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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

THE MYTHOLOGIES OF THE AMERICAS – A BOOK TRILOGY by Roberto Jimenez
Fleeting Moments, Eternal Memories by Manmohan Sadana

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.

A Watcher of People

Judy Marano Author Interview

So I’ve Been Thinking is a series of short, real-life stories pulled from your own experiences that reflect on something we all wrestle with: family dynamics, personal growth, fear, nostalgia, bravery, and, yes, dessert. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I have been a watcher of people. What I have come to realize is that we are much more alike than we are different. By sharing these stories, I am hoping people find commonality and in that, see our neighbors, friends, and people we have yet to meet as friends.

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what was the most rewarding? 

The hardest part was putting the stories together in a way that makes sense to the reader. The most rewarding part was rereading the stories from a reader’s perspective. 

What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?

My mom taught me about self-love at a very young age. She said, “You can’t take care of others if you don’t fill your well and take care of yourself first.”

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?

I hope the reader laughs, cries, smiles, and feels joy. I hope they continue to talk about the book long after they finish the last page.

Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Are you the kind of person who notices the small and not-so-small events that occur around you as you make your way through life? Or do you put your blinders on and try to go through your day checking off the to-do list? What if, instead of just moving through your day, you found a moment to stop, notice, and ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” So I’ve Been Thinking is a series of stories about everyday life experiences. Although we are individuals, at the core of our being, we share the same pride in our families, traditions passed from generation to generation, and the ups and downs of life. There is an unseen web that connects each of us together. While reading, you might find the corners of your mouth begin to rise; perhaps a laugh will slip through, or a tear will slide down your cheek. Although the details may be different, the daily lessons we can gather from even the smallest interactions can be very similar. Each of the tales in this book is taken from the experiences of the writer, with the permission of her friends and family. Of course, everybody recognizes themselves. Yet every reader that picks up this book will find the story or stories that were written just for them. This is not a self-help book. However, it is a book about life: yours, mine, and ours. While reading this book, the writer hopes that you will discover new ways to cherish your life and find moments filled with joy.

The Gift: Finding the extraordinary in everyday living

Kathy Morley’s The Gift is a heartfelt spiritual memoir that takes the reader on a deeply personal journey through the author’s awakening to her intuitive gifts and her exploration of metaphysical experiences. Framed through decades of encounters with meditation, energy healing, channeling, and otherworldly presences, the book is divided into thematic sections that document her transformation from an everyday woman grappling with hardship to a spiritual seeker finding meaning in the mystical. At its core, it’s a tale of survival, curiosity, and growth, sparked by the painful realities of her daughter’s mental illness and her own desire for healing.

From the moment Kathy steps into the quirky retreat center “Su Casa” I was hooked. The skepticism she brings to her first New Age weekend mirrors the doubt so many of us feel when we’re faced with something outside the norm. Her honest reactions—like wanting to wring her friend’s neck upon seeing the rundown retreat—made her instantly relatable. But it was her descriptions of the otherworldly beings she met during meditation, with “gray-blue hands” and “kaleidoscopic cities,” that made me stop and read twice. I wasn’t expecting such vivid, other-dimensional imagery, and I found myself both skeptical and wide-eyed with wonder. Kathy’s writing is casual and raw, which makes the magical stuff feel surprisingly grounded. It made me wonder what strange truths might lie just beneath the surface of our own “normal” lives.

I’ll admit, some parts of the book made me laugh—not because they were silly, but because of how unexpectedly earnest they were. Like when she experiences the Shekinah Fire in a bookstore and thinks she’s having a hot flash, only to be told she’s feeling the divine presence of God. It was funny and profound all at once. But what really struck me emotionally was her connection to her mother and Grandma Rose. These stories of generational psychic gifts and intuitive healing rooted the narrative in something ancestral and real. Her mother seeing her deceased brother, and her grandmother using herbs and spiderwebs to heal wounds, reminded me of the old stories my own grandmother used to tell. There’s something comforting about the way Kathy weaves spiritual epiphanies with kitchen-table wisdom.

At the end of the book, I was moved by how far Kathy had come—from a woman doubting her own sanity to someone confidently guiding others through their own spiritual questions. There’s a strong undercurrent of resilience throughout the book that feels empowering, especially for readers who’ve dealt with emotional hardship or family illness. I wouldn’t say the writing is polished in a literary sense—it’s more like sitting down with a friend who’s spilling their soul over coffee. But that’s what makes it powerful. It’s unfiltered, unpretentious, and brimming with belief.

I’d recommend The Gift to anyone who’s curious about spiritual awakening, alternative healing, or simply wants to read a story about someone who decided to stop running from the strange and start listening. It’s especially meaningful for people who’ve had intuitive flashes or unusual dreams but never felt comfortable talking about them. Kathy Morley’s book reminds us that maybe, just maybe, the weirdest things are also the most beautiful.

Pages: 170 | ASIN: B07Z8H93L1

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More Than Luck Required: A Journey of Healing, Hope, and Love

More Than Luck Required is a heartfelt journey through grief, redemption, and rediscovery, wrapped up in a slow-burning romance that sneaks up on you just like real love sometimes does. The story follows Lora Hamilton, a woman burdened by the traumatic loss of her daughter and the emotional wreckage left behind by an abusive marriage. When her father dies, she reluctantly returns to Orca Park in Washington—a place filled with both painful and peaceful memories—to fulfill a final promise to him: start living again. What begins as a soul-searching trip with her mother soon unravels into something far more transformative when she gets lost and is rescued by Cooper Martin and his spirited teenage daughter, Emma.

I wasn’t prepared for how deeply this book would hit. Right out of the gate, Morgan doesn’t ease us in—she drops us into Lora’s storm of guilt, pain, and emotional paralysis. The writing is raw in a way that doesn’t try too hard. It just lands. That moment when Lora finds a single daisy in a flower bed and smiles for the first time in what feels like years? That hit me. It was so subtle and beautiful—a soft nudge from life, saying, Hey, I’m still here if you want me. That tiny moment carried so much weight, and I found myself hoping she’d hang onto it.

Morgan’s dialogue is refreshingly authentic. The conversations between Lora and her mom felt like eavesdropping on something private. Their exchanges are laced with grief, unsaid things, love, and all the awkward clumsiness that comes with trying to help someone heal when you’re broken too. And the way Morgan peels back Lora’s layers through little things—hesitations, tiny smiles, anxious inner monologues—she doesn’t rush her. The healing feels earned, not handed over with a bow.

The love story between Lora and Cooper doesn’t try to be slick. And thank God for that. It’s hesitant. Awkward. Kind. Full of missteps and warmth. Cooper’s gruff charm and Emma’s playful sass ground the story in a way that makes their household feel like a soft place to land. When Lora wears Emma’s too-small sweatshirt, covered in a faded boy band, and feels ridiculous but cared for? I loved that scene. It was such a gentle, honest glimpse at a woman remembering how to let people in. And while some romantic tropes are here—single dad, handsome rescuer, cozy dinners—they never feel cheap. They feel earned, like everything in Lora’s journey.

The book sometimes leans into its symbolism. The sea glass, the daisy, the storm—at times, I felt like I was being nudged too obviously. But even then, I couldn’t help but appreciate how consistent Morgan is in weaving these elements throughout Lora’s evolution. It’s clear they mean something to her as a writer, and by the end, they meant something to me, too.

More Than Luck Required is for anyone who’s had their heart broken and wondered if it was possible to piece it back together. It’s for people stuck in their grief, who’ve forgotten what warmth feels like. It’s not flashy or overly clever, and that’s exactly why it works. If you’re into books that make you cry a little, smile a lot, and maybe call your mom afterward, then you’ll enjoy this book.

Pages: 349 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F5QKMHLQ

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Mind Your Growth

Mind Your Growth is a bold, no-nonsense guide to personal evolution that blends science, philosophy, and some deeply introspective storytelling. The structure is built around five clear phases: understanding yourself, decoding your decisions, defining growth, attracting it, and finally—transcending. It’s not here to pat you on the back. It’s here to shake you awake. Nav Jassi doesn’t hold your hand—he hands you the mirror, points, and says, “Now fix it.”

What got me hooked was how direct and raw Jassi’s writing feels. The preface pulls no punches. It’s basically Jassi saying, “Look, nobody’s coming to save you. Growth? That’s your job.” There’s an unapologetic urgency that runs through every page. I’ve read a ton of growth books, but few have made me stop mid-page and reevaluate my excuses. It’s like the author knows when you’re skimming and slaps your focus back on the text.

Then there’s the section on identity illusion, which I wasn’t expecting to hit as hard as it did. Jassi rips into labels—religion, education, politics—and how we wear them like name tags instead of exploring who we really are​. He says, “You are not your title,” and goes on to show how blindly clinging to these labels traps us in other people’s scripts. There’s a moment where he writes, “You must take charge of your own development… not follow someone else’s path.” It reminded me that I’ve been coasting in areas of my life just because it’s what’s expected.

The voice of this book is what really makes it work. It’s not preachy. It’s conversational, weirdly funny, and sometimes poetic. One standout moment? The mind-as-jazz-band analogy, describing thoughts as a chaotic 3 a.m. solo was genius​. There’s humor, there’s grit, and there’s soul. I also loved how Jassi connects modern science with ancient wisdom, especially when discussing the spirit as the “quiet engine” that keeps pulling us toward purpose even when life is wrecking us. “Growth by Action” cuts through all the theory and gets real about the one thing most people avoid—doing the actual work. Jassi says that growth isn’t in thinking or planning, it’s in movement, and that resonated with me personally. The chapter’s energy is pure momentum—no fluff, just fire.

I’d say this book is for anyone who’s tired of sugarcoated advice. If you’re in a place where life feels too busy, too noisy, or just kind of stuck—and you want something that pushes you to grow from the inside out—Mind Your Growth is your wake-up call. It’s not just a read. It’s a reset.

Pages: 305 | ISBN : 978-1738347308

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Testament to My Resilience

Laura Muchmore Author Interview

In You Are So Much More: Truths Shared by Spirit Volume One, you share with readers your spiritual experiences as well as your journey from childhood to motherhood and the challenges you have faced along the way. Why was this an important book for you to write?

As mentioned in the book, I am a very private person and don’t like to be ‘on stage,’ so to speak. The fear of judgment looms large in my mind, keeping me in the closet. However, there was this gentle yet persistent calling of my Soul, a voice that urged me to share little bits of my musings with those around me. The overwhelming response to my blog was, ‘WOW! That touched me. You should write a book!’ I have learned to trust these nudges and listen to the inner stirrings encouraging me to leap into the unknown.

Writing the books was truly a form of therapy for me, a lifeline during a time when I was experiencing one trauma after another. It was a testament to my resilience, giving me purpose and allowing me to work through all the jagged emotions ‘on paper.’

The creation of anything – a painting, a poem, a garden, a home – flows through the creator into physical form, and although I had typed the words, organized the content, and shared my own ‘radical transparency,’ I was amazed by what I read, and I knew that these books had a profound mission – to remind people of who and what they are – SO MUCH MORE! With such an important mission, I could not allow my fears to keep these books on my computer. So I jumped and prayed for a parachute and launched these books into the world, unsure how they would land.

Once the books were available for purchase, I held my breath and was pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback from the readers. Words like “I feel seen,” “This deeply resonated,” “A must read,” “The nudge I needed,” and “A rare gift” gave me the strength and confidence I needed to continue. I am a custodian of these books, and I am honored that I was able to be the vehicle to bring them to life.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you tell your story. What was the most difficult thing for you to write about?

The most challenging topic to write about was my journey to self-acceptance. My first blog post was a writing assignment given to me by a life coach, which opened a Pandora’s Box full of unconscious memories, perceptions, and internal conflicts that led me on a journey of self-exploration, ultimately leading to the writing of these books.

What is one misconception you think many people have about spirituality?

The biggest misconception is that one must look, act, or live a certain way to be considered “spiritual.” I have encountered more people I refer to as “Everyday Mystics,” who don’t practice yoga, wear crystals, meditate, or attend metaphysical conferences yet are in contact with extraterrestrial beings, channel their Higher Selves and other Divine Collectives, can see beyond our visible life experience, can heal with the touch of their hands, hold frequencies that help to heal the environment – their gifts are limitless. These people are your boss, doctor, lawyer, friend, family member, and even your next-door neighbor.

There’s also the idea that if someone is considered ‘spiritually evolved’ that they must have their shit together. NO ONE has it all figured out and we are ALL trying to find our way through life. There are more days than I’d like to admit that I feel anger, frustration, judgment, sadness, apathy and disgust. It’s how long I choose to stay with those emotions that determine how ‘evolved’ I am. The greatest spiritual teachers are those who can show their vulnerability and human weaknesses while walking their path – Authenticity is the most powerful tool in self-transformation.

I’ve also discovered that some who wear the costume of ‘spirituality’ are the most dysfunctional, manipulative, and corrupt people I’ve come across. They tend to use spiritual buzzwords, regurgitate someone else’s content, and dress up in garb that would catch the attention of a seeker. It all comes down to “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The key is discernment.

Can you give us a peek inside Volume 2?

The summary on the back of Volume 2 reads as follows:
Following a life-altering experience that shook her world, Laura returns to the quantum realms seeking answers. Through continued hypnotherapy sessions, she receives protection and preparation for sharing these universal revelations with humanity.

Volume 2 weaves together profound spiritual insights with raw human experience, showing how we can conquer life’s challenges through a higher perspective. This continuation of Laura’s journey reveals that even our darkest moments can lead to our greatest evolution, reminding us that we are never truly alone as we walk between worlds.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon

You Are So Much More: Truths Shared by Spirit chronicles the journey through the life of an ordinary woman who, in seeking to better understand herself, her relationships and her path, was provided a glimpse into realms beyond conventional understanding while in past life regression sessions. The messages received were not just for her, they were meant for all of humanity.

Join Laura on an extraordinary journey as she delves into the mysteries of consciousness through Quantum Hypnotherapy sessions. What begins as a simple quest for self-discovery evolves into profound encounters with Divine Beings, extraterrestrial consciousnesses, and her own multidimensional nature.

Through these sessions, universal wisdom about humanity’s true potential is revealed, challenging our understanding of reality while offering hope and guidance for these transformative times. This deeply personal account demonstrates how an ordinary life can open doorways to extraordinary revelations, proving that we are indeed so much more than we imagine.


Flirting With Extinction: Collected Essays & Stories

Joanna Kadish’s Flirting With Extinction is a raw and unapologetic mosaic of personal essays and stories that chart a life punctuated by grief, recklessness, resilience, and searching. The book dives headfirst into heavy themes: addiction, motherhood, loss, and the fragile line between survival and surrender. With prose that veers between unfiltered vulnerability and sharp humor, Kadish offers an intimate chronicle of a woman navigating trauma through love, memory, danger, and—sometimes—wild horses.

What struck me most was Kadish’s unflinching voice. She doesn’t tidy up her pain, doesn’t soften her edges. In the preface, she talks about clawing her way back from a state of “perpetual sadness” after losing her sons to the opioid crisis—a tragedy that ripples through many of the essays with a haunting steadiness. In “Anatomy of a Firefighter,” she captures childhood pyromania and sibling chaos in the heat-scorched deserts east of Los Angeles. It’s darkly funny, but the undercurrent of danger—both literal and emotional—never lets you forget the stakes.

Kadish’s writing is pure guts and gravel in “Calamity Jane,” where she recounts a horrifying attempt to break a rodeo bronc as a young girl. The imagery is searing: the smashed teeth, the blood, the betrayal of the body. But what lingers most is her twisted pride in lasting the “full eight seconds” before being flung like a ragdoll. There’s something electric in the way she writes pain. It’s not masochism; it’s a yearning to feel, to prove, to matter. This isn’t just about animals—it’s about people, about relationships, about the wild things in ourselves that won’t be tamed no matter how gently we try.

What I liked most about the chapter Zero Evidence was how it peeled back the layers of human fragility in the face of relentless judgment. Kadish walks the tightrope between raw confession and sharp critique, especially when she recounts the moments after her son’s overdose and the unbearable silence that followed. The way she describes the hospital room, the indifferent fluorescent lights, and the cold detachment of the medical staff—it all made my chest tighten. But it’s the emotional isolation that hit hardest. She’s grieving, furious, helpless, and still somehow worried about how others might view her as a mother. Her honesty cuts deep.

This is not a gentle collection. It won’t hold your hand or let you off the hook. But Flirting With Extinction will speak to anyone who’s lived through pain and come out the other side with scars and stories. It’s for people who can’t stop looking backward even while forging ahead. I’d especially recommend it to those who’ve wrestled with addiction in their families, lovers of memoir that bleeds fiction, and women who’ve ever been called “too much” for wanting to ride the bronc instead of just watching.

Pages: 300 | ASIN : B0DJHCQ5LT

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So I’ve Been Thinking

Imagine sitting on a porch swing with a wise, funny friend who hands you a glass of wine and says, “Okay, listen to this…” That’s what reading So I’ve Been Thinking feels like. Judy Marano doesn’t lecture. She shares. She wonders. She pokes at life with a curious stick and invites you to do the same.

This book isn’t a self-help manual. It doesn’t come with five-point plans or bolded advice boxes. Instead, it’s a series of short, real-life stories pulled from Judy’s own experiences and written with an honest voice that’s both sharp and warm. Each essay reflects on something we all wrestle with: family dynamics, personal growth, fear, nostalgia, bravery, and, yes, dessert.

The stories start small, a paddleboard ride, a dance across campus, a Thanksgiving dinner flip-flopped in reverse. But somehow, each one blooms into something bigger. It’s less about what happened and more about what it all means. Judy has a way of turning everyday events into little wisdom bombs. Like the time she went to her first opera and walked out changed, not because of the music, but because she finally stopped letting fear run the show.

What made this book resonate with me is how normal everything is. You recognize these moments. They’re universal. The quiet ache of an empty holiday. The sweet chaos of raising kids. That quiet voice that says, “I don’t belong here,” and the louder one that finally replies, “Actually, I do.” The writing is conversational but thoughtful. No fluff. No filler. Just well-told moments that make you think without trying too hard. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re staring out the window thinking, “Yeah… I’ve felt that too.”

There’s a lot of love in these pages, love for curiosity, for change, for letting go, for holding on. Judy doesn’t claim to have the answers, and that’s probably why the book works. She just asks the right questions. And she does it with grace, humor, and a touch of sass.

So I’ve Been Thinking is for anyone who’s trying to make sense of life’s messiness and magic without getting too serious about it. Read a chapter before bed, on a train, in between errands. It’s that kind of book, light enough to carry, rich enough to stay with you. Highly recommended if you like Anne Lamott, Nora Ephron, or just good old-fashioned real talk.

Pages: 143 | ASIN : B0DJMGB4RG

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