Blog Archives
Spark Your Story: Musings of the Teenage Author
L.A. Thigpen’s Spark Your Story is a deeply personal and powerfully candid memoir-essay hybrid that follows the journey of a young, autistic, biracial teenage girl navigating creativity, identity, and self-worth in a world that doesn’t always make room for people like her. Through lyrical prose, diary-like reflections, and bursts of poetic insight, Thigpen charts her transformation from a shy dreamer into a published author, wrestling with schoolyard cruelty, internal conflict, and the heady pride of achievement. The book swings between narrative storytelling and heartfelt advice, tackling themes of bullying, neurodiversity, minority representation, and the relentless pursuit of creativity.
Reading this book felt like sitting down with someone raw and real—someone who isn’t afraid to spill their soul. What struck me the most was the voice. It’s urgent. It’s poetic. It’s completely unfiltered in the best way. Some pages sing with metaphor and beauty. Others slice through with blunt emotion. There were moments that felt like I was reading the words of a seasoned author, and then others where her teenage fire and vulnerability shone clearly. That inconsistency was honest. It made the book feel alive. The mix of prose, journal entries, rants, affirmations, and analogies (the wren motif especially) stitched together a voice that’s wholly unique.
Parts of the book felt tangled. There were times I wanted to stay longer with one idea. It’s chaotic. But maybe that’s the point. Thigpen isn’t trying to hand you a neat memoir with a tidy bow. She’s showing the mess of coming-of-age, the war between self-love and self-doubt, the push-pull of wanting to belong and choosing to stand out. The unfiltered format might not be for everyone. But for me, the emotional bursts and creative zigzags were what made the book engaging and relatable.
Spark Your Story is a love letter to outsiders. A manifesto for young creators. It would resonate with anyone who’s ever felt out of place, especially young women, neurodivergent teens, and aspiring writers. It’s also a reminder to the rest of us that genius doesn’t come with age—it comes with truth. I’d hand this to every middle schooler feeling invisible, to every dreamer who’s been told “no,” and to every adult who forgot what that fire felt like.
Pages: 111 | ASIN : B0DKDBDK8C
That Guy
That Guy by Larry Hankin offers a vibrant dive into the life of its author, a stand-up comedian turned actor whose journey through the pulsating heart of show business is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. From precarious beginnings in Greenwich Village to navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood, Hankin intersperses his tale with encounters with iconic figures like John Huston, Lenny Bruce, and Bob Dylan. This autobiography is as much about the grit and glamour of the entertainment world as it is about personal resilience and transformation.
This book is a delightful read, brimming with juicy backstage stories and heartfelt moments that make you feel like you’re catching up with an old friend over coffee. Hankin’s knack for storytelling shines as he draws us into his world, packed with eclectic characters and pivotal moments that shaped his career and personality. The book excels in depicting a wide array of individuals—from mentors and icons to rivals and friends—who influenced Hankin’s career and life. The narrative can sometimes feel disjointed, especially when transitioning from one era to another, which might leave readers wanting a smoother storytelling experience. While the insider anecdotes are fascinating, they occasionally overshadow broader thematic developments, making some sections feel more like a collection of vignettes rather than a cohesive story. The book’s engaging style and rich detail effectively portray the entertainment industry’s challenging yet rewarding nature. Themes of perseverance, identity, and transformation resonate throughout the text, making it a worthwhile read for anyone fascinated by the complexities of celebrity life or seeking inspiration in overcoming their hurdles.
Larry Hankin’s witty and reflective style, along with his ability to draw vivid characters and settings, makes That Guy a notable addition to the autobiography genre. For fans of showbiz tales and personal journeys alike, That Guy offers a unique glimpse into a life well-lived and hard-won victories in the face of adversity.
Pages: | ASIN : B0CW18F4D3
Circle of Sawdust: A Circus Memoir of Mud, Myth, Mirth, Mayhem, and Magic
Rob Mermin’s Circle of Sawdust takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the life of a man who turned his boyhood dream into a reality by founding Circus Smirkus. This memoir chronicles Rob’s life before establishing the circus, highlighting his early aspiration to join a traveling circus—a dream that led him to run away in 1969. His path to success was significantly shaped by his studies under the renowned mime Marcel Marceau, who became a close friend and mentor. Rob’s journey took him across England as he honed his craft and built his reputation as Clown Robin, eventually leading to a prestigious invitation to perform at Circus Benneweis in Copenhagen, a notable highlight of his career.
The book captures the essence of Rob’s experiences, detailing both the triumphs and challenges of his profession. The narrative is enriched by vivid descriptions that bring the circus world to life, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the realities of circus life. From the peak moments of his career, such as his partnership with the remarkable performance dog Rufus, to the struggles of facing financial hardships and unemployment, Rob’s story is both inspiring and humbling.
One of the memoir’s strengths lies in its ability to convey the thrill and unpredictability of the circus while also imparting broader life lessons. Rob’s determination and passion for his dream shine through, making this not just a recounting of his career but a testament to the power of perseverance. The author’s ability to capture the magic of the circus, while maintaining an anonymous presence in his performances, adds a unique layer of intrigue and charm to the narrative. Readers will find themselves smiling at moments of quiet revelation, where Rob witnesses the audience’s awe at his performances without them realizing the performer is in their midst.
Circle of Sawdust is a celebration of pursuing one’s dreams with relentless determination. Rob Mermin’s engaging storytelling and rich, evocative descriptions make this book a compelling and enlightening read. It stands out as one of the most distinctive and inspirational memoirs, offering a deep appreciation for the dedication and artistry of those who bring the magic of the circus to life.
Pages: 340 | ISBN : 978-1578691562
Anything is Possible
Love Changed Everything: The Power of Love shares your story of growing up and becoming the person you are today and how your love for your wife carried you through the hard moments. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have enjoyed a comfortable life with a loving wife for many years.
I wanted my grandchildren in particular to know that I had worked very hard to get to where we are now. They have gone short of nothing – partly the grandparents’ fault – and seem to expect that life will always be as comfortable as it is. I wanted them to know where their grandparents came from.
I wanted ‘others’ to know that what I have has been hard won. I recall an event when we were living in Farnborough and our house just happened to have a swimming pool with a public path on the other side of a six-foot fence. I recall the day we were relaxing by the pool and overheard a mother talking to her daughter who had said, ‘Look, mum. Those people have a swimming pool.’
‘Yes’, the mother replied. ‘Some people are very lucky in life’.
I was incensed and ran down the gate to our property which they had to pass. ‘Good afternoon’, I said, calmly, although I did not feel calm. ‘I heard your little girl, admiring our swimming pool. I think you are teaching her the wrong lesson. Everything I own I have to work hard for. I had no rich parents to leave me any money. You should be telling her that if she puts her mind to it and works very hard at school and then works very hard at her career, then perhaps she too may be able to have a house with a swimming pool’.
There was no response, but I do hope that little girl got a little of the message I was trying to send.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest part of my story to write openly about was the sexual attraction. My wife insisted I tone it down.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to point out to teachers what an enormous influence and responsibility they carry for caring for their charges. They should never belittle a child, even a teenager. I still feel very angry about my treatment in two schools, many years apart, because of my family’s lowly financial status. In the first instance, pre-10 years old, we never went on holidays, and the class was asked to write an account. My account was fiction and was severely punished. In the second instance at Grammar School, I was belittled and had to report to the Head because I (we) could not spare two shillings and sixpence to buy a school magazine. After humiliation, if I had had ££££££’s, I would never support the school.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Anything is possible if you work at it and take the opportunities that may come your way, even if you doubt your ability – go for it! You’ll never know if you don’t.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Eddie, the eldest child of four, suffered at the hands of the bullies. But his father showed him how to stand up for himself. Albert taught his children that success could come even after multiple failures if they kept trying. But when he had a lung removed, he lost his job and their home. The family moved in with Grandma in her terraced house in the Colliery village of Browney. Gran was already caring for her divorced daughter’s family of three young men. Somehow they managed to coexist for over a year.
A few months later, the family was rehoused into a new housing development and their first home with hot water and an indoor loo; what luxury. Eddie was training to become an unpaid Minister in the Independent Methodist Movement. His girlfriend, Doreen, for eighteen months, was the daughter of one of the Senior Ministers in the circuit of six chapels.
When Eddie met Pam, he was employed as a University Junior Technician, and his life was turned upside down. Cupid’s arrow flew and lodged so deep that the warnings of his friends in the Chapel never got past his ears. The pair were immediately smitten; nothing could part the young lovers. It was hard to break off with Doreen and even more difficult to heed the warnings of his associates in the chapel community. Pam was a Roman Catholic, and he was warned that their faiths were incompatible.
After purposely underperforming at school GCE ‘O’ level, Eddie studied part-time at night school, and with the benefit of day release from his employment as a Univerity Chemistry Technician, he gained HNC level Chemistry certification. Then he was invited to take up a career in Technical Sales by a local supplier of scientific products and instrumentation. Within a year, he and Pam had secured a mortgage on their first home and never looked back. There were ups and downs, but love always got them through the sticky patches. Eddie and Pam are approaching their diamond wedding anniversary.
LITERARY TITAN 