Blog Archives
The Things Most People Fear Are Foolish
Where’s My Monster follows a young girl that is not afraid of the monsters in the dark because she brings them into the light and shows them friendship and love. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Where’s My Monster? started with my belief that many of the things that we fear have power over us only because we fear them. That thought can be summed up with a quote I made as a teenager, namely, “Only a fool does not know fear, but the things most people fear are foolish.”
The art in this book is fantastic I loved Aurora the most. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Yulia Popova?
I fell in love with Yulia’s artwork the first time I came across it on Internet. I especially love how adorable the children and monsters are in the book. I gave her rough draft of the images and she transformed that draft into something that I had not even imagined; Aurora and her five pink bows are one of the countless surprised that Yulia created.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The Martin Luther King Jr. quote at the back of the book encapsulates the main theme of the book for me:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only LIGHT can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only LOVE can do that.”
Another intended theme is that LIGHT is much more powerful than DARKNESS; bring DARK into a lit room and it does nothing but bring LIGHT into a DARK room and it will light up the whole room.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m very excited about my third book. I have the whole concept organized on paper and now I just have to start to write the storyline. Yulia has said that she will be available to illustrate it at the end of summer 2022. It won’t be part of the Where’s My? series but rather for a bit older reader. I know this will sound strange but it is influenced by my first degree in Computer Science. Stay tuned and this influence will make sense.
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Readers are having fun activity where they can look for items such as a Lighthouse Calendar, crystal and other treasures throughout the book. As well, there is a question sheet at the end of the book to probe the theme of the book further.
“Where’s My Monster is a well-crafted picture book combining a meaningful message and remarkable illustrations. The combination makes this a perfect book for teachers, schools, and caregivers. With a secular approach, it is sure to be a welcome addition to help teach kindness and compassion.”
***** Literary Titan Review
Tested To The Extreme
The Ridders follows a self-proclaimed wreck of a human being who is given a seemingly simple task that spirals wildly out of control. What were some ideas that sparked your imagination while writing?
I like the idea of taking common occurrences and making them uncommon, and then watching what our characters do under duress. I’m always fascinated to see if my characters crumble under the pressure, rise to it, or even thrive, maybe, ignited by some previously unseen inner force. I think that’s the case with BJ.
What were some obstacles you felt were important to defining BJ’s character in the story?
His feelings about his family are tested to the extreme in this book. So love and loyalty turned out to be not only obstacles but liabilities for him, to the advantage of his pursuers. BJ’s a searcher, and that means he cares about the truth and authenticity far more than safety, certainties, and predictability. And so reconciling the truth of his relationship with Lacy was also an important turning point for him.
I find that authors often ask themselves questions and then let their characters answer them. Do you think that’s true?
I love these insightful questions! Definitely – one of the questions I like to ask (my characters and myself) is “what would happen if…” I love, when reading thrillers or watching movies, the author or director is following the predictable formula and then yanks the rug out. This story follows the path of a young private investigator trying to prove himself. But in his pursuit of worthiness, he proves that he’s way over his head. I think the questions that came to mind while writing this book were “How far will you go to find the truth” and, more importantly, “What will you risk to find those answers?”
When and where will this book be available?
All retail book stores and it will be released on November 30th 2022 by Indies United Publishing. It will be published in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook formats.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Demystifying Marketing And Cutting Through The BS
Marketing = Customers + Heart is more than a marketing book, it is a step-by-step marketing plan for entrepreneurs, written by people that have been there before. Why was this an important book for you to write?
(Judy) Over the past 30 years, I’ve been a volunteer mentor. It might sound clichéd, but I’ve always believed that you have to give, to grow and see life through someone else’s eyes. As a result, I have benefitted from mentoring as much as I know my mentees have. But along the way, I’ve seen common themes in what those businesses have needed. So, instead of being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, I wanted to get the message out to those that don’t have big budgets. Or who have previously worked with unscrupulous ambulance drivers, and the sad reality is that they are out there. If a business starts with a solid foundation built on understanding customers, you won’t need the ambulance.
(Eriks) I strongly believe in demystifying marketing and cutting through the BS. Over my decades in media & entertainment I’ve been a client myself, and sat through jargon-filled presentations from big agencies designed to maintain the mystique of their high art. Even a glossy entertainment brand has to understand its listener/viewer/reader at a grass-roots level of their daily life – just the same as a small business. I love finding out what makes people tick, and providing solutions to their problems and needs, whether it’s finding their favourite music or furnishing their home.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about marketing?
(Judy) Most small businesses are scared of marketing, because they hear horror stories, or give it a go and it doesn’t work. And that’s based on the biggest misconception of all, that marketing is just advertising.
To a degree, that’s been exacerbated by our digital world. We’re told to boost a post, or discount, because you feel the pressure from competitors. But that’s advertising & promotion, and only one component of marketing.
Until businesses understand the importance of marketing and where it fits in the business structure as the central beating heart, they’ll continue to miss out on their full potential.
(Eriks) That it’s one box in the company organisation chart, and as Judy said, it’s seen as all about advertising. Which adds to the problem we now have of anyone who knows how to use a digital advertising tool is a ‘marketer’. Which is misleading to small businesses looking for help at a strategic level, reinventing their business, market research, defining potential customers, finding new opportunities and so on.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from this book?
(Judy) A deeper understanding of what marketing really is and how it can shape their business. I want them to give marketing the respect it must have for their success, to feel inspired to engage with customers. I’ve seen it time and again. When they do, their advertising starts to connect, and they see the results in their bank accounts. There are so many benefits to following the pathway we outline. Of course, it won’t take away all their problems, but it will help them make better decisions. It will shape their evolution, because nothing survives if it sits still.
(Eriks) That marketing is exciting and well within their hands, to enjoy doing every day. Whether its chatting to a customer, or coming up with new ideas, there are practical ways to make marketing a habit and not a pain. It’s no different to relationships in your circle of family & friends. By being constantly in tune with their needs you adapt how you relate to your group, how to entertain them or overcome obstacles, helping them make their life better.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
(Judy) We’re committed to make Marketing = Customers + Heart a “living” book. As we gather new insights and information we’ll be updating the QR Code content at each of the 7 Stages. So in a way, this is a story that never ends. And for now, that’s enough, but I’ve learned never to say never – life is full of surprises!
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Facebook | Website
It’s easy to feel frustrated and disheartened when you’re trying to grow your small business, pouring precious cash into advertising channels and funnels with little or no return. But you can change your business’s fortune with a marketing plan that places your customers at the very heart of your business.
Marketing = Customers + Heart is more than a marketing book, it’s your way of business. If you follow this clear, practical, and proven formula you too will win in small business. Join Judy and Eriks Celmins as they share the 7 Stages for building a solid growth strategy – stages you can implement immediately, and every day. Developed over their three decades of experience challenging conventions and problem-solving in a wide range of innovative businesses and industries, this formula will help you:
Build a solid foundation to create, understand, nurture, and retain customers.
Tap into your hidden reserves of creativity for new and exciting ideas.
Feel confident that your marketing decisions are finally on target with your goals and aspirations.
Discover how stronger customer relationships lead to deeper insights and greater growth.
Expand your mindset and easily identify new opportunities before your competitors.
The Marketing = Customers + Heart formula comes at the very first, critical step of your marketing strategy – a step that too many businesses skip over. This book is a must-read, before you waste one more cent sending the wrong message.
When you purchase this book, 100% of the gross profits will be donated to a Ukrainian family in desperate need. You can find out more by visiting our website https://thriveablebiz.com
W Verbal Cheerleader For Doctoral Students
Doctorate 101: A Concise Guidebook for Your Journey provides readers with tips, encouragement, and steps on how to achieve their goals. Why was this an important book for you to write?
During my doctoral journey I faced immense challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. There were times where I second guessed if I would finish the program. I knew I was capable of doing the work. But there was a point where my process became stagnant. I know my journey was similar to other doctoral students as well. I was driven to write this book to create a verbal cheerleader for doctoral students. The goal was to offer some insight, expectations, and support to doctoral students and to let them know they were not alone.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about obtaining a Doctorate Degree?
A common misconception is that obtaining a doctorate or phd degree can only lead to opportunity for a teaching or education position. Doctoral graduates work in a range of professional areas to include higher level government positions, human resources, training, research and numerous others.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before starting a doctorate program?
One piece of advice that I wish someone had provided to me prior to starting the doctorate program is to focus on my own journey. You start with a cohort of students. But not everyone will finish at the same time. This can be discouraging. But focusing on the status of other students can keep you from progressing. In a bachelor or master program the completion timeline is fairly straightforward. However, during a doctorate program the completion deadline is a moving target. It will need to be adjusted based on progress, revisions, finances, and other factors.
You have a wide range of books currently published. What book are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am currently in the process of completing a children’s book dedicated to and celebrating the quiet and introverted child. I am very excited to finish this book. I especially love creating books and activities that support children’s minds and learning.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Did you recently start your doctorate program?
Do you have anxiousness or concerns about what to expect?
In this book, the author, Dr. Dawn McLucas strives to offer insight and motivation to all learners pursuing or considering starting a doctorate program. This compact book provides key information to provide students with an introduction to the doctoral journey without overwhelming the reader. The summary of experiences, tips, and encouragement serve to better equip students in their new educational pursuits.
In this book you will discover:Author experiences
Goal setting ideas
An introduction to the dissertation
Expectations
Tips for maintaining motivation and support
After processing the ideas and tips provided, you will hopefully feel more at ease and prepared to start your journey toward adding to the world of research and reaching your goal of obtaining a doctorate.
Evidence Of Our Humanity
The Lambda Factor follows two doctors who are trapped in a hospital and must find a way to stay alive when a deadly virus is unleashed. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I have lived in both Texas and Florida, experiencing several hurricanes. After residency I personally assisted in disaster recovery efforts at the Dallas Medical Society Mega shelter in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey and in Puerto Rico in 2017 after Hurricane Irma. As such I am truly passionate about bringing awareness from a healthcare standpoint about the complexities that transpire during a crisis to a broader audience.
I have drawn deeply from my background as a family physician and scientist to bring The Lambda Factor to life. I’ve always felt that pop culture portrays medicine in a very one-dimensional light – either we are cold and calculating like House MD or over dramatized situations like in Grey’s Anatomy. I wanted to show a lay audience a more nuanced view of our job, possibly show some evidence of our humanity, and our vulnerabilities especially during a complex scenario like natural disasters.
Did you create an outline for the characters in the story before you started writing or did the character’s personalities grow organically as you were writing?
They were an inspiration from people around me and myself, but they evolved the more the story evolved. There has an outline at the beginning at the start of the novel because I knew where I wanted where I wanted them to, however how they got there has changed and evolved as the story changed.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Yes, most definitely. My character’s personalities and nuances were drawn from myself and the people around me.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have started writing a sequel which is another disaster medical fiction thriller. It is based in Canada where dormant pathogens that were once living under glaciers are now awakening due to climate change. So the story follows the aftermath of that. Not sure when it will be ready though.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
all-powerful-even heroic. You don’t have to think about how much courage it takes to dwell among the living, to fight for your own life. Lots of caregivers get addicted that way.”
When a category five hurricane threatens a Galveston hospital, patients and nonessential personnel are required to evacuate.
Doctors Danica Diza and Shaka Sen, a chief family medicine resident and a surgical attending respectively, are tapped, along with a skeleton crew, to stay during the storm and care for remaining patients. Their facade of confidence is shattered, however, when the hospital’s inhabitants are exposed to a weaponized strain of a virus with a forty percent death rate. Forced into quarantine, they must struggle to survive the ravages of the hurricane, a shortage of supplies, and the virus that threatens them all.
Written by physician and debut author Dimple Desai, this striking medical thriller provokes readers to consider the dangerous trends happening in our world today and the global changes needed to abate them.
Love At First Sight Can Happen
Blackberries and Brandi is the third book in the Hope Falls Series. What were some new ideas you wanted to explore in this book that were different from book two?
Book 1, The Reindeer Ranch, was the first of my romance novels and I had great fun with it, with the humor, holiday and the parents and children involved throughout. Book 2, The Valentine’s Dance is meant to be romantic as well as a bit of intrigue. Now we come to book 3, Blackberries and Brandi. I wanted to escalate the mystery and intrigue in this book to prove that love at first sight can happen, but can it endure the drama of the past?
What were some obstacles that you felt were important to testing and developing Brandi and Luke’s relationship?
I touched on this a bit with the first question. This relationship goes through many tests from a boss/employee relationship to the past sneaking up to rock the boat. I imagine many new relationships come with baggage and it depends on the strength and commitment of the two who are in love to weather the storm.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into this story?
If anything, I would say it’s my optimistic personality in thinking (especially from Luke’s viewpoint) that love conquers all. In real life we don’t all have the happily-ever-after’s, so this makes me exceedingly happy to write them.
What can readers expect in book four in the Hope Falls Series?
Book 4, His December Bride, is being written currently. Several of the characters in the previous books will be in this one as well, but the focus is on Darci and Brian as they move towards their presumed wedding day. Can things go awry? They certainly can and a smidge of mystery comes calling when Darci suspects Brian isn’t being absolutely truthful to her. What is that saying? The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry… We’ll see how the main characters handle it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
And she does. She’s never met anyone like him. He is always there to lean against and is so loving and protective of her and her mom. They are looking forward to the change of seasons and spending their down time from the Hope Falls Ski Resort with one another, deepening their relationship.
All is not what it seems in Hope Falls, as Luke soon discovers. Someone has tampered with his brake lines to his truck. He quickly hires a private investigator, suspecting one particular individual, but when a sighting of a tall person wearing a long, black coat is seen near his truck, the mystery deepens. What will the investigator find? Will Brandi and Luke find their happily ever after?
Round And Round It Went
The Yellow Sign follows a traumatized FBI agent that has to figure out what is real and what is in her head in order to save her friend that has gone missing. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration for the story is a little cliche: I was struggling to fall asleep one night a few years ago after reading The King in Yellow by Robert Chambers, and a scene kept playing in my head of a doctor racing to a college campus to help an (unknown to him) dead patient. Her revival, her mad zealotry, and her turning the tables on the doctor (“He told me your name”), the scene wouldn’t let me go. Round and round it went, as more details filled in.
Eventually, around 02:00, I had to get up and write down the scene, just to get it out of my head. Most of the opening of TYS is straight from those first notes, that punch-in-the-face pulpy hook.
After that, it became a question of what made that scene important. Some parts of the setup were natural storytelling (a friend of the doctor tries to find and save him), while others came much later and with much staring at a blank screen (Blaine’s struggles with… everything).
Erica Blaine has suffered a great deal but still risks it all for a friend. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Blaine is a very flawed character; she has made plenty of mistakes, suffered much, and we meet her at her lowest. Some of the driving ideals in her development include her willingness to jump into danger for those she loves, showing how sometimes the best way we can help ourselves is to help others, despite our own (sometimes literal) internal voices telling us how worthless we are.
Blaine presents as an extreme loner, but when push comes to shove she becomes very protective of those she becomes close to (e.g. Amber). These actions help her to begin moving towards the road of recovery, but alas, when your therapist is the leader of a cult, are things really going to get better?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes most dear to my heart are all of the struggles Blaine goes through: deep depression, fighting through trauma, and the courage it takes to face those pains. Everything around the inner voice was very important for me, allowing me to shape the story in a unique direction. I’ve always loved cosmic horror tropes, and they allowed me to play with themes of narration and motivation in ways I rarely see.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on The Knife that Bites, a story set in a far-future hive-city of ten billion souls, as famine runs rampant; it will be more sci-fi than The Yellow Sign, but will still have plenty of horror. I just can’t resist. Give me red and raw and ruining any day.
I am hoping to get The Knife that Bites out to everyone in 2023. Fingers crossed.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads | Mailing List
As is the voice that won’t allow her a moment of peace.
But when her old Army buddy goes missing under suspicious circumstances, Erica is pulled back into the Lovecraftian world of cult infiltration. The Yellow College welcomes her with open arms, but as her sanity crumbles beneath the weight of hallucinations, old traumas, and lost memories, how can she expect to save her friend when she can barely tell what’s real and what isn’t?
Have you seen the shores of Carcosa?
Lessons I had to learn the hard way!
SOS Champion Captain follows the school’s most competitive student as she has to learn how to work in a group and the value of teamwork. What was the inspiration for your story?
I remember being in the final year of elementary school. Just like Nora I was fortunate to be elected school captain. During rehearsals for our end of year play I ran out of patience with some of the students who weren’t taking their parts seriously. My frustration didn’t help the situation. In fact, the students became less willing to cooperate. The lessons Nora learns in SOS Champion Captain were the lessons I had to learn the hard way! I hoped the story would help the perfectionists and high achievers and who struggle to work with others. Kindness and humility can go a long way when it comes to being a great captain.
Nora wants to win every completion but struggles with working with others. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Nora Nibblesworth shares many character traits with my eldest daughter, including her competitive streak and the desire to be in control. Yes, she inherited this from me! Nora has previously starred in my Scallywags series, but this was the first time I wrote her at the main character in a story. I thought it was good for readers to see some of the character flaws that come with such a driven individual. My daughter even suggested some of Nora’s lines. Nora’s teammates were partly inspired by my other daughters (who love hots chips) and are a little more relaxed when it comes to completing projects.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Teamwork, diversity, and the respect of classmates’ opinions were central to this story. Nora learns the hard way that she can’t always have her way, and that to succeed she needs to rely on her friends.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
After completing the ten books in the SOS series I am working on several adventure novels in my Pie Rats series. The first will be called Traitor’s Tail. The release date will be late 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Welcome to the School of Scallywags, a boarding school for young pirates. At SOS, students live at school during the term and go home for the holidays. Each night is one big sleepover with their friends! Each new day is an adventure waiting to happen.
The students at SOS don’t always get things right. But with a little encouragement from their friends and teachers, they learn that even the biggest disasters can be turned around.
Each story in the SOS series focuses on a different student and explores the personal and social challenges they face. Themes for Champion Captain include demonstrating unity through tolerance and acceptance.
SOS stories are designed for developing readers in lower to middle primary school. Books in the series include both male and female protagonists. Each book has seven or eight short chapters with illustrations on every page. Readers can move up to the award-winning Scallywags series which feature the same characters in extended adventures.
LITERARY TITAN 