Blog Archives
Trapped by Your Own Thoughts
In MINDFARM: The Harvest, a man trying desperately to stay grounded discovers the truth about mankind when he finds himself part of a unique group of people each battling their own mental illnesses. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, I often found myself falling victim to my own mental illness. The resulting battles in my own mind would leave me exhausted…questioning why I would spend so much of my own mental energy belittling myself or imagining catastrophic events. That’s when the idea came to me, to focus my mind on creating a story that was filled with some of the most ridiculous imaginative thoughts I could have. I wanted to bring conspiracies to life that the protagonist would be left questioning until the very end.
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
I loved writing the main character because so many of his qualities (BiPolar, funny, Dad,) are my own…you write what you know. There’s a scene where he is laying in bed in Old Victoria, thinking about his loved ones back home…but his mind quickly changes its train of thought to despair… that scene perfectly encompasses what it is like to be trapped by your own thoughts.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from MINDFARM?
I hope people will ultimately understand what it is like living with particular mental illnesses… and how hard life can be. I hope the book will inspire people to pursue more creative hobbies to direct their brain power to something that can benefit them and others.
Can you give us a peek inside Book 2 in the series? What can readers expect?
Book 2 is in development! Expect more fun and even more action in this book…. I plan on having a few twists and turns. We will also be getting more backstories from our current DOA members with their own internal dialogues/narration!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A Sense of Purpose
Darien Shockra & The Bermuda Triangle follows three friends living in Bermuda who are unaware of their destiny to become the protectors of the universe till their 21st birthday when their unique abilities emerge. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of the main inspirations for writing this story was living through a near-death experience when my appendix burst in 2011. I left it for 4 days before going to the hospital, which was a silly thing to do. Once I recovered and was well enough to leave the hospital, I was inspired to write a book, which I wanted to do for a long time.
I decided that while I was not working and in further recovery I would start to write a book that consisted of a cross between fiction and personal experiences that I wanted to share in a relatable way. My mother passed away from cancer when I was 21 years old, so I felt this was an age where I had to grow as a person in many aspects of my life. It was a time where I transitioned as a person to find my own unique abilities which emerged as I learned more about myself and my capabilities.
My near-death health ordeal occurred just after the final release of the last Harry Potter film. At the time, I was a senior support worker for mental health and special needs clients. One of those clients with Downs Syndrome was a huge Harry Potter fan, and I would take him to the cinema to watch all of the Harry Potter series. In turn, I appreciated J.K. Rowling’s creation, and the three friends were inspired by her concept.
After writing several chapters, and life “getting in the way,” I parked the book idea intending to return to it at some point. Then in 2020, I wanted to revisit the book and continue with the journey. I remembered that the reason I became a huge fan of fiction/fantasy/urban fantasy was due to my dear high school friend, Stefan, who introduced me to Dragonlance: The Chronicles, by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. I was hooked! I knew that Stefan also wrote, both of us mostly writing lyrics for songs and poetry, amongst others, but I felt that if we collaborated this story could go in a direction that was much greater than doing it alone. I am so glad that Stefan accepted because we have rekindled our age-long relationship and have been able to do what we love while sharing it with the world.
When Darien, Ecio, and Serenity wake up on their 21st birthday, they find out they are not who they thought they were, and they are destined to save the universe. What were the driving ideals behind the characters’ development throughout the story?
I think there is something amazing about being surprised when you receive a gift that is unexpected and special and that brings you a sense of purpose. I know that I would never be able to “save the universe,” however, writing to create characters that may do just that offers Stefan and me a sense of hope.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Although we have briefly touched on the supernatural powers of each character, we wanted to start off slowly by having our readers ease into
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for the three friends and the direction of the second book?
We can definitely let you know that we are building momentum so that part 2 maintains a compelling storyline with the introduction of some new characters that add to the journey.
It will not be easy for Darien, Ecio, and Serenity. In our story, we look to bake in life experiences that people can relate to or learn from. This will hold true for the three friends and the other supporting characters.
Without giving too much away, the three friends still need to understand and learn about their newfound powers, along with understanding themselves. They also need to learn how to work together as one collective. Each character is a unique individual with their own strengths and weaknesses, which will become apparent in part 2.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Darien Shockra, Ecio Ohm and Serenity Ken wake up on their 21st birthday on the island of Bermuda, they discover that they have become the destined successors of the Tritem to restore Universal balance…and that time portals offer a means of travel. Up until now, they have been blissfully unaware of their inherited roles and that their lives are about to change forever.
Evil is hell bent on destroying Darien Shockra and the Tritem… mainly focusing on Darien Shockra.. Why?
Join Darien and his friends on an epic adventure as they travel the Universe to try and restore balance, learning invaluable lessons along the way…
Laughter and Joy
Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure follows a man strolling through the streets observing the Christmas magic present in the families he sees. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure comes from a long-standing saying in my home for over 20 years. It started with my husband, the real Mr. Nap A. Lot, and his way of explaining Christmas to our kids. His belief that “the spirit of Christmas lives in us all” has always touched me deeply. This heartfelt sentiment sparked the idea for the story, capturing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a Mr. Nap A. Lot strolling through the streets and observing the joy in the families he sees.
Christmas is my favorite time of year, not for the gifts but for being with family and friends. What comes to mind when you think of Christmas Magic in your own life?
Christmas is my favorite time of year, and when I think of Christmas Magic in my life, I think of the love shared, the stories told, and the memories made. The air feels magical as we prepare for the Holiday Season. It’s truly a time to believe in something bigger than ourselves. I’ve always noticed how people come alive during this season, filling rooms with laughter and joy. There’s something about the lights, the evergreen smell, the fireplaces, the family togetherness, the freshly baked goods, and the sound of children laughing – all of these ingredients make Christmas so memorable for me.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
I have so many favorite scenes from beginning to end, but the one where he finds love and the magic of Christmas sets his spirit free is my absolute favorite. I also can’t help but cherish the moments where he witnesses kindness and selfless giving. Finding the true meaning of Christmas is another favorite scene, making it a tough choice. Every time I re-read the book, it feels like a toss-up between these wonderful moments.
I hope the Interesting Tales series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Thank you! I hope the Interesting Tales series continues as well. I initially planned for six books in the series, so I’m thrilled it’s continuing to grow. This series is one of my favorites because it allowed me to have fun and not set boundaries. I want kids to gain a love for reading, and if one of my stories can do that, I’ve done my job. This series has given me so much joy and has allowed me to be a kid at heart. I have five new books already written, each covering new and funny events about families, animals, and another fun holiday. I’m continuously inspired to add to this series and take readers on delightful journeys. For an author, I think the best ingredient is inspiration, and that’s all I can ask for.
I can say that the Interesting Tales collection has three more books written and ready for release in 2025, all aimed at continuing the tradition of bringing imaginative and clever stories to young audiences.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Mr. Nap A. Lot returns for a captivating Christmas adventure, a whimsical tale that beautifully captures the true spirit of the season. Join him on a heartwarming journey that will spark the Christmas magic within you. This delightful story, sprinkled with simple rhymes, is perfect for readers of all ages. So, cozy up and let the enchantment of Christmas unfold in the most whimsical way!
Exploring the Unbeaten Path
Sour Apples follows a young boy from a small town who navigates childhood and explores all that this time in his life has to offer. What was the inspiration for your story?
A simple structured tree fort growing up fuels my memories of a simpler time, that era and way of life when children bonded friendships and dealt with heartaches over exploring and wonderment. Those times are mere memories for those who grew up back then. Children barely glimpse that type of life anymore. It is a lost civilization. Those memories evoke a very powerful emotion, nostalgia.
Jimmy is a character many readers will relate to. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
This is a wonderfully appropriate question. Jimmy and his friends each take with them a characteristic from me and they develop on their own from those attributes. Jimmy is eager, determined, and vulnerable. Dave is cool and confident, a leader. Kevin is enthusiastic but not the brightest, and Chad aloof and chilled. They really are just one person developed on their own from the main elements they hailed from. I also grew up with a tree fort, watched my brother and his friend dissect a snake, and was terrified of the twin girls in my neighborhood. The baseball scenes were all fictitious and based only on my imagination but I grew up in a wonderful baseball environment where I learned to love the sport. Those scenes were merely based on my love of the game.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Friendships, new and old, and how they develop. Trust, Jimmy had a wonderful sense of who and what to trust. He was most proud that he knew to trust his instincts. Exploring the unbeaten path, which was every child’s desire. Hating to read, the story opens up on this theme and carries itself along quite well. Jimmy often thought, “You can’t make this up in a book” even though he was made up himself. I truly hate to read, and poked fun of it all but my goal is to change the mindset of many who feel the same way. And let’s not forget girls. At that age, it was a precarious situation. It only took one instant to flip a boy’s mind.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
A series is absolutely in the works. I was writing book two, Just A Bitter Taste, as I prepared for the launch of Sour Apples. It has been completed. It will go through a series of edits and then be submitted to my publisher. Book three in this series leaps forward several years and needs a heavy rewrite. It was the first to be written. Having developed my skills since then it will be rewritten. If an idea for a story comes to light, I have no problem making this a four-book series. The characters will appreciate that, knowing they won’t be dying off anytime soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Adding to the mix of that imagination and his antics to win back his fort, the prettiest girl his age, a baseball diamond, a groundhog, a snapping turtle, and the town vagrant and Jimmy soon finds his summer adventure is more than he bargained for.
Sour Apples is a humorous young adult adventure of a very clever young boy who thinks he can outwit the best of them. His antics are riveting and could one day make Jimmy a legend. Paul Jantzen has masterfully written his debut novel, a tale of mischief and antics that will grab the reader from the very first page.
Continue what you just started, and join Jimmy Hamilton in navigating his summer of adventure.
Accountability and Redemption
Improbable Future follows a woman who is trying to rebuild her life after facing numerous setbacks and decides to confront the traumatic events from her past by returning to the place she escaped from as a teenager, in order to uncover the mysteries that have haunted her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I draw from news stories and think about how the individuals involved would think, act, and feel in those situations. What gets them through unbearable times in life? What role does hope or the lack of it play in getting through those times? What are the lasting effects of trauma? How is trauma manifested in the individual? How does trauma affect that individual’s future and future generations? What happens when trauma is so overwhelming one can’t recover? Those are the questions I explored in Improbable Future.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I find all of it interesting. I’ve been a people watcher since I was a child. When I look at someone I wonder what that person’s story is, because we all have stories. If anyone brags their life is perfect, they’re lying. Life is imperfect. The human condition is imperfect. And it can be difficult, sad, and sometimes terrifying. It’s what you do with what life hands you. It’s what you learn about yourself and others from the experience and how you evolve. It’s also about accountability and redemption. And while there are difficult times, there are also times of love, joy, and belonging. How do we navigate among them? That’s what I explore in my stories. What’s really important to me is that fiction allows me to explore the human condition in an intimate way through my characters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The family you were born into and the family you find. Sometimes they are one and the same. Sometimes they are polar opposites. As with the series overall, this book deals with the big themes of racism, misogyny, inequality, and physical and psychological abuse. New to this book is the exploration of religion and how it can be corrupted through power and control, and the way in which one’s faith and beliefs are challenged.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Cadence’s family and friends and the direction of the next book?
I’m so excited about book 6 of the series. I’m working on it now, and it will be released in early 2025. It’s titled Fallen Deer and is about two busloads of undocumented immigrants who are sent to Cadence, a sanctuary city, by the governor of one of the border states. As with all the books in the series, this book is also about current events and putting a face on the people experiencing it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Acknowledge Those Who Matter
Everyday Heroes: Real People, True Heroes follows a teacher and her class who are learning about and celebrating the everyday heroes in their lives that inspire them. The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Arsalan Khan?
My dad and I began working with Arsalan in the summer of 2021. He’s become our preferred illustrator for all our projects since that time. We consistently choose him and recommend him to others because of his amazing ability to bring words to life through his illustrations. His patience while we refine our stories and request revisions is exceptional. Additionally, he has corrected errors in illustrations from other illustrators that we worked with prior to meeting him at minimal cost.
I collaborated with children at Casa Esperanza Montessori to create the manuscript for Everyday Heroes. My dad contacted Arsalan to see if he could illustrate the book while I continued to work on the manuscript. Arsalan agreed to fit it into his schedule. We provided him with the manuscript, specifying the characters’ makeup, and left the rest to his creative vision. He returned with a storyboard featuring all the characters, which we reviewed and approved after a few iterations. As always, Arsalan exceeded our expectations in both creativity and timeliness. We not only paid for his work but also gave him a generous tip for exceeding our expectations.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to express that my dad has been my personal hero throughout my childhood and teenage years. Additionally, I wanted to emphasize that a hero doesn’t have to be a parent or someone who wears a cape. A hero is anyone who cares for you or holds significance in your life. My message to the children reading Everyday Heroes is to appreciate and acknowledge those who matter while they are still around. Also, take note of as many lessons as they try to teach you along the way while you can.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on a poetry book that explores my journey from childhood to adulthood, reflecting on love, life, and personal struggles. I plan to release this book after graduating high school next summer, with the anticipated release date set for June 9, 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Website | Amazon
A Forbidden Relationship
Demon’s Choice follows a demon in human form who finds himself intensely attracted to a human waitress despite the idea of a human/demon romance being ill-advised. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My husband and I were rewatching Supernatural for possibly the fifth time, and the season where Dean becomes a demon, however short-lived that was, made me wonder how a demon would react if their loved one was threatened. Dean as a character is very protective of his family, and the thought occurred to me that as a demon this characteristic could be magnified. This went on to consider how a demon would react if their loved one ending up being the sacrifice used to summon them.
But I didn’t want to just repeat stories I had read where the sacrifice was merely sent to the demon and they end up sparing the sacrifice’s life with a new deal. I wanted it to be something that stood out, that pulled on heartstrings from the beginning. The only way I could see that being done was to turn the sacrifice into a blood ritual, meaning the sacrifice would already be dead on the demon’s arrival. Obviously, with this being the love interest that would bring the story to a very abrupt end before it even begun. That in turn birthed the creation of boundlings, sacrificed souls that agree to live on to serve Hell. From that, I delved into creating a full world with intricate lore for how Hell functioned, and how each demon served a purpose.
The relationship between a demon and a human developed naturally from that. Demons are immortal and serve a very specific purpose in the expansion of Hell. If humans knew about them, that would greatly hinder their work, so logically demons that operated on Earth had to be secretive. And everyone loves a forbidden relationship.
Your characters are richly developed, making readers want to get to know them. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Ambrose was my favourite character to write in Demon’s Choice. He is a character that has lived in my head for I’m honestly not sure how long anymore, but he never really fit into a story until now. When the concept for Demon’s Choice came to me, I knew instantly he was made to fill the shoes of the main male character and love interest. The story itself focuses on Lena’s journey, but it is through the patience, support and love that Ambrose provides her that makes that journey possible.
However, one character that gave me the greatest challenge was Cyrus. Not because he was difficult to write, or that I didn’t enjoy developing his character, but because he wanted to be the focus of any scene he was a part of. I am a firm believer that our characters are real to us and Cyrus absolutely proved that to me. I frequently had to have conversations with him to tone his attitude down, to the point where I promised him the second book in the series so he would get his time to shine. And boy, did he.
In fantasy novels it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Before delving into the power systems of Hell, in a rare moment of actual planning, I wrote out how each power manifested. The different kinds of elemental power I wanted to introduced and how they interacted, or counteracted, with each other. Self-healing was a necessary for some demons, but much like with sports, some are better at it than others, and some cannot harness this ability at all. This was helped by introducing demonic rankings, creating lower and higher-level demons, all with varying ranging of abilities and powers. The key was simply to be consistent, and to refer back to my lore as and when needed.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The purpose of the series is to build to the actual Apocalypse. Book 2, Demon’s Faith, focuses on Cyrus and Marcus, characters introduced in Book 1, and their developing relationship as they support and serve Lena in her new role. Likewise, the following books will focus on different couplings, but all driving towards the same goal. Bringing about the Apocalypse.
The final book in the series will be told from four perspectives or one character from each of the preceding books. It will be the ultimate end and culmination of all previous narratives. All will be tested more than they ever have been, and not all will survive. It’s the end of days after all.
I also plan to have a number of spin-off novellas, features characters we have met along the way, but that have no real bearing on the main storyline. Giving me the opportunity to continue living in my world of demons.
Sacrificed to a demon she finds herself thrown into a world where she is the centre of attention, completely dependent on the man she longs for. Others now covet her and her growing power, seeking to tear her apart from the only person who has truly cared for her. The one she chose to be with.
Can she find the strength to save both her and her heart?
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Demon’s Choice is a supernatural romance with some dark topics. It contains content and situations that could be triggering for some readers.
Reflecting the Diversity of Our World
In Glitches of Gods, an engineer grappling with his father’s death is propelled into an alternate timeline and a new life following a mysterious technical glitch. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I began with a set of themes I wanted to explore: the multiverse, AI, virtual worlds, memes, and leadership. Don’t ask me why these particular themes – I don’t have a logical explanation. I felt they would create an intriguing combination. I then employed the Save the Cat method to outline the story structure and develop story beats until I had a compelling narrative. As a test, I narrated the entire story to some friends to gauge their reactions. Only after that did I begin the actual writing process.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The protagonist, Julien, is my favorite character to write. He begins as a likable yet irresponsible individual who doesn’t take anything seriously, but throughout the story, he gradually evolves into the responsible person he needs to become. As an author, crafting this transformative journey was incredibly rewarding. Of course, there’s also Zha-Zhar, who seems to be a fan favorite among my readers. She was definitely enjoyable to write as well, though as a supporting character, her personal growth wasn’t as central to the narrative.
I can’t recall struggling significantly with particular characters, though some were easier or more enjoyable to write than others. To be clear, I’m fond of each character in my novel. However, just as in real life, some personalities are more challenging to engage with.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Glitches of Gods?
Human diversity is a central theme in my work. While I’m unsure if some groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community, are still underrepresented in contemporary fiction (they certainly were for many decades), I consciously try to ensure they have significant representation in my novel. I believe in creating a rich tapestry of characters that reflects the diversity of our real world.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2? Where will it take readers?
I plan to take readers to another world in the Playspheres saga. This time, it will probably be a bit more fantasy-oriented than the first one. But the plan is to continue the larger thread that I started with the first one.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Julien feels utterly miserable. Creator of the AI that killed his father, the brilliant engineer deftly evades work on the world’s first human-level android, dodging the off-chance of snuffing out more lives. Instead, Julien much prefers bickering with his virtual assistant, crafting memes with his quirky friends, and shagging dates across a broad spectrum of genders. Yet, due to a maddening jump across timelines, he grudgingly faces his greatest dreads: raising a family and leading his team to win the AI race.
Drowning in new duties, Julien aims to avoid a second AI disaster. But when a mysterious technological infection wreaks havoc on the city, Julien flip-flops between shielding his loved ones and leading his team as he battles it out with broken robots, idiot protestors, and a rather sinister cat. Learning he got himself involved in a war between gods, should Julien save his new family or finish his team’s android to prevent an AI apocalypse?
Glitches of Gods is the extraordinary first book in the Playspheres epic science fantasy series. If you like cynical sentients, wacky worlds, and plenteous profanity, then you’ll love the kick-off of Jurgen Appelo’s bewildering and humorous dystopian sci-fi saga.
Buy Glitches of Gods and choose sides in a super-sentient war!
LITERARY TITAN 