Andrea Barrett’s Natural History is a “dreamscape of the distant past,” writes Regina Marler in her review of the book, a cycle of five stories and a novella, in our December 8 issue. Marler herself is a dreamer of the past. She brings the subjects of her criticism to vivid life, whether it’s Barrett’s Henrietta, […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/11/26/the-snoop-regina-marler/
Re-birth tells the compelling story of Anessa’s reincarnation in the intriguing fantasy world of Anfang. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I’ve been a fan of Mythology of almost every variety. As a child I was always intrigued by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and being pulled through to a new world.
Anessa is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Anessa is a logical view of what might happen to a western person should they be taken at the point of their death and placed on a new planet through divine intervention. She’s lost, confused, and must navigate a new world alone, forging new bonds, making sense of the insanity of moralities that are different from what knew she on Earth.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Our world is on the precipice of some vital changes to personal rights. Anfang represents an exploration of an ideal, and in future volumes I may tinker with how easily it can crumble.
The exception to this question is nobles using marriages to form bonds between families as chess pieces, but that is a component of medieval societies, not of a theme I wanted to explore.
When and where will your book be available?
Re-Birth will be available November 24, 2022, on Amazon in eBook, Paperback (black and white) and Hardback (full color). The eBook is on sale for $4.99 until 1/1/2023. The sale pricing for the paperback and hardback are beyond my control as I’ve already found out.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHVG5ZB6 – eBook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1959098004 – Hardback
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1959098101 – Paperback
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Originally from Earth, she finds herself transported to Anfang with one question:
“How did I die?”
Reborn into a family of wealth, privilege and magic, the expectations placed on her clash with her Earthen sensibilities.
As Anessa grows into her newfound place and power, she struggles with the notions of political marriages, inane rituals, and the awareness that her biggest threat may come from within.
Who do you trust when your first life was stolen by your best friend, and your latest sin is living?
Join Anessa on her debut journey in My Own Mythology — Re-Birth; get yours now!
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/26/making-sense-of-the-insanity-of-moralities/
The Myrk Maiden follows a young woman whose life is shattered when she’s thrust into the realm of a society of sorcerers who look to her as their salvation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This novel was conceived when I was a wee high school freshman being sped away from everything I knew. We were relocating from our lifelong roots in the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast in the middle of the school year, and as we crossed the state lines, I imagined a frustrated young girl who felt like a pariah having to contend with her “otherness” and an upended life. This concept was too simple, however. I wanted it to have a magical, fantastical flair – hence the evolution of that troubled young girl into a shapeshifting hybrid human. Fueled by my nascent knowledge of the “sorcerer” residents in the town I had just spent seven years growing up in, I decided to blend some facts among the fiction and create as authentic of a fantasy story as I could.
Twilight is an interesting and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind her character’s development?
My protagonist is not easy to root for in this story. Infused with monstrous powers and a murderous nature, Twilight offers readers a raw, realistic glimpse into evil. Connecting with readers and exploring and empathizing with their inner darkness became a vital element of Twilight’s journey. I wanted anyone who immersed themselves in this twisted tale to understand that their evil inclinations are not the exception, but the rule, and that despite this troubling fact, hope never dies as long as we live… and it is light that devours darkness, not the other way around.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Identity, understanding one’s true nature, and the importance of wisely wielding gifts are some central themes in the first book. Twilight is blessed with tremendous potential, but potential does not always translate to beautiful “actual.” Those who struggle with the yoke of their own intensity are dangerous. They are capable of incredible, wondrous things… but these creators, if their hearts are darkened, can also become destroyers. People who have been chosen for extraordinary tasks must be mindful of how they handle them; will they use their gifts to restore or destroy? How many mistakes will they stumble over along the way, and is there a purpose for any of it? The Myrk Maiden Trilogy navigates these existential questions and many more.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next release is approaching quickly! On December 10th, 2022, I am publishing Daughter Dusk, Book #2 in the Myrk Maiden Trilogy. Look for it on Amazon!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
15-year-old Twilight dreams of a better life away from her uncaring family, longing for purpose and adventure. When her humdrum existence is soon shattered forever, she is thrust into the wickedly enticing realm of the Shadows, a society of sorcerers who look to her as their living salvation from the light. As darkness seeps into Twilight’s soul, she comes to live by three words – “maim and kill.” In this brutal coming-of-age tale, young Twilight finds herself tangled in a twist of existential crises, divine dangers, and monstrous mishaps as she navigates the various bends and turns of her new life, always wondering whether she should obey her “true nature” and remain in the dark – or fight for a glimpse of light beyond the Shadows’ compound walls.
Book 1 in The Myrk Maiden Trilogy.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/26/having-to-contend-with-her-otherness/
Sled With Me is an enchanting children’s book that takes readers on an imaginative journey to the North Pole. Readers will see a cozy village, visit the workshop where elves are busy making toys, and see Santa and his reindeer all in one fun-filled night.
In this charming kid’s book author Sharon Purtill tells a magical holiday adventure all through rhyme. Each rhyme is short, cute, and perfect for the season. The language is perfect for parents to read to their young children, or for early readers to read on their own.
Every page of this picture book is illustrated from edge to edge with vibrant and sharp illustrations that bring each scene to life. There is so much detail on every page that children will surely spend several minutes on each page picking out all the different things, especially when they get to the North Pole and see the cute polar bears on skates.
This is a wonderfully detailed children’s book that brings together all of your favorite holiday characters. This book is so much more than a Christmas story. It shows children how to use their imagination to take them wherever they want to go. Sled With Me is a delightful children’s book that will inspire your child’s next dream adventure.
Pages: 37 | ASIN: B0BMVYS1LF
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/26/sled-with-me-i-love-you-to-the-north-pole-and-beyond/
Second Chance – The Adventures of Gianni & Pepina follows a retired doctor who moves to south France to start over and meets a woman who renews his faith in love and laughter. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
There are so many scenarios in this world regarding the loss of a loved one; sickness, accident, suicide and war just to name a few. As a result, a partner may lose faith and have no hope for the future. That was my vision for this story – a retired doctor (Dr. Gianni Pisano) who lost all hope from his young wife committing suicide. He surrenders, never finding love again. He retreats to the south of France in retirement, losing himself to alcohol and drugs.
One never knows through what door love may enter. After decades, through a mystical encounter with a curious bird and a mutual love of gardening, Gianni breaks through his isolation, running into an enchanting woman who has captured his imagination. No spoilers!
What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
A good healthy sense of humor is a mandatory prerequisite for a successful relationship. Gianni and Pepina display this in abundance. Their escapades throughout Catalonia, France and the New World (aka Alaska and Southern California) are full of sharp wit, laughter and the joy of life. Everybody deserves a Second Chance!
In today’s modern world of social media, with people meeting and greeting in a peculiar/sterile way, it was appealing to create a relationship that happens spontaneously… with the help of nature, of course.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Being a virgin until a certain age is generally a personal choice. Also, it is not uncommon for a person to not have intimate relations with another person until later in life. This was the situation with Pepina Soler; she dedicated most of her life as the sole care giver for her father who was a rather prolific man during the Franco regime in Spain. All her siblings never lifted a finger to help. For her to find love, later in life, with a caring understanding man was an integral part of this romance.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
GEEZERVILLE
(Dramatic Comedy)
The life of a curmudgeonly ol’ geezer banished to a trailer park, who is not exactly who he seems to be…?
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/26/running-into-the-woman-of-his-dreams/