Blog Archives
The Observer Effect
Waves of Light and Darkness is a short story collection centered on themes of grief, desire, family, duty, and fear. Why was this an important book to share with readers?
I do not view this book as a message I needed to deliver, but rather as an investigation I needed to conduct. I did not write these stories to teach the reader something important, but to explore a specific question: How do we construct meaning when the lights, literal or metaphorical, go out?
The collection is an experiment in the observer effect. I wanted to look at how we survive the indifference of the universe through stubborn, necessary acts of human connection. If the book is important, it is only because it asks us to look at the labor required to truly see one another through the dark.
The collection frequently moves from social realism into moments where reality seems to bend. What attracts you to that blend?
I am drawn to that instability because strict realism often fails to capture how life actually feels during a crisis. Grief, trauma, and intense desire have a way of warping our perception; they make the ordinary world feel dreamlike or fractured.
By blurring the edges of reality, I can map the interiority of my characters more accurately. I am not interested in just recording the physical world; I want to show how a character’s emotional state literally reshapes the reality they inhabit. That bending is not fantasy; it is the psychological truth of being human.
What does the short story form allow you to do that a novel wouldn’t?
A novel can be, although not necessarily, a long journey with a single destination. A short story collection is like walking down a hallway and opening thirty different doors. The short story form allows for intensity without the obligation of a neat resolution.
It liberates me to explore the same theme, like the fragility of memory or the physics of loss, from dozens of different angles, ages, and backgrounds. In a novel, like my Entanglement-Quantum and Otherwise, you normally have to sustain one reality; in a collection, I can pivot from a domestic dinner to a cosmic mystery in the span of a few pages, creating a mosaic that feels larger than the sum of its parts.
But then, a third possibility, which I have explored and will soon publish, is a novel-in-stories. It is still a collection of short stories or novellas, but they tie together with one or more obvious common threads and symbols. I have titled this yet-to-be-published novel-in-stories, The Dying Cat.
Which story changed the most from the first draft to the final version?
I have no idea. It is not something that I track. I spend hours and days revising each story in minute detail. No story ends up close to the first draft since I work with concepts and ideas, which then are honed into stories and polished.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Whether they are set in the past or the future, in a Kansas farmhouse or a potentially supernatural cave, these short stories share one commonality: a search for something beyond what one knows is needed. Through a multitude of unexpected perspectives (a cat, a coma patient, a ventriloquist), this utterly novel collection of stories examines and reconfigures universal themes of life, death, and human connection.
Waves of Light and Darkness
Waves of Light and Darkness is a short story collection that circles big, tender questions, then keeps circling them from different angles: grief, desire, family duty, fear, and the stubborn need to make meaning even when life feels random or unfair. The book moves between intimate relationship dramas and more metaphysical turns, story by story. One early piece, “The Yellow Butterfly,” sets the tone: a widowed astrophysicist is knocked off balance by loss and then pulled into an uncanny encounter that feels half therapy, half dream, half cosmic riddle.
What I kept noticing, in a good way, is how Danenbarger writes feelings as physical states. A room gets too quiet. A routine becomes a trap. A conversation turns into a tight knot you can feel in your chest. Even when the stories lean surreal, the emotional footing is very human, like when that grieving scientist can’t decide if he’s being helped or manipulated, and either possibility hurts. The prose likes to linger on atmosphere, the smell of a place, the small habits people use to stay upright. Sometimes it’s almost cinematic. You can hear the café, feel the late-night glow, and then, suddenly, you’re somewhere stranger.
I also got the sense that the author is deliberately mixing “real life” tension with the itch of bigger ideas. One moment you’re watching people play social games at a fancy event, the next you’re hearing characters talk like reality itself might be bending. That blend can be compelling. It can also be a little blunt at times to make sure you do not miss the point. I respected the ambition. The stories keep asking: what do we cling to when certainty falls apart? In “Fragments of Existence,” a father’s sense of purpose snaps into focus while his kids are literally suspended above him on a ride, and it’s simple and sharp, like a truth you did not realize you were avoiding.
If you like literary short fiction with existential, occasionally speculative edges, this will probably land for you. It sits in the neighborhood of writers like George Saunders or Ted Chiang in the sense that the stories use unusual premises to press on ordinary human nerves, though Danenbarger’s voice is more earnest and romantic than wry. And it makes sense that he describes his own lane as “existential literary fiction.” Read this if you enjoy character-driven stories that are willing to get philosophical without turning cold.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0GFXPT5KM
An Air of Mysticism
The Dragon’s Fly follows a reclusive woman battling social anxiety who finds out her estranged daughter is murdered while on a camping trip in what can only be described as a nightmare by the sole survivor. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my story came from a desire to translate my vision of how a nightmare might look into words. As a devoted fan of horror, I knew this novel would firmly belong to that genre. I began by imagining some of the worst possible scenarios that a human could endure and began organizing these ideas. This process led me to dig into some of my own personal fears and phobias – the fact that I struggle with social anxiety, am deeply claustrophobic, terrified of the dark, and have a paralyzing fear of heights. From there, a tale began to take shape.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
The world I created in this book is a comparison of two distinct realms designed to both parallel and contrast one another. The setting was inspired by my desire to observe the grey areas in the story where the boundaries between human and monster nature would blur. What sets humans apart from the Sihashee? Where do we overlap in the eternal struggle between good and evil? How could I address the answers to these questions and, most importantly, describe this? I concluded that these questions were essential to shaping the setting and attempted to show duality through Vicky’s jaded view of the human world and Colby’s treacherous journey within the Sihashee’s society. I also wanted to emphasize the “all too familiar” dynamics of hierarchy and privilege rooted in wealth and power, as well as the clash of cruelty and kindness governing both worlds. Despite their monstrous nature, the Sihashee demonstrate tenderness and care towards those they value, much like humans. Unlike humans, their world is a deep, dark subterranean civilization hidden from the pristine presence of sunlight and fresh air. The setting is a stark contrast between Vicky’s quiet, isolated existence and the chaotic, noisy world droning along dozens of miles beneath her feet. The environment gradually evolves to accommodate the dichotomy and gently carry readers between both worlds. I found myself having to resist the temptation of delving too deeply into the complexities of the Sihashee’s realm, realizing that I could save those details for a future novel.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some key themes I explored in this novel are overcoming fear, power and corruption, and love and loss. Perhaps Vicky’s greatest struggle is overcoming fear. I highlight her vulnerabilities by walking readers through her daily experiences to show her struggle with anxiety, depression, and guilt. These internal conflicts get in the way of her longing to connect with her estranged daughter and an admirer’s romantic pursuit.
The theme of power and corruption is more apparent within the Sihashee society where monstrous beings dominate through ruthless control over one another and their human captives. Through Colby’s eyes, readers navigate an underground empire ripe with resentment, brutality, and an air of mysticism.
Meanwhile, love and loss acts as the catalyst dictating Vicky’s fragile reality. From her failed relationship with her ex-fiancé, Roe, to the estrangement from her daughter, and the awkward tension she feels towards her family, these themes interweave to create a story that examines hopelessness, the nuances of relationships, and the cost of navigating a society defined by both humanity and monstrosity.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, I am currently working on the framework for the sequel. Without revealing too much, the next story may possibly follow the adventure of another character from The Dragon’s Fly more closely. I’d like to give readers the opportunity to experience this world through a different lens and navigate new dimensions of the narrative.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Amazon
Journey Towards Healing
NeuroMastery takes readers on a detailed journey into the root causes of anxiety disorders and how to effectively cope with them. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This is an important book to write for two reasons:
First, it helps shed some insight into what psychotherapy for anxiety looks and feels like. Secondly, for people who cannot afford to get help for anxiety, it gives them a foundation to start working from as they pursue a self-help journey towards healing.
Do you have a background in science? Can you tell us a little about the research process required for NeuroMastery?
My background is in psychology. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. I have also been practicing as a therapist since 2001. As far as research is concerned, in 2009, I opened my private practice, which led me to study other disciplines to improve the delivery of my clinical services. Besides my continued studies in psychology, I have also spent a lot of time studying the field of neuroscience and its overlap with human psychology.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I wish for readers to take away effective coping strategies on how to respond effectively to any symptoms related to anxieties, fears, and panic attacks. Further, I wish for readers to understand the type of professional help they can receive if their symptoms are too severe for self-help.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
NeuroMastery is a series, and Retraining Your Brain to Conquer Anxiety, Fear, and Panic Attacks is the first. The next book in the series of NeuroMastery will be based on addictions. Prior to the release of the second in the series, I will be publishing a fiction book I have written based on a psychological thriller.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This book also introduces effective cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness techniques, and lifestyle modifications to manage anxiety. Learn how to face your fears through exposure and desensitization and discover how resilience and positive change can be nurtured by understanding and harnessing neuroplasticity.
NeuroMastery: Retraining Your Brain to Conquer Anxiety, Fear, and Panic Attacks is more than just a book—it is a roadmap to a calmer, more controlled, and resilient life.
The Not-So-Haunted House
![The Not-So-Haunted House by [Colonel Carney, Anne Hurst]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NlvzeGjiL._SX260_.jpg)
The Not-So-Haunted House is a charming children’s book that tells the story of a farmer who thinks his house is haunted. He sleeps in the barn to avoid all the spookiness going on in his house until one day his friend comes over and shows him that the scary things in his home were really just normal sounds a house makes.
Colonel Carney does a fantastic job of simplifying the fear that children have of the unknown and presenting it to them in a way that is easy to understand. The story is told through simple lyrical rhymes that are effective in capturing the attention of young readers. I loved the bright illustrations on every page which always had something on the page for children to point at and engage with the story. This book will help parents and teachers have a conversation about fear. It shows how many of the things we are scared of have explanations as long as we are brave enough to look for them. I found many of the farmers expressions to be laugh-out-loud funny and, although it’s a ‘haunted’ house, there’s really nothing to fear here except a fantastic book.
Pages: 29 | ASIN: B08BXTSBCC
Through A Glass Darkly Book Trailer
The House loomed over the city like a beacon of malevolent evil. People spoke of it only in whispers. Others tried to own it, eventually coming out in a body bag. Darkness dripped from its windows, spilt blood made up the foundations of its property, and Satan seemed to have a claim on the land. Houses built along its borders nailed their windows shut so that they wouldn’t have to see it. Evil resided within its ancient walls and did not care who knew it!
Manchester House was a legend – the “Mount Everest” of Haunted Houses!
Professor Jonathon Holzer knew he had scored the opportunity of a lifetime. With an international crew of paranormal investigators, and a mysterious “shaman” named Indrid Night, the man hoped to find some answers. There was one proviso: The City Council was not aware of his venture, and the police could not help him. He would be alone.
Sometimes when one stares into an abyss, the abyss stares back into you!
My Lonely Room
![My Lonely Room by [Vikara, John A.]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51soq8PfXVL._SY346_.jpg?w=604&ssl=1)
My Lonely Room is an outstanding contribution to the world of literary world, tacking themes of belonging and loneliness. The author, John Vikara, provides a novel which opens up a whole range of emotions. From feelings of isolation to intense moments of journeying-through, Vikara’s emotional rollercoaster of a story provides nothing more than a personal and intimate style of writing that gets the book off to an excellent start.
Set in the fifties, the reader is able to envision what life was like back then (for all those lucky younger readers), or recap on childhood memories (for our more mature readers). Vikara tries to write stories that appear to be realistic, creating a sense of nostalgia. Jimmy’s journey for companionship and experience allow the story to move at a steady pace, whilst constantly maintain the attention of its readers.
What struck me the most whilst reading My Lonely Room is how the writing left me feeling slightly pessimistic. The protagonist, Jimmy, grows up in a world where he feels like he never belongs. Everyone finds comfort in one place or another. Whether that comfort is in a person, a particular place, or a particular thought, everyone is able to ‘zone out’ and enter that place of pure comfort and safety. For Jimmy, his bedroom is the only comfort that he can find.
One of the great things that Vikara articulates in his writing is the importance of real-life issues. The author of My Lonely Room reinforces key issues which are undoubtedly present in our everyday lives – we’re simply oblivious to it! Issues of isolation, relationships, fears, friendships and journeying on are all real life ideas that the majority of readers can relate to. As a reader of this personal journey into a world that is quite off-putting to some, I found it a truly remarkable account of events, which left me feeling slightly overwhelmed, pessimistic and a sense of sadness.
This book really opened my eyes to a new genre of books. A book that was easy to follow, written with flair and creative thought, and the author’s skill of plotting and maintain the story are some of the reasons as to why I have rated this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
I can honestly say that I have not read and enjoyed a book as much as this book. Whilst I think that the ending of the novel was not as strong as it could have been, I think that John Vikara is an inspirational writer whose ideas and thoughts are put across in an interesting, intense, and captivating way.
An articulate, creative and highly imaginative novel blending an array of themes and emotions with real life experiences. Hats off to the author of this guide. An enjoyable read for the right reader who shows a similar interest to that of the authors.
Pages: 141 | ASIN: B01N7YYC4T
Damaged
![Damaged by [Green, C. K.]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51d0HWNdIXL.jpg?resize=301%2C445&ssl=1)
Kiera Blake is a girl running from her painful past in Damaged by C.K. Green. It has been eight years since she suffered an attack that left her paralyzed with fear and afraid to actually live her life. She survives by controlling her environment and not allowing many people to get too close. She basically has her job and one real friend, Anna. Her anxiety and panic attacks keep her from truly connecting with anyone though. Then, along comes Ethan Parker, someone she knows from the past. This unexpected turn of events sends Kiera spiraling out of control and frantically trying to suppress her feelings about the past.
At the begging of the story Kiera seems a bit shallow. She struggles with the trauma from her past but she is still focused on her looks, clothing and makeup. She was a character I couldn’t relate to, but I could empathize with. The writing at the beginning of the book seemed a bit forced and awkward. I noticed several places where it seemed like the the wording was changed but the superfluous words remained. But as the story progressed the writing became much more relaxed which helped it flow better. The last half of the book was a much more fluid and enjoyable read.
Ethan Parker’s character was more relatable to me. He was the police officer who found Kiera after her attack and is still haunted by it. I felt like the connection these two had because of it was haunting but deep. He went to high school with her so they have history together, with each secretly having a crush on the other. He started his own security business and relocates to Nashville because of the music scene and the need for personal security there.
Kiera and Ethan reconnect while out dancing and their chemistry is natural and explosive. From there, a deep love story develops. Some of the wording seemed a little cliché to me. There was a lot of “staring deeply into souls.” Despite that, as the story develops, I started to root for them, empathize with them, and (here’s a twist) I was able to relate to Kiera. It is clear they fit together in a natural and easy way. It’s one of the stories that makes you want to shout at them, “But you belong together!”, before you realize you’re shouting at a book.
Considering that this is Green’s first book, I think the few grammatical issues are minor and could be fixed in subsequent books. Also, Kiera’s personality grew on me as the book progressed. Despite not liking her at first, I found myself looking forward to seeing what happens to her in the second book. Plus, the last half of the book really did have me flipping pages quickly to see what was going to happen. This book takes a few chapters to grow on you, but when it does it’s impossible to tear yourself away.
Pages: 298 | ASIN: B079LZW642
