Blog Archives
Genesis of the Story
Last follows a boy raised in a world where humans are no longer the dominant lifeform and the struggle for survival is harsh, who refuses to give up on hope and chooses to go on a perilous quest to the city of robots for answers. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The very first version of this story that I ever thought of was probably close to eight years ago, and was about a lone, conscious robot in a world of people. That idea was perhaps a bit too similar to the film A.I., a sort of Pinnochio adventure. But then I went through some very rough personal experiences as I was working on some other projects, and realized the story I really wanted to tell was about a flesh and blood boy who was living alone in a world full of metallic ones, which ultimately became LAST.
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?
I lost my father when I was very young. That experience, growing up for a time without a father, then having a stepfather, and then, eventually, becoming a father myself has been an element that has informed all of my books, from the Jim Morgan series to Last. But at the time I was writing LAST, I had also just gone through a turbulent time in my adult life, grappling with overwhelming feelings of loneliness and failure. I felt like an exposed nerve in a metallic world, and that was really the genesis of the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
If I were to pick one, it would simply be “we need each other.” Even though some of them are antagonists in the novel, robots, and technology aren’t Win’s real enemies. His greatest adversaries are loneliness and despair, and of course the realities of the world he lives in, where people and communities grew apart and then began to fade away. Technology can be a wall between people, but it can also be a bridge. We just have to remember that to really live as humans, that requires having humans in your life, even if they aren’t perfect and sometimes hurt us. The richest memories and moments in my life are almost entirely moments that were shared with others.
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?
It’s possible. I’ve thought a lot about where Win goes after the end of this story. Who does he find and what obstacles will still lie between him and his ultimate destination and goal? I have another idea for a stand-alone novel that I may tackle first, but if there was a big enough audience demanding more of Win’s journey, there’s certainly more to be told. For now, if readers are hungry for more of my writing, they might try Lord of the Wolves next, as I think it’s the closest in theme to Last, though it features no humans at all, only animals.
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When tragedy strikes the farm, Win is at last left completely alone. Forced to leave the safety of home, he sets out toward the distant robot city on a quest to find the legendary AIs, picking up a pair of companions along the way: an orphaned wild dog and an irrepressibly optimistic robotic signpost. But when the three of them become prisoners in the robot city, Win will not only seek to escape, but also to find the answer to the world’s final question: are there any humans like him left, or is he truly the Last?
Filled with hardship and hope, darkness and light, despair and victory, LAST is the story of a boy learning what it means to live as flesh and blood in a world of steel and circuits, to break through barriers built around us and those we build for ourselves, to know the frailty and wonder it is to be human.
The Adventures of Moly: The Time Traveling Dog: Visiting Teotihuacan
In The Adventures of Moly, The Time Traveling Dog: Visiting Teotihuacan by David Alyn Gordon, readers are introduced to Moly, a resilient Beagle Terrier who finds herself homeless and struggling to survive. Scavenging for scraps and drinking from lawn sprinklers, she roams the streets until a group of rescuers brings her to the Maricopa County Animal Care Shelter. It is here that she catches the attention of Director Ferrara and Technology Supervisor Chadwick, two employees of the Falcone Foundation, an undercover research facility hidden beneath Arizona State University. Their mission? To find the perfect canine candidate for a unique and highly classified program. Moly fits the bill. Ferrara takes her home, offering her the comfort and care she desperately needs, but Moly’s new life is far from ordinary.
Ferrara and Chadwick train Moly in not one but two extraordinary roles. By day, she becomes a therapy dog for children at the Renaissance Academy, where Ferrara works as a student counselor. However, her second role is even more astonishing; Moly is tasked with traveling through time to ancient Teotihuacan, now part of modern-day Mexico. Her objective: to document her encounters, capturing images and videos of the Aztec civilization. But as Moly embarks on this thrilling mission, questions arise. Can she navigate an unfamiliar world alone? Will she safely return to the present?
The concept of a time-traveling dog is undeniably unique, blending adventure with education. While I found the idea of Moly as a therapy dog heartwarming and well-suited for young readers, I was perplexed by the decision to send her unaccompanied on such a risky historical expedition. The logistics of her mission raised questions: Why would Ferrara and Chadwick entrust such a critical task to Moly rather than undertake it themselves? The uncertainty surrounding Moly’s well-being and the potential dangers of time travel left me with mixed emotions.
That said, Gordon masterfully incorporates historical elements into the narrative, making learning about the Aztec civilization an engaging experience for children. The storytelling is accessible, seamlessly weaving historical facts into Moly’s adventure without feeling like a lesson. Young readers will absorb knowledge effortlessly, drawn into the rich culture and daily life of Teotihuacan’s past inhabitants.
The vivid illustrations by Valeria Leonova, which appear on every page, add to the book’s charm. The colorful, dynamic artwork enhances the story, capturing the reader’s imagination while providing visual context to Moly’s journey. The illustrations perfectly complement Gordon’s storytelling, making the book even more immersive for young audiences.
David Alyn Gordon’s background as a social studies teacher, principal, and founder of the Grand Canyon College Preparatory Academy in Tempe, Arizona, is evident in his approach to blending entertainment with education. Through Moly’s adventures, children are introduced to historic landmarks and cultures in a way that feels organic and exciting.
The Adventures of Moly, The Time Traveling Dog: Visiting Teotihuacan is a creative and engaging read. It offers young audiences both an entertaining story and an insightful glimpse into history. With its vibrant illustrations and unique premise, this book will surely capture the hearts of children who love animals, adventure, and discovering the past.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DHV8HVXB
Sometimes a Story Writes Itself
Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup takes readers on an intergalactic adventure with Dave as he discovers a magical realm of connection, wisdom, and playful oddities, guided by a quirky green ape. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup, the third installment of the wondrous Superconscious Dave series, the story takes an unexpected turn, leading readers on a journey far beyond the initial scope of a simple origin story.
Originally this book was to be Superconscious Dave’s origin story. But sometimes a story writes itself and creates something completely different to what you originally had imagined. So I went with it.
Guided by curiosity and an insatiable desire to uncover the mysteries of existence, Dave delves into the wonders beyond our world, exploring concepts that connect us all through time and space.
Dave’s past adventures have seen him traveling to Australia in his star car and venturing back to ancient Egypt.
In Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup this time, Dave embarks on a multi-dimensional exploration that transcends our understanding of the universe.
This story navigates the vast and interconnected expanse of the cosmos, uncovering truths that challenge our perception of reality.
What inspired the creation of the “Sea of Ying and Yang” and its fantastical elements?
As a medium, I know we are eternal beings, but no one really knows what existence is like beyond death other than the fact that we can continue to have a mind to mind connection with our loved ones.
As we are all energy, we simply change forms because as we know energy can never be destroyed but can change forms.
The Sea of Ying and Yang represents a multiple perspective of things.
The higher, the lower, the opposites of things. We have all heard of the saying ‘as below and so above. As above, so below’ and this is what I wanted the illustrations to reflect. It’s an adult concept portrayed in fun and playful illustrations.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Magic, mysticism, wonder, exploration, curiosity, and specifically interconnectedness – a collective consciousness that we are all a part of.
Understanding that we are all connected brings a different perspective of how we live in life. How we interact with each other and the flow on effect of our decisions not only to ourselves but to others and ultimately, everything.
What was your collaboration process like with the illustrator to bring your vision to life?
Fun, challenging, and imaginative.
If I showed you my first attempt of what Dave would look like, you would laugh and wonder how a gifted illustrator could create something so magical from a rough drawing and a few descriptive details about Superconscious Dave. But Sue (Susan) did. She is a creative genius.
It helped that Sue and I have been friends for many years, so we already knew how each other worked.
Sue was very patient with me and asked all the right questions and was super keen to create amazing illustrations that I saw in my head but couldn’t visually show her. It was a trial-and-error process.
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on his magical quests,
where imagination thrives,
and dreams are blessed.
For Superconscious Dave.
the enigmatic star.
offers a journey like no other.
from near to far.
An Alien Took My Cheese
An Alien Took My Cheese hooks young readers right from the start. Owen wakes up one morning, only to discover his favorite snack has vanished without a trace. But who—or what—could be behind this? As the story moves forward, the possibility of an alien culprit comes into focus. With his loyal dog Clover by his side, Owen dives into a thrilling adventure, determined to solve the mystery of the missing cheese. What he finds along the way, though, is something he never expected.
Janice Hostetter spins a tale that sparks curiosity and lively discussion, especially during story time. Humor and suspense blend seamlessly, pulling readers in and holding their attention tight. The idea of an alien thief adds a fun and imaginative twist, keeping the story vibrant and fresh. Owen’s close bond with Clover brings warmth to the narrative, turning their quest into more than just a hunt for stolen cheese—it becomes a touching story of friendship. The interactive nature of the book shines through as Owen picks up clues around the house, inviting readers to join the detective work. Bright, engaging illustrations amplify the experience, urging young minds to dive deeper into the story and ask questions. The sensory details Hostetter weaves in—like the stench in the garage, the clatter of mysterious noises, and the eerie green slime—make the tale come alive. These vivid elements not only enhance the story but also offer a subtle educational layer, perfect for helping children explore their senses.
This story moves at a brisk pace, perfect for young readers who love a good mix of humor and adventure. The quick tempo keeps the energy high, ensuring kids remain captivated from start to finish. With its blend of comedy, heartwarming moments, and surprising twists, An Alien Took My Cheese stands out as a must-read for any child eager for a mystery full of delightful surprises.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D7WZ4STT
The Jediran Quest
In The Jediran Quest, by Cal Davis, readers are invited to journey alongside the vivacious pre-teens of planet Jedira. Braven, from the Delta Colony, eagerly anticipates his school’s customary trip to the mysterious Towers, especially since his mother, the colony’s chief botanist, is slated to join him. However, a twist of fate prevents her from making the trip. Upon their arrival at the Towers, Braven and his peers are confronted with a perilous situation, testing their wits, bravery, and camaraderie.
At first glance, The Jediran Quest is a stellar sci-fi novel, brimming with explorations of diverse worlds and novel planets. However, it unfurls to reveal much more. It is an intriguing tale of survival that exhibits the strength of teamwork and the essence of genuine friendship. It is a narrative so captivating it resonates with both young readers and adults alike.
Davis paces the story well, allowing readers to delve deep into the characters and understand their nuances and complexities. The world-building is immaculate, enveloping readers in the mesmerizing realm of Jedira. Through Davis’s storytelling, one is not merely reading but experiencing the characters’ trials, tribulations, and triumphs. The narrative poses a daunting question: In the face of peril, who do we truly become, and who can we count on?
I felt that some segments felt a bit abrupt and could have benefitted from further expansion. I believe additional pages might have been the charm, but this minor shortfall doesn’t overshadow the reader’s ability to thoroughly enjoy the novel.
Rich with emotion, from moments of sheer joy to heart-tugging sadness, The Jediran Quest is an enthralling blend of storytelling. Highly recommended for those seeking a tale that intertwines adventure with deep emotional resonance.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0B2TSN1CQ
LITERARY TITAN 