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Magical Girls and Time Travel
Jackie and the Magical Guys follows a sixteen-year-old girl who travels back in time to prevent an apocalypse and accidentally turns a group of men into girls with magical abilities. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This question is bringing me back decades ago in a good way! It all started when my babysitter introduced me to the great Rumiko Takahashi and her various works. So I grew up watching and reading Ranma 1/2, a very popular gender-bender series in Japan. Rumiko Takahashi is also the creative genius behind Inu-Yasha. I’m a big Rumiko Takahashi fan. It’s a secret I’m struggling to keep. Shh.
Speaking of secrets, it’s not a big one that I was a shy and geeky first-generation Laotian-American, and I didn’t have many friends growing up. As a result, I spent a lot of time with my sister Amone, and we immersed ourselves in the world of books. Countless times, Amone and I would be dropped off at Waldenbooks while my mom wandered to nearby stores in the mall. So my sister and I would sit down in a corner somewhere and read stacks of Viz and Tokyopop manga (and later purchased some of course when we saved up enough money). We absolutely devoured Inu-Yasha, and later one day when we went home, we discovered the first episode of Inu-Yasha airing on Adult Swim… And. We. Flipped. Our. Lids! We screeched like Ranma being dunked in cold water for the first time, and my mom thought we went rabid. She wasn’t aware that we should’ve been diagnosed with Rumiko Takahashi fan-fluenza.
Rumiko Takahashi’s body of work brought me so much joy in my childhood that I started daydreaming about creating my own stories. I usually start with “what if” questions when anything sparks my imagination. What if I combined gender bending with magical girls and time travel? Blend the concept with fast-paced, frenetic energy, and rapid-fire dialogue like a 90’s cartoon? But what if I threw in the trademark cheesy “90’s kids” American superhero quips? Perhaps with an extra dose of cringe? (Maybe that was a contribution as to why I didn’t have many friends when I was young…) Those 90’s jokes are pure nostalgia for me. So you’ll notice a lot of that flavored in Jackie and the Magical Guys.
My humor may not be for everyone, but you’re all invited to it! So get your charcuterie boards ready because I’m bringing the cheese.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
This story has been brewing for what feels like a lifetime… It was a constant companion in my mind, and Jackie and the Magical Guys evolved and grew with me over the years. Then when it finally demanded to be put on paper almost a decade ago, I would scribble ideas into a notebook whenever I had breaks between work. Sometimes I would even write on random scraps of paper. The story evolved even further.
Moments I had at a quiet coffee shop were sparse, but I was happy when I could finally sit down and start writing the script. Once I started, it was like the characters just took over. Their voices, banter, and silly quirks manifested into words. It was one of those rare times when writing felt more like I was building castles in a sandbox than clocking into work. That was just about a decade ago, and it’s still one of the most fun experiences I’ve had with a script.
Very quickly after that, I had the finished story, and the art from Hamons for volume one was all set. The files were collecting dust in my computer for a while and were unread by the public, but it took a nudge from a very kind and supportive colleague to finally turn it into a physical reality. Thanks to them, and the amazing folks who backed my crowdfunding campaign, I was able to bring Jackie and the guys to life. And seeing readers dive into it, laugh, and even re-read it–that’s the best kind of reward. Even if Jackie and the Magical Guys makes just one person smile, it’s all worth it.
The artwork in your book is fantastic. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Hamons?
Working with the very talented Hamons was like a creative mind sync. He just got the rhythm of the story right from the start. He had a knack for nailing character expressions that cranked up the humor all the way up. Hamons understood the goofiness of Jackie and the rest of the gang straight away. His style is a blend of anime and DC cartoons like Young Justice with his own dynamic energy and flair. He totally embraced the zany, out-there vibe of the story right away, and I have so much gratitude for him. He actually created the animated trailer ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwShlOGisG0 ), and he drew it frame by frame. I am very grateful to have worked with him.
Can we look forward to a second installment of Jackie’s adventures? What are you currently working on?
That’s a most definite yes! I hope to continue sharing Jackie’s journey with everyone as long as you all would have me. I stare at you through your screen with hopefully doe eyes and not like a spirit from The Conjuring.
There are two other projects I have permission to announce. The first is a Laos-inspired supernatural fantasy comic called Vongfai written by Nor Sanavongsay and me and illustrated by Lanna Souvanny. Such an accomplished group–wow! I am delighted and grateful to be writing with Nor and help contribute my experiences as a child of Laotian refugee parents to the story he created. Vongfai represents our rich Southeast Asian culture, and we are excited to weave this tapestry for the younger generation. We will be sharing samples of the comic at Los Angeles Comic Con later this year.
If you’re interested in feasting your eyes upon a zombie comic book, I am also thrilled to reveal that I am part of the Descendants of the Undead team led by Ken Foree who plays the protagonist in George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. This is the mailing list for the zombie comic if your curiosity has been piqued.
But of course, there are other fun projects in the works. In the meantime, I hope to see you around comic conventions on the West Coast!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this interview!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Meet sixteen-year-old Jackie, a girl from the future who has never felt more like the embodiment of failure when her brilliant scientist mother sends her a hundred years into the past to prevent the end of the world—because Jackie is pretty much the only person left alive to do so. But Jackie has never done fieldwork in her life or researched what the world full of viral memes and online trolls was like. And she doesn’t need the mounting pressure of finding strong female warriors that will save the planet when she can’t even find her own dignity.
But “failure” takes on a whole new meaning when, out of desperation, Jackie uses the super soldier serum on four disgruntled guys instead, transforming them into magical girls. And now they refuse to help her because not only do they have to worry about growing a mustache but growing an hourglass figure as well. So what’s a simple girl with a team of gender-swapped boys to do?
The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp
In The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp: A Tale of Antyfas, by Laura Dinovis Berry, young Valentino—Tino to his friends—finds himself longing for excitement beyond the confines of his family’s farm. Life is predictable and dull until preparations for his older brother’s birthday party take a sharp turn for the unexpected. Upset when things go awry, Tino is lured by a mysterious gnome to an eerie party in the Nastgant Swamp, where he soon faces dangers he never imagined. With the help of newfound friends, Tino must summon all his courage and wit to protect his world from the malevolent forces lurking in the swamp.
This enchanting fairy tale, perfect for middle-grade readers, strikes a spooky but playful tone, delivering an adventure packed with danger yet avoiding overly graphic depictions of harm. Although the story touches on dark themes such as children being eaten, the narrative wisely keeps these moments off-page, making it accessible to younger audiences.
The creatures in the book, especially the Grickens, are wonderfully imagined and bring a sense of whimsy to the tale—particularly for readers familiar with life on a farm, as they bear an amusing resemblance to backyard hens. The trolls, Wonjin and Jinjin, are standout characters, defying expectations with their complexity and charm as the story progresses. One of the novel’s strongest elements is the central role of Tino’s family in the plot.
It’s refreshing to see a fantasy adventure where family bonds—from parents to aunts and uncles—are so integral to the story. This focus on familial relationships adds depth to the narrative, giving it a warm and heartfelt quality. In many ways, the tale feels like an elaborate, family-wide roleplaying adventure, conjuring nostalgic memories of childhood days spent exploring the woods. The story wraps up neatly, leaving readers both satisfied and eager to revisit the world of Antyfas in future adventures. The narrative is brimming with charm, and I’m eager to see future installments in this series.
The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp contains an engaging storyline, delightful characters, and heartwarming family dynamics. The book features fantasy violence and mild peril but remains suitable for readers aged 10 and up who enjoy a spooky yet lighthearted tale. Tino’s adventure is a perfect read-aloud story for a cozy evening by the fire, blending danger, friendship, and magical discovery into a vibrant and uniquely captivating fantasy.
Pages: 92 | ISBN : 978-1644565308
BLINDSIGHTED: A Journey of Identity, Faith, and Healing
Blindsighted, by Rich Christiansen, transforms the simple curiosity of DNA testing into a profound exploration of lineage and faith. Christiansen embarks on a deep dive into his family’s history, beginning with his immigrant grandparents, and along the way, he redefines his understanding of what family truly means. The journey he takes readers on is rich with intimate details, tracing his legacy and how it shaped him. What he discovers through his DNA test results, however, is far from what he expected.
This story is masterfully crafted. Christiansen’s writing is precise, with every heartfelt word carefully placed to deliver a deeply engaging reading experience. The book is free from unnecessary details, maintaining a clear and focused narrative that comes together beautifully. It’s an eloquent work that spans multiple generations, weaving together engaging stories that will resonate with many readers. Christiansen’s talent for distilling vast amounts of research into a compelling and comprehensive narrative is particularly impressive. One standout section is the story of his father, John Christiansen, whose life is portrayed with rich and fascinating detail. The author’s passion is evident as he recounts his father’s remarkable journey, overcoming blindness to become Beaver County’s Attorney. This segment of the book is especially inspiring and showcases the depth of Christiansen’s connection to his family’s legacy.
Blindsighted is a remarkable journey through the complexities of family history and identity. Rich Christiansen’s ability to blend personal stories with broader themes of faith and lineage makes this book both deeply personal and universally relatable. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of genealogy, personal discovery, and the enduring impact of family legacies. Whether you’re drawn to stories of overcoming adversity or simply appreciate a well-crafted narrative, Blindsighted is a book that will leave a lasting impression.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0D9R7SS9B
NAVIGATING DARKNESS
Navigating Darkness, by Eric Greene, is a captivating psychological thriller that immerses readers in the tumultuous mind of sixteen-year-old Lucas Mofit. Seeking an escape from his daily pressures, Lucas’s night of indulgence takes a terrifying turn when he encounters a dog chasing its tail in a ring of smoke—a sinister omen that marks the beginning of his descent into a world of supernatural horrors. Lucas is bombarded with relentless visions, voices, and nightmares that test his sanity. Despite his friends’ efforts to console him, he feels increasingly isolated, yet he is never truly alone. A malevolent presence stalks him, pushing him to the brink of madness. In his desperation, Lucas cries out to God, finding a brief respite before the darkness returns with renewed vengeance. His struggle between lust and salvation, reality and delusion, forms the crux of this chilling narrative.
Navigating Darkness masterfully blends psychological horror and the elements of a supernatural thriller, capturing the harrowing journey of a young boy tormented by inner demons and external malevolent forces. Greene deftly explores the fragile boundary between reality and insanity, urging readers to question what is real and what is imagined. Lucas Mofit is a compelling protagonist whose struggles with fear and isolation are deeply relatable. His supernatural encounters are vividly described, drawing readers into his nightmarish experiences. The recurring motif of the dog chasing its tail serves as a haunting reminder of Lucas’s inescapable dread.
The narrative is enriched by Greene’s introspective style, which delves into Lucas’s psyche, revealing his innermost fears and desires. The supporting characters, particularly Lucas’s friends, add depth to the story, highlighting themes of friendship, loyalty, and helplessness in the face of overwhelming darkness. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter building suspense and intensifying the reader’s sense of unease. Greene’s ability to maintain this tension throughout the novel is commendable, making this book a page-turner from start to finish. Lucas’s cries to God and subsequent moments of peace offer a stark contrast to his experiences of terror, providing a nuanced portrayal of the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness.
Navigating Darkness is a deeply engaging and thought-provoking read that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have turned the last page. It is a testament to Greene’s skill in crafting a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and supernatural horror.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0D4N1L33G
Appreciate the Differences
Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends follows a dog in a new class who has trouble making new friends until he gets the following advice: name the difference, find the good, and move on with kindness. What was the inspiration for your story?
My kids are the inspiration for the story. There was one specific situation that was the catalyst for the book. My kids were at the playground and a curious friend repeatedly asked what was wrong with one of my kid’s eyes. It upset one of my other kids and also caused the curious friend to walk away. This all happened around the time we found out that my child with the beautiful, and maybe a little differently shaped eyes, has a syndrome. I knew we would be getting more questions. How could my husband and I teach our kids how to navigate differences in a way that is kind and inclusive, instead of isolating and divisive? I wrote the story as a way to process everything. A poignant playground situation led to reflecting on how we are all different in some way. We all feel different at times. The characters are based on my kids and situations we have worked through together. The three-step process has been helpful for our family, but there are many ways to handle differences. My hope for the book is that it will encourage conversation about differences in an open, positive, respectful, and inclusive way.
I loved the unique characters you have created in your book, especially Layla Squirrel. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Thank you! All of the characters are based on my dog and 4 children. Willard is based on my dog, a German shorthaired pointer, who is not named Willard, but I always thought he looked like one. The four friends that Willard meets on the trail are based off of my kids and situations we have navigated with them. Each character has personality traits and gifts that I see in my kids. For example, my oldest wears glasses, and when he was 4 years old, he recruited two of his friends to help him bury his glasses in the mulch on the school playground. It took two days to find them. He really did not want to wear glasses. One of his gifts that is so fantastic is that he is a magic maker. He enjoys elevating any situation to make it extra special. This became Tommy Tiger. The character that I found the toughest to write was Layla Squirrel. I knew I wanted to have her bring everyone together, but went back and forth over what all these animals could realistically eat together. Throughout the story are bits and pieces of my family with a story behind the story.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
My mission was to write a story that promotes kindness and embracing differences. Each friend that Willard DoGooder meets on the trail, teaches him how we can approach differences, learn from one another, and appreciate each other. The world feels more polarized these days, and I think it is important for my kids to know that if you don’t think the same, or look the same, or act the same, you can be friends. Also, sometimes you may not have a friendship, but you can still be kind and appreciate the differences. My hope is that reading the book together will encourage conversations about difference in an open, curious, positive and inclusive way.
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?
This is my first children’s book and I am excited to write more Willard DoGooder books! Currently, I am working on a story about affirmations for kids. After that, I have a few ideas for the next Willard DoGooder tale.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Willard DoGooder has trouble making friends in his new class. Things are just … different. One day, he spots a magical trail and sets out on an adventure where he meets new friends, learns how to think through differences, and celebrate others just as they are.
Each friend that Willard DoGooder meets on the trail teaches Willard exactly how we can approach differences, learn from one another, and appreciate each other’s gifts. Over the course of the book, Willard learns a three-step process for approaching differences in others: name the difference, find something good about it, and move on with kindness.
With characters based on the author’s children and the real-life issues they’ve learned how to work through together, Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends is a fantastic adventure grounded with a message that we can all use in our daily life. Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends is a beautifully illustrated story about how our differences aren’t that different when we love and accept one another just as we are. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the book’s straightforward and simple message that show kids exactly how to treat someone when they notice a difference between them, and start conversations about appreciating and encouraging each other.
There’s Always Hope
Before I Go follows a teenage girl dealing with the death of her brother who struggles to heal from this loss and seeks solace at the lake where they used to find joy and laughter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Before I Go came to me during the pandemic, a time when so many people were grappling with the loss of loved ones. In my city, we not only faced the pandemic but also endured a devastating typhoon that brought even more hardship to families. Grief and struggle were everywhere, yet people had to keep moving forward, often without the chance to truly process their feelings.
This got me thinking—what if someone couldn’t move on as quickly as those around them? What if they were still stuck in their grief while the world had already moved forward? That’s where the seed for the story was planted. From there, I leaned into the idea of exploring this through a teen fiction romance, which felt like the right fit to tell this kind of emotional journey.
I wanted to show that there are different ways of coping with loss. Some people have to move on quickly because life demands it, while others need more time. And that’s okay. We all handle grief in our own way, and there’s no right or wrong pace for healing.
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?
There’s a big piece of me in Before I Go. Rory’s likes and dreams mirror my own in many ways. Like her, I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, and I adore Taylor Swift and Harry Styles—both of whom get a nod in the book. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a librarian or at least working in a library, just like Rory. And the little things, like cheap cupcakes from the grocery store, are straight from my life—I even once celebrated a birthday with one as my cake!
On a deeper level, Rory’s emotions are very much a reflection of my own. Harper, in particular, is inspired by my father. He’s the person who makes me laugh so easily and has become a safety net in my life. When he fell into critical condition during the pandemic, I was terribly afraid. I was juggling everything—family responsibilities, work, all while battling COVID myself. It was an incredibly tough time, and looking back, I’m not sure how I managed to keep it all together. Even after everything settled down, I carried this weight in my chest—a fear of what could have happened if I hadn’t stayed strong.
It took me a long time to process those feelings because I had to keep them in, and it wasn’t easy. In writing this story, I created Walker because, in a way, I wanted someone like Walker in my life—a strong, supportive character who could have lifted me out of the darkness I was feeling. So yes, this story holds a big part of my heart.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme I wanted to express in Before I Go is hope. It’s a simple, common word, but I feel like not everyone gets to truly experience its depth. We often overlook hope, take it for granted, or even forget it entirely. Life can sometimes drown us in fear, pain, anger, and grief, making hope feel distant or unreachable. And that’s not anyone’s fault—we all go through different things and handle them in our own ways.
But even in the midst of all that, I wanted this book to send a clear message: there’s always hope, especially for those who seek it. I pray that those who are struggling can find that thread of hope somewhere, and if they do, I hope they grab onto it and hold tight. Because no matter how tough things get, hope is there, waiting to be found.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I actually just released a new book called Heart of the Moon Goddess. It’s a retelling of Philippine mythology about the Moon Goddess and the Bakunawa, a sea serpent that wants to devour the moons in the sky. It’s now available on Amazon, and it will be available for printing and distribution soon!
This book is a bit different from my first, but I’ve always been a huge fan of romance and fantasy, so I’m really excited to see what people think of it.
I’m also currently working on another fantasy romance, but I’m keeping the details under wraps for now. Here’s a little clue: there are dragons involved! Who doesn’t love them? Stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Just as she learns to navigate life with newfound hope, a revelation tests her strength. Reality’s twists guide her toward an unexpected journey of forgiveness, teaching Rory that love, loss, and healing are intricate threads woven into the tapestry of life.
The Essence of a Being
The Gemini Project follows a seventeen-year-old boy who discovers his entire life has been a lie and now must find a way to escape the school he lives in in order to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration is a bit of a spoiler alert. I had a thought what if this certain event happened, and that became a brain-worm. Each day I would expand on the story and new characters would enter my head, and I knew it wouldn’t go away until I wrote something down!
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
As I wrote the story, it hit me that I was naturally writing about the future in past tense. At one point in the text, when something happens to the protagonist, I suddenly found myself writing in the present tense. Although this change in style just seemed natural to the flow, I hope that it also helps draw the reader into the experiences of the protagonist.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The story covers parental relationships, especially those where a parent is detached from their child, as in the case of a parent who outsources the upbringing of their child. The story also explores neurological development and tries to answer the question of what the soul consists of, or more accurately the essence of a being. Finally, the story takes place in a dystopian world, however, not a fantasy world. The overarching theme is a warning as the world that is developed is in the realm of the possible.
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?
This is a stand-alone story, however my next novel Nothing but the Truth takes a very similar path in its style of story-telling.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Dr. William Osler works at the Academy and considers himself an amateur philosopher and would-be comedian. He befriends Jan and sees the boy’s keen desire to learn. Quietly in the background, the doctor teaches his student to read. Dr. Osler knows that the 17-year-old boy will die, the same way his older brother died, in less than two weeks. However, addicted to a designer drug, the doctor is constantly high as he tries to fight his own demons.
Tre Ericson is Jan’s father. He sees his son four times a year but feels no love for him. While desperately trying to please his father, Jan discovers a tunnel that runs under the school. The tunnel contains a dark secret, which initiates a chain of events that might save Jan’s life!
The Gemini Project is must-read coming-of-age novel that deals with a dystopian future and the world of neurology. The story of Jan Ericson will take you to unpredictable places in a battle of life and death.
LITERARY TITAN 