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Potential to Grow and Change
Afterward follows a woman who finds her boyfriend unconscious in their apartment and is thrust into an emotional maze, forcing her to question love, responsibility, and belonging. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Unfortunately, the story, or something like it, is something you hear more often than one would hope. I heard a version of it had happened to an acquaintance of mine in school (many years ago, and it had happened years before I met her), and it was just something I couldn’t get out of my head. I thought the normal things, such as how bad I felt for what she and the rest of the people affected must have gone through. But then my mind kind of wandered with new questions–about how one becomes equipped to deal with things like that, and what if you weren’t? How would that go? It was really in the course of thinking about those tangential questions that I came up with the story.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Lauren as a character really didn’t inherit anything from me, but in the course of writing this, I did break my leg and end up in the hospital. I remember being tired and hurt in the ER, and hearing the staff talk about a bad date one of them had had. I remember thinking it was such an odd thing to overhear such an everyday conversation during a day that was so unusual for me. But of course, this was their every day, it wasn’t odd for them, and they should be able to talk with coworkers like anyone else. It just stood out to me in that experience, so I included that moment in the book.
What themes were important for you to explore in this book?
Understanding was a big one. I really don’t even like Lauren in the beginning, but it’s easy to be critical, right? My hope was that by the end, the reader would find a little empathy for a flawed person in a truly horrible situation that wasn’t doing a great job with it. And, I guess, hope for the potential to grow and change. But there are other issues in there that different readers have picked up on as being big to them–friendship/bullying, race, alcohol, insecurity, mental health–and I’m glad different people are finding issues that mean a lot to them, and I hope I handled them okay.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
Actually, I’m very excited to say I am sending my newest book to my publisher tomorrow. It is about a young man whose life events put him in the position to pursue his dream of living in a cabin in Alaska, and what that reality looks like. And I know what that reality is because I spent a lot of time growing up at my family’s homestead, which was not only “off the grid,” but also off the road system. It’s a love letter to, and a cautionary tale about, Alaska.
Author Links: GoodReads | BlueSky | Website | Amazon
Torn from her normal routines—coffee, sex, barhopping, and disc golf—she finds herself in an unfamiliar world of hospital visits and doctor’s appointments, all while navigating an unexpected move to a new apartment and enduring the disapproval of her boyfriend’s mother, as well as the gossip of her friends and coworkers. (Plus the suspicious looks of strangers, and the unbearable strain on her credit card…and did we mention the gossip of her friends and coworkers?) Along the way, she meets every obstacle with…well, not grace, exactly. In fact, pretty much the opposite of grace. Maybe more like bitchiness, truth be told. And all the while, the aftereffects of the tragedy cast a pall over everything she does—and threaten to destroy everything she has.
Bristol Vaudrin’s fascinating debut novel is an engrossing and darkly comedic read with an unforgettable narrator/protagonist. Watching her struggles—real, imagined, and in-between—we too must choose between kindness and judgment, between condescension towards someone who simply doesn’t have a clue, and empathy with a person struggling to deal with something we all must face: the desire to hold on to the things we enjoy when the world around us changes in ways we didn’t expect.
Afterward
Bristol Vaudrin’s Afterward is a raw and gut-wrenching novel that pulls readers into a world of emotional turmoil, relationships strained by tragedy, and the quiet, lingering pain of grief and identity. The story follows Lauren Delgado as she grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic event involving her boyfriend, Kyle. From the harrowing moment she finds him unconscious in their apartment to the disorienting world of hospital hallways and waiting rooms, Lauren is thrust into a reality where nothing feels real, and yet every detail is unshakably vivid. As Kyle recovers physically, Lauren is left to navigate an emotional maze, one that forces her to question love, responsibility, and her own sense of belonging.
Vaudrin’s writing is strikingly intimate. There’s a weight to every sentence, an undercurrent of unspoken pain that makes the novel feel deeply personal. One of the most powerful moments comes early on when Lauren watches the EMTs take Kyle away, her mind latching onto a loose thread on her jacket button because what else can she do when her whole world is unraveling? These small but poignant details make Afterward feel like a lived experience rather than a work of fiction. The prose is beautifully restrained; Vaudrin doesn’t drown the reader in overwrought emotion but lets it seep in slowly, in glances, in hesitations, in the quiet spaces between words.
The novel also captures the complexities of human relationships with an almost brutal honesty. Lauren’s interactions with Kyle’s mother, Helene, are layered with tension, passive-aggressive remarks, and the unspoken battle for who understands Kyle best. Helene’s arrival at the hospital is a whirlwind of frantic energy, an intrusion that feels both necessary and unbearable. And yet, there’s a subtle shift as the story progresses, a recognition that grief and worry manifest differently for everyone, even when love is at the core. Similarly, Lauren’s phone calls with her own mother, who is vacationing in Italy, blissfully unaware at first, are heartbreaking in their contrast. The distance between them is more than just physical, and yet when Lauren finally reaches out, there’s an unshakable comfort in her mother’s voice. Vaudrin masterfully depicts how relationships bend under stress, how people fail each other even when they mean well, and how love sometimes looks like showing up even when you don’t know what to say.
Another standout aspect of Afterward is the way it handles trauma, not as a singular event but as an ever-present shadow that refuses to be ignored. The hospital scenes are deeply affecting, especially the moment Lauren realizes Kyle is being transferred to a unit where she can’t visit him. The quiet bureaucratic efficiency of it all, signatures, nods, and the clinical separation of a patient from a loved one feels almost cruel in its normalcy. The novel doesn’t offer easy solutions or grand epiphanies. Instead, it lingers in the uncomfortable, in the questions without answers, in the moments where moving forward feels both necessary and impossible.
Afterward is not a book for those looking for tidy resolutions. It’s messy, painful, and deeply human. But for anyone who has ever loved someone through their darkest moments, who has ever felt like they were holding their breath waiting for the next disaster, this book will resonate. It’s a novel about the aftermath of trauma, but more importantly, it’s about the quiet resilience of the people left to pick up the pieces. I’d recommend it to readers who appreciate emotionally charged, character-driven stories, especially those who aren’t afraid to sit with discomfort and see where it leads.
Pages: 207 | ASIN : B0CW9167GB
Redeye
Syntell Smith’s Redeye is a fast-paced, character-driven novel that pulls you into the complex world of Nate Durant, a man juggling multiple gigs, past regrets, and present uncertainties in the bustling backdrop of New York City. The story follows Nate as he navigates his relentless hustle of writing, podcasting, photography, and even stand-up comedy all while dealing with his marriage, personal demons, and an unexpected blast from the past. The novel seamlessly blends humor, drama, and emotional depth, making for an engaging read.
One of the standout elements of Redeye is how real the characters feel. Nate is not your typical protagonist, he’s flawed, sometimes selfish, yet undeniably likable. His relentless work ethic comes off as both admirable and exhausting. Smith does an excellent job making you feel his fatigue, whether it’s through his chaotic schedule or the moments he crashes at home only to be greeted by responsibilities he barely has time for. A particularly powerful scene is when he confronts his wife, Cynthia, about his need to stay busy, revealing his deep-seated fear of ever returning to the version of himself that felt trapped in his own body. It’s raw and honest, making you root for him even when he’s being stubborn.
The dialogue is another strong point. It’s natural, snappy, and full of life. Conversations between Nate and his wife, Cynthia, feel authentic, especially when they butt heads over his work-life balance. The banter in the podcast scenes, particularly the heated debate over Ben Affleck playing Batman, is hilarious and captures the chaotic energy of pop culture discourse. Smith’s ability to write casual conversations that still push the narrative forward is impressive, making the novel feel immersive and dynamic.
The pacing feels erratic, bouncing between Nate’s gigs, personal conflicts, and unexpected discoveries like stumbling upon an old acquaintance in a compromising online photo. While this frenetic energy adds to the book’s charm, it can also feel overwhelming. Some subplots could have used a bit more breathing room to develop fully, particularly Nate’s backstory with Stephanie. Her presence lingers in the novel, but the resolution to that thread felt somewhat rushed compared to the time spent on other aspects of Nate’s life.
Redeye is an energetic, character-rich novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the grind of modern life pressing down on them. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy fast dialogue, real-world struggles, and a protagonist who is far from perfect but easy to root for. If you like books that capture the pulse of a city and the people trying to make it within it, this is worth picking up.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B0D9YPZTXW
One Bad Decision After Another
What Lies We Keep follows a couple with a struggling marriage who separate and face the consequences of the choices they have both made. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve worked in corporations for 15 years and, prior to that, in large law firms. I’ve seen people putting in so many hours they rarely see their families, people doing hurtful or devious things to others to get ahead, and people completely focused on obtaining a title whether they have the skills and qualifications for it or not. I’m sure the same holds for many work environments, be it politics, entertainment, or even non-profits. Choices like this often have consequences, although not always – as happens in Ted’s case – for the person perpetrating the negative behaviors. Corporations are familiar ground for me. I wanted to create a slice of what I’d seen and address how good people can be hurt or changed, their lives upended, by the misplaced priorities of others, by corporate culture, and so much more in today’s workplace.
Ted wants power and success and makes choices that he thinks will help him achieve this but at the cost of his family. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
In a world where everything from advertisements to social media to celebrities tell us what we should wear, read, or look like, as markers by which we can validate ourselves as being successful and part of the “in” crowd, corporations are no different. Titles, the number of people reporting to you, the budget you manage, and more become markers by which insecure people often define their worth. I wanted to develop a character who puts himself on this corporate path and, in the process, creates self-justifications to cover the reality that he’s lost focus as to what is truly valuable – truly irreplaceable – in his life. The result is one bad decision after another until he’s forced to face what he’s become and let the reader decide if he redeems himself in the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The book asks the central question “What happens when we embrace the life we think we should have, rather than the life we have?” Ted embraces the lure of importance and validation he sees in climbing the corporate ladder, rather than his life with Charlotte and Kelsey and the beautiful ranch in Montana that is part of his heritage. He creates justifications for his behavior, telling himself everything he does is for his family. In most of my writing, I gravitate toward themes of forgiveness, struggles with trusting others, and, in female characters primarily, finding one’s personal power through a journey fraught with struggles. Placing a marriage in the middle of Ted’s ill-fated corporate climb and Charlotte’s search for a sense of self-confidence felt like something many readers could find alignment with, whether they work with someone like Ted or are familiar with a relationship in which those involved have lost a sense of what their priorities should be.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m about halfway through a first draft of a book I would describe as character-driven contemporary fiction with elements of cybersecurity and magical realism. The latter is a first for me, but I’m having fun with it. The protagonist is a woman who refuses to accept the magic she’s inherited. The antagonist is a powerful stalker who wants her and her magic. In the middle is the ghost of her mother from whom her gift descends. At its heart, it will be a mother/daughter story that asks, “Is a mother’s love so strong it transcends even death?”
I’m not sure when it will be out. I’ve been keeping it under wraps as I work on it. I’m hoping to finish the first draft before the end of the year. Currently, I’ve had no conversations with publishers or agents about this project.
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Six months earlier, Ted did something unthinkable to gain a promotion and hid his actions from his wife. Now the guilty coconspirators have turned the tables on him. Ted claims he’s innocent, but Charlotte leaves, taking their daughter. As Ted works to clear his name, Charlotte leans on her friends. But one friend has a secret that shocks Charlotte, upending everything she believes about Ted. Unsure who to trust, she jettisons from hurt and anger to the tempting promise of solace in the arms of a handsome River Rescue officer.
Stretching from Pittsburgh’s urban skyline to the beautiful ranch country of Montana, What Lies We Keep is a moving story of corporate ambition that shakes the very foundations of a marriage and asks: What happens when we embrace the life we think we should have, rather than the life we have?
What Lies We Keep
What Lies We Keep by Janet Roberts is a gripping novel that explores the complexities of truth, deception, and redemption. The story centers around Ted McCord, a man whose life unravels after he is wrongfully accused of embezzlement. As Ted grapples with the consequences of his actions and the fallout from his professional and personal life, he embarks on a journey to clear his name and rebuild his life. Interwoven with Ted’s narrative is the story of his wife, Charlotte, who struggles with her own set of challenges as she navigates their strained relationship and the impact on their daughter, Kelsey.
The writing in What Lies We Keep is both engaging and thought-provoking. Roberts has a knack for creating vivid, relatable characters, and her descriptive prose brings the settings to life. For instance, the portrayal of Ted’s sleepless nights and his reliance on work as a coping mechanism effectively conveys his anxiety and guilt. The dialogue is natural and contributes to the depth of the characters, such as the intense confrontation between Ted and Ben, where the tension is palpable and adds to the narrative’s suspense. One of the book’s strengths lies in its exploration of moral ambiguity. Roberts delves into the nuances of lying and its repercussions, as seen through Ted’s justification of his actions to protect his family. This theme is poignantly illustrated in Ted’s internal struggle and his realization of the cumulative damage caused by his lies.
Similarly, Charlotte’s storyline addresses the complexities of trust and forgiveness, making her a compelling and sympathetic character. Her interactions with other characters, such as her friend Leah and her strained but evolving relationship with her mother, add layers to the narrative. The pacing of the novel occasionally falters, particularly in the middle sections, where the focus shifts between Ted’s and Charlotte’s perspectives. While this dual narrative structure enriches the story, there are moments when the transition between their viewpoints feels abrupt, momentarily disrupting the flow. The overall plot remains engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep readers invested in the outcome.
What Lies We Keep is a compelling read that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories about personal growth and redemption. Roberts’ skillful character development and her exploration of ethical dilemmas make this novel a thought-provoking experience. I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary fiction and those who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong emotional core.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0CW1MVM1F
Kate’s War
Linda Stewart Henley’s novel Kate’s War presents an evocative narrative set during the tumultuous period of World War II. It centers on Kate, a young English woman whose aspirations in music are abruptly halted by the outbreak of war. The story eloquently portrays her struggle to adapt to the drastic changes brought by the war, including the constant threat of bombings and the prospect of London’s invasion.
Henley masterfully weaves a tale that not only delves into Kate’s personal transformation but also explores her newfound relationship with a young Jewish girl and her family who are refugees from Germany. This interaction enriches the narrative, bringing to life the broader impact of the war on individuals from different backgrounds. Henley’s novel skillfully balances the portrayal of the wider socio-economic shifts of the era with intimate character development. It highlights the accelerated transition into adulthood faced by Kate and her peers, forced by circumstances to confront realities far beyond their years. This aspect of the story offers a poignant commentary on the loss of innocence and the enduring effects of war on the psyche of young individuals.
Henley’s narrative shines in its ability to make the experiences of war relatable to readers who may not have firsthand knowledge of such events. The detailed descriptions of day-to-day survival, from rationing to the construction of bomb shelters, lend a credible and immersive quality to the story.
Kate’s War is both an emotional journey and a captivating historical piece, vividly painting a picture of the era it represents. Its blend of historical authenticity and deep character exploration makes it an engaging read for enthusiasts of historical fiction.
Pages: 296 | ISBN : 978-1647426149
Fallen From Grace
Freedom’s Just Another Word follows a scandalized political writer who, while trying to regain his fame, must evaluate his beliefs and protect his children. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The short answer is that I started writing this novel when my hometown paper, the Chicago Tribune, was going through a wrenching change in ownership. Many of my favorite columnists were jettisoned as the new owners struggled to survive in the world of 21st-century journalism.
It had to be a very difficult time for both those who were let go and for the survivors. That event provided the career background for the story I wrote.
Almost all major newspapers have had popular columnists who have “fallen from grace,” and the Tribune was no exception. I realized as I look back at the other novels I have written that a common feature in all of them is that the main character has achieved a measure of success and then lost it. I guess I am most interested in the life lived after the cheering stops.
In Freedom’s Just Another Word, Jake Doyle made a mistake of the heart, and he paid the price. As he says early on, he has no regrets. At least, that’s what he tells us.
Jake struggles with his political beliefs and his desire to protect his family. When the two views contract each other, he has to decide what matters more. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Another theme common to all my novels is the notion of loyalty. I like characters (and real people, too!) who put loyalty to their friends and loved ones above their own personal interests. Jake is that kind of person, but in this story, the conflicts he faces are complicated. Can he remain true to values he has held his entire life if they conflict with what he needs to do to protect his family?
The first line of the novel is, “I used to be famous.” Jake, who is not always a totally reliable narrator, seems to accept his reduced status. He’s content to play out the string. But as the story unfolds, he is presented with an opportunity that will put him back in the game. He must decide if the prize is worth the price.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I am interested in the life lived after the cheering stops. What does someone do to pick up the pieces and get on with his or her life?
The novel touches on many hot-button issues: abortion, gun control, race relations, politics, social media.
In our society we tend to identify or label people by what they do or what they believe. Here is what Jake Doyle wrote about that in the first column that appears in the book:
If we rely on the labels we assign folks instead of trying to discover why they believe what they believe, we are doing ourselves a disservice. We are being intellectually lazy.
Many folks on the right and the left want the same thing. For sure, nobody wants to put children at risk. We just disagree on how to achieve the goal.
Our country is polarized. Gun control. Abortion. Income inequality. Climate change. And, of course, the issue no one can escape: the President’s conduct. Those issues divide us. We need to have an honest debate. But if we label ourselves as “The Resistance” and refuse to engage, that’s like deciding everyone who doesn’t agree with us is a traitor. Unworthy of consideration.
That mindset is myopic and dangerous. And it’s tearing the country apart.
We need to do better.
I agree with Jake.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am about half finished with a new novel titled AMERICAN JUKEBOX.
The first novel I wrote, AMERICAN PAST TIME, which was published in 2014, is the story of Dancer Stonemason, an all-star minor league pitcher who, on the cusp of being brought up to the major leagues, pitches a perfect game but injures himself and that costs him his shot at making it to the majors.
His life unravels, and the novel, which covers the era from 1953 to 1973, tells his story of failure and redemption and how that impacts the lives of his two sons, Clayton and Jimmy, and his wife Dede.
My third novel, EVERYONE DIES FAMOUS, published in 2020, returns to Dancer Stonemason and takes place on a single day in 2003. He is grieving the death of his son Clayton and helping his other son, Jimmy, to liquidate Clayton’s business – American Jukebox.
AMERICAN JUKEBOX (the novel-in-progress) is Clayton’s story. It covers the early years of AMERICAN PAST TIME (but from Clayton’s perspective) and progresses through the years leading up to Clayton’s death in 2001.
So with this novel, I will have a STONEMASON TRILOGY.
Before I began work on this novel, I completed a screenplay adaptation for my novel, DRY HEAT, and I plan to also do an adaptation for my novel, BETTER DAYS.
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Twenty years ago, his Chicago political column was syndicated in two hundred papers, but he had an affair — and a son — with his intern, and lost it all. Now he writes a local column and drives for Uber to pay his bills.
Jake is playing out the string when his tranquil world is turned upside down. His biracial son — an ambitious entrepreneur — is marked for death by a street gangster, his alcoholic daughter is pregnant and wants an abortion — which his ex-wife is determined to stop at any cost – and his boss, a wealthy publisher, wants Jake to give up his column to help him run for president.
Jake believes in gun control, but he wants to protect his son. He believes in his daughter’s right to choose, but that belief looks different now that it’s personal. And he wants to keep writing his column without interference, but he also wants one more chance to be famous again.
Freedom’s Just Another Word…
In Freedom’s Just Another Word, we journey through life from the eyes of Jake, a distinguished writer, a man of great intellect, and a keen observer of the human condition. Jake is no stranger to the world of literature, having gained considerable repute as a successful columnist with the Chicago Tribune in a column christened “Jake’s Corner.” His storytelling prowess is not just exceptional, but it has also earned him a Pulitzer nomination for his investigative reporting on corruption within city council.
Jake’s character is painted with nuanced layers, making him endearing and relatable from the onset. His past experiences, his perspectives, and the decisions he makes, all contribute to his portrayal as an astute gentleman who attracts admiration and camaraderie.
The book captures the reader’s attention by seamlessly weaving events that mirror the gritty realism of life – the loss of friends, family dynamics, love, marriage, and the full spectrum of societal issues. One of the highlights is Jake’s intriguing and slightly unconventional romantic entanglement with Monique. Their love story, marked by their age difference and eventual separation, adds a unique facet to the narrative.
Jake’s commendable nurturing and love for Devante, the child borne out of his relationship with Monique, underscore the vital role of a father in a child’s life. This relationship serves as a potent reminder that parental involvement is essential, regardless of the parent’s relationship status.
As the narrative unfolds, we find ourselves deeply immersed in Jake’s world, riddled with complexities and variegated characters. The character sketches are vivid, from Jake’s children, each with distinct personalities, to the other characters who add color and depth to the narrative. Charlotte, Jake’s daughter, strikingly mirrors her father, both physically and in character, providing an intriguing contrast to her mother. The author’s rich descriptions enable the reader to visualize the characters vividly, enhancing the reading experience.
Other characters such as Tawni, an engaging yet occasionally vexing individual, and Devante, an optimistic and driven young man, enrich the storyline. Even the less likable characters like Jamal, Lucy Hall, Carlos, Bianca, and Reynolds contribute to the gripping nature of the book.
Freedom’s Just Another Word will undoubtedly appeal to readers who relish slow-paced narratives with intertwining storylines. The book, written in a captivating journal-like format from a first-person perspective, traverses a wide array of themes from death, law, and education to relationships, crime, love, and even sports like boxing. The only point of contention might be the cliffhanger ending, which leaves the reader yearning for more. Nonetheless, the book remains a compelling exploration of life’s multifaceted realities.
Pages: 319 | ASIN : B0CGZ31MS9
LITERARY TITAN 