Blog Archives
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Witness in the Dust by Lorrie Reed
The Glass Pyramid by Vesela Patton
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Adventures in Online Dating: True Stories from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool
Adventures in Online Dating is a hilarious and raw chronicle of one woman’s plunge into the unpredictable world of online dating. Through a series of short, punchy stories, S.E. Linn lays out the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre encounters she’s had while swiping, matching, and meeting strangers. Each chapter reads like a cautionary tale, equal parts outrageous comedy and quiet confession, with lessons tacked on at the end that feel both tongue-in-cheek and hard-won. The tone is cheeky and confessional, and it never takes itself too seriously. Still, beneath all the cringe-worthy moments and wild characters, there’s a steady thread of resilience and humor that ties it together.
I found myself laughing in places, then wincing in secondhand embarrassment in others. The writing is sharp, conversational, and brutally honest. There’s no glossing over details, even when they make the storyteller look vulnerable or naïve, and that’s what makes it feel so real. Some stories had me howling, like the cat-hair-covered horror show, while others left me shaking my head at how bad people can be at basic decency. At times, it felt like swapping stories with a friend over wine, where the laughter helps mask the sting of frustration underneath. That intimacy pulled me in.
What I especially liked is how the author doesn’t play the victim. She frames these trainwrecks of dates as both ridiculous and educational, a way to laugh at what would otherwise be disheartening. That perspective made the book oddly uplifting. I’ll admit, though, there were moments where the humor veered into the absurd, and I had to pause to decide if I was amused or disturbed. That unpredictability is part of its charm. It’s messy and chaotic, just like dating itself, and it’s refreshing to see it told without the usual sugarcoating or cliché happy endings.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who has braved the trenches of online dating or is curious about what really happens when you dive into the apps. It’s perfect for readers who like their memoirs raw, funny, and a little outrageous. If you’ve ever needed reassurance that your own dating misadventures aren’t the worst ones out there, this book will make you feel seen and keep you laughing all the way through.
Pages: 105 | ASIN : B0FFNQ8NY9
Limited Partner Investing
Limited Partner Investing lays out the world of limited partner investing in a straightforward way. It explains how people can move beyond low-risk investments like CDs and mutual funds and instead look at opportunities to fund local businesses, franchises, and community ventures. The author weaves history, like the aftermath of the 1930 stock market crash, with modern examples of cash cow franchises and real estate partnerships. There are sections on how LPs work, what perks they bring, the risks involved, and how they can build both income and community. This is a guidebook for people curious about diversifying their portfolio with something more hands-on and connected to real communities.
This is not a dry finance book stuffed with numbers and charts. It feels more like a friend giving you a pep talk about why you shouldn’t just park your money in the safest corner of the room. The writing carries an energy that kept me flipping the pages. I liked how the author tied in friendship, networking, and local pride with money matters. It gave the topic a human touch. On the flip side, I did wish the book had gone deeper into case studies or hard data. I wanted to see more real-world examples of success and failure.
The sentences are short and punchy, which makes the book easy to follow and quick to digest. The style feels conversational. There’s a contagious enthusiasm in the writing, and it’s clear the author genuinely believes in limited partner investing as a path to both wealth and stronger communities. That passion made me pause and imagine investing as something personal and tangible, not just numbers in a faceless market. It’s a powerful idea that sticks with you.
Limited Partner Investing is best for beginners who want to get excited about investing outside the box. If you’ve only ever thought about stocks and mutual funds, this gives you a peek at another path. It’s not a textbook. It’s more of a spark, an encouragement to join an investor club, talk to local business owners, and think bigger about your money.
Pages: 70 | ASIN: B0CHQVSPSB
MENtal Health: Take It “Like a Man”
MENtal Health: Take It “Like a Man,” brings together a wide range of voices, social workers, therapists, coaches, veterans, writers, and everyday men who share deeply personal accounts of their struggles with masculinity, silence, trauma, and healing. The book is less about solutions and more about testimony. Each chapter feels like a window into a different man’s life, revealing how cultural expectations, family systems, addiction, sexuality, grief, and love shape the ways men understand themselves. The foreword frames the project as a bold act of truth-telling, and the stories that follow hold nothing back. They are raw, painful, and at times surprisingly tender.
What struck me most while reading was the honesty. These stories feel unfiltered, which made me lean in closer. I found myself pausing often because the emotions resonated with me. The book reminded me of late-night conversations that don’t come easy but stick with you long after. Some chapters were almost too heavy to read, yet that heaviness was part of the point. It made me think about how much men keep hidden and how damaging that silence can be.
Contributors offered beautifully crafted narratives that flowed like memoirs. Men’s mental health isn’t neat or orderly. It’s complicated, jagged, and layered. The diversity of voices actually reinforces that truth. Chapter 6, “You Are Not Alone,” was one of my favorites because of the way it spoke directly to the reader with warmth and reassurance. I liked how the chapter cut through the stigma and reminded men that isolation is not the answer, even when shame or fear makes it feel that way.
By the time I finished, I felt moved and hopeful. MENtal Health is not an easy book, and it isn’t meant to be. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the invisible burdens men carry. It’s especially powerful for those who work with men in counseling, education, or leadership, as well as partners, siblings, or friends who want to listen better. What you’ll find is an open invitation to break the silence and begin healing.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0FNKMTFKF
Be Clear and Intentional
Communicate Like a Champion provides straightforward advice for enhancing professional communication, along with strategies that emphasize clarity and empathy. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was important for me to write because I’ve seen time and again that the success or failure of projects, teams, and even careers often comes down to communication. As a leader in telecommunications and during my doctoral studies, I recognized how often components of communications, such as clarity and empathy, were missing in professional exchanges. I wanted to create something concise, practical, and easy to use, something people could apply immediately in their workplace, whether they’re leading teams, collaborating across departments, or simply trying to be better understood.
What is one misconception you believe many people may have regarding effective communication in the workplace?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that communication means more words. People often think that long emails or detailed presentations equal effectiveness. In reality, effective communication is about being clear and intentional, saying the right thing, not everything. Another misconception is assuming silence means agreement. “No questions” doesn’t always mean understanding or alignment, and that’s where leaders need to confirm, follow up, and create space for feedback.
Did you learn anything that surprised you while you were researching and writing Communicate Like a Champion?
What surprised me most was how consistently small actions can create significant results. It wasn’t the grand speeches or high-stakes presentations that made the most significant difference; it was the everyday habits that mattered most. Things like summarizing a meeting in a single clear sentence, asking one good clarifying question, or pausing to reflect before responding. Those small, consistent habits are what transform someone into a “champion communicator.”
What is one thing you hope readers take away from this book?
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away, it’s that communication is a skill you can practice and improve. It’s not just for extroverts, executives, or “natural speakers.” With small, intentional steps clarifying intent, listening actively, and following up, you can become the kind of communicator who builds trust, fosters collaboration, and leads with confidence. That’s what “communicating like a champion” is all about.
Whether you’re a new professional, a seasoned leader, or someone navigating the complexities of hybrid teams, Communicate Like a Champion offers practical, proven strategies for improving your connection, leadership, and collaboration in the workplace.
This concise and actionable guide walks you through the core elements of strong communication—from clarifying your intentions to using empathy and follow-up effectively. With relatable examples, reflection prompts, and a 28-day challenge to build habits over time, this book helps you go beyond just “getting your point across.”
You’ll learn how to:
Communicate clearly across departments, hierarchies, and mediums
Recognize internal and external factors that influence every message
Use tone, clarity, and follow-up to earn trust and foster collaboration
Apply tools and tech that elevate your tone and clarity
Lead conversations with empathy, even when conflict is unavoidable
Whether you’re sending an email, running a meeting, or managing change, this book provides a reliable framework for ensuring your message lands and builds stronger relationships.
Hikeological Escape
When I opened Hikeological Escape, I expected a straightforward travel memoir, but what I found was a layered story of self-discovery told through two epic journeys: the Camino Santiago and the Pacific Crest Trail. Chris “Windscreen” Homan begins in Saudi Arabia, stuck in an expat life that feels suffocating, and from there his story unravels into a series of steps, literal and spiritual, that lead him through mountains, deserts, and questions of faith, belonging, and identity. It’s not just a story about hiking. It’s about what happens when someone walks away from conformity and comfort in order to face the messy, liberating chaos of being human.
What struck me most was the honesty in Homan’s writing. He doesn’t polish his doubts or hide his discomfort. He lets them sit in the open. There’s humor here, sometimes dark, sometimes lighthearted, and it balances well against the rawer moments of pain or uncertainty. At times I laughed at his dry commentary, and other times I felt the weight of his solitude press down on me. The descriptions of trail life, like cowboy camping, battling hunger, and trading banter with strangers, made me feel like I was walking alongside him, sweating under the same sun. Yet beneath all of that, I could sense the real story: the struggle of someone trying to reconcile a fractured sense of purpose with the beauty of the present moment.
I also admired how he handled spirituality. There’s no preaching, no easy answers. Instead, the book lingers in the gray space between faith and skepticism. He questions, he wrestles, he admits what he doesn’t know. I felt both challenged and comforted by his willingness to leave questions unresolved. His alter ego, Windscreen, gives the narrative a slightly mythic quality, and I liked how it blurred the line between storytelling and confession. The voice is casual, almost like a long conversation with a good friend who isn’t afraid to tell you the truth, even if it stings a little.
By the end, I realized this isn’t just a book about hiking or travel. It’s a meditation on freedom, risk, and what it takes to feel alive. I would recommend Hikeological Escape to anyone who feels stuck in their own routines, anyone who’s toyed with the idea of walking away, or anyone who just loves a good story about taking chances. Homan reminds us that sometimes losing the path we thought we needed is exactly how we find ourselves again.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0FJZQWP94
Avoiding the Scam Artists
Seniors vs Crime is a collection of real-life stories set in The Villages, Florida, where elder citizens find themselves targeted by a range of con artists, shady contractors, and even predatory loved ones. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I am an other-oriented person, meaning I tend to care about other people and their situations perhaps more than most people. My career as a wealth advisor afforded me an opportunity to help other people retire. When I retired in 2008 in The Villages, FL. I looked for a way to help people. Seniors Vs. Crime was that perfect opportunity. I wrote the book to provide the elderly with an opportunity to learn about scams and their artists to help them avoid possible harm.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the ideas I wanted to share was how easy it is to be duped by scam artists who credibly seem to care about you. The doctor’s wife, who befriended the Doctor’s patient and then captured the patient’s widow’s entire estate, is a good example.
I also wanted to try to urge victims to report the scam. Many people are embarrassed that they were “stupid” enough to fall for the scam. I wanted them to know that we all make mistakes, but to not report the scam is a bigger “mistake.”
Could you share more information with us about the Seniors vs. Crime program? Is it something that is still running?
Seniors vs Crime in Florida is not only still working but growing every year. It was started by the Attorney General back several decades ago as a speaker’s forum and developed into what it is today… a functioning arm of the Attorney General’s Office fighting scams and harms to seniors. It has offices all over Florida. When a senior is scammed or otherwise harmed, they can come to any of our offices to make a claim. They can also enter a claim online at Seniorsvscrime.org. The claim is entered into our system and resides at both the Attorney General’s Office as well as the local SVC office. My office is located in Brownwood, Florida in the police annex building. Once a claim is submitted the voluntary “sleuths” will begin to help the senior recover their loss.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Seniors vs Crime?
Many seniors feel their loss is irreparable. I want them to know that most of their losses are recoverable.
THE BROKEN MIRROR (A transition from military and civilian lifestyle and beyond
The Broken Mirror is a raw and unflinching account of a soldier’s life after war. It begins with his transition from military service into civilian life, tracing the jagged path of PTSD, broken family ties, and personal battles that stretch across decades. He writes about his service, his divorce, the loss of his parents, the distance with his daughter, and the constant shadow of invisible demons. This isn’t a straight line memoir. It’s more like a series of entries pulled directly from his mind and heart, sometimes sharp, sometimes wandering, always honest. This is a story about survival, regret, and the hope that love, especially the love between a father and daughter, can outlast the damage of war.
Some passages were tough to get through because of how blunt he is. I could feel the pain dripping from them. I admired his bravery for putting it all out there. He’s not pretending to be a hero. He’s showing the ugliness and the shame alongside the small moments of healing. His style jumps around, which mirrors the chaos of PTSD. It was hard to follow at first, but then I realized it pulled me closer to his state of mind. It felt less like I was reading a neatly packaged book and more like I was sitting across from him while he unloaded years of grief and rage.
There’s also a tenderness in these pages that surprised me. His love for his daughter is obvious and heartbreaking. I could feel his desperation to make sure she knows he tried, that he never stopped caring, even when he fell apart. Those parts made me pause and think about the weight kids carry when parents stumble. His reflections on family, loyalty, and betrayal were heavy, but they were also deeply relatable. He doesn’t ask for pity. He just wants someone to hear him out, to acknowledge that the fight doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
I walked away from this book feeling grateful. I’d recommend this stirring memoir to anyone who wants to understand what living with PTSD feels like from the inside. It’s especially important for family members of veterans because it shows the ripple effects of war long after the battlefield is gone. And for veterans themselves, it might feel like sitting with a brother-in-arms who isn’t afraid to tell the truth. The Broken Mirror is powerful, and it left me with a deep respect for the fight he continues every day.
Pages: 142 | ASIN : B0DLLD2CXC
LITERARY TITAN 