Blog Archives
Embraced Change
Perseverance, Journey to Alaska shares your journey of setting off on a new adventure in life, drastically different from anything you had done before, and biking through the wilderness of Alaska. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I started writing Perseverance, Journey to Alaska as a travel guide for e-bike touring enthusiasts. When I started my Journey, I had no idea I was embarking on a life-changing adventure. By the time I reached the halfway point of my journey, I knew I was not returning. The emotional aspect of that decision was overwhelming. I lived in California for 40 years, leaving that life for something unknown, shrouded in pitfalls, but the promise of something better inspired me to write a different story.
Writing this book is important to share a bit of soul-searching humanity with my fellow human beings. To lead by example, and share a story that inspires, encourages, and proves it can be done at any age given the determination and perseverance to change one’s life. It takes a lot of courage to leave everything you own behind. The material aspect is nothing compared to the emotional and psychological impact. Humans are creatures of habit; we crave the known, creating lifestyle patterns that lead to an easy life. I rode my bicycle into an unknown abyss, starting a new career with zero overlapping skills. Writing Perseverance, Journey to Alaska was a calling because a good writer writes stories that inspire.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea in this book is change. Change is inevitable in our society. I embraced change with an open mind and proved that with determination, anyone can change. Many humans get stuck in the status quo, afraid to embark on a journey of change. I wanted to document my journey to inspire others.
We live in a changing world. The speed of change and the decimation of information in the modern world is dizzying. The ideas behind my book were documenting a human being’s ability to adapt and change to a new environment, economics, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and culture.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who reads your story and decides to take a leap of faith and strike out on their own adventure?
The answer to this question is to paraphrase the last paragraph in my book. There is no better answer:
The most important thing you need before any adventure is a good attitude. Unexpected things will happen. That is part of life. You can plan everything, but it will inevitably go wrong. When this happens, stop, take a deep breath, and say, “Oh well, that did not work.” Focus on solutions; do not waste your time and energy on the problem. You will find a way to fix the problem if you are human. Mistakes are part of life, so roll with the punches; do not sweat the small things. If you get a flat tire or break a spoke, fix it. You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t worry about what “might happen.” If I worried about all the “what ifs,” I would never have left San Francisco. Plan your trip with a margin of error and budget your money with wiggle room. Add a few days to your timeline. If you decide to turn left, you might find something beautiful, so just do it. If you plan your trip precisely, you won’t have time to stop and smell the roses. Slow down and enjoy your journey; that is the journey of life.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Inspiration and hope for a better future. I left everything I knew for a better future. It was a leap in faith. I wrote this book to inspire others who are contemplating a better future.
Author links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
What would you do with your new life? Could you make it with the clothes on your back and a couple thousand dollars in your savings account? Move across the country to a small town where nobody knows you and start over? Would you be willing to risk everything?
Come on a ride with me to Alaska. I did this and more on a bicycle. Join me as we follow my map and embark on this adventure together.
the smallest wave
the smallest wave, by Dolores Reynals, offers readers a captivating journey through the life of its protagonist, Dolores, who hails from Mendoza, Argentina. Set against the backdrop of a loving family environment, the narrative begins with the harrowing circumstances of Dolores’ birth, marking the start of a life characterized by resilience and curiosity.
Dolores’ childhood is painted with vivid anecdotes of time spent with her grandparents, instilling a sense of familial warmth and creating a tapestry of cherished memories. Her inquisitive nature is evident early on, along with a budding dream of pursuing acting. The book adeptly portrays her as a strong-willed individual, highlighting her role as a leader in school protests and her determination to forge her own path. Her journey through adulthood is marked by a relentless pursuit of her aspirations. After high school, Dolores’ adventurous spirit takes her across Europe, culminating in a drama degree from London. This period of her life is characterized by independence and self-reliance as she navigates various jobs to support herself and funds her own travels, demonstrating commendable courage and autonomy.
In exploring Dolores’ life, the book delves into various facets, including her education, career, romantic involvements, and diverse experiences. It reveals a person who is resolute in her choices yet struggles with the inability to refuse others, a trait that interestingly manifests in her personal relationships. The narrative does more than chronicle a life; it provides a window into Argentine culture and traditions, enhancing the reader’s experience with insights into communal living and familial bonds. The inclusion of Spanish phrases adds an authentic touch, engaging those with an interest in language. Dolores’ anecdotes, ranging from childhood mischief to her ambitious pursuit of an acting career, are narrated with a charm that resonates with the reader. Her journey, replete with challenges and triumphs, is presented in a manner that is both heartwarming and inspiring.
the smallest wave is more than just a biography; it’s a celebration of life’s adventures and the unyielding spirit of its protagonist. It’s recommended for those who appreciate biographical narratives enriched with cultural depth and a spirit of adventure.
Pages: 196 | ASIN : B0CW19XN7D
Authentic and Unfiltered Perspective
Risky Business in Rising China is more than a memoir; it is a deep dive into China’s transformative journey from an isolated Communist state to a key player on the global economic forefront. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My career in China over three decades coincided with an extraordinary reform period in which China turned away from class struggle and central planning and implemented market-oriented reforms. During this period, over 800 million people were lifted out of poverty—this is the greatest event in our lives of the last 40 years! I would never have missed it. I knew my business career in China had a type of uniqueness because of the breadth of work I’d done with a variety of new companies in different industries that had emerged in the previously closed Chinese economy. I’d witnessed a complete transformation of that economy from stagnant state-planned to dynamic market-driven. I’d directly experienced the rise of a vibrant private sector that is the key to China’s long-term development. I’d worked alongside Chinese entrepreneurs striving to succeed despite barriers set up to protect the state sector. From my Western perspective, China’s modernization had brought me many opportunities to participate in and contribute to, China’s development. It also had given me great satisfaction observing the liberation of its people from the economic stagnation of the past. And I realized that sharing my experiences as an American businessman in China spanning four decades would not only describe the seismic shifts in that nation’s economy and society but foretell where China is heading in the future. And since China now is the globe’s chief superpower rivaling the United States, the implications for how China’s economy grows, how it pursues its geopolitical aspirations, and how it handles climate change are critical for all humanity.
As a writer, what were some of the specific objectives or targets that you set for yourself while working on this book? What were the key aims that you had in mind, and how did you go about achieving them?
Risky Business in Rising China chronicles my trials, triumphs, and frequent tribulations in a range of industries—from aircraft maintenance to electric-vehicle production, mobile internet to venture capital, lithium-ion batteries to asset trading—managing joint ventures or startup companies within China’s rapidly modernizing economy. I wanted to offer an authentic and unfiltered perspective through the lens of my varied career on China’s historically unparalleled transformation into a global economic powerhouse, as well as a geopolitical competitor of the United States. Chapters illustrate and detail the intricate interplay of forces that have propelled China’s seemingly miraculous ascent. Through candid storytelling and frank observation, I chronicle the exhilarating stages of China’s modernization. I also underscore the factors that may very well sabotage China’s sustained growth—and lead the world’s most populous nation into drastic decline in our lifetime.
What sets this book apart is its ability to deliver not just a compelling narrative but invaluable insights that explain China’s rise (as well as the apparent onset of stagnation). From accurately portraying the intricacies of daily life in China to decoding the nuances of its business environment and culture and the unremitting grip of its central government, Risky Business in Rising China serves as a guide for entrepreneurs seeking to succeed in today’s China. Combining personal anecdotes with insightful analysis supported by documented facts, the book offers a roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities inherent in this vibrant market. It also is a valuable read for anyone wishing to understand where China’s economy and society may be heading in the years and decades to come.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Risky Business in Rising China?
This is my first book. My qualifications as an author stem from a career spent deeply immersed in China’s hypergrowth phase, coupled with a breadth of managerial involvement in diverse industries in China’s modernizing economy. Fluent in Chinese, I possess a nuanced understanding beyond language discerning unspoken subtleties crucial in business interactions. I offer readers an engaging and authentic perspective grounded in real-world experiences.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your book?
The audience for this book is diverse, including individuals eager to elevate their business acumen in China, those seeking an immersive experience of the country, and anyone intrigued by the inner workings of China’s rise. Accessible to professionals, students, and aspiring leaders, Risky Business in Rising China also aims to inspire younger generations to explore the myriad opportunities to study, explore, culturally engage with, or do business in China.
Author Links: GoodReads | Linkedin | Website | Amazon
Grief Does Get Easier
Suddenly: A Widow’s Story of Unexpected Loss and Healing shares the process you went through when your husband died suddenly, and you had to reframe your life for yourself and your daughters and find a way to endure. Why was it important to share your story with the world?
Prior to losing my husband, I read the book Radical Survivor by Nancy Saltzman. Nancy lost her husband and two young sons in a plane crash, and I was amazed by her resilience. I reread her book after my husband died, and her story inspired me to move forward. I am hoping my story has the same impact on others who have been widowed or suffered another loss.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I feel it is really important to normalize grief. Death is a part of life, and it is easier to deal with if grief is acknowledged. I wanted to convey to my readers that grief does get easier over time. We are never going to forget our loved one, nor would we want to, but we can move forward.
Healing from a loss like yours is never easy. What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
There are no rights or wrongs when it comes to grief. Don’t let others dictate what you can or can’t do. This is your journey, and you can grieve on your own timeline.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
My greatest wish is to provide hope. You can be happy again. I like to say that good things have happened to me in spite of my loss.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Website | Amazon
Danell was living her dream life with her husband Patrick and two daughters when he left for a morning bike ride and never returned home. Danell was suddenly a single parent who was faced with learning to move forward on an unfamiliar path. Danell treasured the impact Patrick had on the lives of others and dedicated herself to making that kind of difference in the future.
In Suddenly: A Widow’s Story of Unexpected Loss and Healing, readers will discover how Danell:
Used writing to record memories while they were fresh, helping to process grief
Discovered a new purpose through introspection
Strengthened family traditions and created new ones
Allowed herself to experience happiness and joy after the grieving process
Supported her daughters as they found their own purpose
Danell found strength in the stories of other widows. She aspires to have her story provide hope for others experiencing loss.
The Beauty of the Freedom Afterwards
Descending Angels, How to Escape Abuse: The Many Types of Abuse, The Angels of My Story, Tricks Learned for Escape is beautifully written and a unique approach that addresses a subject that is often overlooked or talked about by people who have not lived it. What inspired you to share your story?
It was a simple passing request believe it or not. Matilda (now grown) for whom I was a tutor, asked me to write one scene about what we were all going through. I did so, but then just couldn’t stop writing.
It was as if “the code of silence” that keeps many in the hands of abusers, broke. I became flooded not simply with emotion, but the more I thought about it, the more I saw how I might help others with what I’d learned, having escaped my abuser.
Everything poured out, and when organized became a guide, not just to escape, but to the beauty of the freedom afterwards.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Probably the most important would be that the victim knew how to survive long before they met the abuser. That being so, the victim will also survive after the abuser is gone. Survival need not be taught. Survival is a basic drive we are born with.
The second being; most victims are brainwashed into thinking they are less, undeserving, useless. That is just a power play that abusers use to minimize partners. If we were truly unworthy, would it have to be told to us repeatedly? No.
The problem I see most of the time is that people mistake confidence and or self-love for pride. These are not synonyms. Yet somehow, we grow-up believing that feeling good about ourselves is conceit.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about people in abusive relationships?
The biggest problem I’m aware of is that mainstream belief is that the abused are weak. Absolutely laughable if you take into account every horrible thing they put up with and still manage to get out of bed in the morning.
The worst bit is that the abused believe that lie too. This keeps them in the nightmare. I truly wish that society would stop reinforcing this mindset.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
We really are capable of anything we put our minds to. ALL of us. Don’t sell yourself short and bar yourself from overcoming obstacles. You are the main character of your story, if you don’t like what your story says, you have the power to rewrite it.
If this book helps even one woman get free, I’ve succeeded.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
What I didn’t know about abuse could fill up a book.
I didn’t know the many types of abuse and how they could affect me. I didn’t know how to escape or get away from it. I didn’t know how smart I actually was and everything I could accomplish if I only put my mind to it. And I didn’t know how strong I was… that is, until Angels Descended upon me and enlightened my thoughts with what was actually possible for my life.
God did not put us on this planet to be bullied and abused. When He sends Angels to help you – LISTEN to them! Take action. And get away as soon as you possibly can!
Not On My Watch: A Beloved Prison Warden’s 30-Year Fight For Justice In The Prison System
In Not On My Watch: A Beloved Prison Warden’s 30-Year Fight For Justice In The Prison System, author and former prison warden Bob Hatrak shares his experiences at Rahway State Prison, a maximum-security facility in East New Jersey. Hatrak, known for his compassionate approach, illustrates the power of empathy and reform in the often harsh environment of the penal system. His commitment to the well-being and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals shines throughout the narrative.
Hatrak’s journey is not just a tale of managing a prison but a deeper exploration of personal growth and the impact of life choices. The book delves into how Hatrak’s own experiences of overcoming adversity shape his empathetic approach to prison administration. This personal touch adds a rich layer to the narrative, making the reader appreciate the complexities of his role as a warden. One of the book’s most compelling aspects is Hatrak’s advocacy for self-rehabilitation, a theme that resonates with those who believe in second chances and the potential for transformation. Hatrak’s belief in the power of vocational training programs as a tool for rehabilitation is particularly noteworthy. The reader is introduced to groups like the Escorts and the Lifers, whose stories exemplify the positive outcomes of such initiatives.
Hatrak’s entrepreneurial spirit in pushing for progressive prison reform is both enlightening and inspirational. His story is not just about managing a prison but about humanizing it, making Not on My Watch a significant read for those interested in criminal justice reform and personal stories of resilience and compassion. The book is recommended for readers seeking insight into the world of prison administration and the transformative power of empathy and progressive thinking in a challenging environment.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0CW2WVM9X
A Chapter In Our Story
In Search of Mr. Darcy is your heartfelt coming-of-middle-age memoir sharing the struggles with finding love and friendship and wondering if the elusive Mr Darcy is out there. Why was this an important book for you to write?
So many women I know have gotten sideswiped and swallowed up by the unforeseen pressures of bad relationships, affairs, cheating spouses, single parenting, or even step-parenting. Why is our life not like every fairy tale we were told or even every Jane Austen novel we have ever read? Where is my Prince Charming? Where is my Mr Darcy? And why don’t I look like Jennifer Lopez at 50? And at some point over the age of 40, we find ourselves staring into that bathroom mirror and asking that one monumental question that universally ties us all together, “How the fuck did I get here, and more importantly, who can I blame?” This book was important to write because it reminds us that we are not alone. And the more we women share, the more we realize just how much we have in common.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing to write about was the highs and very low lows about parenting and step-parenting. It is the hardest job in the world, right up there with Chilean coal miners, and potentially as dangerous. As parents, we are deeply flawed human beings, but that is never from a lack of trying or loving. I think what made this so hard was that there were bigger, rawer lessons to be learned and felt. Relationships can come and go, but your life as a parent is forever. Or, to quote my father when he talked about raising children, “Christina, remember, the first 40 years are the hardest.”
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the themes that runs through this book is the importance of friends. They are our real soulmates; they have earned that distinction. These are the squad who would break you out of a Turkish prison, stop you from drunk dialing your ex at 1:00 in the morning or give you an alibi that would stand up in court. And as we get older and come of age, middle age, we have to learn to tell the difference between friends and frenemies. And although not all problems can be solved by day-drinking or assault eating, and not all friendships are meant to last forever (or even past high school) friendships will get your though all of life’s unscheduled crap.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
The single most important takeaway is simply this. Those men who have come in (and/or out) of our lives, those relationships, do not define us. They are merely a chapter in our story, and do not get to decide how it ends. We do.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website Author | Website Book | TikTok
Prince Charming? Happily ever after? Childhood fairy tales are full of promises, but the reality – life – is a very different story. And that story has a hell of a lot to teach us.
Written with honesty, humour and warmth, Christina Ford looks back on four decades of dates, loves, marriages, friendships, affairs, divorces, parenting disasters and step-parenting nightmares.
For all those who have ever wondered if there is life after divorce, sex after 40, or who have had their heart broken and questioned if they will ever find love again, this is a reaffirming rallying call that mid-life is exactly that – the middle and not the end.
LITERARY TITAN 