The nineteenth-century writer and abolitionist Lydia Maria Child was impressively prolific. “By her own admission she frequently suffered from a depression that writing seemed to alleviate,” Brenda Wineapple writes in a review of a new biography of Child from the November 3 issue of the magazine. “Though as she once pungently said of herself, she […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/11/12/where-the-sidewalk-ends-brenda-wineapple/
I want to believe that everyone knows the facts of this story by now. Alaa Abd el-Fattah, forty years old, British-Egyptian dual national, computer programmer, human rights advocate, and father to a ten-year-old. Currently languishing in an Egyptian prison, on day 225 of a hunger strike and day six without water, in protest of his […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/11/12/free-alaa-yasmine-el-rashidi/
Ekstasis, the Return of the Sovereign Heart, follows two people who connect on a metaphysical level and work to save humans’ free will. This original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
The idea of regaining access to freedom and self-empowerment, and changing our world from the inside-out, out was what interested me. With that, I wanted to explore the idea of sacred union, meaning the inclusion of our true nature (spirit) in a loving relationship, and transcribing this as a novel is what got me writing many drafts over several years.
I originally thought that it would be just one novel, but as I was ready to put the book through edits, the nemesis of sacred union, human freedom and self-empowerment stepped in to be integrated, taking the shape of the dark side of sexuality, all the way to human trafficking.
Then my one novel idea became a trilogy. Then it became about Humanity and not just one couple.
So overall, I had to find ways of building a structure (thank you to my structural editor!) to make sure that it could take not only the contemporary aspect of the here and now where the tale is anchored, but also the cosmic and spiritual dimensions.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
Besides entertainment, storytelling can be a powerful vehicle for self-realization, healing, upliftment, etc. So the characters in Ekstasis go through significant experiences, moving through their ordeals, into healing, self-realization, and/or spiritual awakening, giving us an insight into what is possible.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Self-awakening, self-forgiveness, human sovereignty [meaning autonomy and freedom from mental programming], inner guidance, inspiration, reclaiming one’s own empowerment through the healing of past trauma, resilience, self-love, and enjoying true, sacred loving for a new outlook on sex and love.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Book II of the Ekstasis Trilogy, aiming for the end of 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Bookbub | Website
Mona Devek is driven by an innate knowing. As a walk-in from birth, her life’s unfolding twists and turns serve to awaken her to her potential and identity and to reconnect her with an ancient star tribe. But when she publishes a work of fiction detailing her spiritual quest, something inspires her to fill in the blanks left by her as-yet-unseen interdimensional lover.
David Wilkins is a firm atheist and has long given up on happiness. Devastated by the tragic loss of his wife and child, the former award-winning film director shelved an unread book his sister shared on account of its uncanny similarities to his own life. Then on one transatlantic flight home, he finally flips it open . . . and by the time he reaches the last page, he is no longer the same person.
As Mona uncovers more about her true origin and her reason for incarnating, she discovers that the entire free will of human beings is at stake. And as David’s creativity resurfaces and he plans a return to directing by making a movie of Mona’s best-selling novel, he is shocked when he learns that the author he has grown to love is in a coma.
Can their spirits rejoin in the physical realm and save humanity from oblivion?
Ekstasis: The Return of the Sovereign Heart is the inspiring first book in the Ekstasis magical realism romance series. If you like a visionary and metaphysical adventure, with relatable paths of healing, where trauma and loss are transmuted into love, then you’ll adore M. I. Dugast’s journey into the soul.
Buy Ekstasis – The Return of the Sovereign Heart to pierce the veil today!
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/12/it-became-about-humanity/
Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secrets of the Orchard follows five children who are attending a magical school in the woods, where they discover a dark secret the school has been hiding. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration derived from a few things.
My 2 children’s primary school is called Orchard Primary School.
I wanted to write a YA book with an adventure that had children investigating misdeeds at a school and that held a deep dark secret.
Following one of my earliest point s of note about writing (use the area around you, where you live as you know it well) I chose Sherwood Forest as the setting – also I thought it would mean something to many, as its the home of Robin Hood (even though this is a mystical adventure).
Finally I wanted to show that not all teachers are good and behave well as adults, especially when they have their own agenda…
All the characters have unique characteristics and personalities. Did you create an outline for the characters in the story before you started writing or did the characters personalities grow organically as you were writing?
Yes I still have this working document. I created the main players; gave them some depth (hopefully) and I have added notes as I have written on the player and the their link into the overall story (its a storyboard with what should happen when, this also keeps the story (and me) on point as I create a hook, then I can go back to it later on and so on). Some of the story was created organically as I wrote new ideas that I felt suited the story better and were inserted over and above the planned storyboard.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Several.
Friendship and the strength that can bring as a group. The feeling that must give a child to feel part of something bigger.
The ability to put main characters that are from ethnic backgrounds with relevance to the story (one key character is from Nepal and that area of the world has a significant bearing on all the books).
Resilience – I put the characters through the mill and the 5 children are of mixed ages (from 8-14 years old), which means they all need their own voice for there age, and react differently due to life experience and maturity (or immaturity).
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
They’re are 5 books in the series (hence Pentagon) – and the number 5 is another key stakeholder in the grand scheme. I will be querying for an agent later this month and see where that goes and look at other publishers. This will hopefully lead to the 2nd book in the Series. Pentagon Pirate Gang and the Poisoned Apple.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/12/i-thought-it-would-mean-something-to-many/
Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant follows a young boy who lives in a village of giants, but he is much smaller than the rest of the giants and wishes he could be bigger. What was the inspiration for your story?
After years of working with and performing for young children, I began to see how they start to identify themselves by their “differences” and how that often makes them feel like they do not fit in with their peers or the world in general. It can be anything from being “too short” or “too tall” or “too skinny” or “too heavy” or having to wear eyeglasses or discovering their sexual orientation….mostly things they have no control over. This leaves them feeling “small” and with a sense of not belonging. I was inspired to remind little ones that those things that create these insecurities are actually what makes them unique and special and can be viewed as strengths. And I wanted to tell it in a way that was fun and exciting and in a positive way.
Otto starts off being picked on and has low self-esteem but grows to appreciate his differences. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
When faced with his insecurities, Otto is fortunate enough to have loving and supportive parents and a best friend Lizzie who does not see his “difference” and celebrates each day with him. He is taught to never give up. That anything he wants to achieve is his for the taking. When he is faced with a real-life emergency and discovers that what makes him “different” is actually what will allow him to save his friend, he begins to realize his own self-worth and his value in his village. He is also celebrated for what he is able to do.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That each child is unique and special and they should be celebrated for who they are. Childhood for everyone comes with tests on our self-worth and questioning where we fit in. I hope that this story will remind little ones who are questioning themselves, that being true to yourself, finding the good around you, and celebrating our differences will always make them a “giant”!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a follow up that will take Otto and Lizzie on a new adventure with some lessons to learn along the way with hopes that it will be ready for publication in 2023.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website
Until one day, when his best friend Lizzie has gone missing after school and the whole village was out searching for her, they turned to Little Otto to save Lizzie, and he learned that what made him feel “different” all this time was exactly what would save the day and his best friend! And that loving and being true to who you are will always make you a feel like a giant to yourself and to others.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/12/what-makes-them-unique-and-special/
A Home for Sally follows a little puppy who is left in a shelter and struggling to get adopted because she is missing a paw and cannot run. What was the inspiration for your story?
Inspiration for A Home for Sally came from a place of concern. I would often view stories about pet adoption, however most of them would not feature a special needs puppy. This caused me to consider and then write about a canine with a disability bringing attention to this animal. Which was considered as not adoptable.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The morals I am sharing in A Home for Sally is to never give up and encourage people to adopt a special needs dog.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some concepts which were important for me was to have empathy for others, although we may look different we are all lovable, learning to accept the differences in each other. and the friendship we can have with a pet.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book release is part of a series, and the primary character is Ella the Elephant. The first book in this series is entitled, Ella Learns to Dance is scheduled for release in December 2022.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/12/adopt-a-special-needs-dog/
Grief: the Beacon of Love is a collection of 12 notes which provide insight into how to cope with the loss of a loved one. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It was important to me to share my personal struggles with grief and the consequent health problems that I experienced. I thought these experiences would be of great benefit to all those who struggle with an undefined grief. The deaths from the pandemic underlined the need for defined coping skills in dealing with overwhelming world-wide grief.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about grief?
If we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven. Matthew 6:15. God is love. I John 4:7-12
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
Grief The Beacon of Love Know God’s perspective on grief. He loves you through your joys and your sorrows. Accept Him as your Lord and your Saviour.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
Grief will just go away if not discussed and processed.
Author Links: Website | GoodReads
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/12/my-personal-struggles-with-grief/
Our picks for the best books of November
Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light
Our picks for the best nonfiction this November
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Our picks for the best literature and fiction of November
Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light