Blog Archives
The Core of My Poetry
My Lost Pages is an eclectic collection of twenty-five poems written in a conversational freestyle allowing the reader to reflect and laugh through versatile topics. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
Circumstances and situations in real life have always inspired me to reflect deeply and look at life differently. I want my poems to help people appreciate the mundane, reflect on daily life, and make a difference. Simple language and topics that connect with people and what people experience form the core of my poetry.
Were there any poems that were particularly difficult to write? If so, why?
Poems such as “The Blue Woman,” “The Woodcutter’s Son,” and “The Wild Fire and Have Mercy on Me” were painful to write. They evoked emotions, brought tears, and transferred me to a different world while writing. They are poems that touch on a range of societal issues.
Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
When I write I do not think about who will read these. I let creativity do its work. I want the process to be natural and spontaneous and run its course.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am working on two books simultaneously. One is a self-help book and the other is a children’s fantasy. I am hoping to release one of these in 2026. So stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
About the Author: Sneha Sabu is an international strategist, development thinker, motivational speaker and author.
She is the author of the children’s book Stay Safe with Ruby and Reuben (2022) and My Lost Pages (2024). Her children’s book won seven international awards. Sneha is interested in women and child rights, poverty alleviation, human rights and sustainable development.
Purity and Simplicity of Life
Beautiful Relationships is a collection of seven fictional stories exploring different kinds of relationships and their impact on the people involved. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
I have always been a family-oriented man. It may be my strength as well as a weakness, but my family and my relatives mean a lot to me. During April 2021, my entire family (including myself) was infected with Covid-19 and each of us was isolated in separate rooms within my house. Among us, my condition was a bit critical and I narrowly averted hospitalisation. I was hardly able to see the faces of even my immediate family members, let alone friends or other relatives. During those depressing days, a plain “I love you” uttered by my son or wife from another room would boost my morale. Another thing that would make me feel positive during those days was phone calls from various relatives who would say nice things to me and make me feel that I am getting cured very soon. Though relations in my life have always been important to me, this isolation and morale boosting by relatives reinforced their significance and sowed a seed in my mind to write a fictional storybook on relations that enrich our lives.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
One thing that I find interesting in the human condition is that people both, act and react differently with changes in circumstances. This single dynamic leads to twists in stories, changes in the characters of people, showing the true colors of characters in stories, and so on. However, I also find it interesting to showcase in fictions, traits of human nature that do not change, such as commitment, love, integrity, etc. which signifies the timelessness of these qualities.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
All the fictions in my book revolve around one theme, i.e., relationships. I have written these stories with the notion that before we wear our professional hats, we are human beings at the core. We are social beings and the relationships in our lives are not just for the sake of existing; they enrich our lives. I also want to stress through this book that while we all march ahead in our lives, it is okay to slow down a little bit to acknowledge and appreciate the relationships that complete our lives and existence. I wanted to depict the purity and simplicity of life through these fictions. Therefore, all the characters in these fictions are good human beings. In fact, they are absolutely lovable people and the readers who buy this book will get new adorable family members who will accompany them for years together.
Do you have plans to write another collection of stories? If so, what topics will it encompass, and when can readers expect it to be out?
I have given the readers the best out of me in the form of this book. I really look forward to their receptiveness now. The next thing on my mind is Beautiful Relationships – Part 2 wherein I plan to cover more types of relationships. I have not yet decided on whether this Part 2 should have the same purity quotient or it should be more contemporary. However, coming out with the Part 2 depends on the level of response to Beautiful Relationships. As for timeline, I would like to keep myself free of such a commitment at the moment. All I want to say is, a positive response will definitely encourage me to work harder on Part 2 and bring it to the readers as soon as possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Amazon
Human beings are considered to be social in nature. If we ever want to acknowledge and appreciate relationships that form the core of our society and enrich our lives, we must get to a purer and simpler form of life and human nature. This book is about simplicity and purity. It is believed that this will strengthen our belief in the kindness of life and add to positivity.
About the Author: Author Milind Kulkarni is a professional accountant (known as Chartered Accountant in India) and also possesses Diploma in IFRS of ACCA, UK. He stays in Pune city in India. While this is Milind’s first book in the print format, he has been writing his blog for some time at the link http://www.explosivepersonality0910.blogspot.com.
Additionally, he has also contributed his work to an online magazine sparingly.
Roads Less Traveled
Road Less Traveled is a vibrant collection of stories that intertwine adventure, life lessons, and the joy of discovery. The author takes readers on a journey across the globe, exploring natural wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures. From traversing the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway through Mexico’s Copper Canyon and bonding with Poncho, a bright-green parrot, to uncovering the history of Afghan camel drivers in the heart of central Australia, each story brims with color and curiosity. The book invites readers to reflect on the beauty of wildlife, the richness of culture, and the enduring spirit of adventure.
The vivid descriptions in Road Less Traveled make each journey come alive. I could almost feel the vertigo of navigating the narrow dirt roads around Copper Canyon and imagine the tiled overlook in India’s serene landscapes. The sightings of leopards and rhinos brought palpable tension and wonder to the pages. The narrative is a masterclass in immersive storytelling, effortlessly transporting readers to new terrains while keeping the thrill and awe intact. Two recurring themes—history and culture—anchor the book, enriching the reader’s understanding of the world. The historical anecdotes, such as the origins of Australia’s camel routes, add layers of depth. Cultural insights, like the Ganges River’s spiritual significance as a symbol of purification, provide meaningful context to the author’s observations. The balance is remarkable; the stories educate without ever becoming tedious. Personal tales, like childhood adventures of milking cows or splitting wood for Vermont winters, add warmth and relatability to the grander narrative.
This book is a passport to adventure, offering detailed, captivating glimpses of the world’s wonders. It’s perfect for travelers who crave inspiration or armchair explorers looking to experience new places without leaving home. The blend of breathtaking imagery, educational insights, and heartwarming anecdotes ensures an unforgettable reading experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone yet to catch the wanderlust bug, Road Less Traveled is a must-read that promises to awaken your sense of wonder and exploration.
Pages: 212 | ASIN : B0D8TDFL4K
My Lost Pages
Poetry collections are always an enigma, their depths as varied as the voices that create them. Sneha Sabu’s My Lost Pages offers an immersive journey into the poet’s psyche, where each poem unfolds like a spontaneous dialogue with her subconscious. This collection brims with fleeting moods and restless introspection, carrying the reader through meditations on identity, existence, and the enigmatic essence of being alive.
Written in free verse, Sabu’s poetry defies structure while embracing rhythm, drawing comparisons to literary greats like William Blake, Ezra Pound, and Emily Dickinson. Some pieces stand solitary, sharp and self-contained, while others spill into one another, creating a seamless stream of thought. Reading these poems feels akin to stepping into a lucid dream, where the boundaries between musings and realities blur. Sabu muses on the delicate threads connecting life’s vastness to her inner world, weaving disparate ideas into an intricate tapestry of thought.
The collection invites two modes of engagement. One can focus on the impact of individual poems, letting their emotional resonance linger and evolve. Alternatively, one might search for a greater narrative—subtle connections bridging the poems into a singular exploration of meaning. Both approaches reward the reader with insights that feel both deeply personal and universally reflective. A unique touch comes from Sabu’s candid notes accompanying each piece. These glimpses into her creative process transform the collection into an intimate conversation, fostering a sense of closeness between poet and reader. The transparency adds another layer of depth, allowing the audience to peer into the moments of inspiration behind the verses. Together, these poems form a soothing cascade, washing over the reader with their contemplative tones and evocative imagery.
The collection creates an atmosphere of serenity rarely achieved in prose, inviting reflection and stillness. Sabu’s voice emerges as both plaintive and probing—confident in some moments, tentatively exploring in others. She traverses the complexities of existence with grace and curiosity, seeking to unravel life’s intricate mysteries.
My Lost Pages is a lyrical meditation, one that lingers in the mind and invites repeated readings. It is as much an exploration of the poet’s inner world as it is a mirror for the reader’s own thoughts and feelings. Sabu proves herself a voice worth listening to—raw, reflective, and profoundly human.
Pages: 87 | ASIN : B0CX5CBV6S
A Feeling of Community
Notes From Motherland: The Wild Adventures of Raising Humans is a heartfelt collection of essays capturing the rollercoaster that is motherhood. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It is easy to feel isolated and alone on the motherhood journey. This book is important because it gives voice to the wide variety of experiences people have as they approach motherhood and while on the path itself. I wanted a resource for people that spoke not only to the joy but to the myriad other feelings people have. Sadly, people often find it difficult to find places to express their more vulnerable feelings about such a common thing as being a mother. My hope is that this collection provides a place for people to get a look into the breadth of feeling and experience that accompanies motherhood, that they find a sisterhood, and they the feel less alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That there is not just one “valid” experience of or approach to motherhood, that we are all different and bring different things to the journey and experience of motherhood. Again, my hope is that people find this to be a supportive, informative resource. It’s not a “how to” resource but one that hopefully engenders a feeling of community.
How did you decide what to include and leave out in your collection of essays?
We invited a variety of authors to share their experiences and reflections and it was their choice what to share. So we did not hand-pick the topics or experiences that were offered.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your anthology?
I hope readers take away a sense of inclusion, support, and hope that they are not strange or bad or alone in their mothering or in their perhaps ambivalent feelings about the experience. Motherhood is SO complex. I think it is unreasonable to expect people to only feel joy and yet the cultural message that is often delivered is that there is something wrong with us if we have less than happy feelings about it.
Chris Chandler Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Sierra Melcher Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Through laughter and tears, these women reflect on the lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the growth experienced through motherhood. Each story is a testament to the strength, resilience, and love that defines the mother-child relationship.
Notes from Motherland is a celebration of the universal joys and challenges of motherhood, offering insight, support, and inspiration to mothers everywhere. Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned parent, or simply curious about the complexities of motherhood, this anthology is sure to resonate with you. Join these women as they share their stories, reminding us all of the beauty and chaos that comes with raising humans.
Coauthors:
- Chris Chandler
- Jennifer Rhode
- Sandi Phinney
- Audra Romeo
- Sierra Lynn Riddle
- JoEllen Leigh Irizarry
- Jessica Stokes
- Erika Hull
- Brandee Melcher
- Ashley Wize
- Reah Hagues
- Rena McDonald
- Frances Trejo-lay
- Sierra Melcher
Relinquish the Agony
Dear Sick Mental Virus explores the brutal realities of mental illness through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections, balancing devastation with messages of resilience and hope. Why was this an important collection for you to publish?
During my nine years as a Mental Health Paraprofessional with seven of those years being a dedicated substance abuse counselor in the United States Air Force, I was overwhelmed with vicarious trauma. It was important for me to express my pain and the pain I felt for my wife along with my patients through vivid imagery in the form of poetry. It was important for my own mental health to relinquish the agony in my heart that lay dormant for nearly three decades. A culmination of pain that I felt necessary to publish with every intention to serve people who struggle psychologically. My hope is that the resiliency sprinkled throughout the book acts as a light for the darkness people are obscured in.
You’ve created striking metaphors for depression and anxiety throughout the book. How did you come up with these unique ways to personify mental illness?
Poetry itself is unique. Quite honestly, it was my experience as a fiction writer that propelled me to paint some of these diagnoses as villains. My thought behind this was if readers could visualize a person in the form of a mental health disorder the message of how painful these disorders are in the minds of people would resonate much stronger. So, I meticulously perused the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as DSM-V or DSM-5) and created fictional characters based on the description of the diagnoses. Fun fact, the title of my book, Dear Sick Mental Virus has a hidden message which is revealed to be my definition of the acronym DSM-V. It was my way of giving back to Mental Health.
What has been the most rewarding or challenging part of sharing such deeply personal experiences with your readers?
The most challenging part in this entire movement without question was breaking the news to my mother that her old friend’s son molested me when I was six years old. Coming out and telling her that an older boy touched me in ways that traumatized me haunted me until I was nearly 30 years old. She felt like she failed as a mother, but I reassured her she was more than wonderful to my siblings and I. Til this day I haven’t told my father. I’m sure he knows and just hasn’t brought it up to me. As far as the most rewarding part in this experience I would say my readers feeling inspired to live a life they love. There have been countless moments where readers have shed tears in front of me as I’ve read my poetry from this book who were so moved by the words it acted as some sort of divine intervention for them. That is what I love about the power of poetry . . . you never know whose life you’ll impact.
Your poetry captures the struggles of mental illness with such raw honesty and vivid imagery. What inspired you to approach these themes so candidly?
When I was in the 8th grade, I wanted to kill myself. I took a pen and slashed at my left wrist repeatedly. I was lost, angry, confused, and sad despite my childhood being a great one. Saying it bluntly feels therapeutic. I mention this because I relate so candidly with the patients, I spoke with who felt a similar way at one point or another. There was such horror in stories I spoke about throughout my book that it is difficult for me to go back and read it. With my first poetry book, Sacred, Chapter 3 titled, “Mental Hell,” I realized I opened Pandora’s box with issues requiring significant attention. I heard stories of children being beaten, raped by their parents, domestic violence being normalized, patients killing themselves due to countless issues, etc. Their stories are important, and I know there are millions of people out there who need to hear this story. The last thing I will say is I provide self-help/life coaching skills on my podcast titled, “Feel Good Happiness.” You can find that show on Pandora, Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, YouTube, and my website. It’s worth a listen if anyone would like to hear my perspective. Never give up on yourself and I’ll end it there. Thank you!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Winner of the Spring 2023 Outstanding Creator Award for Best Writing, Best Poetry, and Best Short-stories/collections, O’Cyrus aims to provide healing to those enduring mental illnesses in his second poetry book publication.
Dear Sick Mental Virus places a significant emphasis on the daily struggles of anxiety, depression, and stigma of mental health. The fear of seeking help due to external concerns leave many people trapped in their own mind often leading to deeper issues lasting for years. Having dealt with mental health problems himself, the author seeks to not just speak on the concerns of suicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of debilitating issues, but he also seeks to encourage readers with uplifting, self-affirming, motivational messages/stories throughout the course of the book for positive reassurance. Dear Sick Mental Virus is an empowering, thought-provoking, tear jerking expression of poetry and a piece a literacy that will have a lasting impact on readers.
Mental Health Facility
Melissa Owens’ Mental Health Facility is a masterful exploration of the dark undercurrents in the mental health industry. Through four harrowing stories, Owens exposes the ethical dilemmas, systemic flaws, and human cost of a field often shrouded in silence. This thought-provoking collection delves deep into the challenges faced by both workers and clients, presenting an unflinching critique of an institution that struggles to balance humanity with profitability.
Each story stands as a distinct yet interconnected piece, delivering impactful narratives that are as compelling as they are unsettling. In “Rachel’s Story,” ambition erodes integrity, illustrating how personal gain can compromise professional ethics. “I Trust My Clients” examines the delicate balance between loyalty to coworkers and the responsibility to protect clients. “Treat Me with Some Respect” highlights the grim consequences of prioritizing corporate image over safety, while “Nurse Ratchet” unveils the betrayal of an oath, leading to turmoil that echoes through the system.
Owens writes with precision and depth, bringing the cold, clinical backdrop of mental health facilities vividly to life. Her descriptive prowess draws readers into environments marked by sterility, monotony, and concealed chaos, setting the perfect stage for the narratives’ unfolding tensions. Themes of power, neglect, and moral ambiguity permeate each story, encouraging reflection on the industry’s impact not just on individuals but on the broader community. The book’s strength lies in its multifaceted approach.
Owens crafts well-developed characters and engaging storylines, ensuring each narrative holds its own while contributing to the overarching critique. Her meticulous pacing and sharp insights keep readers engrossed, blending stark reality with immersive storytelling. The tone, though stern, is balanced by the humanity of her characters, making the work both enlightening and deeply emotional.
With Mental Health Facility, Owens delivers an essential commentary on an often-overlooked sector. Her ability to weave gripping stories with social critique creates a book that is as informative as it is compelling, leaving readers with much to ponder about the complexities of mental health care.
Pages: 103 | ASIN : B0DJNPZGZ8
Collecting Quotes
The Little Book of Quotes by Women is a delightful, compact collection of 365 quotes from influential women who have graced U.S. postage stamps. Where did the idea for this book come from and how did it develop over time?
When I was in fifth grade, I was late for class and the teacher made me write “To thine own self be true” on the blackboard 100 times in front of the entire class. Needless to say, it was embarrassing. It taught me a lesson to never be late again as well as led me down a path of collecting quotes. I published my collection of favorite quotes in The Little Book of Gratitude Quotes in 2011.
The quote “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty” by Maya Angelou was my favorite, it reminds me that growing is not easy. Do you have a favorite quote from this book and why?
Quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt have always been my favorites, including “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” This quote has inspired me for many years and especially inspired me to have a dream of being a writer, hold onto the hope of that dream, and to hopefully make a difference in the lives of others with books.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
I started working on the first edition of this book more than a decade ago and published it in 2014. About a year ago with the debut of the stamp of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I noticed two things. First off, I realized that the stamps were much more ornate and life-like. Second, I realized that there were many new stamps of women I admired from Betty Ford, Lena Horne, Toni Morrison, and Sally Ride to the women who appeared on the Underground Railroad series including Harriet Tubman and Harriet Jacobs. That is when I decided to update the book and include biographical information about all the women who have appeared on U.S. Postage Stamps over the past 130 years.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
In 2025, I am looking forward to the publication of my next picture books which all feature animals as storytellers: Be WHOO You Are, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star, and Whoo! Hoo!Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo. I am currently working on a series of middle grade ocean mystery books tentatively titled Shell Shocked about two friends who tend to sea turtles and wild horses on an island.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | AKABOOKS | Amazon
Their words of wisdom have been thematically arranged in twelve sections including “Beauty,” “Courage,” “Happiness,” “Freedom,” “Possibility,” “Service,” and “Strength.” The Little Book of Quotes by Women features quotes from more than 130 women including Emily Dickinson, Pearl S. Buck, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Lena Horne, Helen Keller, Margaret Mead, Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman, Mother Teresa, and more.
The women featured in this book all share one thing in common—they have indeed left their stamp on history. Their unforgettable quotes have stood the test of time.
LITERARY TITAN 