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People Are Finding TRUE Healing
Triumph Over Trauma is a well-researched book sharing information and stories from real people on the positive benefits of using psychedelic medicines; why was this an important book for you to write?
Stories are one of the most powerful tools for sharing information, and they have been used forever by cultures to share important history, rules, people, etc.
While the factual content of the book is important to counter the 50+ years of lies fed to us about these psychedelic medicines, I knew that humanizing the process and having people share their vulnerabilities and need for healing would be extremely powerful.
And the idea was to find the greatest diversity of storytellers as I could – with the idea that every reader could identify with at least one of the storytellers, either based on age, gender, ethnicity, trauma.
Finally, and this will sound odd to anyone who has not had a psychedelic experience, but I had no plans to write a book about psychedelics, but during a beautiful LSD journey, the outline came to me in what we call a “digital download.” So, the medicine pushed me to write this book… because these medicines WANT the world to heal.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about psychedelics that you hope this book clears up?
Do you have all day?
Seriously, as an educator, my main goal with the parts of the book that I wrote was to fix/correct all the misinformation and outright lies we have been fed since the 1970s.
But beyond the lies, an even crazier part of this story is that several of these medicines were being used as part of psychotherapy in the 1950s and 1960s – with AMAZING results. And there were many research studies done during that time as well … and ALL of it simply vanished after psychedelics were made illegal.
The biggest misconception? That these substances are dangerous, addictive, and just recreational.
TRUTH? People are finding TRUE healing; people are enhancing/expanding their spiritual lives/awakenings.
Psychedelic substances are not addictive; and most people do NOT need to be on psychedelics forever, as with antidepressants. In fact, psychedelics are proving very successful at STOPPING addiction in people addicted to alcohol, tobacco, opioids.
The TRUTH is that these substances are indeed medicines that are dramatically healing people – like the 23 stories in the book.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
- Frequently asked questions (with answers) about psychedelics
- The truth about why psychedelics are illegal – as well as the changing legal landscape
- Medicine options – macrodosing (hallucinogenic effects) and microdosing (no outward experience)
- Discussion of the major psychedelics, how they work, and all the details to know about each substance
- Examples of how psychedelics have completely transformed people
- Detailed glossary of psychedelic terms
- Additional resources for people wanting more – books, documentaries, websites
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Triumph Over Trauma?
That there is HOPE! That there is TRUE healing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Thousands of research studies regarding the potential benefits of psychedelic medicines have now been produced (both from before the ban and from more recent times) – and the results are astounding. Soldiers healed from the traumas of war (PTSD), adult children healed from intergenerational traumas from parents and grandparents; abuse victims relieved of their guilt, shame, anger; depression-sufferers released of their prison of sadness and the need to take antidepressant medications; agnostic people discovering spirituality.
What you’ll find in this book is all the information you need to begin your journey of discovery into whether one or more of these psychedelic medicines may help you. You’ll find several chapters covering all the basics of psychedelics, from their fascinating history to how these medicines work to how and what you need to move forward with intentionally using psychedelic medicines.
Find yourself in one or more of the 23 stories that people from all spectrums of life graciously share here. These stories range from people seeking clarity about their future to wanting to heal from their pain to freeing themselves from addiction to diving deeply into the Divine. These tremendous stories will move you to places you may have never visited – where you’ll find self-love and acceptance – and a perhaps a path for your own transformation.
Finally, while macrodosing (full-on hallucinogenic experience) with these psychedelic medicines for healing is the major focus of the book, there is also a chapter and several stories on microdosing for healing; the advantage of microdosing is that the dose is too small to produce any perceptible effects.
Core Message of Triumph Over Trauma
Who: This book is written for those among us who are hurting, depressed, angry, and lost; for those seeking new treatments and true healing; for those searching for a higher purpose or a connection with the Divine; and for those simply curious about why the topic of psychedelics is seemingly everywhere.
What: This book is the perfect mix of the latest information and research results on the use of psychedelic medicines as well as the true and authentic transformative experiences of people from diverse backgrounds.
How: The individuals willing to share their deeply personal stories so that you can learn from their experiences are the true heroes here – and are the backbone and power behind this book.
Why: We are in a healing crisis, but psychedelic medicines are quickly moving into the mainstream, and the next year or two will be pivotal in terms of the availability, access, and regulations/laws related to these medicines.
The Best Interests Of The Children
Room in the Nest follows a swan husband and wife who open up their nest and hearts to all the bird children in need for as long as necessary. What was the inspiration for your story?
I adopted my son a few years ago, and we stay in touch with his lovely foster carers. We’ve seen several children come into their care, some of whom have been reunited with their birth families, some of whom have been moved into kinship placements. My son understands that we adopted him, so he started to ask questions about why his foster siblings and other children looked after by his foster carers ended up in different sorts of families.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The moral is that children need to be kept safe, and the most important theme throughout the story is that all of the adults pictured have the best interests of the children at heart. The social worker character, Caring Goose, seeks advice from the Wise Owl, who makes suggestions to ensure that lots of options are considered before a child is removed from their family. The Wise Owl also ensures that the children are placed with family members when possible, or that a suitable adoptive family is found, but there are recurrent reminders throughout the book that the foster carers are there to help any children who need to be loved and looked after throughout these periods of uncertainty.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to help normalise all of these different family structures and help children to understand the basics of foster care, in an accessible way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next story is created to help children to understand that making a few bad choices doesn’t make them a bad person, to try to help children who find themselves labelled as the “bad kid” at school, to see that they are not intrinsically “bad” and they can make kind choices. I am working on the illustrations now, and plan to publish it this Winter.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Mr and Mrs Swan build a big nest, so that they have plenty of room to help anyone who needs them. Teach children about different kinds of foster care, with this touching tale of fostering placements leading to kinship care, reunification, adoption and long term foster care. This inclusive story can be used as a therapeutic tool to help care-experienced children to process their experiences, or as an effective teaching aid to normalise and explain foster care and other family structures to all children.
It Felt Insurmountable
The Author’s Little Red Guide to Editing shows readers the ins and outs of publishing and editing and helps them understand the process and know what to look for. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I found I’d been posting lots of advice snippets online for new (and newish) authors. As a nine-time author who went from vanity publishing to a traditional publisher to being self-published, I wanted to bring all that I knew out in the open for other authors to benefit from. I remember what it was like to feel like there was too much to learn, and it felt insurmountable.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
To provide great examples that show that finding an editor and all things related to becoming an author needn’t be stressful or overwhelming. I also wanted to present the material in an entertaining way, so rather than employing a formal structure, I served this up with a series of easy-to-read questions and answers.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
There wasn’t one singular experience. It was slowly realizing that I had all these exciting ideas inside me and wanting to see where my stories could take me.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your book?
That they can find an editor they can rely on, one who has their back, and one who is responsive and will take the time and care to explain the editing process. This goes especially for after the editor has submitted the manuscript back to the author. Many times, authors don’t know how to incorporate the editor’s suggestions or even how to move forward and take things from an exercise in perfecting a story to making it a real book – the stuff a newbie’s dreams are made of. In this book, I tell people not only how to choose an editor and what to look for, but I also discuss self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, choosing your title, naming your characters, and things like book covers, uploading and formatting – about 95 tips to walk you calmly and easily through the process.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
How to communicate with your editor
What to expect during the editing process
Proofreading vs. copy editing vs. developmental (or “substantive”) editing
The synopsis vs. the blurb
Uploading your book
Where to and how to get book reviews and ratings
What to know about book covers
Choosing a book title
Writing dialogue
How to organize plot structure
“Pantsing”
Translations
Writing regionalisms
Genre expectations
Why word count is so important
Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing
Querying agents and publishers
And so much more, presented in an upbeat and anecdotal style. (Note: This book does not offer sample edited text or rules of grammar.)
The author has built her career on news writing, news editing and magazine editing, and is a full-time editor and author coach. For more information, please visit https://queenestherpublishing.com.
Children Who Dance in the Rain
Sophie is like many young kids today; always on her tablet and often takes for granted the many wonderful things in her life. She goes to school and learns how to spell the word ‘privilege’ but doesn’t truly understand its meaning. After a family trip to India shows her the challenges that children face there, and how they face them bravely, Sophie is inspired and opens her eyes to all the wonderful things in her life, and in the world, that she was taking for granted.
Children Who Dance in the Rain is a wonderfully educational story that teaches young readers about Indian culture, along with helping them understand what it means to be privileged by providing a sharp example. Children will learn the value of compassion and giving and see how it can truly have an effect on other people. I loved the epilogue at the end of this kid’s book. Not many children’s books have an epilogue, so it was nice to see, but it also shows how Sophie’s experience shaped who she became.
The gorgeous artwork throughout the book is vibrant and colorful. Each character has big beautiful glowing eyes, and their emotions are clear to see. I loved the market scene in India because there was so much detail on the page. Young children will be captivated by the artwork as their parents read them this story.
Susan Justice has created a picture book that teaches valuable life lessons and helps children truly appreciate the things they have in their life, and to share it with others. Children Who Dance in the Rain is a delightful children’s book that is infused with spirituality and culture. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers who want to start a conversation with their children about gratitude and sharing.
Americans’ Expectations of Justice
Courts of Law Not Courts of Justice illuminates various issues in the U.S. legal system and provides insight to help readers understand them. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When I was in college and then law school, I had a very idealistic mindset on how the justice system in the U.S. works. But once I saw how it really works from my time as a prosecutor and in other legal roles, I thought it was important to write a book to apprise aspiring legal minds, and the public at large, of how things work in the real world… the world outside of academia and theory. I also felt it was important to explain to the American public why what they grow up believing is “justice” is not the same as the version of “justice” our system strives to obtain so that they can perhaps be less frustrated with it, appreciate its core values, and explain why this may not be a bad thing. Ultimately, I wanted to align Americans’ expectations of justice with those they can expect from our legal system, explain why there is this disconnect, and shift the paradigm of the American public so hopefully there is less discontent with, and even civil unrest over, outcomes in our justice system that do not always seem to be just.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the U.S. legal system?
The biggest misconception of the American public, that often leads to frustration, hopelessness, and civil unrest, is their expectations of justice and that which the American justice system actually provides. Americans are raised to believe and taught in schools that justice means what the dictionary defines as justice – merited rewards or punishments and receiving what one deserves. However, the American justice system was designed to protect against governmental overreach and to ensure that there are many, many protections against innocent people being convicted of crimes. As a result, many otherwise guilty people often go free so that every American is protected against the risk of wrongful conviction. That version of “justice” is not what people are raised to believe “justice” really means. Their expectation of the dictionary version of “justice” often frustrates them. This frustration can be alleviated by an understanding of the holistic aims of our system that can, in individual cases, produce unjust results.
What kind of research did you undertake to complete this book?
After having spent time prosecuting thousands of cases as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Baltimore City, litigating and trying cases as a civil litigator, working in various other legal roles, spending significant time around high-level policy makers, and years of reflection, I thought it important to write this book based on keen insights gleaned over those years and reflections related thereto. Once I was ready to write about these insights, I spoke with judges, former prosecutors, assistant attorneys general, civil litigators, and historians to get the benefits of their views and opinions. I did empirical research on the justice system which was also backed by statistical analysis. I then pulled together the statistics, empirical research, but most importantly, keen insights of those legal experts I spoke with, along with my own experiences and insights derived therefrom, and wrote the book. It then went through the hands of multiple editors to tighten the language so as to not be overly verbose or extraneous in order to respect the reader’s time and provide a book that said as much as possible in as few words as possible for a better, more efficient reading and learning experience.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope readers will come away with a new level of awareness that has been generated by critical thinking on the aims of our justice system, the history behind its making, and the questions presented regarding whether our system is one that is the best in the world and is supported by our values, or whether there is a better system elsewhere. I want them to think about what is important to them in constructing a justice system and to then decide whether our current system reflects those values. If it does, I would like them to understand that, while not perfect and at times limited, those imperfections and limitations are necessary to produce a system that reflects those values. As such, an acceptance of its flaws is necessary to achieve the adherence to the values that our justice system reflects. And if they think there is a better system elsewhere, to think about how the attributes of those systems can be implemented here to bring about a more just system while still embracing the values American hold dearest in a justice system.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Americans are taught that justice means fairness. They expect it from our legal system. “Equal Justice Under Law” is prominently inscribed on the Supreme Court. Yet law and justice in America are not necessarily the same thing. And they are certainly not applied in equal ways.
The disconnect between these realities and what Americans are taught about justice has led to great strife in our society. But what if everyone grew up understanding the limitations of our justice system, yet understood what it is striving to achieve? Through the Revolutionary War, historic cases, civil unrest, Broken Windows law enforcement, corrupt police and attorneys, and jury bias, the lens through which you see the American justice system is about to change, all as told by former Baltimore prosecutor –- Eric Oberer. It is time for a paradigm shift…
100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions Vol 2
In 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 2, Ross Brand shares his thoughts with other experts in marketing, influencing, social media, and new tech trends. The reader is treated to a wealth of knowledge that will get any entrepreneur or marketer to move to the next step. As an expert, Ross Brand extensively writes about digital media, trends, and the future. He shares his experience in various capacities and writes on how to build a digital empire using the tips in the book. As a reader, you not only grasp the topics being discussed but also feel like you are part of the significant movement that is bringing global changes. The internet has made the world a global village, and Ross Brand is here to tell you how to use that to your advantage.
How do you keep your audience engaged? How do you use live streaming and digital media to connect with your targeted market? Is social media difficult to use, or are you just uninterested? Do you put your talent to use? Finally, how do you strategize when online? The author answers these and related questions and explains why everyone must keep up with the trends. Understanding social media icons and the art of influencing authors, digital strategists, online celebrities, and many other personalities is refreshing. I loved reading the professional takes and predictions from Marisa Cali, Gord Isman, Chris Stone, Ash Borland, Will Slaise Jr., Tim Sohn, Lottie Hearn, Brad Friedman, and the rest of the experts. I like that the author took this approach, giving the reader different perspectives.
I like that the author does not generalize when discussing social media platforms. Ross Band writes about every forum individually and later concludes with how each is connected. For instance, users that love using Twitter are given tips relevant to the platform, while users are more inclined to use Instagram to get different tips. I have learned from the author that despite these online platforms appearing similar, they each need a different approach to marketing and promoting products. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was about shopping platforms like Amazon. Few people are keen on using videos or live streaming on e-commerce sites. Tips on how to be different from the author and predictions make this book a gem.
By the end of the reading, the reader completely comprehends the art of live streaming and building a brand online. The author‘s dedication to this subject is admirable and encouraging. The world is moving fast, and every ambitious person needs to adapt. With books like 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, readers are assured of being in the know and moving with current trends without struggle.
Pages: 219 | ASIN : B09Y8C7NMX
Hugh the Hippo Camps Out In My Head
Hugh the Hippo Camps Out In My Head is a delightful and informative picture book that introduces young readers to the vital role that the hippocampus plays in our ability to recall information. Following the young protagonist, Oliver, and his friends, Bella and Beau, on a magical adventure through an enchanted forest, the author, Beverley Reichman, skillfully weaves in important lessons about how the hippocampus helps us remember things. The captivating illustrations are not only amusing but also serve to fully immerse the reader in Oliver’s world.
One of the strengths of the book is the clever way in which the author demonstrates the function of the hippocampus through the characters in the story. The book also showcases Hugh the Hippo as a superhero who saves the day, which makes for a fun and engaging read. Additionally, the author highlights that dogs also have a hippocampus, which we learn through Toby’s Treasures.
At the end of the book, readers are offered a fun and educational activity to test their knowledge of what they’ve just read. Overall, this interactive and enjoyable read is highly recommended for young readers and perfect for teachers to share in their classrooms. Hugh the Hippo Camps Out In My Head is a must-read children’s book that teaches important concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Pages: 54 | ASIN: B0BQNPWFN4
Living Green and the Smoke
A handy and helpful small tree and a smart and intelligent little flower meet up for their daily chat, but there’s something weird in the sky today. There is smoke covering the forest and making plants sick. The duo set out to find the smoke’s source and find it coming out of a mountain. They gather their friends, and together they work to close the hole and fix a problem that was affecting all of them.
This educational picture book takes the serious and complicated subject of climate change and distills it down into a creative adventure that children will be able to understand. This is the perfect book for young readers as the problem is easy to grasp, there’s smoke coming out of the mountain. How do they stop it? They have to work together to solve the problem, and their teamwork is also illustrated in an easy to understand manner. All of this makes this a perfect book for preschool or kindergarten children. This educational children’s book does a fantastic job of establishing this basic understanding in young readers. In many children’s books these ideas are often abstract, but author Florian Bushy is able to mix a serious issue with whimsical characters and create a fun and educational kid’s book.
The artwork throughout the book is colorful. The trees and plants come to life, and I loved seeing Mr. Florian’s cute character in different situations throughout the story.
Living Green and the Smoke is an educational children’s book that conveys an important lesson about air pollution, global warming, and how working as a team is critical to solving a problem that affects us all. I highly recommend this informative picture book to educators and parents who want to introduce their young children to the idea of climate change and teamwork.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B09R7TNMZ5
LITERARY TITAN 