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We Need Inclusion
Boom follows a recently released from prison space Captain and a group of cadets with disabilities who must now save the Earth from all the different species looking to go to war. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have family with severe disabilities. I’ve grown up with people with disabilities. I’ve worked extensively with people with disabilities, raised money for organizations that serve people with disabilities. I’ve seen a lot of ignorant and hateful people on the matter. For instance, I worked at an amusement park, and my sister wanted to go on a ride. She waited her turn like everybody to get on and she took some special accommodation. There was this heartless (no other word for it) jerk in line who was raising a ruckus because he didn’t like that the ride operators and park staff were going out of their way to help my sister enjoy her visit just like everybody else. One of my supervisors had had enough and kicked the guy out of the line. When the guy got violent, he got kicked out of the park. I’ve seen a lot of people with so much hate towards people with disabilities simply because they need a little extra help. I knew this story needed one of those hateful people at the center of it, and I knew he needed to come from some sort of banishment, but I also needed him to be really good at what he did and pompous enough to know how good he was.
What was your inspiration for the characters’ interactions and backstories?
The people around me who have had disabilities. Although people without disabilities aren’t always aware of it, people who do have disabilities have goals and aspirations as well. Sometimes, I think that many who see disabilities from the outside see the people with them off in some sort of la-la land where everything is just rainbows and butterflies. People with mental disabilities want to reach success just like anyone else. They might not have logic that everyone can follow, but they have logic, and it makes sense when others take time to understand how self-realization might work for someone who doesn’t connect with other people as easily because of a disability. I wanted to show a hint of that drive to attain goals. We have a character who wants to prove herself, but anxiety gets in the way. We have a character who has been pawned off to a career in engineering because it kept her busy. She’s really good at it, but it’s not what she wants to do, and no one’s ever taken the time help her connect with what she wants to do. We have a man with unsteady hands who other pilots can’t keep up with. The book even presents characters with disabilities that never get revealed so we can even see what it’s like interacting with people who have never even been diagnosed for whatever reason they never saw that they had a disability.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Inclusion is by far the biggest one. I get really annoyed when I watch all these futuristic space travel movies and they act like having disabilities is something that needed to be cured. It really says something about how well we understand the spirit and resolve that people with disabilities can inspire within others. In these types of shows, we see disabilities used as a novelty gimmick to make someone seem more alien than human, and we see the disability ultimately serve a purpose of showing why a person shouldn’t be ashamed of who they are, but the person with a disability is always portrayed as someone who is well-spoken and the equivalent of having fifteen Ph.Ds. I’m not aware of any space adventure where the bridge includes a person with a developmental or mental disability. Today’s society is so outspoken about including others, that we get hung up on it being about skin color, religious beliefs, ideologies. Space travel has always approached inclusion and oppression from looking at other worlds and alien races, but it tends to exclude people with disabilities from their own race by making disabilities something that needed to be cured so it was prior to the start of whatever space adventure we’re embarking on.
Another theme is how people deal with imposter syndrome, and not just people with disabilities, but everyone. This is a story about an entire crew of people who aren’t supposed to be there, all the way from the highest command down, and everyone is just trying to step up without looking like they don’t belong.
One theme deals with pro-choice vs. pro-life. It’s not heavily discussed, but it’s there throughout the book.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
So, since releasing Boom in September, I’ve released a two-volume set of books aimed at helping university students navigate college life and study approaches better. I wrote it with Elyse Kunzler who was a former composition student of mine and we presented a student vs. teacher set of perspectives. Volume one, entitled Jello Freeways, explores 10 behaviors that students use to sabotage their own efforts. Volume two, entitled Steering Classes of Cliffs, discusses 10 ways that professors sabotage their students’ ability to succeed in the college setting. Each book presents one of the behaviors and it shows the behavior and consequences of the practice from both the professor’s view and also the student’s.
I’m also working on the next in the series for Boom as well as a religious-fantasy story that dives into the Book of Revelations from The Bible.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Naturally, every species in the galaxy wants her.
Earth’s prime admiral pardons “Barbarian” Captain Vincenti Merrecci from prison to prepare a new ship and crew for imminent war.
When The Divide attacks before his ship is ready, Merrecci finds help from the only people he managed to save during the attack: The cadets from the program for students with disabilities—the very people he argues should not be allowed in the academy.
BOOM
Boom by David Fairchild presents a humorous take on science fiction, reminiscent of the whimsical yet insightful narratives often found in works by English author Terry Pratchett. Fairchild’s novel artfully blends the elements of space adventure and comedy, creating an experience akin to watching “Spaceballs” – where the characters, including the ostensibly villainous ones, maintain a lighthearted demeanor throughout their cosmic escapades. The story’s humor shines through, proving that wit and laughter can be effectively woven into a science-fiction setting.
Set against the backdrop of interstellar politics and cosmic powers, the novel follows Prime Admiral Shade’s decision to release Captain Vincenti Merrecci from prison to combat the looming threat of the Divide Coalition. The twist of fate that forces Merrecci to crew his ship with disabled cadets adds a rich layer of character development and emotional depth to the narrative. This aspect, where seemingly underestimated individuals demonstrate their worth, echoes the heartwarming themes seen in films like “Little Giants” and “The Mighty Ducks.”
While I enjoyed the story’s expansive scope, the book’s length, nearing 600 pages, might benefit from a more concise treatment of secondary and tertiary plot lines. Streamlining these aspects could enhance the overall pacing and focus of the narrative. However, this is a small consideration in the grand scheme.
Boom by David Fairchild excels in delivering sharp dialogue, believable character arcs, and a fulfilling conclusion. Fans of space opera and comedic science fiction will find Boom a delightful read, offering both humor and a thoughtful exploration of human resilience and ingenuity.
Pages: 689 | ASIN : B0CJ7TP6K5
A Divine Invite
A Divine Invite, penned by the talented Maggie Havoc, is the enthralling first installment of the Ancients series. This captivating work of fantasy fiction immerses readers in a spellbinding world of supernatural intrigue, where the unexpected is always just around the corner.
Our protagonist, Ellie, is a humble police training clerk whose act of heroism—saving a stranger’s life—unleashes a cascade of otherworldly events. As if touched by destiny, Ellie is presented with the opportunity to become a divine guardian by none other than the Almighty. This newfound purpose leads her to a mysterious tavern teeming with creatures from beyond the mortal realm.
It is here that Ellie crosses paths with Johnny Knight, Hell’s enigmatic contract binder, who seeks the truth behind her divine gift before it can be exploited. Though promised assistance from a celestial being, Ellie must first face a series of trials to unlock her full potential. But, unbeknownst to her, she is the key to unraveling a divine secret.
Havoc masterfully weaves an intricate storyline, melding two distinct worlds and chronicling Ellie’s supernatural odyssey with finesse. Each chapter is meticulously crafted, showcasing the author’s descriptive prowess and creating a vivid, immersive reading experience. The intricate plot is adorned with mythical elements that only serve to amplify its allure while Ellie’s warrior spirit breathes life into her character.
Johnny’s charismatic skepticism injects suspense into the narrative, while Ellie’s character arc is deeply satisfying. The colorful, humorous characters, tender romantic undertones, and Ellie’s innate kindness counterbalance the story’s darker themes. As readers witness Ellie’s transformation through a gauntlet of trials, they are treated to a wellspring of inspiration.
A Divine Invite boasts a rich ensemble of supporting characters, each endowed with unique qualities that lend depth to the narrative. This book offers a veritable feast of mythological figures, from witches and angels to demons and other fantastical beings.
A Divine Invite is a gripping innovative supernatural fantasy novel with a unique concept with flawless execution. This mesmerizing tale is a testament to Havoc’s storytelling prowess and will undoubtedly leave readers eager for more.
Pages: 399 | ASIN : B0BZDR7TQY
The Woman in Green
Larry Lockridge’s The Woman in Green is a captivating and satirical narrative that takes readers on a thrilling journey through academia, history, and science. This tightly-written novel is a true masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together various elements such as genetic re-engineering, deciphering ancient codes and scrolls, and the search for the sacred figurine of the Woman in Green.
The story centers around Sam Coverdale, a wealthy and benevolent man who gathers a group of six individuals at the New Harmony Institute for a massive experiment. Among them are Mary and Percy Schiller, who bear striking similarities to famous literary figures, revolutionary journalist George Gordon, and his daughter Allegra, a TV and communications expert who adores her pet tortoise, Stretch. Together, they embark on a multitude of endeavors while navigating love and lust amidst discussions on history and philosophy.
Lockridge’s novel is a short, quick, and stimulating read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative is packed with events happening one after another, and the details added are nothing short of astounding. With references to forgotten poet Keats, the dementia vaccine, and the lost plays of Sophocles, readers are sure to pause and re-read said details to fully absorb their implications. The story’s narrator is grumpy and cynical and orders readers of 2050 to look up 2000’s terms in the glossary. This postmodern feel is wonderfully juxtaposed with references to cultural phenomena such as Walt Whitman, postmodernists, and camcorders. This combination leaves the reader feeling as though they are both in the present and the past, making for a truly unique reading experience.
The Woman in Green is part of The Enigma Quartet but can be read as a standalone work. The characters are incredibly human and ridiculous in the vein of Tom Sharpe. The writing style is a mix of ribald and sensitive, reminiscent of Terry Pratchett and Evelyn Waugh. The literary references are spot-on, and the proper use of Latin shows painstaking research or acute familiarity with the language. The illustrations included in the novel are reminiscent of later publications of Enid Blyton, with a childlike quality that adds to the book’s charm.
Overall, The Woman in Green by Larry Lockridge is an engaging read that leaves readers oscillating between a utopian and dystopian setting. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-written, thought-provoking novel.
Pages: 249 | ASIN : B0BQZ65VGY
Phoebe and Fred
Harmony is your typical village; secluded, close-knit, peaceful, and quiet. That was why the city-living Watsons found it to be the perfect spot to grow their little family. They added to their little family Phoebe and Fred, the brilliant Basset hounds, as well as a truckload of gossip and weary villagers. But, in a world where talking dogs are as impossible as flying pigs, will a loving family be enough to reassure the bassets that they will not again be thrown out and abandoned?
Phoebe and Fred by Nathaniel S. Johnson tells the story of two lovely not so ordinary basset hounds that found their way into a charming family. When Watson lost their dog, Billy Beau the Black Lab, Henry Watson was thrown into despair and almost swallowed by loneliness. His wife and kids thought a new addition to the family to replace their previous dog was the only way to save him, and it turned out the bassets were the best thing that happened to their whole family. Things, however, took a turn for the worse when one morning, the bassets did something that no ordinary dog could do.
Phoebe and Fred is a lighthearted story. I found the book straightforward and a solid read. There were not lengthy conversations, but they were sure long enough to warm my heart. The Bassets were particularly intriguing, and I was somewhat confused why the villagers were so weary of them. My blood boiled at some point, and I was dismayed by how petty Reverend Treadwell was and so delighted that Kyle, the sheriff, had some faith in the hounds.
Phoebe and Fred is a humorous story about two amazing Basset Hounds and the family that falls in love with them. The writing was immaculate, the characters were on point, and it was a delight to picture life in the small town in my head just from the description. Children will find this book an absolute delight, and fur parents might as well too.
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B0BMLPJSLH
Give Me Shelter
Set against the backdrop of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, this emotional story follows the lives of Willie and Denny, two boys who live with their grandfather after the mysterious death of their parents. Their lives are separated when Denny heads off to college, and Willie’s friend tells him about “The man in the suit.” This sends them on a journey that will have them cross paths with a whole host of others, all trying to live, survive and figure out a world on the brink of collapse. And if they can’t do it alone, could they do it together?
Give Me Shelter by David B. Seaburn is a beautiful story about human connection and condition. It follows the story of Willie, a sixth-grade schoolboy. His life changes after his parents mysteriously die, and he and his brother are sent to live with his grandfather. Things change when his brother leaves for college and then change again when a mysterious character arouses the suspicion of his friend. Together, they embark on a journey to find answers to some very strange questions. They must rely on themselves and others to prevail.
I liked this story. It was a simple read but engaging. Seaburn’s character development was outstanding. I was able to relate to all the characters and form an attachment to each one’s story and plight. The settings were all described with enough detail I felt I was there with the characters but not overwhelmed with minute information. What I particularly liked about it was that it was such a humorous story told in such a turbulent time. The characters in this story could be obliterated by a nuclear warhead at any moment, but yet, there is still joy there. I think this is achieved through the use of good writing and clever character development. Each character stood out and added something to the story. There was no waste. A good book that will fill you with emotion throughout.
Give Me Shelter is a well-written coming-of-age story that will have readers of family life fiction turning the pages to see what happens to all the memorable characters. This is one of those books that will leave the reader thinking about the characters after the book is finished, remembering things they have done or said, just like an old friend.
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B0B99F72SD
The Perfect Sister
Uncover the deep, dark secrets of Kappa Zeta, and maybe you’ll discover the events that led to a young sorority pledge’s death. When Lydia was found dead, it made national headlines for being the college’s scandal of the year, and the disbelieving news rocked the college community. Unaware of the tragic accident that plagued campus society, new pledge, and South Carolina native Tinsley joins Kappa Zeta with the hopes of leaving a mysterious, haunting past behind her. With her fair share of secrets to hide, Tinsley hoped to keep the closet door closed on her skeletons, but keeping secrets wasn’t part of being the perfect sister. Would her experience as part of this infamous sorority be the epic high she was seeking or the crushing downfall that led to her demise?
Zachary Ryan’s The Perfect Sister is written in a style similar to Gossip Girl. This book leaves readers on the edges of their seats with the subtle hints the narrator drops throughout the story. A creepy, sinister tone concludes each chapter, and the cliff-hanging clues keep your eyes glued to the page. The writing is simple, but this works in favor of the plot at times. There are great, simple physical descriptions of characters, painting a clear image of the character in your reader’s mind. However, sometimes simple writing is not enough in some areas of this book. I felt that the novel could have made use of more literary devices to strengthen reader engagement.
The Perfect Sister is a suspenseful psychological thriller novel that will keep readers on edge from one chapter to the next. Everyone has secrets to hide, but hiding them from your sorority sisters isn’t an option in this story. The drama and mystery will keep readers returning to find out who they can trust if anyone.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0B89G9F77
Giant Banana Over Texas
Giant Banana Over Texas by Mark Nutter is a collection of short stories that will make you stop in your track and reread it. With straightforward and short stories, the author has tried to capture the absurdity of human life in weird circumstances. All these instances that are mentioned in the book are plausible situations. They have the full potential to be true, but this is something that is generally not heard of. It might sound confusing, but this is exactly what the stories are: confusing and chaotic.
The author’s writing style is the common thread that binds these 31 stories together in this book. All of them are weirdly thought-provoking and will leave you with a deep sense of discomfort. Of course, I knew that stories are simply stories, but there is something in those stories that make them very near to reality despite being in the vein of impossibility.
The stories have sensible beginnings, a possible flow of action, but an unsettling end. These endings are connected to the problems at the beginning. The weird endings suddenly turn the flow of the stories and take them away from the realistic relatability that we feel with the stories. It is weird, but curiosity makes it interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed being stumped by this Giant Banana over Texas.
The author uses absurdity to bring out the problems of the contemporary world. Even though the endings are not what lies in the wake of realistic action, it brings out discomfort in the readers. The readers feel relatable yet away from the characters. The discomfort of the stories seeps within the reader’s conscience and itches at the mind.
Giant Banana Over Texas is a collection of short dark-humor stories. The language used is very easy to read and understand. Anyone will enjoy the Absurd twists and turns that the stories take while the characters are left hanging on the edge of uncertainty.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B09S6T5FM4
