Blog Archives
Physiologic Disruptions
In The Shift Worker’s Paradox, you present an unsettling picture of the grim reality of shift work and its biological impact on the human body. Why was this an important book for you to write?
A friend of mine used to say that self-help books are often written for the author. I suppose the ultimate motivator for this book is my own narrowing mortality. Watching a decade of night shift slowly peel away the resilience and strength I had built over the years has a way of sharpening perspective.
I also saw this as a personal responsibility. I devour podcasts and have listened to countless discussions on sleep, health, and wellness, always waiting for someone to meaningfully address shift workers. Many made a passing nod to the risks, but I wanted a deeper dive, one that helped address what I felt was a clear gap in the conversation.
The truth is, this topic has been on my mind for a long time. As a perpetual biohacker, I’ve spent more than twenty years trying to find ways to improve my own health and well-being. The subject also has broader relevance. We are now a 24/7 society, with a large swath of the workforce engaged in shift work. Add the physiologic disruptions outlined in this book to an already unhealthy American population, and you have a recipe for long-term, often informing sequelae.
I recognize that this is not a “sexy” book. Because it addresses a niche topic, I never expected it to be a bestseller. What I did hope was that someone, somewhere, would find value in it. I believe it is the most comprehensive book on shift work ever written, and I am proud of that.
Can you share with us a little about the research process that went into putting this book together?
I write several hundred thousand words a year as a freelance writer across a wide range of medical topics. During that time, I routinely encounter information that informs the pieces I am working on and often proves relevant to this book, so I make careful notes along the way. The eighteen months spent writing the book were largely devoted to organizing that framework and properly referencing the accumulated material.
I tend to approach writing from the perspective of a project manager: planning, executing, and monitoring progress. The actual writing, however, is less about production and more about building a narrative—telling a coherent story by fitting the right pieces of the puzzle together.
As an avid reader, I know that an over-referenced book can be difficult to read, and as a fiction writer prior to this project, references were not part of my usual process. Moving back and forth between fiction and nonfiction, I found that transition particularly challenging.
Your book takes a deeply emotional turn with personal stories. Why did you choose to blend science and moving narratives?
As I mentioned, prior to this book, my only published works were literary fiction. My academic and freelance writing does not require an emotional component. As I continue to grow as a nonfiction writer, I want my work to be narrative nonfiction—using dialogue and scene setting to drive the story. That is what I appreciate as a reader, and I hope others do as well. This is an important topic with significant consequences, and in the opening pages, I allude to why this information matters. In some cases, it can be a matter of life and death.
What is one thing you hope readers take from The Shift Worker’s Paradox?
That all is not lost. In truth, many people who are not shift workers can also benefit from this book and understand that burnout, fatigue, and health decline in shift work—and in general wellness—are not personal failures; they are predictable physiological outcomes of working against human biology. Even if you are not a shift worker, give yourself some grace as you approach your health challenges.
I hope readers understand that exhaustion is a systems problem, not a character flaw, and that they use the language and evidence provided to stop blaming themselves. If the book does one thing, I hope it replaces guilt with clarity and empowers readers to make informed, realistic decisions about their health, careers, and lives.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | Amazon
Medics, factory workers, and police officers-shift workers-are going against what their bodies are designed to do. The Shift Worker’s Paradox is a must-read for anyone living this reality, and a powerful refresher for those who have lived it before.
There comes a point where biology and exhaustion collide, where functioning and the body’s natural rhythms are at odds, and survival depends on understanding what constant disruption does to the human system and how shift workers can push back.
This book is the ultimate survival manual for those who don’t get the sleep they need. We were not born to live in a state of perpetual rush, yet millions do. Through science and real-life stories, The Shift Worker’s Paradox exposes how shift work disrupts internal clocks, metabolism, and aging, and pulls back the curtain on how small, rhythmic changes can begin to repair the damage.
From light therapy and tailored nutrition to adaptogens, precision supplementation, and pharmacological nudges, it offers research-backed, deeply human strategies for those desperate for sleep at 3 a.m. and racing to feel rested by noon.
Empathetic and unflinching,
The Shift Worker’s Paradox reminds us that biology is not up for debate, and that resilience is not a product of willpower, but of rhythm.
Easy-To-Use Tactics
Dr. Toad’s Short Book for a Long Memory is a guide that blends humor with practical advice, vivid examples, quirky illustrations, and down-to-earth explanations to show how memory works and how anyone can strengthen it. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Among several reasons, I wanted to be a physician because I receive tremendous satisfaction from helping people with challenges. No longer in clinical practice or teaching, I realized some time ago that everyone—no matter their age—worries about lapses in memory. I knew I could help by offering my simple, easy-to-use tactics.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about memory and learning to improve it?
If you are young, under 40 years old, you worry about looking dumb when you can’t remember someone’s name or phone number. If you are older, you worry about early dementia. A lot of people assume they have a memory problem if they can’t recall everything. Not true! As I describe in my book, forgetting things is common. Good memory does not require brilliance. It only requires a small effort to employ one’s imagination.
Learning to strengthen memory can be overwhelming. What were some ideas that can help readers feel more comfortable with starting this process?
Start with a name you want to memorize. Use your imagination to turn that name into a mental image that is outlandish. If that image makes you laugh, you are on the right track. This may sound silly at first, but it works! Turning one’s wristwatch over and linking it to an item or date is another simple technique.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Dr. Toad’s Short Book for a Long Memory?
I hope readers will believe that they truly can improve their memory for things that are important by using the simple, easy-to-understand techniques that anyone can use. They can DO it!
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Website | Amazon
Dr. Toad’s Short Book for a Long Memory is the first book in the Dr. Toad series, created to share simple, achievable solutions for the everyday challenges we all face on the path to better health and well-being.
Nurse Dorothea® presents Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Why Mindfulness is a Key Coping Skill
Nurse Dorothea Presents Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Why Mindfulness Is a Key Coping Skill by Michael Dow is a warm, inviting introduction to mindfulness presented through a fictional after-school class. Nurse Dorothea guides readers through the basics of mental health, the meaning of mindfulness, and the many ways it can improve daily life. The book mixes friendly explanations, real research, and simple activities while also covering Jon Kabat-Zinn’s nine pillars of mindfulness and the three main practices: meditation, body scanning, and mindful yoga. It’s an easygoing, approachable read meant for people of all ages.
The book opens with Dorothea reminding the class that every person is one life event away from facing a mental health challenge, which felt honest and grounding. Throughout the early chapters, she repeats gentle reminders to be patient and nonjudgmental with yourself, and I found those small, warm nudges surprisingly comforting. The writing avoids heavy language and instead feels like someone sitting beside you, calmly talking you through your own thoughts.
I also really enjoyed the student comments woven throughout the book. They make the lessons feel alive and relatable. One student mentions that mindfulness while driving helps keep you safe, and another talks about how multitasking can pull you away from the moment. These small interactions add humor and humanity to the material. They break up the teaching in a way that makes the book feel more like a real class than a traditional self-help guide.
The seated meditation instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the emphasis on letting your mind wander without judgment made me feel oddly relieved. The body scan exercise is explained in a simple, calm voice that made me want to try it right away. Even the yoga section feels approachable, especially when the author reassures readers not to judge themselves if they wobble or fall. That moment actually made me smile because it felt so human.
The book is gentle, sincere, and wonderfully beginner-friendly. I’d recommend it to teens, parents, teachers, or anyone who wants a simple and encouraging introduction to mindfulness. If you’re looking for a book that feels like a calm, supportive voice guiding you through stress and distraction, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Pages: 179 | ISBN : 978-1-968690-01-4
It’s Always Been About Purpose
Mental Health Sounds Like This is a heartfelt and deeply personal guide blending science, storytelling, and soul, to explore how music can be used not just as an outlet for emotion but as a structured process for healing and transformation. Why was this an important book for you to write?
As I mention in the book, I began teaching vocals when I was just 17, and in 2019, I expanded my work into what’s now known as Empowerment Through Songwriting Coaching. What’s always fascinated me is that my clients rarely come to me just for music; they come seeking confidence, personal development, and healing. All the while: I was writing and singing my own music of self-actualization, expression and growth. So it made sense that for a long time, people struggled to understand why I chose to both sing and coach. “Why not just focus on becoming famous and using your gift for yourself?” they’d ask. But for me, it’s never been about fame: it’s always been about purpose. From early on, I knew I wanted my music to mean something – to do something. And that’s exactly what this book represents: a reintroduction to who I am, what I do, and why I do it. It’s an invitation for the world to truly understand what Emma G Music is all about.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Good question! I think it goes back to the principles behind my work: The importance of providing safe space for my clients to truly show up, the importance of leading by example, the scientific, cultural, spiritual, and practical reasons behind why music [especially singing and songwriting] are so powerful, and how imperative it is that we seek out proactive approaches for mental, emotional, spiritual, social and even physical well-being.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
It wasn’t necessarily “hard”, but I found myself waking up from dreams about different situations that occurred as a teenager that I’d definitely buried over the years. Writing this forced me to open that can of worms back up, and really analyze some of my experiences, and responses… and the what if’s. I have several catalogs of music documenting those parts of my life, but I hadn’t really looked at those songs in depth for a long time… it was cathartic. Painful at times, but healing.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Mental Health Sounds Like This?
That their voices matter. Their experiences matter. Their truth matters. In fact, that’s where their power lies. By ignoring or suppressing the difficult parts of ourselves; we cut ourselves off from growth, and strength building. I want people to understand that they can sing their pain away, and come out the other side: a whole, healed person. But they need to first lean in, and learn to express themselves authentically.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Written by singer-songwriter, TEDx speaker, and vocal empowerment coach Emma G, this book is a creative blueprint for anyone who’s ever struggled to make sense of their emotions, find their voice, or feel seen in a chaotic world.
Blending storytelling, science, and soulful strategy, Emma introduces a revolutionary 5-step framework that uses music and songwriting as tools for healing, resilience, and self-discovery.
Whether you’re navigating grief, burnout, anxiety, or identity challenges, this book invites you to do more than survive—it helps you create your way through it.
Drawing from personal experience, somatic healing, and her work with Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, Emma shows how singing and songwriting can turn pain into power and help you reclaim your voice—literally and metaphorically.
Inside, you’ll discover:
How emotions live in the body—and how singing can release them
Why songwriting is a form of prayer, reflection, and personal growth
A step-by-step guide to turn your experiences into empowering anthems
Real stories of healing and breakthroughs through music
Prompts, practices, and tools to help you start writing your own story
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just someone searching for clarity and healing, Mental Health Sounds Like This will meet you where you are—and show you how to sing your way forward.
You are not broken. You are becoming. And your voice has always been the key.
Nurse Dorothea® presents Healthy Relationships
Healthy Relationships presents a thoughtful and approachable exploration of what helps relationships thrive. The book is framed as a guided workshop led by Nurse Dorothea, who walks readers through the core ingredients of healthy connection, communication, boundaries, empathy, responsibility, and self-awareness. Although the tone is gentle and accessible, the book is wide in scope, touching on friendships, family ties, romantic partnerships, and online relationships. Its structure blends direct instruction, reflective prompts, and short personal stories in a way that encourages readers to slow down and consider how they relate to others.
The classroom-style format works particularly well. Early in the book, readers are invited to pause, write, and reflect, which creates a sense of active participation. Simple metaphors, like caring for relationships as one would tend a garden, and the recurring reminders that everyone faces challenges, offer a steady, grounding presence throughout the text. At times, the tone can feel overly earnest, but that sincerity reinforces the author’s intention: to encourage readers to approach their relationships with clarity and kindness.
The many student stories woven into the book add depth and texture. Accounts from individuals describing supportive parents, patient partners, meaningful friendships, or online connections create an authentic emotional thread. These examples are used to highlight specific principles such as trust, cooperation, and mutual respect, and they break up the instructional sections in a way that feels natural. The book does not shy away from discussing difficult dynamics either. Its explanations of imbalance, dishonesty, control, and disrespect are concise and direct, making the warnings easy to understand without sensationalism.
The section on meaningful apologies stands out for its emphasis on responsibility and repair rather than defensiveness. Later discussions on reconnecting with others and choosing high-quality relationships are practical and encouraging. The message is consistent and clear: healthy relationships are intentional, vulnerable, and sustained through ongoing care.
Nurse Dorothea® presents Healthy Relationships offers a steady, compassionate guide for readers of all ages. It would be especially valuable for educators, counselors, families, and anyone seeking a straightforward framework for understanding relational well-being. Its warmth, clarity, and practicality make it a supportive companion for those hoping to build stronger and more thoughtful connections.
Pages: 239 | ISBN : 978-1-968690-00-7
ASL Nurtures Relationships
My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me follows a little boy who loves monster trucks and, after a day of playing at Grandma’s house, discovers his favorite truck is missing. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for my story came from my then-three-year-old grandson, whose boundless love for monster trucks sparked the idea. Every day, we played together—building ramps, creating challenges, and laughing joyfully. We took monster trucks everywhere. We cheered monster trucks and their drivers at our county fair’s Monster Truck Shows.The sounds of roaring engines filled our hearts with excitement.
When I had the opportunity to write a story for a contest, I quickly drafted a tale celebrating Dylan’s joy. As I wrote, I experienced an “ah-ha” moment; this was the perfect story I had longed to share since earning my Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Community Studies from Madonna University. During a class assignment, we were tasked with selecting a picture book and using our ASL skills to sign it. I went straight to the library, hoping to find a book featuring children using sign language. I was shocked to discover that there were none available.
This realization highlighted a crucial need for a children’s book that represents children and families using ASL.
That realization became the foundation for my award-winning picture book, My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me – Illustrated in American Sign Language, to fill that gap.
And so, the rest of the story unfolded, reflecting not just our play but a vision for inclusive storytelling.
This activity book seamlessly integrates ASL into the story and activities, making learning fun while providing an inclusive experience for children. How did you decide what activities to include in your book?
Thank you for the kind words about our Monster Truck fun! ASL is an untapped resource with limitless potential, and learning should be a playful and enjoyable experience. Many ideas came directly from children during author visits, where they enthusiastically shared how they use ASL in their daily lives, whether it’s counting or signing to friends. Their excitement inspired me to explore how ASL could enhance play and learning, leading to the creation of our new 77-page My Monster Truck… Coloring and Activity Book.
To enrich the original story, we added time-telling activities using ASL numbers and included mazes for their fun and problem-solving aspects. I aimed to cater to all children, offering simple coloring for younger kids and engaging challenges for first- and second-graders, ensuring success and joy at every level.
With the help of Sue Mohr from The Inner Vizion, we drafted pages in Canva that included trucks, houses, and everyday scenes from My Monster Truck Series, along with matching games, math, journaling prompts, and coloring activities. Alexa Ang from Saflor Graphic Design Services then polished the pages, creating a natural flow alongside My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me, illustrated in ASL.
The variety of activities invites children to explore their creativity and connection through language. My goal is to make learning ASL fun, meaningful, and a journey of discovery for every child, allowing them to build on their strengths while gently challenging them to grow.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Our My Monster Truck… Coloring and Activity Book is crafted to challenge children aged 3 to 8 across various subjects. Whether your child enjoys creative activities or has a knack for math, our book strikes a perfect balance. It gives kids the chance to explore different areas and succeed. One of our main goals is to foster a love for learning by offering activities that appeal to a wide range of interests, whether in the arts or mathematics.
A significant element of our educational approach centers around the benefits of American Sign Language (ASL). In our blog at ASL Picture Books, we frequently highlight how ASL boosts language skills, enriches vocabulary, enhances cognitive abilities, and fosters respectful relationships. With 95% of children born deaf coming from hearing families, it’s essential to emphasize that early access to any language—spoken or signed—is crucial for a child’s development.
A recent heartfelt email from a mother of newborn twins born deaf shared how our book impacted her family’s perspective. Initially filled with uncertainty, her hearing family found comfort in the relatable characters of My Monster Truck… Coloring and Activity Book, who communicate using sign language. As they worked through their hesitations, they embraced ASL, opening new communication channels and deepening their bond with their children. This journey highlights how ASL nurtures relationships and deepens the love that grows when families embrace their unique journeys.
The activities in our book are thoughtfully designed to cater to children of various ages and skill levels. For instance, the mazes are simple enough for younger kids, while the math challenges cater to those looking for something a bit more challenging. Feedback from my five-year-old twins confirms this approach, as they excitedly announced that the mazes were “way too easy!” Meanwhile, our eight-year-old dove into the math problems first.
We wholeheartedly invite families to explore our My Monster Truck… Coloring and Activity Book at ASL Picture Books. It’s a delightful way for children to learn through fun stories and engaging activities while developing empathy and respect for the DHH community.
Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes, there’s more to come! I’m currently working on another story — something a little silly and full of heart. Expanding the Monster Truck series is definitely a possibility, as families and teachers continue to share how much their children love it.
Each project I create shares the same goal: to inspire curiosity, build connection, and celebrate the beauty of ASL. Together, we can open more hearts and minds to the limitless potential of language and love.
If you’re interested in staying updated on upcoming projects or want to learn more about the Monster Truck series, visit ASLPictureBooks.com. You can also download our free ASL Starter Kit, filled with an alphabet chart, signing basics, and coloring pages — a great way to start learning and sharing ASL at home or in the classroom.
And don’t forget to join our email list for sneak peeks, exclusive content, and exciting updates. What kinds of stories would you like to see next? Your feedback is invaluable!
Thank you, Literary Titan, for this wonderful opportunity to share our new My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me – Coloring and Activity Book with you. We are truly honored by your thoughtful review and grateful for your support in celebrating inclusive stories and the limitless potential of ASL!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
This little boy loves monster trucks and playing at Grandma’s house! But after an exhausting day with his big, purple, and loud favorite toy, he’s devastated to discover the shiny truck is gone!
Is it hiding somewhere? Did he leave it at Grandma’s? Will he ever see his beloved best friend again?
In this delightfully engaging story with stunning illustrations and familiar themes, Kathleen Marcath invites young readers to interact by using American Sign Language along with the characters in the book. And with 32 ASL signs shown in easy-to-understand images, downloadable educational sheets, and a QR code for ASL video lessons, kids will spark their bilingual journey through a colorful and powerful resource.
My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me – Illustrated in American Sign Language is a beautiful children’s picture book. If you or your child like overcoming relatable problems, learning new things, and feel-good entertainment, then you’ll adore Kathleen Marcath’s happy ride.
Buy My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me to zoom into adventure today!
A Kirkus Starred Review and Best Indie Book of 2021!
The Art of an Enlightened Woman
Sarah Voldeng’s The Art of an Enlightened Woman: A Manifesto is both a guidebook and a mirror. It reflects back to the reader the quiet strength and potential buried beneath layers of fear, expectation, and self-doubt. Through chapters like The Art of Empowerment, The Art of Boundaries, and The Art of Independence, Voldeng weaves philosophy, psychology, and personal insight into a tapestry of wisdom designed to awaken self-awareness. The book reads like a conversation with a mentor who knows when to challenge and when to comfort. It’s about rediscovering the self, what it means to be whole, to live with purpose, and to carry both grace and grit into every part of life.
The writing feels personal, not preachy, as if Voldeng were speaking from her own experience rather than theory. She connects ideas from ancient philosophy to modern struggles with a rare clarity. I found myself pausing often, not because the prose was heavy but because the ideas were. Her blend of compassion and accountability resonated with me. When she writes about responsibility and choice, I felt a kind of uncomfortable recognition. She doesn’t let the reader hide behind excuses, yet she never shames. There’s an honesty that feels refreshing. The mantras at the end of each chapter linger in the mind like quiet prayers, simple but powerful reminders of who we want to become.
At times, the tone leans toward the instructional, but it’s balanced by warmth and sincerity. Voldeng’s background in holistic health and psychology shows in her structure; she builds each chapter like a progression, a series of practices for the soul. What moved me most was her insistence that enlightenment isn’t something you find in a temple or through perfection, it’s in how you live, how you treat yourself, how you take ownership of your choices. The mixture of ancient wisdom and modern sensibility feels grounding. I could sense her belief that empowerment isn’t loud; it’s steady.
The Art of an Enlightened Woman left me both calm and stirred up. It’s the kind of book you return to when you’ve lost your footing, or when you need to remember your worth without apology. I’d recommend it to anyone, especially women, who feel stuck between who they are and who they want to be. It’s not just for readers interested in self-help; it’s for anyone craving a deeper connection to themselves.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0F5RPXP59
A Trusted Source
Nurse Florence®, What is Albumin? follows three friends who are talking to the school nurse as she outlines what albumin is, its role in the bloodstream, and its significance in overall health. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The human body is amazing, and we should all learn how it operates. Human physiology should be taught from a young age all over the world so that we have societies that perform at high levels due to increased knowledge and healthy living. Nurse Florence® seeks to support that objective.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I referenced a research document about albumin from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research to guide my writing. Nurse Florence® always uses research-based documents to guide all discussions so that the series can be a trusted source of medical information. I review these documents and then summarize the findings into a fifth-grade reading level.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to make sure the purpose of albumin was clearly stated, as well as issues that can occur if there are low levels of albumin in the blood. Hopefully, this book helps remove a little bit of the complicated mystery that the human body is.
What topic are you currently in the middle of writing a book on?
We have around 150 Nurse Florence® books in production, with a new book published every 3-7 days. We hope to not just bring knowledge to the world, but also motivation for current and future generations to live a healthy life so that we can be as productive and helpful as possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Nurse Florence Project | YouTube | Website
LITERARY TITAN 