Blog Archives
Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life
Passion Struck by John R. Miles offers a compelling framework for transforming your life, discovering your passion, and unlocking your hidden potential. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, John presents a series of personal stories and principles that have empowered countless individuals to achieve remarkable success. The book is filled with inspiring narratives from a diverse range of people, including government officials, technologists, entertainers, athletes, academics, artists, and business leaders, all of whom have applied the principles outlined in the book to their lives. These stories teach readers how to exercise intentionality and take small, boundary-pushing actions that build confidence and diminish fear.
One of the standout qualities of Passion Struck is its rich storytelling, which adds a human touch and creates an emotional connection with readers from the beginning. The book seamlessly blends personal anecdotes with practical lessons, making the content relatable and engaging. For instance, one of the most memorable stories revolves around Steve Jobs and the concept of being “right by being alone.” When the music industry initially dismissed Jobs’ vision for the iPod, his persistence eventually led to the creation of Apple Music and other online music services, transforming the industry forever. This story and many others illustrate the power of perseverance and visionary thinking.
John also shares invaluable insights from his diverse professional experiences, including his time in the military and cybersecurity, his role as a CIO at Dell, and his journey as an entrepreneur. These insights are presented through smart and intriguing concepts, such as “fear confronter,” “mission angler,” and “perspective harnesser.” His use of metaphors and analogies effectively conveys the book’s messages. For example, the “metaphorical mosquito” is used to describe emotionally manipulative individuals who compromise boundaries—an analogy that vividly illustrates the importance of protecting one’s personal space and integrity. This book is not just a collection of theoretical essays; it actively engages readers with a variety of interactive elements. It includes actionable exercises, a well-structured framework, and even QR codes that provide additional insights and resources. These elements enhance the reading experience and encourage readers to apply the lessons to their own lives. The chapter-ending exercises are particularly thoughtful, serving as both a summary and a prompt for deeper reflection.
Passion Struck is an ideal read for those eager to pursue their passions and achieve their dream lives. By exploring topics such as meditation, self-awareness, psychology, and entrepreneurship, the book equips readers with the tools they need to embark on a journey of success and fulfillment. John R. Miles reminds us of the importance of listening to our hearts and following our passions—qualities that no AI can ever replace.
Pages: 399 | ASIN : B0CGS248NR
Pigs Have Wings
Pigs Have Wings, by Kathleen Welton, is a charming and whimsical tale that follows Miz Peg, a pig with big dreams of dancing and singing. Despite the challenges that come with being a pig, Miz Peg is determined to pursue her passions. With the support and encouragement of her friends, she discovers that she is capable of much more than she initially believed.
What I love most about this book is its uplifting message about perseverance and the importance of having a support system. Miz Peg’s journey is a heartwarming reminder that even when things seem difficult, having the right people around you can make all the difference. The story is filled with positivity and optimism, making it a delightful read for both children and adults alike. The writing is engaging and accessible, with a rhythmic quality that adds to the book’s charm. The language is simple yet effective, allowing readers of all ages to connect with the story and its characters.
The illustrations, by Chau Pham, perfectly complement the narrative, bringing Miz Peg and her world to life with vibrant colors and expressive details. One of the standout aspects of Pigs Have Wings is how it subtly weaves in lessons about self-belief and the power of community. Miz Peg’s dreams might seem far-fetched for a pig, but the story shows that with determination and the encouragement of friends, even the most unlikely goals can be achieved. It’s a beautiful message that resonates well with readers and leaves a lasting impression.
Pigs Have Wings is a delightful and inspiring book that would be perfect for young readers who love stories about animals and dreams coming true. It’s also a great choice for parents and educators looking for a positive and engaging story to share with children. Kathleen Welton has crafted a lovely tale that reminds us all of the importance of dreaming big and supporting one another along the way.
Pages: 30 | ISBN : 978-1960157577
Trust Yourself
Divorce Is Not a Destination shares with readers your experiences and extensive work as a breakup and divorce coach so that they can navigate a post-divorce life and regain their own joy. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Of the taboo subjects I write about in Divorce Is Not A Destination, if I were to pick one that was more difficult than the others to address, it was sharing about how I contracted herpes. It was important, to be honest about my anger, frustration, confusion, and diminished trust while also owning my choices. Chapter 2 is where I cover the Loss Cycle, and it was the perfect place to share that experience in hopes that my story would support someone else in dealing with the emotional aspects of their situation.
In the last chapter, I do mention other taboo subjects. Even then, while I was willing to be vulnerable and honest about challenges and decisions, it was important that I didn’t derail people’s ability to stay focused on their own issues by sensationalizing mine.
The challenge for me was how to write a book that is, in many ways, about me yet still leaves space for the reader to find themselves in it so they can do their work as well.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Key ideas for me include the framework of Accountability, Alignment, Communication, and Trust (A.A.C.T.). I truly believe using the AACT framework can put a person on their path to healing and experiencing joy. It is normal to hurt when we lose someone we love. I want people to embrace the fact that our emotions can teach us so much, and we need to learn from what we’re feeling so we can move into healing.
Another key idea is to be okay with challenging beliefs you haven’t explored or experienced yourself, especially when those beliefs leave you feeling shameful, guilty, or inadequate. There is something unhealthy about holding onto pain because it’s connected to someone we appreciate or admire.
Finally, I can’t say the phrase don’t be so hard on yourself was an idea because I think it’s okay to challenge yourself with difficult questions. It’s part of being accountable, which might not be easy at first. I think we could be more intentional about being kind and loving to ourselves. At the end of the day, I hope that the reader understands and embraces the importance of working on, loving on, and believing in oneself.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
Trust yourself! Whether you call it listening to your gut, your inner wisdom, or discernment, when we trust that voice inside of us, we learn we can face whatever life brings our way. We are perfectly designed to live our unique lives. This doesn’t mean we live anxiety-free; it means we learn to tap into a courage and curiosity that can carry us through challenges. It means we can cry, feel hurt, be disappointed, and know where and when to go for solace and support. We can sit in the emotion, knowing it’s temporary. Trusting yourself opens the door to believing that life is happening for you and not to you. That breeds confidence. And that’s joyful.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The personal reflection exercises, tools, and strategies will put you on the path to re-establishing boundaries and improving your ability to communicate, first with yourself and then with those close to you. Now is the time to rediscover what’s important, rebuild your confidence, and lead your best self forward. “Divorce Is Not A Destination” was written for you, now.
This book is for you if:
You’re divorced, on the brink of divorce, or seeking support following a breakup, and you need guidance on how to engage, ignite, and empower yourself emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
This book will help you:
* Heal from heartache and stop hurting yourself emotionally.
* Identify emotions-don’t be controlled by them.
* Set boundaries for toxic behavior.
* Create a support team.
* Unlearn debilitating beliefs about divorce.
* Stop embodying lies.
* Tap into your intuition and trust yourself again.
* Talk to your child about the breakup or dating.
* Model recovery for your child.
* Embody the confidence people think you already have.
* Celebrate because joy is your birthright.
After more than one divorce, Dr. Lisa Summerour learned how to stand on her story and not be stuck in it. As a breakup and divorce strategist, Dr. Summerour is a Master Practitioner accredited by the International Divorce Coach Centre of Excellence and The Dash Charity, a UK-regulated domestic abuse charity.
You are not damaged, defective, defeated, or done, because “Divorce Is Not A Destination.”
Encourage, Motivate, and Empower Children
Piper’s Perfect Pick follows a young girl frustrated with trying to excel in sports who takes the advice of her cat to try out boxing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I absolutely love to box, even though I didn’t start boxing until I was 60 years old. The first time I punched a boxing bag I felt empowered. I thought, “Oh, I like this. I want to learn this sport!” So I did! Now I box 4-5 days a week.
Before I started to box, the only thing I knew about boxing was what I saw in the Rocky or Creed movies, which was pretty scary to me!
What I didn’t realize was that boxing is really about discipline, focus, and strategy, not just about throwing punches. It’s an amazing sport that is not well understood.
I wondered, “What if I had started to box when I was younger, say 8 or 9?” I probably would have been so much stronger, both mentally and physically. I would have had much more confidence in myself.
I started to think about how I wanted kids, especially little girls, to know that boxing is a great sport for them to try.
I thought, “Why don’t I tell them?”
Then…ding, ding, ding! The idea for Piper’s Perfect Pick came to me.
My rescue cat, Camelot, was the inspiration for Piper’s cat, Tater Tot. Before Cami got comfortable living with me, he would swat at my face whenever I walked by. I called him my little boxer!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Penny Weber?
I loved working with my illustrator, Penny Weber. We have a great relationship – after all, we are both a Peni/Penny! I had been looking for someone who did realistic illustrations, instead of cartoony ones. When I saw her portfolio I knew she was the one.
We are each other’s biggest fan – she loves my writing and I love her illustrations.
The only direction I gave Penny was the approximate age of my main character and the desire for her and her family to be of mixed race. Other than that, she had free rein. I had complete trust and faith that she would illustrate this book superbly – which she did!
Penny is already lined up to illustrate two more upcoming books of mine.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I write books to encourage, motivate, and empower children, so my debut picture book needed to showcase all of those themes.
It was important to show that Piper’s family encouraged and supported her.
It was important that Piper showed resilience and determination to follow her own path, even though it was an unexpected choice.
And it was important that children feel personally empowered after reading Piper’s story. If she could do it, then they could too!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book, Heart Trouble for ZZ, is due out November 3, 2024. I have three more books coming out in 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
In this compelling tale of resilience and determination, Piper teaches us an invaluable lesson: true strength lies in the willingness to explore the unknown, to never surrender to failure, and to keep pushing the boundaries until we uncover our own unique path. Sometimes, what we love most is not what we expect, and Piper’s story serves as a powerful reminder that our passions are waiting to be discovered, only if we persevere and never stop searching.
In Piper’s Perfect Pick, witness a heartwarming transformation that will leave you cheering for Piper and inspire you to keep exploring until you, too, find the one thing that sets your soul on fire.
Divorce Is Not A Destination: A.A.C.T. In Joy!
In Divorce Is Not a Destination, Dr. Lisa Summerour presents a heartfelt exploration of divorce, drawing from her experiences and extensive work as a breakup and divorce coach. The book aims to transform the perception of divorce from a tragic end to a pivotal point of growth and self-discovery. Through personal anecdotes, practical exercises, and insightful reflections, Summerour encourages readers to embrace accountability, align their values, communicate effectively, and trust themselves as they navigate post-divorce life.
Dr. Summerour’s writing is both engaging and deeply personal. Her ability to share her vulnerabilities and triumphs makes the book relatable and inspiring. For example, her story of moving at the age of four due to her parents’ separation sets a poignant tone that many readers can empathize with. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the complexities of her multiple marriages and divorces, which adds a layer of authenticity to her guidance. The way she reframes these experiences, particularly through the concept of accountability, is empowering and refreshing.
One fantastic aspect of the book is the practical advice interwoven with personal stories. The chapters on creating alignment and clear communication were particularly impactful for me. Summerour’s emphasis on aligning one’s actions with personal values and her candid discussion on the importance of self-trust provide concrete steps for readers to follow.
The inclusion of cultural perspectives on marriage and divorce, such as the Mosuo’s walking marriage and Mauritanian divorce celebrations, offers a broader context that challenges traditional Western views. This enriches the reader’s understanding and fosters a more inclusive dialogue on what it means to be in a relationship and what it means to end one.
Divorce Is Not a Destination is a compelling read for anyone navigating the aftermath of a breakup or divorce. Dr. Summerour’s blend of personal narrative, cultural insights, and practical advice makes it a valuable resource. This book is particularly beneficial for those who feel stigmatized by their divorce or are struggling to rebuild their self-confidence.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0D226H11P
One-Of-A-Kind
In A Cat Named Puppy, a cat teased for his unusual name finds support from his brother and learns that his worth is not determined by others. Where did the idea for this story come from?
My real-life cat named Puppy was the inspiration. I wanted a dog but a friend of my brother’s cat just had a litter of kittens and she had to get rid of the kittens fast because her little girl was allergic to kitten hair so I took a cat instead of getting a dog. And I got my other cat Stitch about a year later.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Well, the real-life Puppy always had to deal with people commenting on his name and his weight he was a big boy. So I figured I could incorporate them into a story for children. And the idea is that although comments will be made in life as long as you realize you are special and one-of-a-kind. That should make you feel pretty good about yourself.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
When he chased the toy cars because he liked chasing hot wheel cars when he was younger. But all the scenes are special as Stitch passed away in July of 2023, and Puppy passed away in January 2024. It just makes the book more special to me.
What is next for Puppy? Do you have more books planned?
Well, I currently have a few like early reader first chapter book series they are A Cat Named Puppy Goes To School, A Cat Named Puppy Halloween Adventure, and A Cat Named Puppy And The Christmas Mystery. And I am currently working on another children’s book and it will be A Cat Named Puppy Learns About Colors.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Following Your Own Heart and Reason
A Butterfly’s Song follows a young plain butterfly who feels that there is nothing special about herself, making her feel all alone. What was the inspiration for your story?
The story of the Pupa butterfly has ingredients from the reality of today’s children and young people. From that world where often the loudest, bravest, and, in different ways, the most “colorful” personalities get the most attention.
Of course, not everyone is an extrovert who loves to show off and enjoys performing in front of others. Such persons are often idealized and presented as admirable role models in public, though. This perception quickly spreads, especially among children and young people at a tender age, putting their developing self-esteem to the test.
I wrote my story to encourage those who feel they can’t live up to the expectations placed on them. Sometimes, those expectations come from around the individual in the form of different requirements regarding appearance, behavior, or skills. Sometimes, the person is unsatisfied with himself and feels inferior to others, even if no one notices it.
Of course, those who feel alone, insecure, and without support are in the most challenging position with their insecurities. In my story, the wind represents the help that can sometimes come from a surprising direction.
We all have moments when we wish such a gentle wind would take us in its arms and blow our wings with new energy. It might help us regain confidence and trust in flying – or singing – our way.
Pupa worries about being plain and ordinary and not standing out. What were the driving ideals behind her development in this story?
In my story, A Butterfly’s Song, we follow Pupa’s first moments when she emerges from her cocoon as a butterfly. It is a shock to enter a new life situation and adapt to an unfamiliar environment. Just getting her wings open and ready to fly is challenging.
The first task is facing that initial shock. After figuring it out, Pupa is even happy and enthusiastic momentarily and tries to adapt to the company of colorful butterflies she admires. She fails.
An individual who is more modest than the others is overlooked and ignored. In addition to sadness, we can also notice some envy toward others in Pupa. She should get those feelings under control, but how? As the next step, she tries to imitate the nightingale, but the butterfly cannot sing. So, Pupa runs into her unrealistic dreams.
The encounter between the butterfly and the wind is a crucial moment in this fairy tale. The wind represents a gentle and understanding helper, and Pupa is lucky to find such help. Our modest butterfly overcomes her most difficult feelings of loneliness and inadequacy with the help of the wind, but she must eventually learn to accept herself as she really is.
At the end of the story, Pupa finds and accepts her own place and role in life. She even understands that being alive with all the beauty around her is a gift from life.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Through this butterfly’s life, we go through many growth phases and situations familiar to everyone – child or adult. The story highlights the difficulties one faces in new situations. The reason may be an unfamiliar environment and a missing support network. Our self-esteem and trust in survival may also be weak.
This little story helps us imagine and experience living in such situations by allowing us to see the unknown world through the eyes of a fairy tale character. Encountering anything new and unknown is always challenging. Even in a familiar place, you can face difficulties if the people around you change or the demands increase. Facing and mastering the changed situation takes energy and time.
Finally, I would like to emphasize two more educational aspects that must be remembered. The first is that in times of trouble, it is important to seek reliable help. Inadequacy of one’s skills or strength is not a shame. Equally important is not to let anyone outside define what we should be like. Following your own heart and reason usually shows the best way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will that be published?
I’ve just received the artists’ illustrations for several of my stories. So I can transfer them out of my hands for the next steps of book projects.
Of course, I still participate in the commentary of the layout stage. For example, I’m working on two stories about exceptional houses set in India – The Old Rose Villa and The Dream House. That pair of books is exceptional in many respects. Namely, I have received the stories’ subjects and a request to write them from an Indian friend.
I also wanted to find an Indian illustrator for the books because I want them to respect and reflect Indian culture. I came across Akanksha Priya, who interpreted the stories beautifully in hand-painted pictures. The results of our cooperation will be available for everyone to see later this year.
Finally, I would like to mention another story that is very close to my heart. I won’t even reveal the book’s name yet, but I hope the story fits in with UNESCO’s Indigenous Languages Decade (2022–2032). It would be great to work on this important issue. With my story, I want to bring out the uniqueness and sensitivity of human communities, nature, and different life forms. That is one of my dreams.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Lonely, Pupa tries to learn to sing. When her efforts are futile, the night wind feels sorry for her and wants to help. Can Pupa ever sing beautiful melodies?
A Cat Named Puppy
James Breznicky’s A Cat Named Puppy is a heartwarming tale that beautifully illustrates the importance of self-esteem and embracing one’s unique identity. The story follows Puppy, a shy cat burdened by a name that makes him the target of teasing from other animals. Struggling with acceptance, Puppy feels isolated as even the dogs don’t see him as an equal. Puppy’s journey takes a turn for the better thanks to his supportive brother, Stitch, who helps him see beyond the hurtful words of others. Stitch’s encouragement reminds Puppy that there are those who care for him and that his worth isn’t determined by the opinions of others. Set in a loving home, the story underscores the critical role of a supportive environment in fostering self-confidence.
A Cat Named Puppy is an engaging story in which Puppy learns to shift his focus away from negative judgments and embrace the love and care around him. Many children will relate to Puppy’s struggle and find inspiration in his journey toward self-acceptance. The narrative conveys an essential life lesson: our differences make us unique, and recognizing the love we receive can bolster our self-esteem.
The book is enhanced by striking illustrations that use warm and comforting colors, particularly notable for their effective play of light and shadow. The inclusion of a photo of the real Puppy and Stitch at the end adds a delightful personal touch to the story. Breznicky’s writing style is simple and accessible, using short rhymes and clear ideas to communicate profound emotional truths. A Cat Named Puppy explores Puppy’s distress extensively, setting the stage for the uplifting message about the importance of developing a strong self-concept and embracing positivity.
A Cat Named Puppy remains a compelling story that also emphasizes the values of family unity and respect. It’s a book that will teach young readers to tap into their inner strength and celebrate what makes them unique.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0C2S71NT3
LITERARY TITAN 