The narrative twists and arcs and pivots, and I feel I'm on a haywired ride ... one that opens my mind at the same time, admiring the futuristic sci-fi tech and dark fantasy and horror elements that don't overwhelm but complement the characters' and the story's overall development. It's worth a second reading and, perhaps, a film adaptation. I would be very pleased with a graphic novel of the story, too. Already, I can see the mind-boggling illustrations spilling across each

For me, storytelling is about shining a bright light on characters reflective of our humanity, life's challenges, and the decisions we're forced to make to survive brutal circumstances. Born of Dirt & Dust is a genre-bending mix of sci-fi, dark fantasy, and urban horror, with a desire for genuine love at its core.

The Literary Titan Book Award bestowed upon Born of Dirt & Dust tells me that, yes --- writing these stories to widen the lens for readers to fully experience the world in which these characters, as portrayed in the book, felt trapped, how they chose to move forward, and how the ripple effect of those choices touches each of us --- there is always room in our hearts for empathy, acknowledgement, compassion and friendship.