Blog Archives
Humble, Conservative Origins
In the Shadows of the Blue Ridge is a portrait of rural life colliding with political and economic change in Loudoun County, Virginia, and how what was once a sprawling community of dairy farms was urbanized by the construction of Dulles Airport. What inspired you to write this story?
As a native of Loudoun, I’ve witnessed its development over the past 30 years firsthand. In shocking contrast to its current frenzied level of activity, when I was a child, not much happened west of Leesburg, and there weren’t yet any wineries. Indeed, I remember slower, kinder days in Loudoun – long, summer days and nights when all that could be heard were tumbling brooks, crickets, and tree frogs. That memory stands out in stark opposition to today’s traffic, retail shops, and human activity here. I suppose before too much more “progress” occurs, I wanted to remind my readers of Loudoun’s humble, conservative origins in its not-so-distant past, and also discuss the policy and political changes Loudoun County (actually the entire country and planet) is grappling with, which required a deep dive into the classical philosophies on which the U.S. was founded.
As someone who lives just outside Loudoun County, I found your book fascinating. While fictional, it brings the rich history of this area to life and shows awareness of how much it has changed in a relatively short period. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The country has experienced rapid cultural change over the past 30 years, specifically since the introduction of Critical Theory into public colleges and universities in the mid-90s. I wanted to chronicle these changes in order to understand how we have arrived at this point of contentious divide between parties. Also, I wanted to emphasize the crucial role of parents in the education and rearing of their own children, who are tomorrow’s citizens.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
I suppose I’m surprised about the emotional connection my readers experience with my main character, “Red,” including anger, pity, and pride (the latter over his clandestine political achievements). This feeling unites me with my readers. I find it interesting that our connection is emotional, rather than academic or intellectual.
What experience in your life has had the most significant impact on your writing?
I was raised by old-world aristocratic Germans before the computer chip, when all we had was a piano, a full set of Encyclopedia Britannica, horses, chickens, and a garden. This afforded me time to dream and contemplate life’s mysteries in nature, when, as a child, I myself wandered over Loudoun’s creeks and fields. Due to my childhood, I have experienced the differences of perception and identity under European feudalism vs. American capitalism.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
The narrative includes detailed accounts of Loudoun County’s political landscape, featuring figures such as Scott York, Phyllis Randall, Dave LaRock, and Eugene Delgaudio. It highlights political conflicts, cultural shifts, and controversies over social issues, reflecting the tension between conservative and progressive values within the community. The story of Red’s involvement in local politics, legal battles, and personal vendettas illustrates the complex interplay of power, identity, and morality in Loudoun.
Originally a farming community with a focus on livestock, agriculture, and dairy farms, Loudoun County experienced rapid urbanization starting in the 1960s, especially due to the construction of Dulles Airport. This shift led to a decline in dairy farms and an increase in real estate development, significantly altering the county’s landscape and economy. The county became a technology hub, known as “Data Center Alley,” hosting major tech companies and data centers that handle approximately 70% of global internet traffic.
The book delves deeply into the philosophical underpinnings of Western law and morality, tracing ideas from Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero to the founding principles of the United States. It emphasizes the role of Natural Law, the Cardinal Virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance), and the theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) in shaping legal and ethical frameworks. The Founding Fathers of the U.S. are portrayed as influenced by these classical and Christian ideas, embedding them in documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The history of education in America, particularly in Loudoun County, is outlined, noting early religious instruction and the evolution toward compulsory public education. The document discusses contemporary debates over educational policies, including diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and critical theory, highlighting controversies in Loudoun County Public Schools. It also introduces Patrick Henry College, founded to prepare Christian leaders grounded in biblical values and American founding principles.
A detailed profile of George Soros is provided, including his background, philosophy, and economic theories such as reflexivity. Soros’s influence on global politics and progressive movements is discussed, with attention to his support for causes that challenge traditional biblical morality, including LGBTQ rights and abortion. The document contrasts Soros’s views with classical moral philosophy and critiques the progressive rejection of traditional virtues.
The book presents biblical narratives and teachings that emphasize natural law, the Noahide Laws, and the importance of filial piety, empathy, and moral virtue. It recounts stories from Genesis, such as Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, linking them to contemporary moral debates. The role of forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual salvation through Christian faith is underscored as essential to personal and societal well-being.
Throughout, the book acknowledges the struggles with addiction, family dysfunction, and societal change experienced by individuals like Red. It explores themes of identity, abandonment, and redemption, and situating these personal stories within the broader historical and cultural transformations of Loudoun County.
Heartwarming Journeys
The Adventure of Alex and Er follows a brave knight and his unicorn mare who embark on a quest to recover a snowman’s missing broom. What was the inspiration for your story?
My son’s name is Alexander. A few years ago, he went away to his pre-med school.
Because he was 3,000 kilometers away, my parental obligations were reduced to zero; I had the time to think and create. One day, while thinking about him, I realized that his moniker consists of two names: Alex and Er. I also thought of developing a children’s story about two characters named Alex and Er. Why a children’s book, you may ask. Picture books allow me to employ my talents to write, illustrate, and design, and THE ADVENTURE OF ALEX AND ER became my first publication.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The most rewarding moment was when I connected an innocent snowman and an evil old witch through an item they both used—a broom.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goal was to create a whimsical yet straightforward and enjoyable story. I planned to create a good book for young readers who love magical tales and heartwarming journeys. First, I wanted to make it as authentic as possible, with typos and imperfections. Then I realized that children’s books have a significant educational component and should never give their readers bad grammar lessons. The story has been updated, but an older version may still be available on the web.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Number seventeen will be an adventurous in spirit roller coaster of action that will be lavishly illustrated and handwritten to please children and book lovers of all ages. Cinderella, Aladdin, Rumpelstiltskin, Thumbelina, and other fairy tale characters work together to make a sad and abandoned wooden horse happy again. The title of the new publication? LITTLE RED RIDING HORSE.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Birth, Death, and Survival
Melanie Whyte’s Birth, Death & Survival is a raw and intimate poetry collection that traces a lifetime of pain, growth, and resilience. It unfolds like a memoir in verse, starting from the innocence of childhood and winding through heartbreak, abuse, motherhood, healing, and eventual renewal. The poems feel deeply lived-in, each chapter marking a phase of her life, from the trembling echoes of a broken home to the quiet triumphs of rediscovered love and strength. There’s a narrative thread that ties every piece together: the human instinct to keep breathing, to keep going, even when the air feels too heavy to bear.
Whyte doesn’t hold back, and I admired that honesty. Her words are simple but sharp, and she lets emotion take the lead. At times, the poems read like confessions whispered in the dark. Others feel like letters written to her past self, forgiving, reflecting, reclaiming. What struck me most was the rhythm of her healing. It’s not neat or linear, and she doesn’t pretend it is. Some verses gutted me with their quiet truth, like “The Room With No Windows,” while others, like “Still I Rise From Shadows,” filled me with soft and steady hope.
As I read, I found myself pausing often, not because the writing was difficult, but because it felt too close. There’s beauty in the way Whyte turns trauma into art without glamorizing it. The collection pulses with empathy, and even in the darkest corners, there’s light breaking through. I liked how she weaves motherhood, love, and survival together; it reminded me that rebuilding isn’t just about leaving the pain behind, it’s about learning to live alongside it.
Birth, Death & Survival is for readers who crave truth, who’ve walked through something hard and come out changed. It’s a book for survivors, for mothers, for anyone who’s ever had to rebuild themselves piece by piece. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to feel seen, or to those who want to understand what resilience looks like when it’s written in poetry and inked with life itself.
Pages: 181 | ASIN : B0FPXNQFMP
The Jack Dean Story
Gary D. Patrick’s The Jack Dean Story follows the extraordinary life of a man who endures more loss, danger, and transformation than most people could imagine. From being orphaned as a child to surviving brutal foster homes, finding real love in the care of two teachers, and later navigating the violence of war and the moral fog of life afterward, the book traces Jack’s path through heartbreak, courage, and self-reinvention. It reads like a heartfelt confession mixed with an adventure story, full of emotion and grit, told in plain language that feels genuine and unpolished in a good way.
I found myself pulled into Jack’s world almost immediately. The writing isn’t fancy or flowery, but that’s what makes it feel so real. It’s simple, honest storytelling that fits the life it’s describing. The early chapters broke my heart, especially the scenes of abandonment and cruelty. You can almost feel the coldness of those houses and the emptiness of being unwanted. Then the warmth of the McClearys comes like sunlight after years of rain. Later, in Vietnam, the story takes on a tense, vivid rhythm that captures both the horror and the brotherhood of war. Patrick doesn’t shy away from pain, but he also doesn’t wallow in it. There’s a kind of steady resilience running through Jack that makes you root for him, even when his choices later in life start to blur the lines between right and wrong.
Emotionally, the book hit me harder than I expected. It’s not just about one man’s life: it’s about what happens when fate keeps testing someone who refuses to quit. The way Patrick writes about loyalty, guilt, and redemption feels raw and human. I liked that Jack isn’t perfect. He makes mistakes, sometimes big ones, but you still feel his heart in everything he does. The story kept me turning pages because I wanted him to find peace, and even when he didn’t, I understood why.
I’d recommend The Jack Dean Story to anyone who enjoys true-to-life tales about perseverance, sacrifice, and the search for meaning. It’s a powerful read for veterans, history buffs, and anyone who’s ever wondered what it takes to keep going when life doesn’t play fair.
Pages: 124 | ASIN : B0FH1X9ZRK
The Guardian’s Legacy
Luciana Cavallaro’s The Guardian’s Legacy opens with an explosive chase through the forests of Slovakia and quickly spirals into a myth-soaked adventure that bridges modern Australia with the ancient world. The novel follows Nikolaos Zosimos, a history teacher whose quiet life takes a dramatic turn when his grandfather reveals a family secret, an ancient coin tied to the goddess Aphrodite, and a lineage of guardians sworn to protect it. What begins as a curious inheritance soon turns into a journey through history, myth, and time itself, weaving ancient Greece, lost knowledge, and family legacy into a single thread of destiny.
I was pulled in from the start. The writing has a cinematic feel, especially in the action scenes. Cavallaro writes with the rhythm of someone who loves myth but also respects the quiet spaces in between, the small human moments that make the big ones matter. The dialogue feels real, not forced, and the relationship between Nik and his grandfather has a tenderness that grounds the story. At times, the pacing slows during long explanations of history, but that’s also part of the charm. You feel like you’re being let in on a secret that’s been whispered through generations.
Emotionally, the book hit me harder than I expected. There’s something deeply moving about watching Nik wrestle with disbelief, responsibility, and faith in something unseen. The blend of myth and realism works better than I thought it would. The coin isn’t just an artifact; it’s a metaphor for memory and heritage, for how the past can live inside the present. Cavallaro’s descriptions are lush, sometimes even poetic, but she keeps her feet on the ground. When the story jumps between modern scenes and the ancient world, it feels seamless. If anything, I wanted even more of those mythic flashbacks.
The Guardian’s Legacy is a book for readers who love mythology but crave a human story at its core. It’s perfect for fans of historical fantasy, teachers who secretly dream of adventure, or anyone who still believes there’s magic hiding in the mundane. It’s thoughtful, heartfelt, and rich with imagination. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of mystery with their myths and doesn’t mind getting lost in the pull of time itself.
Pages: 152 | ASIN : B09DX41S11
Mental Gymnastics
Dig Two Graves follows a man recently released from prison, armed only with a Bible, rage, and an unresolved history, as he attempts to reclaim his place in the world and regain his respect. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two primary inspirations, which I discuss in the Afterword: the Egyptian novelist (and 1988 Nobel Prize winner) Naguib Mahfouz’s short novel from 1961, The Thief and the Dogs, which is set in the aftermath of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, and living in Southwest Florida, which has undergone its own climatic, cultural, and political upheavals in recent years.
When creating Von Martin, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
Since I was following the plot of The Thief and the Dogs pretty closely, I knew WHAT Von was going to do at every turn. What grew organically, and what interested me enough to actually write the novel in the first place, was that it seemed I knew WHY he would be doing these things, the mental gymnastics he would go through to make each terrible decision seem like the correct one to him. Von’s internal narrative, his voice, carried me through to the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The idea of respect, as opposed to revenge, is huge, obviously. Is respect something you must earn from the people in your life? Or is genuine self-respect a prerequisite?
I’m also fascinated by how I, and many of us, take actions that we are 100% convinced are correct, or righteous, or just, or good, but then these actions have terrible consequences for those around us, and for ourselves. We are often our own worst enemies, and Von is an extreme example of that.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
The next book is a dark fantasy titled This Accursèd Blade. It’s the story of a cursed sword, from the sword’s point of view, and is also centered around a strong revenge plot: Illyria is a young woman whose soul has been trapped in this sword, and she is determined to work her way back to the sorcerer who put her there to exact her vengeance. I’m presently editing the manuscript, and hope to have it out by the end of the year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Amazon
Von Martin walks out of prison with nothing—no job, no home, no real plan. His ex-wife has moved on with his former best friend. His daughter doesn’t recognize him. His old boss pretends he doesn’t exist.
Everyone tells him to play it safe. Keep his head down. Stay clean. Rebuild.
But Von knows respect isn’t something you get by asking politely.
What starts as a quest to salvage his dignity quickly spirals into a blood-soaked reckoning through the sultry heat and septic underbelly of Southwest Florida. Brutally funny, cynically violent, blisteringly sunburnt, this is the story of a man fighting to reclaim his place in a world that has long since left him behind.
You probably shouldn’t root for Von Martin.
But you just might anyway.
I Am Enough
The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed follows Fred and his three dust bunny companions whose lives get turned upside down when an eight-year-old child moves into the bed above them, and turns their peaceful home into a war zone. Sometimes, the only solution is… cookies and conversation. What was the inspiration for your story?
I always wanted to know what the monster was thinking and feeling in all those monster under the bed stories. So, the opportunity to share a story from the monster’s perspective fascinated me, because this connects to my core mission of showing children they can handle life’s challenges when someone believes in them, because even Fred and his dust bunnies need that support and encouragement too.
Fred was inspired by my son’s purple monster puppet that he never played with. I always called him Fred, and whenever I walked by, I’d say, “Someday, I’m going to write a story about you, Fred.”
For the dust bunnies, I had my illustrator render them in a tangled-scribble style because I felt it represents how they’d actually look best.
I loved the original idea behind the dust bunnies being the ones afraid of a human, and their distinct personalities. What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
Whenever I create characters, I research best-fit names, colors, quirks, fears, dreams, likes, and dislikes.
Fred – I thought, what’s the least scary-sounding name? His color purple isn’t threatening either. Plus, he’s tall and lanky, loves a peaceful home, and focuses on keeping his dust bunnies safe—because to him, they’re his family.
The Dust Bunnies – Brutus Bunfluff, big and brave; Gunnar Puffbutz, a regular scaredy-cat; and Dust Puff Ted, who’s terrified of germs.
I thought having three dust bunnies would be perfect. Starting with their names, I looked up strong names that I don’t see or hear often. That’s how I decided on Brutus and Gunnar.
Brutus Bunfluff – Alliteration is the easiest way to convey character traits of big and brave, and the combination of Bun and fluff made me laugh. I also had the illustrator show Brutus with visible abs, which adds to his confident personality.
Gunnar Puffbutz – The opposite of big and brave is a scaredy-cat. But how to show a scaredy-cat without directly telling readers? (Cue the light bulb turning on overhead) Oversized glasses, the character always fidgets with, became his signature trait.
Dust Puff Ted – As I tried in vain to find pictures online of dust bunnies to inspire me, I looked up what they’re made from. An image of a guy cleaning in oversized yellow gloves kept reappearing in search results.
Those yellow gloves made me think of the character “Ted” from the TV show How I Met Your Mother, and how Ted was a neat freak. Having a dust bunny as a neat freak wearing bright yellow gloves cracked me up to no end, so his name naturally became Ted.
However, Dust Ted wasn’t strong enough as a name. Since bunnies have puffy tails, Dust Puff Ted rolled out of my head and off my tongue perfectly.
Character Illustrations – The illustrator’s first two attempts to render the dust bunnies made them feel flat and two-dimensional. That’s where I came up with the idea to have the illustrator retain their shapes but use different, darker colors inside them. This made all of them pop.
That’s how the dust bunnies got their colors: Brutus is charcoal black, Gunnar is dark grey, and Dust Puff Ted is midnight blue—a perfect contrast to his signature bright yellow gloves.
Then the illustrator did something on their own and added stray strands of twirly hair coming away from the bodies. These details show they’re dust bunnies without needing to state it explicitly. And that’s how all the dust bunnies came to be.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Dedication to Readers – In all of my books, the first dedication is always to the reader, where I encourage them to look in the mirror and say aloud, “I am enough.”
Children and adults don’t hear these three words often enough. Worse, sometimes all they’re ever told is the exact opposite.
For the person who needs to read, see, hear, say, and think those words most, it can make all the difference. When a person’s view and self-worth shift for the better, our world becomes better, too. One person might not be able to change the world, but one person can change another person’s life—and that mantra “I am enough” can help make the world a better place, one reader at a time.
Understanding Through Different Perspectives – Everyone’s different, yet everyone wants to be understood and accepted for who they are. Sometimes, context, greater understanding, and communication can help us come together and get along in shared spaces—like our homes, schools, workplaces, and everywhere else.
Perspective-Taking and Problem-Solving – The book teaches children that situations look different depending on your viewpoint—what seems scary from one angle might be completely understandable from another.
It also shows that problems are solvable when approached with patience, communication, and compromise rather than conflict.
Billy and the dust bunnies find common ground through honest conversation, demonstrating that we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always choose how we respond.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
The upcoming books include:
Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi
Pip’s Epic Treasure Hunt
Bella Brown—Dragonfly-Dragonfly-Dragonfly
Bella Brown—Pip’s Perfect Purple Present
Bella Brown’s Ten-Moon Mysteries
Bella Brown’s Baking Bedlam
Bella Brown’s Candy Cane Curfuffle
Bella Brown’s Turkey Trot Tizzy
Bella Brown’s Book of ABC’s
Each book maintains the core “I am enough” message while exploring different challenges—from everyday adventures to epic fantasy quests.
I wrote twelve picture books for children ages four to eight in eleven months. All of which have been edit-reviewed by a professional children’s book editor, and four of these books are currently available online.
The remaining eight books are in various stages of the illustration pipeline. Since illustration and book cover design take approximately four months per book, I’m releasing new titles as they’re completed.
All the books take place in the same universe, with Pip the Domovoi—a Slavic house spirit—appearing across multiple stories, as well as in the background of random illustrations in all of my picture books, so readers know they’re reading one of my books.
So, Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi is currently queued with the illustrator and should be available by spring 2026.
Followed by Pip’s Epic Treasure Hunt, which represents a major expansion, introducing original domovoi folklore with nine distinct magical clans and domovoi children—an expansion beyond traditional Slavic mythology—and five Slavic mystical messengers working together on an epic quest to find five Slavic magical items before the immortal Sinti can, who’s always up to no good.
Because I do author visits, I’ve also developed 48 free lesson plans (24 comprehensive and 24 single-topic focused) for educators, covering grades Pre-K through fourth grade, available on my website for The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed and the first three Bella Brown books.
Each new release includes additional lesson plans, too. This ensures these stories serve both entertainment and educational goals for families, homeschoolers, and classroom educators alike.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Fred has lived peacefully under the bed for years with Brutus Bunfluff (the brave one), Gunnar Puffbutz (the scaredy-cat), and Dust Puff Ted (the neat freak). But when a boy named Billy takes over the bedroom, their cozy world is turned upside down with thunderous footsteps, bouncing bedsprings, and falling puzzle pieces.
In this delightfully twisted tale, discover what REALLY happens beneath the bed when monsters must face their greatest fear—children. Can Fred and his dusty crew make peace with the beast above, or will Billy’s messy habits drive them to declare war?
A heartwarming story about friendship, understanding, and the discovery that sometimes… monsters aren’t always monsters after all.
Genuine Vulnerability
If I Had One Wish: I’d Wish That You Were Here centers around a lonely snowman who makes a simple wish to spend time with his friends and learns an important lesson about missing loved ones. What inspired you to write this book?
The inspiration for If I Had One Wish truly came from observing the universal experience of missing someone. I noticed how children, in particular, can grapple with feelings of loneliness and the ache of absence when a friend or loved one isn’t around. I wanted to create a story that acknowledged these feelings in a gentle and comforting way. The idea of a snowman, so inherently temporary and perhaps prone to a certain solitude, seemed like a perfect vessel to explore this theme. Wynter’s wish is relatable to anyone who has ever yearned for the company of someone special, and I hoped to show that even in their absence, those we love leave an indelible mark on our hearts.
Wynter is a charming character. Where did the inspiration for his traits and dialogue come from?
Wynter’s charm really stems from his earnestness and his simple, pure desire for connection. I envisioned him as someone who is kind and thoughtful, but perhaps a little shy or hesitant as he navigates his loneliness. His dialogue was crafted to reflect this – direct, heartfelt, and unpretentious. I thought about the way children often express their emotions very openly, and I wanted Wynter to embody that genuine vulnerability. His interactions with the bunnies and cardinals are meant to be sweet and a little whimsical, reflecting the joy that can be found in unexpected friendships, even as he holds onto the memory of his dear friend.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea I wanted to share is that the love and memories we have for those we’ve lost never truly disappear. While Wynter’s wish for physical companionship is understandable, the real magic happens when he discovers that his friend is always with him in his heart. I wanted to convey that it’s okay to miss people deeply, and that these feelings are a testament to the love we shared. Ultimately, the book aims to offer a comforting message to children who are experiencing loss, assuring them that they are not alone in their grief and that the bonds of love endure, even when someone is no longer physically present.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
My next title, already in the works, is a Christmas rhyming poetry book for toddlers filled with bright, cheerful artwork. I have also just published a Halloween book for children, ages three through twelve, about a scaredy-cat named Boo! A delightful book, written in verse, that offers a little lesson in bravery and compassion. Of my children’s poetry books to date, Boo, the Scaredy-Cat’s Spooky Night is both my favorite and, I believe, my finest work.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 