Blog Archives
Succeed in Life
100 Things Black Boys Should Do and Know is a no-nonsense, heartfelt, and refreshingly real guide written specifically for young Black boys that mixes tough love with encouragement, serious talk with humor, and spirituality with street smarts. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wrote this book in the Covid era, when kids were missing out on a lot of educational and social learning. I was in the school system and I noticed how black boys were having a hard time following instructions and showing manners. I was in total disbelief at what I was seeing. So, I said to myself what can I do, to help Black boys? That’s when it came to me, “I can write a book about things Black boys can do and know.” In the process of writing it, themes just came to me as I observed more Black boys. I also did some homework searching for a self-help book for Black boys. The ones that kept coming up were affirmation books, but I felt like they needed more.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
One piece of advice I wish someone would have given me? I would say, “Don’t let anything or anyone keep you from learning and growing as a person.”
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from 100 Things Black Boys Should Do and Know?
The thing I want anyone who reads my book to understand and know is that I really want Black boys to succeed in life and make a difference in this world.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Amazon
The Real King of Miami
Eric Sande’s The Real King of Miami offers a gripping dive into the world of crime through the eyes of Ray “Li’l Ray” Thompson, who recounts his story from Death Row at Zephyrhills Correctional Institution in Pasco County, Florida. This true crime novel stands out for its unique perspective, as it is largely based on interviews between the author and Thompson. Instead of an analytical recounting of facts, Sande delivers a narrative that reads like an intense thriller akin to Scarface or Narcos.
The prologue hooks readers immediately with the climactic murder of Jimmy Savoy, one of Ray’s employees who had betrayed him by stealing a substantial amount of money. From there, the narrative rewinds to delve into the author’s fascination with Li’l Ray, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of Ray’s operations in the marijuana smuggling world. The story, though dense with characters, ultimately centers on the critical event aboard the boat where Jimmy was killed. This book is not for the faint of heart. Its pages are laden with expletives, adding a raw and authentic feel to the storytelling. For readers who can overlook the language, these elements contribute significantly to the book’s realism and immersive quality. The narrative is so compelling that many readers might find themselves finishing the book in one sitting.
The Real King of Miami is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts looking to break away from dry, report-like accounts. Sande’s book offers a shorter yet equally hard-hitting experience, making it a standout addition to any true crime fan’s reading list.
Pages: 164 | ASIN : B0BMPDC4DH
Portals and Alternate Universes
The Portal to Aardon follows a sixteen-year-old boy navigating life in high school who discovers his ability to wield fire magic and that he comes from a different realm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story stemmed from several different sources. One of those being my love for portals and alternate universes as a kid, and the other being the fantasy stories, TV shows, and movies I grew up reading and watching. Stories like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Once Upon a Time were huge influences on the inception of The Portal to Aardon and in general my love of writing fantasy.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
There are definitely bits of my personal life in this story. For starters, Marko has a lot in common with myself when I was in high school–introverted, not a lot of self-confidence, not the coolest guy, but he makes it by with his perseverance and his dynamic group of friends. His best friend, Brock, also shares some similarities with a childhood best friend I had who was older than me, more confident, and more physically inclined. It’s natural to project your experiences and relationships into your writing as an author, and that’s certainly the case with The Portal to Aardon (though I’ll keep some of those examples a secret).
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some themes I wanted to explore in my book were the complications of growing older and navigating high school, as well as the complications of certain family dynamics. It’s pretty universally agreed that high school is a tough time in your life, going through puberty and experiencing tons of changes, figuring out who you are as a person and what you want to do with your life, dating. So I’ve always been drawn to those types of stories where you see a young individual juggling the struggles of high school, and on top of that, they have some other magical threat looming over them to deal with as well. I also wanted to showcase different family dynamics and how those can have an impact on young kids. For example, Marko grows up without his father, but he has an overly caring mother who does everything she can to fill that void. His friend Isabelle’s parents are in the midst of a divorce, while his friend Brock’s mother remarried after losing her husband. Then you have the villain, Mortis (incoming spoilers) who is father to twin characters, Sara and Damien. Damien was raised by Mortis in a very abusive environment, which made him act and do things he deeply regretted, while Sara was raised in a loving home with her mother. That dynamic between Damien and Mortis and Damien realizing he didn’t need his father’s approval to be who he truly wanted to be is a theme and subplot that will carry into the rest of the series of The Aardon Chronicles.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! Book 2, The Ashes of Ignis, is currently in the works and should be releasing in the next few months of 2024. I’m very excited to share this sequel with the world and expand more on the realm of Aardon and all these characters I’ve grown to love. Book 1 ended on a bit of a cliffhanger as all the characters entered the portal from Earth back to their home realm, so Book 2 will be continuing their stories in this brand-new world as they encounter new characters, new magic, and prepare to finish the war with Mortis once and for all. I’ll leave the rest as a surprise…
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Nothing is as it seems and all of a sudden, finding a date to the Homecoming dance doesn’t seem so important anymore.
Torn away from his mundane everyday life, Marko is thrown into the world of magic, mythical creatures, and ancient wars – all leading to the portal only he has the power to open.
Between fighting an evil warlock and desperately trying to harness his newly found powers, Marko has more than his work cut out for him.
Will he be able to rise to the challenge and save the people of Aardon?
Strange and Often Quite Humorous Places
Club X: Vampire in the Closet follows four boys attending an elite all-boys Catholic school in Thailand who try to uncover the school’s dark secrets while figuring out their own sexual identities. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Long story but here goes…I had a friend, a former executive of The Nation TV, a major media outlet in Thailand. He said to me, “Can you think of a Thai series I could sell to a Western platform?” I researched all the Thai TV series that were available on Netflix and other internationally available sites, and it was clear that the most popular subject matter, the one that Western felt to be “Thai” in feel, by far, were stories known as “BL”…tales of high school romances between boys. Generally rather innocent. In Asia, the main audience for these stories is actually young women. European and American TV are only just starting to toy with this genre (notably shows like the British Heartstopper for instance) but in Asia it is a huge genre, dominating the young adult market. I told my friend that this wasn’t a genre I was that familiar with. But, if I could combine the milieu with a storyline kind of like what I am more known for…that is horror or fantasy…perhaps, I could create a hybrid that might be quite fresh. So, I basically grafted the American “boys discover the dark secrets of their school” genre on top of the “BL” genre, and it led to very strange and often quite humorous places. And I started to create the pilot for this putative series.
Now, Amazon Vella was being born at that very time. So, I thought, as a serial format, it could be a way of testing out the story on people who like to read stories with cliffhangers. This is how the novel came about. At first, no one really noticed it, but after a few months, some of my regular book readers started to pick up on the series, and it was briefly one of the more highly-rated series on Vella, enough that I was able to use it to find people to invest in an independent production of the live-action version. So…it happened all at once, and we found ourselves shooting a series in various converted offices and people’s houses while I started writing Book II of Club X. Well, the series is in post-production and on the verge of appearing on some web TV platforms.
So, this is how this rather unusual setup came into being.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Yes and no. I did go to an elite boarding school but in England. I was also briefly in a Catholic school in Thailand but not a boarding school. As the director of a youth orchestra program, I’m often surrounded by people in this age bracket and able to observe how they talk and think at close hand. I’ve raised someone with Asperger’s, and my adopted son had many gender issues. All the characters are, in fact, inspired by real people.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The genre hands you a set of readymade characters — you can see this in everything from “IT” to “Stranger Things.” The coming-of-age trope says you must have four boys: a cute one, a tough one, a fat one, and a geek. You must have a girl that they all like because she plays their games, but will normally end up with the cute one. The tough one is usually also vulnerable. The cute one is often a writer, dreamer, a thinking man, and often a stand-in for the author himself. So, when I moved the milieu to a Thai-style BL milieu, the four compulsory boys underwent transformation. The main kid, the thinking one suffers from Asperger Syndrome. His best friend is a child prodigy. The kid who is usually presented as “fat” has a different social “issue” – he’s gender fluid, but he’s completely ok with it and so are all his friends. The “geek” becomes the kid with strange paranormal powers. So, there are many themes of identity and selfhood that are common to kids everywhere but are given a new twist because of the cultural setting. Interestingly, the original book and serial are written in English, but I had to write the screenplay in Thai (a first for me although I am bicultural.)
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
The second book, Zombie in the Fridge is already out. I’m working on a third, the title unsure, but I might go with Banshee in the Bathtub.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | S.P. Somtow | Patreon | Website | Amazon
St. Cecilia’s boys’ school is an elite boys’ school in a remote part of Thailand, a hotbed of hormones, mystery, fantasy, and dark secrets! Five kids (binary and non-binary) uncover the dark secrets of their school amid mysteries of identity and sexual attraction.
Why does Dr. Leopold Strange only teach after sundown? Why is Sister Euphemia dancing in the forest without her habit? And why can’t Kim and Fluke talk about the awful thing that happened to them in Oldenburg? And what’s in the closet?
Kick-Starting Adulthood
Actionable Life Skills for Young Adults provides readers with everything they need to tackle the challenging transition to adulthood. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I was raised by a single mother who didn’t have the time and resources to teach me the necessary life skills for a smooth transition into adulthood. So when I left home and found myself on a university campus in a foreign city, the shock was overwhelming. I practically cried every day because I found it emotionally demanding. I went from the comfort of a small town where everyone knew each other to a big city where nobody seemed to care about others. In addition to not knowing anyone and experiencing a cultural shock, I didn’t even know how to cook a meal, and resources were limited, so I couldn’t afford ready-made meals either. I struggled for many years to find my footing. I eventually succeeded, but I believe that if I had been prepared in advance, it would have been less challenging.
Knowing that there are many young people in this situation, and being a mother to a preteen, I wanted to write this book to do with my daughter what my wonderful mother couldn’t do with me. I aim to share this knowledge and my experiences hoping it can help other teens better manage this transition, which is supposed to be exciting rather than intimidating.
In Actionable Life Skills for Young Adults, you cover a wide variety of topics. What type of research was required for this book?
In the process of creating Actionable Life Skills for Young Adults, the research involved a combination of personal experiences and exploration of new responsibilities that young adults need to assume from the age of 18, such as the obligation to file income tax returns. The topics were also shaped by the questions commonly raised by young adults on social media and the concerns that adults, including parents, guardians, teachers, educators, and school counselors, have—such as what life skills their teens or young individuals in their school or community should learn to succeed in life.
Given the extensive range of topics to cover and the limitations on space within the book, the focus was on fundamental knowledge. As a result, the selected topics aimed at addressing the essential skills required to “kick-start” the exciting adventure of adulthood while encouraging readers to further investigate additional skills that align with their specific needs and goals, using the 5WH^2 method. This way, readers will not be limited by the book’s content since they are invited to explore new horizons with the assistance of trusted adults.
What is one thing you wish you had been told when you were making the jump from a teenager into an independent adult?
Learning to live within my means and make the most of the available resources.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Puberty for girls. Hopefully, the book will be ready for Christmas.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Are you a parent or guardian struggling to guide your teen through the complexities of adolescence?
Are you a teen or young adult nervous about the life skills you should learn to prepare for independence?
➡️ If the former, help your teen with this practical guide crafted to foster communication between teens and trusted adults.
➡️ If the latter, embark on a transformative journey from self-discovery to the exhilarating moment of breaking free with this well-researched, easy-to-read book, based on an innovative version of the proven 5WH framework.
Shatter the myths surrounding the challenges of adulthood as you’re guided through real-life stories, practical steps, and thought-provoking questions. Embrace a holistic approach to personal and professional growth and learn how to:
Set clear goals to achieve your aspirations with purpose and determination.
Gain a clear understanding of how to succeed in the professional world.
Handle neurodiversity in the workplace for a successful professional journey.
Navigate the maze of money management with effective tools.
Tackle interpersonal conflicts confidently.
Ensure safety both at home and online.
Unlock a healthier and more vibrant life.
Much, much more.
In addition to the basic life skills necessary to “kick-start” the exciting adventure of adulthood, this guide encourages you to further investigate abilities that align with your specific needs and goals using the suggested method. This way, you aren’t confined to the book’s content and can explore new horizons with the guidance of trusted adults.
“But everyone’s journey is unique.” You’re right! That’s why the book offers a customizable feature, empowering you to shape your own future.“I don’t have time for a comprehensive guide.”That’s okay! You can read chapters independently, offering a flexible approach that fits your schedule.
“I’m not sure it’s relevant to my situation.” The diverse range of topics ensures relevance to common challenges faced by teens, aged 16+, in the U.S.
Because you have the power to …
Choose Your Destiny!
Actionable Life Skills for (US) Young Adults: 11 Powerful Steps to Achieve Financial Independence and Kick-start Your Road to Successful Adulthood
Actionable Life Skills for Young Adults: 11 Powerful Steps to Achieve Financial Independence and Kick-Start Your Road to Successful Adulthood, by Maya Shine, offers a comprehensive and practical roadmap for young individuals transitioning into adulthood. Shine delves into a variety of crucial topics, ranging from self-awareness and health to financial management and online security. Her approach to these subjects is thorough and encourages proactive engagement in one’s journey towards adulthood.
Shine has a talent for breaking down complex life skills into manageable segments, making the content accessible and relatable. The book is thoughtfully structured into 11 distinct sections, each focusing on a different facet of adult life. These sections are further divided into smaller chapters, providing in-depth discussion on specific elements within each broader topic. One of the book’s strengths lies in its universality. Despite some chapters discussing topics like student loans, which might not be directly relevant to all readers, the principles and insights offered are adaptable to various contexts. This versatility speaks to Shine’s skill in addressing a wide audience.
The book is not only informative but also motivational. It strikes a balance between being realistic about the challenges of adulthood and encouraging readers to be optimistic and proactive. Shine emphasizes the importance of essential life skills such as nutrition, tax management, health care, and financial stability. These skills are presented as foundations for a successful and balanced life, underscoring their value beyond immediate practicality. I found the book to be an enlightening experience. While not every scenario discussed was directly applicable to my life, the overall content was engaging and educational. Shine’s ability to articulate the common experiences and emotions of young adults is particularly effective. It creates a sense of solidarity and reassurance, motivating readers to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and to strive for personal growth.
Maya Shine’s book is a valuable resource for any young adult navigating the complexities of modern life. It’s a testament to her insightful understanding of the challenges faced by this age group and her ability to communicate solutions in an engaging manner. I eagerly anticipate reading more of her work in the future.
Pages: 224 | ISBN : 978-1738203352
Human Hybrid Experiment
Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure: The Human Hybrid Experiment follows Poseidon as he travels through time, faces ethical dilemmas, and experiences the wonders of an advanced technological world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure: The Human Hybrid Experiment is the backstory of my first novel, Einstein’s Compass: A YA Time Traveler Adventure. I wondered how young Albert Einstein came up with his miracle theories. He lived during the horse and buggy days with the light bulb being the latest technology. Maybe he was from Atlantis and was trying to remember what he did as a priest-scientist in Atlantis. Albert’s soul is from Atlantis in the character Arka. Arka has an evil twin Raka. My editor said people wanted to know more about Atlantis. She encouraged me to write a series on Atlantis.
According to legend, Poseidon created Atlantis. Research into Greek mythology shows Poseidon’s story begins with the war of the Titans. The sibling rivalry after the war gave the god of the sea a reason to seek a new life path. In reading Greek history, Greeks often projected human behaviors onto the gods. I wanted my readers to relate to the gods, especially Poseidon, so I gave him human behaviors.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the characters’ development?
What if Poseidon, a god with powers, had a moral code? What were his vulnerables, loves, imperfections? Displaced from his homeland of Greece, what did he want?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Is it possible our human race of different cultures comes from the stars? Could Atlantis be the human hybrid experiment of the stars that went wrong?
Theme of Altruism vs. Selfishness, power vs. force, good vs. evil. Family dynamics, sibling rivalry, spiritual path vs. science.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two, and when the novel will be available?
Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure Book Two: The culture of people into the Atlantean Way begins “What if Poseidon’s trident is stolen?” The firestone crystal is discovered and installed as the power source of Atlantis.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
As he travels through time, Poseidon encounters Cleito, a young woman with a deep connection to his ancestry. Together, they uncover the secrets of her parents, Euenor and Leucippus, and their utopian paradise.
In this new world, Poseidon faces ethical dilemmas and technological wonders. With the guidance of Kyrie, a celestial envoy from the Pleiades, he explores genetic engineering and human hybrids, igniting moral introspection.
Amidst these revelations, Poseidon delves into The Way, a spiritual path led by Mystical Traveler Lucas. What if Lucas unveils the cosmic love that shapes the universe and the soul’s quest for serenity?
Trials and Tribulations
In Dark Clowder Cats, a young cat faces high expectations and comparisons to her father’s success as she finds it within herself to become a leader in her own right. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The first book in the Clowder Cats series was a straightforward adventure/fantasy story. From the outset, I intended the Clowder Cats series to be for a young adult audience, and when Bushytail had a kit it was the perfect opportunity to focus in on the trials and tribulations all young adults have as they pass through being a teenager and becoming an adult.
I find your characters to be fascinating. Did any of the characters’ development occur organically throughout the story?
Storm’s dour attitude at the beginning of the story comes as a bit of a shock to readers I think. Being the main character, the reader is expecting that she will develop into a heroic character, but as we all know these things don’t happen quickly. When finally Storm begins to show some more admirable qualities, the editor’s comment was, “Thank goodness!”
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing the scene (spoiler alert) where Storm finds stillness through dance. I was inspired by watching someone do martial arts forms at my local gym and the beauty of it. The theme of “stillness” being a state of mind that we all need to bring us peace runs through both books, and Storm is a perfect example of how hard it can be to find that, especially when you are a teenager.
Can you give fans a peek into the next book in the Clowder Cats series?
I am really hoping to have book three out in another 12 months. I have planned four books for this series – one for each of the four clowders: High Clowder, Dark Clowder, Tree Clowder, and River Clowder. Storm is the main character for books 2, 3, and 4. In book three, we also finally get to find out more about Bristle, Brave, and cat magic!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When the guardians charge her with a mission to help the leader of Dark Clowder she is confused and disappointed. After the harm Brokenear caused she had hoped that Dark Clowder was disbanded for good, but the Guardians insist that all four clowders need to be strong for the Stone to be strong. She dutifully tries to play her part but is filled with doubts about whether or not she is doing the right thing. It is not an easy journey, but along the way she discovers that although she is not good at being still, she has other skills to offer.
In the end she is forced to make hard choices. Does she follow in her father’s footsteps or not?
LITERARY TITAN 