Blog Archives
Employing Courage
Building Men is your tribute to the men and moments that shaped your character, offering twenty virtue-driven stories as blueprints for building a meaningful life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The lessons of character gifted to me are less available in today’s world. The traits offered by the mentors in the book are digestible and understandable in story form for anyone who longs to improve their character and life’s outcome.
What inspired you to center each chapter around a specific virtue, and how did you choose which ones to include?
The character traits found in Building Men were in a somewhat chronological order according to the time they were experienced. I found myself focused on the stories of impact, and then distilled the character trait as the true benefit that was a natural outcome of the lesson.
Was there a particular story or person that was the hardest or most emotional for you to write about?
Because I have so little understanding of the war experience encountered by my son, Major, the nature of the lesson is more emotional than practical. I will not pretend to have experienced war except through the phone calls that were interrupted by gunfire. While my parental experience was real, the actual person running towards danger was the one who was employing courage.
How do you hope younger readers, especially those without strong male mentors, will connect with this book?
I long for my readers to grasp the low-tuition learning available to them from others. There are many within the community, school, and church settings who have much to offer. Some of these unlikely learning environments are not at first apparent. The lesson classroom in the book happened at virtually every place I found myself willing to watch and listen. While the mentors and stories in the book were all positive, rest assured, I have also learned from negative teachers and experiences as well. It is my active choice to dwell and honor the positive people who helped to form my life.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
What defines the making of a man?
Jim Tracy didn’t just establish multi-million-dollar family-owned businesses from his humble garage; he, alongside his family, embodied the American Dream. Jim attributes this success to the mentors who helped shape him into the entrepreneur and Hall of Fame inductee he is today.
In Building Men, Jim explores the essence of true character building, sharing stories of pivotal figures who influenced his business acumen, integrity, and leadership. He offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to guide young men toward becoming conscientious individuals who consistently make wise decisions.
From lessons learned from his grandfather to the principles he instills in his grandchildren, Jim provides a roadmap for raising young men in our complex modern world, offering a wealth of inspiration and practical advice.
Communication Structure
Anger Management Solutions for Parents is a hands-on, compassionate guide aimed at helping parents understand and manage their emotional responses, especially anger, in the context of parenting. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I am passionate about families being the most important cornerstone of great people. Children are our future.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That sharing feelings and setting up boundaries are all structures needed for family and life communication. Parents are the biggest influence on a child’s experience and learning.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger and struggling with the frustrations of parenting?
I wish my parents were more open and understood what they were teaching me as a child in how to handle my anger, by handling theirs with us and each other.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Anger Management Solutions for Parents?
Build a communication structure with their children that makes a difference in that child’s life and all the people they interact with throughout life. Instill confidence in who they are and ensure that what they are communicating is effective and not damaging to another or themselves.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
As a parent, navigating the emotional challenges of raising children can often feel overwhelming. The daily mix of joys, frustrations, and responsibilities can stir up anger and frustration, making it difficult to maintain a peaceful household. You’re not alone in feeling this way.
Does this sound familiar?
• You’re trying to keep your cool, but your child’s actions push you to the brink.
• In stressful moments, communication becomes strained, leading to misunderstandings.
• You regret your reactions in heated situations, wishing for a better approach.
• Despite your best efforts, the home feels tense, and you worry about how your anger is affecting your relationship with your child.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to define your parenting journey.
Managing anger in parenting is a skill that can be learned. In Anger Management Solutions for Parents, you’ll discover practical strategies to regain control over your emotions and create a more harmonious family environment. This book will guide you through understanding your anger, identifying triggers, and applying effective techniques to stay calm.
By the end of this book, you’ll have practical tools to improve your relationship with your children and foster a nurturing, positive family atmosphere.
Key insights from the book
• Understanding Anger: Learn the psychology behind anger and how to turn it into a constructive force in your parenting.
• Identifying Triggers: Discover methods to identify what sparks your anger and how to manage those reactions.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Gain tools to stay calm and present, even in challenging moments.
• Effective Communication: Learn how to communicate effectively with your children, reducing conflict and misunderstanding.
• Building Emotional Resilience: Strengthen your emotional awareness and foster a supportive environment for your family.
• Practical Strategies: Discover actionable techniques, including journaling, breathing exercises, and timeouts, to regain control over your emotions.
• Creating a Support System: Learn the importance of seeking support from others, including professional counseling and connecting with other parents.
Whether you’re new to parenting or have years of experience, Anger Management Solutions for Parents provides essential tools to help you stay calm, positive, and engaged with your children. Ready to transform your approach to parenting? Start the journey today!
Anger Management Solutions for Parents
Agnes Blake’s Anger Management Solutions for Parents is a hands-on, compassionate guide aimed at helping parents understand and manage their emotional responses—especially anger—in the context of parenting. The book is structured around clear, practical strategies like mindfulness, emotional reflection, communication techniques, and stress-reducing exercises. It’s broken into chapters that walk the reader through identifying emotional triggers, setting up routines, and using real-life tools like the S.T.O.P. method or calm-down corners to de-escalate conflict and foster deeper family connection. Each section is packed with actionable tips, relatable examples, and interactive exercises that make it feel more like a parenting workshop than a textbook.
What stood out to me most was Blake’s tone. It’s gentle, relatable, and refreshingly nonjudgmental. She doesn’t talk down to the reader, and she doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. Instead, she writes as someone who’s been there, someone who has snapped at her kids and felt that crushing wave of guilt after. That honesty gave the book a level of emotional authenticity I wasn’t expecting. The writing itself is clean and straightforward, which makes even the more science-based parts (like the brain’s role in anger) feel digestible. Blake skillfully balances empathy with practicality, and the book never strays too far into theory or becomes too clinical.
I found that while many of the strategies were helpful, they were mostly designed for younger children and traditional family structures. That said, the core ideas—slowing down, naming your feelings, being kind to yourself—are universally valuable. I found myself using the breathing techniques in my own life, not just with kids, but in work stress, too.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend Anger Management Solutions for Parents to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids. New parents, especially those with toddlers or school-aged children, would get the most out of it. It’s also a solid read for co-parents looking to align their communication styles or build emotional awareness as a team. The tone is warm, the tools are realistic, and the overall message is reassuring.
Pages: 84 | ASIN : B0DMGQGS8K
The Empty Nest Blueprint for Single Parents
Anthony Damaschino’s The Empty Nest Blueprint for Single Parents is a practical and compassionate guide for single parents stepping into a new phase of life when their children leave home. The book weaves research, personal anecdotes, and a roadmap to help parents embrace the transition with confidence. Damaschino skillfully balances empathy with actionable advice, making this an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of an empty nest.
As a single parent myself, I found Damaschino’s observations deeply relatable. Chapter 1, “The Empty Nest Realization,” struck a chord with me, as it highlighted how society glosses over this life stage with throwaway phrases. He captures the emotional weight behind the transition, describing how empty nesters often feel invisible while their kids take center stage. This resonated with me because, let’s face it, no one throws a party for the parent left behind to reinvent their life.
One standout chapter was “Parent-Child to Parent-Adult.” Damaschino’s exploration of shifting dynamics between parent and child was eye-opening. He emphasizes the importance of stepping back without severing ties—a fine balance that I’m just beginning to understand. His example of setting boundaries while remaining a cheerleader for your child was comforting, reminding me that letting go doesn’t mean stepping away.
The book also dives into practical matters in “Pre-Launch Advice.” This chapter was my wake-up call. I hadn’t thought about the financial logistics of being an empty nester—like how to stop subsidizing my child’s cell phone without guilt! The real-world tips on budgeting, self-care, and even rekindling hobbies I’d long abandoned felt like a lifeline.
This book is about reclaiming your identity and embracing opportunities for personal growth. I walked away feeling more equipped to face this bittersweet season. I’d recommend The Empty Nest Blueprint for Single Parents to anyone in my shoes—single parents sending kids off into the world. It’s especially valuable if you’re unsure how to navigate the loneliness, logistics, or lingering doubts.
Pages: 388 | ASIN : B0D4S42T7Y
Notes from Motherland: The Wild Adventure of Raising Humans
Notes From Motherland: The Wild Adventures of Raising Humans is a heartfelt collection of essays capturing the rollercoaster that is motherhood. A tapestry of emotions, struggles, and triumphs, the book offers a raw and honest glimpse into the complex journey of parenting. Each story is a window into the wild world of raising humans, exploring themes from pregnancy expectations and the messiness of motherhood to the bittersweet experience of watching your children leave the nest. It’s a celebration of vulnerability, a testament to the resilience of mothers, and a nod to the universal challenges of nurturing life.
What I loved most about this book is its unflinching honesty. Chris Chandler’s essay, “Leaving the Nest,” captures that sense of raw anxiety and bittersweet freedom when a parent prepares to let their children fly on their own. Her metaphor of hawk parents fiercely protecting their young before they learn to soar perfectly encapsulates that protective instinct mixed with the sadness of separation. I felt Chandler’s pain and uncertainty, the aching yet hopeful anticipation as her sons set off into the world. It was relatable and had me nodding in agreement, thinking about all the messy and conflicted feelings parents experience. The writing was beautiful yet unpretentious, and that emotional punch stayed with me.
Then there’s Sierra Melcher’s “Mother Magic,” which almost feels like a love letter to motherhood. The way she describes those magical, mundane moments, like her child’s blueberry-stained smile or the sleepy snuggles of early morning, made me smile and ache with nostalgia. Melcher beautifully captures the paradox of wanting to savor every moment while knowing that change is inevitable. It’s poetic and deeply immersive, yet she keeps it grounded. Her reflections on raising a child in a foreign land and experiencing every day as an adventure added an extra layer of intrigue. The imagery and sensory details pulled me into her world, making even the simplest events feel significant.
This book is for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of parenthood. It’s messy, poignant, and beautiful. The stories are varied, with each writer bringing a fresh perspective and their unique voice, which keeps the book engaging. I’d recommend Notes From Motherland to anyone craving a deep and emotional read that doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships of raising humans but celebrates the joy and lessons along the way.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0CZPNYFYT
In Search of You; How To Find Joy When Doing More Isn’t Doing It Anymore
In Search of You, by Kasey Compton, is a deeply introspective memoir that explores the journey of self-discovery through the lens of childhood memories, intergenerational trauma, and personal growth. Compton’s raw and unfiltered narrative offers readers a candid look into her life, revealing her struggles and triumphs in a way that feels both personal and universal. This is not just a recounting of past events but an invitation for readers to reflect on their own lives, seeking greater understanding, healing, and self-appreciation.
Compton’s writing style is engaging and conversational, effortlessly drawing readers into her world. Her vivid descriptions bring memories to life—whether it’s the distinct smell of cigarette smoke in a beat-up Oldsmobile or the serene, sun-drenched afternoons spent in her grandmother’s garden. These sensory details make the past feel alive and immediate, pulling readers into the emotional landscape of her story. Structurally, the book alternates between past and present, a technique that mirrors the therapeutic process of revisiting and reprocessing formative childhood experiences. This narrative style adds emotional depth and allows readers to experience Compton’s vulnerability as she works through her memories.
The memoir is not only personal but profoundly brave. Compton tackles heavy, complex themes such as parental absence, emotional neglect, and the lingering effects of trauma. Through her therapeutic journey, she uncovers how these early experiences have shaped her adult identity. Her recollections are often poignant and, at times, heartbreaking, especially as she reflects on her mother’s struggles with depression and her own yearning for emotional connection. The inclusion of dialogues between Compton and her therapist offers readers an insightful look into the therapeutic process, providing a unique structure that allows readers to witness her real-time thoughts and emotions as she navigates her past. Compton delves into her mother’s and grandmother’s lives, exposing how trauma reverberates through families, adding layers of complexity and depth to the narrative. This generational perspective enhances the memoir’s emotional resonance, making it a rich exploration of how we are shaped by both our histories and our efforts to break free from them.
What makes In Search of You particularly powerful is Compton’s honesty. Her willingness to share her most painful experiences is both unsettling and empowering. The emotional weight of the story is palpable, and readers will feel her courage as she unpacks her past and strives to heal. This balance of pain and hope is what makes the book so impactful. While Compton revisits her wounds, she also demonstrates the power of healing and reclaiming one’s sense of self, making the book not only cathartic but also uplifting.
In Search of You is a compelling memoir that masterfully blends personal narrative with psychological insight. Compton’s writing is intimate and captivating, drawing readers into her world as she reflects on her past and works toward healing. This book is an excellent choice for anyone interested in mental health, self-discovery, and the journey of healing from trauma. As Compton breaks the cycles of the past and emerges more in touch with herself, readers are encouraged to embark on their own journeys of introspection and transformation.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0C7TF273M
Control is an Illusion
In Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey, A Daughter’s Pain., you share some of the most challenging aspects of your mother-daughter relationship and the fears and traumas that preceded your amazing healing journey. What inspired you to share your story with readers?
Melanie- I wanted to help other moms avoid the mistakes I made because of fear. I also wanted to help the moms who already made those mistakes make efforts toward repairing the damage. I knew that if I shared my experience, it would only be half of the story. That’s when I asked Amanda to write the book with me. She of course said yes.
Amanda- My mom approached me with the idea and felt like the work we had done to heal ourselves and our relationship could be beneficial for others to find freedom in their own stories. We had multiple people make comments on our relationship and how they wished they had the type of connection with their mom or daughter as we did. I have always wanted to write a book and loved the idea and said yes without hesitation.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you both told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Melanie- Chapter 6 titled Rootbound was the hardest for me. I share some heart-wrenching awakenings and losses in that chapter.
Amanda- I think the depth of vulnerability we get into throughout the book felt very scary to share with the world. You can’t take those things back once it’s out there. I was very aware of the potential backlash that may come with sharing various traumatic life experiences in such a candid way.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Melanie- I wish someone would have told me about control being an illusion and taught me how to have boundaries instead.
Amanda- I wish someone had told me to take the pressure off myself and helped me understand how to do that.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your experience?
Melanie- I want the reader to know they are not alone. I hope they can take away a little bit of bravery to face the unaddressed parts of their story.
Amanda- I hope they can connect to it and find themselves in our story. And for those that do connect to it, I hope that it brings a sense of feeling seen and that they are not alone in this journey, and that restoration in parent/child relationships is possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Synopsis:
In “Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey. A Daughter’s Pain,” we share the poignant story of a mother and daughter who courageously embarked on a path to healing. This book is not a how-to guide for achieving a perfect relationship; it’s a testament to the power of love and healing, offering hope to those seeking reconciliation and true connection within their own families.
What to Expect:
A Sense of Wholeness: Find solace in knowing you are not alone in facing the myriad of challenges that can arise within family life. Our experiences may mirror your own, and our shared journey will make you feel seen and understood.
An Inside Peek into Our Healing Journey: We offer you an intimate look at our healing process, both together and separately. Filled with photos, tips, and resources, our story will inspire and guide you on your own path to understanding and growth.
A New Perspective: Discover not only new insights into your family’s history but also the potential for transformation in your future. Witness the power of love, healing, and reconciliation that brought us together and see how it can happen for you too, with dedication and effort.
Beliefs and Topics Covered:
Breaking the Chains of Control: Our family was shaped by a parenting style rooted in fear and control, and we explore how it affected us and our relationships.
Navigating Faith and Family: Our beliefs influenced our family dynamics and life views. We share how faith played a role in our healing process and how the systems of religion gave fear a highway.
Conquering Shame and Pain: Delve into the emotional challenges we confronted, how we worked through them, and how healing is an ongoing journey.
Our journey was never easy, but we believe that healing and reconciliation are within reach for everyone. “Rootbound” is an invitation to join us and find inspiration and encouragement, wherever you may be in your life. Pick up your copy today and let our story inspire you to embrace growth, love, and connection. Click the buy now button and start your healing journey!
Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey, A Daughter’s Pain.
Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey, A Daughter’s Pain., by Amanda and Melanie Huggard, is a deeply moving memoir that chronicles the healing journey of a mother-daughter duo. Melanie, a controlling and overbearing mother, fostered a codependent relationship with her daughter, Amanda. As Amanda navigates a divorce, she commits to healing herself, unlearning her codependent behaviors, and building healthier relationships with her parents, especially her mother. Melanie, fully aware of how her attempts to protect her children led to negative consequences, acknowledges her fears and traumas. While they cannot change the past, Melanie and Amanda are dedicated to working on the present to create a better future.
The book is beautifully written, with both Amanda and Melanie taking turns as they share their perspectives. This dual narrative provides readers with an objective view, emphasizing that there are no villains in their story—just hurt individuals striving to overcome their demons and improve their lives and relationships. This balanced approach helps readers empathize with both mother and daughter, highlighting their humanity and resilience.
Rootbound is a truly touching story about the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship. It takes immense courage and determination to acknowledge when something is wrong and to face it head-on. Melanie and Amanda approach their struggles, hurts, and traumas with honesty, reflecting on the significant work they have already done on themselves and their relationship. Their openness is both inspiring and heartwarming, demonstrating the power of vulnerability in healing.
Several moments in the book stand out for their raw emotion and honesty. Coming from a psychology background, I was particularly struck by their willingness to share such personal stories. The two share life-altering moments and revelations no parent wants to admit and no child wants to hear. Another poignant moment is found in a letter Melanie writes to Amanda expressing regret for the past but promising to work on these issues for the sake of their relationship.
Rootbound underscores that there is no formula for personal growth or relationship repair. Our traits, attachment styles, and fears often originate within the family unit, and recognizing that what we were taught may no longer serve us is a courageous step. By working on these issues instead of ignoring them, we can improve not only our own lives but also those of our loved ones and future generations. I commend Melanie and Amanda for their honesty and for inspiring others on their healing journeys. Their story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love and dedication.
Pages: 197 | ASIN : B0CHW26NLP
LITERARY TITAN 