Blog Archives
A Diagnosis Is Never the End
Lexi and the Super Chair is the empowering story of a young girl whose life is changed by paralysis, but who rediscovers freedom, adventure, and joy through a magical power chair and an unbreakable spirit. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I actually became fully paralyzed in 2014 when I was 21 years old. I now can only move my head a little, and I have to use a ventilator to breathe. In the first couple years of my journey through paralysis, I struggled greatly with depression and grief. But as my journey has continued, I have become a happy and successful individual, not in spite of, but in some ways because of my paralysis.
Needless to say, I understand the struggle of physical disability. I’ve always been a lover of children, and when I imagine kids in this situation, or in other situations involving disabilities or diseases, I know some of them must struggle as well. So I wanted to write this book for several reasons, chief among them to give a boost and hope to kids with disabilities and diseases, to help them and their families realize that a diagnosis is never the end of someone’s story, but that you can still achieve great things no matter what.
My grand scheme is to have this book freely available in hospitals and rehab centers for children and their families who need it most.
How did you approach writing about disability in a way that’s honest yet hopeful for young readers?
Personal experience had a lot to do with how I wrote the book. But I also know that children are endlessly curious and incredibly strong. When kids come up to me, usually somewhat shyly at first, I make sure to tell them the truth of my situation. They always take it surprisingly well and ask a million questions if their parents don’t steal them away too quickly! I never want to shy away from the truth with them, but being a hopeful person myself, I don’t want them to feel bad for me, either. From this attitude sprang my approach to writing this story.
What do you hope children, both with and without disabilities, take away from Lexi’s story?
I love that you mentioned children without disabilities as well as those with them because they are an important part of the audience I’m trying to reach, as well. But the messages are essentially the same for both kinds of kids: there is always hope, no matter the situation. I want children to be happy being themselves, I want them to be able to take pride in their achievements, and I want them to be empathetic and understanding of those in situations differing from their own. That is my hope for Lexi’s story.
When and where will the book be available?
I’m still searching for a publisher, but you’ll be the first to know when I find one! I will include here my website, Instagram, and Facebook page so that you can stay up-to-date with Lexi and her story.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Instagram
A Magical World
Emily Swan and the Dream Pillow follows an eleven-year-old girl who is uprooted from her tech-filled suburban life and dropped into a quiet, unplugged farmhouse in rural Kansas. What was the inspiration for the story?
I have been concerned with children’s increased use of cell phone texting etc., and its negative effect on them. I wanted to write a story that focused on the importance of the imagination, how it can open up a magical world, and that a measure of silence is needed for us to listen to it.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Yes. I am a believer in the importance of dreams and the imagination.
The writing in your story is very artful and creative. Was it a conscious effort to create a story in this fashion, or is this style of writing reflective of your writing style in general?
It is. I like to blend a measure of fantasy with reality and show how they are in truth present at all times.
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?
I would like it to be, but at the moment, I am focused on getting this one up and running.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Emily is miserable in their new home, plopped down in the middle of nothing but wheat fields, far away from her former city life and friends. There’s no internet and they don’t even have a television or a phone!
But one night Emily’s world changes when a star zooms out of the sky and into her room, appearing as a Star Lady. She tells Emily that even though she’s unhappy, a magical world lives inside her — she just doesn’t know how to find it. The Star Lady says she can help and gives Emily a Dream Pillow to use so they can stay in touch through dreams.
When Emily decides to take a chance and use the Dream Pillow, her world opens up. Magical characters appear and guide her on an adventure of self-discovery. After Emily discovers a Swan Feather pen, she’s transformed from Emily Webster, a normal girl, into Emily Swan, a super-hero of words.
Tales From Brook Meadow – The Tale of the Winter Snow
This cozy little children’s book, The Tale of the Winter Snow, is set in the idyllic Brook Meadow and follows Victor the fox and his woodland friends as they experience the first snowfall of winter. What starts as a cheerful morning filled with snowballs and laughter turns into a tender tale of compassion when the animals find a lost and weary fox named Vixen and her two squirrel companions seeking shelter. The story gently weaves themes of friendship, environmental disruption, and the kindness of community, ending with the newcomers being welcomed into the meadow for good.
I really loved how gentle and kind-hearted this kids book was. It’s sincere and warm, like a hand-knit sweater. The writing is straightforward but carries a calm rhythm that suits a bedtime read. The characters are sweet, and Victor, as the steady, big-hearted fox, feels like the kind of friend everyone would want. The illustrations by Caroline Hazell bring a lovely softness to the tale, too, adding just the right touch of charm. I found myself smiling more than once, especially when the two mice popped up from the snow and greeted everyone.
But what hit me was Vixen’s emotional backstory. The quiet, creeping sadness of losing a home to machines and noise felt very real. It didn’t lecture, but it lingered. This isn’t just about cute animals in the snow; it’s also about displacement, loss, and rebuilding trust. I appreciated that the book didn’t shy away from those feelings. It trusted its young audience—and adult readers too—to sit with those emotions for a bit. That trust makes the story stronger. There’s a quiet bravery in how it handles tough topics with such a gentle hand.
Tales from Brook Meadow is the kind of picture book I wish I had on my childhood shelf. It’s ideal for kids who love animal stories, nature lovers who want a heartfelt read, or families looking to share something thoughtful together. Honestly, it’s just a lovely book—simple, kind, and filled with heart. If you want to feel like the world still has safe, magical places where strangers become friends, this little story is your ticket there.
Pages: 35 | ISBN : 1923306073
Wonderment
Animals are Great is a playful, rhythmic children’s picture book, structured like a song, that invites young readers on an imaginative journey through the animal kingdom. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration started with a silly song that was interactive for children. We wanted to explore different parts of the voice by using animal sounds and thought it would be fun to have Animals Are Great as a book that kids could read and listen to at the same time.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
We are real-life musicians and teachers. Teaching kids voice and movement while pretending to be an animal is a great way to explore different parts of their voice.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
“Walking through the woods thinking all the time, animals are great, they really blow my mind. Some are furry, some are big, and some are kind of small, animals, oh animals, I like them all.” We love the silliness of this verse and the wonderment it creates.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
We are actually working on 2 more sing-along books — I Love That Train and No More Sugar. Also, we are excited to share that the audio track for Animals Are Great is available on Spotify, iTunes, etc. as a single. I Love That Train and No More Sugar song tracks will also be available when the books come out.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon
Tail Tale Too
Tail Tale Too follows Wally, a curious and confident boy with a big imagination and a habit of believing he knows best, until experience teaches him otherwise. Each chapter shows Wally calling on a magical Tailor to give him different animal tails—a monkey’s, a fox’s, and a peacock’s—hoping each one will help him tackle a challenge. But every tail ends up backfiring in funny or unexpected ways.
I really liked the clever way the story used tails to teach lessons. Wally’s excitement is relatable and funny, and the situations he gets into, like crashing a wedding with a giant peacock tail, made me laugh. The writing is clear and rhythmic, with just the right balance of silly and sweet. Wally feels like a real kid, not just a lesson-delivery system. And Snoo, the grumpy snake sidekick, adds a snarky voice that keeps things grounded and amusing.
What hit me the most, though, was the final scene. There’s a genuine emotional warmth when Wally helps the little beaver and finally trusts his own instincts instead of magical fixes. That moment felt earned. It landed with quiet confidence, and it reminded me how kids (and adults) grow, not from being told what to do, but from trying things, failing, and choosing to do better next time.
The artwork is bright and whimsical, perfectly matching Wally’s big personality and wild tail adventures. Each page bursts with colorful details that bring the characters and their emotions to life in a way that’s both playful and inviting.
Tail Tale Too is a charming picture book with heart, humor, and a lot of wisdom tucked inside its playful pages. I’d recommend it for kids aged 4 to 8, especially the ones who like to figure things out on their own, even if it takes a few missteps. It’s also a sweet read-aloud for parents and caregivers who know the value of letting kids stumble and shine.
Pages: 30
Fun, Faith-filled, and Relatable
Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp follows six children as they bond through silly pranks, epic camp experiences, and their budding faith. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The inspiration for Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp came from our Pastor’s daughter, Annabelle—who actually became one of the characters in the book! She approached us with a simple request: could we write a chapter book, since she loves reading so much? My wife and I were eager to create something meaningful, but we initially struggled to land on the right concept—something fun, faith-filled, and relatable for the kids in our church.
The breakthrough came when we volunteered at our church’s four-day Vacation Bible School. Immersed in the laughter, energy, and genuine faith of the children, everything clicked. By the end of the week, the characters, camp mischief, and spiritual moments had practically written themselves.
Can you share a little about your collaboration process?
As for our collaboration process, it’s truly a team effort. My wife and I bounce ideas off each other constantly—sometimes over dinner, sometimes late at night with notebooks on the couch. We each bring a different perspective: she’s great at capturing emotional depth and faith moments, and I tend to lean into humor and story pacing. We take turns drafting scenes, then review and revise together until it feels right. Working on this book as a couple has been one of our most rewarding creative journeys.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the most important themes we wanted to explore—alongside clean, lighthearted humor—was the idea that children can be guided and corrected with love, patience, and understanding, rather than harsh punishment. My wife and I are both survivors of severe child abuse, so this theme is deeply personal to us. Writing this book gave us a chance to model the kind of discipline we wish we had experienced—discipline rooted in compassion, communication, and faith, not fear.
We wanted to show that kids can make mistakes, pull pranks, and test boundaries, and still be met with grace and guidance instead of punitive responses. Through the camp leaders and adult characters, we hoped to reflect a nurturing approach that builds trust and helps children grow—not just in behavior, but in their sense of worth and belonging. It was important to us that the story demonstrate how correction can go hand in hand with love, and that forgiveness, faith, and community are powerful tools for shaping young hearts.
Can readers look forward to more books featuring the Paraclete Hills crew? What are you currently working on?
We are definitely discussing the possibility of turning Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp into a full series in the very near future! The characters have so much more to explore, and we’ve already been tossing around ideas for new adventures, deeper friendships, and meaningful lessons that continue to reflect faith and fun in equal measure.
As for our current projects, my wife has returned to working on the next installment of her Charlie and The Magic Tree book series, which has its own whimsical charm and heartwarming messages. Meanwhile, I just wrapped up writing a brand-new children’s book—but this one is a total departure from Paraclete Hills. It’s very different in tone and style, which made it an exciting creative challenge. We’re both passionate about creating stories that connect with young readers in unique and lasting ways, and we’re grateful for every opportunity to do so.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When a pack of prank-loving pals rolls into Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp, they have one holy mission: turn every lesson into a laugh and every campfire into chaos. From Bible lessons to epic water balloon battles, these six mischief makers keep the counselors on their toes and the camp in a constant state of “Oh, no, not again!”
But when an unexpected guest shows up – sent by someone with a prank playbook straight from the pearly gates – the tables turn faster than you can say, “Hallelujah!” Suddenly, the crafty chaotic campers are the ones begging for mercy.
Will these pranksters rise to the challenge, or end up as the punchline of the summer? Grab your flashlight, marshmallows, and best battle cry for this laugh-out-loud adventure of faith, friendship, and a whole lot of fun.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Finding Manhood in Scotland by Victor Atyas
Viper Island by Cameron K. Moore
The Ballad of Midnight and McRae by Jess Lederman
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 