“When students ask me today how they can find their style, I propose they put their computers and digital drawings pads aside and discover what happens with their own hands and bodies, with all the attendant mistakes, flaws, and shortcomings.”
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/04/06/the-forms-of-the-tools-henning-wagenbreth/
The Dutch artist Jacqueline de Jong loads her canvases with about as much potential energy as they can bear. The paintings in her “Billiards” series induce mild vertigo, so outlandish are their perspectives, so distorted their angles, so broad their crashing planes of color. Wrists cocked, focused but effortless, the subjects—likely fellow Amsterdammers playing carom, […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/04/06/games-we-play-jacqueline-de-jong/
Memories Don’t Lie follows a woman in a tactical skills program who is plagued by her dead mother’s memories, which jeopardize all she has worked for. What inspired the setup of your story?
I carried my main character around with me for many years, but it was through writing the novel that I learned who she really was. When tossing around ideas on how best to tell her story, the inspiration came from a dream (as cliché as that sounds), but I still recall it in vivid detail. The dream was about a young woman being chased by persons unknown across the roof of a five-storey building. She jumped off the roof to escape but was caught by another person who was sent to help her. That posed the questions: who was chasing her and why; how did she avoid injury when jumping from so high; who was the person sent to help her and why, all of which I’ve answered in the novel. I wrote that scene in the
first draft. It went through many changes, but a version of it still remains in the published novel.
The world you created in this novel is brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you wrote?
I love delving into the murky world of super soldiers and military experiments, and while those concepts are not new, my interest in déjà vu and cellular memory led to a new twist on genetic performance enhancement. I chose a military setting so the establishment was large enough to carry the scope of the scientific and genetic enhancement elements I present. I also didn’t want to spend half the novel explaining how my characters had access to weapons, vehicles, intel, etc. They had enough to deal with without worrying about how to get their hands on a gun. As for the time zone, I only took a small step into the future so my world would retain relatable real-life aspects. The locations are real, but I changed some details to reflect near-future scenarios. As for how much did it change as I wrote? Not much. If anything, I found it uncanny how many times I researched a location and found information similar to my fictional elements. For example, one scene takes place in an abandoned mine. In that particular real-life location, I discovered a historical reference to an abandoned mine in the same area.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Memories Don’t Lie is a coming-of-age story and includes found family, friendships, identity/self- discovery, and finding one’s place in the world, all set against a cautious approach to genetic experimentation backdrop. My main character is physically strong, but self-doubt and external threats leave her vulnerable and open to mind-attack. Through my characters, I explored what it means to lower self-imposed barriers that prevent the development of trust between each other, and the run-on effects when that happens. The most important element for me was learning who you truly are and tapping into the inner strength that accompanies it.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, the story will continue in a planned series. My characters will face new challenges that will test their core values, threaten to tear apart their tight-knit group and expose them to the sinister after-effects of the initial genetic enhancement experiment.
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Her journey takes a deadly turn when she uncovers secrets about her past, hidden deep in her mother’s memories, that threaten everything Sarah wants.
They could cost her everything she holds dear—and her life.
Pauline Yates, Australian author of award-winning horror and science fiction, debuts her first science fiction novel—fast-paced action/adventure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Don’t let him find her.
My dead mother’s desperate plea takes my thoughts hostage, shattering my composure and threatening the freedom I long for. Why am I remembering this when nothing’s happened in the last thirteen years? All my focus needs to be on passing my final sharpshooting assessment. The cryptic recollection should be the last thing on my mind.
Irritated at the intrusion, I block out her voice and pace around my barracks room as if running the course. A win will earn me the Tactical Skills Program’s top graduate title, and I’m determined to claim it. It’s the only way to show Marrick Daniels I’d be perfect for his C.S.R. team. His crime-fighting unit is the best and his vacant position unprecedented. I’ll never get another chance. But the memory continues to haunt me.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/06/a-coming-of-age-story/
Sister Bevenlee and Mother of Pox follows an eight-year-old peasant girl who is discovered to have the ability to see auras and is sent to the Tower to learn the skills of the Sisters. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story came as a result of two short stories about Mothers at the Tower (“Mother of Song” and “Mother of Grub,” both included in the second book of the series, Mothers of the Tower). I meant it to be a novella, to give the perspective of the Sisters forced to live and work at the Tower, but as the story took shape, I realized it needed a lot more information to be complete. Thus. it became the longest manuscript I’d written to that point.
The world you created in this novel is brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you wrote?
The original short story, “The Arch of Peresephalon,” was a simple one-off, an exercise to see if I could pen such a twisted tale. I never named the central character. (As this was in first-person POV, I got away with it.) Though I moved on to my next project, I kept circling back to the ideas in this one. “Mother of Grub” took shape soon after. Sister Bevenlee followed. That novel included another Mother (Mother of Draglins) with such a crazy tale, she deserved her own story. After I wrote “Mother of Draglins,” three more stories bloomed to life in my head, based on Mothers in the other stories. “Mother of Succor,” “Mother of Boots,” and “Mother of Stomp” joined “Mother of Song” and “Mother of Grub” as the stories collected in Mothers of the Tower. As I crafted each, I included elements of other stories, tying the series together across the many decades they take place. A short story, “Pulled” (available for free at the end of Sister Bevenlee if you sign up to receive my newsletter), carries the setting of Sephalon five centuries into the future.
I have thoughts of writing about the start of it all, with Mothers of Builder and Fetcher as the central characters, but no firm idea has taken shape yet.
Bevenlee struggles to fit in with the Sisters and find her identity after discovering her skills. What themes were important to explore in this book?
All Sisters end up at the Tower against their will, being pulled by the gods when they turn eight. It is a traumatic time, and some don’t survive the journey. As a military brat, I experienced that sense of uprooting and dislocation several times. When people ask where I grew up or where I’m from, I don’t really have an answer. (Bevenlee starts out not knowing the name of her home kingdom.)
Through no fault of her own, Bevenlee never experiences the pull, her fate as a Sister coming to light at the same time Sisters from the Tower arrive to fetch Princess Ukee, pregnant with a god (that pregnancy creates the aura Bevenlee sees at the start of the story). She rides in Fetcher’s carriage with Princess/Mother Ukee. For pledging to be Ukee’s friend, she receives a blue belt (and later a blue eyepatch) matching the color of Ukee’s clothing, both gifted to them by a god on their first night en route to the Tower. So from the start, Bevenlee’s set apart from the other Sisters at the Tower. Growing up as I did, I had no long-term friends and thought that sense of exclusion fit the story well.
As she’s stubborn, Bevenlee keeps on with herself and triumphs in the end. I feel I did well for myself despite my childhood experiences, and felt Bevenlee deserved a similarly bright future.
Will there be a follow-up novel for this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
With the way this story ends, it’s appropriately positioned as the final book in the series. As mentioned, I do offer a short story set five centuries after Sister Bevenlee, called “Pulled.” Readers familiar with the series will understand the meaning of that title. I may try a prequel focused on the first Mother, but that’s many projects away if it ever comes to fruition.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
Eight-year-old peasant girl Bevenlee sees an aura around fourteen-year-old Princess Ukee and within hours they’re en route to the Tower, where for five centuries one hundred Sisters have attended the precious Mothers who give birth to the gods that walk the land.…and eternally unforgiving.
As a Sister, Bevenlee learns new skills and makes new and loyal friends, but suffers torment and terrible injuries from Sisters and gods alike. When the birth of her child leaves Mother Ukee in a debilitating unresponsiveness, tensions within the Tower intensify.
For a terrifying pestilence threatens the Scattered Kingdoms at the same time the Horde—a relentless enemy army—invades with the intent to destroy the Tower and all in their path.
With growing suspicions that her dear friend’s mysterious child might be the cause of the deadly pox, young Bevenlee, her very sanity in question, must find a way to save herself, Mother Ukee, and all they know and love, or be condemned to everlasting damnation.
Return to The Tower of Sephalon for the final chapter of Charles Brass’s thrilling fantasy series! Each book is a stand-alone story set in the land of the Scattered Kingdoms, where Sisters devote their lives to the Mothers that birth the gods that walk the earth.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/06/sense-of-exclusion/
Shadow of Hope follows a woman caught in a love triangle who has to choose between love and her obligations. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story is a reflection of the ways that I feel God speaks to people in different ways, and that was the primary motivation before I thought up the characters. I wanted a dynamic between three characters to contrast in those experiences with what I call “The Spirits” in my story. I wanted young girls to see the main character struggle with something that they might experience–the fight between desire and obligation and to hopefully relate to her struggle.
What was your favorite character to write for, and why? Was there a scene that captured the character’s essence?
I truly don’t know if I can pick a favorite between Kalista, Luke, and Raine. The story is told between their points of view, and each of them has a unique personality. If I had to choose, I think Raine was the most fun to write for. I love the scene where Luke and Raine argue in the hallway outside Kalista’s room as she sleeps. In that scene, midway through the book, Luke demonstrates his confidence, and Raine stands up to him for the first time in a way that changes the game.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Friendship is a theme throughout the series. In the first book there is a lot of turmoil in the friendship department, but in the series, it becomes an important healing point. Hope is a major theme of this book as well. The idea that hope can be hard is something that not a lot of people realize, but we see these characters struggle with hope in a way that hurts but still clinging to it despite the pain.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
Dark forces are still at large, and Kalista and her friends will start to seek answers to how they can save the Krasiv Isles from the Rogue Spirits. We start to see that there is much more going on in Valanche than Kalista’s peaceful kingdom realizes, and while they must seek answers, Kalista is trying to win back the heart of the man she wants at her side. The second book has some shocking revelations as each character deals with their own set of personal struggles. The second book should be available in May 2025.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/06/hope-can-be-hard/
In The Ember Reach: The Planar Lost: Book Two, author J. Gibson continues to immerse readers in a world shrouded by the eerie presence of the undead. Central to this narrative is Karis Valjyre, who finds herself perilously navigating this world, with her journey taking an unexpected turn following a serendipitous encounter with a mysterious angel. Gibson masterfully interweaves her story with that of Sister Amun Halleck, a returning character faced with a convoluted trail of politics and illusions. Amun’s quest for justice in the wake of Father Garron Latimer’s demise adds a compelling layer of intrigue to the plot.
Gibson’s narrative seamlessly ties together loose ends from the first book while intriguingly setting the stage for the next installment. This skillful progression is marked by a cliffhanger that promises to keep readers eagerly anticipating the series’ continuation. The book’s pacing is dynamic, with each chapter adding to an ever-expanding tapestry of adventure and action. This rhythmic storytelling is punctuated by unexpected plot twists that leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Character development is a strong suit of Gibson’s writing, particularly evident in the portrayal of Sister Amun Halleck. Her evolution from the first book to this sequel is noteworthy, reflecting a deepening complexity and strength. Similarly, the introduction of Karis Valjyre adds a fresh perspective to the series. Her unique background as an ‘impossible child’ offers an intriguing subplot that enriches the overall story. Gibson demonstrates a remarkable ability to revisit seemingly forgotten elements from earlier in the narrative, weaving them back into the plot in a way that feels both surprising and satisfying. This attention to detail underscores his skill in crafting a well-rounded and immersive fantasy world.
The Ember Reach: The Planar Lost: Book Two stands out as a compelling continuation of J. Gibson’s fantasy series, combining strong character development, brisk pacing, and a well-constructed plot to create a thoroughly engaging reading experience.
Pages: 534 | ASIN : B0B3HCY32C
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/06/the-ember-reach-planar-lost-book-two/
No Talent for Surrender, by Mark Stirling, unveils the journey of Johnny Promise, a character whose blend of athleticism and creativity takes an unexpected turn. The narrative begins with Johnny’s life-altering collapse, ushering him into a world of unresolved mysteries and family secrets. Central to the plot is the enigmatic Maura and the obscured truths hidden by Johnny’s grandfather. This novel weaves a tale of resilience, hope, and the complexities of familial bonds.
The characterization of Johnny Promise stands out for its depth and relatability. Despite his flaws, Johnny’s resilience and likability resonate throughout the story. Maura, characterized by her determination and warmth, is particularly notable for how she navigates life without being defined by her disability. The narrative is further enriched by a cast of well-developed characters, each adding unique dimensions to the story. Memorable scenes, like Johnny’s interactions with his charismatic barber and the emotive visit to his sister, showcase the author’s strength in creating vivid, engaging moments.
The world created by Stirling is both immersive and gritty, defined by a tone that deftly balances suspense with a raw, realistic texture. This setting provides a backdrop that complements the story’s themes and characters. The narrative’s pacing unfolds with a reflective, measured tempo, thoughtfully drawing readers into the depth and nuance of the story. This deliberate approach enhances the reader’s connection with the characters and plot, providing a rich, immersive experience. While I feel that a more dynamic pace might broaden its appeal in future works, the current pacing certainly holds all the elements of an engaging read, and its gentle rhythm allows for a deeper appreciation of the story’s intricate layers.
No Talent for Surrender is a compelling exploration of strength, mystery, and the nuances of human relationships concluding with an impactful twist. Mark Stirling’s semi-autobiographical novel is a recommended read for anyone searching for a moving tale steeped in realism and guided by a cast of relatable characters.
Pages: 227 | ISBN : 978-1960116406
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/06/no-talent-for-surrender/