Blog Archives
Hope
Terra Tamers: Alpha follows a teenager living in a city adrift at sea whose brother is kidnapped by a flock of Holo birds, and he will do whatever it takes to rescue him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of my story was the idea of two brothers surviving a post-apocalyptic world. At first I was thinking kind of a science fantasy direction and leaned more into possible future technology instead.
In many 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?
I’d say the tone of the book, the themes of pursuing hope in a decaying world are the parts of me that bleed through the pages. That and my love of video games.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme to me in Terra Tamers: Alpha was hope. Without it, there’s no point in continuing to live. I see the death of hope as the greatest poison affecting our modern world. People feel so powerless, and the world is so obviously broken, that now we struggle to even address the obvious issues we see in our communities because people feel hopeless, like nothing they do matters. So why bother? More fun themes were what the future of artificial intelligence could look like, how video games might interact with reality, and friendship.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The story will follow Matt and Oakley into exile as they chase the evil AI Gaia. Expect new friends and foes, more creatures and game mechanics, and a greater exploration of a post-apocalyptic American landscape!
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– YA appropriate story (think 12 and older). Does have mild violence.
– First Person POV from male MC
– World Building (Post-apocalyptic), game design
– Monster taming and battles
– Short chapters, fast pace. Note the eBook is closer to 300 pages.
– Light LitRPG elements (I am working on a TTRPG system for Terra Tamers). Takes time to show up.
– No cursing unless you count H-E- double hockey sticks.
– Grayscale creature illustrations in the back!
I think fans of Digimon, Code Lyoko, Monster Tamer Academy, Maximum Ride, .hack//SIGN and similar stories which blend gaming, science fiction and compelling characters will enjoy Terra Tamers: Alpha!
Inspired By the Void
Rise of the Phantom follows two divine feline protectors who, while visiting the mortal world, discover a supernatural force wreaking havoc on the towns and causing mass destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea first came from bedtime stories my dad used to tell me. I loved the idea of a world filled with magical creatures and guardians who protect it. As an avid reader, I also wanted to read books like the stories I had been told, but I couldn’t find any like them. Inspired by the void, I decided to create the world I wanted to visit. My mother was a huge part of helping me brainstorm this world and its depth over the last three years.
Rise of the Phantom features some very interesting characters who have their flaws but are still likable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
I had general personality ideas for each character, but I quickly discovered that at some point, they begin to write their own story. They take on a life of their own, and as an author, you merely reflect how those characters react and go about their world more than creating it yourself. Some characters, such as Birch, suddenly come into the story and don’t leave like you thought they would.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Humor as armor, friendship, courage, and forgiveness were all really important to me. The story has serious moments, but I wanted to show that laughter and kindness can still exist even in dark times. The characters use humor and connection to get through pain, which I think makes them stronger and more human (even though most of them aren’t technically human). Tierra’s character really developed the humor as armor trope, and I feel it’s an aspect that isn’t always explored for its depth as much as it could be. I’ve found that there’s equal depth for characters who use this trope as an emotional safeguard as characters who are blatantly unhappy and miserable, or quiet and keep to themselves.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is book one in a series of six books. Book 2, titled Guardians of Felina: The Lost Lair, is set to launch in December 2026, with each new book coming out every December. The Lost Lair goes deeper into the Guardians’ world and shows how the Phantom’s influence is spreading. Readers can expect bigger adventures, new characters, and more discoveries about the Guardians’ pasts—and how they’ll have to work together to face what’s coming next. And yes – readers are finally introduced to the Phantom.
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Before they can deliver their warning, the fire encircles the village, and glitching Beasts emerge, wreaking havoc. The Beasts vanish as mysteriously as they appeared, leaving behind injuries and a cryptic message: “You are now under the command of the Phantom.” Determined to act, Alada and Tierra set off to warn other villages, accompanied by Birch, an unassuming mortal unaware of their divine nature.
The journey takes them through the perilous Lost Labyrinth, where Birch becomes separated and must confront illusions and deceptive voices. With the help of an unlikely ally, and the bitter tree Gnarla, Birch learns the labyrinth’s secret: stop wishing and find strength within. Reunited with Alada and Tierra, they press on to Birch’s hometown, Stone Creek. There, Birch reveals the village’s tragic secret-its residents, including his family, are spirits in denial of their deaths. Despite the eerie setting, Birch reconnects with his father, rekindling lost bonds.
Next, the trio hurries to TierraTown, a village devoted entirely to celebrating Tierra. While Tierra revels in the attention, Alada uncovers a brewing rebellion among the villagers. Chaos erupts as traitors unleash a trap and glitching Beasts attack once more, setting the forest ablaze. Alada saves the town in her full goddess form, but the experience leaves Tierra shaken. Tierra resolves to stay and help rebuild, renaming the village to symbolize her newfound sense of responsibility.
Alada and Birch continue to the Pyrite Peaks, using Levi Lifts to traverse the mountainous terrain. In her domain’s technologically advanced Nya Network, Alada meets with the Nya council to discuss the growing threat of the Phantom. Tierra arrives to support the urgency of their warnings. After rallying the Nyas, the trio sets off again, this time toward Lotus Bay, home of Guardian Coral.
Passing over the Moto Desert, they encounter a group of fleeing Aras, Guardian Ember’s subjects, who reveal that he has abandoned them. Beasts now roam the desert unchecked. The Aras seek refuge in Coral’s domain while the trio head off to find Coral herself. Upon arrival at the bay, the trio finds it eerily deserted-until a mysterious voice calls out, “Don’t ask her, ask me!”
Birch stands out as a fervent advocate for justice, initially a mere citizen who refuses to accept divine complacency. His persistent moral outrage and readiness to act lend the story immediacy; readers will cheer as he challenges immortals to live up to their titles.
Alada’s journey is more contemplative-an immortal Guardian who realizes that omniscience is not the same as omnipresence. She grapples with the limits of her power and influence, growing humbler and more accessible as she dares to admit that she needs allies and cannot save everyone alone.
Tierra’s arc may be the most poignant: from a carefree lover of festivals to a guilt-stricken protector desperate to atone for past negligence, her transformation is a testament to how catastrophic events and honest self-reflection can stir even the most self-indulgent soul into greater purpose.
A Complex Mixture
Wishes and Choices: Mythral’s Wish follows the intertwined destinies of a powerful yet emotionally walled-off wizard, a teenage girl aching for purpose and adventure, and a dark wizard with revenge in his veins who live in three different realms. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Wishes and Choices evolved after years of reading the classic sci-fi authors, then the magical realism/fantasy writers, and finally stirring in personal values and interests. A very complex a mixture.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Cat was fun to write. He did not begin as the narrator, but those who read the early versions wanted more of Cat. Perhaps we all wish we could be that snarky at times.
Visualizing and articulating the story’s events and emotions from the perspective of a teenage girl was challenging.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The primary theme is personal integrity and courage–being true to oneself. Learning to avoid the biases and distractions that keeps us from seeing clearly what is right and what is wrong is a critical lesson in life.
A secondary theme is solving problems or finding answers, in life and in theory, by creative processes.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first book in a series of three. Book two, MorKano’s Wish, should be released by the end of 2025. My hope is that each book will entertain, challenge and encourage the reader. There is always a surprising twist at the end. I’d like to know if anyone saw the twist coming. There are clues along the way.
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Wishes and Choices: Mythral’s Wish is filled with moral dilemmas and mental puzzles to engage and challenge the reader. The quest to alter Mythral’s foreseen death leads them to all three Realms. Within these Realms, the reader will encounter gryphons, dragons, wizards with unique talents, and even stranger dwellings, myths, and mysteries. As they confront dark magic and betrayal, they must face their own flaws. Surviving the final confrontation compels both of them to fundamentally alter themselves in unforeseen ways.
The reader will learn why using wands and hand gestures to do magic is only for beginners. The secrets and physics behind the Time-Space Continuum, déjà vu, and visions into the past and the future will be explained. Did I mention the sarcastic and smug Cat who narrates the story? Warning: Cat never lies, but he does like to toy with you readers.
Be Your True Self
The Alternate World follows a thoughtful and quietly bold teenager, as she transitions from junior high to a prestigious New England boarding school, who learns what it really means to follow your own path, even when it hurts.
In many 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?
Definitely! Someone asked me how I knew about teenage problems, and I told them that I was a teenager. I have also provided literacy consulting for middle schools and high schools over the past few years to understand teenage problems in 2025. The main character, Eve, has similar characteristics and traits to me (both as a teenager and present day).
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Authenticity, uniqueness, being your true self, and knowing your true self were the important themes to explore in this book.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Interestingly enough, we wrote this book as a stand alone title; however, it’s set up to be the first book of a series as well. I’ve heard from readers that they are interested to learn even more about Gina, the keeper of the alternate world. The other piece is the fact that anyone who is true to themselves at any age can be tapped into the alternate world for a variety of reasons, so you never know what could come next.
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Every decision is ultimately determined based on two choices-one that comes from following your heart and one that comes from following your head. So, what prevents people from achieving their own hopes, dreams, and desires?
Eve Thompson enters a New England boarding school for high school where she and her classmates are presented with an array of everyday life choices and decisions faced by teens. Will each student take the most common route or the road less traveled? There is no right or wrong answer, but only one choice leads to the path that represents your true self.
What if a world existed where people could be their authentic selves without judgement-where life choices are entirely up to you and what’s best for you. What are you going to choose to do? Welcome to The Alternate World.
Trust Yourself
The Whispers of Destiny follows a 12-year-old girl who discovers she can hear spirits leading her on a journey involving time travel; her mission is to unlock the power within her younger self. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Every lesson embedded in the book stems from that idea—trust yourself, follow your intuition because it truly guides you, love yourself unconditionally, make choices that align with who you truly are, and always remember that positive self-talk matters. Throughout the book, there are gentle reminders that we all have a purpose.
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?
Absolutely! Emma is a reflection of me, and many of her experiences echo my own. Like Emma, I’ve always had to rely on my intuition—though I realized its power later in life. Learning to trust myself and align with who I truly am has been life-changing. There are moments in the book, particularly in Chapters 11 and 19, that are directly inspired by my own experiences. This story is as much an adventure as it is a guide for young readers. It is my story, and it’s deeply personal.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Whispers of Destiny, the journey is one of truth—one that whispers to the soul and stirs the heart. At its core, this story is about trusting oneself because within each of us lies a knowing you can’t shake—a voice too often drowned by doubt or fear. That voice is always there, waiting for us to trust it. Our intuition is the spirit’s quiet compass, not steering us away from struggle, but guiding us toward the lessons we are meant to learn.
I wanted to explore the power of positive self-talk—the quiet incantations we tell ourselves that shape our reality. Words—whether whispered to ourselves or spoken into the world—hold the power to build and heal. Speak to yourself as you would to the universe—with reverence, with love, with belief.
This book is also a journey through time and self-discovery, a reflection on the past not as something to regret, but as something to understand. Healing is an act of honoring both who we have been and who we are becoming. We are not bound by the mistakes of yesterday, nor must we fear the uncertainty of tomorrow. Within us lives an untapped strength—a quiet but undeniable force waiting to be embraced.
Through Emma’s journey, I hope young readers recognize their own power—to shape their destiny, rise beyond fear, and step boldly into the light of who they are meant to be.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I’ve already begun writing the second book, allowing the story to unfold organically and letting Emma and Lucy’s growth feel both natural and extraordinary. Natural, because they’re two young girls growing and learning, and extraordinary because of their gift and unique lineage. What I can say for certain is that the next book is about strength and transformation—about rising through struggle and discovering the power that was within them all along. I’ve even written a poem for the next book, capturing the essence of resilience, growth, and strength. But Emma’s journey is far from over. We’ve yet to see what she’s truly capable of when she fully embraces her power and puts her mind to it.
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As Emma faces trials that test her courage, heart, and intuition, she learns to trust not only the spirit that guides her but also the strength of her mind, body, and soul. Along the way, she uncovers secrets from her family’s past, deepens her bond with her mother, and discovers the ripple effects of the choices we make.
But as Emma’s journey unfolds, the stakes rise higher. The timeline she seeks to protect is fragile, and the choices she faces could alter everything. With the spirit as her guide and her heart as her compass, Emma must navigate the fine line between destiny and free will.
Making Complicated Choices
The Wolves of Orkerion follows a young princess born from the union of a god-king and a troll king who wants to prove her worth as a warrior and carve out her own destiny. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from me wanting to start Lunaria off as a young character who is changed by combat. With the Wolf-Ones, I wanted them to feel desperate and that rebelling was their only option.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
I used Norse mythology as a base for my world. The trolls being a large people with strength much greater than any human, I wanted their world to show that. I would say most thing stayed the same during the writing process.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes I wanted to explore are many, but the main one is choice. I find it interesting when characters are forced to make complicated choices. Choosing to go to war isn’t on easy choice to make, neither is killing those who are just following their leaders out of loyalty or other reasons. Another theme is growing up. We all have to do it eventually. The third theme is parenting. Ithagmir is not a good parent, but she does try to love Lunaria.
Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?
I do plan on expanding the story. After the first book, Lunaria will be a changed woman. She’ll be more accepting of violence and may commit savage acts. Due to her heritage, Lunaria will also be an important political figure, but not all will be so welcoming of her. Lunaria will meet her father and get some much-needed answers. Her extended family will also be a focus for the next installments.
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Words Have Power
Something About Alexa follows a teenager dealing with an alcoholic mother and a bully who escapes to the woods to find peace till one day; he comes across the new girl in town who awakens his heart. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I live near the woods of the Pacific Northwest on the Canadian side, and have traveled through Washington state, and let me tell you, the majestic nature of these woods inspires its own special kind of romance, peace, mystery—and darkness. I love stories that push the boundary of truth versus the fantastical and wanted to craft a layered romance that offered a depth reminiscent of themes found in classic gothic literature. I am a fan of plots that serve to challenge reader perceptions, so when I started writing this novel I became interested in how I could fuse the romantic pull of “Twilight” with the deeper themes I wanted to explore. The backwoods of Forks became the perfect place to spark the mysterious connection between Jayden and Alexa. It provided a great way to incorporate nostalgia for Stephanie Meyer’s cult classic while providing a rich setting to delve deeper into plot, mirroring Jayden’s emotions as he grapples with the challenging aspects of his life and the complex relationship he forms with Alexa.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
I am fascinated by true stories where people have an immediate, inexplicable connection with someone. The idea of love at first sight often is dismissed as something that is only in fiction, but anyone who has caught another’s eye across a crowded room and felt that instant spark will be able to identify with the characters’ immediate connection. High school in particular, is a time fraught with intense emotions of fast love and infatuation, but also insecurity and a deep desire to belong. Jayden sees a loneliness in Alexa’s eyes that mirrors his own, which makes him feel even more drawn to her. She offers a fresh chapter in his life since she has not borne witness to the disadvantages and pain of his past like the other girls in town. There is something about all-consuming attraction that keeps me turning the pages of a book, so I wanted to give my readers that same intensity of emotion while exploring the complexities of what lies behind the heart when two people are drawn together in such a manner—all while flirting with elements of the supernatural.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There were several themes that I wanted to explore while writing this novel. One of the more obvious ones, of course, is the theme surrounding found family and the role it plays in one’s life. For Jayden, there is nuanced emotion in the relationship he has with the Fosters, for though they provide a sense of security and belonging in his life, he continues to grapple with waves of loss and longing for connection to his mother and to the father he never knew. The novel also touches upon familial love and devotion existing even within dysfunction, as is seen with Jayden and his alcoholic mother and with Alexa and her parents.
Another important theme explored is identity in the coming-of-age context of how social influence can greatly affect self-perception. It cannot be underestimated how words hold power and have impact not only on one’s self esteem but on one’s sense of self. Jayden’s character falls victim not only to physical bullying but also to verbal taunts, which leads him down a dangerous and destructive path of how he views himself.
As the line between fantasy and truth become blurred for Jayden, and the question of whether truth exists behind the vampire/werewolf storybook lore of the town, a major theme that emerges is the question of what it means to be human, and the hubris of humankind as it grapples to not only define that but to control it.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I am currently working on a sequel to Something About Alexa, yes. I did debate whether to leave it as a standalone as I feel the ending is complete and fulfilling as is, but there is just too much room to take the plot so much further. I don’t want to go into too much detail as I’m afraid it would contain spoilers for those reading this first novel, but the goal is to have the next book ready for release sometime between the end of 2024 or early 2025. Fans can expect to see Jayden’s journey post-high school take a riveting, unexpected turn. The sequel will reveal exciting insight into some of his more esoteric experiences from this novel. Some of the favorite characters will be back, and as always, I like to keep readers guessing and the plot moving with unexpected twists and turns, so expect the unexpected and a leveled-up plot. As with this novel, I enjoy marrying the fantastical aspects of the narrative with true-to-life occurrences and trending world developments to lend greater depth to the themes explored. Prepare for a setting that is much more global, and a fast-paced plot infused with more mystery, romance, and high stakes.
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The woods behind seventeen-year-old Jayden James’ home in Forks, Washington are a place of many things. They are his escape from the bourbon ghost of his mother, the tireless torment of the town bully, and the place where he first lays eyes on Alexa, the new girl in town—a girl who makes his heart feel as if it beats for the first time.
Yes, the woods are his shelter. His haven. His hope. But…
They are also a place best known for the town’s storybook vampire/werewolf lore.
The place where mysterious murders are about to shake up the town during the height of its annual Forever Twilight in Forks Festival.
And the place where he just woke up with blood on his hands.
Twilight gets a 21st century Frankensteinian twist with this electrifying debut, a page-turning reimagining of the cult classic that is timely, relevant, and deeply engrossing.
Love, Power, War, and Corruption
The Wall follows a smuggler living in the middle of a civil war who has been separated from his fiancee and will do whatever it takes to be reunited with her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It seems every year, our country is becoming more and more divided. I wanted to use The Wall as an analogy for that, and what would happen if you were on one side and your soul-mate was on the other? It also explores love, power, war, and corruption between two completely different societies divided by The Wall.
What do you think were some of the defining moments in Asher’s development?
I think when Asher finally discovers the truth about his parents and that shakes him from Zion’s robust grip where he has been living in opulence. Also when he is finally able to forgive his Uncle as well as himself for the bombing that killed innocents.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore what would happen to humanity if man had the power only God was meant to wield and how absolute power corrupts. Also, what would be the downfalls of being able to live forever? What would be the cost? Just because we have a second chance does that merit wasting the first one? What does this say about human nature? Some other themes explored are: can love not only survive war but also societal differences that exist on the different sides of The Wall?
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is book 1 of a planned trilogy. Book 2 and 3 are being worked on now with the hopes of a release date sometime next year. Book 2 takes place ten years later from where book 1 left off. Sarai leads Zion West as Prime Servant. Asher commands its army against the growing threats of Zion East’s burgeoning military as Renatus’s power continues to grow. But when Renatus finds out Asher and Sarai’s son has the same disorder as his “wounded prince,” he kidnaps him for his LifeCell in an effort to resurrect his own son. As Sarai tries to hang on to power, Asher does everything in his power to save their son.
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It’s 2099, and the former United States of America is in the midst of another civil war. In the wake of a revolutionary technology that grants people a second chance at life, an impenetrable wall divides the prosperous nation of Zion from the slums of MiddleLand. Stuck inside the wall and desperate to reunite with his fiancée, contraband smuggler Asher is hell-bent on finding a way out.
When his uncle offers him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Asher is faced with an impossible task: impersonate a talented Zion soldier and risk his life in the Canonization, a brutal gladiator duel against a champion who never loses. But defeating an unbeatable opponent and reuniting with his one true love is only the beginning. Asher thought the second life policy was outlawed. But the truth is far more sinister, and he soon finds himself caught up in the middle of a terrifying rebellion that will decide the fate of both sides of the Wall.
As an explosive and futuristic sci-fi adventure that artfully weaves together high-octane action and heart-stopping romance, The Wall presents an unforgettable YA dystopia that’s perfect for fans of Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Dune.
LITERARY TITAN 