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Interview with author Rob Dorgan

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. My name is Rob Dorgan. I have an MA in European History and a huge interest in world spiritualities. I teach meditation, yoga – both weekly classes and yoga teacher training courses, and along with my partner, I host yoga/meditation retreats. I am also a practicing Astrologer —- and a constant student of the Cosmos.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Awakening the Mystic”?

A2. Once the inspiration came through me, it did not stop. I wrote 220K words before finally stopping to put together the manuscript that became the published book- -which is 113K. Editing was a challenge.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. Actually, my meditation mentor, Sally Kempton, is my biggest influence. She is the author of Meditation for the Love of It and Awakening Shakti. Both are non-fiction but deal with yoga and meditation which are a big part of my novel.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. Key West. I love the warm weather and the fact that I can get around without a car.

I have been hosting a bi-annual yoga-meditation retreat in Key West for many years, so it is close to my heart.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Awakening the Mystic’?

A5. I was teaching a year long Yoga Teaching Training course. In the morning I was to teach Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras—- I had a flash of inspiration that turned into the whole premise for the book—- Miracles— and Love

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Awakening the Mystic’?

A6. That is difficult to say since I did not just sit to write it but did it while I taught and did readings but if I had to put it together— about 2 years

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. The book and the audio – which I recorded, are available everywhere – Independent Book Sellers, Amazon, Barnes and Noble…

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Awakening the Mystic’?

A8. I had a working title, but the publisher found another book with that title so we did some research – the publisher and me. Awakening the Mystic: A Novel of Cosmic Love and Healing captures the essence of what takes place in the story. This ordinary human, Ren Devlin, is looking to figure out the meaning of his life— through exploring yoga and astrology- both ancient arts and sciences. He activates an opening that is accessible to all of us —- and shows the world that miracles happen through LOVE.
The cover is an extension of the title. The skyline of Cincinnati, OH is there because so much of the story happens there — the chakra symbols represent the stages of our spiritual opening – and the Lotus represents the flower of our hearts that connect us with true reality – our divine inner nature.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A9. It stays fresh when you are true to the creativity that wants to be expressed rather than writing for what ‘you think people want.’ At least that is true for me—
Put your vision on paper not someone else’s formula.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. This is connected to the previous question for me—
TRUST your creativity. Honor it AND validate it for yourself first and foremost.

Everybody will have an opinion on your work, but they base their opinion on their experiences.

You have to trust the creativity that comes through you—- as yours. Those who get it will get it.

That advice has been very valuable as I put Awakening the Mystic out into the world.

Buy Awakening the Mystic on Amazon

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The Hand of the Ojibwa Maiden

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Hand of the Ojibwa Maiden 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: William Tirre ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
This captivating love story unfolds during the Sioux Rebellion of 1862, with Robert at its heart. Born to a French American father and a Santee Sioux mother, Robert comes from a mixed heritage that sets him apart. He often found himself isolated, as the white children rejected him because of his Indian mother.

One day, Robert meets Snowy Owl, an Indian boy who invites him to visit the village of Chief Little Crow—Snowy Owl’s father. There, Robert witnesses the traditions of the Santee Sioux and learns of a unique plan: rather than resorting to war, the tribe will challenge their rivals, the Ojibwa, in a traditional game.

During his visit, Robert encounters Little Fox, an Ojibwa girl taken captive at the age of six and forced into slavery. As Robert learns more about his family, including the mixed heritage of his grandmother and her teachings on Christian values, he begins to reflect deeply on his own identity.

Will Little Fox ever find freedom? Pick up this compelling novel to find out.

This is a true page-turner. I was especially moved by the characters of Robert and Little Fox. The book’s cover is striking, and the story will resonate with readers who appreciate tales centered on characters of mixed heritage. Fast-paced and emotionally engaging, this book never has a dull moment.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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:05-Seconds to Die

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: :05-Seconds to Die 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Bob Brill ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Bob Brill’s “:05-Seconds to Die” is a pulse-pounding thriller that grabs your attention from the start. The story centers around Casey Order, a former reporter turned private investigator, and Ginger Queen, a former movie star. Ginger confides in Casey that she has been romantically involved with Gerry Artimian—a notorious mob boss—for the past two years. Artimian is one of the most ruthless Armenian gang leaders in the nation.

According to Ginger, several of the world’s most dangerous criminal syndicates are coming together, planning to use advanced technology to orchestrate a major heist during the summer games. Artimian is involved in everything from drug trafficking and prostitution to murder, loan sharking, and laundering millions of dollars.

To navigate this dangerous world, Casey seeks help from Rigo Rodriguez, a young tech whiz. Rigo told him about Taco Miller, the legendary hacker known as the “God of all hackers.” When Casey infiltrates Artimian’s organization as the head of planning and transportation, he discovers that Taco Miller is the mastermind behind the tech side of the operation. The scheme? To siphon off $80 billion by hacking into the credit card or other devices transactions of unsuspecting spectators—every time someone buys a ticket, souvenir, bottle of water, or beer.

This story had me on edge the entire time. With every chapter, my anticipation grew—I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. The book’s cover is striking and well-designed, and I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Casey and Ginger. The atmosphere is taut with tension, and the backdrop setting is well done.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Monty Moves to Honeytown Beach

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Monty Moves to Honeytown Beach 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Chuck Griffith ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Monty Moves to Honeytown Beach” is a charming children’s book written by Chuck Griffith and illustrated by Lou Peterson. It follows the story of Monty, a yellow jacket who has just moved to Honeytown Beach. When Monty spots a bustling beehive, he eagerly introduces himself—but the bees reject him because he’s different.

Despite the cold welcome, Monty wants to help the struggling bee colony, which is in desperate need of pollinating flowers to survive. They’re running out of time and don’t have a solid plan. Eventually, the queen bee gives Monty a chance to lend a hand. Can he come up with any clever tricks to save the day?

The illustrations are vibrant and sure to capture children’s attention at first glance. I admire the author’s engaging storytelling. This book is an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to inspire conversations about acceptance, teamwork, and self-confidence. Young readers will learn the value of including others and working together as a team.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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The Veil Strikes

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Veil Strikes 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: D.L. Cary ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I enjoy crime stories featuring detectives, task forces, and shadowy organizations—and this time, I picked up Cary’s second book, The Veil Strikes.

Detective John Jefferson and his team are in high gear, racing to secure the elusive Veil ledger—a document that could expose the dark truths behind Saffron Veil, a powerful figure tied to drug trafficking, human exploitation, and more. As Jefferson digs deeper, he’s also trying to access his late father’s old NYPD files to piece together a larger puzzle. His father, a straight shooter with strong community ties in New York, was killed in 2022, and Jefferson is determined to uncover the case he was working on at the time.

Together with Reyes, Jefferson outsmarts the Iron Reapers and escapes with the critical files. The urgency to uncover the truth intensifies. Meanwhile, Rosa—twin sister of the murdered Maria—is desperate for justice against those who destroyed her family. What unfolds next is a gripping journey full of tension and twists.

Readers who enjoy layered stories with a wide cast of characters and interwoven subplots will be drawn in. The fast-paced narrative and action-packed storyline keep you turning the pages, eager to see what Jefferson and his team will do next.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Where We Begin

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Where We Begin 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lyla Cohen ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Fans of romance novels will definitely want to pick up this book. At the heart of the story is Scarlet Harrison—effortlessly beautiful and self-assured, she knows well how to carry herself.

Her dynamic with Nathan, a guy from her pre-law class, is light and fun—something to pass the time. But while he checks the boxes on paper, he doesn’t make her heart race. Their connection feels surface-level, more physical than emotional.

Then there’s Jason—the youngest of three brothers. His inner world is shaped by the voices of his siblings: Mark’s commanding tone and Ryan’s quiet judgment. Jason constantly compares himself to others and often feels like he falls short. For him, enrolling at American University was a fresh start. That’s where he shared a meaningful moment with Scarlet. With her, he doesn’t feel the pressure to have all the answers. He feels seen—truly himself. He notices parts of Scarlet she tries to keep hidden.

Told from a dual point-of-view, this story unfolds as secrets from the past begin to surface. What will they mean for Scarlet and her journey?

The book features an appealing cover and a fitting title. Scarlet and Jason are deeply engaging characters, and their development is compelling. If you enjoy coming-of-age love stories with emotional depth, this one is worth your time.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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The House Filler

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The House Filler 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tong Ge ✍️
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Review:

The House Filler is a gripping, fast-paced novel set against the backdrop of early 20th-century China. At the heart of the story is Jinfeng, also known as Golden Phoenix—a woman considered past marriageable age at twenty-six, who is compelled to wed a widower ten years her senior.

Jinfeng’s feet had been bound in childhood by two elderly witches, leaving her with four-cun feet, a painful reminder of societal expectations. As the narrative unfolds, readers are immersed in traditional Chinese wedding customs, where a woman’s value was judged by the size of her feet, her embroidery skills, and her ability to cook.

Haunted by insecurities about her feet, Jinfeng enters her new household only to be stunned: she already has a stepson and even a daughter-in-law. The shock deepens when she discovers that her husband is actually forty-six, not thirty-six as she had been told. She also learns that Qi, the stepson, is the illegitimate child of a servant. Qi and his wife are determined to secure the family inheritance for themselves and fear the arrival of another heir who will take his share too in the estate.

Will Golden Phoenix manage to bear a son and secure her place in the household?

This is a beautifully written novel rich in cultural detail, filled with themes of tradition, betrayal, and intrigue. The author’s writing is engaging and easy to follow. I was especially drawn to the character of Golden Phoenix—her strength, curiosity, and resilience make her unforgettable. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and highly recommend this book.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Eat, Pray, Nomad: Book One: Thailand

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Eat, Pray, Nomad: Book One: Thailand 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ara Tanner ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Eat, Pray, Nomad: Book One: Thailand” by Ara Tanner is an engaging and thought-provoking read. In this memoir, the author recounts her journey as a female digital nomad, beginning from the moment she decided to leave behind her life in the Dominican Republic to start anew in Thailand.

Tanner provides a clear explanation of what it means to be a digital nomad. While in the Dominican Republic, she shares her troubling experiences with a woman named Karen, who was dishonest and financially dependent on others, as well as with a manipulative tattoo artist named Lorenzo. Determined to embrace a new lifestyle, Tanner minimized her belongings, eventually whittling them down to just what could fit in a carry-on suitcase.

Her time in Thailand marked her first experience in a Buddhist country. Though she found the beaches of Samui less picturesque than online descriptions, she was captivated by the abundance and grandeur of the temples. As a beach lover, she enjoyed exploring the coastline and felt a strong desire to return and explore the country more deeply.

I especially appreciated the photographs included in the book—they added a personal and immersive touch. Reading this made me reflect on my own life and the idea of living in just one city. The concept of becoming a digital nomad feels incredibly freeing and full of adventure. Tanner’s “Thailand: Overview” section was particularly informative, and the idea of traveling the world with just a backpack is both inspiring and exhilarating. I am excited to read book two of the series.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Subtle Shadows

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Subtle Shadows 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Amelia Bennett ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Subtle Shadows” by Amelia Bennett is a captivating read. The story centers around Paige Turner and Ethan Miller. Paige is deeply dedicated to her work, leaving little room for a social life. She holds a strong belief in divine timing and hopes to one day be blessed with love or companionship.

Ethan Miller, a newly hired Senior Research Reporter, quickly becomes someone Paige feels unexpectedly comfortable with. Their conversations spark a connection she hadn’t felt in a long time, and she begins to wonder if Ethan might be the answer to her lingering loneliness.

One day, Ethan notices a painting above Paige’s fireplace — a piece by Ava Raud, a missing artist whose trail went cold a year ago. Something about the artwork strikes him deeply, as if Ava is trying to communicate through the brushstrokes.

As Paige and Ethan delve deeper into the mystery surrounding Ava’s disappearance, the plot thickens and becomes even more compelling. Amelia Bennett’s storytelling is seamless and immersive, making it easy to binge through the pages. Her books are true page-turners that leave me eager to read more.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Buried in the Walls

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Buried in the Walls 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Amelia Bennett ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Buried in the Walls: Some Houses Never Forget” by Amelia Bennett is a captivating read. The story centers around Emma Clarke, a successful psychologist based in Chicago. Despite her professional achievements, her personal life is in turmoil—her recent divorce has left her emotionally exhausted and longing for a fresh start. Hoping to find peace, she relocates to Madison and settles into a charming old Victorian house.

But tranquility quickly turns to unease. Emma stumbles upon a hidden compartment in a wardrobe and hears a loud, unexplained knock echoing through the house—making her question whether moving here was a mistake. She had hoped that restoring the house would help her rebuild herself too.

Things take a darker turn when she discovers a journal belonging to the previous homeowner, Margaret Delaney. In its pages, Margaret describes seeing a shadowy figure and feeling constantly watched. Emma becomes determined to uncover the truth about Margaret’s mysterious death.

To find out what secrets Emma uncovers, you’ll have to read the book yourself. I’ve always enjoyed stories about old historic houses with eerie happenings, and this one delivered on every front. The plot is both haunting and gripping—Amelia Bennett has crafted a story that held my attention from start to finish. I binge-read it, unable to put it down as each chapter unraveled more secrets. I highly recommend this book to fellow mystery and thriller enthusiasts.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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