Author: Marissa DeCuir

DALLAS – Determining right from wrong isn’t as simple as running an algorithm — or is it?

Dive in and discover the newest of technologies and its improvement of humanity in Lois and Ross Melbourne’s hopeful science-fiction debut. Using their backgrounds as tech executives, “Moral Code” (Sept. 20, 2022, Nonlinear Publishing LLC) breaks barriers as a young engineer develops an AI for children only for others to pursue its code for their personal gains.

Keira’s entire reputation is built upon the development of ethical computing. Her AI, Elly, is the testbed and best example using her Moral Operating System. Her absolute dedication to improving children’s lives could now put all she’s worked for at risk. If she fails, her top two priorities yield dangerous consequences. Her new boss’s nanites must be restrained through an upgrade to her MoralOS. Eavesdropping with that same SmartDust, her anger rages at the abusers she hears. They must be stopped. Keira thought she and Elly, with her ethical framework, could keep everything under control. Against conventional wisdom, it’s not the moral decision making of AIs that’s the problem. It’s the people.

For fans of “Catfishing on CatNet” and the “Murderbot Diaries,” “Moral Code” eloquently and excitedly explores how artificial intelligence can not only set moral boundaries — but also how they can revolutionize the future.

“Moral Code”
Lois and Ross Melbourne | Sept. 20, 2022 | Nonlinear Publishing LLC | Science-fiction
Paperback, 978-0-9976792-0-5, $16.99 | Ebook, 978-0-9976792-1-2, $7.99

About Lois and Ross Melbourne

“Moral Code” is not the first collaboration for Lois and Ross Melbourne. Side-by-side, they grew their software business to a global award-winning organization, as CEO and Chief Technology Officer, respectively. Now Lois’ storytelling brings to life Ross’ deep understanding of the possibilities within artificial intelligence and robotics. Parenting and marriage have been the easy part of this equation.

Lois is now writing books, having published two children’s books about exploring careers. “Moral Code” is her first but not her last novel. You can learn more about Lois at www.loismelbourne.com. Ross’ current work includes artificial intelligence and robotics. You can learn more about him at www.rossmelbourne.com. And for more about them and the book, you can visit, www.MoralCodeTheBook.com.

Follow Lois and Ross on social media:
Twitter: @RossMelbourne | Instagram: @loismelbourne131

In an interview, Lois and Ross can discuss:

• Their working relationship as co-authors and how they navigate collaborating together and their own partnership
• Lois’ past life as a former female tech executive
• Writing about women in tech and the importance of women in STEM fields
• Creating an ethically advanced AI, as well as real-life repercussions of AI
• How tech can improve the world and creating more positive advancements
• The technology behind the real-life chatbot they created
• The book’s themes of abuse and the cycle of trauma that abuse creates
• Creating a hopeful and positive science-fiction story
• Future projects they’re both working on

An interview with Lois and Ross Melbourne

What’s it like working on a book together with your spouse?

We are accustomed to collaboration. We created and grew a global software company for 18 years. The iterative process of writing a novel felt similar to the creation of software. The initial outline we brainstormed changed substantially. At times, our futuristic dreams of the technology were being announced by MIT or some amazing organization. That made us rethink the timeline or entire plotlines. We are good at working through the creative process together, but it wasn’t always easy. Sometimes, Lois just had to write and then learn from Ross’ review if she nailed the tech’s capabilities.

Where did the idea for “Moral Code” come from?

Ross created the initial premise of AI’s capabilities being used to protect children. We liked the idea of a story showing the positive influence technology can have on humanity, instead of destructive abuse. One day, we started talking about it over breakfast, and several hours later, we had a 10-page outline ready to be woven into a story. We talked it through like planning a movie we could visualize.

How possible is the technology in the book?

We believe some form of this smart dust or nanites from the book will become a reality — when that will happen is harder to say. In our current decade, we will all experience fully conversational AIs that we can see and talk to about anything under the sun. Imagining life without your own Elly to talk with every day, will become like imagining life without your own smartphone. The challenge with extremely small robots is their power source, and this is perhaps the area in the book that we took the most creative license to say “and then magic happens here.”

Do either of you have a background in ethics?

Neither of us have a background in ethics. We both had moms that were clear about raising us to make the right choices. Working with corporations around the world to assist in the analysis of their workforce and succession planning, we learned a lot about the cultural similarities and differences in ethical decision making. We both researched ethical computing capabilities and challenges, which are very hot topics right now. Lois studied the philosophies at the root of many ethics as well.

The book feels cinematic, what are your thoughts about turning it into a movie?

Our early readers continually say, “I read it like I was watching a movie.” We would love to see the message of “Moral Code” reach the masses through film. Lois intentionally didn’t write the characters into a particular appearance. She wants the reader to imagine who is playing the roles of their favorite characters. She also didn’t want to perpetuate body image stereotypes of the personalities. Elly could be quite the sensation in a movie.

Ross, as a tech entrepreneur, how different is inventing the tech for a company vs. for “Moral Code”?

​​If we’re being honest, it’s a lot more fun! When designing software, you are continually constrained by what current technology can deliver and what customers say they are willing to pay for. When designing futuristic technology — even though it’s grounded in what is possible — extrapolating from today’s tech, you can reach for the stars and truly be as creative as you want.

How did you learn about the technology and its possibilities or constraints?

Ross has always fancied himself as a bit of a futurist. He loves thinking about where technology will take us and what new tech might be on the horizon. He is also a generalist when it comes to tech and considers research and development as a hobby.

Ross took lead on the tech, identifying the coolest tech and trends. Lois would then research the planned or imagined usage to translate the details and build them into the plot. We’d discuss the capabilities and brainstorm the interactions which could tell the story.

Why does this story mean so much to you?

We both feel strongly about providing children with the best opportunities for a successful and joyful life. Having seen firsthand the generational cycle abuse can develop, we chose to propose a grander proposition. Technology gets a bad reputation, especially for entertainment purposes. We’d rather plant the concepts for positive uses of tech. Sci-Fi is good for that purpose, i.e. cellphones, Google Earth, etc. Why not spark someone to create a Moral Operating System and a prime imperative of helping kids?

What do you hope readers take away from the book?

What can each one of us do to participate in making our communities (local and global) better places? What are we afraid of and how can we bust past that fear? We challenge people to find ways to break the cycle of abuse negatively affecting kids. Invent and create in whatever medium you prefer — it might lead somewhere amazing.

What projects are you working on next?

Lois is working on a new novel exploring the power of women supporting each other.
Ross is building a robotics startup for the landscaping industry and will continue to do research into AI and robotics.

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/

Soul-stirring memoir tells the shocking story of how they found each other

NASHVILLE, TN – This wild and heartwarming story Accidental Sisters: The Story of My 52 Year Wait to Meet My Biological Sister (Books Fluent, August 26, 2022) follows author, Kathe Linn Caire, as her sudden pull to learn more about her medical history sends her on an unexpected journey.

Kathe isn’t interested in learning her birth parents’ identities, just the details of their health. But what begins as a simple investigation takes a startling swerve when the social worker who sends the records fails to redact a crucial bit of information. Suddenly, Kathe has more information than she bargained for. And to her surprise, she finds herself combing through vital records, researching every lead she can get her hands on.

When an Internet search results in a dead end, Kathe’s daughters present her with a birth mother search as a gift for Mother’s Day. What Kathe discovers transforms her.
With each piece of information she uncovers, the mystery of her birth parents’ identities unravels a bit more. But when her investigation uncovers a half-sister that Kathe never imagined existed, she must decide: open her heart and mind to a stranger who shares her DNA, or walk away without challenging her long-held beliefs about what it means to be part of a family.

“Accidental Sisters”
Katherine Caire | August 26th, 2022 | Books Fluent | Memoir |
Paperback| 978-1-953865-57-1 | Price
Ebook | 978-1-953865-58-8 | Price

KATHERINE CAIRE: Katherine Linn Caire was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she swam for the Mustangs and received her BBA (Finance), with Minors in Art History and Economics. Although her career has spanned the gamut from commercial banking lender to advertising account executive, from calligrapher/artist to tennis official, she has found her true delight in putting pen to paper.

She lived in Dallas for nearly three decades, where all three of her and her husband’s daughters were born and raised. The family moved to the beautiful city of Nashville, Tennessee in 2004 where she lives with her husband, Don, and their precious mutt, Waltzing Matilda.

See more at klcairebooks.com.

In an interview, Katherine Caire can discuss:

• Her experience as an adopted child, growing up with no interest in finding her birth family
• How difficult it is for adopted children to discover their medical history and why it is necessary
• How it felt to start researching her birth parents after years of not doing so
• The leads that eventually helped her find her half sister
• What it was like to first reach out to a stranger that she knew to be related to her but didn’t know at all
• The writing process of exploring something so personal and crafting it into a story to share with others
• How to reconcile the family you’ve made for yourself with the family you were born into
• What family means to an adopted child

An Interview with Katherine Caire

For many years you weren’t at all interested in finding your birth parents. Could you talk about why?

Honestly, it just wasn’t on my radar, for decades. I guess it had a lot to do with my being blessed with these two parents that adored me and a little brother that I adored. Yes- I realize how lucky I was, and I believe that diffused any interest in finding out about what “might have been.”

Can you describe the “sudden pull” you felt? When did it first happen?

The “sudden pull” I talk about in the book happened only once. It was the night that I knew I needed to get some sort of medical information from my side of our daughters’ gene pool. It literally came out of nowhere. That is why I paid attention.

When the leads dried up, what helped you keep going?

I really wanted to figure it out myself, but it was okay if I couldn’t. There was always the possibility of contacting the adoption agency to ask for a birth mother search. My daughters sensed my frustration and moved forward with the search, buying it for me as a Mother’s Day gift.

Did you ever expect to find living family members and get in contact with them?

Once again and from my heart- I didn’t think about it for the majority of my life. As a matter of fact, sometimes so much time would go by with no thought or mention of adoption that it slipped my mind temporarily. However, finding Marcia , thanks to a number of unexpected twists, was a very special gift beyond compare.

Can you talk about the writing process? Did it help you mentally process the experience? Did it open old wounds?

Definitely the former, somewhat the latter. As described in the book, so much of what happened helped me to actually think through the process and understand what really happened as an adopted child. The latter…I didn’t realize I had old wounds. However, this experience allowed me to understand that as an adoptee, regardless of how wonderful your situation has been, still means that you have at least some sort of abandonment issues. It also really helped me to process all that my birth mother went through, and the sacrifices she made for me.

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/

Wife Pens the Fascinating True Story of Her Husband’s Childhood

SCITUATE, MA – Mary Ford’s debut novel follows a young boy’s journey from jailbird, to teen runaway, to the place he truly belongs, and is based on the true story of her husband’s childhood. “Boy at the Crossroads: From Teenage Runaway to Class President” (Indie Publishing, Feb. 2021) is layered with nostalgia, and will hit home for fans of The Outsiders and Where the Crawdads Sing.

“It’s hard to explain how our Dad still had control over us. David and I were as big as grown men. But Dad had a way of making us feel small.”

Tennessee, 1955. Conley Ford learned quickly the world’s full of hard knocks. Seeking the wrong kind of excitement, the restless thirteen-year-old falls in with a group of older boys joyriding in stolen Mercury cars…until he is arrested and put on probation. With a harsh father waiting and too embarrassed to face his classmates as a jailbird, the impetuous youth leaves town, making it all the way to New Orleans.

Conley uses his wits and street smarts to commandeer a hot dog cart and make some cash. But when a turf war and a near-fatal accident sends him back home, the resourceful teen faces a choice between staying in misery or once more striking out into a dangerous world. Mary Ford depicts an adolescent who grew up impoverished and with minimal affection, but still found the strength to follow his gut toward something more.

“Boy at the Crossroads”
Mary Ford | February 2021 | Mary Ford
Young Adult | Coming of Age | Historical Fiction
Hardcover | 978-1736316412 | $21.05
Paperback | 978-1736316412 | $13.51

Praise for “The Boy at the Crossroads”

“Rip-roaring escapades and nostalgic musings in an American coming-of-age adventure.” – Booklife review

“Boy at the Crossroads,” written and listed as fiction, was very factual to me being a classmate of Conley at Halls High School in the late 50’s and early 60’s. When his family moved to the Halls community from Happy Holler in Knoxville, none of the students were aware of his family dynamics. I knew Conley was a survivor, and now I know why. Anyone who grew up during this time period will be reminded of the blunders of their youth. I wish every adolescent would read “Boy at the Crossroads.: There are lessons to be learned from Conley Ford.” – David Wayland

“For any youngster who has made some bad choices leading to a life of crime or destruction, Conley’s story could possibly be life-changing.” – Amazon Review

“Coming of age books, especially those that are true, are probably my favorite genre and this one is terrific. It is a well-written story that will appeal to readers of all ages. I found “Boy at the Crossroads” inspiring. The fast-moving pace takes us from the restlessness of a boy born in the early 1940s in eastern Tennessee to a young man in his early twenties. This book demonstrates the value of a strong work ethic better than anything else I have ever read (and I’ve read a lot). It is not an easy book to put down so get comfortable and enjoy. The journey is well worth the read.” – Zelly

MARY FORD is an award-winning journalist who spent twenty-eight years as the editor of two small-town community newspapers in Massachusetts: the Cohasset Mariner and the Hingham Journal. She met her future husband, Conley, in 1971 in California where she was teaching English and has always been fascinated by his story. Conley and Mary were married in Los Angeles and were featured on the Newlywed Game with Bob Eubanks. After their first appearance, the popular couple was asked back for the Alumni Game. They came in last both times. Their incompatibility has lasted for nearly fifty years. With Conley’s job transfers, the couple lived in California, Japan, France, Missouri, Minnesota, England, Illinois, and Massachusetts. They reside in Scituate, Mass., with their dog, George. “Boy at the Crossroads” is Mary’s first novel.

Follow Mary on social media:
Facebook: @mary.t.ford LinkedIn: @maryfordedit
https://maryfordedit.com/

In an interview, Mary Ford can discuss:

• How much of her book is nonfiction
• How she collected and used years’ worth of memories on tapes as research
• Her husband’s resilience and how he fought his way to a better life
• Father-son relationships and how they affect childhood memories
• How she and her husband have maintained their marriage for nearly fifty years
• Why she decided to write a coming-of-age story about her husband’s youth
• The experience of writing a fictionalized story based on true events about a family member.
• The challenging transition from journalist to author
• Why this is an important story for teens who may have made bad decisions
• Why especially young adults and folks in their 60s, 70s, and 80s love the book

An Interview with Mary Ford

How did your career as a journalist prepare you to write this novel?

After 35 years in journalism with the requisite deadlines, I had the discipline to accomplish the task of writing. My particular “gift” as a reporter/editor was “news judgment.” In other words, I can recognize what a good story is. My husband’s story about running away at thirteen and being part of a humungous family fascinated me. I wanted to write his story one day. When I retired from my newspaper career, I had the time to focus. I have also mastered the short, declarative sentence!

How much research did you do to tell your husband’s story? What was it like listening through old tapes?

Over the years on our trips to Knoxville, Conley and I would walk the old neighborhood and he would share his recollections. On many trips, I didn’t accompany him due to my work schedule. I had him bring a mini-cassette recorder and talk into it while he was driving from Massachusetts to East Tennessee. Transcribing the tapes was a form of pure drudgery but I did it! I didn’t want to miss any of the colloquialisms and unique memories. The next task was to craft all the information into a coherent story with a beginning, middle, and end. A lot of great stuff was left on the cutting-room floor because it did not move the story forward. Too many vignettes can kill a good story.

How do you think the experience of writing a book is different when you are writing the story of someone you love?

Actually, my relationship with Conley had little influence on my decision or my writing. The gift that I was presented with was a great story. One of my instructors at Grub Street Boston remarked that we should all be so lucky. I did not have to invent a plot or make the whole thing up. My biggest challenge was leaving the newswoman behind. My early drafts read more like newspaper reports than a novel.

When and how did you decide you were going to write a novel from this true story?

Like millions of others, I always wanted to write a novel. Conley’s story gave me the perfect opportunity once I had the time. Throughout the process, he has been completely supportive. He loves the book and is really happy to share his story about a bygone era. Even though times have changed, the universal father-son conflict is a theme that is relevant today.

What was the hardest part about telling such a personal story?

By far the most difficult part was getting Conley to open up about how he felt. Was he scared? What was it like not to shower or have a change of clothes, etc.? He was great on details and his memory is amazing but getting into the head of what was a thirteen-year-old boy was a real challenge since the book’s point of view is his alone.

What are some of the main differences between your husband’s true story, and the novel you wrote?

I actually thought I was writing a memoir. One of my instructors at Grub Street (a creative writing center in Boston) set me straight and told me I was writing a novel. Once I realized that, it freed my writing up. Most of the dialog is invented and some scenes are enhanced somewhat. But the details of the story, including the chronology is all true.

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 draws inspiration from the mystical with modern witchcraft in debut story

KNOXVILLE, TN – Straight out of the Appalachian mountains, Mercy’s Quest (June 21, 2022, Auguries and Alchemy) by East. S.M. is inspired by an author’s own encounters with the mystical. As a generational divination artist, East drew inspiration from her small coal mining town to create this rich novel. A perfect blend of fantasy and adventure, Mercy’s Quest will entertain readers who love a supernatural twist.

“Humans. We are all conditioned to think we come to earth to learn to be better, only to return to some origins rooted to a belief system that never stopped evolving. You cannot chase the meaning of a story that never ends.”

Mercy Stone comes from a long line of Blood Moon witches and, as such, is no stranger to coexisting alongside life’s great mysteries. Haunted by visions of a past life and the discovery of a gruesome family talisman, Mercy is led away from the hollows of Appalachia to New Orleans in search of answers. Along her path, Mercy re-encounters the magical beings she has known across her many lifetimes since time immemorial, including King Solomon, the Battle Crows of Carpathia and the Devil himself.

“Mercy’s Quest”
East S. M. | June 21, 2022
Auguries and Alchemy | Fantasy / Occult
Hardcover | 979-8-9852589-0-5 | $17.99
Paperback | 979-8-9852589-1-2 | $13.99
E-Book | 979-8-9852589-2-9 | $3.99

Early Praise for Mercy’s Quest

“Being of Appalachian lineage myself, I could not wait to step into the pages of Mercy’s Quest. Author and story weaver, East S.M., leads us on a shapeshifting journey between Mercy’s past and present lifetimes, Mercy’s Quest is a deeply magical story about a young woman coming into her personal power. Being raised by magical women in Appalachia, Mercy discovers that the magic she holds within is much stronger and more mysterious than she ever could have imagined. Following the path that now calls to her, Mercy is lead on a journey into the unknown as she discovers who she truly is and who she must now become in this present lifetime. This is a great read for all witches and magic makers who may be stepping into their own personal power”. — Ailynn Halvorson, author of The Tarot Apothecary: Shifting Personal Energies Using Tarot, Aromatherapy and Simple Everyday Rituals

“A Blood Moon Witch is in the room. Move over Mayfairs. East S. M.’s debut novel, Mercy’s Quest is a solid debut in the occult fiction genre. This first of the series takes us from Appalachia to New Orleans to magical landscapes where we engage her allies and enemies in a pursuit of knowledge and power. Told with the proficiency of metaphysics and the heart of a storyteller, East S. M. draws the reader through a young woman’s journey of claiming her magical inheritance as she is forced to make heartbreaking decisions to right a path gone wrong.” — Tess Collins, author of Notown and Shadow Mountain

“Mercy’s Quest is a fun, adventure story about family, power, and place. Based on realistic magical systems, this book paints witchcraft as a tool to help personal growth. The first entry into this magical world ends on a quest leaving the reader for more.” — Jaymi Elford, author of Tarot Inspired Life and
the award-winning Heaven and Earth Tarot

“This rich portrayal and exploration of people and places Magickal souls yearn for will tug at each and every human sense you possess. Strange and evocative at times, yet still fully concreted in sacred order, the artful layers of this book are thick with meaning and wisdom. The author’s enchanting and exotic players, archetypes of energies that speak to the core of your being, somehow still feel relatable and vividly intimate, rekindling cosmic memories preserved deep within. The threads of their connections, these chimeras of time and space, are artfully woven in and out of realities, ancient histories and otherworldly dimensions. With deep powers of immersion, East’s conjurations will pull you through portals of familiarity, long lost remembrances of the soul and expansive universal understanding.” — Meleah McCammon, Intuitive, Teacher and Proprietor of (inner) Perfect

“As the story unfolds, Mercy’s past, present, and future intertwine beautifully and pulled me into the depths of her soul. With each chapter, new layers of this fascinating world unfurl. Pages filled with adventure, supernatural intrigue, and divination ensure this story is a delight for every type of reader imaginable. I am so excited this is the first book in a series because I can’t wait to be reunited with these memorable characters. East S.M’s debut novel has proved to be an engrossing, mystic journey that I can’t wait to continue!” — A.P. Watson, Author of Jaded, Seeds of Eden, and A Fallen Son

Follow East S. M. on social media:
Facebook: @East S. M. | Facebook
Twitter: @EastSMAuthor
Instagram: @East_s.m._author
Tiktok: @east_sm_author

More about East S.M.

East S.M.: East S. M. is an Appalachian Occultist, Diviner, educator, artist, performer, and now author. A cosmic being in her own right, she was born in a small Kentucky town that sits inside a meteorite crater. She spent her childhood studying under a strong matriarchal family that imparted its intuitive gifts and Appalachian Spirit practices from prior generations. East is continuously inspired by music and the power of myth. She enjoys reading paranormal, adventure, and occult fantasy fiction works. One of her highest callings and greatest gifts in life is to share her divinity and intuition through teaching and facilitating sacred ritual spaces. A wild past of wonderful and sometimes unspeakable experiences, and decades of empowering others to seek their own quests, has called East to share Mercy’s story in the esoteric genre of Occult fiction. Her debut novel is the first in an anthology that reimagines the Spirit world, the human condition, and the necessity of both evolution and devolution within our lifetimes. https://theartisteast.com/.

In an interview, East S. M.can discuss:

• The meaning of Appalachian divination
• Writing in a niche genre like occult fiction
• Traveling the world and writing a book
• The book’s journey from dream to full-length story
• What it really means to be an occultist
• Comparisons of the Hero’s journey vs the Fool’s journey from tarot and its importance in storytelling.

An Interview with East S. M.

Why did you decide to have the book released on the Summer Solstice?

My artistry, relationships, essentially every aspect of my life, is led by my desire to connect with any experience in the most sacred way. Nature’s cycles, as they’re displayed through seasons, beautifully mirror our own cycles as human beings. Summer solstice finds the seeds in the ground, they’re growing, and it took hard work to get it there. As an occultist I could say many things regarding the sacred symbolism of summer but valuing the action of showing up and celebrating hard work seemed like appropriate energy for launching my story into the world. I needed to know this journey would begin from a space of celebration no matter where it goes.

How has writing poetry influenced your writing of occult fantasy?

Poetry forced me to see the ordinary in an extraordinary way. I’ve always been drawn to darker artistic content, and the influence of both pushed me to accept more nontraditional ways of expressing myself. My own growth of creative self-acceptance seemed more rapid in spaces where I shared poetry vs writing groups. If it wasn’t for reading forlorn poetry in late 90’s coffee houses I would’ve never started believing in the possibility of pursuing artistry full time.

How do you feel divination is represented in works of fiction, and how has divination influenced your creative process?

Not always, but often divination in media is presented as dramatic fortune telling and often the cards or symbols referenced are either untrue or so watered down it takes the sacredness away from such a beautiful resource. I would love to see a variety of how it’s presented on both the giving and receiving end of readings in art. In my own writing my character’s readings make sense to their journey. I try to steer away from exact predictors as fate always has its freedom to shift depending on the choices we make.

I utilize Divination as a tool for writer’s block or initial inspiration. Tarot, also known as the fool’s journey, mirrors every experience a human will go through on the path of life. It displays the soul’s reaction to becoming the best versions of ourselves through triumphs and challenges. I often execute readings to establish background for characters or world building. I’ll be offering a creative writing with tarot workshop over the next year where I’ll share in detail some of those techniques.

What do you hope readers will take away from Mercy’s Quest?

Mercy is on a quest to uncover a family mystery but finds herself quickly on the path to discovering a deeper truth regarding her purpose in this world. Variables in our lives are always in motion affecting outcomes every second. Our reaction to the challenges we face on that search are character defining opportunities that equip us to grow into better versions of ourselves. My desire is for people to understand there’s no need to rush their evolutionary process in this world. There’s no perfect plan that will see you through to the end. Mercy makes the decision time and time again to show up and trust the process. My desire is to inspire folks to trust that the grace in which we handle the road is far more powerful than reaching the end of that road.

How did traveling the world for work while writing this story influence your writing?

It was a beautiful May morning in England, and I had just purchased a private pass to tour inside the Stonehenge round. Tourists typically only view it roadside, but I had an in and was going to honor my inner Arthurian nerd, living fully in this moment. As luck would have it the bus that brought us to the stones broke down in the parking lot. I spent hours, sunset through midnight, lounging in this mystical ritual space. I always seem to find myself in similar magical misadventures everywhere I go. My travel journals are full of adventures from underneath the streets of Budapest, to the shores of Ireland, to a middle of nowhere berry forest in Finland, and then there was one time I swore I met the devil himself in an airport in Amsterdam! My writing reflects my experiences in this world, and I pull the energy from real travel moments in hopes of providing more environmental authenticity.

You mentioned this story came to you in a dream. That sounds so fun! Can you tell us about that, and describe its vividness?

This is a long story, but I will do my best to be concise. A god of old came to me in a dream and in this dream, we were burning down houses. I asked him why we were doing this to which he replied preparing a new path. He kept showing up in dreams in spaces where he wasn’t a major player in the theme of the dream, just a background eye of observation. The dream often centered around a tree on my actual property.

Around this same time, I made a social media post regarding the importance of respecting the workspace of street buskers. My dad reached out to me after reading it encouraging me to lean into writing more. I am a performance artist but never considered the possibility of writing an actual novel. The combination of his belief in me brought all the interesting dreams to the front of my mind and just like magic I saw the entire story in my head along with the voice of my muse.

My great grandmother had a box on her mantle that contained something we were told was dark and sacred. Do not touch! I took the story I’d been holding in my heart since childhood regarding what I imagined it was, and that became the foundation of this grand world that was gifted to me by my dream muse.

Wouldn’t you know it, I started writing that story and guess what happened? The tree that kept showing up with my muse in dreams was struck by lightning. The strike caused a branch to snap, destroying my mailbox by the street. Where’s the magic? I ordered a new tarot deck only to find it landed at the foot of the tree among the storm’s chaos. The package was destroyed by water and the box holding the cards was warped and open. Guess what lay outside the box? Three tarot cards in a perfect row: Judgment, The World, and The Magician. I am on my path of destiny and the Universe is making a way for me to have the resources needed to support my manifestations. The storm gave me a reading laced with the assurance of knowing I was on the right path.

What authors inspire you?

Anne Rice for a number of reasons. The Vampire Chronicles was the first series I obsessed over as a young reader. I’ve been fascinated by vampire lore since childhood and her attention to detail painted elaborate worlds, and dramatic characters that played out like seamless cinema in my mind’s eye as I read along. “Interview with a Vampire” was the first book to film fiction I read before a film was considered. Amusingly, I was a pre teen at the time and felt so grown having accomplished such a task!

Neil Gaiman has this way with character presentation that pulls me deep into the heart of his story. I am a huge fan of Fantasy worlds overlapping with real world scenarios. Intermingling worlds have a presence in my own writing. Mr. Gaiman is a literary rockstar that does this masterfully.

What do you think about books to film/do you think your book would adapt easily to film?

My artistic background goes further than writing. I think because of that versatility I’m forgiving of how film chooses to convey a story. I believe reading a book is a magic that can’t be duplicated and presenting it through different expressions like film give it the flexibility to become something unique. However, it’s unlikely I’ll read the book if I happened to catch the film first.

I’d love to see the Mercy’s Quest trilogy, as well as the spin off novels transition to film. The story is action based in mystical settings around the world creating an opportunity for something incredibly visually appealing. The characters have such deep back stories there’s an opportunity for multiple lead story developments within the world. It would be an absolute dream if that were to happen.

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/

MORA, Minn. – Who says a book can only have one ending? Authors Deb Mercier and Ryan Jacobson, of Lake 7 Creative, are flipping the Choose Your Path concept on its head, challenging readers to “survive” new interactive middle grade novels that will entice even the most reluctant of readers. With the debut of the Detective: You series (Oct 11. 2022), Lake 7 imaginatively introduces the mystery genre to new generations of young readers who are charged with solving their own mysteries. It’s up to readers to identify suspects and gather clues, making choices that affect what happens next.

“The Empty Cabin”
978-1940647739 | Paperback, $9.95 | Hardcover, $22.95 | Ebook, $8.99

The cabin resort your parents own is the perfect place to spend a summer. There’s swimming, fishing, birding — and a steady stream of visitors who, from week to week, pass in and out of your life. Except for Loretta, a regular guest of Cabin #4. So when you find her cabin empty one morning, you know something’s wrong. Build your case and use deductive reasoning to determine what the crime was, how it happened — and whodunit.

“The Ghost of Old Central School”
978-1940647753 | Paperback, $9.95 | Hardcover, $22.95 | Ebook, $8.99
Old Central School is closing for good because it’s reportedly haunted! The incidents have gotten so freaky that parents refuse to send their kids to school. Yet Irene Gorter, a student there, doesn’t believe it’s true — and she’s hiring you to prove it. Choose your supplies, and let the investigation begin. But be careful; one wrong choice could lead to your doom!

“Can You Survive the Wonderful Wizard of Oz?”
978-1940647715 | Paperback, $9.95 | Hardcover, $22.95 | Ebook, $8.99

You are Dorothy, the accidental adventurer. You’ve been swept away from your home in Kansas by a deadly tornado. Now, you find yourself in the Land of Oz, a fantastical world of witches, monsters and talking animals. You must use your knowledge and courage — and plenty of help from your strange collection of friends — to survive. Do you have what it takes to traverse the road of yellow brick?

Relaunching Oct. 11, 2022, from Lake 7 Creative

“Can You Survive the Call of the Wild?”
Paperback, ​​978-1940647654, $9.95 ​​| Hardcover, 978-1940647791, $22.95

You are Buck, the famous sled dog. You have been stolen from your comfortable life in California and forced into servitude. Now, you find yourself in Alaska, a dangerous world of greedy men and savage dogs. Every moment, your life is at risk. You must use your strength, your cunning wit and your animal instincts to survive such perils as bear attacks, wolf encounters, starvation and the frigid temperatures of Canada’s Yukon. Do you have what it takes to make it out alive?

“Can You Survive the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?”
Paperback, 978-1940647678, $9.95 | Hardcover, 978-1940647807, $22.95

You are Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective. You have been approached by three desperate clients, each of whom presents a compelling case for you to solve. Now, you must choose which mysteries are worth investigating and which might be too dangerous. Every moment, your life is at risk. Use your cunning to search for evidence, follow the clues and survive such perils as vile criminals, clever traps and even wild animals. Do you have what it takes to solve three of Sherlock Holmes’ most puzzling cases?

“Can You Survive Dracula?”
Paperback, ​​978-1940647692, $9.95 | Hardcover, 978-1940647814, $22.95

You are Jonathan Harker, an ordinary man thrust into an extraordinary situation. You have been tricked and imprisoned. You’ve come face to face with a monster and left behind to suffer a terrible fate. Now, you must put an end to Count Dracula’s evil reign. Assemble your team of vampire hunters, and prepare for battle. Every moment, your life is at risk. Use your courage and wisdom to survive such perils as wolf encounters, mysterious strangers and deadly fires. Do you have what it takes to defeat the deadly villain?

About Ryan Jacobson

Ryan Jacobson is an award-winning author. He has written more than 60 books, with topics ranging from silly to scary. Ryan prides himself on writing high-interest books for children and adults alike, so he can talk about picture books in kindergarten, ghost stories in high school and other fun stuff in between. Some of his most popular works include the “Constellations Activity Book,” “Eagle in the Sky” and “Can You Survive the Call of the Wild?” Ryan is also the co-owner and president of Lake 7 Creative, LLC. His company creates activity books and sports books, and it specializes in developing interactive Choose Your Path books for young readers. When he isn’t writing, Ryan likes to build LEGO sets, play board games and try new restaurants. He lives in eastern Minnesota with his wife and two sons.

Follow Ryan Jacobson on social media:
Facebook: @AuthorRyanJacobson and @Lake7Creative Instagram: @lake7creative

In an interview, Ryan Jacobson can discuss:

• Why Lake 7 Creative specializes in Choose Your Path books and how young readers can benefit from interactive storytelling
• The launch of the Detective: You series and expanding the Choose Your Path format into the mystery genre
• Choosing which classic tales to feature in the Can You Survive? series and turning scenes from children’s favorite books into Choose Your Path moments
• How to turn classic books with more mature or graphic subject matter into ones suitable for middle grade audiences
• Being a reluctant reader when he was a child and how that inspired him to create literature to entice young readers
• How you can find success as an author, writing and publishing your own books
• The relaunch of previous titles in Lake 7’s Can You Survive? series
• The founding of Lake 7 Creative and plans for the press’s future

An interview with Ryan Jacobson

You’ve said that you were a reluctant reader as a child. How did your experience with literature at a young age inspire you to write these unique books?

Oh, I didn’t like books at all. I read comic books and Sports Illustrated, but that didn’t actually count as reading back then. So when I finally discovered interactive fiction in about fifth grade, I was like, “Yes, I’m a reader now!” Years later, when I started writing books, I wanted to create that feeling in other young readers, too, which is why I always try to create books that I would’ve devoured as a child.

What made you want to start your press and how did you get started?

This wasn’t exactly something I sought to do. Way back in 2005, I wrote a chapter book called “Santa Claus: Super Spy,” mostly as a writing exercise. But after my wife and I decided to adopt a child (and saw how much money we’d need to raise!), I self-published the book on a wing and a prayer as an adoption fundraiser. It did so well that I kept publishing books, and we’re still at it today.

What are some of the challenges you’ve found running your own press? Some of the pleasant surprises?

The biggest challenge has always been finding the time. I started and grew Lake 7 as a side project, kind of a glorified hobby. The business part of it has always been a challenge for me too — especially the accounting. But I’ve gotten to meet a lot of really talented people. That’s something that always surprises me: how very talented people are.

Why is interactive storytelling important? Is it more beneficial for readers of a certain age?

This is a big question, and my brain is going 100 different directions with it. Let’s see … the format appeals to kids who may or may not otherwise be interested in books; it introduces choices and consequences; there’s a problem-solving element to it; it’s reading and it’s fun, like playing a game. With that said, I think the books are most beneficial for readers who haven’t quite found their “in” to the joys of reading yet, regardless of their age.

What is coming down the line for you and Lake 7?

We’ve had recent success with some activity books and sports books, and that’s allowed us an opportunity to grow and to refocus our efforts on the Choose Your Path format. We have some big plans for taking the format into new and different directions. Our ultimate goal is to become the “go-to” publisher for Choose Your Path books.

About Deb Mercier

Deb Mercier lives in greater Minnesota with her husband, dogs and outdoor critter friends. She is an award-winning journalist, author of 11 books for young readers, a former newspaper editor and a technical writer.

When Deb’s not dreaming up new stories, you can find her wandering the trails on bike and on foot, saving turtles from roadways and playing flute in the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra.

An interview with Deb Mercier

How did you get started as a writer?

I’ve always been surrounded by stories. Every week growing up, my mom took my brother and me to the library; it seemed natural to start writing my own adventures. My first publication was actually when I was a senior in high school. I wrote a poem after my mom passed away, and my English teacher submitted it to a national competition — I don’t even remember her doing it — and it won first place.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Like I tell my students at young author conferences, inspiration is everywhere! I may hear a snippet of conversation or see an old building that makes me wonder who used to live there.
Or maybe the way a squirrel studies the birdfeeder and chatters back at the dogs will lead to a scene … you just never know, so it’s best to pay attention.

What’s alluring about the Choose Your Path format?

As far as reading, the Choose Your Path format is a blast! Sure, it’s reading, but it’s also playing a game — one that doesn’t always turn out well if you make the wrong choice. Being in the driver’s seat as the main character of an adventure gives you control that you don’t normally have while reading, and that’s a ton of fun! As far as writing, the Choose Your Path format is a huge challenge, and I love a good challenge! It takes an incredible attention to detail and an ability to imagine different scenarios branching from a single scene (or maybe an object you forgot to pack). It’s not an easy format to tackle, but seeing kids (and adults) having so much fun navigating through the books makes every word worth it!

How did you begin working with Ryan and Lake 7 Creative?

I met Ryan forever ago at a young author conference held in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He contacted me about possibly helping him finish a book he’d started: “Wrestling with a Werewolf.” Knowing nothing about wrestling or werewolves, I naturally took on the project. We’ve been working together since then.

What projects are you working on now?

Next up is another Detective: You title … to be determined. We’re pretty sure it’s going to be set at the same resort as “The Empty Cabin,” starring Sam (a.k.a. You). Stay tuned!

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/

Award-winning author returns with dark, coming-of-age YA thriller

LOUISVILLE, KY – Discover who set up Sam in the death of her mother’s fiancé in the new novel by award-winning author, Lynn Slaughter. Deadly Setup (Fire and Ice/Melange, Jul 5, 2022) introduces Sam, a young teen whose life changes when her mother’s fiancé is found shot to death and she’s the main suspect.

When her impulsive, romance-writing mom announces her engagement to a man whose last heiress wife died under suspicious circumstances, Sam tries to dissuade her mother. But her mom is convinced she’ll finally have the “Happily Ever After” she writes about.

And then Sam’s life implodes. Her mom’s fiancé turns up dead, and a mountain of circumstantial evidence points to Sam as the killer. On trial for murder, she fights to prove her innocence with the help of her boyfriend’s dad, an ex-homicide cop.

Moonbeam Children’s Book Award bronze medalist and Agatha Christie award nominee, Lynn Slaughter returns with a new YA thriller pushing the envelope on coming-of-age stories. Dark yet hopeful, Deadly Setup shows that wealth truly doesn’t buy happiness.

“Deadly Setup”
Lynn Slaughter | July 5, 2022
Fire and Ice/Melange Books | YA Thriller
Paperback | 978-8-88653-008-7 | $14.99
Ebook | 979-8-88653-009-4 | $4.99

LYNN SLAUGHTER: Lynn Slaughter is addicted to chocolate, the arts, and her husband’s cooking. Like Sam, her family tree is peppered with musicians, and she’s a huge fan of the American Songbook. Music has always made her want to move, and she ended up becoming a professional dancer and dance educator. When injury meant it was time to find a new dream, she earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Her previous young adult novels include: Leisha’s Song, also published by Fire and Ice, which received a bronze medal from the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and was nominated for an Agatha for best MG/YA mystery novel; It Should Have Been You, a Silver Falchion finalist; and While I Danced, an Epic finalist. The ridiculously proud mother of two sons and grandmother of five, she lives in Louisville, Kentucky where she is at work on her next novel and serves as president of Derby Rotten Scoundrels, her local Sisters in Crime chapter. She loves hearing from readers and hopes you’ll visit her website, http://lynnslaughter.com

Follow Lynn Slaughter on social media:
Facebook: @LynnSlaughterWriter | Twitter: @LSlaughter2

Praise for Leisha’s Song

Nominated for 2021 Agatha Award for Best Children’s/YA Mystery Novel, Moonbeam Children’s Award Bronze Medalist, and Imadjinn Finalist for Best YA Novel

“Lynn Slaughter’s knowledge, love, and passion for music are evident in Leisha’s Song. Adept at striking the right balance between tough social issues and young love, Slaughter orchestrates a tale that harmonizes issues of racism, abandonment, and abuse with the power of love and beauty of music in this young adult romantic suspense novel where two young lovers must dig through generations of hatred and intolerance to uncover the truth and solve a mystery with life and death consequences.”
– V.M. Burns, Agatha Award-nominated author of The Plot is Murder

“Suspense, tender romance, and a thoughtful exploration of racism make this page-turning coming-of-age novel a winner. An academy setting and focus on the creative arts add appeal, and Leisha’s growth from people-pleaser to independent woman will resonate with girls and women everywhere.”
– Lee Tobin McClain, U.S.A. Today Bestselling Author of Home to the Harbor

“Heartfelt, wise and relevant, Leisha’s Song is a compelling murder mystery wrapped around a romance that propels the reader along a ‘must keep reading’ journey. Leisha is a protagonist we come to care for and cheer on as she faces a mystery that must be solved. A romance that must be navigated, and a world that must be grown into. It is a testament to Lynn Slaughter’s immense skills as a writer that she has produced another wonderful adventure story.”
– T. Lynne Singleton, contributing author, African American Alphabet, A Celebration of African-American and West Indian Culture, Custom, Myth, and Symbol

In an interview, Lynn Slaughter can discuss:

• The inspiration behind Sam
• Changing her career from dancer/dance instructor to author
• Choosing to write YA stories
• Her previous works, Leisha’s Song, It Should have Been You and While I Danced
• The influence of art, music, and dancing throughout her novels
• The relationship between parent and child especially during the teen years
• Writing a teen protagonist dealing with loss/grief
• Creating a subplot including discussion on LGBTQIA+ teens
• Why elevating a child to a parental role is harmful
• Why young people seek to create intentional families when their families of origin cannot meet their emotional needs

An Interview with Lynn Slaughter

You went from being a dancer to a writer. What are the similarities and differences between the two?

I think the role of “choreographer” (the creator of dances) is most akin to the role of a writer (composer of stories). Both engage in acts of expressive communication—nonverbal in the case of dance and verbal communication for stories. Both art forms take years of practice and study. Both require perseverance and resilience in the face of rejection and setbacks. In addition, for both art forms, there is always “more” to discover and work on.

Sam has a very difficult ethical decision to make when she uncovers evidence about who set her up. Why does her decision matter so much?

When Sam uncovers evidence about who set her up, she must make a decision. She can keep quiet and not reveal what she’s learned, or she can turn in the evidence she has and permanently rupture a relationship and perhaps get this person in serious trouble.

These decisions follow us through life. Think about the kid in elementary school who witnesses wrongdoing by another child. If he turns the culprit in, is he a snitch? Or a whistle-blowing hero? And what if the culprit is one of his best friends?

Sam’s closest male friend is openly gay and wants to pursue a career in fashion design. Are you playing into stereotypes about gay people by presenting him as a character interested in fashion and design?

I hope not! The character of Paul is based on my husband’s closest friend from college and dance company days in Detroit. His friend was not only a beautiful dancer but a costume designer and wonderful seamstress. The year they lived together, he taught my husband how to sew, and for many years, my husband made most of my outfits.

I think it’s important to note also that Paul is an athlete, the star of his high school diving team, and his lover is a football player. We all have many identities.

You went back to school to earn your MFA late in life. What was that experience like, and do you recommend that writers pursue MFA programs?

I had a very positive experience in grad school, and I think our shared interest in growing as writers transcended our age differences. I certainly know tons of wonderful writers who did not earn their MFAs. But for me, I found a wonderful learning community. Our teachers were all multi-published professional writers committed to mentoring aspiring writers.

I do think it’s important to find a good match. Not all MFA programs are alike. Seton Hill’s is geared toward novel writing and popular fiction, which was a great fit for me and my interests.

What drew you to writing YA, and why do you think YA literature is such an important resource for teens?

Long into adulthood, I continued to love reading YA fiction. In addition, teenagers have always been my favorite age group to work with. While I was still dancing, I moonlighted as a freelance writer and my specialty was writing about teens and the challenges of parenting them.

In our increasingly diverse and polarized world, books can offer teens a look into the interior lives of characters in ways that television and video can’t. We can not only see ourselves in books but also see others who may appear to be very different from ourselves, but with whom we have much in common. Books can also offer comfort to those who are suffering from struggles with depression, anxiety, or other issues. A hallmark of YA fiction is that there is an element of hope for a better future.

What’s next for you writing-wise?

I currently have two projects I’m working on—the expansion of a short story I wrote called “Missed Cue” in which a detective is investigating the suspicious death of a ballerina, while struggling with issues in her personal life. I’m also working on a middle grade novel about a young vampire who hates the taste of blood and is convinced he’s mistakenly landed in the wrong body. Then it’s back to YA again!

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/

On 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Andrew Maraniss tells the true story of the first U.S. women’s Olympic basketball team

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – From the New York Times bestselling author of “Strong Inside” comes the inspirational true story of the birth of women’s Olympic basketball at the 1976 Summer Games and the ragtag team that put U.S. women’s basketball on the map. “Inaugural Ballers” (Sept. 13, 2022, Viking Books for Young Readers) by Andrew Maraniss is an eye-opening story timed with the 50th anniversary of Title IX in 2022.

“A League of Their Own” meets “Miracle” in the inspirational true story of the first U.S. women’s Olympic basketball team and their unlikely rise to the top. Twenty years before women’s soccer became an Olympic sport and two decades before the formation of the WNBA, the ’76 U.S. women’s basketball team laid the foundation for the incredible rise of women’s sports in America at the youth, collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels.

Though they were unknowns at the time of the ‘76 Games, hailing from small schools such as Delta State, Tennessee-Martin and John F. Kennedy College of Wahoo, Nebraska,, the American team included a roster of players who would go on to become some of the most legendary figures in the history of basketball. Pat Head (Summitt), Nancy Lieberman, Ann Meyers, Lusia Harris (subject of an Oscar-winning short documentary in 2022), and coach Billie Moore took on the world and proved everyone wrong.

Told in the context of the women’s rights movement of the 1970s and packed with black-and-white photos and thoroughly researched details about the beginnings of U.S. women’s basketball, “Inaugural Ballers” is the fascinating story of the women who paved the way for girls everywhere.

“Inaugural Ballers:
The True Story of the First U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team”
Andrew Maraniss | Sept. 13, 2022
Viking Books for Young Readers | Young Adult Nonfiction
Hardcover | ISBN 9780525514657 | $18.99
Ebook | $11.99

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss writes sports and history-related nonfiction, telling stories with a larger social message. His first book, “Strong Inside,” received the Lillian Smith Book Award for civil rights and the RFK Book Awards’ Special Recognition Prize for social justice, becoming the first sports-related book ever to win either award. His young readers adaptation of “Strong Inside” was named one of the Top Biographies for Youth by the American Library Association and was named a Notable Social Studies Book by the Children’s Book Council. His acclaimed second book for teens, “Games of Deception,” was a Sydney Taylor Book Award Middle Grade Honor Recipient and a Junior Library Guild selection. His third book, “Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke,” was named to the 2022 Rainbow Book List and was named one of the “Top 100 Baseball Books Ever Written” by Esquire. Andrew lives in Nashville and is special projects director at the Vanderbilt University Athletic Department. Find out more about him at www.andrewmaraniss.com.

Follow Andrew Maraniss on social media:
Facebook: @andrewmaranissauthor | Twitter: @trublu24 | Instagram: @amaraniss

An Interview with Andrew Maraniss

You write books that explore deeper social justice themes — what is it about sports stories, specifically, that can help facilitate conversations about social justice?

Sports books offer a profound opportunity to discuss issues related to social justice. First, sports are accessible. It’s not intimidating to pick up a book with a basketball player or a baseball player on the cover. And most people, whether they are sports fans or not, have some frame of reference for athletes or teams. Sports remain one of the few aspects of our divided society that literally bring us together around a shared experience. So all those factors combine to create a solid foundation: at the very least, sports brings a lot of different people to the table. Then once you have a reader’s attention, they realize there’s so much more to a good sports book than scores and statistics. Sports stories are human interest stories; they capture a moment in time in history; they offer inherent tension and drama. And within the world of sports reside all the social themes that matter: race, gender, sexuality, inequity, democracy, politics. My hope is that my books bring readers, young and old, to these important issues in a way that feels natural and inspires empathy and action.

You stand apart from many YA authors by focusing on nonfiction. Do you think these nonfiction stories offer something to young readers that fiction can’t?

Absolutely. For one, these stories are true! We live in a time where discovering the truth and fighting against lies and liars is more urgent than ever. True stories elevate the names, experiences, and lasting lessons of remarkable people, many of whom have been written out of history. The people I write about deserve to be known, and we can all learn so much from their example. There’s a substantial portion of adults who prefer nonfiction. I know it’s pretty much all I read. And yet nonfiction tends to be underemphasized for kids – at the same time kids aren’t reading. So my hope is that my books appeal to avid readers but also to young people who don’t realize there are books that they’d really enjoy if only they knew they existed. At the other end of the spectrum, many of my readers are adults who fall into two categories. There are the sports fans who enjoy nonfiction and then also the men and women who aren’t into sports, and are typically fiction readers, but are pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoy my books. It’s rewarding for me to help these kinds of readers understand how powerful sports nonfiction can be.

In your previous book, “Games of Deception,” you write about another groundbreaking group of athletes: the Olympic men’s basketball team that competed in Nazi Germany. Did you find commonalities between that story and the story of the first women’s U.S. Olympic basketball team? How were the stories similar or different? What unique challenges did the women’s team face?

Both teams had very little support. In 1936, the players on the men’s team had to raise their own money to pay for travel across the country to board the ship that would take them to Germany for the Olympics. When they made it to Germany, conditions were terrible – the games were played outside on clay tennis courts, which became muddy slogs during the gold medal game. Forty years later, the U.S. women also had little support. USA Basketball officials were so certain they wouldn’t qualify for the Olympics they had made no plans to house the team between the final qualifying tournament and the Olympics. The coaches had to scrounge around for a place for the players to live during that period, with no budget. But where the men’s team in 1936 was expected to dominate international competition – and did – the women’s team in ‘76 wasn’t even expected to qualify for the Olympics. When they won a silver medal, not even a gold, it was cause for celebration. In ‘36, the rest of the world had a lot to learn from the U.S. In ‘76, U.S. women’s basketball still had a long way to go to catch up to the Soviets. Where male athletes of the 1930s (and beyond) were lifted up as heroes, in basketball and other sports, women athletes of the 1970s were typically either disparaged or ignored. They didn’t play for adulation or with hopes of making money. Still, there was a lot of pressure on the U.S. women’s team in ‘76. They understood that by playing well, they could change the course of women’s sports in America by inspiring younger generations of girls to play sports and to push for equal opportunities in their schools and communities.

“Inaugural Ballers” set squarely in the heart of the women’s rights movement of the 1970s, with women athletes coming up in a pre-Title IX era. How did the cultural issues of that time impact the athletes and women’s basketball in general?

Nine of the players on the ‘76 team (and both coaches) have since been inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. These were outstanding players. They all overcame social pressures and stereotypes – the idea that it wasn’t “ladylike” for girls and women to sweat or play sports. They grew up with very few female role models. There was no dream of playing professional basketball. They all made it to the top thanks to singular determination and hard work with no real promise of reward. Some would say they played for a pure love of the game, as if there was something wholly admirable about that. I think it’s important not to romanticize the era. These women deserved so much more. They succeeded despite all the obstacles thrown their way. Obstacles that were born in sexism, misogyny, and the insecurity of men. What was interesting to me was how little connection there was between these strong, pioneering athletes and the women’s movement. Here you had women athletes who were determined to do what they loved and not be confined by traditional gender roles, yet they weren’t held up as icons of the movement. Many of them didn’t consider themselves feminists, even as they destroyed stereotypes and artificial limitations. Today, we see women athletes held up as icons for equity, such as when the U.S. women’s national soccer team protested for pay equity. Times have changed, and as female athletes’ platforms have become larger, they have come to be seen as some of the strongest and most visible advocates for social change. The athletes of the early Title IX era, including members of the ‘76 Olympic team, paved the way.

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX — but inequities between men’s and women’s sports are still an issue and a point of conversation. What lessons from these early players, many of whom became some of the most legendary figures in the history of basketball, can we borrow to tackle modern issues faced by women athletes?

Every generation has its struggle. When it comes to inequities between men’s and women’s sports, many of the same issues persist: less financial support, less media coverage, disparagement of female athletes by insecure men, an assumption that the public is less interested in women’s sports – even when that is proven untrue at every opportunity. Women athletes of the 1960s and 1970s were political beings in their very existence, challenging the status quo. Today, of course, women earn scholarships to play college basketball and they have an opportunity to play professionally in the WNBA or overseas. Their platforms are large and powerful enough that their collective voice helped turn a Senate election in Georgia. Female athletes are no longer “grateful” for whatever small benefits are thrown their way. So even as inequities remain, we’re hearing about them more from the people who are directly affected and much of the public seems more sympathetic. And just as athletes of the ‘60s and ‘70s laid a foundation for the athletes of today, it’s notable that you often hear today’s women stars speak about their interest in improving conditions for women in the future. There’s always been an acknowledgement of the connection between generations.

Did anything surprise you when you were researching this book? Any stories you hadn’t heard that changed your perspective on the sport?

There were many things that surprised me: the degree to which the NCAA fought against Title IX in the 1970s; the ebbs and flows of women’s basketball in the U.S. from the 1800s through the 1970s – the cyclical way in which cultural forces would restrict the game as it became popular, and how it would re-emerge and grow stronger; and the ‘underdog’ position of the U.S. team in ‘76 – the U.S. national team has been so dominant for decades, it was hard to believe they weren’t expected to even qualify for the 1976 Olympics. I was also happily surprised to see the documentary The Queen of Basketball, on team member Lusia Harris, win an Oscar earlier this year. I interviewed Ms. Harris for the book before she passed away. I’m not sure this counts as a ‘surprise,’ but I was also struck by the similarities between the politics of the ‘70s and the politics of today when it comes to women’s rights. Certainly there has been notable progress, but the gains of the last 50 years are in jeopardy today.

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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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