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Peace and Contentment
We All Want to Be Happy Volume 2 is a heartfelt exploration of life’s joys, struggles, and lessons, blending humor, resilience, and spiritual musings in a warm and relatable narrative. What did you aim to explore in this volume that sets it apart from volume 1?
I suppose my ultimate purpose was the same as in volume 1. The presentation is similar and the subject matter is the same; my hope is that the minor differences in both will fill some gaps left after reading Vol. 1. When Vol 1 was published and I read it, it occurred to me there were areas either omitted or not emphasized in a way most appropriate to my goals.
How do you balance vulnerability with relatability when sharing such intimate anecdotes?
To me personally, the balance is built in by comparing the impetus of the anecdote to the reaction for the character, whether me or someone else. My hope is that my readers can identify themselves in similar situations and balance their own reactions to the initial cause. They can then determine what reaction balance is truly appropriate to the initiating situation.
What was your process for deciding which moments or themes to include in this collection?
I attempted to include primarily the moments from which I clearly learned something helpful toward gaining peace and contentment in my own life. My thought was to hit only the highlights of the hundreds of experiences available to share, those most likely to be recognizable by my readers in their own lives.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Actually, I am working on two separate books: 1) Serendipity will follow in the footsteps of these two volumes. I am about one-half complete in this endeavor as it is going slower than I originally expected. I want to be certain every glimpse truly reflects a case of serendipity and that has turned out to be more of a chore than I had assumed it would be. 2) The Best of Intentions is the title of the other book. It deals with my brother’s early endeavors into salesmanship and preaching the gospel. I have the ‘meat’ of this book written and am now working toward collaterating further with my brother to close the deal.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
I invite you to share these true stories and essays, all brief and stand-alone anecdotes. My experiences and thoughts may remind you of your own similar situations; they may bring about a tear, a smile, or a belly-laugh! Life is a group participation endeavor with so much to learn from those closest to us.
WE ALL WANT TO BE HAPPY VOLUME 2
Ann Mullen’s We All Want to Be Happy Volume 2 is an intimate blend of autobiographical reflections, heartwarming anecdotes, and thoughtful essays. Each chapter offers a slice of life, rich with vivid memories and lessons learned. From navigating youthful challenges to poignant explorations of faith and family, the book paints a picture of resilience, humor, and humanity, culminating in a celebration of everyday happiness.
Mullen’s storytelling style feels like chatting with a dear friend over coffee. Her humor and self-awareness shine, especially in moments like the rainy-day escapade in Chapter One, where a fire hydrant and a disheveled new employee collide. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the visual of her boss witnessing this comedic disaster, which perfectly encapsulates her theme: we don’t control what happens to us, but we do control our response. It’s this mix of wit and wisdom that makes the book relatable.
However, not all moments are lighthearted. Mullen recalls the frantic night when she scrambled to free her new husband from jail, relying on family and humor to navigate a stressful situation. It’s raw, emotional, and deeply human, showcasing her knack for finding meaning and even levity in chaos. These stories, while personal, evoke universal themes of love, trust, and resilience. Some essays take a more reflective turn, delving into spirituality and the nature of existence. Mullen invites readers to ponder life’s bigger questions, gently challenging them to embrace curiosity and faith. While not every reader may share her beliefs, the sincerity of her musings is undeniable and adds a layer of depth to the narrative.
We All Want to Be Happy is for anyone who enjoys heartfelt, candid storytelling. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, nostalgia, or quiet introspection, Mullen delivers it all with charm and authenticity. This book is a gem for fans of memoirs and self-help with a personal touch. It’s like a warm hug for the soul, and I’d recommend it to anyone seeking both comfort and inspiration.
Pages: 197 | ASIN: B0DS2ZJYVM
Growing Up in Rural Louisiana
Growing Up in Rural Louisiana, by Ann Mullen-Martin, is a deeply personal memoir spanning the author’s childhood years from 1943 to 1963. It captures the essence of life in a small, tight-knit community in central Louisiana, framed against the backdrop of historical events and cultural shifts of mid-century America. The narrative unfolds with a vivid depiction of family ties, hardships, and triumphs that defined rural living, threading humor, nostalgia, and profound emotional resonance throughout.
Mullen-Martin’s storytelling shines brightest when recounting formative moments, like her experiences with her loving but determined mother or her shy, bookish nature that both isolated and empowered her. The chapter about her first-grade jitters had me sympathizing and grinning. She skillfully conveys how her fears were eased by her angelic teacher, Mrs. Carpenter, who became her rock in those early days of schooling. This blend of heartfelt vulnerability and humor is the author’s greatest strength. That said, the writing sometimes feels a bit too detailed. While the familial anecdotes—such as the dramatic move to the “big house on the hill”—are charming, I feel they occasionally overshadow broader themes. The story of how her family acquired their new home with the help of a benevolent neighbor, Mr. Taylor, is heartwarming.
Another standout aspect is the historical grounding. Mullen-Martin does a remarkable job of embedding local culture into her narrative, from her descriptions of the vibrant Louisiana flora to her reflections on the racial and social dynamics of her town. Her candid recounting of her father’s outdated and discriminatory beliefs shows a willingness to critique her upbringing, which adds depth to her reflections. Chapters like “Separate but Equal” reveal a childhood both sheltered and awakening, an interplay that resonates profoundly. The author’s voice is intimate, and her love for storytelling is infectious. While the pacing may not suit everyone, those who enjoy vivid tales of family, perseverance, and a bygone era will feel right at home.
Growing Up in Rural Louisiana to readers who cherish memoirs with a strong sense of place, especially those who appreciate Southern culture and history. It’s also perfect for anyone nostalgic for simpler times or seeking a window into mid-20th-century rural life. Ann Mullen-Martin’s journey is both deeply personal and universally relatable, reminding us that even the smallest lives can leave a lasting impression.
Pages: 541 | ASIN : B0DNNVFW6R
Growing Up in Rural Louisiana
Growing Up in Rural Louisiana takes us through the life of a young girl raised in a tight-knit community in rural Louisiana from 1943 to 1963. Mullen-Martin captures the heart of her upbringing, starting with her early childhood, family dynamics, and the cultural influences of the time. The book revolves around key moments like the impact of local events, like tornadoes, school experiences, and the deep connection she had with her family, particularly her mother. The memoir paints a vivid picture of the challenges and joys of growing up in a small, rural Southern town during that era.
What really drew me into this memoir was the simplicity and warmth in the writing. Mullen-Martin’s voice is like sitting down with a friend who is telling you about her life over coffee. The way she describes her family’s interactions, especially her relationship with her mother, is heartwarming. The blend of vulnerability and humor, especially when the narrator reflects on events from her childhood, gives the memoir a really personal and intimate feel.
The sense of place and time in this memoir is so well done. You really get a feel for rural Louisiana, the community dynamics, and how life was structured around the land and small-town events. The descriptions of the family home, the small town of Tioga, and the importance of things like the local school or the family’s shotgun house add layers to her story. I loved how Mullen-Martin talks about their humble home with a picket fence. It’s a simple image, but it conveys so much about the pride they had in what they owned.
There were parts that felt especially nostalgic, even for someone who didn’t grow up in rural Louisiana. For instance, when she talks about the vase her brother brought back from the war and how it became such a significant symbol of her family’s connection, I felt that. It’s not just a vase, it’s memories and love wrapped into an object that carries her mother’s legacy. The way Mullen-Martin recounts this memory made me think of items in my own life that hold that same weight of history. And that’s what makes this book so relatable. It’s those small, everyday things that tell the bigger story of who we are and where we come from.
I recommend Growing Up in Rural Louisiana to anyone who enjoys memoirs that focus on family, place, and personal history. If you appreciate stories of simpler times, or if you’re curious about life in the rural South during the 1940s to 1960s, this book will definitely resonate.
ISBN: 979-8-9914644-4-4
No One Was in Physical Danger
12 New Christmas Stories is a heartwarming and nostalgic collection of short stories, each offering a different perspective on the holiday season. What was the collaboration process like with all the different authors, how did you choose what stories to include?
Smooth as cream, mostly. Any rough patches were of my own rasping. You see, my collaborators are all more civilized than I. The fact that our interactions were conducted exclusively via the ether, no one was ever in physical danger. C’mon, we’re geezers. People our age don’t come to blows, we just sigh expressively—even when one is barely housebroken. And I’m not talking about the Big Dawg, either. Sorry, an inside joke.
I’m not sure how my book-mates chose their stories, but when Terry Broxson asked me to contribute, I knew he wanted me to include Jesus and Donkey. When he asked for two more stories, I decided on Million Dollar Christmas, and Jo-Jo’s Turkey. All three stories are built around young boys experiencing the Christmas Spirit in an adult way. Read together, it’s a boyish Christmas trilogy.
What were some goals you set for yourself with this anthology?
A Pulitzer, a phone call from Stephen Spielberg, and a nice letter from my 7th grade English teacher, Miss Eliza McCarthy. Sadly, Miss McCarthy has passed. But that doesn’t take you off the hook, Spielberg!
Are you working on any other collections for different holidays?
I haven’t broached the idea to my book-mates yet, but I’ve always felt Saint Swithin’s Day has gotten short shrift. Failing that, opening day of the Major League Baseball season offers lots of possibilities. No, I ain’t kidding. I’m thinking nine original stories—one per inning. While the game seesaws in the background, each inning, we feature a story about something happening in the stands, or the dugout, or the broadcast booth, or the concession stands, or the Men’s room, for that matter. Just one caveat: I won’t take part unless the setting is Fenway Park. And that’s final.
Christmas is a time for family and traditions—the foods we eat, the songs we sing, and the stories we share.
Within the covers of this book reside real and fictional families, both familiar and unfamiliar. What they all have in common is the Christmas Spirit—in spades. These are the kind of people you’d gleefully invite to share your dining room table on the most celebrated day of the Christian calendar.
We, the authors of these stories, know the world spins faster and faster every day, and the holidays can be particularly hectic. That’s why we chose these lovely stories that can be read in ten minutes or less. Hey, even a teenager can be coaxed from his or her phone for ten inspiring minutes, right?
Our Spiritual Selves
In We All Want To Be Happy, you share with readers the wisdom you have gained throughout your life and personal experiences with love, loss, and resilience. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have been blessed in that I have been surrounded by people who support me. I’ve learned a great deal from them about how best to truly enjoy life with all of its ups and downs. Also, at 80, I want to leave some thoughts and some hints of who I am for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My kids might even get a greater understanding of where they came from.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I truly do not find it difficult to write about any part of my life from the early death of my mom through the sudden deaths of my two husbands. I rather find it cathartic and an opportunity to remind myself of how fortunate I was to have them.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Slow down and enjoy each day a bit more. I’m not sure I would have taken it and I’m not sure it wasn’t offered. I do know I didn’t hear it. I was always eager for the next chapter; I have since learned to live in the now and anticipate the future as a probability, but not a promise.
What is one thing you hope your readers take away from We All Want To Be Happy?
Life is to be enjoyed every day and learned from in every circumstance. There is no up without a down – a bland life teaches nothing. I believe our purpose here is to learn and to grow our spiritual selves toward peace and love.
12 New Christmas Stories
12 New Christmas Stories is a heartwarming and nostalgic collection of short stories, each offering a different perspective on the holiday season. Ranging from touching tales of family traditions to humorous fictional adventures, it’s a book that seeks to capture the essence of Christmas. Each author presents their own style, making it a delightful read for those who enjoy variety. You’ll find yourself drifting from the high deserts of New Mexico to cozy family living rooms, all while reflecting on the themes of love, kindness, and the magic of the season.
What I loved most was how relatable many of these stories were. Diane Kenel-Truelove’s “The Magic of Santa’s Christmas Box” really pulled at my heartstrings. She took me back to my own childhood, reminding me of those magical moments when Christmas seemed larger than life and was filled with mystery and wonder. The story about receiving a box of books from Santa transported me back to the days when even the smallest gestures during the holidays felt magical. The emotions it stirred were incredibly powerful. There’s something so simple and beautiful about remembering how special Christmas felt as a child.
Terry Broxson’s “The Christmas Tree,” stands out for its blend of whimsical fantasy and heartwarming tradition. The story is narrated through a conversation between the protagonist and his talking cat, Holly, who recounts a fascinating tale about the origin of their Christmas tree tradition in the Arapaho tribe. Broxson weaves humor into the narrative, especially in the playful dynamic between the cat and its owner, but the story also carries deeper themes of peace, unity, and the blending of cultures. The historical backdrop of Kit Carson and Native American customs, combined with the quirky cat’s storytelling, gives this Christmas tale a unique charm that feels both magical and thoughtful.
On the other hand, Lee Allen Hill’s “Jesús and Donkey” was lighthearted and fun but also had a deeper emotional core. This story about a boy in New Mexico trying to buy a turkey for his Christmas dinner was charming and felt like a love letter to simpler times. Hill’s writing paints vivid scenes and made me feel like I was alongside Jesús and his quirky dog, Donkey. The playful humor between the characters and the unexpected turn with the mountain lion added a nice twist. It reminded me of those feel-good holiday movies that leave you smiling at the end.
Jay Squires’ essay “Bring Back the Carolers” hit me right in the nostalgia. The way he reminisces about the simple joy of carolers and homemade hot cocoa made me yearn for a time when the holidays felt more communal. His writing was almost poetic, bringing the past alive with such vivid detail. His words felt like a gentle nudge toward rekindling old-fashioned holiday spirit.
Pages: 95 | ASIN : B0DBVCLX3S
LITERARY TITAN 