Dec 23, 2024 | Editorial reviews, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Dana Klisanin about her book, Norbu’s Secret
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
Believe it or not, most of my best story ideas come from my dreams! I like to think of my brain as a 24-hour creativity machine that even works while I’m asleep. Whether it’s through Tibetan dream traveling or simply from dreams I remember, my nighttime adventures spark a lot of what ends up in Chronicles of G.A.I.A. It’s like getting to preview another world while I sleep, and then bringing that magic to life for readers.
Why do you write?
Why do people play music, sing, or dance? I write for the same reason—writing is a soul language. Through my words, I hope to inspire others. With my young adult books, I aim to spark a love for the planet and motivate readers to take action to protect our environment. Writing gives me a way to connect and share dreams and ideas that I hope can make a difference.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
My inspiration came years ago, when I worked with the nonprofit Pachamama Alliance and learned about the Achuar people of the Ecuadorian rainforest. Known as the ‘dream people,’ they let their dreams guide their daily lives in ways that are both mystical and deeply practical. I wanted to create a story that would introduce readers to their culture and their role as protectors of the rainforest. Their message of interdependence and respect for nature is crucial for our planet’s long-term survival, and I hope readers feel inspired by their wisdom as much as I have.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I love writing sci-fi and fantasy because it gives me the freedom to let my imagination run wild. There are no limits—anything I dream can become part of the story. Through these genres, I can explore big questions and create new worlds that inspire readers to see our own world with fresh eyes. It’s exhilarating to dive into places where magic, technology, and nature intertwine, and where anything feels possible.
How would you describe your writing process?
My writing process is a mix of curiosity, wonder, and a touch of dream-driven magic. I often start by asking my characters questions, letting their answers guide me deeper into the story, and I allow ideas from my dreams to spark new paths. Mornings are my favorite writing time—I begin at my desk, which has magical-looking patterns carved into the front, almost like a portal to other worlds. My laptop may be several years past its prime, but it’s still my gateway to adventure. Tea, almonds, and figs are always nearby, fueling my imagination, and my dog is my faithful timekeeper, reminding me to take breaks for a walk when I’ve lost track of time.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Social media offers authors a powerful way to connect directly with readers, fellow writers, and the larger literary community. It’s a space where we can share our ideas, inspirations, and works-in-progress, creating a sense of anticipation and building an audience even before a book is published. It’s also invaluable for discovering what resonates with readers, receiving feedback, and gathering inspiration from conversations and trends. Beyond promotion, social media allows authors to be part of a dynamic community, which can be energizing and motivating. For me, it’s about more than marketing—it’s about building relationships and sharing a love for stories.
What advice would you have for other writers?
My advice to writers is this: think like molasses. Writing takes patience and persistence. Set aside time each day to write and stick with it. Once the book is written, remember that the editing and publishing process can be slow, and finding the right readers or getting reviews can take time and effort. Write because you love it—those hours, days, and years of creativity are yours, no matter what. Don’t let the public’s reception affect your joy in writing. And if molasses isn’t your thing, think like honey! Embrace the sweetness and let the journey unfold in its own time.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I’m lucky to have a super creative and supportive family when it comes to selecting titles and covers! My sister, Melisca Klisanin, has illustrated two of my books, and we work closely to bring the story’s spirit to life. Once we have a few options, we gather input from other family members—usually over a lively dinner where we debate the pros and cons. Afterwards, my publisher and her team gave valuable feedback, and together, we made the final decision. It’s a collaborative, enjoyable process that makes each book feel even more special.
What’s your next step?
My next step is continuing the adventure with book three in the Chronicles of G.A.I.A. series. I’m excited to dive deeper into the characters’ journeys and explore new challenges they’ll face. There are a few surprises and twists that I think readers will love, and I can’t wait to share what’s next for Lexa and her friends!
What book do you wish you’d written?
It’s hard to choose just one because I love books across so many genres and age ranges! But if I had to pick for children’s literature, two come to mind: “Tuck Everlasting” and “The Golden Compass”. Each of these books invites readers to explore deep questions about life, courage, and the nature of the world—qualities I hope to bring into my own writing.
FIND DANA’S BOOK ON AMAZON
Dec 23, 2024 | Editorial reviews, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Joseph Bingham about his book, Blue Dragonfly.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I had a pet black widow spider when I was a young teen. I kept it in an empty peanut butter jar and fed it hornets that found their way into my basement study through a crack in the window. That same make-shift study was also where I kept my insect collection, which was housed in empty cigar boxes, and my cheap microscope, which I used to study protozoa. I grew the one-celled animals in bottles filled with stinky pond water. As you can imagine, I was not a typical young man. My wife says it best by claiming I’m too much like Pedí, the male protagonist in my book—strange, nerdy, and more comfortable talking to the gopher snakes I find and pick up than I am to people. She also says my best friends are the fantasy ones I write about.
Why do you write?
I have always enjoyed reading. In grade school, I walked once a week to our local library and brought home a stack of books. My first fantasy reads were the Wizard of Oz stories by L. Frank Baum. I read all of them. Soon, my reading, besides fiction and fantasy, included nature books, especially those about entomology, herpetology, and paleontology. Deciding to write was an extension of my joy and interest in reading a good story or learning new facts in a book. I loved to make up and tell stories to my children when they were young, and I have continued doing it with my grandchildren. The stories often contain some creature from the natural world, but I like to pepper the tale with a bit of fantasy. After I retired from work, I chose to try to write a story that would include all my interests. But with no experience writing, I started the learning process. It has taken me over ten years to get my story ready for publication.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I consider myself an amateur entomologist and herpetologist, so writing about insects, frogs, and snakes is natural. They are a big part of my story. The tropical world I created in Blue Dragonfly comes from several things. One of my favorite books is White Waters and Black. I read it for the first time as a teen. It tells the story of a scientific expedition to Bolivia and Brazil in the 1920s. The stories of their adventures in the tropics fascinated me, and I desired to experience South America myself. Later, I was able to live in Brazil for several years and learned Portuguese, which I speak fluently. Tropical diseases are another subject that I have woven into my story. When I went to medical school, I desired to pursue a speciality that would include tropical medicine. However, my wife had twins while we were still in medical school, and suddenly, having a young family did not seem a good option for pursuing a career that might include living and working out of the country. However, after my children were grown, I got additional training in tropical medicine. I went to Africa and the Amazon several times with organizations bringing healthcare to people in need.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I have found the young adult genre to be one in which, depending on the subject matter, middle-graders and older adults can also read and enjoy. I like the diversity of readers. The fantasy in my story is more magical realism, where the tropical world of Pedí and Adací is similar to ours and where the magic or fantasy is woven into the world without overwhelming it.
How would you describe your writing process?
Long! When I first decided to write a book, I talked to my son, who has some writing skills. His advice at the time was to start getting my stories down, even in my worst way, and then figure out the best way to express them later. I began attending writing conferences, purchased books on how to write, subscribed to Writer’s Digest, and got the help of several freelance editors. Blue Dragonfly was written and re-written over a hundred times. Nevertheless, though difficult, the journey was delightful, as I spent time with my fantasy friends.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
You are asking the wrong person. I’m an old guy with little experience with Instagram, TikTok, and other social media. I understand it is a great way to communicate with others and share my book, but I will have to learn how to do it.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Write about things you are interested in. Find joy in your characters. Keep trying and learning.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
The title comes from a mythical insect creature with magical powers that Pedí’s ancestors used to worship. Pedí searches for one all his life. Because of the title, my son suggested I make a cyanotype book cover. The blue of cyanotype art is always fascinating. I started experimenting with cyanotypes, but in the meantime, my wife found a perfect cyanotype dragonfly art piece online. Arianna Guirola created it. Arianna’s art is beautiful, and I immediately knew her dragonfly was what I wanted for my cover. Fortunately, Arianna gave me her permission to use the dragonfly.
What’s your next step?
Though Blue Dragonfly has an ending, it opens the door for more adventures. I have already sketched out many ideas and have written parts of the next story, but I have not yet launched into the full writing of the sequel. I have a complete draft of another book, a non-fantasy contemporary story. I may also continue working on it as well.
FIND JOSEPH’S BOOK ON AMAZON
Dec 17, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Editorial reviews
We recommend A New America for readers who enjoy political dystopias, cautionary tales like 1984 or The Road, and thought-provoking narratives exploring media, truth, and societal upheaval.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
I find it surprising so many of us can reach across psychological lines of demarcation and sympathize with even the most corrupt and malevolent.
General Summary for Context:
Set in a world strikingly similar to our own, where global governments have been overthrown, a journalist embarks on a journey to a newly-formed nation carved out of the former United States. Tasked with reporting on this fledgling country’s struggle for survival, he uncovers an isolated society grappling with severe shortages and the cascading consequences of being cut off from the rest of the world.
Amid the chaos of political upheaval, the journalist stumbles upon a story far more profound—one that could redefine his understanding of truth and power. Through this gripping narrative, the author delves into pressing contemporary themes such as fake news, fear-mongering, political instability, and the far-reaching influence of public opinion.
Thought-provoking and deeply relevant, this novel is a compelling exploration of the fragile balance between power, perception, and the human spirit.
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Concise Review:
Frustrated by overregulation and governments that refuse to listen, people around the globe rise up in unprecedented protests, toppling regimes left and right. What begins as a groundswell of frustration with political corruption and manipulation evolves into an unlikely revolution—a worldwide movement that reshapes the very fabric of society.
Amid this upheaval, a journalist sets out to uncover the truth behind a new nation formed in the heart of the former United States. But as he crosses the border, the stark reality hits him like a chilling wind: this fledgling country feels eerily post-apocalyptic. Isolated and cut off from the rest of the world, its people struggle to survive without the conveniences and connections so many take for granted.
What begins as a straightforward story quickly shifts gears when the journalist stumbles upon a discovery with far-reaching implications. As he navigates the harsh political landscape, the challenges of this fractured world mirror the turbulence in his own personal life, deepening the story’s emotional resonance.
The narrative is interspersed with news articles and flyers, lending a raw sense of authenticity and grounding the fictional events in a strikingly realistic world. Through this lens, the book examines the fallout of global political collapse and the ripple effects on ordinary lives. It masterfully explores timely and pressing themes such as fake news, the importance of accurate media reporting, and the staggering influence of news outlets in shaping narratives and public opinion.
This is not a light or escapist read—it is a thought-provoking, chilling exploration of a world on the brink. With hauntingly vivid prose, it compels readers to ask, ‘What if?’ and leaves them pondering the delicate balance between order, chaos, and the stories that define our reality.
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General Thoughts on the Novel:
“A New America: The State of Independence” is a thought-provoking novel that dives deep into the “what ifs” of a nationwide revolution. What would happen if people rose up en masse? How would governments respond? How would the media cover it, and how would it impact everyday lives?
This is not a lighthearted tale. With its striking parallels to real-world events, the story carries a powerful emotional weight, immersing readers in a narrative that feels raw and unsettlingly real. As the plot unfolds, it challenges readers to confront difficult questions about power, politics, and the human condition.
The book’s authenticity and emotional depth leave a lasting impression, moving you and sparking reflection long after you turn the final page.
I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys political intrigue grounded in a believable, realistic world. This is a story that will stay with you, forcing you to think critically about the fragile balance of society.
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A New America: The State of Independence is available on Amazon.
Aug 28, 2024 | Action & Adventure, Editorial reviews, Fantasy, International Review of Books
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
In the context of analyzing the reasons why so many employees feel undervalued, under-appreciated and not really belonging to the “family” ie the company), it is clear that They (managers) rarely examine how they might be contributing to low employee satisfaction, engagement or retention.
General Summary for Context:
Why do my employees seem to dislike me? Why do they rush out the door at five o’clock sharp? Why do they take extended lunch breaks when there’s so much unfinished work? It couldn’t possibly be ME, right? I’m a nice person—I rarely raise my voice, and I approve of their raises each year when they’re due. So why do they quit, complain, or take so many days off?
Managers and employers worldwide know just how costly employee attrition can be—or worse, the impact of employees who stick around just until something “better” comes along. So, what’s the solution? Is there even a solution?
According to this author, the answer is a resounding yes. There are strategies managers can implement to show their employees that they are truly appreciated and valued. These include providing support when needed, keeping promises, and upholding the implied contract between employer and employee. In other words, maintaining fairness, respect, and balance in the workplace is key.
Concise Review:
Would you rather have a raise or a heartfelt compliment? According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, once our basic needs—such as food, shelter, and safety—are met, we begin to seek fulfillment of higher-level psychological needs, including esteem and self-actualization. At this stage, individuals require more than just financial compensation; they seek recognition, respect, and a sense of belonging.
Surprisingly, the affirmation of self-worth in the workplace often comes not from monetary rewards, but from being treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. When employees feel that their contributions are acknowledged and valued, it can have a profound impact on their motivation, satisfaction, and overall engagement.
Managers play a crucial role in fostering this environment. Meeting reasonable expectations, addressing disappointments through open communication, and demonstrating strong, empathetic leadership are essential tools that signal to employees that they are genuinely valued. When employees feel supported and appreciated, they are more likely to be committed, productive, and loyal to the organization.
In essence, while a raise might temporarily boost morale, it’s the consistent, everyday acts of recognition and fairness that create a lasting sense of value and belonging within the company. This, in turn, not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens the overall culture and success of the organization.
General thoughts on the Novel:
This book takes a hard look at how and why individuals in positions of power within organizations, whether large corporations or small businesses, can unconsciously demean or disrespect their employees. Such behavior can lead to significant consequences, including low productivity, internal dissension, and widespread cultural dissatisfaction. Often, these issues stem from managerial practices that may seem benign but, in reality, erode employee morale and engagement over time.
Managers must critically examine their supervisory practices and strategies, recognizing that even subtle actions or attitudes can contribute to a serious decline in employee satisfaction within their department. While it can be challenging to scrutinize and critique one’s own behavior, it is an essential step for those who aspire to lead a motivated and highly productive workforce. Employees who feel respected, valued, and supported are far more likely to be engaged in their work and contribute positively to the organization.
This book offers the crucial conversations we need to have with ourselves as leaders if our goal is to foster a thriving workplace. It encourages introspection and provides practical guidance on how to make meaningful changes that can transform a struggling team into a cohesive, satisfied, and high-performing unit. By addressing these potential cracks in our leadership approach, we can build a stronger, more resilient organizational culture that benefits everyone involved.
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Jun 27, 2024 | Action & Adventure, Editorial reviews, Fantasy, International Review of Books
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
“As quickly and quietly as my thieving little feet would carry me, I padded the last few feet to the door.” (p. 292) Ah, the brilliance of humor smack dab in the middle of an epic battle!
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General Summary for Context:
An evil whispering through the world rouses Niri Lekani from her secluded home, and sends her careening headlong into a journey that she’s determined will end in the death of Mistress Witch. But though her mission is clear, the pathway to get there becomes muddied with pain, loss, and a haunting pair of blue eyes from her aching past.Through the agony of death, and the hope of love, Niri finds herself battling an ancient demon in a desperate effort to save herself, her friends, and all worlds where the Witch can reach them.One question she must answer: What is the definition of victory?
It isn’t until the bitter end that Niri uncovers a shocking secret within the fourth book of magic that she knows will send her hurtling into the next battle in her war with Mistress Witch. But this time, armed with her secret and her convictions, Niri might discover the answer to what it truly means to be victorious–and what terrible sacrifices might be demanded of her in order to achieve it.
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Concise Review:
Spirit Quest by Tim McRae is an intoxicating mix of powerful storytelling and breathtaking magic. It’s a book that leaves the heart pounding and aching in turns. I requested to read it because I figured I’d be able to review it favorably, but what started out as a desire to read a better-than-average book, quickly morphed into a wrenching need to devour the pages, while suffering the ache of knowing I was blowing through them WAY too fast.
I couldn’t put it down, but I wanted the book to never end, and the conflicting emotions were sometimes agony.
More than the storytelling and magic though, Spirit Quest was a story of emotional beauty and sadness that stabbed me clear to my core. What I thought would be a rivalry between women turned out to be the beginning of a deep and lasting friendship. What I distrusted as a betrayal waiting to happen turned out to be a love of the ages.
Spirit Quest surprised me at every turn. They say that every story out there has already been told in one way or another, but if that’s true (I’m highly sceptical now), I don’t think that applies to Tim McRae. The story within these pages was fresh, exciting, and deeply, profoundly alluring.
I read this book for free as a little side job, but I’ll pay for the next book in the series a hundred times over, regardless of how much it costs! Just one question I have for the author: Can I have the next book NOW, please?
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General thoughts on the Novel:
Dear Tim,
I read the final battle scene for Spirit Quest with a raging thunderstorm outside, and there is no way I could possibly describe to you what that felt like. In a word, though: Incredible!!! I LOVED this book, and I wasn’t joking about wanting the next book in the series right freaking now! (Seriously, how close are you to being done with it?)
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Feb 9, 2024 | Editorial reviews, Fantasy, International Review of Books, Romance
Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
Rabbie arched an eyebrow arched an eyebrow in surprise and chuckled. “Och, aye? Now that is something we should go see about, wouldna ye say, Andy? I’m nigh on famished.” To understand why this is such a great line and a laugh out loud moment you would have to read the book!
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General Summary for Context:
This is a book that mixes genres, Romance, Historical, Time Travel, Comedy, and Fantasy. There are some laugh-out-loud moments that I really enjoyed. It is what I would call a tongue-in-cheek kind of novel for people who enjoy books that don’t take themselves too seriously; for example, it is much more a romantic romp through the Highlands than an educational historical novel.
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Concise Review:
Embrace the Lace by Shannon MacLeod was a pure delight from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down and was caught up in the magical romance from the very first page.
You might think that mixing Historical Romance, Time Travel, and Fantasy was a recipe for disaster… and you would definitely be wrong! It shouldn’t work but it does. Laird Andrew MacIver lives in Scotland, the year is 1659. After the deaths of his parents and his young wife, Andrew has had a year of mourning and now, for the sake of his clan, must choose a new wife. His uncle Alasdair is plotting Andrew’s downfall and moves in the shadows to bring disaster to Andrew and his loyal men. Thankfully, help is at hand with one of the most interesting characters in the book—a Brownie called Brown Tom. With a little magical interference, a potential partner for the clan leader is pulled through the faerie pond. Enter Evangeline (Van for short) Darling, all the way from present-day America! The three-foot mischievous Brown Tom dons the personality of a fairy godmother, but instead of sending Van to the ball, he dresses her as a warrior and sends her to battle!
The romance between Andrew and Van is intense and their banter is a sheer delight. There are several real laugh-out-loud moments as well as plenty of chuckle moments. But they are not the only interesting characters; the author has given everyone a unique personality that brings them to life. It is a fabulous romantic comedy—oops another genre! Don’t worry they all work perfectly well together for us readers who love both passion and a light-hearted historical romance. With swaggering men and simpering lasses, and one kick-ass heroine, this is an unputdownable read. I love the author’s tongue-in-cheek take and highly recommend this to people who love pure escapism.
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General thoughts on the Novel:
Enjoyable historical romance. I would definitely read something by this author again.
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