1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve been writing since I was a young kid. I had a cousin in England and had a regular correspondence with him. Then as a Sociology professor I was writing academic articles for 40 years.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I have been collecting notes about my own sessions as a patient and sessions I had with patients, for many years. The book has been in the works for more than 10 years.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope readers will empathize with Rose’s growth and also learn about what psychoanalysis is about. Many people think it means the analyst is predominantly silent and just makes interpretations.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I wrote academic articles until I published Doing the Right Thing: Taking Care of Your Elderly Parents Even if They Didn’t Take Care of You in 2005. That book was a combination of personal experience with my mother and interviews with 50 caretakers across the country. My next book was a novel Two Sisters of Coyoacan which was about the assassination Leon Trotsky. Our Time is Up is my second novel.
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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
The main character is based on myself so I don’t have any questions to ask her.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I have not had great success in promoting the book. I am trying Facebook ads now.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Plan the publicity before the book is published. It takes a lot of time and some things require doing before pub date.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I am focussed on trying to promote Our Time is Up, but I am also thinking about a second book with the same protagonist later in her life.
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About the Author
Roberta Satow, Ph.D. is a practicing psychoanalyst in Washington, CT. She is a senior member of the faculty and control analyst at the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis. Dr. Satow is Professor Emerita of Sociology at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. In addition to her non-fiction book Doing the Right Thing: Taking Care of Your Elderly Parents Even if They Didn’t Take Care of You (Tarcher/Penguin 2006), she is the editor of Gender and Social Life (Allyn
and Bacon, 2000) and she has written a novel Two Sisters of Coyoacan (2017). Dr. Satow writes a blog for Psychology Today:
Embarking on the journey of writing your first science fiction novel is an exciting endeavor that blends imagination with storytelling. This genre, known for its boundless potential and exploration of the unknown, offers a unique canvas for writers. The key to success lies in understanding the nuances of the genre and mastering the craft of writing. Here’s a guide to set you on the right path.
Secure Your Creative Endeavors
In the process of crafting your first science fiction novel, prioritizing the security of your manuscript is essential. Your novel represents a unique blend of creativity and dedication, and it’s imperative to shield these intellectual efforts from potential compromise. Utilizing effective security measures, like password protection, is a practical approach to safeguard your documents. This strategy not only fortifies your work against unauthorized access but also provides the tranquility needed to concentrate on your creative endeavors. By learning how to password protect a PDF, you can ensure that your novel remains your exclusive creation. Remember, this novel is more than just a story; it also embodies valuable intellectual property that merits vigilant protection.
Anchor Your Novel in a Core Idea
A compelling science fiction novel is often anchored in a strong, clear core idea. This idea serves as the foundation of your story, guiding the narrative and giving it purpose. Whether it’s an exploration of an advanced technology, a unique take on time travel, or a vision of a dystopian future, your core concept should be intriguing and thought-provoking. It should captivate readers’ imaginations and set the stage for the narrative journey they are about to embark on.
Create Relatable Characters
Characters are the heart of any story, and in science fiction, they become the bridge between the reader and the fantastical elements of your world. Crafting well-rounded, relatable characters is essential. These characters, human or otherwise, should possess depth, flaws, and motivations that resonate with readers. They are the lenses through which your audience will experience the wonders and challenges of the sci-fi world you’ve created.
Weave an Immersive Setting
The setting in a science fiction novel is not just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. Your setting should be richly detailed and fully realized, immersing readers in a world that is both fantastic and believable. Whether it’s a distant planet, a futuristic city, or an altered version of our own world, your setting should captivate the reader’s imagination. It should be so vividly described that readers can effortlessly visualize and lose themselves in it.
Maintain Logical Consistency
While science fiction is a genre that thrives on imaginative and sometimes outlandish concepts, maintaining internal consistency is crucial. Establish logical rules for the science or technology in your story and adhere to them. This consistency anchors your story in a semblance of reality, making the unbelievable, believable. It encourages readers to suspend their disbelief and fully engage with your narrative.
Fuel Your Story with Tension
High stakes and constant tension keep readers turning pages. Introduce challenges and obstacles that your characters must navigate. These trials not only drive the plot but also facilitate character development, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, and true nature. The tension can stem from external threats, internal conflicts, or the very elements that make your world unique. It’s this tension that transforms a story from a simple narrative into a compelling journey.
Engage with Beta Readers
Feedback is a vital element in refining your novel. LinkedIn suggests sharing your work with beta readers, writing groups, and even friends and family for fresh perspectives and invaluable insights. These early readers can highlight strengths, pinpoint weaknesses, and suggest improvements. Their feedback provides a glimpse into how your novel might be received by a broader audience, allowing you to make necessary adjustments before the final publication.
Writing your first science fiction novel is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. Every great journey begins with a single step, and yours starts here. Let your imagination guide you, and may your novel not only reach the stars but also touch the hearts and minds of your readers.
Anthony Avina is an author, a journalist, and a blogger who seeks to use his creativity to entertain as well as inspire. He looks forward to hearing from you!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman must come to terms with her difficult past to find balance within herself in author Sally Lee Stewart’s “The Angle of Vanishing Stability”.
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The Synopsis
A vessel can heel to one side, but at a certain point, it will no longer balance above water—and it capsizes. This is the angle of vanishing stability.
Thea West, a Northern Californian teenager growing up in the late sixties and early seventies, is one of five daughters trying to stay afloat amid the psychologically catastrophic dynamic between her parents—a covert and commanding mother and an ocean-yachtsman father. A talented sailor and businessman, Mr. West suffers from crippling alcoholism, with frequent rages that mask his fragility. Thea longs to know how to sail, but in her world, traversing the water is a skill that belongs only to men, and she’s terrified to ask her larger-than-life father to teach her.
When her father’s demons drive him to a new low, Thea isn’t sure if she can ever learn to forgive. She strikes out from home in search of love and self, running from what she views as the problem—her father and his hold on her family. As Thea falls in and out of affairs, marriages, and jobs, her travels take her from New York to Nicaragua and finally back to California. There, she must reckon with the legacy of her father’s love and failure and decide whether she’ll let her past capsize her future—or if she can finally find balance with a life of her choosing.
The Review
This was such a compelling and engaging read. The author does a remarkable job setting the stage for this narrative, exploring the themes of familial relationships, identity, and living a balanced life naturally and honestly throughout the narrative. The heart and emotional struggle the protagonist endures throughout her life and the journey that she goes on that takes her to parts unknown, only to return her home once more, made this feel like such a complete and thoughtful moment in the protagonist’s life.
The heart of this narrative rested in the character-driven story the author told. The book perfectly fits the genre fiction outline, giving an honest and depth-filled plot that allows the characters to shine and determine their path. Readers will be able to see not only themselves in these characters at some point but also people in their own lives in these characters, allowing the reader to connect further to the overall story.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, honest, and engaging author Sally Lee Stewart’s “The Angle of Vanishing Stability” is a must-read narrative. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional experiences and dialogue, especially those that define the protagonist and her father’s relationship, and the full-circle journey she goes on will keep readers heavily invested in this story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Sally Lee Stewart is a fourth-generation Californian and elementary education specialist. She lives on a cooperatively grazed ten-acre farm in the coastal hills of Northern California and sails on the San Francisco Bay. “The Angle of Vanishing Stability” is her first novel.
Recently released political thriller Libertyland by author Peter Sacks is our latest book feature, so let’s take a look at what this book is all about and the author who wrote it.
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The Synopsis
During a passionate romance with Garrick Cripps, Suzanne Dreyfus wrote The Liberation Manifesto, a wicked satire of right-wing libertarian philosophy. However, Garrick took Suzanne’s parody seriously and now, many years later, uses it as a blueprint for how to overthrow American democracy in favor of the 1%. But for the revolution to begin, an inciting event, like a Stateside terrorist attack, is needed to convince the public that drastic change in leadership is necessary.
Suzanne, along with Carson McCready, a former Navy SEAL, and Laura Cavendish, a cyber weapons expert, are all that stand between Cripps and leadership of the country. Culminating in a violent denouement, Libertyland shows what could happen if the ideas of a madman go unchecked.
Libertyland is a departure from most thrillers of its ilk. Carson McCready, the main protagonist, breaks the predictable stereotype of the flag-waving uber-patriot. A student of the human condition, he thinks deeply about freedom and individualism, and in the end, he has no choice but to uphold his oath of honor and battle a violent conspiracy that is fueled by the blood of innocents. The themes are timeless. But Libertyland is also timely – a work of fiction that is unique to here and now.
Praise:
“Libertyland is a masterfully crafted political thriller, an intense book that is a joy to read.” – International Review of Books
“A riveting story that takes a deep dive into the dangers of too much greed and not enough accountability in our institutions.” – Charles Ray, author
“An electrifying and delightful experience for readers.” – Mihir Shah, The US Review of Books
“An amazing read that is thoroughly engaging and entertaining.” – Michaela Gordoni, Pacific Book Reviews
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About the Author
As a journalist and author, Peter Sacks has been nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize, including once for his book, Tearing Down the Gates (University of California Press), an examination of the role that social class plays in American education and society. Gates also won Book of the Year from the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Sacks worked as a newspaper journalist on both coasts, as an economist, and as a college instructor in English and Journalism. His work has appeared in many publications, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Nation. He is also the author of Generation X Goes to College and Standardized Minds. Visit Peter at his website, and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Pirates invade a small island home in author Jimmy Jungles’s “Captain Bacawly and the Breakaway Bandits”.
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The Synopsis
Ever since I was a kid, I had only known a fun and simple life in the jungles of the Wazoo. But never did I imagine there was anyone else out there wanting to find our small, peaceful island. As our animal society works to elect its next leader, outside invaders (known as the pirates) raid our home and harm Wildlings! The entire Wild is under threat and worst yet, we don’t even know where or how they are hiding among us!
Join along in this little journal of mine as I uncover the mystery behind who has been helping them, what it is they truly seek, and why so many have come to call this land the wonder of the world.
The Review
This was an engaging and brilliant YA novel. The atmosphere the author created harkened back to the classic adventure tales of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. It showcased a young teenage boy living amidst an animal populace and having to navigate life lessons and an invading pirate force. The balance of tension as the threats mounted and the connectivity of the protagonist with his animal friends allowed the reader to get invested in this story.
The world-building and character development in this novel were incredible. The rich dynamics between the protagonist and the island inhabitants early on spoke to the wonderful sense of community the author developed in this setting, and the theme of responsibility and protecting that community was extensively developed throughout this novel.
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The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and thoughtfully written, author Jimmy Jungles’s “Captain Bacawly and the Breakaway Bandits” is a must-read novel. The sense of fun and adventure, mixed with the thrilling nature of the battle between Jimmy and the Pirates and the shocking twists in the story, will keep readers eager for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman must flee the order she spent her life serving when she is framed for a mission gone wrong in authors Paul Kivelson and Owen B. Greenwald’s “Weapons of the Mind”, the first book in the Renegades Trilogy.
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The Synopsis
Master your emotions. Perform your duty. Follow the Tenets. Tala has lived these rules for twenty years: the rules of an Enhancer. Then a mission goes wrong, and she finds herself framed, branded Renegade, and called to face judgment. Fleeing means violating the Tenets, the moral precepts of her order. Yet in that moment, she finds she cannot stay.
Hunted by the endless forces of the Galactic Coalition and her own mentor, famed Renegade killer Exemplar Scratch, Tala will pursue the proof of her innocence to the very heart of the galaxy. But cling as she might to the tatters of her honor, she cannot deny the true purpose of her mission: revenge. And the further Tala strays from the Tenets’ path, the greater the risk she runs of losing herself.
In a galaxy of strange aliens and hostile humans, danger casts its shadow on every wall. Friendships are forged, lost, and tested. And the lies that keep the galaxy running just might be about to come crashing down.
The Review
Upon delving into this book, one is immediately struck by its unique atmosphere. The narrative is steeped in a chilling tension, allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s struggle in a way that is both captivating and unsettling. The familiar theme of overcoming adversity is masterfully woven into the story, adding depth and resonance to the narrative.
The heart of this narrative was in the world-building and mythos of the universe the authors created. The detail that went into the worlds that made up this galaxy and the alien species that populated those worlds, as well as the corporations and government agencies that helped funnel the cast of characters into such a tense narrative, made this feel like the perfect read for those who enjoy Star Wars and Mass Effect. The mystery surrounding the reason for protagonist Tala’s frame and the emotional challenge to maintain her duty and sense of worthwhile searching for answers and staying alive all allowed the worlds around her to flourish and feel alive on the page.
The Verdict
Thoughtfully crafted, mesmerizing, and entertaining, authors Paul Kivelson and Owen B. Greenwald’s “Weapons of the Mind” is a must-read epic sci-fi meets space opera. The drama, the tension, and the thrilling adventure readers are promised are elevated to new heights with outstanding character development and remarkable world-building that will keep readers eager for more from this fantastic writing duo.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Paul Kivelson studied creative writing at Stanford with his undergraduate advisor Adam Johnson. His fiction has been published in the Adelaide Literary Magazine and the Schuylkill Valley Journal. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in family therapy. His most recent work, Weapons of the Mind, is being released by Will Dreamly Arts and Publishing. But he is best known for his love of board games and his tendency to world-build more ideas than he’d ever possibly have time to write.
Owen B Greenwald is the award-winning author of the Big Bet series and of Weapons Of The Mind, set for release in November 2023 from Will Dreamly Arts Publishing. He is also the lead designer for the board game Anna’s Roundtable. He lives in Santa Clara, CA with his wife Jenna and his dog Kubo. He is an ardent believer in the power of stories to enrich and transform lives.
Despite the incoming glut of AI-generated entertainment, Owen plans to keep writing. Join him at www.owenbgreenwald.com
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I was used to making up short and funny stories for my daughter, Rachel. When she was about ten she wanted a story about a really, really nasty witch. For the first time I put pen to paper and what started off as a tiny scrap of an idea got bigger. It became my middle-grade fantasy about magic and witches, The Doomspell, which was eventually published in 26 languages. I just wanted to stay in more contact with my daughter. I was separated from her at the time, and though she spent every other weekend with me it was not as much as I wanted. Discussing the story ideas gave me an opportunity to spend more time with her.
It was only during pandemic that I turned to adult horror writing.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I’d done a bit of online dating. The idea of a woman who just wants to creatively carve men up but they keep misinterpreting her meaning seemed like an amusing premise.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Read the online profile carefully.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I’ve always loved SF, fantasy and horror. Comedy horror is hard to pull off, and I was drawn to give it a go.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I’d ask them why they like particular knives over a variety of other killing tools.
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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Facebook. Most of my readers know me form my children’s novels, and they are still mostly on Facebook.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Write what you enjoy and don’t expect to make any money. If you adhere to that you won’t go too insane.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I have several projects ongoing – a film treatment for my ghost novel BREATHE, a new middle-grade ghost novel which should come out next year, and also several new horror and fantasy stories for adults.
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About the Author
I was born in Sunderland, a city in the north-east of England.
I don’t recall too much about my first 8 years of life other than I loved being outdoors especially in the woods near our house. I came home every night covered in scratches.
My first real book memory is being given C.S. Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew by my English teacher, Mrs Baldwin. I loved that, and all the other Narnia books.
So how did I become an author?
As a parent I was used to making up short and funny stories for my daughter, Rachel. When she was about ten, however, she wanted a story about a really, really nasty witch. This time I put pen to paper and what started off as a tiny scrap of an idea got bigger and bigger and BIGGER. It became The Doomspell.
After I finished it, I continued my love affair with fantasy by creating The Silver Sequence which I still think is probably my best and definitely my most original work. Following that, I tried to scare everyone half to death with a couple of ghost novels – Breathe and The Hunting Ground.
I could tell you more about myself, but the truth is that perhaps the biggest gift we can give anyone is our imagination and everything important I have to offer you about that is in the novels.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young explorer with a shocking past and an immortal warrior must temper their growing attraction in the face of a growing threat in author Eden Robins’s “Gold: Heart of a Warrior”.
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The Synopsis
It’s just gonna be one of those days…
Empathic healer and business owner, Dora Alexander decided to celebrate her 25th birthday by exploring the stalagmites and stalactites in Kartchner Caverns. Kinda nerdy? Maybe, but you do you, right? Things take a nasty turn when an earthquake rocks the cave, leaving her alone in complete darkness. Searching for a way out, she accidently awakens an immortal warrior who’s kind of cranky after his 100-year nap. Wouldn’t you be?
Philoctetes, one of Demeter’s immortal Gold warriors wakes up to the disturbing sound of a female sobbing. Thinking she’s one of the Silver demons he’s sworn to hunt down and destroy, he almost kills her before realizing she’s human. Correction. Turns out she’s not just human. She’s also the woman responsible for sending his kind to hell and causing woe and misery for the entire human race.
Dora never asked to be Pandora reborn. And she certainly didn’t ask to be paired up with an insanely hot immortal demon hunter on a mission to save the world and redeem them both. But The Fates seem to have their own quirky ideas. One of them being if she and said hot demon hunter consummate the inferno like attraction blazing between them, they’ll simply cease to exist, with any memory of their time on earth erased forever.
Oh goody, the day just got worse.
The Review
This was such an engaging and impressive blend of mythology and modern fantasy. The author masterfully brought the mindset and morality of the Ancient Greek gods and goddesses to life in the more modern-day setting of Arizona, with its blistering heat, technology, and desert environment. This allowed the reader to get lost in the rich atmosphere that was developed.
The narrative did a great job of bringing out those epic, destiny-fueled adventures to life on the page, and the action and dangers the villainous Silvers represented allowed the reader to feel the stakes of this story. Yet the dynamic between the two protagonists and their back-and-forth chemistry that evolved and grew over time brought the heart of this narrative to life. Their singular evolution throughout the narrative and how they embraced their journey was unique. Yet, the growth they shared and the romantic tension were an immediate draw into the story.
The Verdict
Author Eden Robins’s “Gold: Heart of a Warrior” is a heartfelt, compelling, and entertaining novel. The narrative’s twists and turns, the emotional pull of the protagonists’ shared goals, and the shocking cliffhanger will keep readers eager for more of this incredible story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Eden Robins believes in second chances. Eden’s journey as an author started in 2000 with the release of her first book, a time travel romance entitled, Never Until Tomorrow. Over the course of the next eleven years, Eden wrote and shared nine stories from her heart with her readers. After a divorce and big changes to her personal life, Eden’s writing came to a crashing halt and her path took a different direction.
Twelve years after her last romantic tale was published, Eden found a home for her latest novel, Gold: Heart of A Warrior with Champagne Book Group. A magical, modern-day romantic romp into Greek myths come to life, this story gave her a second chance to do what she loves. Write. Connect with Eden Robins and check out her blog, Living the Path.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’m a creatress at heart. Always have been. Creativity has been my companion and guide since I was little. I love to create through writing, gardening, cooking, crocheting, and playing piano. I’m an avid reader who loves to get lost in a great book. I also love to move my body, whether that’s through dance, or hiking or running or jumping or working out at the gym. Moving my body on a regular basis keeps me happy. What I eat matters a lot to me as well. I switched to a mostly whole food plant-based diet several years ago, and like how that makes me feel. I enjoy being outdoors, but also can spend a lot of time writing, reading, and daydreaming inside my home. My home is my sanctuary, my respite from the rest of the world. I often interact in group settings and like to be social, but I always need to balance that with alone time to decompress for a bit afterward. I can be, at times, very “hermit-like.”
I got into writing after I finished my first book. Seriously, that’s exactly how it happened. Growing up, I journaled, penned poetry, and wrote some articles for my high school newspaper, but I never pictured writing as a career path rather than a hobby until I finished my first novel. Both of my parents were in the medical/science field, and I was (and still am) fascinated by many aspects of science. The catalyst for my dive into writing was the death of my paternal grandfather. After he died, I had regrets about not spending more time with him. I kept wishing I could go back in time to get to know him better. I felt the urge to sit down and write about it, and that’s how my first book, a time travel romance entitled, Never Until Tomorrow, was born. It was as I typed the words “The End” that I knew I was hooked, and realized writing was something I wanted to take seriously for the rest of my life.
From that point forward, I was lucky enough to find publishers interested in my work and have had the privilege of sharing ten of my published novels with the world.
What inspired you to write your book?
Each book has its own inspiration. My current release, a modern-day romantic romp into Greek mythology entitled, Gold: Heart of A Warrior, was inspired by a children’s book on Greek myths I had bought for my kids. I read a lot to my children while they were growing up and was always looking for literature that would stimulate their minds and inspire their imagination. I picked up Usborne Illustrated Guide to Greek Myths and Legends by Cheryl Evans, and the complex and juicy lives of the characters in these myths caught not only my children’s attention, but mine as well. Particularly, reading about Pandora opening the Jug of Woes and releasing evil and misery into the world pulled at something inside of me. I felt like this was a woman who had been used by the Gods (Zeus) as a pawn, and then forever punished and maligned after she had done the deed she was manipulated to accomplish. I began thinking about how her story could go in a different direction. I started wondering what would happen if Pandora was offered a second chance at life. What would she do? How would she live? Who would she become if she were no longer a pawn of the Gods, or at least less of a pawn than before?
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The path to empowerment is always through the self, and second chances are possible at any age.
What drew you into this particular genre?
Love and hope. Although romantic fiction isn’t the only genre I write (I also write mainstream fiction and nonfiction), that feeling of falling in love is so magical. I enjoy creating that for my readers. I also like writing stories that have a happily ever after that leaves the sweet taste of optimism in my readers’ mouths. Those two reasons keep me excited about writing in the romance genre.
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
At this point, I’d have to say it’s Instagram. The reader community is very supportive, engaged, and interactive.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Just pick up the pen and write. It’s not about perfection or getting the grammar just right. There’s a magic in the process of simply putting your story on the page that can transform a writer’s thoughts into a masterpiece. As Michelangelo once said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” That blank page offers a writer the opportunity to unlock the story of their heart. Just start writing. The rest will come together.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
The future feels so bright. Especially in light of the past. After my initial foray into my writing journey, with nine of my novels getting published, I hit a wall. I got a divorce, and for more than a decade after, I just couldn’t write. I came to believe my creativity had dried up. I didn’t put a book out into the world during that time. It was a frightening period in my writing, but looking back, I know that “ten years of drought” taught me so much and provided an evolution and a deepening for me that I needed. I understand now that while I wasn’t creating stories for my novels during that time, I was creating the story of my life. A story I needed to establish before I could continue my book writing journey.
Now, more than a decade with no books published, I’ve begun this second chance chapter of my life with the release of Gold: Heart of a Warrior. I’m forever grateful to my publisher, Champagne Book Group, for providing me with this opportunity to share my writing with the world once more. I’m excited to announce that editing has begun on A Warrior’s Peace, book two in my Gold series! I’m also working on a short story holiday collection of modern-day fairytales, a fallen angel romantic suspense, a magical realism retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, and a nonfiction book about the creative path. I’m so thankful to have my creatress back as my companion and look forward to her guiding me for years to come.
Eden Robins believes in second chances. She’s been lucky enough to have a few in her life and knows there’s a magic in seizing the moment to try again. As a mentor, her heart’s purpose is to guide people into living as their full, innate, creative potential. As a writer, her heart leads her to inspire readers through her tales. Creating stories about people courageously living, loving, and experiencing life true to themselves, no matter how messy it gets, are the ones Eden wants to write and will keep writing for you…and for her. Connect with Eden at https://linktr.ee/edenrobins and check out her blog, Living the Path, https://awholeheartedme.com/blog
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
My name is Massimo Fantini, and I am an Italian author and free thinker, writing from my home in the hills just outside Bologna. In quiet moments, when I am neither writing nor working, I enjoy classical music, particularly orchestral works and Italian opera.
I graduated from a university in Bologna with a degree in civil engineering. However, the studies of my youth do not represent my life’s passion—that is, delving into the realities which unite all of humanity:
suffering, frustrations, conflicts, and the human reactions to these. These are the events that take every human as an innocent in the crib and twist and turn them into 8.1 billion unique (but intimately connected) forms.
In short, I am obsessed with exploring the intimate recesses of the human condition.
In 2018, entirely dissatisfied with my job, I sought a new form of expression. Thus, I began to write.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I consider myself to be a keen observer, and my stories are inspired by the observation of reality.
After observation, comes analysis. Why did that person react that way? Why did they say those things?
Why don't they react to conditioning by developing their own critical sense?
Art is wonderful because it is a representation of what we otherwise cannot express. I seek not to provide myself and my readers with a mere distraction (what so often passes for “entertainment”). Not a hole in which to stick our heads for a few hours, only to emerge weakened and even less able to face our reality.
Rather, I offer up a representation of our shared condition.
The human condition.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Echoing the sentiment of Heraclitus, no two people may look at the same problem the same way, because it is different to each. From the old and cynical Leonard in Concerning Fanaticism to young Tommaso (a character inspired by my own youth) in Concerning Intellectual Suicide, I tried to shed light on a path that is a constant part of our lives, but also constantly shifting.
Through my writing, I encourage readers to find their own perspective on life. Rather than embracing the comfortable mold that society provides, like a goldfish “free” to swim around in its little bowl, I hope my readers can use my books as a stepping stone toward their own unique way of thinking. And then, I wish them the freedom to pursue it.
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4) What drew you into this particular genre?
The philosophical nature of my works lends itself to both the essay and fiction genres. However, I believe that the fiction genre is more easily accessible to the general public. The emotional strength of characters who live a story, who suffer, and who try to escape the grip of the human condition makes philosophical reasoning deeper and more effective.
Over time, I experimented with many kinds of writing, wondering how best to give my ideas form.
Finally, I found my voice through stories, giving life to characters who explore, triumph, and fail for us to watch.
5) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I must admit that writing is exhausting. I thought that once I completed my trilogy, I would have no more ideas to express. Instead, I have a Word document with dozens of ideas to develop, ideas suggested by the simple observation of the people around me. I’m currently working on my fourth manuscript. The story draws inspiration from the previous "Intellectual
Suicide" and brings to light aspects of human nature that I have not focused on in previous works.
I can’t wait to complete it!
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About the Author
Greetings, readers.
I am Massimo Fantini, an Italian author and free thinker, writing from my home in the hills just outside Bologna. In quiet moments, when I am not writing, I enjoy classical music, particularly orchestral works for violin and the Italian opera.
I graduated from a university in Bologna with a degree in civil engineering. However, the studies of my youth do not represent my life’s obsession—that is, delving into those realities which unite all members of the human race: suffering, frustrations, conflicts, and the human reactions to these. They are the events and forces that take every human as an innocent in the crib and twist and turn them into 8.1 billion unique (but intimately connected) forms.
In short, I am obsessed with exploring the intimate recesses of the human condition.
In 2018, entirely dissatisfied with my job, I sought a new form of expression. Thus, I began to write. Incessantly.
I experimented with many kinds of writing. How best to give my ideas form? Then, I found my voice through stories, giving life to characters who explore, triumph, and fail for us to watch.
In each installment of my Human Condition Trilogy, these same all-encompassing issues are approached from different directions, under different circumstances, and by different characters.
Echoing the sentiment of Heraclitus, no two people may look at the same problem, because it is different to each. From the old cynical Leonard in Concerning Fanaticism to young Tommaso (a character inspired by my own youth) in Concerning Intellectual Suicide, I tried to cast a light on a path that is a constant part of our lives, but also constantly shifting.
Through my writing, I encourage readers to find their own perspective on life. Rather than embracing the comfortable mold which society provides, like a goldfish “free” to swim around in its little bowl, I hope my readers can use my books as a steppingstone toward their own unique way of thinking. And then, I wish them the freedom to pursue it.
Art is wonderful because it is a representation of what we otherwise cannot express. I seek not to provide myself and my readers with a mere distraction (what so often passes for “entertainment”). Not a hole in which to stick our heads for a few hours, only to emerge weakened and even less able to face our reality. Rather, I offer up a representation of our shared condition.
