Blog Archives
Embrace
Embrace is the second book in Sonee Singh’s poetry collection. It is based largely on the mantra of the eastern part of the world’s take on spirituality – exploring the values of gratitude throughout its entirety, urging the reader to stop, reflect and embrace all that is around them. Singh has divided the book into 12 sections. It has been done so intentionally, for she believes it to be Twelve, a master number that deals with self-expression, representing cycles of life. It coincides with the opening poem ‘Cycles,’ a reflective interpretation of the role of the celestial forces and how they manifest on earth.
The illustrations are woven throughout, adding to the quality of the author’s writing. This is done by creating a medium of inspiration through splashes of watercolor and delicate line drawings – a backdrop of vividness adding to the flavor of Singh’s influential words, whether about exploring self-identity, transformation, or connectivity with the six senses. A particular focus on the decision to use certain colors for specific sections should not be overlooked; it is a strategic and well-executed play on the reader’s mind that associates color psychology with the messages delicately seeded throughout Singh’s work.
Embrace by Sonee Singh is an outstandingly powerful piece of writing. From its inception, a narrative is generated, oozing a unique sense of inclusivity that there is little-to-no chance of anyone picking up this book and not being able to relate it to their own life. The concluding poem ‘All There Is’ will leave you inspired and feeling like you are in control of your own life. Be kind to yourself and trust that the path you are on is exactly where you are meant to be. I Highly recommend this book to readers needing a gentle reminder to embrace their authentic selves and love themselves.
Pages: 236 | ASIN : B09WCZ73TT
There Is More Going On
The Genesis 6 Project follows a group of military and Indian Affairs agents who are assigned the task of tracking down a dangerous enemy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story is twofold, the rumored involvement of the US military encounter with a Nephilim in early 2000 in Kandahar Afghanistan. The second is the interest in the topic of nephilims, and wanted to craft something for the modern day.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
I related to Ironhorse. He tries to do the right thing, open minded about the paranormal, even with a skeptical eye.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The biggest theme is that perhaps, there is more going on in our world then we realize, and that there are probably competing factions around the world who want to suppress information and others who will use it to their advantage.
What is the next book that you are working on and when is that book due out?
I am working on an outline for a sequel to this novel. Dr. Mullins has been busy!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Archaeological evidence suggests their adversary is an aged old enemy of the Crow people, with a link to the infamous fallen Watchers described in the book of Genesis. While the hunt ensues, multiple groups battle for final control of the biblical Nephilim and the potential for super soldier applications.
Ironhorse and his team face a final showdown after the military is thwarted, to try and stop the carnage. What if the creature escapes to the highlands in its quest to bring his kind back for the end of times? Who is the mysterious outside group involved? So much is hanging in the balance with their final confrontation!
The Power They Already Possess
Who Are You, Really helps readers find their true purpose and turn their lives into meaningful ones. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Regardless of one’s coaching experiences or needs, this book is ideal for developing the best mindset for—and approach to—more meaningful life experiences. Call it a foundation. A primer. It is set up intentionally to support the reader’s journey to achieve peace and contentment, purpose and enlightenment, balance and focus through various exercises. Though it’s only the beginning, it introduces actionable steps that can be implemented immediately. If anyone then wishes to take it to the next level, they’ve done the work that clears the path to a quicker transformation. That’s why it was important to write the book. How we approach life, and its many challenges, is just as important as how we live it.
What is a common obstacle you see people facing that keeps them from finding fulfillment in their life?
We are the biggest roadblocks to our own success. Our own happiness. If we don’t believe in ourselves, who will? But how can you believe in yourself if you don’t know who you are? How can you articulate a path forward if you’re reluctant to do a deep dive? You have to be willing to face that person in the mirror. Yes, there will be things we don’t like. But until we take that step, peel back those layers, there’s no way to identify the areas that need addressing. There’s no way to assess the impact they may be having on other aspects of our lives.
Everyone has the power to bring about change in their lives. But that effort, that desire to improve, must come from within the individual. They have to want it and be willing to go there. The answers lie within. Too many are unwilling, however. They are unwilling to dig deep and be persistent in their efforts because some days it is difficult to find gratitude. Some days we are battered by our experiences and our emotions. We become overwhelmed by it all and this is why it is important to keep at it. Things will get in the way. Life will get in the way. Suddenly it’s not days or months of inaction, but years. This is why some people grow angry, bitter, and resentful.
Eckhart Tolle, a self-help author, said it best: “Awareness is the greatest agent for change.” Life, as we all know, is not easy. It’s not all twinkies and rainbows. But you can choose how you wish to approach it. By knowing your triggers and being aware of what distracts you throughout the day, being aware of the negative influences in your life or the toxic effect of your surroundings, you can learn how to be more balanced and focused. Focused, that is, on you—your growth, your purpose, your success, your happiness.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to share with readers HOW to discover their most authentic selves in a way that brings about transformation whether they work with a coach or not.
For example, what may be holding a leader back from being effective is that they either feel inadequate or threatened by those working around them. Often these feelings are more a reflection of how those in a new position of leadership view themselves. It might be due to a lack of confidence in fulfilling the role or feeling comfortable enough leading others. Maybe there’s a fear of being outshined by peers, especially those who have been there longer or are exceptional at what they do. An exploration of the self can help reveal where this lack of confidence or fear is originating. As a leader, surrounding yourself with talent and empowering them is a tribute to a strong and confident leadership and management style. You got the position. Identify and celebrate what you bring to the role; acknowledge and utilize those areas of strength others contribute to your team.
Let’s take someone looking for a health coach. Maybe they’ve been yo-yo dieting for many years and they’ve decided now is the time to commit to a coach. That’s great but body image goes far deeper than just calorie cutting and learning toning exercises in the gym. Peeling back the layers can help identify what might be holding the individual back.
We live in a world where we can acquire things rather quickly. A coach is going to help with achieving what is needed that much faster but if not enough is done to examine the foundation, the self, it will be that much more difficult to achieve goals, have clarity, and be all in for the long term.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope readers come away appreciating the power they already possess to genuinely bring about real change in their lives. Everyone struggles in their own way. We’re human after all. That’s why mindset is so important. To achieve the proper mindset, we need to practice real gratitude to put things in perspective. To get there, however, we need to examine who we are. And it’s not so we can underscore self-perceived flaws. It is to recognize those qualities and abilities that make us special and unique from one another. One “change,” then, might be in the revelation that our self-perception is heavily influenced by external forces and that people generally don’t perceive us in the ways that we fear. Imagine learning much earlier in life that the “flaws” we were once so quick to want to correct aren’t flaws at all. That the secret to profound living, loving, and leading is understanding that it’s okay to be you. People will gravitate to you because of your authenticity. And once we’re intentional about being our most authentic selves, there’s clarity and life truly does take on new meaning.
Author LInks: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Website | YouTube
To find fulfillment in the chaos that is life, you must first peel back the layers to discover who you really are.
At your core.
Enough with struggling to be all things to all people. Enough with being stuck in unfulfilling relationships or dead-end jobs!
It’s time to be… YOU.
Truly profound transformation comes from being your most authentic self.
So order your copy, find out who you truly are, and embrace your authentic self!
The Enigma Heirs Champions
Enigma Tracer follows the R-Group as they try to stop a master thief from creating chaos and destruction in the Caribbean islands’ manufacturing infrastructure before time runs out. What inspired you to start a new series in the same world as your previous series?
The Enigma Series covered three generations of the R-Group, referencing their beginnings in World War II. We recently detailed the harrowing events in the novella prequel Out of Poland. Technology threats today target the very old and the younger population worldwide. We wanted the leaders of the R-Group and sister organization, CATS, to be the newest generation.
Gracie and her twin, Juan Junior or JJ, were the first of the fourth generation of the R-Group family businesses. Their education, in many ways, was traditional homeschooling with extensive usage of modern digital problem-solving acumen. They still strive to remain on the moral high ground and help humanity, but their expertise with the technical tools available is second to none.
We felt it was time to change so the next generation could become the adults in charge. Your children can only train for so long before they need to get tested for real-life problems. We believe the Enigma Heirs champions will find new ways to combat the criminals from the Darknet and those evil people lurking in the shadows with innovative solutions to cyber problems.
The book deals with themes of greed, power, and corruption. What message do you hope readers take away from the story?
Thank you for pulling these elements. When one profiles someone who steals, controls, or even kills other humans, one or all of these themes is at the heart when you peel back the layers. Some people have evil mindsets. Brilliant geniuses without balance believe that it’s their way or no way. They will pick one of the elements, such as power, to accumulate vast sums of money and get others to do the work for them.
The unfortunate truth about our digital universe is the cyber bad guys are always in the lead. It takes courage to defy evil from the Darknet. We want our storytelling taken to heart for the subtle lessons. If the cyber world is to remain in balance, the cyber good guys must combat the cyber trash to restore order from chaos.
That said, we want readers to remain vigilant against the deal that sounds too good to be true or the promise they want to hear rather than being suspicious. Falling for these hoaxes or marketing manipulation by someone with a smooth line has a poor ending. Please don’t jump on the bandwagon with everything until you check it out thoroughly. Our digital world requires individuals to protect themselves. We can help one another and keep our family and friends from making unrecoverable mistakes.
The technology aspect of the book is quite detailed and complex. How did you strike a balance between making it accessible to readers while still being accurate and engaging?
Breakfield and Burkey work in technology. We’ve watched our technical evolution progress over time in both capabilities and complexities. We like taking tangible aspects of technology and putting them into everyday scenarios people can understand. In Enigma Tracer, we use a variety of drones ranging from miniature ones in the earrings Gracie wears to the ones Bailey places in the garden and the others Jeff helps Keith use to distract the guards in the ship’s hold. Drones have a variety of capabilities for pictures, audio transmission, movement, and more. Everyone likes toys, especially adults.
You have a massive part of our secret. We like to tell a great story in a realistic setting, with relatable characters, caring relationships, fun, and a bit of humor. We believe this is an engaging recipe. We change all the elements when we write each book. But we are careful and diligent about not using a single formula repeatedly. And just so the readers know, we do NOT use A.I. chatbots to assemble our stories. Breakfield and Burkey are the writers and researchers of our books.
What can readers expect in book two in the Enigma Heirs Thriller series?
Book two, Enigma Forced, brings back a greedy enemy without regard for people. He and others like him operate in many locations worldwide, forcing people to do things they would never do by choice. Seduction and trafficking are the criminal tools of these cyber-thugs. The web of deception for these operations is much like a Hydra. Cut off one head three more grow in its place. The applied technologies needed to locate the poisonous, heartless villain will take all the resources at the disposal of the R-Group and CATS. The opening chapters is at the end of Enigma Tracer, let us know your thoughts.
\Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Website | RoxBurkey.com
Phillip Pliant is the wealthy opportunist plastics dealer, and CEO of Pliant Industries. He’s also a master thief—creating a pervasive threat to the manufacturing infrastructure in the Caribbean islands markets. With the cartel as his stealth client, the naïve city leaders have been seduced, enabling the production of more than 3-dimentional building materials.
And set the stage for massive chaos and destruction.
Pliant has locked up contracts, assets, and control of any future expansion. His contacts and clients salivate over their probable financial reward—the expected profits are monstrous.
Is the R-Group, now led by Gracie and the family heirs, strong enough to win against this predator? Can JJ’s CATS (Cyber Assassin Technology Services) act on the root-cause analysis in time?Will the R-Group and CATS sabotage Pliant’s plan before it’s too late?
Can Jeff and Keith use their covert skills to put the bad guys away for good?
Will Gracie be able to squash Pliant and the cartels?
Can the chain of islands survive the underhanded tactics and threats?
Gracie never considered their lives would hang in the balance between winning and losing. Will the devious plot be uncovered in time? The clock is ticking. Five … four … three …
Children Have Math Anxiety
“Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers” is a read-aloud rhyming picture book about counting, math, and inclusivity for children. What inspired you to write this book?
I’ve always enjoyed math and spent over 30 years as a technical writer in STEM industries. Recently, I learned that over 50% of children have math anxiety, which often starts in the early years. I wanted all children to love numbers and math.
What are the biggest challenges children face in learning to count?
The concept of amounts is visual, but counting is pure memorization. That is why children need a lot of repetition. “Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers” makes learning entertaining. The children will love the characters and rhyme, which makes memorization easier.
How do you see your book fitting into a parent’s or teacher’s lesson plan?
“Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers” helps visualize the numbers, and the rhyme, colors, and cute characters make the concepts enjoyable. The topic of inclusion and accepting others who don’t always “fit in” is important.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next picture book in the series is about the addition sign. The addition sign “adds” a lot to the classroom. It will be ready by the end of 2023 or early 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
In a schoolhouse far away, magic blew the fields of hay. Mrs. Wiggles stood alone. Long ago, her class had grown. Then one day, she heard a sound—numbers leaping to the ground.
A read-aloud picture book for children about inclusion and starting a fun relationship with numbers to avoid “math stress.”
At an early age, children have big imaginations and embrace new ideas. Mrs. Wiggles is the best way to introduce children to the world of numbers. Magic comes to Mrs. Wiggle’s one-room schoolhouse when the bulletin board of numbers comes alive. Children are delighted by the rhyming story, humor, and bright illustrations. Children will learn the following:Counting. The rhyming text helps with memorization and recognizing numbers.
Numbers are exciting. Each number has its own friendly personality.
A happy class is a diverse, kind, and inclusive group. The numbers are worth more when working together.
Every number has value, and students in a classroom are important. The other numbers help Zero realize his value.
Numbers solve problems.
This book will keep everyone amused with many subtleties for older children and adults. A book that you will enjoy reading to children as they learn to love numbers.
Brain Based Teaching
Hugh the Hippo Camps Out In My Head follows a young boy and his friends who go on a magical adventure to learn about the hippocampus. What was the inspiration for your story?
As an early childhood educator, I teach my ‘littles’ (K-5) about their amazing brain, specifically the importance of their PFC, Hippocampus and Amygdala. They are fascinated by how their brain learns! Since incorporating brain based teaching (neuroscience) in my classroom (8+ years), I have seen tremendous growth in academic achievement, as well as social-emotional learning (SEL). It changes how students approach learning by empowering them to learn more efficiently, calmly and confidently.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
How amazing our brain is and how we learn and remember things. My students love learning about their brain and how they can make their brain “smarter and stronger”! Additionally, it was important to integrate not only neuroscience, but also interesting science facts that children would enjoy learning.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Mark Jackson?
I met Mark through a mutual friend. It was absolutely Divine! He grew up reading comic books and is a self-taught graphic artist. This is the first book he’s illustrated, and he was an absolute delight to work with. He and I met twice a month to collaborate on the concept, characters, and amusing scenery (we wanted to add an abundance of fun visuals, like gaming, dragons and venus flytraps, so children could make ‘connections’).
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have published eight books, and am currently concentrating on marketing my books. I plan to write a Cindi (the Teenie Chiweenie) Easter book in 2024.
Author Links: Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
There’s an important part of your brain, called the hippocampus. It helps you learn and store information. It’s where your memories ‘camp out’!
DID YOU KNOW? When you smell chocolate chip cookies and think of ooey gooey sweetness — know the name of your friends, your letters, numbers and colors — or remember how to level up in your video games — that’s your hippocampus at work.
In this fun, educational and highly entertaining story, Oliver meets his hippocampus, Hugh. Together, they grow, learn and become inseparable sidekicks.
When Oliver and his friends, Bella and Beau, get lost in an enchanted forest, they find out just how important their hippocampus is! Early readers will laugh out loud at the amusing illustrations and this super cute adventure story.
He Would Inspire Me To Write
Godly Riddims is an inspirational book sharing with readers the mysteries of God. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
The inspiration for this book was my worship with God. As I would worship God, he would give me downloads as he would inspire me to write, and that’s why Godly Riddims was formulated.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some ideas that are important to me are revealing the mysteries and twists of God in his word by putting hits and bits of his word in the book, which will bring forth a greater revelation of God.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
One thing I want readers to take away from my book is to establish a bond with God, as they seek him in Spirit and truth. However, seeking God is one of the most life-changing experiences because it will change your life and open you to a new world of experience.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next inspirational book?
Yes, this is the first book of the series. However, the next book is coming out shortly and the name of it is called Circles of God. This book is more exciting because the poems are even more powerful than the first.
Author Links: Amazon | Facebook
Dianne Lindsay’s first book will enlighten people and give them a burst of joy and laughter about who God is and what he is about. Captivating and breathtaking, this book stands apart because it gives and sharpens understanding.
In Godly Riddims by Dianne Lindsay, we experience the great joy of laughter as we become encouraged by the words of God and the word that is utilized in the text. As the Bible states “iron sharpens iron” so this book sharpens the understanding of a person’s knowledge about God, as they’re encouraged by him.
Healing Broken Hearts
Rachel’s Reunion follows a woman working in her dream job who has her old love return and tries to rekindle things after breaking her heart. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Rachel and Mitch worked in the Thousand Islands for several years. For two years, she served the Mr. and Mrs. Charles Emery in Calumet Castle on Calumet Island (you can read more about that in my novel, Peyton’s Promise, about her best friend). She was such a great character that I to continue her story, so I had her serve the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island.
What is one pivotal moment in the story that you think best defines Rachel?
When Mitch gets hurt, Rachel finds forgiveness and, as a result, love.
There is so much to be said about love in this book. What do you hope your readers take away from your story?
All eleven of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. Rachel’s Reunion also focuses on healing broken hearts, and forgiving those who hurt you.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Mary’s Moment
(coming March 17, 2023)
Summer 1912
Thousand Island Park’s switchboard operator Mary Flynn is christened the community heroine for her quick action that saves dozens of homes from a fire. Less than a month later, when another disastrous fire rages through the Park, Mary loses her memory as she risks her life in a neighbor’s burning cottage. Will she remember the truth of her life or be deceived by a treacherous scoundrel?
Widowed fireman George Flannigan is enamored by the brave raven-haired lass and takes every opportunity to connect with Mary. But he has hidden griefs of his own that cause him great heartache. When George can’t stop the destructive Columbian Hotel fire from eradicating more than a hundred businesses and homes, he is distraught. Yet George’s greater concern is Mary … will she come to remember their budding relationship or be forever lost to him?
A Summer at Thousand Island House
(coming July 25, 2023)
Summer, 1885
Thousand Island House, Alexandria Bay, NY
Addison Bell serves children of the Thousand Island House guests on Staple’s Island. Part nanny, part entertainer, she’s full of creative energy and endearing love for children. While thriving in her work, Addi’s vivacity attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.
When Jimmy goes missing while in Addi’s care and former President Chester Arthur finds the child a stowaway on his fishing boat, her job and reputation are endangered. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?
Author Links: Website | Author Central | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads l Instagram | Book Bub
Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.
Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?
LITERARY TITAN 