Blog Archives
An Alternative Power
The Power of the Ascendant follows a man with supernatural abilities who struggles to understand them and what this means for his purpose in life and within the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The world in which we live today is hungry for power. The main way to get power is through money. Unfortunately, this tool aka money has become an obsession and as a result the measure for everything in life. All the old values have been forgotten and in the race for money, people are sacrificing their health, family, and happiness. Most people are not aware that there is an alternative power that doesn’t require such sacrifices.
This is the Power of the subconscious mind. It is real and it works. Every human being possesses that power but it is latent. In order to use that power one has to communicate with his subconscious mind.
For some years now, people like scientists Greg Braden, Dr. Bruce Lipton, and Joe Dispenza have been trying to spread awareness of this power, offering information, methods, and instructions on how to activate it. But still, only a small fraction of people are aware and are trying to actively use it.
This inspired me to take a different approach. Instead of writing a handbook with instructions, in order to spread awareness about the power of the subconscious mind, I decided to write a science fiction book while offering entertainment and showing the possible use of that power.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I followed mainly emotional wellbeing guidelines, like communicating and giving to others, and also emotional intelligence, like empathy. For moral guidelines, it was compassion, loyalty, and responsibility.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme in my book is Power and its use. The other themes are love, loyalty, death, and religion. Actually, the whole fourth part of the book is devoted to the theme of Religion. Certain teachings about religion sound dissonant to me, so I gave my own interpretation of Paradise, Hell, Purgatory, and the Soul.
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?
This book has been written as a stand-alone but I’ve left space for possible two sequels which will be about the Honeymoon of The Ascendants aka The Souls of Philip and Jessica exploring God’s creations. However, for now, it’s just an idea and at present, I am enjoying my well-deserved rest.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
While held prisoner at the Research Institute for Paranormal Power Activity in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Philip develops an ability for telekinesis, teleportation, and other paranormal powers. As a result, he becomes an Ascendant.
When Philip escapes from the Institute, he meets and befriends Steve, a ranger and war veteran with bitter memories of his service in Afghanistan. Together, the two of them face off against forces that want to control Phillip’s powers.
Philip’s biggest challenge is that he doesn’t want to kill or hurt anybody.
Will Philip’s abilities and knowledge be enough to keep him free or will those seeking to recapture him use his abilities and plunge the world into war?
The Power of PR Parenting
Marjie Hadad’s book, The Power of PR Parenting, ingeniously applies the tactics of public relations to the challenging art of parenting. Drawing from her extensive experience in the PR field, Hadad equips parents with tools to handle crises, encourage confidence, and prepare their children for the future using strategies typically reserved for managing media and public perception. This innovative approach is grounded in the belief that parenting, much like PR, often involves managing, mentoring, and motivating with a strategic mindset.
Hadad’s work is refreshingly unique in its perspective, blending the structured, strategy-driven world of PR with the intuitive, often chaotic realm of parenting. The idea that public relations skills can effectively manage family dynamics and children’s development is both intriguing and compelling. Through detailed anecdotes and accessible writing, she brings PR principles to life, making them relevant to daily parenting scenarios, from crisis management to building self-reliance in children.
One of the most interesting aspects is its novel use of public relations strategies to navigate and mitigate family crises, akin to managing brand or corporate crises. This approach advocates for structured communication and strategic problem-solving, typically employed in PR, to create a calm and controlled environment that promotes resilience in children. The application of these professional techniques to personal family dynamics is innovative and offers parents new tools for fostering understanding and cooperation.
Hadad doesn’t just theorize but illustrates how each strategy can be implemented, providing a practical roadmap for parents. This hands-on approach, combined with her conversational tone, makes the book not only informative but also engaging.
The Power of PR Parenting is a must-read for parents looking for a new approach to raising confident and resilient children. Hadad’s innovative take offers a valuable resource for any parent seeking to enhance their parenting toolkit with fresh, proven methods from the world of public relations.
Pages: 222 | ASIN : B0BVGR5X25
Success is a Choice
Success Is a Choice, by Deepak Gupta, initially presents an ambitious premise that might appear to simplify life’s complexities. Yet, as one delves into the pages, the simplicity unfolds into a clear, actionable philosophy. Illustrated through engaging narratives like the opening story of Tom and Dan, who, despite their differing circumstances, discover their capacity to significantly alter their career paths. This theme of empowerment resonates throughout the book, offering readers a practical framework to elevate their professional lives.
Gupta excels in character development and narrative flow, crafting relatable and nuanced characters whose vulnerabilities foster a genuine connection with the reader. This openness not only enriches the reader’s experience but also enhances the delivery of key insights intended to spur transformative growth. The author’s deep understanding of human behavior and interpersonal dynamics is skillfully reflected in both the interactions among characters and the engaging prose that draws readers into a reflective and immersive journey. The book’s practicality is one of its strongest suits. Gupta’s extensive experience and passion for mentorship shine through in the accessible and succinct presentation of concepts designed to be inclusive of readers at any career stage—from beginners to seasoned professionals. The title cleverly plays a dual role, sparking curiosity or challenging the reader’s preconceptions, thereby drawing them into a deeper exploration of the content.
Success Is a Choice serves as an essential guide for those navigating the corporate world, emphasizing that personal and professional growth often requires introspection and a proactive stance. Deepak Gupta’s keen observations and compelling writing style make this work not just a book but a resource for continuous reference. It encourages readers to take command of their paths to success, offering wisdom that is both profound and accessible, proving invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their career trajectory.
Pages: 188 | ISBN : 1804395633
Valentino’s Purpose
Valentino’s Purpose, by Wanda Reyes, is a heartwarming children’s book that champions the themes of acceptance and individuality. Illustrated by Lilly Walther, the book features vibrant and expressive artwork that brings the story to life, with the characters almost leaping off the page. The narrative follows Valentino, a spirited Goldendoodle preparing to become a service dog who learns the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness in the face of adversity.
The story resonates deeply, conveying that being true to oneself is invaluable. This message is particularly poignant given the diverse cast of characters, both canine and human, which underscores the book’s celebration of diversity. The inclusion of a service dog as a protagonist adds a layer of significance, reflecting the essential roles these dogs play in support of military personnel and veterans—a personal connection I greatly appreciate.
The book maintains a seamless narrative flow throughout, with a creative shift from first to third-person narration towards the end that adds a unique touch, although it may briefly surprise readers. Valentino’s Purpose is a compelling tale of diversity, acceptance, and love. It is a delightful addition to any home library, appealing to readers of all ages. This touching story about a courageous dog and his friends is likely to resonate with and inspire anyone who picks it up.
Valentino’s Purpose is more than just a children’s story; it’s a vibrant invitation to celebrate uniqueness and acceptance. With its engaging narrative and striking illustrations, this book not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about individuality and empathy. It’s a delightful read that will enchant and educate, making it a perfect addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0CWJTY4H9
Tranquility, Peace, and Love
Love and Nature/Amor y Naturaleza is a collection of bilingual poetry centered around the themes of love, nature, and fantasy presented in both Spanish and English. What inspired you to write this collection?
What inspired me is found within the title of the book. Recalling feelings and emotions of love inspired me. Being in and analyzing nature and my surroundings inspired me. Love and nature are universal subjects and thus I wanted my first book to have themes that a large number of people could relate to. Life itself and all of my experiences inspired me to create this. God himself and the universe inspired me. I wrote this book out of a place of tranquility, peace, and love hoping to elicit positive emotions for the readers.
Do you have a selection within this collection that particularly resonates with you?
It’s hard to pick a favorite one, now I know how it feels when I ask my friends which one is their favorite. One of my favorites would have to be Like The Earth. Love and nature are found within the earth itself. A true love is nurturing and kind just how the earth is described in the poem. I remember enjoying trying to come up with the similarities found within love, a woman, and earth. I think it shows how we are connected to earth and nature in a deeper way, a way which we many times overlook or don’t even think about.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore within your poetry?
For me, the important themes were love, nature, reflection, analyzation, self-reflection, self-love, and connectivity to nature. We get so caught up being on the hamster wheel of life and in the bustle of life that we forget to slow down and take in the beauty of life and nature. Although life can be hard and is not always peaches and cream it is important to be grateful for the beauty and the positive things around us. This is something I hope my readers can relate to.
Can readers look forward to more from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I would like to think that writers and poets are always writing and brainstorming. I will continue to write poetry, and I have ideas on what my next book will be. I can’t say exactly what my next poetry book will entail but I can ensure that there will be more poems as this first book was a relatively short read. Before writing my next book I would like to feel content with the amount of support I have received with my current book. Even if it does not get the amount of support I want I will most likely still release another book as I believe it is important to create things and share your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and connect with other people. Connecting with others is what makes us human after all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
El libro es una colección de poemas escritos en la naturaleza o mientras la observábamos. El libro se inspira en los fuertes sentimientos que pueden suscitarse cuando amamos a alguien o incluso en cómo nos sentimos cuando somos conscientes de cómo nos amamos a nosotros mismos. Es una inspiración de la belleza que se encuentra en la naturaleza y también de los pensamientos, sentimientos y emociones que se derivan de estar enraizados en ella. El libro incluye algunas metáforas que explican cómo experimentamos los sentimientos de amor. Finalmente, el libro incluye la intersección entre naturaleza y amor y cómo el amor puede encontrarse en la naturaleza. El autor espera conectar con los lectores, ya que el amor y la naturaleza son universales y, por ello, espera que el lector se sienta identificado con algunas de las palabras escritas en este breve libro. Si el autor es capaz de suscitar un pensamiento, un sentimiento o una conexión con cada lector, entonces ha hecho su trabajo.
Unique and Special
Jewel’s Curls: Being Me follows a four-year-old girl who notices the differences in appearance between herself and her parents. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration was my childhood friendships of different races helped me to value others, and the importance of children of mixed race to value their inner beauty as much and accept their natural self-image to be unique and special.
The art in this book is fantastic, bringing Jewel’s emotions and struggles to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator K. Stone?
Each illustration I described to the illustratrator to bring to life relatable characters’ style, emotions, environment, and multicultural connection within families and societies in a fun social environment.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
For parents to help their children to value themselves and self-image and to be okay with being different from other children.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Jewel and the direction of the second book?
My Jewel books are an emerging series of fun heartfelt relatable stories that will help children see themselves in the world as unique worthy and of great value and to show other children and people the same respect, as they continue to grow in their adventures in life to be their best selves in their own skin.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
She has a pure heart and one day, she became curious about her curly hair. Later, she learns to value herself.
Government’s Role in Religion
Thrown to the Wind follows a young boy and his family fleeing religious persecution from France who wind up on a journey to America. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have been researching my family genealogy for over 20 years and came across a note in the family histories that claimed that Etienne Gayneau, Sr. and his family fled La Rochelle in the middle of the night to avoid arrest. That intrigued me, so I started digging and found records showing where he lived, even down to the description of the white and blue tilework, and others indicating that 400 Huguenots did, in fact, flee the city in October of 1664. This was during King Louis XIV’s rise to power in his own right as he came of age. I was able to find ship logs, and passenger lists with the travel amounts owed, and then fill in the historical context with information from the King’s decrees (in translation) and other historical background. And the story started to take shape.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
The most surprising thing I discovered was an accounting in the old New Harlem records about how Etienne had been attacked and arrested for “stealing” cherries from Mr. Palmer, who was renting Captain Carteret’s house. The situation was played out and resolved as I described in the book, though the actual event took place a few years later than in my book. The event was simply too good of a story to leave out and resolved a plot point I had, so I included it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As a history teacher, the curriculum required that we compare and contrast the various reasons for colonization and the colonies in New England, the middle colonies, and Southern colonies. As I was researching this book, I saw a lot of the same themes, but relating to a colony we often ignore in mainstream classrooms. So, it seemed natural to explore them in this story.
The main theme is that of the reasons for immigration to a new and foreign land. As teachers, we often over-simplify them to say that the Pilgrims and Puritans came seeking the freedom to practice their own religion, while the Jamestown colonists came to pursue economic ventures. But as we can see from Etienne’s story, it is more complex. Others also came for religious freedom, but also to pursue trade and to provide a better life for their families.
There is also the theme relating to the government’s role in religion. Two of the freedoms granted in our First Amendment are freedom to practice our own religions, and freedom from a state-instituted religion. These freedoms have direct linkages back to the reasons many settlers came to our shores in the 17th century.
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?
Thrown to the Wind is the first book in the series. The second book, A Home in the Wilderness, and the third book, At the Mercy of the Sea, are both out now.
In the second book, Etienne must navigate the challenges of living in the wilderness. He makes friends with two Lenape teens. When word of an Esopus attack on the Dutch fort at Wiltwyck reaches New Harlem, the settlement begins to build fortifications and to train the militia for war. Etienne is torn between protecting his family’s community and his new Lenape friends, as he becomes embroiled in the Second Esopus War. This book demonstrates the complexity of knowing friend from foe and the diverse relationships between various colonial groups and diverse Native American tribes.
The third book continues Etienne’s journey as he returns to the sea as a sailor, and adds the stories of Alsoomse, Etienne’s Lenape friend, and Abraham, a new friend he meets in the second book. It deals with several coming-of-age themes as all three young people are rebelling against what is expected of them as they try to find places within their respective communities. This book deals with issues relating to gender roles, mixed ethnicity, and standing up for what is right when no one around you supports your stance.
I am working on the fourth book, which should finish this series. I am hoping to get it out next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Based on a true story.
In October 1660, Etienne Gayneau rushes through the cobblestone streets of La Rochelle, France, to meet his cousin at the harbor. A ship carrying King Louis XIV’s elite musketeers is docking. He dreams of becoming one himself, but has no idea that their arrival will force his Huguenot family to flee in the dead of night. His cousin has offered him a safe haven. Now he must choose – stay and pursue his dream or leave and face an uncertain destiny. Both choices are fraught with dangers. Either way his life will never be the same.
This story traces one boy’s journey from France to America in 1660 as he finds the courage to save himself and those he loves. Etienne Gayneau’s family is fleeing La Rochelle in the dead of night to avoid his father’s certain arrest in the morning, but his cousin has offered him a safe haven. Now he must choose. If he leaves with his family, he will never become a musketeer, but if he stays, he will never see his parents and sisters again. Bothe choices are fraught with dangers and uncertainty. One this is sure – his life will never be the same again.
did in fact flee the city in October of 1664. This was during King Louis XIV’s rise to power in his own right as he came of age. I was able to find ship logs, passenger lists with the travel amounts owed, and then fill in the historical context with information from the King’s decrees (in translation) and other historical background. And the story started to take shape.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
The most surprising thing I discovered was an accounting in the old New Harlem records about how Etienne had been attacked and arrested for “stealing” cherries from Mr. Palmer, who was renting Captain Carteret’s house. The situation was played out and resolved as I described in the book, though the actual event took place a few years later than in my book. The event was simply too good of a story to leave out and resolved a plot point I had, so I included it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As a history teacher, the curriculum required that we compare and contrast the various reasons for colonization and the colonies in New England, the middle colonies, and Southern colonies. As I was researching this book, I saw a lot of the same themes, but relating to a colony we often ignore in mainstream classrooms. So, it seemed natural to explore them in this story.
The main theme is that of the reasons for immigration to a new and foreign land. As teachers we often over-simplify them to say that the Pilgrims and Puritans came seeking the freedom to practice their own religion, while the Jamestown colonists came to pursue economic ventures. But as we can see from Etienne’s story, it is more complex. Others also came for religious freedom, but also to pursue trade and to provide a better life for their families.
There is also the theme relating to the government’s role in religion. Two of the freedoms granted in our First Amendment are freedom to practice our own religions, and freedom from a state instituted religion. These freedoms have direct linkages back to the reasons many settlers came to our shores in the 17th century.
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?
Thrown to the Wind is the first book in the series. The second book, A Home in the Wilderness, and the third book, At the Mercy of the Sea, are both out now.
In the second book, Etienne must navigate the challenges of living in the wilderness. He makes friends with two Lenape teens. When word of an Esopus attack on the Dutch fort at Wiltwyck reaches New Harlem, the settlement begins to build fortifications and to train the militia for war. Etienne is torn between protecting his family’s community and his new Lenape friends, as he becomes embroiled in the Second Esopus War. This book demonstrates the complexity of knowing friend from foe and the diverse relationships between various colonial groups and diverse Native American tribes.
The third book continues Etienne’s journey as he returns to the sea as a sailor, and adds the stories of Alsoomse, Etienne’s Lenape friend, and Abraham, a new friend he meets in the second book. It deals with several coming-of-age themes as all three young people are rebelling against what is expected of them as they try to find places within their respective communities. This book deals with issues relating to gender roles, mixed ethnicity, and standing up for what is right when no one around you supports your stance.
I am working on the fourth book, which should finish this series. I am hoping to get it out next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Based on a true story.
In October 1660, Etienne Gayneau rushes through the cobblestone streets of La Rochelle, France, to meet his cousin at the harbor. A ship carrying King Louis XIV’s elite musketeers is docking. He dreams of becoming one himself, but has no idea that their arrival will force his Huguenot family to flee in the dead of night. His cousin has offered him a safe haven. Now he must choose – stay and pursue his dream or leave and face an uncertain destiny. Both choices are fraught with dangers. Either way his life will never be the same.
This story traces one boy’s journey from France to America in 1660 as he finds the courage to save himself and those he loves. Etienne Gayneau’s family is fleeing La Rochelle in the dead of night to avoid his father’s certain arrest in the morning, but his cousin has offered him a safe haven. Now he must choose. If he leaves with his family, he will never become a musketeer, but if he stays, he will never see his parents and sisters again. Bothe choices are fraught with dangers and uncertainty. One this is sure – his life will never be the same again.
Trauma, Resilience, and Humanity
Baby Girl Jones follows a dedicated woman detective who is investigating the mysterious death of a woman found with a note about an abandoned baby girl from years ago. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Book One, The Billionaire’s List, I introduced a couple of these characters. When I started to write the sequel, which the readers were expecting, I realized I had to go back in time to answer, “How did they get here” before I could move forward with the story. Much like Star Wars, I wrote a Book Two PREquel. I wanted to know these characters better too. The set-up was to show how lives can become intertwined.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the themes of identity, psychology, trauma, resilience, and humanity. As you stated in your review, the world is complex, and so is this story. But fiction is sometimes the gentlest way we can approach and reflect on some of that complexity.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story that takes place after The Billionaire’s List? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! I plan to write Book Three, which will be the sequel to The Billionaire’s List, and close the story completely. Baby Girl Jones is dark. But you need darkness to understand the light.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A baby is born.
Years later, a woman dies.
When a drug-addicted, middle-aged woman is found deceased next to a scrawled note mentioning an abandoned baby girl from decades earlier, Detective Claire Miller must figure out how and why the woman died. Was it a guilty conscience? Or murder? And who was this baby?
The investigation takes Claire through the red tape of the state foster care system. As her journey uncovers more leads, will she determine the cause of death and find the missing infant—now an adult?
A chilling tale comprising three female voices: two harboring traumatic childhoods and a third searching for truth.
LITERARY TITAN 