Author: Marissa DeCuir

Fans of Kyle Mills and Alyssa Cole will devour this twisty murder mystery scandal

Chicago, IL – NYC Big Book and Best Book Award-winning author J. Lee is back with a tense new mystery inspired by his real-life work in the pharmaceutical industry. “The Deadly Deal” (Moonstone Cove Publishing, Sept. 12, 2023). This big pharma corruption thriller follows a junior businessman who is thrust into a world of deception and accusation when his best friend’s tragic death is exposed as a cold-blooded murder. 

“The Bottom Line: A perfectly crafted conspiracy thriller with a truly noble hero at its core, The Deadly Deal is the twisty tale we’ve been waiting for. Highly Recommended.”

– Best Thrillers Book Review

David Centrelli is just an average junior business development executive at a pharmaceutical company in Richmond when a knock on the door reveals that his best friend’s death two weeks earlier was no accident, and his buddy has a message for him from the grave. As skeptical as he is, clues keep coming, and soon his own home is engulfed in flames. When the perpetrator contacts him, he learns that the accusations are legitimate–and that people trained to eliminate problems have labeled him one. 

Blackmailed by decisions he made years ago, informed that his brother has been kidnapped, and threatened with a future not even his worst nightmare could imagine, the temptation to give up what he knows and disappear into affluent anonymity grows stronger by the second…until he learns that millions of lives depend on him doing the right thing. But can an ordinary guy really escape death from experts trained to administer it, and prevent a colossal calamity already set in motion by the highest levels of government?

“The Deadly Deal”

Lee | September 12, 2023 | Moonshine Cove Publishing | Mystery/Thriller

Paperback | 9781952439582 | $19.00 | Ebook | B0C5WB52PJ | $6.99

Early Praise for “The Deadly Deal”

“Regardless of how you feel about the pharmaceutical industry, this book is a must read. J. Lee pulls you into a fast paced thriller of good vs. evil that never lets up. Tight writing, intricate plot, believable characters and a sharp, fast-moving dialogue that gels it all together. Put this one on your reading list!” 

– Jesus Leal, author of “True Diversity”

“J. Lee is a must-read new talent.”

– Mike Lawson, Edgar Award Nominated author of the Joe DeMarco series.

“The Deadly Deal is a fast-moving, page-turning thriller propelled by rapid scene changes, frequent plot twists, and an enemy that grows more powerful and menacing as the full extent of the conspiracy. Fans of plot-driven thrillers will find plenty to like…“

– Windy City Book Review

“J. Lee does it again with “The Deadly Deal”.  Fans of mysteries and thrillers will love this new cliffhanger. I was immediately hooked as the story began to unfold and this fast-paced and intriguing mystery kept me guessing until the very last page. Impossible to put down, I finished the book in days and loved every minute of this captivating read!”

– Nicky Steinberg, Publisher of  Downers Grove Living Magazine

“Action packed and sharply written. Grabbed me from the start and wouldn’t let go. I’ve already made room on my nightstand for the next J.Lee thriller.“

– Davin Goodwin, author of “Paradise Cove” and the Roscoe Conklin Mystery Series

“‘The Deadly Deal’ is my kind of thriller. Clever premise, complex characters, a pulsating plot and a satisfying, but in no way predictable ending. Easily J. Lee’s best work, and that alone is saying something.”

– Drew Yanno, author of “In the Matter of Michael Vogel”

“’The Deadly Deal’ evolves superb characterization, satisfying twists of plot, and a focus that will keep even seasoned thriller readers guessing about its outcome.”

– Midwest Books Book Review

“A terrific follow-up to The Hubley Case and The Silent Cardinal.  In ‘The Deadly Deal’,  J. Lee lays out an explosive tale of political intrigue, government conspiracy, and murder. If you haven’t yet read Lee’s thrillers, it’s time to jump aboard the bandwagon.”

-Alfred C. Martino, author of “Pinned”, “Over The End Line”, and “Perfected By Girls”

“Set yourself some time to read  The Deadly Deal , because once you start, you will NOT want to stop turning the pages.

– Pamela S. Wight, author of “Twin Desires”, “The Right Wrong Man”, “Flashes of Life”, “Birds of Paradise” and “Molly Finds Her Purr”

J. Lee is the author of The Hubley Case, The Silent Cardinal, and The Deadly Deal. He graduated from Duke University with degrees in Engineering and Sociology, and lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with his family. To learn more about him or his award-winning novels, please visit www.jleethrillers.com. 

Follow J. Lee on social media:

Facebook: @authorJ.Lee

Twitter: @JLeeauthor

Instagram: @j.leeauthor

In an interview, J. Lee can discuss:

• His real-life experience in a pharmaceutical environment that with personal research inspired the plot of the story
• The themes of the book that apply to real-life corrupt big pharma companies and how he went about researching the possibilities
• Using multiple perspectives and characters in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming, but rather adds to the suspense of the story
• Writing well-written, multi-layered leads thrust into a dangerous situation
• Balancing work life with writing mysteries, while also overcoming writer’s block and rejection in the writing industry
• The difference between writing a series and writing a standalone
• Generating ideas as an author, editing work and rewriting storylines over and over

An Interview with

J.Lee

1. How has your professional life, working with a pharmacy automation company, inspired “The Deadly Deal”? 

In my first job out of college, I got some high-level exposure to the FDA’s drug approval process. While this is certainly a work of fiction, that baseline knowledge and experience ultimately served as the impetus for the book’s storyline. Times and processes have changed, but the premise still intrigued me enough that I wanted to update it and pursue the idea. 

2. You mentioned you wrote this book 16 years ago! What made you want to release this novel now?

In a lot of ways, it feels like my writing baby. It had a different title back then, but I’d obtained a literary agent and was ready to go. Shortly after signing, and one week before he was set to reach out to publishers, my agent was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently passed away. When that happened, I put the book in the proverbial drawer and proceeded to move on in life and wound up publishing two others along the way. But the concept has always fascinated me, and I suppose deep down I believed (and hoped) that this day would come.  

3. Let’s talk about your characters. What is the inspiration behind them?

Ironically, one of the most interesting aspects of the protagonist to me as I wrote was that he’s an “ordinary” working professional who has been thrust into an extraordinary situation. In my previous novels, the main character is a Marine specially trained for the types of dangerous situations he encounters in the book, but this time writing the suspense was more challenging and intriguing because I didn’t have the crutch of him being so well trained. 

4. What are some tips for writing a twisty mystery that keeps readers guessing?

Every writer has his or her own style. For me, the only way to successfully keep the readers on their toes is to outline the story first, so that I can see it from start to finish, before I allow myself to write the first page. That lets me insert twists and turns, red herrings, and various clues that serve the overall plot. And I learned that the hard way. When I don’t outline at first, I have to rewrite a lot and usually end up creating one before it’s over anyway. I know some authors who have the ability to just start writing freestyle and hammer out a really great story, and I envy them. It’s just not me. 

5. Is there anything else in the works for you as an author?

Thanks for asking. I’ve got some thoughts about continuing the Ben Siebert series, and some fans have asked about that possibility. There’s also another standalone storyline I’m toying with that, similar to The Deadly Deal, I find extremely intriguing. If history is any judge, I’ll have to pursue that too…

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

An inventive mixture of sci-fi, fantasy, mythology, and technology

Oahu (Honolulu), HI – Strap in for a humorous thrill ride through the colorful reaches of space and alternate timelines as two dudes, who have no idea what they’re doing, try to save the universe (and their own butts) in one of the most fun sci-fi fantasies you’ll read all year: “Josh & Sen Save the Multiverse: The Path of One” (Cadence Group, October 3, 2023). With the loveable banter of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the inventive nods to technology and gaming of “Ready Player One,” this debut is unexpectedly heartfelt as it explores parenthood, perseverance, and the brotherhood between two men bonded by fate to save the multiverse. 

Josh was just trying to get his life together enough to reunite with his young daughter Sophie when he gets sucked into the multidimensional world of the immortals through his office elevator during lunch. Alongside his unexpected ally, Sen Marztanak, Josh must find a way to rise through the levels of mortal cultivation in order to reach Transcendence. 

Josh and Sen are eager to get back to their own path–Josh anxiously fighting his way back to his daughter and Sen desperately battling to reclaim his immortality and his family’s ruling seat. Get swept away with Sen and Josh through this exciting tale as they uncover their true destinies. 

“Josh & Sen Save the Multiverse: The Path of One”

David Behling | October 3, 2023 | Cadence Group | Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Print | 979-8-9886535-0-9 | $14.99

Ebook | 979-8-9886535-1-6 | $4.99

DAVID BEHLING: is a Chicago born sci-fi, fantasy, and video game admirer. When he was younger and stronger, he was able to fight off his infatuation long enough to work as a Honolulu-based plaintiff’s malpractice lawyer for five years before attending med school and residency. Now he treats his patients on Oahu, where his office has been for the last fifteen years. He has trained in several fields of martial arts over the years, including Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Older now, he would rather be surfing, snowboarding, and skating when he is brave enough! Most importantly, he is the proud father of four amazing children: Indigo, Tristan, Kireina, and Nina. They even text him sometimes. He is also the lucky owner of the world’s cutest chihuahua, Rosie.

Follow David on Social Media: 

Instagram: @davidbehlingauthor | Facebook: @davidbehlingauthor 

In an interview, David Behling can discuss:

• How the hopelessness of the pandemic inspired this light-hearted, adventure aimed to reignite hope
• David’s personal parallels to his main character Josh as they both grapple with the complexities of navigating parenthood and divorce
• How gaming, sci-fi fandoms, and fantasy media influenced his worldbuilding
• Why he was inspired to weave Greek mythology throughout the book
• What’s next for Josh & Sen as they embark on this epic 15-part installment

An Interview with

David Behling

You wrote this novel partly in response to the hopelessness amid the Covid-19 pandemic. What do you hope readers will take away when they read Josh and Sen’s story? 

Everyone in the world has been affected by the pandemic. It is true that we can see the silver lining in some of the changes, and feel brought back to our roots in a lot of ways. Unfortunately, many of the changes have been devastating and will continue to be so for many years. You can see this very prominently in third world countries where the economies of tourism were completely shut down for long periods of time. When I first started noticing this, I remember thinking, “How good would it be if there were a couple of guys who would be willing to go to the wall to save us all?” 

How did you create Josh and Sen? Were there any sci-fi/fantasy figures from your childhood that inspired the character’s stories?

Everytime I sit down to write about Josh and Sen I learn more about myself and my motivations. Some things even surprise me. But, ever since I was twelve years old and my father took me to Merrionette Park in Chicago’s south side to see Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indy’s been my hero. One of my favorite spots is the classic line where he is trying to steal the ark back from the nazi’s, he lays out a plan and ends it with, “I dunno, I’m making this up as I go . . .” I would have to say this is a major inspiration for Josh and Sen. Don’t ask them how beforehand, but they will find a way to get where they need to be. 

What parts of your personal life inspired your main character Josh and his relationship with his daughter Sophie? 

I have the blessing and privilege of having four children. Ages 31, 27, 24, and 9. I also have unfortunately been through the tragedies of two divorces. The geological boundaries of living in Hawaii make routine custody spits difficult. When my two oldest were three and zero, and my x-wife moved to Ohio, I could only see them during the summers for 8 wks and every other holiday season. I know what it is like to be separated from your kids and not have a whole lot you can do about it. 

Why did you decide to weave bits of Greek mythology into the book? 

When I was growing up there wasn’t a lot of fantasy literature or TV shows. Where I turned to get it was the classics.  I loved Greek mythology when I was a kid. Particularly stories from the Age of Heros. When I started the first book and wanted Josh and Sen to travel underground to get their first Earth Attunement, Gaia, Mother of the Earth was just a natural fit. But you can’t talk about Gaia without getting into the serious family drama she has with her husband and the multiple sets of kids and grandkids, can you? Not to mention, all the stuff is public domain. 

What can we expect next from you as a writer? What are your big plans for Josh and Sen? 

Right now I’m finishing the third book. The second, “Karma and Bigger Fish” is already written and being polished for final release between 3-6 months after the Path of One comes out. 

Josh and Sen will be meeting some new folks. Some friends and some decidedly not so friendly. One of the things they are going to learn is that the iteration is a lot bigger than they are right now. They are also going to learn that Karma and Reality have some pretty big plans for them and the people that they care about.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

LOS ANGELES – In her latest work, “The Human Trial” (Books Fluent, Sept. 26, 2023), author Audrey Gale merges three genres: historical fiction, medical thriller and coming-of-age story, cast with imperfect, relatable characters. 

After an agonizing climb to earn his pathology specialty from Harvard Medical, early discoveries in the microscopic realms threaten not only Dr. Randall Archer’s hard-won place in the field of medicine, but his very life.

Dr. Randall Archer has always been a misfit…

 …in the brutal blue-collar home where he grew up

…as a 16-year-old escaping to college, then medical school, on a full scholarship to Harvard.

…in the highest echelons of Boston society, where the woman he marries and the blueblood research partner with whom he shares his laboratory belong

Even Archer’s brilliance as a pathologist catapults him into direct and dangerous conflict with the medical establishment he fought so hard to join. As the Great Depression presses down around him, Archer teeters at the edge of a precipice. He must choose between his hard-won career and the sacred oaths he took as a doctor and scientist—before all his choices are lost forever.

“The Human Trial”

Audrey Gale | Sept. 26. 2023 | Books Fluent 

Historical Medical Thriller / Suspense / Murder Mystery

Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-953865-70-0

Ebook | ISBN: 978-1-953865-71-7

Audiobook | ISBN: 978-1-953865-72-4

About the Author

Audrey Gale long dreamed of being a writer, but never anticipated the circuitous road she’d take to get there. After twenty-plus years in the banking industry, she grew tired of corporate gamesmanship and pursued her master’s in fiction writing at the University of Southern California. Her first novel, a legal thriller entitled The Sausage Maker’s Daughters, was published under the name A.G.S. Johnson. The novel explores one woman’s struggle to find her place amidst the upheaval of the radical 1960s. Her second, The Human Trial, is the first book in a medical-thriller trilogy inspired by Gale’s own experiences with the gap between traditional medicine and approaches based on the findings of the great physicists of the 20th Century, like Einstein and Bohr. Both The Sausage Maker’s Daughters and The Human Trial incorporate Gale’s fascination with historical and scientific research, and always with women finding their places. Gale lives in Los Angeles with her husband and dogs where she is found hiking the Santa Monica Mountains every chance she gets. For more, visit http://audreygaleauthor.com/.

Follow Audrey Gale on social media: 

Facebook: @audreygaleauthor | Instagram: @audreygaleauthor

In an interview, Audrey Gale can discuss:

• The real-life scientists and medical research that inspired “The Human Trial”
• How she consulted scientists and healing practitioners who use methods largely suppressed by the medical establishment
• How her book reflects on issues in American medical care, including the lack of complete cures, how research gets funded and the connection between quantum physics and medicine
• Creating relatable (but not always likable) characters
• Ongoing issues of class stratification and sexism in the medical science field
• The cost and responsibility of scientific truth in the face of survival and greed
• How her personal experiences caring for her ailing father and beloved dog informed her approach to this book and her understanding the shortcomings of traditional medicine 

An Interview with

Audrey Gale

Before we dive into everything else, tell us about the main characters we meet in “The Human Trial.”

First is the pathologist, Dr. Randall Archer, with whom the story opens. He’s from a brutal blue collar home, which he escapes at the age of 16 by winning a scholarship to Harvard, which carries him through medical school to a pathology specialty. Archer, standing out for all the wrong reasons at Harvard, nevertheless collaborates with a blueblood physicist developing a breakthrough microscope. It offers, Archer anticipates, many advantages over others at the medical school. It also leads to Archer meeting another blueblood whom, despite its unlikeliness, he marries. 

His collaborator is Dr. Adam Wakefield, PhD Physics, whose breakout microscope changes everything for the two men, not just in what they are able to observe, but in the increasing risk they face as, inadvertently, their findings challenge the very basis of western medical theory and practice.

Finally, Elizabeth Perrish, the sole daughter to the Brahmin Perrishes who traced their history in Boston back to its founding, is a woman ahead of her times, determined to do more than her high social ranking expects of her. Her budding relationship with Archer is the final straw which causes her to be cast from her family, penniless but undaunted, during the worsening Depression. 

Are Dr. Randall Archer and Dr. Adam Wakefield based on real people?

While the two characters are inspired by real life scientists, they are a figment of my imagination. I focused more on their discoveries, which likely cost them both their lives, than on portraying the men and their actual existences with accuracy. 

How did you come up with the concept of this novel?

Soon after I arrived in Los Angeles, my Golden Retriever became quite ill. I was advised multiple times to “put her down,” as 13 was a very respectable age for a big dog. But I couldn’t without turning over every stone first. I found a holistic vet who at our first meeting appeared to be practicing magic, for lack of understanding. Luckily he was very forthcoming about his medical treatments and the men upon whom they had been based.

But it was subsequently, when my dad, diagnosed with leukemia and refusing a second chemo treatment, agreed to visit my vet with me that I became hooked. The vet created a tape of sound vibrations that related through stepped-down octaves to the rate of vibration of the microbes of leukemia. It sounds like mumbo-jumbo, I know, but upon a routine follow-up with his medical doctors, they declared his case to be the “damnedest case of spontaneous remission they had ever witnessed!” My father did not die of leukemia, but years later, of pneumonia.

Tell us about your research process. Did you consult scientists and healing practitioners? 

To start with, I mined information from my vet. His knowledge was sketchy about the scientists but more solid on the underlying science. After studying their efforts, I then read everything I could on physics and quantum physics, medical practice and the field, and the growing movement looking into the energetic basis of existence. For example, I own a large text called, “The Rife Handbook” by Nenah Sylver, PhD, which lists diseases and the innate frequencies of their microbial life to be used in combating them. I attended a conference on the subject where lay people like me as well as PhDs and MDs gathered to share information. I purchased a frequency generating device for home use. Finally, I worked directly with a noted physicist and pathologist who helped me put their knowledge into plain English.

You write about complex medical issues and scientific concepts in your novel – how did you go about making this subject digestible and accessible to readers? 

This was by far the greatest challenge of “The Human Trial.” Specialists have exclusive language, or jargon, often Latin- or Greek-based, which makes simplifying concepts into understandable English very difficult. But with their patience and my persistence and feedback from early readers, I think we got there. You be the judge. As my goal was to have a broad range of people begin to demand new and better medical treatment, it was also essential to utilize good storytelling techniques. Thus flawed characters, a difficult time in world history during the 1930s, a love triangle, suspense, twists were essential.

Some of your characters aren’t exactly likable, yet they’re still relatable. How did you strike that balance?

A flippant answer to that point is: Like life! That is where I began, with flawed characters, much like us, then adding often unbearable pressures, to endure or not endure. That makes them relatable. I hope readers ask, what would I do in that situation? Would I be as brave or duplicitous? How would I rationalize my choices? Since we can all relate to difficult situations, even when one does not approve of a character’s choices or doesn’t  like him per se, sympathy is evoked by the predicament. It’s a phrase I quite hate, but largely, “we’re all doing the best we can.”

What role do class stratification and sexism play in your novel? Why was it important to you to address those issues in your writing?

Issues of class aren’t of major importance to me, rightly or wrongly believing one can do what one set her mind to. Someone’s wealth or station has rarely intimidated me. But a short stint on Harvard’s campus did impress upon me class distinctions. 

But sexism, now that’s another story! Raised with four sisters, no brothers, in a traditional home with a stay-at-home mom and bacon-bearing dad, the real world shocked me as its double standards revealed themselves. An essential part of me needs to probe sexual equality and unrecognized biases, and will undoubtedly appear in some form in all my writing.

How did your personal experiences when your father was diagnosed with leukemia bring you to recognize the shortcomings of traditional medicine? Why was it important for you to address these issues in your book? 

The universe either cursed or blessed me with direct exposures to the type of energetic or energy-based healing explored in my novel. And with that, I could simply not walk away from non-invasive approaches to healing which are quick, cheap, effective, with no debilitating or life-shortening side effects, and offered more than just life extensions of months or years, but apparent cures.

It goes back to my arrival in Los Angeles with a very sick dog who many vets said to put down. Since I couldn’t without turning over every stone, I found a holistic vet who seemed to perform miracles and was forthcoming about his treatments and on whom they were based. He gave my Golden Retriever three more years to the remarkable age of 16. 

But then my dad’s turnaround with leukemia. He’d refused a second chemotherapy and agreed, when I boldly offered, to visit my vet with me. Doing little more than listening to sound frequencies related to his disease-microbes’s innate vibration rates, he appeared quickly “cured.” Upon returning to his medical doctors for a routine follow-up, they proclaimed his state as “the damnedest case of spontaneous remission they’d ever seen.” He would die years later of pneumonia.  

What do you hope readers will take away from your novel?

My hope for “The Human Trial” is that minds will be opened to new possibilities which  have been successfully blocked for almost a century. Assuming the discoverers had what they’d tested and believed they had, millions of people have died unnecessarily in that time. I hope readers will realize that they must be their own demanding advocates within our healthcare system. We must all ask questions, demand answers and proof, read everything, talk to everyone, compare responses.

Most of all I hope that someone in the position to carry forward this science will pick up the mantle and bring its benefits to all of life.

Without giving too much away, can you give us a sneak peek at what you have planned for the rest of the series?

I’ve extensively fleshed out the second installment in the trilogy that commences with “The Human Trial.” In it, the suppression of the science and fate of the scientists carries into the 1970s, another troubled time in our history. Student activism had carried over from black power to anti-war to feminism. Everyone had a cause which often gave participants license to demonstrate, sit-in, walk-out, protest, and in a few cases, riot. The Vietnam War was coming to a humiliating ending, and Nixon was about to leave the White House, unceremoniously. 

Against that backdrop, the next generation of Archers and Wakefields find themselves caught up in dangerous circumstances which first, they struggle to comprehend and then, struggle to survive. 

Finally, as we ourselves struggled to cope with Covid-19, its unprecedented deaths and shutdowns, it hit me: since the science of these stories deals directly with viral disease, a current day story makes more than perfect sense. It makes it necessary. All of these multigenerational continuations also emphasize the long and successful suppression of life-saving discoveries and their enormous costs in human life, both globally and down to the very personal lives of the next generation to be caught up in it. 

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

LOS ANGELES – NFL Network sportscaster Mike Yam is releasing a delicious debut picture book celebrating intercultural identity and cuisine, “Fried Rice and Marinara” (Vooks). Inspired by his experiences growing up with a Chinese immigrant father and an Italian mother, his book demonstrates how a multicultural identity can give you a unique, creative perspective. In a world where Asian male leads are underrepresented, Yam’s book adds a new character that young readers can see themselves in. 

It’s Mikey Yam’s fourth birthday, and he’s facing a big dilemma: Should he serve Chinese or Italian food at his birthday party? Both his Chinese and Italian family members will be there, and he doesn’t know which one to pick! With the help of his trusty food gurus, his grandmothers, Mikey embarks on a mouth-watering adventure to create a one-of-a-kind fusion dish that will make his party the talk of the town. Mikey discovers that the best parties are the ones that celebrate diversity and bring people together through the power of food. Join Mikey’s journey and find out how two cultures can collide for a fusion of flavors to unite everyone!

“Fried Rice and Marinara”

Mike Yam | Vooks | Children’s | 9781737726951

Watch the fully animated video of the book!

Sample pages from the book

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MIKE YAM is a sportscaster and studio host for NFL Network and SiriusXM radio. He has worked at ESPN, NBA TV and Pac-12 Network. “Fried Rice and Marinara” marks his debut in children’s literature. Growing up with a Chinese immigrant father from Hong Kong and an Italian mother, Yam has always been fascinated by diverse cultures and perspectives. Yam is a passionate advocate for social issues and has authored op-eds on immigration and the Asian American community. Yam is a graduate of Fordham University and resides in Southern California.

Follow Mike Yam on social media:

Twitter: @Mike_Yam | Instagram: @Mike_Yam

MEDIA BUZZ FOR MIKE YAM

Op-Ed: NFL anchor Mike Yam on unity being a great step toward ending racist attacks — NFL

How an Undocumented Immigrant Made Me the Luckiest Sportscaster in the World — Medium 

In conversation with Mike Yam, NFL Network anchor and children’s book author — Very Asian

My Personal Plea for Empathy: Racism is wrong no matter who it targets — Medium

Mike Yam Doesn’t Like Things To Be Easy — Barrett Sports Media

‘We’re going to miss him’: Pac-12 Network won’t be the same without Mike Yam — The Athletic

Mike Yam on Celebrating Multicultural Families — Vooks

Mike Yam Helping Set a Path For Future Asian-American Broadcasters — Front Office Sports

In an interview, Mike Yam can discuss:

• His multicultural background with an Italian mother and Chinese father and expressing that culture throughout the book
• Addressing the lack of male Asian authors and male Asian character leads in children’s literature
• How it’s imperative to create more media for children in blended and multiracial families
• His career as a sportscaster and how his work has led him to advocating for more diversity for Asian Americans in mainstream media
• Diversity, equity and inclusion challenges in the broadcast industry
• Future projects he’s working on

An interview with Mike Yam

1. Why did you choose to write a children’s book as your debut title?

During the course of my career, I have been fortunate enough to speak to students about a path in broadcasting. I have always been disheartened by the lack of Asian representation in media classes. Aside from cultural factors, I believe the lack of widespread representation at high levels of sportscasting is a major reason why Asian American students are picking other career paths. Strengthening the pipeline is one of the ways I think this changes. If young kids can see themselves in stories, I think it can spark an interest in storytelling. 

2. Why is this book so important for you personally?

As a kid, I didn’t think anything of the different cultures. I always knew I was Chinese and Italian, but as I got older, I realized that my friends didn’t have to think about or balance multiple cultural experiences that were very different. I also realized that many stories available for children didn’t always feature diverse characters. I do think for my generation not seeing much diversity in characters playing a leading role alters your thinking about a career path. Part of the reason I wanted to write “Fried Rice and Marinara” was to have young readers see a multiethnic character in a lead role. I also wanted to spark the thought that families with diverse backgrounds are normal. At times in my childhood, I thought I had to “pick a side,” which is weird to think about now. I really want young kids to be able to embrace their heritage and be proud of their background. I know for my family, food was a backdrop to everything we did. I wanted to use cuisine as a vehicle to bring the story to life.

3. Can you touch on how your day job — as a sportscaster and radio host — is similar in terms of diversity as the space of children’s literature?

The month of May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I went to my local Barnes and Noble to see what was being highlighted in the children’s section. I found one small rack that consisted of 31 books. Of the 31 books, only five had a male lead character. Seven of the 31 were written by two people. As I watch sports coverage on various networks, it’s disappointing to not see Asian Americans in prominent roles — lead studio host, play-by-play voice, color analyst, etc. At the local news level in top markets, the numbers are horrifically bad.

4. Were the characters in the book inspired by real-life family members?

The characters in the story are absolutely based on family members. Laura Dong, who illustrated the story, asked for pictures of relatives she could work off of. One of my twin cousins in the book is now married with three children. She is Chinese and her husband is Jewish. A few years ago, she asked me if I knew of any books about biracial children or books for Asian boys specifically. I wasn’t able to answer her question with a yes, but that moment was a catalyst for this story. I really felt like I could contribute to filling in a gap. 

5. What were some of the biggest challenges you came across when you were writing the book? What things did you find came easy for you?

I’ve spent my career telling the stories of athletes. I’m comfortable in that realm, but with “Fried Rice and Mariana,” it’s the first time I tried to connect with a young audience in a medium I’ve never worked in. I have always loved having fun with my nieces and nephews, telling them crazy stories at home. I tried to imagine telling them this story as if we were in person. No, I can’t rhyme on the fly like in the book, but it’s about the tone. I always love asking kids questions to see where their mind goes. If you notice at the back of the book, there is a page that gives kids an opportunity to write their own funky food combinations with the ability to draw them, too. It’s really important to me that the experience with the book doesn’t end when they’re finished reading it. 

6. Okay, we have to know: Do you have an actual recipe for fried rice and marinara?

I wish there was an actual recipe for fried rice and marinara. My skills in the kitchen are not strong, but I’m proud to say I never screw up boiling water. There was a moment in my high school Italian class that served as the inspiration for the title. I was talking about my background and someone asked about my family parties. I proudly boasted that we always had the best food — Chinese and Italian. One of my classmates joked, “Do you ever have fried rice and marinara sauce?” More than 20 years later, I still think about that moment and used it for the backdrop of the book. 

7. What other projects are you working on?

Aside from my duties on NFL Total Access at NFL Network, I have a few manuscripts I’m working on, but I’m trying to really focus on broadening the stories around Asian characters. When I was a child, I absolutely loved watching anything that included martial arts. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was really proud that Asian characters were cool because of that skill. As I’ve gotten older, I still really love watching those types of shows and movies, but I’ve grown frustrated that the stories don’t seem to always evolve into other verticals. I’m really focused on trying to incorporate my personal experiences as a backdrop to stories in which the characters are in more than just “traditional Asian situations.”

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Author’s recovery journal inspires novel grappling with alcoholism

NORTH HAMPTON, NH – What began as catharsis through writing about his own recovery journey inspired Michael Eon’s powerful examination of a life-long relationship with addiction and recovery in his debut novel, “These Things Happen” (September, 2023, Girl Friday Books). With a vivid, atmospheric backdrop of 1970’s Brooklyn, Eon takes the reader on a poignant pursuit to untangle childhood trauma that manifests into a fraught battle with alcoholism.

In “These Things Happen,” Daniel Zimmer will do almost anything to end his pain, except for the one thing that might work: sobriety. 

Growing up under the shadow of his tyrannical father in Brooklyn, Daniel struggles to find a sense of safety and belonging. Daniel and his brother Max find moments of solace in the rebellious rhythms of early punk and metal bands. But when faced with an unexpected family tragedy—for which Daniel feels responsible—Daniel finds escape in the numbing grip of alcohol, offering temporary relief from his pain and guilt. Carrying childhood trauma into adulthood, Daniel spirals deeper into the clutches of addiction. Just as he finds the strength to embrace sobriety, the ghosts of his past resurface, forcing him to confront his demons head-on. 

Flashing through Daniel’s life, past and present, this nostalgic ode to Brooklyn is an unflinchingly honest account of the inevitable triumphs and downfalls of recovery. “These Things Happen” fearlessly examines generational abuse, the transformative power of confronting addiction, and the profound potential for redemption.

“These Things Happen”

Michael Eon | September, 19th 2023 | Girl Friday Books

Fiction, Addiction & Recovery, Coming of Age 

Print |  978-1-959411-16-1 | $17.95 

Ebook |  978-1-959411-17-8 | $9.99 

MICHAEL EON: Originally from the New York area, he currently lives in New Hampshire with his family. Michael earned his BA in psychology from the University of Michigan and an MA in international affairs from Columbia University. A former board member of the Audio Publishers Association and a former producer of major motion pictures and television productions, Michael worked in the publishing and entertainment industries for more than twenty years. Michael discovered the core of this story through the cathartic processing of autobiographical memories, following its evolution into this novel of redemption and recovery. “These Things Happen” is his first novel. Learn more about Michael at his website. 

In an interview, Michael Eon can discuss:

• How his personal experiences with trauma, addiction, and recovery inspired his novel
• How his processing of traumatic memories through therapeutic journaling turned into the basis for “These Things Happen”
• How the tenants and practices of alcoholics anonymous supported the creation of the book 
• What he hopes readers will take away from “These Things Happen” 

An Interview with

Michael Eon

Why did you begin journaling about your memories and experiences with addiction? 

In college, I wrote a great deal of freeform poetry about active addiction and its hold on me, as well as what I believed at the time to be the causes for my desire, since childhood, to escape and numb my emotions through drug and alcohol use. Twenty years later, consumed by active addiction, rage, hatred, and hopelessness, I sought help through Alcoholics Anonymous. After a few years in a state of what I would call “stark raving sober,” I finally got the courage to ask someone to take me through the Twelve Steps as outlined in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. As part of that process, I began to explore in greater detail and depth the moments of my life—the memories and experiences—that seemed to govern my existence . . . my emotions, character, and personality. 

How did your  journal entries evolve into the creation of “These Things Happen?” 

Part of the Twelve Step process includes examining the things in one’s life that have served to hold a person back from spiritual growth. Resentment and fear are the two main offenders and consequently need to be dealt with before any semblance of peace can be had. The Twelve Step process enabled me to understand that these issues were the root cause of my dis-ease, not the drinking and the drugs. My journal took the writing I’d completed in Step Four and fleshed it out into memory stories—expanded autobiographical scenes as I had remembered them. As you can imagine, there was a lot of anger, resentment, denial, guilt, etc. in those entries, but the end result was extremely cathartic. These scenes served as the starting point for the novel.

Tell us a little bit about the culture of alcoholics anonymous, how did the culture of AA support the creation of this novel? 

For me, AA is a lot of things: a fellowship, a support group, a process by which to become both physically and emotionally sober, and much more. It is a spiritual program that allows for identification with others suffering from the same affliction through sharing with one another and reading/understanding the literature, including the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. For those willing to be honest with themselves (and others), and open-minded to the spiritual principles set forth in the Twelve Steps, AA can be a life-changer. It can not only free one from the bondage of active addiction, but can also teach one how to deal with life on life’s terms. Without AA, this novel would not have been possible because I would never have been able to escape active addiction and work through the trauma that served as the basis for my addiction.

You have a background as a TV and movie producer. What are your thoughts on entertainment culture and alcoholism? 

I believe that the media and entertainment industries influence social norms and exposure to drug and alcohol use; both industries can play a better part in removing the stigma of addiction by educating audiences about the reality of drug and alcohol abuse. Active addiction is neither a moral failing nor a matter of willpower for the sufferer. It is a disease driven by mental obsession and physical craving; one that centers in the mind of the user, which must be combatted on the physical, mental, and spiritual planes. Media and entertainment can play a better role by choosing programming that downplays the fun in and excessive use of drugs and alcohol and highlights the simple facts that (a) the sufferer is not alone and (b) there is a solution. More programming should convey hopefulness rather than hopelessness.

The book deals with heavy topics of addiction, trauma, and mental health. Why did you decide to write about these topics and what do you hope readers take away from the book? 

I decided to write about these topics for two main reasons: one, I have a great deal of experience with them; and two, I have a sincere desire to help others who struggle with addiction and, more generally, with life itself. The novel has sought to do this by focusing not just on the problems one faces with addiction and life, but on the solution to those problems, which I do by giving specific instructions on how to use spiritual principles to better one’s life. And you don’t have to be an addict to benefit from this novel. Dealing with life on life’s terms is not just an addict’s problem—it is a human problem.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

McLEAN, VIRGINIA – In her compelling new memoir “Dancing Into the Light: An Arab-American Girlhood in the Middle East,” (She Writes Press, Sept. 5, 2023), acclaimed author Kathryn K. Abdul-Baki shares her multi-cultural coming-of-age story of belonging to two vastly different cultures, finding her place within both, and the search to find the inherent harmony in worlds at odds with each other. 

Set against the backdrop of the early American presence in Iran under the Shah, and the burgeoning years of Kuwait’s early oil boom, “Dancing into the Light” is Kathryn’s memoir of growing up within both the expatriate Western communities and the larger Middle Eastern society of Kuwait and Jerusalem. She is already caught in both the joys of and the struggle to be both Arab and American, yet not fully either, when her young life of promise is disrupted by tragedy. But instead of derailing her life, her mother’s death opens the door to deeper love and support from other places within Kathryn’s family. 

“Dancing into the Light” is a story of love, loss, and renewal, and of overcoming devastating early trauma through music, dancing, and the love and devotion of strong American and Arab women.

Praise for Kathryn K. Abdul-Baki’s previous works: 

“A promising debut collection…Place and character are vividly evoked and the distinct flavor of a different culture well caught…” – Kirkus Reviews on “Fields of Fig and Olive”

“It is difficult to heap enough praise on this author for her astonishingly vivid depictions of landscape and her ability to evoke spirit of place.” – Seattle Times on “Fields of Fig and Olive”

“Dancing Into the Light:

An Arab-American Girlhood in the Middle East”

Kathryn K. Abdul-Baki | Sept. 5, 2023 | She Writes Press | Memoir 

Paperback | ISBN 978-1-64742-537-1 | $17.95 

Ebook | ISBN 978-1-64742-538-8 | $9.95

Kathryn K. Abdul-Baki was born in Washington D.C. to an Arab father and an American mother. She grew up in Iran, Kuwait, Beirut, and Jerusalem where she attended Arabic, British, and American schools. She attended the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, has a BA in journalism from George Washington University in Washington D.C., and an MA in creative writing from George Mason University, Virginia. As an astute observer of two distinct cultures, she has published five works of fiction, some of which have been taught at universities in multicultural literature, women’s studies, and Arab studies departments. She is the recipient of the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award for short fiction. Abdul-Baki has three grown children and resides with her husband in McLean, Virginia. Find out more about her at www.KathrynAbdulBaki.com.

In an interview, Kathryn K. Abdul-Baki can discuss:

• Growing up immersed in disparate cultures, navigating cultural mores and values of two very different societies
• How people of diametrically different cultures and faiths can coexist in harmony when there is tolerance and respect for the other
• Dispelling stereotypes of Arab women and misconceptions about Middle Eastern cultures
• Life as a bi-cultural person in the Middle East – Kathryn’s mother was a Southern woman from Tennessee and her father was a Muslim from Jerusalem
• How she has seen Kuwait, Jerusalem and other parts of the Middle East change politically, socially and historically over her lifetime
• Experiences with grief at an early age, and how she found solace following the deaths of her mother and younger brother
• Overcoming devastating early trauma through music and dancing

An Interview with

Kathryn K. Abdul-Baki

Before we dive into everything else, would you please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?

My name is Kathryn Karjawally Abdul-Baki. My mother was from Old Hickory, Tennessee, near Nashville, and my father was from Jerusalem. My parents met and married in Washington D.C., where I was born. When I was 4, we moved to the Middle East for my father’s work. I grew up in Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Jerusalem, with trips to Honolulu to visit my American grandparents. I studied in Arab, British, and American schools in Kuwait and Lebanon, and I moved back to the United States with my husband after I got married at age 19 to continue my college education. Although we intended to return to Lebanon to live, the civil war there during the 1970s-80s prevented us from returning, so we stayed in the U.S. After living in New York and Bahrain for a number of years, we moved to Virginia. I have a journalism degree, but after briefly working in a newsroom I found my calling was in writing fiction, so I changed course and did my graduate studies in creative writing. I have written and published five novels, most of them set in the Middle East. This memoir, also set in the Middle East, is my first book of nonfiction.  

Your mother was a Southern woman from the United States, and your father was a Muslim man from Jerusalem. What was it like growing up with parents who had two very different cultural backgrounds?

My mother grew up in a family where accomplishment was important – her father was a dentist and her mother had an advanced degree in English and taught at the University level. Her family was relatively worldly, but it was still a shock to her parents when she dropped out of a prestigious university (Vanderbilt and Northwestern). She met and married my father, who had come to the U.S. from Jerusalem to study, in 1951. 

Although my father was Muslim, he was not conservative. My mother was agnostic, so there was no religious conflict in our home when I was growing up. We celebrated my mother’s American/Christian holiday traditions as well as my father’s Muslim/Arab holidays. My mother loved the Middle East for its casual lifestyle and family closeness, much as her Tennessee life had been growing up in Nashville and the surrounding towns. My father appreciated the United States as the land of opportunity. Their time in the Middle East in the 1950s and 60s was a time of great growth and change in the Middle East. Western values and lifestyles were influencing middle class Arabs and Iranians. 

As a child I felt little of my parents’ cultural differences. But after my mother died when I was 11, my life veered into a much more Arab lifestyle, and my father became much more strict, but only in the sense that I didn’t have the freedom to go to school parties or to date, for instance, which was not part of Arab culture. That became somewhat of an issue for me as a teenager when I felt very different and separate from my American friends because of the Arab values I was expected to adhere to.

You were born in Washington D.C., but your family relocated to the Middle East when you were a child. What are some of your most vivid memories from that time? 

We moved to Iran in 1956. As a child, I accepted the new culture and learned to speak Farsi. My father worked for the U.S. Department of Defense to set up English language schools for the Iranian military, so my parents were in Iran as expats. There was a small, thriving American community of military personnel and entrepreneurs in Tehran. Their lives were filled with parties, social obligations, and entertaining, and my earliest memories of Iran are of guests coming to our home and music and dancing in a large garden with a swimming pool, cherry trees, and rows of pansies and strawberries. There were winter trips to the mountain ski slopes, and I remember running with my parents to jump over bonfires set across the city during Norooz, the first day of spring, in the traditional Zoroastrian tradition. I started school in an American expat school in Tehran. 

Were there moments of culture shock?

I didn’t experience culture shock until we moved to Kuwait in 1958, where my father started work with an American oil company. In order for me to learn Arabic, since we only spoke English at home and my mother knew no Arabic, my mother enrolled me in an Arabic girls’ school in a fishing village near our expatriate American compound. I was the only non-Arabic-speaking child in the school of Kuwaiti and other Arab girls. At first I had no way to communicate and was very unhappy, but my mother insisted I continue to attend that school, so I learned Arabic quickly. The school’s curriculum included reciting Islamic prayers each morning and singing the Kuwaiti national anthem. Most of my Kuwaiti classmates’ mothers dressed in traditional Arab abayas, long black cloaks draping their heads and bodies, and many wore the black or gold face masks at that time, so they looked completely different from my mother who wore Western clothing and did not cover herself. As a child, I floated back and forth between the two cultures each day – the one in my American-style compound and other in the traditional Kuwaiti lifestyle of the village – and felt at home in both.

How did you navigate the cultural mores and values as a bi-cultural kid growing up in the Middle East?

As a kid, I studied both Arab history and culture in my Arabic school as well as American and European history and culture in my American correspondence curriculum with my expat American friends in our compound. I felt more American, because of my mother’s influence and because our household was very liberal. The Arabic/Islamic mores of the Middle East were secondary to our life, and there wasn’t much I was not allowed to do as a child. 

This changed only after my mother died and my father was left to raise me on his own, and reverted to his more conservative upbringing. As a pre-teen and teenager, my liberty was much more curtailed by rules of what I was (or was not) allowed to do as a young Arab girl from a respectable family. That became an issue for me as a teenager once I quit my Arab school and wanted to do more of what my American and British friends were doing socially. I was “different” according to my father, since he regarded me as an Arab, and I was not allowed to participate in parties at school. That’s when my life as a bi-cultural child started to conflict with my earlier American upbringing.

Did you realize when you were a kid that your family’s dynamic was somewhat unique compared to other families?

I had more freedom than some of my Arab cousins in Jerusalem because of my American lifestyle in our expat compound in Kuwait. None of my American friends in our residential compound spoke any Arabic, and only one attended my Arabic girls school for a short period. So, I was aware of having both lifestyles inside me and having to adhere to both, depending on where I was at any given time. It was often lonely because I felt “different” from both my Arab and American friends since I was not totally either. It often made me feel isolated and alone.

How do you explore the concept of coexistence in your book?

I have very tolerant families, both American and Arab, so I tried to show how everyone  got along and respected each other’s backgrounds, although few on either side of my family had done any international travel. My Arab family always accepted and respected my mother’s American heritage. My Arab aunts and uncles knew that I was different because of my American mother and accepted that. My American extended family, while less exposed to the Arab way of life, also accepted my Arab heritage. Occasionally I saw that the two cultures had different ideas of what values to instill in us children, but nobody ever made an issue of the fact that I had to straddle both cultures, and they good-naturedly acknowledged the differences I held within myself.  In my memoir I try to show the tolerance on both sides that allowed me to feel comfortable in both cultures. 

What are some common (but inaccurate) stereotypes of Arab women? How do you dispel those stereotypes? How do you navigate people who are unwilling to hear your efforts to dispel these stereotypes? 

The Arab world is large and varied culturally so Arab women come from very different backgrounds. A woman from Saudi Arabia or Yemen or the Arab Emirates, might have a different historical background and reference than a woman from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon or Palestine. There are more liberal Arab societies and more conservative ones, and even within one society there are different values depending on one’s education, social class, etc. But one concept often prevalent in the West is that Arab women are downtrodden and weak, or powerless. This is not true. Arab women are extremely strong and resilient and whether in the home or in employment have a good deal to say and decisions to make. Even the homemakers among my aunts and my father’s cousins were in charge of large households and many held jobs. While none of the older Arab women I grew up with “dated” in the American sense, or had powerful jobs outside the home, I saw the women as powerful and very nurturing of all the extended family. Most of the women of my generation worked as well as took care of homes. 

When I first came to this country (the United States) after growing up in the Middle East I was often asked, “How was it growing up with all that oppression of women?” I was surprised because I’d never actually seen women in my family being oppressed, although I was aware some other women were. Especially women of less financial means or from conservative villages. But I never felt I was prohibited from following a career path or anything else I wanted to do. I grew up in Beirut and Kuwait in the late ‘50s, ‘60s, and early 70s where we wore what we wanted, within limits. In Beirut, miniskirts on the streets or bikinis on the beach was perfectly fine. In Kuwait, one had to be modest in public – no shorts for women in the streets – but within our expat compound women could mostly dress any way they  pleased. 

That said, there also is much need to expand women’s rights across the Middle East, as in most societies. Work is being done to expand punishment for crimes against women and there are great efforts and legislation being expanded to end child-marriage, often still prevalent in some segments of societies, or honor killing, when a female in the family is killed for sexual transgressions. Much more needs to be done and it can’t come soon enough. 

You experienced grief at a very young age, first with the death of your brother after an experimental heart surgery and then with the death of your mother from cancer. Can you discuss how your family — especially the women — supported you during those times of loss and trauma? How can we learn from their approach?

You never expect such sad things to happen to your family, but they do. My brother died  unexpectedly at the age of 2 when I was 9. Then my mother developed cancer. My mother had to come to the United States for treatment when I was 10 which left me alone with my father at home in Kuwait for much of the time. 

We had a housekeeper from the Mount of Olives who was like a second mother to me.  Also, my father’s sisters in Jerusalem were very supportive, and my father’s older unmarried sister came to Kuwait and stayed with us for months each year, and became another mother to me. All of my father’s sisters and female cousins in Jerusalem became surrogate mothers. All of them had adored my American mother and respected the fact that I’d been brought up differently than they or their children had, and so nobody ever tried to change me or make me more Arab than I was. 

My American grandmother living in Honolulu wrote to me constantly and sent me books and records and tape recordings (no internet in those days) of her talking to me, so she was a constant presence in my life. She still regarded me as “American,”  and had a more difficult time watching me become a teenager and adapting more “Arab” habits, such as being slightly more modest or demure than she would have expected. I still wore shorts and had an American outlook, but I wasn’t allowed to date, for instance, and she worried that my father’s more conservative upbringing would hinder my personal growth. But all of my female relatives on both sides of my family stepped in as surrogate mothers, and I owe a lot to their love and care. In addition, when my father eventually remarried, his Arab wife was a kind and loving step-mother and her mother and four  sisters became big influences in my life. Her sisters were professionals – lawyers, painters, photographers –so I grew up with even more Arab female role models to emulate.

Your book opens and closes with memories of dancing. How has dance played a role throughout your life? Where did that passion come from?

Dancing and music was an intrinsic part of my family life ever since I can remember. My father was a good dancer and had taken ballroom dance lessons in college and he and my mother held frequent dance parties in our home in Tehran and later in Kuwait. Everyone danced at parties it seemed to me, both the Latin American dances of tango and cha-cha and samba, or Arabic dances such as Lebanese line-dancing called dabke, or belly dancing. I thought every family danced because my parents did. My father particularly liked Harry Belafonte’s island tunes and I grew up with Belafonte being played regularly on our stereo. My father’s love of dance continued even after my mother died, and our family dance parties with friends and extended family became a solace to both of us during that sad time. My father would light up whenever he danced, so I feel he passed that on to me. I often accompanied him as a preteen and teenager to adult dance parties in our expat community in Kuwait. Dancing was a way of life for me,  although I had only sporadic formal dance lessons as a child. As an adult I took up dancing again and began to teach Latin social dancing and Argentine tango. Men who dance like my father still feel wonderful to dance with and bring back all my joyful childhood memories.

How has the Middle East changed since your upbringing?

The Middle East was a peaceful and happy place when I was growing up in Kuwait, Iran, Jerusalem and Lebanon. We would read about the Vietnam war and other conflicts and feel lucky it didn’t touch us. 

On my trips to Hawaii as a child to visit my grandparents, I often attended the local public school for a month or so because my Kuwait schools didn’t start until after the hottest months were over. In the early 60s, children in American public schools were trained to take cover in case of a nuclear attack. This seemed very odd to me. I felt relieved that in my Arab home and schools we never had to fear such total destruction. 

The Six Day War in 1967 when I was 15 changed my Jerusalem family’s life forever. East Jerusalem became part of Israel rather than Jordan and many of my Arab cousins left for work and opportunities elsewhere. There have been major wars in Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq since I left which have caused a major brain drain in the region. Yet, the Middle East remains very dear to me and I visit whenever I can.

PRAISE FOR KATHRYN ABDUL-BAKI’S PREVIOUS BOOKS

“Fields of Fig and Olive”

“The stories offer insights into the cloistered world of Arab women…how women find means of expressing themselves in severely circumscribed settings.” 

– Los Angeles Times Book Review

“In her Middle East world, sexual roles are sternly defined and jealously protected.  But you don’t have to be antediluvian to love the exotic settings and the humanity of the people in the 14 stories by Abdul-Baki.  She has been blessed with the ability to make foreignness familiar.”

– Chicago Sun-Times

“An excellent ‘translator’ of Middle East sensibilities, particularly those of women.  Her politics are feminist, her theme is human ethics, and her writing is finely honed.”

– Ms. Magazine

“This collection is truly a breakthrough in the world of Middle Eastern literature…written in English by someone who has a foot planted…in both the West and the Middle East.”

– Rocky Mountain News

“She challenges Western ways of thinking about the nature and behavior of Arab women and men and causes us to question some of our assumptions about the intricate relationships of families and lovers.”

– The Trenton Times

“Abdul-Baki’s skillful and realistic presentation of characters, along with her masterly use of flashback and other narrative techniques, contributes to making her collection one of the most successful of its kind.”

– World Literature Today

“Tower of Dreams”

“She is a skilled craftsman…The spirit of place and landscape are palpable…she shines in her ability to penetrate the psyche of young Arab women.”

– Seattle Times

“Ghost Songs”

“A tranquil and beautiful novel…[it] gradually heats up into a thorough and tense examination of cultural mores—both Arabic and American—without ever becoming judgmental.”

– Philadelphia City Paper

“She presents Arab culture…in narratives of exquisite technique, deep insights, and beautiful English…it bids fair to establish her as an Arab-American fiction writer worthy of wide recognition.”

– World Literature Today

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

“Yellowjackets” meets “The Taking of Jake Livingston” in acclaimed author’s first foray into dark, paranormal horror

NEW YORK CITY, New York – Lambda Literary Award Finalist and acclaimed author, Kosoko Jackson, explodes onto the horror scene with “The Forest Demands Its Due” (Quill Tree Books, October 3rd, 2023), a chilling examination of how society perpetuates violence against marginalized teens. Jackson is a literary powerhouse whose holistic representation of Black, queer youth spans across genres. Sink into this haunting, heart-pounding dark academia that critiques racism in education and combats the “bury your gays” trope. “The Forest Demands Its Due” aims to encourage young people to push back against the manipulative world of the elite and to step into their power. 

Seventeen-year-old Douglas Jones wants nothing to do with Regent Academy’s king-making or nefarious history; he’s just trying to survive. Until a student is murdered and the next day no one remembers he ever existed, except for Douglas and the groundskeeper’s son, Everett Everley. In his determination to uncover the truth, Douglas awakens a horror hidden within the forest surrounding Regent, unearthing secrets that have been buried for centuries. A vengeful creature wants blood as payment for a debt more than 300 years in the making—or it will swallow all of Winslow in darkness. For the first time in his life, Douglas might have a chance to grasp the one thing he’s always felt was missing: power. 

But if he’s not careful, he will find out that power has a tendency to corrupt absolutely everything.

“The Forest Demands Its Due”

Kosoko Jackson | October 3rd, 2023 | Quill Tree Books, HarperCollins

Fantasy Horror

Print | 9790063260794 | $19.99

KOSOKO JACKSON: Kosoko Jackson is a digital media specialist, focusing on digital storytelling, and a Masters of Fine Arts professor at Seton Hill University. Occasionally, his personal essays and short stories have been featured on Medium, Thought Catalog, The Advocate, and some literary magazines. When not writing novels that champion holistic representation of Black queer men across genres, he can be found obsessing over movies, drinking his (umpteenth) London Fog, or spending far too much time on Twitter. He is a Lambda Literary Finalist,  and an avid Taylor Swift fan. THE FOREST DEMANDS ITS DUE is his 3rd young adult novel, but his first foray into horror. Find out more about Kosoko Jakcson on his website. 

Follow Kosoko Jackson on social media: 

Twitter: @kosokojackson | Instagram: @kosokojackson

In an interview, Kosoko Jackson can discuss:

• How systemic racism in education informed the plot for of the book 
• The “bury your gays” trope in popular media and why he wanted to push against this problematic, limiting theme in entertainment 
• The parallels that exist between the monstrous forest and today’s society 
• How gothic fairy tales, Disney movies, and The Brothers Grimm inspired the book 
• What he hopes this book will accomplish and inspire especially in the midst of rising legislative hatred towards LGBTQ+ people 
• Why he decided to delve into the horror genre 

Advanced praise for “The Forest Demands Its Due”

“THE FOREST DEMANDS ITS DUE is an atmospheric horror mystery about refusing to be prey to the powerful monsters that are determined to swallow you whole. Kosoko Jackson deftly explores what it means to truly end cycles of suffering, and how the cruelest monsters are often not monsters at all.” 

–Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of “Cemetery Boys” and “The Sunbearer Trials” 

“Enter at your own risk, for these woods are ravenous. The Forest Demands Its Due is Kosoko Jackson doing what he does best: delivering a compelling, raw, and delightfully horrific tale that howls with all the haunted depths of a truly cursed forest.”

 –Ryan La Sala, bestselling author of “The Honeys”

“A non-stop roller coaster of suspense and intrigue, Jackson has crafted a tale rife with terrifying thrills, a perfectly ominous setting, and a healthy dose of heart.” 

–Kalynn Bayron, New York Times bestselling author of “Cinderella is Dead”

“Strange magic, mad creatures and cruel curses abound in this eerie tale of becoming. This book calls to you sure as the dark forest calls to Douglas — and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll answer that call.”

 –Chuck Wendig, New York Times bestselling author of “Aftermath”

“A gruesome modern fairytale like THE FOREST DEMANDS ITS DUE doesn’t come along often—this bloody, romantic tale gets its claws in you right from the start. I loved it.” –Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of “For The Wolf”

“Magic, mystery and murder combine in Jackson’s dark academia thriller that will have you jumping at shadows and eager to stay out of the woods. Sharp, visceral, and all together stunning, The Forest Demands Its Due will haunt you long after the last page.” 

–Sasha Peyton Smith, New York Times bestselling author of “Witch Haven”

“Kosoko Jackson’s compellingly complex dark academia captures the magic that is taking life into one’s own hands, of who gets seen as a monster and who is afforded humanity—a riveting exploration of academic privilege that flips the “chosen one” script on its head. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Douglas. This is THE dark academia. Don’t you dare miss it.”

 –Victoria Lee, bestselling author of “A Lesson In Vengeance”

“THE FOREST DEMANDS ITS DUE is a delightful blend of fables and curses. Readers that love dark academia or haunted forests will revel in the atmospheric prose and determined protagonist. Kosoko Jackson pulls no punches, crafting a book that captivates and thrills”

 –Emily Lloyd-Jones

Praise for “I’m So Not Over You”

“Jackson jumps from an outstanding YA debut with Yesterday Is History to deliver a delightfully outrageous romantic comedy full of pop culture references, strong families, and a ride-or-die BFF.” —Library Journal, Starred Review

“This nuanced romance marks Jackson as a writer to watch in the adult sphere.” —Publishers Weekly

“A snappy, sizzling, downright delightful book from Jackson, a welcome and fresh new voice in rom-coms.” —Julia Whelan, author of My Oxford Year

An Interview with Kosoko Jackson

Why was it important to set this book in the middle of a prestigious academic institution? How does “The Forest Demand Its Due” comment on systemic racism in education? 

As someone who grew up in a predominantly white institution (PWI), I remember how hard it was to navigate this space while holding onto my Blackness and not feeling like a part of me had to be sacrificed to survive. Georgetown University, and its history of slaves used to build its historic institution, is an example (and was a huge inspiration for this novel). The Forest Demands Its Due is a story that discusses how these spaces chip away at the parts that make anyone unique, and how these “king and queen” maker institutions demand more from you than most are willing to pay, in order to succeed. I wanted to talk about that through a lens of magic, horror and fantasy to keep readers on the edge of their seat, but also teach them a small bit about how the world functions for marginalized people.

How does “The Forest Demand Its Due” push back against the “bury your gays” trope in popular media? Why was it so important to you to combat this trope?  

So often queer characters die to further the plot of books. When I decided to write horror, I remembered something Jordan Peele said, “Black characters won’t die in my movies”, and it made me think how those are the stories I want to write. Queer characters can be more than plot devices, and if they do die, their deaths should mean something, not just motivate a straight character to act. It was important for me to have queer characters that could be seen as heroes, villains, complex, and every adjective possible; not just plot elements. 

Can you describe the parallels between the forest and our society today? What comparisons do you want readers to think critically about while reading this novel?

Without giving too much away, The Forest in my novel is a living, adaptable forest, with things called Emissaries—animal, human, floral hybrids that serve a master—and Perversions—a perverted version of an Emissary that has given into darkness, patrolling the grounds. The forest also consumes the memories of someone’s existence if they die within the fictional town of Winsow, VT. I wanted to discuss how history swallows its victims whole, unless there is someone–or someones–to advocate for them and usually those people are wealthy, successful or powerful people who have the ability to manipulate the story. Very similar to those who are immune to the effects of The Forest.

Can you talk about the inspiration of other media that inspired the book? (Disney movies, Brothers Grimm, gothic fairy tales, etc.) 

I’m a huge fan of fairy tales. Not to spoil anything in the book, but a big part of this is the gothic tale you learn about in the story, who gets to write history, and how history is twisted to suit the writers. I’m also a big fan of historical documents, and how history and time twists these documents, depending on your knowledge base and culture, to tell a different tale. Think about quotes–such as blood is thicker than water–which mean completely different things if you know the full expression. Or let them eat cake, something Antoinette never said. That’s a big theme in this novel. 

What do you hope this book will accomplish and inspire especially in the midst of rising legislative hatred towards LGBTQ+ people?

Queer books are here to stay, let me be clear. There is no such thing as clean or dirty YA books. Books are books, they inherently are not morally bad or good. But I do hope this novel expands some readers’ knowledge on what books with queer characters can have, and how integral queerness is, not only to history, but to storytelling. This book wouldn’t be the same book if written straight; but that doesn’t mean it’s a book you shouldn’t read. In fact, I’d argue if it’s your first queer novel, it’s a perfect introduction into such a fabulous group of books.

You are widely known for your successful romance novels, what inspired you to dive into paranormal horror? 

I’ve also loved horror, and something I’ve wanted to explore for years. Hereditary, The Exorcist, Midsommar, Panic Room…just to name a few are some of my favorite horror movies. I think horror is such a reflection of society and a representation of social justice in an accessible way. Horror is all about taking a concept people fear, and making it into a big bad worth conquering. Queer kids, and Black kids, deserve the same too, which, at its core, is what the big bads in this novel are; threats against queerness and Blackness. 

What is next for you as a writer? 

I have my next YA novel coming out in 2024! I can’t give away much, but it’s about exorcisms, who gets exercised and the power of darkness. 

Praise for “Yesterday is History”

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! —Junior Library Guild

 ⭐ “A stellar novel that today’s teens needed yesterday.” —Booklist, STARRED Review

“In a novel with exciting representation of a gay Black teen where identity isn’t the issue, readers will appreciate the realistic nuance of Andre’s frankness when talking about the White privilege Blake and his family exhibit that makes them unable to see how different and potentially dangerous time traveling is for a 17-year-old Black boy… A skillful and engrossing time-travel adventure.” —Kirkus Reviews

Praise for “A Dash of Salt and Pepper”

“Jackson’s sexy grumpy/sunshine romantic comedy will grab readers from the first page. Highly recommended for all collections.”—Library Journal

“Sparks fly in and out of the kitchen in this age-gap contemporary romance.”—Kirkus Reviews

A wonderful small-town romance with a vibrant voice. You’ll love spending time with Xavier and Logan in Harper’s Cove.”—Jackie Lau, author of Donut Fall in Love

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

LAKEVILLE, Connecticut – Prolific lawyer-turned-fiction writer T.C. Morrison is back with his signature humor and  incisive social commentary, exposing the absurdities of modern American litigation with his latest side-splitting satire, “Send in The Tort Lawyer$” (Sept. 12, 2023, iBooks). Prepare to  laugh until you cry as fearless tort lawyers Pap and Pup navigate uproarious lawsuits that are endemic of our time. 

In “Send in The Tort Lawyer$”, Patrick A. Peters (“Pap”) and Prescott U. Peters (“Pup”) — whose zany exploits delighted readers in Morrison’s previous standalone novels — find themselves in a lawsuit on behalf of consumers who bought what turned out to be worthless crypto currency from the now bankrupt FUX; lawsuits challenging the labeling of Godiva Belgian Chocolates and a Vermont company’s ice cream purportedly made from the milk of “happy cows”; and yet another lawsuit on behalf of the unforgettable Lydia Lowlace, who’s image from Playboy is now part of a collection of non-fungible tokens sold by an off-shore start-up.

Morrison, who spent over 40 years trying cases around the country and arguing appeals in eight of the 11 federal courts of appeal, brilliantly weaves a tale that will reduce readers to tears while also examining modern-day American litigation and the abuses of the class-action system. Poking good-natured fun at his own profession and its practitioners, “Send in The Tort Lawyer$” is sure to delight with its humor and message.

“Send in The Tort Lawyer$”

T.C. Morrison | Sept. 12, 2023 | iBooks | Fiction 

Hardcover | 9781596879867 | $27.95 

Other Books by T.C. Morrison

“This excellent satire exposes the extreme tort judicial excesses of today. … Read this book for the rare combination of enjoyment and education.” — Gene Dattel, retired investment banker and author

“Tort$ R Us”

Patrick A. Peters (“Pap”) and his twin brother Prescott U. Peters (“Pup”) are lawyers with a distinctive eye for opportunity. Pap convinces Pup, who is a good lawyer despite having gone to Yale Law School, that they should leave their respective big-firm practices in New York City to start up a hopefully lucrative practice as plaintiffs’ class action lawyers. The brothers meet a variety of clients, judges, and lawyers as they embark on a resourceful and unique approach to lawyer-client relationships all inspired by actual court cases. Written with humor and parlance that only comes from a depth of legal experience, Morrison captures the trials and tribulations of human behavior that strike a chord with every reader.

“Another riotous romp through the courts … A fun read for anyone interested in seeing the
lighter side of the staid legal profession.” — Bob Scherer, retired trademark lawyer

“Please Pass the Tort$”

Patrick A. Peters (“Pap”) and Prescott U. Peters (“Pup”), the intrepid tort lawyers whose zany exploits delighted readers of Torts R Us, return with another round of legal shenanigans guaranteed to make you laugh until you cry. Their latest antics include a lawsuit against the Russian government for entrapping a well-known Congressman in a honey trap, attempting to liberate all the chimpanzees in the Bronx Zoo, and representing the unforgettable Lydia Lowlace in lawsuits against unscrupulous strip club owners and video game makers who have taken advantage of her sudden fame. The brothers even concoct a plan to revitalize Connecticut’s three poorest cities by turning them into a mecca for nationwide tort lawsuits. Settle into your favorite chair to make sure you don’t fall on the floor laughing at the latest exploits of these lovable lawyers who will stop at nothing in their pursuit of publicity, fame, fun and money.

About the Author

T.C. MORRISON grew up in Columbus, Ohio. A graduate of Otterbein University (Ohio) and New York University School Of Law, Morrison followed his education with four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps. He then returned to the New York City law firm Rogers and Wells where he had been a summer associate, becoming a partner in 1975. In 1977, he joined Patterson Belknap Webb and Tyler, where he served as a litigation partner for 34 years and became a well-known leader in the field of advertising and trademark litigation. He spent his last five years as a partner in the New York office of the Los Angeles-based firm Manett, Phelps and Phillips.

During his final year of practice, Morrison began thinking about his long-held desire to write a novel. Believing that most lawyers take themselves far too seriously, he conceived the idea of a farcical novel about class action lawyers and their quest for fame and fortune, often at the expense of their clients, leading to his first “book, Tort$ ‘R’ Us.” His second book, “Please Pass the Tort$,” received exclusively five-star reviews on Amazon and was featured in an article by Mackensie Dawson in the December 5, 2021 issue of the New York Post. Learn more about Morrison’s work at https://tortsrusbook.com/.

In an interview, T.C. Morrison can discuss:

• How his latest book delves into the timely issue of cryptocurrency
• Balancing humor with a tongue-in-cheek look at the legal system
• Using satire as a tool for analyzing America’s legal system, specifically the abuses of the class-action system
• What he hopes readers will glean from his work and the important insight it provides into the American justice system
• His time as a partner at law firms, the impact he made with his practice and how that has informed his writing

An interview with T.C. Morrison

1. What first drew you to writing fiction? 

I have a lifelong love of fiction and have always wanted to write a novel. In fact, during my four years in the Air Force, I wrote a “spy” novel.  Fortunately, it was never published.  As my legal career wound down, I resumed thinking about writing a novel. I quickly realized that, while I knew nothing about spies except what I read in spy novels, I knew a lot about lawyers and lawsuits. And it didn’t take me long to realize that I did not want to write a legal “thriller” or any kind of nonfiction book about the law; I wanted to write a satire about the profession that would generate lots of laughs.

2. Why did you decide to use satire specifically to get your points across regarding the American legal system?

My objective was not to make a point about the American legal system but to write a humorous book about my profession. I have always thought that many, maybe most, lawyers take themselves too seriously and that there is a lot of humor in the cases we litigate and the way we interact with adversaries and judges. Now, the abuse of the class-action mechanism is, in my judgment, one of  the best examples of the excesses of American litigation. But a “serious” book on that subject would be of scant interest to most readers. By making my protagonists lovable rascals who bring sometimes dubious class actions on behalf of clients who are lovable eccentrics, I can serve up the humor in a way that also makes a serious point about modern class action litigation.  

3. Where did this story come from? Did you pull any real experiences from cases during your practice?

Every case in book one (“Tort$ R Us”) and most of the cases in books two and three are takeoffs on real cases. And the cases in the first part of book one — which explore Pap’s and Pup’s legal careers before they formed their class-action firm — are all based on cases that I personally tried. So while my starting point is real-life cases, the nice thing about writing legal fiction is that you can change the facts to suit your purpose. For example, while there have indeed been several cases involving attempts to free chimpanzees and elephants from zoos, none of them have centered on the use of an expert in animal communication to speak with the animals and recount the animals’ feelings and wishes in courtroom testimony. My character Dr. Doolittle — who appears in both books two and three —  does just that to great comic effect.

4. Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration was Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22,” which I read on my way to Korea in the Air Force. I loved the way Heller was able to turn everything — every character and every conversation — into farce. The numerous spurious class-action cases filed every year, and the constant ads by class-action lawyers soliciting clients to avenge every imaginable wrong, provide the necessary fodder for my efforts.    

5. Not to spoil anything, but your new book centers on the hot topic of cryptocurrency. What drew you to writing about NFTs and did you do any special research to learn more about them?

The news of the FTX cryptocurrency debacle was breaking just as I was starting to write the current book. The story was covered daily in both The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post, and I supplemented those stories with online research. The underlying story was so preposterous — people pouring billions of dollars into a cryptocurrency that had no inherent value and a company run by a 30-year-old kid wearing shorts, sandals and a T-shirt who was thought to be brilliant because he was so eccentric — needed no fictional embellishment. I didn’t have to make anything up; it all happened in real life.  This case is the exception to most of the cases in my books: It is actually a perfect use of class-action litigation as millions of people suffered huge financial losses due to a really bad scheme. I used my deep experience in false advertising litigation to come up with a remedy for Pap and Pup to pursue on behalf of the individuals who lost tons of money in the scheme and who could never recover their losses from the company itself.

6. What do your fellow lawyers think about your fiction work?

My fellow colleagues in the profession have uniformly loved the first two books. That includes former partners, former clients and a couple of federal judges. One of them said he had not laughed so hard since reading “Portnoy’s Complaint.” Even the executive director of the Tort Museum — the Ralph Nader-funded museum in Winstead, Connecticut, that is a shrine to tort lawyers — enjoyed the book and engaged with me in a fun podcast. While the class-action lawyers who advertise on television for clients may not appreciate the books, I think most lawyers recognize that there is lots of humor in our profession and especially in the ever-growing number of lawsuits filed to redress every conceivable wrong.

7. How does this new book differ from your previous books?

This book is really a continuation of the saga of Pap and Pup and their innovative,  aggressive class-action law firm. A new associate has joined the firm, and Chip, the firm’s wildly successful Lothario, quickly beds her as well as a new client while maintaining his relationships with Candy (the firm’s voluptuous paralegal), Lydia (the former lap dancer and Playboy centerfold) and Francoise (his live-in girlfriend). New wacky clients are introduced, including Dr. Irene Goodknight (a sleep doctor) and Peachy Keane (a retired advertising executive), and Dr. Doolittle (the animal communicator) is pressed into action in two separate cases. What is different in this book is that one of the firm’s new cases — against celebrities who shamelessly promoted the sale of cryptocurrency by the now bankrupt FUX company — is an appropriate and sound use of the class-action mechanism. 

8. What projects are you working on next?

I am a bit of a one-trick pony so I plan to continue with another book in the Pap and Pup series. My computer consultant, who has helped me with computer matters for all three books, has suggested I bring AI into the picture. This is, of course, a huge development  with enormous consequences for the country;  it is also chock full of legal issues, some of which are quite amusing. For example, an AI “lawyer” was named to the best lawyers in America list; a lawyer was recently rebuked by a judge for filing a brief full of phony precedents that was generated by AI; and a recent lawsuit was generated solely by AI.  So, this field is rife with possibilities.

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Proceeds from book sales to benefit the Breast Cancer Alliance Charity

Ellicott City, MD–A journey through the innovative photography of G.B. Smith, the book “Pathways” (G Editions LLC, Nov. 7, 2023) features select photos from many of Smith’s current collections, including several of his recent multi-award winning images. The curation represents the broad spectrum of his eclectic subjects and reflects the simplicity and uncluttered form of his distinctive black and white style. Informed by his experience with color blindness, Smith’s work encourages the viewer to examine a world that exists beyond color.

Smith explains, “I use only black and white and mostly minimalist imagery, believing profoundly that less is more.”

Among Smith’s many accolades are three consecutive Gold Medals in the architecture, fine art and nature categories at the Prix de la Photographie awards in Paris. 

Believing that art should make a positive impact, Smith will be donating proceeds from the sales of “Pathways” to the Breast Cancer Alliance.

“Pathways”

G.B. Smith | November 7, 2023 | G Editions LLC | Art, Photography

Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1943876471 | $85.00

About the Artist…

“I have long admired G.B. Smith’s singular ability to focus and to strip away distractions to help others see the most important elements….he studies his subjects with care and thinks deeply about all that he wants us to see.”

–Lawton W. Fitt, former head of The Royal Academy of Arts

G.B. Smith: Born in the industrial heartland of England, G.B. Smith began his photographic journey almost fifty years ago as a teenager in apprenticeship of traditional film techniques both in the darkroom and with large plate cameras. The simplicity and deliberateness of his images today reflect the mindfulness of this traditional approach, manifested in modern digital technology. Having grown up with extreme color blindness, Smith strips away visual distractions to focus on the structures and patterns as he sees them. His images bring solace to a psyche constantly overwhelmed by the overstimulation of color, and encourage us to look beyond color. Given his industrial heritage, many of his studies gravitate toward decaying man-made structures and their interaction with the regenerative power of nature. A truly global citizen, having lived on multiple continents and worked extensively in six, Smith now resides in Maryland. To learn more, visit: www.gbsmith.com and follow him on Instagram @g.b.smith.photography

In an interview, G.B. Smith can discuss:

• His journey as a photographer, from his teenage start to his current artistic prowess
• How being color-blind contributes to his signature minimalist, black-and-white approach to photography
• Why he’s donating proceeds from book sales to the Breast Cancer Alliance, underscoring his commitment to making a positive impact through art
• The Baltimore-area imagery featured in the book, offering a captivating narrative rooted in his surroundings
• His “other persona” as one of the longest serving CEOs of a public high technology company, and its influence on his artistic approach

An Interview with

G.B. Smith

1. What has your photography journey been like? What is your photographic philosophy? 

My journey began over 50 years ago as a teenager, learning the fundamentals of the craft in the darkroom and with large plate cameras. I was immediately captivated by the ability to envision, craft and produce images as a unique personal expression and to be in control of the whole process. My philosophical approach to photography is to try to distill the subject down to its essence, presenting its uncluttered form and flows, without the distraction of color and other elements. Therefore I often use minimalist imagery, truly believing that less is indeed more.

2. How did you select which photos to include in “Pathways”?

I selected images from several of my current collections, including many recent award winning images. I endeavor to take the viewer through a journey around the image using light to illuminate the pathways. The common theme amongst them is the way light informs and accentuates the flows around the image, regardless of the subjects, be they landscapes, industrial or architectural. The selected images all present a simplicity of this minimalist form.

3. Your work draws attention to both man-made, architectural structures and more organic, natural forms. How do you choose your subjects?

I study and seek out locations and subjects that present me with the opportunity to strip away the distractions and capture the essence of the subject in a way that might not be obvious. My visualization test is all about being able to see these forms and flows of the subject be they natural landscapes or man-made structures. I often visit the same locations or subjects multiple times to explore the different patterns of light and conditions.

4. Why do you only shoot in black-and-white?

I have grown up with acute color blindness so have always had a restricted visual vocabulary. However, this enables me to strip away the distractions of color and to focus on the structures and patterns as I see them. Therefore black and white imagery best represents how I see the world and I believe encourages people to look beyond the overstimulation of color and to appreciate the essence of the subject.

5. Outside of being an award-winning photographer, you’re also one of the longest serving CEOs of a public tech company. How do you balance your business role with your artistic pursuits?

Photography provides a balance in my life and a very different artistic outlet. I returned to my original photographic passion when my family grew up and I had a little more time. I believe I perform better in my corporate role because of this balance. My ability to distill things down to their essence permeates both my photography and my approach to business.

6. Why did you decide to donate the proceeds from book sales to breast cancer awareness?

My family was directly affected by breast cancer like that of many of my friends and colleagues. My wife Stacia had breast cancer in her early forties and we were fortunate enough to receive incredible treatment and care. This is a way of paying it forward to help others and the Breast Cancer Alliance is an amazing organization that provides care to the underserved, innovative research and educational fellowships on a national basis. By combining these two passions I am using my art to make a positive difference.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

In this touching new story, a Muslim boy takes care of a beloved garden for his Jewish friend who is forced to flee Morocco during WWII

BOSTON, MA – Based on a true story, Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams’ new picture book, “The Promise,” highlights the love that unites a Jewish and Muslim boy during both times of peace and times of struggle. A timeless tale of quiet heroism and the power of friendship to transcend differences (and distances), complete with beautiful watercolor illustrations from Cinzia Battistel, this moving story will appeal to readers of all ages.

A garden is a prayer. It is also a promise. 

About the book: In a Moroccan village, a Jewish boy and a Muslim boy are best friends. Jacob and Hassan play together every day in the cool shade of Jacob’s family garden. They take care of the garden together, watching the roses and the orange trees grow tall. When news of terrible things happening to Jews in Europe reaches their little village, Jacob’s family must leave Morocco. Hassan promises to care for their beloved garden. “While the garden lives, our friendship will never die,” Jacob says. Years pass until, one day, the prayer of the garden is answered. 

“The Promise”

Bridget Hodder & Fawzia Gilani-Williams 

September 5, 2023 | Lerner / Kar-Ben | Children’s, Picture Book

Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1728460246 | $19.99

Paperback | ISBN: 978-1728460314 | $8.99

About the authors…

BRIDGET HODDER: Bridget, a Sephardic Jew, has decades of experience as a reading and communication specialist, working primarily with young people with learning disabilities. She is the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. Her first Middle Grade book, “The Rat Prince,” was published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. “The Rat Prince” was an ILA Children’s Choice List starred selection, an Amazon Hot List pick, and was a finalist for the Mythopoeic Society award in Children’s Fantasy Literature. She co-wrote her second, Kirkus-starred, middle grade book, “The Button Box,” with Fawzia Gilani-Williams. Bridget lives in the Boston area. To learn more about Bridget’s life and work, visit her website: ​​http://bridgethodder.com/ 

Follow Bridget on social media:

Facebook: @BridgetHodderAuthor | Twitter: @BridgetsBooks 

FAWZIA GILANI-WILLIAMS, PhD: Fawzia, who is Muslim, was born and raised in England, where she became an elementary school teacher. An internationally experienced educator, Fawzia has worked in England, the United States, and Canada. Her writing explores moral power, quiet heroism, and multicultural cognizance, and her research interests include child identity and empowerment, and Islamic critical theory. She currently works as a cluster librarian in the UAE, where she manages elementary school libraries. Her book, “Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam,” illustrated by Chiara Fedele and published in 2017 by Lerner Books’ Kar-Ben imprint, was awarded a silver medal by the Sydney Taylor Book Award. To learn more about Fawzia’s life and work, visit her website: http://fawziagilani.com/ 

In an interview, Bridget Hodder can discuss:

• The true story of Lahcen and Moshe that inspired “The Promise”
• The historical events that would have brought Jacob’s and Hassan’s families together in Morocco
• Why “religious tolerance” isn’t enough, and the importance of highlighting lasting interfaith friendships
• The meaning behind the phrase “a garden is a prayer and a promise”
• What she hopes readers of all ages will take away from this story

An Interview with

Bridget Hodder

1. What inspired you to write “The Promise”?

My friend and co-author, Fawzia, found an article in a newspaper and sent it to me.  It told the true story of an elderly Muslim man in a Moroccan village who is still caring for the family graveyard of his beloved childhood Jewish friend who moved away during the disruption of late WWII. She loved it so much that she wrote a story about it, but it just wasn’t clicking for her. When she invited me to co-author this book, I realized the stumbling block for Picture Book audiences was probably the graveyard aspect. So I re-imagined the center of the story to be a Sephardic garden, an oasis of beauty and love that is a metaphor for the evergreen friendship between the two boys, who eventually become men. The book came together quickly after that!

2. This is your second collaboration with Fawzia Gilani-Williams. What is your co-writing process like? Is it at all like Jacob and Hassan tending the same garden?

We love writing together. The work is indeed parallel to tending a beautiful garden…one that brings joy through long and patient labor, which offers a space of reflection and growth to those who enter it with us.

In more specific terms, our process is much more complex than writing a book on your own.  One of us comes up with the idea for a story and writes a draft, then shares it with the other. We trade comments, make big changes, and email back and forth. Then, we progress to Zoom calls where we get into the details, making sure the representation of our respective religions and cultures are right, checking for emotional resonance and depth, reading dialogue aloud. It’s lively and challenging, particularly in light of the 8 hour time difference between Boston and the United Arab Emirates!

3. What kind of conversations do you hope “The Promise” will start?

In a world that profits by emphasizing and even promoting division, “The Promise” reminds us that the human heart thrives on unity and community. And the roots of that unity are respect, friendship, and faith. And I’m not necessarily talking about religious faith. History teaches us that when we join together and work toward a better tomorrow, we can actually achieve it. We must keep our best promises, now and for generations to come. I hope “The Promise” will help teachers, parents, and kids of all ages to keep this simple truth in their hearts, and be inspired to hope.

From a more focused point of view, the book uplifts Sephardic Jewish and Muslim voices amidst a rise in antisemitism and anti-Muslim prejudice. It also highlights the fact that, in spite of what others might tell us, religious and cultural differences do not make us natural enemies. Friendship, honor and love can grow and spread joy like the branches and blossoms of Jacob and Moshe’s climbing roses– no matter when or where. Good growth requires partnership, it requires a gardener’s mind and a gardener’s hand to plant, weed and nurture…and that rarest of all qualities, patience.

4. What’s next for you?

I just finished a short story for an upcoming Hanukkah anthology, which features a Sephardic Jewish girl who invites an extra-attractive Korean guy at her school to share Hanukkah with her family…under the false impression that he, too, is Jewish. Hijinks abound. I based the guy character on my favorite K-drama actor/pop star (shoutout to Cha Eunwoo), and I can’t wait to see it in print! This is in addition to working on another picture book for Lerner Books/Kar-Ben, and on a Middle Grade called “Miss Kitty Madame Cat Saves the World”–which makes me cackle maniacally at the keyboard so much while I’m writing it that I have to do it in a room all by myself.

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Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

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