What makes people tick? Who from history has an interesting story to tell? I wanted to know the answer to those questions.

As a child, my family had no hope for the future. My father was an abusive alcoholic, my mother mentally ill. Despite the dark clouds that loomed over our lives, I dared to dream of something more. For me, the library became a sanctuary of new possibilities. Among its shelves, I found biographies of individuals who had risen above their circumstances, defying the odds stacked against them. Names like Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein, Oprah Winfrey, Abraham Lincoln, Helen Keller, and Beethoven danced across the pages, each with a story to tell.

How does a person achieve such remarkable transformation, I wondered?

Exploring the annals of history provided me with a key insight: the prevailing cultural trends of the time often shaped the lives of individuals. Nelson Mandela, for instance, endured years in prison, fighting for his people’s rights and ultimately changing the trajectory of South Africa’s history. Albert Einstein, who overcame a childhood marked by bullying and abandonment, went on to revolutionize our understanding of time and light, forever altering the course of science.

And then there was Helen Keller, born blind, who embarked on a lifelong journey to learn to read and find purpose in helping others.

Through my exploration of historical fiction, I encountered James Michener, whose novels became windows into the tapestry of human history. “The Source” transported me to the birth of religions in Jerusalem, Israel. “Caribbean” delved into the harrowing history of slave trading and pirates in the Caribbean Islands. “Hawaii” unraveled the rich and complex story of the islands of aloha. These books didn’t just entertain; they educated me about the diverse and interconnected history of our world.

In my quest to understand the common thread that wove through the lives of these historical figures, I discovered a single powerful force: hope. They all dreamt of transcending their humble beginnings, of becoming more than what they were born into.

When I look at the people around me and consider those who came before us, I see a tapestry of hero’s journeys. Each of us born into unique circumstances, each with dreams we carried from childhood. The question that lingers is this: Are we living the lives we once dared to dream of as children?

Historical fiction, with its ability to simultaneously entertain and educate, brings these stories to life in a way that resonates with us all. It reminds us that we are part of an ever-evolving human story, where hope, determination, and the courage to dream have the power to shape our destinies.

Now, as a writer, I aspire to do what authors like James Michener did for me – to open doors to my imagination beyond what has come before and to touch hearts and minds with the belief that the extraordinary is within reach. Through historical fiction, I aim to continue exploring the hero’s journey that defines us all and to inspire others to dream, to hope, and to become more than they ever imagined.

Stay tuned my next novel, “Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure – The Human Hybrid Experiment” will be released soon. Discover how the Greek god Poseidon leaves his dysfunctional family of gods and finds a new life in the enchanted world of Atlantis.

“What is a dream?” According to medical professionals, dreams are the mental imagery or activity that occurs when you sleep. They are the mysterious landscapes our minds traverse when the world slumbers, revealing glimpses of our innermost thoughts and desires. But what about the dreams we have while wide awake, under the golden sun? Those are the dreams that shape our waking lives, the dreams that beckon us to explore new horizons and conquer the challenges that lie in our path.

Consider the remarkable journey of Albert Einstein, a name synonymous with genius. But he was not always the famous physicist we know today. He, too, had dreams and faced his own share of adversity. In the novel “Einstein’s Compass: A YA Time Traveler Adventure,” the story of Einstein’s early life unfolds, revealing the challenges he overcame.

Bullied as a child, deserted by his parents, and met with resistance from college professors who doubted his potential, young Einstein faced a formidable wall of obstacles. Yet, through unwavering determination, he prevailed. But where did his brilliant ideas originate? After all, he lived in a time when horse-drawn carriages ruled the roads, and the mysteries of time and light were far from being unraveled.

In “Einstein’s Compass,” the novel delves into the young Einstein’s world, showcasing how he crafted and tested thought experiments, pushing the boundaries of his imagination. Moreover, the story introduces the intriguing notion that his soul may have a connection to the ancient civilization of Atlantis, where he might have been a priest-scientist wielding the powers of time and light.

One pivotal element of young Einstein’s life was the gift of a compass from his father. This compass became his guiding totem, leading him on a quest to unravel the enigma of time and light. But in this captivating narrative, the compass takes on a supernatural quality, conjuring holograms and unleashing a world of wondrous possibilities.

As you embark on this mesmerizing journey through “Einstein’s Compass,” you’ll encounter magic and mysteries that will leave you spellbound. It’s no wonder that this award-winning novel is soon to become a television series, inviting audiences to step into the fascinating world of young Albert Einstein.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the depths of dreams and imagination. Join the adventure and discover the extraordinary in “Einstein’s Compass.”

Buy on Amazon Now

Einstein’s Compass fans will be delighted to read the back story of how the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon created the mythical Atlantis.
I had to delve deep into Greek mythology to bring forward the history of the battle of the Olympians vs the Titans. The aftermath gives Poseidon his reason to leave Mount Olympus and his family for territory unknown.
Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure has fantasy, mythology, supernatural, adventure, science fiction, drama, mystery, thriller, family, and historical fiction.
Here is a synopsis of Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure.
Kathy at Bublish with her wonderful team of editors are assisting with putting the final touches on the manuscript. The new adventure will be out in the next few months in time for the Christmas season.

Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure Synopsis

“Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure” takes readers on an enchanting journey through the mystical realms of Greek mythology and beyond. Set in the aftermath of the cosmic conflict between the Titans and Olympians, this novel delves into the tumultuous emotions of Poseidon, the sea god, as he grapples with feelings of betrayal and a yearning for lost glory. Struggling to reconcile his desires for vengeance with his familial bonds, Poseidon embarks on a transformative quest that spans both the terrestrial and celestial worlds.

In the depths of Poseidon’s underwater palace, bitterness simmers as he reflects on Zeus’s ascent to power, a position Poseidon had once coveted. The sea god’s longing for his former prestige leads him to journey beyond his watery domain, guided by a chariot drawn by a magnificent Hippocampus. His path takes him to a luminous realm where he encounters Clerito, a young woman connected to his past through a lineage rooted in water nymphs.

As Poseidon and Cleito’s destinies intertwine, secrets unravel, revealing connections that transcend time and space. The narrative unfolds as Poseidon unravels the mysteries of Cleito’s heritage, leading him to a realm of advanced technology, celestial emissaries, and a mission to foster unity across dimensions. The intricate dance between gods and mortals, science and spirituality, propels the story forward.

Throughout his odyssey, Poseidon grapples with profound questions about power, responsibility, and the ethical use of knowledge. As he uncovers the potential for human hybrids and genetic enhancement, he finds himself drawn into a complex web of alliances, illuminated by the radiant guidance of Mystical Travelers. These beings embody a path of light, guiding humanity through change and chaos toward a life infused with grace and tranquility.

Amidst the backdrop of Artemis’s dual intentions and ambitions, Poseidon’s journey becomes a tapestry woven with familial ties, divine purpose, and the longing for redemption. The novel’s themes resonate deeply with the reader, exploring the balance between individual desires and the greater good, the transformative power of compassion, and the potential for harmony among disparate realms.

With vivid prose and a rich tapestry of characters, “Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure” invites readers to explore a world where mysticism, mythology, and the mysteries of the cosmos converge. The novel’s captivating narrative journeys beyond the bounds of conventional storytelling, enveloping readers in a tale of discovery, transformation, and the enduring hope for unity across the vast expanse of existence.

Albert Einstein became one of the greatest minds of the 20th century because he had a dream. And no matter the bullying, family leaving him, teachers not supporting him, he never lost his vision to know what time and light is. I know because, as a child, Albert and I became best friends.
My Name is Johann Thomas. Albert’s quest began when we discovered his compass was supernatural. We were shocked when the brass top with the twelve gems lit up like a Christmas tree. Oh my God. Then his compass started to put us both in danger.
A shape-shifting dragon named Raka longed for the compass and had me killed. Then, I woke up in heaven with angels.
Supernatural beings asked me to be Albert’s guardian angel to help Albert fight the darkness. How could I say no? So, we traveled back through time to Atlantis to meet the dragon’s brother, Arka. We discovered Albert’s soul was from Arka, a brilliant priest scientist. Arka warned Albert of his brother’s lust for power and how to protect Albert with his compass. Albert returned home to face the dragon. Then the compass helped inspire him. He found his dream and discovered time, light, and relativity. The compass helped forge Albert’s destiny. His life was a thrilling ride of adventure through time and multiple dimensions of light.

Einstein’s Compass a YA Time Traveler Adventure Buy on Amazon Now

Einstein’s Compass a YA Time Traveler Adventure

Chapter – Albert’s Solves Pythagorean Theorem

“Wow, did your pet goldfish die or something, Albert? You look terrible!” Johann shook his head in disapproval as his friend led him through the front door.

Despite himself, Albert had to smile at Johann’s cheerfulness. “Ah, I’m just stuck on a problem and don’t know how to get out of it.” Albert waved his arm as if to brush away his vexation. He was still hiding his mission and didn’t even want his good friend to know what he was pursuing. Albert ushered Johann into the parlor. “My mother thinks taking a break will help. We need to practice for the recital, anyway.”

Used to Albert’s moods, Johann nodded. “Okay, I can practice for an hour. My father needs me at the alehouse to help serve the evening meal.” He wiped his hands on his lederhosen and sat on the wooden piano bench, his legs stuffed under the piano, and shuffled the sheet music on the music stand. Albert had already memorized the piece, so he readied his violin as he stood next to Johann.

After fifteen minutes of stops and starts to refine their duet, the notes sparkled. The music’s sweetness began to seep into Albert’s troubled heart. He closed his eyes and, like fireworks, a burst of triangles within the notes flew in rhythm across his violin. His imagination blossomed and flowed with innovative ideas as Albert opened to new dimensions inside himself.

After another thirty minutes of playing, Albert had regained a sense of peace—as well as a new enthusiasm for his project. Albert began to fidget with his brow. He urged Johann to his feet and helped him on with his jacket. “It’s good, Johann, we’re ready for our recital,” Albert pronounced, propelling Johann to the door.

Attempting to straighten his jacket amid the hustle, Johann said, “Well, I guess we are ready.” Then Johann dug in his feet and turned to Albert, hiding a grin. “But are you sure you wouldn’t like to practice a few more times? I could stay a couple more minutes…”

“No, no, I am certain we are ready. Hurry up now, I don’t want you to be late for work,” Albert replied, almost slamming the door shut and utterly oblivious to the fact that Johann knew precisely what Albert was up to. On the porch, Johann smiled and shook his head as he turned to walk back to the alehouse. He had grown to love Albert and, truth be told, he was happy that his friend had regained his happiness.

With the breakthrough in awareness, he had gained when he and Johann had been playing the Mozart piece, Albert became more confident as he worked over the next days. And with confidence came serenity. The boy would awaken each morning with awareness of the music of the Pythagorean theorem dancing in his imagination. It was as if he was viewing the mathematics of it in its completeness from high above. And he knew he would find its temporarily elusive proof.

Early Man Can Talk. Change My Mind

In Natural Selection, Book 3 of the trilogy Dawn of Humanity and the sixth book in the Man vs. Nature series, the characters communicate often but rarely with voices. Instead, they mostly rely on hand gestures, body movements, and facial expressions. Some would say this meant they were primitive, unable to fully share thoughts, but it showed they had adapted to a dangerous environment where unusual sounds were the enemy. Here’s why.

I’ll be honest. How well early man could share thoughts is not settled science. No one questions their ability to hiss, squeak, howl, and bark in some early approximation of speech. The difference in opinions comes from whether the physiology of their evolving brain allowed for the sophisticated speech used by modern humans, one filled with verbs, nouns, and symbolism. The mushy, tissue-y brain doesn’t preserve decades much less 2 million years. Nor does the floating ‘hyoid’ bone in the throat that is critical to speech.

Even if that weren’t the case, why would they want to be noisy communicators when non-voice methods provided everything required for their daily existence. Their world was treacherous. Why would our ancestors, already poorly defended by weak claws, flat teeth, small size, and thin skin choose to “talk” with unnatural sounds when they were surrounded by predators who would like nothing better than to eat them? Logically, wouldn’t they choose something quieter and more functional? Have you been around someone who doesn’t speak your language yet the two of you communicate via hand gestures, body movements, and facial expressions? Think of American Sign Language and its sister non-spoken languages throughout the world. Once you learn this system of body movements, everything is said without words. No one misses anything.

Here’s what I think: Early man like my character Lucy and her tribe communicated ideas well without voices by using body language.

What are your experiences with communicating without voice? Share your stories with readers in the comments.

Summary

 In this conclusion to Lucy’s journey, she and her tribe leave their good home to rescue former-tribemembers captured by the enemy. Lucy’s tribe includes a mix of species–a Canis, a Homotherium, and different iterations of early man. In this book, more join and some die, but that is the nature of prehistoric life, where survival depends on a combination of our developing intellect and our inexhaustible will to live. Each species brings unique skills to this task. Based on true events.

 Set 1.8 million years ago in Africa, Lucy and her tribe struggle against the harsh reality of a world ruled by nature, where predators stalk them and a violent new species of man threatens to destroy their world. Only by changing can they prevail. If you ever wondered how earliest man survived but couldn’t get through the academic discussions, this book is for you. Prepare to see this violent and beautiful world in a way you never imagined.

 A perfect book for fans of Jean Auel and the Gears!

 Book information:

 Title and author: Natural Selection by Jacqui Murray

Series: Book 3 in the Dawn of Humanity series

Genre: Prehistoric fiction

Editor: Anneli Purchase

Available print or digital) at: http://a-fwd.com/asin=B0B9KPM5BW

 Author bio:

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice,  a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics.

 Social Media contacts:

 Amazon Author Page:         https://www.amazon.com/Jacqui-Murray/e/B002E78CQQ/

Blog:                                        https://worddreams.wordpress.com

Instagram:                              https://www.instagram.com/jacquimurraywriter/

Pinterest:                                http://pinterest.com/askatechteacher

Twitter:                                    http://twitter.com/worddreams

Website:                                 https://jacquimurray.net

 Book trailer: https://youtu.be/jZhlvou9hvg

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

One Pack Ends, Another Begins

 Africa  

The Canis’ packmates were all dead, each crumpled in a smeared puddle of blood, Upright killing sticks embedded where they should never be. His body shook, but he remembered his training. The killers’ scent filled the air. If they saw him—heard him—they would come for him, too, and he must survive. He was the last of his pack.

He padded quietly through the bodies, paused at his mate, broken, eyes open, tongue out, pup under her chest, his head crushed. A moan slipped from his muzzle and spread around him. He swallowed what remained in his mouth. Without a pack, silence was his only protection. He knew to be quiet, but today, now, failed.

To his horror, a departing Upright looked back, face covered in Canis blood, meaty shreds dripping from his mouth, the body of a dead pup slung over his shoulder. The Canis sank into the brittle grass and froze. The Upright scanned the massacre, saw the Canis’ lifeless body, thought him dead like the rest of the decimated pack. Satisfied, he turned away and rushed after his departing tribe. The Canis waited until the Upright was out of sight before cautiously rising and backing away from the onslaught, eyes on the vanished predators in case they changed their minds.

And fell.

He had planned to descend into the gully behind him. Sun’s shadows were already covering it in darkness which would hide him for the night, but he had gauged his position wrong. Suddenly, earth disappeared beneath his huge paws. He tried to scrabble to solid ground, but his weight and size worked against him and he tumbled down the steep slope. The loose gravel made gripping impossible, but he dug his claws in anyway, whining once when his shoulder slammed into a rock, and again when his head bounced off a tree stump. Pain tore through his ear as flesh ripped, dangling in shreds as it slapped the ground. He kept his legs as close as possible to his body and head tucked, thankful this hill ended in a flat field, not a river.

Or a cliff.

When it finally leveled out, he scrambled to his paws, managed to ignore the white-hot spikes shrieking through his head as he spread his legs wide. Blood wafted across his muzzle. He didn’t realize it was his until the tart globs dripped down his face and plopped to the ground beneath his quaking chest. The injured animal odor, raw flesh and fresh blood, drew predators. In a pack, his mate would purge it by licking the wound. She would pronounce him Ragged-ear, the survivor.

Ragged-ear is a strong name. A good one.

He panted, tail sweeping side to side, and his indomitable spirit re-emerged.

I live.

But no one else in his pack did.

Except, maybe, the female called White-streak. She often traveled alone, even when told not to. If she was away during the raid, she may have escaped. He would find her. Together, they would start over.

Ragged-ear shook, dislodging the grit and twigs from his now-grungy fur. That done, he sniffed out White-streak’s odor, discovered she had also descended here. His injuries forced him to limp and blood dripping from his tattered ear obstructed his sight. He stumbled trying to leap over a crack and fell into the fissure. Fire shot through his shoulder, exploded up his neck and down his chest. Normally, that jump was easy. He clambered up its crumbling far wall, breaking several of his yellowed claws.

All of that he ignored because it didn’t matter to his goal.

Daylight came and went as he followed White-streak, out of a forest onto dry savannah that was nothing like his homeland.

Why did she go here?

He embraced the tenderness that pulsed throughout his usually-limber body. It kept him angry and that made him vicious. He picked his way across streams stepping carefully on smooth stones, their damp surfaces slippery from the recent heavy rain, ignoring whoever hammered with a sharp rock inside his head. His thinking was fuzzy, but he didn’t slow. Survival was more important than comfort, or rest.

Ragged-ear stopped abruptly, nose up, sniffing. What had alerted him? Chest pounding, breathing shallow, he studied the forest that blocked his path, seeking anything that shouldn’t be there.

But the throbbing in his head made him miss Megantereon.

Ragged-ear padded forward, slowly, toward the first tree, leaving only the lightest of trails, the voice of Mother in his head.

Yes, your fur color matches the dry stalks, but the grass sways when you move. That gives away your location so always pay attention.

His hackles stiffened and he snarled, out of instinct, not because he saw Megantereon. Its shadowy hiding place was too dark for Ragged-ear’s still-fuzzy thinking. The She-cat should have waited for Ragged-ear to come closer, but she was hungry, or eager, or some other reason, and sprang. Her distance gave the Canis time to back pedal, protecting his soft underbelly from her attack. Ragged-ear was expert at escaping, but his stomach spasmed and he lurched to a stop with a yowl of pain. Megantereon’s next leap would land her on Ragged-ear, but to the Canis’ surprise, the She-cat staggered to a stop, and then howled.

While she had been stalking Ragged-ear, a giant Snake had been stalking her. When she prepared her death leap, Snake dropped to her back and began to wrap itself around her chest. With massive coils the size of Megantereon’s leg, trying to squirm away did no good.

Ragged-ear tried to run, but his legs buckled. Megantereon didn’t care because she now fought a rival that always won. The She-cat’s wails grew softer and then silent. Ragged-ear tasted her death as he dragged himself into a hole at the base of an old tree, as far as possible from scavengers who would be drawn to the feast.

 

He awoke with Sun’s light, tried to stand, but his legs again folded. Ragged-ear remained in the hole, eyes closed, curled around himself to protect his vulnerable stomach, his tail tickling his nose, comforting.

He survived the Upright’s assault because they deemed him dead. He would not allow them to be right.

 

Sun came and went. Ragged-ear consumed anything he could find, even eggs, offal, and long-dead carcasses his pack normally avoided. His legs improved until he could chase rats, fat round ground birds, and moles, a welcome addition to his diet. Sometimes, he vomited what he ate and swallowed it again. The day came he once again set out after what remained of his pack, his pace more sluggish than prior to the attack, but quick enough for safety.

Ragged-ear picked up the female’s scent again and tracked her to another den. He slept there for the night and repeated his hunt the next day and the next. When he couldn’t find her trace, instinct drove him and memories of the dying howls of his pack, from the adults who trusted their Alpha Ragged-ear to protect them to the whelps who didn’t understand the presence of evil in their bright world.

Everywhere he traveled, when he crossed paths with an Upright, it was their final battle.