I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A conspiracy thriller like no other takes center stage surrounding corporate espionage, cover ups, and a terrifying new treatment for US Veterans suffering from PTSD, with shocking results, in author Chris Saper’s novel “Collateral Carnage: Money. Politics. Big Pharma. What Could Go Wrong?”.
The Synopsis
Money. Politics. Big Pharma. What could go wrong?As PTSD therapist Claire Wilheit is about to learn, a whole helluva lot. A chance after-hours encounter with a fellow therapist reveals falsified patient files and thrusts Claire into a conspiracy poised to revolutionize treatment for US veterans now and for future generations, with deadly collateral damage.Trapped in an avalanche of events over which she has no control, Claire is locked into a race against time in preventing the sweeping, irreversible and fatally flawed policies that Congress is about to set into play.Collateral Carnage is Chris Saper’s debut novel, a gripping thriller set in a future near enough to be all too terrifying.
The Review
From the book’s first pages the stage is set for a massive cover up, as files are discovered having been tampered with and one therapist’s day off turns into a life altering journey as she becomes part of a massive conspiracy involving several of her patients, (along with others), and discovers the lengths they are willing to go to in order to make money and cover up their actions.
What really sold this story however was not just the action and suspense, but the very human element of the protagonists, especially Claire. The integration of the family drama Claire begins the story in and integrating the shocking turn of events Claire goes through, the characters driving this narrative home feel more personal and relatable than most espionage/conspiracy thrillers these days. What also set this story apart was the blend of this human element with the scary future that could always become a reality that the author integrates, using curfews within neighborhoods and privatizing organizations to patrol the streets apart from the police, making the world feel like it is on the brink of becoming a privatized police state.
The Verdict
This was a massively entertaining, engaging and fun read. Fans of the great Tom Clancy will be on the edge of their seat throughout this fantastic novel. The fusion of conspiracy thriller with family drama and ordinary people thrust into dark tales of corruption and life threatening action like no other, author Chris Saper has done a wonderful job of reigniting this genre for the modern reader. With a shocking twist ending that leaves the door open, readers can only hope to see more of Claire and author Chris Saper in the future. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of “Collateral Carnage” today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Chris Saper is a portrait painter, teacher and author.
Author of North Light Book’s, Painting Beautiful Skin Tones with Color & Light and For Love or Money: A Business Handbook for Portrait Painters, Mostly Monochrome.
Saper has also been published in The Best of Portrait Painting, American Artist Magazine, Artist’s Magazine, Pastel Journal, and Pastel Artist International and International Artist Magazines.
Her work is also featured in
North Light Books’ Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing; and
Drawing & Painting People: The Essential Guide,
Strokes of Genius 2: The Best of Light and Shadow.
Saper has two instructional DVDs available: “Painting Oil Portraits in Warm Light”, and “Capturing the Beauty of Monochrome Oil Portraits”, both available through North Light Books’ www.artistsnetwork.com.
Since becoming a faculty member of the Portrait Society of America in 2006, Chris has participated at the PSA’s annual meeting, “The Art of the Portrait”, in the capacity of demonstrator, panelist on topics of interest, portfolio critiques, and book signings. In the fall of 2007, Chris conducted a demo and workshop for the Society’s Academy, held at the San Francisco Academy of Art University.
Saper is a contributor to John Howard Sanden’s World of Portrait Painting, writing a regular column, “Portraiture and the Pursuit of Excellence.”
In addition to her full-time commissioned portrait practice, Saper is an active speaker, demonstrator and instructor, teaching regularly at both the Scottsdale Artists’ School and at the Mountain Artists’ Guild in Prescott AZ.
Chris Saper has studied with noted portraitists including Bettina Steinke, Burton Silverman, Harley Brown, William Whitaker, Daniel Greene, Phil Beck and Dan Gerhartz. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Readers are given a glimpse into the tragic reality of a faulty mental health system that fosters and allows those suffering form the most severe cases to be untreated, and a man’s struggle to fight a losing battle against an unprecedented legal fight like no other in author Kenneth Richard Fox’s “At the Point of a Knife”.
The Synopsis
A memoir about a life-saving invention, the hijacking of a hi-tech start- up, and the explosive meltdown of a nuclear family
At the Point of a Knife is a real life thriller about a doctor who invents life-saving laser technology, his wife’s destructive inheritance and the legal conspiracy to steal his successful hi-tech start-up. Dr. Kenneth Fox fights off predatory companies as he battles globally for his company’s rights. But he ignores the threats to his family. By day, he has a successful career. By night, he lives with an increasingly mentally ill spouse. Although she is physically abusive with him and their son, Fox is emotionally co-dependent. At the same time, he is helping his dying mother and his chronically ill father.
There is an attempted murder. After this explosive nuclear family meltdown, Fox learns of his wife’s secret fortune including several homes. He also discovers the true story about her dead father: a hereditary bipolar disorder and the scandal that drove her family from her childhood home. In a final twist of fate, manic depression, money and judicial corruption intersect. Fox’s company is wrested away in a plot that includes a crooked lawyer and a corrupt judge who owes his career to his former partner in crime.
Dr. Kenneth Fox is a physician and surgeon, an inventor of patented medical laser technology and a medicine and business professor.
The Review
This was a powerful non-fiction read that people will have a hard time putting down. The story was clear and concisely written, showcasing a multitude of incidents that contributed to the deterioration of a family, the personal and business losses of a man and the gross injustices that often plague our society.
The author’s in-depth study of the law practices in relation to medical field lawsuits and divorce proceedings which favor one person over the other really brought the harm endured through this man’s life to the forefront. Each chapter has the reader shaking their head, unable to believe that one man would be forced to endure such hardships.
More than that however, the novel allows readers to see the grave injustice that comes with failing to treat those suffering with mental illnesses, and how the taboo of suffering from such a disease or the inaccurate assumptions about mental illness often lead to a lack of diagnosis or care for such individuals, who if given proper treatment and care could avoid the unfortunate damage and suffering endured by both the patient and those closest to them, in this instance the author himself.
The Verdict
Although a short read, this was a powerful and great read that fans of law cases, medical practices and the struggles of mental health will thoroughly enjoy. A whirlwind case that will get readers emotions stirring, this was a heart-pounding story that draws the reader in and gets them invested immensely, so be sure to grab your copy of “At the Point of a Knife” by Kenneth Richard Fox today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Kenneth R. Fox is the inventor of a great deal of laser medical technology and the patentee of many international patents. Dr. Fox has practiced Medicine in six countries on four continents and has lectured in many others. He has taught both Medicine and Business at several universities in a number of different countries. He is the author of many peer- reviewed medical and scientific articles, quite a few published poems and several short articles, mostly related to various aspects of health, but all based on his personal experiences over many years, as is At the Point of a Knife.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An in depth look into the world of mental health care and the ways in which it can be improved take center stage in Author Lynn Nanos novel Breakdown.
The Synopsis
When hospitals release seriously mentally ill patients too soon without outpatient follow-up, the patients can end up homeless, jailed, harming others, or even dead. When patients are deemed suitable for inpatient care, they can languish for weeks in hospital emergency departments before placements become available. Meanwhile, patients who fake the need for care are smoothly and swiftly moved to inpatient settings.
Breakdown opens a dialogue with anyone interested in improving the system of care for the seriously mentally ill population. This book helps to answer questions such as:
Is inpatient care too inaccessible to those who need it most?
Do mental health professionals discriminate against mentally ill patients?
Are more stringent measures needed to ensure that patients take their medication?
Is borderline personality disorder too serious to be classified as just a personality disorder?
Using vignettes based on real interactions with patients, their families, police officers, and other mental health providers, Lynn Nanos shares her passion for helping this population. With more than twenty years of professional experience in the mental health field, her deep interest in helping people who don’t know how to request help is evident to readers.
A woman travels from Maine to Massachusetts because she was ordered by her voice, a spirit called “Crystal,” to make the trip.
A foul-smelling and oddly dressed man strolls barefooted into the office, unable to stop talking.
A man delivers insects to his neighbors’ homes to minimize the effects of poisonous toxins that he says exist in their homes.
Breakdown uses objective and dramatic accounts from the psychiatric trenches to appeal for simple and common-sense solutions to reform our dysfunctional system. This book will benefit anyone interested in seeing a glimpse of the broken mental health system way beyond the classroom. It can guide legislative officials, family members, mental health professionals, and law enforcement officers toward a better understanding of the system.
The Review
As someone who has advocated for mental health awareness and seeks to improve and see the mental health education and rehabilitation of this world improve, this was a book that spoke volumes to me. The author does a spectacular job of presenting the struggles and heartbreak of the profession. From the book’s opening pages readers are shown the levels of illness and sad state of affairs for both the patients and the doctors attempting to treat them.
What really stuck out to me reading this novel was how the author wrote it all out in a methodical and precise tone of voice, and yet was still written in a way that the average reader, someone who isn’t an expert in the field of mental health, will be able to understand and empathize with. Each chapter elevates the struggle by showing not only individual cases the author worked, but the journey to fight for the rights for all mentally ill patients to seek help or get help they need. The details given by the author and the statistics laid out for the mandates for mental health by state showcase a lack of cohesive treatment plans and emphasizes the need to expand and grow the mental health profession in this nation and the world at large.
The Verdict
A well written, powerful and heartbreaking non-fiction read that everyone should try for themselves. Breakdown by Lynn Nanos is a detailed and meticulous book that gives readers the inside look into a very under appreciated field, and novels like this are the steps needed to take the United States and the world forward into the mental health profession for both patients and care providers alike. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Part of taking care of one’s mental health and overall health in their daily relationships has to be seeking advice from counselors or those well versed in the hardships of any relationship. If you are looking for such advice, visit our friends at Regain to learn more by following this link https://www.regain.us/advice/ .
About the Author
Lynn Nanos is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in her twelfth year as a full-time mobile emergency psychiatric clinician in Massachusetts. After graduating from Columbia University with a Master of Science in Social Work, she worked as an inpatient psychiatric social worker for approximately seven years. She is an active member of the National Shattering Silence Coalition that advocates for the seriously mentally ill population. She serves on its Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee committee and co-chairs its Blog committee.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A shocking discovery leads to a massive hunt to decipher a tablet that could change the world and leads to an action-packed thriller like no other in author Jackson Coppley’s “The Code Hunters – A Nicholas Foxe Adventure”.
The Synopsis
Get Ready for Action and Adventure!
Meet Nicholas Foxe and his team of code hunters…
• In Afghanistan, a young boy stumbles into a fierce firefight.
• An Army Ranger makes a snap decision that sets in motion events beyond his imagination.
• In New Mexico, caver Tom Littleton discovers a 10,000-year-old coded tablet far too advanced for ancient people to have created it.
• In Boston, Rachael Friedman, a leading physics professor, unlocks a key to the mysterious code.
• And in Italy, a violin maker and his autistic daughter show the way to a secret chamber where a medieval scholar has locked away more clues.
Wealthy adventurer Nicholas Foxe leads this unlikely team to solve the mystery of the code. But dark forces threaten to destroy The Tablet and the people who know about it…
• The Televangelist who intends to profit from his “religious” interpretation of The Tablet.
• A Washington Senator who secretly serves a powerful constituent.
• The mysterious Texan who foresees extraordinary wealth by owning The Tablet.
• A Bombmaker in Queens who serves the latest in destructive products.
The Code Hunters is a Thriller for the reader who:
• Wants the Adventure of Indiana Jones,
• Likes the pace and puzzles of The Da Vinci Code,
• Or just enjoys a Mystery Page-Turner.
The Review
My first reaction as a reader is…wow. Just a fantastic collection of action, adventure and thrills that delve into so many different genres and facets of the story that it immediately draws readers in. From the introduction of the mystery discovered in caverns by cavers to the people brought together by Nicholas Foxe to decipher the mysterious discovery and the people trying to exploit or profit from it, the author does an amazing job of creating a cast of characters readers will either love or hate.
What really stuck out to me as a reader was the various moving parts of the novel thanks to the wide array of characters the author brought into the narrative. The way readers are given a look into the mindset and actions of each character really set up the shocking action scenes and built up the importance of the discoveries to be had. The use of a slow burn to build up the suspense early on before revealing the discoveries was an inspired choice of writing style, and created an engaging read that is not to be missed.
The Verdict
This is a brilliant thriller that really gets the mind working and the heart pumping. A lengthy read to be sure, the novel does an amazing job of keeping the reader interested and creates a cast of characters readers will thoroughly enjoy reading about and becoming invested in throughout this story. It’s a must read action/adventure and thriller that captures the spirit of classic mysteries, blending a mix of Indiana Jones style action and history with a The Historian thrill. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of “The Code Hunters” by Jackson Coppley today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Jackson Coppley, a consummate storyteller, illuminates in his writing what happens when technology intersects with human behavior and emotion. Coppley weaves his stories from a sophisticated knowledge of technology and an understanding of human behavior. Coppley’s resume includes a dynamic career with leading world communications and technology companies, and the launching of what the press called “a revolutionary software program” during the rise of personal computing. As a world traveler, Coppley developed an interest in and an understanding of cultural differences and nuances which play an important role in his stories. His YouTube video on the Hmong people of Vietnam, as an example of how he investigates other cultures, received thousands of hits. It is this sensitivity about human behavior combined with the understanding of the potential of technology that brings to his writing a glimpse of what is yet to come.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A harsh world where food is scarce and two young women must decide what they are willing to do in order to survive and whether they can help others survive in the process in author Cody T. Luff’s novel “Ration”.
The Synopsis
Cynthia and Imeld have always lived in the Apartments. A world where every calorie is rationed and the girls who live there are forced to weigh their own hunger against the lives of the others living in the building. It’s a world where the threat of the Wet Room and Ms. Lion always lingers, and punishments are doled out heavily both by the Women who oversee them and the other girls.
When Cynthia is wrongly accused of eating an “A” ration which leads to the death of another girl, her peers punish her harshly. In seeking revenge, she is forced from the only home she has ever known, out into the broader world with one of the Women—Ms. Glennoc—who has tormented her for years. Hunger mixes with politics, intrigue, and social status, and Cynthia needs to figure it out quickly if she’s going to survive and make it back to the Apartments to save Imeld.
With her friend and Ms. Glennoc gone, Imeld is lost. Ms. Tuttle forces her to step into Ms. Glennoc’s shoes, taking on the role of a Woman in charge of all the girls, the punishments, and the Wet Room. The new role feels wrong, especially as Ms. Tuttle’s behavior becomes more and more erratic. Imeld can’t turn her back on the other girls in the Apartments, but how can she save them when she isn’t sure how to save herself? If they rebel against Ms. Tuttle and the other Women, will they starve?
Set in the far future, Ration is an unflinching take on the ways society can both thrive and go wrong as the pressure to survive builds.
The Review
This book was incredibly well written. From the novel’s first pages, readers get a sense of being in the opening scene of Stephen King’s Carrie, if Carrie took place in the world of author Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaids Tale. A world ravaged by an unknown virus that has taken the lives of all men in the world, and the women left created a brutal system of survival like no other.
The two main perspectives shown throughout the novel are stark contrasts with one another, as we see the innocent protagonist Cynthia thrust into a cruel reality and fighting not just to survive, but to find a way to punish those who made her and her fellow “girls” suffer. Then there is Ms. Tuttle, the strict leader of the Apartments, who follows the rules to a T but finds herself caught between a secret of her own and the harshness of her mother and the political world they come from.
A truly gripping tale, the novel does an excellent job of delving into the despair of a dystopian novel while inciting horror and terror into the actions and ways in which the survivors of this world have adapted, where flesh and lower class “girls” are a commodity for the higher class “women” to use as they please, and even amongst advocates for change, no one can truly be completely trusted.
The Verdict
This is a breathtaking thriller and horror adventure like no other. While the book has it’s gruesome moments when delving into the specific “payments” made by the girls, it is the pacing of the author’s writing that sells the horror aspect of this novel. Combine this with the despairing the reader feels in the dystopian setting, and readers can expect a truly engaging read that is sure to become a cult classic in the genre. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of “Ration” by Cody T. Luff today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Cody’s stories have appeared in Pilgrimage, Cirque, KYSO Flash, Menda City Review, Swamp Biscuits & Tea, and others. He is fiction winner of the 2016 Montana Book Festival Regional Emerging Writers Contest.
Cody teaches at Portland Community College and works as a story editor. He completed an intensive MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College. Cody grew up listening to stories in his grandfather’s barber shop as he shined shoes, stories told to him at bedsides and on front porches, deep in his father’s favorite woods, and in the cabs of pickup trucks on lonely dirt roads. Cody’s work explores those things both small and wondrous that move the soul, whether they be deeply real or strikingly surreal.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A chance encounter turns into a nightmare for a young British filmmaker when his latest “hookup” turns out to have very powerful connections in the indie horror comic book “Plagued: The Devil Did It” by Shakil Somani.
The Synopsis
Lukas “Kas” Green, a successful British filmmaker and billionaire living in Los Angeles, takes the wrong girl home one night – she turns out to literally be the daughter of the Devil.
The Devil punishes Kas by overrunning his brain with the creativity his film career has been built upon.
Consequently, anytime Kas even thinks about sex, his mind is overcome with sketches and hallucinations.
Kas attempts to cure himself of this plague of ideas and distractions, whilst balancing his movie-making career, the overpowering sketch-like stories in his mind and of course, trying to rejoin the population of Bonetown.
In this horror/comedy mashup, the author does a marvelous job of building an original storyline that engages readers on multiple fronts. A combination of Preacher and a sex-fueled comedy, the story is both humorous and character driven.
While the characters were memorable, the first issue’s storyline was what really stood out to me. The protagonist didn’t come across like many of the classic “sex-obsessed” jerks that come with this genre of comic book. Instead you found a charming, sometimes forward but otherwise humorous protagonist who found himself trying to find a way to balance his creativity with his sexual desires, and in the process discovered the limits of both sides of the coin.
The Verdict
This was a strong start to what promises to be an engaging and fun indie horror comic book series. While personally in future stories I think the overall narrative could improve with a bit more backstory to the characters and some natural transitions between scenes, overall the comic book worked well and entertained the reader greatly.
With a mystical realism attached to the imagery thanks to the wonderful illustrations of Mark Superales, this comic book was an awesome first issue that will leave readers wanting more. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of “Plagued: The Devil Did It” by Shakil Somani today!
I’ve always hated words, as long as I can remember they’ve done nothing but cause heartache. Words like; “Fluffy’s not going to make it. Sorry, not Sorry”, “I don’t love you any more” and “We’re having a girl!”.
Like most, I endured them for a long time, until about 2 years ago when I decided I to fight back.
But to liberate oneself from darkness, you must first step deeper into it. So for now I will read and write, trying my best to engage and entertain and once I’ve won the words over, convincing them that I’m their friend, they’ll relax, let their guard down and without even realizing, they’ll give me all the tools I need to eradicate them from society.
My mission is to destroy all words, forever and to make the future look like the distant past, where people would communicate in person through emotional, meaningful touches and primal sounds. Where the distance that ‘civilized’ beings create from each other through books, magazines and devices will evaporate.
Where sex will once again only be the sticky, messy and powerful expression of two to seven people inexorably bound in the same moment. Skype sex, phone sex and text sex will be relegated to the pages of books long-destroyed.
The first words I will erase are; border, wall and president.
I understand my crusade may be polarizing, as even those words you might think of as wholly positive must be culled, because at their core they are the seeds of humanity’s decay. That said, baby, monkey, and cupcake will be among the last to fall.
Thus far, my attempts at gaining the words’ trust have been in the form of; a comic book series – with new issues quarterly and an android game, to be released later this year.
At present, I’m working on my debut novel and live in a flat/ War on Words H.Q in East London, with my current wife and my 2 dogs; Candy, Sparky and TamTam respectively.
Let me know what words you hate at BrainMilkProductions@Gmail.com and I might put them to the top of the kill list.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
One small group of survivors in a world where water is sparse and only the wealthy can afford it must find a way to survive the harsh cruel world they’ve been forced into in author Anne Joyce’s novel “Arid”.
The Synopsis
It’s the distant future and the country is overtaken by wealthy moguls who dominate the water supply and sell it back to the public at ridiculous prices. After a drastic crime increase “indigents” who can’t afford water are stripped of their belongings and forced out of town by an army of brutes called Purifiers.
Life becomes harsh and ominous for the bright, ambitious Joshua Wyman and his group until they begin to occasionally receive food and other basic amenities from the Brutes. When a blatant abuse of Purifier power during a routine visit leaves them reeling Joshua and his friends reach their breaking point.
They devise a plan to steal the Purifiers’ vehicle during their next visit and find a place where water is affordable. Their journey across the uncharted wastelands filled with murderers and thieves proves to be far more than this civilized, benevolent crew bargained for. Growing tensions within the nearby towns may cause the two worlds to collide, creating an epic storm.
The author has done a spectacular job of fully immersing the readers attention into the harsh setting of this post-apocalyptic world. With the affects of global warming and climate change becoming an all too real aspect of our daily lives, the world in which the characters find themselves seems all too plausible to believe, despite the apocalyptic setting of the narrative.
The character development is what shines the brightest in this novel, with a protagonist and supporting cast of characters that mesh well together and showcase the power of family, even a makeshift family created in the cruel desert sun of an apocalyptic America. The story was evenly paced and did a marvelous job of setting the tone of the narrative, giving the reader a realistic and edge of your seat feeling that only the world created in this novel could provide.
The Verdict
This is a must read novel for anyone who enjoys a good post-apocalyptic story. An adult outlook on the dangers of global warming and the possibility of water becoming a commodity, the story is engaging and keeps the readers invested with every chapter, and will quickly make any casual reader a fan of this amazing author. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of Arid by Anne Joyce today!
Anne Rasico (AKA Anne Joyce) was born in a small town in Indiana you’ve probably never heard of. She composed short stories and comic books as a child to amuse her family and began writing poetry at the age of thirteen.
In 1998 she received an Honorable Mention for Literary Excellence for her poem “She Didn’t Come Home.” She attended business school and made the Dean’s List for three consecutive years, putting her love for writing on the back burner. It wasn’t until her mid-twenties that a political post on social networking rekindled her literary flame that has since become a bonfire.
In 2013 her novella When the Chips Are Down was named a Finalist in the MARSocial Author of the Year Contest. When she is not writing, thinking about writing, or going insane from writing she enjoys camping, fishing, swimming, and otherwise spending time with loved ones. She is mother to three extremely spoiled cats. Crazy cat lady? Probably.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’m originally from Slovakia but live in the UK since 2005 with two year pause 2010-2012, when I bounced between the US and Slovakia.
After my parents divorced, my dad stayed in the Slovakia while my Mom went to live with me in the UK for few Years and then with my sister that is living in the US since 2004 to help her with household. She stayed there ever since with occasional trips to visit me or her sister in the Slovakia.
So now I do have 3 homes really. At hearth, I’m still Slovakian and even though I live in the UK for a long time now, I never applied to be UK citizen, still remaining Slovakian. On the other hand, I do go every second-ish year to visit my sister and mom that live in Las Vegas for my holidays and still plan to move in the future into the US if possible. But truthfully, since I have been in the UK for all of my adult life now, UK feels like home the most. I’m very glad and happy that I had the opportunity to be part, live, study and work in it, due to the UK being within the EU zone at the time (Slovakia is EU country). But now, since there is impending brexit, it could go all into a halt (since I’m still only Slovakian citizen). Currently, I’m about to finish my masters (in September) at Coventry University in Exercise and Sport Science, and will be looking at my options after.
To answer how I did get into writing…Well, it’s really down to a chance really. Ever since I have been growing up, I think I was very creative. There was always a story behind everything in my head. Listening to a music? I have seen in my head a story to it. An object of any kind? Instant story in my head. I have always seen it more like a movie.
Could visualize everything in my head and eventually, music became more prominent where there was always not just a story behind everything, but also a song that would reflect the emotion that I personally felt and fitted the narrative of the story in my head. The books are really a tribute to the Linkin Park music band songs to date. When I was a teenager still growing up, I started to imagine a story where I was the hero (what a surprise), or rather a superhero like a Batman. It started all with the “In the End” song from Linking Park that I heard possibly in the radio. Then I got their whole first album: The hybrid theory and that created a whole anthology of stories (of my superhero) in my head based on that. Needless to say, their follow-up albums didn’t disappoint, regardless of them being always different in the style of music, adding more and more stories in my head with each new song. The only band that I can honestly say, that I do enjoy an cherish every single song they had made. All of them are “hits” for me. But naturally, with me growing up, the stories in my head changed into something slightly more realistic (slightly I admit), that didn’t necessarily involve a super-hero. I always wanted to be in a movie production industry, but never really got a chance. Either way, I was getting (way) older, and I felt that the stories in my head are slowly fading, vanishing even. I just thought, I should preserve them for myself, if nobody else, as I thought they were pretty cool.
After Chester (LP singer) had passed away, it prompted me into action before it was too late. Although the whole 4 books stories are largely changed from the original one (about the second, more realistic hero). Mainly due to me either forgetting it, or that now I had to also connect it into logical order (one giant story made of pieces of my previous visions connected to the songs) that would include all of the LP’s songs. Also, because I tried to add controversy into it, things that would challenge the reader himself. As you know, in the books (or the one you did read) the characters express the way they think, to make it seem logical (or perhaps not). However, many times challenging if not controversial in their final decision and action. None of the characters are perfect, and more often contradictory rather than complimentary to each other. No-one is straight up good, or just plain bad with a perhaps exception on the truly evil (bad guys) side. Nothing is white, nor black. All is grey and the reader himself would be the judge to who is his “good” guy, the most reasonable, the most compassionate etc., no doubt different from reader to reader. Just like in real life.
We all have a bright and dark side. We all are liked, and certainly also disliked by someone else. It didn’t matter that we didn’t give them reason for it, or at least we’re not aware of it, it’s just the way life works. People are different, unique, sometimes with contradicting values, simply can’t please everyone. I’m glad that you liked my book, but I’m sure that for some others, the content may be too graphic, too controversial, too violent or simply not good enough quality. I accept that, but to finally hopefully and definitively answer your question how I did start my writing: I wanted to preserve what I still had in my head whilst giving a tribute to the People who perhaps influenced it the most – the Linking Park. My only worry was that since I am not a writer really, and I’m certain that I will not write for a long time after I finish the last 4th book (never say never), the books would not by a tribute by far, rather lacking the quality of content, uniqueness and excellence of the LP’s genius. Thank you for bringing me peace now, that I know at least ONE person did like it and appreciated it for what it is: an amateur work.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
Oh, I accidentally answered that I guess. Well, to preserve what little of the stories I still had in my head, to give back a tribute to the people that largely influenced me, and certainly, it was also fun and satisfying to actually use and to present my creativity, to make it “come to life”. Before, no-one really knew. Nor my family or friends, what I could be capable of in terms of creativity. To them, my previous attempts to get into let’s call it “entertainment” industry, was just that – a talk with no real evidence of skill.
There is but one: one I did when I was still only 18y old back in 2004 as a diploma project.
The character in the video with the yellow eyes is the original “superhero” me, the rest my closest friends at that time. Largely influenced by largely unknown “Guyver: the dark hero” movie. I hope that you did recognize the aliens, as of the actual alien’s franchise. Hope you enjoy that too.
Damn, I wish I had a chance to do what I would love to do, to be part of a movie productions.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope it will force the reader to think more. To try to understand other people actions and beliefs, not disregarding them instantly based purely on personal feelings, or opposing view on topic.
Although, I had not explored the possibility to give a reason and a story behind the “primary” bad guys. I do believe that we are not born evil, or good for that matter. Nature and nurture are both influencing how we will develop. I didn’t need the need since the “main” character is controversial and “dark” enough on his own, but his way of thinking is explained. Again, not that the reader could agree or disagree with his actions, but to try to understand why. Especially if you account for the previous two books and the first one where Tomas is only 12 Years old at the very beginning. Reader could read and perhaps understand (or not) why he does what he does, or how he did end up at this point (end of book 3). It is really complex.
Again, I hope it will make the reader be more emphatic (or critical) of everything around, and himself. Therefore, dare I say it?: grew as a person, taking away whatever he finds of value in the book, if any. At the very least, I hope he will enjoy reading it.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Oh boy, my sick head? This question really brought smile on my face, thank you.
Well, you know it is quite graphic in the action part, and “heavy” psychologically.
I am a person who hides his emotions (just like the main character), but is rich in experiencing them. The first book is largely reflecting this, as it is almost the real story of me until the main character starts street fights and then kills a person, of course. Many things have been changed for the purpose of a story (I moved into the UK not China for instance), but almost half of the book is the actual biography of me with added controversy in regards of “viewing” women, so that it fits the dark, imperfect character and the lyrics of the songs of course. But to answer the question: I find it richer in emotions (especially if you listen to the dedicated song after), therefore better experience. Personally.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Violetta, I would ask her to “fix me”, please. But seriously, I would ask Peter to get me into the movie industry, I’m sure he could hack an account or two, or had straight up connections somewhere that would get me the ONE shot at “it”, that I always dreamed about.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I have virtually no exposure. You are the very first person showing any interest in my work so I must declare, that it will be your blog. Thank you! I do have FB, Patreon, Youtube, Twitter, Goodreads, Reddit and something called Wattpad, I even tried all kind of LP’s fan forums, but none really exposed my work to the world. Partly, due to me not spending all the time, attention and effort I possibly could have on it, I think and hope.
I did have to work and study (full time) at the same time for the last couple of years now, and I do try to live quite healthy lifestyle (gym, dieting), as I am Fitness specialist after all with many years of Personal training and healthy lifestyle consultancy experience, but this takes away a lot of time as well. The little “spare” free time that I have, I tend to use on relaxing (games, movies), but I still managed to produce 3 books along all of this going on in the last two Years. Admittingly, each book is almost twice in the length of the previous one. Mostly because I really wanted to start at the second that was just naturally shorter than the 3rd , but I didn’t want to start it like the star wars: with the 4th movie (story) first, then come back to explain why and how the hero got into that kind of situation, so I was very conservative with the first book.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
It is very hard to get exposure in this business if you are just starting up, or have no social media presence at all. But first you have to have a “worthy product”, before you should worry about that. Now, I’m not saying not to try to build audience (via social media optimally) before your book is actually finished, but If you have none yet, there is no point worrying if you’re not successful at gaining the audience. That is, if this is not your living of course. I mean, I’m not the right person to ask anyway I guess. I’m just amateur who doesn’t even plan to continue to write once the series are finished, and I never really cared that much about the monetary side of it. It would be nice if it could produce me some income, and it would be very much welcomed right now in my life as well, but it was never the purpose of it, nor did I count on it. In fact, I did at least spent money on a professional looking book covers without any returns as of yet. Don’t matter, I’m very happy with them and grateful to the talented artist who drew them. If I could, I buy illustrations from him as well, a professional editor, hire narrator for audio book and more. My patreon is about animating the books to life, perhaps one day I could afford it.
But back to the question: I think It would be wise to make sure that the book that you’re working on has something “to stand out” in it, something that would guarantee that your only real problem is the lack of exposure, not the quality.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
As mentioned before, after I finish (hopefully still this year) the last 4th book of the series, I don’t plan to write anymore. I do plan to invest into illustrations and an editor as soon as my finances would allow it. In most likely distant future after that, I am planning to animate the books. I feel that if this would be an animated series on the YouTube, it would be a lot more successful in terms of exposure than currently in the form of a books. It would also make me very happy that I did in fact (technically) made it into the entertainment industry after all. But that’s getting ahead of myself anyway. Just because you liked my book (one of them), it doesn’t necessarily mean other people will, therefore exposure isn’t all. You brought me hope that it may be “worth something” and thank you very much for that Anthony, so that I will continue best to my ability to try to get more exposure. Who knows, it may actually help somebody to “grew” as a person, or just to enjoy reading it, or hopefully bring even more fans for the LP band. They sure deserve it. Although, they’re massive in the US at minimum, and certainly don’t need my help to gain them more fans, any new fan that will find his way to them thanks to the tribute books would be also a massive success for me. Anybody wants to show support, please like my FB page: Security Check Required
What kind of procrastinator are you? Do you intentionally wait till the last minute, claiming you work best under pressure? Do you intend to start early, but you keep thinking of other incredibly important things you need to do first? Do you avoid thinking about unpleasant or difficult tasks until you absolutely can’t escape them anymore?
There are many different flavors of procrastination, and if you’re like many writers, you’ve tried all of them over the years. But instead of beating yourself up over your bad habits and lack of willpower, look for ways to use procrastination to your advantage. Here are a few strategies to try.
Recognize what your go-to procrastination activities are. Do you scroll through your social media feeds or play games on your phone or text your best friend? Give yourself permission to procrastinate for a set period of time – say, 10 minutes – but replace your default habit with something that’s good for your physical or mental health. Go for a walk around the block, drink a glass of water, do yoga poses at your desk. Then go back to work once your time is up.
Structured Procrastination
Take this idea even further by embracing “structured procrastination.” Make a list of things you need or want to do anyway and could provide a break for you when you want to escape another project. For example:
Tidying up your desk
Emailing your parents
Reading a book
Meal-prepping for the week
When you feel the desire to procrastinate, look at your list instead of reflexively opening Facebook or playing a video game. Do one of the items on your list and feel good about yourself for doing something productive.
Let Your Mind Wander
Adam Grant, host of the podcast Work Life and author of many books on work and psychology, says, “When you procrastinate, you’re more likely to let your mind wander. That gives you a better chance of stumbling onto the unusual and spotting unexpected patterns.”
Reframe your procrastination as “idea generation time” or “creative brainstorming sessions.” Keep a journal or notebook on your desk. When you’re having trouble focusing on the task at hand, open your journal and let your mind wander. Write down any thoughts that come to you, and give yourself space to process questions, problems and ideas that arise.
Mari McCarthy’s latest, Heal Your Self with Journaling Power, represents the voice of a warm friend who not only talks the talk but also has lived first-hand the transforming power of writing. Packed with focused, fun prompts to jump-start the journaling process, this book is a motivation and an uplift! I especially enjoy the stress-bucket exercise. Not to be missed.”
–Melanie Faith, educator and author of In a Flash and Poetry Power,
In a world of ever-present scary news, stress, and technology that distracts us from genuine human encounters, Mari McCarthy invites us to do something both simple and radical: pause daily to encounter our own souls. And she not only tells us to just do it, she shows us how with her own life story, the stories of others, and her many ideas about how to maximize the transformative power of journaling time.
— Kevin Anderson, Ph.D., Author of Now is Where God Lives: A Year of Nested Meditations to Delight the Mind and Awaken the Soul and The Inconceivable Surprise of Living: Sustaining Wisdom for Spiritual Beings Trying to Be Human.
The most important lesson illustrated in Heal Your Self with Journaling Power is that anyone can enhance their health and wellbeing through the therapeutic power of expressive writing. This is the definitive book that shows you how. So just grab a pen and a pad of paper and do it!
Mari L. McCarthy is the Self-Transformation Guide and Founder/Chief Inspiration Officer of CreateWriteNow.com. She is also author of the international-bestselling, award-winning book Journaling Power: How to Create the Happy, Healthy Life You Want to Live.
Mari began journaling to relieve the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) over 20 years ago. Through journaling, Mari was able to ditch her prescription drugs and mitigate most of her MS symptoms. Now she teaches people throughout the world how to heal, grow, and transform their lives through the holistic power of therapeutic journaling.
She lives in a gorgeous beachfront home in Boston, where she has the freedom, flexibility, and physical ability to indulge in all her passions, which include singing and recording her own albums.
— Blog Tour Dates
June 17th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Stop by Women on Writing’s blog The Muffin and read an interview with author Mari McCarthy and win a copy of her book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
Visit Lapidus, words for well-being association, where you can read Francesca’s review of Mari McCarthy’s eye-opening book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
Do you love the energy in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)? Well, if you do, you will not want to miss today’s post at the blog Thoughts in Progress where Mari McCarthy shares her tips on how to recreate the magic of NaNoWriMo in any month.
Be sure to stop by Amber’s blog and read her interview with author Mari McCarthy and also enter to win a copy of the book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
If you are in need of a new book in your life, make sure to stop by Lindsey’s blog today where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy’s new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
Make lemons into lemonade today when you visit Crystal’s blog today and read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy’s new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
Want to inspire your kids to journal? Visit Ashley’s blog today and read Mari McCarthy’s guest post featuring imaginative journaling activities to do with kids.
Visit Anjanette’s blog today where you can read her interview with author Mari McCarthy and also be sure to check out Mari McCarthy’s guest post about journaling power for emotional health.
Make sure your day today includes visiting Ashley’s blog where you can read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy’s life-changing book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
Do you procrastinate too much? Well, visit Anthony Avina’s blog again today where you can read Mari McCarthy’s guest post on how to use your favorite types of procrastination to your advantage.
Stop by Michelle’s blog where she reviews Mari McCarthy’s book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. You can also check out her interview with Mari and find out more about the author!
Do you love journaling? Well if so, you will want to visit Wendi’s blog where she shares her thoughts about Mari McCarthy’s powerful book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
Visit Jill’s blog today where you can read Mari McCarthy’s blog post about overcoming writer’s block. Don’t miss this if you are struggling with staying inspired!
