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We Can Rise Above It
Through over 80 narratives, STRONG explores the harrowing journeys of women from childhood adversity to eventual victory, showcasing their resilience and transformation in the face of trauma. Why was this an important book for you to publish?
I wanted people to know that no matter how difficult our early life may have been, we can rise above it. Our past need not define us. We can rewrite our story.
How did you approach the task of capturing the distinct experiences and emotions of each woman while also highlighting the shared strength and resilience they all possess?
I had no agenda or preset questions for our interviews. My approach was to see through her eyes as a silent observer. To feel what she felt as the smallest person in the room.
My task was to listen for the child’s thought process. I wanted to enter her world and hear her story, unfiltered, from her perspective as a small child, in the present tense, and not in the voice of an adult looking back and making observations on her life.
That part was easy.
The challenge was to compress the narrative into as few words as possible to fit the narrow confines of the book’s design, and then refine and smooth out the text into a quick, easy read. At times, I felt more like a sculptor than a writer, chiseling away anything not essential to the story.
The collaboration with artist Galih Winduadi adds a unique visual dimension to the book. How did you work together to ensure that the illustrations captured the essence of each narrative and enhanced the reader’s understanding?
I would not have embarked on this project without the visual dimension because I felt the drawings were as important as the text in conveying the child’s innocence.
I wanted the reader to experience each story as a piece of art, visually attractive and charming on the page, regardless of the sometimes-sordid subject matter.
The collaboration involved me, the child telling the story, the brilliant and patient artist Galih, Google Images and Google Translate.
Most of the women were surprisingly insistent that every detail be accurate—colors, clothing, patterns, textures, hair styles, facial expressions, room layouts, the view from the window. Because my artist does not speak English, you can imagine how challenging that was at times. In some instances, there were as many as eight or nine iterations before the storyteller and I felt we had captured the essence of her story.
What message or takeaway do you hope readers will gain from reading “STRONG” and the stories shared within it?
As I write in the book’s introduction, adults in general don’t show up well in many of these stories. As much as children suffer, it’s because the parents have suffered as well. They don’t realize they’re inflicting their own pain on the child. Unattended to, early childhood traumas pass on as intergenerational stress.
We can be better parents and teachers if we recognize the signs of adverse childhood events on young lives.
If we want to improve society in general, we need to start with decreasing childhood trauma and stress because that’s what drives our societal problems.
My deepest hope is that “STRONG” helps adults recognize that our children need to feel loved, connected, and safe at all times.
To the person who did not feel treasured as a child, the empowering message is, you survived. You are strong. You can rewrite your story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn
The memoirs read like intimate bits of conversation between best friends, overheard, at times in sordid detail.
These stories are in stark contradiction to the nostalgic ones we like to tell ourselves about the charms of childhood. They paint the picture of early years that are not all sunshine and rainbows. Some will amuse. Some will tear at your heart.
The author writes in a brief, clear, concise style. Original, full-color drawings capture the essence of each memory as seen through the eyes of the innocent child.
Endnotes reveal that through sheer strength and resilience, the women rose above adverse situations to achieve success in their respective fields: medicine, engineering, business, finance, consulting, construction, the C-Suite—despite the odds and gender bias that most women experience.
STRONG is not available in Kindle format. For one thing, the book is not designed to be read consecutively, cover to cover like a novel.
The intention is to draw the reader into the child’s world through the artwork. It is such an integral part of the reader’s experience that viewing digitally (especially on a tiny screen) does not do justice to the child’s memory.
A Collection of Tears
A Collection of Tears by Houa Lor presents an enthralling compilation of short stories that intricately explores the depths of human emotions and experiences. With eloquent prose and vivid storytelling, Lor takes readers on a captivating journey, providing glimpses of life that encapsulate both struggle and triumph.
One of the remarkable strengths of this collection lies in Lor’s impeccable mastery of character development. Each protagonist is meticulously crafted with remarkable depth and complexity, resulting in relatable and authentic individuals. Whether it is a grieving widow finding solace in her garden or a young boy grappling with the intricacies of identity, these characters come alive, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s psyche. The book’s resonant quality emanates from Lor’s evocative and poetic writing style. Through her vivid descriptions, readers are transported to the very core of the narratives, immersing themselves in diverse settings, ranging from the vibrant landscapes of rural villages to the bustling streets of cities. The author’s skillful use of imagery amplifies the emotional impact, offering readers a glimpse into the inner workings of each story. While fearlessly exploring themes of pain and sorrow, A Collection of Tears also provides glimpses of hope and resilience. Lor adeptly examines the human capacity to endure and find beauty even in the face of adversity. These narratives serve as powerful reminders of the transformative power of compassion, empathy, and the enduring bonds that connect us all.
A few pieces within the collection felt somewhat unfinished and certain endings left me yearning for more closure. Nevertheless, A Collection of Tears remains a beautifully written book that gracefully delves into the depths of the human experience, prompting readers to reflect on their own humanity. I recommend this book to those seeking a thought-provoking and evocative literary experience.
Makes Them Hunger For More
The Dog Stays weaves diverse narratives of love, loss, and self-discovery, expertly painting the human condition amid the pandemic, and offering readers an engaging literary journey through an eclectic range of characters. What inspired you to write and publish this book?
I was a Registered Nurse in Critical Care Unit. (now retired) and never had time to write fictional stories. But I always had an interest. And once I started to write and submit my short stories to flash fiction sites, the positive feedback, and the sheer enjoyment motivated me to continue. And eventually, I chose some of my favorites for the book.
The stories in ‘The Dog Stays’ offer a balance of dialogue, vivid descriptions, and introspection. How do you maintain this balance when writing short stories?
I want to engage the reader on an emotional level and keep them interested, so I try to incorporate description, dialogue and introspection into my short stories. Sometimes this is a difficult task and the balance between the three elements shifts. For instance, if I have only one character, I necessarily won’t include dialogue but may use introspection. This will encourage the reader to draw their own conclusions about the characters. Although my ultimate goal is to create a story that captures the reader’s imagination and makes them hunger for more.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection?
LOVE: I had witnessed humanity at its most vulnerable in my workplace and in everyday life.
Love was such a powerful emotion and universally relatable, I wanted it to appear in some of my stories.
“A Blue Baby Hat.” James displayed his love, vulnerability and devotion as he waited by his wife’s bedside.
“Frailty of Life.” The Love of a daughter for a mother who had dementia.
HOPE: Barbara sat by her husband’s bedside in “Please Stay.” She hoped and prayed that she would hear his voice, one final time.
LONELINESS: “George.” George waited by the door in the nursing home for his family. And he hoped they would visit that day.
But loneliness was also present in some of my stories after a family member lost a loved one to death or dementia.
BELONGING: “Rudolph.” The reindeer felt a need to be one of the ‘gang.’
POVERTY: “The Shelter.” The sad and lonely life of a homeless gentleman who had become invisible.
FORGIVENESS: “Flame.” The dragon (flame) and film director (Cedric) who eventually learned to work together.
HUMOR: A few of my stories made me laugh. And if I could make my readers laugh, giggle and thoroughly enjoy themselves then that was a good thing.
SUFFERING: Some of my characters were subjected to grief and suffering through loss. I felt it needed to be addressed in my stories.
In summary, I tried to apply one major and a few minor themes to my stories. But it all depended on their length.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am contemplating a second anthology of stories. Perhaps longer in length. I may even attempt a children’s story. I think my dragon “Flame” would make a wonderful subject. But I have yet to make a decision.
When is it available? If my creative juices continue to flow, it should be soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Your phone rings just as you toss them on the kitchen table.When you answer, an automated messaging system causes your heart to rapidly beat in your chest. Your hands shake.Flustered, the phone slips from your grasp.
This collection of very short stories will delight readers interested in any genre.
Some may make you sad. Some may make you smile and laugh. Blush? Perhaps. But they promise to entertain. So please sit down, get comfortable and enjoy!
The Healing Book
The Healing Book: A Collection of Short Stories, authored by Dustin Grinnell, is a poignant anthology that takes readers on a journey alongside diverse characters as they confront personal challenges and seek a deeper sense of purpose. Comprising thirteen compelling short stories, this collection delves into various themes, ranging from the discovery of one’s own voice to providing solace to someone who may not be healed.
A standout story in the collection, titled The Healing Book, tells the tale of Dr. David Mitchel, a surgeon grappling with his wife’s cancer diagnosis. As he exhaustively explores every possible avenue to help her combat the disease, from conventional medical treatments to holistic practices and the transformative power of literature, he eventually comes to terms with the painful reality of her passing. Through this story, Grinnell masterfully captures the emotional turmoil faced by countless individuals affected by cancer.
The author’s writing style strikes a delicate balance between scientific grounding and a thought-provoking exploration of morality. Drawing upon his background in Western medicine, Grinnell deftly showcases the complexities of the human experience, posing challenging questions and confronting difficult issues with sensitivity and courage. Each short story is thoroughly engaging, marked by well-developed characters and insightful examinations of human nature.
A unifying thread that runs through the collection is the characters’ pursuit of spiritual healing. These relatable, evocative tales will resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. I am pleased to have read this captivating and thought-provoking book, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking empathetic, introspective, and engaging stories.
Growing Down
Growing Down, a story by Michael Tuberdyke, follows two men struggling to find contentment in their sedentary lives. After a friend’s wedding, Sam and Kevin begin to feel like they are “behind” everyone else. The two console each other, argue, and briefly wonder how they can improve their lives. The story shows how they interact with the world around them with their vices. Together, they express their fears and doubts about life while learning more about each other.
The author takes readers on a comedic journey alongside Sam and Kevin that will surely appeal to readers who can relate to the feeling of being left behind. Even though there was little character development, I think this book was written to show Sam and Kevin reflecting on life and written simply to entertain and engage readers with its narrative. The story simply follows two men through their day, from them being intoxicated in the morning to them making it to the evening. Nothing really happened to drive the plot or carry the story toward something meaningful, but seeing them interact with one another was fascinating. The author has a very natural ear for dialogue, and it came off as realistic and easy to follow. Tuberdyke’s vivid descriptions made it easy to picture the scenes described in the story. Additionally, the chapter divisions based on the time of day helped make the events’ timelines clear and understandable.
Growing Down is a comedy that is perfect for readers who enjoy unique humor, and many relate to the feeling of life going by and reflecting on what we have accomplished over the years. I would recommend this thought-provoking read to those who enjoy a lighthearted story.
Pages: 66 | ASIN : B0BWH2BMMQ
The Marvelous Misfits of Westminster
The Marvelous Misfits of Westminster by Andrea Hahnfeld encompasses the expression “expect the unexpected” in a nutshell. There aren’t many short stories that combine a dog show and a broken marriage with a second-chance grasp at a dream career, all while throwing in a side plot of mystery and suspense – not to mention, it’s got a target audience for all ages.
It’s been five years since protagonist Clement entered the Westminister Dog Show. A gentle character with a big heart and comforting energy, he never expected to be a judge again. However, one thing is clear – something’s brewing. After an unusual decision during the Best of Group event, one way too unacceptable to simply bypass, the board is upset, and it’s Clement’s job to set things straight. In a sticky scenario, the judge who has made the decision is Edith, Clement’s ex-wife. All too soon, the reasoning for Edith’s outrageous judgment comes to light in the form of Irving, who’s the size of a Shetland pony, matted and dirty, from a rare line of hero dogs. The issue: Irving’s dying. He’s also the key to saving Edith’s life from the shadow, a being that stole Edith and Clement’s child in the night and is now set to return at any moment. To accomplish this, Irving must breed with Salvatora – a notorious prize-winning show dog – who comes from a long line of survivors. The connection between Salvatora and Irving is vital, their offspring will save many lives, and Clement is destined to bring about their connection.
Many will connect with and enjoy following Clement’s character throughout the story. I loved that the story was told from Clement’s perspective because I could understand his motives and thoughts. The vivid details immerse the reader into the story, and I feel like I was alongside Clement at the dog show. This unique plot is different but captivating, and I found it hard to put it down because I wanted to know more. The author’s writing is imaginative, making this a read unlike any other.
Overall The Marvelous Misfits of Westminster is a well-written and original mystery with an unanticipated collision of themes and genres. I highly recommend this brilliant story with a well-paced plotline and strategic depth embossed into each character, to everyone, especially dog lovers.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B091BJXMKC
Regrets, Love, Sex and Life Lessons
Regrets, Love, Sex and Life Lessons by Melissa Owens will take you on an evocative and scandalous journey through a series of short stories about relationships and life choices that have expected and unexpected outcomes. This provocative compilation of narratives will be relatable to many and shocking to most. Should you keep quiet about inappropriate affairs in the workplace? Can you ignore the red flags with the new boyfriend? Is your gut feeling about someone reliable? Should you act upon passion driven impulses? These are the questions the characters have to answer for themselves and live with the consequences: good, bad, or indifferent.
2 Imperfect People threw me for a loop and was a story that I did not expect. Author Melissa Owens sets a quick pace with this story and I wanted to read more. From there the stories took me on a roller coaster of emotions and I found myself rolling my eyes and rooting for the main character for sticking up for herself. I feel many of these stories will be relatable to many readers, especially women. The sex scenes were incredible; many of the characters in the stories were having sex for three hours! The author created vivid scenes that are filled with passion and yearning and sometimes that ended in disappointment for one of the characters, mostly the women. Country Carlton Has Taught Me a True Valuable Lesson in This Thing Called “Life” is another short story that surprised me because of Carlton’s behavior.
Author Melissa Owens has provided readers with a collection of intriguing stories about women and their experiences with dating, having sex, and regretting many decisions with the men that they choose. This is a captivating read and, while relatable, the last story in the book gives hope to many that there are still good ones out there.
Pages: 122 | ASIN: B09B4F7SS4
Vengeful Strike
Vengeful Strike is an entertaining short story by author Jah-Femi Telewa. It is a tale of a soldier named Killsmani and how he struggles to serve his king. One day the fictional northern lands of Nottally receive visitors from their southern neighbors. Bearing gifts and riches for the king, they are welcomed with open arms. Killsmani then has a peculiar dream where his sword becomes enchanted with what may be a blessing or a curse. He goes on to fight many successful battles for his king until some unrest comes to the land. Killsmani’s decisions will impact Nottally for the years to come.
Vengeful Strike reads like a fable or fairy tale, with a moral lesson of choosing between right and wrong. The setting is medieval/fantasy, the characters are mysterious, and the feats are mighty. There are the bones of a good fairy tale here, but as it is laid out, the consequences are more matter-of-fact than cautionary, as one traditionally expects in a fable or fairy tale. Killsmani’s choices are thrust upon him, and he reactively responds to certain situations rather than thinking about the consequences. The other characters are there merely to prop up the tale of Killsmani and his plight.
The audiobook version of Vengeful Strike was quite entertaining. The production value was extremely high quality, included some pretty good sound effects, and the narration was lively. In addition, I thought the story, while predictable at times, was a pleasant tale.
Vengeful Strike will captivate fantasy readers and draw them into the kingdom of Nottaly. Readers who enjoy fables and folktales will really enjoy this short story. I also feel like this is an excellent outline of what could be a compelling full-length novel about Killsmani and his enchanted sword. I would also like to see more adventures in the kingdom of Notttally and the surrounding lands.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0BH36DRRJ
LITERARY TITAN 