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Dictatorship Versus Democracy
Till Marriage Do Us Part follows a woman struggling to keep her rocky marriage together while also wishing to pursue a relationship with a stranger from the internet. This is an intriguing setup to a novel that is high in social commentary. What was your moral goal when writing this novel and do you feel you’ve achieved it?
I’m not sure I had a moral goal, but I certainly set out to challenge traditional morals and long-held beliefs about the one-love-til-death-do-us-part ideology. From the feedback I’ve had, I would say that I have achieved this goal.
Were the characters’ backstories something you always had or did they develop as you were writing?
The backstories for these characters developed as I was writing. My approach to writing is similar in that the plot, ending, and character development often changes and evolves as the story develops.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore a number of interrelated themes, such as marriage, polyamory, and compersion (i.e. to view an individual as autonomous and celebrate their own unique path to fulfilment). By nature, a long-term union (like marriage) is demanding and punctuated with compromise. But at what personal cost? If the needs of the union are always placed above the needs of the individuals, then isn’t it more of a dictatorship than a democracy? This revolutionary idea of dictatorship versus democracy is the central theme of TMDUP.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a few works in progress: Book One of a Thriller/Suspense series; and a Women’s Fiction novel. I will strive to have at least one ready next year. Readers can subscribe to my newsletter to receive updates.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
At Ghost Gum Winery in Australia, married couple Aden and Bronte are dealt a cruel hand of fate when a financial audit forces them into foreclosure. Starting afresh in a seaside suburb of Brisbane, their marriage rapidly deteriorates as Aden mourns his dream life and Bronte seizes an opportunity to pursue the writing dream she buried when she became a winemaker’s wife.
In America, Luther is an indie author who is unhappily married to his second wife. With his bohemian mother encouraging him from the sidelines to keep searching for his ideal, but impossible, woman, he searches Twitter hashtags and discovers Bronte’s profile. Instantly smitten, he ghost follows her until he can orchestrate the perfect meet.
When Aden’s new job takes him to Dubai for three months, and the Twitterverse unites Bronte and Luther, Bronte soon finds herself in a predicament in which she must choose between her husband and a man she’s never met.
Problem is, she wants them both.
Determined to explore a relationship with Luther and keep her family unit intact, Bronte makes it her mission to redefine her conventional marriage in order to keep both relationships alive.
But these three hearts cannot foresee where each of their romantic lives will lead when Bronte’s burgeoning writing career takes her to Hollywood.
We All Want To Be Happy
We All Want to Be Happy is a heartfelt exploration of life’s simple truths. The story is told through a collection of reflective essays and personal stories. The author draws from her own experiences over eighty years. She shares her journey toward finding happiness and contentment. Each chapter touches on different aspects of life like love, loss, resilience, and the pursuit of joy. Each chapter offers readers both wisdom and comfort.
Anne Mullen-Martin’s writing feels like a warm conversation with a friend. Ann’s voice is clear, inviting, and tinged with nostalgia. She shares a childhood memory of her mother teaching her to focus on what makes her happy. A simple notebook that is used to jot down joyful thoughts becomes a powerful tool for shifting her mindset. This story, like many others in the book, serves as a gentle reminder that the most straightforward practices can have deep effects on our well-being. Ann’s willingness to share her vulnerabilities touched me. She openly discusses the emotional impact of turning sixty-five. The reality of aging hits hard. I found her honesty about facing these feelings refreshing and relatable. There’s no sugarcoating, it is just a real and raw reflection on what it means to grow older. Her eventual acceptance offers readers a comforting perspective on this inevitable part of life.
The book is also filled with practical wisdom. Ann emphasizes the importance of appreciating the present. I think she suggests that we often fail to recognize that we’re already living the dreams we once had. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to take stock of where we are and find joy in the moment. This advice encouraged me to pause and see the value in my life.
We All Want to Be Happy is an engaging read for those who enjoy reflective and personal narratives. Ann Mullen-Martin shares her life lessons with warmth and sincerity, offering inspiration and comfort. This book is perfect for anyone who needs a gentle nudge to appreciate the small joys in life and to find happiness in the here and now.
Heart Trouble for ZZ
Heart Trouble for ZZ is a delightful and educational picture book that teaches children the importance of caring for a sick pet. The story centers on ZZ, a spirited and playful dog whose only desire is to enjoy life despite a concerning diagnosis from his veterinarian. When the vet warns that ZZ might have a heart problem and advises him to stay calm until the test results are in, ZZ tries his best to settle down, but his exuberant nature gets the better of him. That’s when his loving family steps in, offering the support and guidance he needs.
The adventures of ZZ throughout this vibrant children’s book are a joy to witness. His antics, whether bouncing on the couch or racing around the yard, perfectly capture the playful spirit of a typical dog, and children will be thoroughly entertained by his lively behavior. However, beyond the fun and silliness lies a deeper lesson. As readers follow ZZ’s journey, they learn ways to help a rambunctious pet calm down, even when it’s essential for their health. Heart Trouble for ZZ excels in demonstrating gentle and compassionate ways to care for pets who struggle to settle down when it matters most.
The book’s charm is further enhanced by Zoe Saunders’ stunning illustrations. Her use of a soft color palette and beautiful sketch-style artwork vividly conveys ZZ’s emotions, whether he’s feeling frightened at the vet or discouraged while hiding in the closet. Every page is a visual treat, and children will be captivated by the expressive depictions of ZZ’s experiences.
Heart Trouble for ZZ is a heartwarming and insightful children’s book, ideal for families with pets, especially those dealing with health issues. Even for those without pets, young readers will be enchanted by ZZ’s rambunctious nature and come away with a valuable lesson in caring for loved ones.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DFVTFHT1
Moving Forward
The Space Between Dreaming follows two women struggling to have a family of their own who meet at an art gallery and form an unlikely friendship. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had always wanted to write a story that featured strong friendships that was perhaps a bit unexpected. I decided to do this through friendships that spanned different generations and different circumstances as a way to show the strength we gain from women who are in our corner. Since I’m also an artist, I took a lot of inspiration from my own experience in showing in galleries and working at art fairs.
Grace and Jane are both relatable characters that readers are drawn to and want to help. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
I used my real-life great-grandmother’s name for one of the characters, although the personality of the character is totally different. The character of Jane loves the Milwaukee Art Museum and has since she was a kid, which is something I took directly from my own life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My love of art and the power of expressing emotions through painting is something I wanted to convey. I wanted readers to feel how valuable the practice and appreciation of artistic endeavor can be in healing, decision-making, and everyday life. Also the theme of moving forward despite difficult circumstances was an important one to include. I wanted this to be an inspiring, hopeful book for someone to pick up.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I just released an art book called Poetry and Paint. It features my original paintings and poetry. I’m also working on another novel, but I don’t have a date for its release yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Grace and Jane both crave family but for much different reasons. Grace longs for the child she was never able to conceive and Jane for the new family she will have once she marries her boyfriend. They meet and become unlikely friends when Grace’s husband paints his masterpiece and Jane’s gallery represents him.
As they ponder their future, Jane’s meddling 80-year-old landlady helps them see the beauty in letting go of expectations. Grace and Jane each see something different in the painting, and it causes them to look beyond their stubborn dreams to a fresh reality that could hold the key to their happiness.
This Is Us! Growing Up With Humour
This Is Us! Growing Up With Humour by Sheila and Corinne Deitch is more than just a memoir—it’s a heartfelt family project. The book serves as a collection of stories, carefully crafted to document the history of the Deitch family, beginning with Sheila’s parents. The authors present their family’s journey much like a photo album, filled with vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes that bring each family member to life. Throughout their narrative, they capture the essence of familial ups and downs, reminding readers that laughter remains the best remedy in the face of life’s challenges.
The idea of preserving family genealogy holds a special place for many, particularly for older generations. It’s a noble endeavor to document one’s family legacy for the benefit of future generations. Not everyone has the privilege of knowing their roots, but the Deitch family is fortunate to have a matriarch dedicated to compiling their history through personal photos and memories. Reading through the memoir, I found myself with the Deitch family. The charm comes from the obvious love and dedication Sheila and Corinne have poured into preserving their family’s legacy. Their passion for their roots is contagious. For example, Sheila’s recounting of her parents’ lives is tender and filled with the kind of details that make family history come alive—like the stories of her father Sam’s positivity and generosity, and her mother Betty’s struggles with depression. These moments paint a vivid picture of the family’s dynamics and provide context for the generations that follow. The memoir may pose challenges for readers unfamiliar with the Deitch family. At times, the narrative introduces snippets of information without immediate explanation, which can be frustrating. For instance, in chapter one, the authors mention, “More about the name Winston in a later story,” yet it takes several chapters before the significance of this name change is clarified. This delay in providing context leaves readers in suspense, sometimes without resolution.
This Is Us! Growing Up With Humour is a labor of love that will resonate most with those who have a deep interest in genealogy or personal family histories. This book is a touching tribute to the Deitch family’s journey through the years. If you enjoy diving into the intricacies of family life, this memoir offers a heartfelt glimpse into one family’s past.
Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0D46RBY4F
The Limits of Forgiveness
The God Fix follows a boy visiting extended family for the summer who discovers dark family secrets, causing him to question his life, faith, and morality leaving haunting impacts on his psyche. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a story that would explore numerous themes of interest to me and to blend character exploration with a suspenseful enough plot to keep the reader engaged. Whilst the plot and characters are entirely fictional, the book does draw on some emotional truths and aims to palpably capture numerous periods in time from the perspective of a young person, which in some ways was a cathartic experience to write.
One core idea that I initially had for the book was inspired by the 1930s Fritz Lang film ‘M’; it was the idea of the moral protagonist becoming the immoral antagonist. Whilst Matthew is to some extent an unreliable narrator (we see the world through his eyes and prejudices), I feel like this core change in character wasn’t pronounced in the final version given the extreme nature of the uncle’s behaviour; it is instead left up to the reader to draw their own conclusions, which fits more with how I want the book to be read.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I’ve previously written a speculative/supernatural audio drama podcast, and questions about the human condition were very much at the core of each episode. Any reflection that can challenge the way that one perceives the world is intriguing to me, as well as works that explore values, politics, and power. I think great fiction can be both speculative about worlds unknown, as well as more immediate to us if it is able to expose the intrinsic absurdity of our everyday lives.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There were a lot of themes that felt important to me to explore in this book. Among them were questions of the limits of forgiveness, the use of religion as a justification or motivation, the value of revenge, the question of how independent our beliefs really are, and fundamentally what we believe to be right or wrong. Given that the characters have their own differing perspectives and interpretations, I think it’s fitting that so should readers, though I hope to have in some way challenged them to consider their own views. Other themes that felt important for me to explore around these were questions of alienation, longing, class difference, and addiction.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m co-writing my next book with Emmelina Gateman. It will be a fun, supernatural young adult horror story called “The Dead Witch’s Song;” it will include interactive and ” Choose Your Own Adventure’” elements. Whilst it will be a very different book to this one, it will still touch on themes of morality, forgiveness, and societal progress.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
The God Fix is a dark coming-of-age story set in Greater Manchester in the early 2000s. Taking place across multiple visits to his extended family, Matt, a boy from Surrey, must grapple with the gravity of unraveling discoveries about his family, forcing him to contemplate his life, his faith, morality, revenge, and death.
Leaving a Lasting Impression
Catalina Plays the What? follows a young girl getting ready for show-and-tell day at school who is nervous about sharing her passion for her favorite instrument, the double bass. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Catalina Plays the What? stems from my personal connection to the world of double basses through my husband, Gary Upton, who is a luthier and has been manufacturing double basses for years. Before meeting him, like many people, I had little knowledge of this remarkable instrument, which is often overlooked in schools and society despite being the foundational cornerstone in nearly all music worldwide. Many people say, “Oh, it’s a big cello, right?” I wanted to shed light on the double bass, an instrument that deserves far more recognition, especially among young learners.
Additionally, the field of double bass is predominantly male and Caucasian, so it was important to me to feature a young girl of color as the protagonist. Representation matters deeply—when children see themselves reflected in various fields, they are more likely to feel inspired and motivated to pursue their interests. Through Catalina’s journey, I hope to encourage more girls, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to explore and embrace the double bass.
Catalina starts out nervous but builds confidence as she goes along, in part thanks to the help of her grandpa. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The themes of perseverance, self-confidence, and the importance of supportive relationships drive Catalina’s character development. Her initial nervousness reflects a universal experience for many children who feel uncertain when sharing something they are passionate about. However, as Catalina progresses through her presentation, her confidence builds, largely due to the steady encouragement from her grandpa. This relationship, which highlights the significant role that mentors and family members play in empowering young people to overcome their fears, is a key element in the story. I wanted to convey that with support, determination, and a belief in oneself, even the most daunting challenges can be met with success.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
As a former elementary school teacher, I have a deep passion for making learning enjoyable and accessible for children. In Catalina Plays the What?, I aimed to introduce the fundamentals of the double bass in an engaging and easy way for young readers to understand. The story breaks down the different parts of the bass, its various names, and its role in different genres of music, all within the context of a fun and relatable narrative. My goal was to create an educational experience that would not only entertain but also inform children about this incredible instrument, leaving a lasting impression that learning can be both informative and entertaining.
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?
Catalina Plays the What? is not currently part of a series, but I’ve been considering the possibility due to readers’ positive feedback and interest. Many have expressed a desire for more stories educating about musical instruments. While I haven’t yet committed to a series, I am finishing another story, Thea and Her Purple Dragon. This upcoming book delves into the complex and often painful topic of Parental Gatekeeping, exploring the deep emotional impact on children and parents when an adult fails to work together in the child’s best interest. This book aims to open a dialogue about the importance of cooperation and understanding within families, especially for the child’s well-being.
In addition to Thea and Her Purple Dragon, new readers can also explore my other works. Jayla Spreads Loving Kindness introduces children to the peaceful mindfulness practice of loving-kindness meditation, following a young girl as she practices sending love to those around her throughout her day. The book aims to teach that the more loving-kindness you send out, the happier and more peaceful you will feel. My other book, You Are Loved, tells the story of a little girl entering foster care and aims to teach children that, despite difficult circumstances, they can always find love and support in the world around them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon
Building a Relationship
A Father’s Love follows a little girl enjoying an outing with her father, her biggest hero, as she receives his advice and encouragement about her upcoming ballet performance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was inspired to create a story that is based on a positive connection between a child and her father. I had the desire to showcase a young girl who receives motivation because it demonstrates that she can achieve whatever she sets her mind to. She is building on her personal courage, and she is learning to become a self-directed learner.
Is there anything from your own life included in A Father’s Love?
The story is not related to my life but it’s a constant reminder that a father’s presence, time, and consistent effort is required when you’re building a relationship with your child.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Olivia Smith H.?
The art collaboration process was smooth and easy with Olivia. I shared my thought process by explaining and being detailed on how I would like each picture to look. She provided me with sketches and colors, asked me questions, and we used a great amount of teamwork. I’m pleased with the outcome of the book.
Can young readers look forward to more stories featuring Rachelle and her father? What are you currently working on?
I’m currently thinking about my next book. I have topics in mind, and I plan on starting the writing process very soon. I may do a series from my first book, then I will create another book that features Rachelle.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 