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True Mental Illness
You’ll See is a raw and poignant memoir that delves into your experiences with narcissistic abuse, survival, and the arduous journey to understanding. What inspired you to share your story with others?
I began writing my book shortly after both of my parents died – within two months of one another. I was trying to make sense of all I had experienced with my father and, to a degree, my mother, and the only way I could do it was to pour everything onto paper…I guess, it was my way of trying to determine if I was really crazy, or if these things really happened to me. With every remembered vignette I described, I began to see a pattern that my therapist helped me understand was my father’s narcissistic personality disorder. I grew up thinking everything was my fault, that nothing I did would ever be good enough…it was an emotional torture chamber that still haunts me. I realized if this was my experience, surely, it was other people’s experience, too…and I decided that giving voice to one’s truth is one of the bravest things a person can do. I want to normalize discussions about narcissistic abuse, among other things, so those of us who were manipulated into believing false narratives can actually rehabilitate ourselves and recover…eventually.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Thank you…I decided if I was going to tell my story, I was going to tell ALL of it. As an adult with a grown child, I ached for “Little Suzanne”…the innocent, curious, sweet-natured child who only wanted to be Daddy’s girl and was rebuffed at every turn. The hardest part of writing this memoir was first, coming directly to terms with how my father put himself and his desires above his own family, and second, recounting the agonizing years of watching my mother succumb to Alzheimer’s disease while my father continued his dalliances.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about living with narcissistic abuse and getting away from it?
First, narcissistic abuse is just that: abuse, and it definitely leaves deep emotional scars that can affect every other relationship in the victim’s life. Second, the narcissist’s family becomes another tool for the narcissist to display their superiority to the outside world…our job is to make the narcissist look good, no matter what. That means you don’t air the family’s dirty laundry, as it were…and because the narcissist insists their way is the only way, you become conditioned to that…to protect the family image. To do anything else and you’d be labeled as “crazy” or “melodramatic.” I believe there’s a semblance of Stockholm Syndrome at work, too…you feel you must align yourself to your captors as a form of survival. Finally, it’s easy for people to say, “Establish some boundaries! Cut off the relationship!” and the like, but it’s not that easy because especially with a narcissistic parent, you’ve been conditioned your whole life to believe YOU have the problem, and YOU are at fault. It took a really long time (and years of therapy) for me to see that I never deserved any of the treatment I received and that I was dealing with someone with a true mental illness.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I think they key takeaway I tried to impart in my memoir is that narcissistic abuse is real AND it’s insidious…the narcissist will make you think YOU’RE the one with the problem and over time, you become scarred with feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, and longing for a relationship you’ll never be able to fix. Being able to give voice to these feelings, telling your stories to someone you trust, is absolutely the first step to taking charge of your life and defining boundaries to protect yourself. Resilience comes at a high price because it means you had to suffer along the way, but it also means you survived it, and that’s what counts.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Learning that the threats came from within-that the threats were in the form of his personality disorder and addiction-came long after I had been damaged. Make no mistake-I never lacked for food, clothing, or shelter. We took family vacations. I received a wonderful education. I enjoyed numerous achievements, academically, professionally, and personally.
To an outsider, my life probably looked normal, even privileged.
The truth is the permanent scars resulting from narcissistic abuse are every bit as devastating and traumatic as those borne from physical and sexual abuse. Narcissistic abuse is insidious and challenging to survive. And the effects can outlive the abuser, almost in perpetuity. This is my story… possibly yours.
More Than a One-Dimensional Killer
Cadence follows an aging mercenary who, in an attempt to regain the power of his youth, binds himself through a tattoo to a deity with supernatural abilities that could either help him or kill him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story was inspired by a piece of fantasy art by Boris Vallejo, which showed a tattoo coming to life and biting into the muscular arm of its wearer. It was the basis for an idea which aimed to create conflict and tension between a maligned tattoo entity and the aging mercenary who had seen the inking as a necessity. I wanted Darius to be relatable and if not lovable, at least likable. To achieve this he had to be more than a one-dimensional killer, and his personality took elements from military/mercenary/criminal characters, blended with a hint of chivalry.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
This setting aimed to steer away from the gleaming steel and wonderous technology of traditional sci-fi, while allowing room for the fantasy elements to shine through. Darius needed to move around in a world that was just as chaotic and brutal as his personality. Thankfully, there are elements in modern life and society that make this future plausible. I could also take some inspiration from dystopian futures, but without them being post-apocalyptic. The setting continued to develop as new characters emerged as it needed to be a believable catalyst for the outlooks and personalities that the characters took on. If nothing else, I wanted readers to be able to see how the maligned and twisted character personalities may have evolved as products of their environment.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Perhaps the most interesting point in human behaviour and conditioning is our individuality and the chaotic nature of our personal development. Close friends or siblings with similar interests and abilities can perceive events in very different ways and that can cause vastly different reactions on their beliefs or future expectations. That diversity of thought and behaviour opens an endless array of opportunities to build complex and believable personalities. Those differences in reactions and personality impacts can resonate with something in all of us.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Cadence is the first book of the Pathways series and felt like the perfect place to start the story of Darius Cade. The early concepts for the second book are already being explored, with the aim of delving deeper into Lisha’s murky past. She isn’t the only one of her kind, but we need to know more about how she has come about and the deeper purpose behind the tainting of the tattoos. In doing so, Darius will be forced to confront his dark past and excise some of his own internal demons… and enemies. If time allows, I hope to have the second book, Gait, released late in 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
As comfortable as he is here, his line of work isn’t for the faint-hearted, and Darius isn’t as young as he once was. After more than 30 years on the run, his body and mind aren’t nearly as sharply honed as he needs them to be. Barely escaping a bounty hunter’s attempt to collect the price on his head, was the last straw. He can’t reverse the effect of time, but there is a way to enhance his prowess…. not through technology, but religion. The burgeoning Earthdawn religion began on Earth and has gained an immense following across the inhabited worlds. Their deity, the Light, is said to manifest blessings on followers that enhance their physical attributes, and ease disabilities. Most potent among those blessings, are tattoos, artfully crafted onto the skin and embodying a fragment of the Light.
Despite rumors of some tattoos killing their recipients, Darius agrees to have one etched into his arm. Instead of bringing in the Earthdawn deity though, a completely different and much darker entity attaches to the artfully tattooed snake. They make for a very unhappy coupling, neither accepting the other at first and only seeing each other as a liability.
Darius isn’t the only one with issues…the Earthdawn faithful have been rocked by a series of macabre murders amongst their hierarchy. Giving up on the local police, they target Darius as the best criminal option to get answers. He gets the answers of course, but they aren’t going to be the answers that anyone wanted, and there will be no shortage of casualties along the way.
Cadence progresses through the interaction between these two main characters, Darius the wanted mercenary, and Lisha, the feminine entity bound to the tattoo, as he investigates the killings. In doing so he navigates a brutal criminal world to slowly piece together the answers. She needs to learn and understand just what she is capable of, while reveling in the depraved and violent world that Darius exists in. He needs to accept what she brings to their binding and make the most of the supernatural skills that she brings to bear. In the end, there is no undoing the connection, so they will either learn to co-exist or cease to exist at all.
Human Are Not Predictable
Hall of Deception follows a young woman who finds her life in danger after she accepts a job as a tutor at a mansion and becomes intrigued with the handsome and mysterious owner. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my favorite stories is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The story inspired me to write a novel about a young woman whose favorite book was also Jane Eyre. She carried it around with her. A bit obsessive, she wants to leave her humdrum life for a more glamorous environment.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes! I had the most fun writing this book. In fact, this book opened the door to my first series.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Humans are not predictable. When we find ourselves in a completely new situation, we surprise even ourselves by what we will think and feel and presents a writer with great plot twists.
Can readers look forward to seeing more releases from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! Absolutely. My upcoming new release October 17, 2024, Sea of Doubt: Can You Ever Escape Your Secrets, is the sequel to Hall of Deception Book 1, and is Book 2 of The Roth Saga. And, I’m working now on Book 3 with more from the Roth family. Plus there is a prequel also in the works.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In 1953, Dee Danes, an orphan raised by her spiteful cousin, is inexperienced in love and desperately wants to fit in. She takes a job tutoring a little girl at a mansion, secretly fantasizing about romance with the owner, just like her beloved heroine Jane Eyre.
The strikingly handsome and wealthy owner of Rothmorton Hall, Hugh Roth, appears to enjoy embarrassing her and Dee worries she’s made a terrible mistake. Mystery surrounds the other staff and Hugh, particularly the ex-wife everyone is forbidden to discuss.
Shocking truths about Hugh are exposed and Dee struggles to accept the lies and deceptions questioning the man he truly is. When frightening attempts on Hugh’s life and other strange incidents occur, Dee fears for the lives of those she’s come to care for-and perhaps even her own.
Spider’s Bait: A Risky Alister Knight Mystery
Alister Knight and Griffin Knight, dubbed “the Knight Chasers,” are renowned for enforcing justice when the law fails. When Seattle Police Sergeant Valentina Romero dies in a suspicious car accident conveniently dismissed, Alister is tasked with thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Seattle is rife with drug trafficking, dangerous gang wars, corrupt officials, and covert illegal transactions. The Webhead gang is quickly gaining control of Seattle’s dark underground drug dealing after defeating other rival gangs. Alister’s investigation uncovers a web of connections between corrupt police officers, dangerous Webheads, and a web of lies. The path to justice is treacherous and serpentine, but he will not stop until the Webheads are no more and Valentina’s case is solved.
From the get-go, Spider’s Bait, by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr., grips you with its fast-paced action and complex characters. Hernandez does an excellent job setting the scene in the Prologue, where bullets fly, and gang loyalties are tested. Max’s leadership and ruthless tactics come alive, especially in moments that reveal both his strategic mind and his cold-blooded nature. An especially brutal introduction sets the tone for the relentless pace of the book.
One of the strengths of the novel is its character development. Alister Knight, the other protagonist, brings a contrasting perspective to the chaotic world of the Webheads. His moral ambiguity and relentless pursuit of the truth add layers to the narrative. The scene where Alister navigates the Cyberverse to track illicit financial transactions showcases his intelligence and determination, providing a stark contrast to the raw aggression of the gang members. These dual narratives enrich the story, offering readers multiple angles on the central conflict. I do feel the dialogue in some high-tension scenes is less intense where a natural flow is crucial. I am a fan of raw authenticity when it comes to characters’ conversations. I would like to have seen a bit more from some of the exchanges between the hardened criminals. However, this does not take away from Hernandez’s well-crafted and immersive reading experience.
Hernandez’s ability to weave intricate plots and develop compelling characters makes Spider’s Bait a standout read, especially for fans of gritty, action-packed stories. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy intense, fast-paced narratives with a mix of street-level crime and cyber intrigue.
Pages: 120 | ASIN : B0CTXVR5RV
What Is Math Good For, Anyway?
Math is present all the time and everywhere. However, for some children, it can be hard to see its practical use. But once they do, everything becomes easier. Nicole Frankel teaches us just that in What is Math Good For, Anyway? The story follows Bennie, a boy who hates math because he thinks numbers are boring. As his day progresses at school, he unknowingly uses math, and his teacher explains it to him. We see him counting cookies to trade snacks with a friend and using numbers to play games. After school, he continues using math to buy ice cream and engage in other activities, illustrating that different areas of math are all around us.
I loved What is Math Good For, Anyway? because all the examples are at a level children can relate to and use in real life. It covers addition, subtraction, measurement conversions, geometric shapes, and more. The story’s pace is lively because math problems are constantly solved as if they were fun games. Nicole Frankel’s narrative style is clear, educational, and entertaining. All the examples are well-explained with short, concrete sentences.
The illustrations are fun and eye-catching, representing a variety of situations and places. I also liked how Bennie gradually changed his attitude and started seeing math with excitement. I found it to be a wonderful book that reflects a pleasant school, social, and family environment. It’s an excellent tool to help children understand math and encourage them to overcome challenges in their daily lives. Children will not only develop a more positive attitude towards math, but it will also help them improve their problem-solving skills, just as Bennie shows.
What is Math Good For, Anyway? will boost young readers’ confidence, helping them perform better in school and develop critical thinking skills. This book is highly recommended for parents and educators looking to make math more approachable and enjoyable for children.
ASIN: B0CTHP2SSJ
Trusted Friends and Lovers
Trusted Friends and Lovers, by Roxanne Burkey and Charles Breakfield, is an engaging collection of short stories exploring themes of love, friendship, and family. This compilation features seven interconnected tales: “Fears, Tears, or Cheers” follows Jo, a Brazilian model, and JJ, a Chief Master Sergeant. “Hidden Target” introduces Brayson, a cyber security expert, and Marian, a former Air Force member. “Remember the Future” centers on Wolfgang, his daughter Julianne, and his grandson Jacob. “Caribbean Dream” showcases Judith and Zee, friends working in San Juan to fund their college education. “Love’s Enigma” features Buzz and Zara, a couple who moves to San Juan and become teachers. “The Jewel” presents Haddy and Otto, new parents to a baby daughter. “Hot Chocolate” highlights Petra and Jacob, along with their young son, JW.
To fully appreciate this collection, it is recommended to read it alongside the authors’ other works, as these stories provide additional insights into the characters from the Enigma series. The collection effectively highlights pivotal moments in the characters’ lives, and several stories are beautifully interconnected, especially those depicting generational family relationships.
Set in diverse locations worldwide, the stories encompass a wide range of scenarios, such as distant memories, first meetings, reunions, proposals, weddings, and family celebrations during winter holidays. These varied settings and events keep readers hooked and invested in the characters’ journeys. After finishing this book, I was eager to delve deeper into the lives of the characters featured and explore the authors’ other works. A couple of the short stories felt rushed, with months or years passing in just a few pages. Additionally, some backstory details about the characters could have been conveyed more naturally. For instance, descriptions about Jo and JJ would have flowed better as part of the narrative rather than through dialogue, which occasionally felt unnatural. Despite this, Trusted Friends and Lovers remains a captivating read.
The collection’s ability to weave together rich, interrelated stories makes it a worthwhile addition to the Enigma series. Fans of the series and new readers alike will find much to enjoy in this exploration of relationships and life’s significant moments.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0CX2XK5D1
Fear Dynamics: Harnessing Fear and Anxiety to Create Lasting Happiness and Meaningful Achievement
Stephen J. Dietrich’s Fear Dynamics is a powerful memoir-cum-self-help book that offers a lifeline to those grappling with fear. This acclaimed corporate attorney unflinchingly shares his journey through the darkness of childhood neglect and abuse, including sexual abuse from his father. Dietrich’s transformation from victim to victor forms the heart of this compelling narrative, as he provides readers with practical strategies for overcoming fear and anxiety.
“In many ways, self-acceptance is the antidote to neglect and abuse… By accepting ourselves, we reject the way people in our past have tried to define, contain, and control us.” The book is a masterclass in self-awareness, as Dietrich illustrates how seemingly mundane interactions can be haunted by past trauma. His candid portrayal of his own struggles, from the isolation he experienced to the challenges within his marriage, offers readers a relatable and empathetic perspective. Through his journey, Dietrich underscores the importance of confronting the past to build a healthier future.
While Fear Dynamics primarily focuses on individual healing, it also touches on broader societal issues. Dietrich’s observations about workplace pressures and the importance of work-life balance offer a refreshing perspective. His exploration of the tendency to mask struggles with a facade of perfection resonates with many readers who may feel isolated in their experiences. Dietrich’s strategies, dubbed the “Fear Dynamics Techniques,” are grounded in his personal experiences and offer a tangible path to healing. His emphasis on self-acceptance provides a foundation for rebuilding trust in oneself and others.
Fear Dynamics is a must-read for anyone looking to understand and conquer their fears. This book is not just a guide to overcoming fear; it’s an open and heartfelt discussion about the author’s struggles and triumphs. Dietrich’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-help techniques in transforming one’s life. The lessons he imparts are valuable and practical, offering readers a roadmap to navigate challenges with strength and confidence.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0D7JT21DF
Collaborators with Duelling Computers
In Tree Pose, Ric and Elaina’s romantic getaway in Tasmania turns perilous when a mysterious text from Ric’s past threatens to upend their lives. How important do you think the role of a narrator is in shaping the listener’s experience of an audiobook?
For an Audiobook, the narrator makes or breaks the production. A seasoned, professional narrator or voice performer can heighten the storyline with a deep sense of storytelling. They can bring the listener into the “story world” with their voice.
In many ways, an audiobook is a play that happens in the listener’s mind. It’s all about the words and the way they sound.
We wrote the Yoga Mat Mysteries series as lyrical fiction. It’s not only meant to be read but also to be heard.
We envisioned this long ago when we first started talking about this series. The words and combinations of words are carefully crafted to put you in every scene as if you were attending a play. Our narrator Rupert Degas is a consummate actor and voice actor. He has the ability to take the words from the written page and transform them into verbal voice images.
We like to think of our stories as having magic. The storyteller can add that fairy dust which gives the stories even greater capacity.
How involved were you in the selection of the narrator, and what qualities do you think Degas brings to the storytelling that enhances the listener’s experience?
We spent over a year searching and listened to audition tapes each day. There were hundreds of auditions heard over the entire year. We were searching for the narrator that could collaborate well with us.
We had written our prose that begged not only to be read but also to be listened to. Storytelling is an art and important in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series. We wanted to immerse the reader and the audiobook listener into the world of our characters.
Overall, enriching our characters with the power of audiobooks, gave them a new world beyond the printed page. We had originally breathed life into them, but audiobooks gave them the clarity of clear speech.
Our characters now had an expanded stage presence—and they could talk, laugh, and cry … in various accents!
Rupert Degas brings his voice-acting energy into the strong characterizations that we have developed. In our joint project of working with Rupert, we have fused together a winning combination of the human voice speaking the award-winning prose.
How did you feel when you first heard Rupert Degas’ narration of Tree Pose, and what aspects of his performance stood out to you the most?
After a full year of searching, our compatibility meter zeroed in on Rupert Degas. Rupert has the uncanny ability to create, craft, and deliver an infinite range of voices. We had another unique set of voices in Tree Pose for him to voice perform.
Once again, we gave Rupert a detailed biography for each character. We knew these characters well. We had lived with them for two years by then. John claimed that Ric, one of our main protagonists, was using his straight razor and leaving it wet on the bathroom sink!
Hearing the prose spoken and Rupert’s interpretation of our characters was very fulfilling. We had read the book to each other numerous times during our edits. As this is book three Rupert has a thorough understanding of the main characters and how they would speak and react.
We have poured our energy into their personalities, bringing them alive on the page. Rupert helped intensify the drama, love, humour, fear, and wonder of each of the characters.
Were there any particular scenes or moments in Tree Pose that you were especially excited to hear brought to life through Rupert Degas’ narration?
Every dramatic, funny, powerful story starts with the characters and storyline. The best narrator cannot resurrect a story that does not compel.
We spent about a year on the written part of the book /audiobook. We are careful and diligent writers. We ensure excellence in terms of editing, proofreading, and production. The book has to be ‘5-star’ before we even start the audiobook production.
Our goal is always ironclad: The voice of the storyteller had to enhance the listener’s experience of our stories.
We were seasoned audiobook producers by the time we came to book 3, Tree Pose. We were excited to once again be working with Rupert.
Our first audiobook, Dead Man’s Pose had captured the imagination of AudioFile, the premier review of audiobooks. It earned an Earphones award and the founder of audiobook, Robin Whitten, provided a ‘Behind the Mic’ podcast interview with Jo Reed.
By the end of the year, Dead Man’s Pose was awarded Best of 2023 in the mystery/suspense category.
Earlier this year, we won an award from IBPA for the Second Audiobook in our series – Cobra Pose. This was in the category of Best Audiobook – Fiction. A month later, we won the Best Audiobook for the (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller,Action/Adventure) category again for Cobra Pose from the Indie Reader Discovery Awards.
The story of Tree Pose takes place on the island of Tasmania Australia and besides Ric and Elaina, the characters include our seasoned outback detective, Jack MacMasters, and Alfred Hastings a man who prefers sleep rough.
Alfred’s voice was particularly difficult for us to describe to Rupert. We liked Chris Hemsworth’s Australian accent, but there was a particular commercial that we had heard where that male voice speaks with a gravelly sound to it. It took us a month to track down the commercial we had heard and describe what we liked about ‘gravelly quality’.
Alfred is one of our characters who likes to sleep rough. He’s been ‘on the ground’ for over ten years. It was that gravelly quality that we were after.
As a connoisseur voice actor, Rupert nailed Alfred’s voice. As Alfred roams around Tasmania, his role becomes instrumental and his voice perfect for this mystery thriller, hinting at just enough romance for this third story in our series.
Recently one of the reviewers of Tree Pose confided they stayed up all night listening to it. Now that is music to our ears!
It makes every minute of the year of unsuccessful listening, the time in our unventilated closet, the nights wondering about ‘What’s the Plan?’ … all worthwhile.
We want every listener to listen to our stories and be so enthralled, they stay up all night to listen. Or they, “go around the block just one more time” so they can hear the end of that story.
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LITERARY TITAN 