Blog Archives
Following One’s Heart
The Kindred Chronicles: Between Two Worlds follows a man in love with a woman betrothed to another who has to choose between keeping peace between man and kindred or following his heart to the woman he loves. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The very first romance story I read was Romeo and Juliet, so I wanted to write something that pays tribute to one of the first few stories that got me into fiction.
What was the inspiration for the culture of your characters? Is it modeled after any particular society?
Until now, I’m still unsure where the inspiration for the culture came from. My childhood is a mixture of provincial life and city life, and my family has very strong Filipino and Chinese heritage. I’ve always had the opportunity to travel much, and have friends from all over the world. All of these experiences put together may be the reason for the different cultures in the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I’ve been a counselor for a handful of years, and one of the recurring themes has always been about following one’s heart, come what way. I noticed that so many people cast aside noble duties and responsibilities to act on more selfish or self-centered impulses. For many, the reason is simply because they could not distinguish between the impulsive, self-centered kind of desires and the more mature, reasonable, and healthy kind of love. This book is my small attempt at helping people discern between the two.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
YES. This is the first of five books. Book 2 (Tides of War) is already out and will feature much of the Sunken City and the war escalates between the factions. I don’t want to say much, but those who have read the sequel have told me that the pace is much faster and they enjoyed going through the story so much more because of the fact that there was not much need to introduce the characters anymore.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Amazon
Born to kindred nobility, Elline’s life is one of duty and responsibility, and her betrothal to the Magister of Demos Geras might prove to be the saving grace in the coming chaos. But when she becomes responsible for Chris’ death and life thereafter, she cannot deny her growing affections for him as well.
With imminent danger ahead, Chris must choose to either pursue his love for Elline or preserve the peace between man and kindred, while Elline must decide to fulfil her vow to the Council before her feelings for Chris cause her to forsake her birthright.
Be Novel and Surprising
Your three-book collection, Briefly Speaking, is more than just a guide to public speaking; it is an entire educational course presented in an easy-to-understand and relatable manner. Why was this an important book for you to write?
We wanted those who aspire to become better presenters and communicators to have a comprehensive guide so they can achieve their ambitions. We designed the three-book series to focus on Prepare, Present, and Communicate to make it easy to find a topic and get practical, useful skills that can be incorporated immediately. Plus, each tip takes under 30 seconds to read—whether it’s how to open, close, tell a story, structure a presentation, or engage an audience. And each book is small enough to carry with you for easy reference.
Communication techniques and approaches are highly personal, but there are some key factors that are essential for getting your message across. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
First, decide on your message and identify a singular intention or what you want to achieve. Then scan your life for material that will illustrate your message so that it best engages your audience. Use structure so you don’t ramble, and always speak in a genuine, authentic way to build trust and reduce stage fright. And when you communicate, speak with commitment and certainty.
What is the one most important piece of advice you think all presenters should consider when preparing to give a speech, no matter what the topic is?
Determine what you want to achieve (i.e. your Intention) and what will best serve your audience. Then speak in specifics, not generalities so the audience can visualize your content. And be novel and surprising so that you grab and hold the attention of your audience.
Do you have additional books or materials planned that will complement this collection and help readers continue on their journey to improving their communication skills?
Yes, Own the Room (published by McGraw-Hill) and Out Front: How Women Can Become Engaging, Memorable and Fearless Speakers (published by BenBella Books)
Author Links: GoodReads | Eloqui | Outfront | Briefly Speaking | Amazon
Book 1 – Prepare: Creatively Structure and Rehearse Your Content (5 x 7; 254 pages; $29.99 value)
Book 2 – Present: Techniques from the Professionals’ Playbook (5 x 7; 248 pages; $29.99 value)
Book 3 – Communicate: Make the Greatest Impact (5 x 7; 192 pages; $29.99 value)
Degrees of Intelligence
The Scorching: Just Press Play follows a sea cop whose job is to guard a deep-sea mining operation alongside his octopus unit who uncover a plot to seal radiation-rich minerals for the seabed. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The original concept came from wanting to write about a very possible near future in terms of the ‘The Scorching’ and the environmental situation we have been developing. Once I had the world in my head, I then needed to ensure there was an engaging story to be told. If everything is doom and gloom, who would want to read it? Therefore, I knew from the off I wanted a buddy cop style of partnership. One where humour plays a huge part in the development of reader engagement. I also liked the idea of benevolent aliens trying to help.
However, I always love a twist, so the story requires the first person POV to enable the gradual reveal of what’s happening rather than throwing everything at the reader at once. Therefore, the vehicle of a vlogger’s narration fits nicely and enables the breaking of the fourth wall as they provides insight and interlude (and humour).
With the humans and Drathken working together, there is bound to be a big learning curve between species. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
I needed the Drathken to be distant and use human intermediaries. Their enigmatic role enables the paranoia of the human terrorists to breed in the vacuum of disinformation we humans like to construct. Therefore, focusing on the major relationship between Nkosi and his octopus Marc, as his partner, provides a humorous dialogue, while Nkosi’s difficult relationship with the Drathken Police intermediaries and the terrorists enables the thriller and mystery element to unravel. The reader has a role too, as the ‘viewer’ and goes through their own relationship with Nkosi and, to a degree, Marc as they flashback or provide interludes.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Firstly, that Nkosi is a person in development – that we are all putting on a façade to some degree, some more than others. For many, they are coping strategies that get us through our days. His journey, especially his relationship with a modded Marc, is vital to show we are complex beings with many layers to our beliefs.
In addition, it was vital to explore degrees of intelligence. Though Marc is a genetically enhanced common octopus, her view of what is beautiful and lost is there for the reader to experience and is trying to emphasise that we are custodians of this planet with a duty towards all life.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I am aiming for three books that are based in the same world. The second is written and explores the human colonists mentioned in Book 1 and their journey to the stars. It is a mystery thriller at heart and has two plantships with one main character on each who discovers more about the Drathken, the plantships, and the actions of those aboard the ship in bringing about The Scorching. Both protagonists will have dilemmas, and only half the information. This means the reader will be the only one who knows the full story by the end of the book.
The third will be a return for Nkosi, though that’s all you’re getting!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Nkosi and his sarcastic tentacled buddy are forced to enter the Burnout Zone, only to come face to face with humanity’s stark future when the hunt for the terrorist’s lab takes a devastating twist. As conspiracies deepen and the jokes fly, Nkosi and Marc enter a dark journey of discovery—one they decide humanity desperately needs to listen to.
The Only Thing Stopping You is YOU!
The Long Way Around details your experiences growing up in a Mormon household marked by abuse and addiction and the challenges you have overcome over the course of your life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing requires a clear mind, so I would spend some time meditating before I wrote. Since I was in my late 60’s when I began writing, I had to regress decades to remember some of the events and specifics, and more importantly the feelings associated with the events. I had shared some of my stories briefly with a friend or two and they would say, “You need to write about that”, so I did.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
As I began writing, I decided that I should focus on the positive nature and write a motivational and inspirational piece that might help others with the challenges of life. As I have said, it took me four years and a bucket of tears to write this book.It was basically facing and dealing with the depression I had experienced over the years.
What is a misconception you believe many people have about growing up in a Mormon household?
Tara Westover wrote “Educated”, a memoir. Whe shares her Mormon story as well. I think that there is a lot of abusive households in every religion and Mormonism is no exception. Typically when I think of organized religion I think of the Sunday teachings of forgiveness and brotherly love that seems only to apply to Sunday. Monday through Saturday those philosophies are forgotten, as well as the ten commandments.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from The Long Way Around?
You can become the person you want to be, just as I have. The only thing stopping you is YOU!
Bruce Lee said the most important thing in life is to know yourself. Meditation is critical to do that!
Author Links: Facebook | X | Website
A Community Shaping the Future Together
Human Extinction presents an overview of the myriad of ways humanity is responsible for its own downfall, highlighting the progress and destruction that define our history. What inspired you to write this book?
Actually, it was only because of a statement by Greta Thunberg that “The Germans are the number 1 climate sinners” that I got the idea to look into this topic more intensively. I then looked into the topic more intensively and you quickly realized that this statement has no basis and that there are not only the problems of the climate, but many others, all of which are intertwined in some way.
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put your book together?
I looked at a lot of reports, statistics and documentation and put things into context. The basic principle is actually an inspiration and a lot of thinking about what effects this has on other areas of life. At the moment we are actually living in a very exciting time, because things that could help us are only now being developed or published. I’ll try to show this with an example: Everyone knows Photovaltak systems, they’re on everyone’s lips. As we all know, however, these only work during the day, but a German company (rawlemon.com) has linked this technology to “a magnifying glass” and this system even works at night, I think further development will not be long in coming . The fact that this is also available as a color or foil is very new and sounds exciting
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Human Extinction?
It was information with a lot of inspiration. It is a mental process of connecting things together to see what effects one has on the other.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your book?
There is always a lot to hope for. I would like more people to think about how we can shape the future of our children without doing more damage to our planet. It doesn’t help to just believe everything that prominent people say, we should think about what is being said and what impact it might have. We are not everyone in this world. We should all be a community that shapes the future together.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
But all is not yet lost. A look into the past shows that numerous technological solutions are already on the table, we just have to make them usable for the future and be prepared to bring about change where the biggest obstructors are: in power, money and influence.
Notes From After Dusk
Notes From After Dusk is a captivating novel chronicling the lives of two individuals, Olivia and Michael, through their poignant journal entries. These entries, ranging from several pages to succinct sentences, are written in the first person, allowing readers to delve deeply into the psyches and souls of the protagonists. This unique narrative structure adds profound depth and intimacy to their experiences.
The novel is not merely a story but a journey into a rich tapestry of universal concepts and philosophies. Olivia and Michael share their daily lives through journal entries, revealing their innermost beliefs, ruminations, and realizations. They delve into Socratic and Platonic philosophies, exploring their relevance in the modern world. Their unorthodox commentary on psychological and philosophical topics offers a fresh perspective on centuries-old teachings, sparking curiosity and contemplation in readers’ minds. The text employs symbology from various cultures and philosophies, significantly enhancing the protagonists’ relatability as they learn to heal through therapy, study, and the passage of time. The philosophical references throughout the book open several topics for readers to research or ponder for academic and inspirational purposes. The entries interweave the impact of childhood experiences on Michael and Olivia’s adult lives, connecting childhood traumas to adult mental health and personality issues. The later portions of the book highlight the ebb and flow of mental health struggles and the toll that depression takes on the human brain and psyche.
Notes From After Dusk is a masterfully composed, multifaceted novel that resonates with readers while challenging them intellectually. The numerous journal entries excel at employing the complexity of the English language, shedding light on vital topics and fostering new ruminations on philosophies studied for centuries. It is a thought-provoking novel that will captivate those who enjoy pondering the many questions the human condition presents.
Pages: 152
The God Fix
The God Fix is a profoundly unsettling and intricately layered novel that follows the young protagonist, Matthew, as he navigates a visit to his relatives in Manchester. What begins as an innocent summer trip slowly unravels into a dark exploration of family secrets, trauma, and the loss of innocence. The book dives headfirst into complex themes of abuse, the falsehoods that people use to shield themselves from reality, and the haunting impacts these have on a child’s psyche.
Alexander’s writing is stark and evocative, capturing the mundane details of everyday life while hinting at the sinister undercurrents that flow just beneath the surface. The book’s atmosphere is thick with tension, made even more palpable by the author’s skill in building suspense through the eyes of a child. The way Matthew’s perceptions shift from excitement about seeing his cousins to the dawning realization of the horrors around him is particularly well done. I found myself holding my breath during critical moments, especially when Matthew discovered the disturbing videotapes in his uncle’s wardrobe. This moment is a turning point in the novel, where the hidden darkness of the household begins to surface, and it’s handled with both sensitivity and brutal honesty.
The pacing can be slow at times, especially in the early chapters, where the focus is on mundane activities. This methodical pace is likely intentional, reflecting the slow build-up of tension, but I found myself wanting the story to move forward more quickly. Additionally, the portrayal of religious themes and the hypocrisy of the characters could have been explored more deeply. While the novel touches on these aspects, it often feels like there’s more to be said, particularly regarding how these themes influence the characters’ actions and justifications. The book does not shy away from the psychological impact on its young protagonist and paints a vivid picture of how children can internalize guilt and confusion in the face of such horrors. Matthew’s internal monologue, filled with a mix of naivety and dawning awareness, is both heartbreaking and compelling. This inner conflict drives much of the novel’s emotional weight, making it a challenging but worthwhile read.
The God Fix is a powerful and disturbing novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s a book that requires emotional resilience, as it deals with heavy subjects in a manner that is both raw and real. I would recommend this book to readers who appreciate psychological dramas and are not afraid to confront uncomfortable truths. It’s particularly suited for those who are interested in stories that delve into the complexities of family dynamics and the hidden traumas that can shape a person’s life.
Pages: 81 | ASIN : B0D2Q285PK
An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze
An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze offers a poignant and insightful glimpse into the complexities of growing up during one of history’s most tumultuous times—World War II. The novel centers on Scotty Johannsen, a 15-year-old boy navigating the challenges of adolescence while the world around him is engulfed in chaos. Through Scotty’s eyes, we witness the trials of friendship, family dynamics, and the struggles of coming of age in a period marked by uncertainty and loss.
Despite its heavy themes, this book is surprisingly heartwarming and nostalgic. Richardson masterfully portrays the day-to-day life of a teenager in 1943, blending humor and warmth with the serious issues of the era. His writing captures the spirit of the time with a light touch, making the narrative both engaging and accessible, even as it tackles the profound effects of the war on those living in the United States. Richardson’s respectful and thoughtful portrayal of World War II and its impact on ordinary people, particularly teenagers, adds depth to the story. It’s fascinating to imagine how a typical teenager like Scotty managed to navigate such a complex and challenging environment. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the author’s ability to depict this experience authentically and with sensitivity. The characters, especially the siblings Greta, Scotty, and Erik, are richly developed and integral to Scotty’s journey toward maturity. Their interactions, full of both tension and tenderness, are some of the most memorable moments in the book. The way they find ways to cope with their circumstances and grow closer as a family is both touching and realistic. The chapters are well-structured, and the writing is clear and compelling, making it difficult to put the book down.
If you’re looking for a reflective yet adventurous slice-of-life novel set against the backdrop of World War II, An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze is the perfect choice. It’s a beautifully crafted story that will resonate with anyone interested in the impacts of history’s most challenging moments.
Pages: 356 | ASIN : B0D7JYK4MQ
LITERARY TITAN 