TWAM Nation.com 

The Cheeky & Brilliant ~ JULIE BOZZA

Imara and I are honored to have the Amazing Julie as our first podcast guest! We happened upon Julie through her Rupert Young fan site. It didn't take long to discover there is much more to this lady. She's an author, editor, publisher, blogger, Keats fan, avid knitter and now, adopted TWAMster. We hope you have as much fun meeting her as we did!

Click on the link below to join in the fun!

January 15, 2018

The Meaning of Life – ANSWERED!

I’ve got the answer. No, really.

First let me introduce you to Linda Beers. She has an extra appendage with which she makes the world a better place. That appendage is called a violin and with it, she shares her gift in the form of recitals, performances, teaching, oh yeah, and she happens to be in the 1st violin section of the Hartford Symphony as well. I know! She’s amazing. Go on her website and listen to her sound samples.

www.LindaBeers.com. They will give you goosebumps. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I was at a mutual friend’s house when I was handed a postcard to check out a short film called Song of Spring. Check it out here: Song of Spring

This short film was written, directed and produced by Linda to raise awareness for the environment and animal extinction. This was a project that had been growing inside of her since high school. It was a lifetime in the making. Through her love of violin, she found a way to get her message out with the Song of Spring short film. Here is an excerpt from her website.

“The message of this movie is to not be like Chaoxiang. If there is something you feel strongly about, don’t wait to act upon it because you might lose your opportunity forever. We all need to make better choices in terms of our relationship to the environment, animal welfare, and human rights. There is real suffering in the world that is completely unnecessary. There are many organizations that you can support, some of which are listed below. As always, act locally, think globally.”

Perfectly said, Linda. It takes all of us to make big things happen. Because Together We Are Magic. TWAM. Be TWAM’d. Get TWAM’d.

So, I promised you the meaning of life. The answer has been in every spotlight article we’ve done. It’s been answered through Linda Beers the violinist, Ebony the artist, Poppy Roe the actress/producer, Kayleigh Jean the writer/spiritualist, Jamie K. Schmidt the author, and Cortney Kern the Barista Maniac.

The meaning of life is to find what you love to do and DO IT. Even if that means doing it after your day job. Give it your all and then use it to do something good. By good I mean something that benefits someone or something else and not for your own glory. In a selfie driven society, doing selfless acts is more important than ever. It doesn’t have to be a huge money making endeavor. If it works out that way - great! But it’s not about the benjamins. It’s about making a tiny aspect of the world a better place. And we do that by starting wherever we can: in our own house, in our own neighborhood, in our own little corner of the world. Make someone smile. Save a puppy. Pick up a piece of trash. Donate to a shelter. Just do something. Then watch it ripple. It will always ripple.

December 22, 2017

The Year Didn't Actually Suck! YAY!

If you asked me a week ago how my 2017 went, I would have shrugged, “We survived it.” Cuz shit happened. My oldest son, Mikey, who has special needs, was ill for almost two months. My middle son, Clay had multiple computer issues with his mother board. Always fun for a college student. My daughter, Emily and I stressed over her college applications and the shit show that is filling out FAFSA forms. Who doesn’t love that rousing game of “How much CAN’T I afford”? Add losing, Toby, our beloved family pet to old age and it’s a wonder I’m not drinking. All this adulting cut seriously into my drinking time so happy hour was postponed until further notice.

But that was all just normal life crap. The real stress came from living in a 65 year old house which is like living in a game of Jenga. Put one thing in place and another falls apart. I’m pretty sure my contractor, his plumber and electrician see me more than they see their own families, and my oil company and I are now on a first name basis. You kinda get to know the guys who respond to the emergency call when oil is leaking from your basement storage tank at 8:30 on a Saturday night. They were here until 2:00 A.M. pumping 200 gallons of oil into temporary barrels. Those poor fellas don’t get paid enough to see me without makeup. That’s all I’m saying.

But, with that said, I refuse to be a negative Nelly. Surely something good happened. So I scoured my journal for reminders. Yes I’m a dork who keeps a daily journal because my grandma gave me one for my tenth birthday and it became a habit. Not sorry. It gave me the chance to read through my year and realize how many fantastic things actually happened. It just went by so fast that I didn’t have a chance to savor the moments.

There was a trip to the Bushnell theatre to see the Book of Mormon which was hilarious. Emily got to go to France with her French class and my son, Clay, got to visit Japan for his birthday. I made it into NYC to meet up with friends, Deb and Walter, who I haven’t seen in over 15 years! I also made it up to Vermont to visit my oldest childhood friend, Ulrica, and her family for her daughter’s graduation. And made it up to Rhode Island for the Film Festival to see one of my favorite actors in a film. All really super fun things. Believe me, I usually don’t do anything. So this was super cool for me. Seriously, we don’t usually go more than 20 minutes from our house and grocery shopping shouldn’t count. Yeah, I know. I need to get out more. But being at home, writing is my happy place to escape the broken toilet and the inoperable snow blower. But I digress. 2017 didn’t suck at all.

As I write this, I’m looking around me, and I’m struck by the transformation of my house. It made me thankful. In the midst of all the emergency repairs and problems, my house is starting to shape up. It’s getting closer to being a home I’m not embarrassed to invite people into. And as soon as I get the penis shaped water stain on my living room ceiling repaired, I’ll invite people over. Or maybe I shouldn’t wait. It could be a conversation starter.

So, out of all the chaos, life happened. And it was good. I’m glad I re-read my diary because now I’m excited for 2018. Here’s wishing you all the best memories of 2017 and an exciting and prosperous 2018! If you find yourself in Connecticut, send me an email to stop by. Let’s make some new memories!

Happy Holidays from the TWAM Nation! Love, ALWAYS

Una

October 15 2017

I like it a latte…

An interview with Cortney Kern the Barista Maniac

By Una Danz

Sitting with my mug of hazelnut coffee, skimming my Twitter feed, I came upon a picture of a hot beverage. This hot beverage was more beautiful than the regular cup of coffee as it had the likeness of the lovely and talented Georgia May King on its surface. After chuckling to myself about how someone is ‘thirsty’ for Georgia, I decided I couldn’t drink something that beautiful. It was art. I looked into my own pathetic mug and all I saw was my own pathetic mug reflecting back. So I clicked the name of the person who posted the photo and that is how I found Cortney Kern the Barista Maniac. He’s a freehand etching latte artist, coffee roaster, artist, organic syrup maker, recipe specialist, espresso judge and coffee consultant. Phew. That was a ‘latte’ to write. I need coffee now to ‘perk’ me up.

If you’re like me, coffee is your blood type. I can’t function without it. It’s a huge part of our culture. Bars, gas stations, movie theatres, I’ll bet even your hair salon offers it. Yet we take for granted the people who provide it. So when I looked at Cortney’s Twitter feed, I realized he’s doing for coffee what flair bartending did for alcohol. He’s ‘brewing’ up a whole new career with his passion.

The TWAM Nation wanted to know more about this Barista Maniac and reached out to ask for an interview. Join us in welcoming Cortney Kern.

*Whistles and applause*

O.K. Cortney, what’s your story? How in the world did you discover this talent?

I began with Starbucks in 1996 and worked for them until 2004. Was a store manager as well and worked very hard. I found that company to be too competitive. I discovered specialty coffee in Chicago from Intelligentsia and Ipsento. Tim Taylor, the owner of Ipsento, gave me a couple pointers on home brewing and is a major reason for my advancement.

I have always been a suburban man with very little options for good coffee. So began my path to try to figure out coffee. I brewed so many cups, tasted so many, spit out many and was trying to figure out, why does the coffee taste better at Ipsento than anywhere else? Let's just say in the last four years I've kinda figured it out but I'm still learning about Third Wave coffee. (Third Wave coffee as defined by Wikipedia “is a movement to produce high-quality coffee, and considers coffee as an artisanal foodstuff, like wine, rather than a commodity.” If you didn’t know that don’t feel bad. I had to look it up, too. ~Una)

During this time I wanted to learn latte art but had absolutely no idea nor training. Seen many people do free-pour hearts, tulips and Rosettas. Yes! They look beautiful in a cup with delicious coffee. But that wasn't enough for me. I said - wouldn't it be cooler to see an image inside that was so detailed and made you not wanna drink it right away? 

So began my etching latte art. I grew up playing baseball, video games, enjoying movie theaters and music artists. That's what made me happy. How do I express myself in these lattes? I want the world to know what I like. On my website you can see my beginning stages through to today. Most think what I do is fake or just don't like me. But this is about me and what I like, haha. I have taken no art classes nor studied art and dived into this on my own. It's been a ride. 

I never knew I had this talent but wanted to impress myself mostly and be my own critic. I tend to do dark images because when I see those, I personally remember them more. They rattle around in my head. Plus, I find so much detail in those images. 

Does it work on other beverages or just lattes?

I have personally seen others do more not so detailed art in cold beverages and other coffee drinks but I typically stick with hot chocolates and lattes. 

How do you decide what image to create?

Sometimes, I'll process this in my head throughout the day or in the morning waking up to my first cup. My dopamine levels still kick-in high for good music, movies and games, so when someone I cherished or grew up on passes away, it inspires me to draw them out of appreciation. 

Do you take requests?

Absolutely! For quite some time I did everything for free, and kinda still do, but most are willing to pay now without even asking. Celebrities, musicians, businesses, models, Playboy centerfolds, Vice Principals cast members, and 20th Century Fox reached out to me. Many others compliment me and request a creation. I've had people fly in from another state or country to meet me and ask for a piece. That makes me feel so good, and I get kinda emotional.

What else do you offer and where can people find you?

You can visit me at Cora Italian Specialties Monday-Friday and you'll see me living out my dream and what makes me happy. I do private events, parties, weddings, movie premiere parties and guest appearances at coffee shops, restaurants and coffee festivals.

I also make cedar wood infused cold brew with an organic Rosemary syrup which people purchase from me. Making organic syrups is another passion of mine. I started Barista Maniac because I am very knowledgeable and want people to know I'm a one man army and great latte artist. It's a silly name but fun.

Silly name? We here at the TWAM Nation, as I. Singh & U. Danz, think it’s lovely. Silly is in the cup of the beholder.

You can find Cortney at www.BaristaManiac.com or LIVE at Cora Italian Specialties 9630 Joliet Rd, Countryside, IL 60525

August 23, 2017

An Eclipse Epiphany

Where did the time go?

When I was a kid, under the age of 18, I couldn’t imagine getting old. I even wished I could get older faster. (Be careful what you wish for, em I right?) In my upper teens and 20’s I would go out at night and only realize it was hitting the morning hours when the establishment announced it was closing time. And I thought to myself: Where did the time go?

In my 30’s and 40’s I’d walk into Walmart and stroll past the baby clothes with my then elementary schooler and middle schooler and wonder when exactly I stopped buying diapers. Where did the time go?

This week, I will see the big 50. I repeat - Where did the time go?

Yesterday’s Eclipse gave me the visual to explain what that question means. It took almost no time for objects so large they make humans seem like specks of dust - to move across and in front of each other. Objects much larger, and even heavier, than me! Only seconds for them to cross paths to make something beautiful and unusual happen. We could see the movement of these objects as the sun was blocked out completely and in seconds the light began to glow again. We witnessed it. And then it was over. Where did the eclipse go? Where did the time go?

Thanks to the eclipse, I realized that time is not just going by fast – it’s f**king FLYING by. Maybe it’s time again to stay up all night and watch that sunrise. Jump in that rain puddle again. Barrel roll across the floor by the open door of my kid’s rooms while they’re quiet and hurl dirty clothes at them for fun. Or just do something that I’ve always wanted to do but talked myself out of like making my kids do the damn laundry.

If we all knew our own exact expiration date, we would take our days, hours, seconds more seriously. I refuse to think that my life is nearly over. I have to believe I’m merely at the half way point. So maybe it’s time to be more like the children and stop imaging what it will be like to be old and go back to being young.

Maybe it’s time to live so hard that we forget to check the time. Because there is something wonderful about being so involved in living life, that we look up and ask -Where did the time go?

July 1, 2017

FREE! FREE! FREE!

Get your fireworks courtesy of the Henley clan. To honor our freedom on this Independence Day weekend, we are offering "Miss Matched No More" for FREE starting July 1st. Offer ends 7/5/17  Click here for "Miss Matched No More" for FREE!!

Have a fun and save holiday everyone!

June 9 2017

START FROM THE BEGINNING

On June 11th, To celebrate the release of Miss Matched No More (Book 3), we are offering Miss Matched (Book 1) and Miss Matched Again (Book 2) at a discount! Offer ends midnight June 18th.  

JUNE 7 2017

It's here! 

The last brain baby of our Miss Matched trilogy is born! 

We present to you : Miss Matched No More

If you need some fictional fun summer reading material, this is it.  

Imara and I spent longer than usual to finish the tale of the Henley's and their friends hoping to provide a satisfied ending to each character. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] and let us know what you thought. Constructive feedback is always welcome.

Purchase available on Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JYSYR8

May 22, 2017

For The Love Of … Animal Shelters

Series 5th Edition

I roam the streets. Dirty. Exhausted. Hungry.

My matted hair and unkempt appearance don’t endear me to anyone. I scavenge for food in garbage, street corners, and anywhere I can find it. If I’m lucky a kind soul will give me their leftovers. I usually live in cardboard boxes. I squat in abandoned buildings and parks. I try my best to shelter myself from the elements, but sometimes there is nothing but the pavement to sleep. It’s a hard life on the streets.

I’m skin and bones but food is not the only thing for which I hunger. I crave a friendly smile, a little affection, a bit of consideration, but I receive so little. That’s probably why I go overboard when someone shows me compassion. Usually people shoo me away, reminding me I have no real home. Other times people chase me and threaten physical violence. Sometimes the threat become reality and I’m bruised, battered and sad, but mostly confused.

What have I done to deserve this? I should be man’s best friend.

This is the reality of millions of stray animals every day across the planet. This month we’d like to salute the unsung heroes who have dedicated every single day to rescuing, helping and caring for these forgotten and ignored animals on the streets. The star of this month’s For The Love Of series are Animal Shelters.

Animal shelters rescue stray animals from the streets, give them medical attention, groom, feed and care for them, but most importantly, provide a safe and nurturing environment to heal their physical and emotional wounds.

Why are there so many strays?

Owners who don’t spay and neuter their dogs/cats or other pets are the culprit. Unwanted animals are abandoned and left to run free. These puppies, kittens or other animals continue to breed causing an over population of animals.

Many animals are dumped at remote locations or tossed out into the street. If the unwanted animals are lucky, they are given to other people or dropped off at an animal shelter. If they are in the wild and are rescued by a shelter, they are super lucky to get a second chance at life.

Puppy and kitten mills have contributed to the increase in stray animal population. A puppy or kitten mill is an inhumane dog or cat breeding facility in which the health of the animals is disregarded in order to produce as many puppies and kittens as possible for maximum profit.

The animals may or may not survive for long but since they haven’t been sterilized they produce more puppies or kittens. It’s a vicious cycle.

Are you considering getting a pet in the near future? Check out the animal shelter near your home before you consider contacting the nearest pet store.

Many people are misinformed about recused animals. There a lot of myths about them and we wish to debunk them one by one.

Myth 1:

I want to adopt a pet. Isn’t the pet store or a breeder better than going to an animal shelter? - FALSE

The sole purpose of an animal shelter is to care for the animals and ensure they are healthy, and happy, and find them a home, while the sole purpose of a pet store/breeder is to sell them to make maximum profit. When you adopt an animal from a shelter, you are literally saving two lives – one, of the animal you are adopting, and two, of the animal who will be rescued off the streets and take the place of your adopted animal at the shelter.

Animals from the animal shelter are given not only medical attention when they are brought in, but also time with professionals to help them get familiar with socializing and building trust. They are only put up for adoption when they are healthy and are ready to go out into the world.

Every animal at the animal shelter is grateful to be given a second chance and they are very devoted and protective of their owners. They offer unconditional love and are just as worthy of care and affection as an animal from a pet store. Don’t we all deserve a second chance?

Myth 2:

If I adopt a rescue dog/cat from an animal shelter it won’t be a pure breed – FALSE

Being a pure breed animal is not a special stamp of quality. Many so called pure breeds have health issues from being overbred. An animal which is not a pure breed can be just as smart, intelligent, caring and devoted. Mixed breeds are equally amazing in their own right. They appreciate being rescued so much they give all their loyalty and love to show you how much they appreciate you every single day for the rest of their lives.

However, if you cannot move past the idea of a pure breed animal, shelters do have pure breed dogs/cats. In fact, 20% of the dogs and cats in the animal shelters are pure breed. There are also rescue shelters which specialize in types of breeds and this information is available online. www.Petfinder is a good source if you ‘have to’ have a certain breed. You can fulfill your desire and still save a life.

Myth 3:

Rescued animals are aggressive, untrained, and not good at socializing – FALSE

Animal shelters spend a lot of time and effort to heal the souls of the animals that have been rescued. Apart from being groomed and fed, they are also given love and affection to undo the damage of being abused or neglected while living on the streets. In fact, a rescued animal will be all the more affectionate and devoted to you, because they remember being without a home.

Animals are not put up for adoption until the professionals are certain they are ready for socialization. Having said that, animals are very much like people, each one has a different personality, some are naturally playful and bubbly while others are more restrained.

Spend some time thinking about the type of personality you want your animal to have and share this with the shelter employees. Chances are they will know which animal will match your needs and introduce the two of you.

In order to ensure a bond between the animal and the potential owner, the animal shelter will allow you in a room with the animal and guide you through developing the trust before you will take it home.

Myth 4:

Isn’t it better for rescue animals to stay in shelters? FALSE

While animal shelters provide care and a temporary home, it’s not the same thing as a forever home. It is the equivalent of a child remaining in foster care instead of being adopted.

The animals should get far more attention in a permanent home. They would have a bed to call their own with a deeper emotional bond with their owner. And let’s face it, no matter how clean a cage is, it’s still a cage.

The animal shelters try to provide the best care they can to the animals they house, including exercise and socializing, but the numbers of strays and unwanted animals increase rapidly. Shelters can only house so many critters. Adopted animals provide companionship, unconditional love and unwavering devotion. When you adopt an animal from a shelter, you’ve also opened up a space to save another animal.

Myth 5:

No-Kill Shelters are better than Kill Shelters – FALSE

Kill shelters euthanize the animal if it’s not adopted within a certain period of time. The time period varies by shelter. It depends on their resources and the health of the animal. Reasons for euthanizing could be deteriorating health or aggressive behavior.

While kill shelters do practice euthanization, the decision is not taken lightly. The choice is made on resources versus the number of new animals being brought in. They tend to euthanize a senior animal before a younger one, based on adoptability. None of these decisions are easy and they try to make the process as painless as possible for the animal. Of course the TWAM Nation prefers the scenario of all fur babies getting adopted instead of euthanized.

No-kill shelters have a policy of keeping the animals for as long as it takes to be adopted. Now while this may sound ideal, it has a few caveats. No-kill shelters may refuse to take in more animals for lack of space or resources. They may choose to refuse an animal deemed less adoptable in order to maintain their no-kill status. There is no easy answer and not everything is as black and white as it sounds.

One fact remains true, the work done by animal shelters, both the kill and no-kill variety, is vital to reducing the population of stray animals. But only spaying and neutering can truly impact the situation.

Myth 6:

Animal Shelters are supported by the government - FALSE

Only shelters governed by municipalities are funded by the government. However the funds are often not enough to cover expenses. Most shelters depend on donations, fund raisers, and crowd funding to keep their doors open. They may connect with local businesses to agree to post collection boxes on their counters. It doesn’t take a lot to help support an animal shelter. Even a $5 donation can make a difference and every bit counts.

What you can do to help:

Animal shelters work tirelessly to provide a safe haven to homeless, abused, unwanted animals and while their efforts are nothing short of heroic they could also use a hand.

Efforts are slowly paying off to educate pet owners on the importance of spay and neutering and creating more awareness about the number of stray animals. Thanks to social media, more people are aware of the work that animal shelters do and the payoff is the decreasing number of unwanted animals.

Even if you aren’t ready to adopt a pet, or you already have a pet, there are still numerous ways you can help.

Donations – Cash, Things, and Time

Most animal shelters ask for an annual donation but give whatever you can. All donations are accepted graciously. If you cannot make a monetary contribution you could help by donating things most needed, such as bedding, blankets, towels, small stuffed animals or toys. These are much appreciated.

Another way to help is to give your time. Every hour you volunteer allows the shelter to put their limited resources to use to rescue more animals. Volunteers can help with administrative duties, answering calls, playing with the animals, dog walking, passing out flyers, educating other people and encouraging them to adopt. Check with your local shelter to see what tasks are available and ask about their schedule and any necessary training you may need to undergo.

Other ways of helping animal shelters are:

• Help with fundraisers/crowdfunding
• Creating awareness within your community about animal shelters and their work
• Foster an animal
• Set up a donation drive
• Ask for birthday donations to be made to the shelter of your choice
• Create a culture of volunteering at animal shelters in your family or workplace.

The animals in the shelters are victims of circumstances beyond their control. We can help. A little bit of kindness and compassion goes a long way in improving their lives. Let’s all do our bit.

Oh, and if this isn’t reason enough, helping someone else in need will make you feel amazing. If you won’t do it for them, do it for you.

So, what are you waiting for?

We’re listing links for Animal Shelters across the US and the world :

http://animal-shelters.regionaldirectory.us/

http://www.bestcatanddognutrition.com/roger-biduk/canadian-animal-rescues-shelters/

https://www.mexicomike.com/pets/animal-rescues.html

http://ears.org/

https://www.yellowpages.com.au/find/animal-shelter

https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/

April 10, 2017

For the Love of… Fun and Sexy Authors ft Jamie K. Schmidt

Series 4th edition

By sheer miracle we were able to wrangle one of our favorite sexy authors into an interview without threats or blackmail even! The author of Sentinel’s Kiss (Sentinels of Babylon series) out now on Amazon, she’s a USA TODAY Best Selling author who has published more than thirty short stories in small-press journals and e-zines. She’s an active member in the Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she relaxes with a mug of hot tea and knits or makes beaded jewelry. She’s the one, the only, Jamie K. Schmidt.

*Applause, whistles, clapping.*

We are so excited to have you here, Jamie!

Thanks guys! Glad to be here.

1. You have written sooooo many books, paranormal and contemporary romance, even a few manga related stories. Otaku, Obake got our interest. Are you a big manga fan?

I'm a screaming fan girl for Rumiko Takahashi. Ranma 1/2 and InuYasha are my all time favorites.

2. There are quite a few series: Club Inferno, Sentinels of Babylon, Emerging Queens, Hawaii Heat, etc. How many books do you usually write at any given moment? Can you write more than one at a time? Ever forget which one you were actually writing and cross the characters?

I usually am writing one book while plotting two others and editing two others. I've had to write two books at once and that's no fun. I didn't cross the characters, but I mixed up a few scenes and in edits was like . . . .wait. . . .there aren't any dragons in this dungeon!

3. All writers have moments where an idea hits them and they have to stop and write it down for fear they will lose it. Where is the strangest place/moment you were hit with a story idea and had to stop and write it down?

I was sleeping and I woke up out of a dead sleep with the most brilliant idea for a story. I wanted to get back to the dream, so I only wrote a few words down: Screaming Penguin 2000 with Kevin "Sax" Jones. I still have no freakin' idea what the brilliant story was. All I get when I think about it is a chain link fence and that Screaming Penguin 2000 is a band name. Aside from that, I've got nothing.

4. Imara and I like to hide Easter eggs or private jokes in our stories. Do you do that? Can you share one?

Sometimes, when I can fit it in. For example, in the upcoming book STUD (July 25th) the main character Terri briefly mentions Rory, the hero for my November book HARD COVER. 

5. You co-wrote the FATE trilogy with Jenna Jameson. Did you get to meet her? How was it to work with her?

I didn't get to meet Jenna in person. She lives on the West Coast and I'm on the East Coast. We spoke mainly on the phone. She's sweet. Very vulnerable. What you see, is what you get with her. There's no artifice or fake personality.

6. Most writers will say they’ve always enjoyed writing or they always knew they were going to be a writer. Was it the same for you? How was your journey into publishing? Was it torture?

Oh yeah, I've always known I would be a writer. I wrote my first books when I was in my teens. I swore to myself I'd be published at 16. Then 18. Then 21. Then 25. Then 30. I didn't actually start my search for an agent until I was 39. I told myself that if I didn't get published by 40, I would quit. It actually took to 42. :D Which, as I'm sure you know, is the meaning of life

7. Soooooo, Indie or traditional publishing?

Both. Traditional publishing is great because you get a publicist, an editor, a cover designer and the sales team of a big five publisher behind you. But Indie is great because you have all the control (and all the expenses). I'm glad to be a hybrid author because I don't like to have all my eggs in one basket -- unless they're Cadbury mini eggs. Those are the ones with the hard shell -- not the crème eggs. Those are tooo sweet

8. If you could give one piece of advice to all aspiring authors, what would you tell them?

BICFOK - Butt in chair, Fingers on Keyboard. It's the only way you're going to finish the book. :D

Thank you for stopping by Jamie. Write on man! (er, woman!)

Alright TWAMsters, isn’t she fantastic?! We love her. You can buy Sentinel’s Kiss which is available now on Amazon and preorder Stud due out July 25, 2017. Go check out all of Jamie K. Schmidt’s titles here: HERE There is something for everyone. Seriously. Go.

Love always,

Una & Imara

I. Singh & U. Danz

March 11, 2017

For the Love of… Tarot ft Kayleigh Jean

Series 3rd edition

(Inhaling deeply) Do you smell that?! It’s Spring! Such a magical time for the earth when all living things once dormant and cold, come back to life and wake up. To reach for the sunshine and grow. We want to celebrate all forms of magic. And this month, we spotlight our love for Tarot. That’s right – Tarot. Why? Because it’s the magic of psychology in its purest form.

Like the Rorschach test, Tarot cards bring to light what we already have inside us. It’s a tool, pictures on paper cards that mirror our internal selves based on how we interpret the picture. Just like a Rorschach test. We all have the answers we seek inside us. Tarot helps us expose the answer we already know. Not much different from seeking an answer from an ancient tome except Tarot keeps the responsibility of a decision on the individual. It’s accountability for our free will decisions. Something we need more of in this world instead of blaming someone or something else.

Imara and I watch many people on social media and look for people who shine in all areas; art, self-help, entertainment – anything that gives a positive experience. It’s clear that people who love what they do impart the warmth of their soul in their work. We discovered this amazing ray of sunshine named Kayleigh Jean. She is such a positive and kind soul. We had to share her with you. The TWAM Nation welcomes Kayleigh Jean!

(Applause. Whistles. Loud clapping.)

So, Kayleigh Jean, what first sparked your interest in tarot?

I have always been interested in magic and synchronicity. As a child, I was really into the Harry Potter series and CS Lewis’s Narnia books. I grew up close to my maternal family line also, which had stories of psychic experiences throughout a couple of generations. So, the idea was always in my mind that there was more to reality than what could be readily explained. In addition, I was a very sensitive child. Now that I have more experience, I get that I was picking up on a lot of emotions and energy but had no personal boundaries so I was really affected by energetic “vibes.” I saw and spoke with “guides” often and had very intense dreams. When I realized that my sensitivity wasn’t “normal,” I did my best to block out that sensitive side of myself until I was in my twenties.

Then, in late 2013, when I was working as a private chef, a couple of my girlfriends gave me an oracle reading that really changed my whole perspective. In the cards I saw that there was something missing from my life—a magical element or a way to convene with the divine. My intuitive senses were reawakened by this event. Even the cards themselves said so, loud and clear. That one reading sparked something inside me that led me on a path that completely altered my existence.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a professional tarot reader. How did you train/learn?

After that one late night oracle reading, it started a little bit slowly. I bought an oracle deck and began to do readings for myself. I started to read blogs and books, and listen to YouTube videos about cartomancy.

During that time period, I also committed myself to my writing, my other main life passion. That’s where these nebulous ideas of creativity, Tarot, and magic started to really take shape in my mind. They were connected. I started doing readings for my writing projects. Before outlining a chapter, I’d pull cards to show me things I needed to know about it. It worked beautifully!

Over the next couple of years, I wrote and edited three fiction novels. Each of them involved Tarot as an element of the story, so I really got to play with the cards and feel them out. I developed a relationship with the archetypes and they became characters that felt real to me.

Then, synchronicity struck again! During a writing class I was taking locally in the town I lived in, I offered one of my pieces for critique. It involved Tarot as a story element. My writing teacher took me aside at the end of class and told me that her best friend was none other than the famous Tarot author and scholar, Mary Greer! She connected us so that I could have a Tarot mentor, which was pretty amazing.

From that point, I met with Mary Greer a few times for private sessions and took some of her classes. It was a wonderful source of growth and inspiration for me. I highly recommend her books and personal readings, too, for anyone interested in learning more about Tarot.

After that point, I felt that I had a working understanding of Tarot, from reading and writing about it so much over the span of a few years and working with Mary and reading her books.

So, for fun, I started offering free readings on craigslist in my local community. I wanted to see if I could read for others and if my readings would prove meaningful for them. I got a lot of requests, and a lot of positive feedback, so eventually I started an Etsy shop, realizing that this was something that I very much enjoyed doing and that I could help people through this work. It’s been a magical ride ever since!

What are the benefits of consulting Tarot and how has Tarot influenced your life?

The benefits of Tarot are myriad and multifaceted. It’s going to be different for everyone, depending on how they use it. For me, Tarot gets me in touch with something bigger than myself. I look at it as creating the circumstances for synchronicity to happen.

I believe that when we pull cards, we’re consciously allowing magic to enter our lives. We ask a question, and inexplicably, the perfect cards come up in response, out of 156 potential variations. How does it work? We don’t really know, we just know that it does work.

A Tarot session offers an opportunity for self-reflection, validation, understanding, and growth when we see our situation depicted in the cards. It gives us alternative perspectives that could feel better and be healthier than the ones we were holding before we shuffled and drew the cards.

Using Tarot has influenced my life by essentially mirroring to me how connected everything is. Every turning point in my life correlates to a lesson, which was built on a lesson or an event from my past. With Tarot, I am able to see how each little decision leads to the next one. Tarot shows me how energy grows and changes. It has made me more accepting of circumstances in my life, more willing to see the “larger picture” and to be grateful for everything in my life, even the challenging stuff. It also shows me my personal responsibility, and how I create my own life experiences through the power of my choices.

Now, when something “bad” happens, I am a little bit less reactive. I know that there is some magic or some connection within it. And, I always know that there is something I can turn to for guidance, support, and compassionate wisdom. I don’t need to consult anyone else or make any appointments. I just close the door to my reading room, light my candles, grab my journal, and starting working through it. It’s a wonderful way to process life!

January 28, 2017

Defining TWAM: The Symbol of Our Mission for Love

Preeeeeeeeeesenting (*sound of drum roll*)

The TWAM Nation logo! (*cymbal crash*)

Imara and I are so damn excited to share with you our brand spanking new logo created by AR Solli over at 99Designs. We considered over 70 designs and fell in love with this one. We’re giddy over the new logo.

“Hey Singh & Danz, why do you need a logo?” you might be asking. The answer is simple, because TOGETHER WE ARE MAGIC.

That’s our catch phrase “Together We Are Magic.” TWAM. Initially, it explained how we felt about our friendship and connection. Imara and Una. But we now realize it was just the beginning. Together means ALL of us.

So much good can be done when we all pull together. Imara and I have been discussing how we can make a difference in our time on this planet. Whether its writing fun stories or helping in the community, we want to be the reminder that life can be pretty damn good! Because all in all, we believe people are pretty damn good.

First, let’s talk about the Shield. To us it’s a symbol of strength and protection for the Nation of love we are building. With all the disorder and chaos around us, we intend to be a safe haven of kindness and acceptance. If we are going to fight, let’s fight FOR humanity and love. We will not tolerate hate or cruelty of any kind.

The Wands represent the magic that lies in all of us. The potential to create wonderful things. We just need a little imagination and hope. If you happen to be a Star Wars fan, then squint and tell yourself they are light sabers.

Did you notice the four states of matter? Each letter of TWAM is represented by an element. T is fire which reminds us to persevere no matter what, to keep the spark in our hearts and minds alive. W is earth which reminds us stay humble and grounded and keep doing the work. A is air which reminds us of the creative alchemy which takes places while writing and transcending our skill with every book. M is water which reminds us to follow our intuition and write from a place of raw emotion and vulnerability.

Whichever element you are, you have a place in the TWAM Nation.

There you have it. The new logo! We believe it represents our mission – to unify as many people as possible in the name of respect and love for our world. That means regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or political view - we welcome anyone who wishes to share their love with the world and promises to respect each other for those differences. We aim to spotlight the beauty in everyone. Except trolls. Trolls will be executed - - I mean banned and blocked.

Love Always,

Una & Imara

October 31st , 2016

Happy Diwali to ALL TWAMsters !! Diwali or the Festival of Lights is a hindu festival, yet celebrated by all races and religions in North India ( kinda similar to how X-mas is in the US)  So while Imara follows Sikhism ( different religion from Hinduism) she celebrated Diwali 2016 with the same fervor as all of North India. It's tradition to decorate homes with lights and candles. Imara's celebrating Diwali at home with parents after 4 loooong years ! ( That's them in the background). 

Here's wishing everyone abundance, joy and light in their lives ! Check out the photo gallery for more pics and in depth explanation of Diwali celebrations !

Love  

Imara Singh

September 17, 2016

Author Spotlight on

Lyla Bellatas

Una’s Pick

The cover art for Deeper begged me to read it. Bellatas created what I consider the perfect love story. Her characters, Adriana and Val swept me into their relationship journey with every one of their experiences shared in exquisite realistic detail. Set in a ski resort I was surprised to discover that snow and ice can be sexy! If you doubt that, I challenge you to read it and disagree. I felt every word on the page whether the moment was tender, painful, frustrating, scary or steamy. I did not stop reading once I started. That does not happen to me often. Lyla Bellatas is now on my Must Read list. I’m looking forward to making my way through her Real Fling series. Give her a read. You will be satisfied.

September 12, 2016

I. Singh & U. Danz @ CT RWA Fiction Fest 2016

This past weekend has been such a whirlwind, we're just now catching our breath. We just got back from our first ever writing conference organized by CT RWA in Norwalk. 

The whole experience went far beyond our expectations. We had such an AMAZING time ! The lectures were intelligent and informative, the people we met were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the conference itself was especially well organized. We gained so much valuable information,we're spinning. Kudos CT RWA !

September 3, 2016

Shout out to Ali at the Moto Photo in Avon, CT for making our first time in front of a camera an amazing experience. We went in nervous as hell and left feeling like superstars! It was a historical moment and a huge step for TWAM. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

July 6 2016

IT'S JULY ALREADY?!

Imara and I have officially entered the editing phase and are working on getting our cover art for Miss Matched No More! We've been working our butts off to complete this project because we can't wait to share it with you!  Meanwhile, we took a small break to recharge our batteries. If you want to see our Mohegan Sun adventure, click on the Picture This! link above. Stay tuned! There is more fun & frolic ahead TWAMsters!

While Imara and I are writing the third of our Miss Matched trilogy, we thought it would be fun to spotlight other authors that inspire or move us. Today's spotlight is on a young lady who wrote a story for a school assignment which addresses a very important topic to women of all ages - body image issues. Well done, Riley. Thank you for allowing us to post this.

We are proud to share with you: 

The BATTLE

By Riley Hudson

It wasn’t an ordinary day in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland. My mother, father, my 13 year old younger sister and I were on our way to leave me at a facility where my doom awaited. I am a straight ‘A’ student and I’m one of the top students of my grade. I am devoted to my schoolwork, and because of that people treat me differently. People treat me like I am a goody two shoes, therefore, it is harder for me to make friends. I am 15 years old. My name is Catherine.

 I wish I could say I like long walks on the beach, but I hate to wear bathing suits. When I look in the mirror, all I see is a girl with long red hair and green eyes, green eyes with dark bags beneath them. I can see my ribs poke out through my skin and my stomach caved in. I am someone who is undecided on what she wants to do in the future. I look at myself and try to accept the fact that I will never be the model in a magazine.

 Upon the first impression of me, people may see me as inconsolable. But there is a story behind that. I look out the window with my headphones on and music turned up, listening to ‘Stressed Out’ by 21 Pilots. My mother looked back at me from the passenger seat with a tear in her eye, and sighed “Honey it is for your own well-being, when you are back to health, we will take into consideration if you are ready to come back home.”

 I just kept staring out into the distance as if there was something there. Home seemed as if it weren’t home, I was being forced to leave my small single home in a community. Again.

 I didn’t want to go back to the facility from hell where there was no independence. They don’t let you exercise, I won’t be able to wake up before sunrise to do my 6 mile morning run. Here, in the hospital, that won’t be possible. I don’t want to change.

 The moment arrives that I’ve feared greatly. As soon as we pull into the parking lot, my parents looked back at me from the front of the car. My mother told me, “Sweetie, we love you dearly. We don’t like seeing you depriving and torturing yourself. You will be out soon as you’re well.”

 Then my father chimed in and said, “It is time to go in.”

Immediately as we walked through the doors, staff members surrounded me, to make sure I won’t make a run for it.

I screech, “No! Mom and Dad don’t do this to me! I promise I will be better! I do not want to be back, I will change.”

 That is when I tried to sprint for the door, but my father grabbed me and hugged me tightly. He whispered in my ear “You will be fine, you will be happier after this.”

 I broke out in tears and begged him, “Please daddy, don’t do this.”

 My mom and sister came over and clutched us both and we all cried.  I thought to myself, did my mom and dad not love me? Why are they doing this to me? The nurses and doctors are telling me “It is time to go and say your goodbyes.”

They take reach of me and I turn around and see my mom, dad, and sister staring back at me with tears filled in their eyes. That was the last glimpse I saw of them until they took me into a room full of many girls of different ages.

A female nurse brought me to a scale, weighed me and took my height. I came out to be 70 lbs and 5’7”. They were taking notes on a clipboard filling out my vital signs. Then they showed me to my room where I would be staying. There was no door attached. All the rooms do not have doors, even the bathrooms.

There are many women and girls throughout the rooms. I started walking towards a near bathroom, when the nurse that showed me my room grabbed my wrist.

 I yelled, “Hey! What are you doing? Let go of me!”

She replies with, “Where do you think you’re going?”

I say furiously, “I am going to use the bathroom!”

 She demanded, “Well if you’re going to use the bathroom you need to ask before.”

In a joking voice I replied, “Can I go to the bathroom then?”

Then the women nodded her head and followed me. As I walked past a room called a common room, I see desks lined up facing the walls and near the nurses’ station. In the chairs I see a girl crying and picking at her food. I remember the days where I sat there and sat there, until it was the next meal. That room was meant for girls who refused to eat their food, they sat there until they surrendered.

 Then I finally go into the bathroom. I asked Nicole “May I have some privacy please?”

The nurse laughed, “No, it is my job to keep my eye on all the ladies in here, to make sure that you are doing the right thing.”

I wasn’t shocked at how strict they are here. This place is like prison. There is no freedom.

 It was dinner time. I sat down at a long table full of other girls. Some were my age and some looked older. A dietitian placed a plate of food in front of all of us. Everyone was served different foods. As soon as the dietitian placed a plate a food in front of the girls and women, they started to choke up and had tears in their eyes. The dietitian placed a plate of food in front me. I stood up and said, “How many people are we serving here? You gave me 3 cups of spaghetti with meat sauce, 2 broccoli pieces, 2 carrot sticks, and a cookie. Who do you think I am? This is enough food for 4 people!”

 The dietitian turned around.

She acknowledged, “You will eat your food without complaining, or you can sit in the common room until you finish your food.”

I feel like I am a pig being fattened up and getting ready for the slaughter house.

It had been two hours and I haven’t taken a bite of my food. The sight of the food made me nauseous. They then forced me into the common room. Sitting there made minutes turn into hours. I was determined to not eat. I caught a sight of Nurse Nicole walking by and she muttered, “I warned you, but this is for your own good.”

I finally picked up a carrot and stared at it for a good long minute. I brought the carrot to my mouth and took a bite. I think I will just do what they tell me to do, so I can get the hell out of here. The sooner I get out, the sooner I can lose this weight. I finish the carrots, broccoli, and cookie and they dismissed me to bed.

She was quiet and reserved and a mother of 2 around the age 30. Her name was Sylvie. We talked every now and then because our rooms were next to one another. We sat next to each other during group counseling session. This is where I learned she had 2 young children back at home. The years of the abuse have damaged her body. The bulimia had taken most of her teeth, and she looked more aged than what she was.

One morning was a devastating sight that I couldn’t erase. Sylvie was sitting facing the wall of the common room, with her food that must have been sitting there for long periods of time untouched. She walked over to my room and told me “I am not feeling so good, may I sit next to you?”

I said concerned, “Of course, are you okay?”

As soon as she sat down next to me, she was holding her chest intensely. She collapsed in my arms and I realized she had her last breath. I started screaming and screaming for the nurses and doctors to come. They rushed in and they saw that she was unconscious in my arms.

One doctor began to yell at me “Please leave. We need to give her the help that she needs.”

As a nurse pulled me away. I shouted “Will Sylvie be alright? Will Sylvie be alright?”

 At once I was hushed.

This is not who I want to be. I want to be able to have kids of my own, and see them grow up and be successful. My heart sank from the thought of Sylvie’s passing. Age didn’t matter, she was a friend to me in this place of torture. This made me think about my future. Starving myself, and running until I couldn’t take another step from being dizzy. My body wouldn’t last to even have kids.

 My perception of life had evolved seeing the possibilities that could occur, depending on how you treated your body. It had been 4 months, and I was allowed to go out for a day with my family. They would be here any moment now. I was sitting in the lobby where I first entered 4 months ago. I imagined the flash from the past, that felt so long ago.

I saw the blue Audi flash through the parking lot. The passenger seat door opened, and out stepped my mother with her long red hair just like mine. Then right after, my father and sister got out of the car. When they walked into the lobby they looked my way and smiled. They walked over to me and hugged me tightly. No matter how mad I was at them for putting me back into this facility, I missed them so much. I returned the hug.

My mother asked me, “What would you like to do today?”

I gave them a smirk and said, “How about we get some lunch? Maybe some pizza?”

My parents looked at one another in surprise and relief. My father said, “Of course.”

I’ve envisioned my future right then and there. It came to me all at once. I would help young girls and women, battle through anorexia, because they are strong enough to do it.

Every day is a battle against myself. I have to remind myself that I am Catherine and I am perfect the way I am.

November 20, 2014

 Hello TWAMsters!

Thanksgiving is approaching and we have a lot to be thankful for this year. Friends both new and old have been instrumental in getting our latest work out to all of you in time for Thanksgiving. A HUGE – THANK YOU to Naomi for designing the book cover and to Debbie for taking up the role as our ‘unofficial’ editor but worked officially hard. We couldn’t have done it without either of you. Una and I can cross of one more thing of our list of goals - - We’ve achieved our goal of publishing two books per year!

We are incredibly excited, yet biting our nails at the same time with this latest offering. There are a lot of firsts with this one – Noami and Debbie have come onboard and it’s the first time we’ve worked on a sequel. We can’t wait to hear the feedbackyou’re your reactions to it! We have given it our all these past few months and we’re tremendously proud that we are finally ready to present to you Miss Matched AGAIN.

 Available exclusively on Amazon.com HERE

 All aboard the TWAMNation love train!  Enjoy the ride.