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Humor, Heart, and Absolute Chaos
Obesseus Feast of Legends follows a hungry hero who, in order to save his world from the war that his former best friend is starting he has to learn the mysterious art of Slam-Fu. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from wanting to build a world where humor, heart, and absolute chaos could coexist. I grew up loving stories where ordinary things—like food—could become extraordinary. Snackland began as a simple joke, but the more I built it, the more it became a living universe with its own politics, rivalries, and deep history.
Obesseus represents unfiltered joy. He’s messy, impulsive, and determined to defend flavor itself. The setup came from imagining what happens when the world tries to regulate joy—and one hero refuses.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
There are many antagonists in the Slam-Fu series. Here are just a few examples.
Monica Mango
Originally, Obesseus’s best friend. Her fall from fun to fanaticism wasn’t planned; it naturally grew from her obsession with “reforming” Snackland. Instead of being evil, she becomes misguided to the point of danger.
Her “Juice Regime” came from exploring how righteousness can twist into extremism.
King Billy Blueberry
Billy rose from jealousy—he’s the ruler who believes Obesseus stole the spotlight that should have been his. As I wrote him, his character deepened into a symbol of insecurity, pride, and the fear of being forgotten. His conflict shows the darker side of leadership.
Espearagas, God of Vegetables
Espearagas was built as the ultimate escalation. He doesn’t want balance—he wants to wipe out flavor entirely. Writing him allowed me to explore how power can become detached from humanity (or food-manity). His declaration of war on flavor gave the series a mythic, epic direction.
Julian Jellybean
Julian is the trickster, the wildcard, the candy-coated menace who stirs chaos across all arcs. He wasn’t even planned originally—he forced his way into the story through sheer personality. Now he’s the thread that ties the conflicts together.
As the series grew, each villain evolved to represent a different kind of conflict—personal, political, emotional, or mythological.
Several more villains are coming, and the chaos will continue. My favorite villain is King Billy Blueberry. His character represents judging others, which is what many people do. Obesseus doesn’t care about being judged; he only cares about protecting what he loves. He loves snacks and Snackland. The Slam-Fu series is a fun way to remind people always to be themselves.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Three big themes anchor the series:
Identity vs. Expectation
Obesseus is unapologetically himself in a world constantly judging him. His journey reinforces that authenticity matters more than fitting in.
The Danger of Extremes
Every villain is extreme in a different direction—too strict, too jealous, too powerful, too chaotic. This allows kids to understand that balance is healthier than obsession.
Friendship Under Pressure
Monica’s transformation is emotional. Billy’s resentment is relatable. Julian’s chaos tests loyalties. Espearagas’s war forces everyone to choose sides.
These dynamics let younger readers grasp how friendships and alliances shift.
And of course, flavor vs. control is the heart of the comedy.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
There are going to be a lot more food wars. The next Obesseus book is going to be Operation Gravy Blockade. I plan to release that in 2026. What happens when Obesseus has to deal with the consequences of being Snackland’s symbol of rebellion? I plan to add a new faction to Snackland. Stay tuned for Operation Gravy Blockade.
Author Links: Goodreads | X | Website
Bursting with humor, heart, and deliciously absurd action, Obesseus: Feasts of Legends — The Slam-Fu Trilogy (Edition 1) collects three epic adventures from the Slam-Fu universe into one ultimate feast.
Wonderfully Mischievous
Bubble Gum Rocks follows three sisters spending a summer at their grandparents’ Kansas farm, who stumble into the long-forgotten magic of bubble gum rocks. What inspired the adventure the sisters go on?
The core inspiration for Bubble Gum Rocks is drawn directly from my own childhood, and it’s a very heartfelt, authentic memory for me. My grandparents own a farm that dates back to the 1800s, and for my sisters and me, that farm wasn’t just dirt and fields—it was a landscape of untapped magic.
The ‘bubble gum rocks’ themselves are very real. They are the rocks that look like chewed-up pieces of bubble gum that we would hunt for tirelessly. And when we found one, we would treat that rough diamond like it was pure gold. That simple act of discovery—the feeling of unearthing a secret treasure—became the foundation for the book’s central, forgotten magic.
But the adventure truly began with my uncle. My sisters and I were, let’s just say, wonderfully mischievous. We were constantly pushing the boundaries and getting into trouble. My uncle was the brilliant mind who channeled all that youthful energy. He would invent these elaborate, imaginative games to keep us entertained and, frankly, out of the way of farm work. It was his playful spirit and the inherent adventurous nature of exploring an ancient farm that inspired the sisters’ journey.
So, the book is really a love letter to that time: to the bond between sisters, to the creative genius of a loving adult, and to the idea that even the most ordinary-looking farm can hide the most extraordinary secrets if you just know where to dig.
What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationship?
My inspiration for the characters and their relationships is rooted in the most honest place possible: they are 100% real and based on my own family. While I’ve changed their names to ‘protect the innocent’—as the saying goes—their personalities, quirks, and the complex, wonderful dynamic between them are completely true to life.
For me, the personalities are the heart and soul of the book. I wouldn’t have had the amazing, adventure-filled childhood I did if it weren’t for the unique combination of my sisters, my uncle, my mom, dad, and my grandparents.
We’re a family that truly puts the ‘fun’ in ‘dysfunctional,’ and oh, what fun it is! You have:
- The older sister who tries to maintain order but is secretly the first one to break the rules.
- The middle sister, who is the creative, mischievous dreamer. (That’s often me!)
- The younger sister who looks up to the others but always surprises them with her free spirit and bravery.
It’s the way they tease each other, the way they fall back on each other when they’re in trouble, and the way they speak in their own little family code that brings the story to life. By basing the characters so closely on my family, I wasn’t just writing fiction; I was capturing the electricity of a real bond—a bond filled with deep love, playful rivalry, and shared mischief. That genuine relationship is what makes their on-page adventure feel so real and relatable.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Without a doubt, the scene I had the most fun writing was the moment Avianna makes her wish, and the magic of the bubble gum rocks finally ignites.
It was a joy to write because it wasn’t just a turning point in the plot; it was the moment the book itself underwent a magical transformation. I envisioned the first part of the book in a kind of subdued, sepia-tone atmosphere—it represents the quiet, sometimes overlooked, reality of the farm and the mundane start to their summer.
Avianna makes that wish, and the long-forgotten magic truly awakens; the pages burst into beautiful, vibrant colors. Writing that shift felt like going from watching an old film clip to seeing the world in full HD.
It was the moment when the potential of the farm became reality. It’s where the secret Avianna was searching for finally manifests, and it felt incredibly rewarding to write. It’s where my real childhood memories of seeking treasure finally got to become a spectacular, larger-than-life fantasy on the page.
Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
I’m thrilled to confirm that Bubble Gum Rocks is the very first book in The Magical Farm Mysteries series!
When I finished writing the girls’ first adventure, I realized there was so much more untapped magic on that old Kansas farm that their story was far from over. The world felt too rich and the characters too real to leave behind after one summer.
I am already deep into planning and writing the next installment. Readers can certainly expect the three sisters to stumble into many other adventures with even more magic, unexpected twists, and fun new hidden secrets. It’s an ongoing journey, and I can’t wait for readers to follow the girls as they uncover the full scope of their family’s magical legacy.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | AMB Kids Books
When three curious sisters – Avianna, Avery, and Ainsley – spend the summer at their Grandma and Grandpa’s farm, they stumble upon a magical and sparkly surprise, bubble gum rocks! What mysterious powers do these magical stones hold?
Join the sisters as they discover the wonders of the magical farm in their delightful first mystery of The Magical Farm Mysteries series!
Perfect for ages 6-10
Full of heart, humor and a touch of farmyard magic!
Written With Lived Truth
Kloe’s New Friendship follows a junior-high cat who is trying to juggle school life, old friends, new friends, and the emotional chaos of having a challenging brother. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My stories are written with lived truth. Personal experiences that have been a part of my life since childhood and beyond. Thirty years of carrying these stories, shaping them, trying to give children what I wished I had growing up. A lended ear to listen and not judge, a kind heart to understand the difficulties that are growing up alongside a brother whose struggles sometimes cast long, confusing shadows. There’s something unmistakably real in the way issues are explored in sibling dynamics. I chose to use animal characters not to soften the impact, it sharpens it with real honesty as each animal character represents all of us in our society. Children see themselves more clearly in those bright, beautifully illustrated faces, and adults feel that quiet echo of “oh… this was me.”
Kloe struggles with her emotions and navigating friendships in your story. What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the character’s development?
I’m aiming for deeper soul work in the characters, especially my lead – Kloe. I want her to be as much of a three-dimensional character as she can be in children’s books so her readers will be able to see who she really is. She had a very hard lesson learned in this book. She wanted to give her brother the benefit of the doubt by confiding in him with one of her dear friend’s secrets. However, she learned the hard way that he never had the intention of keeping it. Wreny is always looking to see how he can capitalize on others to benefit himself. His troubles are deeper than she or her parents realize. Kloe’s frustrations are not only real but are fraught with the underlying urgency that something at some point has to change. Wreny will not alter or modify his behaviors until he is confronted by his parents and teachers. She is the sibling, not the adult in these situations.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Facing challenges arising from a difficult sibing with mental health issues or behavioral problems is a prevalent theme in all of Kloe’s books. However, new frienships and estabished friendships are very important to Kloe.
Friendships are to be valued. We all want that other person(s) to believe in us as much as we do them. As young pre-teens we look for frienships to validate who we are, especially in a school setting. We learn morality and friendships through a combination of personal experiences, peer influence, and the guidance of adults. We begin to form our own moral compass as we navigate the complexities of our values and beliefs. Peer relationships play a crucial role in shaping our identities and well-being, providing support during turbulent times and helping us navigate the complications of social interactions.
These years are important character building years that mold us into who we become later in life.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Yes! I’m almost finished with a “New Year” Story with Kloe and friends. Lots of new issues, a few fun new characters as well as continuing forward with the original group.
Continuing with Kloe realizing more and more that her brother’s actions aren’t simple and cause a ripple effect not only onto her, but others around him. How far will his antics go until he is confronted on some level? My series moves forward as I believe that there are so many readers out there who need these stories as much as I did. However, I’m focusing on not just discussing these stories but to hopefully open up honest discussions on what steps are necessary to take in rectifying them. We are not defined by situations, only by our actions.
Author Links: Website | Amazon
K.M. Selvidge is an author and talented storyteller. She was a dancer, actress, non-profit fundraiser and animal lover. Watching her three cats inspired her to tell the stories that shaped her own life growing up, in the hope they will help other people see that they are never alone. HOPE KELLEY BOOK PUBLISHING
Literary Titan Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Talthybius by Jessie Holder Tourtellotte and Nathaniel Howard
Golem Mine by Donald Schwartz
A Trail in the Woods by Mallory O’Connor
Messenger of the Reaper Part 2 by Jimmy Straley
Missing in Lincoln Park by Staci Andrea
Medusa: Or, Men Entombed in Winter by Kyle Farnworth
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Book Award: Children’s Books
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes children’s books that mesmerize audiences with incredible narratives, vibrant illustrations, charming characters, and fresh ideas. Offering well-earned accolades, we salute the imagination and exceptional skill of authors who create tales that spark curiosity and delight in young minds.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
The Moments Between Choices by Harris Kamal
Secretos De Familia by Diego Uribe
Once Upon A Time In The Big Easy: Down On The Bayou by Wilson Jackson
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Dali & Banksy’s Brave Bite Adventure
Dali and Banksy set out on a bright morning for what they call a Brave Bites Quest. Gram sends them off with a picnic full of surprise foods, and Pepere gives them a sweet little pep talk about being bold with new bites. It feels like the whole day is meant to nudge them into trying things they have never tasted before, and turning it into an adventure instead of a chore.
I had a warm and fuzzy feeling while reading it. Something about Gram waving from the window made me smile. The writing is simple and upbeat. It has this cozy family energy that feels familiar. I like how the story frames trying new foods as something exciting rather than scary. The tone is gentle throughout.
The ideas behind it hit me in a good way. I love it when a children’s book teaches something without sounding like a lecture. This one just lets the adventure do the work. Pepere’s line about every new bite making you stronger actually stuck with me for a second. It is a tiny message. It still feels encouraging. The illustrations help too. They add a soft, friendly look that makes the whole thing even sweeter.
I’d recommend Dali & Banksy’s Brave Bite Adventure to young kids who get nervous about new foods and to the adults trying to help them along. It is cheerful, cute, and easy to read. It would be great for preschoolers and early elementary kids who enjoy simple adventures told with kindness.
Pages: 36 | ASIN: B0FKTCRQRJ
A Very Fun And Weird Detour
Ringo the Ginkgo follows a remarkable leaf, who is also a living fossil from the Jurassic era, as he takes readers on an adventure back to the time of ancient dinosaurs. What was the inspiration for your story?
Being a visual artist, my initial interest in Ginkgo was an aesthetic one. A bright yellow carpet of Ginkgo leaves almost pulsing against the drab, dirty grey pavement caught my eye and made me realize something so obvious it was easy to overlook: These leaves did not look like what most people think of when they think of a leaf. It was almost as if somewhere on the evolutionary road, the Ginkgo took a very fun and weird detour—resulting in its pleasantly oddball appearance. Aesthetic appreciation led to curiosity, and the first very cool fact research revealed was that they were “living fossils.” This fact sparked my imagination, and the story slowly took shape. I thought the idea of this leaf acting as a ‘tour guide’ through the past, teaching and stirring up curiosity, might be a good concept for a picture book.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
- The origin of the species dating back to the Jurassic period.
- The reliance of most life on Earth on the oxygen produced by plants.
- The symbiotic relationship between plants and animals.
- Environmental preservation and awareness.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Again, being a visual artist before anything else, my favorite scene may be a split between the Baboon holding a ‘Moon’ balloon or the scene with the Sun and boat explaining the photosynthetic process and leading the viewer to the closing pages.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
No, I think this was a one-off. It was a labor of love, but at one point, the labor part became quite overwhelming. Factoring in working full-time, life, etc., the book took almost three years to finish.
Author Links: Instagram | Amazon
A wiggling anomaly of a leaf? Check.
A photosynthesis factory? Check. A living breathing key to curiosity? Definite check.
That’s Ringo the Ginkgo.
Throughout the picture book, Ringo the Ginkgo leads the reader on an adventure through the Jurassic period where the reader meets some of Ringo’s amazing dinosaur pals and learns Ginkgo trees are living fossils that have been unchanged for millions of years.The journey continues with a quick brush-up biology course covering the glorious life sustaining process of photosynthesis.
This homage to science, nature, and art is also a gentle, yet necessary, reminder of how much we rely on plants for our oxygen and how important it is to live symbiotically. The closing pages engage the reader with a set of questions and a request to flip Ringo upside down.This results in a visual transformation revealing a ‘curiosity key,’ which opens perception and imaginationwhile encouraging creativity and wonder.
LITERARY TITAN 