Blog Archives
The Perfect Place To Start
All Hope of Becoming Human follows an investigator and archaeologist who must work together to try and solve a mystery involving humans and aliens.What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In the midst of the pandemic, I woke up one night in a cold sweat unable to get back to sleep, my mind ravaged not only by the ever-rising death toll from the virus sweeping the world, but also the brutal murders of Black Americans by law enforcement, the protests and riots, the senseless mass shootings by lone gunmen, rampant terrorism and the rise of hate groups, the threat of using the US military against its own citizens, not to mention the constant genocide, warring and unrest across the planet. It was all unimaginable and overwhelming to me. So I got out of bed, brought up my computer and hammered out a three-page single-spaced stream of consciousness that would over the next few years become All Hope of Becoming Human.
The idea of earthquakes revealing massive buried metallic objects seemed the perfect place to start, setting the stage for the potential discovery of incredible answers to the nature of humanity, hidden for thousands of years right there literally under our noses.
What was your inspiration for the interactions and backstories of their characters?
I’m a “pantser” instead of a “plotter” in my writing, trusting that the characters will step forward from the darkness, pull me forward through the narrative as I unravel the story. Rebecca Duccati stepped out quickly asserting that she, not Professor Braden (as I had intended), would be one of the main protagonists. Then Demzey. I loved his character from the get go, with him stepping onto the stage and showing me who he was. And his assistant, Connie Wegman. I hadn’t planned on the heat between those two, but there it was. And honestly, I couldn’t wait to see what would happen when Demzey and Duccati got together to work the puzzle. The discovery for me is what makes writing exciting.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The nature of violence; and if it is endemic to our race? The turmoil in the world, the ceaseless march of senseless killing! Nowhere in nature do we witness this degree of mayhem, except among humans. I was shocked hearing about young people attending “covid parties,” seemingly daring the virus to take their lives, while others refused to wear masks. I became distraught over how little we valued life — our own and that of others — and was heartbroken hearing about the young woman in her twenties on her deathbed regretting attending one of those parties, and who died a day later. None of it made sense to me.
During the summer of 2022, while revising All Hope of Becoming Human, I was also bingeing Philip K. Dick novels, thirteen in all by summers’ end, and I came across this quote by one of Dick’s characters, Mr. Baynes, from The Man in the High Castle, who says,“We are all doomed to commit acts of cruelty or violence or evil; that is our destiny, due to ancient factors.” I was dumbfounded by my good fortune and put that quote at the beginning of my novel. Are we doomed to commit acts of violence, no choice in the matter? “…due to ancient factors?” That’s exactly what I was exploring in All Hope of Becoming Human.
But I have to conclude by sharing this amazing and humorous synchronicity that happened after finishing the answer to this question. Currently I am in the middle of rereading A Separate Reality by Carlos Castaneda (I read the entire Castaneda series over two decades ago) and came across this question from don Juan (who is a “brujo”—sorcerer, medicine man, and mentor to Carlos) who poses it to Carlos, who is constantly trying to “figure” things out in rational terms, attempting to intellectually vanquish the existential conundrumshe struggles with. Don Juan comes over to Carlos, who has been writing notes for hours, and asks if Carlos has been able to “write himself out of his problem.” I laughed when I read it, then at my own folly. Maybe that’s where novels come from; writers attempting to “write themselves out of their problems!”
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Not sure yet. I never intended upon a follow-up. If there is, it will be called, Last Hope of Becoming Human (I already have notes) and will explore possibilities of moving forward from the debacle the world finds itself in. But I have so many other projects I’m working on, it could be a long way down the road. Currently I’m working on a piece set in multiple worlds (which started as synopsis/notes to myself, but has grown into a 62,000-word manuscript so far). I also have another novel that is complete and in revisions, which I hope to release later this year, or early next year called, Project Übemensch, which I am very excited about.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Earthquakes rock the planet, revealing massive metallic objects and vast subterranean graveyards. One such location is in the Arizona desert. Scientists believe this incredible discovery may hold answers to the origins of man, but when the site is suddenly shut down due to seismic activity, one researcher knows she must return. Assistant archaeologist Rebecca Duccati sneaks into the compound alone, and will have to dig deep to find clues in these strange underground caves and tunnels. The work is dangerous and frightening, but she feels a connection to this bizarre phenomenon that even she isn’t fully aware of yet.
FBI Special Agent Demzey knows nothing about archaeology; his specialty— anomalous crimes, the fringe edge of the aberrant and the unknown. Demzey is investigating a recent rash of vicious and brutal murders, the clues surrounding the killings both disturbing and inexplicable. He and his assistant Connie Wegman catch a break when they discover remains of two monstrous creatures unknown to science, believed to be a race of aliens responsible for attacks on humans across the globe.
With the death toll ticking ever higher, scientists and intelligence agencies on every continent search for the source of these vicious creatures, until the combined efforts of Duccati and Demzey begin to unravel the mystery, though what they uncover could spell the end for the human race.
A Daring Work Of Cinema
The Location Shoot follows a group of people brought together by a controversial filmmaker who, in the process of filming, look to answer the big questions of life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wrote this novel during the pandemic when we were in lockdown. At the time, we were all isolated. During difficult times, I always turn to the arts. So, I was thinking about isolation and the arts when an idea came to me: a novel about a group of artists living together somewhere remote while creating a daring work of cinema.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
It’s definitely a work of fiction that was based on my imagination, but there are always seeds of me in the books. For example, the filmmaker invites his friend Ella Sinclair to join them for the summer as they shoot the film in a remote location in Sweden. Ella is a philosopher and writes her books in artistic ways. There’s a bit of me there. I have a doctorate degree in sociology and my nonfiction works are creatively written. Like Ella, I’m also interested in asking the big questions. Like her love interest, movie star Finn Forrester, I’m definitely a romantic at heart. I identify in ways with Jean Mercier, the filmmaker too. He likes to push the envelope with his art. I relate to that.
What was the chosen theme of the novel, or did it develop organically as you were writing?
It was a completely organic process. I immediately became swept up in the story and worked on it seven days a week. I usually write my novels out of order, as a series of scenes, which I stitch together in the end. I began The Location Shoot with a scene at the inn in Sweden. The group is a couple weeks into shooting the film when Ella arrives and immediately enchants Finn. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what the themes of the book would be, but they began to reveal themselves. The pandemic was a time for reflection and introspection for many of us, and so the film the group is making became about the big questions of life. Ultimately, that led to an exploration of the meaning of life, what love is, and why love is everything.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
I loved writing Finn and Ella’s love story so much that I decided to continue with it. My next novel, After the Red Carpet, picks up where The Location Shoot ends. The novel follows Finn and Ella for the next five years as they build a life together. It’s a really romantic book about what it means to love someone and choose them every day. I think of it as a spin on a Cinderella story. After the Red Carpet comes out September 3, 2024. If readers are looking for a romantic escape before that, they may want to check out my last celebrity romance, Hollyland, which was also a feel-good read.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | GoodReads | Amazon
Getting To The Future Together
Nurse Florence®, What is Arthritis? follows a group of students who seek out the school nurse to get more information on Arthritis after a science lesson. What was the inspiration for your story?
I wanted to have a small group of kids interact with a nurse regularly so I decided that an elementary school nurse was the best option. I promote diversity and inclusion so that’s why Jean is Caucasian, Condi is African American and Sonia is Hispanic. We are only getting to the future together.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how does it help you write the Nurse Florence series?
I happen to have three Masters degrees (which was originally unplanned), and I learned to write concisely and efficiently with those degrees. We are hoping to publish a new book every week and a half this year and have met our goal so far. I have to write efficiently and accurately to do this with my limited time since I work extra shifts at the hospital.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
At first, the surprise was how surprised parents were after they read the books with their children and stepped away learning something new since it is a kids book. I feel I may have found the “secret” to make the books entertaining for kids and adults alike.
What is one question you wish that someone would ask about your book series but nobody has? And what is the answer to that question?
Is there a group of people you wish you would have represented in the series? There are two: two other girls that are Asian and Indian since they represent so many people on Earth. The next book series, which will be about mental health, will be fully diverse.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
An A-Z Guide On What To Do
From High School to Uni: The Essential Student’s Guide to Moving into University is a step-by-step guide to help parents and students navigate the transition from high school to university. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When my first child was graduating from high school and preparing to set off to university, she was excited, nervous, and curious about what university life would be like. We began searching for guidance on how to prepare, both logistically and mentally, for this new adult stage of life, and it made me realize that no practical topics are taught at school, such as how to create and manage a budget, how to plan personal nutrition, how to shop for food and cook, how to sew on a button, iron a shirt, and do laundry—all the things one needs to know when becoming an adult and beginning independence away from home. It made me want to help others, and I wanted to write a book that would offer practical advice, useful tips, and personal insights to help parents and teens prepare for this new adventure and make the most of it.
There are many parenting and student forums on the Internet with tons of personal advice from well-meaning people, but there is no one-stop shop giving an A-Z guide on what to do, when, how, and why. I noted every step of my children’s installations in and out of universities in England, France, and Switzerland, made checklists and templates, and built this into a step-by-step guide to help students and parents navigate their own journey.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The ideas I wanted to capture were practical tips that a parent may not think about or have time to teach their teen before they leave home, such as:
- How to manage your finances, pay bills, select utility providers;
- How to pack and set up your dorm or apartment
- How to deal with room-mates and landlords, negotiate a lease/rental agreement, and associated responsibilities;
- How to manage your mental health, studies and social life
- How to shop with a student budget, efficiently store food within student quarters, meal prep, and maintain a balanced diet.
- And laundry—not just HOW to do it, but when (there is a secret to this!).
What is one piece of advice you would want to give parents entering this stage of life before sending their child off into the world?
While From High School to Uni speaks to students, I actually wrote it with parents in mind. Let’s face it, your teen has just gone through an intense period of cramming for exams and is just looking forward to enjoying a summer of freedom before taking up serious studies again and potentially moving to another country or part of the country. They are not thinking about how they will survive and thrive in a new environment. But parents are more inclined to think ahead, so this book is for parents to read too. Forewarned is forearmed, I always say. If you know what to expect, you are better prepared, less stressed, can plan efficiently in advance, spread the cost of buying items for college across several months to help you budget effectively, and ease into the transition serenely.
One piece of advice I would want to give parents entering this stage of life is to trust their children and support them in their choices. Going to university is a big step for both the child and the parent, and it can be hard to let go and let them grow. But it’s also an exciting time for them to discover themselves, learn new things, and pursue their dreams. As a parent, you can help them by being supportive, encouraging, respectful, and understanding. You can also stay in touch with them regularly, but not too much. Give them space and freedom to explore their new environment, but also let them know that you’re always there for them if they need you (and not just when they need a budget top-up!).
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
To be honest, I didn’t expect to write this with a successful publication in mind, so my goals were just to write in a clear, concise, pragmatic, and engaging way that would be appealing to both teenagers and parents. I felt like my anecdotes would be relatable, illustrate my points, and enable readers to connect well. I also have a passion for helping people, and if I have done the work so you don’t have to, why not benefit from my experience?
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram
From High School to Uni is an A-Z guide to help students (and helpful parents) navigate the confusing path to a new life on campus – where to start, how to plan and get organized, what to pack, what NOT to pack, and other advice such as opening a bank account, renting accommodation, shopping and food prep – every aspect of student life is covered in this easy to read guide book.
How A Dictatorship Can Fall
Home Rule is an intriguing Science Fiction novel that has a lot of real-world themes blended into this fictional world. Why was it important for you to write this book?
HOME RULE pulls together the threads for the trilogy. The story has two male narrators, Hershel Henry and Jessup Chandliss who reviewers seem to really like. We see characters grow into adult roles, especially at the wedding of Rufus and Kelly. And we see how a dictatorship can fall on the strength or failure of one personality.
I wanted the final sequence to be operatic and show outcomes for several characters. They experience a moment in their history together and are forever changed.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
Pacing was a puzzle with a pantheon of characters. I added a character list at the end for the reader’s convenience, but I feel that the story is easy to follow since we tend to choose favorites and wait for their action scenes.
For the writing part, I had a chart for character location. Each needed to be on the right planet for her big scene. LOL
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The story is science fiction for entertainment, of course. If we learn something about our lives along the way, then that’s a plus. I just wanted to show multi-dimensional women rather than the stiff archetypes of formula sci-fi stories. I hope that part is satisfying to the reader.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
In book 4 titled CYLAY GAZETTE (slated for a January 2024 release), Jesse Hartley jumps back to Dolvia from Paris France, just like Brianna Miller had but with different consequences. Hershel Henry carries the middle part of the story, and then we hear from Bybiis the beastmaster who is traveling with Jesse.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
A World With Talking Animals
They Were All Loyal embarks on a journey into the realm of a fictional land’s diplomatic negotiations and resulting war. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
The initial concept was quite different! Originally the story was going to focus on the scientist, Shui, against the television news crew, Samantha and Dave; however, the more I wrote the more I saw them working together rather than at odds with each other. Prime Minister Tresser gradually transitioned in the manuscript from supporting cast into a main character role, and the story developed from there.
Without revealing too much, certain major events in the plot were intended from the start; I’m very happy with how it turned out and hope readers will be as surprised as the characters.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
I had the premise of a world with talking animals already from previous books I’d written – such as Permafrost, a prequel you should read if you haven’t yet – but this story was unique in that it focused on the world at the international level. They Were All Loyal took eight years to complete, which is the longest I’ve spent to date working on a manuscript.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The overarching theme of the story is loyalty, or rather how everyone is loyal to different convictions. It’s something that plays out in the world constantly; people are generally quick to judge others’ opinions as right or wrong, but it can be very subjective.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
There’s definitely another novel in the works. Unfortunately, I can’t say for sure when the release date will be right now. I’d encourage readers to check out my website, where you can find updates about what I’m writing and upcoming book releases!
My Primary Inspiration
The Question follows a man and his wife who are drawn into a world of supernatural powers when her husband wakes up one day with strange new abilities. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m sure some people wish for some abilities when they wake up the next morning. I certainly did, and that was my primary inspiration.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the character’s development?
Among his surroundings were his friends and, most importantly, his wife. His choices are determined by his surroundings.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
As I am planning to develop Nairb fully, there will be more chapters in the story. Creating an interesting story and something we can relate to was my primary goal. There are too many books that lack events that engage the reader and keep them reading. I wanted to avoid that.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
There are going to be unexpected events that are not predictable. The story will introduce other characters and surprise occurrences that will show why Nairb acted the way he did. My goal is to create a large following for this character by making the Nairb’s stories interesting.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
THE QUESTION
NAIRB’S STORIES BOOK ONE
DO SOME THINGS JUST HAPPEN?
One morning, Nairb awakens to the sound of his coworker honking his horn as he arrives to pick him up for work. As he goes about his workday, he encounters mysterious situations. A bit confused, he later told his wife Grace about his experiences. He discovered he can heal, start fires, short circuit electronic devices that emit thick smoke, heat objects, and melt metal.
Throughout the story, Nairb heals people, burns down his house, melts a car, and hides from the police with Jim’s help.
The Inspiration For Everything
Closer follows the changing relationships of several people who try and navigate and discover what matters most, love or family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for everything was the desert.
The idea was to play with theme and a this question … So, beneath that overbearing, too much of a sun, under the lack and draught of it all; what happens when survival (good enough), isn’t enough?
What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
The relationship that develops between the characters is driven by the emotional, sexual, and spiritual draught that pervades all existence beneath the Southern California sun.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The search for true love against the backdrop of good enough.
The acceptance of incomplete, insufficient, binary models of behavior as modes of being.
The theme of marriage, love, and true love seen through the lens of what is possible vs. what one will settle for.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
It is a dark fantasy. A modern fairy tale exploring the notion that maybe some wishes shouldn’t be answered.
The manuscript is complete, edits – near complete. My best guess is that it will be available 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
This story weaves a tale of an affair wrapped up in the heartbreak of pursuing true love at any cost, forcing us to ask, what is the higher calling, true love, or family?
Follow the narrator on a journey of self-discovery through a crumbling marriage, a torrid love affair, and the sudden surprise ending that leaves the reader with a new sort of happily-ever-after.
LITERARY TITAN 