Blog Archives
Embrace the Ups and Downs
Dorm to Doorstep is a candid, big-sister-style guide that blends personal stories, tough truths, and practical advice to help young women navigate confidence, safety, relationships, and self-discovery as they enter adulthood. Why was this an important book for you to write?
As my daughter was approaching the end of her high school years, I observed the juxtaposition between the time in a young woman’s life when she is exerting her independence, crossed with really needing advice, and the last person she wanted to hear from is MOM. So, I packaged “evergreen” motherly advice into a fun, humor-filled yet sometimes serious book that attracts the reader with a structure resembling social media – colorful, short snippets and stories – a book that they can pick up for the AHA of the day, put down, and pick up again at their leisure.
Your book emphasizes personal choice. What experiences most shaped your belief that “you control you?”
Every day when we wake up, we can control one thing – us. Things will happen, people will say things, and we will make mistakes. How we perceive and interpret these things will drive our reactions and our learning.
I experienced some rough times as an adolescent and young adult. Circumstances I could not control. For many years, I sometimes chose to let insecurities and fear drive my decision-making. One thing that always kept me going, however, and led to real change was accepting that I am not a victim of anything that comes my way. I am in control of what I do about it. This is transformative when facing a challenge; I like to say you do you and I’ll do me, respectfully. I control the direction that I go, and my path is my own. My favorite thought each day is “Go out and make it a great day!” And, as you noticed, that is a consistent theme in Dorm to Doorstep. I believe the earlier young people feel empowered to forge their path, look at things in a proactive way, and control their emotions, the more successful they will be in facing adversity and achieving their goals.
If a reader could walk away remembering only one piece of advice from the book, what would you want it to be?
It is the first page of Dorm to Doorstep: Life is a journey; there is not one path. Embrace the ups and downs. And, I try to be a cheerleader in the journey by sharing tips, tidbits, and tales to help the journey be smoother, humor-filled, and fun.
How do you hope parents or mentors use this book when supporting the young women in their lives?
I view the book as a platform for discussion; to provoke honesty and sharing of personal stories to make connections and build relationships. If I were to visualize this, it would be a Mom and daughter having a fun conversation sparked from one of the pages in which they share their own thoughts and experiences as a way to bond and grow together.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon
Are you ready for your own PERSONAL CHEERLEADER?
Are you ready to HAVE FUN?
Dorm to Doorstep is a fun, engaging, coming of age/adulting guide written just for you, the young woman heading out on her own! Organized in layers, just like your favorite ice cream sundae:
Glow Up, Girl: Personal Growth & Insights
Glam Bam, Thank You Ma’am (the sauce): Fashion, Beauty & Wellness
Laced with Grace (the whipped cream): Relationships & Demeanor
Gather Round with Goodness (the cherry on top): Tips & Tidbits for Daily Living
Author Hilary Afshary dives into life lessons in full, living color. Every page is bright, just like your future, with colored sprinkles of learning scattered throughout. Oh, and watch for RED moments-cold, hard truths that pop up when you need a reality check.
Dorm to Doorstep can be read page to page or casually open for the AHA of the day; picked up again and put down at leisure.
Every word comes from the author’s place of truth from her own life and raising a daughter. Thoughtful, respectful, and real-words that wink and say Trust me, You WANT to read this. Words that cause pause, stories that stick and moments that will leave you smiling- or even laughing out loud.
Dorm to Doorstep is the perfect gift for a birthday, holiday, graduation, care package, college send off or just because…it is your manual for adulting 101 and living life away from home.
The Fragility of Human Nature
Perpetual Limitations follows a young paraplegic, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired woman who enters a portal to a realm where she is gifted newfound abilities and embarks on a quest of self-discovery while confronting her past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
That’s an interesting question! I first started drafting ideas for Perpetual Limitations by thinking about the power of free will and faith and the opportunities it offers towards implementing new possibilities. I realised that there is not much literature out there about marginalised people, particularly about individuals with disabilities, so I wanted to create a story that amplifies their struggles and experiences, as well as comparing their experiences with able-bodied citizens to reinforce the fact that suffering is a universal element of being human.
Samira may have transformed externally in this new realm and granted abilities to see, hear, and walk despite previously being deprived of them; yet, internally she still feels insecure and conflicted, which signifies the deep wounds that trauma can impose upon individuals, which ought to be addressed in order to fully heal. Therefore, Perpetual Limitations is about transcending above the restraints that society places on marginalised individuals to eradicate prejudice and discrimination.
I found Samira to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What inspired her and her emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Samira represents my teenage self, and her struggles towards reaching acceptance of the outside world, whilst fitting in despite being “different,” also resonates with my own personal challenges towards figuring out my own identity, and most importantly, discovering self-acceptance that is associated with all my flaws and anxieties.
When I was creating Samira, I wanted her to represent marginalization and the realistic circumstances of people who suffer from disabilities and invisible wounds. Samira is a character to whom everyone can relate, and I believe that her bitterness, misanthropy, and emotional turmoil reflect the fragility of human nature and how we’re all vulnerable in some way, but rather than letting it bring us down, connecting with others and comprehending their struggles in a new light is actually rather uplifting. Therefore, I feel as though Samira’s frustration emphasises the very essence of being human, as we cannot always be satisfied with what we have, but we can also discover the courage to resolve these problems, which is what the protagonist aims to do throughout her journey of self-discovery.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I felt the need to explore human vulnerability as well as spiritual enlightenment through gaining resilience and hope. Hope is a predominant theme throughout the novel as it’s the force that drives Samira throughout her journey. In fact, all of the characters lose and gain hope in one way or another, and I believe that regarding hope as a universal attribute is necessary towards enforcing justice and spreading compassion throughout our lives. The book also explores the significance of friendship and unconditional love, particularly throughout our darkest moments.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can we expect it to be available?
My next book will be on Perfection, which entails a society where no one is capable of doing wrong, including no lying, cheating, or stealing, and everything is seemingly fair. The book’s intention is to question the significance of free will and its capability of functioning in an idealistic world without issues. It will probably be out in about 2-3 years’ time, which is quite far away, but it should be worth the wait!
Author Links: X (Twitter) | Website
In a world where physical limitations often overshadow the depths of the human spirit, Samira stands as a beacon of resilience. Born paraplegic, hard of hearing and visually impaired, Samira has always felt the sting of being regarded as different. Yet within her, a fierce longing for adventure and liberation burns brightly. As she navigates a life defined by adversity, she encounters the enigmatic Sage, who opens a portal to a realm beyond her wildest imaginings. Here, Samira is gifted with newfound abilities – sight, strength and a profound connection to nature that transcend her previous constraints. But as she grapples with her extraordinary transformation, she is confronted with the harsh realities of her past and the haunting spectre of her own doubts. The Perpetual Limitations is a gripping journey of self-discovery, exploring the intersections of physical limitations and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
Divorced at 50 F**K, Now What?
Lara Portelli’s Divorced at 50 is a raw and heartfelt memoir that begins with a stolen childhood, winds through a troubled marriage, and lands in the fragile yet powerful territory of self-discovery after divorce. She writes with candor about cultural expectations, coercive control, and the painful silence of a life lived for others. Yet, woven through the heartbreak is a strong thread of resilience. The book is both a personal story and a guide, filled with reflections, small lessons, and hard-won hope. At its heart, it is about reclaiming one’s voice after decades of suppression.
I found myself pulled into Lara’s honesty. She does not sugarcoat her experiences, and that makes her words feel alive. At times, I felt angry for her younger self, trapped in a world where duty outweighed love. Other times, I found myself smiling when she described small moments of joy, like driving with the window down or noticing a flower left on her desk. The writing is simple and unpretentious, but it carries a deep emotional weight. It often feels like sitting across from a friend who has decided to tell you the truth, even the parts that hurt. That vulnerability is what makes the book so powerful.
I also admired how she framed her journey not just as an escape, but as a rebuilding. She writes about health, self-worth, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Her focus on words and mindset gave the book an unexpected layer. Some sections lingered on personal analysis, but in a way, that rhythm mirrored her process of working through years of pain. It felt real, not polished for effect.
By the time I finished, I was left with both sadness for what she endured and hope for what she found. Divorced at 50 F**K, Now What? will resonate most with women who feel stuck, whether in a marriage, a job, or even a set of old beliefs. It’s also for anyone standing on the edge of change, afraid of what comes next. Lara shows that the unknown can be terrifying, yes, but it can also be the beginning of everything you’ve been waiting for.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0FLPL17MT
Unchained (A tale of Identity, freedom and self discovery)
Unchained, by Chinonso Elom, is a memoir chronicling a young man’s transformative journey toward self-discovery amidst the challenges of coming of age. Set against the backdrop of an orthodox environment in Nigeria, Ikenna’s story reveals the struggles of growing up in a conservative Catholic family, bound by rigid expectations that leave little room for individuality. For Ikenna, the weight of these expectations is compounded by his identity as a homosexual, which subjects him to the harsh judgment of his parents and the church. Ostracized and vilified, he faces a series of dehumanizing attempts to “correct” his identity, which only deepen his feelings of alienation, despair, and invisibility. Determined not to succumb to this oppressive reality, Ikenna takes a bold step and relocates to the United Kingdom for higher studies. This decision becomes the catalyst for his transformation. In a foreign land, he discovers love, friendship, and a sense of belonging that empower him to reclaim control over his life. His story evolves into one of resilience, liberation, and the quest for authenticity.
From the opening chapter, the weight of societal expectations looms large, as Ikenna grapples with the pressure to conform to traditional norms. The conversations between Ikenna and his parents, laden with unspoken truths, felt authentic and raw. The contrast between his rigid life in Nigeria and the vibrant, accepting LGBTQ+ community in Northampton is stark and moving.
One of my favorite parts was when Ikenna attends an LGBTQ+ event for the first time. He dons an outfit that reflects his true self, stepping into the space with trepidation but finding only support and admiration. This moment of courage and the subsequent camaraderie among the attendees was heartwarming, showing the power of acceptance. Even as Ikenna finds love and builds a life for himself, he constantly battles the echoes of his upbringing and the fear of his family’s rejection. I was particularly struck by the tension during his parents’ visit to the UK for his graduation. The subtle shifts in their reactions from pride in his achievements to discomfort with his newfound confidence illustrate the chasm between their worlds. Elom handles this delicate dynamic with sensitivity, though I found myself longing for more resolution in these familial threads.
Unchained is an emotional journey of self-discovery that resonates deeply, especially for those who have struggled to reconcile personal identity with societal expectations. Chinonso Elom’s prose is simple yet evocative, and the themes of resilience and belonging are universally relevant. This book is perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven stories about cultural conflict, self-acceptance, and the power of community. Ikenna’s story will stay with me for a long time, reminding me of the importance of living authentically despite life’s challenges.
Pages: 84 | ASIN : B0DHTZ89S8
Mikey’s Treasure
Mikey’s Treasure, by Missy Moe Hap, is a delightful children’s book that takes us into the imaginative world of Mikey, an uncut key. Nestled on the wall of a corner shop, Mikey dreams of belonging to a pirate’s treasure box, a whimsical aspiration that sets the tone for this endearing tale.
As Mikey eagerly anticipates being fashioned into a key, he fantasizes about pirates and treasures, igniting the curiosity of young readers. The story takes an unexpected turn when Mikey, freshly cut and ready for his new life, finds himself lost. It’s here that the narrative deepens, weaving in themes of friendship and self-discovery. Mikey, with the help of his newfound friends, embarks on a journey that reveals a poignant truth: the greatest treasures are often not what we initially imagine.
Author Missy Moe Hap crafts a narrative that is both unique and captivating. The choice to personify keys as characters is a creative leap that adds a distinct charm to the story. As a character, Mikey is not just adorable but embodies the essence of youthful optimism and big dreams, making him relatable to young readers. The plot is skillfully designed to stretch the boundaries of imagination, taking children on an exciting and meaningful adventure.
The conclusion of Mikey’s Treasure is satisfying, wrapping up the story in a way that leaves the reader with a sense of fulfillment and joy. This book is more than just a narrative; it invites young minds to explore the vast realms of their imaginations and understand the value of intangible treasures in life.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CH3Z42SJ
To Give the Victim a Voice
Dear Gosei: A young man confronting his past follows a young man who was sexually abused as a teenager as he goes on a journey of self-discovery and a search for answers from those who did nothing to protect him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The novel is based on a true fact that was revealed to me by accident, and I had to keep it a secret. I couldn’t comfort the victim, who was an acquaintance of mine so I grew a bit obsessed with the event. Also, it was during the worst part of Covid, and I spent many hours alone at home in isolation. I ended up writing about this to calm my anxiety. I wrote the story as a way to process my thoughts and feelings about the incident. It was my way of trying to make sense of what had happened and to give the victim a voice that they couldn’t give themselves. I hope my novel will be a source of comfort for those who have been through similar experiences.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
There is no direct reference in my debut novel to anything that happened in my life but definitely, I share many points of view with the protagonist. Family dynamics, the college years away from home, the teenage dreams to become an independent, dependable person, the path to self-discovery are also aspects with which I identify myself. Some of the characters in the novel are composites of my past and present, and their stories come from my own life experiences.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In order to properly describe the harrowing experience of suffering sexual abuse I read a lot about it, trying always to understand why it happens and what are the consequences. I found, to my astonishment, that sexual abuse is not a thing of the past. On the contrary, it is an ever-present damage in modern societies, affecting all over the world. It is a heartbreaking reality that has serious consequences for those who suffer it. We must take urgent steps to prevent and combat it and to provide the necessary support to survivors. This is the only way to make our society a safer place for all. It is also a delicate issue, particularly when it happens among families, and there is no real magic solution to it. Many sexual abuse crimes go unreported precisely for that reason because it can destroy the future of the victim, the abuser, and the entire family.
I read a lot, too, about Asian immigration to the USA during the last century, particularly Japanese immigration. That is how I learned about WWII internment camps for Japanese families on the West Coast, such as Manzanar in California. It was so shocking to me that I decided to put it in the story. It was a powerful reminder of the racism and injustice that was faced by Japanese-Americans during the war, and of the strength and courage of those who survived the camps. I wanted to include it to show that even in the darkest of times, we can still find hope and resilience.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on the prequel which will give a perspective on the traumatic events happening in DEAR GOSEI. It goes back four generations of the Forrester Hattori family. The prequel will explore the family’s history and how they came to be where they are today. It will also provide more insight into the characters and their motivations. Finally, it will provide the necessary context to understand DEAR GOSEI. It is at a very early stage, so I can’t say when it will be finished.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
After a tragic teenage trauma, a young man fights to respect himself and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, facing his family to get the answers he has been searching for for the last 12 years.
John, a good-looking, and athletic 14-year-old from an affluent family in the suburbs of Los Angeles, is a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of his uncle. Family interests will prevail above all else. The mother decides to keep the incident secret to avoid scandal and the bad reputation of the family. The boy’s life is forever changed by this tragic experience which destroys his hopes of becoming a competitive swimmer and leaves him feeling helpless and alone.
Over time, however, thanks to his resilient and tenacious spirit, he overcomes his obstacles and returns to his former academic and athletic success. John and his girlfriend Val, who seem to have a rock-solid relationship, become the most popular couple at school. In reality, he doesn’t live like his friends because of his tragic past, insecurity, sexual confusion, and toxic family. Although everything appears normal, neither the family behaves naturally nor does John shake off the weight of his past.
His uncle considers John his favorite nephew but ignores the harm inflicted on the boy. His mother wishes to keep the secret. His father and brother, devoutly religious, make him feel like an outsider at all times, dictating family life with an iron fist and a handful of obsolete rules.
To reclaim his self-respect, he will confront his past, demanding explanations from his uncle and mother, each guilty of having a great impact on his harrowing youth. In this journey of self-discovery, he will explore his priorities, career, friendships, and dysfunctional family. John knows that he must face the future head-on to be at peace with himself.
DEAR GOSEI is the debut novel of Jorge Bosch, born and educated in Barcelona, Spain, now a resident of Los Angeles, California. The book hopes to captivate the reader with its well-grounded and vividly portrayed characters, and participants in a story that will keep you interested until the end. The story takes place at two points in the protagonist’s life: firstly when John is molested as a young boy and then again when he finally decides to take charge of his life and confront his family 12 years later. Two central themes steer the narrative: sexual abuse, as real as life itself, and a controversial subject treated with sensitivity and empathy, and John’s personal development, as he seeks to deal with the truth about what happened to him. He struggles to find his place in the world by accepting his homosexuality and the person he loves. DEAR GOSEI, a romantic drama with touches of a psychological novel, fast-paced and minimalist, is set in the capital of Southern California and takes a critical view of the traditional and old-fashioned family it portrays.
At The Beginning Of Yesterday
At The Beginning Of Yesterday, by Tiffiny Rose Allen, is an evocative anthology of poetry, exquisitely capturing the nuances of day-to-day moments. Throughout her verse, Allen weaves beauty and elegance into every line, presenting the world in a poignant light. The collection delves into universal themes, ensuring that it resonates with a diverse audience.
From the pangs of heartbreak to the transformative powers of healing, Allen’s words serve as a balm to readers who have traveled similar paths. Her prose has the ability to stir empathy, fostering a shared sense of humanity and reminding us of the interconnected nature of our experiences. With a blend of ethereal and grounded narratives, Allen escorts her readers through the intricate dance of love, loss, self-awareness, and the vast array of emotions that define us.
Each piece is meticulously sculpted with vivid imagery, metaphors, and seemingly effortless phrasing that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. I feel certain poems might benefit from a slightly more streamlined structure, but Allen’s writing talent remains evident. She possesses an innate talent to artistically render emotions, making them palpable to her audience.
At The Beginning Of Yesterday stands as a celebration of poetry’s timeless capacity to delve into the very core of human emotion. Allen’s anthology is essential for those who appreciate the artistry of language molded into verses that span the broad spectrum of human feelings. Ideal for readers yearning for deep, authentic connections through words and shared experiences, this collection promises solace and inspiration, making it an invaluable gem for any poetry lover’s library.
Pages: 74 | ASIN : B0CCT2JV1F
Peace, Love, and Spiritual Revolution
Trippy Hippy follows a young man in 1967, the Summer of Love, who moves to San Francisco and goes on a journey of self-discovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The so-called “Summer of Love” was an especially vibrant period in San Francisco instigated by drugs and rock music. It brought young people from all over the country to descend upon San Francisco along with ideals of peace, love, and spiritual evolution. It was a particularly exciting period to use as a setting for my novel.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
The character Arnie/Gator was based on my own transition from bookkeeper to full-on participant in the lifestyle of the times, but once that transition is made the events that Gator participates in are wholly from my imagination.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that I think were important are embodied by the slogan “Make Love; Not War.” The use of drugs to attain enlightenment plays a huge role in the book as well as the daily life and interactions of the characters. The idea of “free love” is introduced early in the story when Nola gives Gator a welcome to the Ashram blow job with no accompanying drama. Gator’s love and loss of Eddy brings out the pain that comes with living on the edge. Music, too, plays an important part in the lives of the characters as Gator and Wabash form a band to not only make money but to express their ideals.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I’ve written the first draft of a historical novel about two boys growing up in pre-civil war West Virginia. I’m not sure when I’ll go back to it. Right now I’m working on a sort of wild boys story set in the early 1950s in Houston where I was raised. It’s called The Road to Hell, and it’s both humorous and potentially tragic as the young gang members pull off pranks that become increasingly serious in nature. I’m also considering writing a second draft of a story I wrote years ago about a drive through Mexico in an old car with a hole in the radiator called A Hundred Years of Cilantro.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Trippy Hippy peels back the facade of Adler’s Ashram to expose the daily lives of its occupants. Wabash Jones, musician and future rock star, Nola and Victor Granola, apartment managers and social magnets, Jeepster Joe, adventurer, and teen boy seducer, and Gracie Fontana, Wabash’s doll-like sweetheart. This acid-splashed tell-all by Gator lays bare the hippy lifestyle during that remarkable year known as The Summer of Love.
LITERARY TITAN 