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Meeting Adversity Head-On
Tales of Weirderland follows royal siblings who go on magical adventures throughout their kingdom and a journey of self-discovery, learning what the future might hold. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The short and somewhat uninspired answer is my children.
The more interesting answer is their imaginations and somewhat mischievous ingenuity. These stories originated from improvisational bedtime stories. They both loved hearing stories, and we loved reading to them, so it didn’t take long before we ran out of books we hadn’t read several times over. I couldn’t say who began growing bored first, them or us. So it began with a question: “If you were in a story, about you. What kind of adventure would you have?” Make us a princess and prince. Make the king sillier. We need a pet dragon. Make the ‘squid-o-pus’ rhyme.
I had three goals: to make them laugh. To tell them stories they inhabited and could help direct. And to wear them down until they could sleep. It wasn’t until they outgrew story time and being read to that I committed some of these stories to paper, so they could revisit them on their own as they learned to read. Later, as they grew, I wanted to give them fresh stories. Reflections of themselves, how I saw them growing, learning, and confronting the challenges that come with life.
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 wrote?
Both my wife and I are fantasy nerds. It was only natural we fostered that in our children. The settings were of our home and places we loved to visit. Like a park with a playground built like a castle, the woods, and streams of the Rocky Mountain Foothills. Augmented with hints of films like Labyrinth, Spirited Away, and books by Bill Peet, or Terry Pratchett. Then, in the later stories, the settings were kinder incarnations of a hospital and hospice. Schoolyards and principals offices. Courthouses and Pride festivals.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Kindness. That meeting adversity head-on with kindness first should rarely be the wrong choice to make. Asking for help can be one of the bravest things any of us can do; too often, we are afraid or ashamed to ask. Fear of embarrassment, of appearing vulnerable or incapable, stops many of us from asking. And so, when someone asks for help, we should meet them with enthusiastic empathy.
Kids are far stronger and more resilient than we know. We should trust them to solve some problems and figure things out on their own.
Families grow, shrink, change, and should be cherished. They can get lost, but also chosen and found. Life is ridiculous and we should treat it as such. Otherwise, you risk taking life more seriously than life takes you. After all, no one escapes alive.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Perhaps. Our children are all but grown now. Their adventures look far different going forward, as does our world. While I know there are many more stories to tell, I don’t know if their stories are mine to tell now. But, I know if I decide to the stories and adventures would be darker. How might Weirderland and the Wilding family survive a plague-riddled kingdom or a new tyrannical monarch?
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | BlueSky | Facebook | Linktree | Website | Amazon
In ‘The Quest for Ruben, ‘ the royal Wilding siblings must rescue a flying horse from the clutches of an evil dragon. Next, in ‘The Quest for the Mermaid’s Ruby, ‘ they heroically safeguard a mermaid kingdom from imminent destruction while on a beach holiday. Then, in ‘The Quest of the Fairy Fire, ‘ they are called upon by the King and Queen to restore the magic of the forest’s fairy guardians, safeguarding all humankind.
In their most challenging quest, ‘The Hopeless Quest, ‘ they selflessly venture into the underworld to seek aid for their ailing grandfather from the Dwarves. Finally, ‘The Luck of The Eyelash‘ and ‘The Nameless Quest‘ lead them on individual journeys of self-discovery, to learn who they truly are and what the future might hold. Experience the magic and adventure as the royal heirs navigate perilous challenges, forging their destinies in a world brimming with wonder and excitement.
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
Beyond this World there is a world I want by Steven Physioc
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Children’s Books
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
Three Encounters of the Romantic Kind by TG Gore
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Adventures of Marie and LeeLee
Lisa Cortez’s The Adventures of Marie and LeeLee is a heartwarming children’s book about two best friends who turn everyday moments into grand adventures. The book captures their joy as they play video games, go out for pizza, and laugh late into the night. Whether they’re running through the snow, swimming in the lake, or simply talking for hours, Marie and LeeLee’s friendship shines through every page. It’s a story of pure, unfiltered joy. A nostalgic nod to childhood friendships that feel endless.
What makes this picture book so special is its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on complex plots or dramatic twists. Instead, it embraces the magic of small moments. One of my favorite parts is when Marie and LeeLee go to Marie’s house to play with her pets. Princess, Peppi, and even the lizards, Olivia Newt and John, are downright adorable.
Another highlight is the book’s warmth. The illustrations by Laura Watson bring every moment to life with bright, playful energy. You can see their excitement when they play together or run through the snowy landscape. There’s a real sense of motion and fun in every scene. And the way their friendship is portrayed—so effortless and full of love—makes you want to call your childhood best friend and relive old memories.
What really sticks with me, though, is the final message from the author. She reminds readers that they are loved, no matter what. It’s such a simple yet powerful message, and it ties everything together beautifully. The book isn’t just about Marie and LeeLee; it’s about friendship, love, and the joy of just being yourself. It’s a feel-good read, the kind that leaves you with a warm heart and a smile on your face.
I’d recommend The Adventures of Marie and LeeLee to anyone who loves sweet, nostalgic stories about childhood friendships. It’s perfect for kids who are making their own best memories. If you’ve ever had that one friend who made life a little more fun, this book will hit you right in the feels.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0DR641J58
Who is “Not Me”?
Not Me! follows a little boy on his first day of school who learns an important lesson in responsibility when he is forced to take the blame for his own actions. Where did the idea for this book come from?
“Not Me” came from a situation that often happened to me as an early childhood educator for 39 years. Oftentimes when a child did something “accidentally” and I would see it happen, I would go over and ask “who did this”? The child didn’t want to admit their mistake, even though I had seen it, and would often reply “not me!” One day this happened 5 times before lunch. I was convinced we had someone in our class named “Not Me.” I held a class meeting with all the kindergartners sitting around me. I asked the children to stand when they heard their name and to stay standing. After everyone was standing, I added one more name, Not Me. The children glared at me and said, “we have no one in our class named Not Me.” I explained that it is important to admit our mistakes rather than blame others. I am not saying Not Me never got blamed again but instead wrote a humorous children’s book to illustrate to all of us how we can learn from our mistakes.
What is your favorite scene in Joshua’s story?
My favorite scene in the story is the last page, when Not Me leaves B.A. Friend Elementary. Joshua knows the importance of admitting his mistakes and doesn’t need to put the blame on Not Me. I often ask readers “where do you think Not Me” is going next? I listen to their priceless reactions but often conclude with “I hope he’s not going to your house/school.” I want the discussion to lead to the importance of taking responsibility for your actions. I also like the scene where Joshua and Not Me are talking in Mr. Fair’s (the principal’s) office. Not Me realizes he is not needed anymore and Joshua wants to learn from his mistakes.Things have calmed down once the principal enters the room and Joshua can admit all the things he has done wrong.
Where did you get the inspiration for Joshua’s traits and dialogue?
I loved writing the character descriptions, especially for Joshua. He is the oldest with twin younger sisters at home. He is the first child in his family to go to school and he is a people pleaser. Even though I don’t have twin siblings, I am the oldest and have always loved school and pleasing others. Joshua’s dialogue is based on my many conversations teaching kindergarten and first grade children. Most of the time, they love their teacher and want to please him/her. As I was writing Joshua’s dialogue, I felt the anguish of wanting to do everything right but making mistakes along the way. I wanted a book that let children know that making mistakes is part of growing up.
What do you hope young readers take away from Not Me?
I hope readers find “Not Me” to be humorous and that they can relate to at least one character. My illustrator, Carissa Harris, did a wonderful job bringing the story to life with Not Me’s dialog in a cartoon bubble. I think this distinguishes real from make believe. I hope my book provides discussion between the reader and those that love them, that we all make mistakes and what we learn from those mistakes is most important.
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How would you handle a character like Not Me? Will he come to visit you next?
You Can’t Stop Me
You Can’t Stop Me is an inspiring and empowering book, particularly for young readers, especially girls. Through vivid storytelling and raw emotion, Allison Aller crafts a compelling narrative that highlights the obstacles, criticism, and societal pressures girls often face. Yet, rather than succumbing to these challenges, the protagonists rise above them, refusing to be defined by limitations imposed on them. This book is a testament to resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to be held back.
What makes this story truly remarkable is its broad scope. Rather than centering on a single character, Aller weaves together the experiences of multiple girls, each possessing unique abilities and strengths. What others perceive as weaknesses, whether it’s speaking too much, having an unconventional sense of style, or being overly emotional, are transformed into powerful assets. Instead of suppressing their individuality, these young women harness their qualities to carve their own paths. Some join the debate team, others design clothing, and one, often told she is “too emotional,” becomes a therapist, using her empathy to help others heal.
That particular scene struck a deep chord with me. Too often, women are told to suppress their emotions, as if feeling deeply is a flaw rather than a strength. Aller challenges this narrative, showcasing how qualities dismissed as “too much” can, in fact, be the very traits that shape one’s success.
Beyond personal empowerment, the book carries an important lesson: greatness isn’t innate, it’s cultivated. Aller reinforces the idea that skill, mastery, and success come through persistence and practice, even in fields traditionally dominated by men. The message is clear: hard work, determination, and self-belief can break barriers.
You Can’t Stop Me is an essential read, one that should be shared widely among young audiences. Allison Aller delivers a powerful reminder to embrace individuality, lean into strengths, and push forward despite resistance. This book is not just about overcoming obstacles, it’s about owning one’s identity and thriving because of it.
Pages: 30 | ASIN: B0CWJWJS6Q
A Beacon to Hope and Success
Sparent is a series of personal essays recounting the heartbreak and joy you have experienced within your blended family. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I am passionate about protecting the blended family as, through my experience, I have learned how important it is to keep blended families whole. My blended family was created via a second marriage after divorce. I experienced, first-hand, the effects of the divorce trauma that my stepchildren and husband carried into our blended family. I started journaliing for my own mental health as I pledged to do whatever I could to keep our blended family together and break that cycle of divorce. My hope is that my experiences help those blended families folllowing in our footsteps. This is a family-type with very few helpful resources – I hope that my book provides a beacon to hope and success for those navigating these challenging waters.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you share your story. What was the most difficult thing for you to write about?
I’m not a huge fan of disclosing my failures, but those are the most important stories I can tell. I thought that being a stepmother would be simple. It was a disaster – the first real failure I’d had in my life. Of course that is not something I want the world to know but I understand how important it is to hear. Women are often tasked with putting on a perfect appearance. It is terrifying to tell the world that I wasn’t perfect, that many of my family’s struggles pointed back to me, and that I often felt like giving up but I know these stories are the ones that will be most helpful to others.
How did you decide what to include in your memoir?
Sparent is the first book in a series that will follow my family for several years. It was born from those first journal entries I made when I needed an outlet for my frustrations and feelings of inadequacy. I’ve included every journal entry from the year 2019, though I seriously considered removing some of the more difficult ones. There have been some tweaks to add more details but Sparent is really a direct look into my life.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Sparent?
That depends on the reader. For blended families, I hope they see themselves in my words and find solutions to any difficulties they are having. For those in tradtional families, I hope they gain appreciation for the challenges of the blended family and become more willing to chat about those challenges with those they might know experiencing them. It is so important that we all stick together and serve as a source of comfort as we all want the same thing: a happy family.
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website
I am the Sparent.
I am the extra parent that no child wants in their lives.
I will always be the Sparent.
It is a role that I have come to embrace.
A role that I am proud to hold.
A position in which I thrive.
Spare or not, I am exactly where I belong.
“As we were sitting in our third therapy appointment in three days (well, four if you count physical therapy to alleviate the neck pain from banging my head into the wall), I thought, “Oh my god…who has three therapists?!” Not us. Three would just be a start.”
Sparent, by Jyl Barlow, is filled with the true tales of life in a blended family. Through laughter and tears, Sparent offers insight and wisdom that is easily applied to all types of families. Jyl is best known for giggling at inappropriate times, something she carries into her writing. As a humorist, Jyl’s writing has been compared to Erma Bombeck’s. As a stepmother, she’s been compared to . . . well, that’s not important.
“Jyl’s wit and wisdom left me feeling seen, heard, and understood. She is both honest and hilarious in guiding others through the beautiful chaos of the blended family.” – Toni G, Raising His Kids Podcast
Sparent is the much-anticipated follow-up to Jyl’s award-winning memoir, What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting (Parenting Tales from the Most Unqualified Stepmom Ever).
LITERARY TITAN 