Tag: nonfiction

Bold Moves: Quotes and Reflections for Building Confidence and Resilience by Jackiem Joyner Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author and musician Jackiem Joyner shares a collection of quotes to help motivate readers and his thoughts on how each quote can accomplish that in the book Bold Moves.

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The Synopsis 

Life doesn’t hand out greatness—it demands bold moves, resilience, and the courage to stand firm when challenges arise. In Bold Moves, internationally renowned musician and author Jackiem Joyner delivers a transformative collection of quotes and reflections designed to ignite your confidence and inspire purposeful action.

This isn’t just a book of words—it’s your personal guide to navigating life’s peaks and valleys with strength and clarity. Each quote serves as a spark, and every reflection a roadmap, urging you to embrace boldness, persevere through struggles, and trust in your own power to create a meaningful life.

With themes of courage, self-belief, and vision, Bold Moves is crafted for dreamers, doers, and anyone ready to rise to life’s challenges. Whether you’re seeking a daily boost of inspiration or a deeper journey into self-discovery, this book meets you where you are and propels you forward.

From a creator who has faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger, Bold Moves is more than a book—it’s a call to action for anyone ready to take charge, push boundaries, and step into the life you’re meant to live.

The Review

This was a fantastic nonfiction read and guidebook for those looking to improve their lives or find the motivation to make the changes they need to accomplish their goals in life. The author curated a collection of quotes across a broad spectrum of themes, from boldness and motivation to self-belief and exuding confidence, allowing readers to find hope and strength for whatever problems they face.

The self-reflection and inner strength the author points to throughout this book, exploring these quotes and how they apply to everyday life, was incredible to see come to life on the page. The honest and straightforward way the author displays allows the reader to connect to the author and their experiences on a personal level. The quotes speak to the human experience and showcase a path towards empowerment that cannot be taken lightly.

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Jackiem Joyner’s “Bold Moves” is a must-read nonfiction book of quotes and reflections that readers won’t put down. The novel’s fast pace and the ability for readers to return to this book repeatedly when they need a boost in their motivation each day will keep readers invested in it long after they finish it. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author 

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Jackiem Joyner has loved Science Fiction ever since he was a child, fascinated by all the stories and imaginations of futuristic worlds. But it wasn’t until later in his life, after experiencing huge success in the recording business, that he decided to put pen to paper – the result of which is his debut novel, Zarya.

Gathering from his experiences traveling the world as a recording artist, he developed a knack for good science fiction stories after reading several books a month. Having used and operated many devices from the future, he incorporated exciting equipment and imaginary scientific ideas into dramatic thrillers that are sure to keep readers on edge.

Jackiem was born in Norfolk, Virginia and spent most of his young adult life in Syracuse New York before moving to Los Angeles, California where he currently resides. In addition to writing fun stories, Jackiem Joyner has experienced huge success as a recording artist, with multiple songs peaking at number 1 on the billboard charts and 5 international records released.

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PRESS RELEASE: BAD DEAL FOR AMERICA BY DR. DAVID D. SCHEIN NOW IN AUDIOBOOK FORMAT

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BAD DEAL FOR AMERICA 

An inside look into the games politicians are playing with America’s money by critically acclaimed author, Dr. David D. Schein

Released and published by the Claremont Management Group!

The book is available worldwide in all formats

Now a new audio book!!!

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   ABOUT DR. DAVID SCHEIN:

 Dr. David D. Schein is an author, professor, consultant and public speaker. He is a tenured Professor and the Cameron Endowed Chair of Management and Marketing at the University of St. Thomas’ Cameron School of Business. He is also the President and General Counsel of Claremont Management Group, a Human Resources consulting firm in Houston, TX. He often speaks on employment and consumer matters. While Conservative radio loves to bash Ivy League academics, Dr. Schein is an Ivy League graduate and a full-time academic, plus a solid conservative. He has radio experience and hosts the podcasts “Saving America” and “Business Law 101.”

PRESS RELEASE: Amusing, acclaimed, and erudite Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities: It is back in print for the first time in two decades

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Shadowpaw Press in Regina, Saskatchewan, is thrilled to announce the release on May 27 of the acclaimed nonfiction book Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities, now back in print for the first time in two decades in a revised third edition.

When the first edition came out in 1996, Margaret Vasser, author of the bestselling Much Depends on Dinner, called it “Erudite and imaginative.” The Globe and Mail called it “Erudite and entertaining—a delectable feast for all verbivores,” and named it to its list of “required reading” notable books for 1997. Choice Reviews said it was “Thoroughly researched, well presented, fascinating.” Cupboard Love was one of three books nominated for a 1996 Julia Child Cookbook Award in the Food Reference/Technical Category (Calphalon Award).

“It’s been almost thirty years since the original publication of Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities,” says Morton. “It was a book that changed my life: spending six months, fourteen hours a day, researching and writing about the origins and histories of more than a thousand words about food and cooking nearly drove me mad. My nightly dreams were—seriously—often haunted by rival verbs breaking out in fist fights, foreign nouns crumbling into letters as I tried to grasp them in my hands, and diabolical ordeals like being forced by Gordon Ramsay to eat cream of mushroom soup with chopsticks. But apart from almost making me bonkers, Cupboard Love gave me confidence that I could write something other than a stupid PhD dissertation. In fact, it was the success of the first edition of Cupboard Love that inspired me to write three more books of nonfiction and then—eventually—a young adult novel. (The Headmasters, published by Shadowpaw Press in 2024.) I’d become what I always wanted to be—a writer!

“And so, seeing Cupboard Love brought to the table again (kind of like eating pizza the morning after you bought it) is extremely gratifying and fulfilling, almost as if I’ve come full circle. Best of all, this third edition of Cupboard Love means that a new generation of readers can learn about the fascinating histories of everyday food words like cucumber, menu, lobster, and coconut; of unusual food words like frangipani, chimichanga, doed-koek, and catillation; and of ridiculous (but real) food words like funistrada, blobsterdis, flummery, and (yes, really) open-arse. English has borrowed so many food words from other cultures that it’s a veritable banquet—or smorgasbord—or gallimaufry—or farrago— of etymological morsels!”

“I couldn’t be happier to bring Cupboard Love to a new generation of readers,” says Edward Willett, editor and publisher of Shadowpaw Press. “It was a delight to read it, entry by entry, and I’m sure readers will share that delight, whether re-reading it again after more than twenty years or discovering it—and its intellectually delectable contents—for the first time.”

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More about Cupboard Love

“A whimsical, side-splitting, erudite, and sometimes cheeky book.” – The Globe and Mail

From everyday foods to exotic dishes, from the herbs and spices of medieval England to the cooking implements of the modern kitchen, Cupboard Love is a sumptuous feast that explores the fascinating stories behind familiar and not-so-familiar gastronomic terms.

Who knew that the word “pomegranate” is related to the word “grenade”? That “baguette” is a cousin of “bacteria”? That “soufflé” comes from the same root as “flatulence”? Who knew that “vermicelli” is Italian for “little worms,” that “avocado” comes from an Aztec word meaning “testicle,” or that “catillation” denotes the unseemly licking of plates?

Addictively readable, it takes us on a journey across cultures and history to arrive at the explanations behind some of our favourite culinary words and phrases, answering along the way those questions we’ve always had about food but were afraid to ask the cook.

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More about the author

A person in a blue shirt AI-generated content may be incorrect.Mark Morton is the author of The End: Closing Words for a Millennium (winner of the Alexander Isbister Award for nonfiction); The Lover’s Tongue: A Merry Romp Through the Language of Love and Sex (republished in the UK as Dirty Words), and Cooking with Shakespeare. He’s also the author of more than fifty columns for Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture (University of California Press) and has written and broadcast more than a hundred columns about language and culture for CBC Radio. His young adult science fiction novel The Headmasters came out from Shadowpaw Press in early 2024.

Mark has a PhD in sixteenth-century literature from the University of Toronto and has taught at several universities in France and Canada. He and his wife, Melanie Cameron (also an author), have four children, three dogs, one rabbit, and no time.

About Shadowpaw Press

Shadowpaw Press, located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, was founded in 2018 by award-winning author Edward Willett. Shadowpaw Press is a member of Literary Press Group (Canada) and the Association of Canadian Publishers and publishes an eclectic selection of books by both new and established authors, including adult fiction, young adult fiction, children’s books, nonfiction, and anthologies. 

PRESS RELEASE: GRIEF: THE SILENT PANDEMIC BY DOUG LAWRENCE

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GRIEF: The Silent Pandemic

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The newest book of heartfelt advice and story-telling by acclaimed mentoring expert, Doug Lawrence and Published by Paradise Publishing House and is available this April

Through heartfelt storytelling, practical advice, and actionable solutions, Lawrence empowers readers to navigate their own grief journeys. He challenges the stigma and misinformation surrounding grief, offering a roadmap to healing that is rooted in understanding, connection, and hope.

Whether you are seeking solace in your own time of loss or looking to support someone you care about, this book is a beacon of hope that reminds us all: healing is possible, and brighter days lie ahead

Other Books by Doug:

I am honored and humbled to be able to share some of my experiences as an effective mentor with you. Effective mentoring is a life long journey of learning and developing personally and professionally. I hope that you will grow as much as I have with the guidance provided through the “Gift of Mentoring”.

Amazon.com: Gift of Mentoring eBook : Doug, Lawrence, Emily Hunter: Kindle Store

“You Are Not Alone” came from suggestions/recommendations that I write a book that speaks to how mentoring can bring value to the support structure for mental health. After a rather extensive review of the literature that is out there, I found that there was literature that looked at mentoring and mental health from an academic perspective but not from a practice perspective. That needed to change.

Writing this book provided me with the opportunity to confront some of my demons and to also better understand why I had behaved the way that I did. I realized that I had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and that I had not treated it properly. I had relied on my spouse and two children to provide the support that I needed and yet they had their own trauma in dealing with my behavior. This book will give you a glimpse into my own story which will help you understand the value that mentoring could have brought me.

Amazon.com: You Are Not Alone eBook : Lawrence, Doug : Kindle Store

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About Doug:

Doug Lawrence is the founder of TalentC® and is focused on all things mentoring as a solution provider. Doug Lawrence is an International Certified Mentor and holds two Mentor Certifications; Certificate of Practice – Mentor and the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor from the International Mentoring Community. Doug is the only one to hold the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor in the world today.

He has over 30 years of mentoring and leadership experience and is recognized as a thought leader in the mentoring space. Doug authored the book entitled, “The Gift of Mentoring” and his second book entitled, “You Are Not Alone” became an Amazon #1 Best Seller in North America and the UK and is a Bronze medal recipient in the Global Book Awards. Doug is an International best-selling Author.

Doug’s Practice of Mentoring continues to grow and has resulted in his accumulation of 3,400 hours of mentoring (in person and virtual), 235 hours of speaking opportunities and 672 hours teaching others how to effectively mentor. Doug has been the guest on approximately 150 podcasts in the past year on the topics of mentoring, mental health and grief.

Interview with Author Glenda Benevides 

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’m a lifelong artist and GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter who has spent years touring the world, recording music, and connecting with audiences through performance. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been writing—not just songs, but stories woven with meaning. Lyricism was my first language of expression, born from a deep desire to uplift, inspire, and reflect the human experience.

My transition into writing books was a surprising evolution. I was wondering if my experiences were valuable and supportive to others. So, I began putting pen to page in a outline as a way to offer deeper introspection—sharing hard-won insights, soul reflections, and lessons on courage, confidence, self-expression, and the power of finding your voice. Writing became another stage, another kind of performance—this time to let others know they matter, they’re powerful, and their dreams are more than possible… they’re sacred and important.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

As a singer songwriter, I’ve always expressed myself through music, doing my own internal transformational work and just listening to people, but I found myself wondering: could the life lessons I’ve lived through, the trials I’ve overcome, and the wisdom I’ve gained offer something meaningful beyond the stage? That curiosity sparked the beginning of my journey into writing a book.

When I looked back at my own path—from heartache to healing, frustration to clarity—I saw patterns. I realized that I had moved through life guided by five core principles: Clarity, Courage, Confidence, Commitment, and Community. These weren’t just abstract ideals—they were a sequence, a roadmap. And they were the very tools that helped me express my voice fully and rise above life’s  continued challenges.

I felt called to share that process in a way that was both intimate and practical—a teaching memoir that could serve as a companion for anyone seeking to express themselves more boldly and live more purposefully. My book is an invitation to claim your own voice, to find your fire, and to turn your dreams into reality—step by step, with grace and grit.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope readers walk away with the deep knowing that they matter—and that their voice, their dreams, and their truth are not only valid, but vital. Huge Value! You never know who’ll you’ll touch by being you! At its heart, this book is a call to action: to awaken the clarity within you, summon the courage to stand in your truth, and embrace the confidence to express yourself fully—no matter what the world says or throw’s at you.

It’s about reclaiming your power and remembering that you are the author of your own story. Through each chapter, I want readers to feel supported, seen, and equipped with practical steps they can use to break through limitations and move toward a life that is authentic, inspired, and fiercely free.

This book is more than words—it’s a mirror, a mentor, and a musical note echoing the anthem: You are enough. You are powerful. And your time is now. MUSIC UNITY ACTION is my theme – what is YOURS?

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I was drawn to this genre because it allows me to merge storytelling with soul work. As a singer-songwriter, I’ve always been in the business of truth-telling through emotion—turning life’s raw moments into lyrics that move people. Writing in the self-help/memoir genre felt like a natural extension of that same mission. Body, Mind and Spirit!

I didn’t want to just share my story—I wanted to offer something useful, something that could light the way for others on their own journey. This genre gave me the freedom to be vulnerable while also being practical and courageous. It let me blend personal experience with transformational tools that empower others to rise, to express, and to heal. To consider getting support to move through feeling stuck and to just ask. 

Ultimately, I chose this path because it reflects who I am at the core: an artist, a mentor, and a woman deeply committed to helping others find their voice and step into their power.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Honestly, while social media is a easy tool to stay visible and share updates, it’s live performance, interviews and real human connection that have truly built my readership and following. There’s something powerful and unforgettable about being in a room with people—sharing stories, music, and energy in real time. That’s where the magic happens. That’s where trust and resonance are born.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been fine in keeping the conversation going and letting people see behind the scenes. But it’s the face-to-face, heart-to-heart moments that truly deepen connection and turn listeners or readers into lifelong supporters.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Just do it—leap! Don’t wait until you think you’re “ready” or everything is perfect, because the truth is, your voice is needed now. Writing isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being fearless in your authenticity.

Have fun with it. Let your curiosity lead the way. Most importantly, connect to the passion and purpose behind your words. When you fall in love with who you are and what you want to share, the writing becomes electric—it speaks, it sings, it resonates.

Trust that your story matters. Start where you are, write from the heart, and remember: every great author was once a beginner who decided to be brave.

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About the Author

Glenda the author, is celebrated for her motivational and empowering works, she has penned four impactful books: “Courage,” “Find Your Fire and Ignite Action in Your Life,” the e-book “Soul On Fire,” and “Own The Goddess Within.” Each book offers a unique blend of inspiration, practical advice, and deep introspection, guiding readers to discover their inner strength and ignite their passions. Additionally, the author has collaborated with visual artist DS Thornburg on “Grimoire of Lost Lore,” a captivating fusion of evocative storytelling and mesmerizing visuals, further showcasing their versatile creativity and profound ability to inspire.

(Music.Unity.Action) GlendaBenevides.com  Musician, Author, Altruist 

Interview with Author Doug Lawrence

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I was born and raised on a Saskatchewan farm. I am a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer having served for 25 years. As a result of my service, I ended up with PTSD and struggled with that until my family and I were able to manage my behaviours. I was not a nice person to live with. I lost my mom to cancer in 2007 and my dear wife to cancer in 2021. Battling the grief that goes with losing someone so important to your mental health and well-being has been an on goi ng challenge.

I got into writing as a result of some encouragement by a colleague that I went through the RCMP training with. He had written a book that was the cumulation of motivational messages he sent to his children on a daily basis. He saw that I had been writing articles on mentoring and posting them to a blog site. That was the beginning of my writing career.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

Having first hand experience in being exposed to and dealing with my own grief and the grief of others was a calling that I had to help others on their healing journey and to help myself at the same time. I had numerous people reach out to me to provide them with the tools they needed to help with their healing journey. It was from those interactions that I saw writing as therapeutic and a way to increase my knowledge as a grief mentor.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

The most important message is that it is okay to cry and express your emotions as part of your healing. It is okay to reach out and ask for help. This was a natural fit for who I am and what I am.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

My calling is that of a healer. I need a sense of purpose and that purpose must fuel my ability to heal myself and others.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

The site that has been the most helpful has been LinkedIn. When I share my content it is always LinkedIn, FaceBook and what we use to know as Twitter. Through all of this though LinkedIn has been my go-to site to reach my followers.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Stay focused and committed. Allocate time for writing on a daily basis. Take time for you and for your writing. Know the audience that you are reaching out to. Your writing needs to fill your sense of purpose.

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About the Author

Doug Lawrence is the founder of TalentC® and is focused on all things mentoring as a solution provider. Doug Lawrence is an International Certified Mentor and holds two Mentor Certifications; Certificate of Practice – Mentor and the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor from the International Mentoring Community. Doug is the only one to hold the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor in the world today.

He has over 30 years of mentoring and leadership experience and is recognized as a thought leader in the mentoring space. Doug authored the book entitled, “The Gift of Mentoring” and his second book entitled, “You Are Not Alone” became an Amazon #1 Best Seller in North America and the UK and is a  Bronze medal recipient in the Global Book Awards. Doug is an International Best – Selling Author.

Doug’s Practice of Mentoring continues to grow and has resulted in his accumulation of 3,400 hours of mentoring (in person and virtual), 235 hours of speaking opportunities and 672 hours teaching others how to effectively mentor. Doug has been the guest on approximately 150 podcasts in the past year on the topics of mentoring, mental health and grief.

Interview with Author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I am a mom to 2 grown children and a grandma to 1 and have been married for 13 years! I have multiple fur babies who make life quite interesting at times. When I was younger I didn’t feel like I fit in much and suffered from depression. In my 30’s I was diagnosed with autism, which made my life make sense. 

During my teenage years when I was first dealing with depression is when I truly started writing. I had written skits and short stories when I was younger but as a teenager, I really delved into writing. It was how I coped with what I was feeling at the time. Those first poems were what turned into my first book about 20 years later. 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My most recent book “Thoughts of a Warrior” came from a very strange moment. My mom mentioned something about me dieting (I was trying to lose weight at the time) and unintentionally made me feel horrible. To deal with that I wrote a poem. 

After writing that poem I decided it was time to release a follow-up to ‘Thoughts of a Warrior’, my first book about being depressed. It needed a follow-up showing that we can make it through the bad times – doesn’t mean there aren’t still some bad times but they are much fewer and farther between.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Mental illness knows no boundaries but that doesn’t make you broken. 

No one is alone. We all struggle, we all have ups and downs.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

There was a particular night that pushed me to publish. My youngest, who was struggling with depression, was crying about why no one liked her. It completely broke my heart and I realized that I wasn’t doing a good enough job talking about mental illness. That was the moment that I realized I needed to be loud.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Youtube has been the best. I host a weekly show, Write or Die Show, interviewing others and talking about mental illness. My guests and I share, connect and bring attention to mental illness. 

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write for yourself, don’t try to be something you aren’t. And remember that the first draft is not the final draft.

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About the Author

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.

Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14 she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she wasn’t sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health.

Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism.

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes. 

Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child’s entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. 

Published Works:

Non-Fiction:

Thoughts of a Wanderer

A Mother’s Truth

Embracing Me

Fiction

A Little Scare

Children’s Books:

Operation Deck the Halls

Diamond the Cat

Contact Information:

https://linktr.ee/randib

Interview with Author Ray Franklin

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I grew up in Houston, Texas and became fascinated with science fiction when I got my first library card. Some of my favorite authors are Ray Bradbury, Martha Wells, Iain M. Banks, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Michael Swanwick. I wanted to write stories since I was ten, but only learned the craft of storytelling after 2022.

Engineering has been my career for years and I have remained interested in science and science fiction the whole time. I read the science magazines Discover and Science News to keep informed on the rapid pace of scientific progress. Sometimes, the articles trigger story ideas.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

NASA and the space race captured my imagination in the 1970s. When NASA released images from the Hubble Space Telescope, I wanted to see every one. Eventually, I realized I could share my excitement with others by writing a book. I settled on galaxies for the subject because Hubble generated such amazing images of these giant star configurations.

By digging deeper into what astronomers know about galaxies near and far, I learned far more about astronomy. The more I learned, the more I wanted to include in the book.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Galaxies grow and change in beautiful and amazing ways. We can’t watch these changes happen because they are so slow. But galaxies are born, grow up, get old, and then die, which makes them a bit like us. Each galaxy is also unique, just like every person.

We know so much about galaxies because astronomers have discovered the truth by looking through telescopes for hundreds of years. Any young person who wants to know more about our universe can become an astronomer.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Science fiction is fun and exciting, but science fact is what makes science fiction possible. Hubble Space Telescope images of galaxies are beautiful and incredibly moving. Non-fiction was the best way to tell the story of the galaxies that fill our universe.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I use Mastodon, @rnf@mindly.social, to connect with other writers. Mindly.social has worked out well in that regard. We share thoughts on the many challenges that every indie writer faces. Some people on Mindly might also be interested in reading my science fiction, when I have a novel published.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write about something you love. Your passion for the subject will show up in your writing and readers will recognize it as authentic. That personal connection is one thing that kept me going when I hit difficulties with Galaxy Astronomy. I didn’t have the option to give up because I cared too much about my vision for the book. It gave me the strength to persevere, which is something everyone needs when life gets tough.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

A companion to Galaxy Astronomy is in the idea phase. I envision using images from the new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to explore infrared astronomy. Astronomers need time to create each color composite image from the many sensors JWST uses. But the telescope is sending new images continuously. A single new image can take weeks, months, or even years to reach publication. I will also need to learn much more about JWST’s astronomical instruments, and time to browse all the available images. Understanding what each image means is as important as how marvelous it looks. Turning all that into a book can take me a year or more.

I’m also actively working on my first science fiction novel. It’s a space opera about humans and extraterrestrials. Set on a planet circling another star, the novel contains some horror and high-tech manipulation. This will be the first of a series of at least three books, and maybe more.

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About the Author

Ray Franklin grew up in Houston, Texas, the home of NASA. He followed the space race for years and stayed up late to watch Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. Years later, when stunning images from the Hubble Space Telescope became available, he saw expansive possibilities. Being a father and working with kids as a volunteer had given him an appreciation for how fast children can learn complex topics with the right mix of fun and challenge. This is what drove him to write ‘Galaxy Astronomy: Field Guide For Kids.’

Helioza.com

Revive the Interest to Learn Math: A Psychological Approach by Fidelis Mukudi Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

In “Revive the Interest to Learn Math,” author Fidelis Mukudi provides a psychological perspective on the benefits of learning math. 

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The Synopsis

This is a short book written to give students hope that despite having a bad background or beginning in mathematics, they can always do better if they are guided well. It also offers hope to parents that their children can do better despite their background and environment. It lists the steps that students need to revive their prowess in mathematics. The topics in this book include; What You Were Fed With, The Battle in the Mind, Setting a New Beginning, A Guide to Studying Math, Tackling Abstract Concepts, and Application Questions. It also gives a summary of each chapter and highlights key points. The book takes a psychological approach to reviving or boosting the motivation to learn mathematics.

The Review

This book made me feel like the perfect demographic, speaking to audiences with a fundamental disconnect with math. Each of us has a subject in school that they excel in more than others, and for me, I was always more proficient in English and History than in Mathematics. Yet the author writes in a way that allows readers who are not well-versed in math to overcome the hurdles that keep them from pursuing this subject and reinvigorate their interest at the same time.

The amount of detail the author can fit into such a short time is astounding. From allowing readers to define themselves either as math hopefuls or math advisers to understanding that the first step is to face the battles of the mind that keep people from reaching that understanding of math and even gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the language of mathematics overall, the author can get the reader on a multitude of subjects.

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The Verdict

Insightful, fast-paced, and educational author Fidelis Mukudi’s “Revive the Interest to Learn Math: A Psychological Approach” is a must-read nonfiction book on merging psychology and mathematics. The guide’s practicality, combined with the mental approach to gaining a firmer understanding of the subject, will keep readers inspired and returning to this book over and over again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10