Blog Archives
Dark Energy
The God Frequency follows a brilliant engineer and ham radio operator who teams up with a geophysicist student and together, they discover a singular frequency that seems to defy the laws of physics. What inspired the setup of your story?
My entire adulthood, I have been fascinated by things that can’t be seen but can be measured. This led me into nuclear power operations, electrical generation, and eventually into electrical grid transmission operations. At some point along the way, radios also caught my eye. It is utilitarian technology that people from all walks of life use, and not often with much thought about how they work. In the military, I was formally taught how Enhanced Digital Access Control systems work, which are predominantly used by first responders. Later in life, I garnered an interest and gained licensure as an amateur “ham” radio operator. In this endeavor, I found that amateur radio is seldom a topic in mainstream pop culture. My intent with The God Frequency is to inject amateur radio into the mainstream, if but just a sliver, in what I hope is an interesting story that might spark a newfound interest for one or more of my readers.
I found the science in the novel to be well-developed. What kind of research did you do to make sure you got it all right?
I consider myself a lifelong learner. During my career, I studied electrical theory in the military, mechanical engineering in college, and nuclear power theory both in the military and at a corporate training facility. I self-studied and earned a Reliability Coordinator System Operator certification from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. As I mentioned previously, I self-studied and gained an “extra class” amateur radio operator license from the Federal Communications Commission. This required passing three exams, one for each level of operator, each with its own privileges on the amateur radio bands. Another personal interest of mine is Astronomy and Astrophysics. Last year, I signed up for an online Astrophysics program on edX provided by Australian National University. This is basically their first-year program for freshman astrophysics majors. The program, consisting of four courses, was led by two professors, one of which was Brian Schmidt who, along with two other astronomers, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011 for research showing the accelerating expansion of the universe due to dark energy. This was absolutely fascinating to me and a topic that should be more commonplace in the general knowledge of humankind. The course is provided for free online, or for a fee if you’d like a course certificate, but if interested, you should sign up soon. It is being retired. The last date to enroll is December 31, 2024. For my own lifelong learning, after attending a week-long course and passing a two-hour exam, I recently became a Certified Reliability Leader.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
An underlying theme in this story was to pursue passions in your own way with a healthy curiosity, in spite of institutional norms. This story focused on the uncanny radio frequency discovered by an experimental amateur radio operator. As the story played out, I wanted to weave together concepts of two interests of mine, amateur radio and physics, in order to tell an interesting story, but most importantly to make it make sense. If I achieved that, I consider it a success. Two specific amazing concepts that I wanted to incorporate were high frequency radio wave propagation through the ionosphere and the accelerating expansion of the universe caused by dark energy.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I do not have plans at this time to create a series from The God Frequency; However, I am working on another book within the same genre. I expect a publish date in early to mid-2025. As for The God Frequency, an audiobook version will coming out in the next few months.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The trio decides to unveil their findings to the world through a TED talk, where Dr. Sullivan dubs their discovery “the God frequency” for its apparent omnipotence, igniting a media frenzy and capturing the attention of government entities wary of the implications. In response, the government confiscates Antwan’s transceivers and begins the process of regulating the newfound frequency anomaly and technologies to access it under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission
Unbeknownst to Dr. Sullivan, the God frequency has attracted interest beyond scientific circles. A foreign agent intent on obtaining the frequency and an extremist with a dangerous vendetta separately take up pursuit. As the two threats converge, chaos ensues with Dr. Sullivan at the center. Just as tensions rise and intentions clash, a vigilant government agent is compelled to spring into action.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Sweet Sorrow- Book 3 in The Jungle War series by Kregg P.J. Jorgenson
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award December 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Flipping the Script
Protective Instinct follows a self-absorbed, international bestselling author who refuses to write the biography of the infamous, mob-connected man and winds up in a deadly situation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always been fascinated by the seemingly aloof persona of many bestselling authors. Some appear to be elevated to a higher plane than the rest of us. I wanted to create a self-absorbed writer who was insulated by his core entourage and shake up his perfectly managed and privileged existence, forcing him out of his comfy life in a jarring way. How would he react to a life-threatening situation without his team taking care of him? Would he step up or fold? What if he had to rely on the last person on earth he would expect? I have always disliked stereotypes of women characters. Females who are strong, independent, and self-reliant are often portrayed as abrasive, pushy, and overly competitive, while women who are kind and cheerful are portrayed as weak and reliant on men. I wanted to flip the script and the assumptions. My female protagonist would be perky, good-natured, and authentically herself. Someone who a judgmental author would easily underestimate, her mettle not overtly visible. Who would save who when the bullets start flying? The rural south and the Smokey Mountains added another challenge to the author’s discomfort.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
One of the most important aspects of an enjoyable story is character development. If the readers don’t care about the characters or understand who they are, how can they be invested in the outcome of the story? I want the reader to get to know the characters; their motivations, their fears, their strengths, flaws, pain, insecurities, and what brings them happiness. I want them to be authentic and relatable. This doesn’t happen all at once. As a writer, I can’t just tell the reader who the characters are. The reader needs to get to know them for themselves in an organic way and truly believe it, as it is slowly revealed in each scene through actions, emotional reactions, character interactions, and through crisp and natural dialogue. Even the minor characters are important and must contribute to the plot or the character development. For example, a brief conversation at a diner can reveal a lot about the protagonists by their interaction. Asking for a New York strip in a rural diner with a daily special of fried pork chops and turnip greens, tells you a lot about the out of touch rich guy. The smirk on the sassy server’s face as she does a little self-satisfied jig all the way back to the kitchen tells you a lot about her. I try not to waste any opportunity.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
As a reader, I love plot twists and surprises. If I can figure out what’s going to happen in the first few chapters, what’s the point. I want the unexpected, but I also want it to make sense. My story builds with a series of turning points, conflicts, emotional moments, or revelations. Some are dramatic, some subtle. It allows opportunities for my characters to grow and the readers to learn more about them. Twists can take the story in a new direction, cause roadblocks, or present a surprising reveal with emotive results. All these moments help to further develop the growth and complexity of my characters and the plot. It can add truth and understanding to the story.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently halfway through a new thriller that I hope to have completed by early spring 2025. It is another fast-paced story with complex characters and a twisty plot. I will also be working on the third book to my YA series, The Jailer’s Daughter Mysteries, which I hope to be finished by fall of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Sebastian (Bash) Bartoli is an international bestselling crime novelist. Maximillian (Max) Fontana, who is reputed to have ties to organized white-collar crime, has insisted Bash write his biography. Concerned for his safety, Bash’s friend/agent devises an elaborate plan for him to disappear to a secluded location on Guntersville Lake in Alabama. Being accustomed to having his comfortable life managed, Bash is irritated by the inconvenience of having to deal with his own affairs, not to mention the danger it might pose if he is discovered.
Morgan Skylar is a good-natured and unfiltered, southern kindergarten teacher. She is much more comfortable eating potato chips with Cheez Whiz and Louisiana Hot Sauce than champagne and caviar. After the death of her overly protective grandfather (Pops) who raised her in rural Georgia, she takes time off to grieve, ending up in a cottage next door to Bash. When mechanical issues arise, she seeks help from the renter in the main house. Bash is annoyed that his secluded hideout is apparently not so secret. Begrudgingly, he offers her assistance. This is where Morgan and Bash’s worlds collide. When suited, armed men show up at the lake house, Morgan’s trained survival skills take over, and she secures their escape by boat as bullets fly.
Morgan offers to provide a temporary sanctuary to Bash in her Pops’ remote Appalachian cabin. Upon arrival, she discovers a letter from Pops revealing his dangerous past that may now be coming for her. As the unwitting targets of dangerous men, Bash and Morgan fight to stay a step ahead of their pursuers, while seeking answers. Bonds are tested. Trusts are broken. Alliances formed. Agendas hidden.
It Was Quite Fun Writing This One
Fertile Ground for Murder follows a podcaster who returns to her hometown to investigate the mysterious death of a childhood friend. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Well, the idea actually evolved during my writing process. I wanted to create cozy mystery with a more unique flare to it. When I was a late teenager I had a friend who lived in a small town. Everybody knew everybody. The grapevine was a major source of information. Small towns rarely get any big-time news and I thought a small town could use the attention. The cozy mystery required an amateur sleuth. Big city crime podcaster seemed unique enough. As the idea evolved, the podcaster became a former resident of the small town. In the end, instead of a cozy mystery, I ended up with a psychological thriller. It was quite fun writing this one.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
Like I said, the mystery evolved during the entire writing process. Yes, I had a rough idea where I was going, but the in between portion kept changing. Dare I say I went through 10 drafts of the manuscript before I had the published version of the story? My beta readers had a lot of influence with their ideas and 10 drafts later, I had Fertile Ground for Murder.
What was the inspiration for Samantha’s traits and dialogue?
It was the small-town mentality that drove it. Of course, she picked up some big-city lingo while she lived in Chicago and podcast there.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? YES!
What are you currently working on? I am just finishing up Act 1 of a SciFi/Dystopian mystery with Lyam Lockwood; 30 more chapters to go! Lyam is handling the SciFi aspect of the story and I am working on the mystery. Hard to put a date on completion, but I suspect we will be finished before the end of the year… we hope!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website
A World of Magic and Medieval Weapons
The Missing (Raven, Romda, and Ravai) follows three battle-weary heroes who are given a mission to uncover what is happening to the people in a town where one-third of the residents have gone missing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My son came up with the bad guy in this book, and I turned it into a mystery of sorts because it made sense for this to be a cover-up. The person who does this is someone who would want to abduct people for a specific purpose. So, instead of a more action based story as I have done in the past, it works its way into a whodunit.
What was your inspiration for Raven, Romda, and Ravai’s relationship?
They are based on my son’s friendships. I wouldn’t say that they are a direct translation, but the uniqueness of individuals has always got my attention, and then I share it. To think about how normal people would navigate a world of magic and medieval weapons is highly interesting to me. The interplay between the three falls out of that. Plus, it allows for some good humorous moments as we have in our own lives.
What was one of the hardest parts in The Missing for you to write?
I don’t write mysteries where people get revealed at the end, but rather I have them found about two-thirds into the book, and then allow for a longer aftermath. So, I wasn’t quite sure when to do the reveal. I knew what I wanted to do post to that but didn’t want to rush it or make people feel like they have a long slog until the end of the book.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Thank you! I have been dropping small hints about the larger story arc that I want to tell. Within the next 3 books, that arc will ramp up considerably. I think people will be more comfortable with the characters and the settings such that they are ready for some serious danger coming.
Author Links: Website | X | Facebook | GoodReads
Secrets That Small Towns Harbor
Undercurrents of Betrayal follows the law enforcement team of Stanton Falls as they uncover the sister forces that have haunted the town’s history following the discovery of skeletal remains from fifty years ago. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of “Undercurrents of Betrayal” came from my fascination with the hidden histories and secrets that small towns often harbor. I wanted to explore how long-buried truths can resurface and disrupt the present, compelling characters to confront their pasts. The idea of skeletal remains from fifty years ago allowed me to dive deep into the town’s history and weave a tale that connects the past and present in intriguing ways. Finding Evelyn was important to me since she was the founder of Stanton Falls. This connection adds a layer of intrigue and personal significance to the story, making the discovery even more impactful.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
Stanton Falls is a fictional place, but it’s inspired by the quaint yet mysterious small towns I’ve come across. The picturesque yet eerie setting provided the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama and suspense. I wanted a location that felt both familiar and unsettling, where every corner could hold a secret, and Stanton Falls fit that vision perfectly.
What was one of the hardest parts of Undercurrents of Betrayal for you to write?
One of the hardest parts to write was the emotional depth of the characters as they faced their darkest fears and secrets. Balancing the suspense and the emotional arcs to ensure readers stayed engaged while also feeling deeply connected to the characters was challenging. Ensuring each character’s journey felt authentic and impactful required a lot of introspection and fine-tuning.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
I think I will write another trilogy, this time facing more personal challenges, exploring new horizons and seeking a balance between duty and personal fulfillment.
Author Links: Website | Facebook
The Complete Truth
Justified Homicide follows a woman with a haunted past tied into a world of crime and betrayal who must confront her past actions within the legal system in an effort to reclaim her life. What inspired the setup of your story?
It was an unresolved part of my previous book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. I thought it would heighten the tension of the storyline and force my main character Madison to face her demons and tell the whole truth. Only she and her confessor knew the complete truth.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
I wanted to feel Madison’s emotions. I wanted to crawl under her skin and know the terror she felt at the possibility of losing everything. If she went to jail for her crime, she would be separated from the one person she adored above all others-her daughter Anna. Madison worried about losing the man in her life who helped her rescue Anna from Mexico. She had betrayed his trust. What would I do if I lost everything I cherished? I kept tightening the screws on Madison. It makes the conclusion so much sweeter.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Retirement from my day job gave me the time and opportunity to explore more emotional depth. When I worked for the federal government, I’d be so tired when I finished work, I couldn’t think. My brain was in overload, so I often wrote early in the morning on the weekends when the house was quiet.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Justified Homicide will be published on November 20th of this Year. The only thing I know about next year is someone’s gonna die in or near Magnolia Bluff. I’m going to relax for a couple of weeks and then start preparing for 2025. My new book should be published in November of 2025. I may slip in another book from my Winston Strom Detective series. I had promised fans of that series I would get another book in for them, but time got away from me. That series is action-packed, graphic, and a lot more sexy.
Author Links: GoodReds | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 