Blog Archives
Redemption Over Shame
A Certain Man is a searing, lyrical reimagining of the woman at the well, following a fierce Samaritan woman’s battle for freedom, faith, and healing in a world that seeks to break her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Actually, the inspiration came from the phrase that Jesus used to start several parables. “There was a certain man…” There are Bible scholars who teach that this was a sign to those listening that He was about to speak a true story of real people. I began to contemplate who these people would have been and what their back story would be. So the kernel of the story actually began with Samuel. Then my imaginings expanded to who he would have loved.
How did you balance historical authenticity with creative liberty, especially in reimagining familiar Gospel moments?
I never want to sacrifice Scripture for story. So when Jesus is “onstage” in the Bible, I do not add to His words. But, for instance, the Bible says that Jesus stayed in Samaria for two days after He met the woman at the well. So then this period is open for fiction. Even so, I am careful that He does not teach something that is not found elsewhere in scripture. Sometimes, like the encounter with the woman at the well, the narrative is very sparse and seems to jump from topic to topic. So here I used Mara’s thoughts to try to “fill out” the story. Jesus of course knows her thoughts and answers her. The challenge is to stay authentic to the intent and meaning of scripture without making Jesus a two-dimensional character. He was fully human and fully divine… and that is compelling.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The book explores themes of faithfulness, loyalty, and freedom particularly for women in a culture that often considered them chattel. Further, the hero and heroine must learn to forgive others and each other, choose good over evil, and redemption over shame.
Mara’s journey is steeped in trauma and spiritual transformation. How did you approach writing those darker, more intimate scenes?
The times of the Bible were scandalous and treacherous. While I did not want to include any gratuitous violence or sexuality, I did want the story to ring true in a tasteful way that dealt with very real issues. While there are humorous and lighter moments I wanted the reader to be brought into the times as they were. I believe “there is nothing new under the sun” and that the struggles of my characters to speak to hearts today.
The woman at the well has often been considered to be a loose woman, a harlot. But Jesus says she had five husbands. It is only the sixth man who is not her husband. What would make her give up on marriage, give up the security of a husband supporting and protecting her? I tried to read between the lines of scripture and use research of the time period to flesh out a plausible back story for each of my characters.
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Our Darkest Reflections
Finitude and Beyond is a collection of nine science fiction short stories that explore the edges of human existence—where time, identity, love, and mortality converge in strange and often heart-wrenching ways. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
Growing up, I was always drawn to humanity’s greatest achievements. Space exploration represented one of our highest aspirations—our desire to reach beyond ourselves and touch the untouchable. In those same dreams, I found our darkest reflections: isolation, fear, and the weight of choices made in desperate moments. This collection sort of grew from that dichotomy.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
We’re this remarkable species that can conceive of infinity, create art that moves us to tears, and love so fiercely we’d sacrifice everything for another person. Yet we’re also capable of breathtaking cruelty, willful ignorance, and destroying the very things we claim to cherish. What fascinates me is that these aren’t contradictions—they’re features of the same complex system. There is a line from this brilliant show Pantheon where this program sums it up best. “Humans are a low-entropy self-replicating phenomenon that generates a binding force called compassion.”
Do you have a favorite story in the collection, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
That’s tough, I really enjoyed writing “The Captain and The Sower.” I was in such a good mental place when I was working on it but if I had to choose a favorite it would be “A Mere State.” It was the first story I started writing back in 2020. It’s different in two ways. It’s the only epistolary work I’ve ever written and the only sci-fi story set in the past.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My debut novel, Local Gods, is currently in its last few rounds of copy edits. The expected release date is sometime in the middle of October. Without going too deep, Local Gods is a science fiction drama that explores the sinister threads of capitalism, faith, and power, asking what price we’re willing to pay for comfort—and whether anyone can truly escape Earth’s oldest sins, even among the stars.
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Finitude and Beyond is a provocative collection of existential science fiction short stories that plunges into the depths of human nature, where isolation breeds paranoia, guilt becomes a prison, and the relentless march of technology reshapes what it means to survive.
In nine gripping tales, C.K. Adams crafts intimate, philosophical science fiction narratives reminiscent of Ted Chiang’s psychological depth and Ray Bradbury’s mortal insight. These are stories of raw, flawed individuals confronting transformation, loss, and the often-chilling consequences of progress in worlds both familiar and foreign.
Prepare to explore futures where:
A hardened Pathfinder escorts a family through a world fractured by interdimensional beings. This journey is different, as her cargo begins to alter her understanding of reality itself (Unbeing).
Aboard a generation ship hurtling through space, a young woman’s quest to find meaning in a life predetermined by others becomes a battle to preserve humanity’s collective memory (The Bridge).
A rescue team investigates a frontier colony’s mysterious communications blackout (Colony).
A talented linguist’s obsession leads her to the star system of an ancient alien civilization, her curiosity aids her in challenging the very nature of communication (The Otrimi Archive).
A grieving physicist’s obsessive quest to scientifically prove the soul’s existence blurs the line between breakthrough and unforgivable sin (A Mere State).
…and four more journeys that will linger long after the final page.
Perfect for readers who crave thought-provoking sci-fi that isn’t afraid to explore the darker corners of human nature and the ethical quandaries of future technology.
A Sandbox of Possibilities
Vexed follows the outcast twin of a royal wendigo house, living in hiding, who is thrust back into a world that feeds on power and control, where her ability to love is seen as a weakness, and her greatest fear is becoming a monster like the rest of them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by the darker side of folklore—particularly wendigos and skinwalkers. For a while, I wasn’t quite sure how to approach them without falling into the usual tropes. But then it hit me: why not lean into what I already enjoy doing—taking something familiar and reshaping it into something unsettling, emotional, and new? That was something readers appreciated in The Orphan Maker (Book 1 of the series), and their response gave me the confidence to push further. With Vexed, I wanted to continue subverting expectations, not just in terms of myth, but in how we portray monstrosity, love, and identity. Emilia’s journey is my way of asking: What if the real horror isn’t the monster’s form—but what we’re willing to become to survive?
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
Pacing is something I take very seriously—especially in a series where emotional stakes evolve across multiple books. In The Orphan Maker, the protagonist Damien was strategic, composed, and emotionally closed off. So for Vexed, I wanted a complete shift. Emilia, while equally intelligent, is emotionally raw—her turmoil is deeply internal. That contrast was deliberate. I wanted to disorient readers, to make them feel the weight of her silence and her slow unraveling. Structurally, I made sure every chapter carried either emotional or plot-driven tension, weaving personal revelations with external threats. It’s a careful balance—letting the characters breathe while still turning the screws. That tension keeps the pages turning.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Fantasy gives you a sandbox of possibilities—but too much freedom can dilute impact. So from the very beginning, I set hard rules for the supernatural. In my planning process, I define exactly what each creature or bloodline can and cannot do, and I document these limits religiously—post-its, diagrams, notebooks, you name it. Power in my world always comes at a cost. If a character uses an ability, there has to be tension or consequence, either physically, emotionally, or narratively. That way, the magic becomes part of the story’s weight—not an escape from it. I want readers to feel that powers don’t make a character stronger—they expose who they really are.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I’m incredibly excited for Book 3. Without giving too much away, I’ll say this: the stakes will rise, and the lines between human and monster will blur even more. Readers who’ve followed Emilia’s journey will see her pushed further—to the edge of everything she once believed about herself. Expect more secrets, more betrayals, and yes, more of the world’s hidden lore unfolding. The series as a whole is about identity and inheritance, about what we carry from the past and whether we can ever truly choose who we become. Even in a world of vampires, wendigos, and ancient bloodlines, I believe the heart of every story is still about the choice to be kind… or cruel. That tension will only grow as the saga continues.
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In a world where ancient dynasties feed on control, lust, and carnality, Emilia must survive a court of predators that sees love as weakness and hunger as strength. But the real threat isn’t the creatures around her—it’s the one awakening inside her.
Vexed is a dark supernatural thriller that expands the mythos of The Orphan Maker, diving deeper into a world of secret societies, brutal inheritance, and seductive horror. With relentless pacing and prose that bites like a wendigo’s teeth, this is a story that won’t let go.
Leaving a Legacy
Diamonds in Auschwitz follows a Jewish woman struggling to survive the brutal realities of Auschwitz who finds a hidden diamond engagement ring in the mud, it brings her a glimmer of hope and a reason to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea for this story came to me while reading Wendy Holden’s Born Survivors. In this nonfiction book, she briefly mentions that a woman was able to hold onto her engagement ring during the Nazi occupation and living in the Jewish ghetto. As she entered Auschwitz, she refused to let the Nazis get her ring, so she dropped it outside the gates of the concentration camp. I loved the idea of someone finding the ring while a prisoner there. How could something so beautiful change her life, even though it had no value while living in Auschwitz? The story developed from that image.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
I actually wrote all of Samual and Hanna’s story in full first. Then I went back and wrote the second timeline — Rachael and Chaya’s story. I made sure to line up their plotline with Samual and Hanna’s – like having climatic events happen next to each other. It took a little bit of shuffling and organizing!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to dig into the idea of living after death — not necessarily in a spiritual-afterlife kind of way, but as a legacy. My characters are all very concerned with this question: If no one knows I lived, did I even exist? I wanted to show how leaving a part of you behind after death — whether a ring, memories, artwork — can give your life purpose. I also wanted to explore the idea of hope. At first, it’s seen as a poison to Rachael. She believes that hope kills faster than the Germans can. But as she finds a reason to live, even after losing everything, she sees that hope survives through even the worst of times. The ring is the physical embodiment of that hope for her and Hanna.
What is the next book that you are writing and when will that be published?
I’m in the editing stages of my second book. It’s set in Charleston after the Revolutionary War. It’s part a retelling of a Shakespeare tragedy, part murder mystery, and part origin story of a real Charleston haunted legend.
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Rachael is a resilient Jewish woman imprisoned in Auschwitz during World War II, clinging to the memories of her lost family while enduring the harrowing reality of the concentration camp. Amidst the brutality, she uncovers a hidden diamond engagement ring in the mud—its brilliance offering a glimmer of hope and a reason to survive. As she navigates the perils of camp life, Rachael forms a profound bond with Chaya, a young girl also yearning for connection and comfort in their shared despair.Interwoven with Rachael’s tale are the lives of Samual and Hanna, a young Jewish couple planning for their future while navigating the hardships of Nazi-occupied Prague. Distracted by his life in Prague, Samual initially dismisses the growing threats against their community, focusing instead on the engagement ring he dreams of giving to Hanna. As the grip of the Nazis tightens, their plans unravel, yet their love becomes a beacon of resilience amid escalating fear and loss.Diamonds in Auschwitz illustrates how, when everything seems lost, even the smallest treasures can illuminate the path to freedom and connection. Through Rachael and Chaya’s friendship, and Samual and Hanna’s unwavering love, the story reminds us that even in the bleakest times, humanity can shine brightly.
Of Saints and Rivers
In Jim Logan’s Of Saints and Rivers we follow the sprawling multi-generational saga of the McClellan family, primarily through the eyes of the youngest son, Jordan. It begins in the late 1800s with his parents’ unlikely romance and settles into the vast Oklahoma frontier, tracing the family’s joys and heartbreaks through the mid-20th century. The narrative centers on Jordan’s relentless quest for purpose and healing, a journey propelled by personal tragedy and a gnawing sense of guilt that sends him far from home to unexpected places, such as a Mexican village and a seminary, only to find that the past, like a river, always finds its way back.
I loved Logan’s masterful way with words. He crafts sentences with a gentle flow, making even complex emotional landscapes feel accessible. I found myself drawn into the characters’ lives, experiencing their triumphs and sorrows alongside them. The author doesn’t shy away from the hard questions, grappling with faith, destiny, and the human condition in a way that feels both profound and personal. It’s rare to find a book that so honestly explores the nuances of forgiveness and self-acceptance, but this one does it with an understated power that resonated with me. The way the historical details are woven into the family’s story, particularly the struggles of the Dust Bowl and the impact of the world wars, creates a vivid and immersive experience.
While the exploration of Jordan’s internal struggles was compelling, there were moments I wished for a bit more outward joy or less immediate return to hardship. Yet, I think that’s part of the book’s honesty; life isn’t always neat, and the author doesn’t pretend it is. The relationships, especially between Jordan and his father, were incredibly raw and real. I felt my own emotions stirring as they navigated their complicated bond, a testament to the author’s ability to create such authentic human connections.
Of Saints and Rivers is a moving and introspective read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who appreciates historical fiction with a strong emotional core. If you enjoy stories about family, redemption, and the search for meaning in a world that doesn’t always provide easy answers, then this book is for you. It’s a journey that leaves you pondering life’s big questions.
Pages: 272 | ISBN : 0988928159
Razor’s Return
Razor’s Return tells the story of Senior Chief Petty Officer Zack “Razor” Reston, a Navy SEAL with a quiet intensity, and Eve Patterson, a confident, self-sufficient realtor with a military legacy of her own. What begins as a simple community service assignment, Razor caddying for Eve at a charity golf event, quickly snowballs into an unexpected and heartwarming romance. As they navigate their growing connection, the story dives into their vulnerabilities, the burdens they carry, and the unique challenges that come with loving someone tied to the military.
What I loved most about this book was the grounded chemistry between Razor and Eve. Their banter felt real, at times awkward, at times electric, and it reminded me of the stumbling starts of many true-to-life relationships. The dialogue never felt forced. Razor, despite his intimidating presence and gruff exterior, was a refreshing kind of romantic lead: quiet, respectful, haunted, and utterly sincere. And Eve, God, I admired her fire. She wasn’t waiting for a man to rescue her; she held her own, physically and emotionally. Watching her disarm men, sometimes literally, while navigating Razor’s rough edges was deeply satisfying. The scenes were often intimate, not just physically but emotionally, and they stuck with me.
Razor’s inner monologue, especially about how out-of-place he felt or how “classy” Eve seemed, sometimes circled the same track. Still, it’s a small gripe. Biggerstaff clearly writes with affection for the characters and with knowledge of military life. There were heartfelt moments, especially the ones tied to Eve’s father, that hit harder than I expected. It’s a romance, yes, but it’s also a quiet nod to service, sacrifice, and resilience. It reminded me how much emotion lives just under the surface for folks in uniform.
Razor’s Return is an easy recommendation. If you’re into military romance that feels authentic but isn’t bogged down in melodrama, this one’s for you. It’s tender, funny, and surprisingly deep in parts. Perfect for fans of quiet tough guys, strong women, and second chances.
Pages: 215 | ASIN : B0F2P3XLVS
LITERARY TITAN 