SHATTERED CHILD: I was born in Sri-Lanka in 1973. I was adopted and brought to Australia with my presumed biological sister in 1976. My story is one of strength, courage, and sadness, of a girl trying to fit in somewhere in this world. Adopted twice and then removed from a home twice, I was physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually abused. I was bullied as a child and attacked as a teenager. I had great things happen to me and I had the worst. I tried to be strong and sometimes I tried to give up. I was lost in my own world and at times could see no way out of it. I found support in very few people, and the ones who I thought should have supported me were the ones who hurt me the most. My trust in people vanished. When I no longer lived in the family home, I found people who supported me. I had to learn to trust that they wouldn't hurt me and that they in fact loved me, scars and all. I had to become a strong, independent woman and learn to live my life the way I wanted to, and understand that no one has the right to harm me in any shape or form. I wrote this memoir in anticipation of people reading it and seeing that there is hope for those who have struggled or are still struggling in their lives. Take each day as it comes, the good and the bad.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sumie Filmer is now in her early fifties, happily married to the man who changed her life. She and her husband live in Queensland, Australia, and together they have two adult children in their late twenties. Though her earlier years were marked by deep pain and sadness, and she continues to have difficult days, a diagnosis of complex PTSD and anxiety has given her clarity. It helped her understand that her thoughts and emotions are shaped by the trauma she experienced. Healing remains an ongoing process, but the unwavering support of her loving husband, close friends, and a dedicated therapist has played a significant role in her journey forward. “Shattered Child” is her writing debut.

LEARN MORE about Sumie Filmer and her work: https://sumiefilmerauthor.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• Childhood Trauma and Abuse – Adoption, abandonment, and prolonged abuse shaped Sumie’s early life and the core of her memoir.

• Survival and Resilience – She describes coping through small acts like stretching food, singing, and dancing, which helped her endure extreme circumstances.

• Healing and Mental Health – A suicide attempt, later therapy, and a complex PTSD diagnosis marked turning points in her emotional recovery.

• Trust and Relationships – Gradually rebuilding trust through safe relationships, especially with her husband, while acknowledging her struggle with forgiveness.

• Purpose and Impact of the Memoir – Written to give voice to survivors, call out systemic failures, and inspire hope; readers have reached out in gratitude.

CONNECT WITH SUMIE FILMER!

Website: https://sumiefilmerauthor.com/

Social Media Links:

Facebook, Shattered Child - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?

id=61570987663484

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shatteredchild/

TRAFFIC OF A LIE

Oppression, deceit, love and greed. Adeline is devastated at the news that her beloved mother has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in its advanced stages. Discombobulated at her mother's refusal to receive any form of treatment, no matter how much her and her sister Penelope plead her to re-consider, the two girls are shattered when their mother takes her final breath. But this is just the beginning of Adeline's turmoil. The reading of the will sets in motion a thickly woven web of deceit and lies that will rock Adeline to her very core, forcing her to question the essence of her existence and the foundations of the basis of all that she has known throughout her life. Traversing different countries, spanning across two generations, patriarchal societal beliefs and the complexities of the human character, love may not always conquer, but ultimately the truth will.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela Nagel lives in the picturesque Barossa Valley located in South Australia with her husband James and their cheeky and talkative Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Basil. Three adult children and their partners complete their family. Angela has enjoyed a fulfilling career spanning over four decades helping operate their family owned bakery business. She enjoys travelling, with a particular interest in experiencing different cultures and languages. An avid reader for as long as she can remember, Angela has always held an interest in writing. Traffic of a Lie is her debut novel.

Learn more about Angela and her work at https://angelanagelauthor.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• Overview and Inspiration Behind Traffic of a Lie

  • What the story is about, the inspiration behind it, and how the idea evolved into a novel.

• Character Development and Emotional Themes

  • Deep dive into Adeline and Yasmina’s emotional journeys, the complexity of mother-daughter relationships, betrayal, grief, identity crisis, resilience, and how characters navigate societal pressures.

• Generational Oppression, Patriarchal Systems, and Gender Inequality

  • How systemic control, traditions, and silence impact women across generations; drawing parallels between past and present struggles for women's autonomy and voice.

• Structural and Storytelling Choices

  • Use of dual timelines, balancing emotional devastation with hope, the symbolism behind the book’s title, and decisions around what to reveal versus what to leave uncertain.

• Reader Reactions and Future Projects

  • How readers have responded to the story, the kinds of conversations it sparks about family, silence, and healing, and Angela Nagel’s plans to write a psychological thriller as her next book.

SCAMS, HACKING AND CYBERSECURITY

The internet is a powerful tool connecting us in ways unimaginable just a few decades ago. However, it also harbors risks—cyber scams, cyber crimes, and hidden dangers lurking on the dark web. Hackers and cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities to steal data, commit identity theft, and manipulate systems using social engineering.

But how safe are we online? Should we avoid the digital world entirely? Not at all. Just like real-world dangers, we can navigate online security risks with the right tools and knowledge.

This cybersecurity bible is the ultimate guide to protecting yourself in the digital landscape. Whether you're looking for cybersecurity for beginners, insights into cyber hacking and the law, or best cybersecurity books to improve your internet safety, this book equips you with practical tools and strategies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

May Brooks-Kempler is a cybersecurity expert whose career began in the 1990s, exploring the realms of game “cheats” and “hacks” on IRC chats. This early fascination led her through a distinguished journey in cybersecurity, from Penetration Testing to Security Architect and eventually a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Today, she is a highly sought-after strategic consultant, speaker, and mentor, known for her dynamic involvement in developing and promoting innovative cybersecurity initiatives and guiding startups.

May’s expertise and engaging delivery have made her a favorite at numerous speaking engagements, including a TEDx talk, keynotes, and commentator on critical cybersecurity issues. Her role as a podcaster further amplifies her reach, where she shares vital security insights with a global audience.

As a member of the ISC2 Board of Directors, an authorized CISSP and HCISPP instructor, and co-author, May’s dedication to advancing the cybersecurity profession is unmistakable. Her book, “Scams, Hacking and Cybersecurity – The Ultimate Guide to Online Safety and Privacy”, and her online courses, reflect her commitment to making the digital world a safer place for all, especially families, as underscored by her personal mission as a mother of three.

Through her extensive experience and influential voice in the field, May Brooks-Kempler continues to shape the future of online safety, making her a pivotal figure in the world of cybersecurity education and advocacy.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• Evolution of Threats: Online scams have evolved from obvious phishing emails to sophisticated ads, fake profiles, and AI-generated content.
• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and curiosity to trick people through social engineering.
• Online Safety Habits: Good habits like thinking before sharing, using password managers wisely, and enabling two-factor authentication are essential.
• Protecting Kids Online: Parents should teach children to think critically before posting and clicking to protect their privacy and safety.
• Responding to Cyber Incidents: If you suspect a hack, stay calm, assess the damage, and act quickly based on the importance of the compromised asset.

LEARN MORE AND CONNECT WITH MAY BROOKS-KEMPLER: https://maybrooks.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/may-brooks-kempler https://www.instagram.com/may.brooks.kempler https://www.youtube.com/@CyberMAYnia https://new-may.framepro.io/guidebooks-and-resources