A truism for our times: a story doesn’t need to be factual to go viral. In June 2020, not long into the Covid-19 pandemic, an Instagram user shared a video of a mustachioed man wearing floral shorts and a cropped tank top, pouring himself some beer at a crowded bar in Santos, a coastal city […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/02/23/brazil-at-the-crossroads-vanessa-barbara/
to the memory of Charles Simic I wrote an exuberant—no, really!—e-mail yesterday to my kind and illustrious (or at least respectable) friends who put in a good word for me with the authorities: my Green Card has come. The e-mail to you was said to be undeliverable; perhaps I misaddressed it or again you may […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/02/23/found-poem-michael-hofmann/
Anytime the likes of Donald Trump, Greg Abbott, or Tucker Carlson begin inveighing against “caravans” of Central American “aliens” massing at the southern border and set on “invading” the United States, I recall a phrase of V.S. Naipaul’s. When in the late 1960s the British Tory politician Enoch Powell complained of white Britons being “made […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/02/23/bad-for-business-harsh-times-mario-vargas-llosa/
“Edward Hopper’s New York,” the sumptuous exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art, gives us one more chance to retire—at least for a decent interval—those once glamorous words that have come to dominate, and increasingly suffocate, our experience of Hopper’s paintings: alienation, loneliness, voyeurism, the uncanny. Such neon abstractions give us the illusion that […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/02/23/buildings-come-to-life-edward-hoppers-new-york/
On January 26 Sam Huber reviewed My Name is Andrea, Pratibha Parmar’s documentary about the feminist writer Andrea Dworkin, for the NYR Online. “The film is most valuable,” Huber writes, “for its conviction that Dworkin’s dual commitment to language and politics constituted a single thread running taut through the length of her life.” A lecturer […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/02/04/revisiting-the-second-wave/
“The Road Renounced is a World War I tale of one soldier’s triumphs and tragedies as told by the woman who loves him”. What were some new ideas you wanted to explore that were different from The Road Remembered?
In writing The Road Remembered my idea was a pretty straight forward narrative about the last six months of World War II that encompassed the stories of the eight actual WWII veterans I interviewed—with a couple of twists. Many of my readers told me they loved how I wrote about the good and the bad on both sides of the war—something not often shared by authors who write about one side or the other. One of the story lines I felt was left unexplored in The Road Remembered was the fact that Sam’s father abandoned the family the night his seventh child was born—and why. So in The Road Renounced the bulk of the story centers on Sam’s father, Buzz, but is told primarily from the perspective of Sam’s mother, Maude, although we also get to know Buzz’s perspectives through his conversations with his best friend, Henry, and the Belgian nurse, Marthe Peeters. I wanted readers to witness Buzz’s life through both his eyes and that of his family, but mostly to understand how day-to-day tragedies, along with huge life-altering circumstances like the violent death of one’s parents and the consequences of a war, can work on a person to take his life from realizing his dreams to sunk in despair. I wanted to lead readers through a life that, despite a rocky beginning, blossomed into everything Buzz had ever hoped for and then how he handled it when all of that came crashing down around him. I wanted to test myself to see if I could write about tragic events, like one experiences in life, but still end the book on a satisfying note. Honestly, I held my breath when I received my first feedback from my early readers—all of whom had also read The Road Remembered. I feared this book might not hold their interest—even though it held mine. But, to a person, I heard from them that they considered this book the best I have ever written.
What were some challenges you set for yourself as a writer with this book?
I wanted to explore a circumstance that was so devastating it caused the father of seven children who was married to a wonderful woman who loved him to give all of that up and abandon his family. I mean, who does that? And why? My own grandfather left my grandmother alone much of her life, only returning to get her pregnant, and then leaving again. No one in the family had an answer as to why—lots of speculation, but no facts—so I decided to explore an answer on my own. I wanted to depict a sympathetic character who had a rough home life with his parents, but rose above that to realize his dreams. And then experienced devastating blows, one after another that took him on his downward spiral to misery. We all face downward spirals, from time to time. Whether or not we are able to grow from them is the key to the kind of person we become. Even as the writer, I felt bad for all of the things thrown at Buzz. My heart hurt for him. And I had a plan for how the story ended, but I still wanted to give Buzz every opportunity to grow up and accept that his life was different from what he had hoped for, but could still have been great. Yes, as with many authors, my characters sometimes take over the story and tell me where it goes. I really hoped Buzz would show me something I hadn’t thought of and figured if he could come up with something positive that I hadn’t already imagined, I would be willing to change the ending of the story to reflect that. But alas, he refused to grow from his misfortunes. And he continued to wallow in his grief and renounced the gifts he received at every turn. So, unfortunately for him, he experienced my original plan for his story.
What is one thing readers have been saying about your book that surprises you the most?
I was really surprised that several of my readers said there are so many characters they found it hard to keep up. I suppose that since I know all of the characters so well, that thought never even occurred to me. Most of the readers who told me that were new to my writing and had not read The Road Remembered first, so had to learn some of the characters from the first book, too. The Road Renounced can definitely be read as a stand-alone book but there may be a plethora of characters the new reader might not be used to. As a result, I have created a spreadsheet of characters and their relationships to each other that I have sent to my readers who struggled. The other thing that surprised me was how strongly my readers felt about the story—regardless of the fact that it is a tragedy, my readers loved the story and loved the ending. Apparently a lot of us can relate to the kinds of issues my characters faced
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am toying with a third “Road” book to tie up any loose ends and close out the family, but right now I am working on a story involving a world-renowned blood doctor whose wife suffers from Hodgkin’s disease and his work with vampire bats, whose saliva has been known to dissolve blood clots that cause strokes. As he explores mutating the saliva to treat other illnesses—like Hodgkin’s—he is visited by a vampire who offers him a cure. Most of my readers laugh when I tell them about this, but my husband had a fantastic idea for this story more than twenty years ago and my agent loved it. It’s finally time to write it. So it will probably be a couple of years before it is ready for readers. But thank you for asking.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
2015. Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. Suzanne Ryan uncovers her grandmother’s diary hidden in the binding of a century-old photo album. Thrilled to learn about her grandmother, Maude, who died before Suzanne was born, she reads the first entry, written on Maude’s tenth birthday.
1915. Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. Maude Brewer, her brother, Henry, and his best friend, Buzz Ryan, live a relatively care-free existence. But the darkening conflict in Europe looms, threatening them all with the fight of their lives.
At the same time, across the ocean, darkness has already fallen as the Germans march into neutral Belgium and shatter the life of nurse Marthe Peeters, whose family is viciously killed right in front of her. She is captured and forced to travel with the German Army, each step escalating the rage in her heart that explodes into plans for revenge.
But as Maude’s story unfolds through the years, it intersects with Marthe’s and despite the fact that an ocean separates them, it is clear that the two women share their perspectives on the war. They also, Suzanne learns, share the love of the same man, Buzz Ryan, Suzanne’s grandfather. Buzz must not only fight the war on the battlefield, he must also fight the war within his heart.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/04/i-wanted-to-test-myself/
Regrets, Love, Sex and Life Lessons is a provocative collection of short stories that shows all the good and bad things that come with being an adult. Was there anything from your own life that you put into this collection?
My first story, ” 2 Imperfect people” came from my own personal experience. I am a Case Manager and a Mental Health Advocate, plus, When I was diagnosed with a mental health disorder, I was in a locked facility and I met a few good people there.
I really enjoyed the story, ‘Love, Headache, and bad Timing’. Do you have a story that stands out to you from this collection?
My second story, “Country Carlton has taught me a true lesson in this thing called “Life”. This story stands out because as women, sometimes we see what we want to see instead of seeing things for what they really are. We see the “RED FLAGS” and still continue to believe something different. I personally have a habit of turning my head to things that is so obvious, just so I don’t have to deal with it. It has “BACKFIRED” on me everytime.
What were some emotions that were important for you to portray in this collection?
As women, we naturally think with our heart and that is ok, but unfortunately severe heartache comes with it. Instead of being so quick to jump into a relationship, we should get to know the person and see if the situation is right for us and them.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
Its ok to make mistakes in any relationship. Never feel ashamed for loving the wrong person. Never give up on love but just remember to love yourself first and everything will fall in place.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/04/it-has-backfired-on-me/
The Moon Child tells the story of one adopted girl’s connection to her birth parents through the Moon and Sun. Why was this an important book for to you publish?
My daughter is adopted and this story was something that I used to tell her when she was little.
I think the personification of the moon and sun allows a child or parent that may have had the experience of separation from a parent to understand that they are never forgotten and always loved. The sun and the moon provide that tangible link as we all look at them from time to time.
The art in the book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Daniella Banco?
Dani is such a legend and beautiful person. She nailed the concept of the book in her first draft drawing which happens to be the cover.
She asked wonderful questions, got some photos of our family and made the book such a personal joy for my daughter, Bella. She captured the words and gave them life through her illustrations.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
I think capturing The Moon Child with her favorite things was the most fun. Morphing Bella’s favorite things into the image with the sand and her dog and her tutu. The joy of a child in their experience of love.
Dani and Bella met after the book had been published and they were like kindred spirits. It was beautiful.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
My hope for readers is that they can share in the love that exists for children in adopted or foster families.
Most importantly allow a child to understand that no matter where in the world or what happens in their life, their birth parents never forget them or stop loving them. Just as their adoptive or foster parents provide love to them.
Author Links: Website | Amazon
Author Geraldine Moran first wrote this story when Bella was a baby, and has continued to tell it to her over the years. Bella has always loved hearing her story. It has also been told to Bella’s friends, classmates and teachers, and resonated with them as the story of Bella’s special life.
Both Geraldine and Bella are delighted to now share her story with a wider audience.
The Moon Child celebrates the importance of adoption but never forgets the parents who still love their child, but cannot be an active part of their life.
It is also a story of belonging.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/04/the-experience-of-love/
Who Knew? is a collection of evocative poetry that is based on people throughout time in New York City. What inspired you to write this collection of poetry?
A feeling I got in the middle of the night to write the book.
What draws you to New York City and what do you think draws so many other people to the city?
I was born here. I always worked here.
Others are drawn to New York City for adventure and the HISTORY. They heard about the city from others and said we have to go there.
My favorite poem from the collection is the one about ‘General George Washington’. Is there a poem that you are particularly partial to in this collection?
Oh yes! The Slave
Do you have plans to write and publish more works of poetry?
Yes! If it comes to me in my sleep and or a very strong inspiration while being awake.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/04/for-adventure-and-the-history/
Sara Winslow Talbott is a family law attorney defending a woman in a custody battle. The problem? She’s defending her husband’s mistress, who is pregnant with her husband’s baby. As she struggles to figure out how she should handle this situation, she is suddenly the primary suspect in her husband’s murder. The mob now wants her dead because her husband stole from them. Will the handsome District Attorney Phillip Martino be able to help her out of this mess? Will she make it out alive and prove her innocence?
Heart of the Storm by Sharon K Middleton is a captivating story that I found hard to put down. The characters in the story are likable, and I enjoyed reading the witty conversations between Sara and her sister Liz. As soon as I read the first sentence in the book, I was both shocked and hooked. I empathize with Sara, and I love her character. I also appreciated that she had a lot of support from her family, and they all had a great sense of humor through this tough situation.
Middleton has created a dramatic story filled with tension that made this page-turner from start to finish. I was not expecting Sara’s husband to be murdered, and I was thrown for a loop. The stakes are raised in the story when we learn that Sara was abused by her husband and that he was a cheater, making her look like a possible suspect in his death. The author expertly immerses the reader into the story, and I felt like I was alongside Sara, trying to solve the mystery of her husband’s murder.
Heart of the Storm is a riveting read that will take readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with unexpected twists. This suspenseful story has the right amount of drama with characters that you will love and hate. I would recommend this compelling read to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0BCSZLJVB
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/04/heart-of-the-storm/