A Woman’s Persuasion follows a young heiress as she breaks away from her father’s expectations, seeking true love and independence amidst the challenges of family dynamics and societal norms. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

This book is a careful chapter-by-chapter modern translation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I was sitting in a lecture at a conference for the Jane Austen Society of North America, listening to the speaker and audience members talk about adaptions, and how many different adaptations there are for Pride and Prejudice. Someone said that Persuasion doesn’t get adapted much, because it just isn’t as relatable nowadays. I was sitting in the back row, thinking, “Oh yes it is! You just have to have the stakes right.”

I got home, pulled out my Complete Works of Jane Austen, and read through Persuasion. And I was convinced I was right. If Captain Wentworth was another woman, and the year is 2007, the family is going to have objections. A family objecting to the person you fall in love with is a familiar story to many, many people. I did trade racism for classism in the case of Aunt Hayter. And instead of vague observations about Anne’s complexion in the original story, I used weight as a modern-day obsession over appearance.

Can you share insights into your process for developing the complex family dynamics and societal settings in the story?

The complex family dynamics are in Jane Austen’s original. Writing this story was to prove a point: that Persuasion is every bit as timeless as Pride and Prejudice, and to do that I wanted to change as little as possible. At the very beginning, establishing Sir Walter’s vain character, the original talks about a book called The Baronetage. I used Who’s Who in America. It worked exactly the same way.

The process was pretty simple. I had the road map right in front of me: I would read a chapter, think it over, cackle a little, and start typing. Sometimes it came very quickly. The story starts in New York, instead of England. In the original, the family has to “retrench” because of irresponsible spending. In my version, I set it in 2007 during the financial crisis of 2007-2008: a whole lot of financiers went down in flames; same economic crisis where a family has to figure out what they’re going to do.

Sometimes, for the settings, I had to think a little longer about what I was going to use as the modern American substitute. I’ve been to Rhode Island many times, it was easy to use that for Regis-Lyme. It took me a while to realize that, instead of finding an American naval base so that the story continued where it made sense to have a Navy captain, what I needed to do was change military branches. I lived in Dayton for 20 years, home from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Now I can go back to writing about what I know. Always write about what you know.

What challenges did you face in making Anne a relatable character to readers from various backgrounds?

I know not everyone relates to Anne. Heck, the recent TV movie of Persuasion that has gotten a ton of flack for being a poor adaptation – it looks to me like the writers could not relate to Anne, so they tried to turn her into a spunky Elizabeth Bennet kind of character. If you can’t relate to the characters, why are you making an adaptation of that story…?

I use weight as a way to talk about being unhappy – with life, with yourself. When Anne decides she doesn’t like what she sees in the mirror, and decides to start the fight to feel better about herself, it’s a battle everyone, from all sorts of backgrounds, faces. It’s never an easy battle. I’ve had people say the issue was triggering for them, and my book hit way, way too close to home. I was sorry to cause pain, but I am not sorry that I spoke the truth so accurately. And weight is just a metaphor (albeit one that so many of us in the post-Covid years can relate to). There are so many ways we can look in the mirror, and say, “I don’t like what I see. It’s time to change that.”

It’s part of the power of Jane Austen’s writing – she writes about the human condition. All sorts of backgrounds can relate to love, pain, screwy family dynamics, and choices you wish you could unchoose.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

Sadly, at the moment my writing is a bit stalled. I have filed for divorce, I am simultaneously job hunting and getting ready to put a house on the market. I started no fewer than FIVE books in 2022, and did no fiction writing in 2023 (I teach historical dancing – including Regency dances, of course – and I have a 9-volume series on historical dance that is in search of a publisher). But I miss writing terribly, and I need to get back to it when my life settles down! There are characters beating on the inside of my head, demanding to get out.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/13/love-pain-screwy-family-dynamics/

Searching for Zen follows a young boy from Earth who is given a divine destiny and the chance to impact civilization if he confronts humanity’s dark side and discovers the meaning of love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

A long time ago, I lost someone and decided to drive across Canada alone. I felt like my life was all but over. I felt like I had wasted all my potential and listened to Beck’s Sea Change for the first 20 hours. After a while, I needed to change my mindset, so I decided to tell myself a story to help change my mindset. I needed to remind myself what I felt was most important. The story, of course, has changed a lot in the past 20 years.

Zen goes through many changes and challenges, shaping who he becomes. A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?

I was hoping you feel him being lost. So all his powers and potential are not what is really important, but finding a family and love was what was most important. Maybe just me, but I think it’s finding those connections that really matter in life.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

I feel like the current situation of our world is darker than it has been since I’ve been alive, and many feel lost. I just wanted to be a small voice to remind people what is important.

Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?

I have 6 other stories or books, but I do have a plan for 2 more books for Zen. The next might be Zen headed to the spiritual realm and look into that. I don’t see my story as a spiritual one really, but I do think faith is important. I like leaving that open to interpretation, but I was trying to blend a more modern take on fantasy religion or faith.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/13/finding-a-family-and-love/

In Murder Under Redwood Moon, a young woman’s peaceful existence in the mountains is disrupted by cryptic visions. paranormal activity, and a series of murders. Where did the idea for this novel come from?

First, I have always LOVED the witch theme. As a child, I loved the good witches – Glinda (Wizard of Oz), Mrs. Piggle Wiggle (my fav book) and Samantha Stevens from Bewitched. As a late teen and adult, I relished in the wickedness of horror and the evil witch. When I found the Suspiria (remake) and Eggers – The Witch a few years back, it brought my fascination with this genre present. Cannot forget Melisandre, though really, she falls into a category all her own! Nevertheless, with a background in Holistic Theology, it piqued my interest in studying Celtic Paganism, and I was pleasantly surprised to find quite a reverence for the culture/philosophy. That brought me full circle to the good witch aspect.

Second, I have long been fascinated by True Crime, specifically serial killers. For the true crime reader, there is a combination of Easter eggs within the book. I invite the wise ones to figure that out.

Finally, though I find evil characteristics intriguing, I am an optimist at heart. So, I wanted this spooky, scary sense to the book, but also wanted it light.

Quite a contraindication of thoughts, but, yes…that was my train of thought.

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 lived in the Santa Cruz Mountains for about seven years, and in Santa Cruz County for a combined total of about thirty years. Just before the ease of the cell phone came out, my friends and I dreaded heading into the mountains lest our cars break down or run out of gas. Remember – I thrived on horror movies at that time as well – ha! So, there’s always been this spooky reverence as to what mystique existed amongst the trees. Like a wild animal – you admire it but wonder if it could break free and eat you.

Also, to begin the story, I just envisioned the beauty of the great horned owl amongst the redwoods – something I would see quite often – and the story bloomed, page by page.

What was your favorite character to write for and why?

I loved Auntie–her endearing quirk and ditzy-ness. And I loved the Sheriff–the dry reality that he inhabits, yet aware of the mystical. Arista is the upbeat person I wish I could have been at her age. Really, there is a bit of me in each of my characters. Even for the killer, my Editor helped me tap into my intolerant side. That, plus my awareness of the vileness of a serial killer and how they must view the world.

I feel that Murder Under Redwood Moon has all the makings of a first installment in a fascinating series. Do you have plans for a second book?

Murder Under Redwood Moon is Book 1 of the Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy. Book 2 – Moonset on Desert Sands – is under contract and in the final editing stage – to be released in March 2025. Book 3 is unnamed, yet almost complete.

Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/13/the-wickedness-of-horror/

Joseph’s Coat, by Vastine Bondurant, opens with a captivating scene that immediately immerses readers into the heart of a 1920s New York setting, replete with love, loss, and mystery. This supernatural drama unfolds around the lives of Kate and her husband, Giovanni, whose deep passion for each other is shadowed by a recent, devastating loss. Their hope to find solace by adopting a boy from a local orphanage soon encounters the twists typical of an enthralling mystery, as hidden secrets begin to surface, threatening to unravel their lives.

The novel contrasts the intimate, sometimes erotic life of the couple with the broader backdrop of the Catholic Church. In a modern literary landscape, it is refreshing to encounter characters like the priests and nuns in this story—flawed, yet fundamentally benevolent, striving to live by their faith.

Vastine Bondurant excels in narrative delivery, employing a mix of engaging dialogue and prose to weave the present with the past. Her transition from realism into the paranormal is skillfully executed, and while the prose occasionally embraces the familiar, it generally maintains a vibrant, original flair. The descriptions are richly drawn, effectively capturing the emotional landscape of the characters, as seen in passages like, “Kate’s resolve, the reason she had come, suddenly melted, drizzling into a pool of doubt at her feet.”

The research behind this novel is evident, providing a detailed and authentic glimpse into the era. The linguistic nuances, particularly the Irish and Italian accents, enrich the narrative, adding a layer of lyricism and enhancing the atmospheric quality of the setting. Joseph’s Coat is a compelling paranormal story marked by its atmospheric depth and memorable characters whose journeys resonate well beyond the final page.

Pages: 584 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CSWL2XND

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/13/josephs-coat-book-one-jettatore/

Joyce Yarrow’s novel Stolen Lives, the second installment in the Zahara series, deftly combines historical intrigue with supernatural elements to create a compelling narrative. The protagonist, Alienor, is not only a journalist but also a psychic, gifted with the ability to witness past events through the eyes of her female ancestors. This unique ability embroils her in a dangerous quest to uncover the fate of family members lost under Spain’s Francoist regime and to reunite mothers with children forcibly taken at birth. As the story unfolds, Alienor’s connection to her ancestors deepens, leading her to the discovery of distant relatives and putting her in the crosshairs of unknown adversaries. Her psychic journey also uncovers a trove of stolen gold coins, bringing peril to those she holds dear. This raises a poignant question: Are some stories too perilous to pursue?

Stolen Lives is a masterful blend of suspense and drama, characterized by its fast pace and the seamless integration of multiple timelines and hidden secrets. Yarrow’s narrative prowess is evident in her creation of robust, stubborn characters who are willing to challenge limits to seek justice. While the use of foreign terms occasionally challenges the reader, it ultimately enriches the authenticity and depth of the setting. The novel culminates in a satisfying resolution, providing relief after a series of intense, disheartening events.

For readers drawn to historically rich thrillers that boast engaging dialogue and resilient characters, the Zahara series promises to be a rewarding experience. The author’s notable work captivates and educates, leaving a lasting impression with its intricate storytelling and vivid characterizations.

Joyce Yarrow’s Stolen Lives is a testament to the power of historical narratives woven with supernatural flair. Through its intricate plot and dynamic characters, the novel not only entertains but also invites readers to ponder the ethical implications of delving into painful pasts. This balance of thrill and thought makes the Zahara series a valuable addition to the shelves of those who appreciate thrillers enriched with history and heart.

Pages: 250 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CXLR3DM3

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/13/stolen-lives-2/

I. Andrew Katzenstein in Mason, TexasII. Willa Glickman in Rochester, New YorkIII. Daniel Drake in Warren, VermontIV. Lucy Jakub in the Rangeley Lakes, Maine  🌘              🌗              🌓              🌒  Riders in the Sky Andrew Katzenstein in Mason, Texas I learned about this year’s eclipse in late 2016, when I read an article in The New York Review by James […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/04/12/in-the-path-of-totality/

In When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham, readers are introduced to Kit Hanover, a Native American police officer navigating the complex intersection of her heritage and her career. As she steps into her role in Fort Worth’s homicide division, Kit faces the challenges of her demanding job and the prejudices and skepticism from her colleagues.

The character of Kit Hanover is delicately balanced between her professional competence and the cultural dichotomy she embodies. Brenham explores the delicate position Native Americans can find themselves in when assuming roles of authority in a society where they have historically been marginalized. This tension is further emphasized through the relationship between Kit and her partner, Wade Shepard, whose hostility adds a layer of internal conflict to the narrative. While Brenham’s novel may tread familiar ground in some aspects, it offers a rich exploration of its themes and characters. Detective Hanover, as a focal point, provides a fascinating character study. Brenham’s skill in dialogue and plotting is evident, with the story gaining momentum and suspense in its later stages. The narrative of When Things Fall Apart occasionally ventures into predictable tropes, but these moments contribute to the broader tapestry of the novel. They underscore its exploration of cultural tensions and the complexities of identity, enhancing the story’s overall depth and resonance.

When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham is a captivating and thoughtful exploration of cultural identity and professional integrity. Through Kit Hanover’s experiences, the novel delves into the heart of societal and personal conflicts with sensitivity and nuance. Brenham’s adept storytelling, rich character development, and suspenseful plot make this novel an engaging and enlightening read.

Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0CJL85Q83

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/12/when-things-fall-apart/

The Queen’s Adventurer” shows the active impact of two extraordinary people, each a positive influence on those close to them and the world beyond. One, the Queen, who is alluded to throughout this story because her very existence in her time and place set the stage for much that could be considered abundant adventure. Her actions and choices from her youthful throne assent were a singularly stabilizing influence on the world stage while opening doors on advancement into the unknown of science yet holding position for all others to follow as Titular head of her religious faith.

There, under her guidance, a freedom to explore was well supported. In her time exploration of various technologies and even the nature of life itself became possible. All while industry bloomed and life progressed for many. And while technological gains were made in plenty, and while the scientific viewpoint continued to expand, studies into the humanities moved forward in ways unexpected resulting in exponential progress. During the Queen’s early reign a whole new branch of study once thought to be well taken care of by two methodologies, which taking an Authoritarian line tell all “We are the cure”, yet lacked scientific basis and resulted in no effective improvement in the state of life for the individual human being or Mankind no matter how they claimed otherwise.

The second of these extraordinary people was a man, a curious and adventurous fellow, who would one day become The Queen’s Adventurer of this story, who with his foresight and scientific acumen brought into sight and practice this new branch of study tapped into the evident facts regarding the Human Mind and even embraced the spiritual realm so long separated from science.

This story is fictional although fact based, and told in epic poetry. Because one cannot factually know the true specifics when not present, much of what is included alludes to but does not expressly tell what decisions, discoveries and developments were made yet can and does express results, instead this epic examines what turns of events occurred due to the presence of each of these figures and demonstrates the development of hope, a hope long held by Mankind that life would come to the best of places, but which dreams of enrichment and success had not previously come to exist.

This story and series takes the reader from the depths of fear and hopelessness through many twists and turns of social interplay as events seem ever to dim the light of hope within mankind. Yet unknown to most people, quietly, except for the very first general announcement, adventurous studying into the very nature of mind, body, spirit and world is progressing toward a world where the unimaginably fruitful and happy future is becoming possible for all of mankind.

In this tale I have taken a liberty unexpected, I have not directly identified either of my protagonists, although they would be obvious to many, but have taken up the narrative for those affected by the existence of each.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/12/the-queens-adventurer-2/

In Valuepreneurs, the author provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a clear, step-by-step roadmap to transform product ideas into successful ventures. Waddell’s writing is deeply rooted in practicality, drawing from his extensive experience covering crucial aspects of entrepreneurship, including idea validation, leveraging freelancers for team expansion, protecting intellectual property, and the importance of ongoing learning.

The systematic approach to product development is a central theme, illustrating how this process is foundational to creating value. The author highlights the importance of identifying and overcoming potential obstacles, offering readers a comprehensive framework for navigating these challenges. This is further enriched by in-depth discussions on topics such as non-disclosure agreements and assessing market viability, providing valuable insights into protecting ideas and achieving commercial success. One of the book’s strengths lies in its use of real-world examples and case studies. These enrich the learning experience and contextualize key concepts, ranging from the success stories of renowned companies like Dyson and GoPro to the journeys of lesser-known startups. These narratives offer readers a tangible understanding of value-driven entrepreneurship.

Valuepreneurs is a comprehensive and indispensable resource for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and product development. Its textbook-like format, with clear chapter delineations and outlines, makes it accessible to both novices and seasoned professionals. In an era when entrepreneurs often grapple with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, this book emerges as a valuable tool to bolster confidence in one’s abilities and ideas. Its timely insights and practical advice make it a crucial addition to the entrepreneur’s toolkit.

Pages: 279 | ASIN : B0CLT7ZGBX

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/12/valuepreneurs/

Jack O’Brien’s The Last U-Boat is a gripping dive into the depths of history, seamlessly blending the past with the present. This novel invites readers on a thrilling journey, starting from the tumultuous times of World War II to the explorative curiosity of the modern day. Centered around the discovery of a long-lost Nazi U-boat by a group of adventurous teenagers, O’Brien crafts a narrative that switches between the lives of Gunther Kraus in 1943 and the LeClair family in 2023, unveiling a mystery buried for decades under their home.

O’Brien’s writing is smooth and engaging, making The Last U-Boat a page-turner. His ability to weave two distinct timelines into a cohesive story is one thing I really enjoyed about this story. The juxtaposition of the past and the present is handled with finesse, allowing readers to draw parallels and contrasts between the eras. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that the novel’s pacing can feel uneven at times, particularly in the transition from the high-stakes espionage of the 1940s to the more explorative, yet less urgent, modern-day treasure hunt.

I enjoyed the character development in this story, particularly the portrayal of the Kraus family. Their internal conflicts and loyalties, depicted through Gunther’s perspective, add depth to the narrative. The novel’s most compelling aspect is the thematic exploration of history’s impact on the present. O’Brien skillfully raises questions about legacy, the moral ambiguities of war, and the lasting impact of decisions made by previous generations. These themes resonate well with the dual narrative structure and are thought-provoking.

The Last U-Boat is a fascinating read, particularly suited for those who enjoy historical fiction blended with modern-day adventure. It’s an excellent choice for readers who appreciate a mix of history, mystery, and a touch of youthful adventure and those intrigued by the lasting echoes of the past in the present.

Pages: 295

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/12/the-last-u-boat/