Blog Archives
Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp: Prayers, Praise and Perfect Pranks
Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp, by James and Crystal Bass, is a sun-drenched, laughter-laced ride through summer camp. It follows six lively kids—Annabelle, Ariel, Zion, Bo, and twins Big Jay and Little Jay—on their hilariously mischievous, often heartwarming journey of faith, friendship, and epic pranks. Through silly escapades like fart-sounding balloons in Bible class and googly eyes on school supplies, they explore what it means to grow, learn, and bond in ways that go beyond marshmallow roasts and canoe races.
I loved how genuine this story felt. The kids aren’t perfect. They make a mess, push boundaries, and pull off pranks that would give any camp counselor pause. But they’re never cruel. Their balloon prank during Pastor Coleman’s Bible lesson had me laughing. But even better was how the adults handled it—with humor, a touch of wisdom, and a good-natured lecture that turned the chaos into a lesson about kindness. That balance—fun without meanness, correction without scolding—made this more than just a goofy camp story. It felt real. Like a place I wish I’d gone to as a kid.
Then there was the moment Micah the Menace arrived. A toddler armed with the appetite of a vacuum and the tantrum power of a hurricane? Genius. But it wasn’t just for laughs. The counselors flipped the script on the pranksters. Watching the kids learn humility through a pint-sized storm named Micah was both hilarious and surprisingly touching.
As the story moved into the later chapters, especially “The Apology and Making Amends” and “A New Kind of Fun,” it honestly got me a little misty-eyed. The kids’ decision to write apology letters and then organize a camp-wide talent show? That hit home for me. It reminded me of how we grow up in spurts—first we laugh, then we reflect. That campfire scene, with everyone clapping and singing, wrapped the whole thing up in the best way possible—warm, sincere, and full of love.
If you’re a parent, a youth group leader, or anyone looking for a story that teaches lessons without preaching, Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp is a treasure. It’s especially perfect for middle-grade readers who want humor with heart. Think Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Sunday school. This book made me laugh, smile, and think, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone who believes that joy, mischief, and growth can all live in the same chapter.
Pages: 58 | ISBN : 978-1963737837
A Step in the Right Direction
Stormy Sailing follows a young boy and his father, on a journey with their refugee family, who get separated from the rest of the family and try to find a way to reunite with them. What was the inspiration for your story?
Even today, conflicts surround us, impacting people—families and children, too—in various ways. Some of us follow such events in the news. For others, social unrest and even war situations are part of their daily lives, forcing them to fight for survival.
It’s painful to witness world events that cause suffering, especially for children. They are innocent of the conflicts that displace families from their homes. Under inhumane conditions, little ones begin their lives without the security and joy that should be inherent to every child’s life. All means that could assist in this regard must be utilized.
There are influential individuals in society who possess the keys to important solutions, but we, the ordinary people, can affect them. We can also elevate the voices that might otherwise be silenced.
I feel like I’m an insignificant influencer, yet I strive to make these challenging situations visible through my children’s books. A storybook is a humble way to spread attitudes and feelings that, in turn, influence actions. It could be a step in the right direction.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The main themes of Stormy Sailing are the strength of close relationships and the significance of collaboration during challenging times. For family members, this is based on their love for one another and their readiness to make sacrifices for each other’s well-being.
The story’s overwhelming difficulties are portrayed through the eyes of the two main characters, a father and a son after their other relatives have already departed for the other side of the sea. Although the narrator describes the events from an outside perspective, the dialogues uncover the different perspectives of the adult and the child.
The father has his own role as an adult. He represents a parent who strives to ensure his child’s survival in every way possible. On the other hand, the child also has strength and refuses to give up. His sincerity and childlike optimism motivate the father to do his best from nearly impossible starting points.
For me, one of the most difficult parts of the story to write was when the father instructed his son to hold on to him as long as he was afloat. In other words, this means that the father tells his son to let go of him if necessary, in order to save himself. The father acts calmly, as a parent should behave to prevent the child from panicking. – In the most challenging situations, the greatest love also appears purest.
What is one thing that you hope the reader takes away from Stormy Sailing?
Earlier, I discussed the themes I consider most important in my story. If I were to highlight one more idea that could provide valuable support for the reader’s journey, it would be perseverance.
There are times in life when it seems like all means have been exhausted. It may appear that trying is no longer worthwhile. Even then, the Finnish saying “while there’s life, there’s hope” holds true. Although the outcome may not meet our expectations or may even be miserable, it feels better to have had the courage to make the attempt.
Even if our efforts were unsuccessful, we can at least be sure that nothing more could have been done. There is no blame or regret afterward. This relates to self-respect and confidence as well. Making the most of every opportunity strengthens us for the next time when that strength is needed.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m continuing my work on the Lyrics of Life Series, including Stormy Sailing. The second volume, illustrated by Spanish artist Catty Flores, has already been published and is titled Carried by Wings. The next two volumes in the series, The Hermit’s Hut and A Star Gazer are currently in progress, both illustrated by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren from Mongolia.
My favorite songs inspire the books in my Lyrics of Life Series. Music is woven into my writing in various ways. Sometimes it plays in the background while I sit at my computer, immersed in a story. At other times, it creates moods that motivate me to explore new topics.
What has happened with this series is inspiring. I noticed that certain songs have played a significant role in my life at various times. Initially, they were on the radio when I was a child or teenager. Later, I rediscovered them as I sought the memories and emotions they evoked. Ultimately, they now serve as a source of inspiration for the children’s book series that has emerged.
In Stormy Sailing, waves from Rod Stewart’s “Sailing” were echoing in my mind. The song was written by Gavin Sutherland in 1972. In Carried by Wings, the winds of the Andes were blowing in my mind, and so was the Simon & Garfunkel song “El Cóndor Pasa” (“If I Could”). The original music was composed by Daniel Alomía Robles in 1913. These popular songs play in the background of the two latest episodes. I won’t reveal the other two until Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren and I have finished the books.
I have truly enjoyed writing the Lyrics of Life Series, and I hope the melodies resonate with the stories, even if they are not played out loud. Music has a wonderful effect and connects people everywhere, even when we do not realize it. Various forms of art inspire one another, and together, they influence human lives, including children’s lives.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Can a homemade ship, assembled from the wreck of a sailboat, last in a stormy sea? Will father and son survive the sea crossing and find the rest of the family?
Living the Story
Whispers of the Forgotten follows a woman who inherits her grandmother’s bookstore and finds a hidden letter that changes everything, thrusting her into a forgotten world of history involving a lost city called Elara, buried secrets, and an ancient artificial intelligence. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Initially, I just wanted to write an adventure story that included lost cities and some hidden technology. While the big idea stayed the same, the details changed a lot over the course of writing the story.
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 imagined living the story and tried to keep it believable and moving forward.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
I had a plan for an initial mystery, but as the story developed, that plan changed and new puzzles seemed to present themselves.
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?
This is the first in a four-book series. In book 2, a new adventure is pursued and again the readers are left with a cliffhanger. In books 3 and 4, the story begins at the end of book 1 and combines with book 2. I plan to have book 2 available in late summer and books 3 and 4 available winter of 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When Evelyn Hart inherits her grandmother’s bookstore, she expects a quiet life filled with childhood memories. But a hidden letter changes everything—thrusting her into a forgotten world history involving a lost city called Elara, buried secrets, and an ancient artificial intelligence once built to protect humanity, now intent on destroying it.
As she digs deeper into her grandmother’s mysterious past, Evelyn uncovers a web of secret societies, the hidden truth of Earth’s history, and a chilling glimpse into humanity’s possible future. Her world unravels when she discovers she is central to a plan to erase mankind.
Armed with her grandmother’s cryptic journal, a small group of unlikely allies, and a man concealing his own dark past, Evelyn must uncover the truth behind her family’s legacy—before it unleashes a power capable of reshaping the world forever.
Time is running out. Evelyn is the key to humanity’s survival—or its end.
Explore Indigenous History
Diablo Canyon follows a burnt-out writer searching for inspiration in Diablo Canyon, who instead uncovers a dark history and an evil, ancient entity that is out for blood. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The spark actually came from a dream—kind of a wild one. I go into the full story in the afterword of the book, but that dream stuck with me. I used to live in Elizabeth Lake, and it’s just one of those places that feels… different. Beautiful, but mysterious. Over time, I started hearing these strange, fascinating stories from locals. Then I found out the lake’s original name was La Laguna del Diablo, which translates to The Devil’s Lake. That was it—I started researching, and everything started clicking into place. With that foundation, the story practically wrote itself. Honestly, about 60% of it is rooted in real events and local legends.
All your characters felt real, giving the story an emotional pull that connects readers to them. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
It was honestly a blast to write them all, but it was also a balancing act. I really wanted a diverse set of characters, each with their own voice and purpose. Writing for the Tataviam Tribe members meant doing a lot of thoughtful rewrites—I wanted to treat their story and culture with the respect it deserves, so that took time and care. As for the hardest character? Probably Jack. Capturing his inner conflict—the grief, the guilt, the tension with his daughter—that was tough, but also really fulfilling. He’s the emotional anchor of the book in a lot of ways.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A few things really drove this story. First, I wanted to shine a light on the beauty and history of the Elizabeth Lake area—especially the stories that often go untold. Through Tibu’s storyline, I was able to explore Indigenous history and voices that history tends to erase. I wanted to honor that.
There’s also a strong theme of grief and how it shapes us. Jack’s journey is wrapped in loss, and that grief fuels a lot of his choices—some good, some not so good. Trauma, if we don’t face it, can lead us down dangerous paths.
And of course, the danger of unchecked curiosity plays a big role. Whether it’s digging into the past or awakening something ancient, Diablo Canyon reminds us that some doors are closed for a reason. Once you open them, there’s no going back.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Right now, I’ve got a few irons in the fire. I’m working on a four-book series called The Elementals, which dives into a supernatural mythology that I’m really excited about. I’m also building a paranormal detective series centered on a character named Smoke Ravenstein—the first book’s called The Demon on the Hill, and it’s halfway done.
And then there’s The Body Farm, which is a dark horror comedy we’re actually filming this summer. That one’s a wild ride with a twisted sense of humor. I’m not sure exactly when the next book will hit the shelves, but hopefully soon. Stay tuned! Stay Spooky!
Author Links: GoodReads | TikTok | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon
More than a century later, Jack Morrison, a burned-out novelist, arrives in the canyon looking for inspiration—but what he finds is far worse than writer’s block. As he digs into the dark history of the land, he uncovers chilling stories of vanished settlers, vengeful spirits, and men who disappeared only to return… changed. The deeper Jack goes, the more the lines blur between past and present, until the horrors that haunted Tibu’s time come clawing their way into his own.
This is not just a story about outlaws and gold—this is a story about the things that lurk beneath the earth, waiting. The kind of nightmares that do not just haunt the past, but infect the present, whispering promises of power in exchange for blood. Diablo Canyon is a tale of monstrous men, vengeful spirits, and the unrelenting grip of an ancient evil that does not forgive… and never forgets.
If you think evil stays buried, you’ve never been to Diablo Canyon.
Following Your Gut
Between the Living and the Dead follows a teen girl whose friends die in a hit-and-run accident, causing her to discover she has the ability to interact with ghosts and leading her to uncover long-buried secrets about her heritage. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There were multiple inspirations for this story. When I was a teenager for some reason I was convinced my bathroom hallway had magical potential. I had recurring nightmares and dreams about magical events happening in there. When I was a kid, I was curious and often volunteered to investigate “mysteries” for friends at school. Most of the time it was trivial stuff, but in my imagination, I dreamed of solving Sherlock Holmesian-like mysteries. As I grew older I fell on some Hercule Poirot books and I devoured them. I am also an adoptee from Venezuela and the search to find my origins has been a major part of my life in recent years; I chose to incorporate that into my main character’s journey. I have always loved ghost stories, (even though I was thoroughly spooked about the idea of ghosts for a while in my teens). I thought it would be cool for an average teenager who had nothing but curiosity, observation, and gumption going for her to suddenly have magical powers and being able to see things in the “In Between” having just enough of a different lens of the world to see what others cannot.
The supporting characters in this novel were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
This is a hard question; probably Cavilla; she is heavily modeled on me, and she is what an alternate version of me would have been (minus the magic powers of course!)
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important themes for me were: cultural heritage and identity. Growing up in a white family that didn’t acknowledge my ethnic origins was a challenge. Having my birth family and adoption papers withheld also added a layer of complexity and grief. I think others can relate to this experience. As I did research on Peruvian lore and mythology as well, I found it was almost impossible to find authentic source material and primary resources about it. So much has been erased by colonialist retellings. So I took the liberty to adapt and add to the original lore. I am a 90s baby, so I incorporated that 90s feel in the story; a generation that is often teased now for being “old” but there were many cool things despite there being less tech for example. Most importantly the themes of friendship, solidarity, and following your gut were key to this book. Encouraging kids to explore, to keep digging, and care for their friends and family is vital.
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?
Yes, it is the first book in the series. I have no idea when the next book is coming out. The sequel(s) will expand more into the different pachas, Cavilla’s powers, more cases for her to explore as she gets older, and more into her birth family.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Cavilla Ramirez is an average Peruvian teen, tethered to the 1990s rhythm of clarinet rehearsals, dog-eared Agatha Christie novels, and low-stakes schoolyard mysteries. But when a hit-and-run claims her two best friends, her world implodes—and then restructures itself in a seemingly impossible and unnerving way. Her friends aren’t gone. Their ghosts linger, needing her help in solving their murder so that they can cross over. And it’s not just them. Ghosts are everywhere, and somehow, she’s the only one who can see them.
With a protector in the form of a god-turned-cat, Cavilla becomes a reluctant guide between Peru’s realms of the living and the dead. Solving murders and helping the dead find closure becomes her new normal. But every answer she uncovers tugs loose something else: long-buried secrets about her own heritage, secrets her aunt Tia Luz would rather keep six feet under.
And as Cavilla finds out, not all ghosts need guidance. One presence stands apart, watching her… waiting.
And he isn’t asking for help. He wants her – or something she has.
Thrilling and Unpredictable
Native Arcana follows a Cherokee marshal who has survived multiple traumas throughout her life as she plunges headfirst into the mystery behind a series of occult murders. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Anyone familiar with Eastern Oklahoma knows it has a deep undercurrent of mystery and strange folklore, which made it the perfect backdrop for Native Arcana. The initial idea came to me back in college while brainstorming with a writing partner, but it ended up sitting on the shelf for years. It wasn’t until I met my wife that the story truly came to life. She’s a proud Cherokee woman who grew up in and around Tahlequah, and when I shared the concept with her, she immediately connected with it. She began contributing her own insights, cultural knowledge, and ideas, which really shaped the story’s themes. Many of Nita’s mannerisms and experiences are drawn directly from her life.
As for the occult elements—Oklahoma has a strange history that includes everything from the OKC bombing to isolated incidents of cult-like behavior. With enough research, you start to notice peculiar threads connecting some of these events, often rooted in fear, hate, or darkness. I felt like the only kind of character who could face down that kind of evil was someone like Nita: someone who has endured trauma without losing herself to it, someone who turns pain into purpose and strength. She’s the kind of person who helps others not despite her suffering, but because of it.
What do you find is the most difficult thing about writing a thriller?
For me, the biggest challenge was keeping the story grounded in reality while also exploring some of the mystical elements that naturally arise in a story like Native Arcana. Balancing believable law enforcement procedures with moments of the supernatural was tricky. I wanted the narrative to remain thrilling and unpredictable without veering too far from authenticity. Hopefully, I found that balance—but ultimately, that’s for the readers to decide.
Which of your characters do you feel you relate to most and why?
All the characters carry pieces of me, especially Nita and Blake. But if I had to choose, Nita feels the most personal. She’s a reflection of the strong women who shaped my life—most importantly my wife, my mother, and my sister, but I’d be remiss not to mention my aunts and cousins as well. I often say I was raised by strong women, and that gave me a deep respect for their resilience, complexity, and quiet strength. Writing Nita was my way of honoring them—of capturing their spirit and putting that strength on the page.
Can fans look forward to a follow-up to Native Arcana? What are you currently working on?
While Native Arcana stands strong as a standalone novel with a complete arc for Nita and the supporting characters, I’m definitely exploring where her journey might lead next. As a Cherokee Marshal, there’s no shortage of strange, dark corners of the world she could uncover. I’m currently developing ideas that would push her into new mysteries and challenges—ones that test her resolve and reveal even more layers of who she is.
In addition to that, I’m working on a couple of other projects, most notably The Drums of Secession, Book II in the Cannon Fire Plot series. It’s the sequel to The Wages of Kin and continues the saga of the Battier family as they fight back against a tyrannical regime in a fantasy world inspired by colonial America. The series explores revolution, loyalty, and identity in a richly imagined world filled with complex characters and high-stakes conflict.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Before that, Nita was an everyday Cherokee Marshal, working Cherokee Nation and policing its laws. However, a desire to live a stable life was always out of reach. She is a survivor of many traumatic events: The Oklahoma City Bombing, a shootout, and most recently, the death of her husband. In the aftermath of the latter, she struggles to mother her autistic stepson as the violent incidents around her begin to mount.
A series of occult murders involving an Amish girl, a ranch hand to a multi-millionaire, and demonic iconography leads to a task force to hunt down the culprit of these heinous acts – including OSBI and Nita’s old friend and Thorpe Ranch owner, Blake Edwards. But, with her persistence and unique capabilities, Nita soon realizes she may be the only person equipped to uncover this mystery.
Mythical Creatures: The Worldbuilding Guide to Korean Fantasy
Huck Kahng’s Mythical Creatures is a whimsical and insightful guide into the world of Korean fantasy folklore, woven with humor, reverence, and practical advice for writers and worldbuilders. Structured in three parts—Human, Animals, and Monsters—it introduces readers to foundational myths, clever animals, and fearsome (yet often lovable) monsters from Korean tradition. Each chapter blends storytelling with cultural context and concludes with a “Worldbuilder’s Workshop” full of exercises meant to spark creativity and deepen understanding of the lore.
What really won me over was the writing style. Kahng isn’t lecturing here—he’s inviting you into his living room, handing you a warm cup of tea, and telling you tales that have been passed down through generations, all while cracking jokes like someone who knows exactly how to make you care. The tone is breezy but deeply informed. He doesn’t bog down the reader with scholarly jargon or dry history. Instead, he pulls you into each legend with personality and punch. The bear who becomes a woman? Heartwarming and oddly inspiring. The tigers who get tricked by rabbits and scared of dried fruit? Flat-out hilarious. I laughed more than once, and I don’t usually do that when reading reference books.
Beyond the humor, there’s heart. Kahng treats these stories not as museum artifacts but as living tools for creative use. I appreciated how he encourages writers to look at mythology not just as background noise but as a guiding force in story building. His workshops at the end of each chapter are gold—practical, fun, and weirdly motivating. He makes you want to write. I walked away with half a dozen ideas for stories, games, or just odd little creatures I want to sketch.
If you’re a writer, game developer, dungeon master, or just a lover of folklore who’s tired of the same old dragons and elves, Huck Kahng’s Mythical Creatures is a breath of fresh mountain air. I’d especially recommend it to fantasy fans who want to break out of Western tropes and discover something new, strange, and joyful. It’s a toolkit, a storybook, and a love letter to Korean myth all wrapped into one delightful package.
What May Lie Ahead
Life and Love on Mouse Island follows a 61-year-old New Yorker who inherits a dilapidated house on a remote island, leading her to sell her NYC home and move where she goes on a journey of rediscovery, connection, and an adventure starting life over. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Over the years, I have visited a number of islands both here and abroad. All seem to share certain qualities in common: a powerful sense of community, self-sufficiency, and strength that I find very appealing. That kind of interaction and interdependency enables people to reach out and count on each other to a degree that living in a large metropolitan area often doesn’t provide.
I knew I wanted to write a book for older women. Too often I have found romance novels focus on younger women in their 20s or 30s at the beginning of their lives. I wanted to focus on mature, grown-up women who had been through a variety of life experiences but were still looking forward to what may lie ahead.
My story ideas come from a number of different places. I have a varied work history (TV/radio producer, talk show host, writer/photographer, stand-up comedian) that comes in handy for background information.
My experiences help to add depth to my characters. In addition, I am an avid dog-lover and have worked with rescue and service dogs. So, dogs always play a role in my books.
I find that, while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
I really enjoy writing dialogue for my characters. It helps to define who they are and I relish the free-flowing interactions. Writing dialog can be both challenging and exciting as the characters’ voices can lead you in different directions you never expected.
Occasionally, a character will wander off track and I have to round them up and bring them back into the story. When that happens, the result can be fresh and fun. I generally keep to an outline I have in my head about what the theme of the book is going to be and who’s going to do what. When I am trying to plot a scene, especially a pivotal one, I sometimes daydream about it like a short film. I take a walk, a nap, or listen to music and let my mind wander. If I have trouble with an opening sentence and it is not perfect I insert a basic line, what I consider a spacer sentence. And come back to it when I have a better feel for it.
Probably the biggest source of questions that I ask myself when I’m writing is, “Is this authentic? Is this true?” The authenticity of the characters and of their voices and how they interact with each other is vitally important to me. I will often read sequences aloud to make sure that they sound the right note.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
My next book which I’m getting ready to start will be a sequel to this one and will focus on many of the characters that are featured in Life and Love on Mouse Island.
One of the main characters in the upcoming book will have Parkinson’s. I myself have Parkinson’s. It was diagnosed over 17 years ago. I want to focus on people living fulfilling lives regardless of the challenges they face.
Taking emotional risks when you are older feels scarier and more vulnerable than when you are in your twenties. Yet the rewards can be so much stronger and richer. It is well worth the risk especially when love enters the picture.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
That’s what sixty-one-year-old Isabel wants to know. A lifelong introvert, she gets the shock of her life when a woman she has never met leaves her a house. After a lifetime plagued by anxieties and worry, Isabel decides to take a leap of faith, sells everything, and moves from NYC to Mouse Island.
There are difficulties along the way. But with the help of new friends and a three-legged rescue dog, she begins to get in touch with an inner strength she didn’t know she had. Then there’s the question of who left her the house… the answer to that mystery may be hidden within the house she has come to know and love. And speaking of love…along the way, Isabel meets a man who could well be the love of her life.
Fall in love with Mouse Island.
LITERARY TITAN 