Interview with Author Alex Brent

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

I’ve worked as a technical writer in IT, but honestly, there has always been a whole universe inside my head — thoughts, ideas, contemplations, tricky questions that still have no clear answers, and even problems humanity keeps wrestling with.

As a kid, I tried writing little stories. Sometimes I’d watch a TV series that inspired me so much, I just had to write my own version. But to be honest, I’m not great at writing fictional stories. My imagination is rich, but my plots never quite come together.

What I do have, though, is a very analytical mind. My real talent lies in looking at things from unique angles most people wouldn’t think of and wrapping those ideas in a fresh, non-standard format of storytelling. I also love finding solutions to problems (something I do daily in my analyst job).

That’s why I gravitate toward writing about life-related problems people struggle to solve, as well as big, hard-to-answer questions. The topics I choose are sometimes spicy, sometimes controversial, often emotional, and yes — sometimes they invite judgment or even hate from others. But I’m learning not to be afraid to speak up. And in fact, that’s what my first book (“The Shadow of Wealth”) is about.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I wrote Shadow of Wealth by combining Jungian shadow work with millionaire mindset principles, because money mindset is one of those evergreen topics. Everyone needs money, and there should be no shame in admitting it.

But here’s the thing: I always hated most books in this genre. Too many of them talk about “magical ways to step into abundance,” with the core message being, “Just believe, and it will happen!”

The problem is, “Believe” isn’t a command you can simply follow. And it’s incredibly hard to believe you can be wealthy when your reality is screaming the opposite.

Sure, people get inspired by the idea of manifesting wealth through positive thinking. But years pass, and most of them stay exactly where they started. The only thing that changes is that their thoughts aren’t as positive anymore, and their faith in “abundance” is fading.

I analyzed ALL the bestseller books about money mindset and noticed that none of them were using shadow work as a tool to shift mindset and improve finances. I’ve personally used shadow work to transform many areas of my life — especially my financial situation — and the results are incredible if you approach it with curiosity and the courage to face what you’re not ready to admit about yourself.

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

The main message I want readers to understand is this: no matter how hard you believe, manifest, or visualize, you won’t move into action unless you remove the inner resistance holding you back. Shadow work is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Inner resistance is like having your hands tied. You can’t untangle it with vision boards or positive affirmations, because it’s built from old traumas, fears, and painful emotions most of us don’t even realize we carry.

Another takeaway I want for readers is clarity on how to actually move forward with building wealth. In my book, the strict Shadow character doesn’t just help uncover emotions and insights — it also pushes readers to think about their next steps. Along the way, I’ve included practical guidance based on millionaire wisdom I’ve studied from many sources.

So instead of just saying, “Now you know you have a fear of failure, go deal with it,” the book frames it more like: “Here’s what millionaires do to succeed. Here’s what’s stopping you from doing the same. And here’s what you can actually do to change that and succeed too.”

By the end, the big question — “What do I actually need to do to build wealth right now?” — becomes a lot clearer.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

It comes down to my willingness to solve problems for others in a way only I can — by offering perspectives and approaches that not many people have tried. I love suggesting alternative points of view that can shift the way someone thinks about their struggles.

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

Oh, I wish someone had asked me that earlier!

You see, while working in IT, I never really had time to grow my social media presence. My days were filled with talking to customers, writing documentation, traveling for business trips, and helping build products.

Even now, I’m still engaged in those activities. But recently, I finally started an Instagram account: @shadowwork_money. Right now, it’s centered around my book, but eventually, I plan to branch out and share more personalized content on a variety of topics. I have so many ideas, and I can’t wait to bring them to life. It’s going to be an interesting journey.

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

First, I’d say: enjoy the creative writing process. There’s nothing like watching something truly unique come to life from your imagination.

Second… study marketing. Being creative is one thing, but selling your work is a whole different story. Honestly, I was shocked at how many so-called marketers out there are actually scammers, ready to empty your pockets with promises of hundreds or thousands of sales. My painful experience cost me almost $6,000 (a story I’ll share in detail soon), and it almost made me want to give up on writing altogether.

Because of that, marketing has become both my obsession and my playground. My advice: beware of fake promises, because scammers are very convincing these days.

Right now, I’m actually writing a series of LinkedIn articles about marketing techniques that are genuinely useful for authors who want to sell more books. If you’re looking for knowledge or support, come join me there!

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

Oh my, absolutely! New books are definitely on the horizon.

I already have a few topics waiting for their turn: infidelity, parenthood, the things we believe in, and even the genetic lottery. Each of these requires deep research before I start writing, but my notebooks are already bursting with ideas.

I truly hope to meet you again on the pages of my future books. And more than anything, I hope my stories don’t just resonate with you — I hope they spark useful revelations, provoke deep thoughts, and inspire lasting positive change in your life.

READ NOW!

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About the Author

My name is Alex.

By day, I work in IT, but beyond my job, I have a deep passion for Jungian psychology and writing. I love expressing my thoughts and sharing powerful insights – and nothing lights me up more than hearing how those ideas have helped others grow or shift something in their lives.

I’m especially interested in the topic of wealth. And I’ll be honest – I feel no shame about it. Wanting more, desiring abundance, and striving to live your best life is a good thing. (Even if many of us were taught to feel guilty about it.)

At one point in my journey, I realized I was on a meaningful path toward building real wealth. That’s when I felt I had something valuable to share—something honest and hard-earned about how wealth is actually created.

But just to be clear: it hasn’t come from any magic trick or overnight success. It’s been the old-fashioned way – through years of working, creating, investing, and selling. It’s taken over 15 years, and the journey is still unfolding.

And honestly?

I believe it could have happened much faster if I had met my Shadow earlier.

Once I experienced the power of shadow work firsthand, I couldn’t keep it to myself. My creative side wouldn’t let me. I felt this undeniable urge to share what I had learned—in my own way, in my own voice.

https://shadow-of-wealth.com/

Caught in a Cat Romance by Airie McCready Review

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

Author Airie McCready shares a heartwarming collection of poetry and photography surrounding cats in the book “Caught in a Cat Romance.”

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The Synopsis

A love letter for cat owners, this beautiful photo-poetry book combines stunning cat photography by Jeff Bray, heartfelt poetry, and the unique art of Airie McCready, an expert on Sphynx and Devon Rex cats. McCready shares her personal collection of poetry, which she wrote about her feline family, beginning with the joy of a kitten and then walking us through each stage of life to the end. Caught in a Cat Romance is a celebration of the magic and deepest connections between these beloved creatures and their human.

The Review

This was such a unique and compelling read. The balance between the author’s moving poetry and exploration of what makes these two specific types of cats so fascinating, combined with the beautiful and focused imagery of the photographs, made this book a truly memorable read. The creativity and artistry of the poems themselves brought their own sense of imagery to the page, infusing heart and emotion that speaks to anyone who has ever felt the call or been a pet parent in their lives.

The realism of the photography and the way these beautiful cats popped off the page was incredible. The images helped bring a face to the loving poems that showcased the author’s knowledge and experiences, and the earnestness, and the way each page captures both the highs and lows emotionally of being a pet parent made this one book that readers would instantly connect with.

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The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtful, and heartfelt, author Airie McCready’s “Caught in a Cat Romance” is a must-read nonfiction book of poetry and photography. Whether readers use this book for emotional connection, stunning photography, or simply as a conversation starter, it will instantly resonate with them and become a sensational read altogether. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Airie McCready earned her B.A. in journalism, then set out on a journey of self-discovery. After her marriage ended, she changed her name to shed the shadow of her famous ex-husband’s writing, which led to her life today; strengthening the bond between humans and cats. She’s now an expert in Sphynx, Devon Rex and Domestic Cat behavior, professionally writing and informally counseling others. She views her bond with her cats as deeply spiritual, unique and symbiotic. https: //aberstoatpublishing.com/airie-mccready

https://linktr.ee/airiemccreadybooks

Death, Taxes, and Turduckens by Jens Heycke Review

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

Author Jens Heycke shares the details of one of the most significant tax fraud crimes in history in the book “Death, Taxes, and Turduckens.”

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The Synopsis

Amazon #1 Bestseller in Personal Taxes

They say nothing is certain except death and taxes… unless you’re a billionaire.

Death, Taxes, and Turduckens reveals the world’s wildest offshore tax evasion scheme, where the ultra-wealthy hide billions inside complex “Trust Turduckens.”

It tells the true story of Robert Brockman, a secretive billionaire indicted for allegedly orchestrating the largest tax fraud in history. Based on exclusive interviews with IRS and DOJ insiders, the book follows investigators as they decrypt covert messages, launch undercover stings, and take on elite legal teams in a billion-dollar showdown.

Tax evasion siphons off enough each year to buy six months of groceries for every household in America. Death, Taxes, and Turduckens not only exposes how the ultra-rich hide over $1 trillion offshore, it also offers practical steps to recover that money for American taxpayers.

The Review

To start, while math and finances have never been and never will be one of my strong points in life, true crime has always fascinated me as a subject. Even stories like those found in films like Catch Me If You Can (based on a true story) have been so engaging to me, so this novel’s premise immediately caught my eye. The author did incredible work in cataloguing and detailing the intricacies of this case, delving into court documents, investigation notes, and so much more to bring this case to life on the page. 

The revelations and details that the author laid out felt like something out of a thriller, with many people connected to the case ending up either taking their own lives or passing under suspicious circumstances, and coded messages being found hidden in photographs and codenames given to lawyers in other countries who handled offshore accounts. What stood out in this book was the author’s ability to balance narrative-style writing with educational input on both financial crime investigations and legislation related to finances, with a particular focus on tax evasion. While readers need to pick up this book to get all the gritty details, the author’s work did a fantastic job of making the individuals of this case feel visceral and within reach of the reader. It informed the reader of the laws and loopholes that exist that need to be amended or fixed to prevent these crimes from persisting.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and insightful, author Jens Heycke’s “Death, Taxes, and Turduckens” is a must-read nonfiction actual crime book. The twists and turns in the narrative and case, and the examination of how billionaires act and manipulate finances in general, a subject that has been the cause of great debate in recent years in politics, will stay with readers long after the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

JENS KURT HEYCKE was educated in Economics and Near Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago, the London School of Economics, and Princeton University. He worked as an executive in several successful technology startups, including one that pioneered the mobile Internet and produced software installed in more than a billion mobile phones.

Since retiring from the high-tech industry, he has worked as a writer and independent researcher, conducting field research around the world, from Bosnia to Panama. Heycke has investigated global tax evasion schemes firsthand, interviewing top IRS agents, federal prosecutors, and financial insiders. His work brings a rare combination of analytical rigor and global perspective to the hidden world of offshore finance.

He is an internationally competitive masters cyclist, winning a bronze medal at the World Masters Games and top-ten places in other world championship events.

The Shadow of Wealth: Mastering the Millionaire Mindset Through Shadow Work by Alex Brent Review

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

Author Alex Brent shares the psychological and emotional insights that lie hidden in a person’s mind, shaping their financial path in the book “The Shadow of Wealth.”

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The Synopsis

Some people have millions, while others live paycheck to paycheck, wondering what they’re doing wrong. It feels unfair, doesn’t it?

But lasting wealth isn’t just about working more. The most successful people have done something most never think to do — they’ve faced what’s hidden beneath the surface and taken control from the inside out.

What if the reason you’re not wealthy… lives in the shadow of your own mind?

There’s more than enough abundance to go around. And the untapped power to create the life you want is already within you — waiting to be unlocked.

This book is your key.


Mastering the Millionaire Mindset through Shadow Work leads you on a journey into the forgotten corners of your psyche — where beliefs, fears, and hidden emotional wounds quietly shape your financial destiny.

You’ll uncover the “shadow code” — the unconscious forces that block your success and drain your power. As you unravel them, you’ll begin to rewrite your story — not just with goals or affirmations, but with truth, courage, and radical inner transformation.

This isn’t just another “success manual.”


It’s an immersive, poetic initiation. A deeply personal journey where your shadow speaks — and for the first time, you listen.

As you meet the characters within and reveal buried truths, you’ll feel a shift. Not just in mindset, but in reality. This is where true wealth begins: from the inside out.

Most success books tell you what to do. This book shows you why you haven’t been able to do it — until now.


It’s not about more action. It’s about reclaiming your power.

You won’t just read this book — you’ll live it. And you’ll emerge different.

The shadow has waited long enough.

Click “Buy Now” and begin the journey. Your future self will thank you — in every currency.

The Review

What a truly insightful and engaging read. The author did an incredible job of laying out the inner struggles that a person faces, and that often prevent them from achieving the financial success they crave. The author takes a unique approach to discussing these problems; rather than using straightforward tactics and strategies, the author reveals how the deeper, more personal insecurities and self-sabotage that we often exhibit can be the cause of our own downfalls and struggles to achieve the financial freedom we crave.

What stood out to me was the way the author presented these ideas to the reader. Rather than merely coaching or preparing a strategy, the author lays out the lessons they learned from this shadow work by creating prompts and archetypes through characters that speak directly to the reader. From The Visionary and The Trickster to the Alchemist and the Shadow, these characters delve into the deepest parts of a person and their struggles, and then showcase the paths they take to achieve success directly. This creative and inventive narrative effectively conveys the lessons the author learned, keeping the reader engaged throughout.

The Verdict

Insightful, engaging, and memorable, author Alex Brent’s “The Shadow of Wealth” is a must-read blend of nonfiction inspiration, business strategies, and fictional prose and poetry. The creativity and inspirational narratives found within drive home the lessons and empowering nature of finding success that entrepreneurs, creative individuals, and coaches can utilize in their careers and journey moving forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

My name is Alex.

By day, I work in IT, but beyond my job, I have a deep passion for Jungian psychology and writing. I love expressing my thoughts and sharing powerful insights – and nothing lights me up more than hearing how those ideas have helped others grow or shift something in their lives.

I’m especially interested in the topic of wealth. And I’ll be honest – I feel no shame about it. Wanting more, desiring abundance, and striving to live your best life is a good thing. (Even if many of us were taught to feel guilty about it.)

At one point in my journey, I realized I was on a meaningful path toward building real wealth. That’s when I felt I had something valuable to share—something honest and hard-earned about how wealth is actually created.

But just to be clear: it hasn’t come from any magic trick or overnight success. It’s been the old-fashioned way – through years of working, creating, investing, and selling. It’s taken over 15 years, and the journey is still unfolding.

And honestly?

I believe it could have happened much faster if I had met my Shadow earlier.

Once I experienced the power of shadow work firsthand, I couldn’t keep it to myself. My creative side wouldn’t let me. I felt this undeniable urge to share what I had learned—in my own way, in my own voice.

https://shadow-of-wealth.com/

Woven as One by William R. Waddell Review

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

Author William R. Waddell shares the experiences and stories that kept him and his partner, Linda, together in a strong and healthy relationship for over three decades in the book “Woven as One.”

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The Synopsis

Even good relationships (particularly marriages) have temperatures, varying from almost unbearable passion to steady devotion to uncertainty or worse. Woven as One recounts the successes and foibles of a nearly sixty-five-year bond between two lifelong partners, describing the magic that can come of truly merging the humdrum of everyday life with their feelings for each other. Bill and Linda “met” under somewhat unusual circumstances, and their way of dealing with bumps in their road wasn’t always by the book, but they grew to understand that real intimacy often grows more out of sharing prosaic experiences than out of grand gestures, and they learned to appreciate the importance of things like hard work (together or apart), inclusion, genuine tolerance, and the sheer chemistry between two kindred spirits.

The Review

This was such a personal, intimate, and compelling nonfiction read. The author did an excellent job of writing in a way that felt almost conversational, as if the stories and experiences found in this book were shared over a drink or two after dinner with friends. The detail the author put into not only the shared experiences he had with his late wife, Linda, but also into the era and settings their journey took them, was so vivid that it allowed the reader to feel transported in time as the book progressed.

The honesty with which the author conveyed these experiences not only showcased the deep love and affection he and Linda had for one another but also how they found a way to live truthfully and boldly for every moment. The author’s life with his late wife is infused with humor and heart, and even in the moments following her loss, a sense of hope and celebration for the life they lived together lingers in the air, serving as a tribute to the enduring love that transcends everything, even death.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtfully portrayed, and engaging, author William R. Waddell’s “Woven as One” is a must-read nonfiction memoir that doubles as a love story. The way the author lovingly looks back on the life he and his wife shared, and the way they faced both trials and adventures together, will keep readers both emotionally invested and engaged in the author’s story until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

William R. Waddell grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and earned degrees from Williams College and the University of Virginia School of Law. Over a 50-year career with McGuireWoods, he practiced business law in Richmond and Norfolk, holding leadership roles within the firm and representing it internationally. He also served as an adjunct professor at UVA Law, teaching Alternative Dispute Resolution and authoring a casebook for his course. His prior publications include Virginia Practice, Business Entities, a legal treatise for business lawyers.

Now retired, Bill enjoys supporting charitable causes, reading, walking, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He is the proud father of three sons. His debut book, Woven as One, is a tribute to his late wife, Linda, and a reflection on life, love, and resilience.

https://www.williamrwaddell.com/

Interview with Author Ronan Keene

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

I’m an avid golfer with over 30 years of experience in the game, and I’ve always been passionate about sharing my love for golf and helping others improve. Over the years, I’ve seen how mental and strategic elements of the game can make all the difference, which led me to start writing about golf more seriously. Smart Golf – Play Golf More Intelligently is the culmination of my experiences and insights, meant to help players not only with their skills but also with their mindset. I’ve always had a knack for breaking down complex ideas into simpler, actionable steps, and that’s really what fueled my transition into writing. Over time, I realized I wanted to share what I’d learned — not just about the swing, but about thinking your way around the course. That’s what led me into writing.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

The inspiration for Smart Golf – Play Golf More Intelligently came from my own journey as a golfer. I’ve spent years working on both the mental and strategic side of the game, and I saw a real gap in resources for golfers who wanted to improve their mental game alongside their technique. I realized that too many golfers focus only on physical skills, missing out on the mental strategies that can elevate their game. My book provides practical advice, mental game techniques, and strategies to help golfers at all levels perform their best, not just physically but mentally.I’ve seen so many golfers — beginners and experienced players alike — struggle not because of their mechanics, but because they don’t have a clear game plan or mental strategy. Smart Golf – Play Golf More Intelligently was born out of the idea that you don’t need a perfect swing to play better golf. You need better decisions, better habits, and a smarter approach. I wanted to create a book that’s approachable, practical, and even a little inspiring — something that helps players enjoy the game more and score better.

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

The central message of Smart Golf is that golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. I want readers to understand that by improving their mental approach — whether it’s focusing on the right strategies or managing emotions on the course — they can unlock a whole new level of performance. Golf is about making smart decisions, staying calm under pressure, and always thinking two or three shots ahead. This is the kind of thinking that transforms a good golfer into a great one.  As I state in the book, the great Bobby Jones ones said,”Golf is played mainly on a 5 and 1/2 inch course ….the space between your ears”.  In other words, master the mental game and you will achieve lower scores.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Golf instruction and strategy books have always fascinated me. But I noticed a gap between highly technical guides and books that speak to the everyday golfer. I wanted to bridge that gap — to create something thoughtful, accessible, and focused on real improvement. This genre allows me to combine personal experience, practical advice, and a bit of storytelling in a way that can truly help readers.  I’m in the process of writing a second book that delves deeply around the emotional aspects of the game; for example, how to summon courage under pressure, grace in sportsmanship, determination and the sheer will to achieve etc. Golf requires both physical skill and mental acuity, and I wanted to write something that could truly help people with both aspects in Smart Golf and later with my second book.

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

So far, Tiktok has been the most helpful — it’s a great platform for connecting with golf enthusiasts, sharing bite-sized tips, and showcasing visuals from the book. It allows for a more personal connection with readers and has helped grow interest organically. I’ve also started using LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook Groups to engage with golfers through a marketing campaign.

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

Start with a clear purpose. Know why you’re writing your book — not just what it’s about. That purpose will guide you through the moments when motivation dips. Also, don’t wait for everything to be perfect — clarity comes through writing. And finally, think of your readers. What do they need? What will they feel when they finish your book? That mindset changes everything.

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

I’m really excited about the future! I’m currently working on a follow-up book (discussed above) that dives deeper into golf’s mental game and offers more advanced strategies for competitive golfers. It will most likely be titled ‘Smart Golf II’  In addition, I’m exploring ways to expand the Smart Golf brand with online courses and tools to help golfers implement the strategies in the book. I’m always looking for new ways to help golfers perform their best, and I can’t wait to see where these next projects will take me.

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About the Author

Ronan Keene is a passionate golfer with over 30 years of experience playing the game. A lifelong student of golf strategy and course management, he has spent decades refining both the mental and physical sides of the sport. With a deep understanding of the challenges amateur golfers face, Ronan offers practical, real-world strategies to help others play smarter, lower their scores, and enjoy the game more. In Smart Golf, he shares clear, relatable advice that speaks to golfers of all skill levels—from weekend players to serious competitors. Ronan currently lives with his wife in Bluffton, SC near Hilton Head Island where great golf is never far away.

Interview with Author Nathaniel Malabonga

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

I was always a bookworm although I never thought I’d become an author. Because I’ve read so many books, I learned how to write reasonably well. But I mostly wrote essays and articles. It’s my first time writing a full-length book.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I wanted to leave some sort of legacy behind. At the time, I also thought that it would be a good milestone achievement if I could publish a book by the time I was 50, which I did.

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

I want those who are feeling lost to realize that despite life not coming with an instruction manual, simply being here has meaning enough. Even if a gold coin sits forgotten in an attic, it doesn’t take away the intrinsic value of gold. And it’s the same with all of us.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have many interests but I’m not really an expert in anything. Initially, I wondered how I could even write a book if that’s the case. Then I came upon The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and came to realize that if there’s one thing in common, we all have a life to live. And you can always share your life experience with others, whether or not you’re an expert. And that’s what my book is all about.

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

So far, I’ve been mainly using Facebook.

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

If you have even just the germ of an idea, just roll with it. Just write. It’ll likely be messy at first, but it’s better than not expressing what’s trying to come out, like shaping a sculpture from a piece of rock. Just chisel away the rough parts bit by bit until it becomes coherent.

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

At the moment, I’m happy enough to have published a book at all. I’m not yet sure if this is a one-off or if there will be follow-up projects.

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About the Author

Nathaniel Malabonga grew up in Marikina City, Philippines. He is an avid gamer who plays tabletop roleplaying games and computer games. He also enjoys anime and manga. For a time, he was into airsoft and dabbled in various martial arts like arnis and BJJ. Eventually, he developed an interest in esoteric energy and healing systems like pranic healing and acupuncture.

A bookworm at heart, the first full-length book he read was the Bible and then Gone With The Wind before discovering Isaac Asimov’s The Foundation series, which ignited his interest in the sci-fi and fantasy genre.

https://a.co/3ssRHwG

Interview with T.M. DALIGGR

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


I’m T.M. Daliggr, a playful explorer of language and culture. Writing has always been my way to connect worlds—whether it’s through stories, humor, or breaking down generational slang. I got into writing because I love capturing the quirky and often hilarious ways people communicate, especially across different age groups.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


Skibidi Ohio Rizz was inspired by the hilarious, baffling, and sometimes downright confusing slang I overheard between kids, teens, and adults trying to keep up with the newest lingo. I wanted to create a fun, approachable guide to help parents, teachers, and anyone curious decode Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang without feeling totally lost.

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


I hope readers walk away with a smile and a better understanding—that language is always evolving and staying curious and open-minded is the best way to connect across generations. Plus, it’s okay to laugh at yourself a little while learning something new!

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I love humor and education wrapped into one. The idea of turning something as dynamic and playful as slang into an entertaining guidebook was irresistible. It’s a genre where I can bring levity to communication and help people bond through shared understanding.

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


Amazon has been great! Its vast, engaged reader community perfectly matches the vibe of Skibidi Ohio Rizz. Reviews and recommendations help bring the book’s spirit to life and reach curious readers. I’m also working on building a presence on TikTok to connect with even more fans through fun, creative videos.

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


Write what excites you—authenticity shines through. Don’t be afraid to experiment and blend genres. And most importantly, engage with your community; readers want to connect with the real you. Patience and persistence go a long way!

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


I’m cooking up more playful language guides and maybe diving into some creative fiction inspired by the same vibe. I have two middle-grade chapter books on the horizon that I hope to publish soon. There’s always new slang, memes, and cultural moments to capture, so expect more fun, fresh projects coming your way!

Interview with Karen Dustman

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

I’m probably like a lot of folks who love to read — I always loved words. I actually got my first paying writing job by accident. I wrote a series of articles for a small local newspaper about a fabulous 1920s hotel that used to be frequented by the movie stars from LA. The hotel was long-gone, but a local couple who used to work there was still around. So I interviewed them, wrote stories about their recollections of the hotel, and included their own love story (they’d met there and married, using a paper “ring” because they had no money!) I never expected to be paid for those stories; I just wrote them for fun. Several weeks later, the editor handed me a check and said the stories had gotten more comments than he’d ever had before — people loved the stories! So he felt I should be paid. It wasn’t much, but that was an eye-opener for me that I could tell stories people were eager to read!

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I’ve wanted to write about Miami’s “Great Hurricane” for over 20 years. My dad lived through that terrifying storm when he was just ten years old. Other family members, too, would occasionally bring up the story. Sometime in the ’90s I began collecting original photographs, postcards, and other memorabilia from the storm. The era of personal photography had just begun to shine in the 1920s, so immediately after the hurricane swept through, hundreds or even thousands of people grabbed their little Brownie camera and went outside to snap pictures. Thousands of those photographs have survived, and they’re a fascinating first-hand look at the devastation from that storm. Commercial photographers, too, documented the storm. And wire news services sent photographers to Miami to document the rebuilding and relief efforts. I’ve collected hundreds of those photos, and always felt like “some day” they would become a book. And finally, last year, it just felt like it was time. The timing is really fortuitous, in a way. The “Great Hurricane” struck in September, 1926. Just one year from now, it’ll be exactly a century in the rearview mirror. Folks like my dad who actually lived through it are gone. It’s important that their stories will continue on. 

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

The thing that struck me the most, writing this book, was the way people pulled together in 1926 to meet the challenges of a completely unexpected disaster. There was no FEMA back then. But people across the country came together to rush relief to where it was needed. Trains were assembled with medical personnel, surgical supplies, nurses and medicines. The Red Cross organized food distribution and other relief, and set up vaccination stations against typhoid and yellow fever. People reached out to neighbors whose homes had been destroyed and offered their own houses for weeks at a time. Carpenters and tradesmen turned down paying restoration work, and instead helped repair houses in their own neighborhoods for no pay at all. Miami, too, managed to rally despite its terrible setbacks. . . the 1926 storm, and then the Great Depression that followed. If there’s a message in this book, it’s that even in the worst of times, the best of human nature often comes out. And even in disaster, there’s hope. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve long been drawn to writing non-fiction history — this is probably my 30-something-est book in the genre. What’s most fascinating to me are always the people-stories. I’d always thought history was boring in high school. But when you dig into the personal sagas and struggles, that’s when history comes to life. A king who reigned from X date to Y date? Boring. A queen who was married off by her family before she was 16, to a husband who kicked her to the curb for failing to produce a male heir, then went on to marry a second king (who cheated on her). . . now, there’s a story! There’s similar real-life drama in my Hurricane book, including the first-person account of a man standing on a table as the water in his home keeps rising, eventually having to hang onto the chandelier. . . spoiler alert, he did survive!

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

Facebook and my own author newsletter have both been incredibly helpful in keeping me connected with readers. And those readers and their feedback are what keep me writing. 

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

My best advice to beginning writers is to just write. Pick a topic or a storyline that interests you, and go for it! And most of all, don’t let anyone’s critique or “helpful” words discourage you. Ignore all that. Just keep writing. 

About the Author

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Author Bio – Karen Dustman

(fiction pen name: Abby Rice):

Karen Dustman is the author of over 25 books ranging from non-fiction history to captivatig Southern mysteries. With multiple careers as a former criminal prosecutor, full-time freelance writer, and hands-on homebuilder, Karen swears by the joy of not always taking the straight-and-narrow path.  

Author Links:

Karen’s latest books (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Spring-Southern-Thriller-Van-Life-ebook/dp/B0DBFSDFNW/ 

eMail: kdustman21@gmail.com 

Websites: www.Clairitage.com (“Claire” + heritage), 

www.AbbyRiceAuthor.com and 

www.KarenDustman.com

Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/KarenDustmanAuthor

Facebook fiction (Abby) Page: www.facebook.com/AbbyRiceAuthor

X (Twitter): @KDustmanAuthor

Instagram: @AbbyRiceAuthor

Bookbub: @AbbyRice

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/abby_rice