Success is a Choice provides readers with an easily applied framework for elevating their professional lives presented in a fictional setting in which a frustrated executive seeks advice from a younger colleague. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Success is a Choice is the essence of experiential learnings and insights of my 50-year career. Over these years, I have met numerous brilliant people who could not grow beyond a certain level. I closely watched and observed them. These wonderful people were always ‘highly valued’ but not good enough to grow further. A common theme was that none of them could figure out the true reasons for their stagnation.

These people were my inspiration to write Success is a Choice. I wanted to demystify the skills that create success and separate winners to help millions of talented young people in similar predicaments.

I used a fictional setting for two reasons. I wanted Success is a Choice to engage a wide variety of readers, unlike a usual non-fiction educational book that typically becomes a drag for most. Secondly, I wanted to illustrate how these skills can be applied in real-life situations; that is why this 19-chapter book constantly shuttles between Dan’s learning and how he learns to use them in real life at work and home.

What research did you do for this novel to get it right?

All key characters in the book are either a shade of me or someone I knew. Being a senior executive, I was responsible for the career planning of a vast number of managers and other employees. I would regularly assess and identify the skills that were barriers to their growth. I mentored and enabled my people to develop those skills. Many of them developed the skills and succeeded; some could not. This was my real research.

What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight Dan’s struggle and his growth?

I would not call them trials, but my experiences with several individual mentees are the core of my learnings to develop Dan’s character. I have observed and/or experienced almost everything in the book either personally or through others. My exposure to a large number of people from very different cultures and backgrounds became the basis of my knowledge and beliefs that I have illustrated in Success is a Choice.

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

I am currently working on an untitled book that will demystify Supply Chain and demonstrate that it can be a major contributor to profitable business growth. I want senior business leaders to not only comprehend the supply chain ‘puzzle’ but also learn to leverage it as a competitive advantage for business building.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/25/create-success-and-separate-winners/

This book is about us finding out who we are in Christ. When you repented of your sins to God the Father and believed in His Son, Jesus, as to who He is and what He has accomplished, you received the Holy Spirit and a bundle of benefits. These benefits are otherwise known as spiritual blessings.

These declarations will unveil all that had taken place in your life when you responded to the gospel. As you read about each one, you’ll see yourself as God sees you. And as you start to reflect upon these truths in your mind, your perspective about yourself, others, and the circumstances of life will change.

And the reality of the spiritual blessings you’ve received will eventually be evidenced in your life. Isn’t this what we want, i.e., to be like Christ? So, what are you waiting for? Please learn about the new truths that reside in you, embrace them, watch your character transform, and the brand-new you exemplify them.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/25/i-am-do-you-know-who-you-are-in-christ/

A Fairy on My Sleeve follows a woman who encounters a fairy while reading under a tree and causes her to contemplate the belief and magic of the ordinary. What was the inspiration for your story?

Many years ago on a glorious summer afternoon, I was digging in my flower garden, watching the bees, dragonflies, and butterflies, which were all flitting about me.

Without warning, a little one landed on the sleeve of my shirt.

It sat there for a short time, slowly opening and closing its wings.

As I gazed at it, I swear it looked back at me, just for an instant before it flew off.

It was a rather idyllic moment on its own, but in my mind, I changed it from an insect to a fairy.

With that simple revision, it had suddenly become a wondrous, magical event.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I think that the most important message in this story is to just slow down, smell the flowers, and pay attention to the little things that are all around.

Turn off your phone, go outside, and have a look around – and a listen. It’s amazing what you can discover when you start to pay attention.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from A Fairy on My Sleeve?

One thing I hope that readers take away is to put down the devices, go outside, and take it all in. Just by looking into a simple flower pot you can see an extraordinary hidden world, full of life.

Insects and other organisms that live in the dirt and hide amongst the leaves all have their own story. If you look at them long enough, they will tell you that story.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

I have a new book called Where Do All The Fairies Live? along with two others that are currently ready for illustration.

I also have my first children’s song recorded which is in the process of being mixed.

The song is called “Full Moon Friend,” a happy little bedtime song, which will hopefully be ready for release next month.

Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/25/take-it-all-in/

Next Stop, Boston is a riveting tale that delves into the depths of love, tragedy, and personal transformation within the backdrop of the rock music scene and familial relationships. Iris Dorbian masterfully crafts a narrative that revolves around Geri, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of her sister Michelle’s tragic death, and Dez, a troubled rock star who unexpectedly becomes her guardian. Set against the electric atmosphere of backstage concerts, their complex relationship unfolds, driven by a shared history of loss and a bond forged in the fires of dysfunction.

From the outset, Dorbian captivates readers with Geri’s journey, from her humble beginnings to her immersion in the tumultuous world of rock and roll alongside Dez. The authenticity of their dynamic, fraught with tension yet laced with moments of unexpected connection, propels the narrative forward, ensnaring readers in its grip. The rich tapestry of characters, each intricately drawn with flaws and vulnerabilities that render them achingly human makes them relatable. Geri’s quest for self-discovery amidst the chaos of fame and personal tragedy, mirrored by Dez’s own inner turmoil, unfolds with a rawness that resonates deeply. Dorbian deftly navigates their emotional landscapes, presenting a nuanced exploration of grief, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships.

The rock music scene serves not merely as a backdrop but as a pulsating, vibrant force that infuses the narrative with energy and authenticity. Dorbian’s vivid descriptions of concerts and musical performances leap off the page, immersing readers in Geri and Dez’s world with palpable intensity. Through this lens, she explores themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of artistic expression, inviting readers to experience the transformative power of music alongside her characters.

Next Stop, Boston is a testament to Dorbian’s skill as a storyteller and her insightful exploration of the human condition. As the final pages are turned, readers are left with a lingering sense of both satisfaction and longing—a testament to the enduring impact of Geri and Dez’s journey. Dorbian’s novel is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the redemptive power of love, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and music enthusiasts alike.

Pages: 206 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLL32H97

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/25/next-stop-boston/

Sir Flapalot’s Bubbly Bubble Blast, by Charly Froh, is an enchanting children’s book set in the whimsical Emerald Kingdom. The story follows Flapalot, a dragon unlike any other, who can’t breathe fire but produces a delightful array of bubbles instead. Through his journey, Flapalot learns to embrace his unique abilities.

The writing in Sir Flapalot’s Bubbly Bubble Blast is wonderfully playful and imaginative. The vibrant and rhythmic language makes it a joy to read aloud. Phrases like “flippity-flappity flip-flap” and “bubbly-bobbly-wobbled” create a lively and engaging experience for young readers. The book’s humor is both clever and heartwarming, with Flapalot’s attempts to solve his bubble troubles adding a layer of delightful silliness that kids will love. The author’s skillful use of repetition and onomatopoeia makes the story memorable and fun to recite, adding to its charm.

The ideas within the book are impactful, especially for children navigating their own differences. Flapalot’s journey from feeling inadequate to embracing his unique gift is a powerful message about self-acceptance and the value of individuality. The turning point where Flapalot uses his bubbles to save the day underscores the idea that our differences can be our greatest strengths.

The fanciful illustrations by Zuzana Svobodová bring the Emerald Kingdom to life with vibrant colors and expressive characters, perfectly complementing the story and adding an extra layer of magic to the story. The artwork is detailed and engaging, capturing the whimsical essence of the story and making each page a visual delight.

Sir Flapalot’s Bubbly Bubble Blast is a delightful read for children aged 3 to 8. Its engaging narrative, heartwarming message, and enchanting illustrations make it a perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf. I think this picture book is particularly suitable for bedtime reading, encouraging young readers to embrace their uniqueness and find joy in who they are.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/25/sir-flapalots-bubbly-bubble-blast/