Blog Archives
Make Connections With Loved Ones
Bridges Between Our Hearts follows a woman on a journey to reconnect with family and friends in a post-pandemic world who struggles with complex relationships and finds solace in her writing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the story is that it is the third in a series that follows one woman, her family, and friends through the undulating journey of emotions while adjusting to the grief following a traumatic loss. I endured similar loss several years ago and the loving relationships of those around me, coupled with reflective writing brought me some level of solace. While I did not intend to write specifically about the pandemic, the logical sequence of time passing made it necessary. Ultimately, it provided an interesting backdrop for examining how relationships endure during the best and worst of times.
Larissa struggles to find her way in this post-pandemic world and has to look within herself to find answers. Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Most of the characters have been developing throughout the trilogy, but new ones were added in this book as well. Readers come to know them through Larissa’s interactions with them, as well as through her private reflections in her diary. I believe that the new characters, as well as the others aging and changing, make for deep, meaningful connections.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Bridges Between Our Hearts?
My hope is that readers appreciate the importance of finding ways to build bridges and make connections with loved ones, regardless of where they are and how much time lapses. There are far too many forces that tend to separate and divide people. I’d like for readers to consider that love does not die when people clash, or a child moves away, or when someone passes away.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on a non-fiction book about people who find success in life, in spite of being told they most likely will not. Through interviews and story-telling, I hope to inspire those who choose an atypical path. The working title is Funny Thing About Luck… I expect it to be available sometime in mid-2025.
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My Year of Casual Acquaintances
Ruth F. Stevens’ My Year of Casual Acquaintances is a captivating and heartwarming narrative that delves into the trials and victories of beginning anew. The protagonist, Mar Meyer, embarks on a transformative journey following a painful divorce. In a bold move to reclaim her life, Mar abandons everything she once knew—her home, friends, and even her identity—to seek out new experiences and adventures.
Mar’s story unfolds through a series of casual yet meaningful encounters, each contributing significantly to her personal growth. From a fellow gym-goer grappling with her own dilemmas to a charming hip-hop instructor, a humorous consultant, a benevolent older man, and Charlie, a charismatic novelist with a profound connection, each character imparts valuable lessons to Mar. These interactions, rich with humor, empathy, and insight, enable Mar to confront her insecurities and embrace the potential for genuine happiness and connection.
Stevens excels in crafting a diverse array of quirky and endearing characters who leave a lasting impression on readers. Mar emerges as a relatable and compelling protagonist—flawed yet resolute and refreshingly authentic. Her struggles and achievements echo the experiences of many women navigating midlife transitions, making her journey deeply resonant and engaging. The novel’s structure, characterized by a blend of laugh-out-loud moments and introspection, maintains a strong grip on the reader’s attention. Memorable scenes, such as comical goat yoga sessions, provide lighthearted relief, while Mar’s introspective moments lend the narrative depth and emotional weight. The brisk pace and witty prose ensure that the story remains absorbing and difficult to set aside.
One of the book’s most notable strengths is its exploration of second chances. Mar’s transformation from a woman shattered by betrayal to one who discovers strength and joy in her newfound independence is both inspiring and uplifting. The love story interwoven within the plot is beautifully articulated, adding another dimension to Mar’s evolution.
My Year of Casual Acquaintances is more than just a tale of starting over; it’s a celebration of human connections, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace change. Ruth F. Stevens adeptly captures the essence of rebuilding one’s life with sincerity and elegance. This novel is a delightful choice for anyone who has encountered significant life changes or enjoys a well-crafted story of personal growth and relationship dynamics. It is a journey of healing, forgiveness, and the realization that it’s never too late to begin anew.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0D43GW5XZ
Inner Strength
In Next Stop, Boston, a young woman finds herself in the care of a temperamental rock-and-roller following her sister’s tragic death. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The story is very loosely inspired by the old Fellini film classic La Strada. I wrote it for fun during one of the COVID surges. It encapsulates all my guilty pleasures–rock music, scandal-ridden rock star bios/memoirs, Hollywood gossip, fanfiction, and soap operas.
In addition to La Strada, the story is also inspired by other favorites, Janet Fitch’s White Oleander, Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles (my favorite novel as a teen), and the film Captain Fantastic.
The inspiration for the novel has its genesis to when I was a struggling theater actress in New York City in the early 1990s. I was called in by an off-off-Broadway theater company to participate in a play reading of a script about a young girl and a musician. I read the part of the young girl. The script was very well received, and I remember everyone commenting on how much it reminded them of La Strada. At the time, I didn’t see the movie, but later I did–several times. So, the germ of the idea began there. However, I put my own feminist spin on it because what was acceptable when the film came out in the early 1950s, doesn’t work in this modern post-MeToo era.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Other than my love of rock music, there is very little from my own life that I incorporated into Next Stop, Boston. I certainly don’t have any personal traits that are similar to Dez’s–that’s for sure. At least, I hope not. (I did stay one week at the Chelsea Hotel years ago, but that was in between apartments, and it wasn’t to score heroin). But I did enjoy writing him very much. It’s so much fun, even cathartic, to create a character most readers would consider to be the “villain” of the story. The thing about villains or morally ambiguous characters is they never consider themselves in that light. Not at all. They always think they’re in the right and everyone else is wrong! It’s very important to humanize them and invest them with a lot of nuance and dimension because if you don’t, you’re just going to create caricatures or stock villains with no depth or insight into their motivations.
I did base Val, the drummer who tries to help Geri, on a charming, cute drummer I briefly dated way back when. He was a sweetie, very similar to Val’s temperament and physicality. Sadly, I went on a few dates with him right before his band went on the road to promote an album and a video on MTV. Though we talked about picking up where we left off after the tour ended, I never saw him again. HA-HA. Musicians!
The only points of similarity I have with any of the characters in Next Stop, Boston would be with Geri in terms of her vulnerability, keen curiosity about the world, her sincere desire to improve herself, and her frustration at being misunderstood and dismissed by the adults around her considering her youth and neurodivergence. I’m not neurodivergent, but I was badly bullied when I was a young teen and still carry those wounds around with me as an older adult. That type of trauma can either strengthen, harden, or weaken you. I did incorporate some of that inner turmoil into Geri when I was working on her POV chapters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
If there is any message I wanted to convey with this story is how important self-reliance is in the end. Never depend on anyone for the validation of your self-worth. Depend on yourself and draw upon your inner strength to grow and move on.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
For my next novel, I am toying with an idea of a story that will take place in 1986. The story will draw a little on my crazy youth in New York City and those nutty survival jobs I took to pay the rent and buy food.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Next Stop, Boston
Next Stop, Boston is a riveting tale that delves into the depths of love, tragedy, and personal transformation within the backdrop of the rock music scene and familial relationships. Iris Dorbian masterfully crafts a narrative that revolves around Geri, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of her sister Michelle’s tragic death, and Dez, a troubled rock star who unexpectedly becomes her guardian. Set against the electric atmosphere of backstage concerts, their complex relationship unfolds, driven by a shared history of loss and a bond forged in the fires of dysfunction.
From the outset, Dorbian captivates readers with Geri’s journey, from her humble beginnings to her immersion in the tumultuous world of rock and roll alongside Dez. The authenticity of their dynamic, fraught with tension yet laced with moments of unexpected connection, propels the narrative forward, ensnaring readers in its grip. The rich tapestry of characters, each intricately drawn with flaws and vulnerabilities that render them achingly human makes them relatable. Geri’s quest for self-discovery amidst the chaos of fame and personal tragedy, mirrored by Dez’s own inner turmoil, unfolds with a rawness that resonates deeply. Dorbian deftly navigates their emotional landscapes, presenting a nuanced exploration of grief, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships.
The rock music scene serves not merely as a backdrop but as a pulsating, vibrant force that infuses the narrative with energy and authenticity. Dorbian’s vivid descriptions of concerts and musical performances leap off the page, immersing readers in Geri and Dez’s world with palpable intensity. Through this lens, she explores themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of artistic expression, inviting readers to experience the transformative power of music alongside her characters.
Next Stop, Boston is a testament to Dorbian’s skill as a storyteller and her insightful exploration of the human condition. As the final pages are turned, readers are left with a lingering sense of both satisfaction and longing—a testament to the enduring impact of Geri and Dez’s journey. Dorbian’s novel is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the redemptive power of love, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and music enthusiasts alike.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0CLL32H97
We Are All Just People
In Shooting Stars, readers follow a woman whose life has been filled with bitter disappointments as she finds new meaning in her life on a solo trip to Hawaii. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The real inspiration behind the story stems from a fantasy I’ve had ever since I was a teenager of a Hollywood superstar falling in love with me. I wanted the fairy tale romance to someone rich and famous as a kind of revenge against all the bullies who called me ugly and boring in school.
That daydream was the core of my idea, but the Hollywood star meeting the average woman has become clichéd, so I decided to use that very stereotype to explore how stereotypes are always prejudiced and rarely right. Things are never as they seem, and if you look below the surface, people from different backgrounds can have a lot in common.
It’s something I learnt from having pen pals and travelling – I got to meet a wide range of people from those scraping together a living to millionaires – we are all just people in the end with the same hopes and dreams, fears and insecurities.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
Anyone who knows me can immediately recognise that Catherine is me. She’s so heavily based on me that it’s almost autobiographical. Her self-deprecating humour, clumsiness and introspective yearnings are all me. I based much of her day-to-day life on jobs and colleagues, and dating disasters I’ve had. However, unlike Catherine, I’ve never had the happily-ever-after part. I’ve also never been to Hawaii, which might come as a surprise. I’m a stickler for detail so I did a lot of research and also drew from my visits to tropical areas like Singapore and parts of Brazil.
Shooting Stars has so many wonderful moments between Catherine and Jake. What was your favorite scene in this story?
I loved writing the scenes between Catherine and Jake. My favourite is the moment she first meets him – the way she recognises he’s familiar but can’t place him, and then in true Skye Bothma fashion, the moment the penny drops, she does something that would send most men running for the hills. But, Jake’s not most men and I love the way he never criticises or mocks her lack of elegance. The part with the runaway pickle is another favourite – I’m always dropping food down my front.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve actually had the idea for my next book since I was 18 – that’s over thirty years ago now! It’s a huge project – a mystery with two timelines one set in the past, one set in the present. I’ve been so intimidated by it that when I began pursuing writing fulltime I decided to choose a simple story to start with to see if I would be able to write a full-length book. Now that I know I can do it, the project is a little less imposing, but considering my first book took six years to write, it’s going to be years before I get to the finish line. I wish I was one of those writers who can knock out a book every few months, but perfectionism takes a lot of time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Catherine Marshall is used to being invisible. Although she’s intelligent and talented, she’s an underachiever and lives her life in other people’s shadows. She has a job she hates and dreams she’s too afraid of pursuing. When she wins a writing competition and her long-term boyfriend persuades her to spend the prize money on air tickets to Hawaii, she’s convinced he’s about to propose at last. Instead, he betrays her and unable to change the tickets, Catherine goes to Hawaii alone to mend her broken heart.
Jake Donovan can’t hide from being in the spotlight. A Hollywood superstar and one of America’s most eligible bachelors, he’s in Hawaii taking some time to decompress after the filming of his latest hit show wraps. Surrounded by paradise he should feel like he has it all, but he’s feeling jaded and aware of a growing dissatisfaction with his world.
When a chance encounter brings their two lives together Catherine and Jake discover they have more in common than expected. Together, they escape their everyday lives and develop a fragile intimacy. But as reality closes in, it becomes clear that the fairy tale is not likely to survive in the real world and they begin to question whether their meeting was meant to inspire personal change or if it really was fated in the stars.
Shooting Stars
In Skye Bothma’s heartfelt novel, Shooting Stars, readers are drawn into a tumultuous world of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The protagonist, Cathy, navigates through the complexities of her job, ex-partner, and unexpected encounters that force her to reassess her life and dreams. Bothma’s emotionally resonant story captures a quintessential struggle between personal aspirations and societal expectations, making it an engaging and relatable read.
Bothma’s writing is sharp and evocative and pulled me into Cathy’s emotional rollercoaster. Her ability to craft vivid scenes is evident as she intricately details every emotion, from the palpable tension in office confrontations to the crushing disappointment of personal betrayal. The dialogue is particularly strong, offering authenticity to each character’s voice and enhancing the unfolding drama. The thoughtful pacing of the narrative allows for deeper introspective moments that enrich the understanding of the protagonist’s inner journey, even though I felt it occasionally tempers the story’s momentum.
The novel’s exploration of personal growth and resilience is not just a personal journey for Cathy, but a poignant commentary on societal expectations. Bothma excels in depicting Cathy’s evolution from a passive observer in her life to an empowered individual who confronts her realities and takes charge. This transformation is not only inspiring but also a critical commentary on the often-overlooked emotional labor that women endure in both professional and personal arenas.
The story challenges readers to think about the importance of authenticity and self-value in a world that frequently demands compromise and conformity. The book’s setting, a bustling corporate office where interpersonal dynamics come into play, serves as a microcosm to explore these themes. At times, the motivations of the secondary characters appear somewhat superficial, but they effectively serve their roles in propelling Cathy’s journey forward.
Shooting Stars is a fun and uplifting story that will resonate with readers who enjoy women’s fiction stories of personal struggle and triumph. It’s ideal for readers who are navigating their own crossroads in life or anyone who appreciates a story that combines emotional depth with the complexities of everyday life.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0C1HXD7GW
My Lifetime Dream
The Maidservant in Cabin Number One follows a young woman trying to begin life anew as she puts the trials of her past life behind her and seeks employment as a maid in the tranquility of the mountains. Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
We had a cabin in the Lake Arrowhead mountains, and when I retired, I decided to fulfill my lifetime dream of writing novels. I read a story about an unsolved murder in one of the small towns up there, and it gave me the idea for the first book, The Man in Cabin Number Five.
My character, Annie Parker is turning eighty, and she wants to write about when she came up to the mountains to start over. She buys a series of 1920s cabins and discovers each one has a story to tell.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Absolutely. I think everyone who writes, writes about memories, both good and bad, and then when you run out of those stories, you have to start making things up! For example, while I didn’t move up to the mountains after my divorce, I used that as the basis of book one, and carried the theme of starting over into each of the books.
Can fans of the The Guest Book series look forward to a fifth installment soon? If so, where will it take readers?
Absolutely! The Maidservant in Cabin Number One is really the beginning of the story; the history of the cabins before Annie bought them. And coming soon, Book Five, (of what was originally intended to be a trilogy) is the story of Annie until she turns eighty and decides to begin writing. It’ll be called Dear Noah.
Readers have asked if the series can be read as stand-alones, and, yes, they can. But for those who love this series, if you haven’t started reading yet, I’d begin with Book Four, The Beginning (The Maidservant) then go to The Man in Cabin Number Five, then The Girls in Cabin Number Three followed by The Starlet in Cabin Number Seven, and then finish it off with Book Five, Dear Noah.
Mario of My Life
In Mario of My Life, author Jill Campbell-Mason transports readers to the historic 15th-century city of Machu Picchu, set in contemporary Peru, through the eyes of Mario, a young shoeshine boy. Despite the challenges of poverty, Mario’s vibrant spirit and innate talents shine brightly. His life takes an intriguing turn when he encounters an American family, sparking a cultural exchange that promises mutual enrichment.
The narrative, reminiscent of a Dickensian journey from rags to riches, weaves a tale of personal growth and the boundless potential of the human spirit. Campbell-Mason’s storytelling, said to be inspired by true events, evokes the essence of the acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire, offering a rich, multi-layered experience. At its core, the novel is an ode to optimism, a quality increasingly rare in today’s world. Campbell-Mason skillfully crafts characters that are not only believable but also resonate with depth and complexity. The interactions between Mario, Grandma Jana, Ciel, and Sonorisa are not only central to the unfolding story but also serve as a testament to the transformative power of understanding and connection.
One of the standout features of this work is the dialogue. Crafting authentic and compelling conversations is a formidable task for any writer, yet Campbell-Mason excels, using it as a vehicle to advance the plot and deepen the readers’ understanding of each character. The precision and natural flow of the exchanges speak to her skill and serve as a valuable study for enthusiasts of creative writing.
Mario of My Life is a well-conceived and executed novel. The story is engaging, the themes are meaningful, and the lessons imparted are both timeless and relevant. It’s a testament to Campbell-Mason’s literary acumen and a compelling invitation to explore the richness of human experience through the lens of a young boy in Machu Picchu.
Pages: 280 | ASIN : B0CL99SNQQ
LITERARY TITAN 