Blog Archives
Moving Forward
The Space Between Dreaming follows two women struggling to have a family of their own who meet at an art gallery and form an unlikely friendship. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had always wanted to write a story that featured strong friendships that was perhaps a bit unexpected. I decided to do this through friendships that spanned different generations and different circumstances as a way to show the strength we gain from women who are in our corner. Since I’m also an artist, I took a lot of inspiration from my own experience in showing in galleries and working at art fairs.
Grace and Jane are both relatable characters that readers are drawn to and want to help. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
I used my real-life great-grandmother’s name for one of the characters, although the personality of the character is totally different. The character of Jane loves the Milwaukee Art Museum and has since she was a kid, which is something I took directly from my own life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My love of art and the power of expressing emotions through painting is something I wanted to convey. I wanted readers to feel how valuable the practice and appreciation of artistic endeavor can be in healing, decision-making, and everyday life. Also the theme of moving forward despite difficult circumstances was an important one to include. I wanted this to be an inspiring, hopeful book for someone to pick up.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I just released an art book called Poetry and Paint. It features my original paintings and poetry. I’m also working on another novel, but I don’t have a date for its release yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Grace and Jane both crave family but for much different reasons. Grace longs for the child she was never able to conceive and Jane for the new family she will have once she marries her boyfriend. They meet and become unlikely friends when Grace’s husband paints his masterpiece and Jane’s gallery represents him.
As they ponder their future, Jane’s meddling 80-year-old landlady helps them see the beauty in letting go of expectations. Grace and Jane each see something different in the painting, and it causes them to look beyond their stubborn dreams to a fresh reality that could hold the key to their happiness.
History and Classic Cinema
Janszoon follows Hollywood icon Humphrey Bogart through his tumultuous personal and professional life who longs for adventure and a lasting legacy while learning about his ancestor, pirate Jan Janszoon van Salee. What inspired you to write this story?
At the heart of all of my historical fiction writing is my soon-to-be-published series about German immigration in the early Eighteenth Century. As the family historian, my wife and I undertook a journey tracing the path of my German ancestor, Hans Heinrich Gruber (no relation to the Die Hard Hans), from Basel, Switzerland, up the Rhine River to Rotterdam. From there, Hans embarked on a ship to New York City. While researching the New Netherlands, specifically the island of Manhattan, I stumbled upon the story of the infamously famous, fabulously wealthy Dutch Barbary pirate Jan Janszoon Van Salee. His sons were among the earliest settlers, and their descendants now number in the millions. Among these descendants is believed to be the Hollywood legend Humphrey Bogart.
As I traveled through the Northeast, from Philadelphia to Canada to Boston, gathering facts for my series, the idea for this book struck me. I envisioned Bogart, amid his career, exploring his connection to Jan Janszoon Van Salee. The story became a journey of self-discovery, legacy, and adventure as Bogart delves into his heritage to understand what it means to leave a lasting mark on the world.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Bibliography
Widing, Roy. Sluggy: Bogie’s Other Baby. Mayo Methot – Star of Stage, Screen & Wife of Humphrey Bogart. Orlando, Florida: Copyright 2019 Roy Widing. (pgs 131, 142-4)
Thompson, Verita, and Donald Shepherd. A Love Story: Bogie and Me. Pinnacle Books, Inc., 1982. (pgs. 10-14, 17-25, 27-33, 45-49, 53-56)
Hyams, Joe. The Humphrey Bogart Story: BOGIE. The New American Library, Inc., 1966. 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. (pgs. 63, 72, 79-80, 87)
Sperber, A.M., and Eric Lax. Bogart. HarperCollins Publishers, 1997. 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007. (pgs. 227, 235)
Meyers, Jeffrey. BOGART: A Life in Hollywood. A Peter Davison Book, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, New York, 1997. (pgs. 138, 160-163)
Bogart, Stephen Humphrey, and Gary Provost. Bogart: In Search of My Father. Penguin Books USA Inc., 1995. 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Humphrey Bogart and the rest of the gang.
…and of course, lots of old movies.
What draws you to the Golden Age of Hollywood and makes it ripe for you to write such a great biographical fiction story in it?
My draw to the Golden Age of Hollywood stems from a deep love for the silver screen and history. As a longtime fan of classic films, I’ve always been captivated by the larger-than-life personalities and stories that shaped that era. The glitz, glamor, and drama of Hollywood’s golden years offer a rich world for storytelling, where real-life legends like Humphrey Bogart navigated personal and professional challenges while leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
Retired from dentistry, I now have the luxury of immersing myself in history and letting my imagination run wild. Daydreaming about the lives of iconic figures allows me to blend factual history with fictional narratives, creating stories that entertain and explore the human side of these legends. Writing biographical fiction set in this era is my way of paying tribute to the stars who shaped our cultural landscape while indulging my passion for history and classic cinema.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
There are several thrilling historical fiction projects in the works, each offering a unique dive into the past and beyond. First up is an ambitious eight-book series that will take you on a journey through German immigration from 1700 to 1780, capturing the trials, triumphs, and enduring spirit of those who shaped the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Spinning off from this series is an intriguing standalone novel set around 1715, centered on a girls’ school that spurred the transfer of none other than Yale College to New Haven—a story rich with secrets, ambition, and early American history.
But that’s not all! There’s also the first installment of a gripping murder mystery series, promising twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And if that weren’t enough, a mind-blowing multi-book sci-fi saga is in the works, ready to transport readers to worlds and dimensions that defy imagination.
The funny thing about crafting a long series is that by the time you’re knee-deep in books, new revelations or ideas often pop up, prompting rewrites and tweaks to earlier volumes. It’s a creative journey that truly only ends once everything falls perfectly in place. One day, these stories will be polished, perfected, and released as a complete set, and I hope readers will enjoy them as much as I’ve loved bringing them to life.
Author Links: Amazon
It’s 1942 and Humphrey Bogart seems to have it all. By day, he’s reading lines for Casablanca with Ingrid Bergman; by night, he’s drinking bourbon on the Sunset Strip with friends like Peter Lorre and Leslie Howard.
But to Bogart, life is not so glamorous. High-profile fights with his wife Mayo and a rigid studio contract committing him to a series of mediocre films have him feeling personally and professionally trapped.
That is, until one day a mysterious note arrives on set.
Heeding the strange invitation, Bogart finds himself in a series of long, secret conversations with his aunt and cousin about the swashbuckling tales of their ancestor, the pirate Jan Janszoon van Salee. These tales of the high seas ignite a fire within Bogart to carve out a path that is uniquely his own—even if it means shedding the roles and people who made him famous.
Janszoon is more than a Hollywood fantasy; it’s a journey into the heart of a man wrestling with ambitions and desires, an actor who yearns to balance his on-screen personas with his off-screen reality. From his tumultuous marriage and infamous USO tour, through his affairs with Verita Patterson and Lauren Bacall, Janszoon imagines a life in which the enigmatic Humphrey Bogart seeks a legacy that transcends the ephemeral glow of stardom.
Resolving Old Trauma
Calliope Wakes follows a young adult woman who is plagued by relentless nightmares and strange uncontrollable events happening around her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up in the Midwest where I looked like no one else. First-generation immigrant families sometimes don’t assimilate well and I was stuck straddling two very different cultures. You want weird looks? Bring chopsticks for your school lunch. My happy place growing up with the tiny city library and that’s where I started exploring. All the good classics–Lloyd Alexander, Patricia McKillip, Alice Hoffman, Andre Norton, Katharine Kerr, Susan Cooper. If it was available, I read it. I wanted to write a book about an outsider trying to reconcile two completely different worlds. And, of course, I wanted sweeping romance, epic battles, and earth-shattering endings.
Callie struggles with her nightmares and the return of Erik into her life leaving her questioning what is happening and if she is the cause. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I needed Callie to earn her self-actualization. There’s always someone else telling you who you should be, what you should do, and weighing your worth, screw all of that. It took me a long time to realize I needed to run my own race and I pushed for Callie to start having faith in herself.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
For all young folks moving from high school to college, the mission should be to discover yourself. What do you believe in, what do you want to do with your life, what are your hard limits, or do you even have them? Emerging adulthood is a time like no other because you’re still unformed and that is your first shot at making yourself who you want to be. A key part of that is letting go of the past or resolving old trauma because you don’t want that weighing you down going forward.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I always intended for this to be a one-shot but now I want to write a full trilogy! Let’s see what my lovely publisher at Evernight Teen thinks. Celtic and Norse mythology is vast and wide-ranging but there are some fantastic myths that I want to tie to the young adult experience.
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The gods are alive, and they’re in Michigan.
Something is wrong in Bellhaven, and Callie doesn’t know how to stop the nightmares. She just wants to be safe in her small city by Lake Michigan, but there are strangers in town and evil around the corner. Is she causing the troubles, or is there something more sinister? Erik has come back into her life and seems to know more about her bursts of insanity than her, but she doesn’t know if she can trust him or if he’s trying to distract her.
Then buildings are collapsing, wolves are attacking, people are dying and only Callie can save them. Will this time be different? Will they finally live to see the sun rise on All Hallows’ Eve?
Self-Discovery
Roth follows a highly gifted man as he revisits memories of his childhood and how it is shaping his adult life and the things he does to find his own inner peace. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Although the story is 100% a work of fiction, there are some elements inspired by real events that somehow marked my childhood. The story begins in a very particular place, which is the protagonist’s lowest point of suffering in his life. We then have two timelines that open up after the first chapter: The first begins in his childhood and is the one that will help us understand why he is who he is, and what events transformed him into that cynical person. But at the same time, looking towards the future, the path towards self-discovery that eventually makes him understand where true happiness can be found.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The human condition is the greatest inspiration for any kind of fiction. The complexity of human relationships and the enormous burdens of meaning that humans attach to everything are undoubtedly what make for great stories.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Universal themes. Happiness, the pursuit of happiness, money, love, unconditionality, friendship, fear, jealousy. The human condition is fascinating in every way.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I am writing a new novel, which is not directly related to ROTH but takes place in the same universe. It’s a much more complex and ambitious story, and so far, I am really liking how it’s turning out. It will be ready to read next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Amazon
“ROTH”, la novela de Jonás Romano Weiss, combina magistralmente el uso de la ironía y la reflexión explorando temas universales como la mediocridad, la inteligencia, el amor, la incondicionalidad y la búsqueda de sentido en la vida.
La narrativa gira en torno a Félix Amadeo Roth, un individuo con una capacidad intelectual excepcional, atrapado en un mundo que no comprende ni valora sus habilidades. La historia se despliega con una prosa incisiva y mordaz, revelando la lucha del protagonista por encontrar su lugar en una sociedad que parece estar en constante conflicto con su singular identidad.
Weiss nos sumerge en un mundo donde la mediocridad y la incompetencia son la norma. Este contraste establece el tono de la novela y destaca la alienación de Félix en un entorno que lo sofoca intelectualmente. Sin embargo, en otra línea temporal, originalmente planteada, el autor nos transporta simultáneamente a la infancia del protagonista. De esta manera, cautiva al lector con el juego de dualidades que hacen a la vida y la formación de Félix.
We Can Demand Better
Making Democracy Count explores the impact of mathematics on the many facets of the democratic process. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book grew out of my various efforts in the math and democracy space. I teach a course called Math and Politics at Wellesley College and direct the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy. Through my many interactions and projects with students and researchers, I realized that there was a need for a book serving as a reader-friendly, gentle introduction to the math of democracy and that I actually had something to say about the subject.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
If you count the years that I taught the Math and Politics class — which is when I learned much of the material that is in the book, tested the examples, and adjusted things based on student feedback — then it took more years than I care to admit. But once I sat down to start writing, it took about a year and a half to complete the book. The amount of research I had to do was immense, but also very fun since I had to learn a lot of statistics, history, political science, economics, and law which I knew nothing about before.
What is one misconception you think many people have regarding the election process?
The general misconception is that the democratic processes we use, including those that govern our elections, are the right ones and that they are unchangeable. We take so many things about the engine of our democracy for granted. We do not realize that the voting methods we use are flawed, that the Electoral College is a terrible relic of the past, that districting as we do it is a horrific instrument of disenfranchisement. But we can change these processes. We can demand better, more mathematically sound ones.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Making Democracy Count?
Mathematics can point the way toward better democratic processes. Our democracy runs on algorithms, and mathematics can tell us which ones are flawed and which ones we should use instead. From the objective, non-partisan point of view of mathematics, things like ranked choice voting, multi-winner districts, and open primaries are clearly better because they provide more representation and a more complete picture of the will of the people. We should embrace the mathematical point of view and work to increase our political quantitative literacy.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
How we can repair our democracy by rebuilding the mechanisms that power it
What’s the best way to determine what most voters want when multiple candidates are running? What’s the fairest way to allocate legislative seats to different constituencies? What’s the least distorted way to draw voting districts? Not the way we do things now. Democracy is mathematical to its very foundations. Yet most of the methods in use are a historical grab bag of the shortsighted, the cynical, the innumerate, and the outright discriminatory. Making Democracy Count sheds new light on our electoral systems, revealing how a deeper understanding of their mathematics is the key to creating civic infrastructure that works for everyone.
In this timely guide, Ismar Volić empowers us to use mathematical thinking as an objective, nonpartisan framework that rises above the noise and rancor of today’s divided public square. Examining our representative democracy using powerful clarifying concepts, Volić shows why our current voting system stifles political diversity, why the size of the House of Representatives contributes to its paralysis, why gerrymandering is a sinister instrument that entrenches partisanship and disenfranchisement, why the Electoral College must be rethought, and what can work better and why. Volić also discusses the legal and constitutional practicalities involved and proposes a road map for repairing the mathematical structures that undergird representative government.
Making Democracy Count gives us the concrete knowledge and the confidence to advocate for a more just, equitable, and inclusive democracy.
A Character People Can Respect
Daughter of Light and Dark follows a young woman and orphan with the rare ability to see Jinn without the aid of a ring who searches for a stolen artifact belonging to her mother. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea for Daughter of Light and Dark first came to me while reading the true historical story of Zarqa’a Al Yamama, a woman known for her extraordinary eyesight. This inspired the character of Mina, a unique girl with the ability to see Jinn without needing any rituals.
Another source of inspiration was the Lord of Chains, modeled after a terrifying children’s tale “Abu Al Salasil / Man of Chains”, a horror folklore story from the Arabian Peninsula, particularly popular in the northern region historically known as Jilfar. While the original figure was frightening, I wanted Ashrush to be more of a guardian figure. His grumpy demeanor is one of the few remnants of the original Man of Chains.
I really wanted to write about these popular stories known here in the Arabian world, that not many know about out of this region, the Arabian peninsula folklore is rich with stories of Djinn and overpowered people like Zarqa’a, Antar Ibn Shaddad and so many more.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
This is kind of embarrassing to say, but that would probably be Mina’s attempt to subdue her emotions. Human emotions are really hard to control, especially negative ones. When you are angry, you shout, when you are sad, you cry, when you are anxious, you can’t sit down. Mina has to control her negative emotions, she has to subdue them so she won’t feed the dark thing within her. That would be the most “me” thing I would do, that’s probably true for a lot of people too. But in Daughter of Light and Dark, while Mina has to control herself, she also has to find a way to be free, to break from the chains holding her back and express her feelings like normal people.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My main theme was to emphasize not letting others dictate what you should do. Ashrush is a popular character among readers, but if you notice, he often holds Mina back. He represents the people you love—whether a family member, close friend, or colleague you respect and adore—who have your best interests at heart but might discourage you from pursuing what you truly want. I wanted Mina to find her own voice, to stand up against being talked down from doing what she wants to achieve, and that’s why I think she’s a character people can respect or admire.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I’m planning to have book two ready before May (hopefully). Book two will have Mina at her lowest, losing control and trying to find ways to gain back that control. There are new places to discover, new people to meet, and new stories to share. And for those wondering about all the unanswered questions left at the end of book one, don’t worry—you will find some of the answers in book two. I promise, just trust the process.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
An Enchanting Journey of Discovery, Belonging, and Liberation.
She wanted one thing and one thing only, to free her mother’s Jinn from his golden ring, but to free one is to free them all. Accompanied by her Jinny Companion, the Lord of chains, and a dark presence stirring to free from within her, Mina sets on a journey to find all the eleven golden rings of the Kings of Jinn, her main mission overshadowed by scheming royals, a troubled friend, and a crumbling world.
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
Depression by Christian Martin
Murder With Malice by Deirdre Oliver
The Coffee Traveler
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
An Alien Took My Cheese
An Alien Took My Cheese hooks young readers right from the start. Owen wakes up one morning, only to discover his favorite snack has vanished without a trace. But who—or what—could be behind this? As the story moves forward, the possibility of an alien culprit comes into focus. With his loyal dog Clover by his side, Owen dives into a thrilling adventure, determined to solve the mystery of the missing cheese. What he finds along the way, though, is something he never expected.
Janice Hostetter spins a tale that sparks curiosity and lively discussion, especially during story time. Humor and suspense blend seamlessly, pulling readers in and holding their attention tight. The idea of an alien thief adds a fun and imaginative twist, keeping the story vibrant and fresh. Owen’s close bond with Clover brings warmth to the narrative, turning their quest into more than just a hunt for stolen cheese—it becomes a touching story of friendship. The interactive nature of the book shines through as Owen picks up clues around the house, inviting readers to join the detective work. Bright, engaging illustrations amplify the experience, urging young minds to dive deeper into the story and ask questions. The sensory details Hostetter weaves in—like the stench in the garage, the clatter of mysterious noises, and the eerie green slime—make the tale come alive. These vivid elements not only enhance the story but also offer a subtle educational layer, perfect for helping children explore their senses.
This story moves at a brisk pace, perfect for young readers who love a good mix of humor and adventure. The quick tempo keeps the energy high, ensuring kids remain captivated from start to finish. With its blend of comedy, heartwarming moments, and surprising twists, An Alien Took My Cheese stands out as a must-read for any child eager for a mystery full of delightful surprises.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D7WZ4STT
LITERARY TITAN 