I've always believed that Indie authors bring a special magic to the world of book publishing, especially when it comes to writing niche, unfiltered, authentic stories that shed light and truth about our humanity and the world we live in.

Recently, I grabbed hold of a graphic novel depicting the life of Vincent Van Gogh that deeply explored his life and death, his emotional turmoil, his madness. I couldn't help but feel a strong desire to pay tribute. I ended up writing a short poem of a love lost---a brilliant warmth faded until it no longer exists.

At The Untold Story Bookstore, the warm and comforting vibe is very intentional. It's a place where everyone is welcomed to grab a book, take a seat, relax and read for as long as you desire. It's a safe community space, where local poets, writers, readers, artists, jewelry designers, cookie bakers, families and their children come for that cozy feeling of belonging. Of knowing you're embraced by friends.

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.

Get ready for a visceral ride, as I share a few of my favorite story titles & character situations from Born of Dirt & Dust by Renee Coloman.

Sami understood that proper behavior translated into extra bonus points. Especially during substitute-teacher days. And, with enough good check marks next to her name, she would earn the privilege of selecting a special prize posted on the classroom bulletin board, right next to her teacher’s big desk. Right in front of everyone. With a sparkle in her smile, the ambitious second grader focused on the dangling ticket to win a googly-eyed goldfish – FREE! From Mermaid Katy’s A

Currently---before our recent discussion about Cronenberg with my book-club friends, I've been finessing a 1,600-word short story about a boy's relationship with his father, in particular his admiration for father's working-man hands.

Nate Powell shared his process of translating published books into graphic novels. It's a slow, very detailed approach before the graphic novel is published. He talked about multiple reads of the written book, earmarking and taking notes on how best to illustrate the work into visual storytelling.

In this flash moment of time---an experience imprinted deep, deep into my mind---I can't help but think, hating myself, for all the beauty in this world that we bend, break, and destroy. We're good at it. A five-star review.