Blog Archives
A Villain’s Point Of View
Ascension follows the leaders of the different races of Midstad, who are fighting to free their homeland from the evil that is taking over. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I tried writing a short story from a villain’s point of view a few years before I started writing Ascension and I liked it so much that I just kept expanding the story and the world until I had this massive playground to pick where I wanted to play. Ascension was where I chose the story to start.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Some of the story was planned, I’d say the main plot lines at least. A couple things changed and a lot was added but I would say the tone and direction were fairly planned out before I started writing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A big theme that I tend to go to with all my stories is mental health and the realistic effects it has on a character. I also really enjoyed showing how a villain thinks, and how different villains can be villainous for different reasons. Some may not even really be evil at heart, it’s just the cards they were dealt. Character development is a big theme with my writing as well, and I like to think that every character moves in a direction throughout the story. No character remains fully the same. That goes for the world too! I count my world as a character, making sure it changes along with the characters.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Well, right now I’m working on a collection of short stories as a small project before getting to work on the third and final book in this series! Vengeance, book two, is already available on Amazon. The goal for book 3 is fall of 2023!
Author Links: Twitter | | Website
Many years ago, every race in Midstad came together to imprison a dangerous foe; however not everyone supported this decision and some swore in secret to set Him free one day.
Now, nearly two hundred years later the world is prospering during its longest age of peace. Elves are hidden away in their forests, dwarves live deep within their mountains, and humans have come together in a way which has never been done before. Life for every race is peaceful, until a mythical cult, The Black Light, makes their name heard in every corner of Midstad.
One violent day of assassinations sends elves, dwarves, and humans alike into a panic. The Black Light has shown themselves to be more real than many would have wished them to be, and they have named their leader; Iver, an heir to one of the human kingdoms.
Einar, son of the King of Hestferd, and his allies scramble to devise a proper response to this act of war. Their biggest worry? A name shouted by the assassins; Kemryr, the great foe who was imprisoned centuries ago. Many believe him to be nothing more than a myth nowadays, but myths seem to be becoming very real as of late. Einar’s father wishes to learn more, and so he turns to a secret friend for help. Together, Einar and his father seek out answers while Iver and his followers continue to carry out their plan in the hopes to reach their ultimate goal.
Permission to be Their Full Selves
Dancing Deepa follows a little girl that loves to dance but is not sure if her unique cultural dance will be accepted at school. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Dancing Deepa was inspired by a composite of experiences – the need that many have felt to keep different parts of your life separate. Growing up in the 70s and 80s in Texas, I had my “Indian” life at home and my “American” life at school. I see many of my dance students feel the same way now, 30-40 years later. Dancing Deepa was an effort to help kids give themselves permission to be their full selves all the time, without the burden of keeping important aspects of their lives hidden from the other.
I loved the art in your book. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Vidya Vasudevan?
The collaboration with Vidya was an absolute delight. She connected with the premise of the book immediately, having her own experience growing up in the Indian diaspora, and now raising Indian-American children of her own. Early in the process, I shared some ideas I had on a few spreads, but also wanted to ensure that she had the space to flex her creativity, and she did! We had wonderful dialogue about what to feature throughout, and she created some absolute gems. For the cover art, I wanted to play on the idea of Deepa seeing herself in the mirror, both as an everyday Indian-American girl, and as a Bharatanatyam dancer; Vidya took that idea and ran with it. It was a true collaboration, and we are both excited to do it again sometime soon.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this children’s book?
There are a few key themes I wanted to explore. First, the idea of “dual life” that I mentioned earlier; this is something that a lot of people may not understand if that isn’t their lived experience. I also wanted to explore the theme of help; being in tune with how others may feel to extend a timely helping hand, and being willing to ask for help. The idea of risk taking was very important to me; that we can love to do something, want things and dream about them, but we also must be willing to take a risk and put ourselves out there. Last, circling back to the idea of leading a “dual life,” the idea that our assumptions about what others may think or feel may be a product of our own imagination.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book is in draft right now. I was fortunate to have a very fast turnaround on Dancing Deepa (about 4 months from mind map and rough draft to publication), so that may or may not be reproduced. But if all goes well, I’ll be able to share a new book in early 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Her Legacy Continues
The ‘Tail’ of a Trio follows three dogs that, over time, become friends, despite having extremely different lives up till now. What was the inspiration for your story?
This ‘tail’ is delightfully based off a true story! Addie was a therapy dog owned by a dear mentor and colleague. I had the honor of knowing Addie for several years and can attest to her character portrayed in the book. On a balmy, early summer day, my colleague shared sweet stories of how fond Addie was of their neighbor’s dogs at their lake house. They lovingly built a bridge connecting the two properties so the pups could easily visit one another. Bee is a Blue Tick Hound who was quite frightened by thunderstorms. Her go-to move would be to dart underneath a bed and quiver as the storm carried on with its rumbles. Unprovoked, Addie would sit with Bee and whimper to her, almost as if she were coaching her through the thunderous sounds. Whenever it was not storming outside, Addie could be caught spending time with Rue, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, gently encouraging her to try out toys. Rue had been found on the side of the road, her story unknown. I was touched by these sweet stories and jokingly commented that they could be a children’s book. My colleague chuckled and triple dog dared me to write it. An afternoon later, the manuscript was created!
Addie sadly passed away during the publishing process, however her legacy continues through the playful lives of Bee and Rue, and the healing she brought to so many others.
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story?
Growing up in today’s world, we are taught to only portray the ‘acceptable’ parts of ourselves. Whether our humanness is drowned out by the pressures of social media, or the threat of vulnerability, it can be challenging to build authentic, genuine connections. It was important to me to illustrate the ‘whole’ of each character, even the parts that felt raw and difficult to share with the world due to shame or fear of judgement.
Addie encapsulated relational skills that have faded into the background of our society in such prolific ways. Her empathetic mindset allowed her to not take Bee or Rue’s initial defensiveness personally. She could recognize the ‘whole’ of the dog in front of her, and exuded patience, kindness, and acceptance. Bee showcased how overwhelming anxiety can be, and how this overwhelm can distract from initial positive interactions. Their first interaction held space for the awkwardness that can ensue from first meet and greets, however it also portrayed how to give one another grace. When we hop over to Rue’s perspective, her negative self-talk and shame ooze from her narrative. This challenge was important to highlight because our internal dialogues can be so destructive to genuine connections with others. If we don’t feel worthy of positive relationships, then we struggle to set ourselves up for success.
Again, Addie captured the beauty of giving someone the benefit of the doubt despite abrupt defensiveness. Addie did not demand rationale for Rue’s initial behavior, nor did she judge it. Addie simply showcased how to not judge a book by its cover.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
As a mental health therapist, I am a big proponent of advocacy and breaking stigma surrounding mental health. Whenever we initially pursue relationships, our consideration for one another’s headspace is left out of our perspectives. While I recognize it’s within human nature to make quick judgements, I believe it’s vital to teach our youth how to give one another grace and leave room for the imperfections that come along with being human.
Our mental health is as important as our physical health. This book portrays some common mental health challenges that can be invisible burdens others may be carrying. By gently illustrating and normalizing mental health obstacles, we can encourage positive discussions surrounding mental wellness and raise emotionally intelligent children. Also, it’s helpful to teach mindful interpersonal skills early on, as this can shape a child’s inner dialogue as they grow.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Presently, I am soaking up the joy of this book’s jump into the world. I am bursting with elation that this ‘tail’ gifted me the title of ‘author’ in such special ways. I am toying around with two ideas, as I believe a series could sprout from this momentum. Animals have played such a pivotal role in my life, and I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand their gateway to healing. The next book will either follow the ‘tail’ of two horses as they thoughtfully explore the process of healing from grief, or of a Husky and his journey to adjusting to a new sibling in the form of a scrawny kitten. Stay tuned and be on the lookout for these books in the next year or two!
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Within these pages you will discover the story of three dogs whose journeys began in far apart places. Rue faced the adversity of abandonment, while Bee grew up behind the gates of a pound. Can Addie, through steady patience and acceptance, bring these pups together and lead them to a place full of healing and friendship?
Dive into the whimsical exploration of a Mental Health Therapist’s take on a true story. Take away significant life lessons pertaining to resiliency and the power of friendship that leaves a lasting impact in the hearts of most ages.
The Nature of War Itself
The Very Dead Of Winter follows three men who are engaged in a war over in Europe at the time of The Battle of the Bulge. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
When I started this series in 2019, I was hunting different game than you might expect. I not only wanted to present the war as a study of the moral, psychological and sensory pressures placed on men in combat, and to do so from both sides of the conflict, I wanted the settings to be unfamiliar to the reader; to cover ground that had seldom been seen in war fiction. The first novel in the series, Sinner’s Cross, was therefore set in the Huertgen Forest Campaign, which has gone down a sort of cultural memory hole because it was a bloody disaster and a not a glorious victory. In regards to Very Dead, I understand everyone knows about the Battle of the Bulge, but what people may not know is that the Bulge was actually a campaign, a whole series of battles, and that some of them have been ignored or deliberately forgotten by historians. My characters will be found in the places history has avoided.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I always insist that my characters have an internal struggle which they are attempting to resolve even as they are faced with constant external danger. I also insist that each character is sufficiently developed within my own mind that their behavior is consistent and rings true, even as they undergo personality changes due to the nature of war itself. Each character must have a personality and a moral code (or an absence of one) which makes him distinct and realistic.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Among other things, which included interviewing WW2 vets when I was in college, I read innumerable firsthand accounts of the conflict, and found that while no two people react exactly the same way to war, there is a great deal of commonality in the experiences of men who have been in military service and seen extensive combat. Not only terror and loneliness but also boredom, discomfort, cynicism, frustration and disillusion are all common reactions to war, even from people we might otherwise consider dedicated and heroic. I tried to pick up on those themes and deploy them within each character’s psychology. It was very important to me to avoid both “Greatest Generation” hero-worship (of the Americans) and Hollywood stereotyping (of the Germans), but actually get at the real people behind those photographs in history books, their souls and beating hearts. Ultimately this is a chronicle of men and women, not icons, and I let that be my guiding star.
What is the next book in the Sinner’s Cross series that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working my way through the third novel, South of Hell, right now, and I hope to release it late in 2023. I foresee this series as having as many as seven books, coming out about once a year from now on.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Experiencing the Power of the DIVINE
Designed Illusions: Via Divine Power is a fascinating memoir detailing your experiences and designed illusions. Why was this an important book for you to write?
No doubt in my mind DIVINE want.
I appreciated how candid you were in this book. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Negativity within my mother.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Experiencing the Power of the DIVINE.
Do you plan to write another memoir that picks up after 1948?
It already continues on after 1948.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
I Did Take Some Poetic Liberties
The Final Days of Doggerland follows the story of an ancient tribe living in a land now beneath the sea, who would do whatever it takes to survive in the harsh land. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
It was in early December 2020 that a scientific article about the first use of spices caught my attention. According to the article and others I found, garlic mustard was the first spice used in Northern Europe. Since I was born in Northern Europe, this piqued my curiosity.
It was probably because I’ve always felt a close connection with Northern Europe that the story flowed naturally from my fingers to my keyboard. My late father was born near one of the sites where evidence of early spice use was found (Viking territory, by the way). And I’ve been familiar with ancient Norse mythology since childhood. I based the Bollebargs’ beliefs on such Norse myths.
I completed the first draft of the screenplay that was the basis for this book by the end of that month. However, since a screenplay is usually limited to 120 pages, I had to simplify the ending. This book has the ending I originally intended.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
First and foremost, “survival”—people at the time did not enjoy modern amenities, such as heating, a supermarket where you could shop for whatever you needed, and a comfortable sofa with a TV in front. Instead, resources were scarce and even more so in Northern Europe—as a large landmass, Doggerland, was lost to the sea. So survival is the recurring theme: Viggo, the chief of the Bollebarg tribe, seeks to ensure the survival of his people by assaulting any migrants who pass through the forest and taking their lives, their belongings, and their livestock; the Taifali women seek to improve their farming practices to ensure there is enough food for the winter; and Nicu asks Oane and her grandmother to share a bedstead in winter to stay warm.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
As I stated earlier, it started out with the science article about the ancient use of garlic mustard. I cannot find the original article anymore that got me started, but it was something along the lines of this article: https://www.sci.news/archaeology/science-spices-01328.html
Then I read up about the period. Even though I grew up in Northern Europe, I was unaware that Doggerland once connected the British Isles with Northern Europe. I had heard about Dogger Bank, a large sandbank in a shallow part of the North Sea that is a major commercial fishing ground, but I did not know it was a remnant of Doggerland.
Then I found another article about the origin of blue eyes in humans. In brief, one interesting fact led to another. I did not have to invent much for the story. It came together naturally with the history I discovered, and it ended up based in large part on archeological facts. Yes, I did take some poetic liberties, such as with the language of the Taifali and the Bollebargs, and the set-up of the Bollebarg village, but the basic facts are true—Doggerland disappeared, blue-eyed people arrived in Northern Europe, and the people began spicing food.
With that, I’d found the ingredients—literally—of a story based on archeological facts.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently focused on writing screenplays and may turn one of them into a book. Most likely, it will be All That Glitters (see https://theallthatglittersstory.com/). It is inspired by true events: a German immigrant uncovers some harsh truths about the American Dream and the American justice system when he goes to work for two retired Las Vegas drag queens.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Amazon
“The Final Days of Doggerland” is a Stone Age story, written by Mike Meier, the award-winning author of “JoinWith.Me” and “The Love Hex or Nicest Flings in Mexico.” It is beautifully illustrated by the Uruguayan artist Guarazú, and contains 5 songs that the author wrote for the story. Many aspects of the story are based on archeological facts, such as the migration of the Yamnaya people, the disappearance of Doggerland, the use of garlic mustard to spice food, and the arrival of blue-eyed people in Northern Europe from the area of the Black Sea.
If such historical facts interest you, then this book is for you.
Create a Grand Exit
What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Making Your Mark | Leaving a Legacy | And then… A Grand Exit That’ll Have Their Tongues Waggin’?
Several years ago, a friend, who was a “parrothead” – a big Jimmy Buffett fan – passed away. His Celebration of Life was held at an open air bar along the lake, and the minister started the service by saying, “I never thought I’d say this at a funeral, but let’s all go to Margaritaville!” Then, someone pushed the button on a sound system and Jimmy Buffett’s song, ‘Margaritaville,’ blasted over the sound system. On cue, someone drove a small tractor from behind a building pulling the deceased guy’s boat. The place went wild and the “Celebration” was on. We sang, we told stories, we ate, drank, and danced. What a party!
At that moment I thought to myself, “This is the way to make your exit from this world so no one will forget you for a long, long time. From there, I set out to write a book about making a mark on family, friends, and society throughout one’s life and leaving a legacy for future generations. A big part of the book would be how to create a Grand Exit from this world with class, style, and pizzazz, just like my friend’s Celebration of Life by the lake. The result is this book, MAKING YOUR MARK, LEAVING A LEGACY, AND THEN . . . A GRAND EXIT THAT’LL HAVE THEIR TONGUES WAGGIN’.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
One thing that surprised me in writing this book was that most of the information in the book was from my own personal experiences or from observations of other people. However, in researching unique ways to donate a deceased person’s body for medical purposes, I was amazed at some of the possibilities, such as donating a body to use as a crash test “dummy.” And, there are other uses that are just as unique.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
When I was younger, I just assumed that everyone I knew and loved would always be in my life forever but, of course, that is not true. Impressing on me that life is uncertain and that treasuring every moment spent with a friend or loved one is precious would have been good advice.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope that his book inspires people to live in a way that makes a positive mark on their family, friends, and society and that leaves a legacy for future generations. Then, when it is time to leave this world, I hope that they are inspired to make a Grand Exit that will awe, amuse, and entertain their family and friends so no one forgets them for a long long time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
When the time comes for you to leave this world, you can go out with class, style, and pizzazz, just like you lived your life, There are many options, possibilities, and decisions involved in planning a final farewell as we will see as we watch the Grand Exit of Timothy A.B. Smythe. Timothy’s Grand Exit will have people’s tongues waggin’ for a long time and it can serve as an inspiration for your final farewell, when the time comes.
Much of the information in the book is presented in true stories, scenarios, and examples that are upbeat, often humorous, and fun to read.
Empower Teachers and Parents
Think Unique introduces parents and educators to the idea of teaching creative thinking as a necessary life skill to help prepare them for the future world. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I am a Design Thinker who studied Computer Science and worked at the forefront of technology for many years. My work experience in the Hi-Tech industry is diverse. I worked for large companies such as IBM research lab, creating algorithms for future technology; I also worked for different start-ups that developed technology that disrupted the market. This knowledge and experience helped me see that with the rapid advancement in technology and the development of machine learning, artificial intelligence and automation, the type of jobs we humans perform are changing. Computers now do many tasks that we used to do in the past, and new jobs are popping up daily. Who could have imagined, ten years back, that an e-sport couch would be a profession, an uber-driver, or a social media influencer?
Looking at where our world is heading, two things were obvious to me –
We don’t know what job types will be there in 10-15 years. Therefore, many children in primary school today would work in jobs that haven’t been invented yet.
As we work alongside computers more, we must develop our superhuman skills. The skills that are unique to us and computers can’t replace. These skills, to name a few, are creative thinking, problem-solving, and an innovative mindset.
Consequently, to succeed in the 21st century (in whatever path you choose and whatever career children will decide to pursue), children today must develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
As a mother of three children, I felt the need to do everything I could to set up mine and other children, from around the globe, for success.
One of the ways for me to do so is to empower teachers and parents to help their students and children develop their thinking capabilities and become excellent problem solvers.
Therefore, I wrote the book “Think Unique” to guide educators on how they can create an environment that develops these crucial skills in their classrooms.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I wrote “Think Unique” after many years of following my passion. I have spent many years exploring, researching and learning Design Thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving.
As part of my desire to help others develop these skills, I have worked with many adults, educators and children, teaching them Design Thinking to develop their innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
I have spent many years in classrooms, working alongside teachers and teaching children Design Thinking. For many years, I have been training teachers on Design Thinking as a framework for teaching and learning.
These years of going on my journey and mentoring and teaching others how to develop their thinking capabilities have helped me develop a deep understanding and knowledge of this topic.
This journey led to the birth of “Think Unique”.
What is one thing about education that you think is misrepresented in the media?
There are many conversations about the need to change our education system. These types of discussions have been going on for years now. Many people talk about our outdated education system and the need for politicians and bureaucrats to re-design our education system to suit the needs of the 21st century.
While today, many agree that the current system is not serving our children, we can’t afford to wait for governments to change this system.
And there is no need to wait for policymakers to slowly change existing policies and drive a top-down transformation of this massive education system. In fact, there is no time to waste: our children need a different kind of education now.
What is misrepresented in the media is the idea that this transformation needs to happen from the top down. The idea that governments and bureaucrats are the ones who need to lead the required changes to provide our children with the learning environment they need to thrive.
In reality, re-designing and enhancing our education system can and needs to start with the teachers. Teachers have the power to bring their classrooms to the forefront of education and provide their students with the learning experience they need.
They can deliver their curriculum differently. Educators can choose to use a framework for teaching and learning that provides our children with the learning environment they need.
Teachers have this power. They have more autonomy than they think. They have more choices than they might believe. Even within the many constraints of our education system, educators have the power to teach differently.
And this is what I do. I empower teachers to amplify their impact and create an innovative classroom learning environment.
I show them how they can deliver the curriculum they need to adhere to in a meaningful and authentic way.
I guide them on how they can facilitate learning that empowers children to become excellent problem solvers and change makers.
What is one thing that you hope reader take away from Think Unique?
I wrote “Think Unique” to empower readers to become innovative problem solvers. Therefore, I hope that “Think Unique” readers will learn from my book that creative thinking is a skill anyone can develop and will follow the path I provided them to develop their innovative thinking.
Through their “Think Unique” journey, I hope they will become excellent problem solvers and help others develop their unique thinking.
As per research performed by Dr George Land and Dr Beth Jarman, we are all born creative geniuses, but most of us lose this skill as we grow up and go through our education system. However, the good news is that we can develop this skill and become creative geniuses again.
I wrote “Think Unique” in a way that empowers readers to become creative geniuses again.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Do you want to inspire your students and help them experiment and think without boundaries, but aren’t sure where to start?
If you want to create a unique and fantastic environment for your students, Think Unique is for you.
Creativity and innovative thinking are too often seen as not essential or icing on the cake. That’s simply not true! Creativity is a way of thinking and processing information. It is a way to expand your student’s thinking capabilities and develop their love of learning.
Moreover, turning your classroom into an innovative environment means creating an exciting and fun learning space. And we all know that children learn best when they are having fun.
Creating the right learning environment for your students is important. With Think Unique, you can take your classroom to the next level and turn it into the most creative and inspiring learning community ever!
Think Unique combines the creative thinking and innovation process that drive start-ups and organisations’ success with the principles of Project-Based Learning. By adopting this approach, you bring the methodologies used by the best innovators and thought leaders of our time to your classroom.
With this book, you will:
Develop your students’ 21st-century skills
Provide them with a voice
Build up their confidence as excellent problem solvers
Open their world to infinite possibilities!
Think Unique provides you with an innovative framework you can use for any subject, including STEM, Math & Literacy.
It is your step-by-step guide to making learning more engaging, more relevant, and more creative. You will find strategies that you can put into practice right away. You’ll learn how to inspire your students, plan engaging lessons, develop your students’ 21st-century skills, and create your most unique curriculum ever.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, Think Unique will help you develop a creative curriculum for your students and put it into action.
LITERARY TITAN 