Blog Archives
How Powerful Can Love Be?
The Space Traveller’s Lover follows a bright young student and a powerful alien soldier caught in a romance that transcends the differences in their two worlds and the war they are both about to face. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by science and technology and the intense emotions stirred by love stories. Hence I started wondering, “How powerful can love be?” I wanted to explore the specific case of alien romance, unrequited love, impossible love, and fatal attraction within the science-fiction background. Once aliens meet humans, their different origins can play a decisive part in a unique plot that could not possibly happen had the lovers been only humans.
The main characters in the book are unique to the story and are inspired by it. I created my protagonist to be smart, beautiful and fiercely independent, stirring strong emotions from humans and aliens alike and creating a love triangle from which true, all-powerful love finally triumphs.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Rothwen and Erin?
I created two characters with entirely different values and aspirations who find themselves attracted to each other with a wild romantic chemistry they cannot control: Rothwen, the all-powerful alien soldier who shows no mercy, and Erin, the delicate yet strong-willed human who deeply loves her planet and her race. The stage was set for two completely different beings confronting immense obstacles and intense emotions, eventually discovering the one and only thing they cannot live without.
What draws you to the science fiction genre and makes it ripe for you to write such a great young adult story in it?
Since I was very young, I have always wanted to write a book. I love writing, especially about subjects close to my heart, like science and technology. My favourite genre is, without a doubt, science fiction. This is where I can explore the fantastic mysteries of our physical world and let my imagination run wild. The creation process is so enjoyable and rewarding that it compels me to keep writing. I had so many characters and subplots that it was challenging to organise the whole book. So, I had to draw out the scenes and the characters’ physiques and make a wall chart where I could place carton cards with a summary of each chapter to set up a storyboard from the initial, middle, and final scenes. Eventually, everything fell into place in this mesmerising story of love against all odds.
Is there a second instalment planned? What are you working on now?
Definitely! Many storylines are waiting to be explored and developed further from my first book, and I am gathering all these ideas and doing a scrapbook with pictures and texts, which I intend to put together for the sequel.
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Rothwen never shows mercy. An elite and vanguard soldier for a powerful alien race, he swore undying loyalty to the vengeance-fuelled invasion that’s set on wiping out Earth. But when he stumbles upon Erin, a bright and enigmatic human, he does the unthinkable – he brings her into his world…
Rothwen quickly finds himself locked in a profound struggle against everything he’s ever known. Erin is suddenly caught up in a brutal conflict that will decide the fate of humanity while she wrestles with her deep attraction to Rothwen and her loyalty to her own species. Their two worlds are destined to collide, but one wrong step could mean the end of everything Erin holds dear.
Can she outwit the alien’s destructive plans and save Earth from annihilation? Will she find true love with the all-powerful alien soldier who stole her heart?
The Space Traveller’s Lover is an exhilarating sci-fi alien romance that expertly blends high-octane action with pulse-pounding romantic suspense.
Horror Often Gets a Bad Rap
A Ghoulish Good Time: Tales to Make You Scream is a short story collection centered around horror, good vs. evil, and the supernatural. Where did the idea for this anthology come from?
I have always loved horror. The story goes that my mother never liked horror, but the entire time she was pregnant with me, she watched horror movies. After I was born, she never watched them again, but I did. Several of these stories were first conceived of when I was a nanny and looking after kids. Soul Stones was conceived when the two kids I looked after were considered like a devil and angel to their family. The kids used to goof around on the steps to the point that I thought someone would get hurt one day. In the story, they do.
Do you have a favorite short story in the collection? A character you especially enjoyed writing for?
I think my favorite was the bad sister in Soul Stones. She’s snarky, she’s clever, and she can’t help being bad. It’s one of the funniest stories in the book.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I think horror often gets a bad rap. After all, there isn’t one person upon this planet who hasn’t had a nightmare at some point in our lives. Horror is part of the human collective unconscious. I’d much rather a reader satisfy any violent tendencies they have by reading about them rather than acting upon them. Our world is also filled with the paranormal. We don’t know everything about how our world interacts with the universe. As long as there are mysteries to solve, the human soul will always gravitate towards darkness.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I’m working on is a children’s book about a very naughty elf who almost succeeds in destroying Christmas. It will be available just before Christmas this year. It has a lovely ending and my illustrator, Christina Cartwright, has designed some very beautiful artwork that I know everyone will enjoy. Her illustrations are truly inspired. This will be our fifth book together and the fourth one in the Happy Tails series.
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Soul Stones: How do you live with the consequences of a death when you, in some small way, helped contribute to its passing? That is the dilemma that Chris Whitaker faces as she remembers the events that led to the death of her best friend, Maggie Malone, and almost to her own.
The Vanishing: One of the most dangerous things a person can do when driving a car is fall asleep at the wheel. Just ask Leta Tyler – she crashed her car into a tree and managed to walk away from it. Her luck runs out, though, when she gets to the eerie little town of Wakefield where the residents are not what they appear to be and no soul is ever safe.
The Change: Sara Crew has done one of the worst things a person can do – she has just managed to wipe every living being off the face of the Earth with a wish. Even though it was made in anger against her sister, she had no idea when she made the wish how horribly it would backfire upon herself. When we unleash our inner monsters upon the world – how many of us are strong enough to survive them coming after us?
Pumpkin Parts: There are moments in Charlie’s life when she wished that she could just start the day over again . . . or skip it altogether. Anything would be preferable to experiencing a brother’s betrayal of his sister’s trust or having one’s eyes opened to the realization that true monsters exist in the world.
All Hallows’ Eve: Sam Monroe is having a bad day – a verybad day. As if starting high school in a new town wasn’t bad enough, now he’s being hunted down in unfamiliar woods and a creepy old cemetery by a bully who’s lost his mind. It’s all enough to make anyone lose their mental marbles, especially when you add the dead into the mix.
Monsters Adeep: Humankind thinks that we are at the top of the food chain. Charles Devereaux is about to find out that isn’t the truth. Some things in the universe are older than us and don’t have a tolerance for humanity’s inhuman treatment for the world around them.
The Space Traveller’s Lover
The Space Traveller’s Lover, by Omara Williams, is a science fiction romance that features both aliens and humans. Rothwen is an elite soldier, one who is always the vanguard and never shows mercy. But before he leads a vengeance-fuelled invasion to wipe out Earth, he finds himself intrigued by one human–Erin. When Erin finds herself transformed into an alien on her sixteenth birthday, she is torn between her desire for Rothwen and her loyalty to humans.
Omara Williams excels in world-building in this young adult novel. Although I feel the initial exposition is a bit heavy, it sets the stage for a vividly imagined universe. Williams’ imagination shines, particularly in the alien landscapes. The characters are relatable, with Erin and Sam authentically embodying their teenage roles. Rothwen and his fellow soldiers add a layer of complexity, their moods hinting at deeper, unexplored backstories, leaving room for further installments. The dynamics among the human characters, including the tension between Sam’s sister and Erin, and the protective stance of Erin’s adoptive father, are intriguing, though I believe they may leave some readers curious for more depth. Erin’s journey is a true adventure, culminating in a transformative discovery of her true self.
The Space Traveller’s Lover, by Omara Williams, dazzles with its wonderful world-building, creating an immersive and vivid universe. Williams’ strength in crafting an enchanting setting makes this a noteworthy read for fans of imaginative sci-fi. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore new and promising authors in the science fiction/fantasy genre.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B09SH9KBTD
A Ghoulish Good Time – Tales to Make You Scream
Dive into the spine-tingling world of A Ghoulish Good Time: Tales to Make You Scream, a standout installment in the Daerk Cemetery series. This enthralling anthology brings together six short horror stories, each masterfully crafted to captivate and send shivers down the spines of its readers. The collection weaves a tapestry of tales that traverse the shadowy realms of fear, guilt, and the supernatural, offering an array of narratives rich in suspense and intrigue. “Soul Stones” chronicles the emotional turmoil of Chris Whitaker, haunted by her role in her best friend’s tragic death. “The Vanishing” follows Leta Tyler’s eerie encounter in the mysterious town of Wakefield after a car accident. “The Change” depicts Sara Crew’s devastating realization after her wish inadvertently wipes out humanity. “Pumpkin Parts” explores themes of betrayal and the existence of true evil through Charlie’s harrowing experiences. “All Hallows’ Eve” describes Sam Monroe’s terrifying ordeal of being hunted in a strange new town on his first day of high school. “Monsters Adeep” reveals the chilling revelation to Charles Devereaux that humanity is not at the top of the food chain.
Michele L. Sayre’s book stands as a monumental achievement in horror literature. Her unique approach to storytelling not only captivates with its suspense and imaginative creations but also enriches the reader’s understanding of life’s uncertainties. Each tale in this collection transcends the typical horror narrative, evolving into powerful allegories that emphasize vigilance and impart profound lessons. The book’s true brilliance is in its ability to weave rich scenes of suspense, masterfully bringing to life monstrous entities that are both terrifying and fascinating. Sayre’s writing is a perfect blend of eloquence and tension, making each story a riveting journey. The depth and complexity of the narratives promise to leave a lasting impact, inviting readers to ponder and reflect long after the last page. The anthology excels in its exploration of the eternal conflict between good and evil, presented in a way that is consistently engaging and thought-provoking. This clear delineation does not simplify the tales; instead, it adds layers of meaning and relevance, demonstrating Sayre’s skill in crafting stories that resonate on multiple levels.
In A Ghoulish Good Time, Michele L. Sayre has not only created a collection of horror stories but has also issued a compelling invitation to delve deeper into the realms of horror and human psychology. Her work is not just a display of narrative excellence but a celebration of the genre itself, offering readers a rich, multifaceted experience that is as enlightening as it is entertaining. This anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in the depths and potential of horror literature, affirming Michele L. Sayre’s place as a masterful storyteller and visionary in the field.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0CLJYW34Z
See the Light Again
All I See Are Dark Clouds follows a vampire filled with guilt over the death of her best friend who now dedicates her life to helping other nonhumans adapt to life in the human world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I always had 3 stories in mind. All I See Are Dark Clouds was different as I knew exactly what I wanted to portray, grief. Not only did I want to portray grief, but also how one can eventually overcome a dark time and be able to see the light again even if they don’t think they deserve it.
Cammie struggles with her past and how to live her life now as a vampire. Is your main character someone you would get along with usually?
Back in The Darkest Side of the Moon when Camille is introduced, she is a typical teenage girl full of drama that at times can be a turnoff. Now in All I See Are Dark Clouds, Camille, or Cammie, is a shell of herself who generally pushes others away, but has matured beyond her years. Her maturity would be someone I would get along with, if she would let me in.
How do you balance the demands of writing with other responsibilities?
Determination and commitment. I’ve started many writing projects in the past that I never finished. COVID-19 helped me get back in the writing seat when there weren’t many places to go, and I found myself working from home which is why I incorporated the true event into All I See Are Dark Clouds. Learned a lot about myself and writing style in the process as well as gained the confidence to share my stories.
What would you advise young writers trying to build a publishing history or an author platform?
It takes a lot of patience and time. There are many lessons to learn along the way. It’s not about the end goal, selling an abundance of books, it’s about the journey and the steps one takes outside of their comfort zone that allows one to learn and grow.
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Conflict Within a Conflict
River’s Reach follows a high school senior who is torn between his family’s beliefs in conservation and the rights of the Nisqually tribe in the Fishing Wars, and he must decide what side to stand with. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
During the late 1960s, I began paying more attention to the news, probably because of the conflict in Vietnam and the Civil Rights movement. The Fish Wars became part of the news cycle in the Pacific Northwest and garnered my interest. At some point, I had the idea of a story wherein a kid whose father was a Washington State Game Department officer begins to gravitate to the tribe’s point of view. The conflict within a conflict seemed like a viable storyline. For many years, I’ve been concerned about declining salmon stocks and what might be causing the drop. The fishing scenes are reminiscent of my attempts to catch steelhead. I have always been impressed with Billy Frank Jr., who was often interviewed in connection to news reports on the Fish Wars.
Are there any bits of you in this story?
As I think back on it there are quite a few autobiographical influences. The fish egg caper is something that I actually did, although it was with the Nooksack rather than the Nisqually. The Steilacoom fishing trip is recounted almost as I experienced it in real life. I’m sorry to say that the drunk-tank scene is something that I also lived through, although not for drinking or any other heinous crime (perhaps the subject for another story). “What you are to be, you are now becoming” was my High School motto, but I didn’t attend North Thurston HS. The snowstorm in the story loosely fictionalizes an event that took place while I was teaching sixth grade in the Snohomish School District.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
The most salient research/inspiration is simply living in the northwest during the mid-1960s about sixty miles north of the Nisqually River. I visited Frank’s Landing (or what’s left of it since the Fish Wars) several times and checked out the tribe’s relatively new casino, which partially funded the new tribal center and contributes to many of the tribe’s current aspirations. I reviewed multiple online reports from the Fish Wars as well as several local histories of the tribes. I think it’s also fair to say that time spent on a river trying to catch a steelhead qualifies as research for this book.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The next book is set in Seattle during the blackouts in 1943. As the war rages in Europe, the home front is portrayed through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Scotty Johansen. When an unknown party begins setting fires during the blackouts, Scotty, his sister, and some of Scotty’s friends set their minds to solving the mystery of who’s igniting them. I’m hoping to release the book next spring.
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Life is good for high school senior Alex Haugen. He has a group of buddies to fish the Nisqually River with, his membership on the football team guarantees status with his peers, and he’s recently set his sights on Amanda Schneider – an engaging blend of brains, beauty, and personality. He’s beginning to think that the lead cheerleader and star lineman go together like burgers and fries.
Learning that his dad participated in the latest fishing raid at Frank’s Landing, Alex’s curiosity is piqued. The more he reads, the more he realizes how little he knows about the deep-rooted conflict between the Washington State Game Department and local tribes. The state claims the right to enforce conservation measures and the tribes claim that their treaty rights supersede state regulations.
Alex has strong convictions about conservation but wonders if there’s more to the story. Indian netting can’t be the only reason fish are in decline. Strident and entrenched certainties dominate both sides of the fishing controversy, and Alex begins to resent that a side may have been chosen for him at birth.
Chancing conflict with his dad – an officer with the game department – Alex’s quest for understanding rouses discovery of his own voice and the courage to stand apart from his parents and peers. Along the way, he befriends Charlie McCallister, a Nisqually Indian his dad arrested in a raid.
Amanda, whose mom does pro bono work for the tribe, is a social justice warrior at heart. As the fish war heats up, her readiness to support the tribe clashes with Alex’s reluctance to rock the boat with his father and threatens to drive a wedge in their blossoming romance.
Charlie, Amanda, and the Nisqually River form the key catalysts for Alex’s awakening as the story unfolds against the backdrop of a nation gripped by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the seismic tunes of rock ‘n roll.
This novel is suitable for MG/YA and the young at heart. It contains no gratuitous language, but there are a few swear words, in keeping with the characters and story.
Limp Forward
In Limp Forward, an engrossing memoir by Silicon Valley executive Libo Meyers, readers are invited to explore a rich tapestry of cultural insights, life lessons, and remarkable triumphs. Meyers, who has trained vigorously to achieve a black belt in karate, showcases her unyielding spirit throughout her extraordinary life. Her journey, which begins with a childhood struggle with polio and a sense of otherness in her school days, transforms into an inspiring tale of resilience and determination.
At the tender age of 24, Meyers emigrated from China to the United States, where she encountered a daunting wave of isolation while simultaneously striving to balance her employment, maintain her academic performance, and manage a plethora of other tasks. Her narrative further encapsulates the complexities of motherhood, the sting of professional dismissal, and the quest for love. These challenges, however, do not weaken Meyers. Instead, they fuel her growth, deepening her wisdom and anchoring her in a profound sense of self-assuredness.
Meyers’ narrative represents the quintessence of resilience, interweaving the history of her resilient ancestry with her own indomitable spirit. As she recounts the trials and tribulations her ancestors overcame – war, famine, loss, and oppressive governance – readers gain a newfound appreciation for their own comforts, often taken for granted. Meyers’ journey, however, extends beyond her familial legacy; it evolves into an awe-inspiring chronicle that readers will undoubtedly resonate with. Despite her battle with polio and limited mobility, Meyers ambitiously propels herself to achieve excellence in all facets of her life – physically, intellectually, financially, and socially, offering readers a soaring sense of inspiration.
Meyers’ open-hearted recounting of her journey encompasses her internal deliberations, meticulously strategized plans, and the harsh criticisms she withstood in pursuit of her goals. This candid revelation is intended not merely to intrigue readers but to enrich their perspectives and inspire them to face their own battles. Her narrative further sheds light on pressing societal issues such as sexism, discrimination, the intricacies of the American immigration process, restrictive cultural norms, and other societal ills.
Limp Forward is a compelling narrative that invites readers into a whirlwind of emotions, from joy and pain to exhilaration and determination, all underscored by Meyers’ strategic ingenuity. The book serves as a testament to a life lived fully and richly, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of culturally nuanced memoirs and narratives exploring robust social themes. Prepare to be captivated and motivated by Meyers’ vibrant story in this highly engaging, thought-provoking memoir.
Pages: 375 | ASIN : B0C5FTF7JN
EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward
EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward: How To Plan, Achieve, and Enjoy The Journey does not read like any average inspirational book. Author Zander Sprague uses relatable experiences to convey his message. This informative book will enable you to accomplish all your goals in the timeframe you want. The author shares moments in his life that gave him life-changing lessons. Sprague will make you rethink some of the decisions you have made over the years and get you to turn over a new leaf.
What I love most about this helpful book is that the author took the effort to explain how each solution he provides works. As a reader, you feel the presence of the author as he guides you on the right path. He provides many examples, obtained through research and personal experience, to explain why the steps are laid out the way they are.
Zander Sprague’s language is simple and easy to follow. Each chapter is broken down in a way that readers will be able to easily comprehend the information and can reflect on the topic. The author uses humor in parts to convey his message. The author shares his wisdom to help you remove the barriers that are stopping you from enjoying life.
The chapters on planning and achieving your dream were among the best for me. In these chapters, the author provides readers with a step-by-step guide detailing how they can achieve what they previously presumed to be impossible. He makes everything appear doable and straightforward, if one has a strategy. The overarching feeling of this inspirational book is positivity. I also enjoyed reading about ‘epic choices’ and capitalizing on one’s strengths.
EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward: How To Plan, Achieve, and Enjoy The Journey is a comprehensive manual for hacking the most challenging things in life. This thought-provoking book will guide readers on their personal transformation journey.
Pages: 129 | ASIN : B09KZNJFBD
LITERARY TITAN 