THE TMR PODCAST: Recent Episodes

James M Fisher

Each month or so, James M. Fisher, the editor-in-chief of The Miramichi Reader, talks CanLit books, interviews authors, and looks at what's coming up at The Miramichi Reader website.

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The highlight of this episode is a fun interview with author Lisa de Nikolits whose new book "Everything You Dream is Real" gets launched on October 18th. 

In addition, there are three author self-promos for their new fall 2022 books from Heritage House Publishers.

Lisa de Nikolit's website: https://www.lisawriter.com/

Inanna Publishers: https://www.inanna.ca/

Heritage House Publishers: https://www.heritagehouse.ca/

  • https://www.heritagehouse.ca/book/in-our-youth/
  • https://www.heritagehouse.ca/book/the-russian-refugees/
  • https://www.heritagehouse.ca/book/her-courage-rises-2/

The Miramichi Reader Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/themiramichireader

Our Ko-fi Page: https://ko-fi.com/themiramichireader

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Episode Links:

  • https://www.blackboxpublishinghouse.ca/
  • https://www.blackboxpublishinghouse.ca/workshops
  • https://www.heritagehouse.ca/book/cooking-tips-for-desperate-fishwives/
  • https://www.heritagehouse.ca/book/fortune-knox-once/

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In this episode of the TMR Podcast, James speaks with Lynette Richards, author of the graphic novel "Call Me Bill" out this September from Conundrum Press. Also, Fall 2022 author promos from James Pollock, whose poetry collection, "Durable Goods" will be published by Vehicule Press this fall and Andrew Tolson, author of "Noisemaker" out September 1st from Moose House Publications.

Links:

  • Conundrum Press
  • Heritage Park - The SS Atlantic Heritage Interpretation Park
  • Rose Window Stained Glass – Lynette Richards (rose-window.com)
  • Durable Goods - James Pollock (vehiculepress.com)
  • https://www.jamespollock.org/
  • books / e-books | Moose House Publications (moosehousepress.com)
  • https://www.andytolson.com/
  • THE MIRAMICHI READER is creating Canadian Literary Book Reviews, Author Interviews and More. | Patreon

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Substack: What is it and is it for you? How does it compare to WordPress? Substack newsletter author Mark Dykeman is our guest and he will answer my questions bout Substack. 

Here is a link to his newsletter: How About This | Mark Dykeman | Substack 

Mark's Twitter feed: Mark Dykeman (@MarkDykeman) / Twitter

Fall 2022 book releases are upon us and I've invited various authors to record some sound bites to introduce their books to us,

  1. Bill Arnott: A Season on Vancouver Island
  2. Helen Escott: Operation Masonic
  3. Melanie Mitzner: Slow Reveal

Support TMR!

  • Support The Miramichi Reader on Ko-fi! ❤️
  • THE MIRAMICHI READER is creating Canadian Literary Book Reviews, Author Interviews and More. | Patreon

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An interview with New Brunswick horror author, Joe Powers.

Joe Powers is a horror writer with a fondness for literary sleight-of-hand. He loves the idea of prompting a strong emotional reaction using no more than words and his slightly off-center imagination, and delights in taking the reader on journeys to previously unexplored regions. He occasionally dabbles in genres that follow safer, more conventional routes, but the path he loves most is the twisted, winding one that leads through those dark, shadowy corners of the mind where unseen things creep and slither, and nothing is ever entirely as it seems.

Joe got his publishing start in a small online magazine called “Bread N Molasses”, which showcased the uncharacteristically touching holiday story “The Christmas Storm“. This unlikely platform was the springboard to his true calling, from which he embarked upon an enthusiastic flurry of activity. In just two years he’s had nearly a dozen stories published and in September 2014 was the subject of the featured spotlight interview in Codiac Chronicles magazine. Joe is active in the local arts and writing communities. His work has been published internationally, and he always has a number of new and exciting projects on the horizon. Joe's website: Home – Joe Powers, Author (joepowersauthor.com)

James was interviewed by Colleen Kitts-Goguen on CBC Radio. You can listen here: The Shift NB Interview on CBC Radio The Miramichi Reader

THE MIRAMICHI READER is creating Canadian Literary Book Reviews, Author Interviews and More. | Patreon

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Jennifer George is a physiotherapist on an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Her 14-year journey as PT spans acute care, rehab, outpatient orthopaedics, community care, and long-term care.

Throughout her career and personal journey of being a caregiver, Jennifer has focused on the importance of positive communication as the care delivered in our healthcare system.

This led to her publishing her first book, Communication is Care: 9 Empowering Strategies to Guide Patient Healing, which reached bestseller status in medical reference, nursing home, and community care categories upon its launch.

Jennifer is also a strong advocate for personal growth, development, and building community. Her ongoing journey of living in integrity and purpose has also led her to host The Healthcare Provider Happy Hour Podcast.

Through her podcasting platform, Jennifer creates a safe space for healthcare providers to unapologetically be themselves after their working day. She also shares ideas to help healthcare providers transform stress to success and fulfillment.

To connect with Jennifer or book her to speak, visit www.jennifergeorge.co

The Running Trees by Amber McMillan The Miramichi Reader

Excerpt: The Running Trees by Amber McMillan (Part 1) The Miramichi Reader

Summer Reads The Miramichi Reader

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In this episode:

An interview with Sydney Hegele (they/them), the author of the award-winning short story collection, The Pump, in which we talk about

· Will resuming in-person book launches give neglected pandemic releases a second life?

· Nightmares and dreaming and the resulting “hyper-realism” of their writing

· Cover art

· Their unique writing space and

· Their upcoming ‘happy’ event’

LINKS:

Sydney Hegele | Author of The Pump

THE MIRAMICHI READER is creating Canadian Literary Book Reviews, Author Interviews and More. | Patreon

AlphaSmart Neo 2 (gadgetspeak.com)

Miramichi Flash | A Column of The Miramichi Reader

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A most enjoyable chat with Toronto poet and author Catherine Graham about high school English class, our mutual experiences with rock quarries, and the importance of chapbooks for poets. Catherine also does a reading from her new novel "The Most Cunning Heart", and finally we talk about writing spaces.

  • The Most Cunning Heart - Palimpsest Press
  • The Hummingbird Podcast – with Catherine Graham and Jessica Outram
  • Wolsak & Wynn (wolsakandwynn.ca)
  • Catherine Graham – Catherine Graham's website

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An interview with Luke Francis Beirne is the featured item on this episode of the TMR Podcast. In it we, discuss his new novel, Foxhunt and his 'day job' that pays the bills. The online launch of Foxhunt is May 4th, 2022 at 7:00 pm EST.

  • Foxhunt by Luke Francis Beirne The Miramichi Reader
  • Baraka Books (@BarakaBooks) / Twitter
  • Online and in Person Book Launches, Spring 2022 - Baraka Books & QC Fiction - Baraka Books

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In this episode, I talk with Carolyn R. Parsons. author and editor. Carolyn R. Parsons is a Newfoundland & Labrador author with a background in freelance journalism and is the owner-operator of Cabochon Manuscript Services. She served on the board of the Writers' Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador until 2021 and is the author of six published books including The Forbidden Dreams of Betsy Elliottreleased by Flanker Press in 2019. Her next novel, a post-apocalyptic/dystopian work entitled Desolate, was released through Engen Books in the spring of 2022.

  • Cabochon Manuscript Services Facebook Page
  • Carolyn R. Parsons Website
  • Carolyn's author page at Amazon
  • "That Cat's Going to be Trouble" a short story by Zoe Sutton Harris
  • The Miramichi Reader Website
  • The TMR Patreon Page

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In this episode, James interviews author Helen C. Escott, author of the award-winning "Operation" series of crime thrillers. Helen is a retired Civilian Member of the RCMP and was the communications lead on high-profile events including the RCMP’s NL response to the September 11th terrorist attacks. She wrote and implemented the Atlantic Region Communication Strategies to combat organized crime and outlaw biker gangs, created a Media Relations course and taught it in several provinces as well as at the Canadian Police College, Ottawa. She also served as a communications strategist at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Before joining the RCMP Helen C. Escott worked in the media for 13 years.

In 2017 she was presented with the CLB Governor and Commandants Medallion in recognition of her achievements of excellence in volunteering and fundraising work, including creating the idea and concept for the Spirit of Newfoundland dinner theatre, “Where Once They Stood.”

In 2019 she was presented with the Governor General's Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.

Helen C. Escott web page https://www.helencescott.com/

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April is Poetry Month! Here is the Poetry category at TMR: The Latest Poetry at The Miramichi Reader

THE MIRAMICHI READER is creating Canadian Literary Book Reviews, Author Interviews and More. | Patreon

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In this (pre-recorded) Spring Equinox 2022 episode, I'll be chatting with author Nicola Davison of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Nicola is the author of the 2018 book, "In the Wake" and her second novel, "Decoding Dot Grey" is due out this week from Nimbus Publishing. Please don't forget to leave feedback so that others may find this podcast!

In the Wake Review at TMR Nicola Davison's Author Page Nimbus Publishing

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A fun interview with journalist and author Janice Landry about her recent award-winning book, Silver Linings is the highlight of this episode of the TMR Podcast.

Janice Landry's Website

Review of Silver Linings at TMR

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An exclusive interview with award-winning author Mike Blouin regarding his new novel "I Am Billy the Kid" (release date: April 22, 2022) is the highlight of this episode of the TMR Podcast.

Michael Blouin Writer I Am Billy the Kid - Anvil Press Contact Us The Miramichi Reader Email: editor (at) miramichireader (dot) ca

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In this month's episode, I talk about TMR's new website look, Black History Month and an interview with Canadian true-crime author Nate Hendley.

Nate Hendley's Website

The Beatle Bandit

Jason Pettit Photography

The Black Lives Matter Page at TMR

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This week's special guest is author Chuck Bowie. Chuck writes mysteries, specifically the International Suspense Thriller series: Donovan: Thief For Hire. He also writes a Cozy Mysteries series under the name Alexa Bowie. Chuck has sat on the boards of the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick and the Writers' Union of Canada, and is a Fellow of the Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts. He lives in Fredericton and is my guest today. He and Alexa have both been featured in The Miramichi Reader, and he'll tell anyone who'll listen that he is a proud Miramichier. Chuck (as Alexa) is just finishing Book three in his cozy series.

The Chuck Bowie page at The Miramichi Reader

Chuck's Website

TMR's Patreon Page

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In episode 3, we continue our look at the Best of 2021 books with audio clips from Ian Colford and Rachel Fernandes. Also, an interview with James was conducted by Jessica Robichaud and our Patreon campaign with an Atlantic Books Today incentive.

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For episode 2 of 2022, I continue with a look at the "Best of 2021" lists, with contributed audio files from Alison Manley and Ian Colford talking about their choices in the best fiction, non-fiction and poetry categories. I also have a 'live' interview with my friend and colleague Jessica Robichaud about her favourite books growing up.

  1. The Miramichi Reader Website
  2. Best of Fiction 2021
  3. Best of Non-Fiction 2021
  4. Best of Poetry 2021
  5. Subscribe to the TMR Newsletter
  6. Support The Miramichi Reader

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In the first episode of 2022, I discuss the reasons for the transition from "The Very Best!" Book Awards to the more inclusive year-end "Best of 2021" posts. Also, a look at my two favourite fiction reads and my non-fiction choice of 2021. 

Best Fiction of 2021 

Best Poetry of 2021 

Best Non-Fiction of 2021 

Support The Miramichi Reader at Our Patreon Page

The Miramichi Reader Website

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In this episode, I discuss three recent books I have read that deal with living in Indigenous sovereignty, and a quick look at some upcoming reads.

Waswanipi by Jean-Yves Soucy (Baraka Books)

The Laughing People: A Tribute to my Innu Friends by Serge Bouchard (McGill-Queen's University Press)

Living in Indigenous Sovereignty by Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara with Gladys Rowe (Fernwood Publishing)

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In episode 6, I discuss the popularity of memoirs and speak with two authors, Marjorie Simmins and Joanne Gallant about the memoir-writing process.

  • Marjorie Simmins: Memoir: Conversation and Craft, published by Pottersfield Press
  • Joanne Gallant: A Womb in the Shape of a Heart, published by Nimbus Publishing
  • Frank Leaman: Tales From the Buccaneer Lodge, published by Boulder Books.

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In Episode 5, I talk about stopping ("could not finish") vs. finishing a book you are not enjoying, and a peek at what gems are coming up in the next newsletter.

Links in this episode:

Alison Manley's reviews at TMR: https://miramichireader.ca/author/alison-manley/

The Blue Moth Motel

The Shaytan Bride

Subscribe to the TMR Newsletter: https://miramichireader.ca/subscribe/

Support TMR at Patreon!

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The TMR Podcast was created to complement The Miramichi Reader | Canada’s best-regarded source for the finest in new literary releases

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In this episode, I talk about children and reading, an excellent (and affordable) way to support TMR, and what to look forward to in the next newsletter.

Links:

Why Reading Is Important for Children​—Part 1: Read or Watch? (Why Reading Is Important for Children | Help for the Family (jw.org)

The TMR Patreon Page: The Miramichi Reader is creating Literary Book Reviews, Author Interviews and More. | Patreon

TMR Newsletter Subscribe Page: Subscribe to The Miramichi Reader

Lisa de Nikolits' website: HOME (lisawriter.com)

I Read Somewhere That Podcast: ireadsomewherethat • A podcast on Anchor

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In this episode, I introduce myself and talk a little bit about The Miramichi Reader and its origins. I also mention the directions I am hoping to go with the podcast, so please consider following us! I can be reached at editor@miramichireader.ca. Thanks!

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Muggins (a dog's life before and After WWI), Poetry review, Dean Jobb interview, Mr Big and our regular columns.