The Visitors follow two shapeshifting aliens observing Earth, who are horrified by what they see and travel back in time to try and intervene and save humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a story about my pet Dax. Aa the story evolved and I added Ptoni the Pteranodon my brain wandered off on a tangent and I decided to follow the anti-religion direction.
Your characters are diverse: two alien shapeshifters, a Maine Coon, an Adelie penguin, a cow, and even a Pteranodon, all working together. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
It was an all in brawl. Each scene is written fly on the wall and the characters pretty much write themselves.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
As Ptoni says in the closing chapters “Religion Your time is up.”
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Clearing my desk of two new books. (Adult Fiction – very adult concepts) and then I’ll enjoy the fun of ” The Visitors Book 2. It will take a critical look at religion, but it will be from a different angle.
In 2052, Bjorn and Zorn, extraterrestrials from Planet Aeon, sense the imminent destruction of Earth. With urgency, they launch an audacious mission to rescue humanity from the Religious Wars. As they join forces with human allies, they encounter captivating characters and reveal profound secrets. The narrative traverses present times to 2052, spanning celestial voyages to Enceladus, Aeon, Caprice, and worldly odysseys in New York, Paris, Australia, and the Middle East. Religion stands at the heart of turmoil, igniting fierce conflicts as religious and political leaders obstruct progress. Amidst their mission, they uncover Dorian, an Aeonite traitor colluding with the US President. Facing perilous challenges, comedic relief, and dramatic tensions, Bjorn and Zorn’s journey culminates in a climactic confrontation. Will they succeed in saving Earth, or will their wits and courage be outmatched?
Reach Out with Acts of Kindness is a heartfelt and practical guide offering compassionate, straightforward advice on how to support people facing illness, grief, or crisis. Why was this an important book for you to write?
After going through a traumatic time, I felt called to write this book. I could not not write this resource in which I share my passion for reaching out to others in hardship. We will all face obstacles and hurdles throughout life, and support from family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, etc., is vital for those hurting attempting to move forward.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I am a private person, so sharing my feelings with readers was the hardest part of writing the book. Those who are deeply entrenched in a troubling period or have gone through a tumultuous time can relate to the many mixed emotions I express in the book and that anyone in crisis may experience. There were many dark, unsettling instances too personal to include that were left out, in respect for my family.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I share first-hand knowledge of what may help and what may not help those struggling, and also include examples from others who endured trauma, regardless of the circumstance or predicament. Specific ideas and suggestions to lend support are featured. I’m a firm believer that everyone has a gift, whether it’s picking up the phone to touch base, sending a thinking-of-you card, delivering a meal, completing an errand, mowing the grass, etc. I emphasize lending support in an area that is most comfortable and easy for the giver. Readers are invited to consider what their gift may be.
Could you tell me what one thing you hope readers take away from Reach Out with Kindness?
The goal of Reach Out is for readers to understand the importance of reaching out and connecting with anyone struggling with simple acts of kindness.
“No one should ever feel alone, forgotten, or fall through the cracks, no matter what the circumstance or predicament may be.”
At some point in life, everyone will face a roadblock, obstacle, or will be touched by someone experiencing a challenging, tumultuous period. No one is immune to struggles, but outsiders are often unsure how to best offer comfort and support.
Reach Out is a call to action for creating a culture of compassion and empathy by illuminating how to be there for others when they need it the most. This relatable resource highlights specific ways to help others in crisis as well as the aftermath. Everyone has a gift to offer, whether it is just picking up the phone to touch base, sending a card of concern, delivering a meal, mowing the grass, or other helpful acts. What is your gift?
The Never Witch follows a woman stripped of magic who encounters a dying warlock and finds herself caught in a dangerous web of secrets. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The supernatural aspect of witches has fascinated me from an early age. Their stories have populated my reading list for years, and I’ve always loved that there are as many interpretations of magic as there are authors. In writing The Never Witch, I wanted to put my own stamp on magic. Something new and fresh. I knew I’d found it when I imagined a world where witches and warlocks were separate societies, who drew their power from different, but interconnected, sources. The interdependence of their magical power was the inspiration for the conflict between these two magical societies. But that was just the start. Their political structures, teachings, and prejudices are additional fodder for conflict. And underlying all of it are very human emotions and the messiness of families, poor choices, failure, betrayal, and forgiveness.
As for the main character, I wanted her to have lived through some of life’s challenges so that her resilience and wounds are earned. She’s thirty-something, physically and mentally strong, but still vulnerable. She has the strength to carry the story, while remaining relatable.
How did you handle the magic in this story, and how did it evolve as you were writing?
I wanted to create magic that was as individual as the witch or warlock who wielded it, but also unique to their magical society. So even though witches and warlocks share some magical abilities, like compelling people or conjuring objects, a witch’s magic is tied to the elements of fire, earth, water, and air, whereas a warlock’s magic is tied to runes. Each individual witch or warlock’s ability to use the magic, and the strength of that magic, depends on their bloodlines, the training they undertake, and their innate talent. The magical evolution as I wrote the story was born from my research into runes. When I started, I had in mind Odin’s 24 original runes. But as the story unfolded, I imagined the complex magic that might be achievable if those initial runes were stacked, and not just straight up, but upside down, sideways, and angular. The combinations would be endless, as would the magical possibilities.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Though I’m sure my answer to this question would differ depending on my mood, today I’d say my favourite scene is the one where the main character, a witch named Adeline Thorne, returns home with Luke, her warlock bodyguard, to find her warlock ex-husband, Warrick, has moved in. I love the tension in the scene and how the two warlocks struggle to establish themselves as the more important person in Adeline’s life.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of the Thorne Witch series? Where will it take readers?
The next book explores the depths to which witches and warlocks will go to stop Adeline Thorne from wielding warlock power, and why Adeline’s power is such a threat to them.
In a world of witches and warlocks, the deadliest magic might be the kind never meant to exist. Adeline Thorne was a witch in name only. She never inherited the magic that should have been her birthright. But she’s learned to accept it. She’s built a quiet life on the west coast as a talented portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.
Until a convicted warlock, in an act of desperation, dumped his magic into her. To him, she was only a vessel. He didn’t care that warlock magic was incompatible with her witch’s DNA. He didn’t care that his attack would jeopardize the fragile peace between witches and warlocks. And he didn’t care that his power would tear Adeline’s world apart.
The Never Witch now had magic, an irresistible drug. The only problem? The warlock wants it back.
If you can’t get enough of Rachel Griffin, V.E. Schwab, and Alix E. Harrow, then you’ll love The Never Witch
Once Upon a Time in the Big Easy follows a former hitman down to New Orleans as he tracks a kidnapped girl trapped in the underworld of human trafficking. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted him to have a challenge of being a hero and not only saving a young woman but taking down a disgusting scoundrel.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
New Orleans is such a mysterious city, historically with voodoo and the bayou in its landscape. Made me think of intrigue for the readers.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Chubby Pone and the direction of the next book?
Consequences is the next adventure for Pone as he races against time to save his handler, who was poisoned by a bullet and is in a deep coma. He tries to find the culprit and a cure.
Synopsis: Chubby heads to the big easy, but no Mardi Gras. Instead, a catch and retreat assignment.
For a young girl kidnapped by her father. The task gives him more than he bargain for as Theiler Lebeau throws him into a world of gambling, contraband, prostitution, and incest. The Troubleshooter puts his life on the line again to help those who can’t help themselves.
Ending Theiler’s bayou fabulous life of disgust is top priority, along with rescuing a young girl and others, while crumbling an evil empire.
Autobiography: Winner of the International Writers Inspiring Change: Most Inspiring Author Award in 2017 for the horror/thriller “Things That Go Bump in the Night: Here There Be Monsters,” “Crabbe H. Appleton: At your service” with Mercury Slim short stories and song lyrics.
This Time follows a Marine pilot and a recent divorcee who rekindle old sparks at their ten-year high school reunion. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I built the structure of the novel around my own life experiences … and the fictional story from an active imagination. I grew up in a small-town community much like Tartan Springs, and I served in the military as a Navy pilot.
I enjoyed the romantic relationship between Ty and Siena. How did their relationship develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
I maintained my original concept for Seeney’s and Ty’s relationship … a strong female in the lead consistently pushing her less aggressive male partner along.
What is the most challenging aspect of writing a romance novel?
I’m not really sure, because I don’t usually write in this genre. I found keeping the dialogue “real” a challenge, as well as keeping the growing romance from interfering with the serious nature of the other conflicts occurring in the novel
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I hope to follow up my popular crime-thriller novel, Pedaling West with a sequel entitled, Pedaling East.
Ten years ago, Tyrell Harrell and Siena Tyson walked away from a quiet spark that lit up their high school days—each chasing dreams that led them to distances far from each other. Now, at their ten-year reunions, fate hands them a second chance. Ty is a decorated Marine Corps combat pilot, carrying the weight of duty and distance. Siena has stayed close to home, where memories linger and reputations stick. As their paths cross once more, the chemistry is undeniable—but so are the obstacles. Can love survive the turbulence of Ty’s deployments and the shadow of Siena’s past? Or will the road they travel together prove too steep…this time?
A heartfelt story of reconnection, resilience, and the kind of love that dares to try again.
Purple Summer, Gray Fall is an eclectic blend of poems ranging from themes of warmth, youth, and desire to introspection, loss, and renewal. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
Thank you! This book began as 1-2 poems and random thoughts I wrote during and after a particularly impactful romance. I didn’t plan for Purple Summer, Gray Fall to become a book, let alone a book that I would publish. Not long after this romance, I went through a huge emotional journey, including and most notably, the start of my writing career. I began writing and unpacking things, which led to more writing. Then, synchronistically, the title Purple Summer, Gray Fall came to me one day. That’s when I knew I had to create a book. This book allowed me to understand and process that time period, learn more about myself, and explore and expand creatively. I realized I had to publish this book because, as an artist, there is nothing more urgent than to share what moves you.
Were there any poets or other writers who influenced your work on this collection?
Absolutely. The late Nikki Giovanni is my favorite poet of all time. The late Toni Morrison is my favorite author, and I’m also a huge fan of poet Marie Howe. Collectively, they have inspired this book as their work is frank and sharp, full of imagery, emotion, connection, and courage. They are a source of strength and commitment for me to write fully and freely. I honestly can’t do justice to describe how influential these three women are to my work as a writer, but I’m glad I can pay homage to them here.
How do you approach writing about deeply personal or emotional topics?
It wasn’t easy initially, but it was much harder for me not to go deep with this book. Purple Summer, Gray Fall could have had a vastly different tone. I scrapped almost half of the original poems because they were ok and fit, but they didn’t feel authentic, and they didn’t make me proud. I made a choice and decided to write free of external pressure, and once I did, the rest of the book came together pretty quickly. It was very exciting. I knew the excitement and pride I felt from writing from a place of authenticity was and is the reason why I am a writer. I’m not aiming to be controversial or deeply personal, but I’m sticking to my decision to write for me and no one else, letting whatever needs to come out be free to do so.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Absolutely. Poetry is my favorite genre, and I’m working on my 2nd book now, no title available! I’ll share that the collection will explore my past relationships. But I also plan to write fiction, plays, and screenplays as I have started drafting quite a few projects. Stay tuned for updates by following me on Instagram @writeaway_selena.
Purple Summer, Gray Fall is the debut poetry collection for Selena Mallory. Considered cathartic art, Purple Summer, Gray Fall captures the colors, joy, pain, complexity, and revelations found in seasonal romance and subsequent heartache. She wrote this collection to heal and learn-and invites others to do the same.
The Dragon Moonstone follows a young man who discovers he’s inherited wizard blood and must learn to control his unstable magic before it consumes him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I write primarily to inspire my grandsons to discover the joy of reading. We’re all flawed—that’s what makes us human—and I wanted them to see Noah, a young man who discovers his inherited wizard blood, grappling with unstable magic just like any beginner. Even the greatest wizards start somewhere, and I hope Noah’s journey shows them that mastering your gifts is a process worth celebrating.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
My stories tend to unfold organically as I write—I never start with a rigid plan, and it often feels like Noah himself is in the driver’s seat, steering the adventure. The inspiration for the brimming world of The Dragon Moonstone came from my love of classic fantasy realms, blended with everyday wonders I share with my grandsons.
Courage, perseverance, and the drive to make things right were essential themes I wanted to weave throughout The Dragon Moonstone. These aren’t just plot devices—they’re the story’s true heartbeat, lessons I hope to impart to my young readers. Noah embodies this when life hurls challenges his way: unstable magic, self-doubt, and unexpected losses. Through it all, he learns to step up, push through, and emerge stronger, reminding us that true power comes from facing our flaws head-on.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Noah and the direction of the next book?
Grief has threaded through Noah’s journey so far, and the next book dives deeper into it as he learns to process his sadness and confront his challenges head-on. Along the way, he’ll discover that kindness isn’t a weakness—it’s a quiet strength—and that being the underdog comes with its own fierce advantages. Above all, Noah will embrace the power of paying it forward, turning his losses into legacies that inspire those around him. Expect more magic, more heart, and even higher stakes when you dive into The Griffin Moonstone.
The Dragon Moonstone: Book Two of The Moonstone Legacy Series
Noah never asked to be a wizard—too bad magic doesn’t take requests. Patience? Not exactly his strong suit. With messy, unpredictable powers that have a mind of their own, Noah puts his friends at risk. So, his great-aunt Shirley pulls some strings and sends him and his friends to Castle Dragon, where they’re in for a bumpy ride convincing the legendary sorcerer to come out of retirement and train them.
As Noah’s emotions tangle with his chaotic magic, a seemingly harmless shortcut spirals into disaster. To fix his blunder, he must find rare dragonroot, the only cure for his magical mishap. But fate throws him another curveball: the Dragon Moonstone has gone missing, and the realm’s balance hangs by a thread. Without it, chaos could reign, endangering everyone he cares about.
With a vengeful witch, a devious bounty hunter, and nearly every Fae in the Otherlands pursuing their own agendas, Noah knows he can’t do this alone. His quirky and brave friends offer their support, but in a world rife with deception and treachery, trust is a dangerous gamble.
When tragedy strikes, Noah confronts a haunting question: does the reluctant hero have what it takes to save the realm, or is he destined to be the guy who always ruins everything?
Join Noah and his friends on a fast-paced fantasy adventure filled with magic, humor, and action. Tailored for teens and adults who enjoy action-packed contemporary fantasy with a mystery to solve.
Inheriting Karma follows a man hiding in plain sight whose cover is blown, sending his life into chaos and forcing him to scramble to hold it all together with the least amount of casualties. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The question itself holds the key to my answer. I’m the type of guy who needs a challenge. Predictable outcomes send me packing from the story. I write how I feel, so having a man hiding in plain sight with a perceived predictability lets me shock the reader.
I thank you for your review; it truly nails my intention when writing stories. It’s no secret that my series is not for everyone. Characters who die in the first book are still big participants in follow-ups. For the reader, they are tasked with trying to follow the depth of karma each actor’s actions create.
What inspired your characters’ interactions and backstories?
Growing up, I didn’t have to go far for what I now call Safari Hunts. Challenging Karma was meant as a one-off, keep a last promise to my mom. So many family traits make up the characters. Mam’s boob magnet eyes, Francois’ inventing new dishes and making everyone try it, Ray’s never buying new clothes, and love of pickles.
Backstories are a blend of daydreaming, people-watching, and engagement. When my tenth draft of Challenging Karma shocked my mom into trying to talk me out of using its ending, I knew I had a formula that I couldn’t change.
By nature, I’m a puzzle solver; even playing cards, it has to be a strategic game or I get bored (any bridge players who can help educate)? Even now, I have to slow down because I write an interaction that leads to a fifth, sixth, or even seventh book storyline. For example, lawyer Charlene Reece was supposed to die in Surviving Karma then a daydream brought her story to a new level. Her Karma story really expands in Reciprocating Karma, coming out later this month.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
For me, the story takes the reader so many miles down a path only to reach a time when the puzzle hits a three-pronged crossroads. Again, your reviewer nailed it when he said he had to go back to adjust his thoughts. So far, the twists exist on these three paths: believe what you think you read, go back to change your thinking, or go forward with expected outcomes.
The twist, although meant to shock, is a kind of progression of events that fills a lot of our current news cycles. Serial Killers in #1. A wrongfully convicted prisoner seeks payback in #2. Criminal organizations use public events to further their goals in #3. And #4, where a vigilante will seek retribution for the deaths of loved ones.
The premise, “Walk in another’s shoes,” is how I try to develop the story. Hence, the need for a comedic slowdown, weird encounter, or stubborn quirk. I want unique characters that readers can relate to. Reciprocating Karma introduces Carlee. Her sports story is one such lighter moment. But even while writing it, I could picture my wife actually living that experience (before she married a sports nut, of course).
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Beta readers for #4, Reciprocating Karma compare it to a movie that has caused many a conversation about whether it’s a Christmas movie or a thriller during the holiday season. It comes out in the next few weeks, so readers will have to pick a side. Yes, there’s a shock, but its subtitle causes a self-review of one’s own life.
The future in my Karma world has at least two more shocks to provide. In fact, both #5 and #6 are ripping through pages (I handwrite every first draft). But with Karma being such a wide open source of inspiration, seven will start filling dreams soon.
For readers who engross themselves in the writings of Andrew Grant, David Baldacci, Adam Hamdy, or Fiona Cummins, this is a book for you?
Runs parallel to the soon to be released crossover book #4 ‘Reciprocating Karma!’
One oversight is all it took to turn hunters against him. Legal documents record his real name as Wilson O’Reilly instead of Forrest Clay, but his involvement with Ricky Topin going rogue brightens the already dual personality spotlight. Two criminal accomplices vie for attention over the one true love Wilson has ever experienced, a cop.
Once word spread of his link to Topin’s murderous rage, hiding in plain sight no longer became a possibility. Or just maybe? A boss to one, partner to another, and enemy to the third person, O’Reilly weaves his circumstances toward a solution. Although for him to walk the streets again, past friends may die, organizations receive new leadership, and cops become targets.
Although fluid, the first seed planted is to use his onetime lovers, position against her. A simple warning of an assassination attempt piques interest until the offspring of a former gangster ‘Inherits Karma’ from his father. One kill shot setting the stage for O’Reilly to regain the blessings of freedom.
Stuck in quicksand, law enforcement takes the case, international. Thrilling mind games culminate in a three-minute window, where survival becomes a scene of chaos.
LITERARY TITAN 