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The Train is Only Speeding Up…
Early Adopter is a captivating collection of eight short stories that take a hard look at the promises and pitfalls of human progress. What was the inspiration for the setup of your collection?
I was raised to follow a simple maxim: “look both ways before you cross the street.” It’s an obvious rule, but also an important one—be sure to assess the dangers before you put yourself at risk. I’m proud to say that I’ve gone my near-30 years of life without being struck by a car, largely thanks to that one rule. But every now and again, I’ll watch someone boldly and carelessly stride into the street without looking. Most end up just fine, but always I feel a drop in my gut when I see folks take such a reckless risk… and right now, thinking of the society we live in, I again feel that same drop in my stomach.
We live in a world where AI models are rolling out that can perform better than PhDs on comprehensive assessments. Just days ago, I was playing with an AI music model where I only had to type in lyrics and a complete song was generated in mere minutes… I played it aloud in front of my family, and they were convinced it was a real song.
They say that technology’s growth is exponential, but only in the past few years have I really felt like the evidence is plain enough to see. Our decisions right now about AI safety, alignment, containment, and implementation will literally shape the following centuries. Many people clamoring for the march (or sprint) of progress don’t quite understand the implications of the changes they’re cheering on… history is filled with no shortage of examples of moments when humankind leapt before we looked.
Most of the stories in the collection orbit that same theme: progress isn’t free, and either we pay now in caution, or later, in misfortune.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
People are compelling mixtures of contradictions. Most people have similar wants, but different priorities. Improve the world, help others, promote the self… most people likely share those goals, but which comes first will certainly vary from person to person. I always think there’s really interesting drama to be found where those priorities clash. Sometimes to prioritize one is to compromise another. A few stories in the collection explore that tension… take a person who wants to help others, but add in a dash of self-interest, and suddenly the drive to help others is twisted into something more convenient… and something often much worse.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
At the risk of sounding like a cliché, AI is transforming our world. The 2030s and beyond will look like nothing we can imagine, and the train is only speeding up… Despite the significance of these changes, discourse surrounding AI makes it clear that most people don’t quite understand the dangers.
Everyone has heard the doomsaying: “AI will destroy our economy!” “GPT5 will take your job.” “Artists will starve!” There might be nuggets of truth in those sorts of claims, but they largely misrepresent the threat. Pop culture does us no favors, either—sci-fi is littered with examples of evil AI who seem to have merely downloaded the “destroy all humans” software update. Oops.
But as someone with a long personal background in computer science (and machine learning specifically), I know that the dangers of AI extend to far more than financial concerns or an accidentally toggled murder-switch. My goal with this collection was to highlight these true, science-grounded risks in an approachable way—by the time they finish, readers won’t even realize they’ve learned about the alignment problem or reward hacking. The stories in the collection establish their rules and follow them faithfully to their thrilling (and sometimes horrifying) ends.
I’m no luddite; I’ve fully embraced AI tools in my professional life and I’d recommend most others do, too. But I’d hope any reader who finished the collection would agree that AI requires tremendous systemic caution. It doesn’t merely endanger our society… it endangers our humanity, too.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on a book that straddles the line between sci-fi and fantasy. Its current working title is The Men of the Mountain, and I’m hoping to have it published some time in 2025—though this may be the first book I really push hard to query to literary agents, meaning its timeline of release is far from certain. Here’s its blurb!
Inscrutable and Ever-Watchful Masters
The Men of the Mountain are fair; they bring the denizens of Fort Hope their food, shelter them from their enemies, and provide them with children to rear.
Cade Clanless is a humble trapper from humble folk. Ever since his sister’s disappearance, he’s suspected the green-robed mystics aren’t quite what they seem. And when a chance encounter in the woods presents him with an unlikely ally, Cade is thrust into a war he never wanted for a world he soon realizes he never truly knew at all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon | Website | Book Review
“Early Adopter” is a collection of short stories from the edge of human progress. Eight stories hold dark mirrors to our own world… experience thought-provoking sci-fi, technologic tragedy, and pulse-pounding thrillers.
To Run Again: Dr. Laura Brandie is ready to change the world.
She’s the lead researcher behind the KSE, a revolutionary cure for paralysis and neurodegenerative conditions. And now, by good fortune, she’s found the perfect candidate for her first human trial: a man who suffers from locked-in syndrome.
Brett Harmon’s paralysis is total: he can’t move his arms, legs, torso, neck, or face. To the outside world, he’s little more than a statue that breathes… but Dr. Brandie’s KSE might be the miracle that allows Brett to run again.
Homonoia: The world faces an unprecedented alignment of catastrophes and failing systems, far too intricate and interconnected for any human to solve. Frank Burman joins with seven other volunteers for Project Homonoia–a radical, last-ditch effort to postpone the apocalypse. Separate minds link to form one multidisciplinary consciousness, the world’s first human superorganism… a hive mind. But with the world’s health rapidly failing, can Project Homonoia work out its kinks in time to make a difference?
Early Adopter: A loner enters into a relationship with a new type of partner: an AI agent, programmed to be the “perfect companion.”
Sure, it’s all self-deception and a game of pretend, as she’s not actually real… but where simulated consciousness is concerned, maybe the lines between real and real enough can get blurry.
Path of Discovery
Does It Look Like Her? is a collection of poems centered around a painting of a middle-aged mother and artist, each evoking a unique perspective and reflection on the accuracy of art. Why was this an important collection for you to share?
Great question! I am a writer and teacher who also loves visual arts. I’m at an exciting point in my writing, too—I’m far from a beginning author, and yet I also have many more exciting ideas and characters I want to explore and share in my poetry, prose, photography, and drawing. I want to share this motivation and excitement with readers.
I also want to encourage fellow writers that it’s both never too late to begin, continue, or finish/share a literary project and also that all writers at all ages and stages of developing as creative artists have something meaningful, unique, and connective to share with readers and fellow authors.
I am intrigued by your writing style in Does It Look Like Her? What inspired you to write each selection from a different point of view?
Thank you! I started as a fiction writer (which I still also write), and I often still see elements of fiction such as character development—as inspiring to my poetry process. Narrative poetry such as in this collection offers a chance to blend two of my artistic loves—storytelling and poetry writing. My protagonist’s voice and that of her young son were some of the first poems I wrote in the collection, and it became very exciting to follow their voices on the page. I also love exploring how various other characters, such as Alix’s supportive coworker friend and her son’s dad, have very different viewpoints about Alix’s art and her personality based on their own experiences in life.
I love tuning into each character’s frustrations and goals; it’s almost like tuning into a new podcast or a different radio station. Each character is a new world, and there’s a wealth of imagery, dialogue, character development, line and stanza breaks, and so much more when exploring more than one POV in poetry. I’m endlessly fascinated and entertained by characters as they show up when I write a series or collection of poems.
What is one thing you hope your readers take away from your work?
I’d love for Alix’s story to offer readers encouragement and enthusiasm for their own writing and/or art making and for teachers or soon-to-be educators to find some of their own story in Alix’s journey as a new educator which, much like being a writer and artist, is an ever-winding life path of discovery, setbacks, challenges, and joys.
Can we look forward to more releases from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, I love a good project, so I’m always working on a few that I look forward to sharing. Two of my latest projects include: writing another narrative poetry collection about a librarian protagonist which is set in the late 1940s/early 1950s during polio epidemics as well as completing a year of drawing doodles every day in a sketchbook in 2024, which has taught me so much about my drawing abilities and also shown me where I need to improve (and which I plan to blog about soon at my website).
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This collection of narrative poetry spans years and POVs—including Alix; her son, Sam; her ex; and her colleague, Meghan—and explores what it means to pursue artistic passion, the personal meanings we overlay onto art and artists in a society not conducive to art-making, ambition at midlife, the indirect route to so-called overnight success, and more.
Includes Questions for Discussion, Reflection, or Journaling as well as Additional Reading Suggestions.
Beautiful Relationships
Beautiful Relationships by Milind Kulkarni offers a heartfelt collection of seven short stories, each delving into the complexities and warmth of human connections. These fictional tales don’t depict real people or events but capture the timeless and familiar dynamics we all experience. Kulkarni’s work reads like a love letter to the significant people in our lives, gently reminding us of the power of kindness and the impact of relationships that shape us.
Among the collection, Foster Son stands out as a particularly moving piece. This story resonated with me deeply, portraying the selflessness of a young boy inspired by the compassion of his parents. It paints a vivid and all-too-real picture of a child at school who struggles with hunger due to his family’s financial hardships. Many of us have witnessed such scenarios or felt that pang of empathy for a friend in need. Kulkarni beautifully illustrates how a single act of kindness can blossom into a friendship that changes both lives, encouraging growth and inspiring hope. It’s a reminder of how simple gestures can transform hearts and lead to enduring bonds. Kulkarni’s collection speaks to universal truths. Each story imparts a moral lesson, something that feels increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world. Through his narratives, he emphasizes the shared experiences that connect us all, regardless of background or origin. There’s a sense of nostalgia and gentle wisdom in his writing, as though he’s rekindling values we may have forgotten. His stories remind us that at our core, we’re all shaped by the same joys and struggles that make us profoundly human.
Beautiful Relationships is a quick, comforting read, perfect for anyone seeking warmth and a touch of hope. As the winter cold creeps in, this book feels like a cozy blanket for the soul, a collection that will make you want to reach out to loved ones and share its uplifting messages. You’ll likely find yourself eager to pass it along, sparking conversations and kindness. It’s a read you won’t regret, and its heartfelt themes will linger with you long after you turn the last page.
Pages: 124 | ASIN : B0BWDLPRTB
Caffeinated
Annette Gagliardi’s Caffeinated is a playful and thought-provoking tribute to our beloved daily brews. The poems are inspired by caffeine culture, intertwining humor, warmth, and occasional gravity. With its energetic verses about coffee and tea, the collection explores everything from morning rituals to philosophical musings fueled by our favorite stimulants. Each page offers a unique poetic reflection, whether it’s about the simple pleasure of a first cup in “Morning Wakeup” or an ode to the sensory delights of chocolate and its endorphin-releasing magic in “An Ode to Cacao.”
One of my favorite aspects of the collection is how it balances the everyday with the profound. “Worker Bees” dives into the monotony of daily routines, likening caffeine-seekers to “lemmings” and capturing the grind (pun intended) of modern work life. It’s relatable, but it leaves you thinking about our dependence on productivity and stimulation. Gagliardi also explores vivid sensory experiences, bringing morning beverages to life in a way that feels tangible. “Gourmand of Orange” is luscious, detailing a character devouring a tangerine, even stealing its color and scent. But then there’s “Murder for Tea,” which jars you back to harsh realities, juxtaposing the serenity of a garden party with the brutality of human violence. It’s a striking contrast, making you question how we find comfort amidst chaos. The emotional swing in these poems is sharp but effective.
Despite the lighthearted premise, the collection doesn’t shy away from thoughtful or somber themes. “Our Daily Excess” comments on society’s emotional numbness and the blaring noise of our exaggerated reactions. It makes you pause to wonder if we’ve truly lost “whole octaves of feeling.” The juxtaposition of these deep reflections with fun, caffeinated poems makes the reading experience rich and varied. By the end, “Homeward Bound” wraps up with a comforting sentiment, bringing us back to the warmth of home and routine.
Caffeinated is perfect for poetry lovers who appreciate a mix of humor and sincerity. It’s a great pick-me-up for anyone who enjoys reflecting on the small and powerful pleasures of life. Fans of accessible yet thoughtful verse will find this collection a rewarding read, especially if you love coffee, tea, or both.
Pages: 40 | ISBN : 9198959824
My Own Serious Flaws
The Songs of a Sinner is a collection of religious and personal reflections nestled within a blend of narrative and lyrical poetry. Why was this an important collection for you to share?
I wanted to spread the message of Christ, but not in a way that would offend people. The Bible is beautiful literature. Only about half of the poems are directly related to the scripture. I think that even a non-Christian can enjoy the poetry and the stories, even though they may not agree with the themes.
Poetry is difficult for me but rewarding. Sonnets and iambic pentameter are hard. I remember many a dark night trying to fit another syllable into a line of poetry. While sonnets are challenging, I think that it is important for us to continue the old formats and traditions. Otherwise, they will die out. I enjoy free verse, but it is too unstructured for me; whereas sonnets are highly rigid in form. Forcing myself to write sonnets even though I feel constrained by them, produces my best work. It can be frustrating. I do not use any artificial intelligence in my poetry and for that reason, it is not perfect. But, I hope that people will enjoy my poems even though they are written mostly by hand and have flaws. Sometimes, the flaws are what makes something human. I am not a fan of artificial intelligence as I have expressed in my book.
I want to explore other formats as well: The metric and rhyming scheme of American poets such as Emily Dickinson are very pleasing to me.
Do you have a favorite selection within The Songs of a Sinner? One that particularly resonates with you?
The poem, “The Prosecutor” is about me. It expresses my own reservations and questions about my own salvation. I sent literally thousands of people to prison during my twenty years at the Department of Justice. I destroyed lives, buried businesses, wrecked families, and punished criminals severely. It was all in the name of the law. Criminals have to pay their debts to society, but I had so much power and so much discretion that I started to wonder, “Who am I to judge people?” I have my own serious flaws. With a wave of my hand, someone could be indicted and destroyed, personally and financially. Whereas, another I might spare. I began to seriously question my own moral judgment in these decisons. I tried, honestly, to make my community a safer place to live, but looking back on my life, I certainly see a lot of destruction that I did.
How did you decide on the title for your collection?
I wish I had chosen another title because the title is very similar to others, including a popular song. When I wrote the book it was as a repentent sinner seeking atonement — or at least something like that. I know that when I die, I will face an interview with Jesus, and he is likely to say, “Norm, you could have done better,” but I am hopeful that he may say, “But, I kind liked your book of poetry.” When I first started writing poetry, I prayed to God. I said, “If you make me strong, I will never make a penny off of this book.” I plan to keep that promise. I have cut the profit margin on the book to almost zero and any money I make — so far, it’s $2.28 — I will donate to charity.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes!! I am retired as an attorney. I am practicing my iambic pentameter. I will write more books, I have submitted a second book here for review. It’s a very different book from my book of poetry. It’s a book of fiction, called Mistakes, Misstatements, Lies and Other Miscommunication Tactics. I would highly recommend this organization if you are seeking a professional independent review. Titan Literary is fair and honest, but they are also kind and forgiving of human errors. I could not ask for more.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
I Don’t Create the Path—I Follow It
Divine In Essence is a collection of imaginative short stories that immerse readers in the supernatural world. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write this collection?
I write to dream. Whenever I compose a story, I keep Beauty on one side, Truth on the other. As long as I’m between the two, I know I’m on the Path. I don’t create the Path—I follow it.
Each of these stories was composed in this manner, for its own sake, not toward this collection in particular…and yet, once the pieces were gathered, Divine In Essence emerged vividly as a totality—not simply an assortment of stories—just as a human body is a totality of organs performing distinctive, necessary tasks aligned to support the function of the whole. For Divine In Essence, that function is to imagine a dream of the world that replaces the world: for the time that you read the words, you live in the dream. The words you imbibe from the page become your own words, and the dreams they describe become your own dreams.
What dreams? Sometimes, a fanciful surrealism emerges, as in the pan-telluric ontological upheavals of “The Great Event” or the fantastic voyage through the id of “Icarus in Bardot.” At other times, a heavy-lidded hypnagogia prevails, as in “I in the Eye,” which relates the observations of a boy imprisoned in his stepmother’s glass eye, or “Your Mother Loves You,” a survivor’s memoir in four dimensions. Occasionally, we float into some pleasant reverie tinged with sorrow, as in the perambulations of the gently damned in “Nancy & Her Man,” or the sweet, meek fortitude of “Mary Alice in the Mirror.”
I should say, many of these stories were written toward the purpose of publication in journals and anthologies. My previous work had been more in the experimental vein, and I had seen it published in various lit journals, online and in print, but I developed an interest in Horror and the Weird (so hospitable as they are to the dream sensation), along with a desire to publish stories in the journals and anthologies of those genres, which tend to be very classy and well-produced. I’m happy to report I managed to appear in several of those publications over the years, including some gorgeous hardcover anthologies from the UK, which hosts a thriving book culture.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore within your stories?
I am an intuitive writer, so I don’t necessarily impose themes on my work, but isn’t it funny how they emerge anyway? Especially in this collection!
Divine In Essence is STEEPED in the dichotomy of human existence between the Real and the Symbolic. The Real is your animal body; the Symbolic is your human spirit. The body (Real) is a medium for suffering and isolation; the spirit (Symbolic) is a medium for ecstasy and connection. Your struggle as a human being is to unify these divergent aspects of your nature, to inhabit both realms at once—to be kind in spite of cruelty, to identify your own pain in the pain of others (and theirs in yours), to understand your suffering within the greater context of your relationships to your family and your species, to be more than a survivor of the world-at-hand but a striver toward another world always out-of-reach.
You don’t create the reality you inhabit—it creates you—but you do create continually the ILLUSION that you’ve created that reality…which is all that makes it bearable. When the illusion is revealed for what it is and stripped away, hope flees, despair triumphs, and the human spirit sinks into perdition. Thus, the illusion MUST be maintained, with Dream as the only viable working method.
Many of my stories concern children. A child must come to terms with the arbitrary, senseless cruelty of existence and develop a sense of ownership over it: “This suffering is MY suffering, a very special sort of suffering indeed…if only I could share it with someone else!”
A child, being innocent, is the perfect victim. People tend to blame adults for their own misfortune: if something bad happened to you, you must have done something to deserve it! You simply can’t think that about a child, however: no child deserves punishment or abuse. That’s probably why I’m attracted to the theme of childhood suffering and how a child in the wake of trauma that is by definition unjust must reimagine the world itself in order to justify and endure it…again, with Dream as the working method.
Do you have a favorite story in your collection? One that was especially enjoyable to craft?
My favorite story is the finale, “The Life of Cherry.” This story represents the summa of all that came before. Each story in Divine In Essence exudes a spiritual dew that flows down into the next, and “The Life of Cherry,” situated at the bottom, collects all that spectral moisture into one supremely potent libation.
On the level of craft, it was incredibly rewarding to write this story. When I began it, I only eked out a few pages before abandoning it to the Purgatory of False Starts, but then I picked it up again six or seven years later, and it flowered on its own into a piece of art so precious and prescient that I can hardly believe it came from me. Whenever I read it, I learn something more about myself. Within my life, it serves as a practical demonstration of Literature’s power as a path to self-knowing. If I should ever doubt my calling to this practice of Writing, I need only to reread “The Life of Cherry” to refresh my conviction.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I’m duking it out with the Muse as we speak. No telling at this point how it will go, but I’m rooting for Her!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
You will encounter:
a young boy captive in his stepmother’s glass eye,
the engrossing diary of a sassy and intrepid girl-ghost,
an “impudent” woman consigned to a passive life in a mirror,
a mutilated Fury ransacking the dream world,
Icarus mired in Brigitte Bardot,
ten tales of the Strange to unchain you from the Real.
The stories of Divine In Essence exemplify a sui generis slipstream style that deftly weaves a psychedelic literary fabric from elements of Irrealism, Occult Horror, Oneiric Fiction, and the Weird. Attune your mind and be transformed. Escape!
“Yarrow Paisley dictates dreams onto paper. His work is like nothing else I’ve read—enchanting, touching, terrifying, absurd.” —E. Catherine Tobler, author of The Necessity of Stars
“With his trademark sly humor, Paisley has created a world in a glass eye, a tour de force guaranteed to give readers delightful nightmares.” —Mickey J. Corrigan, author of What I Did for Love
Thrilling Scares
Chimaera and Other Stories is a collection of Flash Fiction for fans of psychological horror with a sharp, bloody edge. What was the inspiration for this collection of stories?
The inspiration for Chimaera and Other Stories came from growing up immersed in horror. As a child, I watched a lot of horror films. The first one I remember seeing was A Nightmare on Elm Street. But it wasn’t only films. I also read R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series in primary school and the darker, more gothic tales of Edgar Allan Poe like “The Tell-Tale Heart.” I’ve always been captivated by how horror lingers in the mind and leaves a lasting impact long after the lights go out.
What intrigues you about the horror genre that led you to write this book?
As H.P. Lovecraft said, “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” Writing this book allowed me to tap into that primal instinct, crafting narratives that explore the unsettling, the gruesome, and the terrors lurking in the unknown.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I explored many themes in this collection in order to give it a “pick and mix” feel. But my main focus was more on form than themes. I wanted to craft something for people who crave that sense of fear but don’t have the time or patience for a full-length novel. Life is busy, and I understand how difficult it is to find time to read between responsibilities. I wanted to write stories under fifteen hundred words that deliver thrilling scares without the need for hours of commitment.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ve almost finished writing another collection of flash horror stories. While I don’t have a specific release date yet, I’m eager to create new narratives that will continue to unsettle and engage readers. I’ll be sharing updates with members of my mailing list, which you can join through my website, as the book progresses.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Winner of the 2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
Dog is Dog
Vincent A. Watson’s Dog is Dog is a charming poetic reflection on self-acceptance, framed through the eyes of a lovable, unapologetically authentic dog. The poem emphasizes how the dog never tries to be anything it’s not, such as a cat, a lion, or a bird. The author’s clear and simple language makes this work accessible to readers of all ages, but its deeper message about embracing who you are and not comparing yourself to others strikes a chord that resonates universally.
The writing is playful and rhythmic, which brings a lighthearted yet profound quality to the poem. I loved how Watson used humor and whimsy to convey his message. For instance, one of my favorite lines goes, “Dog is dog and never tries to be a cow / Dogs don’t go ‘moooooo’ they don’t know how.” The silliness of imagining a dog mooing makes the poem delightful for young readers while driving home the point that dogs—and people—shouldn’t pretend to be something they’re not. The simplicity of the language adds to the charm, making it easy to read aloud and fun to share.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its repetition, which reinforces the central idea: being true to yourself. Each stanza follows a similar structure, starting with “Dog is dog and never tries to be” and then humorously pointing out the absurdity of a dog attempting to act like another creature. This consistent pattern gives the poem a musical quality and makes the message memorable. I found it comforting, like a gentle reminder, especially for young readers who benefit from such repetition to fully grasp important lessons.
Watson’s heartfelt dedication to his children and “all the kids around the world” adds a layer of sincerity to the work. There’s an undeniable warmth to his words as if the author is directly speaking to children, encouraging them to embrace their individuality. The closing lines—“Dogs are happy being dogs, so be happy being yourself too!”—encapsulate the book’s theme beautifully. This message made me smile, and it reminded me of the universal struggle we all face to feel confident in our own skin, no matter our age.
Dog is Dog is a delightful and uplifting read that would be perfect for young children, teachers looking for engaging classroom material, or even adults who appreciate a gentle nudge toward self-acceptance. If you’re searching for a book that delivers an essential message wrapped in humor and joy, I’d highly recommend giving this one a read. Watson’s simple yet powerful words remind us all that there’s only one you—and that’s more than enough.
Pages: 28 : ASIN : B0C3G2GY5X
LITERARY TITAN 