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The Seven Tensions of Negotiation
Cash Nickerson’s The Seven Tensions of Negotiation is part philosophy, part practical guide, and part martial arts metaphor, all wrapped in a sharp, seasoned perspective on what it really means to negotiate well. The book introduces seven types of internal tensions; Relationship, Process, Power/Leverage, Timing, Outcome, Team, and Agent and explores how recognizing and managing them leads to more successful negotiations. But it’s not just a list of frameworks. Nickerson challenges a lot of popular thinking, especially the “kumbaya” collaboration-first school of negotiation, and replaces it with something grittier, more human, and ultimately, more honest.
What I loved most was how Nickerson throws the “Getting to Yes” idealism under the bus but in a thoughtful, experienced way. He’s not out to destroy collaborative negotiation; he just believes it’s incomplete. In Chapter 1, he sets the tone by describing a simple Snickers bar dilemma between two people, breaking it down into seven distinct internal tensions. That simple story cracked open a whole world of complexity in negotiation that most books gloss over. He doesn’t shy away from discomfort. Instead, he leans into it and that, to me, is the book’s biggest strength. Nickerson makes tension not something to avoid, but something to wield like a tool. It made me reframe every “tense” meeting I’ve had not as failure, but as potential I didn’t know how to handle yet.
Nickerson’s writing style is straightforward, sometimes sharp, but never stuffy. He brings in stories from martial arts, law, business, and even politics. The analogy he draws between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and negotiation and how you can’t feel the other person unless you’re relaxed stuck with me. That moment early in the book when he talks about his UFC coach friend losing all his fighters because they abandoned training under pressure, landed. It’s not just a clever metaphor. It’s a warning: you can train all day, but if you don’t understand your own internal tension, you’ll fall apart the moment it counts. And that’s true for boardrooms as much as octagons.
He also doesn’t let the reader off easy with one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, he digs into the mess of real-life scenarios. For instance, he shares a negotiation from a condo board dispute where he uses strategic team rotation and room-switching to shift power dynamics. It’s clever, and more importantly, it’s real. He’s not theorizing here; he’s been in the trenches. His skepticism of overly academic models like principled negotiation makes sense when you realize he’s walked both paths: corporate law and academia. That blend gives him the authority to say, “Sure, win-win sounds nice, but here’s how things actually go down.”
If there’s a weakness, it’s that sometimes the martial arts comparisons go a little deep. I personally liked them, but if you’re not into that world, you might find yourself glossing over the Systema or BJJ talk. That said, even those tangents swing back around with a purpose, and his core message never wavers. Tension is not the enemy. It’s the energy of negotiation itself.
In the end, this book made me rethink not just how I negotiate but how I react under pressure in any high-stakes situation. I’d recommend it to anyone who negotiates as part of their job lawyers, execs, entrepreneurs, and HR folks, as well as to people who want to understand their own reactions under pressure. If you’ve ever walked out of a negotiation thinking “I wish I had said…” or “Why did I freeze up?,” this book will help you answer those questions and do better next time.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0DMV1QY1M
An Act of Love and Healing
A Legacy of Love teaches readers how to create a “Person-Centered Plan” (PCP), a living, breathing document that honors the uniqueness of their loved one and their individual needs.
What was the hardest thing to write about?
The hardest part of writing this book was sharing my personal story. Opening up about my own journey as a caregiver was both emotional and vulnerable, but I knew it was important. I wanted to offer an honest and heartfelt reflection, so others walking a similar path would feel seen, understood, and less alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the most important messages I wanted to convey is that, as caregivers, we have an essential role in being a positive voice for our loved ones. Our advocacy, love, and dedication can profoundly shape their experiences and well-being. I also wanted to emphasize the importance of approaching caregiving with intention, presence, and deep respect for the unique person we are supporting.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope readers walk away with the understanding that creating a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) is not just about organizing care—it’s an act of love and healing. Taking the time to truly see and honor the individual beyond the caregiving role allows for a deeper, more meaningful connection. Sometimes, we become so immersed in the responsibilities of caring that we forget to pause and appreciate the beautiful soul right in front of us. My hope is that this book helps caregivers shift from simply managing care to truly cherishing the person they are supporting.
Designing a meaningful care plan for your loved one with unique needs can be a life-changing gift—one that shapes their entire lifespan and journey. Whether you’re caring for a teen, a child, or an aging family member, this book shows you how to create a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) that caters to their individual strengths and preferences, enhancing their quality of life and making caregiving more fulfilling.
In this book, you’ll discover:Real-life stories of caregivers who transformed their approach with a personalized care plan.
Ways to recognize your loved one’s unique qualities to ensure their care is meaningful and effective.
Step-by-step strategies to build and adapt a care plan that evolves with your loved one’s needs.
Emotional insights through poems and reflections on the caregiving journey.
Practical advice to help you implement and follow through with your care plan.
You may be asking, “Can a plan really make a difference?” The answer is yes. A thoughtfully crafted Person-Centered Plan (PCP) is not just a tool—it’s a powerful way to offer care and compassion that truly honors your loved one’s unique journey. This book helps you become the guide your loved one needs, making their care not only more effective but also more meaningful. You take on the role of their voice in cases where speech may not be present.
Don’t wait for things to improve—take control of the caregiving journey today. Transform how you care, connect, and create a lasting impact on your loved one’s life.
Preserving Internet History and Culture
Framed is part confessional, part manifesto, and part digital history lesson, giving readers an unflinching look at the dark underbelly of social media from the eyes of someone who didn’t just observe the chaos but actively fueled it. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I was annoyed by how shallow social media punditry had become. As a prolific reader, I enjoyed most of the “Big Tech” books but was surprised to find that none of them had been written from the engineer’s perspective. Further, there was indication that some of them had been “dumbed down.”
In playing the software engineer and “bad guy,” I wasn’t looking for penance. Rather, I was interested in preserving internet history and culture. Writing this book came at a massive opportunity cost that I could never possibly recoup in book sales. My hope is that this book can entertain readers, drive policy discussions, and perhaps be one day seen as an important reference work.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
In terms of writer’s block or “getting it right,” the Myspace chapter was the hardest. In 2022, it was nothing more than an add-on and I was trying to secure interviews and source material from people I attended middle school with. By late 2023, I was restructuring the book around Myspace being the genesis. I’ve cut thousands of words and several notable tangents from that chapter, and I could spend another two years trying to perfect it.
In terms of emotional difficulty, it was hard to reconcile that my ventures, though “successful,” paled in comparison to other operators which earned millions of dollars more than my team did.
It was also tough to face the reality that, after years of effort, I produced this cool book, but how many other “cool books” haven’t been started because we’re so distracted by cell phones? “Screengrabbing,” originally, would have been almost one hundred pages in print. It was really hard to find the right way to address this problem.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
- The evolution of “Myspace whoring” to digital marketing automation
- Big Tech’s reversal of course on “open” APIs
- The wide spectrum of “black hat” and “white hat” in user behavior and business decisions
- Instagram growth’s reliable ~10% rate of reciprocity, established by research and aligned with my experience
- An updated take on the dead internet theory
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Framed?
The Internet Age has brought immense opportunity but also has ushered in social and ethical decay.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Newsletter | Amazon
A rogue software engineer built bots that ran rampant across social media, helping clients gain millions of followers. His reputation as a rule-breaker landed him at a startup where he designed the controversial systems—news feeds and push notifications—that keep users addicted.
Framed pushes opinions on influencers, algorithms, filter bubbles, botnets, screen addiction, spam, shadowbans, black hat marketing, deplatforming, the “dead internet” theory, and why people are still buying fake followers.
And–getting banned. Read Framed while you still can.
A Legacy of Love for Caregivers
This book is more than just a guide; it’s a heartfelt letter to every caregiver who’s ever felt overwhelmed, alone, or unsure of what to do next. Jacquie Wilkinson’s A Legacy of Love lays out a gentle but firm framework for creating a “Person-Centered Plan” (PCP), a living, breathing document that honors the uniqueness of your loved one, whether they’re a child with special needs, a teenager in crisis, or an elderly parent. Through stories, templates, poems, and deeply personal reflections, the book makes its case: caring should be intentional, compassionate, and led by love.
What struck me first and stayed with me was how Jacquie’s voice comes through like a trusted friend. She doesn’t lecture. She tells stories. In Chapter 3, when she compares parenting a child with autism to landing in Alaska instead of your dream beach resort, I laughed out loud and then immediately teared up. That metaphor? It nails the feeling of being blindsided. And instead of sugarcoating, she says: yes, this isn’t what you planned, but it can still be beautiful. That balance of honesty and hope is rare. It kept me turning the pages.
There’s something powerful about the way she blends practical advice with raw emotion. She walks readers step-by-step through how to create a PCP, but she sandwiches it between stories of real parents like Sarah, who transformed her son Jack’s school experience with a few thoughtful changes. That part hit me. I’ve sat in those meetings, watched teachers misunderstand, and felt like I had no voice. Seeing how one well-made plan gave Jack peace? That was the kind of hope I didn’t know I needed.
And then there’s the poetry. I didn’t expect to cry reading a poem called “I Am the Mother of an Addict.” Because it’s not just about caregiving, it’s about grief, guilt, and that deep, aching love you feel even when things fall apart. The poems don’t feel tacked on, they feel earned. They remind us that caregiving isn’t just a checklist. It’s emotional labor, and it deserves to be seen.
This book isn’t for someone looking for cold, clinical advice. It’s for people who lead with their heart and want to feel less alone in the chaos. If you’re a parent, sibling, or adult child trying to care for someone you love and you feel like you’re constantly swimming upstream, read this. Let it ground you. Let it guide you. Honestly, even if you’re not a caregiver right now, there’s wisdom in here about empathy, patience, and what it really means to see someone. I’d hand this to anyone who wants to love better.
Pages: 45 | ASIN : B0DWXT3MP3
Harmonious Living
Three Minutes to Heaven: Musings of a Ballroom Dancer explores the transformative power of dance, weaving personal anecdotes and philosophical insights into a poetic guide for living gracefully. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The stories in this book represent ideas that came bubbling up in my psyche during my dance education. The feelings I experienced were quite unique and presented a challenge to me to express them in words. I didn’t plan to write a book, but over the years I had quite a collection of these writings which made their way to a book via the desire to share them with others.
How do you balance technical insights with philosophical reflections to engage both dancers and non-dancers?
Dancers are drawn to dance for the movement, the social interaction, the music, and many other superficial reasons. But often without even realizing it, the reasons for dancing go much deeper. As they learn about dance, dancers are also learning about life. The immersion into dance carries with it a natural force guiding a new way to think about things. Through extrapolation, these lessons help dancers become more aware of the opportunities to engage in much deeper experiences in their everyday lives. The technical aspects of dance can be dry, so I tried including some in poetic fashion. Dancers immediately recognize the technical jargon, while those who never before engaged in partner dance training seem to become more curious, often ending up pursuing dance.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It’s easy to fall into life’s mazes that go in circles. You might be caught in a deadend job, a relationship that’s not working, or behavioral patterns that prevent personal growth and success. Every dancer at some point is asked the simple question in casual conversation — “Why do you dance?” This tiny nudge toward introspection can often lead to bigger questions, like “Why am I working this job? or “Why am I in this relationship?” or even “What is my purpose on this Earth?”, ultimately showing a way out of the maze. The core theme running throughout the book is that dance, as a microcosm of life, can teach us about life by focusing on analogous situations between dance and life. For example, Chapter 8, “Foundations,” and Chapter 18, “The Beauty of Entanglement” attempt to describe how you can address things that go awry in your life with the same approach you use to fix glitches in your dance technique. Other related themes include analogies between navigating the dance floor, improved mindfulness, dancing to the beat of the music, and harmonious living.
What’s the most meaningful feedback you’ve received from readers about how this book has impacted their view of dance or life?
I learned from a friend that she gave a copy of the book to her elderly landlady and noticed on occasion that her eyes became blurry with tears as she read certain passages. When my friend asked if she was ok, the landlady indicated some of the writings touched off happy memories. Perhaps she was a dancer in her youth and was touched by the nostalgia. Perhaps others are touched by reading what they’ve always felt but could never formulate the words to express those feelings. To me, it’s gratifying, as my hope has been that at least one chapter in this book would touch the reader in some special way – on the dance floor or on life’s journey.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Recommended as inspirational reading one chapter each day during a quiet moment at the beginning or end of the day.
Be Novel and Surprising
Your three-book collection, Briefly Speaking, is more than just a guide to public speaking; it is an entire educational course presented in an easy-to-understand and relatable manner. Why was this an important book for you to write?
We wanted those who aspire to become better presenters and communicators to have a comprehensive guide so they can achieve their ambitions. We designed the three-book series to focus on Prepare, Present, and Communicate to make it easy to find a topic and get practical, useful skills that can be incorporated immediately. Plus, each tip takes under 30 seconds to read—whether it’s how to open, close, tell a story, structure a presentation, or engage an audience. And each book is small enough to carry with you for easy reference.
Communication techniques and approaches are highly personal, but there are some key factors that are essential for getting your message across. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
First, decide on your message and identify a singular intention or what you want to achieve. Then scan your life for material that will illustrate your message so that it best engages your audience. Use structure so you don’t ramble, and always speak in a genuine, authentic way to build trust and reduce stage fright. And when you communicate, speak with commitment and certainty.
What is the one most important piece of advice you think all presenters should consider when preparing to give a speech, no matter what the topic is?
Determine what you want to achieve (i.e. your Intention) and what will best serve your audience. Then speak in specifics, not generalities so the audience can visualize your content. And be novel and surprising so that you grab and hold the attention of your audience.
Do you have additional books or materials planned that will complement this collection and help readers continue on their journey to improving their communication skills?
Yes, Own the Room (published by McGraw-Hill) and Out Front: How Women Can Become Engaging, Memorable and Fearless Speakers (published by BenBella Books)
Author Links: GoodReads | Eloqui | Outfront | Briefly Speaking | Amazon
Book 1 – Prepare: Creatively Structure and Rehearse Your Content (5 x 7; 254 pages; $29.99 value)
Book 2 – Present: Techniques from the Professionals’ Playbook (5 x 7; 248 pages; $29.99 value)
Book 3 – Communicate: Make the Greatest Impact (5 x 7; 192 pages; $29.99 value)
Better Way to Lead/Teach
From Dad to Coach: 17 Rules for Coaching Youth Sports teaches readers the seventeen essential rules you have crafted for being an effective coach that makes a lasting impression on their athletes. I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I would say the hardest aspect was when I told my story concerning the ref in Rule 15, looking back on that situation is still embarrassing to this day. I cringe remembering how I acted on the field and the arrogance I displayed.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It’s really hard for me to pick just one idea because the book is very dense with information that I found the most useful. If I had to pick one, it would be Rule 5: Avoid Excessive Yelling. I have just seen so many coaches (including myself) err in this area, and it really is detrimental to a program and can ruin a kid’s love for the sport. There’s a better way to lead/teach that is both more enjoyable and effective for the coach and player.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope this book inspires dads to coach. That is my main goal. I wish I had this resource available to me on day one. If you are a new coach looking for philosophies on how to coach or simply a coach looking to grow, then this book is for you.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Cool Continuum – Make Your Mark in the Arts
Cool Continuum, by Jason Comely, provides an intriguing framework for understanding the evolution and classification of artists across various disciplines. It introduces a five-tier model: Outsider, Rebel, Artisan, Innovator, and Genius, examining the journey and traits of artists at each level. By profiling a diverse array of creators, from Syd Barrett and Tony Bennett to Björk and Bob Dylan, The author presents a dynamic spectrum that reflects the fluidity of artistic growth rather than a rigid hierarchy.
Comely’s approach to categorizing artists is refreshingly holistic. He avoids placing value judgments on different levels, emphasizing instead each artist’s contributions to their field. The book’s strength lies in its ability to challenge traditional notions of artistic achievement. For instance, by highlighting figures like Syd Barrett, categorized as a Rebel, author Jason Comely underscores how defiance and unconventionality can lead to groundbreaking contributions, even if they come at the expense of personal stability. The profiles are well-researched and thoughtfully chosen, offering a comprehensive view of each artist’s impact on their respective genres.
While the writing style is rich in descriptive detail, lending an academic depth to the book, it occasionally shifts from the engaging, conversational tone it initially sets. The book’s structure is impressively comprehensive and showcases a wide array of artists across various disciplines. This broad scope enriches the reader’s understanding, but I feel it can occasionally make transitions between artist profiles feel distinct rather than seamlessly connected. While I think this approach offers a diverse perspective, I would have enjoyed a more cohesive narrative thread to tie the individual profiles together more smoothly.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its practical guide for artists at various stages of their careers. Comely offers actionable advice for aspiring and emerging artists, such as identifying one’s position on the continuum and setting goals accordingly. This section is particularly valuable as it provides a roadmap for personal growth and artistic development and transforms Cool Continuum from a theoretical framework into a useful tool for self-reflection and career planning.
Cool Continuum, by Jason Comely, is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the arts, from practitioners to enthusiasts. Its innovative approach to understanding artistic evolution and practical insights make it a valuable addition to the field.
Pages: 201 | ASIN : B0CF9VFKNF
LITERARY TITAN 