Blog Archives
A Curious Interviewer
Interview With a Sinner follows a professional mourner who meets a demi-goddess who is looking for someone to interview about humanity in their quest to create a new civilization. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Growing up Christian, I have heard so many interesting philosophical debates about the nature of worship and questioning why a benevolent Creator would allow awful circumstances to plague the innocent. So I started thinking how I would do any better while still granting people free will to act as disorderly as they want. It became a headache to ponder. All my random musings and speculations took form in Marigold, who could be a curious interviewer to some degenerates in this story. It wouldn’t have been interesting if she questioned saintly or righteous individuals, after all. They might have all the answers. Scoundrels like us have to be creative with our conjectures.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Morality, definitely. It can be boring to follow virtuous people we would like to be, and despise villains who represent everything we detest in society. But great fiction can provoke you to sympathize with the worst or even feel they’re relatable. Nothing was harder for me than to write the scenes of Hollace with her sexual temptations, but it was an exercise in showing the humanity of even the most shameful and perverse, and that her guilt pushed her to otherwise be as helpful and caring as possible for the outcasts. People who are horrible to each other can become friends, and deadly rivalries can sometimes dip into playful banter.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It was essential for me to introduce as many theological concepts as possible for the debates. From Judgment to reincarnation, to what happens to the morally erratic if the world ends and they have to be sent to either Heaven or Hell. Also the rationale behind atheism or those who are content being agnostic. The book was never meant to pick a side or even truly confirm if Marigold is what she claims to be. Life itself is ambiguous and that was the theme behind every single question arising.
I found this novel to be a cutting piece of satire. What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your novel?
Artistic endeavors are a big part. That some aggrandize the idea of violence, death, or suicide for the sake of art, and I’m hoping this book kind of deflates that notion and makes apparent that such things in real life are gruesome, messy, and never convey an “artistic message.” Like how the snuff filmmakers brag their production company transcends the mere butchering of people, even though that’s the gist of it. We tend to insert superfluous ideas and meanings into our undertakings to pretend they’re something grander than they are, especially if our deeds are reprehensible. To rationalize a killing, there was an understandable motive. To justify discrimination, there’s a ridiculous “moralistic” excuse. There’s an illusion of “destiny.” Sometimes people who spout about their destiny are the scariest to me.
Thank you so much for your time and exploration of my debut novel.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Amazon
Dreamlike Nature of Reality
The Monarchs follows a teenage boy with unique psychic abilities living in a laboratory who escapes and goes on the run with an ordinary orphan girl. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is a good question, as it is often difficult to discern the source of the inspiration. The original idea for The Monarchs came to me all the way back in 2014 during a senior year of college spring break beach trip. At the time I was questioning what I wanted to do with my life (having chosen philosophy as one of my majors) and was searching inward for answers. My own process of spiritual awakening, questioning the nature of reality, and exploring the potentials of consciousness through modalities such as lucid dreaming were obvious inspirations for this novel and are reflected in Samuel’s journey.
Moreover, I’ve always been fascinated with psi phenomena and the possibility of supernormal abilities. Even as a kid, I was obsessed with the movie Matilda—about a young girl who could move objects with her mind—and the X-Men series. Eventually, I came across the concept of indigo children which reignited my interest in supernatural abilities—as well as a possible shift in human evolution—and inspired the idea for “new youth” children. Music was another big inspiration, particularly M83’s “Midnight City” music video, which shows psychic kids being tested at a facility. Only later when I researched the Montauk Project, which the show Stranger Things is based on, did I understand that this might be more of a reality than most people realize.
One point I’d like to add is that although the novel may be taken literally (a teenage boy with psychic powers escaping a facility), from another perspective, it may be interpreted as an allegory for spiritual awakening and enlightenment. The opening scene, which is very dreamlike in nature, shows Samuel attempting to escape the laboratory complex with no end in sight. This represents the endless maze of the thinking mind, the dream of the egoic personality which many teachers and mystics insist that we must awaken from. Luna hints to this later in the novel when teaching Samuel how to meditate: “Beyond the thinking mind, escaping its never-ending labyrinth of illusion, there exists a force infinitely more intelligent.”
From there ensues a hero’s journey which forces Samuel out of his comfort zone, leading him to confront his shadow, learn through challenges, and awaken to his essential oneness with God (or, using an analogy of a book, oneness with the author and all other characters). This culminates with him breaking out of character and transcending the strings of time—symbolizing cutting the cords to his past and dying to his time-based egoic self. The evolution and awakening of Evelyn from her coma also represent that of the earth and humanity as a whole. This novel is loaded with symbolism and synchronicity, and although I left several things up to interpretation, there are many Easter eggs and hidden surprises that readers may not immediately pick up on.
The writing in your story is very artful and creative. Was it a conscious effort to create a story in this fashion or is this style of writing reflective of your writing style in general?
Thank you for the kind words. Because music is a central theme (and I often used lyrics from popular songs in the dialogue), in general, I did try to make the writing more lyrical and poetic, allowing the sentences to flow in a smooth manner. I wanted my writing to be affecting to the reader, instilled at points with uplifting wisdom, while being careful not to sound verbose or pretentious. Truthfully, because this is my first novel, it took me a while to find my writing style, and it is still a learning process. It took a leap of faith, and years of trial and error, to trust the ideas that came to me and discover how to put them together into a coherently written story. My editors were also a big help. I am grateful for the journey.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Beginning with Samuel’s conversations with his wise tutor, Walter, and expounded on thereafter, this novel explores several philosophical and metaphysical themes, including the existence of God, free will versus predeterminism, human evolution, planetary ascension, and the dreamlike nature of reality. Before embarking on his hero’s journey, Samuel tells Walter that he feels he has no control over his own destiny—that he is trapped like a puppet on a prewritten path. Here and at points throughout the book, we see Samuel developing a sort of metacognition of being a character in a novel—one who indeed is on a path that is already written, yet strives for free will.
Samuel must reconcile this paradox with the ultimate realization of his essential oneness with God (again, oneness with myself as the author). There is no separation between me, him, and all other characters; it is simply an illusion, a game of “one consciousness interacting with itself.” From this highest level, beyond the conditioned limitations of the egoic personality and into God or “author” consciousness, Samuel comprehends that he does have free will, as in a sense he has “written all of it.” His identity as the small, helpless, separate character dissipates as he attunes to the power to write his own destiny. He dies to his old self and is reborn as a Monarch, a symbol of personal sovereignty and spiritual transformation.
As previously mentioned, music is a central theme, as is the idea that we are living in a musical universe, or the view that “all things could be expressed through vibration, sound, and geometry.” To compliment this theme, many song lyrics are quoted in the book, some explicitly referenced, and others hidden in the dialogue. Samuel gradually picks up on the fact that there is music all around him—that his consciousness is but one note in a cosmic symphony. I had to receive print license permissions for 24 different songs to be included in the novel, from artists ranging from The Beatles to Fleetwood Mac to Jimi Hendrix to The Flaming Lips. This was a journey in itself, but it was worth it to preserve the musical element. Some song references may contain hidden clues pertaining to the story when interpreted correctly.
The book is not without darker themes, including the perpetual cycles of human war and division, government corruption, and secret experimentation (some researchers have spoken of “Monarch” mind control programming, which is the lesser-known negative connotation to the symbol). Although another human division is introduced in the book, between the larger-eyed “new youth” and the “ordinary” people and children, the ultimate theme I strove to emphasize is that only through unconditional love, acceptance, empathy, and forgiveness can we truly heal our planet and transcend the influences that have long kept us divided.
As the sagacious Leon puts it, “We are but dream characters in the mind of God, striving for Self-realization, though only a select few may consciously remember this. Most identify entirely with their egos, and this generates great inner conflict.” We all have a choice to stay stuck in our characters, our narrow ego identities trapped in the game of duality and separation, or strive toward something higher—a deeper connection with ourselves, with nature, and with all other beings. Taking this path requires a leap of faith into the unknown, opening our hearts and allowing a greater intelligence to guide us through life, which is one of Samuel’s main lessons.
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?
Another great question. During most of my time writing The Monarchs, I didn’t plan for there to be a second book. Yet as my first editor told me, this story is almost too big to contain in just one book. I now realize that it is meant to be a trilogy, and I have already (albeit very loosely) outlined the story for books 2 and 3. I’m not going to give it away, but it will be done in a way that plays with time, lending a chance to fill in more of Samuel’s backstory, his time at the Facility, and the world in general, while also pointing toward an incredible future destiny.
Books 2 and 3 will further explore mind-bending themes such as the multidimensional nature of self, extraterrestrial life, other incarnational existences, and even other timelines. I’m excited to expand on this story, and I will continue to trust what comes to me. Stay tuned and thank you for the support.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Born into a world ravaged by war, Samuel Helen is among the first in a wave of “new youth” children who possess abnormally large eyes and breathtaking psychic abilities. But Samuel’s powerful telekinesis cannot be managed by the team of scientists at General George Mabus’s military facility. He finds his only solace in his sessions with his wise tutor, Walter, who introduces him to music and philosophy, and his cherished weekly visits with an ordinary orphan girl, Evelyn, in the neighboring village.
When a twist of fate sends Samuel and Evelyn into uncharted territory, Samuel is forced to confront dark shadows from his past in order to unlock the deepest wells of his psyche, even the universe itself, and discover deep spiritual truths while harnessing his abilities-and facing off with vengeful enemies.
He soon realizes that he is part of something much greater than he could have ever imagined . . .
Giving Kids Confidence
Sophie and the Swans follows a girl living by the lake who stands up to a bully throwing stones at the swans she has befriended. What was the inspiration for your story?
A few years ago, I made friends with a pair of swans I named Romeo and Juliet, who visited me at the shoreline below my house every day and brought their new family over every spring. They would greet me by nodding their heads and snorting to say hello. I was fascinated by their beauty, strength, and intelligence and started researching swan life and behavior. I already knew that swan couples stay together for life, but I was also struck by their loyalty to one another and hoped they never suffered from the often-thoughtless actions of human beings. They were still wild birds but recognized us and even followed us around the lake when we went out in our canoe. It was an extraordinary friendship and we grew to love them. I started writing a factual book about swans for children but decided it would be more useful to write a fictional book featuring the swans that gently taught a lesson.
Sophie has a chance to show the bully what it feels like to be mistreated but instead shows him kindness and compassion when he needs help. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Setting an example, giving kids confidence to stand up for themselves when confronted, learning that two wrongs don’t make a right, and some bullying behavior can be diffused with kindness.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Hearing my mother read poetry to us before bed was the origin of my love for poetry. My father made up stories all the time and would make up new ones when he was in the car with his 4 children—all fantastical and fun. I think an important moment was when he read me a poem by Robert Frost, “The Death of the Hired Man,” when I was about 10. I saw his eyes moisten and realized how moving writing can be. I’ve been writing since I can remember, and my first written poem according to my mother, was written when I was 5 or 6 and involved swans!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
2024 Purple Dragonfly Award tied First Place Charity/Making a Difference category
A portion of proceeds for the book will be donated to anti-bullying advocates
Sophie is a little girl who lives beside a lake and makes friends with a pair of swans who visit her every day. One day, when a bully starts to torment the swans, Sophie rushes to defend them not by attacking the bully, but by showing him kindness when he gets into trouble on the lake.
Lone Crusader
The Camaro Murders follows a man straddling the line between two worlds who is tasked with gathering murdered souls and subsequently uncovers the identity of a young girl’s killer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Music was a huge influence for this story, and so there were a lot of vibes and abstract ideas floating in my head that gelled in unexpected ways based on what I was listening to at the time. One of the primary examples is Coheed and Cambria. Their albums are concept albums, and the lyrics tell a story, but only part of the story. And sometimes seemingly small/inconsequential parts of the story, relatively speaking. There was a forum at the time where fans would try to piece the story together based on what they could glean from the lyrics, and I found the whole thing really interesting. And so, my goal with The Camaro Murders was to invoke a similar experience with the reader where they get most of the story but have to fill in some of the connective tissue with their own imaginations. But there was also a lot of my childhood in the story: the podunk town where my grandparents lived, the Knight Rider motif of a lone crusader and his car, the Biblical narrative of Cain and Abel, things like that. I would also call out Sheriff Bell from Cormac McCarthy’s No Country For Old Men as an archetype for Sheriff Hildersham’s character.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
The writing process was largely organic, and if I recall, took place over the course of about a year and a half. I was working mostly by impulse and with abstract ideas–impressions, if you will–and developed some basic ground rules for the world I was creating before piecing together the events of two winters, twelve years apart. It was the first long-form thing I’d done even though it was only 30,000 words, and so probably took longer than it would if I did it today.
I particularly enjoyed the technique of using four different narrators and perspectives. Was that a challenge to construct?
Thanks. I wouldn’t say it was a challenge per se, but it was a lot of fun at any rate. I really like getting into a character’s head and trying to speak and think the way they would. That said, it’s always easy to accidentally slip into your own voice, or sometimes cross wires on characters, so if there is a challenge in balancing multiple first-person POVs, that would be it. You want each character to have their own motivations and way of looking at things… The one nuance about The Camaro Murders is that the story is told out of sequence from a chronological perspective, and so I had to be cognizant of how the characters thought, spoke, and behaved at different times of their lives–in one case, this meant the difference between a seven-year-old and a college student.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I’m currently writing the third book in my Reeve series, which is a Gothic Western, alternate history type of thing. The title is Riders of the Black Cowl. My goal is to have the first draft finished by the end of summer. That means I should have a final manuscript ready to go by the end of the year, but we’ll see. The interesting thing about this installment is I’m writing it completely organically. I haven’t done that since writing The Camaro Murders–I’ve employed an outline for every book since. So, there might be some more intense revising this time around.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The man known as the Driver wanders between the living and the dead, tasked with gathering murdered souls. When he learns a young girl’s killer will act again, he must make a choice: carry out his duty or intervene to save a boy’s life.
A Thematic Journey
In Forever is Too Long, a 110-year-old man faces the crossover to a perpetual existence in a technologically advanced digital world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am getting older, as are some of my friends. They wish they could have additional healthy years (me too). I’ve always been fascinated with science and its many advances. The idea of life extension is nothing new—think explorer Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth. But as I thought about an extended life, I started to think about it within the framework of future technology.
Right now, scientists are in the midst of trying to put together a human digital mind, though certainly less sophisticated than posited in the book—which is the actual copying of human minds, digitized and living immortally into the future. It seemed logical to assume that world-spanning AI systems and frighteningly enhanced genetics would also be common technologies.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
After ruminating about the idea of life extension, I one day just saw the overall arc of the human mind being perfectly copied and living on. After that, it was all organic. I became as much of a reader as an author, asking myself fundamental and thematic questions about what these technologies would mean for society and individuals. I see the book as a thematic journey.
Perhaps an interesting piece of backstory: I originally wrote the story in first person from Jake’s perspective. Through twists and turns, it landed in the hands of a wonderful editor who suggested I redo it third-person omniscient. OMG! Really? Re-write like that?! It was like dumping out a completed puzzle and re-arranging the pieces, throwing some out, and adding new ones. (I learned a lot.)
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, but…. I have thought about a sequel. There are a lot of different threads that could be extended. I like the idea of a coming-of-age story for Noah, et al.
I guess I might warn the reader about Noah, a child whose life was turned upside down by enhanced genetics. It adds a fantasy piece to the book that supersedes the sci-fi aspect of copying human minds and adds a human family element. What happens to him will challenge the reader.
As Jake and Shannon observed: “Maybe Noah’s fighting the same battle, but just differently.”
[Shannon]
“One of us is fighting for the soul of humanity and the other is fighting for the heart of humanity, eh?” [Jake]
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Next book: He Died Two Days Ago. It just came out July 2024. Very different…think pulp fiction, film noir. Alien possession. Again, I am drawn to thematic elements—manifest destiny, zealotry, vengeance, power, egomania.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
If you could live endlessly … would you?
Forever is Too Long sets the stage for 400 years in the future … a future where human minds can be perfectly copied to live out a forever existence in the multiverse and become Mindars in the new digital world.
• What happens when Humans crossover and become digital entities—Mindars?
• What happens when social boundaries are shattered?
• What happens when the Unintended Consequences of technology occur?
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Forever is Too Long envisions a future technology revealed by the confession of Jake, a human who crosses over to being a Mindar. Jake is now forced to wrestle with the Unintended Consequences created and the internal demons that he must face. Noah is a young boy whose human DNA is altered causing genetic mutations. As he fights for his self-identity, he discovers his untapped powers.
Jake, Noah, and others are willing to take a stand for the soul of humanity. It speculates about the technological consequences humans are not prepared for.
Get ready for a fast-paced journey questioning whether humans and technology can go too far.
Every Diagnosis is Different
In Welcome To The Bright, you share with readers the challenges you faced as you readjusted to life after surviving a stage 4C colon cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatments. What inspired you to share your story?
As I was recovering, I was looking for resources online on how to cope with not only the physical changes that had happened to my body and the emotional troubles I was having but also for how to reintegrate into my former life. I wasn’t finding any help, so I turned to my fellow cancer survivors for advice. It turned out we all struggled with getting back to our previous careers and lifestyles. It became clear that I was not alone in feeling adrift, and it would be important to write about this phase of the cancer journey to help other people navigate this difficult and unexpected time.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
For sure the hardest was sexual dysfunction. The doctors had a hard time talking to me about it, my survivor friends weren’t talking about it, and again I just couldn’t find solid resources out there to help me. It was another thing where I thought, “I’m not alone, so if I don’t talk about it, other women will never know it happens.” It was hard to think that my family and friends would read about this very private situation, but on the other hand, there were bound to be plenty of women out there who had survived cancer to find themselves in the same position as me, and they needed to hear my story. That chapter was written for them so that they knew this wasn’t something shameful to hide and ignore, and that they absolutely are not alone.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had been given when you were diagnosed with cancer?
“Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.” Everyone’s story is different, every diagnosis is different, and even the same kinds of cancers are different. It was difficult in my support group to listen to other people’s experiences and then worry that the same thing would happen to me. I had to accept and believe that I am unique, and none of us have an exact same reaction to the drugs so we shouldn’t all expect the same outcome. Just because one person had terrible pain with a surgery didn’t mean that I would. It took me a while to understand this and just keep my eyes on my own path and not get distracted or frightened by other people’s stories.
What is a common misconception you believe most people may have about cancer survivors?
Many people just expected me to jump straight back into my previous life as if nothing had ever happened. As a musician, suddenly everyone was inviting me to rehearsals, and friends wanted to take me out to lunch. There’s a lot of PTSD involved in having cancer, how it manifests is different for everyone. I was nowhere near ready to get back on stage or sit in a restaurant. The life I lived before cancer was foreign to me, and I was on a path to discovering who I was now, post-cancer. I think people (thankfully!) don’t understand what a profound effect cancer has on us, it literally changes our lives in unimaginable ways, and I was trying to discover who I was now, in the aftermath of cancer. I know people were excited to get me back, but I was a changed person and I felt as if I needed them to acknowledge that and learn about the new person standing before them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
She never expected how difficult it would be to transition from colon cancer patient to colon cancer survivor.
Beginning a new regimen of treatments meant to prevent a recurrence, she faced the daunting task of returning to her former life. Plagued with debilitating panic attacks, she turns to nature to find the strength and inspiration she needs to navigate her rocky post-cancer recovery.
Welcome to the Bright chronicles the year after Lisa’s first clear scan and her discovery that the path through the second half of her life is going to be a long and winding road. Becoming a survivor is just the beginning.
The Consortium – Genesis
The Consortium Genesis, by B. A. Chapman, is a compelling sci-fi novel that delves into the dark world of a secret society known as the Consortium. This group, composed of brilliant scientists and science enthusiasts, is willing to sacrifice human lives in the pursuit of scientific advancement for the supposed greater good of humanity. As human experimentation became illegal, these individuals formed a clandestine organization, abducting abandoned or lonely individuals and conditioning them into submission. The story follows Amelia, one of the Consortium’s inductees, who endures extreme experiments conducted by her Examiner. A group of law enforcement officials, including two detectives, an FBI agent, Amelia, and her keeper Spike, uncover this hidden world and begin to challenge the Consortium, aiming to liberate those trapped in its sinister system.
Chapman’s writing style is both engaging and impactful. The author skillfully introduces the background stories and the abuses faced by the inductees, capturing the absolute terror experienced by the victims with striking realism. The portrayal of the sickening practices within the Consortium is so vivid and believable that it almost feels like it transcends fiction. The storyline is well-crafted, with believable characters who possess their own faults and quirks. The novel’s pacing is another strength. From the tense moments of Amelia’s rescue to the intricate explanations of The Consortium’s operations, Chapman maintains a steady rhythm that keeps readers on edge. The scenes of interrogation and the detectives’ growing realization of the horrifying truth are particularly well-crafted, blending suspense with a creeping sense of dread.
The inclusion of detailed processes, like the induction of new subjects and the creation of a controlled working class, adds layers of authenticity and horror to the story, making it not just a thriller but a deep dive into a meticulously constructed nightmare. It is important to note that the book contains graphic depictions of violence, abuse, torture, and trauma, and readers should be aware of these potential triggers.
I recommend The Consortium Genesis to those who enjoy medical sci-fi novels involving extreme human experimentation. The book lives up to its subtitle, “A Psychological Horror Thriller and Dystopian Science Fiction Novel,” and offers a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Pages: 300 | ASIN : B0D77DDHNK
Axel’s Baking Day (Axel and Ava)
Axel’s Baking Day, by Tuula Pere, with delightful illustrations by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren, is a charming tale that captures the heart of childhood curiosity and the joy of baking. The story follows young Axel, who faces an unexpected challenge when his parents have to leave, disrupting their usual Saturday baking routine. Determined to uphold the tradition, Axel sets out to bake on his own, leading to a series of humorous and relatable mishaps.
Pere’s writing is both engaging and accessible, making it a perfect read for children. Tuula Pere has a knack for capturing the essence of a child’s perspective, particularly through Axel’s determination and disappointment when things don’t go as planned. The narrative is straightforward yet rich in detail, which makes it easy for young readers to follow along and stay interested. For instance, the description of Axel struggling with the sticky dough and his efforts to call his friend Ava for help are both vivid and entertaining.
One of the highlights of the book is the illustration work by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren. The images are colorful and expressive, adding depth to the story and bringing Axel’s adventures to life. Each page is filled with charming details that complement the text, from the messy kitchen to the final triumphant pancake. The illustrations not only support the narrative but also provide visual cues that enhance comprehension for younger readers. The book also subtly imparts valuable lessons about perseverance, problem-solving, and the importance of friendship. Axel’s determination to bake despite the obstacles, and Ava’s willingness to help, showcase the power of teamwork and resilience. The humorous tone and light-hearted approach make these lessons enjoyable and memorable.
Axel’s Baking Day is a delightful book that I would highly recommend to parents and educators looking for a fun and educational read for children. Its engaging story, combined with beautiful illustrations, makes it a joy to read aloud or enjoy independently. This book is particularly suited for young readers who are beginning to explore their own interests and hobbies, as well as those who enjoy stories about friendship and family traditions. Whether you’re a fan of baking or simply enjoy a good laugh, Axel’s baking adventures are sure to entertain and inspire.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 978-9528200536
LITERARY TITAN 