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An Ever-Opening Poem
In A Wave Without a Shore, you explore both science and soul through the introspective poetry in this second installment of the Entangled Universes Trilogy. What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this poetry collection?
Honestly, my writing flows unlike anything I have ever experienced. Since August 2019, I have written 2500 poems, so the challenge is mapping ~200 of them to the eleven chapters in a way that helps elevate the poetry to a “shore our galaxy will only pass by” in our future.
How do you approach writing about deeply personal or emotional topics?
With ease. I am an INFJ personality type with introverted intuition and deep empathy. These topics are like an ocean that I never leave.
How has writing this poetry trilogy changed you as a writer, or what are you learning about yourself through writing it?
My writing has absolutely evolved since I began writing poetry at the start of the global pandemic. It’s almost like six years ago, I had just stepped into this realm, completely unaware of what I was experiencing. I never studied writing poetry; instead I only read poets (Whitman, Hesse, Rimbaud, Hemingway, Milton, Dickerson, Homer, Keats).
I’ve learned that the universe is an ever-opening poem in which our lives are immersed and entangled, almost like the words we use to express it.
Can you give us a glimpse inside the final installment of the Entangled Universes Trilogy? Where will it take readers?
We were born inside a star. Everything that makes up our experience within this universe came from our mother sun, Sol. Here’s an example of how my poetry will resonate in Tides of Light:
The Fragile Silence of Becoming Our Real
We trade light in a dance we were born to make
Your words find mine almost as if they know us
When we met eons past each poem was a song
I’ll know you again, sweet when we’ll sing them.
Flush with our demurs love asks how to be now
When we decide our fates even time plays along
Fragile silences frame thoughts as if we’re alone
When you’re lost remember that light we shared.
I’ve ventured on lonely highlands in search of us
Komorebi shadows taste like a kiss only you gift
Guardian angels perfect our course through time
When you’re ready to dance love, hold my eyes?
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Unique Voices
Winston the Titan Terrier: Adventures in Ancient Egypt follows a superhero dog who unexpectedly travels back in time to ancient Egypt, where he discovers dinosaurs are present and must figure out how they got there and fix history. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Mia and I approached the sequel with a clear goal: to deepen the engagement that readers loved in the first book. We focused on three main areas to achieve this.
The Power of Engagement: Puzzles and Fun
First and foremost, we expanded the interactive elements. Both Mia and I share a passion for brain teasers, so we wove numerous puzzles and riddles into the narrative of Book 2. This wasn’t just filler; it was a deliberate strategy to maintain a high level of reader engagement and, as our young audience told us with the first instalment, to genuinely ‘get their minds working.’ We see this as a way to make the reading experience active, not passive.
Weaving in Surprising, Up-to-Date Knowledge
Secondly, we made a point of ‘sprinkling in’ fascinating, recently discovered facts and snippets of knowledge. We didn’t want to rely on old, common knowledge. A great example of this is a scene where we highlight how a domestic cat, like our character Smokestrike, is actually capable of running faster than a fully grown Tyrannosaurus rex at its estimated speed. This is based on new research from fossilised footprints, which suggests that large theropods could only walk or trot due to the mechanical limits of their weight and bone structure.
Another discovery we used was acknowledging that Queen Cleopatra was not Egyptian but Greek, a descendant of Ptolemy, one of Alexander the Great’s generals. These details add unexpected depth and authenticity, correcting common misconceptions for our young readers.
Authentic Detail and Historical Context
Finally, we committed to integrating authentic historical details through our research. For example, we feature ‘biltong,’ the famous South African dried-meat snack, as Winston’s all-time favourite snack. Our research revealed that dried meat was historically very common in ancient Egypt for preservation, as there definitely weren’t any fridges back in those times. So connecting a modern detail to an ancient practice and adding a vivid, believable layer to the narrative, where we learnt something new about ancient Egypt.
Perhaps the most fascinating discovery we wove into the story was the Ahramat Branch, a now-extinct arm of the Nile River that once flowed right past the Giza and other pyramid complexes. This newly identified river branch may explain how the ancient Egyptians transported their massive stones to the pyramids. We featured this detail prominently in our cover artwork and several illustrations.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Most enjoyable character to write for…
Mia won a reversible yellow octopus at the arcade shortly after our first book was released. It was a yellow reversible super grumpy Octopus, that she instantly nicknamed as “Sadface.” I began speaking to Mia in character as the persona of a friend who used to complain about numerous events and situations on a constant basis, which sparked endless laughter from her.
We both kind of knew this work in the Winston universe and our readers as a formidable yet hilarious antagonist who could inject both chaos and entertainment into future storylines.
Most challenging character to write for…
We found great satisfaction in developing the full range of our characters, and it was rewarding to bring their individual personas and unique voices into the narrative of this book.
Where can your fans expect to find Winston, Diesel, and Teddy next?
Future Storylines and Book 3
One of the most enjoyable parts of the creative process for Mia and myself was the discussions and debates about future storylines. We’re currently mapping out Book 3, and it’s set to be our most ambitious adventure yet.
The Stakes in Ancient Egypt
The first half of Book 3 will address the cliffhanger from the sequel. Our heroes, Teddy and Diesel, are now equipped with their newly discovered superpowers, and they have some unfinished business: they must first save Ancient Egypt from the remaining dinosaurs and successfully retrieve Winston from that ancient timeline. This means facing huge, new dangers, such as the gigantic Mosasaurus lurking in the Nile and any remaining pteranodons still patrolling the skies with powers they haven’t really mastered yet, which could have some hilarious outcomes.
Expanding the Scope: A New Realm of Danger
From there, the scope of the story expands dramatically. Once they return to the future, their main goal will be to track down and battle their persistent foe, Sadface, and other infamous creatures known for destroying large ships. This chase takes them through a new, unpredictable realm filled with hidden dangers and legendary underwater locations that challenge the heroes’ new abilities.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | YouTube | The Chaos King | Amazon
From multiple award-winning storytellers Mia van Dongen and Colin van Dongen comes the next thrilling instalment in the “Winston The Titan Terrier” series!
Get ready for Winston’s new epic journey where futuristic chaos collides with ancient history! In Adventures In Ancient Egypt, our beloved superhero dog, Winston, and his best mate Teddy with his super-hyperactive dad Diesel, find themselves catapulted into more unbelievable new challenges against Smokestrike the naughty ninja cat and new intergalactic villains.
Following their discovery of a secret, magical tunnel system beneath the Bone Shop, Winston and his crew thought they’d seen it all. But when the mischievous alien Disco Duck unleashes a new time-twisting plot, Winston is hurled back to the scorching sands of 51 BC Ancient Egypt, under the reign of Queen Cleopatra herself!
Armed with his incredible Cosmic Bone, a shape shifting, language decoding, enemy outsmarting marvel, and a backpack full of transforming nanotech gadgets. Winston must navigate a world of ancient wonder and dinosaurs?! That’s right! A super grumpy, chaos-loving alien octopus known as Sad Face, is intent on destroying Earth by transporting prehistoric creatures into future timelines, with the help of a modified time twister device!
Can Winston, with the help of ancient allies and a surprise assist from a certain naughty ninja cat, stop Sad Face before he unleashes intergalactic mayhem and turns history into his own personal movie set?
Prepare for a laugh-out-loud, action-packed adventure filled with:
⏳🚀 Time-traveling escapades
🦖👽 Epic action packed chases with prehistoric beasts and alien villains
🧠🧩 Clever riddles and mind-bending challenges
❤️😂 Heart warming friendships and hilarious antics
🐶🐱 And a whole lot of canine and feline courage!
Perfect for young readers aged 6 to 10 years and families who love dogs, cats, dinosaurs, ancient history, and a good dose of intergalactic fun. Join Winston on his wildest adventure yet! From the imagination of a 7 year old.
Grab your copy of Adventures In Ancient Egypt today!
UK Book Band : Brown Level (7+ Year olds)
Year Group 3+
Oxford Reading Level 12
Big Cat Band : Copper
Suitable for shared reading for kids (Ages 5+) that love dinosaurs and adventure with parents and carers
Ellie Ment and the Material Matter
Ellie Ment and the Material Matter, by Bertie Stephens, is a quirky and fast-paced middle-grade adventure that blends science, humor, and environmental themes with a heavy dose of curiosity and chaos. It follows the story of Ellie, an 11-year-old self-proclaimed scientist living in the endlessly rainy town of Hapsie. After witnessing her brand-new school go up in strange purple flames, Ellie is drawn into a mystery that includes jam jar experiments, mysterious adults, glowing embers, suspicious teachers, a secret science club, and a new girl who seems just a little too perfect. Armed with a fierce love of science and a head full of questions, Ellie digs deeper into what’s really going on, and ends up discovering more about the world (and herself) than she bargained for.
The writing is seriously fun. Bertie Stephens has a wild energy in his prose that feels like Roald Dahl with a scientific twist. There’s a real rhythm to the way he plays with narration, slipping in clever asides and running gags that make you grin without feeling overdone. The world-building in Hapsie is rich in detail, from a pothole nicknamed “Stego-hole” to an art teacher who inexplicably wipes down students’ faces with talcum powder. It’s packed with oddball characters and moments that are both funny and surprisingly touching. I loved how the book never talks down to the reader; it trusts kids to understand big ideas, and that trust feels earned. The science woven into the story isn’t just accurate, it’s exciting. Ellie’s obsession with the periodic table, her experiments with rainwater, and her balloon hypothesis all made me want to pull out a notebook and start investigating things myself.
Ellie is a joy. She is relatable, sharp, stubborn, and delightfully flawed, but Kami, her main “rival,” didn’t feel quite as developed early on. I found myself wanting to understand her a bit more beneath the confident, polished surface. Some of that depth does come through later. I loved the fast pace and witty writing. While a few moments felt a little rushed or slightly tangled, there were still plot twists that surprised me in the best way. This is a story that’s bursting with creativity, warmth, and just the right amount of scientific mayhem.
Ellie Ment and the Material Matter is one of those rare stories that feels smart and silly in equal measure. It’s great for curious kids who love science, adventure, or just getting into a little trouble in the name of learning. Teachers and parents will appreciate its environmental message and the way it champions creative thinking without preaching. It reminded me how important it is to question the world around us and to never accept “that’s just the way it is” as an answer. If I had this book when I was eleven, I would’ve read it twice.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0F6T1ZMFX
“Time” is Not Our Enemy
Understanding Time and Eternity takes readers on a thought-provoking and ambitious journey to explore how humans perceive, conceptualize, and live within the realms of time and eternity. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
The idea to write this book came to me many years ago, seeking to understand the connection between us and “time”. I have always been concerned with how time “flows” and how it influences us. I was also interested in how time “modifies” our bodies, aging them. I wondered if there were no more eternity, would we be eternal?
My visit to Japan in 2023 catalyzed the process of writing this book and gave it its final form. Following this visit, I tried to understand “time” in a broader way, going beyond just the Western vision of time. I studied the Western and Eastern visions of the concepts of “time” and “eternity” in comparison. To my surprise, I found that they have many common elements, of course, in addition to the elements specific to each religion or philosophy.
One thing that stood out was the extent of your research and how you drew from multiple disciplines to form your theory, rather than relying solely on science or religion. Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Yes. While doing research for this book, I was often surprised to find many common elements in both Eastern and Western religions or philosophies. I was surprised that “time” as a concern of man has been at the core of human philosophy since ancient times. Man – regardless of faith – has correlated the idea of “time” with the concept of divinity. Another “goal” that appeared almost obsessively was how man seeks to continue his own earthly existence in a certain way through “eternity.” It was also surprising for me to observe how different and sometimes opposing the Western vision is to the Eastern one regarding certain aspects of “time” or “eternity” and at the same time how close this same vision is for other views related to “time” and “eternity”.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Through this book, I tried to convey more of the idea.
First of all, understanding the concepts of “time” and “eternity” helps us to better integrate into society and have a broader vision of humanity. Also, understanding how these concepts influence people’s thinking and shape their religious beliefs contributes to the general progress of humanity.
“Understanding Time and Eternity” shows my own vision of “time”, namely the fact that time “exists” in the form of “timelines” that can be individual or societal, as well as my vision that time can also be in the form of “loops”, not only cyclical or linear. I also emphasized the idea that these “timelines” can “interact” with the “eternity lines” as well as my concept related to “time travel”.
However, I concluded that the emergence of a new temporal system is inevitable in the future due to the evolution of human society and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Understanding Time and Eternity?
Through my book, I would like readers to understand that knowing ourselves and our relationship with what is around us will come to define us as individuals. When we appear in this world, we are not asked, and when we leave this world, we are also not asked for the accord. We come to this world from eternity, and after we die, we go again into eternity. From these aspects, we should start our introspection and analysis of the relationship between us and “time”.
We must understand that “time” is not our enemy and death is not the end. Regardless of our philosophy of life or our faith, temporality and eternity are intertwined, and we must each find our own “niche” that ensures our emotional stability and personal fulfillment.
I wish that my readers in the West gain a better understanding of Eastern philosophy and those in the Far East gain a clearer vision of how Westerners live their daily lives.
But are we really in a battle with time? Is it our enemy? Can’t we make it our friend during our earthly life? Regardless of whether we consider it a friend or an enemy, time leaves visible the effects of its passage through our individual lives or our collective lives as a society.
In this book, I was exclusively concerned with time in a philosophical sense, specifically with how humans perceive it and how they relate time to their philosophical conceptions and religious beliefs. I explored the relationship between temporality and eternity, and I have concluded that, although time and eternity are opposites from all points of view (in the general view), in my view—which I have presented in this book—they are not as opposites. Still, they interpenetrate and influence each other.
I have concluded that not only does the past influence our future, but the future can also influence the past.
This book is a continuation of my previous works, which explore philosophical and religious themes and complement my philosophical and theological vision regarding the reality around us and what lies beyond it.
I have analyzed the concept of time from a philosophical and theological perspective.
I examined the concepts of “time” and “eternity” from the perspective of the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) but also from the standpoint of Eastern religions/philosophies from the Far East (Buddhism, Daoism, Hinduism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Jainism). It was essential for me to examine how humans relate to “time” and “eternity,” as well as the impact of these philosophical concepts on the lives of common people throughout the millennia.
A significant chapter was the realization of a comparative analysis between Eastern and Western thought regarding temporality and eternity.
At the end of the book, I conclude that the emergence of a new temporal system is inevitable in the future, given humanity’s evolution and the increasing influence of AI on human society.
Understanding the concepts of “time” and “eternity” helps us integrate better into society and have a broader, more inclusive vision of humanity.
I hope that the readers from the West will gain a deeper understanding of Eastern philosophy and that those from the Far East will have a clearer vision of how Westerners live their daily lives.
This book aims to decipher the “energies and philosophies” that shape a community’s behavior, whether it behaves similarly or differently from other communities. Religions and philosophies are essential for the health of communities, and the concepts of “time” and “eternity” are crucial to them Therefore, their understanding is essential for the general progress of humanity.
Understanding Time and Eternity
In Understanding Time and Eternity, Vasile Ghiuta sets out on an ambitious journey to explore how humans perceive, conceptualize, and live within the realms of time and eternity. Drawing from a vast array of sources like Western philosophy, Eastern religions, Christian theology, modern physics, and psychology, he examines how time has been viewed through history and what it might truly mean. From ancient philosophers like Aristotle to contemporary scientific ideas about spacetime, and from Buddhist cycles to Christian eschatology, Ghiuta dissects and compares how cultures, thinkers, and faiths have tried to grasp these elusive ideas. A central thread running through the book is his personal thesis that time and eternity are not opposites but intertwined states of being that bleed into each other, influencing the fabric of our lives and identities.
Ghiuta writes with passion and a sense of awe, but sometimes it felt like he was trying to fit the whole universe into one bottle. There were times I was completely drawn in, like when he described time as an illusion we all share, or the theory of temporal and eternal “loops” intersecting in our souls. I found that idea beautiful and haunting. But other parts, especially those heavy with historical summaries or theological debates, felt academic. He clearly has deep respect for every tradition he references. That said, his sincerity shined through, and I appreciated that he wasn’t afraid to say when he disagreed with figures like Plato or Nietzsche. He wasn’t just retelling what others thought, he was wrestling with it all in his own voice.
What really stuck with me was how Ghiuta returned, again and again, to the personal side of time, how it shapes us, how it defines our memories and our fears, how it quietly holds hands with eternity in everything we do. His reflections on death, legacy, and the “timeless” qualities of love and kindness felt honest and moving. It’s not every day you read a book that jumps from astrophysics to Japanese cultural concepts like “Ma,” and still tries to land on the question of what happens when we die. That wild scope was the book’s strength. It made me think hard, and I never stopped being curious about where he would go next.
I’d recommend this book to people who like big questions and don’t mind taking the scenic route through philosophy, religion, and science to get some answers, or more likely, better questions. If you’re the type who likes to read slowly, underline a lot, and sit quietly with your thoughts afterward, you’ll find something rich here. It’s for seekers, wanderers, and lovers of deep thought, Ghiuta’s book might just shift how you think about your own clock, and what lies beyond it.
Pages: 492 | ISBN : 978-1-7775695-4-9
Ten Years of Research
Tesla’s Cottage is a beautifully woven mix of memoir, historical detective story, and tribute to Nikola Tesla’s human spirit, exploring his lesser-known years in Shoreham, Long Island, where he sought refuge and inspiration during the critical period of the Wardenclyffe project. What inspired you to share his story and its connection to you?
Too often, Nikola Tesla is seen as a strange individual who lacked human emotions. He is regarded to be a kook or even seen as an alien by some. My book focuses on Nikola Tesla as a human being: the motivations behind his work, his struggles, his warmth, his joys and happiness. It speaks to his daily life at Wardenclyffe the village where he had a lab and built his tower. Since I live in his former home there, I have a specific insight into what his life was like. I breathe the same air, see the same horizon, swim in the same water; I literally walk in his footsteps. I also have access to village lore as well as unpublished accounts written by residents who knew Tesla while he was here.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Tesla’s primary goal was the advancement of the human race. To this end, he invented the polyphase AC motor, wireless technology, remote control, electrotherapy applications and so, so much more. The purpose of his inventions was to achieve world peace, universal education, increased productivity, environmental sustainability, and provide abundant food to the world. Because he believed he could improve the human race in this way, he gave up everything that might be a distraction: a wife, a family, a home of his own, and personal profit.
What was the most challenging part of telling this story, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect was probably the ten years of research that went into proving that Tesla did live in my house, discovering what his life was like, and discovering who his local friends (and enemies) were, etc. The most rewarding was coming face to face with the man, the human being behind the meme.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Tesla’s Cottage?
I hope that people come away with an accurate portrait of a very human person who dedicated his life for humanity. I also hope they come away with an idea that I believe Tesla would want to convey: technology is neutral. It can be used either for good or evil. Tesla believed that the only purpose of technology was to improve the human race. In today’s world, it is critical to ask if our vast technology is making us more intelligent, more compassionate, more open-minded, and safer; or, on the other hand, are we becoming intellectually lazy, more isolated, less tolerant, and more imperiled?
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Daddino set on a on a ten-year long search for answers. Was the cottage really his home? How long did he live there? What was his life like? Who were his friends, his enemies?
Daddino scours historical records and newspapers and reads Tesla’s own letters and those of his friends. Bit by bit, she pieces together the inside story of Tesla and his wonderful tower.
Alternating between past and present, the narrative wends its way through New York City during the Gilded Age, the humble beginnings of Wardenclyffe-on-Sound and the Shoreham of today to discover the man behind his inventions – his perseverance and heartbreaks, triumphs and regrets, and the quarrels and friendships history has long forgotten.
Part biography, part memoir, part detective story, Tesla’s Cottage: The Lost story of Wardenclyffe (and how it was recovered) brings Tesla to life and reveals the legacy he leaves for those of us living today.
AI Today: OI Tomorrow – The Dawn of Organoid Intelligence: Opportunities, Ethics, and the Future of Humanity
AI Today: OI Tomorrow offers a fascinating exploration of the cutting-edge advancements in brain organoid technology and the emerging field of organoid intelligence (OI). With precision and clarity, Edmund J.B. White chronicles pivotal breakthroughs—beginning with brain cells learning to play Pong—and examines the implications of these lab-grown neural networks. The book delves into their potential to revolutionize biological computing, model neurological diseases, and ignite crucial ethical debates about the nature of intelligence and consciousness.
The book tackles themes of innovation, ethics, and human essence with a dual focus on opportunity and risk. White emphasizes the transformative potential of brain organoids to enhance industries and improve lives while warning of their possible misuse. By weaving philosophical questions into the narrative, he compels readers to ponder the meaning of thought, emotion, and existence in a world where the line between natural and artificial intelligence grows increasingly indistinct. The author’s writing strikes a remarkable balance between accessibility and intellectual depth. Complex scientific concepts are rendered comprehensible without oversimplification, inviting readers of varying expertise to engage fully with the material. The prose shifts effortlessly from awe-inspiring depictions of groundbreaking discoveries to measured discussions of the ethical and existential dilemmas they raise.
Vivid imagery, such as a dystopian vision of a totalitarian regime exploiting brain organoid technology, provokes both fascination and unease. Drawing from cutting-edge research, including Cortical Labs’ 2022 milestone, White offers a thorough account of brain organoid development and its implications. The inclusion of philosophical musings on intelligence and consciousness elevates the discussion, sometimes leaving readers with more questions than answers but the kind that linger and spark further thought.
AI Today: OI Tomorrow is both a scientific chronicle and a philosophical guide, presenting an extraordinary advancement that challenges fundamental notions of intelligence and humanity. White’s ability to distill intricate ideas into an engaging, thought-provoking narrative makes this book an essential read for scientists, ethicists, and curious minds. It is a compelling exploration of a transformative frontier one that demands attention, reflection, and action.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0D2Z24L2L
Everything From Nothing
S.E. Elwell’s Everything From Nothing delves into the profound questions surrounding the origin of the universe and life itself. With a focus on the Big Bang theory, the book examines how the cosmos emerged from a state of nothingness to the complex reality we inhabit today, perfectly encapsulated in the book’s title. Drawing on decades of research in both science and philosophy, Elwell presents his own theories on the source behind the Big Bang. He explores how this origin may be intricately tied to the existence of life and the universe, proposing that life is a conscious manifestation of what he calls the “infinite source of potential.”
I appreciated how Elwell doesn’t bog the reader down with scientific jargon but explains complex ideas, such as the relationship between “nothingness” and an “infinite source,” in a way that feels conversational. The writing style itself is straightforward and easy to follow, but I found that sometimes the philosophical leaps felt too speculative without enough grounding in evidence. That said, Elwell is clearly aiming to inspire readers to look beyond what is empirically provable, and on that level, the book succeeds in being both provocative and engaging.
The discussions on consciousness and purpose are where the book really shines for me. Elwell argues that consciousness is not just a biological phenomenon but part of a larger unfolding of infinite potential. This idea, while ambitious, was fascinating to contemplate. The suggestion that all of nature is “self-aware” to some degree made me reflect deeply on the interconnectedness of all things. The notion that the universe is evolving toward a higher, more self-aware state resonated with me, even if it remains speculative. I appreciated the intellectual curiosity that drives these arguments.
Everything from Nothing is a thought-provoking read for anyone curious about the origins of existence and the possibility of a higher purpose. While some of the claims might feel more philosophical than scientific, Elwell does an admirable job weaving the two disciplines together. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy contemplating the “big questions” and are open to a blend of science, metaphysics, and spiritual insight.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B0DPMYSN8B
LITERARY TITAN 