Blog Archives

Me and My Shadow

Me and My Shadow by John Walker Pattison is a deeply personal account of his lifelong journey with cancer, exploring his roles as a patient, father, and nurse. Pattison opens his story with a childhood overshadowed by a cancer diagnosis, a fact kept hidden by his parents. This narrative takes us through the complexities of his treatment, its enduring physical and psychological impacts, and the isolation from normal childhood experiences.

Pattison’s story extends beyond his own battle with the disease. As a father, he recounts the heart-wrenching experience of supporting his daughter through her own cancer treatment, a chapter that lends a poignant depth to his narrative. His dual perspective as both patient and caregiver enriches the book, culminating in his decision to become a nurse. Here, Pattison’s personal insights blend with professional care, offering a unique view into the world of healthcare.

The book does more than just shed light on the cancer experience. It delves into the broader tapestry of Pattison’s life, including his exploration of Native American cultures, a vibrant childhood, a passion for rock music, and reflections on a challenging marriage. These varied experiences contribute to the richness of the memoir, painting a fuller picture of the author beyond his identity as a cancer survivor. This book resonates with authenticity and understanding for those touched by cancer, whether personally or through a loved one. Healthcare professionals, too, may find valuable lessons in Pattison’s insights on patient care. The book weaves together heartfelt stories and reflections, revealing life’s unpredictability and the importance of resilience.

Pattison’s narrative is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. His candid reflections and thoughtful observations offer a window into the complexities of living with and beyond cancer. Me and My Shadow is not just a story of survival but an invitation to embrace each moment of life with appreciation and awareness.

Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0BKYJYPY3

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Mary: Intimate Witness to God’s Love Incarnate

Louis McCall’s Mary: Intimate Witness to God’s Love Incarnate delves into the life of a figure at once deeply revered and somewhat enigmatic: Mary, the mother of Jesus. While millions venerate her name, the intricacies of her personal life remain largely unexplored. This book attempts to bridge that gap, offering a portrayal not just of Mary as a symbol of purity and faith but as a multifaceted individual navigating a male-dominated world.

The narrative reimagines Mary’s life, akin to how she might have penned her own memoir. McCall provides a vivid account of her transformation from a young girl in obscurity to a figure embodying resilience and unwavering faith. The book delves into how her experiences as a woman of her time and the cultural and historical context of her upbringing might have shaped her life and beliefs. Mary: Intimate Witness to God’s Love Incarnate is a synthesis of meticulous historical research, cultural insights, and scriptural references. It paints an evocative picture of a woman central to the genesis of Christianity. McCall’s writing is both fluid and engaging, offering a rich perspective that blends historical insights with religious context. This book is particularly appealing to those with interests in history or religion, as it merges these realms to present a vibrant depiction of an extraordinary woman whose story extends beyond conventional understanding.

Mary: Intimate Witness to God’s Love Incarnate, by Louis McCall, stands as a compelling exploration of Mary’s life, beyond her established religious significance. It skillfully intertwines historical context with religious narrative, offering a nuanced portrayal that resonates with both historians and religious readers alike. This book is an enlightening journey into the life of a woman who has been a central figure in Christianity, providing a fresh perspective that enriches our understanding of her legacy.

Pages: 93 | ASIN : B0CVLFQ3CJ

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Extraordinary Experiences of an Everyday Woman

Extraordinary Experiences of an Everyday Woman takes readers on a captivating journey into the metaphysical and spiritual realms, portrayed through the author’s vivid personal experiences. Stewart’s autobiography ventures beyond the conventional and delves into interactions with higher dimensional beings, her exploration of psychic abilities, and encounters with extraterrestrial entities. The book is meticulously structured, guiding readers through various aspects of Stewart’s spiritual journey, from clairvoyance and dreams to her profound experiences at different locations, including her own home.

Stewart’s writing style is a blend of candid reflection and mystical exploration, striking a balance that keeps the reader engaged. Her descriptions of spiritual and extraterrestrial encounters are detailed and evocative, which paints a picture that is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The book covers a broad array of topics. This wide-ranging approach that, while comprehensive, made me feel as if I needed a central thread that provided me with guidance through the myriad of experiences and concepts discussed.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between the mystical and the everyday. Stewart’s experiences, whether it’s communication with dimensional beings or insights gained through dreams and visions, are presented in a way that encourages readers to consider the existence and influence of spiritual dimensions in their own lives. The book’s personal tone makes the content approachable, though I think the depth and complexity of the topics discussed might be more suited to readers already familiar with metaphysical concepts.

Extraordinary Experiences of an Everyday Woman offers a unique and personal glimpse into the world of spiritual awakening and metaphysical phenomena. Its blend of personal anecdotes and explorations into the unknown makes it a compelling read. This book is best suited for those who have an interest in spirituality and metaphysical concepts or anyone embarking on their own journey of spiritual discovery. Stewart’s book provides an eye-opening account of her experiences and serves as a guide for others who may be navigating similar paths.

Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0CT34N8ZR

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Be a Bridge Builder

Kingsley H. Smith Author Interview

Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth is not only a memoir about adversity, failure, and ultimate success, it explores the history of radio including the Black commercial radio stations. Why was it important for you to write this book?

In radio’s glory days, thousands of radio professionals toiled away in small and medium markets making contributions to their communities, while they polished their craft. Media folks use the same playbook today. These personalities come and go. Their stories are rarely featured or known. My story mimics this arc, with a glide path that touches down in several major US broadcasting markets. I wanted to present the story of a typical radio crusader who uses music, talk, social engagement, or other skills to make a difference in the lives of the people they touch. My memoir uses personal radio experiences to amplify the pursuit of a career goal and presents it in a broader life context.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Success can be achieved, even when the view from outside of your supportive family circle indicates that you will have a harder time than many others. I mention early in the book that I am an only child who never knew my father and was raised by an entrepreneurial single mother.

As I detail my radio journey, some creative ways are presented to readers describing how I got into the industry and landed subsequent jobs while I was a young college student. The theme of ingenuity to find success is stressed.

Anyone in broadcasting can tell you that getting fired is just a part of dealing with unpredictable difficulties handed to you until you can rise like the phoenix to conquer your next job challenge. I stress how I managed to keep things moving when times got tough. I explain what I did to diversify my skill set.

Other themes I focus on: be a bridge builder, treat your colleagues with respect, and be willing to take some chances on your way to grabbing the brass ring of achievement.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

My personal relationships with women. I could have dived much deeper into additional “kiss and tell” anecdotes but took the high road to concentrate on one particular connection that will leave readers with an understanding of my honesty, trust, and judgment.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?

Radio is fun, broadcasting is hard work, almost no one is an overnight sensation, and despite AI, radio’s audio variants will survive!

Author Links: GoodReads | Threads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth; My True AM – FM – Satellite – and Audio Streaming Survival Story by Kingsley H. Smith is an authentic true story about adversity, failure, and ultimate success. Smith performed on-air as an engaging radio personality and off-air as a program director in the hyper competitive radio broadcasting field.

Despite roadblocks, the author details how he took advantage of growth opportunities offered at both general market and Black commercial radio stations in the Philadelphia radio market. Experiences at Southern New Jersey radio stations are carefully detailed.

When the story expands to Washington, DC and Smith’s NPR management responsibilities, this radio memoir documents what public broadcasting really creates. You’ll learn what listener sponsored media attempts to do domestically and internationally, all in the public interest.

You’ll come along for the ride at the launch of satellite radio when the author and his team prepare two channels for a new world of digital subscribers across the USA.

What you must know to create a memorable internet radio online audio music streaming service is discussed in depth in a chapter about Smith’s fifteen years as a Live365 producer.

Music radio personality hosts have opinions about the music they play for their broadcast audience. So does Kingsley. You’ll get five crafted opinions in reviews about five award winning popular culture music artists expressed by the author in the paperback, eBook, and audiobook.

Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Fiction

The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.

Award Recipients

Frode Ridna and the Rumbling by M. Singh
Rendezvous with Evil by Deirdre Oliver
Wiser Now by Gayle G. Curtin
The Goose Waltzer by Samantha Leigh Miller

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.

Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Nonfiction

The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.

Award Recipients

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.

Literary Titan Silver Book Award April 2024

Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.

Award Recipients

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.

You Are Enough

Sarah Jolicoeur Author Interview

Journey to Paradise is more than just a memoir; it is a guide to help others who are struggling to rebuild their self-esteem and find the kind of relationship that works for them, even if it is not traditional. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Simply put, I want to de-stigmatize non-traditional relationships and let readers know they are not alone when they feel they are not enough. That may come in different forms for each individual person and I wanted to share my journey so others could find solace in knowing that “the norm” is just a grouping of words. To find happiness in any path you choose, you have to experiment, you need to get uncomfortable, and you must embrace communication. The human experience gives us unique opportunities but there is also a similarity in those trials and triumphs that binds us all together. There are lessons to learn from everywhere. How someone chooses to love is a very personal journey. Self-esteem issues are prevalent in our society and to overcome those limiting beliefs, reflecting on your own actions are the key to unlocking self-love. I wanted to write this book to show you have control on the way you view yourself and the dynamics of your relationships.

You share your emotional journey and the challenges you faced to get where you are now. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

It’s okay to feel all the feelings. Acknowledge where you are today and discover what makes you tick. I had some challenging times but I had many more wonderful experiences. Being able to recognize those happy times helped me get through the rough patches, but that took lots of practice. Learning how to use my voice to speak up for myself, to verbalize what I needed, allowed me to move past the feelings of helplessness. You can’t control every situation, but you can control how you react. It took me many years to understand this concept. If I can help even one person learn this earlier than I did, I feel like I accomplished my goal in writing my story.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about ethical non-monogamy?

There are several that come to mind right off the bat, but I would say one of the most common misconceptions is that ethical non-monogamy (ENM) is just a phase until you find the right person. The idea of loving more than one person at a time is a hard concept for some to accept because we’ve been taught that you’ll eventually find “that special someone” who will make you want to settle down. The truth is that in most ENM dynamics, commitment to your partner/s is the core of the relationship. In order for the relationships to thrive, communication must be the focal point of everyday life to ensure everyone’s needs are met. In each dynamic there must be boundaries and parameters everyone agrees to. There is the same fundamental desire to make each partner feel fulfilled and loved. In my experiences with ENM versus monogamous relationships, there is a different level of connection within my ENM relationships because there are hard conversations that happen, and I have to acknowledge things about myself I wasn’t comfortable doing in monogamy. I do not mean that monogamy requires less communication or connection, it is just a different dynamic. I believe this particular misconception comes from a limited comprehension of our deepest levels of how to love. We try to fit different types of love into specific boxes but the reality is love is love; not everything has to fit into those boxes.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?

Be present in your journey—don’t miss out on the good things waiting for what you want in that moment. Be okay with who you are—you are enough, but have self-awareness so you can grow. Be okay saying you want something different than is expected of you. Take care of you, because no one else knows what’s in your heart. Speak up for yourself.

My hope is that people take away these themes, regardless of their relationship status: single, dating, polyamorous or monogamous. We all experience the same basic struggles, and we all deserve to find true love.

Author links: GoodReads | Website

    After seven years of marriage and codependency, twenty-six-year-old Sarah Jolicoeur is thrust back into the daunting world of singlehood, grappling with a crippling identity crisis and self-esteem weaker than her biceps.

    In an effort to transform herself, she embarks on a fitness journey, where she crosses paths with—and falls for—her personal trainer. He assists her in shedding pounds and guides her toward a fresh perspective on life, especially when it comes to relationships. As their connection deepens, Jolicoeur confronts a challenging truth: monogamy is not his cup of tea. To make it work, she must undergo a profound transformation in her beliefs about life, love, and herself.

    In Journey to Paradise, Jolicoeur candidly shares her struggles with rebuilding self-esteem, managing jealousy, and embracing a lifestyle of ethical non-monogamy. Her intimate exploration of polyamory teaches her how to transcend the boundaries of conventional relationships in pursuit of the partnership she’s longed for. Fourteen years later, having found the courage to stand up for her desires, they are now happily married and living their chosen lifestyle.