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Literary Titan Book Awards August 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
The Die Game by Stephen A. Carter
Tales of Wonder by Kenneth Hawk
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Where Do Ideas Come From?
id: A Novel follows a psychologist haunted by her father’s past who seeks to discover if humans have a choice over their path in life or if it is predetermined at birth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I think this is the hardest question. It’s a bit like asking, where do ideas come from? I’ve always been interested in the notion or concept of truth, but more as an abstract concept. What is it, what does it mean and how it can be usurped to have multiple meanings? That it’s almost impossible to understand the truth until we’re able to get inside someone’s head. It may sound a little paranoid, but we’re ambiguous by nature. It’s partly a self-defence mechanism and partly a lack of confidence, but we seldom say what we mean because we never know how it will be taken.
To be really honest with another person is a massive leap of faith and an incredibly brave thing to do. So when you combine that with the idea that opposing forces construct our psyche, I think you have the essence of a really interesting idea.
I’ve always loved the notion that right and wrong are really invented constructs to protect society and dependent on what society believes will determine what constitutes right and wrong behaviour. Imagine if these constructs didn’t exist.
Each of the main characters have a rich backstory and complex personalities fitting for a psychological thriller. What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
I’m not sure I have a writing process, I just felt that every character deserves more than being painted as a black and white cardboard cut out. Every person we come across in life is neither good nor bad, we’re all shades of grey. Some of us skew towards a different shade, but I think it’s important to understand why we do the things we do before we judge. Take Frank, he’s a total psychopath, but it’s not his fault. He knows he’s different and wants to understand why. It’s important to recognise that he’s not bad, in one sense, as in he’s not acting in a consciously malevolent way that goes against what he believes, more so he’s just doing what comes naturally. Plus I didn’t want single dimensional characters that are there to drive the story, if they don’t have something to add, they don’t get to be in the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book, and what questions did you want to leave readers with when they finished the novel?
Truth, understanding, compassion. Plus there’s a lot of biblical references in there. I think the biggest question I’d like to leave readers with is, who am I? If you can self evaluate and understand yourself a little better, I think the world will be a better place. If you know yourself, it means you can change.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
I’ve got a few ideas. Another is based on similar themes, about truth, what it means etc. But I’m currently working on a comedy. Id was pretty dark and I felt I needed something light to work on. It does still cover some pretty heavy themes, but with humour.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Dr. Shelly, a brilliant psychologist, forever haunted by her father and his murderous past, is driven by the need to find out why we do the things we do? Is the concept of free will just a concept and nothing more, a construct that blinds us to a less palatable truth, that who we are is predetermined and encoded at birth? Does anyone really choose to do the bad things we do or are we just doing what comes naturally?
Shelly constructs an experiment using a sensory deprivation tank and virtual reality, allowing the darkest part of ourselves, the id, to run free. Unencumbered by morality or remorse, Shelly finds the perfect subject in Adam. A borderline psychotic born into a world of neglect and crime. Delving into the deepest pits of his subconscious, Shelly surfaces with far more than she bargained for.
Detective Hopper, responsible for Adam’s capture, remains a broken man. After suffering a breakdown due to the escalation of his own violent behavior, he is placed under the care of Dr Shelly. Encouraging him to go looking for his own redemption, Hopper becomes a pawn in her web of deception until the lines of reality are redrawn as Hopper and Adam come full circle to an explosive end.
Id: A Novel is a unique, brilliant, psychological thriller which questions and shines light on the depths of the human psyche, the concept of free will, nature or nurture and what drives unacceptable, depraved and even murderous human behaviors. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who crave a new, fascinating and intelligent reading experience. Spark’s intricate exploration of the human psyche, combined with his skillful storytelling and innovative ideas, make this novel a true gem that will leave readers questioning the depths of human nature.
Chick Lit Café
Influenced By The Supernatural Forces
A Mother’s Torment follows a mother going through a divorce who moves back to her parent’s home and encounters supernatural elements and family secrets. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Spoilers ahead!
In 2018 I came down with some sort of bug. Over the course of a week, I got maybe 3 or 4 hours of sleep in total. During this time, my wife and I were watching a lot of The Dead Files on the Travel Channel. This blended with an HGTV show we’d watched about a New York family that had converted an 18th Century National Guard armory into a home. The characters grew from there; a mother and daughter who were both being influenced by the supernatural forces present on the property.
I mixed in a few things that’s stuck with me since childhood. The first was the disappointment watching the original Scooby Doo series. I always wanted the monster to turn out to be an actual monster and not some old guy in a cheesy rubber mask. While I give the reader a scientific explanation at the end with the Munchausen by Proxy diagnosis, the narrative truth is that this character has always been trapped by the darkness that lives in the house.
And like Scooby Doo, the choice of Munchausen by Proxy was because of a childhood memory. I remember my parents watching a 60 Minutes or 20/20 story Marybeth Tinning in the eighties. I was 10 when she was charged with murder and 12 when she was convicted. The horrific allegations left a mark on my memory.
Your characters express a wide range of emotions and deep thought processes. Were you able to relate to your characters while writing them?
I was able to relate to them, especially June. I poured a lot of my own experience into the prologue where she attempts suicide. The method she chose and manner in how her attempt was interrupted may be different, but the temporary surrender to despair that she experiences is one that I’ve felt myself. Along with her propensity to self-mutilate.
In high school there was the “eraser test” of one’s manhood. You’d let a friend rub a pencil eraser on your arm and if you told him to stop before you were bleeding you lost. I don’t remember ever saying stop and came home with bleeding wounds from it. Fast forward to the mid-2000s when I was recovering from a serious bout of depression a new version was going around but substitute cigarettes for erasers. I had this need for an external expression of my inner pain, so the game evolved from others doing it to doing it myself. Thankfully, someone intervened and helped me put a stop to it.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
When I started the story I knew both the prologue and epilogue; what I didn’t have was a middle. I jotted some ideas down in a chapter outline that was about 18 to 20 chapters. This gave me a map of possible causes and effects that would link the beginning with the end. Then as I began to write the first draft the magic of writing happened.
The characters developed into their own persons. I found myself stopping to think: “how would June act in this situation?” and “what would Lillian say when she wasn’t getting her way?” By the end of the first draft, my 18 to 20 chapters had expanded to just over 40 as the answers to the questions about how my characters would behave led me down some rabbit holes that expanded and enriched the story.
After the first draft was complete, I used my GI Bill to enroll in Emerson College’s online Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA. There I would go through several drafts and end up writing an entirely new second act that introduced the character of Sara-Lyn. Which introduced a whole new set of twists and turns along with even more complexity and depth. The workshop and editing experience of this novel impressed upon me how much of a collaborative effort good storytelling and writing is.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
It’s a novel titled Pea Ridge and it’s based on a trilogy of stories I wrote with the same title for the creepypasta podcast Fear From the Heartland. My pitch for the novel:
What if, after being stranded on an alien world, a mother’s son is killed by a creature that should’ve been her prey?
Familiar gray aliens are relocating semi-sentient creatures from a dying world. These creatures hunt based on telepathic connections—think A Quiet Place but with emotions. On their way to an interstellar wildlife preserve, their ship crashes in rural Missouri. There they are unleashed on the human population who transmit strange new emotions such as anxiety, depression, and guilt. They can no longer distinguish between physical illness and emotional distress. So, if you’re feeling sad or stressed, you’re on the menu.
I don’t have a firm release date in mind at the moment. I’m going to query two agents I met at the 2023 Between the Pages Writers Conference in an effort to get this novel traditionally published. This could push publication to 2025 or 2026. However, if I don’t get representation I’ll publish it in late 2024 or early 2025.
During this time I’ll also be focusing on writing for Fear From the Heartland and maybe starting a YouTube channel.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Lillian appears to have it all. A successful career as an ER doctor. A committed, loving husband. A beautiful, if troubled, daughter and a precocious grandchild. All reunited under one roof, a Nineteenth Century National Guard Barracks refurbished and turned into a dream home.
As the family settles into routines both old and new, June realizes she needs help dealing with the supernatural. After all, it’s easier than getting her mother to open up about her biological father. Recruiting the aid of the local eccentric, she begins her investigation. The hidden truths she reveals about the family may tear it apart more than any specter…
id: A Novel
id: A Novel, by Kevin Spark, is an immersive entry in the genre of psychological thrillers and creates an intricate narrative largely centered around a unique setting – a zoo. The story has a cast of diverse characters; one standout character is that of Detective Hopper.
Spark masterfully delves into the murky underworld of drug trafficking and animal fighting, providing a penetrating examination of the criminal psyche. In an intriguing twist of biblical interpretation, the novel employs the story of Adam and Eve to illuminate themes of sin and innocence, with Eve emerging untainted from the materialistic world while Adam bears the burden of a dark past. Adding an extra layer of complexity, Dr. Shelley, a psychiatrist, navigates the labyrinthine corridors of memory, thereby propelling the narrative forward.
The subtle writing style of Spark piques the reader’s curiosity by giving just enough information to imply a rich backdrop, resulting in a narrative layered with intrigue and depth. Numerous subplots dovetail seamlessly with the main narrative, enhancing the texture of the story. The characters’ pasts emerge as crucial aspects of their present lives, though their full stories remain tantalizingly veiled.
As is typical of the psychological thriller genre, the narrative occasionally veers into violent and macabre territory. The reader is invited on a disquieting journey through a landscape punctuated with dark thoughts and unsettling experiences. Scenes of action and violence are vividly portrayed in unflinching detail, laying bare the stark realities of life.
Despite the shadowy ambiance, the story is meticulously plotted. The characters are flawed, complex, and realistic, making for intriguing studies in character development, albeit sometimes evoking figures difficult to discern in everyday life.
I would heartily recommend id: A Novel to those with a keen interest in criminal psychology or the enduring impact of past traumas on one’s life. However, those of a more sensitive disposition should be forewarned: the explicit descriptions of violence, detailed exploration of psychological depths, and the characters’ darker musings may be unsettling.
id: A Novel leaves an unforgettable impact. The characters and their dilemmas infiltrate the reader’s subconscious, resurfacing in thoughts long after the final page is turned. The novel itself seems to emulate the intricacies of the subconscious mind, revealing fragments of events while preserving an air of mystery until the very end.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0BKH85WVM
I Like Dead Things That Move
Blood Ever After follows a teenager who, after grappling with the suicide of his brother, navigates a zombie-infested, dystopian world to reunite with his parents and his newfound love amidst a backdrop of anarchy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I read a book called Tomorrow When the War Began and decided I wanted to write something similar to it. Since I was reading and watching a lot about zombies at the time, I decided to infuse the idea of a zombie apocalypse and a bunch of teenagers alone in a post-apocalyptic world together. It took a few rewrites to get it where I wanted it, but I like the end result, particularly the second half …
Tyler’s transformation from dealing with personal tragedy to becoming an inspiring hero is remarkable. How did you approach the development of his character?
I needed Tyler to change from being a lost young boy to almost a horrible, but courageous monster by the end of the story. For that to happen, something needed to trigger his confidence, his desperation, in a sense. I decided that the worst thing to happen to someone can also be the thing that makes them someone anew, and gives them hope.
The horror elements, particularly the presence of zombies, adds an intriguing layer to the plot. Can you talk about your decision to include these elements and how they served the overall story?
I was watching lots of zombie films at the time, so, for me it was a natural inclusion. I knew a lot about them. What I like about these zombies is that they don’t enter the story until over the half-way mark, which I don’t think has been done before that much. The zombies serve the story by adding an element of horror. It’s probably not some inclusion of deep symbolism, I just like dead things that move. 😊
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ve just finished a kids’ book called Monster Hunter Madness which will come out in a few weeks, and have cook pics and stuff. It’s like Diary of a Wimpy Kid for horror fans.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook
Tyler misses his brother. He lost Joshi two years back now to suicide, and Tyler – emotionally at least – has not recovered. The panic attacks. Depression. Regret. All of it. All bottled up for him and him only.
Until the apocalypse, that is.
Now the dead have risen one more time, and with them Tyler’s brother.
Joshi just wants to see Tyler one more time … to give him a hug … to tell him he loves Tyler … and that he wants to be with him, forever.
Will Tyler have what it takes to withstand his brother’s approaches, or will he flail at the last moment, succumbing to his brother’s deadly love, and destroy himself in the process?
Blood Ever After is a new adult horror thriller, with depth, heart, and some quirky jokes.
Trigger warning: contains themes of suicide, violence, and gore. Includes language some may find offensive.
Blood Ever After
In Sean O’Connor’s thrilling novel, “Blood Ever After,” readers are escorted into the emotionally charged world of Tyler, a teenager coping with the tragic suicide of his brother, Joshi. As Tyler wrestles with the phantom pain of his brother’s absence, he finds a comforting distraction in the form of Charlotte, a captivating and assertive new arrival at his school.
This fleeting tranquility, however, is abruptly shattered when a cataclysmic event decimates their world, reducing the population significantly, including the tragic loss of Tyler’s family. Simultaneously, a sinister wave of anarchy engulfs their home city of Oakland, as nocturnal marauders instill an atmosphere of fear in the eerily vacant streets. Undeterred, Tyler, together with an unlikely group of allies, shoulders the responsibility of guardians, striving to reinstate a modicum of order in the wake of dystopian chaos. Amid survival struggles, Tyler embarks on a personal quest fraught with considerable challenges, aiming to reunite with his parents and Charlotte.
O’Connor’s novel plunges the readers into a potent cocktail of suspense, raw horror, and the tender elements of teenage romance. Tyler’s remarkable transformation from a victim of personal tragedy to an inspiring hero makes him an exceptionally relatable character for readers.
The narrative unfolds at a brisk tempo, captivating the reader from the onset. This swift pacing will likely appeal to those who relish intricate, dynamically evolving storylines. The dialogue is characterized by hearty, vernacular language, with sporadic profanity included, which may enhance authenticity for some readers, though it may not resonate with everyone’s taste. The novel bravely ventures into horror elements, notably zombies, which lends an additional layer of fascination for aficionados of this genre. The inexplicable absence of some characters infuses a sense of mystery, potentially piquing the interest of readers intrigued by deciphering the narrative’s ultimate trajectory.
“Blood Ever After” is destined to captivate horror enthusiasts, intertwining moments of palpable fear with a sensitive exploration of youthful relationships. This narrative offers a compelling study of resilience, illuminating a unique perspective on overcoming personal tragedy and symbolizing a beacon of hope amidst overwhelming adversity.
Pages: 326 | ASIN: B0BTC2B64K
Made To Be Broken
“Made to be Broken,” the debut novel in the Mystic Rampage Series by Hugh Fritz, introduces readers to a thrilling, supernatural mystery set in the familiar urban sprawl of Chicago. As a string of enigmatic murders unsettles the city, the lives of three seemingly ordinary men converge in an unexpected quest: Darren, a man haunted by a dark past, unable to sever ties with his perilous history; Soleil, a Café proprietor graced with uncanny powers; and Flarence, a crime-solving Genie. The trio soon discover their foe is far from ordinary and realize the impending danger encroaching upon them. The pressing question becomes, can they reconcile their pasts to unite for the common cause, or will their hesitations result in the loss of those they hold dear?
Darren’s predicament is particularly alarming as his past affiliation with a gang now sees him ensnared in the killer’s crosshairs. The killer, armed with an unimaginably potent weapon, has been targeting members of Darren’s old crew, leaving Darren in a race against time to protect his family. Simultaneously, Soleil wrestles with a moral dilemma, deciding whether to aid his friend Tyrell, who grapples with his father’s arrest on drug charges, or maintain a safe distance from the unfolding chaos. Further complicating matters, Tyrell’s father is none other than Darren. Adding fuel to the fire, Flarence, Soleil’s once-close friend, poses an obstacle due to a philosophical rift, with Soleil sensing that Flarence’s intransigence might be his downfall.
While Hugh Fritz’s writing style is minimalist. His characters, though intriguing, lack individuality, giving the impression that they could easily be transposed into any other narrative of a similar genre. Despite this, “Made to be Broken” is an entertaining read, seamlessly fusing the realms of fantasy and modern reality. It’s a definite contender for fans of whodunits laced with high-fantasy elements. The novel expertly weaves two genres into a quick, engaging read, its 264 pages seemingly flying by.
While I think “Made to be Broken” can have improved character development and narrative structure, its exciting storyline and absorbing mystery make it a worthwhile read. The allure of the tale Fritz has spun makes overlooking these minor flaws an easy task, urging the reader to give it a try.
Pages: 266 | ASIN: B07RGX8VR3
Delves Into The Dark Side
“The Charterhouse of Evil” follows a resilient couple in 19th-century Australia as they bravely unravel a half-century-old mystery, revealing a web of corruption and horror within a seemingly devout monastery. What excited you the most about writing this book?
It was discovering the only monastic village in the southern hemisphere in Western Australia founded by Benedictine Monks two hundred years ago. The history of New Norcia assisted with the world-building and the plot. It was about intertwining a supernatural horror story with the documented legacy of the monastery. It has a gruesome past filled with abuse of children and the monks’ poor behavior.
The narrative delves into the dark side of religious institutions, tackling sensitive topics like child sexual abuse. How did you handle writing about such a heavy subject while maintaining the suspense and horror element?
One cannot but feel for the atrocities and sins of this place which have been well documented. But as an author, I had to look through the history of New Norcia and why Benedictine Monks found it appropriate to behave this way. I explored good versus evil and how individuals and institutions can succumb to a demonic influence.
Clarisse and Harry share a deep bond and offer unwavering support to each other. How did you craft their relationship dynamics, and how critical is their partnership to the story?
Their partnership was formed in the first book, The Girl in the Scarlet Chair. It’s a very different book from future releases because it has elements of paranormal romance. I was also finding my way as an author and discovering my true passion for the genre. Clarisse would not be who she is without her partner, Harry’s support. They complement each other with different skills—Harry is the more skeptical and realist, and Clarisse is the sensitive in the room with an extraordinary sixth sense. Their bond grows in each book release of the series, as does their skill in tackling demonic foes.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book is called The Nowhere Room, an extraordinary story. I am taking longer to write this book which may frustrate my readers. I felt this was necessary to develop the story effectively and work through storyline elements and plot. The world-building is impressive as I paint a picture of Ghost Gully and Baron House and not to mention the darkness of the Nowhere Room. The character building is necessary so that readers can understand Clarisse, Harry, and George Baron (the antagonist) in a way they could picture them. Again, I am testing my faith in the afterlife and the boundaries of what happens when we die. That takes a lot of thought and energy—it’s tough for any author to work through this question. Like any book I write, I want to leave my readers with a thought, not just a good horror story. I want them to ask questions and see things differently about our mortality.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | BookBub | YouTube
Western Australia. Clarisse Garcia is ready to return stronger than ever. With her husband by her side, the plucky spirit hunter is back on familiar territory with an assignment for Benedictine monks. And now she’s out to vanquish whatever evil is plaguing the monastic village that caused orphans to mysteriously die.
With what could be a voracious demon on her hands, Clarisse partners up with a man who grew up in the local orphanage to investigate suspicious activities. And as they dig through the monastery’s shrouded history, she discovers that some of these servants of God might not be as benign as they claim… and she may be their next quarry.
Can this driven woman end the impiety before more lives are sent to the grave?
The Charterhouse of Evil is the shocking fifth book in the Haunting Clarisse supernatural horror series. If you like bold characters, adrenaline-spiking investigations, and jaw-dropping twists and turns, then you’ll love Janice Tremayne’s malevolent tale.
LITERARY TITAN 