Author: 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.

Award-winning author and actress Sheetal Sheth returns to the page with her beloved protagonist, Anjali

Posted on September 5, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

Remarkable children’s book encourages young girls to be their best selves

NEW YORK, NY – Sheetal Sheth returns with a new story for children everywhere featuring Anjali, the first South Asian hero in a children’s illustrated book series.

For Anjali, playing the tabla is something that comes naturally. She loves the feel of the drum beneath her fingers and getting lost in the music. But when the boys in her class give her a hard time for being better than them, she messes up on purpose. When her teacher announces a contest where the winner will get to perform with him at his next concert, Anjali is distraught. Winning the contest would be a dream for Anjali. But it seems like the better she gets, the meaner some of the kids are.

In this follow up to Always Anjali, Anjali realizes that she should never let anyone make her feel bad for being good at something. An important story for all children to remember to never dim their light.

“In this gorgeously rendered tale, our beloved Anjali learns something it took me thirty years to understand: there’s nothing wrong with shining brightly. I will carry the heart of this book with me wherever I go.”
— Nic Stone, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Dear Martin

“Bravo, Anjali!”
Author: Sheetal Sheth | Illustrator: Lucia Soto
September 21, 2021 | Mango and Marigold Press
Hardcover | 9781737055015 | $19.95
Children’s Illustrated Book

“My kids and I love “Bravo Anjali!” I wish I’d had a book like this when I was a kid. I never saw myself represented in the books I read as a brown girl learning and performing a classical Indian instrument. It’s full of small, sharply observed moments that caught at my heart for how they detail the myriad ways we make ourselves small and silent. I wanted to cheer for Anjali as she let her light shine in all its glory.”
— Anoushka Shankar- Sitarist, composer

More about SHEETAL SHETH

Sheetal Sheth is an acclaimed actress, producer, author, and activist. She is known for her provocative performances in a wide range of memorable roles on film and television. She has starred in over 20 feature films and many TV shows and is a favorite in the independent film world, having won five best actress awards on the film festival circuit. She has earned a loyal, international following. Sheetal began her career at a time when few South Asians were making their living as actors. Despite being told she’d have to change her name to work, her successful career has trail-blazed paths for other women of color across media.

Sheth supports marginalized communities not only through her own pioneering work as an actor, but by also appearing at workshops and panels and speaking directly to issues facing those communities. She is known as an outspoken advocate and has delivered talks and keynotes at festivals and charity galas. She’s had op-eds published on CNN, The Daily Beast, and Thrive Global. She served in President Clinton’s AmeriCorps and is currently on the advisory board of Equality Now and an ambassador for CA First Partner, Jennifer Newsom’s, The Representation Project.

Follow Sheetal on social media:
Facebook | Twitter: @sheetalsheth | Instagram: @beneaththesheetz
https://sheetalsheth.com/

In an interview, Sheetal can discuss:

Why she decided to write children’s books
How she juggles being a producer, activist, actress and writer
The inspiration behind Bravo, Anjali!
Writing Anjali as a character, and her first book starring Anjali
Why it was important to her to write a strong female character for kids

An Interview with Sheetal Sheth

What prompted you to write a series of children’s books?

I’ve worked with children my whole life. It’s one of my deepest passions and joys. And as an actress I love telling stories. So it really was a natural extension. It amplified when I was pregnant with my first daughter and found such a lack of representation in children’s literature. And I would go into bookstores and books were separated by ‘this is the ethnic section, this is the LGBTQ section,’ etc, etc. Furthermore, when I was researching what was out there, I found most books were stories on extraordinary events or holidays, not brown kids just living life. I feel like we’re never going to feel like we are part of the fabric of mainstream until there is as many stories about us and our pets as all the white kids and their trips to the zoo.

What does Bravo, Anjali! explore that you didn’t get to touch on in the first book?

With each book in the series, we are building and expanding Anjali’s world. We were introduced to her in the first book and have a sense of who she is but we will always learn more about her spirit and the world around her in every book. With Bravo Anjali! I really wanted to see how Anjali navigated being the only girl in the room and claiming her excellence. I feel this is something that all our kids struggle with and are important conversations to have with both our boys and girls. We experience microaggressions all the time and this book has them layered in. Unpacking them will allow for great teaching moments and dialogues around things we don’t talk about as much with our kids.

How does writing compare to acting?

Finding the best way to tell the story is the most important thing. Being truthful. Which is very much what I do in my acting life. I like writing and the collaboration with a great team.

Why is it important to you to write such a strong female character for kids?

I wanted to write a book that captured what it means to be an American today. A female hero of color who defies gender and ethnic biases. A book that had images of strong female friendships and men (with beards!) doing the housework. Diversity has become a buzzword, and we all agree we need more of it; but if it is actualized, it’s usually homogenized. And in these polarizing times, it’s more important and relevant than ever.

What is your hope for children that read your books?

I don’t think you are ever too young to have any conversation, as long as the language is appropriate. When we were first giving advanced copies to people, I had a couple of teachers tell me ‘oh I can’t touch this.’ And I was really struck by that. What I say to educators and parents is that it’s a luxury all of us do not get. To have the privilege to not have to have conversations about race is exactly that- privilege. And it’s up to us to define the narrative. To teach our kids empathy whether they personally will have to deal with a specific situation or not. This book also allows for a conversation about how not to be bystanders, and how, at any age, we can be upstanders. What can you do in a moment when your friend or you are being bullied? And those are really simple things that we should be talking about with our children. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for young people. We clearly aren’t doing enough.

Marissa DeCuir

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/

Dark YA Beauty and the Beast retelling steeped in gothic ambiance highlights secrets and bond between sisters

Posted on September 5, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

Calgary, Canada – Dark magic, fairy tale beasts, and deeply rooted secrets meet in this gothic fantasy from debut author, Cyla Panin. Stalking Shadows (Amulet/Abrams, Sept. 14, 2021) is a haunting gothic retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” exploring sibling loyalty as a young woman discovers the truth behind her sister’s curse.

In a small 18th century provincial French town, Marie mixes perfumes to sell on market day. While trying to save up enough dowry for her sister, Ama, Marie also hopes for a level of freedom afforded only to spinster aunts. However, Marie isn’t only concocting perfumes to sell — she’s also brewing them to mark her sister’s victims. Because the one thing Marie hasn’t told anyone is that Ama changes into a beast every month and needs to kill to eat. To keep suspicion at bay, Marie marks vagrants and criminals for Ama to attack.

When a child is killed for the first time, Marie worries she’s lost control of her sister. In an attempt to find the truth, she disguises herself as a maid, infiltrating the home where Ama was first cursed; the home of Lord Sebastian LaClaire. However, things are not as they seem as Marie discovers more than the source of Ama’s curse—Marie uncovers dark secrets shrouding Lord Sebastian and herself.

With the cursed sibling bonds of “House of Salt and Sorrows” and morally grey characters of “Sing Me Forgotten,” Stalking Shadows is a gritty feminist retelling that dives into what it truly means to be a beast.

“A fairy-tale retelling that’s both beautiful and brutal.” – Kirkus Reviews

More about Cyla Panin

Cyla Panin is a YA and adult author who prefers to look at the world through a dusting of magic. After spending most of her childhood wanting to escape into the wonderful worlds her favorite authors created, she’s now using her own words to craft magical places. When not writing, Cyla can be found playing dinosaurs with her two young boys, watching swashbuckling and/or period TV shows with her husband, and, of course, reading. Find out more at http://www.cylapanin.com/.

Follow Cyla on social media:
Twitter: @cylapanin | Instagram: @cylapanin

Praise for “Stalking Shadows”

“Panin’s debut features rich, complex teen characters, all fighting to be understood within the limits of their small, closed-minded town.”
— Kirkus Review

“Dark and mesmerizing, Stalking Shadows is a story with both heart and bite. An atmospheric tale, it features carefully crafted characters, a deadly secret, and a mysterious magic that kept me enraptured from page one.”
—Jessica S. Olson,
author of Sing Me Forgotten

“A thrilling twist on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, which redefines what makes someone monstrous… and what makes someone strong. Readers will adore the gorgeously spooky atmosphere in this story of sisters learning how far they will go to keep each other safe in a world of cursed beasts and fierce magic”
— Sam Taylor,
author of We Are the Fire

“STALKING SHADOWS has everything I love in a story: a fierce heroine, a gorgeously spooky atmosphere, and a perfectly Gothic aesthetic. With perfume magic, snowy forests, a brooding lord, and a girl who becomes a beast, this is a retelling the way retellings should be done – fresh and vivid, comparable to Angela Carter’s work.”
– Lyndall Clipstone,
author of Lakesedge

“STALKING SHADOWS is a wonderfully gothic spin on the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy-tale, where lush and atmospheric prose brings to life a haunting story that begs the reader to question what one would—and wouldn’t—do for family.”
— Ashley Shuttleworth,
author of A Dark and Hollow Star

In an interview, Cyla can discuss:

The Beast of Gevaudan as inspiration for the novel
Focusing on sister/sibling relationships
Creating morally gray characters
Researching and developing a historical fantasy
Incorporating mental health themes like Generalized Anxiety Disorder

An Interview with Cyla Panin

Your story is based on the Beast of Gevaudan and the brave woman who fought it. Why did you decide to explore this story?

The Beast of Gévaudan preyed on children and women because they were the ones who tended to watch over sheep and would be out there alone and unarmed. A young woman named Marie-Jeanne Valet was the first to fight the beast off and survive. When I was reading about this, I started thinking about how exposed and vulnerable these women and children were while the beast stalked the valley and I wanted to flip the narrative. What if Marie held the power? What if her sister was the beast?

Marie and Ama are quite close in the story. Do you also happen to have a close sibling relationship?

I have two brothers. One is less than two years younger than me and one is nine years younger than me, so I had different relationships with both. With my eldest brother, we were close growing up and shared friends when we were kids. I took care of my younger brother a lot because we had a single mom and so that relationship was different but we were also very close. As adults, we’re still very much involved in each others’ lives. I think there can be a really strong tie forged from shared trauma, and there’s some of that between all of us as well.

What was your research like for this book?

The idea sparked when I fell down a Wikipedia hole about the Beast of Gévaudan. From there, I read as many articles as I could and I started wondering whether or not this historical mystery had any influence on the Beauty and the Beast, but it was first published in 1740 — before the incidents—and its origins are much older than that. Since this book is set in 18th century France, I also did research on village life, peasant housing, food available in the region, and everyday living — like how did they light fires?

What were some challenges you ran into while writing your debut novel?

Time was and has always been a challenge with two young kids around! I often wrote during naptime or before they got up in the morning. This was the second book I’d ever written, so I had lots of reading to do about plotting and beat sheets and worldbuilding to do to try and make sure I was moving forward in my craft from my first book.

Why was it important to you to explore anxiety in your book?

I wanted Marie to have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) but I didn’t want the story to be about that — because I have generalized anxiety disorder, and though it heavily impacts my life, my story isn’t about it either. It’s a subtle representation, and I can’t say that it will resonate for all readers with GAD because everyone’s experience with it is different but I hope some readers will see themselves reflected in Marie. She has a lot of physical manifestations of anxiety that I think will be recognizable to some readers.

Marissa DeCuir

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

Whirlwind mystery author spins a fascinating tale of World War II New Orleans espionage

Posted on September 5, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

San Diego, CA – The award-winning author of over 100 books returns with a high-speed new mystery exploring New Orleans’ history of deception and domestic terrorism during World War II. Introducing: Eva Shaw and The Seer (Torch Flame, September 14, 2021).

Historically accurate, The Seer is the culmination of extensive research into WWII in New Orleans. Shaw expertly combines meticulous research with a compulsive narrative that follows Thomas Ling, a Chinese-British scientist, and Beatrix Patterson, a magical psychic. Against his better judgment, Thomas agrees to be Beatrix’s bodyguard in return for, he hopes, psychic information that could stop the imminent bloodshed in his ancestral homeland of China. But can Beatrix really psychically find Nazi cells and saboteurs in New Orleans, a city of secrets? A perfect combination of heart-pounding mystery and extensive historical research, this captivating look into the Crescent City will have you on the edge of your seat as you become part of New Orleans history with the unlikely pair of psychic and scientist.

Can these two change the outcome of the war or will each, so focused on their own goals, cause even more harm with their deceptive mindsets?

“Today, we will make a difference. At least for a few. “

EVA SHAW is one of the country’s premier ghostwriters and is the author of more than award-winning 100 books. Novels with her byline include these faith-based Amazon best sellers: Doubts of the Heart and Games of the Heart. Nonfiction best sellers include: Ghostwriting: The Complete Guide, Writeriffic 2: Creativity Training for Writers, Write Your Book in 20 Minutes, Garden Therapy: Nature’s Health Plan, and What to Do When A Loved One Dies. Visit Amazon, Good Reads and other sellers for reviews.

Eva teaches five university-level writing courses available online at 4000 colleges and universities worldwide. A breast cancer survivor, she’s an active volunteer with causes affecting women and children and with her church. She loves to travel, read, shop, garden, play the banjolele and paint, focusing on folk art and California landscapes. When not at her desk, she’s probably enjoying the beach village of Carlsbad, California with Coco Rose, a rambunctious 2-year-old Welsh terrier.

Follow Eva around!
Goodreads: Eva Shaw
Facebook: Eva Shaw
Website: Eva Shaw

In an interview, Eva Shaw can discuss:

Working with Days for Girls, and her plans to donate 50% of earnings
Her experience ghost writing over 100 books
Why she chose to explore New Orleans as the backdrop of this novel
Writing for somebody else versus writing for yourself
Why she chose to write with themes of trust and betrayal
How blending history with fiction increases the tension in the novel
How to make imperfect characters likeable
Why fiction writers “talk” to their imaginary characters
Why valid research when writing fiction is essential
The reason the book ends the way it does (specifically the sisters!)

An Interview with Eva Shaw

How did you first find inspiration for “The Seer”?

While I’ve lived most of my life in California, there’s something about the American South, specifically New Orleans that feeds my soul. I’ve been a student of history forever, especially that of WWII, and suddenly wondered what happened in the Crescent City then, knowing that Americans feared an enemy invasion via the Mississippi River. How did they react to constant acts of terrorism? How did they fear those who did not look like them?

Why do you feel that it’s important that the story of World War II New Orleans is shared with the world?

Philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” We cannot erase this dark time, but we can learn how individuals coped and dive into the lives of unsung heroes. New Orleans was a transportation powerhouse during WWII and it was the everyday hero working in the shipyards or building Higgins boats that should never be forgotten.

When writing a novel that combines fact with fiction, how do you approach balancing the history with the narrative?

I strive to include accurate history, but also make history support my storyline. That means, I’ve taken First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and turned her into a friend of Beatrix’s, as the fake psychic dispenses mystical advice. I’ve researched the POW camp and delved into the pulse of the nation that was facing the madness of war, but attempting to go about everyday lives.

Beatrix is a professional liar. What motivated you to write such a nuanced character?

I’m fascinated as to why people lie. White ones, big ones, little ones. Some lies, we believe, are to protect others, but really, are they? We all know people who do it well and those who don’t. For Beatrix it is a way to make money. For others in the book, it’s to protect themselves or avoid being embarrassed. She realizes that lying is a heavy burden and the pain it can bring when she becomes entangled with Thomas Ling and the plot to invade New Orleans.

You are an activist for young girls and women alike; tell us more about Days for Girls, and your plan to share 50% of your earnings with this nonprofit organization.

What if you had to miss school or work because you did not have proper menstrual supplies? What if no one ever taught you about menstruation, or worse: if menstrual taboos and myths made you feel ashamed of your body? This is the situation for more than 500 million women, girls and menstruators worldwide. It’s called Period Poverty. Days for Girls, International advances equity, health, dignity and opportunity for all as they shatter the stigma of menstruation worldwide. Proper menstrual health management is a universal human right, a critical component of gender equality and vital to women and girls reaching their full potential.

Marissa DeCuir

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

A billionaire-in-disguise meets career-focused lover in this sparkling and sensuous chocolate-filled romance

Posted on September 5, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

Chattanooga, TN – “Good cocoa is like good lovemaking. It’s best when it’s hot, sweet, and a little spicy.” Kelle Z. Riley (Undercover Cat series) channels humor and emotion in one luxurious dessert. Read My Lips (Sept. 7, 2021) is a lush romance gripped with desire from the very first page.

Claire Lennox has sworn off rich, powerful men ever since her former boyfriend used her to climb the corporate ladder leaving her emotionally jaded and her career in ruins. Contractually obligated to stay within the company, she accepts a position as the director of the McClaine Literacy Foundation and remains dedicated to her work, never removing her professional guise.

Self-made billionaire, Clayton Arthur McClaine, has it all. Since selling his famous “fantasy fudge” recipe, he’s created a chocolate empire from humble beginnings. But one issue stands in Clayton’s way; his struggle with dyslexia. Desperate to resolve this before his rivals find out, he disguises himself as a factory worker to visit his own literacy foundation. What Clayton didn’t expect was his immediate attraction to Claire and her inability to see beyond his deception.

As Clayton continues to visit Claire, their involvement juggles between steamy sessions and unresolved feelings. But with every encounter, Clayton’s mask slips a little and it’s only a matter of time before Claire finally sees his true self.

Kelle Z. Riley: Writer, speaker, global traveler, Ph.D. chemist, and safety/martial arts expert, Kelle Z. Riley has been featured in public forums that range from local newspapers to national television.
Her other publications include a romantic suspense (Dangerous Affairs); the Undercover Cat Series books: The Cupcake Caper, Shaken, Not Purred, The Tiger’s Tale, and Studying Scarlett the Grey, which feature a cupcake baking scientist-turned-sleuth; and the Riches and Royals Series: Read My Lips, Royally Scandalized, Reluctantly Royal, and Counterfeit Commoner in which modern working women discover loving a prince is harder than it looks. A former Golden Heart Finalist, Kelle resides in Chattanooga, TN. She is a member of the Chattanooga Writer’s Guild, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers’ of America and various local chapters. When not writing, she can be found pursuing passions such as being a self defense instructor, a Master Gardener, and a full time chemist specializing in water treatment and safety with numerous professional publications and U.S. patents. Kelle can be reached at www.kellezriley.net

Follow Kelle Z. Riley on social media:
Facebook: @KelleZRiley
Twitter: @KelleZRiley
Instagram: @Kelle.Riley

In an interview, Kelle Z Riley can discuss:

The secret to finding time to do what you love in a busy world
Why we need escapist fiction (how channeling a fictional hero/heroine can make everybody’s life better)
The transformative magic of storytelling (learning compassion and community through fiction)
Creative power: bringing into existence something that didn’t exist before
Writing processes and how to get started
How “kick butt” characters teach us about safety and self defense
The fun and challenge of researching new careers for each character in a novel
The impact of good research on reader “suspension of disbelief” and why it matters
Why we love heroes in disguise

An Interview with Kelle Z Riley

What was the inspiration for this novel and for your characters?

My first romance manuscript was entitled A Sweet Affair after the San Francisco Bay Area bakery where my husband worked at the time. Later, I envisioned an alphabet series of “Affairs” with “L” representing A Literary Affair, in which a teacher and a dyslexic billionaire find themselves falling for each other. At the same time, a friend described the “kinesthetic” techniques she used to help her children conquer spelling. A “light bulb moment” inspired me to incorporate kinesthetic teaching methods into the book, leading to some of my favorite playful, sexy scenes.

What are some of the themes of the book and why were they important to you?

I love a “Cinderella” theme in all its variants but I felt it could use a modern twist. Thus my Riches and Royals feature smart, career-focused women who happen to fall for billionaires and princes, only to discover it isn’t as easy as it looks in the movies. They struggle with issues of family, self identity, and transitioning from one set of circumstances to another, ultimately deciding love is worth the sacrifices it demands of them. To be fair, the men in my books also struggle with similar issues!

You’re a writer, but also a full-time chemist! What’s it been like juggling the two worlds?

It’s a lot of work! But there is nothing I would rather do. I used to think my unique combination of analytical and creative skill sets meant I could never fully succeed in either career. When one boss asked why I didn’t write science fiction, and I replied that I didn’t want him to think my research reports were made up! Much later, another mentor helped me see both how rare, and powerful, the combination was, and also how successful I had been in both areas .

You’ve previously published a cozy mystery series, so how’s the process been different writing a romance novel?

I actually started writing romance novels first, but the mysteries were the first to be published. The world building skills and character crafting skills are the same for both genres, and much of the story line follows from character conflicts and growth. Mysteries give me a cathartic rush as I use people who annoy me in real life as inspiration for both victim and killer. But read them closely and you’ll see I pack as much romance inside as the readers will allow. At heart, the joy of falling in love–over and over again with each new set of characters–is too much fun to resist.

Let’s talk about chocolate! What was your favorite part of the research, and what inspired you to focus on that industry?

Tasting, of course! I always envisioned my dyslexic hero in a food-related career that required hands-on skills, and quickly realized that chocolate was not only a beloved junk food, but also an aphrodisiac that embodied temptation and desire. Over the course of my research I trained my palette in all things cocoa (is it Dutch processed or not? Milk or dark chocolate? What flavor enhancers are present?). The highlight was the “Food of the Gods” tour in Maui where I tasted the cacao fruit and made a version of Aztec hot chocolate. Oddly enough, my chemistry labs are located a block from a major U.S. chocolate manufacturer and in the afternoon the air smells heavenly.

Marissa DeCuir

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

Grim Reaper reimagined in enchanting middle grade fantasy — and includes a surprising choice of narrator

Posted on September 5, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

Waterloo, ONTARIO – For thousands of years, legends of the Grim Reaper have terrified children around the world. But what if, instead of an ominous cloaked figure, Death is simply a tired wolf in search of relief?

Landing a six-figure, two-book deal just three weeks after the story went on submission, debut author Jessica Vitalis has penned a gorgeous, voice-driven fantasy for middle grade readers. Addressing significant themes like death and the afterlife while perfectly balancing a macabre and endearing tone, “The Wolf’s Curse” (Sept. 21, 2021, Greenwillow/ HarperCollins) offers an unflinching depiction of death while serving as a multilayered meditation on grief and loss.

Newbery medalist Erin Entrada Kelly praises the book, saying, “I am obsessed with this story!” And readers will undoubtedly be just as obsessed; fans of Lemony Snicket’s distinctive voice and “The Book Thief’s” melancholic storyteller will soon find a new favorite in Vitalis’ unlikely pick of an omniscient narrator: the Wolf.

Set in a world where stars are believed to be lanterns lit by loved ones when they reach the Sea-in-the-Sky and sail into eternity, 12-year-old Gauge embarks on a quest to avenge his grandpapá after a mythic wolf steals the old man’s soul. But the superstitious villagers believe the boy to be in league with the Great White Wolf and put a bounty on his head. A young feather collector named Roux offers Gauge assistance, but soon, the two orphans are forced to question everything they have ever believed about their town, about the Wolf and about death itself.

In what Booklist calls a “striking debut,” Vitalis’ novel is a vivid, literary tale focusing on family, friendship, belonging, and grief, wrapped up in the compelling narration of the sly, crafty Wolf. Fans of award-winning titles like “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” and “A Wish in the Dark” are sure to be captivated by “The Wolf’s Curse.”

The Wolf is not bound by the same rules as you are.

The Great White Wolf is very, very old. And she is very, very tired. For hundreds of winters, she has searched for someone to take her place. But she is invisible to most people. In all those years, only three have seen her. One died young. One said no. One is still alive — a 12-year-old boy named Gauge. Everyone in the village thinks Gauge is a witch. He’s been in hiding half his life, all because he once saw the Wolf — and right after that, the Lord Mayor’s wife died. Now his only protector, his beloved grandpapá, is dead, too. The Wolf visits the boy again, this time with an offer. She can save him the pain of growing up. Now that he’s all alone in the world, it may be the only way to escape the bounty on his head. If only his grandpapá’s last words hadn’t been, “Stay away from the Wolf.”

Praise for Jessica Vitalis and “The Wolf’s Curse”

“Thoughtful, creative, and engaging. … Accessible and intriguing worldbuilding, particularly
around the Wolf’s backstory, will pique readers’ interests, as will larger questions about life,
death, truth, and tradition.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Vitalis’ striking debut is alluringly told through the first-person perspective of the Wolf, offering a safe distance for sensitive readers to engage in a story about death, grief, and corruption. ” — Booklist

“In a thought-provoking debut, Vitalis considers grief, the end of life, and the industry of death through the eyes of an otherworldly, psychopompic wolf.” — Publishers Weekly

“A lyrical tale of loss and survival, tradition and belief, in which tension and secrets build like a towering wave. The Wolf’s Curse is a story of many layers. Young readers will treasure this beautiful debut and hold it close to their hearts.” — Diane Magras, author of “The Mad Wolf’s Daughter”

“A fable as polished and timeless as a fine wooden toy. Readers will root for spunky heroes Gauge
and Roux while keeping watch for a certain mysterious wolf who’s not what she seems….”
— Catherine Gilbert Murdock, author of the Newbery Honor book “The Book of Boy”

“ A clear-eyed, big hearted fable of compassion, friendship, and love.”
— Anne Ursu, author of “The Real Boy”

“An extraordinary fantasy debut … an emotional roller coaster with all the feels”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

JESSICA VITALIS is a Columbia MBA-wielding writer. After leaving home at 16, Vitalis explored several careers before turning her talents to middle grade literature. She brings her experience growing up in a non-traditional childhood to her stories, exploring themes such as death and grief, domestic violence, and socio-economic disparities. With a mission to write entertaining and thought-provoking literature, she often includes magic and fantastical settings. As an active volunteer in the kidlit community, she’s also passionate about using her privilege to lift up other voices. In addition to volunteering with We Need Diverse Books and Pitch Wars, she founded Magic in the Middle, a series of free monthly recorded book talks, to help educators introduce young readers to new stories. She was recently named a 2021 Canada Council of the Arts Grant Recipient. An American expat, she now lives in Canada with her husband and two precocious daughters. She loves traveling, sailing and scuba diving, but when she’s at home, she can usually be found reading a book or changing the batteries in her heated socks.

Follow Jessica Vitalis on social media:
Facebook: @jessicavauthor | Twitter: @jessicavitalis Instagram: @jessicavauthor
YouTube: Magic in the Middle | Hashtags: #TheWolfsCurse #FeathersForGauge

An interview with Jessica Vitalis

This was your sixth novel over the span of 13 years. What inspired you to take on a Grim Reaper narrative?

I was standing in front of my bookshelves, seeking inspiration, when I came across Markus Zusak’s “The Book Thief.” I remember thinking that if I ever wrote a story with Death as a narrator, it would turn out a very different book. Once the idea crossed my mind, I couldn’t let it go. And so “The Wolf’s Curse” was born!

The book poignantly touches on grief and loss. Why was it important for you to write on these specific themes?

I didn’t actually mean to write a book about grief and loss; “The Wolf’s Curse” started out as a humorous adventure in which Death tried to trick a kid into taking her (yes, her) job. But when a trusted reader pointed out that I was avoiding the heart of the story, I knew I had to dig deeper. I decided that if I was going to tackle these themes in middle grade, I wanted to do it in a manner that was both honest and entertaining.

Middle grade readers range from eight-year-olds to upwards of twelve and thirteen; how did you tackle the challenge of writing for an audience with such diverse needs?

Younger middle grade readers tend to focus on plot and particularly connect with stories centered on friends and family, whereas upper middle grade readers are moving from the innocence of childhood toward an understanding of the larger world; part of the beauty of fiction is that it allows readers of any age to experience hardships within the confines of a safe space, thus preparing them for the challenges that life might eventually throw their way (if it hasn’t already). In “The Wolf’s Curse,” I tried to offer an unflinching examination of death balanced with a captivating adventure that would ultimately provide a layered experience. Hopefully this will allow readers to pull from the story what they need at whatever stage of life they are in so that they can continue to make new discoveries as they come back to read time and time again.

How does the book take the traditional concept of the Grim Reaper and transform it for young readers?

The term Grim Reaper is inherently negative and carries frightening connotations; when I set out to explore the personification of Death, I knew I had to create a character more accessible to middle grade readers. The snarky Wolf allowed me to bring an element of levity to what otherwise would have been a much heavier story.

The Wolf is an omniscient narrator. Why did you choose to write the book from this point of view?

A Grim Reaper-type figure always had to tell this story. At one point, I considered making the narrator a raven or crow, but a Great White Wolf seemed to be a more interesting choice. I didn’t actually realize I’d made the Wolf omniscient until I was well into my second full draft; at that point, I was having so much fun with the voice, I decided to run with it!

What was the biggest challenge you faced in writing “The Wolf’s Curse”?

This was the first story I ever wrote utilizing an omniscient narrator and the biggest challenge I faced was in deciding how deeply into Gauge’s head I wanted to go and how to do so without disorienting the reader or making it feel like I was head-hopping between characters. The other big challenge was another technicality: since I was writing in present tense and the Wolf couldn’t be present in every scene, I had to make it believable that the Wolf would know what Gauge was doing when she wasn’t around.

The novel contains unique death mythology. How does the world-building complement the themes in the novel?

The first draft of this story was set in a vague European setting without any specific death mythology other than a Wolf who was tired of fetching souls; once I settled on a French-inspired seaside setting, I explored how a fishing culture might view death. This led to the belief that stars were actually lanterns lit by departed souls as they traveled to the Sea-in-the-Sky to sail into eternity; that they are buried in wooden boats at cemeteries they call Wharves; that they need to be buried with feathers to fly up to the sky; and that rather than capital punishment, their criminals are set out to sea. These fantastical details allowed me to explore loss and grief while still captivating young readers who might not be inclined to read a more traditional (contemporary, realistic) story focused on these themes.

The book also addresses topics like socioeconomic disparity and abuse of power. What made you decide to include these themes, and why are they integral to the story?

I had a non-traditional childhood, which included moving nearly twenty-four times by fourth grade and living in places that included a renovated school bus, a camper, and a one-room cabin without electricity or running water. Once we settled down, I was acutely aware of the socioeconomic and class differences between me and my classmates. I left home at the age of sixteen, put myself through university, and went on to obtain an MBA at Columbia Business School. Now that I live a life of relative privilege, I’m acutely aware of the imbalances that exit in our society on both a personal and societal level; it is my hope that by exploring these themes in my books, middle grade readers can learn to recognize injustice and inequality, which may help those experiencing it on a personal level and potentially readers to eventually become part of the solution.

You’ve said that you have a “literary godmother” in Newbery medalist Erin Entrada Kelly. Can you describe how that relationship came about?

I was searching for an agent when Erin put out a call for manuscripts to critique with the writing class she was teaching; I jumped on the chance to get feedback from an author of her caliber. She not only loved my manuscript but passed it on to her agent, who offered representation the very next day. It’s safe to say that Erin single-handedly changed the course of my career!

Can you talk a little bit about Magic in the Middle and what you hope young readers will gain from watching these book talks?

Magic in the Middle is a natural extension of my passion for middle grade fantasy; it’s a free series of monthly recorded book talks that teachers, librarians and caregivers can share with their middle grade readers to introduce new books and get kids excited about reading. (As an added bonus, I often include short video messages from the authors themselves!) To learn more, visit my website at www.jessicavitalis.com.

Marissa DeCuir

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

Positive health psychologist presents new path to long-term happiness

Posted on August 28, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

Dr. Kristine Klussman’s new book focuses on inner connection

PALO ALTO, California – Even before pandemic-induced loneliness set in, nationwide studies found that nearly half of Americans feel alone or left out, and Generation Z (ages 18-22) is the loneliest generation. As the world opens up and we can begin to navigate the anticipations and expectations of what it means to be with others, clinical psychologist Dr. Kristine Klussman introduces the role of inner connection in personal wellness and happiness. Klussman’s Connection Theory, a pioneering approach to integration of the widely researched and well-known personal wellness practices of modern time, lays the foundation for a deep sense of meaning and purpose in life that transcends ordinary happiness in her new book “Connection: How to Find the Life You’re Looking for in the Life You Have.”

We are in the midst of an epidemic of loneliness. Though modern technology purports to “connect” us like never before, we live increasingly isolated and insulated lives, painfully disconnected from each other, from our values, and from ourselves. Indeed, almost 70 percent of Americans report they don’t have a single person they can confide in. Widespread concern about the costs and consequences of disconnection has growing implications for public health policy. Ahead of the curve, “Connection” is a consoling companion for those struggling and a handbook for prevention and treatment.

Rooted in established scientific findings, as well as her own research and clinical experience, Harvard-trained psychologist and connection researcher Dr. Kristine Klussman’s approach to wellbeing is simple and transformative. Klussman shows us that the way to achieve true happiness and fulfillment is not by striving toward them at all, but rather by cultivating connection in our everyday lives.

“Connection: How to Find the Life You’re Looking for in the Life You Have”
Dr. Kristine Klussman | April 13, 2021 | Sounds True
Nonfiction / Wellness | Hardcover ISBN: 978-1683647157

Praise for Dr. Kristine Klussman and “Connection”

“This is one of the best books on personal growth I’ve ever read. With warm encouragement and easy, practical steps, Dr. Klussman brings us home to a natural connection, confidence, and ease. You can trust what she says since her path is grounded in science and she’s walked it herself. Clear, brilliant, and so hopeful, this book is a gem.” ―Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Resilient

“In refreshingly skillful ways, Kristine invites us into deep connection and well-being underneath all our busy, separate lives. This is a wise vision and a transformative way to awaken.” ―Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart and cofounder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center

“I think it is a very important addition to our understanding of how and why people metabolize challenges differently. It offers an important perspective for doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers . . . everyone in helping professions.” ―Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, author of Happiness Is an Inside Job

“This book helps us answer the fundamental WHY question―Why do I get up in the morning?―and then guides us to authentically stay awake on purpose.” ―Richard Leider, author of The Power of Purpose and coauthor of Repacking Your Bags

“This is a remarkable handbook for transformation. Kristine offers life-changing insights on what true satisfaction looks and feels like. This message will light the way to the world we all want: a more just, sustainable, and meaningful future for all.” ―Lynne Twist, author of The Soul of Money

“The greatest pandemic in modern history is loneliness. We are so digitally ‘connected’ and yet many feel so disconnected within ourselves. This book is not just timely, it is essential. Kristine’s unique approach of blending science, practice, and her own personal journey makes for a compelling read.” ―Philip McKernan, author of One Last Talk

“Ready for a clear roadmap to a meaningful life? Striving for a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you? Dr. Kristine Klussman has laid the path to get you there in her new book, Connection. Using her expansive experience and personal dedication to evolution, Klussman provides the keys to understanding yourself and how you fit, happily, into every day of your life.” ―Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, author of Percolate

About Dr. Kristine Klussman

Kristine Klussman, PhD, is a Harvard-trained positive health psychologist, researcher, author, speaker, clinical supervisor, instructor and member of the Palo Alto University faculty. She founded and directs Connection Lab, a psychology research center exploring tools to help people live more meaningful, values-driven, authentic lives. As an invited keynote and TEDx speaker, she shares her approach to wellbeing at conferences and workshops around the country. Her San Francisco-based private practice also offers individual connection coaching. For more, visit kristineklussman.com.

Follow Dr. Kristine Klussman on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkristinek/
Twitter: @drkristinek | Instagram: @drkristinek

In an interview, Dr. Kristine Klussman can discuss:

Connection in a post-pandemic world — How to stay connected with yourself, even as the world reopens and we feel pulled in countless directions
The loneliness epidemic and how it was exacerbated by the global pandemic
Understanding and evaluating the difference between short-term and long-term happiness
The scientific research on which her theory is founded
Actionable steps to find deeper connections with yourself and nurturing your own self-knowledge and integrity
Signs of disconnection — and how to reconnect with yourself
Ways to identify your real priorities, stay true to them and discover the courage to redefine them when needed

An Interview with DR. KRISTINE KLUSSMAN

We have all just come off of an incredibly challenging year; there have been many stories about Zoom fatigue, high levels of stress and anxiety, and burnout. Can you talk about the connection between self-connection (awareness of oneself) and burnout?

Burnout is a really interesting thing to consider right now and something I am hearing a lot of people talk about. We did a study on burnout and stress mindset and found that believing stressful events are debilitating tends to lead to more burnout. Self-connection, however, seems to be a protective variable that mediates individuals’ level of burnout.

One simple activity we can do to help reduce our sense of burnout is to sit down regularly and reframe our activities as “values in action” — for example, driving across town to get obscure ingredients for a friend’s birthday dinner might demonstrate your commitment to novelty, to creativity, and/or to being a good friend. Numerous research studies confirm that journaling about how your daily activities relate to your most important values reduces stress, boosts mood, confidence and perceived meaning.

As the pandemic subsides and the world begins to reopen, how can we stay connected with ourselves?

I think many of us are feeling disoriented after a year of having to live by a totally different set of priorities, and not be able to plan or set goals as usual. This year-plus of living so differently has also led to new insights and ideas on how we want to live our lives going forward and likely, many of our priorities have changed. More than ever, we need to reconnect with ourselves and our deepest desires—and the best way I know how to do this is by taking a thorough inventory and re-examining our values, priorities across all areas of our lives (work, health, friendships, parenting, spiritual, play, etc.). It’s so important to check in with yourself about what matters, identify what our priorities are now, and make sure we’re acting in harmony with those.

Another technique to reorient ourselves is to take a few minutes in the evening to reframe your activities of the day as “your values in action.” Numerous research studies confirm that journaling about how our daily activities relate to our most important values reduces stress, boosts mood, confidence and increases meaning.

Both of these techniques require us to carve out some quiet alone time for ourselves on a regular basis. We need to give ourselves space to sit with these big questions—and for introverts, who might be overwhelmed by the return of near-normal socializing, alone time is also essential for recharging your batteries.

How is it possible for there to be an epidemic of loneliness when there are more ways than ever to stay connected with other people?

That’s a bit like asking how someone can still be out of shape when there are so many types of exercise equipment available. A tool is only as useful as we make it. It’s important to recognize the difference between superficial connection and authentic connection. What I mean by connection is authentic — a mindful, sincere, open and loving engagement. More often than not, we’re only using technological tools for superficial connection — wordlessly “liking” other people’s posts, sharing carefully edited versions of our lives, etc. We certainly could be using social media, video calls, and email to develop or maintain authentic connection, but most of the time we’re not. We need to be more mindful in how we use those tools.

On that note, how do you maintain a genuine connection with yourself even with an excess of superficial connections (via social media or similar channels) at your fingertips?

I love the saying that attention and intention are wings of awareness — and how whatever you put your attention on, you make progress on. Just asking yourself the question: “Am I feeling connected right now?” is a great way to begin. Pay attention to when you feel ease and unease multiple times throughout your day, and take note of what moves your needle. A good follow up question in the moment is: “Is there anything I can do to feel more connected, more present, or more intentional with what I’m engaging in right now?” So often when we actually pay attention to that question in the moment, the answers become obvious.

What is the relationship between connection and happiness?

Happiness is a mood — a temporary emotional state that feels great in the moment. A lot of self-help advice tells people to seek out happiness to live a happy life. But what’s interesting about humans is that feeling happy a lot doesn’t necessarily mean you are satisfied with your life. Life satisfaction is something different — and, I think, what people really are seeking. Connection is a tool that helps us achieve life satisfaction, by making us aware of the things that actually matter, and using that awareness to guide our behavior. Connection enables us to live lives rich in meaning and purpose, and those are the things that matter for life satisfaction.

You write that human beings are hard-wired to seek meaning in their lives, meaning being the significance a person ascribes to their experience of reality. This concept seems incredibly important to those of you who do clinical work. Talk about how this relates to your connection theory?

Yes, meaning is one of my favorite things to talk and teach about. A life filled with meaning is something that we all instinctively crave and yearn for. Research confirms that high levels of meaning are correlated with high levels of well-being across many dimensions. And, we’ve found that meaning and self-connection are highly correlated and tend to influence each other, which is why it’s a big focus of our research.

How did you get interested in connection?

I had the privilege of working as a health psychologist with medically ill and dying patients, during a time of immense personal loss and emotional turmoil. At first, I was intrigued with the dramatic differences I saw between medical patients who were coping well with their medical diagnosis, and the ones who were not. We observed that what separated these groups beyond their demographics or diagnoses was whether or not they had experienced a clarifying wake-up call.

I found it absolutely fascinating that so many patients facing death seemed to be crystal clear about what mattered, and far more authentic and content than most people I knew. They lived in a heightened state of awareness, exquisitely in touch with their values and truths, and living them every day. They seemed almost lit from within — plugged in and connected to grace, living their best lives with the time they had left.

Later, I came to realize that each of us is confronted at some point in life with the very important question of whether the life we are leading is the life that we wanted — and I wanted to help people answer that question sooner in life, without having to wait for a crisis.

Can we connect with others if we’re disconnected from ourselves?

I think it’s possible, but only in fleeting or superficial ways. Disconnected people typically aren’t present enough to listen deeply or empathize with others — we’re too caught up in distractions, chasing things that don’t matter. Unless and until we understand and accept our true selves — our most important values, our needs, our flaws and strengths — we can’t truly be authentic. That prevents us from connecting with others in meaningful, lasting ways.

What are the signs of disconnection? Are some signs harder to recognize than others?

Disconnection is much more of a spectrum than a bright line category. A person can be slightly disconnected, very disconnected, or completely disconnected — sometimes all in the same day. Disconnection comes on subtly and insidiously, in death by a thousand self-betrayals. Often, a person who’s disconnected will feel like they’re living on autopilot, just going through the motions. They might feel a nagging sense of dissatisfaction even when there are great things going on in their lives. They often seem distracted, or full of easy judgment — talking too much and listening too little. Life might feel like it’s too busy or complex, with no clear path forward to change things for the better. But as our studies have found, everyone experiences disconnection in a slightly different way. What matters more is learning how to reconnect to yourself.

One thing that sets your book apart from many psychology books written for the public is that some of your findings are based on research from your own research lab, the Connection Lab. Tell us a bit about the lab, and the work you have done to explore your connection theory.

We are a non-profit think tank of researchers conducting qualitative and quantitative studies. Last year, we had 21 papers accepted for publication in academic journals. In general, we’ve found that knowing who you are, accepting that both the good and bad, and acting in alignment with that, is good for you. Our team has introduced self-connection and self-connection theory as new concepts in academic literature, and created a validated measure in order to be able to measure it.

We’ve found that self-connection is related to improved mood, meaning in life, flourishing, both life and job satisfaction… and we’ve even found preliminary evidence that self-connection may have a stronger relationship to well-being than physical activity does.

So far, we’ve answered the WHAT and the WHY, and now we are working on the HOW. How do you go about getting more or less self-connection.

Marissa DeCuir

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

Higher education expert underscores deep impact of international students on American economy and innovation

Posted on August 18, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

Dr. Rajika Bhandari’s memoir speaks to millions learning in post-9/11 US

Irvington, NY – Author Rajika Bhandari, a sought-after thought leader on cultural diplomacy, shares her personal education and immigration experience in “America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility” (Sept. 14, 2021, She Writes Press) that Kirkus Reviews calls “a valuable study of an extremely important area of ‘soft diplomacy,’ dispelling all sorts of easy and false assumptions.” Bhandari’s memoir speaks to the experiences of millions of international students, including many Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and Nobel Prize winners, who navigate the convoluted education-to-immigration system in America and the expectations of American cultural assimilation.

Growing up in middle-class India, Bhandari watched as generations of her family looked westward, where an American education meant status and success. She initially resists the lure but finds herself heading to a US university to study, following her heart and a relationship.

When that relationship ends and she fails in her attempt to move back to India as a foreign-educated woman, she returns to the US and finds herself in a job where the personal is political and professional: she’s immersed in the lives of international students who come to America from over 200 countries, the universities that attract them, and the tangled web of immigration these students must navigate.

An unflinching, insightful narrative that Midwest Book Review says “offers a view of not just international students’ lives (and especially Indian experiences), but how they live and what these students choose after achieving their educational goals.”  America Calling is a deeply personal story of Bhandari’s search for place and voice, and an incisive analysis of America’s relationship with the rest of the world through the most powerful tool of diplomacy: education.

“America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility”
Rajika Bhandari | September 14, 2021 | She Writes Press
Paperback | 978-1647421830 | $16.95
Memoir/Non-fiction

Rajika Bhandari: A former international student from India to the US and an Indian American immigrant, Rajika Bhandari is an international higher education expert, a widely published author, and a sought-after speaker on issues of international education, skilled immigrants, and educational and cultural diplomacy.

An author of five academic books and one previous nonfiction book, Dr. Bhandari is quoted by dozens of global media outlets each year, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, The Times of India and Quartz, and her writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Chronicle of Higher Education, HuffPost, University World News, Times Higher Education, and The Diplomatic Courier, among others. She lives outside New York City. Website: www.rajikabhandari.com

Advance Praise for “America Calling”

“In adding her voice to the immigrant experience, Rajika reminds us that everyone has a story to tell and that everyone’s story counts. It is books like this that make America a kinder and wiser nation. Highly recommended for high schools and colleges.”
—Firoozeh Dumas, New York Times best-selling author of Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing up Iranian in America

“Rajika Bhandari is a voice that urges us with moral clarity and rigorous intelligence to embrace immigrants in higher education. This book tells a personal story and a wider one too, it’s a clarion call for the nation’s policy makers and educators, to welcome into the nation’s ranks any and all curious minds willing to join in the pursuit of an education.”
—Maeve Higgins, New York Times columnist, award-winning author of Maeve in America: Essays by a Girl from Somewhere

“In America Calling, Rajika Bhandari captures the confusion and wonder of the international student experience of the sort she, I, and many others have shared. Sometimes funny, often moving, and always thought-provoking, Dr Bhandari’s is a memorable story, and an enjoyable read.”
—Shashi Tharoor, Indian political leader, former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations, and best-selling author of 22 books including India: From Midnight to the Millennium and Beyond

“Rajika presents a very personal and fascinating story of the trials and tribulations of a foreign student coming to the U.S. She explains why the world’s brightest flock to American shores and boost its competitiveness—and why they are now returning home. She is right that if America doesn’t correct the exodus, it will be the greater loser.”
—Vivek Wadhwa, Distinguished Fellow, Harvard Law School, Labor and Worklife Program, best-selling author of The Immigrant Exodus: Why America is losing the global race to capture entrepreneurial talent

“Through this intimate account of her own journey, Rajika Bhandari tells the story of the millions of young people who pursue the dream of an American education, the price they pay, the irreversible transformation they undergo, and the often misunderstood, under-appreciated, yet immense social and economic value they bring about. While she grew up in Delhi and I in Madrid, her story is, in many ways, mine too.”
—Angel Cabrera, Former President, George Mason University; President, Georgia Tech and a Carnegie Corporation “Great Immigrant”

“Rajika Bhandari offers a roadmap to the many who have come, and the many who will be drawn to America, in search of educational and other life-affirming professional opportunities. It is deeply personal and yet fully illustrative of the many shared experiences of generations that continue to enrich a nation built by and for immigrants.”
—Raju Narisetti, founder of Mint newspaper, and former Managing Editor at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal

“Seeking an international education takes courage, as Cervantes reminds us. But it’s not a quixotic venture. As Dr Bhandari ‘s story illustrates, the windmills of the mind can be overcome, and the arc of educational exchange bends toward open doors and open minds.”
—Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO, Institute of International Education (IIE)

”An Indian woman’s wonderfully written, illuminating account… a valuable study of an extremely important area of “soft diplomacy,” dispelling all sorts of easy and false assumptions. Bhandari’s informative memoir is for readers who want to understand how interconnected the world really is. Bhandari is a very talented writer, knowing that in a sea of data there is no better life raft than the telling anecdote.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In these times, when vociferous politicians promote isolation and nativism by vilifying immigrants, including the highly educated, Rajika Bhandari presents a bold counter-narrative, sharing her deeply personal and eye-opening insights into the trials and tribulations of international students in America–and the great value they bring to the entire country.”
–Helen Zia, activist and author of Asian American Dreams and The Last Boat out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese who Fled Mao’s Revolution

“America Calling is a timely and unique addition to immigrant literature. Bhandari weaves an evocative and compelling narrative of the power of education to connect and transform—experience that resonates deeply with me as a first-generation immigrant and college student.”
–Reyna Grande, award-winning author of A Dream Called Home and The Distance Between Us

“Anyone who has wondered about the modern immigrant experience and perceptions of coming to this nation to fulfill dreams will find America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility a lesson in adaptation, advantage, and revised futures by those who come to this country as students.”
— Midwest Book Review

Media Buzz for Rajika Bhandari and America Calling

“What the American dream looks like for immigrants” – Vox

“Is the U.S. Saying ‘No Thanks’ to the World’s Best and Brightest?” – Ms. Magazine

“Fitting in but retaining your identity: respecting diversity does not mean forsaking the identity and culture that one is born with. Finding the right balance between your unique cultural heritage and common American values is the best of both worlds.” – Authority Magazine

“about the international student experience with all its wonder, confusion, and loneliness” – The Book Slut

Also featured on

The Learning Future Podcast
Nortre Dame Counselors’ Summer Reading List
Thrive Global
The Bronx Daily

In an interview, Rajika Bhandari can discuss:

At a time of growing nationalism, a turning inward, and fear of the “other,” how “America Calling” is ultimately a call to action to keep America’s borders and minds open
The concept of the American Dream and its connection to education
The first examination of the pathway between education and immigration in the US, tracing the steps from higher education to immigration in the country as US colleges and universities are one of the biggest “feeders” of immigrants
Why losing international students would mean losing the country’s competitive and innovative edge over the rest of the world
Unique struggles of immigrating to the US, especially as a student
The memoir’s theme of dislocation, the process of cultural learning and assimilation
Understanding and defining “home”
Education as a pathway to female empowerment and personal transformation, as Bhandari bucked patriarchal traditions to becoming a global expert in higher education and a single mother by choice
Intersectionality from the perspective of an immigrant woman of color — what it means to be an Asian American woman at a time of growing hatred against Asians in America
The journey of some of America’s most famous entrepreneurs and leaders who came to the country as international students — including the cofounder of Moderna (which spearheaded the development of the COVID-19 vaccine) and CEO of Google
What the election of America’s first Indian and Black female Vice President, whose mother came to the US as an international student from India, means for Indian women following a similar path
2021 marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11, when Americans began to view international students with suspicion
The book’s publication during Welcoming Week, and Bhandari’s thoughts on the state of affairs during International Education Week from Nov. 15-21

An Interview with Rajika Bhandari

While we know this story is a personal one, what motivated you to write this book at this time?

I have worked in the field of international education for many years and during this time came to realize how little the American public knows about international students — who they are, where they come from, what are their experiences. Yet there are over 1 million such individuals from over 200 countries who study in the US. There is no broader understanding of the value that such individuals bring to American society and yet they are presented with educational and immigration hurdles every step of the way.

I wanted to write this book to reveal the experience of an international student in the US and make people sit up and take notice that the future of America is at risk if the world stops coming to American colleges and universities. These issues became even more urgent over the past five years under the Trump administration, when there was an onslaught of damaging proposals — including the infamous travel bans — which made America feel very unwelcome to international students. As someone who had watched this from the sidelines, albeit as an expert, I knew I had to speak up and share my story and that of others on what being an international student and future immigrant feels like.

Your story speaks intimately on the education-to-immigration process many international students go through while planning their futures beyond academics. Why was it important for you to speak to this process?

There are a lot of misunderstandings about this process, with many in America believing that it is easy for international students to stay on, or that it is easy for someone to become a skilled immigrant in America. The reality and evidence point to the opposite, where the process, wait times, and immigration loopholes are dehumanizing and damaging — both for that student who aspires to stay on, but also for the US as a country which, each year, loses a ton of global talent that leaves the country and goes elsewhere because of the inability to stay. While much of the country’s focus has been on undocumented immigrants and their challenges — which are of course critical — the harrowing ordeal of those pursuing the pathway of immigration through employment does not receive as much attention.

What do you want readers to take away from your story?

Even for those Americans who know international students and work closely with them, they haven’t been in their shoes and therefore cannot understand what it really feels like to leave home, to have your entire world upended, and to land in a country where everything is different — the language, the food, and even how students are taught to think and learn.

I want the book to be a glimpse into the lives of these students and potential future immigrants, to add a face and voice to their stories. I want Americans to understand how important their colleges and universities have been in connecting them to the rest of the world. America is a beacon for many and that’s why this give-and-take needs to be protected by keeping the doors open to young students from around the world. If it were not for this type of exchange, the US would not have a Kamala Harris, a Barack Obama, or writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Does the process of cultural learning and assimilating differ with students vs. other immigrants? What are some of the unique challenges faced by immigrants, especially as it relates to education?

The fundamental sense of displacement and assimilation is a shared experience for all immigrants, but there is a unique aspect to arriving in a country as a young student. It is a coming-of-age time in a person’s life when one’s basic values, ideas and beliefs are being shaped. To be exposed to a different culture and context during these foundational years can have a huge impact on a person’s life — I know it did in mine.

Moreover, the approach to education is so different across countries that being in an American classroom teaches future immigrants about American society, culture and how to think in the American way that is different from any other immigrant experience. Yet there can be unique challenges: students coming from other countries — especially Asian countries — are not taught to think critically and to question authority and hence struggle with the open culture of an American classroom.

How has the international student experience evolved in the 20 years since 9/11, now in a post-Trump era, Covid-stricken era with America’s first Indian and Black female Vice President whose parents came here as international students?

9/11 was a difficult time for international students in the US because it was the first time that they were equated with terrorists (one of the hijackers was previously on a student visa). But that moment passed, and the next decade was a golden period both for international students who came to the US in increasing numbers — eventually reaching over 1 million — and for American society, which reaped the economic, social and cultural benefits of these global migrants.

But then Trump was elected, and things got worse. After a four-year period where the US has lost its status in the eyes of the world and where the numbers of students coming to the US have plummeted both due to bad immigration policies and COVID-19, there is finally a glimmer of hope with the Biden-Harris administration. There is a clear “Biden Bump” and students around the world are again beginning to look to the US with a sense of optimism. Future international students see themselves reflected in Kamala Harris and her legacy. If the COVID-19 crisis is contained, there are all signs that the US is on track to see a huge rebound in students coming to the US.

The voices you highlight in the book are so impressive and inspiring. How did you choose who to interview and go about your writing process?

I see the book as a way of telling not just my story but also those of others whose lives and experiences speak to the impact that studying in America has had on them, and who themselves have had a profound impact on the US and its ties with the world.

I sought out well-known individuals like Ambassador Richard Verma, the first person of Indian American origin to serve as an ambassador to India under President Obama, and whose own father arrived in the U.S in 1963 as an international student from India with just $14 in his pocket. I tell the story of Susan Mboya, whose father along with John F. Kennedy, launched the “African Airlift” which brought over 800 African students to the US in the 1960s, including the senior Barack Obama.

I thought it important to also tell the stories of everyday people and young global dreamers–a young female student from China who came to believe anything was possible in America when landing an internship with Ivanka Trump; a refugee fleeing Syria to come to an American university offering him a safe haven and a new life; and an Indian student whose experience during the Black Lives Matter movement helped him and his friends confront their own racial stereotypes.

I do also tell the stories of those who America has pushed away and whom the country has lost: a brilliant young scientist and team at Monash University in Australia that is doing cutting-edge work in gravitational wave astronomy (the field that won the Nobel Prize in 2017) but that was forced out of the US because of visa issues. Capturing these narratives helped me show the full arc of America’s relationship to the world through education: the history of such relationships going back to the late 1800s, to my own experience, and then to the current view and what is happening today.

Marissa DeCuir

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

From Crone to Creatrix: Author reclaims midlife and challenges ageist, sexist archetypes in new memoir

Posted on August 18, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

AUSTIN, Texas – From the author of the award-winning book “A Delightful Little Book on Aging” comes a new self-help memoir “Creatrix Rising: Unlocking the Power of Midlife Women” (Aug. 24, 2021, She Writes Press). In her new book, Stephanie Raffelock liberates mold-defying midlife women, tired of the oft-inaccurate characterization of the “old crone,” to amplify the resounding strength within.

Ever since Eve was banned from the garden, women have endured the oftentimes painful and inaccurate definitions foisted upon them by the patriarchy. Maiden, mother, and crone, representing the three stages assigned to a woman’s life cycle, have been the limiting categories of both ancient and modern (neo-pagan) mythology. And one label in particular rankles: crone. The word conjures a wizened hag—useless for the most part, marginalized by appearance and ability.

None of us has ever truly fit the old-crone image, and for today’s midlife women, a new archetype is being birthed: the Creatrix.

In “Creatrix Rising,” Raffelock lays out—through personal stories and essays—the highlights of the past fifty years, in which women have gone from a quiet strength to a resounding voice. She invites us along on her own transformational journey by providing probing questions for reflection so that we can flesh out and bring to life this new archetype within ourselves. If what the Dalai Lama has predicted—that women will save the world—proves true, then the Creatrix will for certain be out front, leading the pack.

About the Author

Stephanie Raffelock is the author of “Creatrix Rising, Unlocking the Power of Midlife Women,” (She Writes Press – August, 2021). She also penned the award winning book, “A Delightful Little Book on Aging.”

A graduate of Naropa University’s program in Writing and Poetics, Stephanie was a contributor to The Rogue Valley Messenger in Oregon. She has blogged for Nexus Magazine, Omaha Lifestyles, Care2.com, as well as SixtyandMe.com.

A former i-Heart Radio host, she is now a popular guest on podcasts, where she inspires women to embrace the strength and passion of their personal story. Stephanie continues to build her speaker’s resume by giving presentations for groups like The Ashland Literary Arts Festival, Breaking the Glass, WINS at Charles Schwab and Southern Oregon University, Friends of the Hannon Library. Her commitment to uplift women extends to teaching personal development classes for incarcerated women and non-profits, including Dress for Success, Austin.

A recent transplant to Austin, Texas Stephanie enjoys an active life with her husband, Dean and their Labrador retriever, Mickey Mantel Raffelock.

In an interview, Stephanie Raffelock can discuss:

Reframing the conversation on aging and combating the stereotypes applied to aging women
Understanding aging as a remarkable and noble passage
Why it seems that society shames women as they age, how we can correct this “old crone” mischaracterization and change the conversation about women and aging — We begin by embracing our years and seeing aging as the next great adventure
The emerging Creatrix archetype and the creative surge of midlife women that invites reinvention and reclamation
Well-known women who embody the Creatrix archetype — Ruth Bader-Ginsberg, Meryl Streep, Twyla Tharp, Stacey Abrams, Jennifer Aniston and Kamala Harris
How her personal experiences informed the concepts in “Creatrix Rising” and how she incorporated stories of women in her family into this book — Stephanie’s mother, grandmother and great-grandmother all had their own struggles and celebrations, and each of them influenced her ideals and ideas about being a woman
Her work to uplift women in her own community where she lives in Austin, Texas

An Interview with STEPHANIE RAFFELOCK

Before we dive into your new book, “Creatrix Rising,” can you briefly tell us about yourself and why you decided to write about aging? Why is this book so important to you personally?

I’ve been writing about aging for several years now. At first it was because, well, I was getting older and writing has always been a way for me to understand and examine my interior life. But as I wrote about the process, the good, the bad and the ugly, I began to realize that aging is really a woman’s issue. Yes, men get older too, but without the same kind of baggage. Unlike my mother’s generation who saw aging in an almost shameful kind of way, feedback from my readers showed me that today’s woman isn’t particularly interested in going gently into that goodnight.

“Creatrix Rising: Unlocking the Power of Midlife Women” is an invitation to embrace a new archetype, the Creatrix, that celebrates the creative surge, confidence and power that comes with midlife.

What is this emerging Creatrix archetype, and where did it come from?

The name Creatrix comes from the three Greek fates, the spinner, the weaver and the cutter. The weaver was called Creatrix, a word that literally means a woman who makes things. The concept of an emerging archetype is a bold but necessary one — Creatrix replaces the Crone, a word that means disagreeable old woman. No one wants that title. We want to be seen as valuable, contributing and creative women as we age. Let us be seen as a Creatrix.

Who will enjoy this book, and what do you hope they take away from it?

Although this is a book written for women, men who wish to deepen their understanding of the women that they love will benefit from it too. The Creatrix archetype is what follows the mother archetype. Creatrix represents women who are discovering the reinvention and awakening of life that comes in the phase after motherhood.

Why do you think midlife women are sometimes characterized as the “old crone?” Why does it seem like women are shamed as they age, but men are treated as more distinguished as they get older?

The poet and novelist Robert Graves came up with the trilogy of maiden, mother and crone in the 1930s. He saw women as his poetic muse. His labels seeped into the culture and was adopted by neo-paganism, who referred to the trilogy as the triple goddess, assigning each phase with a phase of the moon.

Crone is a word that makes most women bristle. It entered the lexicon in the 1300s and was meant as an insult. Words matter. We don’t need to reclaim this one and try to dress it up, we need to replace it. Our worth and our value in society is contingent upon how we see and feel about ourselves. Correcting the worn out and oft times toxic stereotyping of women is an inside job — it begins with us.

How can we correct this mischaracterization and change the conversation about women and aging?

We begin by embracing our years and seeing aging as the next great adventure. Self-knowledge reveals all things. If we look honestly at our lives and innumerate the positives of age instead of listing the negatives, we can begin to change. It has to start with us first. As we mature in confidence and strength then the world begins to take note and society can then change.

Some women actually fear getting older. How did you personally learn to celebrate aging?

I start by saying “thank you,” every morning when I wake. Gratitude is a good platform for any change. There’s so much to enjoy and appreciate about aging — maturity, reflectiveness, contemplation. There’s a reason that nature keeps us alive after midlife. No longer necessary for the proliferation of the species, our purpose now becomes more internal, focused on the horizon where the veil floats between life and death. All of life and its cycles is astounding and remarkable. Let yourself be curious. Let yourself be awed. Let yourself appreciate the joy of breathing, walking, feeling… Let yourself practice thankfulness.

How does your book incorporate stories from women in your family? Why was it important for you to share their stories?

We can’t know ourselves, without knowing the women who came before us. My mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are all in my DNA. They all had struggles and celebrations, and each of them in their own way passed a light onto me that represents my ideals and ideas about being a woman. This is true in every family. Feminist history isn’t just something that happens outside of ourselves; it is alive in ourselves and in our families.

Which well-known women who embody the Creatrix archetype?

Ruth Bader-Ginsberg comes to mind as do Meryl Streep, Twyla Tharp, Stacey Abrams, Jennifer Aniston — and these are just a few. All around us, women are shining and thriving in the arts, in business and in leadership. And, of course, I have to put Vice President Kamala Harris on this list, who embodies the Creatrix with her strength, vision, courage and grace.

How does “Creatrix Rising” build on the concepts you wrote about in “A Delightful Little Book on Aging?” Was your approach to writing this book different? How so?

“Creatrix Rising” is an expansion on my thoughts about aging that began in “A Delightful Little Book on Aging,” but this time, beginning with midlife. There is a huge inner shift and right of passage for women at midlife. As for my approach to writing the book — it’s the same, I try to tell my story with as much honesty as I can so that it is relatable to the hearts of others.

How do you uplift women in your local community in Austin, Texas?

I went to Naropa University to study writing and poetics. It was there that I was given the opportunity to do community outreach with my writing. My first outreach was teaching poetry to girls in a group home. I fell in love with the idea of teaching creative writing to marginalized groups that might not otherwise have the luxury or opportunity to take a creative writing class. I’ve taught writing in assisted living facilities, group homes and in jails. Here, in Austin I’ve been asked to teach a class for Dress for Success, Austin in personal development through writing. Re-writing the ending to your life is a theme I love to start with, and I can’t wait for that class at Dress for Success, Austin.

Some say age is but a number, but it often feels like more than that. Why is it that age holds such significance to us?

Age is more than just a number. It’s a badge of honor to have lived long enough to know that the life in front of us is far shorter than the life we’ve already lived. To that end, these years seem more precious, more miraculous and certainly more deserving of our very best selves.

Early Praise for “Creatrix Rising”

“The disparity between the cultural perception of midlife women and how women actually see themselves has opened the door for a new archetype, the Creatrix. In her new book on the theme of positive aging, Creatrix Rising, Stephanie Raffelock offers a reimagining of midlife as the most powerful and creative time in a woman’s life, celebrating her strengths and redefining her beauty. This is a book that shifts the paradigm of what’s possible as women age and ushers in a much-needed cultural transformation that benefits everyone.”
-Joan Borysenko, PhD, New York Times best-selling author and founding partner of Mind/Body Health Sciences, LLC

“The perfect topic at the perfect time, Stephanie Raffelock’s self-help memoir, Creatrix Rising, identifies a new archetype, the Creatrix, that transcends the old archetype of Crone. Her stories and insights about how far women have come is nothing short of inspirational. A must-read for any woman who wants to embrace the strength and creativity of midlife.”
-Marci Shimoff, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Happy for No Reason and Chicken Soup for the Women’s Soul

“Poetic and philosophical, Creatrix Rising will inspire readers to claim the courage and confidence that already lives inside of them. An intimate story of transformation, of journeying through life on your own terms without apology.”
-Richard Blanco, 2013 Presidential Inaugural Poet and author of How to Love a Country

“The new archetype Stephanie Raffelock assigns to midlife women underscores the assets and wisdom older women bring to our culture and to the greater good. Creatrix Rising is an affirmation and celebration of the feminine story taking place in leadership and creativity throughout our country.”
-Gabby Reese, volleyball legend, Nike’s first female spokeswoman, and New York Times best-selling author

Praise for “A Delightful Little Book on Aging”

“A helpful, uplifting work for readers handling the challenges of growing older.”
-Kirkus Reviews

“The author’s words are soothing and comforting and will give many aging and aged readers the strength to understand grief and become more compassionate human beings.”
-Readers’ Favorite

“Deeply compassionate, eminently readable, and filled with timeless wisdom and unbridled joy. Stephanie Raffelock will be your favorite new discovery. You’re welcome.”
-Jonny Bowden, board-certified nutritionist and best-selling author of Living Low Carb and The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth

Awards

American Book Fest Best Book Award, Finalist. Category: Health & Aging.
Living Now Book Award, Bronze. Category: Mature Aging
Human Relations Indie Book Award, Gold. Category: Aging
Book Excellence, Winner. Category: Non-Fiction
IBPA finalist Category: Gift Book

Marissa DeCuir

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

Atmospheric YA story deftly dips into the past to navigate fraught nature of modern teenage friendships

Posted on July 27, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

New Haven, CT – Critically acclaimed author Chandra Prasad (Damselfly) returns with Mercury Boys (Aug. 3, 2021, SoHo Teen), an evocative YA story with a historical twist that’s filled with first loves, the struggle to adapt, and the imperious world of young female friendships.

16-year-old Saskia Brown finds herself struggling to fit into her new school not only as a transplant, but also as a biracial teen in a predominantly white town. However, she finds solace in her only friend, Lila, and a tattered old daguerreotype of Robert Cornelius, a brilliant young inventor from the nineteenth century. While visiting Lila at a local university library, Saskia does something dangerous–she touches a vial of liquid mercury. That same night she has a dream that she’s transported to the 1800s and meets Robert Cornelius himself–a dream so realistic she wonders if maybe she’s stumbled upon a way to time travel.

Excited for her new friendship and the potential to make more friends, she shares her startling discovery with Paige Sampras, the most popular girl in school. Their new group steals vials of liquid mercury and various daguerreotypes to form the Mercury Boys Club, a secret society in which girls visit their “forever boyfriends” at night and divulge their juicy adventures the next day. At first, the Mercury Boys Club yields camaraderie and sisterhood, but soon it takes a turn for the worse as harsh rules are enforced and cruel initiations demanded. It’s not long before casual friendships turn ugly and jealous, and Saskia faces unexpected peril within her new friend group.

With the unexpected and creative force of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Wayward Children and the edgy, suspenseful impact of The Fever, Mercury Boys is a gripping, timely, and compelling YA adventure that explores the all too obscure in-betweens that exist between race, gender, and identity, past and present, and childhood and adulthood.

More about Chandra Prasad:

Chandra Prasad is the author of the critically acclaimed novels On Borrowed Wings, Death of a Circus, Breathe the Sky, and Damselfly, a female-driven young adult text used both individually in classrooms and in parallel with Lord of the Flies. Prasad is also the editor of—and a contributor to—Mixed, the first-ever anthology of short stories on the multiracial experience. Being half-Asian herself, Prasad has long acknowledged the dearth of significant mixed-race characters in literature, especially for teens and children, and has sought to bring awareness to this issue. For this reason, Prasad chose multiracial protagonists for both her YA novels, Damselfly and Mercury Boys.

Prasad’s shorter works have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, The Week, and Teen Voices. She is also a contributor to New Haven Noir, a short story anthology edited by Amy Bloom, and the author of a how-to guide for young jobseekers. A graduate of Yale, Prasad is currently working on several books and writing projects. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, sons, and assorted pets. Find out more at https://chandraprasad.com/.

Follow Chandra on social media:
Twitter: @chandrabooks
Instagram: @chandraprasadbooks
TikTok: @chandraprasadbooks

In an interview, Chandra can discuss:

Her first YA novel, Damselfly, and its usage in classrooms as a teaching tool, often in concert with Lord of the Flies
The growing use of classic and modern YA texts in high schools as parallel or linked texts
The importance of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks and #DisruptTexts movements
Why she has focused on strong and diverse female characters and on the intersections of race, class, sexuality, and gender in identity
The soaring population of young multracial readers who lack books with multracial characters or focus
The challenges teen girls face today, and how literature can both illuminate and address these challenges
Using a modern point of view to revisit historical events, especially as a young person
Her exploration of mid-19th century American history and the research put into this book, as well as in her previous novels
The rich history and lore of liquid mercury and the ways she used this as a device in the book

An Interview with Chandra Prasad

1. Why did you write Mercury Boys?

Years ago, the daguerreotype of Robert Cornelius made national headlines. I think I first read about it on CNN. This daguerreotype was evidently the first ever photographic self-portrait, or in today’s vernacular, the first “selfie” (now, as we know, the taking of selfies is practically a rite of passage for today’s teenagers!). After reading up on both Robert Cornelius and daguerreotypes in general, I learned how early photographers like Cornelius had to be skilled chemists in order to properly handle the toxic substances early photography required. I also learned that Cornelius was a fascinating individual—an inventor, lighting entrepreneur, photographer, and metallurgist.

When I researched the history of elemental mercury, and how it was seen, variously, as an antidepressant, fertility aid, poison, miracle cure, and alchemical device, I saw the potential for an exciting story—one that weaves together photography, bits of American history, early American pioneers, the problematic notion of female hysteria, and the complicated minefield that is modern female adolescence.

2. How did you arrive at the title: Mercury Boys?

The word “mercury” in Mercury Boys is significant in many ways. The Roman god Mercury was the ancient god of luck, boundaries, travel, and tricksters, all of which have a role in this book. Historically, mankind saw elemental mercury as enchanted or magical since it is the only liquid metal in existence. The possibility of enchantment and magic also permeate this novel. In addition, the adjectival form of mercury, “mercurial,” means changeable and volatile, which apply to the girls and their club. Finally, the girls require elemental mercury to access the boys in the daguerreotypes, so mercury, quite literally, is essential to the novel’s plot.

3. What are daguerreotypes and why are they important in Mercury Boys?

Daguerreotype was the first publicly available photography. Daguerreotypes were popular in the mid-1800s. They were named after their inventor, Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre, a French artist and photographer. While daguerreotypes were very popular for about twenty years, they faded into obscurity with the advent of other forms of photography such as tintypes, ambrotypes, and cyanotypes.

Daguerreotypes are important to the novel because they require the use of mercury vapor during the photographic process. Liquid mercury, in turn, is required by the girls in the book when they “visit” their forever boyfriends.

4. Can you tell me about the main character, Saskia Brown?

Saskia Brown is a sixteen-year-old high school student who is going through a hard time. Her parents are recently divorced. Estranged from her mother, Saskia has chosen to move with her father from Arizona to a small town in Connecticut. Though she used to be outgoing, the dissolution of her family and her “new kid in school” status have made her shy and self-conscious. Her outsider status is further exacerbated by the fact that she is biracial in a mostly white school. While she quickly manages to make a caring friend, Lila, Saskia is nonetheless impressionable and vulnerable when she makes the acquaintance of the most popular girl in school, Paige, who holds a dark secret.

5. What research did you do for the book, and in particular, for the characters who are from the mid-1800s?

Three of my previous books—On Borrowed Wings, Death of a Circus, and Breathe the Sky—are historical novels that required fairly intensive research. I love learning about history, so it’s no coincidence that Mercury Boys also has a few characters from the mid-19th century. To get the details right, I read extensively about Civil War field hospitals, early American women’s suffrage conventions, the California Gold Rush, and the New York Crystal Palace exhibition, that opened in 1853, among other subjects.

Marissa DeCuir

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

Radicalism, white supremacy take center stage in Pulitzer nominee’s new novel, ‘Murmuration’

Posted on July 22, 2021 | by Marissa DeCuir

Sid Balman, Jr.’s newest book releases on Aug. 3, 2021

Pulitzer-nominated war and national security correspondent and Writer in Residence at Sul Ross State University Sid Balman, Jr. is releasing a harrowing follow-up to award-winning novel, “Seventh Flag.” The second book in the series, “Murmuration,” will be published on Aug. 3, 2021, with SparkPress.

Charlie Christmas, Ademar Zarkan and Prometheus Stone are the best of America, united by war, scarred by displacement and resolute in the face of the troubles that rip the nation apart over three decades. Christmas, the Somali translator with a split personality and Zarkan, a Syrian Muslim woman raised in West Texas, a West Point graduate and a US Army sniper who struggles to reconcile her roles as an assassin and a mother; are brought together by Stone, a lapsed Jew and an Army captain amid a war and famine in East Africa the likes of which the world has rarely seen.

Their journey from the mean streets of Mogadishu to the high desert of West Texas, the barren plains of Indian country and the rolling hills of Minnesota is both tragic and uplifting. Charlie’s son, Amiir, is the bookmark in their lives, and the struggle to raise him amid the predators of white supremacy and violent radicalism is their life’s work. With the help of Buck, the bomb-sniffing dog with a nose for danger, they prevail over Somali militias, pirates, white supremacists and ISIS terrorists in a splintering world that has turned on itself like a serpent in the singularly obscene act of devouring its own tail.

Murmuration digs deeper into the backstory from some of the beloved West Texas characters in Balman’s awarded debut novel, “Seventh Flag,” and defines what it means to be American in the 21st Century.

“Murmuration”
Sid Balman, Jr. | Aug. 3, 2021 | SparkPress | Literary Fiction
Paperback | 978-1684630912 | $16.95
Ebook | 978-1-68463-092-9 | $9.95

About the Author

The Writer in Residence at Sul Ross State University and a Pulitzer-nominated national security correspondent, Sid Balman Jr. has covered wars in the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kosovo, and has traveled extensively with two American presidents and four secretaries of state on overseas diplomatic missions. With the emergence of the web and the commoditizing of content, Balman moved into the business side of communications. In that role, over two decades, he helped found a news syndicate focused on the interests of women and girls, served as communications chief for the largest consortium of U.S. international development organizations, led two successful progressive campaigning companies, and launched a new division at a large international development firm centered on violent radicalism and other security issues on behalf of governments and nonprofits. A fourth-generation Texan, as well as a climber, surfer, paddler, and benefactor to Smith College, Balman splits time between Alpine Texas, where he is the Writer in Residence at Sul Ross State University, and Washington DC with three kids, and two dogs.

In an interview, Sid Balman, Jr. can discuss:

Working during the Bush and Clinton administrations in the 90s and covering international politics, diplomacy, national security and wars in Somalia, Iraq and the Balkans, plus how these experiences inspired his new novel, “Murmuration.”
Using his expertise in understanding national security and violent radicalization to weave an electrifying plot while painting a complicated and nuanced picture of gender, race, class and political power in a globalized political environment
Deep analysis based on a lifetime of research into the inner workings of domestic white supremacist groups and ISIS, particularly in Minnesota and abroad, and in law enforcement
How the book mirrors American culture and weaves the lives of diverse characters – Muslim, Jew, Christian, American, Somali, Native American – into a tapestry of what nationality looks like in the 21st Century
A rare and relevant look from a male writer into the heart of complex female characters in whom reside the instincts to create and destroy, drawing on themes in Virginia Woolf’s essay, “A Room of One’s Own,” and Hindu mysticism
His first novel, “Seventh Flag,” and what he has planned for the third novel in his trilogy

An Interview with Sid Balman Jr.

Before we dive into “Murmuration,” can you give us some background on your debut novel, “Seventh Flag,” and how it ties into the storyline and characters in your new book? Do people need to read “Seventh Flag” before cracking open “Murmuration?”

“Seventh Flag” is historical fiction examining the radicalization of America from World War II to the present day, with a brief foray into the administration of President Franklin Pierce prior to the Civil War and how his initiative to import camels from the Middle East for the U.S. Cavalry led to Texas having the nation’s largest Muslim population. The “Seventh Flag” trilogy centers on two families in West Texas as they engage in iconic, universal American activities that bind us together. One does not have to read “Seventh Flag” to fully enjoy and understand Murmuration, although I would certainly recommend it. The final novel in the trilogy, “Last Gun,” takes the readers 30 years into the future, with the same characters and geographies, to a dystopian, post-Trump nation splintered into warring fiefdoms.

Tell us about the title of “Murmuration.” What does it symbolize?

Massive, billowing flocks of starlings murmurate as a way to protect themselves from predatory birds, offering safety to the group, while conceding some fatal attacks. It is a metaphor, explained in the book as the central characters drive through the Great Plains and encounter a murmuration just prior to a deadly encounter with white supremacists, for how migrant communities coalesce against threats in their new homes.

How did you incorporate your personal experiences working as a journalist covering international politics and national security in Somalia into your new novel?

I flew into Somalia on an Air Force C-141with a planeload of locked and loaded Marines deployed as the vanguard to ensure humanitarian relief against marauding warlords amid famine and war. I was the vanguard for one of the world’s largest news agencies, with $50,000 and orders to set up our coverage for what would evolve into a complex, bloody war that defined Clinton Administration national security strategy in the post-Cold War world. My staff and I, utilizing American relief flights, reported from one end of the vast nation to the other embedded with U.S. forces, and witnessed firsthand the botched raid in Mogadishu depicted in Ridley Scott’s powerful film “Black Hawk Down.”

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the U.S. How did that come to be?

After leaving daily journalism, I developed a specialty in behavior-change communications, focused primarily on countering violent extremism on behalf of the U.S. and other governments. Drawing on my experiences and contacts, we developed a project for the Department of Homeland Security to mitigate ISIS recruiting and white fascism in Minnesota, the largest concentration of Somalis in the U.S. due primarily to resettlement practices that place migrants in regions with low unemployment, appropriate jobs and a supposedly progressive populace. Much of “Murmuration” takes place in Minnesota and draws on my experience with that project.

Are any of the characters in “Murmuration” based on real people?

Generally speaking, all of the characters are mosaics of real people. But the fictional Laws family in the tiny West Texas town of Dell City is based on a colorful clan that helped build a farming empire on the high desert. One of the daughters was a founding member of the Dixie Chicks band! The real family, starting with Jack Lynch, were incredibly helpful and generous with my research.

What thematic roles do violent radicalism and white supremacy play in your new book?

Violent radicalism and white supremacy in my view and work are public health issues, spreading virally like a disease and requiring the same mitigation strategies as any illness. My main characters – black Somali migrants, a Jewish Army officer who becomes a rabbi, and a groundbreaking Muslim woman – a West Point graduate and Army sniper who struggles to reconcile her life as an assassin and mother – epitomize those who face and can fall prey to violent extremism due to injustice and marginalization. Without spoilers, each of these characters face the ultimate dilemma in the face of those challenges, whether to fall prey to violent radicalism or to hold the line against it.

How do you explore gender and gender roles in “Murmuration?”

Ademar Zarkan, my favorite character, is the vessel for all those themes. Ademar, raised in West Texas, breaks all the glass ceilings of gender and faith as she plays football, maintains a deeply personal and sexual relationship with a white, Christian boyhood companion, graduates from West Point, serves as a deadly sniper in the Army and has children. When asked in “Murmuration” why she is a sniper, Ademar cites Virginia Woolf’s book, “A Room of One’s Own,” to explain how being a sniper is her room, a place where she is safe and calls all the shots, both literally and figuratively.

What other themes are found in “Murmuration?

Whew; that’s enough! The rest are all variants, but police brutality in Minnesota rears its head in a profound way in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. I spent several months researching in Minnesota prior to the Floyd incident and found disturbing pockets there of white supremacy among law enforcement. That’s why I was not at all surprised when the FBI discovered that many of the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 came from law enforcement and the military. Classically radicalized individuals.

Some novelists plan out all the details in a series before they even finish the first book. Others write as they go. What was your approach?

I’m very meticulous about mapping out the book before I write a single word. I spend months on research, construct detailed character profiles, outline every chapter and even build story boards that incorporate images and maps. As a former wire service reporter – a classic ink-stained wretch – I write very fast once I start, being careful not to write and edit at the same time. That said, and one of the most interesting aspects of my process, is not being too fixed on my story process and allowing the characters and narrative to grow organically within the tale. For me, it’s really a lot of fun!

You’ve now written nonfiction journalistic works as well as fiction. Do you prefer one over the other? What are the unique challenges of each?

I’m asked this frequently. Fiction is journalism, I just get to make up the story and all the quotes. In all seriousness, I’m an old-school reporter who believes that journalism must be the most accurate representation of the truth as one perceives it based on a moment in time. My fiction is a metaphor for the truth perceived through the rear-view mirror.

How important is your Texas background to your identity as a writer?

I’m a fourth-generation Texan, and the best of that amazing state is in my DNA. Iconic activities that draw us together as Americans abound in Texas, which made it the ideal place to start spinning this trilogy. Expressing the unity of America and Americans in my view is the antidote for what’s currently ripping us apart, and that, even more than my background, is why Texas is a dominant setting in the trilogy.

Without giving too much away, what is in store for the final novel in his saga?

It’s dystopian, not science fiction, set in an America of fiefdoms with no modern utility infrastructure and culminating in a battle for dominance. Not surprising, Ademar, a woman well into her 70s, and all the characters from the first two novels, rule over the last pocket of Free America based, where else, in West Texas.

Advance Praise for “Murmuration”

“Mr. Balman has written what I consider one of the Great American Novels of the 21stCentury. In Murmuration, the second novel in the Seventh Flag trilogy, he has turned on its head the traditional notions of heroism, patriotism, loyalty and gender. Balman weaves three decades of experience with conflict and extremism into a heartbreaking tale of diaspora and displacement that has defined the saga of so many migrants to the United States. As one who has made that journey, I urge all my countrymen and women – whether Somali or American – to read Murmuration.” —Mohamed Abdirizak; Foreign Minister of Somalia

“The book we should all be reading right now! Murmuration is a work of absorbing historical detail but also a multi layered story of love, honor, loss and the plague of radicalism. Sid Balman Jr. carries us from West Texas, into the battleground of Mogadishu and refugee camps in Kenya to suburban Minnesota giving us a deeper understanding of our global struggle with radicalism. Nothing is ever what it seems.” —Donatella Lorch, award-winning war correspondent for the New York Times, Newsweek and NBC News

“When a young Somali immigrant is confronted by hatred, it’s no surprise that he will rebel against the society that rejects him. Murmurationis a fast-paced thriller that captures the horror of the Somali refugee crisis and brings that horror home to America. It is a story of fear, revenge, compassion, and, ultimately redemption. Sid Balman, Jr. writes about the global threat of ISIS and white supremacy with the confidence and authority of someone who has witnessed it firsthand. This novel is a compelling glimpse into a dangerous world.” —Clifford Garstang, author of What the Zhang Boys Know and The Shaman of Turtle Valley

“Drawing on his personal experience in conflict, Mr. Balman immerses the reader in the purgatory of an African refugee camp, the snap of a passing bullet, the horror of a deadly crocodile strike, and the satisfaction of a sniper’s kill shot. He chronicles the turmoil in the head of a young Somali lured by unexpected sexual access, the calls to violence from an Imam preaching nihilism, and the torments inflicted by white nationalists inside American prisons. More than a good read, the novel presents the back story to today’s headlines.” —US Ambassador to Somalia James Bishop (Ret.)

Marissa DeCuir

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