Blog Archives
Challenges and Triumphs
What Are We Going to Do Tyrone Jr.? follows the parents of an adult autistic son who faces challenges from the neighbors with his behavior. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Life was really my inspiration. My wife’s and mine personal journey along with the experiences of other parents of autistic children served as the primary inspiration for this story. Because I’m a part of this community, I’ve become aware of the challenges and triumphs that other parents of autistic children have experienced. There are a lot of challenges, but, fortunately, there can also be a lot of wins.
This novel was a perfect way for me to share an interesting story and to educate readers on the difficulties that families may experience while raising a loved one who has special needs. Most importantly, I was inspired by the need to highlight the uncertainty that families often experience when their special loved one becomes an adult.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
My primary guideline was to ensure that my characters were interesting, relatable, and believable. I really want the reader to emotionally connect with my authentic characters and have a good understanding of why the characters in my story act a certain way. In order to make this possible, I deliberately shared the main characters’ personal dreams and goals. It’s important that readers understand the parents’ goals in the story, and how having a special-needs child may possibly impact them. By sharing these insights, I feel as if I developed believable, relatable, and likable characters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In addition to addressing the central theme of raising a special-needs adult child, family and friendship are critical themes in the story. Family and friendship create powerful emotions that many people can relate to based on experiences in their lives – good or bad. In my first novel, The Other Side of Friendship, I primarily focused on the challenges of making and keeping new friends as an adult. What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.? also captures the themes of friendship throughout the story. One of my goals was to show how the main character, Tyrone, matured in the area of friendship. As for the family theme, this story is a reminder that even the most close-knit families can experience internal personal conflicts. The goal should be to stick together as a family and work through obstacles.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
For my next novel, I’m still brainstorming ideas. I’m actually torn between writing a more light-hearted and adventurous story or a reflective novel about a character who is struggling to obtain personal goals. Both stories may include some of the characters from my current book and will contain chapters that are inspired by my military career. After spending 30 years in the Army, it’s hard for me to not include military references in a story. Brainstorming the different ideas for my next book is exciting. Regardless of the type of story I write, there will surely be a central theme to inspire or educate the reader. The expected release date is late 2025. I look forward to sharing more about my next story with you.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The devoted parents eagerly seek the right support for their child even when the odds simply feel as if they are too much to overcome. Between a military deployment for Tyrone, police involvement with their son, and unforeseen events, Tyrone and Krystal are determined to take steps in order to answer the question, “What are we going to do with Tyrone Jr.?”
Empowered and Secure
Oddly and Eve: Magical Addition Pairs follows a frustrated and sad odd number who struggles with his feelings and finding friends. What was the inspiration for your story?
Many years ago, while teaching a math lesson to my youngest students, we noticed and briefly discussed that two odd numerals added together made an even number, as did two even ones. Since I tend to anthropomorphize just about everything, I began to wonder how the numerals felt about those outcomes, especially from the odd ones’ perspective. Thinking ahead to a possible book, I created a file that stayed in my desk for a long time. When I recently came across it again, I was inspired to finally write that story for my younger readers. The original title was “Odd’s Revenge,” but I decided that was a bit too negative. So, Odd led to Oddly, and then Eve appeared, and the book was born, focusing on the positivity of magical addition pairs.
Your children’s book is more than a simple counting story. You have included important lessons about friendship, acceptance, and cooperation. Was this intentional in your writing, or did it happen naturally as your story developed?
I always aim to weave meaningful life lessons into my writing to help and inspire my readers. That said, the way those themes emerged happened naturally as I wrote the story. First came Oddly with a chip on his shoulder, and then Eve’s unstoppable positivity that even Oddly couldn’t ignore forever. Professor Plus also blossomed on his own as a guide on the side, as did his camaraderie with Count Calculator.
I loved the scene in the book where Oddly and his friends are blocking the road. What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Yes, that’s a fantastic scene, and I must credit my illustrator Barry Davian, whose artistic talent brought each moment to life beautifully. What I love most about that point of the story is how Eve calmly and directly calls out Oddly on his actions while handling the situation with grace. This concept is vital because children need to learn how to respond and communicate in the moment, rather than freezing up and letting life push them around. The sooner they realize that they can steer their own course, rather than being like a cork bobbing helplessly on the ocean, the more empowered and secure they will feel as they mature.
The scene I most enjoyed writing in Oddly and Eve: Magical Addition Pairs was when Professor Plus opened Oddly’s mind to new ways of thinking, followed by his conversation with Count Calculator. With Professor Plus, I wanted to nod to one of my favorite literary characters, Professor Digory Kirke from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, particularly when he explains logical thinking to Peter and Susan. Having regularly introduced philosophy to students as early as second grade, I’ve found that children embrace this kind of thinking early on, and it’s very important to me to include that in my writing. As for my favorite illustration by Barry, it’s the one where Oddly and Eve make their amazing discovery together in a burst of energy that appears above them on page 12 of the paperback!
When is your next book coming out, and what can your fans expect?
I have many more books coming out, even this month, and throughout the year, for entire families to enjoy. Right now, I’m building a well-rounded body of work for all elementary grades, from pre-K to 6th, to increase my audience and enrich my standards-based and lively presentations during my school author visits.
Author Links: Goodreads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website | Amazon
A Happy and Uplifting Character
Gigglet, The Happy Little Piglet Goes To The Beach, follows an energetic piglet on an adventure exploring the beach. What inspired your story?
I love everything about the beach and Maui happens to be my favorite island with some of the most magnificent beaches in all the world. When the Maui fires befell this beautiful island and caused such devastation, I felt this book come to life with every fiber of my being. I knew immediately that my sweet little Gigglet would be on my favorite beach in Maui ‘getting her giggle on’ and living her best life. Thus my book’s dedication “To the forever beauty of Maui, my island of inspiration”. Gigglet is such a happy and uplifting character that even on the worst of days, it’s hard not to smile when looking at her, reading about her adventures, or even just having a casual conversation about her being the happiest little piglet in all the land.” Maui will always be beautiful and will always be a symbol of hope, strength, and love.
Gigglet has a wonderful time exploring all the different things at the beach. What is one of your favorite memories of going to the beach, either as a child or as an adult?
I didn’t get to see my first beach until I was 15 years old when my family moved to South TX near South Padre Island. I will never forget that day…The sound of the ocean waves crashing along the shoreline, the warm sand and crushed seashells under my feet, the flocks of seagulls hovering above in search of food, and the sounds of families laughing, splashing, and playing in the water. Everything about that day was magical, exhilarating, and unlike anything I had ever experienced. The beach is the perfect place for me to lose my mind and find my soul.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Always write 100% from your heart and follow your gut. Don’t listen to naysayers. Don’t force anything. Writing should always be about ease, flow, and allowing.
Where is Gigglet off to next, and when will that story be available?
I’m so excited to share the third children’s picture book in the Gigglet series! Our giggly little piglet is off to summer camp to have a fun adventure with two of her best pals Dandy and Waddles. They enjoy summer camp to its fullest embracing the fun and activities that wait around every corner! Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp is available now in hardback and ebook and also has an activity/coloring book that can be purchased as a companion to the book. All three books can be purchased on Amazon.
The Gigglet series can also be accessed via my new website.
Looking for Legends: Let Us Take You Somewhere You’ve Never Been Before, and Introduce You to Our Friends
Would you rather have dreams or memories? This poignant question forms the crux of Looking for Legends, a captivating memoir/travelogue by Scott and Tarantino. The book recounts the extraordinary adventures of a married couple who have lived a legendary life, blending personal anecdotes with tales of their globe-trotting exploits. Determined to lead a life of exceptional experiences, they embarked on a series of adventures that mirrored some of the most celebrated journeys in history.
Looking for Legends is more than just a travel narrative; it is a love story between two individuals who share an insatiable passion for exploring the world and an equally strong affection for each other. This unintentional sentimentality adds a delightful layer to the book, making it a truly heartwarming read. The couple’s adventures span the globe, from China to Ecuador, Switzerland to Greenland, and Jordan to many other destinations. However, their travel choices were far from random. As avid history enthusiasts, they often selected their destinations based on the writings and significant works of historical figures like Pablo Neruda, Knud Rasmussen, and Zorba the Greek. This historical context enriches their narratives, offering readers a deeper understanding of the places they visited. The sheer audacity and enthusiasm of Scott and Tarantino make this book a sublime experience. Their infectious wanderlust and joy for exploration are so vividly conveyed that even the most devoted homebodies might find themselves inspired to embark on their own journeys by the book’s end.
Complementing the engaging prose are images and hand-drawn maps that beautifully illustrate their travels. These visual aids not only enhance the storytelling but also showcase the couple’s profound appreciation for the planet and its myriad wonders.
Looking for Legends invites readers to reflect on their own lives and decide whether they are content with merely reading about such adventures or whether they will choose to create their own memories. This book is a testament to the extraordinary life that awaits those who dare to dream and take the leap into the unknown.
Pages: 427 | ASIN : B0CW1FRRWH
Finding Self-Worth
Counterblow Clemency follows a rebellious sixteen-year-old boy who, with his friends, faces the consequences of his actions and is drawn into a conflict far beyond their control. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had a wild dream one night about being on a freeway covered in blinding digital advertisements. Then the dream shifted to the aftermath of a giant house party. I wandered through this mansion with tons of empty alcohol bottles and dirty wine glasses scattered about until I found a small office with a woman inside, crying at her desk. I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to give anything away, but it was November, so I decided to explore this world full of advertising pollution during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and it grew from there.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
My characters in Counterblow Clemency are universally on an amoral spectrum. I think it’s more productive to appeal to whatever drives a person, rather than making them feel that they need to measure up to a societal standard. Bjorn and the lads are only guided by loyalty to each other. They do things their own way, which explains why they’re constantly being chased by the authorities. This is a story about finding purpose and something to believe in. Their world is full of people who have given up hope and these kids are careening around trying to find something to do with all of their energy—the energy that humans typically expend striving to leave a legacy. No one ever taught them that they could make a difference. These ideas are important to me because kids need to internalize that they never need to be perfect—they just need to persevere.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Counterblow Clemency explores the themes of dignity, entitlement versus social responsibility, teamwork, and the kinship of chosen family. The main character, Bjorn, is 16 and doesn’t understand why his parents feel increasingly foreign to him as he moves through adolescence—he just knows that he’s angry about it. But he can count on his friends. The important thing is that this kid isn’t alone when his whole world crumbles. Part of his journey is learning that he’s worth saving. And as he grows, he faces the fact that he’s in a position to help people—if he can stay alive. Finding self-worth, accepting help, and helping others are important milestones for young people that I wanted to honor.
I find a problem in well-written stories in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I hope so! I deliberately ended Counterblow Clemency with enough going on that there could be a sequel or even a series. I have ideas about what adventures the lads will have next, just in case.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Promo City is blazing with advertising pollution, but all sixteen-year-old Bjorn Bear cares about is having fun, until the city’s deadliest assassins attack him. With his motley gang of friends by his side, Bjorn must evade a crime boss with a vendetta, overcome genetically-engineered mini hippos, and race against time to discover and stop whoever is out to get him—all while facing the possibility that the only family he’s ever known isn’t real.
Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist
Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist, by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis, is an engaging and educational children’s book that follows Coco on her first day of kindergarten. Eager to make new friends and learn new things, Coco’s excitement is palpable. However, during lunchtime, she finds a bag of fruit candy on the floor and, with no one around, decides to take it and hide it in her pocket. She brings the candy home and hides it in her closet, planning to indulge in the sweet treats whenever she wants. As Saturday arrives, Coco is thrilled about a sleepover at her grandmother’s house. That night, after her grandmother falls asleep, Coco helps herself to more candy from a jar on the table without asking for permission, intending to add it to her secret stash at home. But soon after consuming the hidden candy, Coco starts experiencing pain in one of her teeth. She confesses to her parents, who then make an appointment with a children’s dentist to check for cavities. Aware of her wrongdoing, Coco decides to come clean to her parents about sneaking the candy. During her dentist appointment, Coco learns she does indeed have a cavity. Despite her mistakes, she feels relieved that God has forgiven her and grateful for the strength and courage to face the dentist.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Coco’s journey. She made mistakes by taking the candy from school and her grandmother’s candy jar, but deep down, she knew it was wrong. This story is highly relatable for children and teaches them that actions have consequences. Through Coco’s experience, young readers can understand the importance of honesty and the inevitable consequences of their actions. Parents, grandparents, guardians, and school staff will appreciate the valuable lesson conveyed in this delightful children’s book.
The illustrations, by Viona Betzy and C. Lola, are vibrant and captivating, perfectly complementing the story. The pictures bring the narrative to life, making readers feel as if they are right there with Coco. Each page features beautiful illustrations that enhance the overall reading experience.
Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist is a wonderful story that teaches children the importance of making the right choices to avoid negative consequences. This book serves as an excellent teaching tool, delivering an essential lesson in an engaging and memorable way.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 978-1667892337
Sharing Good Things
Sow Seeds of Wisdom is a poetry and prose collection that serves as a call to action for readers, urging them to share their innate knowledge for the collective growth of society. What inspired this collection of poems and writings?
When I started writing my second book, Scatter Seeds of Kindness, I didn’t have a name for the book but as I was reading through the poems, I started to notice the theme of kindness emerging, so that book named itself. The same thing happened with my third book, Gather Seeds of Hope when I noticed the theme of hope that kept appearing in many of the poems. So when I started to write this book, Sow Seeds of Wisdom, I wanted to keep with the theme of sharing good things in life, like kindness and hope. So I asked myself what other good things could be shared, and I thought about knowledge and wisdom. What better gift is there than to be able to share your life experiences and what you have learned, which could possibly help someone out in a similar situation, or just give someone some hope and inspiration? Not every poem or prose has to do with finding wisdom in every situation, but many do. I think there is a lesson to be learned or shared in most of the writings in this book. Even the fun “The Morning After” has a lesson of drinking too much the night before. So the theme of this book was more intentional and deliberate than the last two in the same series.
What was one of the hardest parts of this collection for you to write?
Just finding the wisdom, or the lesson, in each poem. Sometimes it was obvious and other times I had to look a bit deeper within myself or into the world around me to find the lesson or the wisdom. Other times I drew on my own past experiences, so some got a bit personal which is a little outside my comfort zone. The other challenging part was just putting out a book about spreading wisdom when I can sometimes be a bit of a silly person. I was not sure friends and family who know me best would take me seriously. I can be self-deprecating sometimes. I am clumsy (I trip over my own two feet), or I open my mouth and something really silly comes out. But every now and then I have some wisdom to impart, and I hope that shines through in this book.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Sow Seeds of Wisdom?
That everyone, no matter how young or old, has something to share in the way of knowledge. Sometimes the older people brush aside the younger generation because they think they are flighty and unfocused, but now that I am diving into more technology via YouTube and social media, I rely on their vast knowledge and how they can figure stuff out so quickly. And the younger generation sometimes views the older folks as stuck in their ways and rigid, but there is so much that generation can teach; history, money tips, working on older cars, etc. I wrote about this in the last poem in the book, Wisdom…Pass It On, about how we can all learn from each other if we would put our preconceived notions or limiting beliefs aside.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am taking a little break this summer after putting out four books in four years. But I just recently started working on some new stuff so hopefully within a year or so. I am really just taking my time to see what evolves and what theme the next book will bring forth.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Told in her usual lighthearted, slightly self-deprecating manner, the author shares wisdom through both prose and poetry on such topics as common sense, betrayal, things we keep hidden—or choose not to reveal, things we hold onto long after we should have let them go, and spirituality, among many other topics. Sometimes deep and profound; sometimes lighthearted and humorous; the poems in Sow Seeds of Wisdom always provide fresh insights for the reader to learn from and ponder.
Manda and the Fish
Manda and the Fish, by Noah Bella Michaelis, is a beautifully crafted story about resilience and determination. The narrative follows Manda, a young Oneida girl named after a river near her village, as she recounts a pivotal experience from her youth to the children of her tribe. Bound by the traditional gender roles of her culture, Manda watched her brothers and father hunt and fish while she planted seeds, made clothes, and performed other tasks. Despite this, her interest in fishing never waned. When she asked her father to teach her, he refused, citing tradition. However, after a poor fishing day for her family, Manda decided to defy convention and try fishing on her own, unaware of the potential consequences.
Noah Bella Michaelis has written a simple yet profound story that explores themes of self-confidence, facing fears, and the importance of communication and collaboration. The narrative is both exciting and intriguing, with well-defined characters whose interactions feel authentic and relatable. Manda’s story highlights the love within her family, despite differing opinions, and underscores the significance of courage, initiative, and curiosity. The text was reviewed by the Oneida Indian Nation, ensuring an accurate and respectful representation of Oneida culture. This cultural authenticity provides readers with valuable insight into Oneida traditions and values. While some character names may pose a challenge for readers, a pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book enhances its realism and accessibility. The illustrations beautifully capture a range of emotions and settings, further immersing readers in the story. The book’s exploration of gender equality and opportunities for all is truly inspiring, making Manda and the Fish a captivating and thought-provoking read.
Manda and the Fish is a captivating and thought-provoking tale that beautifully addresses themes of resilience, self-confidence, and the breaking of traditional gender roles. Noah Bella Michaelis weaves an engaging narrative that is both culturally authentic and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and insight into the importance of bravery and curiosity.
Audio recordings spoken by an Oneida Indian Nation language instructor can be found here: https://www.livelikenoah.org/manda-and-the-fish
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 978-1665737210
LITERARY TITAN 