Blog Archives
The Monsters We Create
Pythia in the Basement is a biting satire about our fears, existence, morality, philosophy, and lacking common sense. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Life, as cliché as it may sound. Just the nuanced complexities we face as we encounter obstacles on our journey. And how we deal with said obstacles. As well as the monsters we create to justify our lack of growth, movement, fears, etc. For most of us, it is easier to create an excuse than face our truth. Not all of us are brave and that is not easy to accept. I tried to sprinkle some of those complexities into the characters.
Roger and Colin are intriguing and well-developed characters. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Thank you for that. I think it was the search for meaning and truth. Self-validation. I know that is broad in scope, but ultimately that is the driving ideal. Colin, like all of us, is full of contradictions; he is trying to be a better version of who he was in the past, but he still succumbs to his proclivities and societal expectations. Almost like a musician struggling to accept his duality: he doesn’t want to sell out, but at the same time he longs for stardom. And you could say that in a way, Colin has not accepted his fate. Roger, on the other hand, seems to be comfortable in his skin, and you get the sense that if he was to perish he would have no regrets. He is at peace and I believe he in turn becomes the moral compass of the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Self-deception, the lack of common sense, and the demise of religion and the resulting repercussions on society as a whole. Again, I am falling into redundancies, but I think that was a major theme of the book. I am not a ‘religious’ person myself but I do see the importance that religion once played in our societies and how we have created new religions to fill that void. This story does border on the absurd, but I think listlessness and lack of meaning make a fool of us all. The search for validation is a powerful force that I find quite intriguing. I think ultimately, we are all looking for self-validation in one form or another, and more often than not that search leads us to extremes, regret, and frustration.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have a few ideas but none that I would call good at the moment. Maybe I will delve deeper into satire and social commentary.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
It’s A Shared Experience
Behind Blue Eyes follows Joe as he struggles against the odds to turn his life around after falling into addiction. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration came after a working involvement within the field of addiction and treatment, seeing and being a part of delivering different models of therapeutic community, which in Australia is quite varied across the sectors. I had a six month period living in the midlands of Ireland so I took the idea and the story just seemed to develop. There is often trauma behind addiction and a host of others issues so I in part wanted to try and show that in a spiritual sense it’s an individual journey that crosses boundaries of class and personality. It’s a shared experience.
Joe Marley is an interesting and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Well I have also worked in schools and had my own formative experiences of institutions and education in a time when abuses seemed to run freely so for Joe the links are there. He’s a smart fellow but some events in life ultimately are beyond us to think our way through. Again it came back to Joe’s relationships and the power to draw from a different mythology, if you like.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes I most wanted to explore were of course the whole recovery from tragic loss, betrayal and the power of emotions to set Joe on a destructive but ultimately redemptive course. Community and connection were another with I guess, the power of love and kindness to ultimately restore the balance with some kind of renewed vision for life. I also was quite struck by a comment from James Hilman, the rather famous psychologist who would often say that the ‘gods of Greece and Rome are alive and well and living on 42nd street BUT, the Mythologies of old are now the psychopathologies of today’.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on a novels – a part of this series, titled Mary’s Boys – The Immaculate Misconception. It’s a story about Joe’s childhood experiences as an Irish catholic immigrant growing up in Australia in the 1970’s. I expect it to be available for publishing in August 2022.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Behind Blue Eyes
![Behind Blue Eyes : A Tale of Joe's Addiction by [Seamus Corcoran]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ErbR03U4S.jpg)
Behind Blue Eyes by Seamus Paul Corcoran is a psychological fiction novel that takes readers through an authentic life journey filled with stories of healing and recovery. Joe Marley has a successful and prominent career, but the death of a son and the end of a marriage leave him feeling numb and empty. As many in his position do, he eventually falls into the arms of addiction, abusing alcohol and drugs. Due to the wrongs committed under the influence of addiction and rage, Joe ends up in court, accepting to go into rehabilitation to avoid jail. Hopeless, he arrives at the Janus Clinic where he struggle to turn his life around against all odds.
The description of the Janus Clinic is simply splendid: a health center with the true mission of helping and curing people, giving them love and tenderness. Through Joe’s eyes, we get to see the power and importance of meaningful human connections, which Joe gets to fully live, experience and appreciate after a few days at the clinic. Dr. Janus has a big heart and uses all his ability to provide a safe haven for those unfortunate souls that have forgotten how to live and have given up on life. This is a story of a man’s path through recovery, where the soul awakens and the heart starts to feel alive again. The story is centered around the Janus Clinic. The outsiders don’t seem to understand how it is possible that only one place seems to have the ability to cure the minds and hearts of so many people. The mystery though, is no secret, there are no magic words nor strange drugs involved. The Janus Clinic’s success is due to its wholehearted dedication to its patients, where love, attention, understanding and companionship are given priority, portraying a natural and healthy mindset for the medical approach to mental health.
The story is beautiful and meaningful, with characters that excellently present the intense emotions that come with life, making the reader feel a variety of sensations throughout the book. The intrigue also increases when unknown forces try to sabotage the fame and success of the clinic, introducing a mystery into the plot and letting the excitement grow. The story is highly entertaining and the reader almost gets to heal alongside Joe. The reading experience is a absorbing one that awakens the human spirit, and reminds us to reconcile with ourselves and with life itself. It’s very calming to read about Joe’s recovery path and readers will be able to relate to him.
A plus is Corcoran’s writing which is very beautiful and poetic, making the story even more enthralling and captivating. There’s pain and hurt in the story, but there’s also love, hope and healing, mixing all the human emotions into a wonderful experience. Behind Blue Eyes is an impassioned novel that brilliantly portrays the real path to recovery and the path to life, with a beautiful narration style that’s soothing and reminds us of what truly matters.
Pages: 295 | ASIN: B098KBHVXS
The Spark of Wrath
![THE SPARK OF WRATH (The Mason Jar Series Book 2) by [Eli Pope]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515Kzo9FKjS.jpg)
Eli Pope is back with the second installment in The Mason Jar series, The Spark of Wrath. In the second book, we continue to follow the Cader family saga. The youngest son of Billy Jay Cader, Darrell, is grappling with his abusive upbringing and becoming a young adult. The fact that Jay is back in town doesn’t make Darrell’s struggles any easier. As we watch Darrell try to come into his own and his father make more questionable decisions, we can only hope for the best outcome. Will things improve for the Caders’? Find out in The Spark of Wrath.
Once again, Pope did not disappoint in the slightest. He is a master when it comes to writing about human emotions and childhood trauma. He possesses a deep understanding of the human condition and consistently displays that in his work. First, let me start by saying how much I appreciated the well-developed side characters. Something many authors struggle to do is implement side characters that add value to their story. The interactions our main characters had with side characters like Chubbs, Kyle, Violet, and Joyce added a richness to the overall story.
I feel that Pope’s ability to write realistic neuro-divergent characters offers an educational lesson to his readers about some of the plights people in this world experience. In the story, we acknowledge Jay has a past that could make him behave the way he does – but his behavior is not excused. He is the perfect illustration of a narcissistic parent who cannot recognize his own wrongdoings, but everyone else around him does. He has an “I receive pain; I give pain” narrative. The execution of this part of the story was superb.
I enjoyed the role Mitzi B played within the story and felt that with some fine-tuning she could have been perfect. My problem with her character stems from the way she talks about boys and herself. The way she spoke sounded like what middle school boys think girls talk about when they have a slumber party. Other than the narrative voice of Mitzi B, this novel is perfect.
If you’re looking for a fantastic family saga series or a stirring psychological thriller, I can wholeheartedly recommend The Spark of Wrath and The Mason Jar series.
Pages: 250 | ASIN: B08YXF74WF
Thief of Reason
![Thief of Reason by [Judy J. Johnson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31f1qJ0hYAL.jpg)
Thief of Reason by Judy J. Johnson is the story of Ricky Wright, a 28-year-old college student who understands how it feels to be denied reasoning all too well. Ricky’s father is a raging alcoholic with strong views on any subject under the sun – but so is Ricky. Amongst the family dysfunction, Ricky decides to seek counseling. We have all felt that immense need to make someone understand where we are coming from. But some people in this world completely refuse to reason with you. Author Judy Johnson brilliantly brings this relatable narrative to life in a very engaging story.
Thief of Reason is a thoughtfully crafted coming of age story realistically portraying family dysfunction and how dogmatic thinking can affect interpersonal relationships. The story explores the subject through an artistic lens, and adds an analytical element in a refreshing way.
Through the “Shrink” character of Dr. Grey and others, the author demonstrates a multi-faceted view of toxic situations and the people who cause them showing that there is more than one side to every story and that peoples’ habitual actions can derive from a history of trauma. The analytical approach to human behavior made the characters in this novel feel well-developed and relatable.
I really enjoyed how the story is told gradually changed and evolved over time. In the book’s 256 pages, Ricky’s character is meticulously developed. Ricky did not completely change who he was and his actions from page to page – it was a slow-building process. The slow and steady method of storytelling suits the narrative in this novel well. It further demonstrates a realistic approach to real-life issues. It was absolutely refreshing to read a character driven story that relies on characters that feel authentic and that face obstacles I can relate to and understand.
If you are looking for a novel that entertains, provokes profound thoughts, and teaches valuable lessons, Thief of Reason is right for you. This is an intellectually invigorating and emotionally charged novel that I highly recommend.
Pages: 256 | ASIN: B08SGMZP7T
The Judgment Game
![The Judgment Game (The Mason Jar Series Book 1) by [Eli Pope]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JE8YabGBL.jpg)
The Judgement Game by Eli Pope can be described in one word, captivating. In the first installment of this enthralling series, we meet young Billy Jay Cader (Jay). All he has ever known is abuse and torment. His dad is a vile man who uses a mason jar with wood tiles that list evil punishments. Jay’s father shakes the mason jar like a magic eight ball, and whichever tile falls into his hands will determine the punishment Jay or his sibling receives. We watch as Jay breaks free from his dad, but can he break free from this vicious cycle?
There is a lot to unpack with this novel. It covers meaningful topics such as abuse and generational trauma. Some may even refer to the generational trauma as a generational curse.
Pope has a talent for making his readers feel every emotion possible, but particularly the sadder ones. His detailed descriptions of essential plot points are absolutely incredible. They are well thought out, and he does not skip over even the smallest of details. Pope ensures that readers leave major plot points with all the answers they need.
Pope also did an amazing job handling sensitive topics. I felt that despite the vivid detail he did his best to show respect to those who have endured these awful circumstances. With that being said, a trigger warning is needed for this novel. The abuse scenes arouse some of the deepest and most upsetting thoughts and emotions.
In addition to Pope’s attention to detail, I appreciated his authentic characters and intriguing set of supporting characters. It can be easy for authors to skip over side characters and only view them as background fillers. You can see that Pope understood the crucial role these characters played to help produce an incredible story.
Overall, The Judgement Games is a riveting psychological thriller that is a gripping start to The Mason Jar series. If you are looking for an emotionally-charged novel that is thought-provoking as well as entertaining then you have plenty to sink into with The Judgement Games.
Pages: 243 | ASIN: B08J8J916M
Art and the Artist
The Word of the Rock God follows a rock star he struggles with the physical and spiritual aspects of his life. What was the inspiration behind the idea for this novel?
I was driving home from a concert and a scene just popped into my head. I saw very clearly a man sitting a table in a café, and I watched a woman sit down across from him. He seemed shocked by her appearance, but she looked at him as if she’d known him forever, as if she had plans for him. The next day, I sat down with this scene and these characters and tried to imagine who they might be. Max became clear to me first– this meek, artistic man who was more threatened by the idea of an obsessed fan than thrilled by it– but when that image became clear, the fact that Malum was no ordinary fan followed immediately.
Max is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind his character development?
Thank you for saying so. Max’s standout qualities to me were meekness and creativity. I knew he was a rocker right away, but I knew he didn’t fit the stereotypical mold of a rocker either. I wanted to test his morals, of course, but I also needed a better understanding of those morals and where they came from, especially considering how atypical his level of inexperience was. With Malum in mind, knowing what she was and what she represented, it became clear to me that Max’s inexperience and strong moral compass came from his personal approach to and understanding of his faith.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I know it seems as if my greatest commentary centers around religion, but genuinely that was never my intention. My initial exploration was one of art and the artist; of successful artist vs up=and-coming artist. Did Max’s morals reflecting in his messages and songs matter to the crowds? Did they only matter because they were introduced to him as he stood on a stage? Was it his attractive features that made his music popular amongst those who listen to it? Would these same people be as receptive if he were not on stage, if he were, instead, on Twitter promoting it? What if he weren’t as traditionally attractive? Are people drawn to the art or to the artist who creates it?
I wanted to explore Catholicism and what it might be like to live life according to Christian morals. I consider myself agnostic– I’m sure something greater than we are is out there, but I’m not willing to believe we’d even be able to understand it, much less understand what it expects from us– so it was exploration of morals according to a specific deity and faith.
I also wanted to challenge it with Philip, a character who goes against what is traditionally accepted by this faith, but is not only detested by the evil entity, but also very important to the good one and to the protection of Max.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have three other novels available– Fiberglass Galaxy, Amethyst, and 2288– but I’m currently working on a project with the tentative title “Deification”. It’s in its infancy, so I don’t have an expected release date just yet, but I’ll share updates on Twitter and Facebook as we near its publication.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website | GoodReads
The First to Lie
![The First to Lie by [Hank Phillippi Ryan]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41RTBDGngjL.jpg)
In her latest release, The First to Lie, Hank Phillippi Ryan draws you into a complex web of dishonesty, deceit and duplicity. Told from the perspective of several unusual, sometimes evasive, and never completely honest heroines, The First to Lie quickly introduces you to Ellie and Nora, and the very heart of the action.
Ellie Berensen is playing perhaps the most dangerous game of all. Determined to bring in the biggest scoop of her career, the Boston-based journalist soon finds herself telling one small lie after another, as the stakes get higher and higher. Aided by the mysterious and calculating Gabe and the ethically-challenged Meg, Ellie is investigating Pharminex, the same large pharmaceutical corporation that Nora Quinn has just started working for.
A successful sales rep, Nora is pushing Monifan, the new wonder drug that can help women who are struggling to conceive. But Nora is also pursuing her own agenda, and hiding behind lies of her own. Soon, the lies start to spin too far. Far out of each of the character’s control. Begging the question, will the real truth come out before it’s too late?
The First to Lie is Ryan at her recent best; drawing her characters into a precarious cat and mouse act, while skillfully exploring the consequences of lying and the dangers of violating journalistic ethics. Ryan expertly juggles storytelling alongside character development; Ellie and Nora’s masks slip just enough to build suspense, but not enough to reveal anyone’s true agenda up until the final pages.
Towards the end however, seasoned thriller readers may be left disappointed. Seemingly determined to fit in as many twists and turns as possible, Ryan layers in numerous double-identity reveals, each more improbable than the last. The rich tapestry of betrayal, treachery and greed, masterfully weaved over the preceding thirty chapters, is pulled apart quickly in the last three.
If you can suspend your disbelief it’s easily possible to lose yourself in the five-time Agatha Award winner’s captivating page-turner. Only the most masterful of mystery writers can build suspense throughout multiple timelines, using multiple identities, allowing the reader to follow along, while questioning everything they know.
There’s still much to savour in Ryan’s polished writing, well-nuanced characters and consummate pacing. The misplaced family loyalties, hidden agendas and long held vendettas may not keep you guessing for long, but they will keep the pages turning.
Pages: 345 | ASIN: B07WYSGYDT
LITERARY TITAN 