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Unconditional Love
The Sound of Violet, 10th Anniversary Edition follows a young programmer with autism and a woman caught in a web of exploitation as their worlds collide in a way that offers them both hope. Where did the idea behind this novel come from?
The inspiration for The Sound of Violet came from a conversation with a friend about the challenges of dating in Los Angeles when I was single. I was often naïve and overly trusting, and I built those qualities into Shawn’s character. I was intrigued by the idea of him unknowingly starting a relationship with a woman being trafficked.
Initially, I created Violet as the typical “empowered prostitute” you see portrayed in movies. But as I researched and talked to organizations that fight trafficking, I discovered a devastating reality: women in prostitution are most often victims of trafficking. This realization dramatically changed how I portrayed Violet, altered the entire story, and ignited a passion in me to spread awareness about this critical issue. What began as a story about my awkward dating life evolved into something much deeper—a tale about unconditional love, redemption, and the courage it takes to truly see and fight for another person.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
At the heart of the story is the idea that everyone needs to be seen and cherished. I wanted to create characters who challenge us to see past surface appearances and stereotypes. Shawn’s autism and synesthesia give him a unique way of experiencing the world as he sees beauty that others miss. Violet’s story confronts the reality that trafficking victims aren’t the “empowered” figures often portrayed in media, but people trapped in exploitation who deserve dignity, rescue, and hope.
The novel explores themes of unconditional acceptance, the transformative power of love, and the courage to fight for another person. It also emphasizes that everyone, regardless of how society labels them, has inherent worth and the capacity for redemption and healing.
Where did you get the inspiration for Shawn’s traits and dialogue?
I built my own naivety and overly trusting nature into Shawn’s character. His literal interpretation of language and difficulty reading social cues comes from extensive research into autism and from personal relationships, as well as working with autistic individuals during the production of the film adaptation. On set, one of our key autistic crew members regularly consulted with our lead actor and helped fuel how he portrayed Shawn.
Shawn’s synesthesia, experiencing colors as sounds, adds a unique sensory dimension to his character. This trait allows readers to experience the world through his distinctive perspective, turning everyday moments into rich, sensory ones. His dialogue reflects his direct, factual communication style and his genuine, unguarded approach to relationships.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
As both an author and filmmaker, I’m juggling two creative projects simultaneously. On the film side, I’m developing my next motion picture, aiming to go into production this year. At the same time, I’m writing my next novel, which is a fantasy story that takes me into entirely new genre territory. It’s exciting to explore a different creative landscape while still focusing on the same core themes that drive all my work: authentic characters, meaningful relationships, and stories that make a genuine difference in people’s lives.
For readers who want to follow along with these projects and get updates on when the fantasy novel will be available, they can sign up at forms.sendpulse.com/319b8ea6a1. I send occasional updates about what I’m working on, including behind-the-scenes glimpses of both the writing and filmmaking processes.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Shawn dreams of finding a lifelong relationship, but only finds frustration-until he meets Violet, a beautiful, mysterious woman who sees past his autism to the man within. From the moment their eyes first lock, something sparks.
But behind Violet’s quiet smile lies a world of pain. Trapped in a life of exploitation, she’s learned that closeness brings danger. Yet, something about Shawn feels different. Safe. Real. Worth risking everything.
As their bond deepens, they must defy impossible odds and find the courage to fight for each other, no matter the cost. Because only love has the power to heal their deepest wounds and break them free from their past.
This inspirational contemporary romance-now a motion picture-returns as a newly revised 10th Anniversary Edition, with expanded storytelling and greater emotional depth.
A Comitragedy In Five Cantos
Theoryland: A Tragedy In Five Cantos follows an ambitious academic who dives headfirst into the world of highbrow theory only to have his arrogance grow, leading to his collapse into disillusionment. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
The date was roughly 1999. I was studying the falderal (H. L. Mencken’s word) in our public schools. I learned about flashy Academic trends such as Post Structuralism. My alumni magazine rejected an article on sophistry. A winter of discontent. I was broke. The more I read about the theories rampant at our universities, the less impressed I was. I always admired honesty and brevity as opposed to the strutting of pretenders.
I thought some of our professors ripe for mockery. You can see Theoryland start as a straight takeoff of T. S. Eliot, then you see it shift gears. Why? I was worried it would get stuck in a narrow rut so I jumped into a new car. A new ride, you might say.
In the rooms the critics come and go
sneering at the status quo.
On the dry grass, in a dry wind,
students throw a frisbee, joking.
I didn’t want to be predictable or pinned down by any particular tone. I wanted to surprise myself. The poem erupted. Abruptly, the janitor laughs, smoking. The subtext was always madness. I didn’t want to lose that at any point.
How long did it take to write?
I finished this wild thing in two or three weeks. I didn’t know what to make of it. Where do you place a very long poem? I put it on the shelf for almost 10 years! Then, one fine spring day, I took it out in the backyard and plunged in. To my surprise, I laughed and cried at all the same places. I decided this may be strange but it’s good.
Conventionally, many long poems obey traditional schemes and rules, so they are safe but also boring. Isn’t that the challenge? I took lots of chances. I had a lot of Eliot in my brain and careened from one souvenir to another. Maybe, I hoped, I could entertain people who normally don’t read poetry. This has enough story to be a play or a small arty movie. I think it would be so much fun to watch.
Were there any poets or other writers who influenced your work on this collection?
Early on my favorite poets were Walt Whitman. e e cummings. A Roman named Catullus. Ezra Pound. Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Walt Whitman coined the phrase “my barbaric yawp.” I think Theoryland is “my very own barbaric yawp.”
Eliot created the hero’s personality. J. Alfred Prufrock is a passionate but timid man. And we have all been there. Prufrock remains the same throughout his poem, but the narrator of Theoryland knows conquest and as well defeat.
What was one of the hardest parts in Theoryland for you to write?
To a great degree, it wrote itself. I worried about getting in my own way. Let it go, I kept telling myself. Take chances. What’s the most interesting thing that could happen now??? I’ve read this poem almost 50 times and every time was fun.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I have two novels out now that were inspired by AI: Frankie and The Boy Who Saves The World.
I think they’re both excellent for telling people what scary things could happen.
In 2026 I hope to release Art and Beauty, detective mystery, and Carla –Manhattan Love Story.
Hazelnuts and Homicide: A Bonne Année Mystery
The novel opens in the quiet coastal town of Hazelton, Oregon. Life there revolves around small rituals, none more beloved than the supper clubs where residents debate literature and impress one another with ambitious home cooking. At the heart of these gatherings stands Bonne Annee, a bookstore owner whose devotion to fiction is matched only by her enthusiasm for food. One convivial evening takes a sharp turn when a guest appears to have been murdered. Bonne soon finds herself at the center of the investigation and at the top of the suspect list. With the town’s first Christmas market fast approaching, she teams up with her Bernedoodle, Oscar, to uncover the truth before the holiday season is derailed.
Hazelnuts and Homicide by N.E. Carlyle fits comfortably within the cozy mystery tradition. It is also a story rooted in friendship. Bonne’s circle plays a prominent role throughout, lending warmth and texture to the unfolding mystery. The novel is a lively and confident outing, distinguished by strong character work. Carlyle populates Hazelton with an eccentric and appealing ensemble, rendered vividly through brisk, energetic prose. The holiday backdrop evokes the familiarity of seasonal television romances, yet the tone remains lighthearted rather than saccharine. The atmosphere feels inviting without tipping into excess.
Bonne Annee emerges as an effective and engaging protagonist. She is deeply loyal, socially embedded, and clearly invested in her community. Hazelton itself carries similar narrative weight. The town feels tangible and lived-in, defined by cheerful settings and a palpable sense of place. Most appealing is Bonne’s grounded nature. She is capable and persistent, but not infallible. Her missteps lend credibility and make her easier to root for than the genre’s more preternaturally gifted detectives.
Carlyle’s attention to food adds another layer of charm, enriching the story without slowing its pace. Still, the undeniable scene stealer is Oscar. Few sidekicks suit a cozy mystery better than an exuberant Bernedoodle. His presence provides both levity and heart, serving as the final flourish on a thoroughly enjoyable, holiday-themed mystery.
Pages: 350 | ASIN: B0FX517RB9
Six Stories Up- Tales of Whimsy, Imagination, and Hey, A Little Satisfying Comeuppance
Six Stories Up is a lively collection of short tales that bounce between playful fantasy, sharp humor, and a soft punch of moral comeuppance. Each story stands on its own, from the rain-soaked artistic swirl of 1920s Paris to a Vietnam vet’s barroom confession, to a smart-mouthed seagull convincing a fisherman to take a swim. The book wanders through imagination with a kind of wink that says, stay loose, anything can happen here. There is trickery at times and reflection at others, and by the end of each tale, I felt that small, satisfying click of a truth landing where it should.
I enjoyed the author’s voice. It feels relaxed and mischievous, almost like someone at the far end of a bar spinning stories just for the fun of it. The writing moves fast and never takes itself too seriously. I got pulled in by the rhythm of it. Scenes like the boisterous café in Paris or the smoky bar in Seattle feel alive because the dialogue snaps and the characters talk like people who actually exist. I was grinning at the chaos around Tinkham in Paris, and then sinking into the slower, thoughtful mood of the old veteran’s tale in The Doppelganger War. The book shifts tones with ease, and I enjoyed that unpredictability. It kept me alert, never quite sure where the next turn would land.
And the ideas, honestly, surprised me. At first, I thought I was settling in for pure entertainment. Instead, I found myself thinking about belief, about luck, about the lies we tell ourselves to get through life. That talking seagull cracked me up, but it also made a point about trusting the wrong voices. The stories play with morality in a lighthearted way, but they still sting a little when the consequences show up. I liked that combination. I could sense the author having real fun with these characters while still nudging me to look a little closer. That balance made the whole collection feel richer than I expected.
I would recommend Six Stories Up to readers who love quirky short fiction with personality. People who enjoy clever twists, fast dialogue, and a mix of humor with heart will get a kick out of this book. It is great for anyone who wants something playful yet thoughtful, something that can make them laugh and then make them pause for a second. I had a good time with it, and I think anyone who likes stories that wander off the well-worn path will too.
Pages: 251 | ASIN : B08KXSX4WP
Murder in the Mix
Murder in the Mix blends a sharp mystery with a warm character study, and the whole thing moves with an energy that kept catching me off guard. The story follows Gina Morrison, a ghostwriter who becomes entangled in the violent death of celebrity chef Marisol St. James. Their work together opens old doors, pulls forward hidden memories, and sends Gina into a dangerous world she never planned to enter. The book mixes food, friendship, and fear in a way that made the pages feel alive.
As I read, I found myself surprised by how deeply I connected to Gina. She moves through the story with this quiet strength that sneaks up on you. Her loneliness feels so real, and I felt it hit me in the gut more than once. The scenes in Marisol’s kitchen carried this soft glow. They showed a warmth that made later events land harder. Author Carolyn Eichhorn’s writing has this habit of slipping into intimate moments so smoothly that I would forget I was reading a mystery at all, then something sharp and awful would strike and pull me right back into the danger. I loved that tension.
The mystery itself unfolds in a way that felt messy in a human sense instead of messy in a structural way, which I appreciated. Clues come in sideways. Suspicions form and fall apart. People act irrationally, just like people do when they are scared or grieving. Eichhorn’s style invites chaos without ever losing control of the story. I found myself muttering at characters more than once. Sometimes laughing. Sometimes bracing. The emotional swings felt honest, and I liked that the book never tried to make grief tidy or pleasant.
It reminded me a little of The Thursday Murder Club because both books mix a warm, character-focused story with a twisty mystery that sneaks up on you and delivers more heart than you expect. I would recommend Murder in the Mix to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries, stories about creative people, or novels that let relationships shape the danger instead of the other way around. It is especially fitting for anyone who likes culinary settings with a bite of darkness and a lot of heart.
Pages: 201 | ASIN : B0FX6SYZN2
Better Health with AI
Better Health with AI lays out a clear and hopeful roadmap for how everyday people can use artificial intelligence to understand their bodies, spot early warning signs, and work more effectively with their doctors. The book walks through wearables, genetic testing, disease prevention, and practical decision-making. It pulls in real stories, scientific references, and step-by-step advice. The tone is warm and steady. The goal is simple. Give people enough knowledge to take control of their health without pretending AI is magic or a substitute for medical care.
I found myself surprised by how personal it felt. The author mixes science with stories about patients, family, and his own habits. I liked that. He also repeats warnings about relying too much on AI, and those moments made me trust him more. The writing feels like a doctor talking to you in plain language and trying hard not to scare you or sugarcoat anything. Some chapters get pretty detailed. Still, the ideas are presented in a friendly way. The examples about heart disease, sleep patterns, and thyroid issues stuck with me because they show how blind we often are to slow changes in our bodies. I felt a real sense of relief knowing there are tools that can catch things earlier than I ever could.
The book nudges you to reflect on your own habits. I liked the way it blends cautious optimism with simple tips. I also appreciated the honesty about limitations. Genetic testing is framed not as destiny but as a set of clues. AI’s tendency to “hallucinate” is described plainly. And the discussion of data privacy feels grounded and thoughtful. It acknowledges the fears many communities carry due to real history. That section made the book feel aware of the world we live in, not just the technology we’re excited about.
I think this book is a great fit for people who are curious about AI but don’t want hype. It would help anyone who tracks their health, anyone managing a chronic condition, or anyone who wants a clearer picture of their future risks. It is also right for people who want to talk to their doctor in a more informed way. I walked away feeling both motivated and informed, and I think that mix is rare in health writing.
Pages: 372 | ASIN: B0G3J881BZ
Yoey Does It Her Way
Yoey Does It Her Way follows Yoey through her everyday joys. The playground. The swings. Swimming and frozen yogurt. Picture books and music. Bedtime moments. This picture book shows a child who learns at her own pace and keeps going. Her family cheers her on. The story ends with a clear message. Yoey is more than her challenges, and she is proud of who she is.
The writing is simple and direct. That works well here because the book is for young children. I liked how the focus stays on what Yoey loves instead of what she struggles with. It keeps the tone positive. I love how it treats learning differences as one small piece of a whole kid. That line stuck with me. It feels kind and true. The pride from her brother and parents were emotional moments that young readers will be able to see through the emotive images. The ending note for adults adds depth and meaning.
The illustrations on each page are bright and colorful and full of life. Yoey appears in many different scenes, like the playground, the beach, and bedtime, and each one feels cheerful and warm. I loved how her smile, focus, and excitement change from page to page and help tell the story without many words.
I would recommend this children’s book to families with young children. Especially families who want stories about inclusion and kindness. It would be great for classrooms and therapy spaces, too. It feels best for early readers and read-aloud time. This book celebrates kids being themselves.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0G54CW1G6
Morning of a Crescent Moon
Morning of a Crescent Moon is a work of historical fiction set in 1898 Virden, Illinois, during the turbulent months leading up to the real Battle of Virden. The story follows Cate Merry, a young nurse-turned-teacher, arriving in a town already buzzing with tension as miners face a long lockout and the threat of imported strikebreakers. Through Cate’s eyes, we meet families scraping by on gardens and barter, miners determined to preserve their dignity, and townspeople caught between fear, pride, and hope. It’s a gentle, character-driven narrative set against a very real and violent historical backdrop, and the book makes its genre clear from the opening pages: this is grounded, people-centered historical fiction.
What I enjoyed most was how the author invites you into the quiet details of Cate’s new life. Small moments feel important. Her first steps off the train into a line of grim men. The shy McCall children selling tomatoes and corn. The drugstore with its lazy ceiling fans and Brad’s Drink. These scenes do a lot of the heavy lifting, easing you into the world before the bigger conflict tightens around everyone. The writing favors clear, steady storytelling over flourishes, which actually works well here. It gives the book a lived-in feeling. I especially liked how Cate’s inner life is handled. She’s anxious, hopeful, sometimes overwhelmed, but always trying to find her footing. Her memories of nursing wounded soldiers linger just under the surface, shaping her choices without becoming melodramatic. It’s subtle and believable.
I also found myself drawn to the author’s choice to tell the story through relationships rather than events. The miners’ struggle isn’t explained in an abstract way. It’s revealed through conversations on porches, worried glances in general stores, and the quiet determination of people trying to feed their families any way they can. Even the moments of local gossip help build a sense of community under strain. And then there’s Noah McCall, who becomes a steady emotional counterweight to Cate. His warmth and responsibility toward his siblings give the book a kind of heartbeat. Whenever the bigger historical tensions rise, the domestic scenes with the McCalls bring everything back to the human scale. It’s not a flashy narrative structure, but it gives the story weight.
By the final chapters, the tone shifts. The danger everyone has sensed surfaces finally, and the emotional stakes land because the quieter chapters have done their job. I won’t spoil specifics, but the aftermath sections are some of the strongest in the book. They carry a sense of exhaustion and tenderness that felt honest to both the characters and the history. The author includes real context about the labor movement, but the storytelling never turns into a lecture. You feel the history rather than being told about it.
I’d recommend Morning of a Crescent Moon to readers who like historical fiction that moves at a steady pace. If you enjoy stories centered on community, steady character arcs, and the everyday courage of ordinary people, this one will speak to you. It’s for someone who wants to sit with characters long enough to care about what happens to them.
Pages: 384 | ASIN: 1969935030
LITERARY TITAN 