Author: Marissa DeCuir

San Antonio, Texas – This fall, author Rudy Ruiz — recipient of six International Latino Book Awards — will release his latest book, “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez” in paperback. Since its September 2020 release in hardcover, “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez” has been named a finalist for the International Latino Book Awards in the fiction and audiobook categories. An authentic bilingual writer of Latino literature, Ruiz shares stories with universal human appeal in the hopes of bridging cultural divides through mutual acceptance and appreciation.

In the 1950s, tensions remain high in the border town of La Frontera. Penny loafers and sneakers clash with boots and huaraches. Bowling shirts and leather jackets compete with guayaberas. Convertibles fend with motorcycles. Yet amidst the discord, young love blooms at first sight between Fulgencio Ramirez, the son of impoverished immigrants, and Carolina Mendelssohn, the local pharmacist’s daughter. But as they’ll soon find out, their bonds will be undone by a force more powerful than they could have known.

Thirty years after their first fateful encounter, Fulgencio Ramirez, RPh, is conducting his daily ritual of reading the local obituaries in his cramped pharmacy office. After nearly a quarter of a century of waiting, Fulgencio sees the news he’s been hoping for: his nemesis, the husband of Carolina Mendelssohn, has died. A work of magical realism, The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez weaves together the past and present as Fulgencio strives to succeed in America, break a mystical family curse, and win back Carolina’s love after their doomed youthful romance. Through enchanting language and meditations about the porous nature of borders—cultural, geographic, and otherworldly—”The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez” offers a vision of how the past has divided us, and how the future could unite us.

“The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez”
Rudy Ruiz | Blackstone Publishing
Literary Fiction / Magical Realism / Historical Fiction / Latino Literature
Hardcover | Sept. 22, 2020 | ISBN 978-1-982604-61-5 | $27.99
Paperback | Oct. 12,, 2021 | ISBN 978-1665088121 | $16.99

Rudy Ruiz is a writer of literary fiction. A native of the U.S.-Mexico border, his earliest works were published at Harvard, where he studied literature, creative writing, government and public policy, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “Seven for the Revolution” was Ruiz’s fiction debut. The collection of short stories won four International Latino Book Awards. Ruiz’s short fiction has appeared in literary journals including BorderSenses, The Ninth Letter, New Texas, and the Notre Dame Review. In 2017, Rudy Ruiz was awarded the Gulf Coast Prize in Fiction. In 2020, Ruiz was a finalist for both the Texas Institute of Letters’ Best Short Story Award as well as the Texas Observer’s annual Short Story Contest.

In 2020, Blackstone Publishing released Ruiz’s novel, “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez.” The novel received critical acclaim and was named one of the “Top 10 Best First Novels of 2020″ by the American Library Association’s Booklist. The novel was longlisted for the Reading the West Awards and was a finalist for the Western Writers of America’s Spur Award for Best Contemporary Novel.

Follow Rudy Ruiz:
Website: RudyRuiz.com | Twitter: @Rudy_Ruiz_7

In an interview, Rudy Ruiz can discuss:

• Growing up on the U.S.-Mexican border and why this region of Texas plays such an essential role in his writing
• Drawing inspiration from his father’s stories, as a first generation American with immigrant parents
• Bridging cultural divides through literature, as well as addressing border and immigration issues in a work of literary fiction and magical realism
• Seamlessly weaving magical realism with Latino traditions and lore into “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez” to create complex characters and a multi-layered story — Exploring the immigrant experience, acculturation, racism, discrimination, fobidden love, the blurry line between love and obsession, machismo, and the border between life and death
• How beloved classic Mexican songs helped shape “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez”
• His next novel — A prequel to “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez” called “The Valley of Shadows” releasing in September 2022 from Blackstone Publishing

An Interview with Rudy Ruiz

Can you discuss your inspiration for “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez?” How did you incorporate stories from your father’s upbringing?

Growing up on the U.S.-Mexico border was the inspiration for the novel, both my own personal experiences and perceptions being born and raised there, as well as the stories my father shared of his own upbringing as the son of immigrants in the 1950’s. I see the story as a sort of alternate history of what my father’s life could have been like, had he managed to overcome some of the daunting challenges that at times derailed his life. It is also an homage to him and his larger-than-life personality, and a love letter to the border we both shared.

Tell us about your protagonist, Fulgencio Ramirez.

Fulgencio is both an endearing and infuriating character. He is compelling because of this cognitive dissonance. Like many of our loved ones, he is imperfect and at times the very qualities that make him appealing also carry a darker side, a shadow. In the case of Fulgencio, he is passionate, talented, driven, optimistic and expressive. You can’t help but root for him as he falls in love with Carolina Mendelssohn and embarks on his journey to woo her and to reach for the American Dream. But, Fulgencio is plagued by a curse on the men in his family. The curse is symbolic of the machismo he carries inside of him, a self-destructive mix of insecurity, pride and rage. Again, my hope is the reader finds him or herself rooting for Fulgencio to overcome his inner challenges, for those prove to be harder for him to master than the external ones, but only if he can do so will he and Carolina find love and fulfillment.

Fulgencio is a gifted crooner, singing the classic Mexican boleros of his era. Can you tell us about the songs he passionately sings throughout the book?

I love these songs! And I grew up listening to my father belt them out with great passion. He had a beautiful, soaring and booming voice. He could transport people with his voice, and so does Fulgencio. The songs are classics from the Mexican Golden Age of film and music. Songs like “Sin Ti,” “Cuatro Vidas,” “Veracruz,” and “Hoja Seca.” The lyrics are included in the book and — as he sings the songs within the narrative — they help chart his course from wide-eyed love through heartbreak and eventually to redemption.

Do you listen to music while you write?

Sometimes I listen to music to help inspire me or transport me to a different setting, the border or the desert, as is the case in my upcoming novel, “The Valley of Shadows,” which is a prequel to “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez,” set in the same mythical world of La Frontera but further out in West Texas. I find music is a wonderful way to help me get into the mood of whatever scenes I’m working on, although sometimes the lyrics can be a bit distracting so I prefer instrumental versions when really deep in the zone.

How much of the setting is based on your experiences growing up in Texas? Why did you choose to set this story in a town on the Mexican-American border?

100% of the setting is based on those experiences you mention. I had a very vivid upbringing, on both sides of the border, in English and in Spanish, with close family residing in both countries. To me, the border is a special place. It was formative for me and I carry it with me wherever I go. At the same time, like all borders, I feel like it is neither here nor there, it is a place where order tends to break down, and magic seems a little more plausible. I also wanted to create a story where the border could be a place of healing, not just of suffering. Where I could show that love and hope and beauty can spring from this place that most audiences only see in a negative light on the news. To me, the border will always be home…just as it is for Fulgencio.

You live not far from the Mexican border yourself — was it difficult for you to put a magical lens on a place you see regularly, in everyday life?

Not at all. I feel the “magic” in “magical realism” is woven into Latino cultures, a natural extension of generations of religious and spiritual beliefs from Pre-Columbian times through the Spanish colonization and Catholicism that it superimposed on indigenous rituals and practices. Where I live, San Antonio, the Mexican culture is very palpable and alive, although perhaps a little more acculturated than it is on the border itself.

What themes are explored in “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez?”

The novel explores the immigrant experience, acculturation, racism, discrimination, fobidden love, the blurry line between love and obsession, machismo, and the very border between life and death, including our enduring connections with our loved ones once they have passed to The Other Side.

Can you discuss how the themes in your book foster cultural understanding in an effort to bridge cultural divides?

Ultimately, my writing is about empathy. It’s an invitation to the reader to walk in the shoes of somebody else, if for but a few pages. I hope that when a non-Latino reader becomes immersed in one of my stories or novels, they will experience some of the emotions, some of the challenges, some of the aspirations of the characters whose thoughts they inhabit. And, my goal would be for them to emerge from the book, entertained but also more empathetic towards the situations of others from different cultures. If we can see into each other’s worlds, we can find common ground and appreciation and that can lead to good things: like lasting relationships, collaboration, love, and healing.

Immigration and border issues are controversial topics that you don’t shy away from. How come? And, do you have to try to not turn off potential readers?

I love the border. I love immigration and immigrants, in terms of what I feel they bring to this country: diversity, new ideas, energy to help keep building a great nation. Growing up on the border, and having had a chance to leave and earn a great education and experiences elsewhere, I have always felt a responsibility to help open the rest of America’s eyes to what the border is really like and to the positive aspects of immigration. The media often portrays a one-dimensional, negative picture of the border and immigrants. My goal is to counter that with my perspective, build empathy, and hopefully help bring about change even if it is in the smallest of ways. I don’t worry about turning off readers because if I don’t take a risk I won’t even have a chance of getting them to open their hearts. The key, in my mind, is to write great stories with compelling characters and let the humanity of those characters and their experiences make the connection with the reader, not to preach or to become too overt in my advocacy, but to still provide an engaging and entertaining literary experience.

How does your advocacy work relate to your writing?

Again, growing up on the border and then going to college and grad school at Harvard, I witnessed first-hand a great amount of poverty, poor education, environmental neglect and abuse, racism and discrimination. My goal through my education was to help make the world a better place. I have worked for many years to do that both in my communications work as well as in my writing, advocating for multicultural communities on issues such as immigration, education, financial literacy, public health and the digital divide. I spent a lot of time writing political opinion and commentary, but in the end I decided my talents were best put to use in writing literary fiction. In part, I felt that a novel has the potential to stick around longer than an op-ed. But also, you always hear that you should do what you enjoy. And, I have to say I enjoy writing fiction way more than I enjoy political commentary. In political commentary, one gets angry and argues. In fiction, one gets swept away by the possibilities of what could be rather than what is, and I find that much more rewarding and hopefully inspiring, not only for myself but for my readers.

What’s next for you?

My follow-up novel, “The Valley of Shadows,” is due out in September 2022 from Blackstone Publishing. I’m thrilled about it because I thoroughly enjoyed writing it and creating the characters and the world they live in. The novel is a magical realism/horror Western set in West Texas and Northern Mexico during the 1880’s. A prequel to “The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez,” the novel follows one of Fulgencio’s ancestors: Solitario Cisneros. Solitario is a former Mexican lawman who finds himself stranded – alongside his town – on the U.S. side of the border when the Rio Grande shifts course. Burdened by the same curse as Fulgencio, he lives in solitude, but he is brought out of retirement when a string of macabre killings and abductions plague the American bordertown where he lives. A reluctant and tortured hero, Solitario seeks new purpose and companionship in his life, as well as redemption in search of justice during a time when the Texas Rangers and other American settlers made life extremely dangerous and challenging for Mexican-Americans, Native Americans and African Americans. So, you can see how the exploration of social justice as a theme continues while we go on a historical and magical joyride at the same time!

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

“A how-to for any woman who’s determined, super-smart, assertive and willing to
wait for a husband to come into his own element. A thrilling ride all the way.”

— Tina Martin, author of “Everything I Should Have Learned I Could Have Learned in Tonga”

SAN FRANCISCO — Clear-eyed and frank, author Evelyn Kohl LaTorre’s stunning new memoir, “Love in Any Language,” (Sept. 28, 2021, She Writes Press) beautifully illustrates the trials and joys in the blending of two cultures.

Love is tested when Antonio, a handsome university student, and Evelyn, a strong-willed Peace Corps volunteer, fall in love. At the end of her two-year commitment in Peru, Evelyn finds herself pregnant and the 23-year-olds marry in Cusco and then move to Northern California near Evelyn’s family. Like most wives of the ’60s and ’70s, Evelyn expects her husband to support their family, and Antonio tries to take his place as head of the household. But he must first learn English, complete college, and find a job.

To make ends meet, Evelyn secures full-time work, leaving their infant son in the care of others. The couple attends college — she for two years, he for six — which tests their fortitude. When Antonio is offered a full-time professorship at the university he attended in Peru, he accepts, leaving Evelyn a single parent. Parenthood, financial stress, the pull of both countries, and long visits from Antonio’s mother threaten to destroy the bonds that brought them together.

Readers will delight in witnessing Evelyn come into her own — as a woman, as a wife and as a mother — in this moving depiction of partnership and all the intricacies that encompass marriage and love.

Early praise for “Love in Any Language”

“Dr. Evelyn LaTorre’s book is an intimate rendition of her life, starting in her insular birthplace, Montana. Later, as a young adult, working for the Peace Corps in Peru, she meets Antonio, her initially monolingual future husband. He was willing, out of love, to relocate to the U.S. and find his feet in a foreign land that was not always accommodating to him. It is an intricate book, replete with intimate detail, that aims to show us how living with The Other can enrich our lives and help us grow, even if the going is at times rough. I thoroughly recommend the book.”

Pedro Tabensky, PhD, author of “Happiness: Personhood, Community, Purpose”

“This is a most fascinating book. It offers many beautiful and moving descriptions of the author’s experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru in the mid-1960s. First, she fell in love with the country and then with a handsome Latin lover, a Peruvian whom she married. Her excellent descriptive powers provide readers with the next best thing to being there. Her candor now, looking back on her youth, is refreshing with its innocence, courageous faith, and passionate energy as she follows her heart and builds a life for herself and Antonio back in the U.S. Her opening sentence says it all: ‘I loved Peru.’ Readers will love her candid story.”

Kenneth Kelzer, LCSW, author of “The Sun and the Shadow: My Experiment with Lucid Dreaming”

“You’ll be as awed as I was at how an indomitable woman turns a shotgun wedding to a Quechua-Peruvian man into a bulletproof marriage as she gives up her preconceived ideas of what her husband’s role should be and starts playing it herself. Evelyn provides for her spouse and their children while taking classes, working, commuting and getting advanced degrees. A how-to for any woman who’s determined, super-smart, assertive and willing to wait for a husband to come into his own element. A thrilling ride all the way.”

Tina Martin, author of “Everything I Should Have Learned I Could Have Learned in Tonga”

“A fascinating read. This is a story of crafting a marriage between a Montana-raised, California-acculturated woman and a South American-Peruvian husband. The memoir includes all the challenges involved in merging two marvelous cultures and two individual lives. … The author describes a real story of career development and evolution from social worker and school psychologist to administrator of a special education school in Northern California. The reader experiences her amazing journey to become a successful career woman who has maximized her potential.”

Dr. Jackie M. Allen, MFT, associate professor of education at the University of LaVerne and co-author of “A Pathway to PDS Partnership: Using the PDSEA Protocol”

“Love in Any Language: A Memoir of a Cross-Cultural Marriage”
Evelyn Kohl LaTorre | Sept. 28, 2021 | She Writes Press
Memoir | Paperback | 978-1647421953 | $16.95

EVELYN KOHL LaTORRE grew up in rural Southeastern Montana, surrounded by sheep and cattle ranches, before coming to California with her family at age 16. She holds a doctorate in multicultural education from the University of San Francisco, and a master’s degree in social welfare from UC Berkeley. She worked as a bilingual school psychologist and school administrator in public education for 32 years. Evelyn loves to explore other lands and cultures. To date, she and her husband have lived in and traveled to close to 100 countries. You can view her stories and photos on her website, www.evelynlatorre.com.

Evelyn’s first published book, “Between Inca Walls” about falling in love while serving in the Peace Corps, has won much praise and numerous prizes. Evelyn is often a featured podcast guest, lecturer and guest blogger. Her work has appeared in World View Magazine, The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, the California Writers Club Literary Review, the Tri-City Voice, Dispatches, Conscious Connection and Clever Magazine.

Follow Evelyn on social media: Facebook | Instagram

Previous Work: “Between Inca Walls”

At 21, Evelyn is naïve about life and love. Raised in a small Montana town, she moves at age 16 with her devout Catholic family to California. There, she is drawn to the Latino culture when she works among the migrant workers. During the summer of her junior year in college, Evelyn travels to a small Mexican town to help set up a school and a library ― an experience that whets her appetite for a life full of both purpose and adventure.

After graduation, Evelyn joins the Peace Corps and is sent to perform community development work in a small mountain town in the Andes of Perú. There, she and her roommate, Marie, search for meaningful projects and adjust to living with few amenities. Over the course of eighteen months, the two young women work in a hospital, start 4-H clubs, attend campesino meetings, and teach PE in a school with dirt floors. Evelyn is chosen queen of the local boys’ high school and―despite her resolve to resist such temptations ― falls in love with a university student. As she comes of age, Evelyn learns about life and love the hard way when she must choose between following the religious rules of her youth and giving in to her sexual desires.

2021 CIBA Hearten International Book First Place Winner
2020 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards Finalist in Non-Fiction – Cultural
2020 International Book Awards Finalist Multicultural Non-Fiction

In an interview, Evelyn can discuss:

• How volunteering in Peru with the Peace Corps. led to her meeting her husband
• Cross-cultural and interracial relationships and the rewards and challenges they can bring
• Gender norms for women in the ’60s and ’70s and how they have — and haven’t — evolved in the past 60 years
• Her background as an educator and specialties in psychology and multicultural studies
• How her time in South America has shaped her life
• The value of travel, social activism and education
• Why and how to write and publish a memoir

“LaTorre presents a forthright and candid voice. … LaTorre’s story is one of a determined young woman keen to achieve her goals; her relationship with Antonio will have readers guessing how the romance will turn out. Illustrated with the author’s photographs, this bold memoir offers many rich details about Peru and the Peace Corps…” ― Kirkus Reviews

“Evelyn LaTorre creates a masterful portrait of place — from the Montana hills to the peaks of Peru — and illustrates how place shapes us. The many lovely metaphors and descriptions throughout the book invite the reader to see through the eyes of an innocent girl as she discovers exotic, lively cultures; absorbs the colors, sounds, passion, and intensity of that new world; and allows it to change her life path.”
— Linda Joy Myers, president of the National Association of Memoir Writers

An Interview with Evelyn Kohl LaTorre

You detail it in your first book, “Behind Inca Walls,” but can you give a quick summary of how you and your husband met?

My future father-in-law, Adolfo Eguiluz, had requested Peace Corps volunteers to work in Abancay, Peru, for several years. My roommate, Marie, and I went there to work on community development projects. Four months into our stay, we met Eguiluz’s stepson, Antonio, and I felt an immediate attraction. He returned to Abancay often.

What were some unexpected challenges or surprises that you noticed at the beginning of your relationship?

One was how deeply Antonio cared about my well-being. As well as how volatile our feelings for one another could be, changing from cool to warm to hot and back to cool again. He also wanted me to pursue graduate studies — though he was dissatisfied with his own course of study.

Did your studies in psychology and multiculturalism help you through some of the learning curves of a relationship with someone of a different nationality and ethnicity?

Very much. I learned that personal relationships are more important in life than material possessions and bodily comforts. In college, my favorite classes were psychology, anthropology and sociology — how countries and people are similar and different in their values, food, music, manners and priorities.

I had been enamored with the Hispanic culture since college when I volunteered among California’s migrant workers in the Central Valley. Also, the theory of personality types has offered me an explanation for human differences.

What advice can you give about raising bicultural children?

Listen and learn about your partner’s culture. Then, agree on your priorities and the values you want to impart to your children. There are many ways to live life other than the way you were raised. Learn what science has discovered about children’s emotional needs. You may find a healthier way to raise offspring than how the previous generation did it.

Our children are open to differences between races, income levels and customs because they’ve experienced different cultures with diverse expectations. They tend to be flexible and accepting of others unlike them.

Was it difficult for you while writing the book to disclose personal information and stories? How do you decide what information to include and what topics are off-limits?

It was more difficult with the first book because I wrote about an important religious rule that I broke. Initially, I felt afraid of being judged in the same way my mother had judged my violation. I knew a memoir writer can be harshly criticized by others who have narrow viewpoints of what is right and wrong. People like to judge others’ decisions when they don’t mirror their own.

I remember the day I presented the chapter about the circumstances of my first pregnancy to my writer’s critique group in front of male members. I was super self-conscious and embarrassed. But I soon discovered that writing about uncomfortable incidents takes away their shame. Being honest about one’s life is a relief.

What were some of the expectations society placed on you as a wife and a mother? What changes have you personally seen regarding gender roles for women in the past 60 years?

In the 1970s a husband was expected to be the breadwinner and head of the household as opposed to sharing decisions and duties equitably. Improvement has certainly been slow.

In terms of changes in the workforce, when I was pregnant, pregnancy was seen as a disability that required leaving a job two months before the baby’s birth. Contraceptives had been available for only a few years. And employers today can’t legally discriminate against a pregnant woman and force her to quit. Also during most of my career, women felt they could do little about sexual harassment. The #MeToo movement changed that.

What do you hope readers gain from reading the story of you and your husband’s relationship?

The first is that the challenges of a mixed cultural marriage are worth the extra effort it takes. There is the potential to learn new, often better, ways to accomplish life’s tasks in an intimate relationship with someone from another country.

Marriage is like a dance but with both partners taking turns leading. It’s OK for one partner to step up and the other partner to step back as their situation requires it. It’s also sometimes worth “hanging in there” and persisting to make a marriage work.

And finally, there is value for both people in a partnership to use their strengths equally. A man comfortable in his own masculinity won’t fear a strong woman. The most important ingredient in a satisfying relationship is mutual respect and appreciation.

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

“The Midnight Library” meets “You Again” in timeless tale of romance, regret, and the choices we make–and would make again, given the chance

VALLEY GLEN, CA – If you could go back in time and pursue a successful career or a flourishing relationship, which would you choose? Award-winning author Rick Lenz has penned a dazzling novel about second chances and the choices that create a meaningful life, “Hello, Rest of My Life,” (Sept. 21, 2021, Chromodroid Press). This romantic journey through time is loosely based on the author’s real-life Hollywood career and love story with his wife and 40-year sweetheart, who changed his life with each encounter through the decades.

The novel follows Danny Maytree, an ambitious film actor who abandons his dreams of Tinseltown stardom after meeting Samantha on a blind date and falling in love. Fast-forward decades later to 2021: the couple are married and in their seventies, and Danny is spending his time reminiscing and writing a novel about time travel–when he receives a call from a mysterious, velvet-voice acting agent. Suddenly, he is literally transported back to 1974: Danny is twenty-seven again, bewildered, but with a second chance at his Hollywood dream. A sharkish agent helps him navigate Hollywood’s rocky shoals, a worldly-wise teen and a New Age fortuneteller offer spiritual advice, and a sexy wicked witch throws a monkey wrench in his path. Will he fight his way back to the love of his life, or stay in a new reality where his career can flourish?

Heartfelt and magical, here is an enchanting exploration of choosing between living the life you’ve always imagined, and the life you didn’t know you couldn’t live without.

“Hello, Rest of My Life”
Rick Lenz | September 21, 2021 | Chromodroid Press | Literary Fiction |
Paperback | 978-0-9848442-6-5 | $16.99
Ebook | $4.99

RICK LENZ: Rick Lenz is a graduate of the University of Michigan, past member of the Actor’s Studio, and active member in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He is a veteran Broadway, television and film actor who first came to national attention when he repeated his Broadway role in Cactus Flower, in the film version—opposite Goldie Hawn, Ingrid Bergman and Walter Matthau. He went on to appear in a long list of television series and movies, and to act opposite many of the entertainment industry’s biggest stars—Peter Sellers, Jackie Gleason, Maureen O’Hara, John Wayne (in Wayne’s final film, The Shootist), and many more. He is also a playwright and author (The award-winning The Alexandrite and more recently, Impersonators Anonymous). His memoir, North of Hollywood has recently been published in its second edition. You can find out more about him and his journey to becoming a writer on his website https://www.RickLenz.com.

Follow Rick Lenz on social media:
Facebook: @RickLenzAuthor | Twitter: @RickLenz | Instagram: @ricklenz

In an interview, Rick Lenz can discuss:

• What it takes to build a meaningful life, and whether “do overs” exist
• How love, regret, and second chances influence our choices
• How his relationship with his wife Linda, his acting career, and his writing life all influenced the novel
• Writing authentically to the different time periods found in the book

An Interview with Rick Lenz

You had an excellent career as an actor. What made you want to make the shift to focus on writing?

When my highschool football career ended due to a more than averagely breakable body, the only other way I could see to draw girls’ attention was acting in school plays, which led to summer stock, which led to a theatre major at University of Michigan. However I’d always loved writing too. When acting roles became less rewarding (I was no longer trying to please anyone but Linda and myself), it was a natural transition to move to writing. I’d written plays all my life. But what I read was mostly novels. So, I wrote a memoir of my acting career and my life to that point and then moved on to writing novels. When you’re writing, no one ever says, “faster, louder,” etc. I’d shifted from one creative passion to another.

This book is based on your relationship with your wife, Linda. How has your relationship shaped you and this book?

There is not a day of my life that I don’t find my mind coming to rest on the subject of my incredible good fortune in having found and spending the last half of my life with Linda. A line from the book (Danny about Samantha): “A smart friend of mine said, ‘Why don’t you join a church group or something, meet a girl that way?’ I thought he was crazy and tossed that idea out, but the drift of his advice floated around in my mind and I understood what he meant. He thought as I looked for someone to be with … for life that I should do it not only on the basis of physical attraction, but also that it might be a good idea if she was–what a concept–a nice person.”

Was there any particular moment in the book that you pulled directly from your own life?

Many moments are similar to moments in my life. Some parts of Danny’s and Samantha’s conversations were lifted from my real life with Linda. Many aspects of Danny’s acting career in the early seventies coincide with my own history.

The book takes place in two different time periods. Did you do any research to make sure you were portraying things authentically?

I can answer this briefly. My research of the periods in the story consists of having a pretty good memory and living through both “eras.” Yow.

If you could travel back in time and have a do over on one aspect of your life, would you do it and what would it be?

From where I am now, I probably wouldn’t change a thing. But if I could travel back in time, unaware of a future with Linda, I would do my best to practice love and kindness, much sooner. I would try to do all those things and behave in the ways that coincide with “As you sow, so shall you reap.”

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Stalking Shadows”
Cyla Panin | Sept. 14, 2021 | Amulet/Abrams
YA Fantasy
Hardcover | 978-1-4197-5265-0 | $18.99
Ebook | B08WJTYJX1 | $9.99

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

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

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

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

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. “

“The Seer”
Eva Shaw | Sept. 14, 2021 | Torch Flame | Mystery
Paperback | 978-I-61153-419-I | $14.99
eBook | 978-I-61153-420-7 | $6.99

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

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

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

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

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.

Read My Lips
Kelle Z. Riley | Sept. 7, 2021 | Romance
Ebook | Paperback | 978-1-7367811-0-4 | $11.00

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

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

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

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

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’s Curse”
Jessica Vitalis | Sept. 21, 2021 | Greenwillow/HarperCollins | Middle Grade Fantasy
Hardcover | 9780063067417 | $16.99 | Ebook | $8.99

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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