Good books don't give up all their secrets at once. – Stephen King
Author: authoranthonyavinablog
Anthony Avina, (Born March 1990), is an author, a journalist, and a blogger. Born in Southern California, he has battled through injuries, disabilities, moves back and forth across the country, and more, yet still maintains a creative voice that he hopes to use not only to entertain but to inspire hope in even the darkest situations.
He writes short stories and novels in several genres, and is also a seasoned journalist for the online magazine, On Request Magazine, as well as the popular site TheGamer. Having grown up reading the books of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, they inspired him to write new and exciting stories that delved into the minds of richly developed characters. He constantly tries to write stories that have never been told before, and to paint a picture in your mind while you are reading the book, as if you could see every scene of the book as if it were a movie you were watching. His stories will get your imaginations working, and will also show that in spite of the most despairing and horrific situations, hope is never out of reach. He am always writing, and so there will never be a shortage of new stories for your reading pleasure.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and military veteran Richard Sherman shares this powerful collection of images and passages surrounding the cemeteries and monuments depicted to American soldiers who never came home in the book “Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned”.
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The Synopsis
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“Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned” by Navy veteran and professional photographer Richard Sherman takes you on an emotional journey to all 23 of America’s overseas World War I and World War II cemeteries managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The book includes powerful images coupled with more than 50 biographies of individuals who perished during the wars and, even in death, have still not made it home. From Normandy to Manila, from Tunisia to Florence, and from Luxembourg to Provence, this book honors those who sacrificed everything to ensure our freedom.
The Review
This was such a powerful book. While the majority of the book is infused with photographs, the depth of emotion and history that each photograph brings to life on the page not only speaks to the author’s unique vision and eye for detail, but the power and sacrifice so many people fro m the United States military have endured around the world. No matter a person’s party or political affiliations, or their preferences for each war in general, the respect and gratitude that so many feel for those who gave their lives for us all can be felt on every page of this book.
The honesty and conviction that the opening passages from the author gave allowed the reader to feel the personal connection the author had to this subject matter. Of all the images, each with its own title and location, the image of the veterans in Normandy really spoke to the WWII era that a person can only read so much of in school, but cannot experience in life what the soldiers endured in that time.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, memorable, and engaging, author Richard Sherman’s “Never Home” is a must-read picture meets history book. The exploration of American soldier’s impact on overseas wars and the special exploration of specific graves and the soldiers who inhabit them gave the reader a sense of humble respect and emotion as the author perfectly brought these photographs and the people behind them to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
When I was four or five years old, my Dad purchased Time-Life’s books on photography, bought a Minolta SLR camera and built a darkroom in our basement. Since that time, photography has been a part of my life.
I even remember the giant, heavy flash that ran on D-sized batteries and the smell of the leather case for his manual light meter. In my teens, Dad taught me the basics of photography on that Minolta. And today his photographs remain among our family’s most prized possessions. Though my father passed away a few years ago, I feel a special connection with him every time I pick up my camera bag.
I hope you enjoy the images here and that you find peace and tranquility in them. Perhaps your mind will drift to days gone by, or trips you have enjoyed with your family and friends; perhaps it will make you think about your next vacation. Thanks for visiting today, and please come back soon.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I have been an academic for almost 40 years, teaching in MFA programs all during that time. I did spend a decade as an industrial painter before I started university teaching, but teaching and writing are what I know best. I’ve been publishing poems in books and/or periodicals for forty years, as well. I became a poet accidentally, really. In sixth or seventh grade I had a teacher named Irma Schiele who saw some talent in me after doing a class metaphor clustering exercise. She had me stay after class and told me to go home, write a poem and have it on her desk in the morning. I did that. She marked it with an A in red ink and said write me another one. That was perhaps 55 years ago, and I have just kept at it. There were times when I concentrated on song lyrics or prose, but I have been writing poetry since that day in grade school.
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What inspired you to write your book?
Writing books is just what I do.Although there are some older poems in it, most of the book was written in a five-year period between the publication of Readiness and Knowing. That’s probably a constant for me in terms of time. It takes between four and five years for a book to take shape. I revisit and revise heavily. When I was compiling my selected and new poems, Sorrow Bread, I very much had my three children in mind. I felt that I was leaving them a record of exactly who their father was. I feel the same way about many of the poems in Knowing. “Gasoline” is a complex poem that offers a perspective on the divorce that helped shape them. The poems that reference them like “The Song that Never Ends” and “Wonderbread” are particularly dear to my heart.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I don’t feel it is my job to teach an audience something. I have no expectations of them. It is my job to share my experience, my psychic truth, as best I can with the hope that others might find some value in it. Poetry accomplishes varied things. It connects, it consoles, it challenges, it provokes, and so on. I guess my hope is that my poems connect with readers on the basic human level, making my perspectives known. Knowing, at its core, is about living comfortably with three facts we know for sure. That is, living involves loss, insists on change and ends in death. These constants give value to all human relationships, be they with other people or matters of the spirit. In this sense, the book is as much about not knowing as it is about knowing
What drew you into this particular genre?
Well, I answered this partially above. However, I became devoted to poetry because being a poet is a way of life, a way of being in, and interacting with, the world. Poetry is a demanding art. One learns to accept failure and understand that it is the ongoing process of failing that makes a few limited successes possible. You learn to undertake and enjoy the process of writing for its own sake and the perspective it gives you about your life experience.
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What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I am afraid I am pretty old school when it comes to social media; that is, I don’t have a clue! I do have an Instagram account that was helpful in announcing this latest book. And this blog tour the book is on is something very new to me. I hope it will help the book find new readers.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
We writers talk a lot about finding our voices, our authenticity. But I think the important thing is to worry about listening as opposed to speaking. We have to listen to, and trust, our inner voice–pay attention to the ways in which we perceive and experience the world. We need to discover innate patterns, recognize them as such, then be able to question and alter those filters for personal and creative evolution. I would also encourage writers to see themselves as artists and as part of that larger world of creative exploration and expression. Engage all the other arts seriously and learn what you can from them. Within writing, this is true of genre, as well. Don’t limit your exposure to one genre. Engage writing of all kinds as both a reader and practitioner.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I have started some poems toward an eighth volume of poetry, but I am mostly working on a screenplay right now. Narrative comes naturally to me. I’ve found I have a knack for understanding the pacing of screenwriting. I enjoy it very much.
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About the Author
Mark Cox has authored six other volumes of poetry, the most recent being Readiness (2018) and Sorrow Bread: Poems 1984-2015 (2017). He has a forty-year history of publication in prominent magazines and his honors include a Whiting Writers Award, a Pushcart Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, and The Society of Midland Authors Poetry Prize. He chairs the Department of Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington and teaches in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Program.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Hi! I’m Erika MacDonald, the CEO & Founder of Engaging New Media. My journey into writing began with my passion for storytelling and video production. I’ve always loved creating content that resonates with people and drives results. Writing a book felt like a natural extension of my work, allowing me to share my insights and strategies on a larger scale.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I wrote “Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos That Sell” because I saw a gap in the market. Many businesses struggle to create videos that truly engage their audience and drive sales. I wanted to provide a comprehensive guide that combines data-driven strategies with the art of storytelling to help businesses succeed.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The core message of my book is that effective video marketing is about more than just creating content—it’s about creating the right content that tells a story and connects with your audience. I hope readers walk away with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how to leverage video to boost their brand and sales.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Video production and marketing are my passions. This genre allows me to merge my creative and analytical sides, offering readers a unique blend of storytelling techniques and measurable results. It’s a perfect fit for my expertise and interests.
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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
LinkedIn has been incredibly valuable for me. It’s a great platform for connecting with professionals and sharing insightful content. It has helped me build a community of readers who are interested in video marketing and business growth.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve and who your audience is. Consistency is key—write regularly and keep honing your craft. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and leverage social media to build your platform and connect with your audience.
7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m excited about the future! A second edition of “Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos That Sell” is set to come out in 2025. This edition will focus on nonprofits and using video content to help them fundraise effectively. Additionally, I’m exploring opportunities to create more educational content and workshops to help businesses and nonprofits thrive.
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About the Author
Engaging New Media is the brainchild of Erika Mac Donald, an award-winning writer and producer with 15 years of experience in managing promotional production from concept to completion. She has partnered with renowned commercial and non-profit networks throughout her successful career, including Sirius Satellite Radio, MLB.com, PBS, and TruTv.
Erika has also developed top-notch television, radio, and web promotional video content that has reached over 20 million viewers across the New York metro area.
Her vision for establishing Engaging New Media was sparked by her passion for connecting the masses to the resources they need to change their lives and community. With the support of her highly skilled team, she aims to help businesses and brands connect with their target audiences across multiple platforms, increase their community engagement and accelerate their growth. Our team consists of experienced professionals well versed in their trade, dedicated to helping you connect with your ideal audience.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man seeking to escape his troubled home falls for a young woman, and in the hopes of protecting his image must pull off a daring theft in author Zan Austin’s “The Girl from Jersey City”.
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The Synopsis
As the summer of his eighteenth birthday begins, Paul Nesbitt finalizes plans to escape his alcoholic, abusive father, enabling mother, and impoverished Jersey Shore town blanketed by the fumes of a chemical processing plant. Although the local police have Paul in their sights for a break-in and theft, he has been able to avoid arrest and has vowed to do his best to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately, his strategies are disrupted when he meets Laura, a vivacious young woman from the city, who takes an unexpected interest in him. To deepen her intrigue, he lies about himself. The biggest one is his acceptance into a very prestigious Ivy League college. But when the facade he’s created threatens to crumble, the only solution appears to be money. And the only way to get that money is for Paul to break his vow and take part in a very ambitious robbery that, if he’s not careful, may not only lead to his arrest but cause him to lose Laura.
The Review
This was a moving and compelling read. The author does a compelling job crafting a series of natural and engaging characters. The exploration of class systems and how they impact relationships was well done here, as was the balance of suspense and romance drama found within the narrative of this novel. The tension is perfectly lined throughout the story, allowing the reader to feel the impact of the protagonist’s journey throughout the book.
The theme of change, how to fight the pull of an old life, and the emotional pull of the character’s plights allowed the reader to get lost in this story. The memorable way the protagonist struggled with his past and the exploration of life’s impact on a person, especially in the protagonist’s case, as he struggled with an abusive father and run-ins with the law, kept the reader invested in this character’s arc. The reality of such a hard life and people’s interactions with one another felt very honest and authentic to the reader.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, heartfelt, and compelling author Zan Austin’s “The Girl from Jersey City” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns in the story, the engaging cast of characters, and the rich dynamics found within this story will keep readers coming back repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Zan A. Austin is a Los Angeles-based writer and teacher. His novel End Man was published in October 2022 by Cursed Dragon Ship. Kirkus Reviews recommended End Man as “an engrossing and well-crafted SF tale with timely themes.” His novel Nakamura Reality was published by The Permanent Press in 2016. Publishers Weekly gave Nakamura Reality a starred review and called the writing, “powerful and moving.”
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
One family must band together to take care of a young child suffering from Rett Syndrome in author Eitan Lev’s “One in Ten Thousand”.
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The Synopsis
Embark on a journey of resilience and hope with ‘One in Ten Thousand,’ the inspiring true story of a family’s fight to defy fate and find a cure for their daughter’s and granddaughter’s devastating genetic condition.
When Ori was born, no one could have imagined that among the billions of nucleic acids in her genetic code, a mutation lurked—a mutation so destructive that it would severely hinder every aspect of her daily life and the body that sustains her. It was only six months later that Ori’s parents began to notice that their blue-eyed daughter, with her dark, flowing mane of hair and constant smile, was different from other children. Ori had Rett Syndrome.
Based on a true story, ‘One in Ten Thousand’ recounts the journey of a toddler suffering from a rare genetic condition, and the story of her family members, who decide not to simply accept Ori’s condition as an inevitability, but to tirelessly seek a cure for her in every possible way.
The Review
This was such a powerful and emotional read. The balance the author found between the exploration of Rett Syndrome as a whole and the emotional journey this family goes on was highly engaging for a reader. The way the author drew readers in with this fictitious narrative while reflecting on his own experiences with his granddaughter throughout the novel was a genuinely creative and heartfelt direction to take readers in.
The education and realism of the novel and the inspiration of this family draw the reader in. The heartbreaking reality of drawback after drawback when combatting a rare disease while also finding the strength and courage to keep pushing forward and not giving up despite the odds really will resonate with so many readers, especially those who must live with various illnesses daily. The powerful imagery throughout this novel and the tense atmosphere that these situations often create bring that honesty and reality to the story that readers can readily identify with.
The Verdict
Resilient, memorable, and engaging author Eitan Lev’s “One in Ten Thousand” is a must-read book. The unique subgenera of fiction regarding disabilities and family drama meets family health played well within this narrative, and the awareness that this book drives to this rare ailment will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Eitan Lev, born in 1958, is a high-tech entrepreneur and the author of several thrillers.
In 2021, following the diagnosis of his granddaughter with Rett Syndrome, he founded a company dedicated to developing a gene therapy-based cure for her and others afflicted by this condition.
His book, ‘One in Ten Thousand,’ is a work of fiction written two years after the diagnosis and draws heavily on his personal experiences.
‘One in Ten Thousand’ was written with the hope of raising awareness about this challenging syndrome and other similar conditions, and to instill hope for potential healing in the hearts of those whose loved ones suffer from rare and incurable genetic disorders.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young pup named Little Joe goes on an adventure that explores the idea of friendship and the power found in communication in author Mike J. Darcys “Little Joe and the Big rain, illustrated by Tincho Schmidt).
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The Synopsis
Dive into the enchanting world of Little Joe and the Big Rain, where a little puppy named Little Joe embarks on an unexpected adventure that will take him far beyond the familiar fields he calls home. Along the way, he meets Hopper, a frog with a leap as big as his heart, and Roxy, a bear who’s more about warm hugs. This trio of unlikely friends sets off on a journey filled with laughter, challenges, and a few surprises, teaching them—and the reader—about the power of communication, the importance of understanding, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Perfect for young readers, Little Joe and the Big Rain is more than just a story; it’s a journey into understanding differences, embracing diversity, and finding common ground. With its gentle lessons interwoven with delightful adventures, this book promises to be a treasure on any child’s bookshelf, encouraging them to look beyond the surface and find the friend in everyone.
The Review
This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s book. The warmth of the illustrations instantly draws the reader in. The imagery instantly will resonate with young readers who love shows like Bluey, as the fun, cartoonish nature of the illustrations brings both fun and excitement to bring the reader into the narrative.
I greatly appreciated this children’s book’s wealth of character development. The heart of this story, seeing these characters from different walks of life come together in one common goal, was inspiring and will help younger readers value our differences rather than scoff at them. The themes of friendship, communication, and the power of helping others will resonate with parents who want to help instill these lessons into their children’s lives.
The Verdict
Memorable, vividly beautiful, and engaging author Mike J. Darcy and illustrator Tincho Schmidt’s “Little Joe and the Big Rain” is a must-read children’s book. The detail and adventurous atmosphere the author instills in the reader early on, and the sense of awe and wonder that readers take away from the journey will allow parents to read through this book over and over again with their child, becoming a hit classic that will stay with them for years to come. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Mike Darcy is a devoted husband, doting father, and animal lover who has nurtured a lifelong passion for wildlife. His deep connection with nature inspired him to pen his debut children’s book, which promotes adventure, curiosity, creativity, and forging unexpected friendships through small acts of compassion.
When away from the writing desk and his day job as a business manager, he can often be found experimenting with new recipes, wandering the wilderness on a long hike, and even mountain climbing. Mike currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife, child, and their dog and cat.
He hopes you enjoy his story as much as he enjoyed crafting it, and that you join Little Joe on his next adventures in Little Joe and the Big City and Little Joe and the Big Snow!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet Mark Cox shares the best and worst of the human condition through the poetry collection, “Knowing”.
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The Synopsis
Mark Cox pulls no punches in these candid poems about family, relationships, loss, regret, growing older and our human condition, generally. “Looking back for a low point marking the worst of my insobriety, it might be that signal moment I put out my cigarette in the holy water font of St. Paul’s Catholic church, right in front of the priest, I might add. . . ” Sometimes wry, sometimes tender, always honest and thought provoking, this is the seventh volume of poetry from a lauded veteran poet who has been publishing prominently for almost forty years.
The Review
What immediately stands out from the author’s work is the honesty and depth with which they delve into the themes of this collection. The self-reflection and almost story-like writing style allow the reader to be drawn into each poem, and the author holds no punches as they bring the truth behind each theme that so many readers can identify with.
The themes that the author explores are truly remarkable. The poem True North, for instance, delves into the struggles and downfalls of insobriety, hitting when a person hits rock bottom or comes to see in themselves the narrow path they had put themselves on. Themes of family, divorce, grief, and loss all roll together, connecting the reader with the author profoundly.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and honest author Mark Cox’s “Knowing” is a must-read poetry collection. The diverse nature of the themes and the compelling sense of empathy that the poems instill in the reader will stay with them long after the book’s final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
MARK COX has authored six other volumes of poetry, the most recent being Readiness (2018) and Sorrow Bread: Poems 1984-2015 (2017). He has a forty-year history of publication in prominent magazines and his honors include a Whiting Writers’ Award, a Pushcart Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, and The Society of Midland Authors Poetry Prize. He chairs the Department of Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington and teaches in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Program.
The queer poet, Sappho, renowned for dubbing the term “lesbian” since she was from the island of Lesbos, is remembered for saying, “Someday, someone will remember us.”
A lot has transpired for queer folx in the two thousand years since Sappho dreamed our possible realities. And with 500 proposed bills against LGBTQ+ rights awaiting rulings across the United States, the world has never needed our wisdom more.
Did you know that LGBTQ+ authors only account for only 16% of published books?
As a queer woman, this isn’t simply a statistic, but my lived reality. And after I had my first seven books published with four different presses, it dawned on me that it didn’t have to be this way. I didn’t have to be the only one my publishers represented, or the one who made it to the final round with a publishing company only for them to respond, “We really believe in this book, but we don’t know how to market to queer audiences.”
I was sick and tired of seeing straight, white men thrive with mediocre books because their advances, royalties, and stories had an advantage from the very start, because when they looked around at the presses that represented their books, they saw a bunch of other straight, white cis dudes staring back at them. What about our queer dreams?
The world was missing out on the precise perspectives and stories we need most.
In writing and publishing Queering the American Dream, I was able to create and imagine a different world, a world where women, queer folx, and BIPOC have equitable access to publishing, to fulfilling our dreams.
Queering the American Dreambegins the day the Supreme Court ruled our marriage legal, my queer little family traversing the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid our wanderings, I grappled with the loss of faith, addiction, death, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, I created a new dream, not just for myself, but for all marginalized people living in America.
One of my favorite writers, Gloria Anzaldúa, inspired this dream. This queer Chicana feminist claimed: “The world I create in my writing compensates for what the real world does not give me.”
The “real world” has given us, on the whole, an old-school, white, male, predatory publishing industry that, at best, doesn’t understand the nuances of queer and feminist writing, and at worst, preys upon us for capital gain. So, I created Tehom Center Publishing to compensate for what the real world has not given us. Tehom Center Publishing is a press publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers.
Publishing Queering the American Dreamwith my own press was not only empowering, but it also galvanized me to coach other marginalized authors in the power of living the authorpreneur dream. Yes, Tehom Center publishes authors at absolutely no cost, but we also offer just and equitable coaching programs empowering authors in creating entire businesses aligned with their books, thereby sustaining a financially abundant life.
Traveling throughout the country with my queer little family taught me that the world not only needs queer authors to be published, but we deserve to live abundant lives. This is our iteration of the American dream.
*****
To join us in queering the American dream and stay connected with book and publishing events, visit www.tehomcenter.org/booktour
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Book Summary
Beginning the day the Supreme Court ruled her marriage legal, Angela Yarber’s queer little family traversed the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid her wanderings, this queer clergywoman grapples with the loss of faith, addiction, death, parenting, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, she creates a new dream, not just for herself, but for all marginalized people living in America.
Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber is an award-winning author of eight books and a highly sought public speaker. She is the Founder of Tehom Center Publishing, an imprint publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. With a Ph.D. in Art and Religion and over a decade serving as a Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, five of her books were listed in QSpirit’s Top LGBTQ Religion Books. Her work has been featured in Forbes, HuffPo, Ms. Magazine, Tiny House Nation, and more at https://angelayarber.org
Join us at WOW’s blog The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Angela Yarber’s memoir Queering the American Dream. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
You can visit Jan’s blog for her review of Queering the American Dream. Plus read a guest post by Dr. Angela Yarber about disenfranchised grief, particularly as it pertains to losing someone to addiction.
