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Survival, Hope, and Resilience
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems is more than a collection of poetry; it is the story of a woman who was unjustly impressed and her story of survival against inhumane conditions. What inspired you to share her works with the world?
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems is inspired by a deep commitment to honoring Friddie’s incredible journey of resilience and hope amidst the horrors of unjust imprisonment. Her powerful story of survival against inhumane conditions needed to be shared to give voice to the silenced and highlight the enduring human spirit. By sharing her works, I aim to preserve her legacy and shed light on the historical atrocities she endured.
How did you go about deciding what photos and quotes to include along with Friddie’s poetry?
Deciding which photos and quotes to include with Friddie’s poetry involved meticulous curation to ensure each element complemented and enhanced the emotional depth of her poems. I selected images that visually represent the themes of her poetry, such as survival, hope, and resilience. The quotes were chosen for their ability to encapsulate the essence of Friddie’s experiences and to provide context, creating a powerful and immersive reading experience.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Friddie’s poetry collection?
I hope readers take away a profound sense of empathy and awareness of the historical injustices faced by Friddie and countless others. Through her poetry, I aim to inspire readers to recognize the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Additionally, I hope Friddie’s story encourages reflection on the importance of preserving and sharing personal histories to ensure that such stories are never forgotten.
Are there more poems or writings from Friddie that you plan to publish in the future?
Yes, I plan to publish more of Friddie’s poems and writings in the future, but for a different audience. While in prison, Friddie also wrote books and poems for children, each carrying a greater message about pursuing justice, kindness, and dealing with adversity. I am currently working on this project to ensure that her inspiring words reach a broader audience and continue to impart important lessons and values.
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At 18, Friddie married a charming, charismatic scientist named Freddy; but their union was tragically short.
Just two weeks after the wedding, Freddy disappeared, and Friddie was unjustly accused of a crime she had never committed. She spent nine years in a Romanian prison, followed by four years in a communist labor camp.
Despite the harsh and inhumane conditions, Friddie found solace in writing poetry.
Friddie’s poems reflect her journey through life, imprisonment, and hope. They speak of joy, loss, fear, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.
After her death, her family discovered hundreds of letters and postcards where Friddie shared her poems with her cousin, Aaurica.
Friddie’s story was first told in the award-winning novel Where the Lilacs Bloom Again(StoryTime World, 2022). Now, her powerful words are brought to life in this collection.
Emotional Trauma & Healing
Of Ashes and Dust follows a Vietnam Veteran, now a professor, who is haunted by his past only to discover as the world is headed to Armageddon that the conspiracy theories he questioned are, in fact, truth and nothing is as it seemed. What was the inspiration for the setup of your novel?
There’s an obvious long-term cover-up by the US Government regarding the existence of ETs & UFOs, dating back to 1947. This, in part, served as an impetus for my “inspiration” to weave this narrative thread into the story arc. Also, I work with US military retirees, combat vets, many suffering from PTSD, as well as having served in the Army myself. This also added impetus to incorporate these elements into the plot.
The relationships that the characters form and, ultimately, the betrayals hook readers into watching everything unfold. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
It came naturally. I’ve lived the majority of my life overseas having worked with the US military during almost all this time. Dealing with stress-related combat vets almost daily has led me to come face-to-face with their problems, often getting personally involved with their emotional trauma & healing.
What was the chosen theme of the novel, or did it develop organically as you were writing?
It pretty much “develop[ed] organically.” The story, except for one or two events toward the end, naturally unfolded for me. Wish all story arcs would do that!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Working on publishing a chapbook (small poetry book), then a children’s book, and then the sequel to Of Ashes and Dust (OAAD). The OAAD sequel will most likely be more psychologically-driven & deeply delving into the troubled mindset of the protagonist & first-person narrator, Prof. Will Watson, rather than mostly event-driven as in the original.
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Their tale traces back to two covert operations from the Vietnam War era–a revelation about UFOs from the U.S. Air Force and the clandestine Project Sixty-Seven.
At the heart of the story is Professor Will Watson–a war-ravaged Vietnam veteran, a fervent activist of the New Hampshire Liberty Militia, and a man haunted by specters of his past. As the world edges toward Armageddon, he seeks solace in the arms of his Japanese graduate student assistant, Kimiko Tanimoto. Amidst escalating pursuit by the State Police and FBI, Watson is confronted with the harsh realities of his traumatic past and the imminent downfall of a world crumbling around him.
However, the truth about his “friendship” with Mark Mercotti, a fellow militia member with a hidden sexuality, proves to be more sinister. During their service in VIetnam, Mercotti had Watson enlisted in the enigmatic Project Sixty-Seven and arranged for a covert implant to be placed in Watson’s head. This unsettling revelation forces Watson to question his sanity, but he soon learns that Mercotti’s web of deceit runs deeper.
As Watson navigates the aftermath of his military service, he stumbles upon a reality beyond his wildest dreams: the implant was a government ploy to monitor him. Meanwhile, Mercotti is far from the friend he claims to be. His conspiracies are more than mere theories; they’re cold, hard facts.
“Of Ashes and Dust” is a relentlessly intense tale of alternate history set against the backdrop of global Armageddon. It’s a thrilling exploration of conspiracy, survival, and unforgiving intrigue, culminating in a finale as explosive as it is unexpected.
An Exciting Journey
Stonechild follows a teenage girl living in London who is determined to discover how and why the city’s statues are coming to life. What inspired the setup of your story?
As a mountain guide, I was already involved in the climate crisis and sharing the word on what needs to be done. This particular day, I was working in London on some corporate training. It was a hot day, we had walked a lot and my clients were taking a long time in solving a clue, which was based around the Royal Tank Regiment Memorial statue in Whitehall. I pictured the statue coming to life with the answer to the clue, and the idea grew from there. I sometimes joke that, as in the story, the statues share a telepathy, and so perhaps they gave me the idea!
Molly has lived her life traveling and exploring, giving her a unique perspective on the mystery but still allowing her to grow and learn from the experiences. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Molly is a combination of my own experiences and those around me. My own son travelled extensively from a young age, and I have friends who home-educated their children. Being curious has opened many doors for me during my life. I used to work in youth development and so I wanted to briefly touch on the subjects that affect us as teenagers, and in doing so, Molly’s character developed further. It was also interesting to explore Molly’s relationship with her brother and how that was changing when he had a girlfriend.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
This was a really interesting and at times, an exciting journey for me. I had ideas of why the statues would come to life and how. Climate was to be the reason behind the plot. The rest just grew as I wrote. I did a lot of research and ideas often sprung from that research. Sometimes, I would wake up at four in the morning with an idea, and would just have to get up and write. I was a police officer in the UK, so quite methodical in what I do. My writing place had files on each character and a map of London on the wall placing where the statues are and Molly’s adventures.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Stonechild finishes with the opening to the sequel, which I am currently researching. We will have moved on by about five years, and as readers might guess, we still haven’t done much to stop climate change. The story won’t be a repeat of what happens in Stonechild, I have something different in mind and it won’t be in London. As with Stonechild, I want a really good story that also makes us reflect on what we should be doing with this beautiful planet and how we live our lives.
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Believable, Not Just Nostalgic
Twelve Palominos follows a Private Investigator from San Diego who is hired by a wealthy family to acquire the last miniature palomino that once belonged to the Emperor of China. What inspired the setup of your story?
I was looking for a “hook” that would keep readers as interested in the hunt, as in the story itself. The historical references to the origins of Palominos in different parts of the world at different times in history seemed a good way to do that.
I found Brig Ellis to be an intriguing character. What was your inspiration for this character?
I wanted to modernize the classic gumshoes of the past. Sam Spade, Philip Marlow, etc. But wanted to make him believable, not just nostalgic. That’s why I developed the military background. Also tried to split the difference between “boy scout” and “street smart” morality. He’s good, not perfect. Honorable, not sleazy. Yet will bend a few rules, maybe even break a law now and then to accomplish what he thinks is right.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
Little of both really. Started simply with the title. Liked the way it sounded. Built the search around that. Outlined would “could” happen, but often revised, added to, or literally changed things as I wrote. Pretty much what I always do. Have a basic plan and/or outline…but don’t adhere to it slavishly.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Brig Ellis and the direction of the next book?
The wife of his friend calls Ellis and tells him her husband is missing. Wants him to go find the guy? Something he’d probably do without hesitation. Until she reveals the hubby went missing in Bangkok. Sex tourism capital of the world. Is he really missing or has he opted out of the marriage by long-distance proxy? Soon, Ellis is on a plane to Thailand.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | X (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Amazon
Jackie and the Magical Guys
Jackie and the Magical Guys, by Amy Linsamouth, is a captivating blend of humor, action, and surprising twists. The story follows Jackie, a 16-year-old from a dystopian future, who is sent back in time by her brilliant mother to prevent an apocalypse. Unfamiliar with the world of viral memes and internet culture, Jackie must form a team of female warriors to save humanity. In an unexpected turn, she accidentally turns four reluctant men into magical girls using a super soldier serum. This creates a unique and entertaining narrative that explores whether Jackie can turn this accident into a success.
Linsamouth delivers a dynamic story that immediately draws readers in with its fast-paced action, avoiding lengthy expositions that often slow down other narratives. The characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities that add depth and humor to the story. The concept of transforming four men into magical girls is both hilarious and refreshing, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as they adapt to their new identities. While there are differences between the cover art and the interior illustrations, this contrast adds an intriguing layer to the experience. The cover’s bright, chibi-like style suggests a lighthearted tone, which makes the darker, graphic novel-like interior art an exciting surprise. This juxtaposition enriches the narrative, making it more compelling. The brisk pace of the story keeps readers engaged, and although it sometimes transitions quickly between events, this rapid progression maintains a lively and dynamic feel.
Jackie and the Magical Guys is an inventive and engaging story with plenty of potential. It masterfully combines humor, action, and darker themes, offering a unique twist on the magical girl genre. The cliffhanger ending leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next volume, excited to see how the story and characters will evolve. For those who enjoy fast-paced, humorous tales with a touch of the bizarre, this comic is definitely worth exploring.
Pages: 120 | ASIN : B0D8V7ZMKQ
Stop Feeling Ashamed
But Baby, You’re Worth It! follows a woman who, during childbirth, experiences life-threatening medical errors resulting in severe physical and emotional scars. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I drew the inspiration for this story from my own experiences. In particular, the injuries and trauma I sustained during my son’s birth but also after the difficult time during and after my daughter’s birth some twelve years earlier. Something that struck me both times, was how alone and isolated I felt despite the massive amount of support that I had around me.
Birth trauma is a topic that is seldom discussed. When it is, the long-term impacts and the healing process are rarely addressed. What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goal in sharing this story was, my own healing journey aside, to help kickstart the conversation about birth trauma and the profound impact it has on women and their families. The healing journey after a traumatic birth can be really scary, especially when there are injuries sustained during that birth. I want us, as a society, to stop feeling ashamed about talking about our experiences. The “village” has never been more important than it is in this scenario.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
The writing happened very much organically. The first draft took me three weeks to write. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and haven’t stopped writing since.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have finished writing the sequel to But Baby, You’re Worth It! The second book is with ASPG now and I expect it to be released mid to late October. I am also working through my editor’s suggestions for my third book and hope to see it released by December. My fourth book is a few chapters in as well but my goal for 2024 is to publish the first three!
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Those first blissful days were soon forgotten though as they were slowly but surely replaced by pain, trauma and heartache. All because of mistakes made in the delivery room, mistakes that could have cost her, her life. As the full extent of those medical mistakes starts to become apparent Tabitha must make some life altering and devastating decisions. Her journey back from a dark place would take every ounce of fight that she had. Her job was on the line, her mother’s health was flailing and her children needed her, despite her fears to the contrary. Could she fix what was broken inside and be happy once more?
Find Peace With the Present
Remember Me is a celebration of your mother’s life honoring her memory in the form of stories that shine light on her strength, humor, and incredible resilience. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was my most important book to date because the message of love and remembrance is crucial to me. Throughout life, we meet many people. Some become friends; others become close like family (or closer). It is these people who have helped shape a piece of us. Even though no new memories can be made, remembering the joy and happiness of the time we had is one of the best ways to turn our grief into strength. It is hard and some days it can feel impossible but we will be comforted by our memories and continue to make new memories with other loved ones, friends, and within our community.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your mother’s story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
This journal is to honor my Mother’s memory after her passing in December of 2021. That was the hardest Christmas of my life. It was during that Christmas that I knew I wanted to create something that would resonate with more than just my family and friends. While all of this was hard to write and took me over two years to complete with plenty of tears and tissues, the “About my Mother” section was beyond hard. Writing about Mom not in the present or future but the past made my loss feel fresh again.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your book?
I hope readers find joy in their memories. It is my hope for every reader that they can find peace with the present and be excited for the future; even though their Mother will not be sharing new experiences by their side, a piece of her is always in their heart. A mother’s love is forever, in life and beyond.
Can we look forward to seeing more work from you soon?
We are very excited to be penning our first adult romance book with an anticipated release in 2025. This WIP (work in progress) was inspired by my cat, Coors White, an adorable black and white tuxedo kitty. He is aptly named because of his larger than body personality and tendencies that make a stiff drink sound good (or even mandatory). Inspired by some of the escape schenegains of Coors and his kitty siblings, Crazy Cat Lady Love takes you on his journey to find his owner’s true love. Will his mission turn into a dog-gone cat-astrophe? Only time will tell as Coors’ escapes become more hilarious.
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Making memories with loved ones is the best part of life. The memories made with our moms can only be described as
one-of-a-kind. There’s nobody else quite like our mothers! Since the present is fleeting and tomorrow is never guaranteed,
start journaling your memories today.
Join me in this celebration of life journal as we remember the quirky experiences we will never forget!
Human Extinction – The extinction of mankind or how we are destroying ourselves
Human Extinction is a thought-provoking examination of the myriad ways humanity is contributing to its own potential downfall. The author presents a sweeping overview of historical, environmental, and societal issues, intertwining them to illustrate how interconnected and fragile our existence truly is. From ancient civilizations to modern technological advances, the book highlights the patterns of progress and destruction that define human history.
The writing is passionate and earnest, reflecting the author’s deep concern for the future of our planet and species. The book is peppered with historical references, personal anecdotes, and speculative ideas, making it both informative and engaging. For instance, the comparison between ancient advanced civilizations like the Egyptians and modern society provides a compelling framework for understanding how past mistakes are being repeated on a grander scale today. I think the section discussing the fall of these civilizations due to environmental changes and societal collapse resonates with current global challenges.
While the book’s organization may pose some challenges, its core message is clear and urgent. I felt that the digressions into conspiracy theories and speculative history, while interesting, can sometimes detract from the more solid arguments presented.
The author’s ability to inspire critical thinking is undeniable. The chapter on modern technology and its implications for resource depletion and environmental degradation is particularly poignant. The author effectively highlights the paradox of technological advancement; while it brings numerous benefits, it also accelerates resource consumption and environmental harm. The call for a global rethink and collective action is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility.
Human Extinction: The Extinction of Mankind or How We Are Destroying Ourselves is a compelling read for any person interested in environmental science, history, and societal issues. I would recommend this book to readers who are passionate about understanding the broader context of humanity’s impact on the planet and are looking for a catalyst to inspire change.
Pages: 134 | ASIN : B0D47DRKK8
LITERARY TITAN 