“Palestine was a central part of the development of my political awareness, which was shaped by the cataclysmic American and American-backed aggressions in the Middle East.”
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/06/15/enormous-shifts-in-consciousness-yasmin-el-rifae/
Hell’s Heart follows a small-town sheriff whose dying father asks him to look into a cold case to prove a man innocent and find the real killer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I live in Florida so I feel at home writing about it. I wanted a fictitious small- town police department so I didn’t get entangled with department hierarchy. The west coast north of Tampa seemed a good out-of-the-way place. The idea started as a short story, two classmates in abusive families conspire to kill their abusers, but figure out how to get away with it. The story expanded into a more complex story about murder, illicit drugs, and a deadly assassin who uses snakes to murder her victims.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Jake Long was the easiest. He’s a troubled guy on a lot of fronts, he committed a crime in the past, his crumbling marriage, and his dying father. I enjoyed writing the banter between Jake and Maxine, his rookie cop. And, of course, the bad guys are always fun, especially a beautiful, deadly woman. Poor Nell was fun also.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I knew the twist at the end but was stumped as to how I’d pull it off logically. I do some outlining, but very loosely. I have to know the direction the story is heading and then I fill in details as I go along. Sometimes the story takes a turn I think is good, so I go with it.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have four other books on Amazon. All have won top prizes in The Florida Writers Association’s Royal Palm Awards. Two, Hell’s Heart, and Downhill Fast won book of the year. I have one I haven’t put on Amazon yet. The title is Dirty Hazel and the Cat Woman. And I’m in the middle of one I’m having a blast with titled, Sundown Highway. Stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/15/complex-story-about-murder/
Mommy Needs a Minute is written from a compassionate and realistic point of view, addressing a subject that is rarely discussed. Why did you want to write about motherhood burnout from the unique perspective of millennial motherhood?
I wrote from this perspective because I realized that many millennial mothers are in an interesting position for several reasons. First, we came from mothers who were either coming off the feminist train from the 70s and were strong advocates for a career or mothers who were still very traditional. I personally grew up in a very traditional home so once I saw the positive pregnancy test I assumed my career was over. Whether you choose a traditional career or a career as a SAHM most women feel guilty over their choice. We feel we are bad moms for abandoning our children or bad moms for wanting to contribute outside of the home.
In addition, millennial mothers are learning how to navigate technology and use it to our benefit instead of to our detriment. Our mothers didn’t have access to social media, online parenting groups, and search engines that provide thousands of pieces of advice, advice that often contradicts each other. I discuss both of these ideas in the book.
What do you think makes millennial motherhood more challenging than it has been in past generations?
I don’t believe millennial motherhood is more challenging. Being a mother is challenging regardless of what generation you are. However, I do believe that it has its own unique set of challenges. For example, we are in the age of gentle parenting and not wanting to parent like many of us were with an authoritarian style. The problem is many of us are unsure how to do this or what that looks like and the result is we don’t have good boundaries with our children. I believe this contributes to burnout because we are afraid of causing any emotional stress within our children so we struggle to say no and set healthy boundaries. I’ve seen this result in parents feeling angry, bitter, and resentful toward their children and themselves.
What is one thing you suggest to help immediately when dealing with motherhood burnout that is not the typical response that moms usually receive?
Stop seeking instantaneous advice from others and start trusting your instincts and yourself. Obviously, pediatricians and support systems are important. However, don’t underestimate the fact that you know your child best. Take a few minutes to assess what you believe they need and then trust yourself to try.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Mommy Needs a Minute?
It’s not your fault you’re burned out. We live in a society with so much information and not enough support to apply most of the best practices we hear. Because of this we often lose ourselves in what we think being a good mom should look like. It’s okay to find yourself again. In fact, you should. You need to be someone with goals, hopes, dreams, ambitions, and a strong sense of self outside of your children. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom or you don’t care about your family. It means you love them enough not to lose yourself in the process.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Mommy Needs a Minute examines the unique struggles of modern motherhood and offers practical self-care insights. Through heartwarming and often comedic anecdotes, explore practical strategies to support you reclaiming confidence and mental wellbeing.
• Uncover the social pressures subconsciously fueling maternal burnout
• Explore topics like information, body, guilt, career, and identity burnout
• Gain techniques to empower and rediscover yourself
Award winning author, Alyssa Brade is a passionate advocate for maternal mental health and is dedicated to sharing authentic solutions tailored to the parenting realities of many mothers. With a masters in English, degrees in anthropology, linguistics, and communication, and years of multidisciplinary research, Brade brings her discoveries and firsthand experience in support of modern motherhood. Join her in embracing a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. You’re worth the minute, so take it!
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/15/millennial-mothers/
Human, Flawed, Forgiven is a thought-provoking exploration of the power and necessity of forgiveness in our lives. It gives readers practical advice on how to practice forgiveness in their own lives. What inspired you to write this book?
What inspired me to write the book was my own experience with forgiveness, combined with seeing others in my life who were still held back by their resentment of their parents. “Power follows the blame finger,” and it was difficult to see my friends and colleagues perpetually give up theirs by holding on to such deep resentment.
What is a common misconception people have about forgiveness and its importance?
The most common misconception people have about forgiveness is that it involves interacting with the forgiven party. There is absolutely no requirement for them to even be aware that you’ve forgiven them. From there, you can decide whether it’s worth attempting to reconcile. This is important because a lot of people are held back from forgiveness by the belief that it requires something from the other person, and then blame their bitterness on them for not providing it.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important ideas were the ones about uncovering what past experiences shaped the way you react to situations now. Once you understand where your own behaviors came from, you can fully process your past, and manage current situations in a more enlightened way.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Human, Flawed, Forgiven?
That forgiveness doesn’t mean you’re weak or letting someone get away with something. On the contrary, it means you’re strong enough to understand what you control, what you don’t, and that you have the power to choose how you interact with the world.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
This poison can cause a host of health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. It can leave its victim in a constant state of fight-or-flight with chronic feelings of anger, stress, and bitterness. If that weren’t enough, it can even exacerbate conditions like diabetes and depression.
This poison is known as resentment.
Eighty-five percent of adults carry emotional baggage directly linked to their childhood experiences with their parents. This startling statistic shows that our journeys toward self-actualization are often littered with obstacles that were placed along our paths long before we had the words to name them.
Fortunately, these obstacles can be overcome through deep and genuine forgiveness. The act of forgiving our parents is not an act of mercy, but a lifeline thrown to our own souls; a solitary decision that does not require their knowledge nor participation. It provides an opportunity for the release of the burdens we have carried for far too long, and the reclamation of our own narratives.
The weightlessness of a life free of resentment is already within your reach—all you have to do is claim it.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/15/held-back-from-forgiveness/
David Mar’s The Everblue intertwines ancient Japanese legends, the enigma of death, and a riveting expedition that evolves into a deeply personal family journey. The story centers on Charles Dubois, a seasoned traveler and explorer, who is eager to uncover the elusive Everblue flower once more. Seeking funding from Catherine Hallmark, a wealthy socialite, he is met with skepticism. Hallmark, thinking Dubois might be delusional, refers him to her nephew Jonathan, a psychiatrist. Unexpectedly, Jonathan is captivated by Dubois’s quest and persuades his cousin Beatrice to join them on the challenging journey to a ghost village in remote Japan. As their adventure unfolds, it becomes increasingly perilous, raising the question: will they safely uncover the Everblue?
From the outset, Mar crafts a tale filled with intrigue and suspense. The story begins with Beatrice experiencing otherworldly visions, immediately gripping the reader and compelling them to explore the unfolding mystery. Mar’s vivid imagery, such as “From the darkness of her origins, her eyes wandered to the reflection of the soft glow of the flower,” enhances the reader’s visualization, enriching the narrative with contrasting and evocative scenes.
While the plot is engaging, the narrative takes its time to reveal how each chapter connects, allowing readers to savor the unfolding story. Although extensive, detailed descriptions enhance the depth of the characters’ backstories and enrich the broader context, ultimately adding layers to the narrative. These elements contribute to a more immersive reading experience, offering a richer understanding of the story’s intricate tapestry.
The Everblue is a captivating fantasy novel that offers a compelling blend of adventure, mythology, and personal exploration. David Mar’s storytelling, rich in imagery and intrigue, makes it a thoroughly engaging read.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0CZ7Y3FYH
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/15/the-everblue/
In Youtopia, Joseph Rein presents a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the complexities of a near-future society where readers immerse themselves in virtual realities tailored to their deepest desires. The story primarily follows Ana, an FBI agent investigating the mysterious disappearance of Sonya Young and the darker undercurrents of the Youtopia phenomenon. As she navigates a web of corporate intrigue and personal demons, Ana uncovers unsettling truths about the nature of escapism and the consequences of living disconnected from reality.
Rein’s writing is both engaging and immersive, pulling the reader into a world that feels both fantastical and disturbingly plausible. The prologue sets a gripping tone with a tense scene of Sonya clinging to life on a cliffside, immediately hooking the reader’s interest. Rein’s ability to blend detailed descriptions with the emotional states of his characters is evident throughout the book, particularly in passages where Ana grapples with the ethical implications of Youtopia and her own personal struggles. The ideas explored in the story are compelling and timely. The concept of a virtual utopia, where people can live out their fantasies without facing the real world’s hardships, raises important questions about the human condition and our relationship with technology. Rein effectively uses the “found documents” format—integrating blog posts, incident reports, and other media—to create a multifaceted perspective on the Youtopia experience. This method not only enriches the world-building but also makes the narrative feel like a puzzle that the reader is piecing together alongside Ana.
I feel the novel’s pacing can sometimes be uneven, with some chapters focusing more heavily on descriptive details and introspection. While these moments deepen character development, I believe they occasionally disrupt the story’s momentum. Despite this, Rein’s characters are well-crafted and relatable, each embodying different aspects of the Youtopia phenomenon. Ana’s journey is particularly compelling as she balances her professional duties with her personal vendetta, reflecting the broader societal conflicts posed by Youtopia.
It is important to note that Youtopia contains scenes and mentions of assault, including sexual assault. These scenes are integral to the book’s exploration of the ethical and moral dilemmas associated with virtual realities and the impact of technology on human nature. Readers should be aware of the sensitive and potentially triggering content before diving into the story.
Youtopia is a captivating read for anyone interested in speculative fiction that explores the intersection of technology, identity, and morality. Joseph Rein’s novel will particularly resonate with fans of dystopian narratives and psychological thrillers. It’s a book that challenges readers to reflect on their own desires and the potential costs of a society increasingly drawn to digital escapism. For those looking for a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining, this book is an excellent choice.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0CRZ7TNT4
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/15/youtopia/