Blog Archives
Find Peace With the Present
Remember Me is a celebration of your mother’s life honoring her memory in the form of stories that shine light on her strength, humor, and incredible resilience. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was my most important book to date because the message of love and remembrance is crucial to me. Throughout life, we meet many people. Some become friends; others become close like family (or closer). It is these people who have helped shape a piece of us. Even though no new memories can be made, remembering the joy and happiness of the time we had is one of the best ways to turn our grief into strength. It is hard and some days it can feel impossible but we will be comforted by our memories and continue to make new memories with other loved ones, friends, and within our community.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your mother’s story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
This journal is to honor my Mother’s memory after her passing in December of 2021. That was the hardest Christmas of my life. It was during that Christmas that I knew I wanted to create something that would resonate with more than just my family and friends. While all of this was hard to write and took me over two years to complete with plenty of tears and tissues, the “About my Mother” section was beyond hard. Writing about Mom not in the present or future but the past made my loss feel fresh again.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your book?
I hope readers find joy in their memories. It is my hope for every reader that they can find peace with the present and be excited for the future; even though their Mother will not be sharing new experiences by their side, a piece of her is always in their heart. A mother’s love is forever, in life and beyond.
Can we look forward to seeing more work from you soon?
We are very excited to be penning our first adult romance book with an anticipated release in 2025. This WIP (work in progress) was inspired by my cat, Coors White, an adorable black and white tuxedo kitty. He is aptly named because of his larger than body personality and tendencies that make a stiff drink sound good (or even mandatory). Inspired by some of the escape schenegains of Coors and his kitty siblings, Crazy Cat Lady Love takes you on his journey to find his owner’s true love. Will his mission turn into a dog-gone cat-astrophe? Only time will tell as Coors’ escapes become more hilarious.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Making memories with loved ones is the best part of life. The memories made with our moms can only be described as
one-of-a-kind. There’s nobody else quite like our mothers! Since the present is fleeting and tomorrow is never guaranteed,
start journaling your memories today.
Join me in this celebration of life journal as we remember the quirky experiences we will never forget!
Looking for Legends: Let Us Take You Somewhere You’ve Never Been Before, and Introduce You to Our Friends
Would you rather have dreams or memories? This poignant question forms the crux of Looking for Legends, a captivating memoir/travelogue by Scott and Tarantino. The book recounts the extraordinary adventures of a married couple who have lived a legendary life, blending personal anecdotes with tales of their globe-trotting exploits. Determined to lead a life of exceptional experiences, they embarked on a series of adventures that mirrored some of the most celebrated journeys in history.
Looking for Legends is more than just a travel narrative; it is a love story between two individuals who share an insatiable passion for exploring the world and an equally strong affection for each other. This unintentional sentimentality adds a delightful layer to the book, making it a truly heartwarming read. The couple’s adventures span the globe, from China to Ecuador, Switzerland to Greenland, and Jordan to many other destinations. However, their travel choices were far from random. As avid history enthusiasts, they often selected their destinations based on the writings and significant works of historical figures like Pablo Neruda, Knud Rasmussen, and Zorba the Greek. This historical context enriches their narratives, offering readers a deeper understanding of the places they visited. The sheer audacity and enthusiasm of Scott and Tarantino make this book a sublime experience. Their infectious wanderlust and joy for exploration are so vividly conveyed that even the most devoted homebodies might find themselves inspired to embark on their own journeys by the book’s end.
Complementing the engaging prose are images and hand-drawn maps that beautifully illustrate their travels. These visual aids not only enhance the storytelling but also showcase the couple’s profound appreciation for the planet and its myriad wonders.
Looking for Legends invites readers to reflect on their own lives and decide whether they are content with merely reading about such adventures or whether they will choose to create their own memories. This book is a testament to the extraordinary life that awaits those who dare to dream and take the leap into the unknown.
Pages: 427 | ASIN : B0CW1FRRWH
A Life in Letters: A Story of Resilience, Sequins, and Hope
Rodney Rhoda Taylor’s A Life in Letters: A Story of Resilience, Sequins, and Hope is a poignant collection of letters that chronicles the various stages of Taylor’s life. This expressive memoir candidly explores the struggles of being gay, navigating love and loss, battling depression, and ultimately achieving acceptance and inner peace. From childhood to the awkward teen years and the adversities of adulthood, Taylor’s letters reveal his emotional growth and journey toward happiness and love.
Reading this book feels akin to perusing a diary; it is elaborately detailed and deeply personal. Readers are drawn into Taylor’s emotional landscape, especially during his childhood and teenage years, when confusion and distress are most palpable and relatable. The early letters are particularly endearing. Taylor’s childhood missives to Santa are bittersweet, capturing the heartbreak of not receiving desired toys simply because they were deemed “not for boys.” Such moments underscore societal pressures and the impact they have on a child’s development. Studies suggest that boys who play with dolls tend to grow up more compassionate—a trait the world always needs more of.
The format of letters in this book is unique and allows for deep introspection, offering a refreshing departure from traditional narrative structures. While some readers may be accustomed to a more linear storytelling approach, the fragmented nature of the letters beautifully mirrors the chaotic and non-linear progression of life itself, adding an element of authenticity to the memoir.
A Life in Letters: A Story of Resilience, Sequins, and Hope, by Rodney Rhoda Taylor, is a touching and courageous memoir that offers valuable insights into the human experience. It is particularly suited for readers who appreciate memoirs that delve deeply into personal and emotional growth. Taylor’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of self-acceptance. Whether you are looking for inspiration, comfort, or simply a compelling read, this book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-expression.
Pages: 140 | ISBN : 978-1956048247
I Should be F,N Dead!
Emmilia O’Sullivan’s memoir, I Should Be F’N Dead!, is a raw, honest, and unflinching account of her tumultuous life journey through severe health challenges. Starting from her birth with congenital kidney disease, through multiple surgeries, and enduring constant medical interventions, O’Sullivan’s narrative is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The book not only delves into her physical struggles but also highlights her mental resilience and determination to lead a fulfilling life despite the odds.
O’Sullivan’s writing style is engaging and straightforward, making it easy to connect with her story. One of the standout aspects of her memoir is her unfiltered honesty. She vividly describes a health scare that abruptly disrupts her seemingly stable life. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the book, where she doesn’t shy away from sharing the most intimate and painful moments of her journey. Her ability to infuse humor into her narrative, even in dire situations, adds a unique touch, making the reading experience both poignant and relatable. The middle chapters of the book, such as “The Hospital Kid” and “The Bratty Teen Years,” provide a deep dive into her childhood and adolescence, marked by constant hospital visits and medical procedures.
O’Sullivan does an excellent job of balancing the clinical aspects of her story with personal anecdotes, which humanize her experiences. For example, her recounting of learning to dance and finding confidence despite her health issues is particularly moving. These sections not only highlight her resilience but also underscore the impact of her condition on her family and social life. Her battle with cancer and subsequent recovery are narrated with a mixture of grit and optimism. Her message of hope and the importance of fighting through adversity is clear and powerful, resonating deeply with the reader.
I Should Be F’N Dead! is a compelling memoir that offers a candid look into the life of someone who has faced unimaginable health challenges yet continues to live with courage and hope. O’Sullivan’s story is a testament to human resilience and the power of a positive mindset. This book is highly recommended for anyone dealing with their own health battles, medical professionals seeking insight into a patient’s perspective, or readers looking for an inspiring true story. Emmilia O’Sullivan’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, it’s possible to rise and thrive.
Pages: 135 | ASIN : B0CZH9CFFM
True Mental Illness
You’ll See is a raw and poignant memoir that delves into your experiences with narcissistic abuse, survival, and the arduous journey to understanding. What inspired you to share your story with others?
I began writing my book shortly after both of my parents died – within two months of one another. I was trying to make sense of all I had experienced with my father and, to a degree, my mother, and the only way I could do it was to pour everything onto paper…I guess, it was my way of trying to determine if I was really crazy, or if these things really happened to me. With every remembered vignette I described, I began to see a pattern that my therapist helped me understand was my father’s narcissistic personality disorder. I grew up thinking everything was my fault, that nothing I did would ever be good enough…it was an emotional torture chamber that still haunts me. I realized if this was my experience, surely, it was other people’s experience, too…and I decided that giving voice to one’s truth is one of the bravest things a person can do. I want to normalize discussions about narcissistic abuse, among other things, so those of us who were manipulated into believing false narratives can actually rehabilitate ourselves and recover…eventually.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Thank you…I decided if I was going to tell my story, I was going to tell ALL of it. As an adult with a grown child, I ached for “Little Suzanne”…the innocent, curious, sweet-natured child who only wanted to be Daddy’s girl and was rebuffed at every turn. The hardest part of writing this memoir was first, coming directly to terms with how my father put himself and his desires above his own family, and second, recounting the agonizing years of watching my mother succumb to Alzheimer’s disease while my father continued his dalliances.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about living with narcissistic abuse and getting away from it?
First, narcissistic abuse is just that: abuse, and it definitely leaves deep emotional scars that can affect every other relationship in the victim’s life. Second, the narcissist’s family becomes another tool for the narcissist to display their superiority to the outside world…our job is to make the narcissist look good, no matter what. That means you don’t air the family’s dirty laundry, as it were…and because the narcissist insists their way is the only way, you become conditioned to that…to protect the family image. To do anything else and you’d be labeled as “crazy” or “melodramatic.” I believe there’s a semblance of Stockholm Syndrome at work, too…you feel you must align yourself to your captors as a form of survival. Finally, it’s easy for people to say, “Establish some boundaries! Cut off the relationship!” and the like, but it’s not that easy because especially with a narcissistic parent, you’ve been conditioned your whole life to believe YOU have the problem, and YOU are at fault. It took a really long time (and years of therapy) for me to see that I never deserved any of the treatment I received and that I was dealing with someone with a true mental illness.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I think they key takeaway I tried to impart in my memoir is that narcissistic abuse is real AND it’s insidious…the narcissist will make you think YOU’RE the one with the problem and over time, you become scarred with feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, and longing for a relationship you’ll never be able to fix. Being able to give voice to these feelings, telling your stories to someone you trust, is absolutely the first step to taking charge of your life and defining boundaries to protect yourself. Resilience comes at a high price because it means you had to suffer along the way, but it also means you survived it, and that’s what counts.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Learning that the threats came from within-that the threats were in the form of his personality disorder and addiction-came long after I had been damaged. Make no mistake-I never lacked for food, clothing, or shelter. We took family vacations. I received a wonderful education. I enjoyed numerous achievements, academically, professionally, and personally.
To an outsider, my life probably looked normal, even privileged.
The truth is the permanent scars resulting from narcissistic abuse are every bit as devastating and traumatic as those borne from physical and sexual abuse. Narcissistic abuse is insidious and challenging to survive. And the effects can outlive the abuser, almost in perpetuity. This is my story… possibly yours.
Fear Dynamics: Harnessing Fear and Anxiety to Create Lasting Happiness and Meaningful Achievement
Stephen J. Dietrich’s Fear Dynamics is a powerful memoir-cum-self-help book that offers a lifeline to those grappling with fear. This acclaimed corporate attorney unflinchingly shares his journey through the darkness of childhood neglect and abuse, including sexual abuse from his father. Dietrich’s transformation from victim to victor forms the heart of this compelling narrative, as he provides readers with practical strategies for overcoming fear and anxiety.
“In many ways, self-acceptance is the antidote to neglect and abuse… By accepting ourselves, we reject the way people in our past have tried to define, contain, and control us.” The book is a masterclass in self-awareness, as Dietrich illustrates how seemingly mundane interactions can be haunted by past trauma. His candid portrayal of his own struggles, from the isolation he experienced to the challenges within his marriage, offers readers a relatable and empathetic perspective. Through his journey, Dietrich underscores the importance of confronting the past to build a healthier future.
While Fear Dynamics primarily focuses on individual healing, it also touches on broader societal issues. Dietrich’s observations about workplace pressures and the importance of work-life balance offer a refreshing perspective. His exploration of the tendency to mask struggles with a facade of perfection resonates with many readers who may feel isolated in their experiences. Dietrich’s strategies, dubbed the “Fear Dynamics Techniques,” are grounded in his personal experiences and offer a tangible path to healing. His emphasis on self-acceptance provides a foundation for rebuilding trust in oneself and others.
Fear Dynamics is a must-read for anyone looking to understand and conquer their fears. This book is not just a guide to overcoming fear; it’s an open and heartfelt discussion about the author’s struggles and triumphs. Dietrich’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-help techniques in transforming one’s life. The lessons he imparts are valuable and practical, offering readers a roadmap to navigate challenges with strength and confidence.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0D7JT21DF
Knowing You’re Loved
Round the Twist: Facing the Abdominable shares your story about fighting for your life against Stage-4C Colon Cancer and the hurdles you faced from people in the healthcare field and your personal life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
First, it seemed as if there was a recent wave of younger cancer patients (under 50) being diagnosed, and as soon as I got my diagnosis and tried to research what was going on, I discovered that most of the information (including memoirs and biographies) mostly dealt with 50+ patients. Colon cancer historically affects older adults (in their early 70s), so much of the information didn’t apply to me. I actually didn’t set out to write a book at first, I was just blogging about my experience, but then another writer suggested I turn it into a book—I might reach a larger audience of younger cancer patients who needed to hear my story so they could have someone to relate to.
Second, my issues with the healthcare field at the beginning are not uncommon. Since publication last fall, I’ve been contacted by many younger women, so I’ve heard too many stories from these women with colon cancer that they, too, had difficulty getting a proper diagnosis. I was very lucky that my gynecologist and primary physician were on top of my symptoms and tried their best to get me into the proper hands. Unfortunately, the first oncologists I met with were not as invested in my well-being. I think this is pretty common. I wanted other patients (women in particular) to know that they don’t have to accept the word of a doctor they don’t fully trust. It’s ok to walk away and start over again with a new doctor. Your life could depend on it, but we live in a society where we often feel we need to please people, and that doctors are somehow gods among men. This isn’t true! We, the patients, need to find our voices and speak up. It’s ok. No one is going to be insulted, but you will get better care.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted mostly for people to understand that the experience of cancer is many-layered. We’re not just sad that we have cancer, or sick because we have chemo, or happy when we get a clear scan. There are so many facets to our new reality that it can be hard for people even to talk to their spouses about it. I’m lucky in that my husband and I are so open and honest in our communication that I could tell him exactly what I was feeling and know that he would try his best to understand. Not everyone has that (that doesn’t mean they’re not in a loving relationship, it’s just that sometimes talking about hard things can be, well, hard) and I felt that if I could lay myself out there open and honest to the world, then someone might point to a chapter and say, “If you read this chapter, you’ll understand how I feel right now.”
I also wanted to point out how difficult it is to go through something as private as cancer in a world with social media. I made the conscious decision to go through my treatments in the public eye—again because I thought it would ultimately help someone else who was feeling alone. They could point to my blog or a post or a photo. I could be their voice so they didn’t have to share.
What was most important, though, was to impress upon people that no matter how scary or dark the prognosis may be, there is a beautiful world going on all around us. It is a gift to sit in the grass, to pet the dogs, to eat a good meal, to hold your children in your arms, or be held by your lover. There is always hope. If you surround yourself with people who also believe in that hope, magical things can happen. I don’t mean friendship cures cancer! But it sure helps keep your mental state positive so that you can focus on getting better knowing you’re loved.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about how to support family and friends who receive a diagnosis of cancer, and what is one thing they can do that actually helps?
The first thing some people said to me was, “Let me know what I can do to help.” Cancer is so overwhelming, we often can’t think of much more than what we’re doing right at that moment. My husband was the one who decided what I would eat for meals because trying to decide for myself was too much. There was no way I could anticipate my own needs. So although the offer sounds great, it really is overwhelming—and I never ever told people what they could do to help because I didn’t know what I needed.
What was actually helpful were those who said, “I’m coming over to do your laundry,” and “Look on your front porch, I left some food.” There were countless mornings where people left bags of food on our porch. Offering something specific, like “Can I run to the grocery store for you?” is way more helpful. People stepped up and said things like, “Don’t worry about getting to your next radiation treatment, I’ll be there at 12:30 to pick you up.” My friends who did not take “no” for an answer were the most helpful of all!
And the one thing people can always do is check in often. Simple messages to say “I’m thinking of you,” have a huge effect. Especially when I was feeling down, and someone would text, “Just wanted to let you know I love you,” I would pop out of my dark cloud. There’s never a wrong moment to check on your friend.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope that they understand that my outcome was unique, I still haven’t met the 5-year survival statistic, and that I count my lucky stars every day that I’m still here. I’ve already lost two friends to colon cancer (who were also under 50) so I know how quickly these situations go wrong. Hold on to hope, but also hold on to facts, and face reality. Life is a gift, every single day, live to the fullest and never miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The long and difficult journey to diagnosis was fraught with pitfalls and wrong turns, ambivalent doctors and insensitive nurses. Through the efforts of a strong advocate, she was finally placed in the care of some of the best doctors Los Angeles has to offer, only to be devastated to learn that she had Stage-4C Colon Cancer.
Facing unspeakable odds, she dove head first into aggressive treatments that decimated her body, but never destroyed her natural optimism and positivity.
Through the lens of the natural world around her, the young cancer survivor reveals the intensely private and deeply emotional aspects of fighting for her life. Sometimes with a pinch of humor but always with raw honesty, she holds on to bright hope that warmly invites you to share in her journey.
LITERARY TITAN 