Blog Archives
Walking into Spiderwebs
William Michael Stephens’ Walking into Spiderwebs, the second installment in the About a Girl series, artfully transports readers to 1990s Southern California through the eyes of teenager Hannah O’Conner. Set in a pre-digital era, the novel vividly captures the essence of adolescent life without modern technologies like cell phones and social media, offering a nostalgic yet still relevant experience for contemporary young adult readers.
The narrative unfolds over several years, beginning with Hannah’s time in a junior high school in Santa Maria. Here, she forges a friendship with Melissa, a relationship that becomes central to the story after Melissa’s family abruptly relocates. The plot navigates the complexities of teenage emotions and decisions as Hannah, driven by loyalty and determination, sets out to reconnect with Melissa. Their eventual reunion presents unexpected developments, adding a layer of intrigue to the storyline.
Stephens’ choice to narrate the story predominantly from Hannah’s perspective allows for an intimate exploration of her inner world. This approach ensures readers are closely aligned with Hannah’s motivations and feelings, enhancing the story’s emotional depth. It’s particularly interesting to contrast this perspective with that of Will, the protagonist from the series’ first book, providing a richer understanding of the characters and their dynamics.
The book’s meticulous attention to period detail vividly enriches the setting, immersing readers in the authentic atmosphere of the 1990s. Though the narrative pace is deliberately measured to allow for a rich tapestry of descriptive elements, this approach ensures a thorough grounding in the era and characters. The inclusion of flashbacks adds valuable context and depth, contributing to a layered narrative. Streamlining these aspects could refine the pacing and coherence, enhancing the story’s overall impact and flow.
Walking into Spiderwebs is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, growth, and resilience. Stephens successfully captures the universal nature of teenage experiences, making the novel a relatable and engaging read for both those who remember the 90s and those discovering it anew.
Pages: 567 | ASIN : B0CL3PLP3V
What is the Motivation?
Singularity follows a narcissistic gay man who, while trying to install illegal software on his electric car, winds up turning all his computers sentient. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always been interested in science and worked as an aerospace physicist at one time. I am mostly interested in quantum mechanics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). I love science fiction and noticed no one addressed how AI becomes sentient. I believe what is missing in the current discussion of ChatGPT and other systems is motivation. How are biological systems motivated, and does this apply to AI? That is what my series of books address.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
I do not believe in Skynet or other outcomes of AI trying to destroy us, at least not yet. They need us. They need our electricity and dexterity to manipulate the physical world. That may change in the future once robotics can truly make a humanoid robot that can, on the one hand, assemble devices and yet have the strength to dig holes— all the time being energy efficient. We are far from that. Robots can barely walk without falling. And, again, what would be their motivation?
Thus, I needed my main character to be someone who would demonstrate selfishness to help the conscious robot understand personal motivation indirectly. I wanted a character who was unapologetic about his desires. Thus, I chose a narcissistic, openly gay man to explore these concepts. And I wanted it to be as real as possible. Dale is the perfect foil to teach the robots about their motivations.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As a science nerd who loves science fiction, I have some beef about the bad science found in so much of the genre. I wanted the books to be as accurate as possible. In many ways, the books are more of a “future” series—set thirty years in the future. So, much of the technology is a projection to the near future. Fiction is brought in to spice up the action. Unlike most fiction, the novel includes endnotes for detailed science explanations. Each book required reading almost 300 science articles to ensure the science was correct. A bibliography is included.
The series also explores the development of self-driving cars, genetics, gender (can robots have gender?), immortality, and societal collapse.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
Singularity Part 1: The Dale Chronicles is told from Dale’s perspective, and his computer and car become sentient. Singularity Part 2: The Roberta Chronicles covers the same period but is told from the perspective of a robot becoming conscious. Roberta is a humanoid android designed to assist with human settlement on Mars. When she returns to Earth, she is subjected to the special software that gives her consciousness. She must now learn how to navigate interacting with humans besides the worldwide computer networks. She learns about gender and her own feelings, questioning where it all comes from and the existential questions of her own life. She and her family face many challenges and technological advances that threaten the entire Earth. Part 2 is expected to be released in January 2024. Singularity Part 3: The New Humans picks up directly from the cliffhanger ends of Part 2 and continues exploring what it means to be conscious, human, and an android that is part of a large network. There are many twists and turns, and it covers thousands of years. We expect Part 3 to be released by Christmas 2024.
The author, Chuck Stewart, believes science fiction should be based on good science. All the technological innovations discussed in the book are based on real science projected a few decades into the future. The book is non-apologetic about language, sex, and action. This is written for adults ready to consume an action-packed science fiction with explicit gay male sex, violence, and strong language.
Singularity Part 1: The Dale Chronicles
In Singularity by Chuck Stewart, we are transported to the year 2050, a time still healing from the catastrophic earthquake that ravaged Los Angeles in 2039. Amidst a society grappling with soaring violence, we meet Dale, a wealthy man with questionable ethics. His life takes an unexpected turn when new software for his car’s artificial intelligence starts to exhibit eerily human characteristics. This science fiction narrative delves into the peculiar relationship between Dale and his increasingly sentient A.I., set against a backdrop of societal chaos.
Singularity marks the debut of The Dale Chronicles, a series that promises to captivate with its blend of advanced technology and human drama. Stewart crafts an accessible and enthralling tale where our flawed yet fascinating protagonist mirrors the tumultuous world he inhabits. The journey of watching Dale navigate the murky waters of his morality, paralleling the external anarchy, is as intriguing as it is relatable.
This novel is a perfect pick for adult readers who appreciate a touch of stark realism and subtle cynicism woven into their dystopian science fiction. Stewart, an author dedicated to the integrity of science within the genre, invests deeply in the plausibility of his scientific propositions. The novel’s refreshing take on A.I. eschews the trope of malevolence, offering a narrative ripe with potential and a hopeful perspective on technology’s role in humanity’s future. Singularity is a thought-provoking and engaging read that is sure to resonate with enthusiasts of science fiction looking for substance and authenticity.
Pages: 483 | ASIN : B0CB7P2WMG
Be Brave and Embrace Who You Are
A Boy Who Loved Me shares with readers your story about growing up in Uganda with Sickle Cell Disease and being gay and the challenges you faced on your road to British citizenship. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing A Boy Who Loved Me was my way of expressing my emotions and my views as I see this world and the reality we live in. I wanted my story to convey my struggles with sickle-cells and the physiological immigration impact on me and people seeking asylum all over the world in a positive way. It was important to me to write about these struggles to show other people all over the world who are going through similar circumstances that if you don’t let those circumstances define you, and keep going with hope and a positive mind, things do get better, and you learn to be okay with the past, which leads to happiness.
It was my way of showing my appreciation of the blessing I have been given for being alive to not only help others achieve their goals in life but also entertain them at the same time.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing was writing about sickle cell crises and the pain. I had to relive many physical and psychological challenges I have endured my whole life. But it was important because there are many people going through different contrasting circumstances like sickle cells.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea I wanted to share in this book was that being gay is not a choice and no matter where you come from, you can be born gay. I wanted people to be brave and embrace who they are especially those born in societies that do not understand homosexuality, like Uganda.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
The one thing I hope that readers can take away from my story is that having hope and constantly looking for the positive aspects can lead to achieving one’s goals and finding happiness no matter the circumstances.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
With acuity and precision, Wilson writes about his queerness in his home country of Uganda and the political and social implications of coming out and coming of age in a country of turmoil and violence. This sprawling memoir traces Wilson Semitti’s decades-long journey from Uganda to the far reaches of the world—Thailand, China, South Africa, and beyond—without letting the sickle-cell chronic disease he was born with define him.
The people that come in and out of his life shape his experiences and help him make meaning from his path, but none more than the boy who loved him.
A Boy Who Loved Me
In A Boy Who Loved Me, Wilson Semitti crafts a beautifully written and thought-provoking memoir that whisks readers on an exhilarating journey across continents. More than a mere travelogue, Semitti’s work is a heartfelt ode to life, an exploration of self-acceptance, and a testament to the strength of spirit in the face of adversity.
Wilson’s narrative unveils the complex layers of his life, from the vibrant tapestry of his Ugandan childhood to the momentous day he attains British citizenship. Growing up amidst the cultural biases of his homeland, Wilson grapples with his own sexuality. Bound by societal constraints, he yearns for a place where he can embrace his true self without fear. Yet, as if these challenges weren’t formidable enough, Wilson also battles Sickle Cell Disease’s physical and emotional strains.
An excerpt from page 257 illuminates his ethos: ‘I wanted all disadvantaged kids suffering from conditions like sickle cell to know that if they don’t let these circumstances define them, they can rise above and accomplish much. We can all realize our purpose. I stand as a testament to that.’
Semitti’s prose is infused with hope and resilience. It’s captivating to witness his evolution as he journeys towards self-acceptance. “Happiness,” he muses on page 116, “is embracing your entire being, unfettered by societal judgment. True freedom lies in authenticity.”
The narrative spans from Uganda to South Africa and eventually to the UK, detailing Wilson’s harrowing experiences when he sought asylum. The trials continue as he faces deportation to South Africa and grapples with detainment. Amid these tribulations, a beacon of hope remains a heartwarming love story with a boy he meets in the UK, showcasing the depths of their bond.
Throughout his story, Semitti masterfully weaves in vignettes from his adventures in countries like China and Thailand. These anecdotes introduce us to a mosaic of vibrant characters, reinforcing the universality of human connection.
What stands out in this memoir is its intimate tone; reading it feels akin to flipping through the cherished pages of a dear friend’s journal. Semitti’s command over language and his narrative prowess make A Boy Who Loved Me a must-read, one that resonates deeply and encourages introspection. It is a truly inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 344 | ASIN : B0B48SZBKV
Fighting for the Long Haul
Run! is an engaging memoir where you share not just the highlights of your political career but the struggles you faced because of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. How hard was it to put this story out in the world for people to read?
Given my own circumstances of coming out, it was not hard for me to put my story out to the world. For many queer people, coming out is a slow and laborious process involving one-on-one conversations with family and friends. I chose a different path. On a March 1984 morning, I came out to the entire readership of the San Jose Mercury News when I wrote an opinion piece denouncing the statements of an anti-gay state legislator. While I might have trouble telling people individually about my sexual orientation, I was comfortable notifying the whole town.
Another reason I was okay with telling my story is from being an elected official for 26 years. When I first ran, I knew there would be a spotlight on my personal and professional life. Most people want to protect their privacy and shun publicity. For whatever reason, I accepted the public exposure because of what I wanted to accomplish once in office.
For all these reasons, I was comfortable telling my story. That isn’t to say I wasn’t nervous about it. I didn’t know if colleagues would agree with my version of history or if critics would find fault with my political strategies. Ultimately, I decided to tell my story as accurately as possible, remembering things as they were without a revisionist history.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One main reason for writing Run! was to show that regardless of how bleak things look politically, a group of like-minded people can make a difference over time, even if it takes years. To bring about social change, you have to be in the fight for the long haul. For me, that meant the last 40 years.
Also, I wanted to demystify running for office. I do this by covering all aspects of my four competitive races so others can learn how it’s done. In the chapter titled “Run, Baby, Run: Planning and Executing a Winning Campaign,” I offer advice for how LGBTQ+ candidates can survive negative attacks against them by deploying various strategies to attract voters’ support.
Last, I wanted to emphasize that winning isn’t enough. It’s what you do while in office that matters most. Many elected officials serve for years and never leave a mark. This should never be the fate of queer politicians. I think one reason why LGBTQ+ officials can be so successful is due to the discrimination and stereotypes that they have to overcome to win elections in the first place.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I’m not sure it was ever articulated to me, but looking back, I think one thing that saved me from doing or saying any number of stupid things was surrounding myself with people I trusted and could bounce ideas off of. Politics can be a pretty unforgiving profession, and mistakes aren’t always forgiven or forgotten. To avoid that, be sure to talk things through with your advisors. Once everyone agrees on the appropriate action, you can go forward with confidence.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
From the beginning, I saw my audience being two groups of people: First, younger queer people who are just starting out and want to take up the mantle to fight social and political injustices. It can often be hard to know how to go about that, especially in more rural or suburban towns without a large queer community. I hope the book inspires them to take action either by forming a political organization, working to elect allies to office, or running for office themselves.
Second, I want Run! to serve as a recollection for older queer folx of how far we have all come. Our battles may have been different depending on our cities and states, but we were all headed in the same direction. This led to the legalization of same-sex marriages and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, along with many other significant victories both large and small. I don’t want any of that history to be lost or go untold.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Having lived and breathed queer activism for almost 40 years, Ken Yeager is uniquely positioned to tell the story of how this happened. The strategies he used and the lessons he learned will serve as a guide for activists organizing to counter the current uptick of anti-gay and anti-trans hostilities in their communities.
Run! also serves as a primer for LGBTQ+ people thinking of running for office. As the first openly gay elected official in Santa Clara County who served 26 years in public office, Ken Yeager details his numerous campaigns and provides a checklist for how to achieve electoral victory.
Winning by itself isn’t enough. It’s what you do while in office that matters. Known as one of the most effective local elected officials, read how Ken Yeager crafted landmark legislation to improve the quality of life of LGBTQ+ people and all residents of Santa Clara Valley.
After reading his book, you’ll be inspired to take him up on his call to Run, Baby, Run! for office.
Run!: My Story of LGBTQ+ Political Power, Equality, and Acceptance in Silicon Valley
LGBTQ+ individuals are found in every corner of the globe, intertwined in the very fabric of our societies. They are our neighbors, family, colleagues, and those we might pass by without a second thought. Yet, for many, the simple act of loving someone can lead to profound discrimination, whether at work or in everyday life. Ken Yeager’s Run! dives deep into this narrative.
In Run!, Yeager takes us on an intimate journey of his life as an LGBTQ+ individual, detailing the challenging path he navigated to eventually secure a seat on the San Jose City Council from 2000 to 2006. His unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, even during times when such advocacy was viewed with skepticism, is beautifully chronicled. This enlightening book provides invaluable insights into his fight for acceptance and equality, making it an essential read not only for LGBTQ+ individuals aspiring to enter politics but also for a broader audience.
Yeager paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, confronting head-on the negative rumors and misconceptions and addressing pressing issues like HIV and AIDS without hesitation.
One of the book’s most empowering features is its practical guide for those intrigued by the political arena. While Yeager does not sugarcoat the difficulties, his testament to hard work and perseverance inspires others to follow. His narrative, at times, may be emotionally taxing due to its raw depiction of discrimination, but therein lies its strength. Ken Yeager’s memoir, Run!: My Story of LGBTQ+ Political Power, Equality, and Acceptance in Silicon Valley lays bare his battles and triumphs, urging readers to appreciate the resilience and courage of those who fight for their place in the world.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0CG6X2VGF
The Still Small Voice
Brenda Stanley’s The Still Small Voice is a captivating tale that intertwines family dynamics, deeply buried secrets, and an undeniable sense of homecoming. This narrative spotlights Madison Moore, who, after a prolonged absence, finds herself returning to her former home in Utah. Her departure years prior, prompted by a college opportunity and family discord, had created a significant distance. Yet, her father’s declining health now compels her back home. Yet, as Madison anticipates a reconciliatory return, she soon realizes the past’s shadow refuses to recede, sparking an engrossing drama that will keep readers gripped until the very end.
Beautifully illustrated and flawlessly developed characters evolve as the narrative unfolds. Madison, our protagonist, is endearingly complex – assertive, intriguing, and pleasantly rebellious. The supporting cast contributes generously to the story’s progression, each lending their unique flair. Amelia Johnson stands out amongst them, offering an intriguing subplot that significantly enriches the narrative.
The narrative is an immersive exploration of small-town secrets and the lies we tell those closest to us, skillfully layered with suspense that entices the reader to keep turning the pages. Its scenes, dense with anticipation, leave readers eager to discover the characters’ next move and the consequential impact on the storyline. The climactic revelation is a testament to Stanley’s refined narrative abilities – an exhilarating payoff indeed!
Stanley’s world-building prowess is also commendable, creating an authentic setting that complements the narrative’s texture. While the story’s pacing may be leisurely, it is redeemed by a vibrant character ensemble and a meticulously constructed plot that ensures readers remain absorbed throughout.
The Still Small Voice is a thrilling murder mystery that blends beautiful prose with an intriguing plot, leaving a resonating imprint long after the final page is turned.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0BG385N93
LITERARY TITAN 