Blog Archives
New Worlds and Adventures
Children of the Ancient Heroes: Dreams and Nightmares follows two siblings who stumble upon a forbidden book of childhood legends, bending reality and sweeping them into a realm bursting with magic. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My children are the inspiration for this story and the coming series. Many years ago, when they were still small, I was trying my hand at a few different story ideas when they asked me to write them a story. My daughter, as my eldest, was especially fond of stories like Narnia and The Hobbit. I wanted to create a story where they went on adventures. Over time, the story grew and the names changed. More characters were added and how they arrived in the Lighted Lands changed. I am a big believer in the magic of books and how they transport us to new worlds and adventures, so I became a bit literal in this story. I wanted a story that children everywhere would love and to create a world where they could escape to whenever they needed.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I loved every one of my characters so much. Each one surprised me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I had based Tirza and Eli off of my own children, but they took on their own agency and showed me that they were much like my own children, but also unique in their own ways. I love Tirza’s boldness and adventurous spirit and her desire to be a protector. I also love Eli’s wit and piercing intuition. He also has a vulnerability that makes him so honest and dear.
Probably the most challenging character was Tirza. She had undergone a lot of change from my original drafts to who she is now. Mostly due to feedback from beta readers. I didn’t want her to be cliché or wooden. I think I was trying too hard to write her rather than let her be who she is. When I let go and simply watched, that’s when her true self shone. I cannot wait to let everyone see who she becomes as the series continues.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I think that family is an especially important theme that I was surprised by as it took shape in this story (and in the stories to come). Exploring what family truly is and how it shapes us. Faith is also something that weaves its way into anything I write, intentionally or not. It was important for me to show that faith cannot simply be something we receive from our parents or grandparents, although they do play important roles, but it must be wholly experienced and chosen by us. The children needed to embrace it as their own and not something they hold to simply because that’s what they were taught.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
The next book is scheduled to come out on April 8th, 2025. I originally wrote the two books as one whole. It was a bit on the long side, so my publisher and I agreed that we would split it into 2 books. There will be more beyond this, though. The plan was on a trilogy for Tirza and Eli, with a prequel to follow. There might be more now.
The next book will see Tirza and Eli as they go on their separate quests to find the cure for Queen Penelope. They will meet new characters and face new dangers that will change them forever. This is where the heart-pumping action and emotional hurricane really hit.
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Is it a world of their dreams… or their worst nightmares?
Embers of Shadow, Ages of Malice, Book III
The third installment in the Ages of Malice series, Embers of Shadow, is an intense, labyrinthine tale that merges history, mythology, and supernatural intrigue. Following Cain, the infamous biblical figure cursed with immortality, the novel takes readers through a whirlwind of apocalyptic prophecy, political manipulation, and philosophical musings. Author Lloyd Jeffries crafts a world where ancient relics and modern conspiracies collide, drawing characters into battles that are as much internal as they are physical. With threads linking mythic pasts to a fiery present, this book is both sprawling and intimate.
Jeffries’ descriptions are often razor-sharp and give a cinematic quality to every scene, from chaotic battles to quiet moments of dread. For instance, Cain’s transformation into a figure of terrifying prophecy is written with a visceral immediacy and detail: “Cain, rising above the Earth, immense in his proportions… A fanged nightmare with broad, green head, and scaled body.” The writing evokes the grotesque grandeur of an apocalypse in progress, and you can’t help but be both horrified and fascinated.
The ideas in this book are as bold as its plot. Jeffries explores themes of destiny, redemption, and the paradox of free will under divine omniscience. The conversations between characters like Emery and Brother Pappy are particularly striking, delving into weighty topics like God’s nature and humanity’s capacity for destruction. I found myself moved when Pappy challenged Emery’s nihilism, offering this chilling perspective: “Billions will die, of course, and the planet will never be the same… But take heart.” These moments tether the story’s supernatural elements to human fears.
While the main narrative, Cain’s march toward prophecy, remains compelling, the side stories involving supporting characters occasionally feel underdeveloped. For instance, Rhyme Carter’s struggle for survival had potential. Her resourcefulness is admirable, but I kept wishing for a closer look into her thoughts and emotions, especially during moments of peril, like the grenade scene in the RV.
Embers of Shadow is a dark and thought-provoking read that I’d recommend to fans of supernatural thrillers and philosophical fiction. It’s not a light read, and its sprawling scope may intimidate some, but those willing to dive in will be rewarded with a story that will leave you thinking. If you love high-stakes drama, morally ambiguous characters, and a plot that keeps you questioning humanity’s role in the cosmos, this book will not disappoint.
Pages: 402 | ASIN: B0CW13QSKW
The Voice of Reason
Taquoma follows a volcanologist on a perilous mission to prevent a catastrophic eruption in Yellowstone, racing against time to save humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of Taquoma is my fascination with volcanoes and the hazardous job of volcanologists. When Mount St. Helens exploded I was in awe of the sheer power of Mother Earth. While watching a documentary on volcanoes a terrifying thought crossed my mind: what if every major volcano on Earth starting with Yellowstone erupted at once? What would that look like? I set out to explore this intriguing idea. I also explored the idea of how the government might counter Yellowstone by fracking and pumping cold water into the caldera to cool it. I developed a complex plan to engineer that idea, then during my research, I coincidently stumbled across an actual plan by NASA to do almost exactly what I envisioned. It was a wonderful find and helped me fill in the blanks of my original plan.
Yara Del Rey is a woman with strength. What do you think makes her a valuable and worthy heroine?
Yara’s inner strength derives from her unconditional love of her daughter, Kalani, and the parents who raised her. She’s traditional and loyal and seeks to do what is right even though she fails miserably at times. What makes her most valuable is her fiery nature and determination to speak the truth, no matter the cost to her personally or professionally. She is the voice of reason in the story that the NASA scientists choose to ignore. She treats people with respect and respects the Earth, holding those values dear to her heart.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
Mainly by integrating character development and plot progression directly into the action sequences. I used the intensity of the moment to reveal key details about the characters and advance the narrative while keeping the writing focused on descriptions to maintain momentum. I set out to make every action scene a critical turning point in the story and ramp up the tension.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on my first book series called, THE TIMEPIECE SERIES. The first three books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble Nook and I am currently writing the fourth book. Book One, THE TIMEPIECE LEGACY, was recently reviewed by Literary Titan and it earned a Silver Book Award. Book Two is titled THE TIMEPIECE PARADOX, and Book Three is titled THE TEMPUS GLASS. Book Four will be out in early 2025 titled THE TIME TRINITY. You can find all my books and links to purchase on my website AuthorKevinMiller.com.
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At the base of Mount Rainier, twenty-six-year-old Yara Del Rey gathers data for her dissertation in geology. A talented and promising young volcanologist, Yara is alarmed by the recent rumblings of the legendary volcano.
When a team of NASA and USGS scientists kidnaps Yara off the side of Mount Rainier, she is whisked to Wyoming, where a greater threat stirs within the bowels of an ancient caldera. Yara is plunged into the politics and the greed of a multi-billion-dollar NASA plan to pump chilled water into the magma chambers of the Yellowstone volcano—something Yara warns could lead to an apocalyptic catastrophe.
Yara’s warnings go ignored and after she separates from the team of scientists, she hires ex-Navy pilot Clayton Red Sky, to fly her over Yellowstone in a hot-air balloon to assess the condition of the caldera. Before they can depart, disaster strikes and sends Yara and Clay on a desperate journey to escape the oncoming shock wave and billowing clouds of fiery ash.
A scorched earth and a race against time stand in the way of Yara and her six-year-old daughter Kalani, thousands of miles away in Tacoma, Washington.
“Taquoma” is international award-winning author Kevin D. Miller at his finest. His ability to bring a story to life in a cinematic fashion and create characters the reader immediately falls in love with is a hallmark of his writing. “Taquoma” is loaded with tension, thrills, and unexpected twists and turns. It is a unique disaster thriller and a love story that grabs the reader by the throat and sends them on a wild adventure and to the depths of human emotion.
Real Magic
Ice Cap follows an unusual snowman with a cell phone and electric guitar who helps entertain kids and unite communities in the winter. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I have been in awe of technology advancement in my lifetime. As a teacher and parent, I have noticed how adults and now children are often glued to their phones and tablets, missing out on the adventure we call life! Real magic happens when parents, teachers, and caregivers make real-life connections with children through play, music, and by showing kindness. There is no substitute for spending quality time with each other. Ice Cap has a phone and he’s from THIS century but he hasn’t forgotten the intrinsic value of friendship, whether it is with his forest friends or the children he meets. I wanted to incorporate the ideas of manners, of including parents in the fun, and of giving gifts of the heart, drawn from the magic of our natural world.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Claire Sedovic?
Claire is a wonderful artist and our collaboration was quite seamless. I immediately chose her from my publisher’s repertoire. Although the comic strip and AI illustration styles are popular now, I wanted the story to seem modern with the underlying charm of a timeless tradition. I sent her a lot of background setting material and ideas for characters (objects, animals, multicultural children, objects, my sketch of Ice Cap, etc.) and she stayed true to my vision for the book. She did some research of her own, I could tell right away when she captured my corn husk dolls that adorn the tree. (A craft taught to my mom by a First Nations neighbour 80 years ago!) Claire was open to make changes or additions and her own interpretations of each scene really brought the story to life. Thanks, Claire!!!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first book! I’m quite busy sharing my story with schools, libraries, and my community. I have already written a companion story with a similar female character but I am going to wait a while before starting the process again. Time will tell!!! I actually have so many stories written, all drawn from my experiences, from my community, and from the flora and fauna of our beautiful world. For now readers, parents, and teachers can connect with me or read my blog on my website joanepp.com. I look forward to reading the stories that children send me at justjoanandkids@gmail.com because after all reading inspires writing!
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Whether he’s snowboarding down hills, playing games with kids, or sharing frosty treats, Ice Cap makes winter the most magical time of the year. When the children text him with a “please,” he’s there in a flash, ready to join in the fun!
But Ice Cap’s adventures aren’t just about games. He’s got a special gift for spreading kindness and making memories. From building ice castles to creating a beautiful pine tree in the center of town, he’s always thinking of ways to make his friends smile.
From debut author, Joan Epp, this rhyming picture book is perfect for kids who love snowmen, the holidays, and winter fun. With lyrical text and whimsical illustrations, “Ice Cap” is a delightful read that will warm hearts, even on the frostiest days. Ideal for children ages 3-7, this story is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.
Join Ice Cap on his snowy adventures, and discover the magic of winter through the eyes of a modern-day snowman who’s as cool as he is kind!
Alternative Realities
The Esperanza: Book Two of the Terracolina Trilogy, follows a twelve-year-old boy who struggles with his parents’ expectations and is sent to math camp. There, he makes new friends who he wants to enlist to help save Terrocolina. What were some themes that you felt were important to highlight in this story?
The themes from book one continue in this book two: Loss of youth, introversion, love of nature, the pull of escaping into a fantasy world, exploration, and found family—with the addition of real friendships (a different kind of found family than his magical friends). In addition, the protagonist must face deeper challenges created by the need to belong. Finally, I wanted to introduce the idea that our imaginations and alternative realities can be one and the same.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Very much so! I loved to escape to my own private and magical world as a child, was a tree climber, a nature lover, and an introvert. Our family also made maple syrup and the big maple I climbed in as a child was the model for the one in the story. The earlier years of my adulthood ripped me rather abruptly from the safety of childhood. Thomas’s loss of his Grandpa represents that loss of youth, wonder, and safety I experienced as a young adult.
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?
I am an avid gardener and find it easy to imagine personalities for each of my plants. I have revived my vivid childhood imagination and am having a blast building the magical world of Terracolina.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The final book of the Trilogy will bring Thomas “back to earth” and reconnect him with his real-world friends. He will find a better balance between living in his real world and an imaginary one, and he and his home world friends will find real-world solutions to the environmental issues that surround them.
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His return home gives him a chance to save the hemlock forest he and Grandpa used to frequent and he’s finally making some friends in his real world. But he still misses his Terracolina buddies and finds a way to visit them. What he discovers is shocking. Not only have the Olgrots attacked again, but an aggressive vine is strangling the garden.
He realizes this time he alone can’t stop the tragedy unfolding in Terracolina. His real world friends have just the right skills to help out. He wants to connect his two worlds, but can they coexist?
A Hero Who Was An Introvert
Terracolina: A Place to Belong follows a twelve-year-old boy devastated by the loss of his beloved grandpa who runs away to the forest they used to go to together and discovers a portal to a magical garden that needs his help. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a book that would take the reader away in the same way that the books I read as a child did—similar to The Secret Garden or the Chronicles of Narnia. In addition, as a former teacher of middle-graders, I could never find enough representation for my introverted students in books. I wanted to create a book with a hero who was an introvert. Finally, I wanted it to appeal to nature lovers and address the environmental angst I saw my students suffering in my classroom.
I found Thomas to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for him and his emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Thomas’s character represents my sense of who my father was as a boy. I admired my father for his ability to stay youthful and his love of exploration and nature. But Thomas’s emotional turmoil stems from my own journey. As an introverted child who preferred to live through the fantasies of the books I read, and with a profound connection to nature that felt magical, I struggled to fit into what I saw as the unwelcoming “real world”.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Loss of youth, introversion, love of nature, the pull of escaping into a fantasy world, exploration, found family.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book two is published and continues to explore the same themes adding greater dimension to his sense of found family and his desire to escape into fantasy. Making friends in his home (real) world allows him to feel he can belong there as well, but the draw of escape, of his magical friends, and the way it gives him meaning, is powerful. In addition, the reader will begin to question whether his fantasy world is in his head and not an alternative reality.
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Past, Present, and Future
The Adamantine Jewel follows a university professor and former U.S. Marine who, with the help of his daughter, tries to track down a mythical healing stone to save humanity from a flesh-eating virus. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my story came from a dream I had over fifteen years ago. I wrote the first twenty pages within a few weeks, but as life got busy, the project was put on hold. It stayed on the shelf until last year when I discovered NaNoWriMo.org, a writers’ resource. I decided to take on their 55,000-word challenge—to write 55,000 words in one month. I succeeded, and that’s how my novel was born.
David and April are intriguing characters with great emotional depth. What emotional and moral guidelines did you follow when developing them?
David believes in the inherent goodness of all people, though he acknowledges that some make poor choices in life. He is compassionate and non-judgmental, firmly believing in second chances and embodying unconditional love for all living beings. With unwavering faith and hope for a brighter future for humanity, David exemplifies the archetype of the peaceful warrior—kind and forgiving, yet resolute. He possesses the strength and skills needed to protect his family and friends when it matters most.
April, on the other hand, is on a quest for meaning and purpose, struggling to define her identity and place in the world while battling a life-threatening illness. Despite her challenges, she maintains a good sense of humor and discovers a profound spiritual connection with the universal goddess energy, or divine feminine. She faces her impending death with remarkable courage and fortitude.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme I explore is the interplay of the past, present, and future. The past is represented by a prophecy rooted in an 18,000-year-old religion. The present follows the journey of David and April, including an epic battle of good versus evil. The future envisions transformative initiatives for spiritually focused individuals on Earth.
Another theme I delve into is the mythic archetypal structure of the Hero’s Journey—and the Heroine’s Journey—that mythologist Joseph Campbell is renowned for. Both David and April are living their ordinary lives when they are suddenly thrust into a life-or-death quest. Through their struggles to fulfill this quest, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
April grows and matures as a woman, with a budding romance on the horizon, a deeper understanding of her role in the world, and her mission as a divine world spirit healer. Meanwhile, David collaborates with world leaders to address the issue of homelessness, assumes his role as Earth’s representative in working with advanced civilizations within the Galactic Federation Council, and expands his mystical understanding of universal truths.
New characters are introduced, enriching the narrative, while existing characters develop deeper and more meaningful relationships. The upcoming twelve metaphysical supernatural novels in The David Thoreau Adventure Series further explore the visionary themes introduced in this first installment. These visionary initiatives aim to guide humanity toward becoming a spiritually evolved, space-faring civilization.
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Their journey thrusts them into a life-or-death race to India, where their only hope lies in a rare, miraculous healing herb. As time slips away, every second counts, and failure means the end. But fate deals a cruel blow when their flight crashes in the treacherous Himalayan Mountains of Tibet.
What follows is an epic saga of survival, love, and redemption. Together, David and April confront their deepest fears and battle formidable adversaries. With each passing moment, the countdown to her demise draws closer. Guided by allies and aided by supernatural forces in the mystical “Land of the Gods,” they are destined to undertake a perilous quest to fulfill an ancient prophecy that only they can complete.
With time running out, their love and courage will be tested beyond anything they’ve ever known. In a battle where life, death, and the supernatural collide, they will discover that some destinies are forged in the crucible of the impossible—where a father’s devotion and a daughter’s courage shatter the very limits of time, space, and even death.
Flipping the Script
Protective Instinct follows a self-absorbed, international bestselling author who refuses to write the biography of the infamous, mob-connected man and winds up in a deadly situation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always been fascinated by the seemingly aloof persona of many bestselling authors. Some appear to be elevated to a higher plane than the rest of us. I wanted to create a self-absorbed writer who was insulated by his core entourage and shake up his perfectly managed and privileged existence, forcing him out of his comfy life in a jarring way. How would he react to a life-threatening situation without his team taking care of him? Would he step up or fold? What if he had to rely on the last person on earth he would expect? I have always disliked stereotypes of women characters. Females who are strong, independent, and self-reliant are often portrayed as abrasive, pushy, and overly competitive, while women who are kind and cheerful are portrayed as weak and reliant on men. I wanted to flip the script and the assumptions. My female protagonist would be perky, good-natured, and authentically herself. Someone who a judgmental author would easily underestimate, her mettle not overtly visible. Who would save who when the bullets start flying? The rural south and the Smokey Mountains added another challenge to the author’s discomfort.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
One of the most important aspects of an enjoyable story is character development. If the readers don’t care about the characters or understand who they are, how can they be invested in the outcome of the story? I want the reader to get to know the characters; their motivations, their fears, their strengths, flaws, pain, insecurities, and what brings them happiness. I want them to be authentic and relatable. This doesn’t happen all at once. As a writer, I can’t just tell the reader who the characters are. The reader needs to get to know them for themselves in an organic way and truly believe it, as it is slowly revealed in each scene through actions, emotional reactions, character interactions, and through crisp and natural dialogue. Even the minor characters are important and must contribute to the plot or the character development. For example, a brief conversation at a diner can reveal a lot about the protagonists by their interaction. Asking for a New York strip in a rural diner with a daily special of fried pork chops and turnip greens, tells you a lot about the out of touch rich guy. The smirk on the sassy server’s face as she does a little self-satisfied jig all the way back to the kitchen tells you a lot about her. I try not to waste any opportunity.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
As a reader, I love plot twists and surprises. If I can figure out what’s going to happen in the first few chapters, what’s the point. I want the unexpected, but I also want it to make sense. My story builds with a series of turning points, conflicts, emotional moments, or revelations. Some are dramatic, some subtle. It allows opportunities for my characters to grow and the readers to learn more about them. Twists can take the story in a new direction, cause roadblocks, or present a surprising reveal with emotive results. All these moments help to further develop the growth and complexity of my characters and the plot. It can add truth and understanding to the story.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently halfway through a new thriller that I hope to have completed by early spring 2025. It is another fast-paced story with complex characters and a twisty plot. I will also be working on the third book to my YA series, The Jailer’s Daughter Mysteries, which I hope to be finished by fall of 2025.
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Sebastian (Bash) Bartoli is an international bestselling crime novelist. Maximillian (Max) Fontana, who is reputed to have ties to organized white-collar crime, has insisted Bash write his biography. Concerned for his safety, Bash’s friend/agent devises an elaborate plan for him to disappear to a secluded location on Guntersville Lake in Alabama. Being accustomed to having his comfortable life managed, Bash is irritated by the inconvenience of having to deal with his own affairs, not to mention the danger it might pose if he is discovered.
Morgan Skylar is a good-natured and unfiltered, southern kindergarten teacher. She is much more comfortable eating potato chips with Cheez Whiz and Louisiana Hot Sauce than champagne and caviar. After the death of her overly protective grandfather (Pops) who raised her in rural Georgia, she takes time off to grieve, ending up in a cottage next door to Bash. When mechanical issues arise, she seeks help from the renter in the main house. Bash is annoyed that his secluded hideout is apparently not so secret. Begrudgingly, he offers her assistance. This is where Morgan and Bash’s worlds collide. When suited, armed men show up at the lake house, Morgan’s trained survival skills take over, and she secures their escape by boat as bullets fly.
Morgan offers to provide a temporary sanctuary to Bash in her Pops’ remote Appalachian cabin. Upon arrival, she discovers a letter from Pops revealing his dangerous past that may now be coming for her. As the unwitting targets of dangerous men, Bash and Morgan fight to stay a step ahead of their pursuers, while seeking answers. Bonds are tested. Trusts are broken. Alliances formed. Agendas hidden.
LITERARY TITAN 