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Guidance and Knowledge
Using Your Superpower follows a woman thrust into the office of Secretary of State struggling with her own self-doubt and who finds that empathy is a mighty weapon in even the most challenging circumstances. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m not too sure of my actual inspiration for creating this literary life of Amelia Castro. I have been inspired by the fact that Madeline Albright, Condoleeza Rice, and Hillary Clinton all were placed in that role, and in my opinion, each did an excellent job. Adding that factor to my conviction that the Secretary of State is perhaps the most important political post with the most difficult responsibility of all Cabinet positions.
Amelia Castro is an incredibly relatable character. What was your process for creating her traits and dialogue?
I wanted her to be successful in this role and therefore, just like the President selecting her, would have to select the most qualified person to do the job. However, the most important safeguard for Amelia was to have a support team and therefore I created the Fearless Five who would advise and protect her to the utmost degree.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
First, what was to be the Superpower, and I selected Empathy as the most important power that would guide my characters and the government agencies they led. Next, who were to be the other characters that guided Amelia and where did they all receive the Guidance and knowledge to provide the advice they imparted.
Can we look forward to more fiction from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! I am currently near finishing a very ambitious Vision Quest fiction novel that follows a middle-aged man who decides to trek by foot throughout the country of Belize. He was inspired by the actions of Shirley McClaine when she performed the trek though the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain. There is no specific connection between my character’s journey and that of Shirley McClaine except for each person’s need to accomplish a trek that would satisfy a spiritual lack in each person that needed to be internally resolved. My character is more aggressive in attempting to reach a certain spiritual advancement, but both have that in mind for their trek.
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These three were Madeleine Albright (1997-2001), Condoleeza Rice (2005-2009),and Hillary Clinton (2009-2013).
This fictional story does not explicitly relate to those world leaders but acknowledgesm the legacy of the many strong women like them who can change the world through their actions.
From the author
Dan Ford
Using Your Superpower is a truly unique fictional novel. Its narrative beats with thelife and triumphs of Amelia Castro, a woman of exceptional strength and resilience, making it a compelling read for those who seek something different. In a story as enthralling as it is unique, we are drawn into Amelia Castro’s life as she struggles with her fears and the weighty responsibilities that come with her role as Secretary of State of the United States.
Amelia’s emotional odysseys, brimming with mystery, drama, and thrilling spiritual and physical escapades, will undoubtedly captivate readers. The novel uniquely
celebrates themes of non-religious spirituality, friendship, and unity, taking readers on a rollercoaster of adventure, emotions, and actions and inviting them to explore a different perspective of life.
Amelia’s closest friends, known along with her as the Fearless Five, are not just characters in a journey through life. They are integral, inspiring figures who strive for human supremacy as Spiritual Warriors who solve problems while promoting the power of Empathy. Their resilience in the face of severe opposition is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and inspires readers to consider concepts quite
different from the norm.
Using Your Superpower
Dan Ford’s Using Your Superpower is a wild ride through politics, spirituality, and human resilience. It follows Amelia Castro, an accomplished woman who is suddenly thrust into a new reality as the U.S. Secretary of State. What starts as a personal struggle with self-doubt quickly turns into an action-packed adventure, complete with abductions, political intrigue, and a deeper journey into the nature of empathy as a “superpower.” Alongside her trusted team, dubbed the Fearless Five, Amelia navigates a world where diplomacy is just as dangerous as battlefields, and where empathy, not force, might be the greatest weapon of all.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is how it portrays Amelia’s growth. At first, she’s unsure if she can handle the job. She’s a powerful businesswoman, sure, but politics? That’s a different beast. Her initial doubts manifest in some self-destructive behavior. It’s a low moment, but also a relatable one. Who hasn’t felt overwhelmed by the weight of expectation? Ford does a great job of making Amelia feel human, rather than some untouchable, hyper-competent protagonist.
The book’s spiritual angle is both thought-provoking and I felt, at times, a little heavy-handed. The idea that empathy is a “superpower” is compelling, Amelia and her team tackle conflicts not through brute force, but through understanding. This isn’t just feel-good rhetoric; it’s an active strategy. The novel weaves this idea into global politics, showing how traditional diplomacy often fails because it lacks real human connection. However, there are moments where the message overshadows the plot somewhat, making the dialogue feel more like a philosophical lecture than an organic conversation. That said, when it works, it works well. The discussions between Amelia and her team, especially with David Stanford, are some of the best moments in the book.
The action and suspense keep the story moving at a brisk pace. From assassination attempts to covert missions, Using Your Superpower doesn’t lack excitement. There’s even an element of science fiction and metaphysics, with characters experiencing time travel-like events and spiritual awakenings. This blend of genres is ambitious and successful, though at times it stretches believability. If you’re someone who likes their political thrillers grounded in realism, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you enjoy stories that push the boundaries of reality, you’ll be hooked.
Using Your Superpower is a fascinating blend of political thriller, self-discovery, and philosophical exploration. It’s a book for readers who enjoy high-stakes diplomacy, strong female leads, and a touch of the mystical. If you liked The West Wing but wished it had a bit more metaphysical depth, this book is for you. The core message, empathy as a powerful force for change is one worth exploring. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially for readers who enjoy a mix of action, reflection, and a touch of the extraordinary.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0DWZ695Z3
LITERARY TITAN 