Blog Archives
Archie Bunker, Fred Flinstone, and Mr. Magoo
Alone at Home follows an elderly man’s solo escapades and everyday misadventures while his wife is away, leaving him with just her cat for company. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write another story outside of my mystery/adventure series. Being a fan of Home Alone, I thought a senior citizen version would be interesting, especially if I could craft a character who was a blend of Archie Bunker, Fred Flinstone and bumbling Mr. Magoo. I love cats and decided to center a relationship around conflict with the cat, the nerighboe’s 8-year-old grandson and a couple of well-meaning, but intrusive neighbors. It’s a hilarious romp in the beginning of the book, leading up to Christmas Eve when it turns serious.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Relationships and a haunting memory that contributed to the main character’s grumpiness. The actual twist takes place on Christmas Eve when it changes to a story of redemption.
This is a fun and entertaining novel. Did you have fun writing it?
This was an enjoyable book to write as I drew on real life, humorous experiences from friends and relatives as well as my own clumsiness. My own interactions with my grandsons made their way into the book.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Breakwater Bay will be out this spring. It’s a mystery/adventure primarily set in The Congo. Filled with peril, our protagonist, an investigative reporter, finds himself teamed up with an ex-Navy SEAL and a slippery-tongued British reporter as they fight disaster at every turn while trying to investigate a dark secret.
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His days are filled with hilarious mishaps, from a battle of wits with a cheeky seagull to the relentless interruptions by neighbors. George’s quest for peace is perpetually sabotaged by the precocious grandson of the lady next door among other uproarious incidents.
“Alone At Home” is a heartwarming story of redemption. As George grapples with a haunting memory, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery. It’s a Christmas classic in the making, peppered with wit, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of forgiveness.
There’s Humor Within the Pain
Buffer Zone follows a hapless food service worker enduring the daily grind in a demeaming position. Where did the idea for this book come from?
This book is largely autobiographical. I’ve spent 20 years working in the food service industry, mostly as a waiter. I wanted to incorporate those experiences into this book because as difficult as customer service can be, there’s humor within the pain. In many ways humor is the way I process pain. I believe humor helps us cope with the hardships of life.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your main character’s life?
The concept for this book really started in 2008 when I had an experience in a cafe that I describe in chapter 1. A woman was sitting next to me and getting a little too invasive of my personal space. I had a flashback memory of when I was a kid and I used to build a wall of cereal boxes around me when I ate breakfast. This prompted the first 12 page black & white comic, which later became chapter 1. A couple of years later I created issue 2 about people on the bus, which became chapter 2. A year or so later I released issue 3 about how I wanted to be a ninja as a kid, which became chapter 3. The original title for this comic series was, “White Male Neurosis”, poking fun at the stereotype of the neurotic white guy. Around 2015 I had the idea to combine the stories into a larger book and transform the issues into chapters. I changed the title to “Buffer Zone” because I feel it represents more of the overall theme and tone of the book.
What draws you to the graphic novel genre and makes it ripe for you to write such a great dark comedy in it?
I’ve always enjoyed comic books and graphic novels. I was drawn to the idea that I could tell a story visually any way I choose. There are standards and norms, but really you can frame, compose and pace a story any way you want. The first version of “Buffer Zone” was more like a picture book, but I wanted it to have more movement and action, so I kept revising. I also do stand up comedy occasionally and I used this book as a vehicle for illustrating my stand up material instead of performing it.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I’ve been creating a series of surreal digital paintings for an art exhibition, and I’m currently working on a prequel story to “A Nightmare On Elm St” which I’ve titled “Springwood 1972” about Freddy Krueger living a double life as a serial killer and mild mannered member of the community. This story is a thriller about a town in disarray, a cop in pursuit, and a killer with an insatiable lust. You can view the cover and pages 1-6 on my patreon. This is fan fiction. I have not been commissioned and I don’t have any legal permission to use the characters from these movies, so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to publish it. However, I’d love to. I’ve always been a horror fan, and after spending so much time on a project so personal it is refreshing to create something totally fictional and separate from my life story.
Author Links: Goodreads | Instagram | Facebaook | Patreon | Website
Told through colorful pen & ink illustrations and narrated through the protagonist’s thoughts and memories, “Buffer Zone” is a hilarious journey inside the mind of a waiter on the verge of a breakthrough or a breakdown. This 130 page graphic memoir is a character study of social anxiety, a darkly comical look at food service and an examination of growing up in Midwest America in the 80’s and 90’s.
Alone At Home
Bob Adamov’s Alone at Home is a delightful and heartwarming story that combines humor, nostalgia, and everyday misadventures into a tale of an elderly man’s solo escapades while his wife is away. Set in the charming, oak-lined streets of Southport, North Carolina, the book captures the small-town spirit and a protagonist’s stubborn yet endearing quest for independence. George Ivers, the crotchety octogenarian left to his own devices, inadvertently stumbles through a series of hilarious situations that highlight his aversion to change and his begrudging love for his wife’s cat, Snookums.
One thing I loved about this book is its sheer ability to make me laugh out loud. The scene where George inflates an old pool, only to lose a battle of wits against a smug seagull, had me grinning from ear to ear. It’s so relatable; we’ve all had those moments where something as simple as a bird or broken chair becomes an unexpected foe. The physical comedy in these scenes is top-notch, and Adamov’s writing really brings it to life. George’s antics with his mischievous neighbor’s grandson, Hudson, further add to the humor, especially the “brain freeze” ice cream race. These moments felt both absurd and believable—a testament to Adamov’s skillful depiction of everyday chaos.
The writing captures not only humor but also a sense of melancholy. Beneath George’s gruff demeanor lies a man grappling with aging and longing for his past vitality. It’s these tender moments that make George more than just a comical old man; they make him deeply human. Adamov’s choice to weave humor with vulnerability is brilliant, making the story much richer. It’s impossible not to sympathize with George, even when he’s scheming against the cat or his noisy neighbors.
I’d recommend Alone at Home to anyone who loves character-driven, slice-of-life stories filled with humor and heart. It’s a light, enjoyable read that reminds us to find laughter in life’s absurdities and appreciate the quirks of those we hold dear. For anyone who’s ever dealt with an unruly pet or meddlesome neighbor, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 124 | ASIN : B0DP1GQY47
Buffer Zone
Buffer Zone, by James Michael Williams, takes readers on a darkly comedic journey through the trials of food service, exploring the absurdities of modern work and the existential dread that comes with it. This graphic novel begins by tracing humanity’s evolutionary path from single-celled organisms to the intricate, sentient beings we are today. Then it drops us into the life of one such character—a hapless worker trapped in the food service industry. With biting humor, the story examines what it means to be alive and aware, only to spend that awareness grinding away at a menial, demeaning job.
The protagonist’s plight resonates deeply, particularly for anyone who has ever felt overqualified for their work. Much like the early Ryan Reynolds film Waiting, this graphic novel captures the sharp wit and biting sarcasm needed to endure such a soul-crushing reality. Self-deprecating humor becomes a lifeline, a way for the brain to protect itself from the realization that precious time is slipping away while slogging through dead-end shifts for slightly above minimum wage. Williams masterfully balances this humor with poignant reflections on the absurdity of it all, making for a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is hilarious. The protagonist knows he doesn’t belong in this world of food service drudgery. He believes he was destined for greater things, yet some cruel cosmic joke has placed him here, in the trenches of the customer service industry.
The mantra “the customer is always right” becomes a cruel punchline when logic and evidence repeatedly say otherwise. It’s this keen awareness of his situation that gives the story its edge, transforming what could have been a straightforward workplace satire into a sharp commentary on modern existence. Beneath the humor lies a subtle, sobering truth. The monotony of the protagonist’s work, combined with his existential musings, drives him to the brink of madness. Yet, in a cruel twist, even if he loses his mind in some quiet, unremarkable way, it’s likely no one would notice. This adds a layer of dark poignancy to the story, elevating it beyond mere comedy into something more profound.
Buffer Zone, by James Michael Williams, is a wildly entertaining black comedy that will strike a chord with anyone who has ever endured a job that feels beneath them. It’s a clever, irreverent look at the disconnect between our aspirations and the realities we face, brought to life through sharp writing and striking illustrations. Williams delivers a graphic novel that’s equal parts humor and heartbreak, a must-read for those who’ve ever questioned the price of a paycheck.
Pages: 127 | ASIN : B0CPTP69B7
A Disturbing Warning
Control Spark follows a recently dumped man who takes a trip to Egypt, where a trinket he purchased at the airport transports him to the pyramids, and he encounters an ancient power that gives him the ability to manipulate matter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The premise for the book started around the true story of a Genius Russian child Boriska Kipriyanovich who amazed scientists back in the nineties with his knowledge of the cosmos, what made him unusual though was he claimed he was the reincarnation of a Martian and he had a disturbing warning for mankind about their impending doom. Boriska offered hope though, he claimed a secret was hidden inside the Great Pyramids of Giza that could save mankind, it is pretty nailed on he was just a very smart kid messing with people, but I ran with that idea and created Control Spark from it.
This book has some amazing creatures. What was your favorite character to create and write for?
My favourite creature to write was The Mop, I loved starting with a mundane household object and then adding layers to it as we progress through the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme that I wanted to get across was the idea that the Universe and all of reality could just think themselves into existence. You ask the question, how can something come from nothing? I propose that it cannot, but an idea can come from nothing, and something can come from an idea.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I literally just finished it last week. It’s with my editor now and should be published next week, the last week of November. Saint Frank And The Dragon is a fantasy book and a spoof parody of Saint George And The Dragon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Amazon
Second! If particles are everywhere all at once until they are observed, then why do we all see the same thing when we observe them, who is doing that, it can’t be us or we would all see something different, who or what controls what particles become when we look at them?
Nigal is about to discover the answer to that question when he stumbles across a secret that’s been hidden under the great pyramids for thousands of years, a discovery that throws his, and everyone else’s life into utter chaos!
Witcracker
Witcracker, by D.E. Ring, is a richly layered comedic novel that blends eccentric family dynamics with the oddities of running an entertainment empire from a repurposed historic estate. The story primarily unfolds in Cheadle Hall, a Jacobean mansion turned tourist attraction, with its family of owners navigating personal entanglements and corporate absurdities. While humor permeates every page, deeper themes about tradition, commercialization, and human relationships are skillfully woven into the narrative.
The writing is sharp, witty, and unapologetically quirky. D.E. Ring’s flair for crafting humorous, relatable dialogue shines throughout. Early in the book, the scenes between Maureen and Rick—filled with mundane yet hilariously relatable exchanges about breakfast and noise—set a casual, comedic tone. The rhythm of these interactions creates a delightful pace that keeps the story flowing smoothly. Ring’s satirical take on the commercialization of history is brilliant. The depiction of CH Entertainment’s absurd business ventures, like the wax museum and the Tudor-era cosplay tourism, hilariously critiques how modern enterprises commodify cultural heritage. The narrative cleverly pokes fun at both the entrepreneurs behind these attractions and the tourists who consume them, emphasizing our collective hunger for curated nostalgia.
The characters are a treasure trove of eccentricities. Sir Derek’s disheveled charm and Fiona’s no-nonsense pragmatism provide a perfect counterbalance to the more modern Scarlett MacDevitt, who is fiercely ambitious yet often blindsided by the irrationalities of human behavior. Scarlett’s professional coldness, juxtaposed with her budding romance, adds emotional depth to her character. A standout moment is Derek’s comical yet insightful musings on irrationality as the true driver of human actions—a theme subtly reflected in every character’s arc.
Witcracker is a wonderfully chaotic blend of comedy, social commentary, and familial drama. Its humor is dry, often absurd, and steeped in a keen understanding of human nature. This book would be perfect for fans of satirical novels. If you enjoy sharp dialogue, a cast of colorful characters, and stories that make you laugh while pondering the quirks of society, you’ll find this book an absolute delight.
Pages: 304 | ASIN: B0DH3WSC14
Control Spark
Simon Carr’s Control Spark plunges readers into a whirlwind adventure that begins with heartbreak and ends with an epic battle for Earth’s survival. After being dumped by his girlfriend, Nigel invites his friend Sandra on a preplanned escape to Egypt. What should have been a simple getaway transforms into a pulse-pounding odyssey when Nigel, on a whim, buys a seemingly harmless trinket at the airport. That innocuous purchase draws him and Sandra to the enigmatic Whackowiki pyramids, where a hidden, ancient power known as the ‘Control Spark’ alters the course of their lives forever. Suddenly imbued with the astonishing ability to manipulate matter, Nigel becomes a magnet for forces far beyond his understanding. Alien civilizations, each with their own agendas, soon descend upon Earth, determined to seize the Control Spark. What follows is a frantic struggle as Nigel must defend his friends, navigate the treacherous waters of international diplomacy, and ward off a looming extraterrestrial invasion. Humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Carr’s ambitious exploration of scientific concepts and alien cultures stands out as a highlight. The narrative boldly tackles complex theories, yet the writing remains accessible and engaging. The scientific elements, which could easily have overwhelmed the story, are deftly handled and surprisingly easy to grasp. Furthermore, the diversity of extraterrestrial civilizations is nothing short of mesmerizing. Each alien race is crafted with remarkable attention to detail, boasting unique physiologies, societal structures, and motivations that bring the intergalactic conflict to vivid life. The novel’s global perspective offers a breath of fresh air. Unlike many science fiction tales that default to a US-centric approach, Control Spark unfolds across international landscapes, with countries from around the world playing pivotal roles. Carr paints a realistic picture of how nations might truly band together in the face of an existential threat, adding a layer of authenticity to the unfolding crisis.
Control Spark still delivers an exhilarating ride packed with action and thought-provoking ideas. Sci-fi enthusiasts who revel in tales of alien intrigue and grand scientific concepts will find much to appreciate. This novel demands the attention of adult readers ready for a story that’s thrilling, ambitious, and unafraid to imagine the unimaginable.
Pages: 396 | ASIN : B0DFDT534V
Witcracker
D.E. Ring’s Witcracker is a lively, fast-paced novel that brilliantly blends comedy with sharp social critique. The story revolves around the Gregory family, who have seen better days but are now grappling with financial ruin. Their once-proud estate is reduced to a shadow of its former self, and leasing out the land seems like their only option. But a sudden twist of fate promises a reversal of fortune: the discovery of an ancient, handwritten version of Romeo and Juliet where, in a surprising turn, the lovers live. This find is a potential treasure trove—if the family can navigate the eccentricities and challenges of the theater world.
As the Gregorys dive into this new venture, the novel takes off with a flurry of madcap schemes and unexpected twists. The family’s naïveté, especially after years of wealth and privilege, adds a layer of comedy. Their assumption that prosperity will simply return, fueled by this literary oddity, sets the stage for a series of often absurd, yet hilarious, missteps. Their attempt to rise back to society’s upper echelons is met with resistance, but the Gregorys are undeterred, ready to manipulate the theater world to their advantage—even if that world isn’t quite so eager to welcome them.
At its heart, Witcracker is a comedy, but its humor ranges from the witty to the absurd. In many ways, it channels the irreverence of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, with moments that echo the chaotic energy of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off. The Gregory family—particularly Derek, Lou, Mary, and Sara—are all varying degrees of clueless, yet their antics drive the story forward in entertaining and unpredictable ways.
Balancing out the family’s folly is Canon Stewart, a character whose steady, grounding presence keeps the plot from veering too far into the absurd. His role is crucial, providing much-needed stability amid the whirlwind of comedic chaos. Without him, the wild conceits of the novel might become overwhelming, but Ring’s clever writing ensures that the humor never wears thin.
What elevates Witcracker beyond mere farce is its underlying critique of modern society. Through biting dialogue and keen social commentary, the novel offers pointed observations on everything from technology to art to business. Ring’s sharp wit makes for a comedy that not only entertains but also provokes thought, weaving humor and insight together in a way that feels fresh and engaging.
Witcracker is a delightful read, full of energy and wit. Its clever mix of humor and satire ensures that it remains both entertaining and thought-provoking, delivering laughs while also holding a mirror up to society’s absurdities. It’s a novel that doesn’t just aim to amuse but also to make readers think, ensuring it stands out in the comedy genre.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0DH3WSC14
LITERARY TITAN 