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The Quantum Effect -Snakes in the House
Nicklois Leonard’s The Quantum Effect-Snakes in the House delves into a speculative narrative surrounding the origins of the COVID-19 virus. In this thought-provoking novel, Leonard weaves a complex tale of time travel, secretive alliances between global organizations like the FDA, the WHO, and major pharmaceutical companies, and the supposed role of the Chinese Ministry of Health. This gripping narrative, rooted in science fiction, brings to light the intricate webs of power and influence that govern our world.
Central to the story is the depiction of the scientists at a Wuhan lab, who find themselves entangled in moral dilemmas, torn between their professional duties and personal ethics. Leonard skillfully portrays the plight of these individuals, notably Dr. Phen, as they navigate a landscape riddled with government pressure and the threat to their loved ones. Leonard’s prowess in blending speculative theories about the pandemic with elements of science fiction creates a cohesive and captivating narrative. He strikes a delicate balance, ensuring the scientific details complement rather than overshadow the human experiences at the heart of the story. This approach allows readers to engage with both the technical intricacies and the emotional depth of the characters’ journeys. While the dialogue in the novel occasionally veers towards a more structured style, it’s an interesting choice that sets it apart. The conversations, though at times methodical, are reflective of the author’s unique voice, presenting a distinctive approach to character interaction that some readers may find refreshing.
The Quantum Effect is a riveting exploration of speculative events linked to the pandemic, wrapped in a science fiction veneer. It will particularly resonate with fans of thrillers and conspiracy fiction, leaving an open path for a potential sequel.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0DDF6DRQS
Specimen
Specimen is a gripping YA thriller for readers who love mystery, suspense, ambition, betrayal, and intrigue. A 17-year-old puzzle solver, Thea Riggs unravels the murder of her best friend’s mother, Roberta Fenning, only to become the next victim in a homicide game. The action-filled story explodes with tension as Thea explores the dark corners of San Francisco to find out who killed her best friend’s mother and why.
I was hooked from page 1. The prose is sharp. Right from the start, you are brought into Thea’s unsettled world, where every dark corner could be a harbinger of terror. The author, Lisa Towles, writes with a cinematic approach, creating scenes that exude a dark atmosphere for the Fenning estate. The tension never abated, and the tale was as much about mood as it was about plot. The book also delves into themes of betrayal and secrecy, primarily through Thea’s growing knowledge of those who surround her.
I was always left unsure as to what was coming next. The plot is compelling, and the tension between Thea and the mysterious Kit Fury is unpredictable enough to maintain tension, even if his motivations are sometimes unclear. The nuances of her relationships are well-developed.
Specimen is a good pick for fans of YA thrillers who love fast-paced plots with dark twists. It is also for those readers who like a female protagonist and a story that blurs the lines between friend and foe. It’s an intense and intriguing read that’s definitely one to keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. If you’re looking for a thriller that’s as much of a puzzle to solve as it is to survive, then pick up Specimen.
Imagine Your True Purpose
In Pigs Have Wings, a pig who aspires to sing and dance is encouraged to pursue her dreams with the support of her friends. Where did the idea for this book come from?
For the past few years, I have taken classes in the Writer’s Program at UCLA Extension. My confidence gradually increased with the excellent instructors and colleagues in the classes. I realized that creative writing was something that I really wanted to keep doing. When a few colleagues and a good friend encouraged me to write my own books, I leaped at the chance.
The line “And whether pigs have wings” from Lewis Carroll’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter” stuck with me and deserved some sort of answer from me. Whether I could be a writer or not?
A challenging time in my life led me to understand that if you “believe in yourself” and imagine your true purpose, then you can achieve your dreams. So I started writing lots of lines and this book Pigs Have Wings was the result. The illustrator, Chau Pham, was wonderful to work with. I love her owl illustrations.
What draws you to writing books for young readers?
My mother was a kindergarten teacher and one of the first books I remember reading was a book from her, A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You, by Joan Walsh Anglund. I treasured that book and still have a copy on my bookshelf. In my mind, introducing young readers to books is more important than ever. Giving back has always been an important part of my upbringing. I am hoping that my books can inspire a love of learning as well as increased literacy.
Is there anything from your own life included in your characters’ experiences?
Inspiration, collaboration, and creativity have always been important to me. I am grateful to many people who encouraged my writing career and helped my dreams take flight. They believed in my abilities to write a book. They encouraged me to embark on a journey as a creative soul. And others truly understood the importance of having a room of one’s own. My parents built a family library of classic works and encyclopedias—one book at a time—and inspired a love of learning at an early age. All those positive activities came together.
My publishing career has shown time and time again how books enrich lives. At this point in my career, I value what I learned from the many authors and colleagues that I have worked with over the years. They believed in me and my talents and for that, I am forever grateful.
Can readers look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
There are several projects that I am excited about publishing and writing over the next few years. As an independent publisher, the first book in a series of puzzle books for kids is coming soon in 2025. Going forward, I value the opportunity to continue to work with amazing editors and illustrators on my picture books—more are in process. In addition, I have partial manuscripts for a YA novel trilogy and concepts for perhaps a novel or two down the road.
Collaboration with partners and working with others are the keys!! It all forms a connection with something greater than yourself. And I always like to learn new things.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | AKABooks | Myrtle the Turtle | Amazon
Miz Peg dreams she can dance and sing, but it‛s harder for a pig than you‛d think! With a little help and inspiration from her friends, Miz Peg finds she can do almost anything.
Out of Balance
The Teetotaler’s Bar follows a woman who inherits her aunt’s fortune, her New City apartment, complete with a puppy, and the bar on the first floor, which also happens to be a murder scene. What inspired the setup of your story?
It just came to me one day out of the blue. I like to create stories using situations that don’t add up. So I was thinking, what could be more out of balance than a young girl who lives healthy and doesn’t drink but suddenly inherits a bar? She inherited plenty more besides, from a relative she hardly knew, and I was off and running with another mystery!
Jazz is a fascinating character that has an overwhelming amount of things happen all at once. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
I liked writing the scenes in the beginning that started to establish who Jazz is, and the ones that gave her an idea of who the estranged relative who got murdered was, too. The aunt who left her the bar is her mother’s half-sister, and she was one of those know-it-alls who runs around telling everybody else what to think, how to feel, and who to be. Ha, I based that on the worst co-worker I ever had! It raises the question, did the woman’s big mouth cause her to be murdered, or was it, perhaps, something else? And if it was something else, what?
There is a lot of time and care spent with descriptions and building the setting and tone of the story. Was this out of necessity to develop the depth of the story, or was it something that happened naturally while you were writing?
It was a little of both. I wanted to make the bar that Jazz initially is reluctant to inherit to be a whole lot nicer than she feared it would be. There’s an unsolved murder hanging over it like a cloud, but she slowly starts to like the idea of owning the place. She’s also immediately enchanted with owning the Art Deco apartment building where the bar occupies the first floor, but when she enters the stairwell, finds it’s neglected and rather grungy, so that gives something of a shadowy atmosphere to it. Yes, it’s gorgeous on the outside, but it’s certainly not perfect all the way around, and neither is the whole situation.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve got two more mysteries in the works at the moment! One deals with bumbling animal traffickers. The other one is set during the American homefront in World War II, where two young brothers find an abandoned baby. I think they should be available around the holidays. I’m having a wonderful time working on them both!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Leaving a Lasting Impression
Catalina Plays the What? follows a young girl getting ready for show-and-tell day at school who is nervous about sharing her passion for her favorite instrument, the double bass. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Catalina Plays the What? stems from my personal connection to the world of double basses through my husband, Gary Upton, who is a luthier and has been manufacturing double basses for years. Before meeting him, like many people, I had little knowledge of this remarkable instrument, which is often overlooked in schools and society despite being the foundational cornerstone in nearly all music worldwide. Many people say, “Oh, it’s a big cello, right?” I wanted to shed light on the double bass, an instrument that deserves far more recognition, especially among young learners.
Additionally, the field of double bass is predominantly male and Caucasian, so it was important to me to feature a young girl of color as the protagonist. Representation matters deeply—when children see themselves reflected in various fields, they are more likely to feel inspired and motivated to pursue their interests. Through Catalina’s journey, I hope to encourage more girls, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to explore and embrace the double bass.
Catalina starts out nervous but builds confidence as she goes along, in part thanks to the help of her grandpa. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The themes of perseverance, self-confidence, and the importance of supportive relationships drive Catalina’s character development. Her initial nervousness reflects a universal experience for many children who feel uncertain when sharing something they are passionate about. However, as Catalina progresses through her presentation, her confidence builds, largely due to the steady encouragement from her grandpa. This relationship, which highlights the significant role that mentors and family members play in empowering young people to overcome their fears, is a key element in the story. I wanted to convey that with support, determination, and a belief in oneself, even the most daunting challenges can be met with success.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
As a former elementary school teacher, I have a deep passion for making learning enjoyable and accessible for children. In Catalina Plays the What?, I aimed to introduce the fundamentals of the double bass in an engaging and easy way for young readers to understand. The story breaks down the different parts of the bass, its various names, and its role in different genres of music, all within the context of a fun and relatable narrative. My goal was to create an educational experience that would not only entertain but also inform children about this incredible instrument, leaving a lasting impression that learning can be both informative and entertaining.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Catalina Plays the What? is not currently part of a series, but I’ve been considering the possibility due to readers’ positive feedback and interest. Many have expressed a desire for more stories educating about musical instruments. While I haven’t yet committed to a series, I am finishing another story, Thea and Her Purple Dragon. This upcoming book delves into the complex and often painful topic of Parental Gatekeeping, exploring the deep emotional impact on children and parents when an adult fails to work together in the child’s best interest. This book aims to open a dialogue about the importance of cooperation and understanding within families, especially for the child’s well-being.
In addition to Thea and Her Purple Dragon, new readers can also explore my other works. Jayla Spreads Loving Kindness introduces children to the peaceful mindfulness practice of loving-kindness meditation, following a young girl as she practices sending love to those around her throughout her day. The book aims to teach that the more loving-kindness you send out, the happier and more peaceful you will feel. My other book, You Are Loved, tells the story of a little girl entering foster care and aims to teach children that, despite difficult circumstances, they can always find love and support in the world around them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon
Heroic Role Models
Sophie the Monarch Butterfly: Mission to Mexico follows a small young Monarch butterfly who is determined to lead her group of butterflies to Mexico even when faced with challenges. What was the inspiration for your story?
We all know that Monsanto’s genetically engineered crops and the pesticides they promote can wreak havoc on our farms, food, and environment. But did you know they are also playing a big role in the quickly disappearing Monarchs? Roundup doesn’t kill Monarchs directly but rather kills their primary food source, the milkweed plant.
I belong to an organization called Friends of the Earth which is dedicated to saving endangered species including insects such as bees and butterflies.
When I read in their newsletter that the North American Monarch Butterfly population has declined by 90 percent due to the use of Roundup on the milkweed plant, their only food source, I decided to write a story about these beautiful creatures and their incredible migratory patterns. As an author of books for children, I am always looking for heroic role models who kids can relate to. Monarch butterflies who appear delicate and fragile but who must undertake this amazing journey in order to survive seemed like a good adventure storyline if I could create a strong lead character in a butterfly. Sophie the Monarch Butterfly is about a precious and brave little butterfly who we follow from the moment she hatches through her life cycle as she leads an annual migration of Monarchs 3000 miles from North America to Mexico. She must overcome obstacles and disbeliefs from her own community along the way. Sophie is also the name of my first grandchild, and both granddaughter and butterfly share the same attributes of belief in self, leadership, good judgment, and caring for others.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Scientists do not fully understand the navigational abilities of Monarch Butterflies. Every fall, North American monarch butterflies make the journey from their breeding grounds to their overwintering sites. Sophie emerges from her cocoon on a milkweed plant east of the Rocky Mountains, near the Canadian border. As the weather turns colder, she joins other monarchs traveling from their summer breeding grounds south to Mexico. She survives this long journey by making stops at refuge sites with abundant nectar from milkweed plants and shelter from the harsh elements. She instinctively knows to overwinter along with millions of other monarch butterflies in the central mountain forests, clinging to Oyamel trees from October to late March. The mountain hillsides of Oyamel forest provide an ideal climate for Sophie. The temperature is mild. The humidity in the Oyamel forest assures the monarchs won’t dry out, allowing them to conserve their energy. When the weather turns warm, Sophie starts her return journey, but only a short distance before she lays her own eggs on a milkweed plant and, after her caterpillars hatch, stays behind as they continue their journey north. Her journey and life cycle are over along with the story.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
I think I’ll let my dear friend, Linda Chambers, who illustrated Sophie address this question. For me, all I can say is that we worked together, two hands in one glove, knowing that for a children’s book, the illustrations tell the story as much if not more than the words. I changed words as Linda’s sketches came to life to help her make them even more powerful. Take it away Linda…
“I’m very familiar with Celia’s work and was thrilled that she’d asked me to create Sophie; at the same time, the task of bringing such an important story to life was daunting. Celia’s Sophie is a hero, a champion. Sophie matters. It all came down to both understanding and honoring the story Celia was telling. We divided up the text, stanza by stanza. We knew the number of pages we’d have to work with. How much could be told by a single illustration, most of which would be spread across two pages? Celia’s poem is powerful, lyrical, and extremely visual. I sketched a variety of possible illustrations based on her text. Gradually, Sophie came to life for both of us. Celia was supportive and enthusiastic from beginning to end. Every suggestion she made lifted the work.”
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I always write about endangered species because as time goes on, the majority of these species become more endangered due to population growth, corporate greed, poaching, and sadly, game hunting for sport. If just one child is captured by the story of a baby elephant, honey bee, red panda, or butterfly and is motivated to get involved, then the story has value beyond simply being a sweet story about an animal or insect. A good example is my next book, Charlotte, A Yellowstone Wolf Pup in which the main character is a wolf pup whose mother is an Alpha Wolf, a leader of a pack of 12 wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Charlotte is a very independent little pup and must learn that, in order to survive in the wilds of the park, she must conform to the rules of the pack. Charlotte, Yellowstone Pup will be coming out in early 2025. I want to mention that, once I’ve completed the story, I research which charities are most impactful when it comes to teaching or actively saving the endangered species in the story. I use Charity Navigator to vet my choices. When I receive a royalty check from Leschenault Press for a specific book, I donate the entire amount to one of the charities listed on the back cover of the book.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
For children of all ages, Sophie Monarch Butterfly, Mission to Mexico explores what it takes to believe in yourself and take the lead when the welfare of others is at stake. It is also a story of one of our most endangered species, Monarch Butterflies, and their inspiring and courageous annual migration from North America to Mexico and back again.
Universal Salvation and Personal Enlightenment
The Secret Religion is a compelling and educational exploration of the evolution of religion in Western societies, focusing on the enigmatic esoteric tradition of Christianity known as Gnosticism. Why was this an important book for you to write?
In my first book, The Obelisk and the Cross, I asked three existential questions; where did we come from? Why are we here? What happens when we die? Unfortunately, I found no clear answers evidenced in any of the western spiritual traditions. But I did discover an underlying theme that permeated (and still permeates) beneath all faith traditions – the choice between universal salvation and personal enlightenment.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
The book is the culmination of over 15 years of theoretic and field research.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Secret Religion?
What we believe and how we act on those beliefs are two of the most important and personal choices each of us makes in the journey of our lived existence. If we strip away the supernatural aspects of the Christ myth and disregard the institutional constructions that arose after him, all that remains is a story of someone born in poverty and raised in obscurity, who dedicated his life to being a voice for the oppressed and abused. His works and words give people the hope of something better, something more than mere servitude and survival. Jesus rebelled against organised religious sects and political structures and gave hope to the hopeless so that the struggles of life are not in vain. This is the tangible legacy given to us by the ‘Jesus of history’. If seen through this perspective, the story of the human Jesus is part of a greater narrative that puts the individual at the centre of all things.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The Gnostics were brutally persecuted and their ideas were suppressed. But their teachings were powerful enough to linger on in the collective unconscious of succeeding generations and to re-emerge in the most unexpected places. From symbols on the American one-dollar bill to the ideals of the 1960s counterculture, from heavy metal music to 21st-century technological innovations, various facets of Gnostic thought continue to offer us a way to interpret the meaning of our lives. As Sunderland traces the battle between the orthodox and heretical traditions of Christianity, his thorough research and ability to make counterintuitive connections reveal to us a struggle that continues to rage beneath the surface of contemporary life.
Building a Relationship
A Father’s Love follows a little girl enjoying an outing with her father, her biggest hero, as she receives his advice and encouragement about her upcoming ballet performance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was inspired to create a story that is based on a positive connection between a child and her father. I had the desire to showcase a young girl who receives motivation because it demonstrates that she can achieve whatever she sets her mind to. She is building on her personal courage, and she is learning to become a self-directed learner.
Is there anything from your own life included in A Father’s Love?
The story is not related to my life but it’s a constant reminder that a father’s presence, time, and consistent effort is required when you’re building a relationship with your child.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Olivia Smith H.?
The art collaboration process was smooth and easy with Olivia. I shared my thought process by explaining and being detailed on how I would like each picture to look. She provided me with sketches and colors, asked me questions, and we used a great amount of teamwork. I’m pleased with the outcome of the book.
Can young readers look forward to more stories featuring Rachelle and her father? What are you currently working on?
I’m currently thinking about my next book. I have topics in mind, and I plan on starting the writing process very soon. I may do a series from my first book, then I will create another book that features Rachelle.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 