Blog Archives
He Created the Land of Oz
A Hundred Magical Reasons follows two women from different eras who meet by chance and bond over the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its creator, L. Frank Baum and wind up on a journey together for solace, inspiration, and purpose. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
After reading a biography of L. Frank Baum, I was smitten. He was an innovative, larger-than-life personality—which is no surprise, given that he created the Land of Oz.
Baum was also a family man with a keen understanding of children and a high regard for women. His mother-in-law was a suffragist! His humor, unstoppable imagination, and tenacity gave him the capacity to bounce back from failure many times.
Fun fact: Baum and his family summered at the same lake where my family vacations yearly near Holland, Michigan. Though we were at opposite ends of Lake Macatawa—and opposite ends of the century—this sparked additional interest in his life. Thus, my novel focuses on the summers he spent at Macatawa (1900-1909).
My story spotlights a young girl, Janie, whose pious parents have no use for fun, frivolity, fairies, fantasy, or fiction. Then Janie meets L. Frank Baum. This tension was the premise for the novel.
Your book has some very interesting characters that have their character flaws but are still likable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
Baum’s life, family, and career ups and downs shaped the story. I wanted my two protagonists, Janie (in both timelines) and Carrie (1980), to be impacted by his influence. I just had to figure out how. I wanted to spotlight the Baums’ summers at Michigan’s Macatawa Resort and his friendship with young Janie (AKA Charlotte). Janie takes on challenges inspired by some of Baum’s career choices.
I wanted young Janie to be bright and imaginative, despite having harsh parents. L. Frank Baum’s role was drawing out more of Janie’s imagination, giving her the courage to chase her dreams.
However, decades later in 1980, when Mrs. Gordon (Janie all grown up) hires college-age Carrie, she’s a bitter, critical, and cynical old woman. The question is why. I needed Carrie’s life to have parallels to Mrs. Gordon’s earlier challenges and goals.
Carrie wants to run a literary-themed café against her parents’ wishes. So, like young Janie, Carrie struggles against their demands, criticism, and expectations. Additionally, she’s been dating parent-approved Brian for six years and he’s about ready to pop the question. Then she meets Dirk . . .
The most challenging part of this story was capturing L. Frank Baum’s personality. I did a ton of research so I could learn as much as possible about him and the early 1900s, and stay true to the facts. But my purpose went beyond knowing the facts and events of his life. This was about creating his essence on the page so readers can experience what it was like to be with him—whether running a printing press or sipping lemonade together on his Macatawa porch.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Baum’s stories are all about stirring the child’s imagination, so that’s a key element of my novel. Janie is at odds with her rigid parents—the perfect foil for a man like L. Frank Baum who stretches her imagination in every way possible. I firmly believe everybody is creative in their own way, so I hope this story inspires readers to value and use their own imaginations.
But many themes are woven throughout, such as learning to be yourself when others try to keep you in a box, embracing the role of stories and fairy tales in our lives, plus following your passion and conquering fear with brains, heart, and courage.
With 14 thought-provoking questions at the end, A Hundred Magical Reasons would make a great book club book. I hope the story raises questions and produces some pondering.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
It’s another dual timeline novel, set in 2015 and the 1950s, hopefully available in 2026. The story involves a family mystery, a literary icon, and two co-workers at cross-purposes for wanting more information—one to share in a biography, and the other to keep it hidden while resolving family issues. Loyalty is tested and secrets abound when family honor collides with truth.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | BookBub
Dragons of a different kind pursue Carrie Kruisselbrink.
During 1980, the summer of her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her café dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with Mrs. Gordon.
As Mrs. Gordon unfolds the story of her oppressive childhood and delightful friendship with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, Carrie never expects to encounter her own fears and soul-searching.
In this modern-day fairy tale that weaves between 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum’s influence impacts each woman’s personal quests on a hero’s journey neither anticipates. Can Carrie and Mrs. Gordon find common ground in battling their respective dragons?
Being Afternoon Rebecca
Mike J. Kizman’s Being Afternoon Rebecca follows Rebecca, a young woman navigating faith, friendships, and the awkward-yet-sweet world of online dating. The story kicks off with her first date with Jeff, whom she meets through a Christian dating app. As the novel unfolds, we see her juggling her role in the church, her friendships, especially with her best friend and roommate Maxine, and her position as a bullpen catcher for a local softball team. The book blends romance, faith, and small-town charm while offering glimpses into Rebecca’s struggles, doubts, and moments of personal growth.
One thing that really stood out to me was how effortlessly Kizman captures everyday interactions. The dialogue feels natural, full of warmth, humor, and little quirks that make the characters feel real. Take, for instance, the lunch scene between Rebecca and Maxine at Scott’s Dogs and Diner. Their playful banter about Rebecca’s “weird” way of eating a gyro had me grinning. These small, mundane moments add richness to the story, making it feel like you’re eavesdropping on real conversations rather than reading fictional ones. There were a few moments where the book leans more toward telling rather than showing. At times, emotions are spelled out rather than unfolding naturally through actions.
Another strong aspect of the book is the balance between faith and personal struggles. Rebecca isn’t some flawless heroine. She’s full of self-doubt, second-guessing everything from her feelings about Jeff to her role in the church. One of the best moments is when she reassures a young girl struggling with prayer, telling her that “it’s not about asking for what you want but about establishing a relationship with God”. It’s such a simple but powerful reminder, and it showcases Rebecca’s wisdom and kindness.
Being Afternoon Rebecca is a heartwarming read perfect for anyone who enjoys faith-based fiction with a slice-of-life feel. It’s not overly preachy, nor does it shy away from the messiness of relationships and self-discovery. If you like stories about friendship, small-town charm, and sweet romance with a touch of humor, this book is well worth picking up.
Pages: 194 | ASIN: B0CWSMZYP9
Crazy Has A Name
Crazy Has a Name is a raw, Christian contemporary novel that dives deep into the harrowing journey of Danny, a man haunted by his traumatic past and literal inner demons. From being born into unspeakable circumstances to navigating the voices (or “Others”) that live in his mind, Danny’s story is an emotional rollercoaster. At its heart, this book is about hope, redemption, and the powerful intersection of faith and healing. It’s a blend of brutal realism and miraculous transformations, making it both heavy and uplifting.
Author Nanci Lamborn’s voice is gritty and honest. I appreciated the candidness in Danny’s therapy sessions with Marti, especially when he recounts his childhood in “The Pit” or the horrifying truths about his foster family. One part that shook me was his reflection on being bought for $200 and how casually the adults treated it. That kind of detail sticks with you. I loved the depth of Danny’s character, but I would have loved to have seen some of the secondary characters, like his wife Grace, more fleshed out.
What I found most powerful—and frustrating—were Danny’s interactions with the “Others.” Garrison, Kendra, and the Bossman felt like fully realized characters, almost like spiritual manifestations of his fractured psyche. The scenes where Kendra scolds Danny or Garrison protects him are fascinating. However, I wanted more clarity about what these figures represented. Lamborn dances between psychological and spiritual explanations, which is intriguing.
Lamborn doesn’t shy away from portraying the darker side of life, but she pairs it with intense moments of faith-based healing. When Danny begins to unpack his trauma and face the memories he’s suppressed, you can feel his desperation and yearning for peace. The moment where he confronts his adoptive father’s cruelty while holding onto his belief in Jesus felt both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who can handle heavy topics like abuse, neglect, and the complexities of mental health, all through the lens of faith. If you’re into Christian contemporary fiction with a raw edge and don’t mind grappling with some tough truths, Crazy Has a Name will grip you from start to finish.
Pages: 246 | ASIN : B0DTC2LS4W
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
Return of the Star Lords: A Dystopian Journey of Survival and Sacrifice
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award February 2025
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
Brotherhood of the Wolf: The Lesser Evil by Wes Al-Dhaher
Stay Curious Journal by Audrey Lawrence
Passion in the Bone by AL Falcon
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Mystery from Way Back When
In The Mystery from Way Back When, Carolyn Summer Quinn weaves a compelling narrative that bridges the present and the past with elegance and emotional depth. Benny Finnegan, accompanied by his wife Imogene and daughter Tara, returns to his childhood church in New Jersey for its final Mass. This seemingly routine visit transforms into a poignant journey through time when Benny reunites with Antonia “Baby Face,” a woman he once found as a baby on the church steps alongside his brother. Now a mother herself, Antonia urgently seeks Benny’s help to uncover the identity of her biological mother—a quest made critical by a medical crisis. As Benny reflects on his wartime childhood and the earlier, fruitless search for Antonia’s family, the narrative delicately unfolds layers of memory, revealing how the passage of time brings clarity and resolution to the long-unsolved mystery of her origins.
Quinn balances suspense with warmth, crafting a story that is as engaging as it is uplifting. The intrigue surrounding Antonia’s past, paired with her urgent search for answers, offers just enough suspense to keep readers hooked without veering into melodrama. Simultaneously, the wholesome tone of the book lends a comforting, heartfelt quality that makes the story both accessible and deeply satisfying.
The author’s writing style and pacing are fantastic. The narrative moves seamlessly, blending mild suspense with moments of reflection and revelation. Quinn’s ability to evoke both emotional resonance and curiosity ensures that readers remain fully invested in the characters’ intertwined journeys.
At its heart, this novel is a touching exploration of belonging and identity. Quinn beautifully captures the significance of family bonds and the profound sense of rootedness that comes with understanding one’s history. Through Benny’s and Antonia’s interconnected stories, the book offers a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of connection, whether by blood or choice.
The Mystery from Way Back When is a wholesome, engaging, and thought-provoking read. With its blend of mild suspense and heartfelt moments, it holds universal appeal and is highly recommended for readers of all ages seeking a story that will both captivate and uplift.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0DQP1RJ4P
LITERARY TITAN 