Blog Archives
Misunderstood Creatures
Bart the Tiny Bat follows a tiny bat with one tooth who goes out one night and gets lost in a strange place, leaving him scared and alone, and only wanting to return home. What was the inspiration for your story?
So the bat hanging on the ceiling fan happened to me in real life. My initial reaction was similar to the character Barb’s in my book. I calmed down though and realized how scared the bat was. I got an oversized jar and scooped the bat gently in, and released it outside. I posted the experience on social media and it became clear this was my next book.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The importance of animals that we don’t understand and the role they play in the environment. Bats in particular play a very important role in our environment and are very misunderstood creatures. I also wanted to teach children to have empathy toward all animals.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
It was so fun learning about bats! I did my research and had some help from our local zoo. I illustrate my own books and that is honestly my favorite part. Creating characters, and drawing them into life.
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?
That’s a great question. I’m thinking about what other animals fall in the category of environmental importance and being misunderstood. There are a couple. The positive response from this book though makes me want to do more.
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Bravery and Self-Trust
Maverick and the Big Game follows a young boy as he prepares for the championship hockey game, who is excited but nervous about messing up and disappointing his team. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Absolutely. Maverick and the Big Game is very personal to me. The character of Maverick is inspired by my own son, and many of the emotions he experiences—like nervousness before a big game, the desire to make his family proud, and the lessons about teamwork—come directly from moments we’ve shared. As a hockey mom who’s spent countless hours at the rink, I wanted to capture the heart, pressure, and joy of youth sports from a child’s perspective, but with all the love and encouragement that exists behind the scenes, too.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
One of my favorite scenes is when Maverick takes a deep breath and finally steps onto the ice for the big game. It’s a moment of bravery and self-trust, and it’s such a turning point for him. You can feel his nerves and his excitement, and it’s a beautiful reminder that courage doesn’t mean not being afraid—it means doing it anyway.
Will there be a follow-up book to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! There will definitely be more adventures with Maverick. The next book will focus on Maverick learning new life skills—both on and off the ice. He’ll face a new kind of challenge that tests his confidence in a different way, while still building on the friendships, lessons, and hockey love that started in Maverick and the Big Game. We’re also expanding the world around Maverick to show more of his life, his team, and even his dreams beyond hockey.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Follow Maverick as he faces one of his biggest challenges yet and learns that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared—it means playing your best, no matter what!
Will Maverick help his team win the championship?
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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Children’s Book
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes children’s books that mesmerize audiences with incredible narratives, vibrant illustrations, charming characters, and fresh ideas. Offering well-earned accolades, we salute the imagination and exceptional skill of authors who create tales that spark curiosity and delight in young minds.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Lemons and…More Lemons
I just finished reading Lemons and…More Lemons by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham, and wow—I wasn’t expecting such a heartwarming and eye-opening read, especially from a kids’ book. This story follows a boy named Mark on his summertime journey as a young entrepreneur running a lemonade stand. But it’s much more than that. It’s about family, dreams, business smarts, community, money lessons, and a squirrel named Mansa who somehow drops more wisdom than most adults. Through conversations with his mom, uncle, cousin, and a few new faces, Mark learns about budgeting, investing, ownership, and even whether or not to take on a business partner.
I love the vibe of this children’s book. The writing is super fun and easy to follow but never feels like it is talking down to young readers. It has real heart. One of my favorite parts is when Mark’s mom breaks down the family budget at the dinner table. It’s such an honest family moment. The whole “income is positive, expenses are negative, like a hug versus a push” analogy is brilliant and funny. The scene where Mark realizes they don’t own their house is such a relatable, awkward, and important conversation about homeownership and gentrification, and the authors handle it with care.
Another standout moment is the wild purple brownies made with ube. Mark and Cuzzo try them at Jimmy’s house. I love how that one scene turns into a whole new business idea. But what hits even harder is Mark’s inner debate about partnering with Jimmy’s dad to grow his lemonade empire. I could feel the weight of his decisions. It reminded me how complicated growing something can be, especially when it means giving up control. Still, the authors didn’t push one answer. They let Mark explore and think, which I loved because it felt real.
This book is written for children, but it’s packed with life lessons most adults could use a refresher on. If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who likes inspiring, feel-good stories with real heart and humor then Lemons and… More Lemons is a solid pick. It’s smart, sweet, funny, and full of juicy life wisdom.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0DWTD8PP7
A Glimpse of Hope
You Can’t Stop Me follows a diverse group of young girls who transform their so-called weaknesses into strengths, proving that determination, self-belief, and authenticity can break any barrier. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I remember the day I decided I was going to write and publish You Can’t Stop Me. I was holding my then 4-month-old daughter, watching women’s rights being stripped away. Angry, sad, scared—I was trying to understand the world my daughter is going to grow up in. How could I make a difference? How could I make sure young girls and women keep fighting and not let the everyday battle knock them down? How do I explain it to my daughter?
I began writing down ideas immediately. Almost 2 years later, You Can’t Stop Me was born.
How did you develop the different characters, and was there one character you felt most connected to?
A small part of me can connect and relate to each girl portrayed in You Can’t Stop Me—and unfortunately, I think most girls and women will feel the same. I wanted to showcase as many types of girls as possible. I wanted the young girls reading it to think, “Oh, she looks like me and she’s in space!” or “I’m in a wheelchair too, that doesn’t mean I can’t be president!”
But if I had to choose one character I relate to the most, I would say it’s the author!
The book challenges societal expectations placed on young girls. What impact do you hope it has on readers?
My main goal has always been to give a glimpse of hope and power to little girls that don’t get told they’re enough, they’re smart, they’re brave, that they’re unstoppable. I hope You Can’t Stop Me gets in their hands and they realize that can do or be anything they set their mind to.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on an apocalypse-style YA novel. It’s in the early stages, so no dates yet. This is a project I’ll be taking my time with as it’s written in memory of my brother, who will be one of the main characters.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
You’re too bossy? Sounds like you know how to get stuff done.
You’re too weak? Well, that’s not possible. You’re the toughest person I know.
You’re too nice? That’s not even a thing.
Being too “you” is not a bad thing. You are the best you I’ve ever seen!
You should embrace who you are, and use it to make your dreams happen.
Girls can do anything, and no one can stop us!
Seeing Beyond Appearances
Pretty in Purple follows a young girl on her 7th birthday who meets her spirit guide, and she is given a special gift: the ability to see auras. What was the inspiration for your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by energy, intuition, and the unseen connections between people. As a mother, I wanted to create a story that teaches children about inner beauty, kindness, and the energy we share with the world. Pretty in Purple was inspired by my daughters and the lessons I hope to pass down to them; lessons about self-worth, empathy, and seeing beyond appearances. The idea for Sophie’s story first came to me in 2014, after my first daughter was born, but it wasn’t until my second daughter arrived in 2024 that I truly felt the push to bring it to life.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to introduce young readers to the concept of auras in a way that feels both magical and relatable. While auras are often seen as a spiritual concept, I present them as a visual representation of emotions; helping kids understand that our energy, attitude, and kindness affect how others feel around us. The story also explores important social-emotional lessons, like making friends, dealing with unkind behaviour, and learning that true beauty shines from within.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Katya Mo?
Working with Katya Mo was an incredible experience. I had a very clear vision for the book. I wanted it to be vibrant, whimsical, and full of energy to reflect the story’s themes. Katya beautifully brought Sophie’s world to life, especially in the way she portrayed the auras with soft, glowing colors. We worked closely to ensure each illustration complemented the emotions of the scene, from Sophie’s excitement to her moments of doubt. The end result exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Pretty in Purple! In this next adventure, Sophie meets a boy named Alex, who spends most of his time indoors on his tablet and is afraid of the outside world. With Zoe’s guidance, Sophie helps Alex reconnect with nature, and he begins to heal; both emotionally and physically. This story highlights the power of nature, movement, and play in our well-being. I’m also adapting Pretty in Purple into a 24-page board book with rhyming text for younger readers, focusing even more on the concept of auras. I hope to release both books within the next year!
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LITERARY TITAN 