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Myth or Reality
Pope Joan follows a woman who defies all odds when she disguises herself as a man and rises through the ranks in the Catholic church and secures the position of Pope. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I came across an article about the myth or reality of a female who became pope. Her real identity as a woman was revealed when her water broke in public, and she began to deliver a baby. According to the legend, she was stoned to death as she was about to enter one of the churches in Rome. I started to imagine how a woman back in those days, when a woman was heavily restricted, could climb the ladder through the church to become pope. What was her back story? My curiosity soon took over, and I did extensive research on the times in which she lived and the struggles she had to endure to succeed and become Pope Joan.
Can you share a little about the research that went into putting your book together?
The Internet offered a wide range of great resources to help me locate specific materials: timelines, biographies of people who lived during the age that I was interested in, places that housed certain religious orders, and the ongoing conflicts of the age. Generally speaking, I have had a fascination with the Middle Ages and now have a small reference library dedicated to the Crusades and the Reconquista.
What was your favorite moment in Joan’s story? Is there one scene that resonates with you?
I was most touched by Joan’s time in prison when she was awaiting execution. What was going through her mind? Surely, the uncertainty of being executed or not weighed heavily and gave her a feeling of dread. But also she thought about the safety and well-being of her child. No matter how old children are, their parents want to know they are safe.
Will your next book be historical fiction? What are you currently preparing for your fans?
I have written and my editor is currently finalizing my next historical fiction novel, Kitty Schmidt: My Life as a Prostitute. Kitty managed the Gestapo’s brothel during World War II. How did she find herself in this position? Did she have a family? What happened to her during the bombing of Berlin and the subsequent Russian invasion of the city? I wanted to explore all of these aspects of her life.
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While Andrew pursues the world of numbers and accounting, Joan becomes an avid student, learning to love reading and acquiring knowledge, eventually – through a string of circumstances – propelling her to higher and higher offices within the church and finally becoming the first and only female pope.
How long does Pope Joan keep her gender a secret?
Anasazi Vision
Anasazi Vision is a novel that blends personal transformation, spirituality, and adventure, all wrapped in the vast landscapes of the Four Corners desert. The protagonist, True, embarks on a journey that is both physical and deeply spiritual. Through encounters with ancient wisdom, self-discovery, and the teachings of Indigenous cultures, she is guided toward understanding her own purpose and the larger cosmic balance of life. The book is part fiction, part memoir, and part channeled storytelling, making it a unique, immersive experience.
The opening chapter, where True describes her mother’s unemotional nature compared to her own deeply sensory experience of the world, is striking. It sets the tone for a journey that is about feeling, listening, and understanding—both internally and externally. The writing is poetic at times, almost meditative, yet it remains grounded in real, tangible emotions. There’s an honesty in the way the author wrestles with personal doubts and triumphs, which makes the book resonate beyond its spiritual themes.
The spiritual elements are fascinating but also challenging. The book delves into ideas of energy, intuition, past lives, and communication with guides and ancestors. At times, it feels like a deep dive into esoteric knowledge, which might not be for everyone. However, what keeps it from becoming preachy is True’s questioning nature. She doesn’t simply accept everything at face value; she grapples with it, doubts it, and ultimately finds her own meaning. One of the most powerful moments comes when she realizes she has been chosen to hear the Earth’s message—a concept both thrilling and overwhelming.
Another highlight of the book is its setting. The Four Corners desert isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. From the vision quests to the discovery of an ancient solstice site, the descriptions make the desert feel alive. The book beautifully captures the idea that nature is both teacher and guide. Even when the narrative slows, the deep connection between True and the land keeps the story engaging.
Anasazi Vision is for readers who enjoy introspective journeys, spirituality, and a touch of adventure. If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt a pull toward something bigger than yourself, or wanted to explore the wisdom of ancient traditions, this book will speak to you. It’s not a casual read; it demands reflection and openness. But if you’re willing to lean in, it just might point you toward your own True North.
Pages: 419 | ASIN : B0DLT1MH9N
Dynamics of Relationships
Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light follows a woman setting out on an adventure of self-discovery and personal growth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the set up of this story was my own personal diary as well as our ever-changing daily reality that is an inexhaustible source. Through our existence we are all on this ever-lasting quest of self-discovery, so that’s a theme that’s always relevant and relatable. Also, I’m fascinated by dynamics of relationships and how others affect us. When you explore these dynamics from different angles, you come to understand that nothing is ever as it seems.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
Oh gosh, it’s so hard to pick one:) But if I must, it would take me somewhere by the end of the novel where Macallah acknowledges new layers to her being as she comforts Saku. Re-reading the novel, these scenes with Saku always feel most raw and very touching. It’s just about living this life & walking this planet while noticing other human beings without any prejudice. Like, really noticing.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I hope so because as you write the story and it starts to unravel before your eyes, you sort of magnetise the characters for the purpose of the story.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Actually, I’m on an intersection now, as I’ve already written parts of, in my mind, several different books. They all have the same strong Magical Realism tone, but differ in the setting, the characters, and the sub genres. I give myself a few more months to marinate, and then I’ll decide on the final winner for the next novel to set out to the world. In any case, I plan to publish my next book by the end of next year.
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LITERARY TITAN 