The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Eighties all week & the kids I were in shorts & flip-flops, then Friday night things turned cold with thunderstorms all weekend. Thing are in full bloom here, but the week ahead looks like mother nature cannot decide. We had a lovely night out last weekend for our anniversary. As always, Stay Caffeinated.
Last Week on the Blog
Message In The Grave By Dawn Merriman (audio review)
The Cuban Heiress By Chanel Cleeton (book review)
Her Amish Country Valentine By Patricia Johns (book review / guest post)
Book Tour: The Lady And The Barrister By Ruth A. Casie (spotlight / giveaway)
Mad Jack By Stacy M. Jones (audio review)
The Angel Maker By Alex North (audio review)
This Week on the Blog
A Local Habitation By Seanan McGuire (audio review)
The Good Luck Cafe By Annie Rains (book review)
A Frankness Of Character By Pemberley Darcy (book review / guest post)
Max Abaddon And The Long Bite By Justin Leslie (audio review)
Book Tour: The Last Message By Catherine Hope (spotlight / giveaway)
An Artificial Night By Seanan McGuire (audio review)
New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe
Learn more:
Light Bringer by Pierce Brown
A special thanks to Del Ray Books
Around The Blogosphere
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Struth! follows three men with different philosophical beliefs who contemplate the universe and its meaning. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
Actually, it’s two men and a women, but that’s not important here. The idea originally developed from my own search for some understanding of life and the world around us. I have always had an interest in science, which has provided mankind with some wonderful insights into the workings of nature and still continues to do so on an almost daily basis. However, being empirical in nature, it can never hope to answer those fundamental questions as to why things happen, only the what, where and how. In many ways science is still in its infancy and has to create unknown “dark forces” to allow observations to align with theories and established physical laws. It will even tell you that death is our final destination and there is no purpose to life. That seemed irrational to me, so I then turned towards religion. Coming from a non-religious background, with only a sprinkling of religious knowledge, I knew very little of the many different and distinct faiths. However, with over 4000 individually recognised religions in the world, which one holds the truth? They can’t all be right, and you could spend your whole life searching and still end up empty handed at the end. In frustration, I turned to philosophy for answers, that academic discipline for generating conceptual ideas. But even here, few understand the logic and rationale derived, and philosophers have never agreed on a single proposition. The only option I had left was to start from scratch and develop a sort of personal religion based on truths that I had already accepted.
Authors that have previously trodden this path have chosen to base an approach either on personal insights (if they happen to be a mystic or had the misfortune to suffer a near death experience), or on religious grounds by reinterpreting scripture. For others, fantasy provides unlimited boundaries where witchcraft and magic can evoke the impossible. When you analyse all of these options in detail, however, none provides that solid foundation necessary to create a truly believable hypothesis. “Struth!” takes a different approach, with the plot centred on a model of existence at its core that has been inferred from our own history. In our past, numerous pivotal events have aided our species’ rise to dominance and shaped our lives. These are not disputed, so become fixed points within the model. Furthermore, if you believe that life does have meaning, then these events could not simply have happened by chance; they too had purpose and must be connected in some way. With the minimum number of initial assumptions, and with elements borrowed from science, religion and philosophy, common threads can be found to create the links and plug the gaps. By joining all the dots, a bigger picture is revealed that can then be used to explore the natural and supernatural worlds in a defendable framework. It provides some plausible answers and thought-provoking ideas that can be easily understood and, in many ways, unify the conflicting ideas found in science, religion and philosophy alone.
I decided to write “Struth!” in my retirement, first to give me something to keep my mind active and occupied, but primarily because I wanted to share these ideas in the hope that others would find some connection and aid their own search for enlightenment.
2. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
If you have already found a religion, no matter what that may be, then the path to enlightenment is already well trodden and is straight and well lit. If you are still searching for that “truth” then you become an explorer and the path is unclear as it meanders and branches all along its length. When you reach a fork in the path you have to decide which direction to take. To do this rationally and objectively, you need to keep an open mind and consider all ideas, no matter how unlikely and contradictory they may seem. As an engineer by profession, I approach writing in a similar way, so you will find that all the workings that went into solving a dilemma are openly out on display. The three main characters were specifically chosen to represent these opposing views, not just philosophically but also religiously, sexually and socially. It was therefore very easy for the characters to interact to express their own views, and in the end, I found a compromise solution which contains elements of truth from all viewpoints.
3. What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In many ways I gave my own mind free-range when it came to developing the story. It started by making just one assumption – Life does have meaning. If you believe that, then numerous questions are immediately raised and it starts you on a journey in search of answers. The end result is that the book has to almost develop a theory of everything in order to fully explain the how, what, where and, most importantly, – why.
If I have to pick a few highlights, then they would probably be: the nature of God, creation and the structure of the universe, how mysticism and the paranormal work, why we have such diversity in sexuality, and what role Earth and mankind play in the bigger picture.
Although initially unintended, it was also interesting that the structure of the universe proposed aligns with Douglas Adams “Answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything”, postulated in the “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”. It seems that many of the answers to life’s mysteries can be found in 42.
4. Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I have only just started. “Struth!” was conceived as a trilogy, and the second book in the series is already well advanced. The first book is really an adventure story where the leading characters go in search of life’s meaning and to understand the world around them. In the second book “Struth Mate!” the journey of discovery continues from where the first ended, and we look into the future and what destiny holds for us all. We encounter Gaia, or Mother Nature if you prefer. Who or what is she? What is her connection with God? Is she really able to influence life on Earth, changing our environment, or even altering the course of evolution? We also learn that the end of the world is fast approaching. Here the Book of Revelations and the returning Messiah take on greater significance and are brought startlingly into focus. We also discover what 42 signifies.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
“Struth! is an incredibly imaginative novel. It seeks to answer so many ‘unknowable’ inquiries, from the meaning of life itself to the existence of God, in fresh and unexpected ways, with creativity, flair, and hilarity.” – Judge, 28th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
“This is a very interesting book if one keeps an open mind. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars.” – Official review, Online Book Club.
“Struth! isn’t your traditional novel. Instead, it’s an unconventional blend of scientific propositions, theological musings, and philosophical reflections all wrapped into one highly innovative package. It will have readers pondering their beliefs, laughing out loud, and questioning the universe.” – Literary Titan.
“Struth!” is a thought provoking philosophical fiction novel aimed at those still searching for some meaning to life and existence. It follows the life and death of three friends who hold very different views on life, but who are brought together and then murdered in mysterious circumstances. Their subsequent journey of discovery takes them into an unfamiliar spiritual world, where nothing makes much sense. Only as they travel on will the nature of reality start to reveal itself and the truth behind their lives exposed.
At the core of the novel is a model of existence derived from a fusion of history, science, religion and philosophy. This unified theory is used to provide plausible answers to many of those previously unanswered questions that have long eluded mankind: What is the meaning of life, the universe and everything? How was life created? Who is God? What killed the dinosaurs? Are there really aliens out there? … Why do the Germans consider themselves the master race?
“Struth!” is not irreligious or hostile to individual established religions, but draws upon all sources of knowledge, keeping an open and logical mind to arrive at compelling explanations that can be understood by everyone. WARNING: This product may challenge your existing beliefs.
God’s Voice and How to Listen is a study guide that helps readers deepen their relationship with God and hear when He speaks to them. Where did the idea for this book come from, and how did it develop over time?
The book is a companion to the original devotional, “Whispering in His Ear.” After I wrote the first book, I thought it would be important to provide discussion questions and deeper scripture for small groups or book clubs that might want to read the book. And so “God’s Voice and How to Listen” was born.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea is to listen and hear God’s voice. We do that through understanding, through scripture, what God sounds like, and how he talks to us. One way He talks to us is through His Holy Word.
I felt this book was exceptionally well written and helpful for those wanting to build a stronger relationship with God. What’s your experience as a writer?
I have been a news writer for most of my career. I had only written objective non-fiction, but after a retreat to get closer to God, I was led by the Holy Spirit to write the devotional.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from God’s Voice and How to Listen?
I hope readers can see that anyone can seek a deeper connection with the Lord and spend time with him. The chapters and discussion questions can help people seek that connection. I thank you for your interest!
The answers to life’s questions come from God, but he speaks to everyone in different ways. It is up to you to listen and be open to His message. Has God stopped talking to you? Or have you stopped listening?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help in understanding His messages. This large-print companion to the Christian devotional “Whispering in His Ear” can help! As you explore these conversations and the associated scripture, you will find yourself closer to Him and better able to interpret His messages. With further exploration of scripture, discussion questions, and more room for journaling your thoughts and prayers, it’s the perfect book for studying alone, or in small and large groups. This study guide can be used with the original devotional or can work well on its own.
Nurse Florence(R): Why and How Do We Sneeze? follows three friends who learn from the nurse about sneezing using medical terminology in a way children can understand. What was the inspiration for your story?
The Nurse Florence series explores general science concepts (i.e. sneezing) and diseases so that families can understand how their body better. We’re going to explore all interesting human body questions so it was time to do one about sneezing.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted kids to understand what kinds of things may cause a sneeze in their environment so that’s why we discussed allergens. I also wanted kids to understand the complexity of a sneeze so that’s why we included things about the brain and some muscles to show the interaction that goes within the body. Our bodies are amazing and I want to share the excitement of human physiology with young readers.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goal for every Nurse Florence book is to make sure that the writing is understandable at an elementary level. My nine year old daughter is one of my editors and she gives me the thumbs up before publishing any of these books.
What is the next book in the Nurse Florence series that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Dow Creative Enterprises is publishing a new book almost every week. Check our website to see a picture of them all. We are about to publish Nurse Florence, What is Arthritis? which will help kids understand what their loved ones may be going through. Our goal is to publish around 500 books in the series by the end of 2026 where a family would buy the disease books that affect their family so that everyone can feel more informed about their health. Even parents are reporting learning something new in every book.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence® book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science.
Marked as Queen of Hearts follows an aspiring author who seeks out the help of her ex-boyfriend to understand police procedures. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
I don’t think I can pinpoint any one source for inspiration. The idea of a serial killer started with an alert I received regarding a body found in the county I live in. The methods the serial killer used were inspired by something I read in a book quoting a historical event. Some of the trials the characters face (not serial-killer related) are pulled from real-life experiences of my own. Even a few of the quirks, like the silliness of the heroine’s dog are based off my own crazy furball. So, the short answer? Everywhere. Being a writer means anything can spark inspiration and wind up in a story.
As a second chance romance, what was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
This was the first, second-chance romance I’d written, but as I got into it, I knew it was something I’d love to write again. I’m a big fan of Persuasion by Jane Austen and the whole idea of two people separating but continuing to harbor feelings for each other years later inspired the way Rafe and Tori’s love story played out. With each thinking the other had moved on but secretly hoping that they hadn’t.
How did the mystery develop for this story?
Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically? I write as a pantser, so I don’t plan my stories out ahead of time. It developed organically as I wrote. In fact, when I started, I wasn’t even sure who the killer was!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m working on a free novella that features two side characters from my Rolling Brook Series. This will be exclusive to my newsletter subscribers. If you’d like to read it, sign up at my website: www.blyedonovan.com. I expect to have Right on Target ready for them in May. I’ve got some other projects in the works for this year, but the next book I have a publish date set for will be the start to a new series. It will be set in a small town on the east coast, feature the same suspense elements, but star former military heroes and/or heroines. That will come out in September 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Can she stack the deck in her favor, or will this house of cards come tumbling down?
Tori Graham is an author with a story to write. The problem? She needs her ex’s expertise to make it believable. And he’s about as enthusiastic to be her consultant as she is to drum up their complicated history. Can she convince this jaded cop to help her without falling into his arms—again?
Rafe Alonso hung up his detective hat months ago, moving to Rolling Brook as the new police captain. What was supposed to be an easy gig becomes anything but when the case that haunts him follows him there, and his old flame shows up in town. Now, someone’s playing a deadly game, and he’s only got half the cards. Nothing could prepare him for the hand he’s dealt because Tori might not be the only one who got away. With the stakes running high, can they bury the past for a second chance at love, or will the killer Rafe is after, destroy it once and for all?
Find out in this gripping, second chance romance! *Can be read as a stand alone.
“Where’s Helen?” follows an unassuming girl’s harrowing quest for justice as she navigates family dysfunction and uncovers dark secrets, finding strength in her own resilience and an unexpected alliance with her enigmatic grandmother. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The basic theme was derived from the speeches of Russ Dizdar, who helped the police in occult crimes and was very familiar with Satanic ritual Abuse themes. The characters are mainly composites, and I have taken a lot of literary license with the ones inspired by real humans I have met or even fictional characters I like from other author’s novels.
Helen is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Helen has many of my own characteristics, but she is a better, stronger, sane, and more sensible version. I see mistakes I made during my youth and how I could have done better. However, it must not be discounted that Helen had Anna as a role model, even if she could not depend on her own mother. It would have been extremely difficult to navigate the situations Helen was in without Anna’s influence and mentorship.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to present two themes. First, can a girl who was not raised in a “good” family be a moral and virtuous girl? Absolutely, yes, but it will take more commitment to God, who will protect her, and more strength on her part. Second, I wanted to show what a narcissistic personality looks like from the viewpoint of those who have to deal with it in a family situation. Anyone who has had a narcissistic close family member and “woken up” from why the person is that way knows what I am saying.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I really enjoyed writing “Where’s Helen?”. I want to write another book, but right now, there are only vague ideas floating around in my head. I want to write something original. Many romance authors turn out novel after novel, which is basically a selection of the same themes mixed and matched over and over. Plate wrote of a Sacrates situation where Socrates met an actor called “Ion.” Ion acted in the plays of Homer and was renowned for his acting in his time. When he acted in another playwright’s play, he was only a so-so actor. The plays of Homer inspired his with a muse, Socrates said, so he could truly act the part. When a creator is inspired, they will stay up late, get obsessed with their task, and enter into another world. Ayn Rand is an author I admire, and she writes about this when Roark designs the Enright house. Ayn Rand was not an architect, but she understood what it meant to be inspired by your work. I can see her staying up writing her own novels all night and slumping over her desk in quiet exhaustion in the morning.
I have written a lot that I never tried to publish and much of which I never finished. The muse has to hit me, and as a Christian I need to make sure God approves as well.
Author Links: Facebook | Amazon
This novel is set in modern day Pennsylvania. Helen is a plain, unremarkable girl, the middle child of a dysfunctional famiy. She is often neglected and abused. She has nothing to recommend her but a good mind and a discerning sprit. She takes to hiding in the woods to escape. While she finds a mentor and ally in her grandmother, her habit of escaping continues. Then she witnesses a ceremony no one wanted her to see. She tries to tell someone, but she is not taken seriously. As the situation gets worse, she must find the strength to tell what she knws and bring the evil into the light.
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“Struth! is an incredibly imaginative novel. It seeks to answer so many ‘unknowable’ inquiries, from the meaning of life itself to the existence of God, in fresh and unexpected ways, with creativity, flair, and hilarity.” – Judge, 28th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
