Blog Archives
Layer of Tension
Born on Monday tells the story of two people with a shared history and whose lives are both scarred by heartbreak, who reunite under less than ideal circumstances. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Born on Monday began as a short story called “Time Capsule,” which was published in my debut collection, 50 States. The original story was very much about how those who leave a place after high school are changed, whereas those who stay behind remain the same. Billy Stevens stays in Augusta, whereas the love of his life escapes to New York City. When I started exploring this aspect of the story —wondering whether they would ever reconcile their differences —it became increasingly clear that they would have to overcome a past mired in tragedy. More than that, they would have to face several present-day threats, including someone sinister who follows Jessica Michaud home. It was in discussing the progression of this story with a close friend that her real-life experiences and my own research into stalkers would inform much of the novel’s direction.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing a thriller?
For this thriller, it was very much a matter of who knew what and when they knew it. All the characters have different perspectives on their shared past, which not only dramatically shapes how they interact with each other but also how they perceive themselves. The same can be said for the reader, too. They inevitably know more than any one character, creating an additional layer of tension, but never know enough to predict the end. Born on Monday is very much a story with secrets within secrets, and the consequences of keeping them.
Do you have a favorite scene in this book? One that was especially satisfying to craft?
There were several, and the two that stand out for me may be among the most overlooked by readers. I very much enjoyed crafting the chapter where Billy and his current girlfriend, Autumn, reconcile their differences. It’s a tender, heartfelt moment amid the chaos surrounding them. The immediacy and intimacy of their reunion run deep. The second is Andrea’s visit to the Kennebec Journal. She meets with her boss and mentor to discuss the story she is working on, which also touches on what journalism means in a small town like Augusta. Having worked as a journalist, this chapter allowed me to rehash some old conversations with colleagues in a contemporary setting. More than that, it underscores why I was so thrilled that Andrea, who was initially meant to be a supporting character, grew to become such a strong protagonist.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next work in progress (WIP) can best be described as a speculative thriller, blending and bending science, metaphysics, and something akin to the supernatural. It’s a continuation of the short story “Dead Ends” from 50 States. “Dead Ends” was one of the most called-out stories from the anthology and involves a young couple who take a reckless turn off a state highway in Utah and find themselves in a nightmarish government biohazard area. I’ve been relatively consistent in releasing a new book every other year, but I’m hoping to accelerate my pace so this novel is something readers can look forward to toward the end of 2026!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In Augusta, Maine, a historic nor’easter unearths sins and secrets buried deep in the town’s past. Billy Stevens, a quarry worker haunted by loss, is drawn into a web of betrayal when a brutal crime pins him as a suspect. Jessica Michaud returns to care for her ailing mother, only to find herself hunted by a vengeful ex whose chilling threats awaken old wounds. And journalist Andrea Kearney digs into a local dynasty’s corruption as the storm’s fury mirrors the rising tide of violence.
With time running out, three lives collide in a desperate fight for survival, where truth becomes a casualty and redemption comes at a cost. Eleven-time award-winning author Richard R. Becker delivers a gritty literary thriller that digs into identity, perception, and the human condition.
Hard-Won Epiphanies
Secret Seeds follows a young girl and her mother who are trapped in an abusive home as they break free and wind up in an uncertain world of strangers in a cult-like community. Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
My five novels center on redemption through courage and perseverance, which bring hard-won epiphanies. In Secret Seeds, I was satisfied with the character development, which also brought me personal insights on the plight of the undocumented.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
When I began the novel, the headlines were filled with stories of aliens – both human and otherwise. Illegal immigration is an emotional topic, and I wanted to craft a heartfelt portrayal to cast the issue in human terms. We also took a trip to Alaska, and the lifecycle of sockeye salmon and how they fight to make the journey home to spawn resonated with me. Only a small percentage make it home, but none get lost due to their perseverance, and I incorporated this theme in the story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on a medical thriller and hope to have it scheduled for release in the next year or so.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Gabrielle Ruiz, an undocumented migrant farm worker, follows the harvest until she and Luis leave the fields to give their unborn child a better life. But after tragedy strikes, Gabrielle finds herself alone and renounced by her father. Adrift, she meets Dale, a beacon of hope who offers her and her infant daughter, Olivia, a chance at a new beginning. After following him to Maine, they welcome a son. But over the years, Dale’s abuse traps Gabrielle and Olivia. Salvation appears in the enigmatic Rezi, who proposes a daring escape — a plan shrouded in secrecy, promising sanctuary for Olivia within a hidden community. As Gabrielle places her trust in Rezi, she ignites a tempest with Dale and has Olivia questioning whether her protectors are from a twisted cult or messengers from another realm.
In a world where freedom is fragile, Gabrielle’s tenacity and her children’s coming-of-age journeys lead them to question what truly defines “home.”
The True Nature of Hauntings
A Ghost Chases the Horizon tells the story of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum from the perspective of the building, exploring mental health, time, memory, and the invisible scars passed from person to person and place to place. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
The flashpoint for this story came from a paranormal encounter my friends and I had while we were doing an overnight tour of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum campus. I was alone in a large area once used as a women’s ward. My friends went outside to find a bathroom, and as they came back, they heard what sounded like a group of women screaming (it was caught on a recording, too). A week later, I was watching a TV program about the asylum. The show told a story from the 1960s about how the women in the ward all started screaming at once. When the attendants arrived, the women said they saw a man standing in the corner of the room. Remembering that was where I was standing when my friends heard the screams, I had to ask myself, Do hauntings work both ways? Was I their ghost? The origin of the story came from those questions. The idea for the Kirkbride building to be the narrator originated later from a friend’s suggestion about another book idea. The new story did not develop, but the idea was worked into later drafts of this book.
Your story explores the lives of four people who resided in the hospital from 1905 to 2063. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Melancholy is the feeling I most wanted to convey throughout this story. I think it is one of the more underappreciated emotions. The times when books and films have successfully employed that tone are the stories that have stuck with me the most. There is a natural loneliness to the Kirkbride that emanates from it to this day. Along with its gothic architecture, it is the perfect place to convey such a mood. There needed to be a hopefulness to the stories as well, so the loneliness would not become overwrought and depressing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The relationship between time, spirit, and the true nature of hauntings was my first priority. I also wanted to address socially relevant themes like false allyship, neglect of the mentally disadvantaged, and the perils and responsibilities of using a historic site as a playground.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted the structure to be experimental. I looked at it as a braided narrative, where each character’s story overlays in order, so one character is inadvertently filling in another character’s backstory from their position in the timeline. All four characters have a direct effect on the other four in some manner. I also wanted to layer each character’s backgrounds so much that there are hidden stories within the story. In one particular example, there is an intentional continuity error, but if the reader were to run the narrative backward, they would realize that time had been altered without anyone in the story realizing it. I didn’t just want this story to be read. I wanted it to be studied.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Threads | Amazon
What part of ourselves do we send into the future? These stories explore the relationship between time and spirit through the lens of the community surrounding the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The hospital has gone by many names throughout its history, and its troubled past is retold from the memory held by its thick, limestone walls.
The Complexities of Humans
In this is my worst nightmare: please be nice to me, a young high school teacher is confronted with losing her best friend and must come to terms with the trauma bond the two have formed. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story came to me organically, as it started from a poem. I wanted to delve deeply into human relationships, and I find that people often don’t solve their problems and battle their ghosts unless they’re in a desperate situation, like the one in the novel, which is why I wanted to have a somber setting, like a hospital for instance.
Is there anything from your own life found within the characters of Sunny and Charlie?
I think whenever we write we always take something from our lives. Everyone I’ve ever met, every book I’ve ever read and every film I’ve ever seen are in this book, as well as some of myself. But I do think that building these characters and getting to know them as the writing process continued was wonderful, and they definitely didn’t just come to me ready; I had to slowly meet them and find out more about them.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the complexities of humans and the way they relate to each other, all the joys, pains, and grief. But ultimately, I hope that what readers take away is that it’s a story about love and its power, for good or bad.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I can’t say much about my next book other than it’s a big shift from this one, something a little more mysterious, and in an entirely different genre. Other than that, I’m working on plenty of films, and writing a lot of screenplays! I’m currently focused on food writing, and a couple of my next projects are about food and cooks.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Sunny is a high school teacher in her late twenties navigating the hospitalization of her best friend Charlie. As a narrator who feels like an observer in her own life, Sunny examines what her life without Charlie might have been like and what life with him has meant for her. The story moves through time non-linearly, exploring Charlie’s family, his and Sunny’s mutual friend Louis, and Sunny’s past and present.
Mourning for someone who is still alive and a past that has been left unresolved, Sunny tells her story, straying away from the darkest aspects of the past with witty comic relief. this is my worst nightmare, please be nice to me is a tale of love, its pains and joys, belonging, and finding trouble in one’s brain, whether literally or figuratively.
The Good Samaritan
The Good Samaritan by Grace Omena paints the portrait of Tom Appleton, a Harvard Business School graduate stepping into the high-stakes world of Wall Street. Everything seems to be going his way, and he’s primed for success until 9/11 happens. The terrorist attacks not only shatter New York City but also upend Tom’s sense of purpose. Though he narrowly escapes physical harm, the psychological aftermath throws him into a state of confusion and self-doubt. In the face of economic instability, Tom begins to question whether his idea of success even matters anymore. Can he redefine himself, or will he be trapped in the shadows of his former ambitions?
This novel, though relatively short, packs a heavy punch as a contemporary character study. Omena digs deep into Tom’s psyche, exploring his crisis of identity with a careful, thoughtful hand. The entire narrative remains glued to his perspective, capturing the raw, disoriented emotions of a man who’s lost his compass. It’s a fascinating unraveling, and Omena portrays Tom’s unraveling with an authenticity that resonates, particularly for anyone who lived through the uncertainty of the post-9/11 era. The exploration of survivor’s guilt feels particularly powerful. Tom’s struggles echo the collective sense of vulnerability that many felt during that time. The novel taps into the idea that 9/11 marked the real start of the 21st century, erasing a certain brand of pre-attack idealism. Tom symbolizes that lost naivety—an embodiment of a shaken America, reeling from the loss of its perceived invincibility. The attack hits both his personal and professional life, forcing him to confront a new world that refuses to accommodate the dreams he once held. Omena excels at drawing parallels between Tom and the wider sense of national disillusionment. His journey from denial and despair to a fragile hope mirrors America’s own attempt to recalibrate. The realization that everything he believed in may be irrelevant hurts deeply, but Tom’s path toward reinvention brings a silver lining. There’s a strength in his gradual acceptance and an uplifting message of renewal. Omena doesn’t overdo it as she weaves in humor and moments of introspection that feel grounded, never preachy.
The Good Samaritan is an engaging, introspective read that captures the emotional upheaval of a post-9/11 world through the lens of one man’s experience. It’s for readers who appreciate contemporary fiction with emotional depth and complex character development. Omena’s novel invites us to reconsider what it means to succeed, fail, and rebuild. It’s a compelling story of rediscovery, and Tom’s journey will stick with you long after the last page.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0D78138Q4
An Unshakable Force
The Glitch follows a grieving man and video game designer who creates a virtual reality world with a wealthy entrepreneur, and the two disagree on how the world should be governed. This is an intriguing setup for a novel that is high in social commentary. When creating Trevor, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
Trevor’s character evolved organically as the story unfolded. I knew from the start that he would grapple with the grief of losing his beloved dog, which would serve as the inciting incident that pushed him toward a quest for immortality through virtual reality. His role as a video game and VR designer was essential, giving him an innate understanding of creating worlds and allowing me to explore the concept of simulations. I also realized that this moment of loss would become a catalyst for Trevor to grapple with the deeper meanings of life and death. In a sense, his dog became his greatest teacher, introducing him to the concept of mortality.
As Trevor plunged deeper into the metaphorical rabbit hole, the layers of reality peeled away, revealing the intricate tapestry of existence. This journey led him not only to explore new worlds but also to confront his own humanity. With the guidance of an old man, who is essentially a reflection of himself, Trevor embarks on an inner journey far beyond the physical world he once knew. The clash of ideals between Trevor and Sam Malone added depth to this journey. Trevor’s vision for Utopia Zed was rooted in compassion and love, a manifestation of unity, grounded in his belief that the source of all life lies in love. He saw technology as a tool to enhance the human experience and to cultivate meaningful connections. In stark contrast, Malone’s utopia was a dark reflection of unchecked power, greed, and control. He sought to “play God,” manipulating and enslaving individuals within the confines of his simulation. Trevor’s journey then shifts toward finding spiritual enlightenment, moving beyond the mere physical creation of worlds and seeking balance within the fabric of existence itself.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The Glitch delves into deep themes of spirituality, technology, and the perpetual search for enlightenment. It underscores the fundamental interconnectedness of all life and highlights how love—an unshakable force—has the ability to shape destinies, transcending both time and space. The story reminds us that love is not just a pursuit but the very essence of wholeness, possessing the ability to heal and transform both individuals and entire worlds.
In this story, reality and simulation extend beyond mere technical constructs; they become a canvas for examining life, death, friendship, and the lasting influence of love. This novel ultimately stands as a testament to the boundless human capacity for exploration and growth, even when confronted with extraordinary technological feats and metaphysical mysteries.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently finishing the manuscript for my second novel, Watchers: The Angel Eyes, which is the first book in a trilogy. I plan to release it in early 2025. It’s a sci-fi adventure suitable for all ages, and I like to describe it as ‘Harry Potter in space.’
“In The Angel Eyes, Osiris and Natasha discover they are Earth’s last hope as they unravel the secrets of celestial fragments and face cosmic foes. With newfound powers, they must protect humanity from ancient evils, but their journey through time and space reveals a truth that could change everything.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Trevor’s serendipitous encounter with a cryptic old man, who possesses the ability to read the very essence of life in Trevor’s palm, marks the beginning of his extraordinary odyssey. Under the old man’s guidance, Trevor delves into a world of profound metaphysical possibilities, where he learns to traverse portals and manipulate reality as a glitch in the grand system of existence. This mentorship ignites Trevor’s curiosity and provides him with the tools to traverse different times and dimensions.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Trevor’s unique talents draw the attention of Sam Malone, a wealthy entrepreneur and scientist. Malone envisions a utopian world of his own, distinct from Trevor’s ideals, and seeks Trevor’s design expertise to bring this vision to life. In a pivotal decision, Trevor leaves his career as a video game designer and collaborates with Malone to build Utopia Zed, a state-of-the-art virtual realm.
But soon enough, the clash of ideals between Trevor and Sam Malone stands as a stark juxtaposition of two divergent world views. Trevor’s vision for Utopia Zed is rooted in compassion, love, and the liberation of human minds from the confines of their perceptions. His utopia is a manifestation of unity, driven by the belief that the source of all life lies in love, be it in the form of familial bonds, friendship, or the collective unity of humanity. For Trevor, technology should serve as a means to enhance the human experience and foster genuine connections among people.
In contrast, Malone’s vision for Utopia Zed is a chilling reflection of unchecked power, greed, and control. He aspires to “play God,” manipulating and enslaving individuals within the confines of his simulation. In this dystopian world, the pursuit of pleasures and the constant stimulation of dopamine receptors are prioritized above all else. Malone’s vision disregards the circumstances of those ensnared within his virtual realm, fueling a form of technological eugenics. The consequences of his actions are inconsequential to him, as he seeks to amass power and maintain dominance at any cost. The clash between Trevor’s altruistic values and Malone’s ruthless pursuit of control creates a powerful narrative tension that drives the heart of “The Glitch.”
Trevor, our protagonist, then embarks on a quest to find spiritual enlightenment. Leaving behind his life on Earth, he ventures to Tibet, where he undergoes a profound spiritual retreat. Guided by the same old man, Trevor combines technology with spirituality, diving deep into a new VR world to expand his consciousness. The goal is to liberate humanity from mental slavery and guide them toward spiritual awakening.
In this sweeping tale, “The Glitch” explores profound themes of spirituality, technology, and the eternal quest for enlightenment. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the enduring power of love to shape destinies, even across the vastness of time and space. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of the whole is called love, and that, ultimately, love has the power to heal and transform both individuals and worlds.
Thus, reality and simulation are not just technical concepts; but a canvas for exploring profound themes of life, death, friendship, and the enduring power of love. The story serves as a testament to the limitless human capacity for curiosity and growth, even in the face of technological marvels and metaphysical mysteries.
this is my worst nightmare: please be nice to me
this is my worst nightmare: please be nice to me, by Sofia Pires Baquedano, is a raw, contemplative journey through love, trauma, and the unspoken complexities of close friendships. The novel follows Sunny, a high school teacher in her late twenties, grappling with the gravity of her best friend Charlie’s hospitalization. For years, Charlie has been the foundation of Sunny’s emotional support, a bond so deep it transcends simple friendship. But as she confronts the possibility of losing him, Sunny begins to recognize the impact of their trauma bond—a connection as complex as it is comforting.
Baquedano crafts a literary experience reminiscent of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, inviting readers into a loosely structured narrative composed of poignant, interconnected vignettes. Each vignette explores a moment in Sunny and Charlie’s relationship, glimpses into lives that have been as enriched as they have been tested by each other’s presence. The book doesn’t just examine the support they offer one another; it forces Sunny to question if their entwined lives have indeed brought healing or if they’ve unwittingly anchored each other in unresolved pain.
At the heart of the story is Sunny’s inner dialogue as she reflects on her love for Charlie, bittersweet memories, and the absurdity of life’s trials. Her introspective moments are filled with wry humor, often weaving into abstract musings that leap from one thought to the next, capturing the erratic nature of human consciousness. Baquedano’s prose achieves a stream-of-consciousness style that feels true to life—thoughts colliding, jumping unpredictably, creating a realistic portrayal of the way we think in times of crisis.
This novel holds a wealth of genuine emotion, but I feel its non-traditional narrative may feel challenging to readers who prefer a linear storyline. Those willing to immerse themselves, however, will discover passages of breathtaking beauty and insight. It’s a sensitive portrayal of a person in pain, her reflections a testament to resilience, humor, and the unpredictable nature of love in the face of life’s uncertainties. this is my worst nightmare: please be nice to me captures the fleeting, fractured thoughts of someone trying to make sense of heartbreak in a way only Baquedano’s singular style can.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0D5DL2LVM
Untangling the Lies
Anemone follows a sixteen-year-old boy living in the mid-60s who is unable to rescue his brother from a burning house fire and must find the real arsonist or be charged with homicide. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In the mid-60s, a friend in my class, whom I knew had abuse issues at home, supposedly burned down his house and was never seen again. The mystery of his disappearance has stayed with me, and I wanted to use it as a starting point. After much back and forth, I also wanted ANEMONE to blur the lines between the personal and the elemental, to weave the inner turmoil of its characters with the larger forces of nature, creating an almost mystical connection between the two. Russell’s journey toward uncovering the truth about the fire—and, by extension, the truth about himself—mirrors the unpredictable, sometimes violent forces of the sea that surrounds him.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Probably the innocent naivete of the main characters, what these people were really like. Too many 16-year-olds in books over the years seem to have a social intelligence, maturity, and a use of language that betrays their youth. Yes, there are moments in my characters when they demonstrate a certain cleverness and knowledge, but I find that most of the time they are guided by their lack of experience and gut feelings – they make terrible mistakes, they see through things without even knowing it, and they have a directness and level of honesty that I think is refreshing, and I hope, moving.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Abuse, friendship/loyalty, loneliness, and forced isolation, the need to find out the truth, and the fact that we all have to spend a considerable part of our lives untangling the lies we are told.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My book of poems, THIEF OF LAUGHTER, will be published in early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
After his failed rescue of his brother Wyatt in a suspicious house fire, sixteen-year-old Russell Cobb wakes up from a coma, strangely mistaken for him and thrust into the middle of an arson investigation. Russell’s only hope, before his bandages come off, is to deduce the likeliest suspect in his troubled past or risk being charged with homicide. In view of his brother’s death, he begins to see his family, Wyatt’s enigmatic girlfriend Edie, and a school gang in a darker light, colored by deceit and possibly his own paranoia, until Edie turns the tables, tying his brother to an unimaginable crime.
Set against the idyllic backdrop of Aqua Verde, a mid-60s California beach town, ANEMONE addresses society at a moral crossroads when what went on behind closed doors was nobody’s business. Russell flees to a condemned seaside hotel where he joins a draft-dodging surfer, and later, a fugitive Edie, with whom he falls in love. Through a tangle of twists and traumatic revelations, and mentored by the surfer, Russell discovers more than he could have bargained for about her, his family, and the real target of the fire.
Brutal, gripping, and tragic, ANEMONE is a coming-of-age tale that deals with issues still relevant today. At its core is betrayal, emotional survival, and revenge within two ordinary families whose misdeeds bring about a reckoning from which no one emerges unscathed.
LITERARY TITAN 