Author: Marissa DeCuir

San Diego, California – For anyone who has ever felt “dead-ended” in life, work, and love, Courtney Deane has penned a delightfully funny debut rom-com that proves all tragedies can be rewritten, and happiness can bloom where you least expect it: “When Happily Ever After Fails” (SparkPress, April 9, 2024). 

About the novel: Abigail Gardner’s life is circling the drain. Her parents are dead, her “like a brother” BFF is in love with her, and her career as an art teacher has been squashed by an unfortunate viral incident involving sophomores and Spanx. But just as that whirlpool feels poised to suck her under, she’s granted a second chance: she lands a teaching job at Excelsior Primm, one of Philadelphia’s oldest and most prestigious preparatory academies. Only problem is, instead of teaching art she’ll be stuck teaching her least favorite subject — literature — and her least favorite theme: tragedy.

Tired of being stuck in her own tragic tale, Abigail starts rewriting every sad ending she can get her hands on, in and out of the classroom. To her surprise, her life soon begins to resemble the fairy tales she adores—great job, hot guy, a career gaining recognition. But when an unexpected plot twist threatens to derail her happy ending, Abigail starts to realize why these outcomes are so hard to come by. 

“When Happily Ever After Fails”

Courtney Deane | April 9, 2024 | SparkPress | Rom-Com, Chicklit 

Paperback | ISBN: 978-1684632404 | $17.95 

Ebook | $9.95 

COURTNEY DEANE has been a writer and pursuer of happily-ever-afters since she can remember. As a full-time freelance writer, her days are spent working for print, digital, and broadcast entities, as well as for a variety of PR and marketing clients. 

She continues her craft by dedicating some space each day to work on her fiction books. After both of her parents died, Deane worked to turn those tragedies into something beautiful—an effort that inspired her debut novel, When Happily Ever After Fails. 

She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and sociology from UC Irvine and a master’s in journalism from USC. Deane lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog—her very own happily-ever-after. Learn more on her website at http://www.courtneydeane.com/.

Follow Courtney Deane on social media: 

Facebook: Courtney Deane | Instagram: @AuthorCourtneyDeane

TikTok: @CourtneyDeane | YouTube: @CourtneyDeane

“An entertaining read that will keep you turning pages. The reader is taken on a ride with Abigail as she grows into herself and finds her voice. Deane makes it easy to root for Abigail along with the other quirky characters who have distinct and interesting personalities. When Happily Ever After Fails is a fun debut.” 

— Leslie A. Rasmussen, award-winning author of “After Happily Ever After” and “The Stories We Cannot Tell”

In an interview, Courtney Deane can discuss:

• Why (as her characters learn) it’s important to embrace your “mess” (and what that really looks like)
• Like her heroine in “When Happily Ever After Fails,” Courtney Deane is the only child of two deceased parents, and can speak on grief, the importance of perseverance, and how to cope when it feels like the world continues to go after you (and you alone)
• How to avoid “same character syndrome” in writing, plus her tips for crafting distinct personalities, quirks, and voices
• How writing “When Happily Ever After Fails” started as a grief recovery process for the author, and evolved in creative ways she didn’t anticipate
• How she’s putting a fresh twist on the rom-com genre with an “equal parts messy and loveable” heroine, while also balancing the genre’s most fun tropes
• Strategies for taking control of your life when it all seems to be falling apart

An Interview with

Courtney Deane

First, can you briefly introduce us to the characters we meet in “When Happily Ever After Fails?”

Of course! We’ve got Abigail, the lovable, fallible protagonist who is dead set on righting (and writing) wrongs and ensuring everyone gets a positive outcome. You’ve got to love her for it. She tries!

Then there’s Quinn, the not-as-lovable, but-we-love-him-because-he-loves-her BFF who is Abigail’s No. 1 fan. Yes, he’s head over heels for her and just waiting for the day when she realizes it, too.

And no one could forget about Mathilda. She’s our “tell it like it is” North Star, who doesn’t mince words. She’s got advice for everyone but herself! Abigail’s second BFF is funny and factual with the right amount of spunk.

Lastly, we have Nate. Abigail can’t figure out if this fellow teacher is initially a friend or foe, but his presence and advice is solid enough for her to keep him around and find out.

Why did you choose your title? What happens “when happily ever after fails?”

Honestly, I took the inspiration from a Don Henley song I’ve always loved, “The End of the Innocence.” This song always reminded me of my family’s situation, particularly the line “let me take a long last look before we say goodbye.” Part of the song’s chorus is “But happily ever after fails.” I don’t love the “but,” because HEA doesn’t always fail permanently; it just changes. It morphs – as do our expectations of life – as we collect different experiences and encounter various situations. So, our notion of happily ever after will likely fail and falter at some point  (thus, the “when”), but we can recover, pick ourselves back up and continue working toward a modified version of whatever “happily ever after” is for us. 

Fun sidenote: There’s a few Easter egg references to this inspo in the book!

You started writing this book after your mom passed away. How did the writing process impact your grief process, and vice versa? And how did both evolve as time went on?

I would love to slap an Abigail-style happy ending on this and say writing the book allowed me to work through the grief process and – wow – I’m GREAT now! It wouldn’t be true. I think it was a nice thought and an admirable effort to try to get some resolution on these two pivotal deaths through writing. 

While I didn’t necessarily get the “resolution” I was looking for, writing this novel DID help me express some of my thoughts and feelings on the grief process, my parents’ loss and how many well-meaning individuals can actually make the situation worse. I very much hope that comes through in the book. 

This might not be the answer anyone’s looking for, but what truly helped me move on from these deaths and this situation was having a family of my own. I don’t say that in an advice-driven, “go out and find you a man and have a baby” way, but chasing my dream and my happily ever after of starting my own family did make a huge impact. Suddenly, phrases like “mom” and “dad” weren’t dirty words anymore. And they were words that were back in my vocabulary. You have no idea how foreign those phrases seemed for a very long time!

Now, having a child certainly brings up my parents in different ways, especially where grandparents are concerned, so this issue isn’t entirely put to bed, but THAT is what has truly brought me closure.

What did you enjoy most about writing “When Happily Ever After Fails”? What did you find the most challenging?

I loved most everything about it! This was so much fun. I loved developing the characters and losing myself in their world. As I wrote, I would find that I wasn’t sitting on my mom’s former bed with my laptop, but was IN Abigail’s apartment as her and Quinn blasted the Beatles, etc. 

This being my first foray into fiction, I found the opening to be the most challenging. I wrote and rewrote and consulted, then rewrote again and again. I’m very happy with the final result, but, man, did we go through a lot of changes! I learned a ton about the book-writing process, and have made sure this next book has the opening it deserves from the get go!

Rom-coms have always been wildly popular. What are you bringing to this genre as a writer?

I’d like to think I’m bringing a fresh spin – though I’m sure every author would like to think that! I appreciate that tropes and formulas exist for a reason, but I’m not a fan of predictability or sticking to “what works.” Yes, this is a rom-com and some of the expected elements are there, but I believe this book has a modern, unique take on these traditions. Because, as we know, happily ever after IS possible…but it may look different than you pictured! 😉

Do you see yourself in any of the characters?

It would be weird if I didn’t say Abigail, right? LOL. There are certainly elements of myself in Abigail, though we are two VERY different people. Like Abigail, my father died of ALS and my mother kind of didn’t recover after his death and failed to take care of herself, which was ultimately her demise. Many (okay, all) of Abigail’s thoughts and perspectives on the subjects of death and parents are from my own experience, but the way she processes them is different from my own. 

In thinking about this, though, I guess I kind of did what Abigail did in that I went out and wrote a book hoping that would give this situation a “happily ever after.” That’s not all that different from Abigail changing a play’s ending in the hopes of dodging tragedy for herself and her class. Interesting…

What is your favorite romance movie of all time, and why?

I’m kind of an irreverent person (if we’re not laughing, what’s the point?), so I lean toward the love stories that have some heart AND humor. On that note, you can’t beat “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Always Be My Maybe,” and “Chasing Amy.”

Stories that tug at you and make you feel the longing really resonate with me as well. With that in mind, I love “The Notebook” and the “Before” trilogy (Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight). 

Finally, you have to hand it to “Love Actually” for capturing so many different types of loves – and bonus points that not every plot has a happy ending! 

What do you hope readers take away from “When Happily Ever After Fails?” 

Two things. 

One, I hope it gives them a glimpse into what grief and survival can look like for someone who has seemingly “lost it all” (or, at least, a BIG part of who they were and how we identify – our families). 

Two, I really wrote this book for anyone who’s ever felt alone in a crowded room. Your grief, feelings, and circumstances don’t have to reflect mine to understand what it’s like to feel marooned on an island where no one else is around and help doesn’t seem like it can be found. Please, please know that THESE are the people I wrote this book for. 

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. – In her upcoming novel, “The Deepfake” (She Writes Press, April 2, 2024), lauded author Joan Cohen “succeeds in building tantalizing tension that keeps the pages turning,” according to BookLife. The book has also received high praise from Kirkus with a coveted starred review saying that “readers will easily relate to and root for a woman breaking free of the good-girl mold to find new and genuine purpose.”

Sylvie considers herself a team player at her artificial intelligence (AI) company, but when she uncovers her colleagues’ illegal activities, pleasing everyone becomes impossible. Torn about what to do, she confides in her personal trainer, who’s dismayed not only by the choices she faces but also by her advocacy of AI, a technology he considers dangerous. Despite the barbs the two trade at the gym, they are drawn to each other. If only Sylvie weren’t continually summoned to the Miami estate of her mother and stepfather, where illness, death, a disputed will, and the rekindled ashes of an old flame swirl into a disaster that follows Sylvie back to Boston, bringing harm to her and those she cares about. 

“The Deepfake”

Joan Cohen | April 2, 2024 | She Writes Press | Fiction 

Paperback | ISBN: 978-1647426064 | $17.95 

Ebook | ASIN: B0C9HKFW5C | $9.95 

About the Author

Originally from Mount Vernon, New York, Joan Cohen is the author of “The Deepfake” (She Writes Press, April 2, 2024). She received her BA from Cornell University and her MBA from New York University. Her career in sales and marketing at technology companies led to executive management, and after retirement she returned to school for an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is the author of the novel “Land of Last Chances,” published in 2019. She now resides in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires, with her husband and latest canine addition. Find out more about her at http://joancohenauthor.com/. 

Follow Joan Cohen on social media:

Facebook: @JoanCohenAuthor

Early Praise for “The Deepfake”

“An indecisive woman finds inner strength—and romance—in this wise and witty tale.” 

– Starred Kirkus Review

“Bold novel of AI, corporate scandal, and a woman’s self-discovery.”

– BookLife

In an interview, Joan Cohen can discuss:

• The ethical, legal, religious, philosophical, political and cultural issues impacted by AI.
• The benefits of AI in helping solve previously unsolvable problems.
• The relatable but unadvisable tendency to people-please and how it can hold women back professionally.
• The ways in which AI is already part of our lives, in ways we see and don’t see.
• The potential impact AI has on relationships, professional life, religion and political positions.
• The dangers of AI-created disinformation.
• The rapidly growing artificial intelligence market, expected to reach about $2.5 billion by 2032 and permeate every industry, e.g., banking, transportation, medicine.
• How books about AI have been primarily nonfiction or speculative fiction – “The Deepfake” is a fictional account of how AI can affect relationships, beliefs, and reality itself.
• ·How she thoughtfully and sensitively addresses sexual assault in her novel – There are over 20,000 books about rape listed on Amazon. A rape or other form of sexual assault happens every 68 seconds in the U.S. In “The Deepfake,” a rape leads to family conflict and dangerous consequences.
• How TV programs like “Succession,” news stories about the cryptocurrency scandals and the race to bring AI software to market have increased public interest in corporate malfeasance.
• Her debut novel, “Land of Last Chances,” a 2019 finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards.

An Interview with

Joan Cohen

Sylvie is so relatable — trying to balance ethics, people-pleasing and being professionally successful in an industry dominated by men. How did you craft this character? Did you borrow from any of your life experiences or the life experiences of people you know?

Someone I once worked with told me I was “too nice to be successful in sales,” but one of the advantages of growing older is that you learn, as some of my characters do, how to take advantage of your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Although I draw on the events of my life for background, my stories are in no way autobiographical, and characters are composites from my experience. As for ethics, I don’t think we typically think about them until we’re confronted with an important choice. In my opinion, rigid ethics and flexible ethics both create problems. That’s one of the reasons “Les Miserables” is such a fascinating story.  

Why was it important for you to address the problem of people-pleasing in your novel?

I’ve known men who are people-pleasers, but very few. I think it’s a symptom of limited self-confidence, which seems to afflict women more than men. Why else would there be so many books for women on overcoming it? I’d like to think people-pleasing is a cultural artifact, and that girls are raised the same way as boys, but by adolescence, many girls change. Our culture tells girls they’re not okay the way they are, but need to improve their looks, clothes and demeanor, even in the workplace. 

What got you interested in AI, and what role does it play in “The Deepfake?”

I spent my career working for technology companies, first as a programmer, and later in sales and marketing. Even though I didn’t stay with software development, my interest in the field stuck with me. My technical knowledge became obsolete quickly, and it certainly never included AI, but it’s the applicability of AI that fascinates me.

AI is becoming more and more prominent in our daily lives. What is the most surprising misunderstanding people may have about AI? 

In my opinion, the most surprising misconception people have about AI is that we don’t have to worry about it yet.

Can you discuss the impact of AI? Specifically, can you discuss its benefits and its potential interference with our relationships, professional lives and political positions?

If we think we have a problem now with disinformation in politics, it’s going to get much worse. With people’s images and speech reproduced and manipulated, the audience for that fakery could become persuaded of anything. On social media, we already have trolling. Fake photos and online posts can damage personal and professional relationships. That assumes we still have professional relationships after all the job displacement AI will bring. Joblessness stresses marriages, and AI will stress parenting as well. Will there ever become a point when creativity becomes superfluous, when AI can be more creative than we are? 

What kinds of AI-related discussions and debates do you think we will be having in the near future? 

I think we’ll be debating regulating AI and slowing down its development vs. pushing forward with research and product creation. Even if we all agreed to slow it down, that wouldn’t mean other countries, including adversaries, would slow down too. We might lose our preeminent position in the field of AI. Our military could be at a disadvantage. As long as there is significant money to be made with AI products, I don’t believe AI’s development can be slowed, as intuitively appealing as that might be.

How and why should we protect ourselves against AI’s influence on our lives? 

We can protect ourselves against disinformation and deepfakes by seeking alternate sources of information. I don’t know how we protect ourselves from AI in other forms because not everyone would agree we need protection. People make individual cost/benefit analyses even if they don’t call it that. Some will feel the risks are worth it and some won’t. An elderly, homebound person may love the robot that brings her food and medication. Another person may hate the self-driving car his neighbor uses because it parks in front of his house.

How does “The Deepfake” explore business ethics?

In “The Deepfake,” there are two characters who take the position that in business, you do what you have to do, right or wrong, to succeed. The two are the protagonist’s ex-husband and the head of development in her company. The highest priority is return on investment to the stockholders. On the other side is the protagonist’s boyfriend who argues that unethical behavior leads to the proverbial slippery slope.

What effect will AI have on religion? Have you already seen it impact religions? In what way?

One of my concerns is whose moral values AI reflects. Once you get past loving thy neighbor as thyself, different religions have different teachings. Does AI favor an eye for an eye or turn the other cheek? It’s humans who feed huge amounts of data to AI, which then draws conclusions, teaches itself, makes predictions, etc. If humans can’t agree on values, how will we program AI to make decisions about morality? Will there be different AI versions for the Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, etc.? I hope I don’t see people claiming to know what God would want.

Can you discuss the dangers of AI-created disinformation? What does it look like, how can we spot the dangers and avoid / prevent them?

Pursue information from multiple sources with different perspectives. I’d like to say trusted sources, but that, of course, may be difficult depending on the breadth of disinformation. The White House wants AI-produced information to be “watermarked” in some way, but will that be impervious to hacking? The dangers of AI-created disinformation include false political information, fake calls for violent action by supposedly respected individuals, slanderous posts, fake resumes for people taking sensitive positions (e.g., in the military), etc. Early deepfakes were inexpert and had recognizable flaws. Now, supposedly, anyone can acquire and use that software.

How does “The Deepfake” underscore the importance of embracing truth and staying true to your values?

I think the main characters in “The Deepfake” learn the importance of embracing truth and staying true to their values the same way most of us do: by making mistakes. Failure is painful, but it’s a great teacher.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – Releasing just ahead of Black History Month, Dr. Chuck Wallington’s new book, “A Seat at the C-Suite Table: Insights from the Leadership Journeys of African American Executives” (Business Expert Press, Jan. 19, 2024), shares the often-overlooked experiences of black men in business. 

“A Seat at the C-Suite Table” is an insightful look at the leadership journeys of 30 African American male C-Suite executives. In their own compelling words, executives describe earning and maintaining a seat at the C-Suite table. They speak candidly about how the lack of mentors, coaches, and role models impacted but did not stop them. They talk openly about navigating corporate settings designed years ago by White men. They speak freely about their commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders.

This book was inspired by data suggesting that there is racial/ethnic underrepresentation in corporate leadership roles in the United States. This underrepresentation ranges from the presidency of colleges and universities to the U.S. Senate to corporate boardrooms. This book provides advice, hope, and inspiration for others. It also includes a road map for all leaders who desire to become better mentors, coaches, sponsors, and allies for current and future underrepresented leaders.

“A Seat at the C-Suite Table: Insights from the Leadership Journeys of African American Executives”

Chuck Wallington, PhD | January 19, 2024 | Business Expert Press | Business

Paperback | ISBN: 987-63742-555-8

Ebook | ISBN: 987-6342-556-5

Charles F. (Chuck) Wallington is a C-Suite executive and a chief marketing and communications officer. For the past 12 years, Chuck has held leadership roles in the healthcare industry. Previously, he held leadership roles in the financial services and the consumer-packaged goods industries.

After a brief stint as a newspaper reporter, the University of North Carolina Journalism School graduate segued into public relations and marketing where he has been blessed to enjoy a successful career. He later earned a master’s in communications management from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. His master’s research, titled “Barriers, Borders and Boundaries: Exploring why there are so few African American men in the public relations profession,” was named one of the Top 15 Public Relations Insights of 2020 by the Institute of Public Relations. 

Chuck also earned his PhD in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A&T State University. His 2021 dissertation, Navigating the C-Suite: Exploring the Leadership Journey of African American Male Executives in U.S. Corporations, inspired this book.

Follow Chuck Wallington on Twitter @CFWallingtonPhD 

In an interview, Chuck Wallington can discuss:

• His process for interviewing the 30 executives featured in “A Seat at the C-Suite Table”
• The commonalities shared among the diverse group of executives, and where they differ in their respective journeys
• His own experiences as an African American male executive, and how he can identify with the joys and pains of journeys shared by the executives featured in his book
• How faith has played and continues to play a role in his educational and career trajectory
• His background in journalism and how it helped him conduct interviews for this book – with a focus on learning from and sharing the lived experiences of the executives featured in his book
• How other black male executives paved the way for those featured in his book
• What he hopes for the next generation of black executives 

An Interview with

Chuck Wallington

What called you to write this book? 

As I was completing the writing of my dissertation, one of my committee members encouraged me to convert my dissertation into my book. When she mentioned it, I laughed and I thought to myself, “All I’m trying to do is successfully defend and graduate.”  After successfully defending, the same committee member encouraged me, again, to convert the dissertation into a book. She then connected me with an editor and a publisher. The rest, as they say, is history. I soon became very motivated to share the stories of these 30 accomplished African American executives whose journeys to the C-Suite are fascinating! I hope that sharing their stories in this book is a way for others to learn from and be inspired by their journeys. This includes the next generation of African American male C-Suite leaders.

Can you take us through your methodology for researching and how you decided which executives to feature?

I used qualitative research methodology to gather the data for the book. With qualitative research, “words” are your data. Within qualitative research methodology, I then employed a “snowball sampling” technique. This simply means that I reached out to the four or five African American C-Suite leaders whom I knew, and I asked them to allow me to interview them. Fortunately, they all said yes. I then asked them to connect me with others. And, they did. 

I also relied on people within my network (family, friends, colleagues) to connect me with African American executives whom they knew. Fortunately, the connections began to “snowball” and I identified and interviewed an additional 25 men to get to my goal of 30 African American male C-Suite executives.   

Even though you included interviews from a diverse group of executives, there were commonalities shared among them. Can you expand on that? 

From my interviews with 30 African American male C-Suite executives, five themes emerged: the importance of the pursuit of goals, the impact of relationships to their success, the importance of being a servant leader, the challenges of being an African American male and the impacts to U.S. corporations that do not have strong representation of African Americans in their leadership ranks.

How did you own experiences as an African American male executive impact your approach to this book? While you surely had a lot in common with them – sharing the joys and pains of their career journeys – was there anything that surprised you or something you didn’t expect to learn while interviewing the subjects in your book?  

I was very careful not to let my own lived experiences impact the research. For example, when interviewing each of the executives, I “stuck to the script.” In other words, I didn’t react to any of what they shared, even though I could relate to a lot of it. This is where my training as a reporter paid off. I was taught to ask the right questions and not to insert myself into the story. That’s what I did in conducting the research for this book. 

I was surprised that one executive said he was not aware of the gap in the number of African American males in C-Suite roles.  

What role has faith played in your educational and career decisions?

My faith is at the core of who I am and the decisions that I make. I’ve learned the hard way that when I don’t rely on my faith and on a higher-power, I make mistakes. My faith was the foundation for me returning to school later in life to earn my Master’s and my Ph.D. 

Being a person of faith in business can sometimes be difficult, especially as you face stigmas and ethical decisions. Can you discuss how your faith continues to impact your daily work?

I draw on my faith for guidance on how to handle all kinds of situations in the workplace. This includes everything from business challenges to “people” challenges. I often say to myself, “Lord, I’m about to open my mouth. Please speak for me.” Or, I’ll say to myself, “Lord, I have no idea how to handle this situation. Please show me what to do.” Fortunately, He answers my prayers. 

You also discuss faith with some of the executives featured in the book. How did their faith impact their life decisions? How do they maintain their faith even in potentially difficult situations? 

Several of the executives mentioned the importance of their faith. Specifically, they talked about how their faith sustained them during the most challenging times of their careers. Many of them acknowledged that without their belief in a higher power they would not be successful in the roles that they’re in today.  

If you’re willing, we’d love to hear more about how your personal relationship with your wife informed your business and career decisions. She seems like a true partner in life and in business. 

My wife is my #1 fan and cheerleader. And, she also insists that I take the trash cans to the street every Monday evening for pickup early Tuesday morning. She keeps me grounded in the things in life that are important. She’s a great person to dream big dreams with. And, she’s also the important “voice of reason” along the way. I’m blessed to be able to “do life” with her. 

You studied journalism at some of the best collegiate programs in the country. Your book also focuses on learning from and sharing the lived experiences of the executives featured in his book. How did your journalism training help your research and writing process?

I’m proud of my journalism education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (undergraduate) and Syracuse University (graduate). My undergraduate training at UNC instilled in me the fundamentals of journalism (asking the right questions, knowing how to write, keeping myself out of the story, developing relationships with trusted sources). My graduate training at Syracuse taught me how to combine what I learned as an undergraduate with what I had learned throughout my career about the importance of also being a strategic thinker and a strategic, collaborative thought partner. Each day I rely on what I learned at both schools in the workplace and in life.    

Can you describe the challenges of the black executives that came before you — and the ways in which they paved the way for you and those you interviewed for the book? What don’t most people understand about their experiences and how they helped the next generation? Is there anything overlooked? 

Generally speaking, the African American executives who paved the way for me and others had it hard. They were the only people of color in their workplaces. They had no systems of support to ensure their success. Because there were few, if any, role models, mentors or allies who looked like them, they had to figure everything out. This includes deciphering the corporate and organizational culture and structure which was not designed for their success. Sadly, African American executives today face many of the same challenges, as described by the men featured in this book.  

What challenges did you face that you hope the next generation can avoid? 

I face many of the same challenges as the executives on whose shoulders I stand. I’ve only had one or two mentors in my entire corporate career. I’ve also had relatively few role models – men who look like me who do what I do for a living. I’ve had to figure things out, primarily by listening, observing and learning from others. I hope that the next generation can avoid this experience. 

What do you hope for the next generation of black executives? 

I hope that the next generation of African American leaders will have people who look like them (as well as those who don’t) who will embrace them for who they are, will provide coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship opportunities so that they can be successful in the pursuit of their wildest dreams.  

What advice do you have for the next generation? 

• Continue to study and prepare yourselves for the work to which you’ve been called – professionally and personally.  
• Surround yourselves with people who will support and will challenge you.  This includes people who will tell you what you don’t want to hear but need to hear.  This is where growth occurs.  
• Keep the faith.  If it’s meant to be, God will work it out on your behalf.  

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

Fans of “Atlas Six” by Olivia Blake will enjoy this thrilling, mythical adventure

Bell, FL – The much-anticipated finale to The Evorath Trilogy, “The Battle for Erathal” (Free Dragon Press, February 20, 2024) by Joseph P Macolino is a heart-pounding and exciting epic fantasy that will decide the fate of Erathal. 

He just wanted to enjoy this time of peace. But when a familiar evil is unleashed upon the forest of Erathal, will anyone be safe?

Enjoying the time without strife, Irontail works to spread peace and unity throughout the forest of Erathal. Organizing the first ever Festival of Gratitude, he finally feels he is fulfilling his calling as the leader of his centaur village. But his plans are once again hijacked when a familiar villain escapes from imprisonment.

The felite warrior, Tel’ Shira, joins Irontail and the other heroes of Erathal as they plan their counter-offensive. But even her gift of foresight is not enough to prepare her for the upcoming battle against this malevolent foe.

With the future of Erathal on the line, will anyone survive to tell the tale? “The Battle for Erathal” is the thrilling conclusion to the Evorath epic fantasy series. If you like expansive world-building, heart-pounding battle scenes, and heroic fantasy, you won’t want to miss Joseph P Macolino’s epic finale adventure.

“The Battle for Erathal”

Joseph P Macolino | February 20, 2024 | Free Dragon Press LLC | Epic Fantasy 

Paperback, 978-0-9978838-4-8, $16.95 | Ebook, B0CNHHS4FH, $4.99

“The Birth of Death” (Book 1)

Paperback, 978-0997883800, $16.95 | Ebook B01K9PRWQA, $4.99

Lieutenant Artimus Atyrmirid feels unsettled. As a talented archer and head investigator for the kingdom, the pragmatic elf tries to brush aside the flaws others claim are infiltrating his picture-perfect realm. But he senses a shift when a breakthrough in a bizarre kidnapping case puts him face to face with a devilish villain. Mage Savannah Sylvanas is on a personal quest for justice. Delighted to be assigned to the rangers’ top investigative squad, the former druid drives herself hard to impress her new leader. And she’s horrified when their venture into an abandoned dwarven mine ends with half the team’s minds corrupted by a lurking darkness. Journeying to the heart of the forest for answers, the duo discovers deadly strife amongst its people. And though they manage to rouse an avatar of the creator goddess, Artimus and Savannah find themselves on a desperate timeline to stop the land from falling to its doom. With destiny balancing on a knife’s edge, can the mismatched pair survive another day?

“The Rise of Yezurkstal” (Book 2)

Paperback, 978-0997883824, $16.95 | Ebook, B0C6JRCBV4, $4.99

Yezurkstal is more determined than ever to reshape the forest of Erathal in his image. He’s done hiding and ready to lead the dark elves to build a new empire in Erathal. His plan is guaranteed to succeed after he creates a spell to lure unsuspecting humans into his army. Evorath’s heroes are once again called upon to fight. With new allies joining the cause, they unite to stand against the rising evil. But as Yezurkstal’s power increases, time is running out, and the challenge is greater than ever before.  Will Yezurkstal and his undead army prevail over the heroes of Evorath or has he finally met his match? The Rise of Yezurkstal is the thrilling second novel in the Evorath epic high fantasy series. If you enjoy reading about characters everyone loves to hate, mythical creatures, and fantasy worlds, you’ll love Joseph P Macolino’s epic fantasy adventure.

Joseph Macolino has a passion for nature, philosophy, and all things fantasy. An unwavering Christian and self-declared anarchist, he dreams of a future human society where people can truly cooperate and voluntarily exchange ideas, goods, and services. When he’s not writing Evorath, he’s likely outside gardening, spending time watching a show with his family, or reading a book on philosophy. Considering himself a lifelong student of humanity, Joseph enjoys meeting new people and being exposed to new perspectives. He believes each person’s unique gifts can help contribute to stronger communities and hopes his work encourages others to embrace their gifts. Find out more about him at his website.

Follow Joseph Macolino on social media: 

Facebook: @Evorath | Twitter: @Evorath | Instagram: @Evorath | TikTok: @Evorath 

In an interview, Joseph Macolino can discuss:

• The positive influence that fictional characters can have on a person, particularly someone struggling with loneliness
• How and why he started building his characters and fantasy world
• The strengths that diversity and perspective differences add to a story
• The importance of creating flawed heroes who are just normal people struggling with their identity and society
• The influence of mythology, philosophy, and history on his story-building

An Interview with

Joseph Macolino

1. Can you describe your process for world-building and how these characters and world were created?

History, geography, philosophy, religion, politics, culture, magic systems, and so much more go into creating a believable world. For me, Evorath was built out with a detailed ancient history before I started outlining the thousand years of medieval to modern history I have planned out. The characters sprang up from there, filling in important historical events and key pieces of history with the necessary characters to create interesting stories. Because I am writing across such a long time period, I like to imagine I am writing as a sort of historian, a scribe who has studied personal diaries and journals, followed genealogy, and used all varieties of historical records. Collectively, this is why I refer to the collective works planned within the Evorath universe as The Legacy of Evorath.

2. The trilogy features flawed heroes, who are essentially normal people struggling with their identity and society. What inspired you to stray away from the norm of heroes?

I get tired of reading stories with unbelievable heroes. They say the right thing, do the right thing, and any conflict of conscience is short-lived and the outcome is predictable. In reality, people aren’t like that. I wanted to create a world that was real, people with genuine struggles and personal concerns, so that’s what I did.

3. What challenges did you face when writing from multiple perspectives, and why is it important to write from different points of view?

I write from multiple perspectives because I believe the greatest barrier to communication is a lack of empathy. We are all flawed people with difficult life experiences and personal struggles and biases. It is important to understand this and remember it when interactions with others in daily life. I hope writing from multiple perspectives can help people can an appreciation for these different views and help them find common ground and the patience to understand rather than assume. The greatest challenge in writing from different perspectives can be transitioning from wildly different perspectives, which can often slow down the writing process as you work to keep them distinct.  

4. What mythological and philosophical elements inspired your story-telling style?

I was always fascinated with mythology, Greek mythology being the first major one I got into, followed by Norse and leading to a wide variety of others as I went through high school, college, and through today. There’s also more recent mythology to consider, with works like The Lord of the Rings, video games like Final Fantasy or Elder Scrolls, and television and movie series, all which have their own mythologies. Philosophy plays perhaps an even greater role in the story-telling of Evorath as I spent so much time studying philosophy to help create the world. You’ll find characters rely on those various philosophies and help distinguish the different cultures found in the world. In terms of the greatest influence on me and my story-telling, I would have to cite my own Christian philosophy and voluntaryist ideals.

5. Can we expect anything else from you in your author journey?

Evorath is my primary focus and will likely be the only world I create to such a massive scale. I do have some concepts and ideas for a science fiction series, or perhaps more of a science fantasy. I also have some other fantasy worlds ideas, including some individual novels not part of a larger series. But to be honest, I’m still uncovering new and exciting details about Evorath, so that’s where you’ll find me for the foreseeable future.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

“[Petty’s real-life account] of attempted murder is so dizzyingly intricate that it feels straight out of a Hollywood movie.” –Kirkus

Here is a story of survival unlike any you’ve ever heard: Kendra Petty began life by enduring years of childhood abuse, culminating in a stunning breakout from a cult led by her own parents that nearly consumed her. She married a physically and emotionally abusive woman with a hidden drug habit. She successfully climbed the corporate ladder–only to discover she worked for an organized crime family. And after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she finally realized that the changes she needed to make could only be achieved by exploding the life she had deliberately created. But when her attempts put her in the crosshairs of organized crime, it would take every survival tactic she’d learned (and more) to avoid ending up dead. And that’s just the beginning. 

Far from your typical “misery memoir,” here is a harrowing page-turner that is both an inspirational story of resilience, grit, and perseverance, as well as a jaw-dropping thriller that proves that some lives really are stranger than fiction. 

“A thoroughly riveting and often enlightening true story of proliferating hardships.” 

– Kirkus Reviews

“I Can’t Believe I’m Not Dead:
Escaping Abuse, a Cult, Attempted Murder and Other Insanities”

Kendra Petty | March 7, 2022 | O’Leary Publishing | Memoir
Paperback, 978-1952491504, $19.99 | Hardcover, 978-1952491559, $24.99

Kendra Petty is a woman who has succeeded in an all-male industry, becoming an executive vice president at two firms. Kendra is a dynamic public speaker, powerful negotiator and dealmaker. She loves bouldering and scrambling in the mountains of California, Nevada and Arizona. A boater for many years, Kendra also loves fast cars and traveling. “I Can’t Believe I’m Not Dead” is her debut memoir. For more about Kendra, visit kendrapettyofficial.com.

In an interview, Kendra Petty can discuss:

• What steps she’s taken to heal from childhood abuse, dealing with a mentally ill parent, and religious trauma–and why it’s an ongoing journey
• How she came to suspect that she worked for an organized crime family, who appear to have wanted her dead for knowing too much, and how she survived 
• Unique encouragement towards resilience and perseverance for those facing life-changing illness, difficult/toxic relationships, and death
• Her professional success as she climbed the corporate ladder, despite her personal struggles
• How to deal with a toxic business environment that’s eroding your mental and emotional well-being–and how to evaluate and act on big choices regarding what to do about it
• Why her story, though quite unique, will inspire people who face interpersonal challenges of all kinds

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

NEW YORK – Officially designated a “rebel” by The New York Times and “the wildest thing this side of the mason Dixon line” by Zagat, Rossi is releasing “The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews” (She Writes Press, April 23, 2024), her outrageous, queer coming-of-age story. 

Rossi was taught only to aspire to marry a nice Jewish boy and to be a good kosher Jewish girl. At 16 she flowers into a rebellious punk-rock rule-breaker who runs away to seek adventure. Her freedom is cut short when her parents kidnap her and dump her with a Chasidic rabbi — a “cult buster” known for “reforming” wayward Jewish girls — in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Rossi spends the next couple of years in a repressive, misogynistic culture straight out of the nineteenth century, forced to trade in her pink hair and Sex Pistols T-shirt for maxi skirts and long-sleeved blouses and endure not only bone-crushing boredom but also outright abuse and violence.

“The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews” is filled with wonderfully rich characters, hilarious dialogue, and keen portraits of the secretive hothouse Orthodox world and the struggling New York City of the 1980s: dirty, on the edge, but fully vital and embracing.

“The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews: A Memoir”

Rossi | April 23, 2024 | She Writes Press | Memoir 

Paperback | ISBN 978-1647426972 | $17.95 

About the Author

Rossi has been published in outlets including The Daily News, The New York Post, Time Out New York, and Mcsweeney’s, to name a few. She has been the food writer of the “Eat Me” column for Bust magazine since 1998, hosts her own hit radio show on WOMR and WFMR in Cape Cod called Bite This, now in its nineteenth season, has been featured on The Food Network and NPR and has been a popular blogger for The Huffington Post. Her first memoir, “The Raging Skillet: The True Life Story of Chef Rossi” was published by The Feminist Press to rave reviews. In addition to memoir, Rossi has written two full-length plays, a number of one-act comedies, a one-woman stage adaptation of Queen of the Jews, and launched the Raging and Eating podcast. Find out more about her at www.theragingskillet.com.

Follow Rossi on social media: 

Facebook: @chefrossinyc | Twitter: @chefrossi | Instagram: @chefrossinyc

In an interview, Rossi can discuss:

• Her identity as a rebellious punk rock rule-breaker, an adventure-seeker and a gay Hungarian Jewish feminist with a Yiddish-Jersey-Southern accent
• Finding yourself amid restrictive cultural expectations 
• Her experience being forced to live under the care of a “cult busting” Chasidic rabbi who aimed to “reform” wayward Jewish girls
• Breaking out of a repressive, misogynistic culture in which she endured abuse
• Facing the constant threat of assault, prejudice, homophobia, homelessness and violence
• Her decision to confront her past and make peace with it
• Trying to survive her own personal crisis amid larger cultural crises (AIDS in NYC, racial unrest, 9/11) 
• Advice to young people facing similar challenges and pressures to conform
• Balancing her Jewish faith with her gay soul

Early Praise for Rossi 

and “The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews”

“I thought I’d heard everything until I read Rossi’s memoir. It’s a story of resilience, acceptance, food, love, chosen family and the chosen people. What more could you want?”

—Judy Gold, comedian, actress, author, and two-time Emmy winner

“Raised during and after the Holocaust, Rossi’s parents tried desperately to breed fear into their children—of outsiders, of losing touch with the Jewish community, of a demanding God—but Rossi was fearless and hungry for experience. Which explains, and doesn’t, why one day her parents dropped their rebellious lesbian daughter off among the Lubavitch Hasidim to ‘keep her safe’ in a dangerous drug-ridden area of New York City. Rossi was sixteen. The rest can be read as the funny, terrifying coming-of-age/coming-out of one intrepid soul, or as a vibrant portrait of 1980s New York, or as an underbelly view of Crown Heights, because Rossi does it all in this exhilarating, satisfying read.”

—Leah Lax, author of “Uncovered”

“When Rossi was sixteen her small-minded parents, terrified of her queerness, sent her to live with  Lubavitchers in pre-gentrified Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Because she escaped with her humor and integrity intact, we have this fascinating memoir unveiling the interior life of this cult-like religious Jewish community. While the expected bullying and misogynistic elements are revealed in detail, we also see the misfit subculture of Chasidim. Rossi encountered the Lubavitcher queers, the dopers, the dealers, the thrill-seeking and free-thinking men and women living on the edges of this ultra-conformist society. Her ride is a fascinating one, not only to a lesbian life but also perhaps the more difficult path of challenging the anti-Black racism of both her parents and the religious Jews. A page-turner.”

—Sarah Schulman, author of “Let the Record Show” and “Conflict Is Not Abuse”

“Somehow, despite finding herself in tremendously challenging, oppressive, and at times dangerous situations, Rossi holds onto her strength, her rage, her humor, her joy, her neshama (soul) and her heart. . . . This wild ride of a memoir pays tribute to the human spirit. It is an amazing book; I couldn’t put it down.”

—Lesléa Newman, author of “A Letter to Harvey Milk” and “Heather Has Two Mommies”

“The Punk-Rock Queen of the Jews: You have to read it to believe it. A rollercoaster ride of a not-so-good Jewish girl and her road to redemption. Get ready for jail time, cult busters, flying beef stew, and finally, a great original chef named Rossi.”

—Tovah Feldshuh

“Chef Rossi’s intensely personal recollection of Yom Kippur services, September 26, 2001, offers me—the rabbi who led them—a new perspective on an already unforgettable event.  Rossi is a very special storyteller. . . . Take my word about the book as someone in the book: READ the book.”

—Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, world’s largest LGBT synagogue

An Interview with Rossi

Before we dive into everything else, can you give us a glimpse into your childhood? What was your family like?

I had a spectacularly unusual childhood that was half trailer park trash and half Orthodox Jewish, with an eccentric, mentally questionable Yiddish mama. My parents wanted me to raise me as a nice Jewish girl with 1950’s values. I started rebelling almost from birth.Why did you rebel? Why did you run away from your safe home for a dangerous one? 

I could not tolerate the double standards of what boys can do and girls can not do. I knew it was wrong. I knew girls could do anything boys could do, if they weren’t held back. My parents wanted a sweet little girl without much independence. I was not so much a rule breaker as a rule changer. I wanted to change the world 

You eventually ran away as a teenager, but your first taste of freedom was cut short when you were arrested at 16 years old. Your parents forced you to move to Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to live under the watchful eye of the “cult busting” Chasidic rabbi, known for reforming wayward Jewish girls. How did this experience shape who you are today?

At the core of who I am today is that terrified rebellious teenage girl, who had to push aside her fear to rise up and climb out of a dark time filled with the constant threat of assault, prejudice, homophobia, homelessness, and finally, shocking violence from the least likely source she could imagine. So yeah, I’m a survivor. “New York Tough,” I like to say, but I understand the power of a simple gesture of kindness from a stranger. A kind word, a gift, a helping hand, these things saved my life. I pass it on, every chance I get.

How did that time in your life affect your relationship with your family?

When I was trying to survive Crown Heights, my feelings for my parents were pure rage. All my strength and bravery seemed to be fueled by fury. It wasn’t until I stopped running and fighting that I slowed down enough to start feeling softer towards my parents, but it took years for us to reconcile. 

How did you escape? How did you survive?

I finally escaped with grit and personality, a good phone voice and a little help from whoever is up there. All of these experiences made a ladder that fed into who I am today. My time surviving Crown Heights gave me the grit and courage to become a female chef in a male world, to start my own business, to go to Ground Zero after September 11th. My time there fed everything I am today. 

You identify as a rebellious punk rock rule-breaker, an adventure seeker and a gay Hungarian Jewish feminist. How did these norm-bending characteristics reveal themselves over time? 

I think I was born a feminist. I started complaining about the double standards my parents had almost immediately. Why can’t girls do that? That’s not fair! I was always angry. I didn’t want to be the kind of girl I saw on TV. I wanted to be the Fonz! 

How did you find strength to embrace the ways in which you differed from your community, especially with your family pushing so hard for you to assimilate?

My strength came from needing to be me. It seemed that no one I met was living their own life. They were living a life told to them or taught to them. I called bullshit. I wanted and demanded to live MY LIFE. I never stopped. I am flawed for sure. But I am ME.

Your religion and upbringing made it hard to come out — what advice would you give to others coming to terms with their identity and trying to live authentically despite what is “expected” of them?

It can be terrifying to come out in a repressive religious community. But the price for not coming out is a life in a prison. Coming out frees your mind, body and soul. Once I came out, I never looked back. Close your eyes and jump in. That gorgeous lavender ocean is waiting for you, and the water is fabulous. 

It’s interesting; you strived to survive intolerance, abuse and oppression, all while the city you lived in – New York – was also surviving cultural tragedies, including the AIDS crisis, racial unrest and 9/11. How do you think the cultural issues around you informed your own approach to your life? How much of your identity is defined by you being a New Yorker? How would you be different if you didn’t grow up in NYC? 

I think about this all the time. What would my life be like if I never ran away from home? Who would I be if I never moved to NYC? My friends all say I would have wound up in NYC anyway, that I was born to live in New York City. I think they’re right. A lot of people in my life think I’m a quintessential New Yorker. I don’t know. I know I hate wearing colorful clothing. I love black and dark blue. I have no patience for slow walkers. I walk everywhere, often 10 miles without thinking about it. I am bluntly honest. I have no patience for time-wasters. So yeah, NYC baby! I see a huge difference in people who moved to New York after it became a “safe” city, after it got pricey and started to feel more like Boston than New York. I’m old school. I see NYC as my baby. I don’t miss the crime, but I do miss the edge. I miss the mom and pop stores. I miss the bodegas all selling pot. I miss the punk rockers. I even miss the hookers in Time Square. The AIDS epidemic changed me forever. That was when I realized you can not sit quietly while people you love are dying. You have to march, fight, scream and demand attention. I was at a rally in Union Square Park and heard Larry Kramer rallying up the crowd for ACT UP. I was never the same. Am I a New Yorker? Yes, but I’m a pre-911 New Yorker. Proud of it. 

What’s next for you?

I’ve written the screenplay for “The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews.” I so see it as a movie. It really needs to be a movie. I see Natasha Lyonne playing me. Weird, edgy, rebellious and Jewish. She’s perfect.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

A harrowing adventure for fans of the show, “1883”

BLOOMINGTON, IL – Debut author Tim Piper takes readers on a rip-roaring adventure inspired by a true story through the American West, where a single step into the unknown changes everything for young Jubilee Walker. “The Powell Expeditions” (Sunshine Parade Publishing, January 15, 2024) follows Jubilee on a westward trek during the late 1860s, where he encounters native tribes, survives harsh winters, learns valuable life skills, makes new friends, and discovers his journey is not just physical, but a quest to find a sense of belonging and purpose.

After his mother’s death, seventeen-year-old Jubilee Walker asks to join a scientific expedition led by Major John Wesley Powell, a family friend. Powell initially refuses, but Jubil’s persistence and resourcefulness eventually win him a place on Powell’s crew. However, Jubil’s plans for a life of adventure are complicated by his deepening feelings for his best friend, Nelly Boswell, who is reluctant to spend her life with a man who insists on such a dangerous lifestyle. How will Jubil navigate the hardships and lawlessness of the American West? And will he be forced to choose between a life of adventure and the girl he loves?

Jubil’s story draws on the real-life adventures of naturalist, college professor, and one-armed Civil War veteran Major John Wesley Powell during his Colorado River Exploring Expeditions. Powell became the first explorer to summit Longs Peak in the Colorado Rockies and navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, fixing his place in history as one of America’s great explorers. 

“The Powell Expeditions”

Tim Piper | January 2024 | Sunshine Parade Publishing

Historical Fiction | Coming of Age

Hardcover | 979-8-9884186-0-3 | $19.99 

Paperback | 979-8-9884186-1-0 | $13.99

Ebook | 979-8-9884186-2-7 | $4.99

MORE ABOUT TIM PIPER: Tim Piper is retired from a long career in Information Technology and has been a lifelong hobbyist musician. In his earlier days he was an avid hiker and backcountry camper, but his adventures these days are less strenuous and more comfortable. He lives in Bloomington, Illinois, with his cat, Maggie, who is no help with his writing, but is a stellar companion. He began his education at Illinois State University as an English major, but life circumstances put him on a more pragmatic path, and he graduated with a BS in Business Admin, a degree he finds appropriately named. You can stay in touch with him at www.timpiper-author.com

Follow Tim Piper on social media:

Facebook: @Tim-Piper-Author

In an interview, Tim Piper can discuss:

• How his hike in the Rocky Mountains inspired this adventurous series about Major John Wesley Powell, the first American explorer to navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon
• The extensive research that went into writing a historical book about the westward expansion
• Why he thinks Major Powell is under-appreciated and why he feels more people should learn about him
• The importance of exploring the unknown and appreciating the everyday joys of life, and his personal inspiration in this area

An Interview with

Tim Piper

1. How did you incorporate the true-life adventures of Major Powell into your fictional story?

The story adheres closely to the historical record of Powell’s 1867, 1868, and

1869 exploring expeditions and the people who participated in them. The events

of those expeditions serve as the context for the formative years of my

protagonist, Jubilee Walker, as he makes his way into adulthood in post–Civil

War America.

2. Describe the trip to the Rockies that inspired your novel.

During one of my early trips to Rocky Mountain National Park, I hiked the Longs

Peak Trail. After the hike, I purchased a book on the history of the mountain and

learned the first person to summit it was Major John Wesley Powell. Researching

Powell, I was surprised to learn he had close connections to my hometown,

Bloomington, Illinois. Much of Powell’s life struck me as something out of an

adventure novel, but I did not find any fiction that had dramatized it. I carried the

idea with me for years until finally deciding to make an effort to write the novel I

wanted to read.

3. Why do you feel that Major Powell deserves more recognition?

Over Powell’s lifetime, his adventures, scientific expeditions, and geographic

surveys of America’s developing western frontier led him to conclusions about

land and water use that were far ahead of his time. Though he was very

influential in scientific and academic circles, his recommendations were never

fully adopted by politicians. The impact of failing to address his concerns was

made evident by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and can still be felt today in terms

of water use policy in the western states. He was one of the first to espouse

conservation policy that still struggles to protect our natural resources against

America’s drive to exploit them.

4. Where do you find your writing purpose and inspiration from?

Though I have always had an artistic nature and enjoyed music and writing as

hobbies, I chose the more expedient path of making a living in the business world

rather than the risky world of the arts. After I retired, my wife was taken ill and passed away, and I was lost for what to do with myself. I tried following my hobby

of music but could no longer find joy in it. But writing provided me with a means

to block out my internal dialogue and pass the days doing something

constructive. These days, I follow my curiosity to research topics that appeal to

me, and then weave those into fictional stories that I would like to read myself.

5. What kinds of research did you do for the story?

Major John Wesley Powell taught at Illinois Wesleyan University in my hometown

of Bloomington, Illinois. I contacted the archive librarian at IWU’s Ames Library,

and was allowed access to their John Wesley Powell Special Collection. These

materials, along with other resources suggested by the librarian led me to a

wealth of information about Powell. Other books and online newspaper articles

provided insights into life during post–Civil War America.

6. What are some key takeaways you hope people will have from your book?

The protagonist, Jubilee Walker, is a young man who knows more about what he

doesn’t want to do with his life more than what he does want. He makes most of his

decisions by following his passions and doing what his heart tells him is right. His

good-natured personality, enthusiasm, reliability, and calm demeanor in the face

of difficult circumstances win him the support and friendship of most people he

meets. Jubil’s philosophy of following his passion and heart is a worthwhile

message for anyone.

7. What is next in the Jubilee Walker series?

The next book in the series is The Yellowstone Campaign. In this story, Jubil is

drawn into the 1870 exploring expedition that paved the way for the first formal

geographic surveys of the Yellowstone Basin in 1871. These in turn led to the

passage in 1872 of a bill designating the area as America’s first national park.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

“1984” meets “Ready Player One” in epic battle for humanity in YA sci-fi thriller

Englewood, CO – Prepare to fight for humanity against a powerful AI network in the poignant fictional YA thriller debut from award-winning author, John Be Lane. The Future Lies (Feb 6, 2024, Global Arts Press) follows one brave gamer’s journey to thwart the domination of AI within this post-dystopian universe, where the Network controls every aspect of human life.

Winner of the IPPY Award for Best First Book, John Be Lane returns with a propulsive science fiction thriller where humans struggle under the oppression of a “Big Brother”-style AI called “the Network.” Reflecting on current issues like authoritarianism, the casual surrender to technology, and AI’s growing popularity, John Be Lane creates a cautionary tale that asks the question, “what could happen if we continue down humanity’s current path?”

About the novel: In a time when people exist within an AI-created reality, Calvin, a young gamer, journeys beyond the walls of the game, “Kill It! Till It Die!” to find a place outside the simulated world. There he meets Juniper, a young woman who is horrified by the conditions Calvin and his friend Roscoe exist in. Literacy is a punishable offense, and the Network feeds nonsense to the huddled mass of “goners” on tablet-like devices called “slabs.” Juniper, Calvin, and Roscoe work together to free themselves and others from the Network. They’re met with a battle against the darker forces behind the world, and discover the deeper secrets about humanity hidden away in the Network’s CPU. The perfect haunting read on the future of humanity for fans of The Matrix, Black Mirror, and Ready Player One.

“The Future Lies”

John Be Lane | Feb 6, 2024 | Global Arts Press | Young Adult 

Paperback | 978-0-9984356-7-1 | $18.99 

John Be Lane’s first book, The Beatin’ Path – a lyrical guide to lucid evolution received a Living Now Evergreen Award as “one of the world-changing books published since the year 2000.” He lives in Colorado. Find out more about John Be Lane at his website.

Follow John on social media: 

Instagram: @johnbelane

In an interview, John Be Lane can discuss:

• The process of writing Artificial Intelligence as a character 
• Creating a cautionary tale that is grounded in the current dynamic between people and the digital technologies we’ve become dependent on
• The role of research and personal influences in shaping a fictional world
• Why literacy and critical thinking are such existential threats to authoritarians
• What surprised him as he wrote the book, and what he learned about it after it was finished
• His previous work as a writer and how it informed his transition to writing for a YA audience
• The tension of duality (life/death, oppression/resistance, and humanity/technology) and its impact throughout the book

An Interview with

John Be Lane

1. What inspired you to write a novel for a young adult audience, especially about artificial intelligence control? 

I didn’t consciously set out to write a novel for a young adult audience. My intention was to shine a light on certain dangers of the world we live in, and how they might play out. But the people who have the most at stake in all of that are young adults, so the story needed to be told from their perspective. For a long time, I’ve worried that Artificial Intelligence might be the apex, “Game Over” predator of humans. But I didn’t dream the topic would become so imminent quite so suddenly.

2. To what extent do the events and context of the novel reflect current realities?

I don’t think it’s hard to see that human capitulation to digital technology is pretty far along. A lot of people have embraced AI as quickly as they took to cryptocurrency and that whole world. But convenience often has a cost that people just don’t stop to think about. It seems like a slice of self determination is lost with each new line of code. We’re approaching an inflection point in which our range of possibilities will be limited to only that which is permitted by an application on our cell phones. 

3. How did your experiences as a screenwriter and poet influence the way you wrote the book?

The Future Lies is my first extended narrative, and so I had to figure out how I could tell the story. Screenplays are scene-based, and with that in mind, I broke the story into distinct and shorter moments, which I think contemporary readers might appreciate. Screenwriting also taught me the classic “show, don’t tell,” along with story arc, characterization, and dialog. From poetry, I’d like to think I learned how to channel emotion into storytelling. And the prose came out with cadences very much like how I’d write a poem.

4. What was your process when writing the story, developing the characters, and creating the premise of the book?

It started out not as a book, but as a radical rethinking about how education could be improved. But launching a charter school sounded like more of a challenge than I could handle, and I thought that maybe I could make the bigger points through storytelling. I walk a lot, and as I walked, the scenes and characters began emerging in my mind – kind of like the first stars of the evening. Gradually, the points of light formed constellations, which became the outline of a story. As the pieces of the story fall in place, the characters acquire their own agency, and they tell you what happens next.

5. What do you hope for young readers to take away from your novel?

To question everything. To not be passive spectators of what happens in the world, but to engage, and never to assume that those in power are entitled to their power, or that they’re acting in good faith on your behalf. That there are other ways of imagining the world than the ways that they’ve inherited. That literacy, critical thinking skills, and a passion for learning are the keys that unlock the one potential superpower that humans actually have – that is, a working mind. The more young people who learn to use their minds, the better chance we’ll have.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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

Twisted crime thriller explores the dark side of twin relationships

 PHOENIX, AZ – Step into this propulsive study of identity, twin telepathy, and murder in this gripping crime novel by acclaimed author, Gary L. Stuart. Hide & Be and its sequel releasing on the same day, My Brother, Myself (Gleason and Wall Publishers, Feb 6, 2024) delivers a psychological thriller about the bond between two identical twin brothers who looked to themselves for comfort, and how their innocent games of identity swapping turned deadly. Read them side by side to reveal the twisted dimensions of this murderous conundrum!

With over 19 books and 32 years in trial law, Gary Stuart’s duology explores twin relationships and dissociative identity disorder that delves into the heart of trauma, mental illness, and the seemingly mystical connection between twins. Perfect for fans of Woman in the Window!

About the novel: Twin brothers Arthur and Martin suffered horrible abuse as children, forcing them to survive by seamlessly assuming each other’s identities. Living each other’s lives provides protection from the trauma of their past. But when tragedy strikes, one of the brothers plummets into a dissociative crisis that leads him down a murderous path.

As the body count rises, two cases end up in the courtroom, where judges, lawyers, and psychiatrists try to piece together which twin is the suspect and which is the victim. Everyone in the courtroom strives to bring the victims to justice–but how can justice be served when no one is sure who the defendant truly is?

“Hide and Be”

Gary Stuart | Feb 6. 2024

Gleason and Wall Publishers | Crime Thriller 

Paperback | 978-1736894668 | $17.99

   “My Brother, Myself”

Gary Stuart | Feb 6. 2024

Gleason and Wall Publishers | Crime Thriller 

Paperback | 978-1-7368946-8-2 | $17.99

Ebook | 978-17368946-9-9 | $9.99

Gary Stuart is a Phoenix lawyer, an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he also serves as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Office of the Dean. He is a former member of the Arizona Board of Regents and is a member of the Maricopa Bar Association’s Hall of Fame. He has published scores of law review articles, op-ed pieces, essays, magazine articles, short stories, CLE booklets, and eighteen books. He blogs about the ethics of writing at https://ethicsofwriting.com/. His book and writing site is https://garylstuart.com/.

Find Gary Stuart online:

www.garylstuart.com 

www.ethicsofwriting.com 

www.gunsoncampus.com 

Follow Gary Stuart on social media:

Facebook: Gary Stuart’s Books | Twitter: @garylesterstuar 

Read more about this twin duology, Hide & Be and My Brother, Myself

You look exactly like your twin brother. Exactly. You think like him, for him, with him, cannot live without him. Cannot. Don’t want to. Don’t want to. Other kids play Hide & Seek. But you and he play Hide & Be. Your parents died when you were two. The foster parents were sometimes nice and sometimes awful. They could never tell you apart because one of you would hide; the other would just be. Be bad. Be blamed. Be good. Get the Jesus Strap. Get the ice cream cone. There were always eyes on you, then him. Wondering which one you were. There were always voices in your head, his. They can’t judge you because you could always be him, or you. You did not need friends because you are his and he is yours. You learn you don’t need anyone else; they can’t see you, just him. Or are they looking at him, not you? If one of you dies, the other will be. You.

We are who we say we are. You think you see me—you don’t. You see us without knowing which of us you see. Your photographs, polygraphs, fingerprints, DNA hints, and

courtroom theatrics don’t say who we are. We are who we say we are! You are his brother, your twin. You see me but not him now, don’t you? You are like us, identical twins, but you don’t love your brother like I do mine. He is myself, and I am him. Today is your birthday, his too. Why aren’t you with him? Don’t lie to us. We know why. You can live with him but not without him. Too late to choose. We are your redemption. You have a price to pay today. On your birthday. His too. Boo who. We are who we are!

In an interview, Gary Stuart can discuss:

• What sparked his interest in writing about twin relationships and “twin telepathy”
• How his experiences as a trial lawyer have inspired his books and the usage of his knowledge in the courtroom scenes
• His recent transition from being a lawyer to being a full time author
• The necessity of avoiding stereotypes when writing about killers and mental illness 

An Interview with

Gary Stuart

1. What caused you to transition from being a lawyer to writing full time? What was that journey like? 

Once a lawyer, always a lawyer. I discovered that practicing law was not as much fun as writing about it. Courtrooms are theaters and success in trial calls for dramatizing the case in ways that judges and juries like and respect. My courtroom skills work when I’m creating crime fiction. I know what it takes to win and how awful it feels to lose in court, or at a bookstore. 

2. Why do you write both fiction and nonfiction, and how are you able to write in both genres simultaneously? 

The law is real. Fiction is not. Balancing imagination and ingenuity in fiction with citing case law and statutory law is a balance that keeps me sane and on course.  I found over the years that the law is pliable but crime fiction is more fun.

3. How do your experiences as a trial lawyer inspire or inform your books?

When you try a case, especially a jury trial, you have to be mentally aware of a dozen things at once; the judge, jury, opposing counsel, clients, witnesses, court clerks and bailiffs, timing, how sound works, movement away from the podium, and maintaining a connection with the jury. All of that is an art form, as well as an acquired talent. It’s very similar to creating all of that inside a novel. 

4. What sparked your interest in writing about twin relationships and “twin telepathy”?

The most important element of fiction writing is creating original characters that are believable and fully developed. Creating two characters who look and act alike is a great way to advance your hold on the reader. If the twins are interesting and fascinating at the same time, their personalities, flaws, hopes, dreams and mendacity ooze out, one droplet at a time. The reader stays with you as long as you don’t bore them. 

5. How have you worked to write about a mentally ill serial killer without stigmatizing those with mental illness? 

Stigmatizing mental illness is a stupid way to write a novel. But explaining when, how, and how often people suffer mental illness is interesting to readers everywhere. Malignant twins are exceedingly rare. My twins in the book are not malignant. They are what life gave them–deeply wounded and incapable of handling separation. That’s what makes them fascinating characters.  

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

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

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

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