique challenge because the story is told by Catrin’s point of view and various male characters, including Marcellus and Marrock. I felt the audiobook needed both male and female voices to capture the essence of each character. I met the male narrator, Scott Ellis, at a workshop where I discussed with him the possibility of using two narrators for my audiobook. After listening to narrators who auditioned his organization, I selected Scott Ellis and Heidi Housh and arranged for production through the ACX exchange. Everything went smoothly after that.
What advice would you give authors considering the audiobook route with their work?
Audiobooks offer an additional format for an author’s work that is growing in popularity. Nonetheless, authors need to consider whether the cost of producing an audiobook will yield sufficient royalties to justify the upfront costs. Factors to consider include the following:
- Narrator: The three options for narration are the author, AI-generated narration, or a professional narrator. If the author chooses to narrate, he/she needs access to audio production facilities. AI-generated narration may be cheaper than contracting a narrator, but the quality might not be as good. The upfront costs for obtaining a narrator varies from $100 to $400 per finished hour depending on experience. It is important that an author auditions narrators and selects one who captures the essence of the book.
- Distribution: An author needs to choose whether to distribute exclusively with ACX or go wider (e.g. Findaway Voices by Spotify). Exclusive distribution through ACX offers a higher royalty rate of 40% on the retail price but is limited to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. ACX also has an exclusive option in which an author can share one-half their royalties to narrators in exchange for reduced or free up-front costs for production. For those who choose to distribute widely, ACX offers a non-exclusive 25% royalty on retail price. Findaway Voices offers 40 options for distribution and charges a flat fee of 20% for each sale minus retailer’s cut. For example, if an audiobook sells for $20, the retailer’s cut is $10, the Findaway fee is $2.00 ($10 x 20%), and the author’s royalty is $8.00.
- Flexibility in Pricing: ACX sets the price of audiobooks while authors set their prices at other sites, including libraries. Being able to set the price allows flexibility for promotion.
- Established Followers: Although wider distribution offers authors more options for distribution and pricing, keep in mind that most audiobooks are sold at Audible and Amazon. Unless you are a well-established author with a strong following, it might be a better option to distribute audiobooks exclusively through ACX at the start. After 90 days, an author can switch to non-exclusive ACX option for wider distribution.
Can fans look forward to a fifth volume in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series? Where will it take readers?
I am currently writing the fifth book, Dragon’s Anvil, in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. The book continues the story of Catrin and her Roman husband, Marcellus, as they prepare their forces to overthrow King Marrock, a sorcerer and dragon shapeshifter. On their quest, enemies from Rome and Britannia stand in their way. Family loyalties fray and warriors fall. Betrayed and torn from those she loves, Catrin journeys to the dark depths of the Otherworld and resurrects with newfound magic matching Marrock’s. But will the mystical power be enough to defeat Marrock and save her husband and son from doom.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
AS FORETOLD BY HER FATHER in a vision, Catrin has become a battle-hardened warrior after her trials in the Roman legion and gladiatorial games. She must return to Britannia and pull the cursed dagger out of the serpent’s stone to fulfill her destiny. Only then can she unleash the vengeance from the ancient druids to destroy her evil half-brother, the powerful sorcerer, King Marrock. Always two steps ahead and seemingly unstoppable, Marrock can summon destructive natural forces to crush any rival trying to stop him and has charged his deadliest assassin to bring back Catrin’s head.
To have the slightest chance of beating Marrock, Catrin must forge alliances with former enemies, but she needs someone she can trust. Her only option is to seek military aid from Marcellus—her secret Roman husband. They rekindle their burning passion, but he is playing a deadly game in the political firestorm of the Julio-Claudian dynasty to support Catrin’s cause.
Ultimately, in order to defeat Marrock, Catrin must align herself with a dark druidess and learn how to summon forces from skulls to exact vengeance. But can she and Marcellus outmaneuver political enemies from Rome and Britannia in their quest to vanquish Marrock?
The Blood Tree
Adam J. Mangum’s The Blood Tree plunges readers into an expansive and vividly constructed fantasy world where power, survival, and the complex interplay of good and evil take center stage. The story unfolds with two enslaved protagonists, Yinashol and Verhue, whose daring escape sets them on a perilous journey across a land brimming with political intrigue, sorcery, and danger. Anchored by Mangum’s intricate world-building and a narrative that blends heart-pounding action with emotional depth, the novel unpacks themes of oppression, resilience, and destiny with raw intensity.
Mangum’s writing immediately struck me with its boldness and energy, especially in the opening chapters. Yinashol’s defiance in the face of brutal overseers jumps off the page and keeps me rooting for her. The prose here feels immediate and gritty, mirroring the characters’ harsh realities. But there were moments when the descriptions became a little heavy-handed. Yinashol’s disdain for her environment, though evocative, occasionally felt overexplained, leaving less room for readers to infer the oppressive atmosphere for themselves. The character development is deeply compelling. Verhue’s blend of scholarly intellect and quiet strength was a refreshing contrast to Yinashol’s fiery disposition. Their dynamic evolves naturally, highlighted in scenes like Verhue’s ascent up the old tree to orient himself in the wilderness. The moment when Yinashol surprises him with her agility and warmth adds a tender humanity to an otherwise grim narrative.
The book shines brightest in its handling of magic. Mangum’s depiction of Yinashol’s powers, especially her use of sorcery to manipulate plants and stones, was thrilling and visceral. The sequence where she weaponizes a bean plant to incapacitate her oppressor left me stunned—it’s rare to see magic depicted with such creativity and weight. Yet, for me, this same fascinating strength occasionally seemed overpowered. I felt it stretched believability even within the story’s fantastical framework.
The Blood Tree is a richly imagined and emotionally charged tale that will appeal to fans of high-stakes fantasy with morally complex characters. Readers who enjoy works like Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series or Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels will likely find much to love here. If you’re ready to be swept away by a tale of rebellion, courage, and the cost of power, this one’s worth your time.
Pages: 424 | ASIN : B0CDCLZGKB
Finding My Own Direction
Across the Border: Stories follows a man searching for himself who, through a variety of exsperances, searches for meaning in life while crossing borders both physically and emotionally. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
These stories that follow a singular protagonist were drawn from my own experiences as a young boy growing into manhood. I had the tremedous opportunity to pursue my dreams and travel to various parts of the world while trying to find my own direction. The inspiration of crafting the stories around a singular protagonist came from Hemingway’s Nick Adams stories. Originally, I wrote the various clusters of stories (boyhood, Baja, Africa) with different protagonists. I later consolidated them into one main character to facilitate the backstory and to let each successive story build upon the earlier stories. This way, I could carry over the tragedies suffered by the main character as his “ghost wounds” that he continues to grapple with as he moves through life. I end with the final African tale as it becomes the character’s inflection point in life where his life will take a definitve turn.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I find that one’s past greatly shapes one’s present and future. It is important to be aware of this, as, like it or not, it is inescapable. I also find that one’s forebearers, one’s heritage, also shapes the individual. Obviously, the tragedies in one’s life have a huge impact. We must listen to them and learn, if we so choose. Choice is very critical to the human condition. We make them all the time and must accept their outcomes. After all, we have no one else to blame but ourselves for the choices we make.
Is there anything about Ryan that came from yourself or your life experiences?
Ryan grew out of my own experience, thus making these stories largely auto-fiction. I find that I needed to have lived the events depicted to give them truth and authenticity.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have completed a second collection of short stories, Tarnished Dreams, also available on Amazon. These stories begin with several featuring Ryan’s father, starting with his World War II experience, then pursuing a long-held dream that sustained him after his wounding only to discover that the dream may not turn out as envisioned. The remainder of the stories pick up with Ryan after his Africa trip, now a criminal defense lawyer, still pursuing various dreams that see disillusionment and occasional tragedy. His pursuit finds him in places as varied as the jungles of Borneo, the jumble of rocks in Joshua Tree, the temples of Cambodia and the burning ghats of India.
I have also published a number of single short stories, as ebooks and audiobooks, some from Across the Border, others stand-alone stories. These are also available on Amazon and Audible.
I continue to write short stories, and create my own covers, usually based on my own photographs.
Across the Border is now in production as an audiobook.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
As a boy, Ryan experiences his first encounter with death in the family’s horse corral — and his father’s role in it.
Later, a greater tragedy occurs — again in the corral.
Questions about his own purpose in life hound him, sending Ryan into the wild terrain of Baja California with two college buddies in the mid-1970s.
With time, plans change. Once again he crosses the border to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez to find love.
Several years later, he suffers another loss. Restless, and seeking to forget, he ventures to Africa on a journey of personal exploration.
This collection of seventeen interconnected stories follows Ryan as he searches for meaning in life, across various borders, both international and emotional.
LITERARY TITAN 