Blog Archives
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.
Oblivion Black
Oblivion Black, by Christa Wojciechowski, is a gritty, darkly compelling story of addiction, trauma, and the quest for redemption. It follows Ona Price, an art school dropout navigating the brutal realities of heroin addiction and the emotional spiral it causes. Set in the seedy underbelly of New York City and later in the rural calm of her aunt’s bed-and-breakfast, Ona’s journey is one of self-destruction, survival, and the long, painful process of trying to reclaim her life.
The book weaves vivid descriptions of withdrawal and heroin highs with Ona’s inner turmoil, delving into themes of love, obsession, and despair. What struck me first about this book was the raw, unapologetic portrayal of addiction. Wojciechowski doesn’t sugarcoat the experience. In fact, she plunges you straight into the darkness of it. The vivid, almost cinematic scenes made me feel like I was right there with her, suffocating under the weight of her choices.
The writing hits hard and fast, often as disorienting as the life Ona is living. I found myself both repulsed and captivated by her self-destruction, wanting to reach through the pages and shake her awake. Wojciechowski’s ability to depict inner conflict is stunning. Ona’s thoughts are chaotic yet painfully introspective, such as when she reflects on her artistic ambitions and how her addiction has derailed them. The way the narrative delves into Ona’s psyche made me both pity and admire her. Her contradictions make her feel incredibly real—she’s someone who knows she’s broken, but she can’t quite summon the strength to pull herself together.
The book’s pacing takes on a slower, more reflective tone in the middle. This shift allows the reader to truly immerse in the painstaking nature of the healing process, capturing the realistic ebb and flow of emotions. The portrayal of Ona’s daily struggle creates a sense of authenticity, highlighting the repetitive yet essential small victories and setbacks of recovery. And just when the routine starts to feel too settled, Wojciechowski injects powerful moments of raw emotion that reignite the intensity and keep the reader deeply engaged.
Oblivion Black is not for the faint of heart. It’s a gritty, disturbing, and often uncomfortable read, but it’s also beautifully crafted, with characters that linger long after the last page. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys psychological fiction that doesn’t shy away from dark, complex themes. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate stories that explore the depths of human suffering and the possibility of redemption, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Pages: 387 | ASIN : B09YWKRLG6
Different Biases at Different Stages
The Genesis of Change follows two alchemists on missions that test the foundations of their craft and humanity who begin to unravel secrets that have the power to change the direction of their world. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
My main inspiration was the ability of speculative fiction to, redundant as it sounds, speculate over specific themes. Let me elaborate.
I’m quite attracted to using fantasy to tell stories from the point-of-views of non-human characters—and, in particular, characters whose ethics, morals, and mindset vastly differ from a human-like perspective. This ties up with the concept behind alchemists’ origins, which is what gave me the idea for a training montage of sorts. I won’t spoil anything from Genesis here, but alchemists are not born; they are “thoughts embodied” and held together by the core set of beliefs, thought patterns, and feelings of the being that became the “source” for the alchemist. Therefore, their training (to call it somehow) implies finding that core set, fostering a thorough and in-depth understanding, and stripping everything else… which is why alchemists are timeless. They are not “alive” they “exist”… which is something discussed very lightly in Genesis. Because the alchemists are divided into four Orders, each with affinity to different elements, I chose to focus on the Soul Transmuters—which are the alchemists that manipulate thought patterns, emotions, and consciousness.
Since The Genesis of Change is a prequel novella, I wanted to use the storyline to introduce the magic system—that philosophy-based alchemy, the three elements (alive, half-alive, and non-alive), and the four Orders. I also wanted to showcase some of the other concepts, such as The Towers, where the alchemists live, and their extreme grey morality caused by that non-human mindset, and that incredible power some hold. Verve has quite a scene towards the end, and if I must be honest, that’s just a shard of their true power. Likewise, another goal was to showcase how alchemists perceive humans and tease at how humans see alchemists.
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?
Philosophy is definitely one of my main inspirations. In particular, the alchemy of The Orders is loosely based on Kant’s transcendental idealism, but also on some elements of psychology. For example, transcendental idealism argues that space and time are features of our perception, and there is an entire scene in which Elan argues emotions are atemporal. Likewise, some of the Soul Transmuters abilities (this is a magic system after all), are loosely based on the interpretation that objects exist because we exist–hence, why through will and knowledge, some alchemists can create specific elements. Other ideas are based on Stoic philosophy; in particular, the dichotomy of control—which is why some characters argue that “to live is to struggle”.
There are also many other inspirations, but I can’t share some of them so as not to spoil elements of the wider universe. However, something I can share is that The Towers structure is partly inspired by two drawings from M.C. Escher: Relativity and Waterfall; trying to describe that in words was both baffling and curious. Likewise, Borges’ famous short story “The Library of Babel” did influence one particular room within The Towers, though—the Library!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In The Genesis of Change, one of the main themes I wanted to explore was bias, and the fact that no matter how old, intelligent (factually or emotionally), or keen we are… we are still biased. Bias is not something we can control; it is more of a constant through someone’s life. We may have different biases at different stages, but there is always going to be some degree of it.
Likewise, another important theme to touch on was the fact that all knowledge is, by definition, incomplete; knowledge is never static because it changes and evolves as a society does, effectively expanding or reducing. Related to this, and perhaps more related to the broader universe, was to enable a discussion on the consequences of an unrestricted pursuit of knowledge; doing anything for knowledge—which is what the alchemists do–may outright cause more damage than intended. After all, humanity has incurred (and continues to incur) in quite a few calamities just for the sake of knowledge (medical history can be quite enlightening in this regard).
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Records of the Orders is actually a universe and will be composed of standalones and series. An interesting bit is that this universe is composed of books and books-with-choices—also known as interactive fiction. The books-with-choices will always be standalones and optional, but they’ll be part of the universe as well.
In particular, The Genesis of Change is a prequel novella, so book 0.5, and it focuses on introducing the magic system (alchemy and The Orders), as well as key characters—The Rector, Verve, and Elan. You can get the ebook for free by subscribing to my newsletter!
A standalone book-with-choices titled Mien is also available! It is free to read through the app Unearthed Stories (available for Android and iPhone/iPads); this is a full-sized standalone which happens 5 years after the events in The Genesis of Change. Several of the characters in Genesis make an appearance here, but the protagonist (as the title indicates) is Mien. Although it’s still quite philosophical, this one leans more towards a political fantasy (not ideological, though; it leans more towards political philosophy).
Now, the first trilogy (I won’t reveal the name yet) within Records of the Orders is estimated to arrive in September-October of 2025. Why the delay? Oh well, I’m plotting all three books to write them back to back; my goal is to release each book quite close to each other. There may be a surprise release before that, and the best way to get news before everyone else is my newsletter 👀
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Threads | Website | Amazon
Élan; the chaos-tamer, the record-breaker. Verve; the one behind the rise and fall of thousands of civilisations. Two alchemists, each sent on a mission by the leader of The Orders—The Rector.
Élan must shatter their mentee’s humanity to train her as an alchemist, while Verve must define the unexplainable existing within a respected healer. When their missions reveal clues that could reformulate alchemy, they’ll edge closer to fathom The Rector’s goal while facing an endless conundrum—to remain as is, or to learn and adapt.
The genesis of change is near.
Finding Ricky
In Finding Ricky, author Terrence Poppa presents a gripping premise, Would you be willing to expose your innermost thoughts to a mysterious, high-ranking supervisor in order to find your missing 13-year-old son? Could you risk losing your grip on reality to save the boy taken from you after his mother’s tragic suicide? These are the haunting dilemmas Cowboy, the novel’s protagonist, must confront. Set against the backdrop of a life shattered overnight, this psychological thriller delves into Cowboy’s desperate quest to locate his son. Under the watchful eye of his enigmatic supervisor, known as The Soup, Cowboy is forced to comply with increasingly difficult demands, including working with a drug dealer named Awesome. Each task completed brings him one step closer to learning more about his son’s whereabouts. However, Cowboy is also battling his own mind. Struggling with blurred vision, headaches, and unsettling hallucinations, he finds it difficult to stay grounded. These symptoms coincidentally—or perhaps not—began after his dealings with The Soup, adding an eerie layer to his unraveling psyche.
The fast-paced storyline keeps readers moving quickly through Cowboy’s journey, making for an exciting read. While the novel leans more toward action than deep psychological exploration, it still offers moments of tension and suspense that engage the reader. One of the highlights is the dynamic between Cowboy and The Soup. The relationship’s evolving complexity and the growing dependence between the two add an interesting layer to the narrative. The glimpses into Cowboy’s traumatic past provide emotional depth and make the character’s motivations more relatable. The story moves at a brisk pace, and these elements show promise, suggesting there is much to build on in future works. Finding Ricky delivers an interesting mix of psychological drama and action, offering readers a quick, engaging escape into its world.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0D99MF696
