Flames Past
Gracie C. McKeever
ISBN: 9781587492549
Earthling Press
Reviewed By Josee Morgan

Official Apex Reviews Rating:


After being separated for ten years, Sean and Echo are suddenly reunited – and the flames of passion between them are just as quickly reignited. Despite the fact that they’ve been apart for so long, they soon discover that the smoldering heat from their adolescent fling remains just as strong and powerful as it was prior to the abrupt breakup that forced them apart.

However, each of them has taken on “significant others” during their time apart, which threatens to prematurely spoil their reunion. For Sean, it’s his fiancée, Deirdre, a high-powered attorney accustomed to getting exactly what she wants – and who will fight to the death to prevent another woman from stealing him away. For Echo, it’s her beloved son, Athan – who just happens to be Sean’s, as well – but, due to the circumstances of his conception and birth, she’s forced to keep his true paternity a secret.

Most importantly of all, both Sean and Echo possess hidden, dark secrets buried deep within repressed memories they’ve strived their entire lives to move past; however, when those secrets re-emerge and begin to affect the new life they’re attempting to build together, it could have disastrous consequences for them both...will they be able to reconcile their dangerous pasts with the promising future they both so desperately crave?

A priceless jewel from early in her writing career, Flames Past displays the trademark literary excellence for which acclaimed author Gracie C. McKeever has become well known. In it, she seamlessly weaves such topics as love, heartbreak, family dynamics, relationship politics, and, of course, the mercurial workings of the heart, into a well-crafted tale reflective of the multi-faceted tapestry of human experience. Despite their God-given “unique” abilities, Sean and Echo are nonetheless flesh-and-blood beings prone to the same feelings and inclinations as us all, and their individual and collective struggles present the reader with a realistic snapshot of the difficulties we all face when confronted with both natural and supernatural challenges.

Also, in her signature fashion, McKeever embodies her characters with the same full-on, lifelike qualities as all the players in her ever-growing body of writings. In so doing, she prevents the reader from reaching snap judgments about any one in particular – and even manages to evoke feelings of sympathy and compassion for the supposed “bad guys” of the tale.

Compelling and enlightening, Flames Past is an excellent introduction to what has become a long, outstanding career of one superlative tale after another. Kudos to McKeever for continuing to provide readers worldwide with stories guaranteed to keep them hooked from beginning to end. Highly recommended.

Official Apex Reviews Interview: Gracie C. McKeever (Flames Past)

Apex Reviews: Gracie, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your book and other efforts. 

Gracie C. McKeever: Thanks for having me, Apex! I look forward to discussing my book and other efforts!

AR: Why does Echo initially consider giving Athan up?

GCM: Athan’s “uniqueness” scares and intimidates her. Also, because of her own past abusive childhood she doesn’t believe she’s capable of raising an emotionally healthy child, that her own experiences at the hands of parents who didn’t understand or know what to do with her, make her the worst kind of candidate to be a good mother, the kind of mother that a special child like Athan deserves.

AR: Why does she hide the truth of Athan's paternity from Sean for so long?

GCM: Initially, she hides the truth for the financial support that is offered to her to raise Athan with the stipulation that his existence remain a secret from Sean. She hides the truth out of necessity. But as time goes by and she becomes self-sufficient enough to reject her “benefactor’s” support and stipulations, she realizes she has dug herself a hole that will not be easy to climb out of, even once she is reunited with Sean. The more she is around Sean the harder she finds it to tell him the truth and her part in hiding his son’s existence from him. If not for Athan’s insistence and desire to know his father, Echo might not have ever gone in search of Sean to begin with.

AR: What's the real reason that Sean became a firefighter?

GCM: Ostensibly, fire is the enemy that Sean must defeat. But really it’s a metaphor and the profession is more a way for Sean to redeem himself, make up for the tragic mistakes of his past. Fighting fires is also a way for Sean to heal the emotional wounds after the death of his parents and brother. Before firefighting, Sean just drifts from job to job, running from his problems. Firefighting is a means to fight his demons as well as save himself as he saves others.

AR: With all that she has going for her, Deirdre can get any man she wants - so why is she so determined to stop Sean and Echo from reconciling?

GCM: Sean has been an obsession for Deidre since they were teens and she is not used to losing, especially not to someone she considers beneath her and her lineage, like Echo. She can take losing Sean, but she can’t take losing him to Echo.

AR: How are Sean and Echo finally able to manage their respective "special powers?"

GCM: Once they find each other, realize that being different isn’t the bad thing that they were taught it was and that together they are much stronger and resilient than they could ever be apart, they are able to reconcile their love and their powers and realize that they are not mutually exclusive.

AR: Given that he's their son, what does the future hold for Athan - specifically regarding the development of his own unique abilities?

GCM: With help from a well-rounded support system that includes two parents who’ve come together in love and understanding, but more importantly have learned from their own mistakes, the future is bright for Athan. He’s very intelligent, a basically good kid and he understands the benefits and drawbacks to what he can do from first-hand experience. He understands, too, that his “uniqueness” does not make him a freak.

AR: Flames Past is actually one of your earlier works. Are you planning to re-launch it as a newer edition?

GCM: Actually, Flames Past has never gone out of print since its initial release ten years ago (one of the many advantages and wonders of small press and e-publishing ..). I believe the edition that is currently available stands the test of time as a contemporary romance and a heartfelt story of healing and redemption. I don’t think the universal themes of love and forgiveness that run through the book ever go out of style. So no, I’m not planning to re-launch a newer edition. My latest promotional push is just one in a long line of ongoing promotion that I do for all of my books in turn. I suppose you could say it’s Flames Past’s turn in the spotlight now.

AR: Please share more with our readers about your other writings.

GCM: Flames Past was one of five published books from my pre-erotic romance phase which also includes two other Awe-Struck titles: Dancing in the Dark and Miles to Go and Fictionwise titles: Desert Dreams and New Life Incognita. The bulk of my work since has been published with premier erotic romance publisher, Siren Publishing, Inc. and includes several individual titles (Between Darkness and Daylight, Eternal Designs, In Plain Sight, Spells Cast in Shadows, The Wolf in the Mansion, and Nine Inches of Snow and the Ebony Princess) and three series—The Matchmaker, Sisters of Emsharra and Zara’s Bois.). I also have a short erotica piece—Gray Badge of Trust—published with Amira Press.

AR: You're quite the prolific, accomplished writer. Do you plan to tour soon in order to expose your writings to an even greater number of potential readers?

GCM: I think the World Wide Web is the greatest exposure or potential audience a writer can have. .. I do attend annual book festivals and booksignings in my area, although I have nothing extensive in the name of touring planned.

AR: What's next for you?

GCM: I’m currently working on a new erotic paranormal romance series—Protector Devas. It’s a series about angels, but I’m approaching it from an Eastern Religion slant rather than the traditional and widely-accepted Western Religion slant.  I’m several chapters into the first book (working title, Guardian Angel) with several books planned. Here’s the series blurb: “A psychically gifted family becomes an endangered species when it is discovered that their devic essence may hold the key to victory in a centuries-old, ever-escalating war between powerful celestial and demonic factions.” I’m also looking forward to seeing my erotic short story, Leap of Faith, published in Zane’s anthology, Sensuality: Caramel Flava 2 this June 2009.

AR: Please share your website address with us so our readers can learn more about you and your ongoing efforts.

GCM: Certainly: http://www.graciecmckeever.com

AR: Also, how can they contact you directly?

GCM: Readers are welcome to contact me at gwiz10@optonline.net

AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

GCM: I hope that your readers continue to read and enjoy my work and that I’ve piqued their curiosity about my work and the flourishing e- and independent publishing and small press industries.

AR: Thanks again, Gracie, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!

GCM: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to reach out to your readers and talk about my work! All the best to you too, Apex!

Journey Into The Past
Abe March
Reviewed By Linda Waterson

Official Apex Reviews Rating:


Young, attractive, and successful, Heather Wilson is a force to be reckoned with. A star on the rise in one of the most powerful architectural firms in the country, she appears to have it all – that is, until she walks in on her husband of 18 years in the heat of passion with another woman. In the ensuing emotional fallout, she tries to bury herself in work, but when she happens across a photo of an ancient German castle one day, she is instantly drawn to it – and the older gentleman staring back at her from within it – for reasons she can’t fully explain, and she soon embarks on a journey to the site in order to explore her feelings further.

Upon her arrival, she meets Hans, the gentleman from the photo, and the two of them form a connection that soon evolves into all-out attraction – the only problem: he’s a married man, and his wife has been in a coma for five years; nonetheless, Hans can’t deny the intensity of the bond between him and Heather, and, despite his loyalty to his beloved, he can’t resist indulging in the burgeoning passion that soon consumes them both.

What neither Heather nor Hans realize, though, is that the attraction they feel for one another has deep spiritual roots and has endured for centuries – and the ultimate outcome of their not-so-random encounter lies just beyond the scope of their control...

Journey Into The Past is a touching tale of the incomparable power of fate. In it, author Abe March takes the reader on a compelling journey through the mysterious inner workings of the heart, putting on full display just how mercurial the world of emotions can often be. He also treats the reader to a revealing trek through the culture, countryside, and fascinating history of Germany, lending his narrative a healthy dose of genuine authenticity.

Love comes in many different forms, some of which often take us completely by surprise. In Journey Into The Past, though, Abe March does a skillful job of proving that, no matter which form it ultimately takes, true love transcends all boundaries – even those of space and time.

Official Apex Reviews Interview: Abe March (Journey Into The Past)

Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Abe. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.

Why do Heather and Hans initially fight the attraction that each feels for the other?

Abe March: Hans is married, is older, and doesn’t feel it proper.  Heather thinks Hans is married, and after what she went through with her husband, doesn’t want to be that “other woman.” They both feel drawn to each other, but the reservations they feel about getting too close tends to increase the attraction.

AR: Given how loyal he is to his wife, how is Hans able to indulge in the passion that he feels for Heather?

AM: After five years of being without companionship, his wife being in a coma, his passion is activated by Heather. Although he puts up resistance, it takes a person like Heather to break down the barriers that prevented him from getting on with his life.

AR: In the story, your retelling of various aspects of German history is masterful. Did you perform much research prior to penning the tale?

AM: I actually live near the area of the castles where the story takes place.  I have walked the trails described in the story, and visited the castles, taking notes.

AR: Your descriptions of Germany are very captivating. How were you able to capture the scenery of the countryside so vividly?

AM: As mentioned, I know the area well.  Nothing about the history or the places described, are contrived.  Even the characters have some authenticity. I’ve been there.

AR: Do you plan to write a sequel to the story?

AM: Depends on the reaction to this story.  I can foresee a sequel with the daughter Rose and her new found friend.  They may carry on where Hans and Heather left off.

AR: Please share more with us about some of your other writings.

AM: My first novel, “To Beirut and Back” is a true story of my entrepreneurial pursuits that took me to Beirut, Lebanon. I was there during the civil war and was the first Westerner kidnapped.  I left after the 27th cease-fire and returned a year later to try and salvage my business, but it was premature.  This story is not about war but about the perpetual struggle to succeed.  The life of the Arabs comes into play.

My second novel, “They Plotted Revenge Against America” was published in February of this year.  It was inspired by America’s invasion of Iraq. The need for revenge for two Iraqi youths whose parents were killed in the invasion, took them to Beirut, where they team up with other youths with similar fates caused by American-backed Israeli aggression.  They were trained for a mission to take their revenge to the heart of America. It is a realistic story of what could happen.

AR: What's next for you?

AM: I retired, but continue to write about things important to me.  The romance novel was a break from the more serious side of things.  I write about things or places where I have been and/or have knowledge.

AR: How can people learn more about you and your writing efforts?

AM: They can visit my website: http://www.freewebs.com/abemarch

AR: How can they contact you directly?

AM: They can contact me via my website.

AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?

AM: Enjoy life. Reading is entertaining and also a vehicle for learning.  Learning about the author can be helpful in ascertaining the validity of the subject matter.  In the case of the romance novel, Journey Into The Past was a realistic portrayal of the characters involved in the 15th century.

AR: Thanks again, Abe, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!

Click Here To Learn More About Journey Into The Past

Chipo’s Gift
Deb Troehler
ISBN: 9781419655647
Booksurge
Reviewed By Rhonda Carver

Official Apex Reviews Rating:


An ordinary mopane worm from South Africa, Chipo greatly enjoys life in the mopani tree that she shares with her family, as well as the elder moths of her community. Every day, she savors the tree’s succulent leaves for breakfast, then delights in playing games like hide-and-seek with the other worms and moths. All in all, both her routine and surrounding environment provide Chipo with a fun, protected lifestyle of peace and stability.

Something within the inquisitive little worm, though, just won’t let her be satisfied with life as she knows it. Eventually, her curiosity gets the best of her, and – ignoring the warnings of her brothers and sisters – she ventures to the top of the tree to further explore the world around her. Amazed by what she sees, Chipo is inspired to discover more, so she ventures even further until she reaches the highest heights of her leafy home.

Much to her shock and surprise, though, Chipo slips and falls off the tree, landing in a strange new place – and before she has the chance to orient herself to her new surroundings, she’s whisked off on a whirlwind journey that takes her far away from her family and friends. In the face of such abrupt change, Chipo is forced to learn how to adjust quickly to the strange new life suddenly thrust upon her.

Well written and presented, Chipo’s Gift is a rewarding literary jewel. In it, author Deb Troehler does an effective job of helping the reader – through Chipo’s adventures – to understand the true benefits of risk-taking. Despite the discouragement of her brothers and sisters, the intrepid little worm dares to explore the world around her. As a result, she is rewarded with a plethora of sights and sounds that she never would have experienced had she remained isolated within the confines of her restricted home environment. Like Chipo, individuals young and old can only benefit from trusting the “adventurer’s spirit” within themselves and daring to learn more about the vast, wondrous world that has so much to show us all.

Serving to further enhance Troehler’s tale are the rich, colorful illustrations peppered throughout the story. Created by Troehler herself, the striking visual imagery further augments her already compelling narrative, vividly bringing the story to life and making it even more engaging to the reader.

Although Chipo’s Gift is primarily geared towards young readers, individuals of all ages are sure to enjoy the visual and literary treat that it is. Highly recommended.

Official Apex Reviews Interview: Deb Troehler (Chipo's Gift)

Apex Reviews: Deb, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.

What inspired you to base the story in Africa?

Deb Troehler: Chipo’s Gift was inspired by a dear friend that emigrated from South Africa to the United States in the 1990s. While some of her family members were able to come with her to the United Sates, many of her loved ones remain in South Africa Chipo, the main character, experiences basically the same separation from her friends and family. I also wish to encourage children to think beyond their borders - whether it be their town, their state, their country, or their continent.

AR: What exactly is a "mopane worm?"

DT: A mopane or mopani worm (caterpillar) is the larval stage of the emperor moth.  Their name comes from the mopani tree, where the worms forage until they reach maturity.  While searching for just-the-right type of moth for my story, I came across an unassuming caterpillar that eats leaves that are actually the shape of a butterfly’s wings.  The irony was too good to pass up.

AR: Please share with our readers what the "long sleep" is.

DT: The “long sleep” is the stage where the mopani worms undergo metamorphosis.  Unlike the usual chrysalis stage of most caterpillars, mopani worms complete their transformation underground.  Somehow I pictured little Chipo “tucked in” under a warm blanket of soil, waiting for her wings to develop.

AR: What is it about Chipo that makes her more adventurous than her brothers and sisters?

DT: When I developed Chipo’s personality, I attempted to create a character that associated well with the other characters, yet had her own unique individuality.  The status quo is definitely not the way to find adventure.  In addition, the name Chipo is a name from Zimbabwe that means gift (the title of the book is purposefully redundant).  Chipo's gift was to see life in a different way and recognize the beauty of nature, which encouraged her to make the trek to the top of the tree.

AR: Even though she's initially scared, Chipo eventually embraces her new life and surroundings. Where does she draw her courage from?

DT: Throughout the story, Chipo never forgets her home and family.  She finds similarities in her new world that comfort her.  Her instinct to continue on the path to become a moth prompts her to move forward in her efforts.  And, just like all mopani worms-she has a terrific appetite. How can one be scared when they are munching some delicious hibiscus leaves?

AR: In addition to penning the tale, you also provided the illustrations for Chipo's Gift (which are outstanding). How long have you been an illustrator?

DT: Thank you for the compliment. Technically, I do not consider myself to be an illustrator in the true sense of the word.  I am a fiber artist and pattern designer, by trade.  When I created the illustrations for Chipo’s Gift, I pulled from my former experience as a teacher where I created elaborate classroom displays using a wide variety of mediums. For example: the clothesline for the batik-print outfits is real twine.

AR: What kinds of reactions have you gotten to the book thus far?

DT: Many of the readers have admired the bold colors and Chipo’s spunky little attitude.   One little girl said “Yah for Chipo!” when her grandmother finished reading it to her.  Some of the children immediately notice that the colors of Chipo’s dots change, which encourages them to reread the book to find other details they may have missed. Several teachers have been pleased with the accompanying thematic unit that I developed for the book.

AR: What is the main message that you'd like readers to take away from the story?

DT: One insignificant choice can dramatically change a person’s (or, in this case, caterpillar’s) path in life. Learn from the results of that choice and find joy on the new path.

AR: Prior to becoming an author, you worked as a special education teacher. Please share more with our readers about your efforts in that field.

DT: I was a special education teacher for fourteen wonderful years.  My classroom was literally my second home.  I encouraged my students to succeed by doing their best with the hand they had dealt, as well as finding happiness with their own unique qualities, somewhat like Chipo's.  In 2001 I was forced to take a break from teaching when my cancer returned. (I am a 4-time cancer survivor).  I had originally planned on taking a two year break from education, and resumed my side-career as a fiber artist and designer, as well as freelance writer for magazines.  Two years quickly turned into almost eight.  Chipo’s Gift has brought me full circle, inspiring me to return to the classroom through the presentation of my book and related activities.

AR: How has your publishing experience been with Booksurge?

DT: Booksurge has been a wonderful company to work with. They provide great support for their authors/illustrators-which has continued even after the publication of the book.  My Booksurge team leader faithfully answers my questions within a day's time. I also firmly believe in the print-on-demand philosophy, as it reduces the amount of paper used for production.  The one drawback of print-on-demand, however, is the listing price.  In fact, the list price for my book is what prompted me to develop the thematic unit that accompanies Chipo’s Gift. After all, as a former teacher, I realize that educational resources for any book are a definite plus.

AR: What are your future writing/publishing plans?

DT: While I am working on a sequel for Chipo’s Gift, I am also in the process of final revisions for a series of children’s books based on a little girl from Michigan. In addition to my children’s stories, I have resumed writing articles for magazines, with my most recent article published in April 2009. (Doll Reader Magazine)

AR: Do you have a website where people can learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?

DT: Readers can find additional information Chipo’s Gift and the orphanage in Africa (Beautiful Gate Lesotho) to which I donate a portion of my royalties, on my website: http://www.debtroehler.com.   The thematic  unit is available on my website as well as The Lesson Plans Page: http://www.lessonplanspage.com/LAScienceMathArtPEOMDChiposGiftThematicUnitK2.htm

AR: How can they contact you directly?

DT: There is a contact page on my website.  I’d be happy to answer any questions.

AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?

DT: One of my philosophies is to give more than is expected.  With the creation of Chipo's Gift and the accompanying thematic unit, I hope I have succeeded in following that philosophy.

AR: Thanks again, Deb, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!

DT: Thank you for the opportunity to share the story behind Chipo's Gift.

Nothing More
Walter Harris Rooks, Jr.
ISBN: 9781432731236
Outskirts Press
Reviewed By Wendy Paulson

Official Apex Reviews Rating:


The Black experience in America has certainly been a widely varied one. For hundreds of years, African Americans have suffered through the lowest of lows, rejoiced in the highest of highs, and encountered every major and minor point in-between. Throughout it all, the details of their ongoing journey have been captured in various forms of expression, including music, artwork, literature, and poetry.

It is through the latter that Walter Harris Rooks, Jr., has chosen to grace the world with his particular perspective regarding the ever-evolving African American experience, and in the pages of his debut poetic collection, Nothing More, the reader can bear personal witness to the largely kaleidoscopic nature of Black culture at-large.

Rooks covers much ground in his collection, touching on many different aspects of African American life. There’s the introspective poignancy of “Beauty An’ Blues,” and the nostalgic reflection of “Eight Track.” And, of course, he pays due homage to the inimitable Black woman, most notably in this passage from “Looking Glass”:

“African Queen.
Smile proud.
How proud
you should be.
For you are
the Mother
of our
African destiny.”

Rooks’ voice is strongest, though, when he tackles the issue of impropriety head-on, specifically the political and economic injustices that have been – and continue to be – inflicted upon the long-suffering African American people. Consider, for example, this passage from “America”:

“The reality of this world
Is worse than it seems,
And day by day
It destroys my hopes and dreams.”

And this striking passage from “Thoughts”:

“Love,
explain it to me.
Hate,
I’ve seen enough.”

The poetic world is overflowing with sexually-charged, lascivious overtones and jilted lovers who perpetually bemoan their wounded hearts. As such, it’s refreshing to see a collection by a modern poet who chooses instead to focus on the greater issues that affect us just as much as – if not more than – the never-ending drama of our personal lives. In Nothing More, Walter Harris Rooks takes the reader on a much-needed journey through the heart of a culture altogether beautiful and haunting, one that is sure to leave him or her graciously enriched.

Official Apex Reviews Interview: Walter Harris Rooks, Jr. (Nothing More)

Apex Reviews: Walter, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.

Walter Rooks, Jr.: Thanks for having me!

AR: Nothing More touches on numerous aspects of the overall African American experience. What inspired you to craft this quite eclectic collection?

WR: Life really is the inspiration, but also the experience of African Americans in whole.    

AR: As our reviewer mentioned, you make quite a few bold statements in the book regarding the way that Blacks have been treated over the years. Was this inspired by personal experiences from your past?

WR: Yes, both directly and indirectly.  It is more these indirect experiences which have inspired me most.  For me, it is impossible to exist without having some basic understanding of where I come from.  Therefore, personal experiences like being called derogatory names or harassed by authority figures may manifest themselves in poems like Middle Passage.  You see there is a connection I could not ignore if I tried.  I am the sum of my personal experiences, but more, deeper, I am the sum of the African American experience; I was murdered on that slave ship and survived too.

AR: What is the chief message that you'd like readers to take away from the book?

WR: I’d like to think that I have touched on enough subjects to express creative diversity and have done so in such a way as to not be put in a box.  So there is no one major message.  Hopefully readers will see that the African American experience, the book and subjects are universal and come from a human perspective.   

AR: What's the significance of the title?

WR: The title Nothing More represents a deep sigh of completion as it relates to my writing.  I have wanted to write a novel for some time now but felt I could not unless I did something complete with respect to my poetry.  After putting those poems I thought were worthy into the book, I realized I had nothing more to say about those subjects and poetry for that matter.  With nothing more to say as it relates to writing poetry (at least for now), I am free to focus on a novel that has been talking to me for years.

AR: How long have you written poetry?

WR: My earliest memories start around the fifth-grade.  My mother, still a proficient wordsmith, would help me on various English assignments.  Of course, back then I wrote little love poems in hopes of attracting the attention of particular girls.

AR: Who are some of your chief poetic influences?

WR: I was introduced to Langston Hughes and others rather late in life; I had been writing poetry but it was Langston Hughes who seemed to say to me: Walter, it is OK to speak about these things and talk like this or dat.  Langston Hughes, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Claude McKay, George Moses Horton, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou; there are so many! 

AR: What's your opinion on the current state of poetry in the literary world?

WR: From my lonely view, while there is sufficient evidence that poetry is alive and well, it seems that poetry is merely some isolated island on the whole literary landscape, small and often disregarded when taking into account how much emphasis and attention we see with novels.  Poetry is an awkward thing I think in the minds of most average book readers; it doesn’t have to be, maybe that can be changed by revisiting with some energy how and what is taught in our modern-day classrooms. 

AR: How has your publishing experience been with your publisher, Outskirts Press?

WR: Self-publishing was a difficult choice for me.  My experience with Outskirts Press continues to be very positive.  They have been professional in every sense of the word, fulfilling their end of our agreement in a manner consistent with my high standards.

AR: What's next for you?

WR: Other than trying to obtain more critical reviews for Nothing More and find cost effective ways to generate a few book sales, I would like to have finished my novel by this time next year, and be looking for a publisher, and doing another interview with you.

AR: Do you have a website where people can learn more about you and your writing efforts?

WR: I am working on an official website: walterrooks.com, and currently Nothing More can be purchased through this link: http://outskirtspress.com/NothingMore

AR: How can they contact you directly?

WR: E-mail me at: waltrks@yahoo.com or call me at: 775-200-2785

AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?

WR: Yes.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my work.  Anyone purchasing my book is essentially making an investment in me, something I take seriously.  Nothing confirms a writer’s work more than feedback, good or bad.  Please, share your thoughts if you read my work.

AR: Thanks again, Walter, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!

WR: The pleasure is mine!  Thank you for being here and providing a crucial service to writers such as myself.  Love, peace, prayers.

Until Death Before The Sun Sets
The Literary Artist
ISBN: 9781434835161
Literary Masterpiece Publishing
Reviewed By Daria Miles

Official Apex Reviews Rating:


Rather than a reliable, fixed point of reference, reality for Nyina is a fluid, ever-evolving affair – and she can hardly figure out just where she stands in it from one moment to the next...

Still reeling from the abrupt departure of the love of her life, Nyina suddenly falls into a web of deceit, lies, and drama when, in the aftermath of a night out with her lesbian best friend, Taranj, she realizes that they may have actually slept together. In her subsequent state of shock, Nyina's latent homophobia rears its ugly head, and her friendship with Taranj is consequently – though unintentionally – strained as a result.

On the heels of her fallout with Taranj, Nyina meets Emanuel, a new worker in her office, and the two of them hit it off instantly; however, just when she thinks that her worst days are behind her, she learns a stunning secret about Emanuel that leads her to wonder if she truly knows him at all. Of course, the fact that it's Taranj who shares the secret with her only increases the lingering doubt in her mind and heart...

Add to all this drama a disturbing revelation that Nyina learns about her own father, and one can understand the difficulty with which she faces the hard decisions that confront her – especially considering the fact that nothing less than her own sanity, safety, and peace of mind are at risk...

Until Death Before The Sun Sets is a taut, compelling urban fiction thriller. With equal parts suspense, intrigue, and mystery, The Literary Artist's twisted tale of betrayal and misplaced loyalty is drawn straight from the modern streets. As such, her story is a true-life account of the drama and stresses of everyday life, with characters who find themselves in similar situations that many readers are sure to find familiar.

The most rewarding facet of Until Death, though, is the masterful way in which The Literary Artist maintains the unfolding suspense of the tale, throwing in just enough plot twists and strategic misdirects to keep the reader guessing until the real truth of Nyina's dramatic saga is finally revealed at the very end.

Though there are quite a few grammatical and typographical errors peppered throughout the pages of the manuscript, they aren't enough of a distraction to divert the reader's attention from the captivating story contained therein. A highly satisfying, must read for fans of riveting urban fiction.

Official Apex Reviews Interview: The Literary Artist (Until Death Before The Sun Sets)

Apex Reviews: Thanks so much for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.

The Literary Artist: Thank you for having me.

AR: Is the book inspired at all by real-life events that you've experienced?

TLA: Yes, the main plot of Nyina having a lesbian best friend is based on truth. One of my best friends is a lesbian. Being friends with her was hectic. People couldn't fathom that a heterosexual female and a lesbian can be friends without strings attached. Everybody thought that we had to be messing around. With me being feminine and her being a lesbian stud, her girlfriend and my boyfriend often doubted our friendship. Throughout our friendship, we defended it more than actually having one. My boyfriend thought that she was in love with me, and her girlfriend thought that I wanted her...our friendship was reminiscent to that of the one depicted in the movie "Brown Sugar" - without the romantic emotions. Everybody who knew us suspected that we were messing around behind closed doors because of how close we were. The stress of other people’s assumptions really placed a strain on our friendship. At one point, I actually believed that she was in love with me and vice versa. It got to a point where my boyfriend tried to make me choose between him and her.

AR: Please share with our readers the particular life-altering event that forged the unbreakable bond between Nyina and Taranj.

TLA: When Nyina was a child she had gotten into a car accident. Because of the accident, her kidneys were damaged and she needed a transplant. Nyina’s mother wasn’t a match and her father only had one kidney due to a gunshot wound when he was younger. Taranj was a match, but was highly afraid of needles, surgery, etc. Because she loved Nyina so much, she put her fears aside as her parents allowed her to give Nyina one of her kidneys to save Nyina’s life. Because of that self-less, life-giving act, Nyina felt like she owed Taranj. She felt forever indebted to her for her kindness.

AR: Please share with us the significance of the "59 seconds" that you refer to repeatedly in the book.

TLA: 59 seconds is the transition between a minute. We all know that the clock starts at 00:00:00 (Hour, Minute, Second). The first second (00:00:01) begins the present, the right now. After the 59 second (00:00:59) mark, a new minute begins. The clock doesn’t say 00:00:60 seconds then transitions to the first minute. It goes from 00:00:59 seconds to 00:01:00 minute. Well, if you are in space and time between 00:00:01 second and 00:00:59 seconds you are in present space and time. Anything before 00:00:01 second (00:00:00) is the past...anything after 00:00:59 seconds (00:01:00 minute) of every minute is the future. If you take this analogy and place the minute between 11:59:00 p.m. and 12:00:00 a.m., you will notice a transition from one day to the next. If you incorporate that in space and time, 11:59:00 is the past because that day has expired. 12:00:00 is the beginning of a new day. Since that day hasn’t begun yet, it is the future. The 00:00:59 seconds in between the transition of those two days is the present. So “59 seconds” is all we have in present space and time between a given minute, given day, given week, given month, or given year. Nyina uses the “59 seconds” analogy to express why the sun set is so symbolic to her.

AR: How did Taranj lose her hand?

TLA: Taranj lost her hand during an accident she had at work. Her hand got caught in the machine she was working with. It was so badly damaged that they had to amputate it.

AR: With all the drama, betrayal, and conflict surrounding her, how does Nyina manage to maintain her sanity?

TLA: Nyina maintains her sanity by writing her thoughts and feelings down. She keeps a journal and she writes in it daily. Writing is her way of venting her emotions. As long as she gets her emotions out, she is okay.

AR: What's the significance of the book's title?

TLA: The significance of the title to “Until Death Before The Sun Sets” reverts back to the analogy of why Nyina feels the sun set is symbolic. The sun set is the beginning and ending of day almost at the same time. When the sun begins to set, we all know that the day is about to expire. When the sun sets, night occurs which completely ends that day. If we think about days as light instead of by time (a.m, p.m.), The sun set actually ends the day. The words “Until Death” in the title represent Taranj’s and Nyina’s oath. They made an oath to be friends until their deaths. Death in return doesn’t mean end of life. A person can die in so many ways; becoming a Christian and beginning a new life, changing into an unfamiliar person, etc. “Before” is simply used as a transition word similar to the word “from” or “to”. “The Sun Sets” means the beginning and the end. So in turn, the title “Until Death Before The Sun Sets” actually means “We’ll be friends until we change from the beginning to the end”

AR: Have you written other urban fiction titles, and do you plan on penning more in the future?

TLA: I have written another Urban Fiction novel called “Through The Eyes of My Hazel Eyes”. It is published and ready for sale as we speak. It is about a woman named Jayde. She is a misunderstood, underappreciated girl who feels she always has something to prove. She is hot-tempered and often reacts before she thinks; usually regretting her actions afterwards. Well, her boyfriend Nicholas, a petty hustler, sells drugs for the town’s king-pin Pune on credit. One day he gets robbed for Pune’s drugs and money.. Pune doesn’t believe Nicholas was robbed because word on the street was that Nicholas was about to stop working for Pune and quit the game period. Pune wants his $50,000 or he is going to kill Nicholas. Well, Jayde makes a highly unusual deal with a local female gang to try to save Nicholas’ life. The gang doesn’t make good on the deal. Enraged, hurt, and disgusted, Jayde decides to take matters into her own hands. She fails her mission which causes a war between her and the local female gang. The clock is ticking and people are coming up missing. Can Jayde win this war? Will it ever end?

AR: What's your opinion of the current state of urban fiction?

TLA: I believe the current state of Urban Fiction is good. It is a genre that is growing like wildfire. People can really relate to the stories depicted by the writers of this genre. A good book, in my opinion, is one that is attention-grabbing, original, entertaining, and involves elements I can personally relate to. Urban Fiction defines those characteristics. Alongside of being a writer, I am a huge fan.

AR: Have you written other urban fiction titles, and do you plan on penning more in the future?

TLA: I have another Urban Fiction title that I am releasing the end of April 2009. It is actually more of an Urban Erotica genre. It is about five ethnic women (3 African-Americans, 1 Indian, and 1 Hispanic) who after reading a very interesting article share their own personal erotic fantasies.  They all come from different walks of life, but share one common goal; to be sexually satisfied. The book is entitled “Don’t Make Love To Me…F@#k Me!!!”

AR: Please share with our readers the other genres in which you've written.

TLA: I have written a book “Forgiving Is God” due to be released April 2009 but will be for sale March 2009. It is a collection of Christian poems and essays. I also have another book “Nowhere To Run” that will be released in June 2009. This book falls under the “Suspense/Thriller” genre.

AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

TLA: The only thing I would like to say is thank you Apex Reviews for the interview and the positive book review. For the people reading this interview, I would like to say: Please go out and buy a book. You won’t be disappointed. For further information go to my website at www.literarymasterpiecepublishing.com

AR: Thanks again, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!

Click Here To Learn More About Until Death Before The Sun Sets

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D’Personally Yours...
Donna Parkinson
ISBN: 9781906439439
Mad Jock Publishers
Reviewed By Wendy Paulson

Official Apex Reviews Rating:


D’Personally Yours..., the third collection of poetry by Donna Parkinson, is a full-bodied display of an artist at the absolute peak of her creative powers. Ranging from the simple to the profound to the amusing to the heart-rending, each of the pieces in Parkinson’s opus has the singular ability to stir up a sea of emotions within the reader, and the overall collection is a powerful testament to a formidable literary talent that is here to stay.

D’Personally Yours... is broken up into two sections: “Sonic Tonic,” which touches on a wide range of issues taken straight from the pages of everyday life, and “From The Inside Out,” which delves deeply into the innermost regions of the heart, exposing the all-too-familiar feelings and emotions that we all wrestle with from day to day. The likes of what readers can expect in the “Sonic Tonic” section is best reflected in this passage from “You can’t just sit there”:

“But you can’t just sit there,
pretending not to care.
We all have our crosses to bear,
‘Though some of us take things too far.
It’s just how we are.
It takes all kinds you know!
To make the world turn
we all need to learn,
that we can’t just sit there,
It’s time to care.”

And in this passage from “It’s simple”:

“Simple things please simple minds.
The meaning of life is revealed as the story unwinds.
Just go with the flow,
enlighten that, which you didn’t know.
Stay the course,
let go of remorse.
Free your soul,
make yourself whole.”

While both passages address significantly different aspects of life, Parkinson’s insightful approach to each one easily draws the reader into the greater overall poetic context within which she successfully frames them.

And for a succulent taste of “From The Inside Out,” simply peruse this passage from the eponymous title poem that leads off the section:

“But I belong
to a long
line of sufferers;
bad news discoverers.
I seem to pursue,
misery and pain.
clouds and rain,
are always surrounding.
Doubt is resounding,
from the inside out,
yet I am devout,
in my decision.
There is no provision,
for me to fail,
I must prevail!”

With her first two offerings, A Different Perspective and New Beginnings On The Endz, laying the roots, D’Personally Yours... has now given Donna Parkinson the wings that she needs to ascend into the stratosphere of the poetic elite. Her outstanding new collection is a refreshing, entertaining, enlightening addition to the literary world, and one that lovers of truly compelling poetry will surely embrace and appreciate.

Apex Reviews: Donna, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.

Donna Parkinson: Hello, and many thanks for having me here again.

AR: The pieces in the collection cover a wide range of topics and issues that we all encounter in some way in everyday life. How did you ultimately decide upon which ones you would include in the book?

DP: This time I actually wrote the majority of the poems for the book and added pieces that I had written before that I felt fit in with either the ‘sonic tonic’ or ‘from the inside out’ theme.  I came up with the title sometime back and the headlines of each section and just took it from there really.

AR: Where does your poetic inspiration come from?

DP: Well, from anywhere and everywhere, since I have started writing everything inspires me, TV programmes, overheard conversations, songs and all sorts of things.  Everyday life inspires me; the people around me play a huge part in my writing.

Angela Edgar, as you know, is a fantastic writer and a wonderfully supportive friend who inspires me so very often.  My family are a constant source of motivation, especially my daughter. My colleagues often encourage me to write at lunchtime and are always so keen to get involved in choosing themes and titles.

The people on My Space are also an unstoppable fountain of inspiration...David, Bob and Norm are 3 special friends that I have found on MySpace who have inspired me so many times to write, in so many different ways. It’s amazing what inspiration you can draw from others.

AR: Dare we ask...what inspired you to compose the piece "My vaginal animal"?

DP: Oh, that was penned during one of our Lunchtime ‘suggestions for poetry’ sessions, Nikhil Rathore, a very very funny guy, decided it would be an amusing title and so, as ever, I rose to the challenge. Once it was finished everyone thought it was hilarious and they decided that it just had to go in the book.  Sonic tonic was always meant to be uplifting and therapeutic and what better therapy than a good old laugh, eh?

AR: Is it difficult for you to summon the turbulent emotions necessary to write poems about pain and heartbreak?

DP: Not really, to be honest, I am a very straight forward, to the point, kind of person and I have had my fair share of pain and heartbreak over the years but I figured that many people have experienced those emotions too and so sharing might be a way of showing others that they are not alone.

AR: What are some of your favourite topics to write about?

DP: That’s easy, Gun and knife crime, peer pressure, gang life and those sorts of topics. In fact, the complete spectrum of social behaviour, those issues, that our younger generation face on a day to basis. That is where my poetic heart really lies; in raising awareness and trying to curb the urban violence that plays such a prominent role in our day to day lives.

AR: For those who don't know, please share more with us about precisely who "D'Persona" is.

DP: D’Persona is an ordinary 40 year old working mum who just loves to write. She is a woman driven by determination to one day make a difference.

AR: Are things still going well for you with your publisher, Mad Jock Publishers?

DP: Ha ha, you could say that… I bought Mad Jock in February and now I am the publisher!!! The owner Rols Sperling had commitments that meant he couldn’t devote the time necessary to keep the business going and so we talked and I bought the company.

AR: All three of your poetic collections have generated considerable positive buzz. Is there a fourth collection on the horizon?

DP: Now, if you had asked me this 2 weeks ago I would have said no, but I have been trying out a new style of poetry Inspired by a very talented writer and Rapper called David Cardenas ( A.K.A. D-Cipher) from MySpace….Yes, believe it or not I have been writing rap lyrics Lol and loving it too I might add.. So I have been thinking that since my heart lies in raising gun and knife crime awareness with the younger generation and since the younger generation seem to love Rap, what better way to reach them than through a medium they already feel a  connection to.  It’s all just an idea at the moment but I would perhaps like to put out a conscious collaboration with other poets and rappers etc  about the dangers of gang culture, carrying weapons, drugs, peer pressure etc. So you will just have to watch this space.

AR: Your writing style is quite unique and innovative. Who have been some of your chief poetic influences?

DP: Wow, I’m at risk of sounding conceited here, but I have no poetic style influences other than myself, as I tend to just write what I feel. As I said before, people definitely inspire me to write with a topic or a title but what flows, is what flows, I don’t get hung up on syllable counts and technical expertise; I am more interested in the message. I never started out with a particular style of writing in my mind but many people comment on my ‘style’ but it’s not an intentional approach, I really just start writing and see where it takes me. Often I don’t even know where it’s going ‘til its there!!!

AR: What advice would you give to aspiring poets and spoken word artists seeking to get their works in print?

DP: That’s simple - check out Mad Jock!! www.madjockpublishers.com.

AR: How can our readers keep up with all your latest activities?

DP: Through the Mad Jock website for publishing developments and through MySpace, Authors den, United World Poets and Poets inkwell for my personal poetic developments.

AR: Also, how can they contact you directly?

DP: Mad_jock2009@live.co.uk

dpersona@live.co.uk

AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

DP: Yes, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me so far and I hope to keep delivering what you want to read.

AR: Thanks again, Donna, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!

DP: Many thanks; I’ll keep you posted on any developments.

Click Here To Learn More About D’Personally Yours