Blog Archives
Dark and Emotional
Left for Death follows a seasoned detective on his last case that turns out to be connected to a child trafficking with connections to the police department. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I wanted to create a story that was dark and emotional. I’ve read many cozy light-hearted Murder She Wrote kind of mysteries, but that’s not my writing style. I wanted it to be something that would hit the reader hard and make them wince a bit. Some reviewers have stated they felt the story was a bit too dark, and too much like real life, but that’s exactly what I was aiming for.
Detective John Sandes is an intriguing character. What were some driving ideals behind his character’s development?
He is loosely based on my late father Joseph D’Aquisto Sr. who died in 2002. Much of his back story is similar minus his career as a police detective. Both of their personal experiences with family members draw certain parallels. He had always talked about moving to Seattle when he was alive. That never happened for him. Funny enough, it was actually me who ended up living in the Pacific Northwest for several years in Vancouver, B.C. and spending lots of time in Seattle as well.
I kind of created this character using my father as a base. As I write a follow-up to Left For Death, I have to remind myself that John Sandes is not my father, and there are differences between the two. Sometimes I think to myself “Would my father really do something like this?”, well maybe not, but that’s okay because this character isn’t actually my father. I’m become more accepting of the fact that the characters are splitting a bit. The character of John Sandes will become more of his own in future books.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I think child trafficking is a huge problem today, and has been for a very long time. It was important for me to look at a serious crime. I didn’t want a reader to pick up my story to read about something petty.
Another theme that was important to me was family issues. I think many people assume that people have relatively normal upbringings. One of the most important lessons is not assuming everyone has similar upbringings and home-life situations
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on a sequel to this book. John Sandes will once again be the main character. It takes place a few years after.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Sandes receives a missing person report for Leo Johnson. He finds Johnson dead in the bathtub from a gunshot wound to the head. While investigating the scene, Sandes discovers a photo of an eleven-year-old girl on Johnson’s bed. Sandes’ investigation finds him butting heads with a child sex trafficking ring. Sandes knows it is his very last case and that he must do whatever it takes to solve it before his retirement which is soon approaching.
Adults In Training
Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck provides practical advice for parents who feel overwhelmed by misbehaving kids. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I was a reluctant parent and reformed yeller. I felt my journey toward discovering how to become a better parent, break traditional parenting patterns we’ve used for generations and let go of worry and control that doesn’t serve you or your child would be immensely helpful for other parents to know. My methods are counterintuitive, even unorthodox, but they work and I wanted to share them with as many parents as I could to ease their stress and free up children to become who the individuals they are meant to be.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before having kids?
That parenting is layered and nuanced when you are doing it right. Parenting is about us as the parent, not fixing our child’s behavior. We’re taught that we’re bad parents if we can’t change the child. The truth is, and no one tells us this, that to save the child we have to change us, not control the child. Changing us requires specific awareness that leads us to the parenting mindset that creates harmony in the home.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about parenting?
That punishment and restriction corrects behavior. Restriction creates rebellion. Parents feel they are doing the right thing when they punish or restrict, but the opposite is true.
What is the single biggest challenge you’ve personally faced as a parent and how did you overcome it?
How to let go of control and see my children as ‘adults in training’. With that perspective, I was able to create partnership parenting techniques that formed a foundation of true respect and built relationships of lifelong trust with my kids. This mindset led to developing children who are independent-minded, self-directed and happy!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
What if you could learn the transformative mindset that allows parents to get results without “fixing” their child’s bad behavior?
In Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck, Sue Donnellan, parent mentor, author, mom of four (including triplets), and entrepreneur shares 20+ years of experience cultivating the effective thought process for successful parenting. She delivers a proven playbook for turning misbehaving kids into happy, respectful, well-adjusted young adults.
End tantrums by learning how to respond to them
Eliminate back-talk by knowing how to avoid provoking it
Minimize lying with trust-creating strategies
Neutralize sibling fights using one simple method
Establish curfews and boundaries both you and your child are happy with
Increase your ability to prevent bad behavior, before it even starts
Directly influence your child’s great decision-making capabilities
Nurture a strengthened relationship so deep it provides a lifetime of your kids wanting to share everything with you
Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck is the definitive book on parenting. Written as a no-nonsense action plan, this book covers ages 2-20 and all the necessary subjects in between, using humor and wisdom.
Foreword written by Lana Gomez Maniscalco, Artist, Wife, Mom of two, Creative Director, What’s Wrong With People, Inc.
Only One Left Standing
The Circle follows a man who’s inducted into a secretive group who have everything they want but must hunt or be hunted to keep hold of their power. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
This story was loosely based on the game “Assassins” I played when I was younger. Each player got a random name and a water gun and they had to hunt their target and “assassinate” him/her. If successful, you then take your vanquished foe’s target and hunt that person down until there is only one left standing. I was never very good at the game but always felt there was a greater story beneath the surface.
Doug is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Doug had to be relatable, so it was important that he was well grounded and had a good heart. Otherwise, he may not have resisted for as long as he did. I don’t believe, at least I hope, that the readers have the same tendencies as the seasoned members of the Circle, so it was important to take the reader along for the ride with Doug as he fought for his life. Doug is all of us when we have our backs to the wall and don’t know what we’re capable of. He is the living embodiment of fight vs. flight. But for him, the flight part was not an option.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I would say the main theme in The Circle is self-preservation. My hope is that the reader is constantly asking themselves, “How far would I go to preserve my way of life?” My guess is that we all would be surprised by our answers, and that’s what I love about the world of The Circle. It forces us to ask ourselves tough questions.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Currently, I’m working on the next installment of the Circle Series called “Legends of the Circle.” It is a prequel and it dives deeper into the Circle, some familiar characters, and their sacred rules. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it’s due out on October 5th. Kindle and e-reader users can pre-order it now on Amazon.
I also will be releasing a series of short stories that center around The Circle called the “Beyond the Envelope” Series. The first installment of those, “Mr. Star’s Story” follows a minor character from The Circle whose story, despite wanting to, I couldn’t tell in the book. It is available now on Amazon for $0.99, or a PDF version can be downloaded for free on my website, mjepublishing.com/beyond-the-envelope.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
MEMBERS of THE CIRCLE don’t have to imagine such a life. They live it. The liberation of being both hunter and hunted. The salvation that comes with such freedom. A chance to feel truly alive. A chance to savor each precious moment. Because in THE CIRCLE any moment could be your last.
DOUGLAS GOODWIN isn’t rich. He isn’t powerful. What could the sacred society of THE CIRCLE possibly want with him—just a regular guy with a regular job leading a regular life? What would drive them to coerce a young man who has always valued integrity over hedonism into their midst? And why would Doug agree to submersion in a world of secrecy and murder? It’s unthinkable.
THE HARSH REALITY? Doug has been inducted into an institution where friends become enemies overnight, loyalty is a nothing more than a punchline, and conscience is a burden. Where he will be hunted and expected to hunt other members to their death. With no escape from THE CIRCLE’s ubiquitous influence and domination.
HOW FAR WILL DOUG GO? How much will he sacrifice to preserve his way of life? Will he be swayed by the money, the women, the power? Or will THE CIRCLE consume him, as it has hundreds of others before him, and leave nothing but another nameless corpse in its wake?
When you Know you Know
The Power of Knowing shares insights and strategies readers can use to rediscover their ability to KNOW. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Yes, it does. Knowing is a simple yet highly effective concept. One that we all have the ability to access. It is one of our most valuable assets when it comes to decision-making. It will save us precious time, money and gifts us unwavering faith in the decisions we make and so fear subsides. That is something I am very passionate about sharing.
The Power of Knowing is book 2 in a 7 book series sharing the principles I have used to create a very successful life as an entrepreneur whilst not compromising any of my core values. I write as K P Weaver and am an entrepreneur as Karen Mc Dermott.
What is the biggest obstacle many people face on their journey to knowing?
When you Know you Know. But until you Know you don’t Know. The biggest obstacle is belief in their ability to know. Many people second question themselves and lean outwards for affirmation and when others’ views penetrate a decision it can take a whole new direction and meaning, many well-intentioned because of their fears and some to sabotage your intentions. Either way to live a confident and successful life we need to trust in our own knowing as it works 100% in favour of our highest potential.
What were some key ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The key ideas are to:
- Share my insights in Knowing.
- Share how to reconnect with your ability to know.
- Share Knowing stories in motion.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope that readers find their way back to Knowing and experience first-hand the incredible power that it can gift us in pursuit of our goals and intentions. It is a fun concept to play with and when you get you head around it there is nothing that cannot be achieved.
Collectively this series is designed as a toolkit to live a life without fear and on purpose.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Do you know how to know?
In The Power of Knowing author K P Weaver will share insights, strategies and personal stories that will help you rediscover your natural ability to KNOW!
In a time when a lot of people search outward for answers to inward issues there is no better time to reconnect with the natural born nstinct we all have to Know exactly what the next is.
Are you ready to make decisions with unwavering confidence?
Award-winning entrepreneur, author, publisher, mentor and renowned speaker Karen McDermott delivers an inspirational message to everyone who wants to live a life free of regrets and unrealised potential.
Karen is an advanced Law of Attraction practitioner who teaches people how to attract anything they want into their lives. Through the art of manifestation she has created a highly successful publishing business, financial freedom and a life she loves.
We all have access to this incredible life-changing inner power – harness it with love and it will serve your best interests.
In The Power of Knowing, you will be inspired to take back control of your destiny, because youhave had the power to know all along, you need only learn how to reconnect with it.
Are you ready to do what it takes to be the difference in YOUR world?
There is no better time than right now to embrace The Power of Knowing!
With personal knowing stories shared by Elizabeth Gilbert, Joanne Fedler, Jane Talbot, Bernadette O’Connor and Michelle Weitering. You will have the opportunity to read about Knowing in motion.
An Adam Weldon Thriller
Cyclops Conspiracy follows an Ex-Navy SEAL, an FBI sharpshooter, and an Interpol drone expert that join forces to stop a terrorist plot. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
In the course of skippering a sailboat through the Greek islands, it struck me: What a great setting for a what I love to read and write—a thriller novel!
The set up of three people on a sailboat fighting terrorists lends itself to an extra layer of conflict. Not only must the trio battle terrorists, they also struggle—in various ways—against one another. The more tension—provided it is skillfully wrought—the more riveted readers are to the edge of their seats.
It also struck me that such a story could provide not only a thoroughly fun read, but also intriguing explorations of Greek geography and culture, sailing and sailboats, Islamist extremism, and the drama of modern male-female relations—which often aren’t easy!
Adam Weldon was a very entertaining character. What were some driving ideals behind his character’s development?
In Adam Weldon, I strive to create a little bit of an everyman figure all of us can care about and root for. Humble, competent, resourceful, curious but skeptical, and definitely on the side of good, Adam has been described as “endearingly gruff.” An ex-Navy SEAL, he gets hurt and slammed, but keeps getting back up. A little bit bigger than life, but not too much bigger, he’s strong, quick, tough, and deadly when necessary, but not invulnerable.
His willingness to doggedly pursue objectives and help friends in need inevitably gets him into tight scrapes—and puts him at the edge of death. But so far he has squeaked through—sometimes by the thinest of margins.
In each novel, it’s not so much that he searches out evil conspiracies, but more that they find him. And being who he is, he—and lately his shaman sharpshooter girlfriend Tripnee—throw themselves into the challenge with everything they’ve got.
Different aspects of Adam—and Tripnee—reveal themselves from book to book, and both are indeed evolving. One of the most winning things about them is their willingness to do whatever it takes, as long as it takes, to overcome evil and make the world right.
By virtue of his very nature, Adam’s world is full of possibilities, and even when beaten down, he soon finds a way to become upbeat. He’s someone I like and care about. He’s a good guy I’m happy to hang out with through many an adventure.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The overarching theme is the importance of defending Western civilization—hence the dedication: “To Western Civilization.” This theme is implicit in the novel’s primary struggle: preventing anti-Western, Islamist terrorists from destroying Europe and America. In the course of the story, in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways, both the pros and cons of Western civilization are contrasted with the culture and behavior of the terrorists. Despite its imperfections, Western civilization comes out way ahead.
A theme sometimes overlooked is that of celebrating strong women. Two of the three main characters, after all, are women— Tripnee and Sophia. Although these two clash in ways both superficial and profound, by the end both are revealed to be extraordinarily strong and determined people. Also, Roxanna the terrorist is an exceptionally strong character.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Slay the Dragon, the fourth novel in the Adam Weldon series, is nearly complete and will be released by October. (By the way, each book in the series stands alone and the books can be read in any order.) Here is a back-cover blurb for Slay the Dragon:
“China’s relentless strategy of all-out unrestricted warfare—with the willing participation of bought-and-paid-for US elites—is bringing America to its knees. Can an ex-Navy SEAL, a tech-genius Chinese dissident, an Oakland cop, and a Silicon Valley billionaire save American democracy and put China on a better path? To find out, plunge headlong into this rousing, upbeat, rip-roaring Adam Weldon thriller.”
“Want to understand what is going on right now between China and America? A murder investigation exposes systemic deception, crime, election rigging, information dominance, mass manipulation, corruption and outright theft at the highest levels of China and the United States. This gripping, thoroughly researched novel reveals—as sometimes only fiction can—the raw, excruciating truth behind today’s headlines.”
Author Interview: GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Website
Can ex-Navy SEAL Adam Weldon and his girlfriend, an FBI sharpshooter, join forces with a mesmerizing Interpol drone expert to stop the planned destruction?
Set in the Greek Islands and Washington DC, this taut thriller delivers twists and surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last page.
Adam Weldon is a slam dunk for lovers of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp, Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, Ian Fleming’s James Bond, and Mark Greaney’s the Grey Man.
Be sure to get Gold Bay: An Adam Weldon Thriller if it’s not already on your shelf and follow author William McGinnis on Amazon to be notified of the next installment.
The #noboringbooks Process
Self-Publish & Succeed provides readers with a guide they can follow to get write, publish, and promote a nonfiction book that sells. Why was this an important book for you to write?
There are some great books on writing and some good guides on self-publishing but there wasn’t a comprehensive guide on writing a book with marketing in mind and setting it up for self-publishing success. This is the #noboringbooks process for writing a book with the reader in mind, publishing a top quality book, and setting yourself up sales success.
What is a common misconception you feel authors have about publishing a book?
That writing the book is the hardest part. I believe marketing the book is actually the most difficult, and if you haven’t positioned the book for marketing success right from the start you’re setting yourself up for a lot of additional challenges and struggles.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given before you published your first book?
Focus on the reader with everything you do. If you focus on your goals and your desire to be a bestseller you become the product instead of the book and it puts your ego in charge. Your ego doesn’t make good decisions when it comes to your book. Your book might be about you, but it’s not for you. It’s for your reader.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
The inspiration and steps to write a book that will have a massive impact on both the readers life and the life of the author.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Writing a book can be one of the smartest moves for your business success. But you need more than writing skills to create an impressive book that readers will love. You also need a plan to market, sell, and leverage your book into a new level of leadership within your industry to reach your professional goals.
In Self-Publish & Succeed, trusted best-selling author and entrepreneur Julie Broad shows you that writing a successful nonfiction book starts long before you write your first chapter. To write a book that boosts your brand, generates a profit, and makes you an influencer in your industry, you need the #noboringbooks way.
You’re about to discover:The reason why you’re not finishing your book—and how to overcome it.
Why most books are boring, and how to keep yours from being one of them.
Which editors you need to perfect your story and where to find them.
The one simple page that could generate thousands of sales.
Seven places to sell your book (and only one starts with “A!”).
Nonfiction doesn’t mean no fun. Write a money-making book that delivers meaningful impact. Self-Publish & Succeed is your step-by-step guide to writing, publishing, and marketing a book that will get attention, explode your career, and change people’s lives—including yours.
Voice Over Master Class
The Professional Voiceover Handbook is a comprehensive guidebook designed to help readers go from beginner to professional voice actor. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have been a professional voice over artist since the 1970s, and since I am getting ready to retire, I thought I would put all my knowledge I have accumulated over the years into a comprehensive, fact-filled book to help people new to the industry hit the ground running. I have already created many video based training courses on voiceovermasterclass.com, and they have been well received by people, but the courses were all about types of voice work, or separate niche’s of the voice industry. This book really includes all the information from voice acting, character work, narration, as well as straight voice over work such as for commercials and so on. It shows how anybody who is prepared to work hard, and enjoys using their voice to set up their own business in their own home studio.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about being a voice actor?
Many people feel that voice over work is barking out commercial scripts all day, but nothing can be further from the truth. You can if you want to, specialise in recording just commercials, but for most of us it’s a very small part of general day of a voice artist. You are more likely to work on corporate or training scripts, or tourism duration, which can be very interesting, as well as audio books, so you actually get paid for recording and putting your personality on a factual or fiction book. Every day is different!
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I want people to know that the voice is a very important instrument, and it can be incredibly flexible once they understand the exercises you can do to show what it can perform. This is not just in the depth or range of the human voice, but also in accents and character voices, and getting into the world of voice over can be extremely enjoyable and very lucrative as well. This book is a one stop information volume with plenty of facts and minimal waffle!
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
My Life Experiences
While at the Altar shares your life experiences and a list of prayers to help readers improve their spiritual connection through prayer. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It was important because so many do not believe in the power of prayer and many do feel as if they do not know how to pray. By sharing my life experiences readers get a chance to see the power of prayer manifested through my life therefore they will know what is possible for them, through prayer. I shared actual prayers so those who feel as if they do not know how to pray and can how I pray and can formulate their prayers based on the examples I shared.
What is one practical prayer that you find yourself often using?
Me thanking God for all that He has done and asking for His continued blessings, protection, and guidance for me and my family.
Where should someone start if they are new to faith and prayer?
They should definitely start with the bible with the Lord’s prayer-Matthew 6: 9-13. Read that prayer as much as you need to until you get comfortable praying what’s on your heart.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
That prayer works. That the power and presence of God are manifested in prayer and that life is better if you develop a fervent prayer life.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
•Enhance your spirituality?
•Learn practical and fervent prayers?
•Find out how to have a better focus on God and His kingdom?
•Reap the benefits of successful prayer?
But you:
•Don’t know how to achieve the connection?
•Use prayers that yield no results?
•Have faith that is faltering, or you are new to faith and prayers?
If so, then this is the perfect book for you. Many other books have similar content, but only this book will show you the right path.
This prayer book will remind you that God’s grace is sufficient for you and that He is your strength and redeemer. You should pray both during trying times and during good times.
After reading this book, your faith should have increased, and your prayer life should be enriched. Prayer should become your lifestyle, and your life should become a letter that others will read. They need to see God’s glory demonstrated through you, because that is going to give them hope, and it will help them during some of their most difficult times.
Here’s what this incredible prayer book can offer you:
•Discover short and easy prayers for salvation with prophetic affirmations
•Use prayers against anxiety, depression, and evildoers
•Find out more about enhancing a positive attitude and personal development
•Discover how to develop a Christ-like mind
You don’t need to have any prior faith or experience with praying, because this book is here to strengthen your faith and to show you the right path. Follow God’s way, and be the person that everyone will look up to.
LITERARY TITAN 