Latest News & Reviews
New review on Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars wow, January 11, 2012 By Gina Durso "LilG" (cali) - This review is from: The Kindness of Strangers (Kindle Edition) I think this is the only book I have ever read that I actually cried reading. lol It was a emotional roller coaster up and down. I felt like I was there the way the author was able to describe things and while that is a good thing, It's hard when such bad things are happening. (If that makes sense) lol This book is definitely fiction though I found my self saying that would never happen in real life. I mean if you can find a man who says they were attracted to you from the first sight and the first sight was right after you have been raped and your beaten and bloody make sure you keep him. lol No but seriously I loved this book and it was sad but had a GREAT ENDING!!!!
New review on GoodReads
Sylwia
rated it
* * * * *
Shelves: 2012
What a amazing story. Once I began reading I just couldn't stop. The story does not have a single page that is not captivating. At the end of the book I was sad that I had read all of it, I wanted to keep reading about Sydney's life.
I will recommend this book to all of my friends.
Shelves: 2012
What a amazing story. Once I began reading I just couldn't stop. The story does not have a single page that is not captivating. At the end of the book I was sad that I had read all of it, I wanted to keep reading about Sydney's life.
I will recommend this book to all of my friends.
It's here! It's here! Unnatural Disasters hits eBook retailers for $2.99
Floods. Earthquakes. Tornados. Asteroids. Nature can be vicious. But when you combine natural disasters with the very unnatural
imaginations of the authors in this collection, you get terrors worse
than anything Mother Nature has ever thrown at us, forays into
nightmarish worlds that make a hurricane look like a light summer
breeze.
Join Scott Nicholson, William Meikle, Daniel Pyle, Robert J. Duperre, Danielle Bourdon, Keith Gouveia, Ruth Francisco, J.A. Titus, and Robin Morris for nine horrific tales that will leave you cringing, gasping, and so scared of the outdoors you’ll never want to leave your house again.
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
Join Scott Nicholson, William Meikle, Daniel Pyle, Robert J. Duperre, Danielle Bourdon, Keith Gouveia, Ruth Francisco, J.A. Titus, and Robin Morris for nine horrific tales that will leave you cringing, gasping, and so scared of the outdoors you’ll never want to leave your house again.
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
New Review of The Kindness of Strangers over at the Sony Store
***** Excellent Story Posted June 12, 2011 by tyretiredwave, Santa Clara CA
She ran away from her abusive father at 16 and found herself homeless and expecting a baby and the trouble doesn't stop there. With the help of strangers she finds a way to dig herself out of homelessness, being a single parent and climbs back to the top.
Excellent story with great characters that you really care about. I had a hard time putting it down. It was a great read and I look forward to more work from J.A. Titus.
She ran away from her abusive father at 16 and found herself homeless and expecting a baby and the trouble doesn't stop there. With the help of strangers she finds a way to dig herself out of homelessness, being a single parent and climbs back to the top.
Excellent story with great characters that you really care about. I had a hard time putting it down. It was a great read and I look forward to more work from J.A. Titus.
Unnatural Disasters - A Horror Collection
Exciting news for those of you who enjoy the scary and the macabre, horror great Daniel Pyle has compiled 9 terrific short stories into a collection featuring horror masters Scott Nicholson, William Meikle, and Robert J. Duperre.
I can now nervously twirl my hair and bite my nails when I say my short story, Resurrecting Eve, has been selected to join these horror greats. I just sent in my edits and I'm crossing my fingers.
Unfortunately I don't know when the official release date is, but it's almost here! I will update this release page once it is available. For now, you can check out the GoodReads page by clicking HERE or on the image at left.
I can now nervously twirl my hair and bite my nails when I say my short story, Resurrecting Eve, has been selected to join these horror greats. I just sent in my edits and I'm crossing my fingers.
Unfortunately I don't know when the official release date is, but it's almost here! I will update this release page once it is available. For now, you can check out the GoodReads page by clicking HERE or on the image at left.
The Kindness of Strangers has officially been edited!
I am not perfect. I am human. I make mistakes and can make them often, and they can also be very stupid mistakes. Also, because I am human I can have times when I'm not confident. I haven't been in a classroom in over 10 years, scary as that may seem. It is possible to forget a lot of the important lessons one learned in school, especially if they don't keep up or maintain their craft - which is exactly what happened to me. When I wrote The Kindness of Strangers, I worked over 60 hours a week, had a family to care for, and could really only write in my spare time. I forgot a lot of the important grammar lessons I had learned in grade school, and had a sprinkling of spelling/sentence structure issues too because my fingers weren't typing as fast as my brain was thinking. With that being said, I also had several beta readers read through each chapter - yet there were still a lot of issues within the book. I've learned my lesson. I've learned so much too, since I published The Kindness of Strangers, thanks to a lot of my peers (the fabulous HP Writing Group, Kindleboards members and my FB friends). Yet, despite everything I re-learned I still wasn't confident. It wasn't a big secret that The Kindness of Strangers wasn't edited, I posted it everywhere and hoped that people reading it would take it for what it was - a story. But I still felt bad, felt so guilty that I wasn't putting out the best work I could do. Then chance fell into my lap. A wonderful person, by the name of Frankie Sutton, offered to help me; and help me she did! She read through the manuscript I sent her and sent it back to me with lots of yellow highlights; changes she suggested. I went through her changes, fixed what I could (it took me a bit), and sent it back. Within a few days she gave me the thumbs up - The Kindness of Strangers was ready! So I reformatted it for Smashwords and also for Amazon's Kindle. *Woo-hoo*
With this being said, if you purchased The Kindness of Strangers unedited version, feel free to let me know and I'll provide you with a coupon to re-download the latest, newly edited, version! - Julie
With this being said, if you purchased The Kindness of Strangers unedited version, feel free to let me know and I'll provide you with a coupon to re-download the latest, newly edited, version! - Julie
I have had the best opportunity come my way - in the form of five lovely ladies all sharing the same dream; the dream of being published.
What was mentioned off hand in a thread, flourished into a bonafide friendship - no, make that a family - and we're proud to say, 4 Corners Press is here to stay!
4 Corners Press ... No Boundaries ... check out the site for more details www.4cornerspress.com
What was mentioned off hand in a thread, flourished into a bonafide friendship - no, make that a family - and we're proud to say, 4 Corners Press is here to stay!
4 Corners Press ... No Boundaries ... check out the site for more details www.4cornerspress.com
Interviewed by David H. Burton
I had the fantastic opportunity to be interviewed by David H. Burton, author of the YA/Steampunk Grim Doyle adventure, Scourge. Check out the interview here!
A quick note from me regarding David and his books; my children absolutely loved Scourge, and I think you and your child will too! My oldest enjoyed it so much he did a book report on it and left a review (under my account of course-he's only 10.).
I strongly recommend you check out David's website for his other books and his blog.
A quick note from me regarding David and his books; my children absolutely loved Scourge, and I think you and your child will too! My oldest enjoyed it so much he did a book report on it and left a review (under my account of course-he's only 10.).
I strongly recommend you check out David's website for his other books and his blog.
Buy a book to help raise money for disaster relief!
A short story I wrote titled, A Mother's Tale of Fear, will be featured in a collection created by other indie authors, to help raise money for disaster relief efforts around the world.
With Love is an anthology of short stories donated by Independent authors to raise money for Medecins Sans Frontieres to support their work in disaster relief. This anthology was inspired by the recent events in Japan but aims to reach further.
If you'd like to attend Friday's online book launch (and use Facebook), click HERE
With Love is an anthology of short stories donated by Independent authors to raise money for Medecins Sans Frontieres to support their work in disaster relief. This anthology was inspired by the recent events in Japan but aims to reach further.
If you'd like to attend Friday's online book launch (and use Facebook), click HERE
Smashwords Read an E-Book week 3/6-3/12
The Kindness of Strangers will be included in Smashwords' Read an E-Book Week. To take part in this event, simply click HERE and type in the code RAE75 at checkout. I hope you enjoy it!
Panel Discussion on Two Ends of the Pen
I got the opportunity to be part of a panel discussion on how I chose the title of my book. You can check it out by clicking HERE.
I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to eMail me
New review on B & N
Compelling readby bqp Customer Rating: * * * *
Quickly grabs your attention. Characters you feel you could bump into on any given day. Makes one ponder how much our lives are really shaped by strangers. Do we take time to chat with the people who serve us at the store, the garage, the hospital or do we continue to take them for granted?
Quickly grabs your attention. Characters you feel you could bump into on any given day. Makes one ponder how much our lives are really shaped by strangers. Do we take time to chat with the people who serve us at the store, the garage, the hospital or do we continue to take them for granted?
Yeah! Got a 3 star rating on B & N
Just happened to check B & N today and saw that someone left a 3 *** rating for, The Kindness of Strangers! Pretty exciting!
Interviewed by Phillip Thomas Duck (11/17/10)
I had the great opportunity to be included in
Phillip Thomas Duck's (author of, Excuse Me, Miss), Wacky Wednesday Interviews. Click HERE to see.
Eulogy Contest
Vote on Red Adept's blog! While you're there, also check out Red's latest reviews and suggested reading.
Review
As found on Smashwords
Review by: Chris Sabga on Nov. 02, 2010 : * * * * *
Fragile. Damaged. Plucky. Determined.
The first two words seem to contradict the latter two, but human beings are often walking contradictions. Syndey Venery is too, but in the best way possible. Despite a nightmarish childhood and circumstances tougher than any sixteen-year-old girl should ever have to face, Sydney never loses her innate warmth. And it's that very trait that makes the reader root for and sympathize with the main character throughout the novel.
With a fierce attitude, dogged determination, and - yes - the kindness of strangers, the pregnant teenager does what she has to do to survive. We as readers are just along for the ride with Sydney, but it's a tough road to travel because she's so easy to love. Her pain becomes our pain. That's the mark of a great character and a great story.
The Kindness of Strangers may not be a thriller or suspense novel, but J.A. Titus has still managed to craft a real page-turner. I finished the book in only two sittings, but I probably would've completed it all at once if sleep hadn't interrupted my reading time.
Titus has written a haunting debut novel that will stay with you long after the final page has been clicked.
Review by: Chris Sabga on Nov. 02, 2010 : * * * * *
Fragile. Damaged. Plucky. Determined.
The first two words seem to contradict the latter two, but human beings are often walking contradictions. Syndey Venery is too, but in the best way possible. Despite a nightmarish childhood and circumstances tougher than any sixteen-year-old girl should ever have to face, Sydney never loses her innate warmth. And it's that very trait that makes the reader root for and sympathize with the main character throughout the novel.
With a fierce attitude, dogged determination, and - yes - the kindness of strangers, the pregnant teenager does what she has to do to survive. We as readers are just along for the ride with Sydney, but it's a tough road to travel because she's so easy to love. Her pain becomes our pain. That's the mark of a great character and a great story.
The Kindness of Strangers may not be a thriller or suspense novel, but J.A. Titus has still managed to craft a real page-turner. I finished the book in only two sittings, but I probably would've completed it all at once if sleep hadn't interrupted my reading time.
Titus has written a haunting debut novel that will stay with you long after the final page has been clicked.
9/25/2010 Zombiepalooza
Click HERE to check out
Amanda Hocking's blog for,
Zombiepalooza
For the entire month of October.
On October 12th read a free copy of my first attempt at writing horror, 'Manje ko Moun Island'.
Amanda Hocking's blog for,
Zombiepalooza
For the entire month of October.
On October 12th read a free copy of my first attempt at writing horror, 'Manje ko Moun Island'.
Featured: 9/17/10
The Kindness of Strangers is featured on Marks Writer Bloc today!
Kindle Giveaway Blog Tour
Win a Kindle DX and a Kindle 3! Scott Nicholson's blog tour
Sept.-Nov. 2010
Click here for schedule
Press release here
The Kindness of Strangers will be featured in author Scott Nicholson's blog tour, where you could win a free Kindle! Check out the details HERE
Interviewed by Noah Mullette-Gillman (September, 2010)
Review
As found on Goodreads.com
Aug 18, 2010 Diane rated it 4 out of 5 stars
A heart-warming tale of overcoming abuse and finding happiness and fulfillment in life.
Aug 18, 2010 Diane rated it 4 out of 5 stars
A heart-warming tale of overcoming abuse and finding happiness and fulfillment in life.
Interviewed by J. E. Johnson (August 4, 2010)
Click HERE to see my interview with J. E. Johnson
(author of, The Legend of Oescienne - The Beginning)
Interviewed by David Wisehart (July 30, 2010)
Interviewed by Kipp Poe (July 29, 2010)
Click HERE to see my interview with, Kipp Poe Speicher
(author of, Closing My Eyes Helps Me To See Clearly)
Review
As found on Amazon.com
4.0 out of 5 stars An Emotionally-Charge Experience!, July 25, 2010 By Fishing for Squirrels -
This review is from: The Kindness of Strangers (Paperback)
When I started reading The Kindness of Strangers, I found myself reading a chapter at a time during short breaks; by the sixth chapter, I was completely absorbed and ultimately finished the second half in one sitting.
Despite a lack of attentiveness to grammatical conventions, this book envelops the reader's mind in the dark, unfathomable world of an abused teenager. While I must admit that grammatical errors and the occasional hackneyed phrase initially took away from the reading experience, the raw and tangible emotion of the work obscures and overwhelms these potential flaws, allowing for the morbid, perhaps initially surreal setting to take on more realistic qualities. Although unlike the typical human experience, the characters and their interactions create a strong connection to the everyday man and woman. Their attempts to overcome adversity and survive provide an understanding of the complex world of those unfortunate individuals that slip through the cracks of humanity's moral and societal values and give each reader ample material to question their own values. I strongly recommend this work to all readers and hope they enjoy this work as much as I did.
4.0 out of 5 stars An Emotionally-Charge Experience!, July 25, 2010 By Fishing for Squirrels -
This review is from: The Kindness of Strangers (Paperback)
When I started reading The Kindness of Strangers, I found myself reading a chapter at a time during short breaks; by the sixth chapter, I was completely absorbed and ultimately finished the second half in one sitting.
Despite a lack of attentiveness to grammatical conventions, this book envelops the reader's mind in the dark, unfathomable world of an abused teenager. While I must admit that grammatical errors and the occasional hackneyed phrase initially took away from the reading experience, the raw and tangible emotion of the work obscures and overwhelms these potential flaws, allowing for the morbid, perhaps initially surreal setting to take on more realistic qualities. Although unlike the typical human experience, the characters and their interactions create a strong connection to the everyday man and woman. Their attempts to overcome adversity and survive provide an understanding of the complex world of those unfortunate individuals that slip through the cracks of humanity's moral and societal values and give each reader ample material to question their own values. I strongly recommend this work to all readers and hope they enjoy this work as much as I did.
Review
As found on Bookfinder4u
*****
Rated by: Guest on 7/17/2010 Definitely a page turner!
This book was great! I couldn't put it down! I got so involved in the characters that I couldn't wait to see what happened to them next. I can honestly say I went through all the emotions reading this book... laughing, crying, anger, excitement! I hope you write a follow-up to this book! I would love to see how the main characters evolve and how their lives change as time passes!
*****
Rated by: Guest on 7/17/2010 Definitely a page turner!
This book was great! I couldn't put it down! I got so involved in the characters that I couldn't wait to see what happened to them next. I can honestly say I went through all the emotions reading this book... laughing, crying, anger, excitement! I hope you write a follow-up to this book! I would love to see how the main characters evolve and how their lives change as time passes!
Review
As found on Bookfinder4u
*****
Rated by: Guest on 6/16/2010 Definitely worth reading
When I first got this book I really wasn't sure what to expect. The back gave a lot of description and really made it interesting. When I read it, I was completely blown away. For a first time author (I've never heard of J. A. Titus before), I can completely say this was well written. I could literally visualize everything that was happening. Though I've never been through those experiences, I felt as if I were there feeling what she feels, smelling what she smells, hearing what she hears ... it was that vivid! I highly recommend this book!
*****
Rated by: Guest on 6/16/2010 Definitely worth reading
When I first got this book I really wasn't sure what to expect. The back gave a lot of description and really made it interesting. When I read it, I was completely blown away. For a first time author (I've never heard of J. A. Titus before), I can completely say this was well written. I could literally visualize everything that was happening. Though I've never been through those experiences, I felt as if I were there feeling what she feels, smelling what she smells, hearing what she hears ... it was that vivid! I highly recommend this book!
Interviewed by Ravenda Dallah, June 2010
I had the great opportunity to be interviewed by Ms. Ravenda Dallah this past June. Click HERE to listen to this interview, where we discuss my book, adoption and other important issues some children face today.
