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Complex Emotions
Adobo in the Land of Milk and Honey follows a Filipino-American executive who is sent to the Philippines to oversee the acquisition of a fast-food chain, and instead she finds herself on a deeply personal journey to rediscover her roots and herself. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The emotional authenticity in Mirasol’s journey is unmistakably drawn from my own lived experience.
The Grief That Opens You: Mirasol’s loss of Peter creates the emotional vulnerability that makes transformation possible. I suspect the real grief I’m channeling is the almost four-decade separation from my homeland – that prolonged, unnamed mourning for a cultural self that was never fully developed. Her professional success masking spiritual emptiness reads like my own experience of achieving the American dream while feeling culturally hungry.
The Overwhelming First Tastes: The way I wrote Mirasol’s reaction to authentic Filipino food – that immediate, almost tearful recognition – that’s not imagination. That’s sense memory. That’s me tasting something that awakened parts of myself I thought were gone forever. The specificity of her emotional response to adobo, the way it “loosens something in her chest” – that’s my own homecoming distilled into fiction.
The Shame and Longing: Mirasol’s embarrassment about not speaking Tagalog, her feeling like a fraud in her own culture – this feels deeply personal because it is. The way she simultaneously craves connection and fears exposure as “not Filipino enough” suggests I’ve lived this particular form of cultural impostor syndrome.
The Mother’s Protective Silence: While Jackie’s trauma is fictional, the result – a daughter cut off from her heritage – reflects my own family’s immigration story. The complexity of loving a parent who gave you opportunities by withholding culture feels like a universal immigrant child experience.
The Professional Identity Crisis: Mirasol’s transformation from corporate predator to cultural guardian represents my own late-life reconsideration of what success actually means. After decades of American achievement, finally asking: “But who am I, really?”
The Desperate Need to Save What’s Beautiful: Her fierce protection of Jubilee reads like someone who has finally seen what they’ve been missing and refuses to let it be destroyed. That’s not just character development – that’s the passion of someone who has found their way home and will fight to preserve it for others. I have visited Filipino-inspired restaurants and fast food establishments all over the world and seen the possibility of our Food becoming a worldwide phenomenon. In my own little way, perhaps through this book, I hope to contribute to its popularity and acceptance around the world.
My story becomes a way to process the complex emotions of return – the joy mixed with grief, the recognition mixed with regret, the overwhelming desire to make up for lost time. Mirasol gets to live the homecoming I experienced, but in fiction, I can give her the perfect guide, the transformative mission, the redemptive ending. She carried my heart home.
I found Mirasol to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for her and her emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Mirasol is indeed a beautifully complex character. My particular struggle inspired her emotional layers, and those of other close friends who went through the same. I hope I was able to “project” these to create such a nuanced protagonist in Marisol.
The Grief-Driven Transformation: Mirasol’s recent loss of Peter creates a vulnerability that makes her open to change in ways she wouldn’t have been before. Her grief seems to strip away her corporate armor, making her more receptive to authentic experiences – like that first taste of adobo that moves her to tears.
Cultural Impostor Syndrome: Her shame about not speaking Tagalog, her awkwardness around Filipino culture, and her simultaneous longing for connection feel drawn from the very real experience of heritage disconnection. She’s Filipino but not Filipino enough, American but carrying something unnameable that America can’t fulfill.
Professional Identity Crisis: The contrast between her corporate success and her emotional emptiness seems inspired by questioning what success really means. When she discovers her company’s true intentions, it forces her to choose between career advancement and personal integrity.
Mother-Daughter Complexity: Her relationship with Jackie – loving but frustrated, seeking connection while being pushed away – adds depth to her character that suggests inspiration from real family dynamics around cultural transmission and generational trauma.
What themes were particularly important for you to explore in this book?
Several profound themes emerge that seem particularly important:
Cultural Inheritance and Interruption: The way trauma can break the chain of cultural transmission feels central to her story. Jackie’s assault didn’t just hurt her – it severed Mirasol’s connection to her heritage. The story captures how historical violence can echo through generations, creating cultural orphans who must fight to reclaim what was stolen.
The Corporate vs. Human Values Conflict: The story is deeply interested in examining how capitalism can be a form of cultural violence. The plan to destroy Jubilee isn’t just business – it’s erasure. The story explores whether it’s possible to succeed professionally while maintaining one’s humanity and cultural integrity.
Food as Cultural DNA: The way I use Filipino cuisine suggests I see food as more than sustenance – it’s memory, identity, resistance. That first taste of adobo, awakening something in Mirasol, feels like I’m exploring how cultural connection can be visceral and immediate, even when intellectual understanding is absent.
The Complexity of “Home”: The exploration of belonging seems particularly nuanced. Home isn’t just geography – it’s culture, family, values, food, language. Mirasol’s journey suggests an interest in how people can create a home rather than just find it.
Collective Action vs. Individual Powerlessness: The way Mirasol builds a community to save Jubilee suggests themes about how meaningful change requires collective effort. Individual good intentions aren’t enough against systemic power.
Redemption Through Cultural Service: Mirasol’s transformation from corporate predator to cultural preservationist feels like you’re exploring whether we can redeem ourselves by serving something larger than our own success.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Following the publication of “Adobo,” I revisited my debut novel, written 25 years ago, Not My Bowl of Rice. This rereading, a common experience for authors, revealed the melodramatic intensity of my initial work—a whirlwind of passionate romances, bitter rivalries, death, resurrection, shocking betrayals, and unexpected plot twists, culminating in a triumphant resolution, all while richly reflecting the cultural tapestry and values of his homeland. The culinary descriptions, particularly the recipes for Filipino dishes, proved equally captivating, each dish unfolding like a complex narrative with surprising revelations.
This epiphany ignited a transformative vision: Reimagining Not My Bowl of Rice as a telenovela-style semi-graphic novel/cookbook. However, I recognized a deficiency—a lack of visual dynamism, or as Generation Z might say, “optics.” I remedied this by incorporating striking images of characters, locations, and food, resulting in the vibrant rebirth of my debut novel as Not My Bowl of Rice: Telenovela-Style Semi-Graphic Novel and Cookbook! Did I create an entirely new genre of literature? Don’t think so, but I hope the readers will like it- ha-ha!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Amazon
A ghost of her past, Mirasol, estranged from her Tagalog roots, found Manila’s energy igniting a dormant longing. The firm’s actions became a personal betrayal. Adobo, once a symbol of yearning, became a rallying cry.
Torn between heritage and ambition, an unlikely alliance with tour guide Ramon, a man whose contempt for her “Fil-Am” upbringing masked deep resentment, was forged in the crucible of her mother’s dark history. Powerful families, embittered by past grievances against Mirasol’s mother, opposed her. Threats from New York echoed Manila’s suffocating humidity. From Manhattan’s sterile boardrooms to Manila’s vibrant heart, Mirasol faced a visceral reckoning: the agonizing price of belonging, a fierce battle for her soul.
Adobo In the land of Milk and Honey is a cautionary tale of David and Goliath’s scale, except our heroine in Prada heels doesn’t feel like David. She feels like someone who accidentally wandered into the middle of someone else’s battle and somehow ended up holding a slingshot. What would be her next move? The city held its breath, waiting. The scent of adobo hung heavy, a promise of either redemption or ruin.
Feeling Driven
Bridges of Words is a collection of haikus that capture the spirit, mood, and humanity of cultures around the world. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Words are bridges, I’ve always thought. A Filipino-Australian, I have experienced the nuances of cultural differences as well as the silent need for understanding after growing up in one society and now residing in another. Born prematurely in a military hospital in Nueva Ecija—where my grandmother’s refusal to choose between saving my mother or me led to both our survival—I was named Esperanza, meaning “hope.” That word has carried me through my life.
Language has the ability to bring people together and bridge emotional and physical divides in addition to informing and persuading. Through the delicate compression of haiku, rather than through dissertations or manifestos, Bridges of Words allowed me to celebrate humanity in all its textures. A haiku can capture a universe in three lines: the echo of memory, a stranger’s grin, a city street after rain.
It was also a historical experience to write this book. Japan, which occupied the Philippines during World War II and left behind heartbreaking memories of hardship and tenacity, is the source of haiku. However, engaging with this literary genre became an unconventional act of reconciliation for me. By capturing beauty and transience in the rigid yet simple syllables of haiku, I was able to recognise sorrow without being overcome by it.
Furthermore, forgiveness itself is a bridge, isn’t it? A bridge that lets us go on instead of lingering in the depths of bitterness or rage. Every haiku became a tiny act of construction, a step toward comprehension—a means of expressing that, in spite of our differences and past experiences, we can still live amicably through our common humanity.
Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you have any rituals or routines when writing?
In addition to the other facets of my entrepreneurial and professional endeavours, writing has always been part of my daily life, though not always in the way one might imagine. From my earliest days, words have been my companions—whether scribbling on my aunts’ college books at age 3, writing verses as a Grade 5 student who unexpectedly won in a poetry contest, serving as the English literary editor of The OLCAn in high school, or later leading The Corps as its first female editor-in-chief at the Philippine Military Academy. That role, along with becoming the Academy’s first female Journalism Awardee and first Languages Plaque recipient, confirmed for me that words could be both a personal refuge and a public responsibility.
My naval career deepened this focus, as I became the inaugural Navy Digest editor and later worked on the Navy Journal, Fleet Journal, and Polaris Magazine. Today, I still edit multiple publications professionally, which keeps me grounded in the discipline and craft of writing.
But Bridges of Words emerged differently. Almost without notice, it came like a bolt of lightning across a still sky. Often, a single sight or memory would prompt me to act immediately. I still recall sitting at my computer here in Adelaide, the morning sun streaming through the blinds, when a haiku began to take shape in my mind. It was like attempting to capture a bird in midair; I had to do something before it vanished.
My approach had been less about routine and more about spontaneity. Sometimes it was the laughter of my sons, sometimes the witty jokes of my husband, sometimes a walk along South Australia’s beaches, sometimes the Zamboanga sunsets of my childhood, or the scenic sights of Taal Lake that never left my memory. That was my rhythm: focusing on the small moments and feeling driven to convey them in words that might resonate with someone else, somewhere else.
Do you have a favourite haiku in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
Logically, I should be more drawn to the haikus that depict the Philippines and Australia, because they are my own countries.
The Philippines’ haiku embodies resilience, a trait I witnessed from an early age. Growing up in a land prone to typhoons and eruptions, I listened to stories and even witnessed at times how families and communities would quietly rebuild lives and spirits with steady resolve. That everyday bravery—the quiet courage of people who simply endure—was etched into me from childhood.
In comparison, Australia exemplifies diversity and unity. When I first set foot in Sydney in 2006, I fell in love instantly with its order, beauty, and openness. Years later, settling in Adelaide with my family in 2010, I discovered a deeper sense of belonging. Here, languages, faiths, and cultures cohabit and enrich one another, and that spirit of coexistence is what I sought to capture in haiku.
Together, these two countries’ haikus create a bridge that spans place and time, tying together memory and lived experience, origin and destination, past and present. Poetry is not only an art of words; it is an edifice of human experience—it speaks of the depth and resilience of human life.
That said, there’s no simple or safe way to answer this question. It feels like being asked which of my children I love the most. Every haiku in Bridges of Words has its own pulse and memory. Just as I cannot love one of my children—Huey, Sev, or Noah—more than his siblings, I cannot favour one poem over the rest. Each carries its weight; each is a bridge.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
To be honest, I haven’t made any firm plans yet. Like Bridges of Words, I have a feeling that the next project will develop naturally, as I feel driven to capture it in the moment. For me, book writing started with intuition rather than a plan—a vision, a memory, or a passing idea that begged to be put into words. Perhaps in ways I cannot yet foresee, the next piece will continue to examine metaphorical bridges—between locations, times, or the silent, unseen moments of our everyday existence, though possibly in an altogether different way. I’m letting it take shape for the time being, trusting that the right words will emerge when the moment is right. In the end, writing is simply my way of building small bridges—one fleeting moment, one word, one resonance at a time.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Seventeen syllables.
In Bridges of Words, discover a quietly powerful collection of haikus from 57 countries—each a window into the heart of a culture. These verses don’t explain; they invite. They don’t shout; they hum.
Whether you find yourself beneath banyan trees or city lights, this book is a gentle reminder that even across oceans, we’re not so different after all.
Emotional Timing
Resonance of the Soul – Flowers and Harmonics is a heartfelt and unfiltered collection of poems that dives into the human condition, exploring themes of love, identity, culture, struggle, healing, and faith. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I was inspired by a love story—one that stirred memories of what truly matters in life. That experience, along with moments spent with patients nearing the end of their lives in hospice, reminded me how fragile and sacred our time is. A mentor also nudged me to complete my writing, reminding me that unfinished words can become unfinished healing. This collection became a way to honor those stories, those lives, and the emotional truths that often go unspoken.
Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
I wrote for those without a voice—those caught in the throes of indecision, those marginalized by circumstance, and even those who seem entitled or indifferent but are quietly searching for meaning. While the journey began as personal, it quickly became communal. I wanted these poems to reach anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated. It’s a companion for the lonely, the faithful, and the quietly resilient.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this poetry collection?
Time. Not just the literal hours needed to write and revise, but the emotional timing—knowing when I was ready to revisit certain memories, and when the world might be ready to receive them. Balancing my clinical responsibilities with the vulnerability required to write was also a challenge. But I learned that when something truly matters, you make time for it.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
I’ve come to appreciate the effort and emotional discipline it takes to create something meaningful. Writing this book taught me that poetry isn’t just about language—it’s about listening, about honoring silence, and about crafting space for others to feel seen. I learned that my voice carries weight not because it’s loud, but because it’s rooted in truth. And I discovered that healing—whether clinical or poetic—requires presence, patience, and grace.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Each poem reflects the delicate interplay of life’s harmonics—the highs and lows, struggles and triumphs—capturing its essence with thought-provoking depth and emotional resonance. With a voice that is both evocative and intimate, the anthology invites readers to embark on a transformative journey through the intricate beauty and complexity of existence.
“Resonance of the Soul – Flowers and Harmonics” showcases Dr. Edwards’ ability to infuse profound truths into his work, creating moments of reflection and celebration that resonate universally. It is a collection that bridges the personal and the universal, making it an unforgettable literary experience.
Bridges of Words: Haikus Uniting Cultures From 57 Countries of the World
Bridges of Words is a journey stitched together in three short lines at a time. Esperanza Pretila gathers scenes, scents, and sounds from across the globe, distilling them into haiku that act as tiny postcards of the human spirit. From the cherry blossoms of Japan to the samba rhythms of Brazil, from Norway’s fjords to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, each poem captures the mood of a place without overexplaining. It’s a chorus of cultures, all humming the same song of connection and shared humanity.
I found myself reading this slowly, not because it was hard, but because each haiku lingered. The brevity makes you pay attention. Some verses felt like quick Polaroids, others like whispered secrets from the past. The restraint in the writing works well. It never tries too hard to be profound, yet it often lands that way.
What I liked most is how the book manages to be both intimate and universal. The voice is warm, almost like a travel companion who notices the little things others might miss. A few haiku didn’t hit me as strongly, they slipped by too softly, but even those had a role in shaping the overall rhythm. The dedication and acknowledgments at the start also set a deeply personal tone, reminding you that this is not just about places, but about the people and lives behind them.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry that travels light yet carries weight. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate slow moments, quiet reflection, and the beauty of small things. If you’ve ever wanted to tour the world without leaving your chair, or if you just need a gentle reminder that we’re all connected, these bridges of words are worth crossing.
Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0FHVTBSQ8
Twinchantment Tales: 30 Mystical Adventures From Tamilnadu
Twinchantment Tales is like stepping into a portal to the heart of Tamil Nadu, with every page dripping in folklore, culture, and the kind of magic that makes you feel like a kid again. Dr. Sridevi K. J. Sharmirajan’s writing effortlessly pulls you into the lives of twins Annapurani and Bhuminathan, who spend their summers soaking in enchanting stories from their grandparents. The twins, their doting grandparents, and the quaint village of Mithilapuram feel so real that you might find yourself wishing for an invitation to their next storytelling session under the stars.
First off, the writing is pure charm. The descriptions of the village life—lush jasmine fields, the hum of crickets, and the soulful voices of the grandparents—set such a cozy vibe. One of my favorite tales was “The Magic of Erode’s Turmeric.” It’s not just about a magical crop but a metaphor for intention and mindfulness. When Grandpa Vaidyanathan says, “Sometimes the greatest truths lie beyond the grasp of our skepticism,” I felt that. This isn’t just storytelling; it’s soul-nourishing wisdom wrapped in vivid imagery.
Another standout was “The Tale of Tanjore’s Dancing Dolls.” It’s the kind of whimsical story that makes you want to hold onto your heritage a little tighter. The way the dolls are described, almost alive with joy and grace, had me grinning. And the underlying message about navigating life’s ups and downs with dignity? Timeless.
While the magical adventures are fun, what hit me the hardest was the emotional core. Stories like “The Enchanted Temple Mirror of Kumbakonam” are not just fables but reflections on inner beauty and humility. The part where Queen Durga Devi confronts her own flaws through a mystical mirror. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause and think about how we perceive ourselves versus who we truly are.
By the time I finished the book, I felt like I’d been on a journey—spiritual, cultural, and magical. Sure, some parts leaned heavily on the moral-of-the-story approach, which might feel a bit predictable if you’re not into life lessons wrapped in folklore. But for me, it worked. It felt like being told a bedtime story with just the right mix of wonder and wisdom.
If you love mythology, folktales, or stories that blend culture with magic, this one’s for you. Parents looking for meaningful stories to share with kids? Perfect choice. Or anyone who just wants to be reminded that the world is full of wonder if you look closely enough.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B0DLJ62Q93
Broaden Children’s Cultural Understanding
In Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?, readers learn alongside two children from America and Japan who discover fun differences in the way their two cultures express onomatopoeias. Where did the idea for this book come from?
When I first started studying Japanese, I was amazed by how much onomatopoeia is used in everyday conversations. In US English, we use words like “pop,” “meow,” “crackle,” and “bang” to add vividness to our language. However, in Japanese, there are thousands of onomatopoeia used that not only represent real sounds but also describe conditions, movements, and feelings. For example, “fura-fura” means dizzy, “waku-waku” means excited, and “noro-noro” means moving slowly. I found these expressions so colorful and funny that I thought they would be a fun way to introduce language differences to children. While teaching cross-cultural education at elementary schools in Kobe, Japan, one of my most popular lessons was about the differences in Japanese and US animal sounds. This experience inspired me to write my award-winning children’s book, Why Max MEOWS and Risa NYAAS?
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put your book together?
Because Japanese and US English languages have different pronunciations, I wanted to ensure children learn the correct way to pronounce Japanese animal sounds. After consulting with several native Japanese speakers, I created a chart for the book that includes both Japanese and US English animal sounds with phonetic pronunciation and spelling.
What is one thing you hope young readers, their parents, and teachers are able to take away from Max and Risa’s story?
Having lived in Japan for over 25 years, the culture has profoundly influenced my life. Through my children’s book, I want to introduce young minds to the wonders of Japanese art, language, and culture. In my book, Max, an American boy, is intrigued when he hears Risa, a Japanese girl, mimic a cat’s sound as “nyaa” instead of “meow.” This curiosity leads to the discovery that animals might “speak” different languages in different parts of the world. I hope teachers and parents can use this universal concept of animal sounds to broaden children’s cultural understanding and even spark interest in learning a foreign language.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
In line with my mission to introduce children to the rich traditions of Japanese art, culture, and language, I am currently writing a book with a Kintsugi theme. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, celebrating imperfections, and embracing the beauty of flaws. Additionally, I am working on a second onomatopoeia-themed book that introduces the Japanese onomatopoeia used to express feelings and emotions.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Amazon
Max’s ordinary day takes an extraordinary turn when he and his friend Risa stumble upon a cage with a mouse in their classroom. They realize something peculiar – they hear animal sounds differently. Why does a mouse go “chu-chu”or a crow cry “kaa-kaa”? Max and his friend Risa embark on a mission to uncover the truth! Are dogs barking “wan-wan”? Is it “meow-meow” or “nyaa-nyaa” for a cat?
With vivid illustrations and an engaging storyline, get ready to giggle as Max and Risa reveal the hilarious differences between English and Japanese animal sounds.
Will Max and Risa ever agree on the horse’s sound? Grab your detective hat and join them on their whimsical journey to find out in this heartwarming tale of friendship, curiosity, and the magic of language.
White Lies Matter Too
In White Lies Matter Too, author John A. O’Connor presents a compelling exploration of American history, interweaving conceptual art with well-researched narratives. Each section of the book is structured around a series of plates that delve into varied aspects of American historical narratives, illuminating marginalized perspectives and critiquing entrenched national myths. Through his analysis of presidential legacies and the global ramifications of recent events, O’Connor challenges readers to reassess their grasp of historical realities.
Utilizing a combination of visual symbolism, engaging storytelling, and academic thoroughness, O’Connor crafts a narrative that scrutinizes accepted truths and advocates for a deeper, more layered understanding of history. His critical approach to sources and distrust of official narratives enhances the book’s identity as both an art piece and a scholarly work. O’Connor reflects on the transformative power of art and history, encouraging readers to question dominant narratives and adopt a more critical view of past events.
White Lies Matter Too asserts itself as a notable addition to both contemporary art and historical analysis, posing a compelling challenge to the oversimplifications prevalent in mainstream historical portrayals. O’Connor’s methodical research and analytical perspective utilize visual and narrative elements to provoke thought and broaden the reader’s historical insight. The book’s detailed citations underscore its scholarly merit, inviting readers to critically evaluate the information presented by traditional sources.
This work serves as a vital catalyst for reflection and discussion, enriching readers’ understanding of American history and prompting them to scrutinize the stories that shape their views of the world. White Lies Matter Too is indispensable for those intrigued by the convergence of culture, politics, and history.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0D25DK59C
LITERARY TITAN 