Blog Archives
Abbey’s Road
Abbey’s Road, by Danna Schweitzer, is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, secrets, and the journey of self-discovery. The novel centers on Abbey, a grandmother dealing with the recent death of her husband, Albert, who left behind a significant secret that unravels throughout the story. Abbey’s life, filled with seemingly ordinary moments, takes unexpected turns as she navigates her relationships with her children and the hidden past of her late husband.
From the outset, the book captivates with its strong character development and emotional depth. Abbey is portrayed as a relatable, multidimensional character whose struggles and resilience are both poignant and inspiring. The author skillfully reveals her backstory, including her marriage to Albert and the complexities of raising his child from a previous relationship as her own. This narrative thread adds layers of intrigue and sympathy for Abbey, particularly in how she manages the delicate balance of family secrets and her own need for closure.
One of the novel’s strengths is its portrayal of familial relationships, especially the bond between Abbey and her children, Margaret, Steven, and Shelley. Each child’s reaction to Albert’s death and the revelation of his secret is unique and reflective of their individual personalities. For instance, Margaret’s struggle with her identity and the truth about her birth is deeply moving, highlighting her internal conflict and her eventual acceptance of Abbey as her true mother. This dynamic is further complicated by Steven’s pragmatic approach and Shelley’s emotional responses, making for a compelling and realistic depiction of family life.
Schweitzer’s writing style is straightforward yet evocative, drawing readers into the everyday moments that define Abbey’s existence. The author’s ability to convey the passage of time and the evolution of Abbey’s character is particularly noteworthy. Scenes such as Abbey’s solitary visit to the zoo, where she reflects on her past while observing families, underscore the themes of loneliness and longing. These moments of introspection are beautifully balanced with interactions that reveal Abbey’s resilience and her capacity for love and forgiveness.
Abbey’s Road is a touching and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories about family, secrets, and personal growth. Schweitzer’s ability to craft believable characters and a compelling narrative makes this book a worthwhile read. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy contemporary fiction with emotional depth and a focus on relationships. Abbey’s journey is one of courage and self-discovery, making her story both relatable and inspirational.
Pages: 74 | ISBN: 1961358905
Manipulative Brainwashing
In Hello Flower, you share with readers your experience as a victim of narcissistic abuse and give them the tools necessary for breaking free from abusive relationships. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I never imagined this could happen to me. Not in a million years. The shocking realisation that I wasn’t alone, that this was a textbook pattern of abusive behaviour carried out by so many made me want to help identify the signs, write in stark personal detail something which people might recognise and realise that their feeling of ‘ something off’ isn’t imagined but all too real. It was also important to dispel the myth that this is yet another ‘label’ and to demonstrate the horrific reality of living with a monster disguised as the person you trust the most.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I think my initial instinctive answer to this question was remembering and writing about my Dad, his hope, belief, and optimism for me and my happiness, then I realised that writing about him was relatively easy. The hardest thing was writing about the original ‘love stories’ going back over and reliving how love-struck and naive I was each time, it made me really angry to see how I had been conned but it was necessary so I could help the reader understand why I fell for him and how that manipulative brainwashing starts. Writing that was sickening but key to unlocking the entire narrative.
What is one misconception you believe many people have about leaving an abusive relationship?
Please let me have two! The first is thinking it is easy to leave, to walk away from something which hurts you seems so straightforward to the uninitiated, I’ve often been asked ‘How come you put up with it for so long?’ a painful but understandable question. The trouble is when you are wrapped up in this sort of relationship you don’t believe you should walk away, you want to try harder, do more which simply results in a deeper entrapment. The other misconception is that once you are out you are fine, it’s over, time to just carry on and ‘let it all go’, if only. It takes a long long time to unravel all that damage, you improve, you do move on, but you are never quite the same.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your experience?
If any of it relates if even a tiny part of my book is familiar I hope, going forward, they raise their boundaries because in doing so it is the first step in saying what is and isn’t acceptable. It’s quite the game changer when you had none in place before.
Author Links: GoodReads | Substack | Amazon
Self-deprecating, heartbreaking, and sometimes funny, this is ultimately a realistic and revealing insight into how even the strongest person can be susceptible to the most insidious form of abuse—and yet find the courage to walk away and shine again.
Nature, Honor, and Belief
The Citadel follows a woman who faces her enemy to rescue her lover, a man who is the defender of his planet abducted by a religious order. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
By midway through The Matriarch, Achelous had acquired the attention of a number of powerful entities. At least two of them were hostile and driven by avarice. When you write the story, you let your characters act their part, and the religious order found Achelous first.
What was your favorite scene in this installment of the Dianis, A World In Turmoil Chronicles?
There are so many! Readers often cite the Halls of Norim, or when Sedge encounters the ULUP commissioners on board the Tempest Dare. Honorable mention certainly goes to Marisa when she threatens Em Auditor. I suppose my personal favorite is when Rachael and Fire Eye explore the dungeon of Ages Castle. However, when Rachael unleashes, for the first time, her kinetic energy to its full potential, and separately, when she snags Buzz Too off of Marisa’s shoulder, those are both classic.
How has character development for the main character changed for you through the series?
The main character started out as Achelous, but then Marisa’s force of nature, honor, and belief in all things good gradually takes over as she grows into her role of guardian of Dianis. She has more to learn and experience. Dianis will need her leadership.
Can readers look forward to a fourth book in the series? Where will it take your characters?
Yes, The Loch Norim is in draft. The Drakan Empire and the Western Alliance, supposed enemies, will face a new and surprising foe that neither is prepared for. The question is, will their pride keep them from uniting?
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
After the mayhem and outrage of Achelous’s kidnapping, Marisa, his mistress and a trader princess, embarks on a mission of restitution. To rescue Achelous, she must go to the heart of her enemy, the Drakan Empire, and save him from Viscount Helprig. The Paleowright clergyman does not care what Achelous may know, just that he has blasphemed the Diunesis faith and shall be hung before the archbishop.
However, the commandant of the Drakan secret service is not so quick to execute. He suspects Achelous is an Avarian, an agent of a galactic federation, the very people the Paleowrights worship as gods.
Amidst the fight against corsairs raiding the planet, attacks by Paleowright armies, and the intervention of the Avaria Federation, Marisa must rescue Achelous, and if successful, can trigger a global war. Can one man be worth that outcome? The answer lies in what he knows.
Unwavering Dedication
In When The Bell Rings – A Firefighters Journey, you share with readers your experiences as a firefighter and the mental and emotional challenges you faced throughout your career. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing When The Bell Rings – A Firefighter’s Journey was a deeply personal and essential endeavor for me. As a firefighter, I witnessed and experienced firsthand the intense mental and emotional challenges that come with the profession. Firefighting isn’t just about battling flames; it’s about confronting fear, grief, and the relentless pressure to perform under life-and-death circumstances.
This book allowed me to share the human side of firefighting, providing a window into the inner struggles and triumphs that are often hidden behind the brave exterior. It was important for me to give a voice to the emotional and psychological toll this career can take on some individuals. I hoped to foster greater empathy and awareness among the public, while also providing a source of support and validation for my peers.
What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest part of writing When The Bell Rings – A Firefighter’s Journey was revisiting and recounting the moments of profound loss and tragedy. As firefighters, we are often the first to witness the aftermath of accidents, fires, and disasters. Writing about the lives that were lost and the families that were forever changed was incredibly challenging.
I knew that sharing these experiences was crucial to painting an honest picture of what it means to be a firefighter. It was through this candor that I hoped to honor those who have sacrificed so much and to shed light on the profound impact these experiences can have on our mental and emotional well-being.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the life of a firefighter?
A common misconception about the life of a firefighter is that our job primarily revolves around fighting fires. While responding to fires is indeed a significant and highly visible part of what we do, it represents only a fraction of our daily responsibilities. Many people are unaware of the extensive training, preparation, and variety of emergency responses that fill our days.
Firefighters are often first responders to a wide range of emergencies, including medical crises, car accidents, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters. We also engage in community education, fire prevention, and safety inspections.
Additionally, the camaraderie and the sense of family within the fire department are crucial elements of our lives that are often overlooked. The bond we share with our fellow firefighters is built on trust, shared experiences, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges we face. This aspect of our lives is just as important as the heroics often associated with our profession.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from When The Bell Rings?
One thing I hope readers take away from When The Bell Rings – A Firefighter’s Journey is a deeper appreciation and understanding of the resilience required to be a firefighter. Beyond the physical bravery and technical skills, our journey involves confronting and managing intense emotional challenges, from the trauma of witnessing loss to the constant pressure of making life-or-death decisions.
I want readers to see the human side of firefighting—the vulnerability, the camaraderie, and the unwavering dedication to serving the community despite the personal sacrifices involved. By sharing my experiences candidly, I hope to inspire a greater sense of empathy and respect for those who put their lives on the line every day.
Ultimately, I hope my story serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of firefighters everywhere.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Forget Hollywood. This isn’t a story about glory. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at life as an NYC firefighter.
More than just burning buildings. Join a veteran firefighter with 27 years under his gear. Witness the adrenaline rush of the unknown, the camaraderie that sustains you through the firestorm, and the quiet toll it takes on the men and women who answer the call.
This book isn’t just for firefighters. It’s for the spouses who hold down the fort, the adult kids who wait by the window, and anyone who wants to understand the invisible scars left by heroism. This is a collection of stories of courage, of family, and the unspoken battles fought after the flames are out.
When the Bell Rings takes you inside the firehouse, onto the frontlines, and into the hearts of those who risk it all.
Are you ready to step into the heat?
A 2024 FIREBIRD BOOK AWARD FIRST PLACE WINNER
Power of Self-Love
Back to Loving My 1st Wife is a deeply personal and emotionally charged memoir that explores the trials and tribulations of caring for your wife who battles severe mental health issues. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Great question, thank you for asking.
One of the main ideas I wanted to drive home was the importance of educating oneself when it comes to caring for someone with a serious medical condition. I wanted to stress the significance of proper, extensive research and share the resources I came across. It wasn’t just about understanding the medical jargon; it was about grasping the emotional and psychological impact her illness had on her and our marriage. The more I learned, the better I could empathize with her experiences and anticipate her needs.
Understanding her medications was another critical aspect. I needed to know the purpose of each medication, their side effects, and how they interacted with her mind and body. This knowledge was vital in managing her care and ensured I didn’t endanger her life. It also allowed me to communicate effectively with her doctors, making sure they had all the necessary information to adjust her treatments when needed.
But perhaps most importantly, I wanted to share what I learned with others. I knew there were other husbands and caregivers out there facing similar struggles, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. By sharing my journey, I hoped to provide some guidance and reassurance. I wanted to let them know that they weren’t alone. I wanted to be a resource for others in similar situations.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Wow. Another great question but a tough one.
Reliving the delicate and frail nature of my wife’s health was an emotional rollercoaster. Every day, I was reminded of her struggles and the immense toll her illness took on her. But what made it even harder was grappling with my own mental health challenges.
As my mental health began to deteriorate, the flashbacks and the visual and auditory hallucinations I experienced were intense and terrifying. These weren’t just fleeting moments; they were vivid and intrusive, making it hard for me to focus on anything else. The constant worry and stress took a toll on my mental well-being, and for a while, every day felt like a battle just to be present for my wife.
There were days when it felt like the weight of it all was too much to bear. I struggled to maintain my composure, feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility and the fear of what could happen next. It was a dark and lonely place, and I often felt like I was fighting an invisible enemy.
But revisiting and sharing my mental health decline became a crucial part of my journey. By sharing my experiences, I began to process my emotions and understand the impact they had on me. It wasn’t easy, but somehow, I knew it was necessary.
Opening up about my mental health struggles also allowed me to seek the support I needed. I started seeing a psychologist, who helped me develop coping strategies and helped me manage my depression and PTSD. I learned the importance of self-care and making time for myself.
Through it all, I discovered that being present for my wife didn’t mean ignoring my own needs. In fact, taking care of myself was essential to being a better caregiver. By acknowledging my struggles and seeking help, I was able to find a balance that allowed me to support my wife while also taking care of my mental health.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
This is perhaps, my favorite question of all.
As I reflect on my journey as a husband and caregiver, I hope the main takeaway from my story is the importance and power of self-love and unconditional love. These two forms of love have been my anchors, guiding me through the toughest times and helping me find strength I didn’t know I had.
Self-love is something we often overlook, especially when we’re focused on caring for someone else. But I learned that taking care of myself was crucial. It wasn’t about being selfish; it was about ensuring I had the energy and emotional stability to support my wife. Self-love meant recognizing my limits, seeking help when I needed it, and giving myself permission to rest and recharge. It was about treating myself with the same compassion and kindness that I showed my wife.
Unconditional love, on the other hand, was the driving force behind everything I did. It’s the kind of love that remains steadfast through the highs and lows and doesn’t waver when things get tough. This love was my motivation to keep going, even when it felt like everything was falling apart. It gave me the patience to handle difficult days and the courage to face the unknown.
I think we often underestimate the power of love. It can move mountains, mend broken hearts, and potentially save lives. When my wife was at her most vulnerable, it was love that kept us both going. It was love that made the impossible seem possible, that turned despair into hope.
Through this journey, I’ve come to realize that love isn’t just an emotion—it’s a force of nature. It has the power to heal, to inspire, and to transform. When we embrace self-love and unconditional love, we tap into a strength that can carry us through the darkest times.
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away from my story, it’s this: never underestimate the power of love. Whether it’s love for yourself or love for someone else, it can make all the difference. It can be the light in the darkness, the reason to keep going, and the force that helps you overcome any obstacle. So,
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Continuing the saga from the author’s award-winning autobiography, “In Love with My 5 Wives, A Broken Man’s Journey on How to Love His Broken Wife,” this poignant narrative underscores the transformative power of love and support within a marriage. It powerfully demonstrates how the author’s unwavering commitment became both a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of selfless sacrifice, inspiring men with the potential of these elements in a marriage.
The book vividly portrays the author’s emotional and psychological challenges, taking readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. Through a delicate balance of heartfelt storytelling and agonizing reflections, “Back to Loving My 1st Wife” is an inspiring tribute to the strength and enduring impact of a husband’s love.
Purposeful Collaboration
In EVERYTHING IS PERSONAL, you explore the difference between effective leadership skills and straightforward management tactics. What inspired you to write this book?
After being a leadership program designer, facilitator, and avid student of the art of leadership for decades, the premise of foundational leadership success became vividly clear. When leaders, or anyone, embraced the idea of “stewardship of others” and made positive and enriching relationships purposeful, it completely switched up how we view our interactions with others inside and outside of work. I wanted to collect these ideas in a simple but thought-provoking way via my first leadership book!
Can you share with us a little about the research behind your book?
Working on five continents with teams and leaders of various experiences, education, and interests was the best research I could have hoped for and yielded such valuable information. Whether leaders were in Brazil or Thailand…Azerbaijan or Thailand…China or UAE…the common query of leadership ran throughout. How do we retain talent? How do we drive success across our enterprise? How do we create an environment where people desire to succeed? The answer was always enlightened leadership, not based in authority, but resident in relationships.
What is one misconception you find most people have about business leadership?
That it’s “lonely at the top.” That leadership is a solitary place to live practically and emotionally. Nonsense. Beyond the stereotypical staff meeting, the most successful leadership environment is a place rich with healthy debate, challenging viewpoints, and purposeful collaboration.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from EVERYTHING IS PERSONAL?
I hope they never hide behind the “it’s just business” premise again. Yes, we need to make tough decisions in business all the time…just like we do throughout every facet of our lives…why deny the personal elements? In fact, embrace them – even when it’s deeply difficult. As a result, your credibility, transparency, and authenticity will only grow.
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Facebook | Website | InspireLSC | Amazon
Through storytelling and practical guidance, Louis Roden empowers readers to cultivate excellence and empowerment in their organizations and beyond by exploring the essence of transformational leadership and delving into the heart of stewardship.
Drawing from a wealth of global industry experiences, Everything is Personal serves as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of leadership with confidence and clarity. By embracing the principles outlined in this book, readers will discover how to forge genuine connections, inspire trust, and drive sustainable success in every facet of their lives. Join us on a journey of self-discovery, as we challenge conventional notions of leadership and empower individuals to lead with authenticity and purpose. Together we can unlock the transformative power of stewardship and make every interaction, every decision, and every moment truly personal.
Strength, Wisdom, and Support
In Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist, a young girl with a love for candy finds the courage to face her fears when she visits the dentist for the first time. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration was my childhood and teen experiences coping with fear of the dentist. My Mom worked in dentistry, and she helped me overcome my fear of the dentist with positive encouragement and prayer. So I wanted to share my story through my character, Coco, to help kids overcome their fears of going to the dentist as God and my Mom helped me in my early years. That is why I dedicated this book to my Mom for my gratitude for her strength, wisdom, and support teaching me the importance of healthy teeth and not to be a fearful person.
Is there anything from your own childhood included in little Coco’s experiences?
Yes, the fear of going to the dentist.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The idea was for parents to help teach their children not to steal things, the importance of healthy teeth, telling the truth, and to face their fears with the support of prayer to God and their parent’s love. I wanted to encourage patience helping their children process their emotions of fear and learn valuable lessons about working through challenges in life with hope and courage.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?:
My Coco character is a book series called Coco’s Life Adventures on Amazon and with Barnes and Noble stores. The next book is in progress and may be available next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Letting Your True Self Show
Arty follows a young Betta fish who dislikes fighting and wants to find a friend but is unsure how to find one or what to do with one. What was the inspiration for your story?
Arty is a betta fish, a warrior fish; they see a fish, and they fight. Arty knows how he is supposed to be, but inside he feels different.
I am a high school teacher. I often see the struggles of students who put on a tough exterior, they act in ways that they feel they “should” when inside they can feel completely different. Letting their true selves show through can often be very scary and a struggle. Afraid of acceptance and afraid of letting others down by revealing who they really are inside. Arty struggled with this too, until……..
Arty is not the typical Betta fish that is aggressive and prefers to be alone. What was the inspiration for the main character’s traits and dialogue?
Arty is named after my Dad, Arthur. He was tough on the outside, a 9th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He was smart, very wise (also a high school science teacher), and always loved learning new things. Once you got to know him, you would realize that he had a heart of gold, would help anyone in need, and had a great sense of humor. Arty the Betta is tough on the outside with a tender heart, a very curious nature, and a great sense of humor.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some ideas that I felt were important to share through this book:
- Friendship – the importance of friendship, how to be a friend, and how to have one
- Being true to yourself, who you really are inside, not just what you think others want you to be.
- Creativity – through the artist and writer pages – When I was a kid, I used to draw characters in my books, so I added those pages with prompts for readers to do so.
- Fun and Laughs!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on the next ARTY! It is so much fun to keep playing with Arty and Slug and…. sneak peek…. There is an addition to their friendship, and she is amazing!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Instagram | Website
LITERARY TITAN 