Blog Archives
Having Kindred Spirits In Our Lives
Kindreds follows a teen girl who reunites with a past friend, and together they explore a magical new world filled with adventure and danger. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
My inspiration for Kindreds came first from reading Anne of Green Gables as a child and learning the power of having kindred spirits in our lives. As an adult, I became a social worker and have worked with many children (and adults) who have lost people they love, gone through the foster system, and have longed for a different life. Kindreds is a fictional compilation of my experiences, imagination, and experiences throughout my life.
Lilah has to figure out who she is and what she wants after losing her family. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Even though Lilah’s family has died, she is determined to remain connected to them. She wears her mother’s ring around her neck, she talks to her family in her mind and relies on her memories of them when she is feeling lonely. Lilah has a strong inner knowing/intuition that helps her when making decisions, is observant of those around her, and ultimately uses both her head and her heart when making decisions. The ideals that drive her include authenticity, honesty, curiosity, being emotionally intelligent, and honoring who she is (and wants to be).
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are many themes in Kindreds: belonging (vs. fitting in), finding people who you can count on, dealing with grief, falling in love, and trusting one’s self. During adolescence we are all challenged with figuring out who we are, what we want, and whom we want around us. So often at this stage of life, we spend more time fitting in rather than belonging. Belonging forces us to be who we are, no apologies, no excuses. Fitting in is more about doing whatever everyone else is and not trying to stand out. In Kindreds, Lilah is trying to figure out where she belongs, if she can trust her judgment of what is going on in Carnival Nolianna, and if she should or shouldn’t join. Ultimately, Lilah refuses to simply fit in and follow the crowd. By doing this, she is even more sought after by the leadership of Nolianna to become a member of their secret world. I wanted to let readers know that being themselves is the most important thing they can be.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on Book Two of the Nolianna series, expected June 2023.
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Special Sleeper Agents Evolved
Sleepers follows a man who discovers he is an agent for MI5 and now must save Britain from a psychopath terrorist set to destroy the country. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration for the book came from realising that I was really fortunate with the genes that I have inherited from my father. After 5 years of not seeing a dentist, I thought it was about time that I had a check-up. As the dentist examined my teeth, to my surprise, she then muttered a blasphemous expletive under her breath. She couldn’t believe that I hadn’t got a single filling in my mouth and still didn’t need one. I’m in my mid 50’s by the way and have a really really sweet tooth! A month later, I went to see the doctor over a very minor matter and he looked genuinely surprised to see me. I hadn’t seen him since I registered with his practice many years before. My father is 99 years old by the way, and he told me the other day that felt like he was 79 not 99! So, then the idea of special sleeper agents evolved.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As the main villain has an Islamist extremist background, I thought it was really important to include positive Muslim characters in the book as well. I also wanted to explore other aspects, such as how someone could be drawn into a life as a terrorist. I tried to make sure that this didn’t slow down the pace of the story too much but still (hopefully) adding some depth to the character.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ve started on the sequel, which I’m really enjoying. The protagonist is female by the way and if you’ve read ‘Sleeper’ then you’ll know who that is! Expect outrageous behaviour from Baqri and his terrorist cell, by the way.
Author Links: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
A terrorist cell has developed a weapon so devastating that it could send Britain back to the Dark Ages and, at the same time, cost thousands of innocent lives. Their leader, a charismatic and extrovert psychopath, has carefully planned his attack on the capital with America in mind as his next target. Except, there was one element he hadn’t predicted – Tom Rivers as his nemesis. The game of cat and mouse races across London as Tom and his team try to stop the terrorists in time and before the threat of nuclear war becomes a reality. But there are also other sinister forces at work, operating from the shadows.
Who can be trusted?
Sleeper is a real page-turner – a gripping and engaging thriller that delivers plenty of surprises along the way. Exciting, believable and action packed with characters that truly engage.
A Legacy On The Line
Lies That Blind follows a journalist as he travels to Penang to chronicle the life of Captain Francis Light, who was involved in trade and the colonization of Malaya. What inspired you to tell this story?
In 2007 I decided to make a huge change in my life and move from the United States, where I had been living for 18 years, to Malaysia. I had never visited Southeast Asia before, and arrived in Penang “sight unseen.” I soon discoverd that the island had an established history, of Captain Francis Light, an agent of the East India Company, “founding” Penang in 1786. I’m always wary of such stories, since so many of them turn out to be propaganda – the purview of the “victor.” So I started to dig into contemporary books written about this “founding” event, along with Francis Light’s letters. It soon became clear to me that the accepted story was missing certain crucial details, not least how Light used double-dealing and deception with the Sultan of Quedah, the Malay owner of the island, to occupy Penang illegally. That gave me the general idea for a plot in which there could be competing interests (tension) and a legacy on the line (stakes). Everything–including the cast of characters–just fell into place after that.
What research did you do for this novel to get it right?
I was lucky enough to already have two volumes about the founding and development of Penang written by another author who had lived on the island for many years. He had already done considerable research, investigating original documents, books, and journal papers held in various museums and libraries in the U.K. and Malaysia, so that made a huge difference to my research efforts. I also spent several days at the National Library in Singapore, where many invaluable books and papers are kept. Thanks to the efforts of other researchers I was able to read a number of Francis Light’s letters, which gave me greater insight into the man and his motivations. And to get a better sense of Malay culture in the late 18th century, I read The Hikayat Abdullah, which was published in 1849 by a teacher living in Malacca. I probably spent a total of three years conducting research – which is arguably the activity I love the most.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My novel asks the question: What would you risk to avoid obscurity? I wanted to explore the lengths to which some people will go to ensure that they are remembered. That led me to examine the connection between fame and infamy: how, in some extreme cases, individuals would prefer to be known for their misdeeds than to be completely forgotten. I can think of plenty of current examples of that. Plus, I’ve long been fascinated by how little human beings have changed over the centuries. I discovered during my research that in the time period I’m writing about, challenges including fake news, public gullibility, con men, the focus of organisations on profit over people, “too big to fail,” and corporate corruption mirror pretty much what we’re facing today. So, while we may have access to more advanced technologies in the 21st century, we’re more similar to our 18th century (and earlier) ancestors than we might like to think.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
After writing more than a dozen internationally-published non-fiction books and this award-winning novel, I hadn’t really planned to write another book. But while on holiday in Portugal I got the germ of an idea that I’m starting to develop. It’s very different to Lies That Blind as it will be a black comedy focused on suicide. I’ve booked myself a month in Cambridge and a month in the wilds of Aberdeenshire to begin writing. I’m excited but have no idea how long it will take me to write or whether it will end up being a short-story, a novella, or a full-length novel.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Malaya, 1788:
Aspiring journalist Jim Lloyd jeopardises his future in ways he never could have imagined. He risks his wealthy father’s wrath to ride the coat-tails of Captain Francis Light, an adventurer governing the East India Company’s new trading settlement on Penang. Once arrived on the island, Jim-as Light’s assistant-hopes that chronicling his employer’s achievements will propel them both to enduring fame. But the naïve young man soon discovers that years of deception and double-dealing have strained relations between Light and Penang’s legal owner, Sultan Abdullah of Queda, almost to the point of war. Tensions mount: Pirate activity escalates, traders complain about Light’s monopolies, and inhabitants threaten to flee, fearing a battle the fledgling settlement cannot hope to win against the Malays. Jim realises that a shared obsession with renown has brought him and Light perilously close to infamy: a fate the younger man, at least, fears more than death. Yet Jim will not leave Penang because of his dedication to Light’s young son, William, and his perplexing attraction to a mercurial Dutchman. He must stay and confront his own misguided ambitions as well as help save the legacy of a man he has come to despise.
Inspired by true events, Lies That Blind is a story featuring historical character Francis Light (1740-1794) who, in an effort to defy his mortality, was seemingly willing to put the lives and livelihoods of a thousand souls on Penang at risk.
The One Getting Explored
Paradise 69 follows a group of friends that take a vacation to Tahiti where they encounter the world of rich and powerful men that look to fulfill their darkest sexual fantasies. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Sam Mijan is the villain from two of my previous stories. He was always running from the CIA. I wanted to give him feelings. Not the constant adrenaline of running from the law. I wanted to let him figure out how to love… Tahiti island was the perfect setup! The nature surrounding the island was my inspiration. The perfect place for a hide out. coincidentally, Scarlett de Santis was arriving in Tahiti, ready to explore… or wait I have it all wrong… she was the one getting explored.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
This was a simple approach. I simply imagined being with my closest friends and I pretended we were all there.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to shed light on the amateur porn industry through the experiences of four young women in a trip to Tahiti. This new wave of people trying out Only Fans, and how some were getting bombarded with private messages from scout agents trying to lure them in were a big part of why I wrote “Paradise 69.” Not everything is what it seems. We just have to always remain vigilant, and make sure our kids are safe on the internet. My grandmother used to say “Don’t give out your phone number to strangers.” Well, with “Paradise 69” I wanted to let readers in and wonder what happens when somethings go too far.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ve been writing for a decade, and I always focused on the British government and the Royal family. Until I thought of Paradise 69 and that was when I decided to steer away from British conspiracies. Well, now that this project is over, I have been working a on a sci-fi. This will be taking place on the Moon. Here is a hint: You might read about Sam Mijan and Scarlett de Santis together…Just Ummh… Breaking the “law” in outer space.
Author Links: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Falling into the trap that her stranger’s flamboyant lifestyles might have appeared fun…a quick and easy way to make money…she learns that his lifestyle comes with a dark side. She now finds herself in situations impossible to get out of…
A bright, beautiful, young woman meets a dangerously handsome young man who fall deeply into sex.
Creating Cultural Awareness
Mangrove Sands, The Enchanted Seaworld and Beyond follows 4 children that go on a magical adventure and make new friends while learning about the Muandik aboriginal tribe. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
My inspiration for book two came from the island I live on on South East Queensland is surrounded by aboriginal people, history and artifacts. I was privileged to work with my good friend Leonie Watson, Elder of the Muandik Tribe, with Closing The Gap, at our local island Primary school.
There is certainly a need, in Australia, to educate both indigenous and non indigenous children about their land, language and heritage.
What research did you do for this novel to get it right?
There was quite a lot of research into writer protocols and approvals addressing Australian Aboriginal tribes and cultures. My good friend, Leonie Watson, Elder of the Muandik Tribe provided books specifically relating to the Muandik tribe.
I also did further research into some Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the most important themes is creating cultural awareness, inclusion and education, particularly the Australian Aboriginal culture. This begins in early childhood education and it is my hope that teachers world wide include this book in their classroom for 8-12yr olds.
What is the next book in the series that you are working on and when will it be available?
A third book of the Mangrove Sands series ‘The Epic Journey’ is currently in production with my publisher. There is a fourth book in process and will go far beyond the earth we know and take us to the origins of The Enchanted Seaworld.
Currently i am writing and illustrating for my 1yr old grandson, inspired by becoming a first time grandmother. Many little life lessons and humour in these books. I’m not sure when I will publish these I’m just enjoying writing them at present.
Author Links: Austin MacCauley | GoodReads
Based on an island in South East Queensland, Australia, four children, who attend the same island state school, are all miserable at home and school until Parlow, the pelican, comes knocking on Tommy’s window one night to offer him a better life. Tommy thinks he is dreaming as do his friends—Maria, Dino and Jake—who all have an out of body experience and are taken to an enchanted underwater sea world beneath Mangrove Sands, where they meet talking animals who have their own language and become the children’s tutors, mentors and friends.
Through an enchanting underwater sea world of magic, adventure and humour, Mangrove Sands aims to provide hope and inspiration to children around the globe facing adversity.
Diversity and Unity
A to Z of Mini Muslims: An alphabet book exploring all about Islam and being a Muslim teaches children the alphabet and the teachings and principles of Islam. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This lovely children’s book- A to Z of Mini Muslims: An alphabet book exploring all about Islam and being a Muslim was important for me to write as I wanted to promote young children’s religious worldviews and help dispel myths and stereotypes about the religion of Islam and who Muslims are. I wanted to also show diversity and unity through which students can be connected. I wanted to educate young children and even adults who are not familiar about the Islamic faith to empower them and to encourage and motivate them to learn about Islam in a meaningful way. My three children were the source of inspiration for writing this book. They always questioned who Muslims were and what is Islam and so I decided to write a children’s book that explored these basic foundations and principles of Islam through a fun and engaging alphabet book. Moreover, I ensured this book connected to their cultural background and hence themes of Afghanistan were embedded through the beautiful illustrations such as the three young girls dressed in their Afghan clothes on the front cover, or the Afghan flags shown on different pages. Therefore, I wanted to write this important book for children to be proud of their faith, culture and identity.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Saba Yasmeen?
Thank you so much! Yes, this book would not have complete without the wonderful illustrations by Saba Yasmeen who brought my vision to life. The art collaboration process was amazing with the wonderful illustrator Saba Yasmeen. Saba was absolutely understanding, patient and very accommodating and diligent in her work. Every detail in the images that I had envisioned, such as promoting diversity and unity and connection to the Australian themes and perspectives, Saba brought it into life. Having a working document with the first round of drafts sketches then giving written feedback and moving onto the next step really helped us focus and be on the same page. Saba was amazing in her talent and ability to come up with such gorgeous illustrations and always making sure it is exactly what I wanted. Also, to make a note, this was my first time writing a children’s book and it was Saba’s first time illustrating a children’s book. We both live on the opposite sides of the world and the process might sound like a huge challenge or impossible for some, but it was such a wonderful journey for both Saba and I. We both learned so much along the way that our collaboration was a huge success. Effective communication was the key, and I am so proud and honoured to have Saba collaborate with me on this wonderful project. Thank you, Saba, for your amazing work!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
This is a great question. I believe every letter in my book has an important message for the readers. Some of the ideas that were important to me to share in this book was including the basic understanding and principles of Islam such believing in one God who created everything (Allah), believing in the final Prophet of Islam (Muhammad PBUH), learning about the Lunar Calendar that Muslims follow with having that knowledge of the Islamic months was important. Also learning about what is Ramadan and Eid and how visiting the sick and being good to your parents, with doing good to others and giving money as charity to the needy are all important concepts and ideas that I wanted to share in this book. I wanted to create a unique alphabet book that would connect to our readers in a meaningful way and that would be a valuable resource to share and have in any classroom and library. This book has already been well received with winning the 2022 International Book Award as a Finalist in the Children’s Religious Category and as a Finalist in the Readers’ Choice Book Award for the Best Children’s Book 3-7 and with further receiving the Five Star Seal from Readers Favourite.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Well, this is such a good question! Before I had published my first book, I had already written my second children’s book and was looking at having it published very soon. But then I decided to wait for the right time. However, it will be available in the near future, and I will definitely be updating my wonderful followers when this happens 😊
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
I Was Always Seeing Numbers
Angel Numbers 1-9 Meaning helps readers understand the significance behind numbers and the divine message that angels are showing them. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to write this book as I was always seeing numbers where I went and I found other books on the subject only gave you a brief sentence as to what was the meaning. I wanted to dive deeper into the meanings as to what you are seeing with different aspects of your life.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about Numerology?
I believe the misconception is that it is very scientific and mathematical. The universe does play a hand and the angels guide us.
What is a crucial first step in mastering the skill of numerology?
Mastering the double numbers and learning the positive and Negatives, and their supposed interest in human affairs. The single numbers are given way too much credit.
What is one thing that surprised you when learning about numerology?
What surprised me was the fact that I learnt another degree of understanding of all issues of life. I can also impress my friends.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Do you believe in angels and that numbers have special meaning but just don’t know how to interpret them?
Have you always wanted to find out the significant meaning behind numbers 1 through 9 but could just not get your hands on the right book?
Well, this one’s for you!
Numerology is the critical study of the mystical significance that numbers have over life. For as long as humans have been in existence, they’ve always been aware of numbers, just not the power they have to fulfill their destinies.
However, there are people who’ve testified that angel numbers have had positive effects on their lives. So, why not become one of them?
Whether you’re trying to heal, receive support during your twin flame journey, or simply understand the power of core numbers, this book is going to take you on a spiritual journey you’ll never forget!
Inside Angel Numbers 1-9, Meaning, you’ll:
Immediately connect with angels by recognizing and understanding recurring numbers in your life.
Receive answers to questions that have been bothering you.
Learn unique core numbers that will give you important information about various aspects of your life.
Master the skill of using your numerology knowledge to receive gentle messages and guidance from your angels.
Visualize yourself living a meaningful life that is connected to your guardian angels—guardian angels that want you to live the life you’re destined for! No more guessing, misinterpreting messages or being fearful of what the future has for you.
Are you ready to unlock the world of mystical numbers and their powerful effects on your life?
Read Angel Numbers 1-9, Meaning now!
Sharing the Truth and Love
Solitude of Light follows a brother that has dedicated himself to God’s will as he tries to save his atheist brothers’ soul and fix the broken relationships they have. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The conflict between Tomás and Francisco was already a theme in the first two books in my “Beyond Cascadia” series (“Echoes Through Distant Glass” and “Eclipse Rising”). As I got to know these two characters better, I found that Francisco’s self-centered, antisocial behavior had painted him into a very nasty, confined corner, psychologically-speaking. I was curious if he would stay in that dark place forever, or if he could be enticed closer to the light. When Tomás advanced on his own spiritual journey, he became the perfect foil to test Francisco. That’s when I had the idea for a stand-alone story that was virtually independent from the rest of the series.
Tomás has made dramatic changes in his life and wants to follow the path God has directed him to. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Tomás has an innate, natural sincerity and hunger for truth and love—two things that were scarce in his childhood. After following a few dead-ends and suffering more heartbreak, he finally finds peace and solace in God. He is zealous about sharing the truth and love he’s discovered with the one person he knows needs it the most—his arrogant, estranged brother.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The importance of admitting when you are wrong and have hurt people is one theme. The set-up between the two brothers also became an opportunity to explore some of the darker ramifications of the idea of self-sacrifice. Another is that sermons ultimately don’t touch people the way examples and actions do. However, I feel the most important theme is that love in action is much more demanding–but can be more rewarding–than mere words on paper.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book in the series is entitled “Harshest Dawn. The action in this new novel takes place right after the conclusion of “Eclipse Rising”, and includes events only vaguely hinted at in book three. Unlike “Solitude Of Light”, which is sort of a psychological side-quest, “Harshest Dawn” returns to the more political-action, thriller type story. It’s still very character-driven, though. I hope to have it published by the end of 2022 or early 2023. I’d be delighted if readers followed me on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter or my website to get updates!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Yet living within the sacred confines of a seminary is harder than he expected; soon, he’s challenged to learn new skills while navigating both minor jealousies and global politics—all while making friends and maturing as a person.
But will his virtues of patience and humility help him when he is ultimately put to the test?
Because when he finds himself at the very ends of the earth, he must confront his exiled brother Francisco and force him to face the twisted and deadly shadows of their shared past…and he may not survive the encounter.
This stand-alone entry in the Beyond Cascadia near-future saga is a unique, intense and intimate journey through tangled human relationships, exploring how—and if—remorse and forgiveness can ever be enough to conquer the darkest heart.
LITERARY TITAN 