BookLife Talks with Pamela Blake
BookLife Reviews recently called David Isaak’s Tomorrowville a “stark story critiquing a dystopian government gone too far” that “percolates with a mix of humor and dread.” Sadly, Isaak, after a truly eclectic life, passed away in 2021. He left behind five novels that his widow, Pamela Blake, is now publishing in his memory. We spoke with her about that process and what readers can expect from Isaak’s work.
Can you describe what it’s been like to publish these works posthumously?
David and I were together for more than 50 years. His passing was an immense loss for me; in the midst of my grief, I found solace in the precious gift he left behind—his books. It’s a bittersweet journey to publish them posthumously, as it allows me to continue a mission that has become deeply personal: to honor his memory and keep his work alive.
Every day, as I work to bring his novels into the world, I am grateful, knowing that I am fulfilling his dream. However, there’s a poignant sadness that lingers in my heart because David isn’t here to witness firsthand the profound impact his writing and stories have on readers. Yet, I take comfort in the thought that through his words, he lives on, touching the lives and hearts of those who discover his work, just as he did for me.
What do you think inspired Tomorrowville?
Tomorrowville is a product of David’s deep concern for societal issues he observed in the early 2000s, especially civil asset forfeiture and the growing influence of the entertainment industry on public discourse. With his signature satirical humor, he projected these trends 80 years into the future. In this future world, he pushes these trends to their logical and sometimes absurd extremes, inviting readers to reflect on the potential consequences of our actions today.
Is there a common theme across Isaak’s stories?
While David’s five books span various genres, they share a common thread—the exploration of the intricate dynamics among friendship, love, and the mysterious realms that exist beyond our everyday perception.
How do you recommend readers stay connected with Isaak’s work?
Readers can follow David’s Facebook page: facebook.com/DavidTIsaak. Or please consider signing up for The Isaak Collection newsletter on his website: utamatzi.com.
For more, visit booklife.com/isaak
...I take comfort in the thought that through his words, he lives on, touching the lives and hearts of those who discover his work, just as he did for me.
– Pamela Blake
Becoming an author was something that took Dartis by surprise. She had never intended to write a book, but when her daughter experienced what Dartis describes as a “miracle,” she decided to share the experience with the world. We spoke with Dartis about her writing process and what she hopes her book’s larger impact will be.
Why did you decide to turn this emotional family experience into a children’s book?
First and foremost, Trinity’s Earthly Arrival from Heaven is inspired by my granddaughter Trinity, our miracle baby. My daughter and only child, Kelli, had been told she’d never be able to have children, so I thought I would never be a grandmother. Hence the reason our family considers Trinity our miracle child.
Can you talk about the process you went through to find your illustrator?
Finding an illustrator was extremely difficult, much to my surprise. Nothing could have prepared me for the arduous journey I had in trying to find the right illustrator for my first children’s book, which included encountering a few scammers. I also reached out to artists I knew personally; one is a family member who declined, another who I had known since childhood did not get back to me, and others wanted to charge exorbitant amounts of money. I ended up going with someone I knew from Facebook who is an author-illustrator. However, once we began moving forward with the project, things did not go as smoothly as I would have liked. In the end, I was truly taken aback by the effort involved in finding an illustrator, but I certainly learned a lot during the process.
For more, visit booklife.com/dartis
Parker’s unique background as an entrepreneur and reverend led him to write The Wealth Spark, which BookLife Reviews described as “a fresh take on—and path to—approaching and obtaining wealth, with insights, action steps, and emphasis on personal growth, communication, and goal-setting.”
What made you want to write The Wealth Spark?
The inspiration to write The Wealth Spark emerged from a profound realization: true wealth is vastly more than just financial prosperity. This book was born from witnessing a common longing across my interactions, whether with corporate leaders or individuals at life’s crossroads. There was a hunger for a deeper form of wealth—one that fuses financial success with personal and spiritual growth. This realization propelled me to create The Wealth Spark, a guide that redefines wealth in its most holistic sense. It’s not solely about accumulating wealth; it’s about crafting a life rich in purpose, relationships, and fulfillment. The Wealth Spark is my invitation to readers to embark on an extraordinary journey of transformation, to build not just financial stability but a life abundant in every possible dimension.
Who is your ideal reader and why?
My ideal reader encompasses a broad spectrum: from young professionals laying the groundwork for their future to established entrepreneurs seeking deeper fulfillment and individuals at various life stages yearning for change. This includes the single parent striving for a better life for their family, the determined individual rebuilding after setbacks like a career change or educational detour, and those in midlife seeking a meaningful pivot. The Wealth Spark also speaks to anyone seeking a richer spiritual and emotional life. It’s crafted for all who are navigating life’s complexities and aspiring to a more holistic form of success—one that harmonizes financial stability with personal well-being and fulfillment.
What do you think other entrepreneurial/personal growth books fail to do that The Wealth Spark does?
The Wealth Spark differentiates itself from other entrepreneurial/personal growth books in two compelling ways. First, it offers a groundbreaking framework that bridges the gap between financial success and personal development, providing readers with a holistic approach to achieving both. Unlike books that focus solely on financial strategies or personal development, The Wealth Spark shows how these elements are interconnected and essential for a prosperous and abundant life.
Second, the book provides actionable steps and strategies, making it a hands-on guide for readers. While many books offer theory or inspiration, The Wealth Spark equips readers with practical tools for transforming their financial situation and personal life. It’s not just about theory; it’s about taking real steps toward a more balanced, enriched, and multidimensional existence.
What is the one thing you most want to tell readers, about you or your book?
The pivotal message I want to resonate with readers of The Wealth Spark is that true wealth is an electrifying fusion of financial success and a life rich in fulfillment. It’s about igniting a powerful transformation where financial prosperity and personal enrichment coalesce, creating a vibrant, deeply satisfying existence. This book isn’t just a pathway to financial growth; it’s a bold charge to embrace an enriched life where every victory, be it in your bank account or your personal development, contributes to a magnificent assembly of holistic success. The Wealth Spark invites you to ignite a remarkable life adventure, one that transcends the conventional, sparking a legacy of wealth in its richest, most comprehensive form.
What’s next for you?
My path ahead is focused on expanding and deepening the impact of The Wealth Spark. Committed to this mission, I will be leading workshops, master classes, and speaking engagements to share the principles of holistic wealth and to assist others in discovering their own routes to unparalleled abundance. Additionally, I am venturing into new writing projects that will further unravel and illuminate specific areas of personal and financial growth, building upon the transformative foundation established by The Wealth Spark.
For more, visit booklife.com/parker
Writer and filmmaker Harris’s latest work, Misfits, received an Editor’s Pick from BookLife, which praised the author for breathing “life into his characters by employing evocative imagery and succinct storytelling.”
What’s the story behind Misfits?
Misfits draws on my long experience as a journalist and documentary filmmaker. I write fiction to discover truths
I failed to see at the time I was filming or experiencing them. For example,
“Mute,” the second story in the book, is about a family coming to grips with their son’s autism. I spent five years producing a video-intensive website on autism but felt there was still more I wanted to explore about this subject. “Tikkun Olam” grew out of the years I spent writing and directing Foster, an HBO documentary about the foster care system in Los Angeles. Yet I was still haunted by the questions the film raised. As Don DeLillo has remarked, a writer “learns to ride his own sentences into new perceptions.” For more, visit booklife.com/harris