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The Courage to Begin Again: Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention
The Courage to Begin Again: Stories of Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention is an anthology of deeply personal stories from women who moved to Mexico and rebuilt their lives in unexpected ways. Each chapter explores a different perspective on starting over: the shock of cultural change, the struggle of loneliness, the bittersweet weight of leaving old lives behind, and the surprising joy of discovering new strengths. The voices range from lighthearted accounts of food and music to raw admissions of fear, loss, and self-doubt. What holds it all together is a theme of reinvention and resilience, showing that change, while often painful, can also be liberating.
Reading it, I found myself caught between admiration and empathy. The writing isn’t flowery or overly polished, which actually works in its favor. It feels honest. The women share their failures and embarrassments with as much detail as their triumphs, and that kind of vulnerability is hard to look away from. At times, I felt like I was eavesdropping on a conversation, with all the warmth and awkward pauses included. Some stories hit me hard, especially the parts about loneliness and feeling invisible in a crowd. I could almost feel the ache in my own chest. Other sections lifted me, like the small wins like finding a supportive friend, learning enough Spanish to laugh at a joke, or sitting at a long lunch surrounded by a new community.
What surprised me most was how much energy these women poured into reshaping themselves. Some leaned into self-care and spirituality, while others threw themselves into work, art, or friendship. At times, I thought the pacing of certain stories slowed as it circled the same lessons. But then again, maybe that’s the point. Starting over is messy. It’s not a neat arc, and this book doesn’t try to make it one. I respected that choice. By the time I reached the final pages, I felt a mix of exhaustion and inspiration, like I had traveled alongside them through the highs and lows.
I’d recommend The Courage to Begin Again: Stories of Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention to anyone standing at a crossroads, whether they’re moving countries or just moving into a new stage of life. It’s especially powerful for women who’ve had to leave something behind, be it a career, a home, or even a version of themselves.
Pages: 144 | ASIN : B0F7YM8QPL
Mood and Mystique
Midnights in October is a collection of thirty-one fifty-five-word tales offering glimpses into the supernatural, giving readers an eerie story to cherish each night in October. What was the inspiration for this unique collection?
October is my favorite month of the year. I love the changing light, the temperature cooling, and the overall anticipation of All Hallows Eve. It occurred to me that having a nightly morsel to read would be a great way to add to the mood and mystique of such a month while enticing us, every night, to spend an hour or two by candlelight making up our own fables on the spot.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this book?
As Angel Numbers go, five is an intriguing one, and so are double fives. Infected by the notion of combining powerful numbers and words into a spellcasting fest, I committed to keeping my micro-fictions within a 55-word limit. I won’t lie, the revisions were numerous, at least five for each one, and word placement was maddening, but after extensive beta-reading, editing, and proofing, each micro fiction felt just right. It helped that there are specific observances in the month of October, which gave me a ready topic to explore. The other 13 days became a mixture of supernatural slices, wishful thinking, or expressed views.
Do you have a favorite selection from Midnights in October? One that was especially fun to write.
My favorite is October 31, “Halloween.” Every time I read it, I pat myself on the back because it paints such a dreamlike picture. As far as fun ones to write, I’d have to say October 2nd, “The Sky is Falling,” and October 17th, “¡Salud!”
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My Faerie Legacy series, chronicling the lives of 3 matriarchs in hybrid faery-human family, is currently a trilogy (now available in Spanish), and I’m contemplating writing a 4th book. I’ve barely started the outline process, so it won’t be a 2026 publication— 2027 might be more on the mark.
Author Links: GoodReads | BlueSky | Facebook | Website | Amazon
But words said in October will inevitably conjure a spellcasting fest.
‘Tis the season for lit-tricky-treats, so dive in, make a ritual of it and, on the fly, compose your own nightly fable in fifty-five words or less.
Why fifty-five?
It’s all about the energy double fives lend to the moment or task.
When casting in October, let your words, or the components of your spell, be 55 in number. Its power will infuse your intention with signature energies like adventure, change, development, opportunity, and transformation, all vital when seeking to begin afresh.
A Snapshot of a Moment
Stories Heard from the Heart’s Whisper is a collection of lyrical free verse giving readers a raw, poetic mosaic of memory, pain, love, and spiritual reckoning. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I think the origins can be traced back to when I released my first book ‘Marching with a Broken Shadow’. I put a lot of emphasis on releasing that book within the parameters of being thematically linked and conceptually realised; a work that wasn’t just a collection of poems, but that told a story from start to finish. When considering ‘Stories Heard from the Heart’s Whisper’ I wanted to chase something more ambitious – something that still existed as more than just a collection of poems, and that tapped into storytelling… almost in a cyclical nature… but that was grander and more of a risk in terms of style. I think this was what eventually led to the idea of having chapters, and focalising the storytelling through the mode of epic poetry; but then still using some shorter punchy poems to kinda of capitalise on the overarching narrative. I think mostly it was probably a symptom of reacting against what I perceive to be a very boring environment in the contemporary poetry world… where there is this battle between highly emotional poetry that is of poor quality vs overly sophisticated and patronising poetry that is just a weapon for a guy with a moustache sipping a latte with a poodle at his feet. Hopefully I at least created something unique.
Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you have any rituals or routines when writing poetry?
For this particular collection I found songs and music to be very inspiring. Everything was hand written first. Apart from that I wouldn’t say there were any particular rituals or routines. Perhaps what made this collection more challenging in that context was the fact that I had to write specifically for certain chapters/themes, so there wasn’t as much scope to write on pure whim – which is perhaps why I released two shorter poetry collections, ‘Wings’ and ‘Fists in the Eye that Blinks on a Pin’, whilst writing ‘Stories Heard from the Heart’s Whisper’.
Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
I’m glad this question was raised. I really appreciated the review by Literary Titan, and in particular the realisation that is portrayed by the line “Russell doesn’t write to impress; he writes to bleed. There’s an unpolished sincerity here that I admire”. This endeavour was certainly aimed to challenge myself, and to create something unique… something that broke convention. I don’t see a point in writing to be palatable to a specific audience, or writing to meet a reader’s expectations… I think poetry as an art form should be aiming to challenge readers, and to invoke questions and doubts. I remember studying poetry at school and it being so highly analytical; looking into the structures of poem, the syllables in the lines, the double meanings, the plays on language etc. To me, poetry isn’t just supposed to be something to read and garner a brief emotional reaction, it is meant to be something that you unpack, and solve… It was funny, I got a very poor review from someone who said that I had overlooked the patience of the 21st century reader… and I thought, what a funny criticism; I’m not tying anyone up forcing them to read it – this was the mode of artistic expression that I wanted to convey, fully aware that most people aren’t going to want to read 1000 word poems… but why should anyone, following any artistic pursuit, be beholden to the comfort zones of people who’s main endeavour is to criticize.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this poetry collection?
Certainly the editing process was the biggest challenge with this collection. Given the sheer lengths of the epic poems, it was very difficult to sit down and ensure that there was consistency with my reading and interpretations; and even concentration level. I did so many rounds of editing, and if I didn’t release it when I did I would probably still be making adjustments now… but that is the beauty of art I think, is that it is a snapshot of a moment… imperfect, but perhaps perfect in what it reflects of that moment in time.
Author Links: GoodReads
In what memories would your soul live, if only it had a choice?
In Dyson Russell’s second anthological collection of poetry, he seeks to gift the power of words to the heart and soul… Allowing for dramatic exploration of the depths of human emotion and experience through the guise of the unconscious – the inner spirit. Uniquely structured, and broken into ten chapters, Russell uses his penchant for poetic narrative to tell a story that is truly whispered from the secrets of the heart. Take the quest, and walk side by side your soul, as you uncover ‘Stories Heard From the Heart’s Whisper’
Words Are Powerful
WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING. is a collection of poetic meditations delivered in short verses, reflections, and fragments resembling journal entries. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
Words to Think. Or to Sing. was created to connect pop music lovers, curious minds, thoughtful people, and poetic souls through sonorous art, right from its earliest stage. Music artists usually keep their process mostly private while creating, maybe occasionally sharing some behind-the-scenes after everything is ready and available to stream. I wanted to offer a glimpse into my mind and soul from the beginning of the story in an original, special manner instead, and thought that poetic parts of my pop songs in progress, paired with little insights about their meanings, would be a great way to introduce myself.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this poetry collection?
This publication actually consists of lyric excerpts from pop songs I plan to release one at a time, so it can’t be considered a traditional, classic poetry collection. Modern poetry felt like the closest category to classify it. The biggest challenge lay exactly in this multifaceted nature. Although my songwriting style in general could be described as minimalistic, poetic, and relatable, I had to choose which passages worked well as stand-alone excerpts that could best support this concept of teasing songs while inspiring self-reflection and conversations through selected snippets.
How do you approach writing about deeply personal or emotional topics?
When something catches my attention longer than usual, whether positive or not, I often start to play with words to describe what the situation means to me. It feels like processing or closure, which then, when explored further, can become tuneful. From there, some of these ideas might turn into song concepts, lyric excerpts, and one day, songs to stream. In doing so, I like to use deep but accessible metaphors which come from living life with an open heart and mind. That is my biggest inspiration. For instance, in the excerpt called VANISH, which is about unfulfilled, fading written promises, you can find a delicate interplay between light and rain symbolizing the alternating moments of healing or relief and the recurring storm inside. While both sunlight and tempests consume that piece of paper keeping those promises present and alive, time passes and the words fade as the mind finds its peace. I don’t want to spoil too much, but I hope you will get the chance to read it and maybe one day, even sing some of your favorite lines together with me at the top of our lungs. I think it’s a pretty cool perspective to know that the book is not the end, but just the beginning. Other authors write sequels. I do songs and artistic multimedia concepts from the shared fragments of this work.
How has this collection changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
Deciding to curate and publish this book first, instead of following the usual song-release model, is another testament that I’m not the type for those rushed rides the industry is used to, nor to support a fast-food art approach. That’s why I’m inviting everyone interested to join me in this unique evolving music journey instead. Words are powerful, and if set to music, they become even more memorable and emotional. I want them to linger a little longer and deeply connect with those resonating with all this. Music has always been profoundly meaningful and empowering to me. I would be more than glad and truly honored to become a long-time companion to the readers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Websites
Not with the words, not with the melody, but with a feeling.
Becoming a vision, becoming lines, becoming a complete piece of sonorous truth meant to be shared to unite people who resonate with it.
A mystical, fascinating process you can now be part of.
INTENSIA, a new heartfelt, poetic singer songwriter likely to belong with your favorite pop music companions, is turning the traditional release model upside down, inviting you to look into her soul and mind before anyone else.
Be among the first to witness this spark before her distinctive voice echoes through the world. This unique approach offers an unprecedented glimpse into evolving art, so you can feel and enjoy the essence of her songs before they are even complete.
Dive into this curated collection of lyric excerpts and emotional snapshots from pop songs in progress. Each piece stands on its own as a modern, poetic message, paired with brief reflections about the meaning or emotions behind the words.
It is more than something to read. It is a space to pause, reflect, and connect, with room for your thoughts and reflections too. Write what moves you, what you feel, what you dream. This book and its songs to be are meant to accompany you wherever you go.
For even more space to express yourself, the companion notebook PLACE TO THINK. OR TO WRITE. (ISBN 978-3-911445-02-3) is available as a dedicated space.
WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING. out 26 June 2025 on Amazon. Paperback (ISBN 978-3-911445-00-9), eBook (ISBN 978-3-911445-01-6).
Join INTENSIA’s free Intense Inside Club at http://www.intensia.music and discover this special music developing experience as it unfolds, where connection begins as songs come to life.
#intensiawords
WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING.
Intensia’s Words to Think. Or to Sing. is a collection of poetic meditations that bounce between philosophy, humor, identity, and raw emotion. Structured as a notebook of short verses, reflections, and fleeting thoughts, the book offers a tapestry of lyrical fragments that read like journal entries or inner monologues caught mid-thought. It doesn’t follow a clear narrative. Instead, it invites the reader to wander, pause, laugh, and ponder. The voice shifts freely, sometimes abstract, sometimes punchy, often surprising. At its heart, this book is a dance between the silly and the sacred, the vulnerable and the absurd.
I enjoyed how unfiltered it all felt. There’s this wild honesty in the way the author jumps from introspective sadness to cheeky self-mockery. One line made me laugh. Another hit me hard. And somehow, they sat right next to each other like old friends. I love when a book doesn’t try to be tidy. This one doesn’t even pretend. It’s messy in a good way. It feels like real thought, like someone actually thinking on the page instead of crafting perfect poetry. That made it feel alive. The kind of alive that’s a little chaotic and a little beautiful.
Some bits felt so random I had to reread them three times to decide if they meant something. And I liked that feeling, though I imagine it could drive other readers nuts. There’s no clear plot, no through-line, and the tone switches gears fast. I personally enjoy that kind of unpredictability. It reminded me of flipping through a notebook someone left behind on a park bench, strange, funny, haunting, and kind of thrilling.
I’d recommend this book to people who like their literature weird and personal and a little rough around the edges. If you’re into poetry that feels more like a whisper or a smirk than a polished performance, you’ll probably love this. Artists, songwriters, or anyone who finds inspiration in broken lines and passing moods will find gold in here.
Pages: 104 | ASIN : B0F9RR5TK9
Stories Heard From the Heart’s Whisper
In Stories Heard from the Heart’s Whisper, Dyson Russell gives us a raw, poetic mosaic of memory, pain, love, and spiritual reckoning. The book is a sweeping collection of lyrical free verse that reads like a long, emotional dream. Each chapter unfolds like a new season in a soul’s life, with themes of youth, mourning, rage, wonder, and healing weaving in and out like whispers caught in the wind. The poetry is divided into ten chapters, structured with recurring imagery like nature, dreams, brokenness, and celestial light. It pulls readers through reflections on identity, loss, trauma, and a hope that flickers but never quite dies out.
The writing is intense. It’s visceral in a way that made me pause and breathe before moving on. Russell doesn’t write to impress; he writes to bleed. There’s an unpolished sincerity here that I admire. The metaphors come fast and layered. Sometimes overwhelming, sometimes perfect. I loved how certain poems slipped into my memory as if I’d read them in a dream before. “The Breeze as a Name” and “Mourning in Morning” left knots in my chest.
Russell doesn’t tie up pain with a ribbon. He lets sadness sit beside you like a guest who isn’t leaving soon. And still, there’s hope. There’s tenderness, especially in how the poet talks to his past selves, his ghosts, his fading memories. At times, it reminded me of late-night conversations with someone you trust, where everything spills out and nothing has to make perfect sense. Some poems wandered a bit, sure, and the repetition of certain motifs occasionally dulled their impact, but it didn’t take away from the heart of the book. The voice here is honest.
I’d recommend Stories Heard from the Heart’s Whisper to anyone who’s ever sat with heartbreak long enough to name it. It’s not for those in a rush or looking for clean answers. But for readers who want to feel, who don’t mind getting a little lost in beauty and sorrow, this book will resonate.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0FB8DRM44
A Family’s Worth of Writings
A Family’s Worth of Writings is a deeply personal collection of poems, essays, and reflections written by four members of a single family: James Stockton, his sister Joyce Culton, and his daughters Sara Skelton and Ellen Stockton. Spanning themes like love, grief, patriotism, faith, humor, and the everyday joys and struggles of life, this book reads like a scrapbook of heartfelt moments captured in verse. Each piece feels like a window into a different life experience, often raw, sometimes whimsical, and always earnest. It’s more than just writing, it’s a stitched-together portrait of a family’s emotional and spiritual fabric.
I liked James Stockton’s tone. It’s plainspoken, honest, and relatable. His writing doesn’t try to be fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. The emotional truth of his work comes through clearly in poems like “Don’t Cry for Me When I Die” and “I Had a Dream.” His reflections often lean religious and philosophical, but he never preaches. Instead, he shares doubts, fears, and faith in a tone that feels like a quiet conversation over coffee. The poems have a kind of homemade beauty to them, like a quilt made with love and imperfection. I found myself laughing at his light verses and nodding quietly at the heavier ones.
The structure is a bit scattershot, jumping from silly holiday lyrics to serious political commentary and back again. But there’s an honesty to that jumble. Life isn’t organized by genre, and neither is this book. The pieces by his daughters, especially the one by Ellen, added a touching layer of perspective. They’re not polished, but they’re genuine. And there’s something powerful about seeing every voice represented.
A Family’s Worth of Writings is sincere, it’s personal, and it’s full of love. I’d recommend this book to anyone who finds meaning in family, faith, and the small details of life. It’s for readers who don’t mind a little roughness if it comes with heart. If you’ve ever written something just to get a feeling out, you’ll find a kindred spirit in these pages.
Pages: 269 | ASIN : B0FB234Y17
A Little Time More
40 Days of Fasting is a collection of 40 poems resulting from a four-week period of fasting and covering forgiveness, service, humility, and enlightenment. Why was this an important collection for you to write?
Interestingly, I didn’t intend to write much, maybe journal my thoughts during the fast, but as the prologue explains, these unconscious impulses to chronicle a stream of messages, counsel, and admonitions suddenly came through in rich, poetic form. Strange indeed, for never was I an enthusiast of this genre of art. Now, 40 Days of Fasting is the product of this uncanny and provocative inner experience.
How do you know when a poem is truly finished?
I came out of this interfacing with Carlos – my muse – when no more words were channeled. There was a silence, an emptiness, and a mental weariness after the experience. There was an abrupt end to the flow of words.
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
“A Time Appointed,” I would say. It centers on death, the most significant of all initiations we experience in a given incarnation. Scripturally, we are told that there’s a time–irrevocable–for us to be called home; not a second before or after are we summoned. But there are times, few and far between, when we can petition for a moment, a little time more, not for selfish ends, but to complete a service unfinished for the betterment of others. In these rare cases, it is granted by Source. And I have reason to believe this based on my own experience. “A Time Appointed” ventures into this phenomenon.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from 40 Days of Fasting?
I pray that this work is studied, not just read. Therein are timeless, irrefutable teachings that speak to us. These truths liberate us from the world’s illusions and the seemingly ceaseless cycle of suffering.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This book is not merely about abstaining from food or water. It is a journey through the soul’s deep yearning to reunite with its Source. Each poem is a meditation-on love, death, healing, divine presence, spiritual purity, and the human struggle for truth. These recitations echo ancient teachings while remaining deeply personal, echoing the author’s own trials, revelations, and reconciliations.
40 Days of Fasting invites readers to slow down and reflect. Drawing on spiritual philosophies from various traditions-Christianity, Islam, Eastern mysticism, and metaphysical teachings-the poems act as spiritual signposts, guiding us back to our essence. Themes of divine mercy, inner light, karmic justice, sacred union, and the soul’s eternal nature are explored with poetic grace.
Whether read as a devotional companion, a meditative guide, or a poetic reflection, this book touches something universal. It does not preach. It invites. It does not declare answers. It helps the reader ask the right questions.
Above all, 40 Days of Fasting is a testament to the soul’s quiet knowing and the sacred power of listening during times of intentional silence. It is both a personal diary and a mystical manual-an offering to all those walking the spiritual path with faith, doubt, longing, and hope.
LITERARY TITAN 