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Pure Creative Alchemy
Elf Dust follows elves as they sneak into homes before Christmas to check whether kids have been naughty or nice and leave behind a mystery surprise for children to discover. What was the inspiration for your story?
I lived in Hong Kong in a high rise. My children were quite young and eager for a fun-filled Christmas. The only problem was – Santa could not land on our roof and, of course, there were no chimneys. I had to come up with something to create magic and mystery. Elf Dust came to me driving to work one morning.
My son discovered his first elf dust and raced to the playground of our building to tell his friends. Soon I had an apartment full of kids all circling the specimen like archeologists at a dig. They were mesmerized. Then the other parents in the building used some of my dust and one by one children were rushing to announce their elf dust sitings. I can safely say it was a tie between parents and kids as to who had more fun! Parents also loved how easy it was. Me too!
But, the real testament to Elf Dust’s magic was when my son showed his younger sister her first Elf Dust. As she went to touch it, he pulled her back saying “Oh No, you can’t touch it or you’ll become an Elf.”
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The entire book was a joy. But, If I must choose it would be the scenes where the children find Elf Dust. They remind me of all the years I saw this wonderful scenario play out. The moment the Elf Dust is discovered is a moment of sheer elation for the young and the young at heart who love the magic of Christmas.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Colleen Sgroi?
It was pure creative alchemy. From our first conversation, it was clear Colleen understood what I was looking for, like no one else. It was a harmony of words and images like I’ve never experienced before. While I was eager to finish the book, I was sad when the creative process ended. Each session was a real collaboration, and the result was beyond what I hoped for. Colleen and I worked very well together sharing our ideas and visions. But it was her art and talent that brought it all together.
What next book are you working on and when will it be available?
I am working on a sequel involving Cookie and Jingle – the two elves on the cover. They’re senior elves in Santa’s brigade and will surely have some stories to tell in the future.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Have you seen Elf Dust in your house? Better check!
Dancing to Her Own Music
Dancing Valley follows a grieving woman seeking solace in nature who gets lost and winds up in a mystical valley where magical beings she once thought imaginary are not only real but deeply connected to her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have a friend who dances through life to music only she can hear. There’s something a bit mystical about her. I expanded on that magic by creating Anita, a woman who can talk to elves and faires, but who has been convinced the little people exist only in her mind.
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?
As Anita evolved, I realized she would have fit into Goldfield Forest, a book I’d recently published. I hadn’t intended to write a series,but Anita’s character demanded it. She led me to Dancing Valley which became Book Two in the Unmistakably Mystical series.
Your characters go on a deeply emotional and transformative journey in your novel. Is this intentional or incidental to the story you want to tell?
It is intentional. My stories are always character-driven. I want the readers to relate to them. In Dancing Valley, loyalty, adventure, strength and a touch of romance combine to allow the characters to confront the challenges that ultimately show good prevailing over evil.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. Heritage Mountain, set in the Adirondack Mountains, is book three in the series. My intention is to have it ready for publication by the end of the year. Like the first two books, some characters will carry over, but it is also a standalone, filled with adventure and magical realism.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Abandoned by her mother, when she was hours old, Anita’s only clue to her history is an emerald pendant tucked into the pocket of the shirt she’d been wrapped in. After the unexpected death of her adoptive parents, Anita sells everything and heads to the wilderness. During a week of hiking unmarked trails, she becomes lost and roams for days until she sees a fairy, a creature she’s been convinced doesn’t exist. Anita follows the tiny creature, who leads her to Carolyn, who leads her on a journey to learn about her past and discover her destiny.
When Dancing Valley is threatened, Anita stands beside Carolyn, risking her life to fight for her new home and her mystical family.
Dancing Valley
Karen Black opens the door to a spellbinding realm in her sequel, Dancing Valley. This fantasy novel brims with magical creatures of all kinds—fae, pixies, goblins, and even a dogman. For readers craving a story steeped in enchantment, this book delivers in spades. At its heart, the narrative centers on two remarkable women whose lives intertwine in the midst of extraordinary events. The first protagonist, Carolyn, serves as the guardian of the fae, devoting her centuries-long life to protecting the magical inhabitants of Dancing Valley. Her counterpart, Anita, has a far different path. Orphaned at birth and later losing her adoptive parents, Anita seeks solace in nature. During a fateful hiking trip, she loses her way and stumbles into the mystical Dancing Valley. There, she meets Carolyn and discovers that the magical beings she once thought imaginary are not only real but deeply connected to her. A biologist with a passion for cultivating rare plants, Anita becomes a target of Bagrim, a malevolent goblin intent on exploiting her skills. Together, Carolyn and Anita must rally their magical allies and newfound friends to defend their home. But will their combined efforts be enough to thwart evil?
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its rich cast of characters. From the many mystical beings to the two leads, each one is carefully crafted with a distinct personality. Despite the abundance of characters, Karen Black manages to give them depth, making them easy to remember and relate to. The background provided for each adds dimension, creating an immersive world full of life and variety. The book’s short chapters contribute to its readability. The pacing keeps the story engaging, pulling readers into a steady rhythm. It’s one of those books where you find yourself saying, “Just one more chapter,” until suddenly, it’s finished.
I feel the writing style may divide readers. Magical chants are frequent in the narrative, and while they attempt to rhyme and evoke a sense of wonder, they often come across as ordinary monologues. This detracted somewhat from the immersive quality of the magic. The story delves into every character’s thoughts, giving insight into their motivations but sometimes at the expense of pacing. While this approach makes the plot easy to follow, it can feel dense, with details that are easy to forget or skim over due to the volume.
Dancing Valley is a vibrant and imaginative fantasy tale. Its compelling world-building and memorable characters make it a must-read for fans of magical adventures. Though the writing style may appeal to a specific group of readers, the story’s charm and creativity shine through, making it a worthy addition to any fantasy lover’s collection.
Pages: 239 | ASIN : B0DPLKBN9S
Entertaining and Uplifting
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The Aswan Device follows two sisters whose father creates a parallel reality disrupting their own, and they must rely on each other to save their world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am not really sure. Much of this story was written while I sat down at my computer with the intention of creating a sequel that would be both entertaining and uplifting for young people, and I allowed the words to flow through me and onto the page. The real work for me came in the editing and trying to make sense of what I’d typed.
That being said, I am a huge Star Wars and Marvels Universe fan, so inspiration could have been drawn from these amazing works.
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?
From my travels. . .
I first learned about the concept of inner-earth beings on a bus tour to Reno, Nevada twenty-three years ago. Our bus stopped at a park with large stone circles where they believed inner-earth beings were close to the surface. This inspired me to dig further.
The folklore of many First Nations cultures depicts their ancestors living within the earth. For example, the Hopi origin story has it that the Hopis used to live beneath the earth and emerged from the Grand Canyon. I traveled to the Grand Canyon to experience this place of wonder for myself. The Grand Canyon plunges so far below that it is easy to envision ancient people emerging from its depths.
The intra-earth city, Mu, in The Intra-Earth Chronicles;Book II:The Aswan Device, was modeled after places I’d seen on my travels to both Egypt and Peru; Mu is nestled on a mesa surrounded by mountains and jungle much like Machu Picchu in Peru and has pyramids like the great pyramids of Egypt.
The inspiration for Aswan, the luminous orange planet, came from my love of Planet Jupiter.
I am also a fan of the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, and there is an episode about the possibility of advanced civilizations existing beneath the earth’s crust. There’s a lot of great inspiration for Sci-fi writers from that television show.
The multiple settings became more detailed and complex in this second installment of the series!
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
I had so many characters in so many different settings, in order to develop each character and place fully, I couldn’t spend too much time on any one character’s magical powers. I hope I succeeded in that delicate balance! 😊
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I haven’t begun Book III yet, but I have a feeling that Sasha, Adrianne, the two Aswan Cadets, and Desoto will travel to other planets within the galaxy to experience how they are governed and have achieved peace and co-exist within the greater system of galaxies. Their travels will also lead them back to our own planet to study many more peaceful Intra-earth Civilizations.
Sasha and Adrianne will learn more about the Prophecy and will have to choose whether to accept or deny their destiny of becoming Lords of the Twelve Worlds.
My intent is that this will be an exciting and uplifting adventure filled with humor. 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
During his escape from the intra-earth, Tartarus disrupts Mu’s spinning magnetic power source, causing explosive bursts of energy to erupt onto the surface. This disruption tears the fabric of time and creates a doorway into a parallel reality. In this new reality, Tartarus reinstates the nuclear machine and positions himself as Earth’s savior in place of the sisters. With unlimited power and resources at his disposal, will Sasha and Adrianne ever be able to stop him?
In The Aswan Device by Kara Jacobson, we experience a fast-paced fantasy adventure where love and friendship prove to be the strongest weapons of all.
The Intra-Earth Chronicles; Book II: The Aswan Device
Deep within the Earth’s core lies a world of astonishing beauty and relentless strife, where two sisters, Adrianne and Sasha, bear the burden of a fractured kingdom and a legacy marred by betrayal. Their father, Tartarus, deposed yet dangerous, shatters their fragile peace by stealing a device designed to heal their fractured world. Forced into a perilous quest, Adrianne and Sasha confront not only external threats but also the unspoken tensions that threaten to divide them. Adrianne, impulsive and eager to prove herself, wrestles with her fiery temper and desire to escape Sasha’s shadow. Meanwhile, Sasha, steady and wise, strives to hold their tenuous alliance together. As they traverse dangerous landscapes and a parallel Earth where Tartarus has claimed dominion, their resilience shines. Yet the question looms: can their bond withstand the trials ahead, or will their differences tear them apart at the moment they need each other most?
The Aswan Device by Kara Jacobson is an extraordinary fusion of mythology, science fiction, and family drama, weaving a story that is both thrilling and deeply emotional. Set in an intricately crafted subterranean world, the novel follows royal sisters Adrianne and Sasha as they grapple with their father’s dark legacy while navigating the crumbling societies above and below ground. Their mission to recover the stolen nuclear device, a symbol of hope and survival, tests their love, rivalry, and endurance.
Jacobson balances adventure with emotional depth, creating a narrative that resonates with readers. The reimagining of Tartarus, blending ancient mythology with futuristic elements, immediately captivates, and the seamless integration of these themes into a high-stakes narrative is nothing short of brilliant. The juxtaposition of mythological resonance with cutting-edge technology crafts a storyscape that is both unique and compelling.
The protagonists, Adrianne and Sasha, stand out as vivid, multidimensional characters. Adrianne’s fiery determination and Sasha’s empathetic wisdom create a sibling dynamic that is as relatable as it is engaging. Their interactions capture the essence of siblinghood, brimming with frustration, humor, and unwavering loyalty. Tartarus, as the antagonist, is a commanding presence—a complex figure whose ambition and moral decay echo timeless themes of power and corruption. The supporting cast further enriches the narrative, offering moments of levity and depth, while the interplay among characters ensures readers are emotionally invested in their journeys. Jacobson’s technical expertise shines through her lush world-building and evocative prose.
For fans of Rick Riordan and the Percy Jackson series, The Aswan Device is an absolute must-read. With its fast-paced adventure, rich character development, and thematic complexity, it stands as a standout entry in the genre. Perfect for young adult and middle-grade readers, this book’s blend of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology ensures an unforgettable experience. Whether drawn to epic quests, futuristic worlds, or the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships, readers will find The Aswan Device to be an engaging and deeply satisfying journey.
Pages: 185 | ASIN : B0DK26ZY5S
Sometimes a Story Writes Itself
Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup takes readers on an intergalactic adventure with Dave as he discovers a magical realm of connection, wisdom, and playful oddities, guided by a quirky green ape. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup, the third installment of the wondrous Superconscious Dave series, the story takes an unexpected turn, leading readers on a journey far beyond the initial scope of a simple origin story.
Originally this book was to be Superconscious Dave’s origin story. But sometimes a story writes itself and creates something completely different to what you originally had imagined. So I went with it.
Guided by curiosity and an insatiable desire to uncover the mysteries of existence, Dave delves into the wonders beyond our world, exploring concepts that connect us all through time and space.
Dave’s past adventures have seen him traveling to Australia in his star car and venturing back to ancient Egypt.
In Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup this time, Dave embarks on a multi-dimensional exploration that transcends our understanding of the universe.
This story navigates the vast and interconnected expanse of the cosmos, uncovering truths that challenge our perception of reality.
What inspired the creation of the “Sea of Ying and Yang” and its fantastical elements?
As a medium, I know we are eternal beings, but no one really knows what existence is like beyond death other than the fact that we can continue to have a mind to mind connection with our loved ones.
As we are all energy, we simply change forms because as we know energy can never be destroyed but can change forms.
The Sea of Ying and Yang represents a multiple perspective of things.
The higher, the lower, the opposites of things. We have all heard of the saying ‘as below and so above. As above, so below’ and this is what I wanted the illustrations to reflect. It’s an adult concept portrayed in fun and playful illustrations.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Magic, mysticism, wonder, exploration, curiosity, and specifically interconnectedness – a collective consciousness that we are all a part of.
Understanding that we are all connected brings a different perspective of how we live in life. How we interact with each other and the flow on effect of our decisions not only to ourselves but to others and ultimately, everything.
What was your collaboration process like with the illustrator to bring your vision to life?
Fun, challenging, and imaginative.
If I showed you my first attempt of what Dave would look like, you would laugh and wonder how a gifted illustrator could create something so magical from a rough drawing and a few descriptive details about Superconscious Dave. But Sue (Susan) did. She is a creative genius.
It helped that Sue and I have been friends for many years, so we already knew how each other worked.
Sue was very patient with me and asked all the right questions and was super keen to create amazing illustrations that I saw in my head but couldn’t visually show her. It was a trial-and-error process.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
on his magical quests,
where imagination thrives,
and dreams are blessed.
For Superconscious Dave.
the enigmatic star.
offers a journey like no other.
from near to far.
Twinchantment Tales: 30 Mystical Adventures From Tamilnadu
Twinchantment Tales is like stepping into a portal to the heart of Tamil Nadu, with every page dripping in folklore, culture, and the kind of magic that makes you feel like a kid again. Dr. Sridevi K. J. Sharmirajan’s writing effortlessly pulls you into the lives of twins Annapurani and Bhuminathan, who spend their summers soaking in enchanting stories from their grandparents. The twins, their doting grandparents, and the quaint village of Mithilapuram feel so real that you might find yourself wishing for an invitation to their next storytelling session under the stars.
First off, the writing is pure charm. The descriptions of the village life—lush jasmine fields, the hum of crickets, and the soulful voices of the grandparents—set such a cozy vibe. One of my favorite tales was “The Magic of Erode’s Turmeric.” It’s not just about a magical crop but a metaphor for intention and mindfulness. When Grandpa Vaidyanathan says, “Sometimes the greatest truths lie beyond the grasp of our skepticism,” I felt that. This isn’t just storytelling; it’s soul-nourishing wisdom wrapped in vivid imagery.
Another standout was “The Tale of Tanjore’s Dancing Dolls.” It’s the kind of whimsical story that makes you want to hold onto your heritage a little tighter. The way the dolls are described, almost alive with joy and grace, had me grinning. And the underlying message about navigating life’s ups and downs with dignity? Timeless.
While the magical adventures are fun, what hit me the hardest was the emotional core. Stories like “The Enchanted Temple Mirror of Kumbakonam” are not just fables but reflections on inner beauty and humility. The part where Queen Durga Devi confronts her own flaws through a mystical mirror. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause and think about how we perceive ourselves versus who we truly are.
By the time I finished the book, I felt like I’d been on a journey—spiritual, cultural, and magical. Sure, some parts leaned heavily on the moral-of-the-story approach, which might feel a bit predictable if you’re not into life lessons wrapped in folklore. But for me, it worked. It felt like being told a bedtime story with just the right mix of wonder and wisdom.
If you love mythology, folktales, or stories that blend culture with magic, this one’s for you. Parents looking for meaningful stories to share with kids? Perfect choice. Or anyone who just wants to be reminded that the world is full of wonder if you look closely enough.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B0DLJ62Q93
Moonset on Desert Sands
After a narrow escape from death, Arista retreats from Boulder Creek to the desert lands of Sedona, seeking sanctuary with her great-aunt Berthie and the Coven. Together, they build a quiet life away from the shadows of her past. Yet, even after a year, the threat of her ruthless Uncle Fergus looms large. His relentless ambition drives him to hunt Arista down, forcing her to prepare for an inevitable confrontation. Determined not to be a victim again, Arista dives into mastering spells, decoding auras, and honing the powers she is destined to wield. When visions, eerie signs, and an unexpected reunion trigger a carefully laid trap, it becomes alarmingly clear that Fergus is closer than ever. His greed knows no bounds, and with danger closing in, Arista must summon every ounce of strength for the battle of her life. The stakes couldn’t be higher—will she vanquish Fergus once and for all, or will his insatiable ambition dismantle everything she holds dear?
Sherri L. Dodd’s Moonset on Desert Sands grips readers with its relentless suspense, intricate plot twists, and dazzling display of magical mayhem. Each chapter brims with chaos and surprises, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The characters are compellingly drawn, with Fergus stealing the show as the villain. Unlike the first installment, in which he remains in the shadows, Fergus dominates this book, his schemes driving the narrative forward. His villainy is so vivid and theatrical that he’s almost charming—an antagonist you can’t help but admire, even as you root for his downfall.
Meanwhile, Arista’s characterization is more complex. At times, her decisions feel justified and strategic; at others, they seem erratic, which adds an intriguing, if occasionally frustrating, layer to her journey. Stevie, on the other hand, is a delightful wildcard. His humor and recklessness provide levity, making him a standout. This sequel amplifies the magic. Every page bursts with spells, aura readings, and mystical rituals, immersing readers in a world of non-stop witchcraft. While the book is lengthy, its rich plot, dynamic characters, and constant action ensure the pacing rarely falters.
Fans of magic, witchcraft, and light thrillers will find Moonset on Desert Sands an enchanting escape. Though it’s the second book in the Murder, Tea, and Crystals series, it stands alone beautifully, offering newcomers an unforgettable journey into its spellbinding world.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DF33L1YW
LITERARY TITAN 