Blog Archives
Two Divergent Souls
Land Without Shame follows an iconic film star whose plane crashes on a dormant volcanic island, where he winds up on a mission to rescue children being used as slave laborers in a clandestine gold-mining operation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, I have no definitive answer. In book one of this series, Cody Musket, a former Marine and now a famous major league baseball icon, has formed a covert paramilitary organization to rescue trafficked children in third-world countries. The story in Land Without Shame takes place more than twenty years later, with Cody Musket Jr., age 22, at the helm, carrying on the Muskets’ child rescue operations into the next generation. This story was a natural outgrowth of the family’s covert enterprise history. I never intended to write Land Without Shame because I thought the Musket story was finished after book 3. Go figure.
Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?
This question caused me to reflect deeply upon how I put together this messy, unlikely, but clean love story involving two divergent souls whose relationship defied all odds. Diamond Casper, the spoiled but broken film star whose only ambition was to make movies and live in Malibu, and Cody Musket Jr., a dedicated Christian from a conservative background who repeatedly put himself in harm’s way to rescue kids–somehow this story gripped me from the beginning. To this day, I have no idea exactly why or when the story invaded my mind, but once it came, it grew and grew. After that happened in the middle of the story, I realized that my child trafficking novel had exploded into a tale of redemption, love, and second chances.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
This is a hard one to answer. Candidly, I seem to do everything at a fast pace, so maybe I just stumbled naturally into this balance that you mentioned. Sometimes I feel like an accidental author who wrote an accidental book series. (smiling)
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
I am delighted that you asked. The sequel to Land Without Shame is now live on Amazon and Goodreads. The title is Black Pearl. It is the finale of the series and follows Cody Jr. and Diamond as they begin their lives together and rejoin the entire Musket family in this final episode. This one is a political thriller that introduces Cody’s older brother Raymond, a US Marine whose codename is “Ghost,” and who has become the president’s right-hand man. This story is about betrayal, insurrection, high-tech terrorism, and politics in 2041 AD. Maggie and Kennedy, the Muskets’ adoptive daughters, ages 13 and 12, have heroic roles, and you can read a more complete description at this link.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Amazon
A clean story of first love, second chances, rescue, and redemption, with futuristic sci-fi in the mix.
The year is 2041. Cody Musket Jr. and iconic film star Diamond Casper, strangers, are marooned on a dormant volcanic island after their commuter flight crashes. The uncharted island is home to a clandestine gold-mining operation which uses child slave laborers. When the volcano suddenly erupts, they must team-up against all odds to rescue 60 captive children and escape the explosive island. A solid romantic thriller!
Go Back
Emily Wagner’s Go Back is a harrowing and emotionally raw dystopian novel that unfolds in a near-future America where the government, in partnership with an anti-tech movement known as Go Back (GB), launches a sweeping crackdown on technology under the guise of public safety and mental health. The story follows Sarah Grimes, a reluctant tech journalist turned whistleblower, whose life is upended when she becomes entangled in a web of corruption, coercion, and underground resistance. With alternating perspectives and gripping prose, Wagner exposes the consequences of blindly trading freedom for a false sense of order.
The writing is intimate and electric. Wagner has a way of pulling you in and making you feel every drop of fear, anger, and hope. Her characters, especially Sarah and Olivia, are vivid and fully human, both strong and vulnerable in a world that punishes both. The world-building was solid. It’s familiar enough to be plausible, but jarring in how quickly things spiral. I especially loved the way Wagner slowly peels back the layers of the GB movement. It doesn’t hit you all at once. It sneaks up, just like the movement does in the story. The slow burn is terrifying because it feels real.
Some of the plot developments were so twisted and bleak that I had to put the book down and catch my breath. There’s a sense of hopelessness that creeps in by design, but I wish there were a few more glimmers of resistance that actually gained ground. Even when characters fight back, they seem to get swallowed by the system. Maybe that’s the point, though. Wagner doesn’t sugarcoat the fight for truth or justice. It’s ugly, it’s thankless, and sometimes, it’s fatal. But there’s beauty in the way her characters cling to humanity, even when it’s stripped from them.
Go Back is not just a story about tech or politics; it’s about control, freedom, and the price of silence. This book is for readers who love thought-provoking and emotionally intense dystopias like The Handmaid’s Tale or 1984. If you’ve ever wondered how much you’d be willing to sacrifice for the illusion of safety or how quickly a society can be undone, this one will resonate with you.
Pages: 284 | ISBN : 978-1967547166
Charismatic Presence
Eleni Kelakos’ Charismatic Presence is a practical, personal, and surprisingly heartfelt guide to becoming a more effective, engaging, and authentic public speaker. Built around five core principles: Know Thyself, Be Thyself, Prepare Thyself, Commit Thyself, and Turn Thyself On, the book walks readers through the psychological and physical terrain of presence and presentation. With stories from her own life as a performer and coach, Kelakos fuses actor training, business communication, and personal development into a coaching experience that feels as intimate as a one-on-one session and as comprehensive as a classroom.
What struck me most about this book was how deeply human it felt. Kelakos doesn’t hide behind buzzwords or corporate polish. She opens with vulnerable stories of stage fright and failure, like forgetting lyrics at Shea Stadium, and threads that same humility throughout the text. She writes like someone who’s been in the trenches and genuinely wants you to succeed, not just to be a better speaker, but a braver, more grounded version of yourself. Her voice is clear and unpretentious, which makes the content not just accessible but inviting. I found myself laughing, wincing, nodding, often on the same page; that’s rare in a business book.
Where the book really shines is in its actionable advice. The exercises don’t feel like filler. They actually helped me reflect on my own habits and hang-ups when I speak. Kelakos’ concept of “the lies that bind,” those internal voices that whisper you’re not good enough, was especially powerful. Her approach to turning those lies into “power phrases” wasn’t just feel-good fluff. It felt doable. Her tips on preparation, from warming up your physical and vocal presence to structuring a talk, are the kind of grounded guidance I wish I’d had ten years ago. Sometimes the tone leans into cheerleader territory, but honestly, it works.
If you’re someone who freezes at the thought of public speaking, or even someone who does it often but feels stuck in a rut, Charismatic Presence is worth your time. It’s for anyone who wants to feel more like themselves in the spotlight, not some polished robot or shallow “thought leader.” I’d especially recommend it to leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs, or anyone who finds themselves needing to inspire or persuade others. Kelakos reminds us that charisma isn’t about being loud or flashy. It’s about being present. And that’s something anyone can learn.
Pages: 168 | ISBN : 978-1966168218
Emotional Weight
Feisty is a powerful anthology featuring essays, memoirs, and poetry by over twenty women who each share their personal struggles with shame, oppression, trauma, and the quest for self-worth. How did you decide what themes this collection would encompass?
The themes emerged organically from a single, powerful question. When we opened submissions, we asked: What does it mean to be feisty in a world that wants you silent or small?
The stories that poured in were raw, courageous, and deeply personal. We didn’t impose themes—we listened for them. Patterns naturally emerged around shame, resilience, healing, and reclamation of power. That’s the beauty of the Brave New Voices series: we trust women to tell the stories that matter most, then we build the container around that truth.
What was the most challenging aspect of curating these voices, and what proved most rewarding?
The greatest challenge was holding the emotional weight of these stories with the care they deserved. As both editor and publisher, I felt a profound responsibility to honor each woman’s individual voice while crafting a cohesive, powerful whole that would amplify their collective impact.
But that challenge became the greatest reward. I witnessed transformation—not just on the page, but in the writers themselves. For many contributors, this marked their first time sharing their story publicly. Watching them stand taller, speak louder, and fully own their truth has been one of the most profound honors of my publishing career.
What do you hope readers will carry with them after experiencing Feisty?
Above all, I hope readers feel less alone in their own struggles. There’s extraordinary strength in vulnerability, and these stories serve as a reminder that we’re all navigating complex, layered lives with courage and imperfection.
I want Feisty to be permission—permission to be louder, bolder, and more unapologetically authentic. In a world that profits from our silence and smallness, choosing to be feisty is a radical act.
The Brave New Voices series seems to be building momentum. What’s next?
Absolutely. Brave New Voices has evolved into something much larger than a book series—it’s become a movement. Our next collection is already in development, and while each book tackles a new theme, the heartbeat remains constant: amplifying voices that have been overlooked, silenced, or dismissed by traditional publishing.
Readers can expect more fierce honesty, diverse perspectives, and the kind of storytelling that doesn’t just entertain—it disrupts the status quo and catalyzes real change. We’re proving that when you give marginalized voices the platform they deserve, magic happens.
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
If you’re ready to rewrite all the rules and start thriving, just as you are, then Feisty is a must-read!
WARNING: This book is not for everybody. Well-behaved women rarely make history, so, check your good-girl card at the door. There is something even better waiting on the other side, if you dare venture.
Stories to inspire you to new heights of bravery, new depths of vulnerability, and new dimensions of femininity.
What does it mean to be feisty?
This collection of true tales of resistance and persistence in the face of historical oppression from cycle-breaking writers of all walks of life will defy your expectations, validate your experiences, and rally your inner warrior-woman.
Not only that, this book also teaches you how to:
Identify and share your own feisty flickers and acts of brave badassery
Release the “shoulds” and embrace your true desires
Heal from shame and trauma
Accept and embrace your authentic self
Find hope and resilience in any situation
The moment we stop judging our wishes is the moment we become capable of fulfilling them.
Order your copy of Feisty NOW!
Bonus: free, easy-to-implement tools to guide you through your personal transformation from each of these remarkable women authors.
For a limited time: download this remarkable book at its temporary introductory price!
Healing Is Possible
Health on Fire shares with readers your knowledge of biological principles, such as metabolism, oxidation, and enzyme function, to support your belief that to reclaim their health, people need to make radical changes in diet and lifestyle. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I was sick for many years, and despite my respect for the medical industry, it could not offer me a true cure. While conventional treatments helped me manage symptoms and gave temporary relief, they didn’t address the root cause of my health issues. After years of research, I discovered that many chronic conditions are directly related to what we put into our bodies—and how we damage our food through processing and, most significantly, cooking.
When I started nourishing myself with clean, unprocessed, and uncooked foods, the transformation was incredible—my body began to heal. I also interviewed others who had adopted a natural lifestyle and experienced similar results. As I continued to study, I found solid scientific evidence showing that a raw, plant-based diet can help people reverse chronic diseases and restore health naturally.
This book was born from a deep desire to share those findings. Health on Fire is not just based on personal experience—it’s backed by science. I’ve included research references throughout the book so readers can explore the evidence for themselves.
Ultimately, this book is about empowering people to take back control of their health. And beyond individual healing, embracing a raw vegan lifestyle benefits not only our wellbeing but also our natural resources and the planet we share.
What is one thing about a raw vegan diet that you think is misrepresented in the media?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a raw vegan diet doesn’t provide enough protein. Many people still believe that protein only comes from meat and animal products, but that’s simply not true.
If we look at nature, we see powerful animals like gorillas—who eat mostly fruit and leafy greens—and elephants, with their enormous muscle mass, thriving entirely on plant-based diets. These animals build strength and muscle without ever consuming animal protein.
It’s the same for humans. There are many vegan athletes and bodybuilders today who are living proof that you can build muscle, strength, and endurance on a plant-based diet.
The idea that animal products are essential for protein is outdated. In reality, all protein originates in plants; animals just act as the middlemen. By going straight to the source—raw, whole plant foods—we can meet all our protein needs in a cleaner, more efficient, and healthier way.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the core ideas I wanted to share is that going fully raw can support the body’s natural ability to heal itself—even from chronic diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and in some cases, cancer.
Through my research and personal experience, I came to understand that in many cases, our food and drink choices are the root cause of our health problems. When we eliminate processed, toxic, and unnatural foods and replace them with clean, raw, living plant foods, the body can begin to repair the damage and activate its innate healing mechanisms.
It was deeply important to me to show that healing is possible. I wrote this book to help people who are suffering—to offer them real hope and a path forward through natural, science-backed principles. Everyone deserves the chance to live free from pain, and I believe nature has already provided everything we need to heal and thrive.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
The reality is, I’m not surprised by the reactions—because I knew that much of the information in the book would be completely new to most people. What readers often point out—and what surprises them—is that they’ve never heard this before. Many ask why the medical industry or doctors don’t talk about these things, or why the government doesn’t promote a raw, plant-based lifestyle despite its clear benefits.
Their response highlights just how much vital, healing knowledge is missing from mainstream health guidance—and it’s exactly why I felt called to write this book.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
What is the state of your health?
Or better yet: Do you believe your health is your choice? 🧠💚
If your answer is YES, then Health on Fire is the guide you’ve been searching for — a bold, practical manual to reclaim your wellbeing naturally. 🌿
📘 Inside this transformative book, you’ll discover:
➤ How to lose weight naturally without counting calories
➤ How to restore energy, clarity, and vitality 🌞
➤ How to break free from chronic illness and inflammation
➤ Why a raw vegan and fruitarian diet supports deep healing
🌱 This isn’t theory — it’s a lifestyle that works.
The healing approach detailed in this book has helped thousands of people around the world:
✅ Reverse type 2 diabetes
✅ Overcome autoimmune conditions
✅ Support recovery from cancer
✅ Reduce fatty liver
✅ Some could eliminate the need for medications and even painkillers
🔬 Grounded in science and lived experience, this food-as-medicine blueprint provides a sustainable, step-by-step path to:
✨ Lifelong health
✨ Natural healing
✨ A body you feel proud to live in — without harsh diets, drugs, or fads
💡 Whether you’re seeking natural weight loss, healing from chronic disease, or simply want to feel vibrant again — this book empowers you to take control.
🎯 Because your health is your choice.
🔥 Let your journey to Ultimate Health begin today.
Life’s Greatest Mysteries
Dark Matter is a tightly woven collection of techno-thriller novellas that dive into themes of surveillance, data manipulation, artificial intelligence, and ethical collapse. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
The inspiration for almost everything I write comes from fear. Each story dives into a fear that I have, whether it be wasps or having my online data used against me. I tend to get into the “what if” scenario, and that really drives my speculative theories. The future is coming at us so fast in real life that some of my scenarios may even seem like they’re already happening in a way, and I think that really hits home with readers.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Our relationships are what drive our experiences in this world. Imagine going through life without interacting with another living being–it would almost be impossible (or it would be incredibly boring). These relationships create drama and tension needed to establish a relevant story that readers will enjoy. From those relationships come actions–I often find myself debating what actions my characters should take, and it makes it fun for me. Almost like I’m playing God. Great fiction showcases these relationships and actions in a unique way by shining a spotlight on our fears and desires. We all want something in life, and I lean on that with my characters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection of stories?
Definitely artificial intelligence. It’s such a hot topic as we are in an AI revolution that will put the Industrial Revolution to shame (in my opinion). Death is also one of life’s greatest mysteries, and I always enjoy tapping into that theme. But to be frank, I don’t sit down and say, “Okay, what theme do I want to drive with this new story?” I typically come up with a premise, start to build the characters and world, and let the muse guide my story. The themes will often expose themselves through character development and their growth. For example, in the story “The Chair,” the main character has a distaste for the lower class. I didn’t start the story thinking the division of economic status would be a major theme; it naturally grew to end up being a main piece of the main character’s arc and the conclusion of the story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m definitely focused on the launch of Dark Matter coming out in September, but I am working on my next novel. It’s called Zero, and it’s actually based on a short story I wrote in college. I’ve been wanting to dive back into this particular story and can’t wait to expand on it. I’m hoping to release it in 2026, but it will most likely be available later that year. I love books and movies on time travel, and this book will be in that genre. Expect a twisty, epic adventure with a lot of heart.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In this haunting collection of speculative tales, Robert Plant examines the razor-thin line between innovation and annihilation. While technology has crept into the cracks of human life, the potential for destruction and chaos lurks beneath the surface.
Within these pages you’ll discover a dating app with deceitful intentions; a family off the grid desperate for help; a game show blurring the lines of reality; a woman trying to save her game with unthinkable consequences; a writer’s getaway turned trap; the possibility of eternal life but at a cost; and an AI assistant who will do anything to make you happy.
Terrifying yet familiar, Dark Matter shines a light on the shadows of our relationship with technology. These stories not only envision our future, they warn us about the present.
Featuring “The Perfect Match” – the grand prize winner of the 2025 Small Bites Short Story Contest from Indies United Publishing House
A Chance to Make a Difference
Postmarked Castle Cove follows a US Postal Inspector struggling with sobriety grapples with a small-town mystery involving missing mail and suspicious church leaders. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My intent was to get MC focused on more than just drinking — or not drinking in her case. I wanted a deeper, darker, more gritty investigation that would hit her hard and make her realize she had a bigger purpose in life. Something to really sink her teeth into. A chance to make a difference.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
I don’t think there’s any one character I relate to more than any other. However, the one I’ve had the most fun with recently is Jim Bob O’Malley, the youngest and newest postal inspector in the same office MC works in. Although, Jim Bob’s role ended up being smaller than originally planned in book three, I can foresee expanding his character in a book four. He’s a bit of a nuisance in MC’s opinion, but his humor breaks through her hard shell at times. And MC grudgingly acknowledges he will be a good inspector—with a bit of stern direction at times from her and other senior inspectors.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes I focused on were grief and how MC is handling the overwhelming grief over the murder of her life partner Barb, which happened in the first book in the series. I think up to the point of book three that grief has molded MC into an emotional cripple. Barb had been MC’s world. Along with that grief comes a sense of guilt. Guilt over not being at home that fateful day to save Barb. Guilt over not having the courage to share with Barb while she had the chance, some dark locked-away personal secrets from childhood. And of course, the theme of recovery. An arc that stretches from day-to-day progress; back-sliding; thinking she’s tamed the beast and has no need for any further intervention; to the point where MC realizes that recovery is a life-long journey. And finally justice—MC observes that a number of her cases have involved child victims. Some survivors. Others not. And with that observation comes a sense of a chance at redemption. She hadn’t been able to save her sister Cindy when they were children. And she hadn’t been able to save little Emmy in book two. But MC decides to embark on a crusade to protect child victims. She wants to dig into those dark, disturbing cases and bring light to the voiceless victims and make a difference, no matter how small, in their lives.
Can we look forward to a fourth installment in this series? Where will it take readers?
I’m leaning toward another book for the series. I’ve begun gathering research for the possibility. I think MC will visit a different area of our great state of Minnesota in book four. Maybe somewhere a bit west, the St. Cloud area perhaps. And there might be a cold case revealed to her during an active investigation. The cold case is out of her wheelhouse, but MC can’t help but get sucked in. Thanks for the opportunity to talk about MC and her story!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 