Blog Archives
The Gift of Friendship
The Cabin tells the story of two children who become attached to the mystique surrounding a cabin in the woods and the sense of loss and subsequent resilience upon its destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story is inspired by a true event that took place on Hog’s Back Mountain in Upstate New York. Summers spent on my grandmother’s farm provided a real time experience of life, play, and death. Due to our wonderful experiences, we blossomed as human beings while there.
Is there anything from your own experience found in the characters of Keith and Cynthia?
Haha! Actually, yes! We are the characters and I could not be happier with what they discover through unexpected friendship, loss, and the continuance of their rhythm of farm life.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Alex Bigatti?
Alex understood and loved the story from the start. I wanted the medium of watercolor to convey a sense of wistfulness and she agreed. Neither of us knew much about doing art for a children’s book, but she was persistent and did her research. Alex’s insight and passion for her art is clearly seen in the illustrations and she was so easy to work with. She captured the emotional world of the characters and the story!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The theme of resilience was the top theme for me. It emerged as I did the rewrites: Resilience in the face of loss. What also came out was the importance of rhythms in our life…rhythms that can carry us through difficult and wonderful times, but are always there. The gift of friendship also seemed important. The joy and surprise as well as the fragility of them is clearly seen and felt in The Cabin.
Author Links: Instagram | Website
Angels in the Sand
Lori Keating’s Angels in the Sand offers a touching and heartfelt exploration of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of family bonds. At the heart of the story is 10-year-old Jessica (Jess) Alexander, a young girl grappling with profound loss. Her father’s tragic accident has already left a void in her life, and now, her family faces another heartbreak: her grandmother’s terminal cancer diagnosis. As Jess and her mother prepare to spend one final Christmas with her grandmother, the narrative unfolds into a poignant journey of love, remembrance, and hope.
Keating masterfully paints the dynamics of Jess’s close-knit family. Jess’s determination to make their last holiday together unforgettable leads her to create a “must-do” list for her grandmother, filled with activities designed to create lasting memories. These moments serve as both a celebration of life and a reminder of the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones.
This book is an essential read for children coping with loss and for parents seeking to understand the inner workings of a grieving child’s mind. Keating captures the raw emotions of grief, illustrating not only the sorrow but also the glimmers of joy that can coexist in the healing process. The story reassures readers that it’s okay to feel happiness again, a sentiment that provides comfort and encouragement. The message that departed loved ones would want to see us happy adds a layer of solace for readers navigating similar experiences. The narrative also underscores the significance of preserving memories. Through Jess’s perspective, the book highlights how easily children can forget cherished moments, urging adults to share stories and details about those who have passed. These shared memories become invaluable threads connecting the past with the present. Keating weaves subtle Christian elements into the story with grace, using biblical references to instill hope and faith. These moments of spiritual reflection are seamlessly integrated, offering a comforting perspective to readers who may draw strength from such beliefs.
Jess’s character is a standout achievement in this book. Her innocence and curiosity shine through, making her reflections feel authentic and deeply relatable. Keating’s vivid storytelling allows readers to experience the world through Jess’s eyes, capturing the sweetness of small moments and the depth of her family’s love. These tender memories serve as a beacon of light during dark times, reminding readers of the beauty in connection and care.
Angels in the Sand, by Lori Keating, carries a profound moral: cherish the people around you and remain open to the signs that lost loved ones continue to watch over us. Keating’s gentle yet powerful storytelling leaves an indelible impression, making this book not only a source of comfort but also a celebration of life’s most precious gifts.
Pages: 112 | ISBN : 978-1957656816
HOMEMADE SHRINE
Danii Jasmine’s collection of poetry is an evocative exploration of love, loss, and identity filtered through the lens of surreal nostalgia and unfiltered introspection. Each poem feels like stepping into a dreamscape—full of vivid imagery, shadowy emotions, and fleeting memories that are as unsettling as they are beautiful. From suburban settings steeped in twilight gloom to the intimate mundanity of a whispered phone call, Jasmine builds a deeply personal shrine to a fractured but deeply felt life.
What struck me first was Jasmine’s ability to tether seemingly mundane details to existential depth. In “Sunshinelater”, for instance, the suburban setting of “empty houses” and “flower-embroidered pillowcases” morphs into a melancholic reverie, turning ordinary imagery into a commentary on fleeting happiness. Her writing radiates a blend of resignation and quiet rebellion, making the familiar feel alien.
Another standout is “Brandy Melville”, where Jasmine captures the turbulence of toxic intimacy. Lines like “I wrote five paragraphs about neglect” and “the people around me…recognize this resigned sad version” reveal a raw vulnerability. Yet, the poem avoids outright despair, weaving in a dark humor that feels both defiant and self-aware. This complexity—pain wrapped in sharp wit—is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
I also loved “The Common Emigrant”, where Jasmine meditates on the fragility of beauty through the imagery of a butterfly trapped in a killing jar. It’s a delicate yet chilling metaphor for human relationships, artistic capture, and the cost of preserving beauty at the expense of life. Her descriptive language, like “the overwhelmingly sweet stench of ethyl acetate,” lingered with me long after reading, a testament to her skill with sensory detail. The collection’s relentless introspection might not appeal to readers looking for lightness or clear resolutions. But for those who crave poetry that pushes boundaries and reflects raw human experiences, this is an unapologetically visceral offering.
HOMEMADE SHRINE is perfect for anyone who enjoys emotionally charged, visually rich writing. It’s for readers who are not afraid to sit with discomfort, who seek beauty in the jagged edges of life, and who relish peeling back the layers of language to uncover the raw, pulsing heart beneath.
Pages: 102 | ASIN : B0DJLBCSTH
The Cabin
Cynthia S. Vander Ark’s The Cabin is a poignant and nostalgic picture book of a childhood summer spent on Hog’s Back Mountain, intertwined with unexpected friendships, innocent adventures, and a quiet reckoning with loss. Through lyrical prose and wonderful watercolor illustrations by Alex Bigatti, Vander Ark tells the story of two kids, Keith and Cynthia, who fall into the magical rhythm of life with a group of gentle “hippies” building a cabin in the woods. What starts as a carefree exploration of summer days culminates in the heartbreaking yet tender image of ashes where the cabin once stood. The narrative moves seamlessly between joy and sadness, making readers feel as though they, too, are meandering through blackberry bushes and ravines.
The writing is intimate. Vander Ark’s descriptions paint the farm and its surrounding woods in colors both vibrant and melancholy. Lines like “The hippies became a part of our landscape… the warp and weave and rhythm of our daily lives” give life to the fleeting beauty of human connection. I especially loved how the text shifts from playful moments, like learning to whistle through joined thumbs, to contemplative reflections on impermanence. There’s a rhythm to the prose that echoes the seasons of the mountain itself: growing, burning, grieving, and renewing.
What really struck me was how Vander Ark handled the theme of loss. When the children return to find the cabin reduced to “ashes, laid out in a rectangle,” the watercolor scene is deeply affecting. You can feel the heavy stillness as Keith and Cynthia stand “frozen” with “lumps like rocks” tumbling in their stomachs. It’s an honest portrayal of grief. How it surprises you, settles in your heart, and becomes part of your world. I loved the watercolor scene on this page. Vander Ark doesn’t shy away from this complexity, even in a story accessible to younger readers.
The book’s simplicity is also its greatest strength. It doesn’t try too hard to impart a lesson or wrap up emotions with a tidy bow. Instead, it trusts the reader to sit with the feelings. The cabin’s fate is tragic but not hopeless. Nature persists, as do Keith and Cynthia, exploring ravines and picking wildflowers. “When we looked closely through the light and shadows,” the author writes, “we would always find flowers that had just enough sunlight to grow.” That small detail—finding flowers in the shadows—left me with goosebumps. It’s a perfect metaphor for resilience and hope, all wrapped in childhood wonder.
The Cabin is a quiet treasure of a children’s book, brimming with warmth, wistfulness, and the wisdom of letting go. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy reflective storytelling and beautifully simple prose. Parents could read this with their children to gently explore loss and resilience. Adults, too, will find echoes of their own summers and moments of grief in its pages.
Incredible Loss
Harpazo follows a cast of characters, all of whom are grappling with losing loved ones to sudden and unexplained disappearances. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Harpazo, along with the other two books in the Trib Trilogy, are inspired by events described in the Book of Revelation in the Bible.
The sudden disappearance of a quarter of the world’s population that takes place at the beginning of Harpazo is inspired by the Rapture. The Rapture is not found in the Book of Revelation, but passages describing the Rapture—a sudden, future gathering up of the godly—are sprinkled throughout the Bible.
Wondering what it would be like to be left behind after the Rapture takes place, I wanted to explore as many permutations of this as possible. So, I tried to give several points of view, but all from average, hard-working, well-meaning people.
The loss of one-quarter of the world’s population causes severe consequences that each of my characters must find a way to come to terms with. I wanted to explore several ways an average person could respond to the incredible loss felt by all.
What draws you to write books in the apocalyptic fiction genre?
Every interesting story contains a problem that the characters must solve or find a way to live with. Apocalyptic fiction takes that to a much higher level. The problem is bigger, usually worldwide, but the principle is the same as for every story.
I think the danger with most apocalyptic fiction is that it gets lost in the grandiose nature of its story problems. Huge events tend to dwarf the characters and their responses to the events taking place.
I’ve always wondered what the consequences would be if the worst scenario happened. What would happen after the unthinkable? And what could be more unthinkable than one-quarter of the world population (including all the children) suddenly disappearing?
But I wanted to showcase this earth-shattering event—and the consequences that ensue—through the eyes of ordinary people. I wanted to present the changes that can occur due to the catastrophe on an individual level…the good, the bad, and the ugly. For that, I needed to approach the story from several perspectives.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
This is a really difficult question to answer as there are so many life experiences that I could point to that I believe shaped my perspective. But if I had to narrow it down to one thing, I would have to say that becoming an active Christian has had the greatest impact on my writing…as it has for my whole life.
Can you give us a peek inside the second book in the Trib trilogy? Where will it take readers?
Sure, here is the synopsis for Charagma, Book Two of the Trib Trilogy:
The meteor showers that destroyed two major cities on the eastern seaboard of North America—and heavily damaged all others—have continued unabated for weeks. Not confined to North America, the meteors have rained down death worldwide, igniting old-growth forests in an inferno of epic proportions.
Now, at the beginning of the second year of the Tribulation, a much bigger meteor plummets into the Pacific Ocean…and plunges the world into the next series of cataclysmic events. Not least is the sudden, silent change in the world’s freshwater supply from potability to deadly poison.
Meanwhile, in geopolitics, a new hope dawns.
A leader, the likes of whom the world has never seen before, emerges out of obscurity to take command. The world’s population, desperate for solutions, clings to the new leader’s promise of renewed peace and prosperity.
While most of the world’s citizens believe in the new leader’s rhetoric some do not. Even after the new leader miraculously resurrects after being assassinated!
Only a few know who the new leader really is and how dangerous he is to everyone, everywhere, all over the world.
Through the eyes of ordinary people, Charagma tells the story of the middle years of the Tribulation—a time of growing political pressure to conform to the all-powerful forces shaping the world.
Each person is faced with a choice: Conform to the new leader’s demand for complete, unwavering loyalty to his one-world government, ensuring their short-term survival. Or decline to participate in his worldwide program, ensuring total exclusion from society and the world’s wrath.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Reading Hunger
The Objective Scholar is a collection of poems exploring themes such as love and loss, growth and community, and resilience. What was the inspiration for your collection?
Yes! The poems I write are inspired by real-life experiences, day-to-day activities, and current events. I set this collection up by grouping all poems to ensure I include something for everyone from all walks of life. Reading works from other writers showed me a level of intellect, class, and thought-provoking skills. I wanted to do the same, but in my way, with my spin on it. So many times, I’ve encountered supporters who ask for more. I’ve read some collections that made me want more as well. I ensured I shared enough to satisfy their reading hunger (food for thought).
Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you have any rituals or routines when writing poetry?
Yes! My writing vice emerges within me at the weirdest times and moments. I can be working at my job, as random thoughts come to mind. The spark can hit me when I’m in the shower, sleeping in the middle of the night, driving in my car (which is the craziest), in a conversation, and reading a book.
Currently, my favorite and most productive writing routine I have is sitting in a Starbucks with a hot cup of Chi Tea Latte. Other times I may find a quiet place in a library, beach, or local park.
How much do real-life events and personal experiences influence your writing?
I would say more than 50% of my writing is heavily influenced in that way. I respond to real-life events most times after learning of the occurrence. For the personal experiences when I’m reflecting back on it. This approach came to me reading other poets and realizing that their voice spoke as they saw it.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I don’t want to spoil the surprise but I am writing several manuscripts all untitled at the moment. I’m piecing them all together one step at a time. However, my goal is to push to have one complete and ready over the next 1, 2, or 3 years.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Written to eloquently deliver sounds, rhythm, and style that honor and bend the rules, the content is a resource for librarians, teachers, and professors to use when working with novice writers. These poems are fueled by the author’s experiences and observations as an Afro-American male within Black America, offering a solid confluence of themes and ideas relevant to the present-day.
The Intricacies of Life
The Edges is a collection of poems spanning the human experience, addressing topics such as growth, loss, and wonder. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I found inspiration for The Edges in our lives’ delicate balance of light and shadow. I tried to grasp the universal truths common to everyone, regardless of their origins or situations.
This collection draws heavily from my personal experiences. Composing these poems turned into a voyage of self-exploration, a method to navigate my emotions and present them to encourage others to contemplate their own experiences—those instances of change, sorrow, and happiness that shape our lives.
At its core, The Edges is an homage to the complexities of life and what we all share.
Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
Writing The Edges was a personal endeavor rooted in my reflections and experiences. Initially, the poems served as a means for me to process my thoughts and emotions, allowing me to explore the intricacies of life from a deeply personal perspective. I found solace in writing, using it as a tool to make sense of moments that felt chaotic or overwhelming.
However, as the collection began to take shape, I became increasingly aware of the potential audience. I started to envision readers who might resonate with the themes of growth, loss, and wonder—individuals navigating their edges. This awareness guided me to balance personal narrative and universal experience. I wanted the poems to feel relatable, inviting readers to see themselves within the lines and reflect on their journeys.
Ultimately, while the collection began as an intimate exploration of my feelings, it evolved into a shared conversation with readers. I hoped to create a space where others could find comfort, connection, and understanding, allowing them to reflect on their own experiences while feeling less alone in their struggles and triumphs. In this way, the poems bridge my journey and the collective human experience.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this poetry collection?
My biggest challenge in assembling The Edges was navigating the delicate balance between vulnerability and authenticity. I grappled with the fear of revealing too much and of making myself too vulnerable on the page while also understanding that a genuine connection with readers comes from that very honesty.
Additionally, organizing the poems to create a seamless flow was challenging. I wanted each piece to stand alone while contributing to the larger tapestry of human experience. It was a process of trial and error, moving poems around, listening to their voices, and ultimately finding an organic structure.
Can we expect to see more poetry from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, you can expect more poetry from me shortly! I am currently immersed in a new collection of 33 poems titled Immigrant Dreams, which will be published on January 17. This project is particularly close to my heart, as it explores the complex tapestry of experiences surrounding immigration—capturing the hopes, struggles, and dreams of those who leave their homelands in search of a better life.
In Immigrant Dreams, I delve into the myriad emotions of this journey: the longing for home, the challenges of adaptation, and the resilience that emerges in the face of adversity. Each poem seeks to honor the stories of individuals who have navigated the often tumultuous waters of migration, reflecting both the beauty and the hardships inherent in their experiences.
In this collection, I found inspiration from personal narratives, interviews, and historical accounts, weaving them into poetic forms that resonate with the shared human experience. I hope this work amplifies marginalized voices and fosters empathy and understanding among readers.
I’m excited to share this journey with you and look forward to unveiling Immigrant Dreams in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope my upcoming work resonates with you just as deeply!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Love & War: A celebration of love in all its forms and complexities and an exploration of human suffering in the raw and brutal realities of war.
Nature & Cosmos: A journey through the untamed wilderness and boundless expanse of the universe, where the mysteries of existence unravel in whispers of wind and starlight.
Time & Memories: Threads of reminiscence woven into time’s fabric, where nostalgia and reflection entwine.
Seasons & Liminal Spaces: Capturing time’s ebb and flow in seasons and liminal spaces, between what was, what is, and what will be.
Observations & Views: Perspectives painted with the strokes of keen observation and introspection, offering glimpses into the diverse landscapes of the human mind.
Wounds & Contemplations: A canvas of healing and introspection, where individuals wear scars as badges of resilience and contemplations resound in the chambers of the soul.
Together, these sections create a multifaceted exploration of the human experience, inviting readers to engage deeply with the themes of love, nature, time, and the complexities of existence.
Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up?: Living Your Best Life after Losing Your Greatest Love
Loren Ridinger, a lifelong entrepreneur and philanthropist, is best known for co-founding Market America and SHOP.COM alongside her husband, JR Ridinger. Their story began when Loren met JR at just 18 years old, drawn into his magnetic energy and shared vision. From that moment, they built a partnership anchored in love, trust, and unwavering encouragement. JR’s ambition gave birth to Market America and SHOP.COM, a groundbreaking global e-commerce platform designed to empower entrepreneurs and offer consumers a smarter way to shop.
In Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up, Ridinger offers a deeply personal reflection on their extraordinary relationship, their journey as business partners, and her struggle to navigate the world after JR’s sudden death in August 2022. Raw and unfiltered, the memoir captures life both before and after his passing. Ridinger candidly shares her regrets—moments left unsaid, sentiments unspoken—while urging readers to embrace life and love fully, never assuming tomorrow is guaranteed.
Ridinger’s narrative walks a delicate line between relatability and privilege. She speaks earnestly about her pain and healing, yet the luxurious backdrop of private yachts and multimillion-dollar homes may feel distant to the average reader. Still, the universal emotions of love, grief, and uncertainty transcend the material world. These are feelings we all know—loss that shakes us, love that defines us, and the struggle to rediscover ourselves in the aftermath. While some readers may find Ridinger’s lifestyle detached from their own realities, her vulnerability resonates. She does not shy away from questions of identity, purpose, and healing. Her journey—marked by profound sorrow and the search for meaning without her partner—offers inspiration for anyone who has loved, lost, and struggled to move forward.
Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up is more than a memoir. It’s a call to live intentionally, to love deeply, and to value every fleeting moment. Ridinger’s story is a reminder that even in unimaginable loss, there is hope, resilience, and the power to carry on. Whether you’ve experienced a loss as seismic as Loren Ridinger’s or simply grappled with change, her reflections will touch your heart and encourage you to live without regrets.
Pages: 208 | ASIN : B0DDJJF81D
LITERARY TITAN 