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General view of Milano Centrale railway station, Milan, Lombardy, Italy, Europe.

A Monument To Pomp and Power We’re in Milan on research for our forthcoming book, ‘Threads of Trauma’ and visited Milano Centrale, inaugurated in 1931 with bold Art Deco, Liberty, and Fascist-infused architecture, which was Mussolini’s showcase of national might. Yet during WWII, the station’s lavish arches also masked a darker role, as it became a gateway for deportations.<figure id="figure-66hqklp6xfmcbst1pg"><img id="66hqklp6xfmcbst1pg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/32FZhkSrOxkm0oOBEf9F3nYp8FAZvCaVo4GhhyX3BAOGXUthnry3IvOMA1Q5YTvT.jpeg" alt="General view of Milano Centrale railway station, Milan, Lombardy, Italy, Europe." title="General view of Milano Centrale railway station, Milan, Lombardy, Italy, Europe." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/32FZhkSrOxkm0oOBEf9F3nYp8FAZvCaVo4GhhyX3BAOGXUthnry3IvOMA1Q5YTvT.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Platform 21: A Hidden Hell Below the polished terminal lay Platform 21, an unassuming freight platform from which at least 23 trains departed between 1943 and 1945, deporting thousands of Jews and political prisoners to Auschwitz and other camps. • The first convoy left on Dec 6, 1943 with 169 deportees and only 5 survived. • A later train on Jan 30, 1944 carried 600 people, including children where upon arrival, 500 were murdered at Auschwitz. Since 2013, the Memoriale della Shoah at Platform 21 stands as a solemn tribute to the victims. Though spared the brunt of heavy Allied bombing, Milan and the station endured repeated raids targeting rail yards and suburbs. Passengers, trains, and infrastructure suffered disruption and human tragedy, but Milano Centrale’s core architecture remarkably survived. <figure id="figure-6kfysvkrjmcbsuj51"><img id="6kfysvkrjmcbsuj51" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2YEj0yjQLFFm23ZcYw6DhgoW7zpbMustxUeIwmkSHQmBcOG2pZXbAi4RpA4LSqDO.jpeg" alt="Milan Central Railway Station" title="Milan Central Railway Station" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Now bustling with 320,000 daily passengers, Milano Centrale blends living history with modern transit. Hidden beneath its grandeur, Platform 21’s memorial invites reflection and contemplation. #HolocaustRemembrance #WWIIHistory #Milan #Platform21 #HistoryMatters #MemorialeShoah #ArchitecturalArchives

Milano Centrale:A Research Visit

When I first sat down to write this book, I had absolutely no intentions of becoming an author. I just needed some sort of medium to express the things I couldn’t say out loud. At the time, everything just felt so messy and uncertain. I was going through something that completely took over my life, &nbsp;trying for a baby, and watching month after month go by with no answers, no changes, just more questions and more heartbreak. Infertility, miscarriage… these weren’t things I ever expected to be writing about, never mind living through. But there I was.<figure id="figure-eriht2l5lmbl0itpv"><img id="eriht2l5lmbl0itpv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/24HKc2waFySSmyLRlqbERkcqamK7o5cDXk9iVoQbIpzxx5zdqHWIx0QGVDqZSFCU.jpeg" alt="In the close-up shot, an Asian woman is seated at a table in her backyard, enjoying a moment of relaxation and me-time as she writes on a notepad in the morning." title="In the close-up shot, an Asian woman is seated at a table in her backyard, enjoying a moment of relaxation and me-time as she writes on a notepad in the morning." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/24HKc2waFySSmyLRlqbERkcqamK7o5cDXk9iVoQbIpzxx5zdqHWIx0QGVDqZSFCU.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> And so I started putting it down on paper, not because I had some great plan or because I wanted to turn it into anything, but because I didn’t know what else to do with it all. The grief, the rage, the endless loop of hoping and bracing for disappointment. Writing became a way of holding myself together and to be honest, it gave me a way to let out stuff I’d been bottling up for a very long time.&nbsp; Some of the chapters were really hard to write. I’d sit there trying to find the right words for how it actually felt, and sometimes there weren’t any. How do you explain the madness of tracking cervical mucus and waking up at the same time every day to check your temperature, or the way your heart pounds when you see a smiley face on an ovulation test, like it might change your whole life? My writing speaks on this in a lot of detail. That quiet obsession that takes over when you're trying and trying and nothing is happening. The peeing on sticks before your morning coffee, the Googling, the overthinking, and the looking for signs in everything. It’s not something people talk about much, but if you know, you know.<figure id="figure-3s3dbxbvbqmbl0l0l6"><img id="3s3dbxbvbqmbl0l0l6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2f16sJvPklh3NIe1xP2oMzpecNuqE7azvYDTp6v4cqqQe9JKNg8qiKhtVwEX6dVK.jpeg" alt="fountain pen on paper with ink text closeup" title="fountain pen on paper with ink text closeup" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2f16sJvPklh3NIe1xP2oMzpecNuqE7azvYDTp6v4cqqQe9JKNg8qiKhtVwEX6dVK.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> What I realised as I kept writing was that I wasn’t alone. And if I wasn’t alone, maybe someone else out there needed to hear that too. So that’s why I kept going, not to give advice or answers (God knows I didn’t have them), but to tell the truth. To say, this is what it was like for me, and if you’re going through it too, I get it. Truly. I hope this book reaches the people who need it. The ones who are in the thick of it right now. The ones who’ve been through it and are still trying to make sense of it. The ones supporting someone quietly from the side-lines. You’re not overreacting. <figure id="figure-zaf194kljjmbl0m81f"><img id="zaf194kljjmbl0m81f" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/0P6qcqcDiaQGezXZVT4rYYdY2UyL9E55e5Xn2HT8cELhk6wD77JsnmZd9Ay12QgF.jpeg" alt="Contemporary art collage. Conceptual image of male hand with pencil and blank paper. Creation of story" title="Contemporary art collage. Conceptual image of male hand with pencil and blank paper. Creation of story" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/0P6qcqcDiaQGezXZVT4rYYdY2UyL9E55e5Xn2HT8cELhk6wD77JsnmZd9Ay12QgF.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>You’re not making it up. And you’re not on your own. Thanks for being here. Laura 💖&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Why I'm Writing My Debut Book

Technology artificial intelligence digital ai hand concept on cyber future business tech science innovation futuristic network strategy background virtual data communication learning assistant search.

Working in the 21st Century: The Rise of AI and Creatives According to MarketsandMarkets, the global AI market is projected to grow from an already staggering $58.3 billion just four years ago to a staggering $309.6 billion by next year in 2026. Those are eye watering numbers. In our realm of books and publishing, AI’s reach now extends far beyond adult literature into the very precious world of children’s books, and it is transforming how stories are illustrated, produced, and published. Of course, this brings many challenges.<figure id="figure-s8qe7fqk5mbi5qtao"><img id="s8qe7fqk5mbi5qtao" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/22bzNgNeehr9jyE3AMlRvB5mPBzIgAX2rJ2clYOzRABhbVBY3pgla7RhG0QDWZmG.jpeg" alt="Humans are using laptops and computers to interact with AI, helping them create, code, train AI, or analyze big data with fast, cutting-edge technology." title="Humans are using laptops and computers to interact with AI, helping them create, code, train AI, or analyze big data with fast, cutting-edge technology." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/22bzNgNeehr9jyE3AMlRvB5mPBzIgAX2rJ2clYOzRABhbVBY3pgla7RhG0QDWZmG.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> There are real questions in this transformation....No...revolution is a more apt word. The first is, are we taking opportunities and payment pathways away from human artists and illustrators if we embrace AI to greater or lesser extents? And a second is, how can anyone now ensure 'fair use' of AI-created images? (what even is 'fair use' in such a rapidly and dramatically changing environment?). For very many traditional artists, AI represents a massive and deeply scary shift in the(ir) industry— and it's easy to see why. We are reminded of childhoods spent in Killarney, County Kerry where pony and traps transported us holiday makers around the town and out into the countryside. We're sure when the Model T came along back in the day, it was met with fear and resentment by these people in business - much like an attitude to AI held by some people. But, here's the thing. As with everything in life, the very best at anything, any industry, any profession will, somehow, survive and indeed prosper. It will be a different landscape for sure, but not unsurvivable. The pony and traps remain today in Killarney and Central Park in New York because at least some humans place a value on them. Not as many as before, but they are there. We know. We've been on them.<figure id="figure-vd3q1okvzmbi5ronu"><img id="vd3q1okvzmbi5ronu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/118zVIsqNKsRcyYFBkuWLs73d2ie6V3pEyrdPAQJbzOHPedAsnWqukcz8JZinBr9.jpeg" alt="Amish Buggy and Sunbeams at Daybreak" title="Amish Buggy and Sunbeams at Daybreak" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/118zVIsqNKsRcyYFBkuWLs73d2ie6V3pEyrdPAQJbzOHPedAsnWqukcz8JZinBr9.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Change will most likely mean an appreciation and journey into blended work and some creatives will like this and find it fascinating and some won't and will find it distressing. That's ok. Our view us that there will always be room and an appreciation for human creativity because, ultimately, we are all creatives although we might use different language and terminology to describe what we do. Not everything comes down to profit margins and spreadsheets. Expression is everything. The tailor who takes pleasure in a suit made, the cobbler who admires shoes made, the electrician who loves the latest circuit creation, the illustrator proud of an insert and the author who delights in a book are all creatives in their own right.<figure id="figure-r0nie71q6mbi5sruj"><img id="r0nie71q6mbi5sruj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/4r2tKd0OFounPOLyYKPbYXt03hVPOlbYc4sYR4IPdWxRU0E4nlv3HpJTBP6S742L.jpeg" alt="Close up woman hand artist in the darkroom warm light working on painting with brush and variant acrylic color. Female artist painter on canvas in creative studio as art concept" title="Close up woman hand artist in the darkroom warm light working on painting with brush and variant acrylic color. Female artist painter on canvas in creative studio as art concept" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> There are literally hundreds of free or inexpensive training tools and packages with AI centre stage and it's a good idea to keep conversant with current and emerging trends that are, and will, likely affect us creatives. To pretend there is only the traditional way of doing things in any industry is to remain stagnant. If Darwin taught us anything in school, it was that those who adapt survive. Let's even try to stay true to our creativity... The ShadowScript Team ©

Working in the 21st Century: The Rise of AI and Creatives

White cloud with the words time to read books written in black

<h3>Understanding the Importance of Reading</h3>In our fast-paced, digitally-driven world, finding time to read can seem like an elusive goal. Yet, the benefits of reading are substantial, offering everything from improved mental health to enhanced knowledge and vocabulary. Making reading a priority in your life can significantly improve your quality of life.Reading not only provides an escape from reality but also stimulates creativity and critical thinking. It is a gateway to new worlds, cultures, and ideas, enriching your personal and professional life alike. With a busy schedule, it's crucial to carve out time for this rewarding activity.<figure id="figure-gscqx4er17mbc37jk5"><img id="gscqx4er17mbc37jk5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/26Ihm9ZUngBiYBTpLLq0ej9gyBsncLpB9ZKCaNNssrTexndti8K2jWlPBSwyvEqn.jpeg" alt="books on shelf" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/26Ihm9ZUngBiYBTpLLq0ej9gyBsncLpB9ZKCaNNssrTexndti8K2jWlPBSwyvEqn.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Assessing Your Daily Schedule</h3>To integrate reading into your life, start by assessing your daily schedule. Identify pockets of time that are currently underutilised. This could be during your commute, lunch break, or just before bed. By repurposing these moments for reading, you can gradually build a consistent habit.Consider creating a reading schedule that aligns with your lifestyle. For instance, if you're a morning person, allocate 15 minutes to read while enjoying your coffee. Alternatively, if you find relaxation in the evening, make it a part of your bedtime routine.<figure id="figure-u2yazppa8ymbc37qlg"><img id="u2yazppa8ymbc37qlg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2fvof5lLmqMfK4OaZ6M01iAtiXvhS5X8Ce5KmQ4Pcx1yK8lDNYHLcCYGQkHNJ2UQ.jpeg" alt="reading in bed" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2fvof5lLmqMfK4OaZ6M01iAtiXvhS5X8Ce5KmQ4Pcx1yK8lDNYHLcCYGQkHNJ2UQ.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Choosing the Right Material</h3>Selecting engaging material is key to sustaining your reading habit. Choose genres and topics that genuinely interest you. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or magazines, ensure that your reading list excites you. This will make it easier to look forward to reading sessions.For those who struggle with time, audiobooks can be an excellent alternative. They allow you to consume content while multitasking—whether you're driving or doing household chores—maximising productivity without sacrificing your reading goals.<h3>Setting Realistic Goals</h3>Start small by setting realistic reading goals. Begin with short articles or chapters and gradually increase your reading time as it becomes more habitual. Setting achievable targets can boost your confidence and help maintain motivation over the long term.<figure id="figure-4goourfqkembc37vkd"><img id="4goourfqkembc37vkd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/369ARpgqC0tDBGXDWtfqj3gTX3YnwSbPZJvJj0V3MoNEeysy6YOAYPCaUCS01pCE.jpeg" alt="reading goals" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/369ARpgqC0tDBGXDWtfqj3gTX3YnwSbPZJvJj0V3MoNEeysy6YOAYPCaUCS01pCE.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>Consider joining a book club or online reading group to stay accountable and gain different perspectives on your readings. Engaging in discussions can enhance comprehension and make the experience more enjoyable.<h3>Eliminating Distractions</h3>Create an environment conducive to reading by minimising distractions. This could mean turning off notifications on your devices or setting aside a quiet space dedicated to reading. The focus is essential for immersing yourself in the material.If possible, designate specific times for reading where interruptions are minimised. Letting others know about these times can help establish boundaries and ensure you have uninterrupted reading sessions.<h3>Utilising Digital Solutions</h3>Incorporate technology to streamline your reading habit. E-readers and apps like Kindle or Audible make it easy to access a wide array of books at your fingertips. These tools offer convenience and portability, allowing you to read whenever and wherever you find a moment.<figure id="figure-7y8zsmj7vtmbc3824q"><img id="7y8zsmj7vtmbc3824q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2DJx7KpwwpeWXXfzwzwUqZJiVvHHyvWQmf4XmgcX1ITpcm5m6NLvWt8ZAxaar2HJ.jpeg" alt="ebooks on tablet" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2DJx7KpwwpeWXXfzwzwUqZJiVvHHyvWQmf4XmgcX1ITpcm5m6NLvWt8ZAxaar2HJ.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>Furthermore, consider using apps that track your progress and send reminders to read. These digital solutions can help reinforce your commitment to making reading an integral part of your daily routine.<h3>Reaping the Rewards</h3>By implementing these strategies, you'll find that reading becomes a natural part of your routine rather than a chore. The more integrated it becomes, the more you'll reap its rewards—from increased knowledge to reduced stress levels.Remember, the journey to finding time to read is personal and should be tailored to fit your unique lifestyle. With dedication and the right approach, anyone can cultivate a fulfilling reading habit amidst a busy life.

Finding Time to Read: Simple Strategies for Busy Lives

Knight In Full Armour Carrying Flag Rides Towards Coastal Castle

Some more from the fantasy world of Leon Rí in the book, 'Fireborn: Crown of Serraphion' by debut author, Cullen Kennedy.Leon Rí's destiny is profoundly shaped by his family background and the seemingly ordinary yet ultimately significant experiences of his early life as Lee Lynch. • Unbeknownst Heritage: Leon's mother, Arial (later revealed as Angel Aerial), possessed Phoenix blood, a divine and powerful lineage from the realm of Serraphion. His father was Will Walker, who later became Tharros, a high-ranking member of the Shadow League. This hidden heritage laid the foundation for his extraordinary destiny, imbuing him with latent Phoenix powers. His mother deliberately kept his powers sealed, hoping he could have a normal life free from the conflicts of Serraphion. • A Seemingly Normal Childhood: His early life as Lee Lynch in a loving family, despite his mother's secret past and the mystery surrounding her relatives, grounded him in human values and relationships. His bond with his parents, particularly his mother's affection ("My little Leon Ri"), and his enjoyment of typical childhood activities like music and friendships, shaped his initial identity and emotional core. • Unanswered Questions and Hidden Secrets: The persistent questions about his mother's lack of family and her evasiveness when asked, along with overhearing his parents' argument that suggested his father might not be his biological father, created a sense of unease and a yearning for the truth. This inherent curiosity and the feeling of hidden secrets prepared him to accept the extraordinary revelations about his origins. • The Introduction to Magic and a New Identity: The arrival of his uncle Tharros and the revelation of Serraphion and his true parentage marked a pivotal turning point. The choice presented to him – to embrace the truth and a new identity as Leon Rí or have his memories erased – directly set him on his destined path. His subconscious connection to the name "Leon Rí," a name his mother used affectionately, suggests an inherent link to his true self. • Training as a Shadow Knight: Accepting his heritage led him to rigorous training as a Shadow League initiate and eventually a Shadow Knight. This brutal training forged him into a skilled warrior, shaping his physical and mental capabilities for the challenges he would face. However, it also placed him within a world of secrets and potentially manipulated loyalties. • Manipulated Missions and Tragic Discoveries: His missions as a Shadow Knight, particularly the one leading him to Marina (the Hell Queen), were orchestrated and based on lies, revealing a darker side to the Shadow League.&nbsp; • The Revelation of Phoenix Heritage and True Destiny: The near-fatal encounter with the Lethal Lizard Wizard triggered the awakening of his latent Phoenix powers and the full truth of his mother's identity and sacrifices. This pivotal moment revealed his true destiny as the Fireborn King of Serraphion.In essence, Leon Rí's destiny is a complex interplay of his inherent Phoenix lineage, his initial nurturing in a seemingly ordinary human life, the gradual unveiling of extraordinary truths, and the trials and manipulations he endured. His early experiences, though initially kept in the dark, provided him with a moral compass and emotional depth that would ultimately shape his reign as a compassionate yet powerful leader. His family background, both the loving facade of his childhood and the powerful secret heritage, were fundamental in shaping the man and king he was destined to become. -Harry Hickey, April 2025.&nbsp;* 'Fireborn: Crown of Serraphion' by debut author, Cullen Kennedy will be released in the summer of 2025.&nbsp;

'Fireborn: Crown of Serraphion' by debut author, Cullen Kenned

Wow—this book took me by surprise in the best way. The Spirit Dragon’s Keeper is a beautifully written, emotionally grounded fantasy that feels both deeply mythical and fiercely human. It follows Mila, a Sámi girl who’s kidnapped and brought to a Chinese temple under mysterious circumstances. What follows is part survival story, part spiritual journey, and part martial arts epic. The world is rich with folklore and ancient wisdom, and Mila’s inner voice is unforgettable—raw, poetic, and full of quiet strength.There’s no flashy magic here (at least not yet)—instead, it’s about intuition, energy, resilience, and identity. And the slow reveal of her mysterious powers feels incredibly earned. I loved the cultural fusion of Sámi and Chinese traditions, the sensory writing, and how real Mila felt.If you’re tired of generic fantasy and want something that speaks to the soul, this book is for you. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next—because this feels like the beginning of something truly special. – Karen Gallen, Reviewer.

The ShadowScript Group

Blog

Milano Centrale:A Research Visit

Why I'm Writing My Debut Book

Working in the 21st Century: The Rise of AI and Creatives

Finding Time to Read: Simple Strategies for Busy Lives

'Fireborn: Crown of Serraphion' by debut author, Cullen K...

ARC Review of 'The Spirit Dragon's Keeper' by Catarina Li...