Authors Shaping Carlsbad’s Literary Scene



October is National Book Month and it is my honor to recognize our own authors of Carlsbad! Did you know we have over 30+ local authors that have either self-published or landed a publishingdeal? From topics ranging children’s books, to memoirs, parables, and self-help, we have a variety of inspiring storytellers waiting to spark a connection with fellow readers in the community. 

Local CEO & Founder, Devin C. Hughes Inc. is the author of Contrast: A Biracial Man’s Journey To Desegregate His Past. Devin has been through a lot but that doesn’t stop him from being kind to himself and to anyone he meets. In fact, his motto is “Kindness is cool – seriously, spread that stuff everywhere.” He mentions, “Think of kindness as the world’s most infectious (in a good way) contagion. Slapping on a grin, doling out compliments like Halloween candy, and tossing around good deeds like confetti at a parade doesn’t just jazz up someone else’s day—it’s your backstage pass to the feel-good festival of the century. Imagine kindness as your personal brand of fairy dust; sprinkle it liberally, and watch as the magic unfolds, turning mundane moments into episodes of joyous wonder. In the grand scheme of things, being the person who lights up rooms with generosity and warmth is cooler than the other side of the pillow. So, why not make kindness your modus operandi? After all, in the economy of cool, kindness is the currency that never devalues.”

John Sanders, Ph. D., Business Consultant, Investor and Technology Advocate.  The John Sanders Podcast Studio resides at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and is a full-service podcast studio. John brings his  decades of investing in, advising, and managing small companies (whether for profit or non profit) in an advice-packed,   book, Parables for Entrepreneurs. John highlights, “For the success of the enterprise, It is critical that top management enjoy their work (and “have fun” in the business) if not, get out. Have positive cash flow (more money coming in versus going out), and have cash reserves ( to support growth, possible acquisitions, and protect against any slowdown or economic recession.).  In summary:  “Have fun, positive cash flow, and growing cash reserves.  You will ultimately be successful – period.” In true podcast fashion, you can also download the audio form with the author reading it for interested listeners.

Local Videographer Chris Ryan is the author and editor of Helping Fathers Heal: Grief, Hope, and our Search for Connection. Chris endured every parents’ nightmare­—the death of his only child, Sean, in September of 2021 due to fentanyl poisoning.

Says Chris, “Grief can do strange things to a person. This tragedy ripped our hearts wide open. My wife, Cyn, and I are on a mission of healing from the trauma of Sean’s passing.” Chris compiled a collection of short stories written by Chris and 24 other fathers who are on the same grief journey. This book is for anyone experiencing grief, but is also appropriate if you simply want to understand what someone in your life might be going through.  One unique aspect to the book is the focus on fathers. “Oftentimes, men aren’t expected (or allowed) to show emotions openly…we’re supposed to be an example of strength and stability. It can be uniquely stressful. This book seeks to help others understand grief and provides tools for healing our hearts.”


Check out the full list of inspiring Carlsbad Authors



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