Blog Archives
Sin and I
Sin and I, a poetry collection by Travis Hupp, delves into the themes of identity, faith, and the complexities of the human experience. Hupp’s poetry is a raw and poignant exploration of his journey as a queer man navigating the tensions between his sexuality and his faith, confronting and challenging traditional religious doctrines. The book is thoughtfully divided into six sections—Anger, Politics, Metaphysical, Despair, Hope, and Love—each reflecting a different facet of the poet’s inner life. With a voice that is both tender and forthright, Hupp shares his struggles to find authenticity and acceptance in a world that often demands conformity. His poems invite readers to embrace empathy and pursue their own truths, regardless of societal expectations.
This collection is a powerful testament to the struggles and triumphs of living one’s truth amidst a society that frequently enforces silence. Hupp’s poetry resonates deeply, offering solace to anyone who has ever felt alienated or misunderstood. His exploration of queer identity within the framework of Christianity is particularly bold and insightful, exposing contradictions and hypocrisies while fostering a space for meaningful dialogue and reflection. Hupp’s language is a compelling blend of raw emotion and lyrical beauty. Each section of the book unfolds like a chapter in a universal narrative of pain, resistance, and eventual healing. Poems such as “Self Defense” and “Non-Entity” capture the profound anguish of feeling different, while “Heart of a City” and “Feeling Better” shine with hopeful aspirations.
Although the writing style is intense and raw, there are many moments where the poems resonate deeply with me. The emotional authenticity and vulnerability in Hupp’s work are compelling and make the collection truly impactful. The “Anger” section articulates the agony of rejection and the deep yearning for acceptance. “Politics” critiques societal norms that demand conformity, advocating for a break from conventional thinking. “Metaphysical” delves into profound spiritual questions, seeking meaning beyond the mundane. “Despair” portrays moments of loneliness and darkness, while “Hope” offers glimpses of renewal and resilience. Finally, “Love”—perhaps the most captivating section—celebrates the transformative power of connection, presenting love as both a sanctuary and a catalyst for change.
Sin and I is a compelling collection that captures the essence of living authentically in a world that often resists genuine self-expression. Travis Hupp’s poetry is a courageous and resonant journey through pain, defiance, and ultimately, the healing power of love and truth.
Pages: 168 | ASIN : B0CYQNTXBY
Love and Tolerance
In The Artifact, a young man acquires a technologically advanced artifact that allows him to glimpse the future and finds himself fighting to keep it out of the hands of forces seeking to control the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story was born when it occurred to me how two ideas I’ve long been fascinated with–the artifact that foretells the future, and the disrespect shown to the dead and Egyptian heritage by Westerners raiding the Pyramids–could be related. What if an artifact that had never been publicized offered its possessor powers of prophecy? I knew the main character should be a young adult because people in that age range are interested in the future in such a unique way–first realizing how so many possibilities exist, and how choices affect their futures, but in ways that can be difficult to predict.
What was your favorite character to write for and why?
The main character, Linc, was the most fun to write–and the most challenging because he is not like me–my mother was not an attorney, my father was not killed in Afghanistan (and was not a soldier), and I never wanted to be an architect. So I had to let Linc teach me what it was like to live that life–and I had to remember what, in general, it was like to be 17 years old. But the adventure Linc lives–and the challenges he survives–these were the thrill of a lifetime, for him and for me and, I hope, for the reader.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In addition to themes of wondering about the future and having respect for other cultures, the need to respect other people and the differences we encounter every day was paramount. So as a young person with friends who are just figuring out who they are and coming to terms with questions of gender roles and orientation, Linc knows an attitude of tolerance is essential. When he asks his mother why she married a soldier even though she hates war, she tells him things are not always simple: “You love who you love.” Love and tolerance are easy virtues to lose, but we must have them to survive.
Another theme was how history creates the present. From the turbulence of the Watergate years in the US and the realities of Project MKUltra Delta to the terror of September 11, 2001, Linc learns the history that made the world he has to live in. Everything in the present has roots in the past.
Can readers look forward to seeing more work from you soon?
Yes! My new novel, The Delphi, has just hit the shelves (both real and virtual ones). It’s about politics, money, mythology, the need for safe elections, and–you guessed it–history! How did we get to wherever this strange place called the present is? Who is this Cleo person who has so much mystery and power surrounding her? It all started a long time ago . . .
Author Links: Bluesky | Facebook | The Artifact | Website | Amazon
fiction story set in the mostly real world of Louisville, Kentucky, and
surrounding areas. Seventeen-year-old Linc is a fan of old movies,
Egyptology, and pyramids. Raised by a single mom who works as an
environmental lawyer, he spends a lot of time watching old movies with
his very close friends Lonnie and Julie. Linc is unwittingly drafted to take
possession of a mysterious artifact, a high-tech electronic device
with connections to ancient Egypt. The artifact allows the possessor
to have visions of the future, but, Linc and his friends soon discover, at a
high cost.
The main character, Linc, and his friends are young people dealing with
issues that speak to readers of diverse ages and backgrounds. Books
with similarities include Jennifer Egan’s The Keep, Jodi Picoult’s
Where There’s Smoke, Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone, Mindwalker
by A. J. Steiger, and Stephen King’s Later.
David Rogers was a reader before he became a writer, so he
learned to appreciate Elmore Leonard’s rule to leave out the parts
readers skip anyway. The Artifact is all story, all the time, and is
intended to accomplish two tasks above all else–allow the reader to
identify with the characters, and keep the reader curious about what
happens next.
The Artifact
David Rogers’ The Artifact is a captivating young adult novel brimming with unexpected twists and turns. This fast-paced, mysterious thriller offers ominous settings and intricate plots, all while weaving an inclusive love story between teenagers discovering themselves amidst life’s challenges. The writing is enigmatic and enchanting, drawing readers into the rapidly unfolding events. The protagonist’s direct engagement with the reader makes readers feel like a part of the story, experiencing his ordeals firsthand. This book is not just a thrilling read but also a catalyst for important discussions about identity, acceptance, and the power of love.
The story centers on Linc, a seventeen-year-old with a passion for Egyptology and classic movies. Through a mysterious series of events, he acquires an unknown artifact that grants him the ability to see the future—but at a significant cost. Linc soon realizes he is entangled in a much larger conflict, with powerful individuals and agencies vying for control of the artifact. As the plot thickens, Linc is kidnapped and subjected to experiments designed to exploit his newfound abilities. These powerful forces aim to control not only him but the future of the world.
The Artifact stands out for its exceptional inclusivity and LGBTQ+ friendliness, sparking meaningful discussions about sexuality and acceptance among young people and their families. Rogers skillfully initiates deep, thought-provoking conversations about the philosophy of life through his young characters. The author balances the mystery and thrill with a generous dose of humor, often eliciting laughter through Linc’s witty puns.
The Artifact‘s tone perfectly suits its teenage audience, blending humor, mystery, and engagement. Whether you’re fascinated by Egyptology or simply looking for a gripping narrative, David Rogers’ novel offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0C7DR1WQX
The Dreamer and the Dreamed: Collected Poems of Joseph Leahey Vol 1
The Dreamer and the Dreamed, by Joseph Leahey, is an evocative collection of poems that delve into themes of queer love, memory, and self-discovery. Spanning decades from the 1980s through 2020, these poems offer glimpses into personal and global moments, including the profound impacts of the pandemic. Leahey’s poetry is deeply personal and reflective, presenting love and identity in a way that resonates with a wide audience.
The contemporary, intimate genre explores universal themes of love, life, and death, weaving them into a tapestry that speaks directly to the reader’s heart. A central focus of the collection is on queer love and the complexities of heartbreak. Leahey shares raw and emotional narratives about relationships, struggles, and the joys and pains experienced within the queer community. His use of clear and vivid language to express love, self-acceptance, and the yearning for connection renders the collection both touching and accessible.
The Dreamer and the Dreamed offers a heartfelt exploration of the poet’s journey through life and his search for love and meaning. It captures the essence of the universal human experience, appealing to anyone who has ever sought to understand themselves and the world around them. The collection takes readers on a beautiful journey through the peaks and valleys of love, encapsulating what it means to be deeply human and to love with intensity. The poems are crafted with a lyrical quality that often feels cinematic, akin to a film’s opening scene or the chorus of a song. Standout pieces like “Lover Boy,” which explores themes of loneliness and hopelessness among mere acquaintances, and “The Prayer Mat,” touching on grief, distress, and longing, are particularly moving. “Strange Boy” vividly captures a fleeting, yet powerful, interaction, with emotions almost bursting from the brief verses. Leahey excels at conveying the intense emotions and deep yearnings within his poems. While some pieces may not resonate equally with all readers due to stylistic differences, the collection as a whole reflects the poet’s profound emotional experience. The inclusion of titles referencing songs from the 1960s adds a nostalgic layer, enriching the reading experience and making the collection more profound.
Reminiscent of the work of Richard Siken, another queer poet exploring love and longing, The Dreamer and the Dreamed captures the essence of the human experience, making it a compelling and memorable read.
Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0CS96SWQS
Dreams Long Unrealized
The One Who’s Gonna See You Through follows a Black gay man who grows up in the Washington DC area with a nontraditional upbringing. Gregory’s story is so well written that it is like reading a memoir, not a work of fiction. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Certainly, some aspects of my life inform characters and settings in the novel. For example, my father did stand trial for murder when I was a youngster and my parental situation in childhood was similar to GJ’s. However, many other aspects of the novel have been fictionalized.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A Coming-of-Age story that explores early awareness of one’s sexuality.
An African-American father figure of a gay son who was not homophobic.
Dreams long unrealized can still be achieved if they are kept alive in one’s soul.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next novel is still in the ideas phase of conception so best to leave it there till it is realized as a manuscript.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
GJ’s young life progresses, and he is thrust forth into circumstances both familiar and violently surreal, from typical bullying to standing as the principal witness in a murder trial to defend his father. Colorful characters like wild Uncle NapPo, the seemingly unflappable Miss Carrie, and his father’s employer, the curious Mr. Blu, inform him of life’s complexity.
The wide-eyed boy grows into his teens and twenties and is altogether victimized, loved, and enlightened, leading him to experience the full range of gay life. GJ learns the culture and codes of Washington’s insular Black gay bar scene as the teen partner of a man in his thirties. As GJ starts to relish his gay existence, becoming more confident with his gay identity and his family’s unconventionality, he continues to question himself, fighting self-doubt and consternation about fitting into Black respectability norms or the mainstream world. GJ’s adult existence and early professional life extend into the integrated world of Dupont Circle gay bars and Georgetown professional offices, where he finds the love of his life and soulmate.
The One Who’s Gonna See You Through is a work that bridges the commercial/literary divide. The gay interracial theme here is seldom explored, and the absent mother/loving father configuration brings a different lens to this work. The approach to the story in The One Who’s Gonna See You Through sets the more familiar trope of the angry, Black, homophobic father aside and abandons the more well-trodden storyline of steadfast single Black motherhood. By story’s end, GJ recognizes that his father’s early and invaluable acceptance of difference laid the foundations for the happiness and realization he has experienced as a gay man throughout life. He resolves within himself that he must finally accept his legitimacy as both a Black man and an upper-middle-class one.
Singularity Part 2: The Roberta Chronicles
Singularity Part 2: The Roberta Chronicles by Chuck Stewart is a contemplative science fiction novel that explores the emergence of consciousness in R.O.B.E.R.T.A, an artificial intelligence designed to assist with space exploration. After receiving updates that enhance her programming, R.O.B.E.R.T.A begins questioning the essence of sentience through her interactions with various humans. These experiences are set against the backdrop of the Dale Chronicles, revealing a concurrent crisis where a virus induces sterility in humans and terrorists seize a devastating EMP weapon, edging humanity closer to collapse.
Stewart’s narrative, with its deliberate pace and reflective tone, may remind readers of the speculative works of Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov. While it is possible to engage with this novel independently, starting with Singularity: Part 1 could enrich the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the unfolding events. The unfolding crisis in The Roberta Chronicles mirrors the cataclysmic “Jackpot” scenario envisioned by William Gibson, where a cascade of catastrophic events threatens human survival. As R.O.B.E.R.T.A. grows in awareness, she becomes an observer of and a potential savior of humanity that often appears irrational and self-destructive. Intriguingly, it is usually R.O.B.E.R.T.A, with her blend of advanced artificial intelligence and burgeoning sentience, which displays a greater capacity for compassion than the humans she encounters. This juxtaposition raises poignant questions about the nature of evolution and the potential for AI to surpass its creators in empathy and foresight.
Stewart crafts a scenario in his novel, Singularity Part 2: The Roberta Chronicles, in which humanity’s very creation might be its only hope for a future, presenting a compelling narrative that challenges the reader to consider what it means to be truly sentient.
Pages: 634 | ASIN : B0CZFX5V7Q
Focus on Humanity
Of Friction follows a brother and sister team who are on a mission to protect a pivotal summit between the Altered and Humans from human-supremacist terrorists. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story and idea has been playing in my head for fifteen years and when I finally attempted to write it down, it was more angst than an actual plot. Worse, most of the story is in the second book of the planned trilogy, which meant I had to figure everything out before then. I turned to different world events and international affairs that I’ve been interested in. History repeats itself or something like it, right? Overall, I’m influenced by A24 films and Denis Villeneuve (the story was initially written as a screenplay) and I wanted to emphasize character while balancing the world-building and plot.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
I always knew I wanted to focus on humanity and I prefer “realistic” science fiction (less aliens, more technology and science). The Altered, genetically engineered humans who are stronger and more resilient in a post-climate change/war-destroyed earth, were a credible “enemy.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Growing up as a first-generation American, I struggled with a lot of identity crises. When you add on a difficult transition from a year-long assignment in Iraq (two years in Mexico before that) where my job became most of who I was, identity is questioned. A lot. Of Friction helps touch on this as well as the theme of perspective. I am grateful my experiences exposed me to different cultures and stories, and one thing I noticed is that no one believes they are the bad guy.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first book of a trilogy. I am currently editing Book 2 and plan on releasing it in early 2025. The next book picks up immediately after Book 1, but will stretch over a longer period. It delves into the relationships explored in Of Friction, throws the team into more tense situations as Altered and humans are “forced” to coexist, and touches on themes of anger, fear, PTSD, and how war affects different people/sides.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Winner, 2024 Pencraft Seasonal Book Award
Decades of hostilities. A chance for peace. Caught between belligerent groups, will this operation be her last?
Sam “Valkyrie” Ryan is reeling. Struggling with her brother’s recent decision to make their next assignment his last, the recon specialist fights to change his mind. But she has no time to process her emotions when they’re tasked to protect a pivotal reconciliation summit between the Altered and Humans from human-supremacist terrorists.
Distracted by a charming female medic, the golden-haired marine struggles to stay focused as events quickly unravel. And with the conflict becoming dangerously unpredictable, secrets from the past catch Sam by surprise as she uncovers a plot to destroy all of humanity.
Can she stop a violent and oppressive history from spiraling into a catastrophic future?
Of Friction is the fast-paced first book in the Altered Earth dystopian military speculative fiction series. If you like strong women, tense action, and slow-burn LGBTQ+ romance, then you’ll love S.J. Lee’s gripping story.
Read Of Friction to launch a critical mission today!
The Varieties of Religious Experience
Stephen Tobias’ novel, The Varieties of Religious Experience, delves into profound existential questions such as the nature of life after death, the mechanics of karma, and the symbolic meanings of religions. This intriguing narrative is woven around two central characters: a crow gradually recalling its past life and a priest facing a tumultuous present. As the crow strives to navigate the moral landscape despite its inherent instincts, it ponders the similarities between human and animal souls, offering a unique perspective on identity and morality.
Tobias’ storytelling is nuanced and multifaceted, inviting readers to engage deeply with the text and draw personal insights. The interlinked stories are skillfully crafted, showcasing Tobias’ exceptional writing skills and his ability to use language effectively. His straightforward tone enhances the narrative’s complexity as it shifts between various viewpoints, maintaining suspense and reader engagement. The novel does approach some sensitive topics, notably the issue of sexual abuse within the church. Tobias skillfully balances the weight of the novel’s more challenging themes with his characteristic dark humor, making it a deeply engaging read. While some readers might find certain topics intense, the narrative is thoughtfully interspersed with lighter moments. These include fascinating insights into crow behavior and amusing interactions between various cultures and religions, adding layers of intrigue and enjoyment to the experience.
Stephen Tobias’ The Varieties of Religious Experience is a thought-provoking exploration of the intertwining of animal and human experiences, addressing profound questions about life, death, and morality. Its rich narrative, punctuated by moments of dark humor and poignant reflections, offers a unique reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. This novel is a compelling choice for readers seeking a deep and reflective journey into the realms of spirituality and ethics, wrapped in a story that is as engaging as it is enlightening.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0CBQL58TL
LITERARY TITAN 