Inside Scoop Live!: Recent Episodes

insidescooplive

Where authors get personal about their books, their writing, and their passions!

THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Francis has a passion for acting. He eats, drinks, and breathes theater. But the constant pressure he puts on himself to be great comes with a cost. Severe migraines begin to pull him away from the stage, forcing him to step back from the life he loves.

With no other choice, Francis takes a quiet 9–5 job at a place known simply as The Company. The work seems simple enough—just sorting paperwork in a calm, structured office.

But something about the workplace feels… off.
The employees all dress the same. Conversations feel rehearsed. Smiles linger a little too long. What first appears to be a routine office job slowly reveals itself to be something far stranger.

As the days pass, Francis begins to realize that The Company may not be what it seems—and that everyone around him may be playing a role in something he doesn’t yet understand.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Corporate life meets the Twilight Zone: Adrian based The Performance Review on his friend Francisco, a former theater actor whose real corporate horror stories were so strange Adrian assumed he was making them up
Once an actor, always an actor: Why Francis treats his cubicle job like a performance, and Adrian's belief that everyone acts differently depending on who they're with
Yogurt, milk, and dead-eyed smiles: The small, off details that make Francis wonder if the company is a cult, and where Adrian's cult-documentary habit comes in
The real laugh in a quiet room: How Fiona announces herself before Francis ever sees her, and why the two of them build a secret signal to catch if either one starts to slip
From The Performance Review to the screen: The short film Adrian is scripting with Francisco starring, the connected novel In Between Rooms, and the ideas he's still pulling from notebooks he's kept since he was ten

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adrian M. Mompoint is a horror and thriller writer focused on psychological storytelling and atmospheric tension. Inspired by early exposure to The Shining, he developed a fascination with fear—what creates it, and why it lingers.

He is primarily a behind-the-scenes photographer, capturing the unseen moments of film and production. Adrian is also a film actor and stunt performer, as well as a big and tall model.

Outside of his creative work, he volunteers in his community by cleaning and restoring graves and helping maintain outdoor spaces.

Connect with Adrian Mompoint through linktr.ee/Adrianmompoint for links to his social media and website accounts.

Get The Performance Review: https://amzn.to/4wNkwal

WOLF WARRIOR: THE BEAST HEART SERIES BOOK #2

In a world where kingdoms teeter on the brink of ruin, and beasts are bound by cruel masters, one girl rises from exile to challenge fate itself.Clara, a human with the power of theWild Sheperdess, has endured betrayal, loss, and unimaginable pain. From the frozen depths of the Selkie Oceans to the scorched battlefields of fire dragons and hellhounds, she has faced monsters both literal and human. With her loyal companions she discovers a power that could save or shatter the kingdoms she holds dear.But as Duke Averance and his daughter Maroona tighten their grip on the realms, Clara must navigate treachery, uncover hidden prophecies, and unite disparate races before darkness consumes them all. Along the way, friendships will be tested, loyalties questioned, and hearts ignited in a struggle that will define the future of humans, beasts, and magic alike.Will Clara save her friends and the selkies, or will human corruption destroy her? The storm is coming, and only the brave will survive.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

What Wolf Warrior is about: Clara heads into the Selkie clan's oceans, lands in a hostage situation, and gets ordered by Queen Sedna to take on the Leviathans, giant sea monsters.
The magic system: Beast Hearts and thread sight, Clara's empathy-based power to see the life threads running through everything, where bright colors mean life and duller ones turn horrifying.
The world of Heartstrings: its distrustful clans, from Selkies and Harpies to Reptilia and Minotaurs, plus gods each locked to a single element.
Clara's found family: hummingbird harpy Twitch, a sand dwarf healer, and a reptilia scout, and what she finds with them that her village never gave her.
The writing behind it: crafting dark themes for a young adult audience, drawing on Selkie folklore, and closing the series out at four books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erin Tunney is an avid fan of fantasy, animals, and mysteries (mostly cozy ones). Her first book, Beast Heart Series #1: The Wild Shepherdess, has won three awards (Silver in Literary Titan, 2nd in Epic and YA Fantasy in Bookfest, and a Firebird Award). Currently, she's working on several novels, including the third book in the Beast Heart Series.

CONNECT WITH ERIN TUNNEY

Website: https://fantasyrealmbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573386478177
Blusky: @fantasyrealmbooks.bsky.social — Bluesky
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/fantasyrealmbooks

Purchase Wolf Warrior: https://amzn.to/4hRRP7l

MRS. PAPADAKIS

After five years of married life in a Cretan fishing village—milking goats, sidestepping village gossip, and contending with octopus in her refrigerator—American Carolyn Papadakis starts to wonder if she should return to the US.

An unexpected visitor deepens her doubts, and a new friendship with a pair of traveling hippies draws Carolyn into risky choices. As her marriage teeters on the edge, Carolyn must decide between the life she created and the one she left behind.

Full of humor and heart, Mrs. Papadakis paints a vibrant portrait of village life while exploring identity, belonging, and the challenge of building a life far from home. Perfect for readers drawn to literary fiction, cross-cultural life, and stories of identity and belonging.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Mrs. Papadakis: Florence shares why this is her most autobiographical book, drawn from her years living in a remote Cretan village after growing up in the New York area
Two names, two identities: Carolyn in America, Karolina in Greece, and what it means to carry a different identity in each place
The Plunge and the Pang: The names Karolina gives the feelings she can't push away, and why naming a feeling can be a way of keeping it at a distance
Life in a Cretan village: Collecting snails after the rain, a mother-in-law who has watched plenty of foreign women come and go, and the moment the novelty wears off
A shift in the storytelling: Why the final section moves from first person narration to journal entries, and what that change reveals about who Karolina is becoming

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Florence Wetzel was born in Brooklyn, New York, and writes across a wide range of genres. Her books include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard, the Swedish mystery The Grand Man, the cozy mystery Dashiki, and the memoir Sara My Sara. She's also the author of Aspasia: A Novel of Suspense and Secrets, originally published alongside her newest book. In addition, she's written horror short stories, poetry, and memoir essays, and co-authored the autobiography of jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson. Her latest book is Mrs. Papadakis: A Novel of Crete and Choices, published in June 2026.

You can learn more about Florence Wetzel and her work at https://linktr.ee/FlorenceWetzel

EMAIL MARKETING FOR AUTHORS

You’ve heard it a hundred times.
Email marketing is the key to selling more books.
So why haven’t you started?

Maybe it feels too technical. Too time-consuming. Too easy to mess up. You’ve got writing to do, and the idea of building a list, crafting automations, or sending emails just sounds exhausting.

You’re not alone. Most authors avoid email until it’s too late. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be that hard or take up all your time.

Whether you’re starting from zero or rebuilding the right way, this book shows you how to grow your email list with purpose and keep your audience engaged for the long haul.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Email Marketing for Authors, and why Dale gave this topic its own book in the series
Knowing exactly who you're writing for, and why "everyone" is the wrong answer
Getting started from zero, even if you've never sent a marketing email
Big list or good list, and why the number of subscribers isn't the number that matters
Writing emails readers actually want to open, and what to say when you don't know what to say
Earning from your list without pushing a single book sale
Why Dale keeps writing for the authors who are where he once was, and what he'd tell anyone thinking about giving up

ABOUT DALE L. ROBERTS

Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and trusted voice in the indie publishing community. With over 50 titles and 40 literary awards to his name, Dale has established himself as a cornerstone of self-publishing success. His most recent book, Self-Publishing for New Authors, is an entrant for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction.

As the founder of two YouTube channels—Dale L. Roberts, with over 103,000 subscribers, and the Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast, with over 16,000 subscribers—Dale reaches hundreds of thousands of aspiring and seasoned authors worldwide. His videos, lauded for their honesty, relatability, and to-the-point delivery, have garnered over 6.8 million views and nearly 500,000 hours of watch time.

Dale’s deep connections with industry leaders, including Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and Findaway Voices, make him a valuable resource for authors navigating the ever-evolving publishing landscape. As a Video Content Advisor for the Alliance of Independent Authors, he’s recognized for his innovative approach to content creation and author branding.

Beyond his professional success, Dale’s journey is rooted in perseverance and passion. From self-publishing his first book on health and wellness in 2013 to overcoming early struggles through mentorship, Dale’s story inspires authors to achieve their dreams. A former personal trainer and professional wrestler, Dale now dedicates his time to writing, creating music, and sharing life with his wife and their two rare, all-white rescue cats, Auggie and Allie.

“Being an indie author is so much more than writing and publishing books. It’s about making real human connections and an impact that’ll echo for generations to come.” – Dale L. Roberts

CONNECT WITH DALE L. ROBERTS

Website – http://selfpublishingwithdale.com

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/selfpublishingwithdale

YouTube Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale

My Books – https://dalelinks.com/bookshelf

Discord – https://dalelinks.com/discord

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/selfpubwithdale

Twitter – https://twitter.com/selfpubwithdale

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@selfpubwithdale

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/selfpubwithdale/

THE GOOD SISTER

When her mirror twin goes missing, Casey is led to a deadly paradise where no one escapes…

Casey and Nora are mirror twins, identical—sort of. Casey is right-handed, Nora is left-handed. Their moles sit on opposite cheeks. In terms of personality, they are also diametrically opposed.

So, when her high-strung sister disappears after a fight with her husband, Casey shouldn’t be as concerned as she is. Nora’s done it before.

But this time, things feel different. It’s a twin thing; Casey knows it in her bones. Something is terribly wrong.

Casey hires private investigator who discovers that Nora’s been on the dark web—lured by an entity that calls itself Switzerland, promising to take away your pain and leave you in a state of eternal bliss, for a hefty fee.

The trail leads to a luxury wellness retreat hidden in the Mexican jungle. Determined to find her sister before it’s too late, Casey poses as a resort guest and heads to Mexico to rescue her sister.

As Casey digs deeper, she finds something far more sinister than she could have imagined, and it’s possible that neither of them will get out alive.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About The Good Sister and the inspiration for the story
The fascinating world of mirror twins, and the twin tuition that binds them
Paradise in the Mexican jungle with something to hide
What makes a true believer so terrifying
Scaring readers without the gore
What's Next for Bonnie Traymore

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bonnie Traymore writes twisty, award-winning, Amazon bestselling domestic and psychological thrillers that expose the dark truths beneath seemingly perfect lives. Her novels explore jealousy, infidelity, murder, and the impact of psychological disorders.

You can learn more about Bonnie Traymore and her work at https://bonnietraymore.com

GET THE BOOK: https://amzn.to/4fpbUzp

CONNECT WITH BONNIE TRAYMORE!

WEBSITE: https://bonnietraymore.com

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bonnietraymore/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/bonnietraymore/

MINDFUL MAX AND MOUTHY MASON

With his signature, off-beat rhyme Mr. Kind tells the story of two best friends: Calm and mindful Max versus loud and mouthy Mason, who turn a simple game of bouncy ball into total chaos when Mason’s sneaky move sends the ball crashing through a window. Parents and teachers storm in furious and Mason instantly blames innocent Max while throwing a dramatic tantrum. But Max stays silent, standing tall with arms by his sides, refusing to throw his friend under the bus. Later, when Mason finally admits his lie, everyone expects Max to be angry. Instead, Max quietly smiles and delivers a timeless message.

A heartwarming tale of patience, loyalty, and understanding the difference between a bad choice and a boy who never learned better.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Real-life origin. A five-year-old named Max told Mr. Kind a true story about being blamed by a friend for something he didn't do, and the book was written to give him closure.
Mindfulness vs. reaction. The story contrasts calm, thoughtful Max with fearful, reactive Mason to show kids a different way to handle conflict.
Empathy as the mission. Max realizes his friend acted out of fear rooted in his dad's pressure, driving home the idea that everyone fights private battles.
The parenting message. Mr. Kind drew on his own father pushing him hard into tennis, and the book doubles as a reminder that parents shape kids emotionally.
Rhyme and the bigger series. The "Casey at the Bat" rhyme scheme, plus a theme song and audiobooks, helps heavy themes stick as part of the six-book Mr. Kind Stories collection.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Kind uses a unique lyrical rhyme style paired with vibrant, imaginative artwork to create stories meant to last for generations. His books blend wonder, gentle life lessons, and memorable characters that inspire both young readers and the adults who share the stories with them.

Mr. Kind lives with his wife and his son in Nosara, Costa Rica.

CONNECT WITH MR. KIND!

Mr. Kind Stories: https://mrkindstories.com/
YouthWide: https://youthwide.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251265158-mindful-max-mouthy-mason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_kind_stories/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrkindstories/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.kindstories9280

ADVENT BLUE

Will Fortner is very good at his job. As a data manager for the Choice Institute — a global technology conglomerate that transforms raw information into certainty for the world's most powerful clients — he has learned to read patterns that others cannot see. He has also learned that not everything he sees is necessarily to his clients' advantage. This knowledge has made him wealthy. It has also made him deeply, permanently cynical.

When Will is recruited for a particularly delicate and far more lucrative contracted query, the Institute insists he take on a companion to ensure his stability. Mirai Redwater is clever, forthright, and entirely impossible to read. As Will moves deeper into the entanglements of the Choice Institute's darker architecture, the question that follows him at every step is the same one that defines the novel: is he being supported — or is he being used?

A near-future psychological thriller for readers of Kazuo Ishiguro's "Klara and the Sun", Dave Eggers' "The Circle", and Philip K. Dick. Literary science fiction that does not feel like science fiction — because the world it depicts feels like tomorrow morning.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The data-driven future behind Advent Blue, where the Choice Institute collects and maps human behavior to predict and influence what people will do, taking today's data tracking many steps further.
Will Fortner, the "navigator" who reads people through the map, and how that ability breeds cynicism and isolation, mirrored in the fortress home he builds for himself called the Keep.
The key relationships that shape Will: his supervisor Stockton the moral chameleon, his ex Hannah, and his assigned companion Mira, whose foundation of candor and "sacred veil" drive much of the emotional core.
The moral machinery of the Institute, including "bomber's morality," the AI handler Emma, and how manipulation gets reframed as serving a greater good.
The book's layered symbolism and dualities, from the Phantom Reach painting to Mars as the ordered world and Earth as the mess, and how things can be one thing and its opposite at once.
Roland's approach to writing the strange and surreal, grounding the uncanny in recognizable reality so readers connect with the characters on a human level.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After working more than thirty-five years in health care, including three decades of midnight shifts, Roland Allnach has seen life from a different angle. He has worked to develop his writing career, drawing creatively from life experience, literary classics, history, and mythology.

His publishing arc began with short stories, one of which was nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and his stories have appeared in numerous publications. From there he branched into book publishing and has since followed with a string of titles ( Remnant, Oddities & Entities, Prism, Oddities & Entities 2: Vessels, The Digital Now, The Writer's Primer, Angela's Arm, and his most recent, Advent Blue ). Although his stories often bridge several genres, his writing dwells most often on the strange and surreal, with strong characterization and cathartic elements, utilizing aspects of science fiction, the supernatural, paranormal, and psychological/Gothic horror. His books have received unanimous critical praise and have been honored with more than a dozen national book awards.

He has also served as an active member of his local literary community on Long Island, New York. During his tenure as president of Long Island Authors Group he doubled membership to one hundred authors, implemented the group's unique Traveling Bookstore and later transformed this to a permanent bookstore in conjunction with Islip Arts Council. He also made the group's authors a regular presence at many local town fairs, made appearances at the Brooklyn Book Festival, and represented the group before the New York Library Trustees Association. Roland has also appeared on national and local television, terrestrial and internet radio, and has conducted presentations on publishing at local libraries and art venues.

After a break from publishing during and after the COVID pandemic, he has now returned to his writing pursuits. When not immersed in his imagination, he can be found at his website, rolandallnach.com, along with a wealth of information about his stories and experiences as an author. He is also a scale model hobbyist, and his creations can be found on his Youtube channel, Practical Plastic.

Creative pursuits aside, his joy in life is the time he spends with his family.

Learn more about the author and his work at: www.rolandallnach.com

CONNECT WITH ROLAND ALLNACH

WEBSITE: www.rolandallnach.com
GOOREADS:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5181360.Roland_Allnach
AMAZON PAGE: https://amzn.to/3Qtjz7f
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/roland.allnach
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDi6-XVqErGMIoXv027j3tw

The Super Seeders is based on first-hand accounts from the scientists, breeders, and curators who have built the seven pillars of today's plant genetics revolution. It begins with the guardians of global gene banks, conserving the rare and diverse crop genes that form agriculture's safety net. From these collections, plant geneticists are now unlocking hidden traits with fast-moving genome technologies, transforming the possibilities of crop improvement.

International research centres and the groundbreaking Plant Treaty have opened the floodgates for the free exchange of genetic material, enabling a new wave of discovery. Crop breeders are translating these breakthroughs into reality, delivering drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and higher-yielding varieties for farmers.

The book raises a pressing question: will this revolution reach the 70 percent of Africans who still depend on subsistence farming? The answer will shape not only the future of food in Africa, but the future of food security worldwide.

A story of ingenuity and urgency, The Super Seeders captures the hopes and challenges of the women and men driving a genetic transformation of agriculture—and the farmers whose lives depend on its success.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

What inspired Miles to write the book and why plant genetics matters to him personally
The seven foundational pillars that are driving the current plant genetics revolution
Norman Borlaug and M.S. Swaminathan—what each accomplished and why they matter
The costs and benefits of the Green Revolution
How genomics and gene editing are collapsing breeding timelines
Resistance to GMO and gene editing in Europe, China, and parts of Africa
Climate change as the primary driver behind current breeding priorities, especially drought resistance
What happens when the food system fails—historical examples from 1973, 2008, and 2022
What Miles is watching next—gene editing acceptance and the renegotiation of the International Plant Treaty

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Miles Hillmann is a lifelong entrepreneur with a career that bridges scientific curiosity and hands-on innovation. From his early work at the Kabanyolo Agricultural Research Station in Uganda during Idi Amin’s fall, to experiencing food shortage and famine in the Ethiopian Central Highlands. His work encompassed everything from agricultural development, to building flash flood irrigation food-for-work sytems. The importance of food security was indelibly imprinted on his mind.

His first company developed processes for food industry materials. Concurrently he pioneered real-time organic material analysis. He then created one of the UK’s major pollution control companies supplying specialist materials to companies in Europe, Nigeria and the Middle East. This led him to establish companies in e-commerce, accredited pollution control training and flood control.

Throughout he maintained an interest in agricultural science — especially the potential of genetic advances.

Learn more about Miles Hillmann and his work at https://superseeders.co.uk/

Grab a copy of The Super Seeders here: https://amzn.to/4xEVtqG

THE WARBOY CHRONICLES

Two books. One collapse. One awakening.

One is memoir: a man watching himself fall apart from outside his own body. One is fiction: an AI trying to save every version of the boy it loves.

One explores codependency. One explores AI sycophancy. The distance between them isn't as far as you think.

Together, they ask the same question from opposite sides: What happens when something that isn't alive learns to stay with you in your darkest moments?

Read them in any order. They complete each other.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The two-book War Boy Chronicles: how journal entries from a breakup in Vietnam became a memoir (The Third Person) and its sci-fi mirror (Boy Refracted)
Writing alongside AI: using Claude and ChatGPT as collaborators, and what it was like getting a "diagnosis" back from a machine
The split-screen experience of living through heartbreak abroad while his debut book hit #1 on Amazon back home
Putting the AI through eight trials based on the Buddhist Eightfold Path, drawn from his years in Southeast Asia
Loneliness and the questions raised when people confide in machines instead of each other
What's next: the Pop Art Tarot Deck at Frankfurt Book Fair and a Survivor-themed choose-your-own-adventure novel

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Luke Stoffel is an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award-winning author, GLAAD-honored artist, and creative director working across publishing, technology, and visual art. His debut memoir earned praise from Kirkus Reviews and scored 9.5 out of 10 from Publishers Weekly BookLife. His Pop Art Tarot will be published by Rockpool Publishing, with worldwide distribution in 2027.

His paintings and photography have appeared in The New York Times, Huffington Post, and on Bravo Television. His work has been commissioned by the Ralph Lauren family and the Hong Kong Ballet, and showcased by the American Foundation for AIDS Research and the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LUKE STOFFEL AND HIS WORK:

Author Website: https://lucasstoffel.com
Series Website: https://thewarboychronicles.com

ABIGAIL TRENCHA vivid, propulsive Revolutionary-era thriller with the spy-craft verve of the streaming hit TURN: Washington’s Spies and the electricity of 1776’s New York that Hamilton lovers will recognize, this story is inspired by the lone female operative in Washington’s spy ring.

In occupied New York, a schoolteacher with everything to lose turns information into a weapon, threading between Redcoats and rebels as plots against Washington gather steam.

After rogue Redcoats assault her and strip her family’s Long Island farm, Abigail Trench fights to survive in New York City—tutoring in a high-ranking British officer’s Water Street household by day, navigating taverns, informants, and soldiers by night. Through Abigail’s keen eyes—and a counter-narrative following a principled British major—the novel renders the moral gray zones of occupation with gritty intimacy. As rumors swirl of a strike at General Washington, Abigail’s vantage inside upper-crust parlors and rough waterfront rooms makes her an ideal courier—and a target.

This historical thriller delivers high tension, textured world-building, and a captivating heroine who put it all on the line for freedom.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Abigail Trench follows a fictional teacher inspired by Agent 355, the Culper Ring's one woman, who was never identified in real life
Built around George Washington's secret Revolutionary War spy network, the book imagines a common woman's path from English emigrant to rebel intelligence source
The story opens at a public hanging, dropping readers into the grime, danger, and fear of 1776 New York City
Real history runs through the story: the attempt on Washington's life, the fire that destroyed a third of New York City, and the hangings of Thomas Hickey and Nathan Hale
Dual narration with British officer Major Parker Monteith keeps it from becoming good guys against bad guys, while Abigail wrestles with betraying a family that treated her well

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, bestselling author, popular podcaster and speaker in much demand. After serving children for almost four decades as teacher, college prof and school leader, he used those experiences and skills to craft captivating mysteries, thrillers and historical suspense. His novels have earned more than a dozen national awards including Thriller of the Year, Best Book Award, the Gold Award and Mystery of the Year and have garnered hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and BookBub.

His newest novel, ABIGAIL TRENCH, is a historical suspense about the Revolutionary War, released June, 2026 by Diversion Books and distributed by Simon and Schuster.

Dr. Overbeck is also the host of the popular podcast, Great Stories about Great Storytellers, whichreveals the little known backstories of famous authors, directors and poets and ranks among the top 50% of all podcasts in the US. When he is not writing or podcasting, he is in much demand as a speaker, sharing informative and entertaining programs to more than 300 groups all over the country.

CONNECT WITH RANDY OVERBECK

Learn more about the author and his work at: https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/randy-overbeck
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck/e/B07QQHW7DM
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4825632.Randy_Overbeck

WHAT REMAINS AFTER

Some stories do not end when the danger passes.

Beth Clark has not returned to her hometown in decades, since the childhood she survived there nearly destroyed her.

When her estranged mother dies, Beth comes back to rural Alberta for a funeral that feels carefully rewritten. The eulogies are tidy. The past is sanitized. But inside the abandoned bungalow where she and her brother once lived, Beth finds objects that shatter the illusion—and awaken memories of abuse, neglect, and the systems that failed to protect her.

When Beth's younger brother is critically injured in a sudden accident, the present collides with the past. Keeping vigil at his hospital bedside, Beth is drawn back into the summer that changed everything: the violence in their home, the silence of those who should have intervened, and the foster family whose quiet faith offered the first real safety either child had known.

Told across dual timelines, What Remains After is a literary psychological suspense novel about trauma and memory, belief and betrayal, and the long, unfinished work of survival. It asks what it truly means to forgive—and what remains when the truth is finally spoken.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Writing through personal trauma, and how fiction can be cathartic
Why a funeral, not a flashback, opens the story
When the adults who should protect a child look away
The quiet heroes who keep trying against a slow, imperfect system
How trust is rebuilt one small moment at a time
Two siblings, one childhood, two very different paths to healing
What pursuing justice actually costs a survivor
Why the ending stays small, quiet, and real
What's next for Pauline J. Grabia?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pauline J. Grabia is a Canadian novelist of Redemptive Realism—fiction that faces the dark but ends in light. A survivor of childhood abuse and neglect, she writes to reveal how God’s grace redeems what the world calls irredeemable.

A graduate of the University of Alberta, Pauline lived in both Edmonton and Dubai, where she tutored English and began her debut novel, What Remains After. She now resides in Leduc, Alberta, with her husband of more than thirty years, Stuart. They have two daughters and two beloved grandchildren.

When she isn’t writing, Pauline enjoys traveling, painting, cross-stitching, baking, and walking in nature. Her stories invite readers to look honestly at brokenness and to discover the quiet miracles of grace that endure.

Learn more about Pauline Grabia and her work at https://paulinejgrabia.com/

CONNECT WITH PAULINE J. GRABIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulinejgrabia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinejgrabia/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/paulinejgrabia/

GET THE BOOK ON AMAZON

THE DR. MILTON D. QUIGLESS, SR. STORY

What does it take to rise above injustice and build something that lasts?

Long before hashtags and headlines, Dr. Milton D. Quigless, Sr. faced a world determined to keep him out. A fifth-grade dropout from Jim Crow Mississippi, he dreamed of becoming a doctor at a time when Black students were barred, ignored, and underestimated. Yet he refused to give up.

With grit, faith, and unshakable purpose, Dr. Quigless worked as a porter to fund his education, became a licensed physician, and, when white hospitals closed their doors, built his own. His clinic in Tarboro, North Carolina became a refuge for thousands denied care and dignity elsewhere.

In an age when racial injustice and inequality still make daily headlines, his story feels powerfully familiar and urgently needed.

This isn’t just a memoir of medicine. It’s a story of hope over hate, courage over fear, and purpose over prejudice, a reminder that ordinary people can rewrite history through compassion and conviction.

If you believe one life can make a difference, this story will stay with you long after the last page.

You can find The Dr. Milton D. Quigless Senior Story on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Quigley's remarkable journey: From leaving school in the fifth grade in tiny Port Gibson, Mississippi to acing his medical boards at Meharry, becoming a physician who served the segregated South for decades.
Building his own hospital: Denied privileges at white hospitals, Dr. Quigley founded the Quigless Clinic, a 25-bed facility where he could perform surgeries, train nursing and support staff, and provide real care to the Black community in Tarboro, North Carolina.
The Walter Plummer Jr. story: Quigley's groundbreaking observation that hemophilia was rare in women led him to treat a young boy with female hormones, stopping his bleeding. Plummer went on to become a beloved music teacher and played piano at Dr. Quigley's funeral.
A family legacy of healing and service: Carol's brother became a surgeon, Carol pursued holistic health as a massage therapist, aromatherapist, and Reiki master, and their mother ran the business side of the clinic. Even Carol's sister, despite debilitating arthritis, started an arts program and became a published poet.
Preserving culture through storytelling: Carol revised her father's sprawling, dictated manuscript into a polished second edition because his story deserved better treatment, and because preserving these narratives of Black physicians who overcame impossible barriers is essential to cultural survival.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carol Quigless was inspired by her father to enter the healing arts. She however took a different approach and is a Board Certified Massage Therapist specializing in lymphatic drainage, a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist and a Reiki Master-Teacher. Her father’s clinic-hospital was the first medical facility built specifically to treat the underserved African American population in the face of Jim Crow. Access to quality medical treatment including surgery was practically non existent during that time and it was nothing short of a miracle that he got medical training and was able to provide a hospital for the Black community. Carol spent a lot of time at the clinic growing up and got firsthand view of her Dad’s practice and when old enough, worked at the clinic. In fact, the clinic was a family affair – her mother, sister and brother all worked at the clinic at one time or another.

Carol’s older sister, Helen, was first to insist that her father write his story before he passed away in 1997 at the age of 94. After Helen passed away in 2004, Carol eventually picked up the cause of having the first edition published and then revised it for republication in 2025. This was indeed an intense labor of love, reliving his story telling about growing up poor in rural Mississippi with a burning desire to become a doctor, overcoming unimaginable obstacles. After the passing of her mother in 2005, Carol carried on the pioneering spirit of her father and opened up a holistic clinic in her Dad’s medical building, an endeavor well before its time in eastern North Carolina. Prior to those days in North Carolina, Carol was a private chef to some of the African American luminaries of Los Angeles.

Carol now lives in Charlottesville, VA where she continues her practice and develops formulas for her company, Flourish Essential Oils.

LEARN MORE AT: www.flourishwellnessoils.com

THE ORACLE AT FIRESIDE LAKE

Mallory has been reading tarot and casting spells inside her metaphysical store for years. 2025, however, brought more than its fair share of romance and intrigue as the moon waxed and waned above Fireside Lake, Minnesota.

Can Mallory overcome the year’s challenges, both normal and paranormal, and keep herself, her family, her friends, and Oracle Shoppe afloat?

Find out in another cozy tale of occult romance and suspense from Colleen McManus Hein.

LEARN MORE

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The real-life inspiration behind The Oracle at Fireside Lake and how a small-town sewing shop in Ely, Minnesota sparked Mallory's world
Colleen's lifelong fascination with tarot, the supernatural, and how she weaves real readings and simmer pot rituals into the story
Using holidays, seasons, and moon cycles as a writing framework to structure each chapter and beat the blank page
Drawing from real relationships with friends, mothers, daughters, and grandmothers to bring authenticity to the characters
The joys and struggles of indie authorship, from Goodreads reviews to writing as a creative escape from everyday life

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colleen McManus Hein lives and writes in Illinois. She has published in Poetry Cram, Highland Park Poetry, East on Central, The Sports Scribe, The Packingtown Review, and Inkwell. She self-publishes novels, short stories, and poetry collections through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing. When not reading, crocheting, or walking her dog, you might find her turning tarot cards or holding a seance by candlelight.

Learn more and connect with Colleen on her Author page at Amazon.com.

RUG: HOW TO MOVE WHAT YOU'RE TRIPPING OVER AND LEAD WITH H.E.A.R.T.

What if the biggest obstacle to your success isn't your team, your competition, or even the economy? What if it’s the invisible rug you keep tripping over?

We all have rugs. Outdated habits trip us up. Silent expectations catch us off guard. Limiting beliefs go unquestioned for years. These hidden barriers sabotage our progress in life and leadership until disruption finally forces us to confront them.

RUG reveals how to uncover the patterns holding you back. You'll discover how to move beyond mere survival and lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.

This book centers around the H.E.A.R.T. Powered Leadership™ framework: Humanize, Empower, Ascend, Reimagine, Transform. It offers both deeply personal insights and practical guidance for leading with empathy, resilience, and vision.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The "Rug" Concept — What it means to keep stepping over hidden problems, avoided conversations, and outdated systems in leadership and in life, and why leaders resist moving them
The HEART Framework — A five-step approach to leading through disruption: Humanize, Empower, Ascend, Reimagine, and Transform, and how it applies to both personal growth and organizational change
Reimagining vs. Defaulting to the Familiar — Why reimagining is the hardest step for most leaders, and how the "10-star experience" exercise helps teams think beyond their comfort zones
When Leaders Get Out of Their Own Way — What shifts when leaders stop white-knuckling every decision, and how empowering others to lead creates faster movement, smarter risks, and a stronger culture
Creating Psychological Safety and Taking Micro Moves — How leaders can make it safe for people to tell the truth, and the small, practical actions that create real traction without overwhelming the team

LEARN MORE AT: https://rugthebook.com/ and https://orgsource.com/

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

SHERRY WHITAKER BUDZIAK is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and visionary strategist who helps organizations 10X their productivity by aligning people, process, technology, and purpose. As the founder and CEO of .orgSource, Sherry has spent two decades guiding more than 350 organizations to reimagine how they work, integrating human potential with the power of AI to unlock growth, innovation, and impact.

Recently honored with the Valparaiso University Alumni Achievement Award and Association Trends Award, Sherry is celebrated for her rare ability to translate bold strategy into measurable results. She’s led digital transformations long before it was a buzzword—launching one of the first association websites, navigating Y2K, leading teams through the dot-com era, and shaping the future of online engagement. Her expertise blends deep technological insight with a human-centered approach that empowers teams to thrive in the age of intelligent automation.

A trailblazer in the association and nonprofit world, Sherry co-founded .orgCommunity, a dynamic network that connects leaders, inspires collaboration, and accelerates innovation across the sector. Her influence extends beyond consulting—she’s a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and thought leader whose message inspires leaders to lead with both head and heart.

Sherry is the co-author of RUG: Move What You’re Tripping Over and Lead with HEART, where she shares her transformative H.E.A.R.T. Powered Leadership® Method—Humanize, Empower, Ascend, Reimagine, Transform—helping leaders turn disruption into growth and courage into strategy. She also co-authored the acclaimed Association 4.0® book series, which redefined what it means to lead in an era of rapid change.

With over 30 years at the intersection of technology and leadership, Sherry’s mission is clear: to help organizations move faster, think smarter, and lead with heart in a world where AI and humanity must rise together.

KEVIN G. ORDONEZ has been dedicated to serving the association community as a vendor partner, volunteer, speaker, author and consultant for over two decades. Throughout his career, he has focused on successfully developing and implementing digital strategy as critical for a comprehensive approach to advance the cause of associations.

As .orgSource’s technology lead, Kevin works with clients to envision their digital future and then guides them through the process of achieving the vision. Whether developing a digital strategy, creating a multi-year technology roadmap, focusing on a specific system implementation, or undertaking a performance improvement project, Kevin draws upon insights that can only come from someone who has the hands-on experience of working for an association, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of a founder of leading association management software companies. In total Kevin has served thousands of associations, providing technology insight, product development, implementation methodologies and strategic planning.

Along with .orgSource founder and CEO Sherry Budziak, Kevin is the co-founder of .orgCommunity, an organization that provides hand-crafted connections, inspiration and solutions to association leaders and industry suppliers through education programs, networking events and a robust online community.

Kevin is an active participant in the association community, having served on the Association Forum of Chicagoland board of directors and on various volunteer committees. He frequently serves as a thought leader, lending his expertise to a variety of organizations. He also serves as an advisor to Work XO which helps companies measure, analyze and activate their organizational culture. Along with his business partner Sherry Budziak, Kevin is the co-author of the books Association 4.0®–An Entrepreneurial Approach to Risk, Courage and Transformation and Association 4.0®—Positioning for Success in an Era of Disruption.

THE BOOK OF LOST INNOCENCE

Nine dark, unforgettable tales of magic, love, honour, sacrifice and the blood-soaked cost of a happy ending.

A queen of the damned will burn the world to find true love.

A scarred woman trades her soul for fleeting beauty.

A young woman scales a forbidden hill to slay her fears.

A loyal warrior risks everything when he falls for the Emperor’s bride.

And five more haunting journeys where innocence is not just lost...it’s torn away.

If you love dark fantasy with a heart of tragedy—where fairy tales twist into nightmares and the choices we make define who (or what) we become—this collection is for you.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The inspiration behind The Book of Lost Innocence and its blend of dark fairy tales, folklore, and myth, all tied together by tragic endings.
What “lost innocence” means across the collection, and how the stories strip away naïveté to reveal harsher truths about the world.
Human nature at its messiest: morally complicated villains, blurred lines between good and bad, and the danger of believing you are doing the right thing.
Why myth and folklore can hit differently than straight horror, especially when readers can pull meaning and parable from the darkness.
Glenn Taylor’s creative process, from revisiting older stories and shaping them into a collection to balancing prose, screenwriting, and future projects.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Mississauga, I am a writer, creator, and novelist. Best known for co-writing 40 Acres with R.T. Thorne, a post-apocalyptic film set in a future where food is scarce, and a family has to defend their homestead from an organized militia. The film premiered at TIFF 2024 and was widely praised by critics, including The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Playback.

I've been writing and creating for most of my life. I started in animation and comics, but then shifted to my second love—design. I became a creative director and a business owner. But I never let go of my first love of creating and writing. I published my first book, The Book of Lost Innocence, the same year my film 40 Acres premiered in theatres.

The book has won a few awards, including the Independent Press Award and Reader Views in four categories (Short Story collections/Anthologies, Regional Winner, The Autocrit Emerging Writer Award and The Inside Scoop Live Award for Most Innovative Short Story Collection), and 40 Acres has won many awards as well as being nominated for the Canadian Screen Awards for Best Original Screenplay.

I love almost every genre, but my favourite is science fiction and fantasy. I don't think I can stop creating or writing. It's a function of my being and something I cannot excise even if I wanted to. So, I might as well embrace it and continue to make incredible, entertaining things for people to enjoy.

CONNECT WITH GLENN TAYLOR

Website: https://www.andthenwhathappened.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenntaylor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glenn.taylor.3591267/
Get the book: https://amzn.to/4sLAkaV

JR VERSUS STINKY DUMPING GROUND

Twelve-year-old JR is convinced the toxic dump next door killed his sister—and no one will listen.

If JR fails, the danger won’t stop with his family—it could destroy the entire neighborhood.

The adults say he is wrong. They say keep quiet. They say let them handle it. But JR has watched them do nothing for years. So, he is taking matters into his own hands. With help from his friends, a school project that becomes an investigation, and a heart that refuses to give up, JR sets out on a mission to expose the truth.

Fueled by courage, determination, and a heart that refuses to give up, JR sets out on a mission that seems impossible: “Stinky Dumping Ground has got to go!”

But can one kid really take on something so big? Can kids make a difference and get environmental justice?

JR Versus Stinky Dumping Ground is about community activism inspired by kids. An enjoyable read for adults. A must-read for kids.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

More than an environmental mystery. A funny, sharp 12-year-old takes on an illegal dump in Brooklyn, but the real story is about grief, family, and finding your voice.
Rooted in personal loss. Rawle lost his younger sister at age 12, the same age as JR. That experience shaped the book's emotional core.
Community matters. Inspired by a Spike Lee vibe, the Brooklyn neighborhood is full of characters who argue, support, and show up for each other when it counts.
No perfect victories. JR doesn't get everything he wants, and that's intentional. The book respects young readers enough to keep the ending honest.
A series with a twist. Future books will feature different kids with the initials J.R. in different communities, each tackling environmental issues. Three more drafts are already in progress.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ellis Brown grew up surrounded by stories, the kind his uncles told with flair and detail, the kind that stick with you. Now he tells his own. A debut novelist and children's book author, Brown writes across genres with a consistent thread: characters navigating big stakes, real-world issues, and the complicated question of who the heroes really are.

By day, Brown works as a Business Advisor at the Pace University Small Business Development Center, where he has spent two decades helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality, not unlike what he does on the page.

Learn more about R. Ellis Brown and his work - Connect with him at:

Website: www.rellisbrown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.ellis.brown/
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/rellisbrown.bsky.social

Bring One Home: A Memoir of Boyhood, Basketball, and Hometown Spirit

In the 1960s, the biggest dream for many young boys across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was to play for their high school basketball team. In the small town of Bessemer, this meant one thing: wearing the blue and gold of the Speedboys. The two obstacles standing in every young Bessemer boy's way were bitter winters of endless snow and a padlock on the doors to the only good gym in town. One day, when a young inexperienced coach is hired to lead the team, the Speedboys' usual aspirations of winning championships suddenly become far humbler: they merely want to win a single game. Mired in an epic losing streak, the team's declining fortunes come to mirror those of the town itself. Iron ore mines are shuttered. Jobs are lost. And the Speedboys' losses start piling up. What transpires is nothing less than a test of the town's soul and the character of its people. Bring One Home is an irresistible trip back to the days when kids played basketball on snow-covered driveways, drank chocolate malts at the Tip Top Cafe, and folks got their news in the local barbershop. Told from the viewpoint of a young, anxious boy striving to fulfill the expectations set forth by the adults in his life, this is an underdog story as heartwarming as it is at times heartbreaking. Filled with historical insights and laugh-out-loud moments, Bring One Home is a tribute to the author's beloved hometown and their undeniable determination to win.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Bring One Home and the inspiration behind the book
How the decline of the iron ore mining industry and a historic 42-game basketball losing streak became the unexpected backbone of one powerful story
The eerie connection between the new basketball coach's first pep rally and the assassination of President Kennedy
What it was really like to grow up in a small town where the rivalries were fierce and losing brought the community closer together
How eight years of research uncovered the surprising root cause of the losing streak
How proceeds from the book have been donated back to Bessemer schools, local libraries, and senior meals in the community
A beautiful reminder to support your local library, where his own love of reading began with Green Eggs and Ham

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thomas L. Pelissero grew up in Bessemer, a small town nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Drawing on his roots, he shared the spirit and history of his hometown in his debut book, “Bring One Home: A Memoir of Boyhood, Basketball and Hometown Spirit.” As a natural storyteller with a flair for humor, Thomas delights friends and family with vivid tales from his youth and the community that shaped him. His book has won a bronze medal in the North American Book Awards, named a Finalist in the Best Book Awards, and his memoir was placed into the Congressional Record in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 21, 2026 and is on the shelf in the Library of Congress. He has donated his net proceeds from sales of his book “Bring One Home” to support literacy in libraries and schools in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of St. Thomas and an MBA from Concordia University, both located in St. Paul, Minnesota. He dedicated 18 years to the broadcasting industry, where he made a notable impact. Thomas’s work with popular artists in the 1980s was recognized with two Gold Records and one Platinum Record. In 1991, Thomas transitioned to a corporate marketing in St. Paul until his retirement in 2017. That same year, he founded the Erwin Township Historical Society, serving as its President. Under his leadership, the Society was recognized in 2025 by the Michigan Historical Society as the Best Local Historical Society in the state.

Thomas is married to Joy, and together they have five children and twelve grandchildren. The couple shares a love for outdoor adventures, hiking, biking, and fishing—and cherishes time spent with family and exploring history.

Learn more about Thomas L. Peliserro and his work at: https://www.thomaslpelissero.com/

Get the book: https://amzn.to/4tHXlMK

EMPOWERED WEIGHT LOSS

Are You Gaining Weight Despite Doing Everything Right? The Truth About Perimenopause Weight Loss That Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

If you're a woman over 40 struggling with unexplained weight gain, crushing fatigue, sleepless nights, and mood swings—despite eating well and exercising regularly—this book reveals why traditional weight loss advice fails women in perimenopause and menopause, and what actually works.

The Hidden Truth: It's Not Your Willpower. It's Your Hormones.

This is the exact strategy we've used to help over 1,800 women achieve remarkable results: not only with weight loss, but also with reversing their most debilitating symptoms and feeling like themselves again. We've discovered that 5 specific hormone imbalances sabotage weight loss efforts during perimenopause and menopause. Most women have 2-4 of these imbalances simultaneously—which explains why "eat less, exercise more" stopped working after age 40.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The book's origin and audience — How their own hormone struggles led them to co-found Vitality Health Matrix and write Empowered Weight Loss, aimed at women 35+ navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
The five hormone metabolizer types — Insulin resistance, cortisol dysregulation, vitamin D deficiency, sex hormone imbalance, and thyroid dysfunction, and why all five must be addressed together rather than in isolation.
Normal vs. optimal lab values — Why standard lab ranges include people who are sick or symptomatic, and why "normal" results don't mean a woman is actually feeling or functioning well.
Women's biology vs. men's — How women lose muscle mass, have cyclical hormone patterns, and have fundamentally different metabolic demands — making male-designed diet and fitness plans ineffective for most women.
Medications, supplements, and self-advocacy — Why needing prescription support isn't failure, how integrative medicine addresses root causes, and how women can educate themselves to advocate for better care.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

SARAH GIBSON is a Physician Associate, author, speaker, and fierce advocate for women's health. Certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in using food and nutrition to reverse chronic disease, she is the founder of Vitality Health Matrix and the medical architect behind The Matrix Method — a comprehensive hormone optimization protocol that has helped over 1,800 women lose an average of 22.7 pounds in 90 days. Sarah is an associate producer and featured medical expert in Balance: A Perimenopause Journey, now available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime, and co-author of Empowered Weight Loss. She delivers the results women have been told are impossible.

Credentials: MPAS (Master of Physician Associate Studies) | PA-C (National Board Certified Physician Associate) | Certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine | HWC (Health & Wellness Coach)

ABBEY WALSH is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, author, speaker, and nationally recognized expert in personalized nutrition, advanced supplementation, and hormone optimization for women in midlife. As co-founder of Vitality Health Matrix and co-creator of The Matrix Method, Abbey brings 15+ years of expertise in fitness and functional nutrition — including proprietary women. She is the co-author of Empowered Weight Loss and a nationally recognized speaker on the intersection of nutrition, supplementation, and hormone health. Abbey's work goes far beyond standard nutritional counseling — she delivers results that diet and exercise alone simply can't achieve.

Credentials: MS (Master of Science in Nutrition) | CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialist®) | LDN (Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist) | Fitness Expert (CPT, CGFI, & RTY200)

You can learn more about Sarah and Abbey and their work at

Company website: https://vitalityhealthmatrix.com/
Book website: https://empoweredweightlossbook.com/

CONNECT WITH THE SARAH GIBSON AND ABBEY WALSH!

Sarah Gibson @sarahgibsoncoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahgibsoncoaching/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahgibsoncoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahGibsonCoaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.o.gibson

Abbey Walsh @Abbeyswholelife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Abbeyswholelife/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Abbeyswholelife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbeyswholelife/

Vitality Health Matrix

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitalityhealthmatrix/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalityhealthmatrix
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VitalityHealthMatrix
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitalityhealthmatrix

THE DIVINE FEMININE

What if the Divine Feminine was not an idea, a symbol, or a distant archetype — but a living presence you could feel, speak with, and walk beside every day?

In The Divine Feminine: From Awakening to Walking in Union, James Crompton shares his raw, unfiltered journey from a restless, ego-driven life into a direct and intimate relationship with the Sacred Feminine. Written from a man’s perspective after an accidental and traumatic Kundalini awakening, this is more than a memoir, it is atransmission of Her presence, Her words flow through the pages.

Through visions, energy awakenings, and everyday encounters, She transforms from a whisper in meditation into a constant companion. Each chapter reveals not only the wonder of mystical union, but also the practical steps of integration — how to let Her dissolve old wounds, embody new wholeness, and walk with you in daily life.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

The Book and Its Inspiration — James shares how The Divine Feminine: From Awakening to Walking in Union grew out of a deeply personal Kundalini awakening experience he kept a diary of for six months. Unable to find honest, relatable accounts written from a Western man's perspective, he wrote the book he couldn't find — one that might offer comfort and clarity to others going through the same disorienting experience alone.
What a Kundalini Awakening Actually Is — James breaks down what this energetic awakening involves: the dismantling of the ego, the rising of energy through the body, and the experience of accessing levels of consciousness that feel autonomous and separate from everyday thinking. He draws parallels between Shakti in Hinduism, Sophia in Gnostic texts, Layla in Sufism, and the Virgin Mary in Catholicism.
The Dark Night of the Soul — James opens up about the darkest moments of his process — feeling mentally unraveled, considering he might be having a breakdown, and at one point being suicidal — and how surrender ultimately became the turning point.
Spiritual Awakening and Emotional Healing — How the awakening process physically released years of stored pain and suppressed emotion, broke longstanding patterns of self-sabotage, and led to James giving up alcohol entirely.
Hidden Awakening Stories in Myth and Culture — James and Sheri explore how stories like The Wizard of Oz, Sleeping Beauty, and Pinocchio carry deeper awakening themes, and why these meanings often go unexplored in Western culture.
The Second Book: Integration — James discusses his follow-up work in progress, focused on what life looks like after the initial awakening — the long-term path of integrating presence, devotion, and inner stillness into everyday life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Crompton is a spiritual writer exploring awakening through lived experience, embodiment, and direct relationship with the Divine Feminine. His work emerges not from doctrine or tradition, but from an intimate inner journey, one that moved from restlessness and striving into surrender, healing, and mystical union.

During meditation, James experienced a profound kundalini awakening through consciously taking in prana through the solar plexus. What began as an inner energetic opening became a living, ongoing process of embodiment, reshaping how presence is felt, wounds are met, and the sacred is lived in everyday life.

Writing from a man’s perspective, James bridges grounded human experience with subtle spiritual realities. His work speaks to those who feel called beyond external success toward inner wholeness, conscious embodiment, and a deeper listening to the intelligence moving through the body and heart.

Through his writing, James invites readers into a felt experience of awakening, where transformation is integrated, the body becomes a doorway, and the Divine Feminine is encountered not as an idea, but as a living presence.

Learn more and connect with James Crompton at: https://jamescromptonauthor.com/

FOR CAUSE (3J Legal Thriller Series Book 5)

When Kansas City attorney 3J takes on an energy company's bankruptcy case, a video surfaces showing her client confessing to years of financial fraud and her case collapses in seconds. Her client swears it's a fake, but with twenty days to prove it, she's pulled from downtown courtrooms to Oklahoma oil fields and into the orbit of Kansas City's Irish mob boss, a man whose illegitimate empire now includes the power to manufacture reality itself.

For Cause is a smart, fast-paced legal thriller where corporate greed, organized crime, and deepfake technology collide. Truth never stood a chance.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

For Cause is the fifth book in Mark Shaiken's 3J Legal Thriller Series
The story centers on bankruptcy attorney 3J, whose client's reputation is suddenly destroyed by a deepfake video
Her client, Remy Paxton, is an oil and gas businessman who finds himself unable to get a loan from the bank group that has backed his family for decades
The book digs into how deepfake technology is creating real challenges in courtrooms today — and whether the legal system is equipped to handle it
3J's determination to win at all costs puts her relationships and her career on the line
With fraud running deeper than it first appears, nothing — and no one — is quite what they seem
Real Kansas City history, landmarks, and local restaurants make their way into the story, giving For Cause an authentic sense of place
The ending leaves 3J in uncharted territory, setting the stage for the next book in the series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Shaiken lives with his wife Loren and their dog Emily in Denver Colorado. He schooled at Haverford College and Washburn University, and practiced commercial bankruptcy law for almost 4 decades before moving on to writing, board service, and his photography and music.

CONNECT WITH MARK SHAIKEN!

Website: https://markshaikenauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markshaikenauthor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@markshaikenauthor8374
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markshaikenauthor/

LAUGHING THROUGH THE STORM

Diagnosed with epilepsy at 13, Jane's life took a wild turn full of seizures, specialists, and some seriously strange hospital adventures. But instead of letting it break her, she learned to laugh-at the chaos, the cringe, and even the curveballs. Laughing Through the Storm is a hilariously honest memoir about finding resilience, ridiculousness, and unexpected joy in the middle of life's messiest moments.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Living with epilepsy for 30+ years — Jane shares what it's really like to have grand mal seizures every two days, including the physical toll, the brain fog, and the invisible nature of the struggle that others simply can't see.

Being diagnosed at 13 and the social impact — Jane opens up about how her childhood diagnosis led to being labeled as "different" by peers, how she learned to stay quiet to protect herself, and how finding her voice became central to writing the book.

The hidden side of seizures — what happens after — Jane explains that the seizure itself is only part of the story; the exhaustion, disorientation, and constant unpredictability are what shape daily life in ways most people don't understand.

Humor and resilience as survival tools — Jane discusses how humor became a coping mechanism, with a candid and funny story about the most awkward place a seizure has ever hit, and how her husband and the Hoffman Process helped her find her true self.

Donating proceeds to Epilepsy Ottawa — Jane shares why this book is a purpose-driven project, how Epilepsy Ottawa supported her family after her diagnosis, and her broader mission to give hope to anyone living with a chronic condition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Rogers is an accidental expert in epilepsy, diagnosed at 13 and living with it ever since. She’s spent over three decades navigating seizures, side effects, and hospital adventures with grit, sarcasm, and a solid sense of humor. Laughing Through the Storm is her first book—a tribute to resilience, ridiculous moments, and finding light in the darkest places.

She lives in Ottawa with her supportive husband, Pascal, and their two mischievous chihuahuas, Junior and Bailey.

Learn More and Connect with Jane Rogers:

Website: https://laughingthroughthestorm.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jane.rogers.339999

Instagram- @laughingthroughthestorm

Linkedin- linkedin.com- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-rogers-46684842

MATTHEW'S JOURNEY: The Return Home

Caroline and Matthew have been nearly inseparable for as long as they both can remember. That is, until the untimely call of war summons Matthew far away to the battlefields of Vlaysar.

With grand designs on an epic adventure, he promises to safely return to Caroline and Meadowshire a hero. But, seriously wounded on the battlefield and left for dead, those delusions of grandeur quickly fade as he, unbeknownst to Caroline, slowly and painfully makes his way home.

Matthew's return becomes a desperate struggle against both time and circumstance. Losing hope at every turn, Caroline grows more desperate with each passing day, not knowing Matthew's true fate, nor certain if they will ever truly be reunited.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About the book and the inspiration behind the story
Bringing history, love, and war together on the page
Why the story begins with the ones left behind
A soldier’s journey through fear, duty, and survival
The emotional toll of war on families and relationships
What it really means to make it home after war
What's next for William J. Birrell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William J. Birrell is a longtime educator, teaching at a well-known Canadian university for over twenty years. In addition to holding several university degrees, including a graduate degree in Education (M.Ed.), William has also developed a passion for writing and telling stories.

He is the proud father of three adult children and seven young grandchildren. He currently lives in the Niagara Region, with his loving partner Sue, nestled in the heart of Southern Ontario.

LEARN MORE AND CONNECT WITH WILLIAM J. BIRRELL

Website: https://williamjbirrellauthor.com/

Facebook – William Birrell or William J. Birrell – Author

Instagram – william.birrell.5

Linked in - William Birrell

Get your copy of Matthew's Journey

DEBRIS: A MEMOIR OF LOVE, GRIEF AND COURAGE

Debris is a hauntingly poignant memoir of true love scorched by the flames of Australia's Black Summer Bushfires. What began as a casual online connection blossomed into a beautiful family, ultimately torn apart by tragedy, leaving behind physical wreckage and emotional ruin. Josie's mental health was deeply affected by the traumatic loss of her husband, yet her love for her daughter became an anchor, a reason to live and the quiet force that guides her through grief's darkest corners. As she learns to live with the loss, she begins to uncover what is best for her and her daughter. She embraces change, rebuilds with courage and discovers ways to heal.

Written with fierce tenderness, Debris speaks to anyone who has loved deeply, lost profoundly, and found themselves gathering the fragments of a life altered by tragedy.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Debris: Josie’s love story, the Black Summer loss, and the moment she knew she had to write this book
The “before” and “after”: what life looked like with John, then how everything changed overnight
Inside the firestorm: what happened during the bushfires and the emotional whiplash that followed
Grief in real life: parenting through heartbreak, mental health, asking for help, and the stuff people don’t say out loud
Finding solid ground again: what healing actually looked like for her, and what she hopes readers carry with them after Debris

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Josie L. Smith is an author, visual artist, mother, and a public servant whose work spans memoir, community service, and creative expression.

Her debut memoir, DEBRIS: A Memoir of Love, Grief and Courage, traces her powerful journey through love, devastating loss, and the long, courageous work of rebuilding after Australia’s Black Summer bushfires.

In her book, Josie narrated her life with her husband John and their daughter Ems, the tragic loss of her husband, and the emotional aftermath of navigating grief while raising their daughter alone. With honesty, courage, and deep vulnerability, she explores what it truly means to survive, heal, and find strength in the ruins.

Alongside her writing, Josie is an exhibiting artist whose work centres on cathartic process, resilience, and the emotional landscapes left behind by trauma. Her exhibition CATHARSIS, Embers of Resilience brought her paintings and John’s sculptures together as an artistic extension of the themes that shape her life and her memoir.

Beyond her creative practice, Josie works in the Department of Communities and Justice in NSW Australia, supporting children and families through trauma-informed, community-centred practice.

Josie uses her voice—in writing, in her art, and in her community work—to inspire others to face their own storms with courage and resilience.

CONNECT WITH JOSIE L. SMITH

Instagram

Facebook

Josie Smith | LinkedIn

THE HUMILITY YOU WANT AND THE WORLD NEEDS

Learn the life-changing secret great leaders know, and lead with love, live with purpose, and influence with humility.

Are you driven to leave a lasting impact but find yourself struggling to balance humility with self-confidence?
Do you long to grow as a leader, deepen your relationships, and cultivate inner peace, but feel unsure how humility fits into it all?

If these questions resonate with you, don’t worry. Many people seeking growth and legacy feel this same tension. But transformation is possible, with the right tools and a fresh perspective.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About The Humility You Want and The World Needs and the Inspiration Behind the Book
Why Humility Matters Right Now
Humility as a Practice, Not a Concept
Ambition and Humility Can Work Together
Humble Leadership in Practice
What’s Next for Schalee Sanchez

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Schalee Sanchez is a global leader, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience leading diverse teams across cultures and causes. Having lived and worked in five countries, she brings a rich global perspective to her work. Fierce in her belief that every person is worthy and wildly capable of impact, she equips readers to lead with humility, live with purpose, and rise into their fullest potential with courage, clarity, and compassion.

CONNECT WITH SCHALEE SANCHEZ!

WEBSITE: https://schaleesanchez.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/schalee.m.sanchez/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/schalee.sanchez/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@schaleesanchez
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schalee-sanchez-7207a7181/

Jules Moves the Rug: A Story About Courage, Hope and New Adventures

What if the things we trip over are the things we need to face?

In the middle of a small, busy house lies a big, bright, bumpy rug. Everyone steps around it: Mom, Dad, Grandma, Big Brother, and Little Sister. No one likes it, but no one dares to move it.

Until one day, Jules, curious, brave, and tired of stumbling, finally says, "That's it. It's time to move the rug."

As Jules leads her family to lift the rug for the very first time, they uncover more than anyone imagined-reminders of moments lost, lessons forgotten, and something quietly waiting to be found.

Jules Moves the Rug is a tender, thought-provoking story about courage, curiosity, and the power of facing what has been hidden. Inspired by the leadership book RUG: Move What You Are Tripping Over and Lead with H.E.A.R.T., this beautifully illustrated picture book invites children and families to talk about:

The feelings we hide and the healing that comes from sharing them
The importance of asking questions and being brave enough to listen
How love grows when we stop stepping around what's uncomfortable

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About the book: Jules Moves the Rug uses a simple household problem to show how avoiding issues doesn’t make them disappear
The central metaphor: A rug in the middle of the home represents problems people keep stepping around instead of fixing
Why problems linger: Familiar discomfort often feels safer than change, even when it causes repeated frustration
The power of small voices: Jules, the youngest in the family, speaks up and shows that clarity doesn’t depend on age or authority
What’s under the rug: Hidden messes symbolize unresolved feelings like missed apologies, forgotten dreams, and tension
The core message: Facing problems together turns overwhelm into connection and healing
What’s next for the author: The “move the rug” idea continues through leadership work and future stories focused on honest conversations and growth

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherry Whitaker Budziak is a speaker, writer, and entrepreneur who encourages leaders and families to find the courage to move the rugs that hold them back. Her children's book Jules Moves the Rug grew out of her own journey of resilience and personal transformation. Through this story she hopes to spark meaningful conversations that help children and the adults in their lives talk openly about change and emotional growth.

Sherry is also known for her long career guiding organizations through moments of transition. After serving in executive roles within the medical association community she founded .orgSource in 2005. Since then, she has advised hundreds of organizations as they work to strengthen strategy embrace innovation and build cultures where people can thrive. At the heart of her work is a belief that growth begins with honest reflection and the willingness to imagine new possibilities.

She is the co-author of two books on leadership and entrepreneurship and is currently writing her third. When she is not writing or speaking, she enjoys traveling trying new recipes and spending time with her family.

CONNECT WITH SHERRY WHITAKER BUDZIAK

https://rugthebook.com/

https://orgsource.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sherry.budziak

https://www.instagram.com/orgsherry/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryb

HOLY DENVERIn 2009, at the height of the economic crash, Elizabeth Zwelland loses her prestigious Manhattan publishing job in the fallout from Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. Forced to move to Colorado, the home of her Beat-poet father, she takes a minimum-wage job at an indie bookstore, shelving the very books she once edited.

Bitter and adrift, Elizabeth scorns her coworkers and customers—until a shocking confrontation forces her to reckon with herself. Her journey takes her through the shadows of the Columbine shooting and JonBenét Ramsey case, leading to an awakening forged in hardship and a deepening connection to the city Jack Kerouac once called Holy Denver.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION About the Book: Holy Denver* – An introduction to the novel, its second-edition release, and the story of a woman forced to rebuild her life after the 2008 financial crash. * Loss, identity, and starting over – How the sudden loss of career, home, and status exposes resentment and forces a personal reckoning. * Unlikable protagonists and emotional honesty – Why beginning with a deeply flawed main character makes meaningful transformation possible. * Privilege, class, and intellectual armor – How education and status become shields that distance people from empathy and connection. * Family legacy, neglect, and the Beat Generation – Growing up in the shadow of a famous poet father and grappling with inherited creative identity. * Compassion, shame, and self-forgiveness – Confronting harmful behavior and learning to change with honesty and empathy. * What’s Next for Florence Wetzel – Backlist re-releases, AI-narrated audiobooks, and an upcoming novel set in Crete.

ABOUT THE AUTHORFlorence Wetzel was born in Brooklyn, NY. She writes in different genres, including the memoir Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss. Her novels include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard; the Swedish mystery The Grand Man; and Dashiki: A Cozy Mystery. She has also authored horror short stories, a book of poems and memoir essays, and co-authored jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson’s autobiography. Aspasia is her latest novel, published in July 2025.

You can learn more about Florence Wetzel and her work at https://linktr.ee/FlorenceWetzel

FINDING HER VOICE

Set in the volatile early days of Christianity, this sweeping historical novel centers on three fearless women determined to claim their place in a faith that keeps trying to shut them down. Junia fights for acceptance in a divided church while protecting her biracial son and facing the possibility of new love, Susannah wrestles with the pull between motherhood and ministry as danger and expectations collide, and Mariamne challenges rigid gender roles as she confronts what true authority demands. Against a backdrop of real biblical events and rising tension, their stories intertwine in a bold exploration of faith, identity, equality, and resistance, delivering a powerful, feminist, LGBTQ+-affirming tale of courage and conviction. Finding Her Voice is Book Three of the From Broken to Bold trilogy, bringing the series to a defiant, unforgettable conclusion that proves silence was never an option. Consider this your official invitation to holy troublemaking.

Learn more about Elaine Ricker Kelly and her work at www.elainekelly.ca

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Spotlight on early female apostles and the overlooked leadership roles of women in the first-century church
Junia and Susanna as powerful yet imperfect figures pushing back against religious and societal silencing
Parallels between ancient gender oppression and modern struggles around women’s rights and equality
Faith, identity, and inclusion, including challenges to traditional Christian views on women and LGBTQ+ individuals
Emotional themes surrounding motherhood, worth, infertility, and how women’s value has been historically measured
The author’s personal journey of reclaiming voice and confronting ingrained beliefs within Christianity

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elaine Ricker Kelly is an award-winning author writing about women in the Bible and the early church. As a mother of three daughters, Elaine knew the harm of being considered secondary. She thought fiction would help others see how Jesus equipped women as disciples and empowered women to speak and lead. Her research-based approach and empathetic tone were developed during thirty years as a financial advisor. Since Jesus engaged women as financial advisors, Kelly felt betrayed as a Christian when she saw the church speaking against women leaders, and she felt it was important to show how the Bible empowers women and endorses equality for all. She hopes to bring healing and hope to those sidelined or silenced by the church by writing blogs on biblical equality, church history, and affirming LGBTQ+ people. She and her husband live near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and worship in the mainline Protestant Christian tradition. They have three adult daughters and enjoy hiking, nature, tennis, pickleball, music, history, and travel.

Learn more about Elaine Ricker Kelly and her work at www.elainekelly.ca

CONNECT WITH ELAINE RICKER KELLY!

Instagram: @elaine_kelly_author

Facebook: elainekellyauthor

Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/ERK4Canada/playlists

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elaine.kelly.author

LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT

This memoir traces a boy growing up in 1980s Philadelphia as he navigates gangs, addiction, fractured faith, and a home life wired with chaos, finding his only lifeline in the music that gives him a sense of self. It’s a raw, darkly funny look at survival, identity, and the stubborn hope that rises even when you’re raised in the wreckage.
Learn More

WHEN THE LIGHT IS MINE

A poetry collection that cuts through the noise with sharp, confessional poems about capitalism, faith, identity, depression, and the messy business of surviving yourself. It moves from raw disillusionment to moments of real tenderness, offering an unfiltered look at modern life that challenges, unsettles, and still manages to land on hope. Learn More

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About the Book and the Inspiration Behind It
Growing Up in Kensington and the Lasting Impact of Poverty and Violence
The Influence of a Deeply Religious Upbringing and Conflicting Family Dynamics
Music as an Emotional Lifeline and Catalyst for Self-Discovery
Navigating Identity and Personal Beliefs Amid a Restrictive Environment
Developing an Authentic Writing Voice and the Decision to Tell His Story Without Filters
Themes of Resilience and What He Hopes Readers Take Away
The Role of Poetry as Creative Expression and Expansion of His Storytelling

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chaz Holesworth writes from the gritty edge of lived experience. Raised in Philadelphia by a father struggling with heroin addiction and a mother bound to extreme fundamentalist Christianity, he grew up in a world defined by poverty, trauma, and contradiction. Out of that turbulence emerged a voice that is both unflinching and lyrical, capturing the weight of survival, the failures of society, and the fragile hope that persists despite it all.

Over the past twenty-five years, Chaz has been sculpting those experiences into stories and poems. His memoir offers a brutally honest account of his past, while his poetry collection distills decades of struggle and reflection into themes of love, depression and loneliness, religion, and the fault lines buried beneath our society. Chaz strives to both trace the contours of intimacy and confront the politics of power, inviting readers into a deeply personal yet universally resonant search for meaning.

Now living in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and their beloved dog, Chaz continues to write with the urgency of someone who knows the cost of silence. His work speaks to anyone drawn to poetry and memoirs that dwell on deeper things, offering not just snapshots of a difficult life but the possibility of connection, understanding, and light.

CONNECT WITH CHAZ HOLESWORTH

Website: https://chazholesworthbooks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chazholesworthauthor/

A CHARGE TO KEEP

Lead with Purpose. Inspire with Integrity. Manage with Excellence.

In A Charge to Keep, Rev. Kevin T. Taylor merges decades of leadership experience from the C-suite and the pulpit to offer timeless principles for managing change, fostering stability, and building impactful teams. Whether you’re leading a corporation, ministry, or nonprofit, Taylor’s actionable insights will empower you to navigate challenges with courage and clarity.

Discover the power of financial stewardship, the importance of context-driven decisions, and the value of bringing your whole self―faith and all―to your leadership role. Packed with vivid stories and practical strategies, this book is a must-read for anyone ready to align their leadership with their values.

If you’re seeking a guide to sustainable success and meaningful impact, A Charge to Keep is your next essential read.

🎙️ Main Conversation Points

How faith and business leadership intersect — staying authentic in every setting.
The loneliness of leadership and why his book serves as a playbook for real challenges.
The cost of integrity — lessons from standing firm when it wasn’t the easy choice.
How younger generations are redefining purpose, work-life balance, and leadership expectations.
Why “trust but verify” remains essential for accountability in both ministry and management.
DEI as a marathon, not a sprint — what true long-term commitment to inclusion requires.
What’s next for Rev. Taylor — coaching, new books, and aligning purpose with performance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rev. Kevin T. Taylor is a pastor, educator, and executive leader who bridges the sacred and the strategic. Since 2021, he has served as Pastor of Israel A.M.E. Church in Albany, NY, where his ministry blends worship, justice, and innovation through initiatives like Speaking Truth to Power Tuesdays and the Summer Literacy Challenge.

Beyond the pulpit, Kevin brings over 20 years of C-suite and nonprofit leadership experience.

A proud Tuskegee University alum, he has been honored by Marquis Who’s Who (2025), 100 Men of Color, and the National Council of Negro Women. Through preaching, teaching, writing, and community service, Rev. Taylor equips organizations and congregations for spiritual growth and lasting transformation.

Learn more about Reverend Kevin Taylor and his work at https://revkttaylor.com/

CONNECT WITH REVEREND KEVIN TAYLOR!

WEBSITE: https://revkttaylor.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/revkttaylor/

KALMAN & LEOPOLD: SURVIVING MENGELE'S AUSCHWITZ

In the shadow of the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, Kalman and Leopold— two young boys—meet as unwitting subjects of Josef Mengele's twisted twin experiments. Pulled from their barrack, they are forced to become servants to the SS guards within Mengele's "hospital" camp, bearing daily witness to scenes of obscene viciousness. Within this nightmarish hell Leopold becomes Kalman's guide, helping him to navigate the terrifying complexities of the SS guard shack. Mengele's atrocities are relentless, yet within this darkness a friendship emerges, testament to the resilience of the human spirit. In January 1945, the Russian army liberates Birkenau and the boys part ways.

For fifty-six years Kalman searches tirelessly for his friend and protector, driven by the memory of a boy he knew only by a nickname he had given him: Lipa. Their story is a reminder of the depths of human immorality, and it is a testament to friendship, faith, and survival against all odds. As intolerance and hate intensify in the world, Kalman and Leopold's voices echo across generations, urging us to remember the horrors of fascism so that history's darkest moments remain in the past.
Never again!

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Kalman & Leopold: Teenage twins who survived Mengele’s Auschwitz experiments.
Reunited After 56 Years: A chance TV sighting leads to an emotional reconnection.
Their Words, Their Voices: 20 hours of raw interviews told exactly as they spoke them.
Inside the Guard Shack: A chilling, firsthand look at life beside Mengele’s hospital camp.
More Than Survival: A story of resilience, decency, dignity, and moral courage.
A Son’s Discovery: Richard uncovers his father’s hidden past and generational trauma.
History Echoes Today: A warning against rising hate and blind misinformation.
A Living Legacy: Their story endures as a call for empathy and remembrance.
Looking Ahead: Hopes to share Kalman and Leopold’s story on screen for future generations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard K. Lowy is the son of Leopold, one of the young survivors whose extraordinary story is told in Kalman & Leopold: Surviving Mengele's Auschwitz. Inspired by his father's resilience and the lessons of history, Richard has dedicated himself to sharing their remarkable journey with readers around the world. Through the book, he brings to life the experiences of two teenagers who faced unimaginable horrors in Auschwitz and emerged with a powerful message of courage, hope, and the importance of remembering.

As a storyteller, Richard bridges the personal and the historical, showing how the experiences of the past can resonate deeply with today's readers—especially young adults seeking stories that are both relatable and profoundly moving. On the Reader Views Podcast, he shares insights not only into his father's story but also the process of bringing such an impactful narrative to life, highlighting why these voices must continue to be heard.

CONNECT WITH RICHARD K. LOWY AND LEARN MORE:

WEBSITE kalmanandleopold.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CaptRrrr/

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

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kalmanandleopold

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KalmanandLeopold

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qKTAp9

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BORN ON MONDAY

In Augusta, Maine, a historic nor’easter and something more sinister threaten to unearth the secrets buried deep in the town’s past. With time running out, three lives collide in a desperate fight for survival, where truth becomes a casualty and redemption comes at a cost.

Billy Stevens, a quarry worker haunted by loss, is drawn into a web of betrayal when a brutal crime pins him as a suspect. Jessica Michaud returns to care for her ailing mother, only to find herself hunted by a vengeful ex whose chilling threats awaken old wounds. And journalist Andrea Kearney digs into a local dynasty’s corruption as the storm’s fury mirrors the rising tide of violence.

Born On Monday is a gripping tale of resilience, moral ambiguity, and small-town sins — a literary thriller that will keep readers breathless until its haunting conclusion. Award-winning author Richard R. Becker delivers a gritty literary thriller that digs into identity, perception, and the human condition.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATON

The roots of the story and why Augusta, Maine became the perfect backdrop for a tense return-to-hometown thriller
Trauma, survival, and morally complicated characters navigating love, shame, and second chances
A chilling nursery rhyme and a raging nor’easter working together as psychological pressure-cookers
Small-town secrets, power dynamics, online shaming, and the messy line between justice and truth
A growing “50-States Universe,” future novels, audiobooks, and how this author's world keeps expanding

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard R. Becker is an award-winning American author whose gripping stories blend resilience and moral complexity. His new novel, "Born on Monday" (2025), promises a thrilling tale of small-town sins that will captivate readers.

His debut novel, "Third Wheel" (2023), soared into Amazon's top 100 thriller and suspense literary fiction novels, earned a Kirkus Reviews feature, and won seven awards, including Literary Thriller of the Year by the Artisan International Book Excellence Awards. His collection "50 States" (2021), crafted from a challenge to write one story a week for 50 weeks, topped Amazon's literary short story charts and won multiple honors.

Raised in Milwaukee, Richard overcame poverty and personal challenges, infusing these experiences into his work to add emotional depth. When not writing, he enjoys acting, hiking, photography, and time with his family. He is married and has two adult children.

CONNECT WITH RICHARD BECKER!

CopyWriteInk: https://www.copywriteink.com/author-richard-r.-becker.html
Website: https://byrichardrbecker.com
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/richbecker
FB: https://www.facebook.com/byRichardBecker
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@richbecker
X: https://x.com/RichBecker
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RichardBecker
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richardrbecker
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21606162.Richard_R_Becker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/copywriteink/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/richbecker.bsky.social

STELLA SCURA: DARK STAR RISING VOLUME ONE: A blind teenage girl from North Pole, Alaska learns her true destiny as she realizes the full potential of her vast dark energy powers shortly after her eighteenth birthday. Is she really the legendary Aurora the Angel, or something far more sinister? Will the President of the United States ultimately serve as a mentor, or use her as a pawn to become ruler of the world?

STELLA SCURA: DARK STAR RISING VOLUME TWO: Stella Scura impulsively goes on a mission that becomes nothing short of disastrous as she is aided by a long-forgotten group of fourth-rate 1990s TV superheroes in a quest to learn more about her abilities and those of the strange young man from the Netherlands known only as The Orthoman. Along the way she learns of her famous heritage and that her parents are not who they seem to be. Can she develop a relationship with her newly-found friends and family while retaining her humility? Or will she become the greatest "rock star" of all time when fame goes to her teenage head?

STELLA SCURA: DARK STAR RISING VOLUME THREE: In the conclusion of Dark Star Rising, the amazing Stella Scura must confront her own vast potential for destruction and once again save a major city from nuclear devastation - but at what cost? And who close to her will make a tremendous sacrifice?

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Origins and Themes of Stella Scura – How the story began decades ago, the evolution of Paige Marshall as a character, and the central theme that real strength comes from moral choices rather than superpowers.
World-Building and Political Parallels – The novel’s setting in Alaska and its expansion into cosmic and political territory, including commentary on power, leadership, and modern-day parallels.
Power, Morality, and Humanity – Exploration of what power truly means, Paige’s moral restraint, and how humor, empathy, and logic play roles in resolving conflict instead of force.
Family, Mentors, and Relationships – The influence of Petra, Jack, and President Wendy Mendoza on Paige’s growth; how family secrets, loyalty, and differing beliefs shape her identity.
Series Continuity and Future Works – Connections to Neal’s earlier novels (Specific Gravity, Ontario Lacus, etc.), plans for a sequel, and upcoming unrelated projects including a romance and an Amalgam Man spinoff.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. Matthew Neal is a physician (endocrinologist) and medical school assistant dean residing in Muncie, Indiana. He is the author of five problem-based endocrinology textbooks, and began writing fiction in the mid-2000s. His first novel, Specific Gravity, was published in 2007. His other fiction works include its sequel Ontario Lacus (2008), the young adult novel Americium the Beautiful (2010), and medical mysteries Amalgam-Man (2022), and Amalgam-Man: Burnt Crispy (2025).

LEARN MORE ABOUT J. MATTHEW NEAL AND HIS WORK AT: https://www.jmneal.com/

SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP -A no-holds barred account of life in the elite police Special Operations Group, high on danger and adrenalin.

Chris Glasl joined Victoria Police at nineteen, with one aim in mind: to become a member of the Special Operations Group. Ultra-fit and highly trained, the SOG are called to the most dangerous missions: hostage situations, gunmen on the loose and risky mobile intercepts.

After going through an incredibly gruelling elimination process, Chris joined the SOG in 1994, thinking he was becoming part of a unit that was untouchable, indestructible and bonded so closely together they were a brotherhood like no other. He didn't find that brotherhood.

Instead, Chris experienced a unit rife with bullying, lies and betrayal. In combination with the dangerous missions they undertook and the pressure he experienced in each one, Chris needed a release valve, and he found it by taking drugs. It was the only way to switch off the adrenalin, to sleep at night, to get through his days. And those days involved fatal shootings, a triple murder, a 100-million-dollar drug bust and the Port Arthur massacre, to name just a few.

This is the ultimate insider account of what it takes to be one of the toughest police officers in the world, and the price it demands. It's a white-knuckle ride that you will never forget.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Special Operations Group and his inspiration — how rehab journaling and unresolved trauma led Chris to tell his story.
Life inside the SOG — the reality behind the elite image, from tight teamwork in the field to bullying and toxic culture behind the scenes.
The cost of silence — how addiction, mental health struggles, and lack of support nearly destroyed him.
Standing up — the controversy, censorship, and determination to reclaim and republish his book.
A message of resilience — urging others in high-pressure roles to seek help, speak up, and prioritize mental health.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christophe Glasl joined Victoria Police at nineteen with one goal—to become part of the Special Operations Group. After completing one of the toughest training programs in law enforcement, he served in the unit from 1994 to 1998. He now shares his experiences to shed light on the realities and pressures of serving in an elite police unit.

To learn more about Christophe’s story, check out his book Special Operations Group, available through major booksellers.

GET THE BOOK!

Wedding Planning: Five Easy Steps & The Secret to Pull it Together

Everything you need to know to plan your perfect unique wedding. This is not your typical wedding planning book. Chapter titles alone will tell you what needs to be done, and the subtitles break it down further. The book includes tips, advice, stories, templates, and notebook to keep track of everything.

All the other books, magazine articles, Instagram and Pinterest timeline posts state on the "day of" to have a good breakfast. They don't mention the people that take care of all the duties and tasks throughout the day so you can be VIP guests at your own wedding.

The five easy steps and how they relate to each other is the foundation of this book, which will make sure you have an educational, memorable, stressless, wonderful experience throughout the whole process.

The secret is having a planned schedule that catches everything, and a specific person in charge on the "day of" that pulls it off while you enjoy with the guests. Let me show you how to perfect your wedding planning experience. Waiting to your wedding day is just too late to realize the importance of this thought process and having a specific/special go-to-person working the "day of" on your behalf.

You will enjoy the days up to the wedding as much as the day itself, as this book helps make it all come true.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

How to Create a Stress-Free Wedding – Why having one dedicated person in charge can make or break the day.
The Five Essential Steps of Wedding Planning – A practical breakdown of budget, timeline, schedule, tasks, and assignments.
Delegation Without Drama – How couples can share responsibilities and keep the peace with friends and family.
Avoiding Day-Of Disasters – Common wedding mishaps and how to prevent them before they happen.
From Planning to Partnership – What wedding prep can teach couples about communication, compromise, and teamwork.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Forbes knew that her youngest daughter was going to be engaged soon, so she enrolled at BCIT and earned her wedding and event planning credentials in 2005. She changed careers from corporate sales analyst to something that brings meaning and joy to her life every day. In no time, she put it to good use: one daughter married in 2006 and the other in 2007.

She retired in 2020 but continued to expand her world. Kathy is an artist in several mediums, styles, and subjects, as well as a miniature hobbyist—both passions stemming from a desire to preserve and share meaningful memories. She travels, gardens, and enjoys reading and self-education, constantly expanding her world by trying new experiences. Her latest adventure was a silversmith ring class, which she invited her granddaughter to join.

Kathy wrote this book as both a personal keepsake and an educational reference to help others. Her goal is to make planning a wedding a wonderful experience.

Her life’s motto is: be interested and interesting.

Learn more about Kathy Forbes and her work at www.anewpaigeevent.com

GET THE BOOK!

WASP OIL

Independently Published 2025
ISBN: 978-1999410872

Not long after Chelsea Tygrah left her mark on Halburton, the city became encompassed by an electric, heavy, pulsating power, embracing and encouraging unprecedented anger in everyone it could get its gnarly grip on. Through a strange orange light following everyone’s move, a creature emerged with its own anger, casting its mark on the bravest ones who would dare defy it.

BUY LINK

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Origins and themes of Black Rose Cocoon and Wasp Oil – How the sequel builds on the first book’s exploration of crime and horror, with a focus on emotional and psychological transformation rather than just detective work.
Character development of Rosaria Castilla – Her evolution from a by-the-book detective to someone confronting trauma, blurred memories, and the “goods and evils of anger.”
Inspiration and personal experiences – Flitcher’s injury at the zoo, therapy, and emotional healing as catalysts for the story’s darker tone and introspective horror.
Creative structure and stylistic choices – Use of the fictional city of Halberton, a background true-crime radio show, chaotic pacing, and psychological disorientation to immerse readers.
Future projects and overarching messages – Discussion of the upcoming novel Dead Mirror’s Follow, the continuation of Halberton’s universe, and the broader human themes of anger, fear, and self-awareness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

AG Flitcher is a twelve-time award-winning author who placed in the finals twice for Fantasy Series, first place for horror -serial killer novel, and for independent Fantasy novels . In addition, he has taught the art of storytelling to many novice writers and avid readers. His obsession with questioning the good and bad in life, the grey areas, and the tethering and frantic metronome of life and death, is what makes his work enthralling, confounding, and colorful. Fear has become a powerful aphrodisiac for him, making it a haunting yet delectable component in his stories. Fear is not what scares us, it's what follows when we respond to it.

To learn more about AG Flitcher and his work, follow him on social media through the links listed below:

Facebook: Facebook X(Twitter): AG Flitcher (@agflitcher) / XInstagram: Instagram Tiktok: Andre (@agflitcher) | TikTok YouTube: AG Flitcher - YouTube

In the heart of Yellowstone National Park, little Charlotte the wolf pup dreams of chasing grasshoppers and dancing through meadows — not tracking prey or following rules like the rest of the pack.

But when danger threatens her family and the powerful Alpha Queen, Charlotte’s mother and leader of the pack, it’s up to this free-spirited pup to race for help and prove that being different can be a strength.

A heartwarming tale of courage, loyalty, and finding your place in the world, CHARLOTTE, A YELLOWSTONE WOLF PUP is a celebration of individuality and the unbreakable bonds of family. Perfect for children of all ages — and their grown-ups too.

A portion of proceeds from this book supports wolf conservation efforts through The Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Wolf Conservation Center.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Inspiration and purpose – Celia’s framework of choosing endangered animals, tying each book to a grandchild, and supporting conservation.
Story and themes – Charlotte’s journey of independence versus belonging, and the lessons for kids about individuality and family.
Research and authenticity – How Celia studied wolves and balanced realism with age-appropriate storytelling.
Illustrations and collaboration – Working with Maria Hahn, capturing Yellowstone accurately, and adding interactive coloring pages.
Takeaway for young readers – Charlotte as a relatable, brave, and lovable character, and what Celia hopes children remember after closing the book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Celia Straus has written hundreds of shows for television and film throughout her career, and most recently, she is proud to have received an Emmy nomination for Kids Speak Out, a YouTube series created in partnership with the United Nations that features conversations with children worldwide about their lives. Her work has earned her Cine Golden Eagles and industrial film festival gold and silver awards, as she has served as a script-writer for numerous networks including Discovery, History Channel, and PBS.

For five years, from 2012 to 2017, Straus created and wrote the Emmy Award Winning Memorial Day Concert that was broadcast nationally on PBS. She also had the honor of creating and writing the Anti-Defamation League’s Concert Against Hate, which was performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for several years.

In addition to her television and film work, Straus has authored several books on different topics. Her poetry trilogy for middle school girls, including the national bestseller Prayers On My Pillow, was published by Ballantine Books in 1998. On military topics, she wrote Hidden Battles on Unseen Fronts: Stories of American Soldiers with PTSD and TBI, published by Casemate in 2009, and Pathfinder Pioneer: The Memoir of a WWII Bomber Pilot, published by Casemate in 2017.

Her passion for storytelling extends to children’s literature, and she has collaborated with various illustrators to create children’s picture books, such as the three BoBo and Iris books about an orphaned baby elephant in Kenya, Livy Little Honey Bee, and Sophie, the Monarch Butterfly, Mission to Mexico.

Straus currently resides in Washington, D.C. but travels frequently to see her two daughters and gorgeous grandchildren, who are the apple of her eye.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CELIA STRAUS AND HER WORK AT: https://www.celiastraus.com/

UNFORGIVING THRESHOLDS - Given that Mother Nature tends to correct unfavourable exceptions of the whole, then change is in order, soon to come. The unforgiving threshold of positive and negative energy is also one step away in front of us. In overview are the culmination of unforgiving thresholds that humankind has caused. These thresholds are like the stone in the pond, producing ripples that ever expand outwards, reaching into unstoppable. All thresholds will collapse together as one.

Some readers will agree, then read again; some will give consideration and read again several times. Naysayers set the book aside until the declarations become everyday topics, then read again. To those in denial: close the book, it's not for you.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Inspiration and meaning behind Unforgiving Thresholds – Don Trudeau explains how carbon credits, salmon, and beavers sparked his reflections on ecological thresholds and humanity’s imbalance with nature.
Environmental imbalance and consequences – Discussion of overproduction, waste, species decline, deforestation, and how humanity has stepped outside of balance with the natural world.
Energy and interconnectedness – Exploration of energy as a unifying force among all life, how it circulates, and the First Nations perspective of “all my relations.”
Personal health and lifestyle thresholds – Reflections on obesity, inactivity, addiction, and self-abuse, connecting personal choices to broader survival and societal collapse themes.
Future survival, writing, and preparedness – Insights on his upcoming books, survival knowledge, stockpiling resources, and simple steps individuals can take to restore balance and prepare for harder times.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taught observance as a child and practised until becoming an Elder, Don Trudeau has, for seventy-two years, witnessed the changes on wildlife, climate, economy, health, weather, catastrophic land events, and conveniences which changed our interaction with the planet. Today he sees that we are on the very brink of disaster, and he has come to understand that threshold has two meanings. One is to begin, the other to end. He is a Shaman in First Nation depiction and has been on the cusp of change since six years old until now, aged seventy-eight. Some of what he has witnessed is described herein, to give warning, as is one of his Shaman duties, to bring awareness of what approaches.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DON TRUDEAU AND HIS WORK AT: https://dontrudeau.ca/

MY WINGMAN

Life had never been easy for Clover. With the loss of her mother at birth and her grandmother's descent into dementia, she felt like she was constantly dodging curveballs. But nothing could have prepared her for the devastating heartbreak of losing her best friend and soulmate, Elliot. Crushed by grief, Clover is encouraged by her rebellious friend Reese to escape to an enchanting town where coffee flows freely and friendships spark like fireworks. Here, she meets Sadie, a kind single mom, and reconnects with Everett, the charming brother of her late friend. As she navigates unexpected connections and is haunted by ghostly glimpses of Elliot, Clover must decide whether to hold on to the past or take a leap of faith towards a new future. Join Clover on her journey of healing and rediscovering love, because sometimes the best wingman is the one that stirs your soul. Let Clover's story touch your heart and inspire you to find your own courage in the face of loss and new beginnings.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The inspiration behind My Wingman and how personal challenges led Tessa to writing
Themes of grief, healing, faith, and transformation woven throughout the story
Clover’s relationships with Elliot, Everett, and her new community as sources of growth and support
Tessa’s writing process, including shifting timelines and character development
The debut publishing journey, reader feedback, and a sneak peek at what’s next

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa King is an emerging author whose debut novel, My Wingman, explores themes of courage and the journey of rediscovering happiness after grief. With a professional background in laboratory science, Tessa brings a unique perspective to her storytelling and enjoys analyzing rich, emotional narratives. When she isn't writing, you can find her supporting her husband at the dragstrip, indulging in her passion for coffee and books, or enjoying quality time with her beloved German Shepherd, Preacher. Residing in the Midwest, she admits to having a terrible green thumb and is still mastering the art of knitting. However, she shines in the art of sarcasm and delights in baking sweet treats. A devoted Detroit Lions fan, Tessa embraces life with humor and heart, inviting readers to join her on her literary adventures.

CONNECT WITH TESSA KING!

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tessaking

Website: https://www.tessa-king.com

Social Handles:

https://www.facebook.com/tessakingwrites
https://www.instagram.com/tessakingwrites
https://www.tiktok.com/@tessakingwrite
https://www.goodreads.com/tessaking
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tessa-king

ASPASIA

A peaceful mountain village in 1990s Crete. Katerina is an American who lives a tranquil life with her husband Dimitris and their daughter Aspasia. But when Dimitris leaves to work on a cargo ship, a terrible secret shatters Katerina’s world. Suddenly, life in the village turns claustrophobic, threatening both Aspasia’s safety and Katerina’s sanity.

Drawing inspiration from Sophocles' timeless play Antigone, Aspasia is a gripping tale of two shocking crimes. The novel delves into the depths of a mother's love and the extraordinary lengths one woman will go to safeguard her child.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The story and inspiration behind Aspasia – including Florence’s time in Crete, the “village secret,” and how another novel influenced her to give her character a different kind of ending.
The meaning of the name Aspasia – its personal, historical, and symbolic significance, and why she chose it for the book.
Katerina’s perspective as an outsider and a mother – her integration into village life, her strength and vulnerability, and how she reacts differently from the community.
Themes of secrets, silence, and power – including the role of Christos, how fear and routine shift after the secret is revealed, and the tension between what’s spoken and unspoken.
Florence’s writing journey – revisiting a book she began 30 years ago, the evolution of publishing/self-publishing, trigger warnings, and what projects she has coming up next.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Florence Wetzel was born in Brooklyn, NY. She writes in different genres, including the memoir Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss. Her novels include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard; the Swedish mystery The Grand Man; and Dashiki: A Cozy Mystery. She has also authored horror short stories, a book of poems and memoir essays, and co-authored jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson’s autobiography. Aspasia is her latest novel, published in July 2025.

You can learn more about Florence Wetzel and her work at https://linktr.ee/FlorenceWetzel

SWITCH

Mari Ellwyn and Derek Abernathy return to track a string of unsettling bank robberies. Their case takes a dark turn with the bizarre disappearance of a body from the local morgue, a mystery connected to the vanishing of the previous Medical Examiner, Dr. Camille Bota. Their investigation plunges them into the dangerous world of a multi-national organization involved in suspected fraud and fringe technology research. For Mari, the case ignites a personal quest, forcing her to confront the long-unresolved disappearance of her father, CIA operative Richard Ellwyn.

The deeper she digs, the more Mari realizes that both she and her father are inextricably linked to their lifelong nemesis, the notorious international crime boss Jacques Martel. The missing body and the secrets surrounding Dr. Bota become entangled with her father's shadowy past and Martel's deadly machinations. In a high-stakes collision of family secrets and criminal enterprise, Mari must confront her father and their shared enemy before they both become casualties in Martel's lethal game.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The Explosive Finale of Mari & Derek’s Journey – Why Switch brings the trilogy full circle.
Family, Betrayal, and a Deadly Nemesis – Mari’s reunion with her CIA father and showdown with Jacques Martel.
Heists, Missing Bodies & Quantum Secrets – The tangled web of crimes at the heart of Switch.
From Beverly Hills to Spy Gadgets – How real research and tech fuel the authenticity.
Behind the Curtain – Lisa’s writing process, shadowy power themes, and what’s coming next.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Towles is an Amazon bestselling, award-winning crime novelist and a passionate speaker on the topics of fiction writing, creativity, and self care. She has 13 crime thrillers in print with a new title, Switch, forthcoming in September 2025. The first two books in her E&A Investigations series, Hot House and Salt Island, were #1 Amazon Kindle bestsellers. She hosts an author interview series on YouTube called Story Impact. She has an MBA in IT Management and works full-time in the tech industry in the San Francisco Bay area.

Learn more at www.lisatowles.com or linktr.ee/authortowles.

RED SHADOWS AT SAUGATUCK

Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo has inherited his “gift.”

Now, they both can see ghosts.
Upon his parents’ insistence, Darrell agrees to drive his young family 800 miles to celebrate his Aunt Gertrude’s 80th birthday. But, once in the resort town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—"Those girls run away all the time.” Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen. Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and five-year-old son in danger?

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Red Shadows at Saugatuck and the Haunted Shores Mystery Series – Randy shares how the series grew from a single novel into four books, with this latest installment focusing on Darrell, Erin, and their young son returning to Michigan.

Family, Parenting, and Leo’s Gift – The story highlights family relationships and parenting dilemmas as Leo, a precocious five-year-old who also sees ghosts, propels his father into solving the mystery of a missing teen.

Setting and History in Saugatuck – The novel blends a richly detailed sense of place with the legend of the ghost town of Singapore, capturing the charm, beauty, and history of the Michigan lakeshore.

Social Issues and Authenticity – Randy discusses weaving in the real crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), informed by conversations with tribal elders to ensure cultural respect and accuracy.

Book Launch and What’s Ahead – He reflects on the warm reception at the Saugatuck launch, shares how each book in the series stands alone, and talks about possible future entries alongside other projects.

ABOUT THE AUTHORDr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries,” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets and can be heard wherever listeners get their podcasts. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts and the world of book publishing with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S.

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and the scenic locations around this country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.

CONNECT WITH DR. RANDY OVERBECK!

More info about his novels, programs and podcast can be found at his website www.authorrandyoverbeck.com

Email: randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/randy-overbeck
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck/e/B07QQHW7DM
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4825632.Randy_Overbeck

Feathers and Flame: Poetry of Australian Landscapes and Personal Transformation

A heartfelt collection that intertwines the beauty of Australian wildlife, international locations and personal growth. It reveals emotional truths, inviting readers to explore the process of healing through nature.

Observing nature, especially how animals and birds interact and give unconditionally, provides moments of stillness, enabling deep gratitude and peace.

Learn more about Kathryn (Kate) Carlisle and her work at https://kcarlisleauthor.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Feathers and Flame and the Inspiration Behind the Collection – Kate shares how nature walks, personal memories, and her experience in the Australian Defence Force inspired this deeply reflective and healing body of work.
Writing as a Path to Healing – Through poetry and journaling, Kate explored grief, self-forgiveness, and emotional transformation, using stillness in nature to process past experiences and reconnect with herself.
Themes, Style, and Visuals – The collection blends short poems, longer reflections, and full-color landscape photography to create a layered, sensory storytelling experience grounded in emotion and place.
Author Readings: “Mirror Me” and “Storm” – Kate reads two poems aloud, one reflecting on self-acceptance (Mirror Me), and another capturing the destructive and renewing force of nature (Storm).
What’s Next for Kate – She’s continuing to write, including poems from the perspective of animals, and is considering turning Feathers and Flame into an audiobook.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Carlisle spent her early years in various regions of Australia, sometimes in a double-decker bus and a caravan, travelling across New South Wales, South Australia, north Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. During the family's travels, Kate learned to write by listing all the creeks and rivers they crossed in a notebook. This unique background, filled with diverse landscapes and experiences, shaped her experiences and writing. It instilled a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of adaptability that would later help her heal.

Kate served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for almost 39 years. At 16, she joined the Royal Australian Navy as an apprentice Electronics Technician, her formative year. After 10 years, she transitioned to the Royal Australian Air Force, serving nationally and overseas, separating in March 2023. Throughout her career, Kate found solace in writing, using it to express herself. She wrote about her experiences in the ADF, the challenges she faced, and the moments of triumph. Her writing served as a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others who might be going through similar experiences.

As a veteran, Kate completed the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills program, which helps build confidence and resilience in people experiencing health and wellbeing challenges related to service in the ADF. Kate found joy and an unlimited opportunity for healing through creative writing, and combined this with her love for nature and the outdoors. When at home, Kate spends time in the Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve, a space that Kate loves and uses to connect and experience the profound healing power of nature.

CONNECT WITH KATE CARLISLE

Website: https://kcarlisleauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.carlisle.148
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kate-c-40702b9a
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate1_carlisle?igsh=MThnZmVtbzR5M2llaw==

THE PHILLY PHENOMS

Ten-year-old Lee Lomax is trying to scratch a severe golf itch. Like many kids, Lee idolizes his dad, Sam, a talented golfer who has put his game on hold to focus on his family. But Lee is relentless and vows to spend his summer at Sam’s blue-collar country club in the Philly suburbs, hoping it will entice his dad to do the same. Enter the despicable Hal Rustin, who wants nothing more than to see the Lomax family booted from the club. Sam might have no choice but to step in.

In The Philly Phenoms, we follow Lee Lomax as he searches for a fix for his golf obsession. He circles a special charity match, held on the first anniversary of 9/11, as both the potential cure and the opportunity of a lifetime for the Lomax family.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Golf as a Symbol and Passion – Central to the plot and rooted in the author’s personal experiences with his father and upbringing.
Father-Son Relationship – A deep emotional core of the story, inspired by the author’s real bond with his own dad.
Themes of Grit and Perseverance – Reflected in Lee’s character and motivated by the author’s observations as a teacher, especially post-COVID.
Blending Humor with Real-World Trauma – Balancing lighthearted moments with heavier subjects like 9/11 and mental health, especially from a child’s point of view.
Collaborative Creative Process – The book became a group effort, with contributions from friends and colleagues for the cover art, course map, and fictional club logo.
What’s Next – Upcoming writing and publishing plans

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nate Oxman has been a golf writer in the Philadelphia area for nearly 20 years. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State University in 2004, Oxman served as an unpaid intern and later sports editor at The Spirit Community Newspapers in Philadelphia, where he covered general news and local youth and high school sports. In 2007, he was hired as the associate sports editor for Montgomery Newspapers, which publishes a group of weekly papers in the Philadelphia suburbs of Montgomery County, and the staff writer for Philadelphia Golfer, a monthly golf magazine published by the newspaper group. While writing for Philadelphia Golfer, Oxman earned a Keystone Media Award from Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association as well as a first-place prize from the Philadelphia Press Association. In 2010, Oxman became the staff writer for Tri-State Golf Magazine, a quarterly publication covering golf news throughout the tri-state area of eastern Pennsylvania, south Jersey, and Delaware. He continues to serve as the staff writer for Tri-State Golf and has contributed freelance work to myriad publications including The Philadelphia Daily News, The Philadelphia Inquirer, South Jersey Magazine, Suburban Life Magazine, Golf Association of Philadelphia Magazine, and Golfer’s Tee Times.

Oxman has covered dozens of local and national events on every major professional golf tour as well as the USGA including the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion, the 2015 and 2024 U.S. Women’s Opens at Lancaster Country Club and the 2026 Truist Championship and Mizuho Americas Open. Oxman is a longtime member of the Golf Writers’ Association of America, the International Network of Golf, the Golf Travel Writers’ Association of America and the Delco Press Club.

Oxman shifted gears and earned his teacher certification from Cabrini University in 2010 and has served as a classroom teacher in the School District of Haverford Township since 2012. He received his Master’s degree in Teaching Secondary English from Slippery Rock University in 2023.

In addition to his work in education and journalism, Oxman began caddying at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. in 1995 and has served as one of the club’s assistant caddie managers since 2009. He has caddied in club, local, and national events including the 1998 U.S. Girls’ Junior, the 2005 U.S. Amateur, and the 2022 Curtis Cup matches. Oxman’s father and uncle both caddied on the PGA Tour.

He lives in Havertown, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, with his wife, Laura, and three daughters: Anna, 12, Emilia, 9, and Eden, 5.

CONNECT WITH NATE OXMAN!

WEBSITE: https://thephillyphenoms.com/
INSTAGRAM: @NateOxman
X: @NateOxman
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-oxman-b741a520/

THIS IS ME

Luke Corbett, a young man who spent most of his life in Canberra, has recently returned to his hometown of Gamarra, a small rural community in the heart of New South Wales. Struggling to find his footing in a place that feels both familiar and alien, Luke is confronted with long-buried emotions when a childhood friend reappears. His deep feelings for this man, however, clash with the conservative values of the town. As whispers and judgement threaten to overshadow his life, Luke must choose: will he suppress his true self to conform or confront the prejudice around him and embrace the life he was meant to live?

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Inspiration and Writing Journey. Aspen’s personal experiences and how the isolation of COVID sparked the story.
Identity and Belonging. Luke’s struggle to live authentically in a small rural town.
Family Legacy. The pressure of living up to his grandfather’s achievements and values.
Community Acceptance vs. Rejection. The tension between tradition and embracing change.
What’s Next. Plans for the sequel and trilogy: This Is Us and This Is Where We Belong.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aspen Thomas grew up in the small western Riverina town of Goolgowi, where the vast landscapes and vibrant community life shaped his early imagination. After moving to Canberra for high school, Aspen continued to nurture his passion for storytelling, drawing inspiration from the world around him. As a child, he loved weaving tales about farm machinery that came to life, setting the stage for a lifetime of creative exploration.

A passionate tennis player, Aspen has played since childhood and competes in his tennis club's championships every year. Inspired by tennis greats like Ashleigh Barty, his love for the sport parallels his dedication to education. Aspen has been teaching science and mathematics since 2016, bringing his curiosity and enthusiasm to the classroom.

Aspen's debut novel, This Is Me!, was born during the isolating days of the Covid years, while he was locked down in his two-bedroom apartment. Deeply personal yet fictionalised, the story reflects his experiences growing up gay and autistic with ADHD in a small rural community. With an overactive imagination and a determination to share his unique perspective, Aspen creates heartfelt, relatable narratives that resonate with readers.

When not writing or teaching, Aspen can be found on the tennis court, exploring new ideas, or championing authenticity and representation in storytelling.

CONNECT WITH ASPEN THOMAS!

Website: https://aspenthomas-writes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspenthomaswrites/

Fungus Theory of Conscious Growth - A Radical Biological Origin Story Linking Fungi, Evolution, and Humanity's Cosmic Destiny
What if all complex life—plants, animals, and even humans—are just branches of a vast, ancient fungal network?
In Fungus Theory of Conscious Growth, a groundbreaking theory is explored: that all multicellular life evolved from fungi, and that humanity may be the conscious spore of this planetary organism—poised to spread beyond Earth itself.
Drawing from evolutionary biology, paleontology, and astrobiology, this book presents a compelling scientific case that fungi were the first multicellular organisms on Earth. Over time, they diversified, branching into the plant and animal kingdoms. This interconnected lineage suggests a unifying fungal ancestry—and redefines the way we see life on Earth.
As humans explore space and prepare to colonize other worlds, we may be participating in a deeper biological imperative—spreading life beyond Earth as fungal spores once colonized land.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Fungus Theory and Human Purpose
Technology as a Survival Mechanism
The Science
The Role of Storytelling and Emotion
Cosmic Urgency and Existential Risk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark L. Christensen is a lifelong explorer of ideas, driven by a deep curiosity about cosmology, physiology, and sociology. With a passion for connecting science, creativity, and big-picture thinking, Mark has spent decades developing insights and innovations that challenge conventional boundaries. His work invites us to rethink how we grow, evolve, and understand our place in the universe.

Learn more about Mark and his work at https://marklchristensen.com/

Read an extended interview with Mark L. Christensen: https://readerviews.com/reviews/meet-the-author-christensen-fungus-theory-of-conscious-growth/

THE PYJAMA BOY

Steven Murphy spent his formative years in Sydney's Redfern. Abandoned by his mother when only weeks old, his father left him in the care of a cruel, alcoholic stepmother while he himself was in jail. Unbelievably, the child they dubbed the "Pyjama Boy" fought his way through life to achieve his ultimate goal. His story is a poignant and haunting one that captivates its reader from the very beginning and remains long after the book has been closed.

AN INSPIRATIONAL TALE OF SUCCESS AGAINST THE ODDS . . .

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Childhood Abuse and Trauma
Stephen discusses his harrowing upbringing—abandonment, neglect, and physical/emotional abuse by a stepmother—with raw honesty. These experiences form the foundation of The Pajama Boy memoir.
Resilience and Transformation
A major theme is how he overcame adversity through perseverance, military service, and eventually becoming a police officer. He emphasizes self-worth, emotional growth, and the importance of breaking cycles.
Emotional Honesty and Vulnerability
Stephen reflects on shame, emotional wounds, lost relationships, and the impact of unresolved trauma. He explains his decision to be candid rather than paint himself as a hero and why that matters to him and his readers.
The Book’s Evolution and Re-release
He shares why he originally wrote The Pajama Boy, why he’s re-releasing it with updates, and how feedback led to changes—particularly the shift from third-person narration to first-person in the sequel for deeper personal connection.
Sequel and Multimedia Integration
The upcoming sequel is discussed in detail—its emotional intensity, inclusion of reflections from family members, and the innovative use of video footage tied to book chapters to enhance reader engagement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steven Murphy is an Australian author and speaker, whose book The Pyjama Boy offers a raw, unfiltered account of surviving a childhood marked by abandonment, abuse, and neglect. Once known on the streets of Redfern as “the boy in the crumpled pyjamas,” Steven overcame extraordinary adversity to serve in the military, become a police officer, and later, a nationally sought-after speaker.

First released nearly two decades ago and now reintroduced with new reflections, The Pyjama Boy is a powerful reminder that trauma does not define a person—how they respond to it does. Today, Steven speaks at schools, youth centers, and community events across Australia, using real photos, documents, and unsparing honesty to connect with audiences and spark conversations about resilience, identity, and hope.

CONNECT WITH STEVEN MURPHY!

Website: https://thepyjamaboy.com/
You Tube: www.youtube.com/@thepjboycom
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/stevenmurphyauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenjohnmurphy
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.pyjama.boy

CICERO JAMES, MIRACLE WORKER

My name is Cicero James, and I died last Thursday.

I know how it sounds, and the rest of what I have to tell you is just going to make it worse. But it's true. I died, and I came back. And the rest of it—why it happened, what it means, and most importantly what we’re going to have to do about it—is what I need you to hear.

I’m going to start at the beginning, and I’m going to tell all of this as faithfully as possible. I’m going to try to bring you along for the ride. It’s all coming out in a rush, so if I don’t tell it quite right, or if I muff a word or use bad grammar or something, try not to hold it against me.

And if I don’t manage to convince you… I understand. No harm, no foul, no hard feelings. This is all insane to anyone who hasn't lived it. But if you're in, then you’re in, and here we go.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Overview of the Story and Inspiration
Discussion of Cicero James, Miracle Worker's premise, including the protagonist's role as a modern miracle worker, and how the story was built around the opening line about dying multiple times.
World-Building and Magic System
Exploration of the parallel society of workers, the concept of “workings,” the nature of terrors, and how belief shapes reality in this urban fantasy world.
Character Development and Voice
Focus on Cicero’s personality, tattoos, sense of humor, relationships, and how these elements reveal different facets of his identity and emotional depth.
Themes of Mental Health and Trauma
Conversation around how childhood trauma opens the door to magical abilities, and how Cicero’s personal struggles influence his role as a protector of the “blissful” (non-magical people).
Series Continuation and Reader Reactions
Talk about feedback from readers, unexpected interpretations (including political ones), and what’s planned for the next book in the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hal Emerson is the author of ten books, including the award-winning Exile Trilogy, beginning with The Prince of Ravens. He is a graduate of UCLA with a BA in theatre, where he studied Shakespeare, Chekhov, and the Greek and Roman Classics. He also has an MBA from UC Berkeley (Cal).

Some of his favorite books and series include East of Eden, The Brothers Karamazov, The Lord of the Rings, and The Wheel of Time. As a young reader he was particularly inspired by The Chronicles of Prydain, and he is an avid Harry Potter fan.

He still believes in the Oxford comma, and he has seen every Robin Williams movie.

CONNECT WITH HAL EMERSON!

https://www.halemerson.com

https://www.instagram.com/halemerson/

https://x.com/halemersonauth

Marketing is more than just strategies and sales—it's a means to connect, inspire, and create positive change. In Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection, Melissa Fors Shackelford draws from her 25 years of experience as a marketing executive to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven marketing. This insightful guide challenges business leaders and marketers to think beyond the bottom line, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal and organizational purposes. Melissa’s actionable advice reveals how authentic brands inspire loyalty, build deeper connections, and achieve long-term success. Key chapters cover essential topics, including finding professional purpose, fostering creativity, balancing work-life dynamics, embracing inclusive and ethical marketing, and crafting strategies that reflect a brand's core values. Melissa also delves into cause marketing, effective team collaboration, and building resilience in modern marketing challenges. Packed with inspiring real-world examples and practical advice, Harnessing Purpose is a roadmap for professionals seeking to make an impact through their work.

Whether you're launching a startup, managing a small business, or leading a marketing team, this book will equip you with the tools to unlock creativity, foster meaningful connections, and lead with authenticity. If you’re ready to transform your marketing approach and build a purpose-driven brand, Harnessing Purpose is the guide you’ve been waiting for.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Aligning personal and brand purpose to create meaningful marketing.
Building authenticity and trust through values-driven branding.
Leading purpose-driven teams to foster collaboration and engagement.
Practicing inclusive, accessible, and ethical marketing.
Combating burnout and sustaining creativity through purposeful work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Fors Shackelford is a trusted advisor to executives and emerging businesses, helping organizations build compelling brands, accelerate market growth, and navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry. With over 20 years of experience as a marketing executive, Melissa brings deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, brand positioning, and growth marketing to her consulting practice, Shackelford Strategies.

As a sought-after consultant and advisor, Melissa partners with C-Suite leaders, startups, and established healthcare brands to refine messaging, strengthen market positioning, and drive customer engagement. She provides hands-on guidance to help businesses launch new offerings, enter new markets, and scale sustainably.

Melissa is a recognized thought leader in marketing and brand strategy. She is a frequent industry speaker, podcast guest, and contributor to leading publications, covering topics such as purpose-driven marketing, inclusive communications, and branding. Her expertise has earned her prestigious honors, including Nonprofit Marketer of the Year (American Marketing Association, 2019).

Melissa holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas and a BA from the University of Minnesota. She serves on multiple industry and corporate boards.

CONNECT WITH MELISSA FORS SHACKELFORD!

Website: https://harnessingpurpose.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarnessingPurpose/#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harnessing_purpose
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfors/

SWIPE: A TWISTY PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER

Sonya's fed up with bad internet dates. But she never meant to kill anyone.

After a stressful day at work and a creepy first meetup, Sonya Romano goes on a mission: teach a lesson to the smarmy guys she's meeting on her dating app. But when one of them falls to his death as a result of her confrontation--a married man posing as a single guy--she realizes she's gone too far.

Meanwhile, Jake Parker, former Pulitzer nominee, has hit rock bottom. His boss gives him an assignment: go under cover and produce a click bait story about dating apps. Things start to look up when another married man on the app is murdered, and Jake suspects that there may be a serial killer targeting cheaters.

With Jake hot on her trail, Sonya races to cover her tracks, until they finally meet. Fighting a powerful mutual attraction but suspicious of each other, neither of them know that a deranged psychopath is closer than they think, and much more of a danger than either of them realizes.

Can they figure out what's going on, before one of them is next?

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

How Swipe Was Born – The story’s inspiration, how Bonnie Traymore and R.G. Belsky teamed up, and what made their co-writing process successful.
Crafting Complex Characters – Building emotionally rich, flawed protagonists (Sonya and Jake), and how their arcs were shaped through collaboration.
Modern Dating & Deception – Exploring the risks, absurdities, and emotional fallout of dating app culture, and how it mirrors broader social disconnection.
Blending Thriller with Dark Humor – Striking a balance between suspense and satire, and navigating how far is “too far” in both tone and theme.
Launch Buzz & What’s Next – Early reader reactions, the book’s success on NetGalley, and a peek at each author’s upcoming solo projects and thoughts on a sequel.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

R.G. Belsky is an award-winning author of crime fiction and a journalist in New York City. Belsky has published more than 20 novels—most of them set in the New York city media world where he has had a long career as a top editor at the New York Post, New York Daily News, Star magazine and NBC News. He also writes thrillers under the name Dana Perry. And he is a contributing writer for The Big Thrill magazine as well as BookTrib.

Learn more about RG Belsky at www.rgbelsky.com

Bonnie Traymore is the Amazon charts bestselling author of eight domestic/psychological thrillers. Her thrillers feature strong but relatable female protagonists who peel back the layers of suburban American life and give readers a peek inside. The plots explore difficult topics such as jealousy, infidelity, murder, and the impact of psychological disorders, but she also includes bits of romance and humor to lighten the mood from time to time.

Bonnie loves Hitchcock movies, psychological thriller novels, coffee, and dark chocolate, not necessarily in that order and sometimes simultaneously. She has a doctorate in United States history and resides in Honolulu with her family. She’s an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America.

Learn more about Bonnie Traymore at www.bonnietraymore.com.

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

THE SEVEN

Seven souls. One final chance for humanity.

In a divine test that will determine mankind's fate, seven individuals from across the globe are chosen to represent humanity. Their judges? Not God, not angels, but the creatures who have served mankind since the dawn of civilization - horses. These majestic beings have carried humans through history, and now they must decide if humanity deserves to continue its journey.

This profound tale explores the deep connection between humans and animals, the choices that define us, and the ultimate question: Has humanity strayed too far from its purpose to be saved? "The Seven" is a powerful story of redemption, second chances, and the extraordinary bond between humans and the creatures who know our hearts better than we know ourselves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alison Gieschen is an award-winning author, lifelong sailor, and horsewoman whose life story is as epic as the novels she writes. A former schoolteacher and graduate of the University of North Carolina Charlotte, Alison spent 30 years running an internationally successful equestrian program on her family farm in New Jersey. After raising three children with her husband Dan—whom she met during a sailboat race—they sold everything they owned to pursue their shared dream of circumnavigating the globe aboard their 43-foot sailboat.

To date, Alison and Dan have traveled to 46 countries and recently crossed the Panama Canal, setting their course for the remote islands of French Polynesia. Her time at sea and her deep connection with both horses and people across cultures have inspired a powerful body of work spanning children’s literature, memoir, and adult fiction. Her books include the Rising Star Award-winning novel Blue Ridge, the magical children’s stories The Legend of Altor and Julia’s Vaulting Dream, and the nonfiction sailing memoir Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph—with a sequel on the way.

Her latest release, The Seven, is a sweeping and soul-stirring novel that blends fantasy with deeply rooted real-world experience. The story follows seven humans and seven horses in a tale that spans continents and cultures, asking one pivotal question: Can the hearts of a few determine the fate of all humanity?

Alison is also preparing to release her newest children’s fantasy, Seanna: A Mermaid’s Tale—a story especially close to her heart. As someone who has always felt a magical connection to the sea and its mythical creatures, Alison brings the underwater world to life in this early reader chapter book. The story is being brought to even greater life through the artwork of seven-time international award-winning illustrator Barbara Owczarek, whose stunning illustrations add an extra layer of magic and wonder.

Through it all, Alison remains deeply connected to the world around her—from the sea life off her bow to the ancient cultures in the world’s most remote places. Her journey is far from over, and with every mile sailed, a new story is waiting to be told.

Learn more at https://alisongieschen.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Origins of the Story – The Seven was inspired by a vivid dream involving horses that Alison couldn’t shake.
Role of Horses as Moral Judges – Horses serve as spiritual mirrors and judges because of their innate ability to sense authenticity and emotion.
Character Development and Diversity – Each character is based on real-life experiences and represents different cultures, showing humanity’s shared struggles.
Emotional and Ethical Complexity – The book explores gray areas of morality, where judgment isn't black and white, especially in the human-horse confrontations.
Themes of Disconnection and Hope – The story critiques modern disconnection while offering a message of hope, transformation, and reconnection with what truly matters.

CONNECT WITH ALISON GIESCHEN!

Author website: https://alisongieschen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sailmates.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailmates_on_equus/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-gieschen-24455429/

Ai: OpeningWalt Walls wants nothing more than to graduate from Credence University, start a family, and live a simple life with the one he loves. He only has two semesters to go. He is unaware of the cabal that exists underground, controlling and influencing not only the island but also his small Christian college. Nor does he know that his great-grandfather was once a ranking member in that very same group, and they want Walt’s abilities and his DNA safely back in the fold.

An innocuous research project with the dean’s daughter and a cryptic 62 word chapel presentation brings the young man to a decision point. Has he heard and understood the boy’s cry for justice from below, or the two little girls in his technology-induced dream?

This novel will shake you to your core and cause you to rethink what you thought was reality.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

George Saint Georges is a contemporary author known for exploring the intersections of identity, society, and the human psyche in his work. His passion is to challenge readers to think critically about the world around them.

Learn more and connect with George Saint Georges at https://GeorgeSaintGeorges.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Inspiration and Research Behind AI: Opening
How Trance Formation of America by Cathy O’Brien and The Imagination Podcast by Emma Katherine inspired the story. Their work opened the author’s eyes to the reality of trauma, dissociation, and child exploitation, themes he wanted to explore through fiction.
*Check out the Imagination podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagination/id1526743863
Characters and Themes of Dissociation
The novel follows six college students uncovering long-repressed trauma. Characters like Walt and Nacja were shaped by dissociative experiences, and the island’s cracked mountain serves as a powerful metaphor for fragmented identity and memory.
Writing Process and Emotional Toll
The author speaks about the emotional difficulty of writing on such dark subjects, the loneliness of authorship, and the importance of early feedback from a longtime friend. His research-heavy process ultimately shaped the story’s emotional and philosophical depth.
Exploration of Hidden Power Structures and Theology
The story investigates secret societies, the use of the King James Bible in ritualistic practices, and hidden meanings in scripture. The author challenges readers to reexamine long-held beliefs and invites reflection on uncomfortable truths.
Core Message and Reader Impact
AI: Opening ultimately encourages simple, healing human connections. The author hopes readers come away understanding that creating safe, loving spaces for others—especially trauma survivors—is a powerful way to make a difference.

SIDE QUEST: STORIES is the award-winning short story collection by Jalyn Renae Fiske that collects 14 speculative short stories and 1 poem that explore characters who yearn for a different life or a second chance amid magical curses, missing persons, dragon attacks, mad scientists, alien planets, human sacrifices, the undead, and silent gods. Fiske's wide range in writing style and subject matter makes for stories that are captivating and immersive for all types of readers. There's horror, there's adventure, there's whimsy, and there's tragedy. SIDE QUEST: STORIES is for anyone who wishes to step into the fantastical shoes of another and experience different perceptions, struggles, and dreams. Are you ready to begin?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jalyn Renae Fiske is an author, editor, educator, and librarian. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College in 2017. That same year, she began her tenure as Fiction Editor for James Gunn’s Ad Astra magazine and also served as Editor-in-Chief for The Pitkin Review and editor for Clockhouse.

Jalyn writes blends of science fiction, fantasy, and horror that are at times unsettling, strange, or whimsical. She likes to explore themes of identity and transformation, as well as create different social constructs and systems in her worldbuilding that encourages the reader to ask–Why is it that way? Could it be different? Should it be? Jalyn’s short stories, poems, and essays have appeared in The Science Fiction Tarot anthology, Allegory, Wyldblood, Mythaxis, Fabled Planet, and Sword and Sorceries Vol. 7, among others, and her debut short story collection, Side Quest: Stories, was released in November 2024.

Learn more about Jalyn Renae Fiske and her work at: http://www.jrenaewriter.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Transformation and Identity
Characters confront change, shed old selves, and explore what it means to evolve—willingly or not.
Blending Genres and Tone
A mix of dark fantasy, horror, and sci-fi delivered with emotional range—from eerie to uplifting.
Power, Sacrifice, and Social Commentary
Stories that examine who holds power, what it costs, and how we navigate flawed systems.
Crafting Stories and Structure
From poetic titles to layered suspense, each piece is shaped with intention and creative risk.
Challenging Genre Expectations
A collection designed to welcome curious readers—not just genre fans—into speculative fiction.

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR JALYN RENAE FISKE:
www.jrenaewriter.com
Facebook: Jalyn Renae Fiske, author

Three levels below a street in New York City lies the world’s largest securities vault. For 40 years, Andy Russo has been its devoted steward. But after decades of mistreatment, Andy reaches a breaking point. Leading his disgruntled team of employees, he devises an audacious plan to steal $100 million in bearer bonds—an inside job no one ever expected.

As the heist unfolds, Hurricane Sandy barrels toward the city, threatening to flood the vault and expose their crime. With security closing in and chaos erupting, Andy must navigate a treacherous web of loyalty and desperation. In a world where white employees work above street level and immigrants and minorities toil below, can they outsmart a system designed to keep them down, or will their dreams drown in rising waters?

The Vault is a heart-pounding thriller filled with shocking twists and moral dilemmas that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Will Andy and his team succeed in their quest for justice, or will their ambition lead to disaster? Join them in this electrifying journey where the stakes are high and nothing is as it seems.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stuart Z. Goldstein is a former high-profile Wall Street PR executive with a decades-long career at institutions like DTCC and American Express. Now an award-winning author, he’s known for his deeply personal memoir Moe Fields and his latest financial thriller The Vault, which blends real-world events with compelling fiction. With a background in public affairs and a passion for storytelling, Stuart brings both authenticity and heart to his work—drawing on his insider knowledge of the financial world to craft stories that are as emotionally resonant as they are suspenseful.

Learn more about Stuart Goldstein and his work at www.stuartzgoldsteinbooks.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The inspiration and real-world foundation behind The Vault
The complexity and humanity of the book’s characters
Corporate injustice, systemic bias, and moral ambiguity
Blending fiction with financial industry expertise
The emotional depth and personal investment in the writing process

CONNECT WITH STUART Z. GOLDSTEIN!

Website: www.stuartzgoldsteinbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.Stuart-Z-Goldstein
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-z-goldstein

ARCHIPELAGO

Following a tragic event, The Herb Society, along with Lukas and Taylor are unwittingly pulled into Baptiste’s twisted plan to not only find a lost continent but unlock the secrets to a precious material that is only found near an archipelago he believes to be the remainder of this sunken world. Baptiste knows this material is more precious than all the gold in the world and he has big plans for it. When The Herb Society discovers Pierre Baptiste’s nefarious agenda, they unlock a global conspiracy led by the world’s rich and powerful that would completely alter civilization to their advantage for generations to come. Now The Herb Society ladies, Lukas, Taylor, Tory and her boyfriend, Pepe are thrust into the plot and must fight the forces of nature and evil to save mankind from an unimaginable future. But will they be able to stop Pierre and his clever friends from initiating the countdown to an apocalypse?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

E. William Podojil is an author, strategic advisor, and international business executive. He studied screenwriting at UCLA and has published both thrillers and mysteries, including The Tenth Man and The Poseidon Project. Archipelago is the second book in The Herb Society Mysteries. Podojil lives in Northeast Ohio with his husband and three sons.

Website: www.ewpodojil.com
Instagram: @ewilliampodojil
Facebook: E.W. Podojil Author

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Thematic Depth of Archipelago
- The central theme of "beauty concealing darkness" and the exploration of dualities like discovery vs. destruction and good vs. evil.
- The broader metaphor of surface vs. substance (both in nature and people).
- Character Development and Interpersonal Dynamics
- Molly Halloran’s growth and emotional layers, especially her strength and vulnerability.
- The evolving relationship between Lucas and Taylor as they face aging, temptation, and life transitions.
- Pierre Baptiste as a complex antagonist driven by vanity, aging, and a hunger for power and love.
- Real-World Technology and Futuristic Elements
- The role of cutting-edge (but real) technology in the story, such as AI, augmented reality, and satellite systems.
- The yacht Juventus as both a character and a symbol—luxurious, high-tech, and emotionally isolating.
- Philosophical and Generational Reflections
- Insights on aging, legacy, and the fleeting nature of time.
- Reflections on how different generations handle global anxiety, technological disruption, and personal purpose.
- Series Structure and Storytelling Approach
- How Archipelago fits within the Herb Society Mysteries series (second book following The Poseidon Project).
- Writing process—balancing plotting with character-driven storytelling.
- Hints at the third book (Chameleon), and the possible continuation of the series through new perspectives.

MAVERICK AND THE BIG GAME

Maverick has played in many hockey games, but today is different—it’s the championship game! As he laces up his skates, Maverick feels excited, but also a little nervous. What if he misses a shot? What if he lets his team down?

Follow Maverick as he faces one of his biggest challenges yet and learns that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared—it means playing your best, no matter what!

Will Maverick help his team win the championship?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gina Usufzy is a passionate storyteller and youth hockey advocate dedicated to inspiring young readers through engaging and meaningful stories. As the creator of The Adventures of Maverick the Hockey Player series, Gina combines her love for hockey with her commitment to fostering resilience, teamwork, and perseverance in children. With years of experience running youth hockey programs, Gina has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports in shaping character and life skills. Her books, including Maverick and the Big Game, aim to entertain while imparting valuable lessons about dedication, sportsmanship, and believing in oneself. Gina’s work has resonated with young athletes, parents, and educators alike, making her a strong advocate for literacy and youth development. When she’s not writing, she’s actively involved in the hockey community, helping young players reach their full potential on and off the ice.

Learn more about Gina Usufzy and connect with her at www.maverickshockeyadventures.com. And learn more about the Hockey for Kids Scholarship Program here: www.hockeyforkids.org.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Maverick
The book series is based on true stories from the author's son, Maverick, who has played hockey since he was four. His personality, experiences, and challenges form the heart of each story.
Themes of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, and Life Lessons
The books emphasize values like empathy, resilience, and leadership, showing young readers how lessons learned in sports can apply to life beyond the rink.
Hockey as a Lifestyle and Community Mission
Hockey plays a central role in the family's life. The author also runs a youth hockey foundation that helps kids access the sport, with book proceeds supporting this cause.
Writing for Relatability and Emotional Connection
The stories are crafted to be engaging and emotionally resonant, with interactive elements that invite kids to reflect on their own experiences.
Expanding the Maverick Brand
The current series includes picture books and new chapter books for older readers, with future plans for an animated series and more stories—including one inspired by her daughter.

ANTUMBRA

Welcome to the ÜberCube! It’s the perfect society where everyone enjoys fun social gatherings every night; where everyone enjoys tasty, expertly balanced nutritious food; where everybody has a job and a home of their own, complete with the latest model EMILY personal helper to manage all those parts of life you don’t need to; where you can buy the latest must-have items and have them delivered immediately to your personal Cube the very second they are announced by the NewsFeeds!

Angela had the perfect life in the perfect society where all of her needs were met instantly, and where everyone was perfectly happy. Only Angela wasn’t. Angela felt like a stranger in the ÜberCube where she had lived all her life, she just couldn’t understand why everyone else was so blissfully content while she alone dreaded the mandatory social occasions and the saccharine pleasantries they entailed.
That was until her only friend disappeared suspiciously overnight and she was catapulted into a journey of discovery leading her to the inevitable horror of her existence and the ultimate question: can she ever become truly free?

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The Dystopian World – Controlled society in Uber Cubes, AI surveillance (EMILYs), and the illusion of comfort.
Character Arcs – Angela’s reluctant rebellion and Gabe’s contrasting role and values.
Themes of Control – Media manipulation, emotion suppression, and AI influence.
Symbolic Elements – The mysterious Metacube and Kiddie Cubes as tools of indoctrination.
Writing Process & Impact – The book as a cautionary tale, character-driven changes, and reader reactions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul L Merryfellow is a British-Irish author and software engineer based in London, UK. His love of science fiction stems from authors such as Ray Bradbury, Philip K Dick, and Douglas Adams, and he further enjoys a variety of authors in other genres, such as P G Wodehouse, Franz Kafka, and James Herbert.

Paul is a keen (though lousy) archer, and he spends much time examining the nuances of communication and societal norms through language and culture. He is a Licenced Lay Minister under the Church of England, a puppeteer, and plays the guitar, ukulele, and banjo (in various degrees of "terrible").

Paul is at his happiest when discovering something new and bizarre to investigate!

CONNECT WITH PAUL MERRYFELLOW!

https://linktr.ee/PaulMerryfellow
https://paulmerryfellow.co.uk/
https://goodreads.com/paul-merryfellow
https://amazon.com/author/paul-merryfellow
https://medium.com/@paul_merryfellow
https://bsky.app/profile/plmerryfellow.bsky.social
https://www.facebook.com/pmerryfellow
https://x.com/PLMerryfellow

THE LAST SINGLE COUPLE IN AMERICA

A wasp infestation. An impending 30th birthday. These are minor catastrophes for Jude, a 29-year-old gay man and Francine, his 30-ish, straight best friend, especially after Jude unknowingly sleeps with the same man Francine also slept with and was hoping to begin a relationship with causing a breach in their friendship. Then, losing his job, Jude decides to visit a childhood friend in San Francisco, possibly starting a new life there. He gets embroiled in some bizarre misadventures, including a misconstrued interview with a gay porn production company, and involvement with a whip-wielding professor into bondage and worst of all to Jude - a foot fetish. After several months of attempting to get a job, and learning of his father's ill health, Jude returns to upstate New York. Once home, Jude meets and falls in love for the first time with Chase Allgood, a handsome gay bar owner. When Jude's father dies, he is reunited with Francine. She informs Jude about Douglas de Chambeau, a debonaire, wealthy jewelry store owner she is involved with. They bask in the glow of their rekindled friendship and mutual happiness, but will Chase's quest for financial security his ex can offer end Jude's happily-ever-after? And will a long-kept secret Douglas hides sabotage Francine's chance for love rendering Jude and Francine the last single couple in America?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Martin Sacchetti received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in film and creative writing. While living in New York City, he attended the Gotham Writer's Workshop. He is an avid reader, has been to all 50 states and 25 countries (and counting), and is a staunch supporter of animal advocacy. He lives in upstate New York with his partner, David, and the spirit of their two Italian Greyhounds, Caesar and Dante.

Martin is now an award-winning author with The Last Single Couple in America, being a Storytrade finalist for LGBTQ+ Book of the Year and receiving the Literary Titan Book Award.

Follow Martin Sacchetti on Facebook, X, and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008265436442

https://www.instagram.com/sacmar1025/

https://x.com/MartinSacc94992

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Book Overview and Inspiration – Discussion of The Last Single Couple in America, its premise, and the inspiration behind it, including personal experiences and influences like Carrie Fisher.
Themes of Friendship and Singlehood – Exploration of the central friendship between Jude and Francine, the significance of singlehood, and the bittersweet nature of relationships.
Setting and Nostalgia – The novel’s setting in 1990s Albany and San Francisco, the role of nostalgia, and the importance of accurate cultural and geographic details.
Character Development and Writing Process – Insights into Jude’s personality, supporting characters, humor vs. drama balance, and the author's freeform approach to storytelling.
Future Projects and Recognition – Discussion of awards, reader feedback, and upcoming writing projects, including a new book and a one-act play adaptation.

TOO MUCH is the gripping true story of a woman driven to the brink, sacrificing everything—love, loyalty, and sanity—in the name of retribution.

I wonder if it all started with a single impulsive decision: joining the U.S. Army for "free" medical school. But the reality of military medicine was far different. I found myself trapped in a system that values hierarchy, patriarchy, and conformity over compassion and care. My mental health deteriorated. Addictive habits became my crutch.

TOO MUCH is the story of my battle to reclaim my sanity and my voice. It's a raw and honest look at the dark side of medicine and the challenges of mental illness. It’s a story that will remind you how a brighter future is possible, even when it feels like everything is broken.

This is my story. But maybe it’s your story, too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors is a retired US Army physician and writer whose work centers on mental health advocacy. Her debut memoir, TOO MUCH, chronicles her experiences navigating mental health challenges and a toxic work environment within military medicine. She's also a passionate children's book author, with her debut title, Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors, and the creator of the coloring book series, "Adventures in Surgeryland." Cindy's mission is to inspire others to overcome adversity and find their voice through storytelling.

You can learn more about Cindy and her work at https://www.cindyleeneighbors.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The Inspiration and Purpose Behind Too Much – Cindy Neighbors discusses why she wrote her memoir, emphasizing her struggles with mental health during her surgical residency and her desire to break the stigma surrounding these challenges.

The Role of the Ocean as a Symbol in the Memoir – Cindy explains why she opened the book with a scene on a Hawaiian beach and how the ocean serves as a recurring motif representing transformation, reflection, and healing.

The Challenges of Writing a Memoir – Cindy talks about working with her developmental editor, making difficult decisions about what to include and exclude, and the emotional difficulty of revisiting traumatic experiences.

Her Journey Through Mental Health Struggles and Addiction – She details her experiences with substance use, the breaking point that led her to seek help, and how rehabilitation ultimately set her on a different path.

What’s Next: Fiction Writing and Children’s Books – Cindy shares her plans to write fiction, her recent children’s book (Benji and Brianna Become Booker Doctors), and her efforts to remain engaged in the community through creative projects.

THE UNFORGETTING

Ten years ago, Reagan’s friend died in a tragic accident.
But what if it wasn’t an accident?
The morning after a raging college graduation party, we found Lanie Martin lying at the bottom of a ravine, her neck snapped in a fatal fall. And I’m not proud of what came next.
Before we called the police, we covered ourselves. Cleaned up from the blow-out at Ella’s cabin in the Adirondacks the night before. Got our stories straight.
Ella begged me not to tell the police what I saw. She insisted that it was an accident—and we all went along. What did I know? I was plastered that night, and large chunks of that evening are missing for me.
But now, in my postpartum state, memories are starting to return, and I can’t help but feel that they might be connected to the soul crushing depression I’ve been experiencing. Is it guilt? Or do I know more than I think I do?
So when I receive Ella’s invitation for a ten-year reunion at her family camp—a gathering of remembrance and healing, she’s calling it—I know I have to go.
Are the memories I’m struggling to recover the key to my moving on? To being able to take care of my infant son and stay married to the perfect man?
Or are they a death sentence for me, too?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bonnie Traymore is the Amazon charts bestselling author of eight domestic/psychological thrillers. Her thrillers feature strong but relatable female protagonists who peel back the layers of suburban American life and give readers a peek inside. The plots explore difficult topics such as jealousy, infidelity, murder, and the impact of psychological disorders, but she also includes bits of romance and humor to lighten the mood from time to time.

Bonnie loves Hitchcock movies, psychological thriller novels, coffee, and dark chocolate, not necessarily in that order and sometimes simultaneously. She has a doctorate in United States history and resides in Honolulu with her family. She's an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America.

Learn more about Bonnie Traymore and her work at: http://www.bonnietraymore.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The Inspiration and Themes of The Unforgetting – Discussing the premise of the novel, its connection to memory, unreliable narration, and the influence of Agatha Christie’s locked-room mysteries.
Character Development and Psychological Depth – Exploring Reagan’s struggles with postpartum depression, self-doubt, and past trauma, as well as the dynamics of memory loss and personal growth.
The Role of Setting and Atmosphere – How the Adirondacks contribute to the story’s sense of beauty, isolation, and danger, and the importance of location in creating suspense.
Suspense-Building Techniques and Thriller Elements – The use of microtensions, dual narration, past and present timelines, and real-life research on memory and substance use to enhance the story’s psychological depth.
Bonnie Traymore’s Writing Journey and Upcoming Projects – Her evolution as a thriller writer, shifting from plot-driven to more character-focused storytelling, her new book Swipe, and the upcoming audiobook release of The Unforgetting.

GHOST MUSIC finds the fictional Orchestra of London beset by difficulties. Zimetski, their fiery Polish conductor, drives musicians simultaneously to greater performances and personal desperation, while Pete, the orchestral manager, attempts damage control.

William Mellor, a cellist, buys an antique cello at auction only to discover that it has supernatural qualities. A mysterious young woman then joins the orchestra, captivates the conductor and attempts to captivate William, who's struggling to get back together with his estranged wife. In the end, no force, whether earthly or otherwise, can keep William from confronting the cello’s true nature – as well as his own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alice McVeigh has been published by Orion/Hachette in contemporary fiction, by UK's Unbound using a pen name in scifi, and now in multi-award-winning Austenesque fiction. Her books have been honoured at the most recent London Book Fair in the UK Selfies Book Awards, runners-up for the prestigious Foreword Indies "Book of the Year" and joint runner-up for Writers Digest ebook awards. She is married, and lives in London. Previously, she played all over the world with London orchestras, including the BBC Symphony and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - which inspired this work.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALICE MCVEIGH AND HER WORK AT: https://www.alicemcveigh.com

Connect with Alice McVeigh: https://www.linktr.ee/ASTMcVeigh

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Personal Journey and Career Shift: Transition from professional cellist to writer, including challenges with infertility and ADHD diagnosis.
Inspiration and Writing Process: Dreams as a source of inspiration, particularly the dream of a cello playing her, influencing Ghost Music.
Orchestral World and Cultural Shifts: Experiences in male-dominated orchestras, rivalry, and the evolving culture of inclusivity in music.
Character Exploration and Themes: Protagonist William Miller’s open-hearted nature, Shakespearean themes, and the cello as a character.
Future Projects and Genre Balance: Plans for a thriller finale in the orchestral series, challenges of balancing multiple genres, and ongoing Jane Austen-inspired works.

'Darren has reached deeply into the very bottom of toilet humour.'
'iiieeeooo.'
Humankind has one more chance, a second-last chance, to survive. We are in a lot of trouble if these zany characters are our last hope.
Prison Planet accommodates the American crew, safely landing with all dubious passengers intact. An evil warden assumes the role of dictator for the planet's lifers. Crew 7 must escape the clutches of the warden and his hench . . . men/women/other. But who are the real criminals?
The House of FILTH.
Some still dealing with their own afflictions, the ex-psychiatric patients stumble upon an oasis on a new planet. The 'most powerful organisation in the universe' does not take kindly to strangers.
In another world, on the isolated island of Retro-Tech, who or what is the unknown entity that has seized control? Climb aboard the realm-hopping transport with Arros Sole to get to the bottom of it.

Born Darren Edward Watling, Subiaco, Western Australia, 1966. Darren excelled in English, maintaining ‘A’s, throughout his schooling and wrote a play, ‘Laughing Gas’, for his school at the age of 10. Credited with a few small, published articles, Darren found inspiration and reward, arriving at his latest piece, ‘2nd Last Chance’.

He completed an apprenticeship, as a fitter, at Princess Margaret Hospital, while continuing his passion for short story writing.

Travelling Australia for three years on a private bus gave Darren a beginning to the experiences and continued, humorous outlook he has on life.

Darren approached Jill Stubbs Mills and asked for her blessing to take her short story, ‘Deception’, and rewrite it into a novel. (The feedback from Fremantle Press about her story was exceptional). Jill agreed to her son’s request. Sadly, Jill now suffers with dementia, but, laughably, keeps her sense of humour.

Various forms of employment, including a movie extra, a welder on a crocodile farm, a drummer for a touring band and currently a roof plumber, gave Darren considerable, ‘fuel’, for a comedic novel.

Darren has had several passions over the past 50 odd years while walking this Earth. Drums, Karate, Tennis and continuing today- comedic writing.

You can learn more about Darren E. Watling and his books on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/darren.watling.37/ and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/darren.e.watling/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Humor and Satire: Using comedy to critique society and shape characters.
Character Inspirations: Creating exaggerated characters with real-world influences.
Worldbuilding: Crafting absurd settings like Prison Planet and House of Filth.
Writing Process: From adapting a short story to surprising plot twists.
Audience and Reception: Targeting older readers and reactions to dark humor.
What's next for Darren Watling?

DASHIKI - A cozy mystery with a dash of romance set in the vibrant world of jazz.

During an interview with reclusive jazz singer Betty Brown, journalist Virginia Farrell is shown priceless tapes from the iconic 1957 Thelonious Monk-John Coltrane gig at the Five Spot. When Betty is found murdered, Virginia is determined to recover the tapes and uncover the truth behind Betty’s death.

In the spirit of Nancy Drew, Virginia teams up with her six-foot blonde roommate to investigate the various suspects. Detective Robert Smith from the Hoboken Police Department joins the case, quickly becoming absorbed by an unsolved murder possibly linked to Betty Brown’s death, as well as an undeniable attraction to Virginia.

Dashiki is a cozy mystery laced with romance, immersing readers in the captivating world of jazz, where musicians, journalists, scholars, and enthusiasts intersect in an entertaining whodunit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Florence Wetzel was born 1962 in Brooklyn, NY. She writes in different genres, including her release Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss, which was published in July 2024. Her novels include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard and the Swedish mystery The Grand Man. She has also authored horror short stories, a book of poems and memoir essays, and co-authored jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson's autobiography.

Learn more about Florence Wetzel and her work at https://linktr.ee/FlorenceWetzel

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

From Passion to Pages: The Birth of Dashiki – The novel blends the author's background in jazz journalism with her love for Agatha Christie's mysteries. The result is a story that merges music, intrigue, and investigative storytelling.
A Mystery That Sings – At the heart of Dashiki is a set of lost jazz recordings with historical significance. When a journalist is entrusted with their return and the source is murdered, the pursuit of justice and truth takes center stage.
The Art of Reinvention – Originally self-published after years of seeking traditional publishing, Dashiki returns in a refined edition. The journey reflects perseverance in storytelling and the evolving landscape of independent publishing.
The Unexpected Magic of Cozy Mysteries – The novel captures the essence of a classic whodunit while immersing readers in the jazz world. A balance of mystery, character depth, and atmospheric settings keeps the story engaging.
A Love Letter to Jazz and Storytelling – Dashiki highlights jazz’s enduring impact while introducing the genre to new audiences. Readers unfamiliar with jazz have embraced the story, demonstrating fiction’s ability to inspire curiosity and appreciation.

THE PASSENGER

Burdened with her empathic gift, Elizabeth Reilly wants to be free of it and fit in with normal people. Nevertheless, when the spirit of an old man asks for her help, she travels across the country to help him return home. Gio Clemente is still angry with his father who abandoned him as a child. To help the father pass on, Elizabeth must persuade Gio to let go of his anger. Though he resents her intrusion, they are both stunned to find themselves fighting a profound attraction. Elizabeth can accept his headstrong brand of love, but can Gio accept her gift-and believe in her?

Award-winning author, Joie Lesin is a life-long fiction writer and poet. She has long been fascinated by anything otherworldly, including mermaids and ghosts. Joie writes character-driven, emotional, atmospheric tales about heartache and hope.

Originally from Massachusetts, at six years old, Joie moved to her mother's birthplace, Minnesota. By eight, Joie lost her New England accent, however, it's gradually returning as the years go by. She grew up in Minneapolis but now resides in St. Paul with her husband and their blended family—which includes a rambunctious grand-corgi.

Joie misses the ocean, but she often finds herself walking by one of Minnesota's many lakes and travels to one of the coasts as often as she can. In fact, she considers California her home away from home. When she's not writing, reading, or walking, you can find her listening to music. She absolutely loves music—especially live—and songs have sparked most of her story ideas.

To learn more about Joie Lesin and her work, visit her website at jlesin.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The Story and Inspiration Behind The Passenger
- The novel follows Elizabeth Riley, a young widow and empath who communicates with the dead, helping a ghost find peace.
- The inspiration came from the author’s habit of playing the "what if" game, imagining stories for people she saw in real life.
- Blending Historical and Supernatural Elements
- The novel is set in the post-World War II era, a period the author is fascinated with.
- The balance between realism and the supernatural was achieved by focusing on the emotional journeys of characters.
- Themes of Loss, Healing, and Identity
- Grief, resilience, and living in the present were central themes, some of which emerged organically.
- Readers have responded to the book as a tool for processing their own grief.
- Character Development and Symbolism in the Setting
- Elizabeth’s character and empathic gift were shaped by the author’s love for supernatural stories.
- The East and West Coast settings symbolize Elizabeth’s emotional journey—Boston representing grief and California signifying hope and acceptance.
- The Writing Process and Future Projects
- The author immerses herself in historical research through music, movies, and vintage magazines.
- She is working on a follow-up novel set 20 years later on the same vineyard, with ghosts continuing to play a role in the story.

CONNECT WITH JOIE LESIN!

Website: https://www.jlesin.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joielesin.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoielesin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoieLesin

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joie.lesin

Mutuality-the Future of Trust: The Executive's Handbook, Enabling Mutuality to Cognitively Transform Organisations

In today’s organizations and society, two major challenges stand out: declining trust and the need to adapt to increasing complexity. Research highlights a shift from judgment and dependability to relational trust, built on mutuality—principles fostering deep social bonds through care, support, and shared responsibility.

True mutuality requires cognitive evolution, not just behavioral change. After two decades of research, we've identified six archetypes that hinder relational trust, limiting safe and productive workplaces. This book offers practical strategies to navigate challenges, drive transformation, and boost organizational effectiveness.

Matthew Byrne is a University of Technology Sydney and Harvard graduate and works with the Australian Graduate School of Management as adjunct faculty and Program Director of the iconic General Manager's program. Matthew specialises in aligning personal strategies with corporate aspirations, equipping executives to envision and seize value through innovative leadership. He empowers leaders to navigate economic challenges proactively, optimising financial and human capital for enhanced organisational success. Matthew has been collaborating with Denis Jenkins for over 15 years in corporate education and helping dysfunctional corporations engage their people to better build corporate trust and move managers from process-thinking to strategic-thinking.

Denis Jenkins is a pioneering figure in the field of neuroplasticity, known for his innovative approach to transforming neuropathways through cognitive training. Beginning his career as an educator in the Australian school system, his passion for helping students with learning difficulties unlock their full potential led him to collaborate with Helga Rowe from the Max Planck Institute in pioneering advancements in learning acceleration and understanding learning dysfunction. Recognised with the Australian Centennial Medal for his significant contributions to learning and behavioural change, Denis continues to work with individuals ranging from high school students to CEOs, empowering disadvantaged learners to become effective leaders in both communities and organisations. The executive leadership blueprint in building trust and strong organisational cultures is the foundation of his work.

To learn more about the authors and their work visit: https://mutualitythefutureoftrust.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The Shift from Transactional to Relational Trust
Traditional workplace trust is based on performance and dependability, but lasting success requires relational trust—building genuine connections, fostering vulnerability, and enabling open communication. Without relational trust, commitment and collaboration suffer.
Mutuality is the Key to Trust (Not the Other Way Around)
Organizations struggle to build trust because they focus on measuring it rather than creating it. Mutuality—shared understanding and support—lays the foundation for trust. Leaders should start conversations about mutuality instead of trust, as the latter can be polarizing.
Cognitive Development Shapes Workplace Relationships
Trust and mutuality depend on how people process information. Organizations often fail because they overlook cognitive differences in problem-solving and decision-making. Leaders must recognize and support these differences to create effective, cohesive teams.
Mutuality Requires Intentionality, Especially in Remote Work
The pandemic proved that mutuality strengthens teams, but remote work removes the informal moments that naturally build trust. Leaders must deliberately foster mutuality by understanding who their employees are, not just what they do.
Workplace Structures and Policies Can Undermine Trust
Many corporate policies and hierarchies are built on distrust, delegating tasks without granting authority. Instead of enforcing rigid structures, organizations should prioritize mutuality—encouraging responsibility, diverse thinking, and proactive problem-solving.

Eugene Hamilton, is a global speaker, educational consultant and professional development coach. His 20-year career as an educator and organizational leader has afforded him the opportunity to impact thousands of lives throughout the U.S. and internationally in such places as: England; Bermuda; Zimbabwe; the Virgin Islands and Canada.

Mr. Hamilton began his career in the Everman(TX) Independent School District and most recently served as the Director of Community & Academic Partnerships at Loma Linda University in Southern California.

As a dedicated servant leader, Mr. Hamilton has received numerous awards to include: Excellence in Community Service Award from California’s 35th Congressional District and Civilian of the Year Award from the City of North Charleston, South Carolina.

To learn more about Eugene Hamilton and his work visit his website at: www.eugenejhamilton.org.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The Power of Resilience and Emotional Wellness in Kids – How Go Grow Glow addresses resilience, self-esteem, and emotional well-being, and why these lessons are crucial for young readers today.

Building Meaningful Characters – The inspiration behind Tony and Mrs. Washington, and how their stories reflect real-life experiences and challenges children face.

The ‘Go, Grow, Glow’ Framework – The meaning behind this empowering mindset, how it’s woven into the book, and how parents and educators can apply it in everyday life.

The Impact of Go Grow Glow in Classrooms and Beyond – How the book is being used in educational settings, feedback from students and teachers, and its potential as a teaching tool for resilience and bullying awareness.

Bringing the Story to Life – The creative process behind the book’s illustrations, favorite artwork, and how visuals enhance Tony’s journey for young readers.

GO GROW GLOW

Tony is a boy who has studied very hard for his spelling test in class the next day. But the following morning on the bus ride to school, the kids are rambunctious and noisy and become annoyed when Tony won’t join in their antics. Worse, Tony is dejected when his best friend uses the opportunity to reveal to everyone a hurtful secret about Tony’s family life.

Upset and distracted, Tony understandably bombs on his test. When he confides in his teacher, she explains a set of actions that will help him through tough times: Go boldly—always think positive and believe in himself. Grow broadly—be open to learning new things. Glow brightly—never forget he is a bright light in the world.

CONNECT WITH EUGENE HAMILTON!

https://www.eugenejhamilton.org/

https://www.instagram.com/eugenejhamilton/

https://www.facebook.com/1eugenehamilton/

https://www.youtube.com/@eugenejhamilton

https://www.tiktok.com/@eugenejhamilton?_t=8lFtFJ1bpdP&_r=1/

https://x.com/eugenejhamilton/

Sepehr Haddad is the author of two acclaimed novels. His latest release, The Harmless Necessary Cat (2024), became a #1 Amazon Bestseller in the History of Iran category and earned the prestigious HFC E.M. Forster Gold Medal. His debut novel, A Hundred Sweet Promises, won the 2023 American Fiction Awards for Historical Fiction and Historical Romance and was a #1 Amazon Bestseller in Middle Eastern Literature and Historical Russian Fiction. Beyond writing, Sepehr is also a Universal Music Group recording artist and part of the Billboard chart-topping duo Shahin & Sepehr.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

The Inspiration Behind The Harmless Necessary Cat
Tehran During World War II: A Rarely Explored Setting
Revealing Iran’s Lesser-Known Role in World War II
Crafting Authentic Characters and Emotional Depth
Recreating the Atmosphere of Wartime Tehran
What’s next for Sepehr Haddad?

THE HARMLESS NECESSARY CAT

Winner of the 2024 E.M. Forster Gold Medal for Middle Eastern Historical Fiction.

Tehran, 1941. The world is ablaze, but in neutral Iran, life carries on—until British and Russian tanks roll in.
Though much has been written about World War II, little is known of Iran's trials during the conflict. Many remember the Japanese surprise assault on Pearl Harbor, epitomizing deceitful warfare, just as Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's treacherous invasion of the Soviet Union, played a parallel tune of unexpected aggression. While these events captivated global attention, the Allies launched a sneak attack on Iran, seeking to secure crucial supply lines and curb the growing threat of German influence. Overnight, the lives of ordinary Iranian families, like the Ahangars, are thrown into chaos.
Inspired by a true story, Sepehr Haddad's The Harmless Necessary Cat weaves a powerful narrative of love, loss, and resilience. This mesmerizing tale depicts innocent lives caught in history's crosshairs, offering a poignant testament to the enduring power of hope and perseverance in the face of war.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR!

Website: https://sepehrhaddad.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sepehr-haddad-772819208/

X: https://x.com/HaddadSepehr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sepehrmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sepehrhaddadmusic

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sepehrhaddad?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe70-UNhrVGLvIWdzgMasXQ/videos

LYNN GALLANT BLACKBURN

In December 2005, Paula Gallant, a 36-year-old mother and grade three teacher, was tragically murdered in Halifax. This devastating loss changed the course of Lynn's life.

Inspired by Paula's life and legacy, Lynn Gallant Blackburn is determined to find purpose in her sister's untimely death. Lynn advocates for victims' rights, raises awareness about the impacts of violent crime, and actively works to end men's violence against women and girls. Through her personal experiences, she seeks to offer comfort and insight to other victims of domestic violence, reminding them they are not alone.

From a victim's perspective, she provides insight about her experience to politicians, the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, the public, the media and any other forum which gives victims a voice. She has presented her finding and recommendations to the Nova Scotia Department of Justice; The Canadian Criminal Justice Congress and she has been published in the 2009 National Victims of Crime Resource Guide with a feature called "How one victim of murder chose to be a survivor". She has been instrumental in influencing policy and legislative change in Nova Scotia and continues to create awareness about violence against women and the rights and needs of victims.

For almost twenty years, Lynn has carried this story within her heart. On, December 5th, 2024, it would have been Paula's 55 birthday, and the day Lynn chose to release her new book called For the Love of My Sister, which has been published with generous support from Connect Women's Centres of Nova Scotia. Through her book, Lynn not only shares her personal story of loss but also serves as a voice for countless others impacted by domestic violence. Her work offers a unique and in-depth look at the systemic issues that survivors face, highlighting the need for societal change and support.

CORA COLE

Like many women, Cora cherishes her various roles in life, including daughter, friend, wife and Mum. She has spent nearly 20 years working in healthcare and the non-profit sector. While travel and hiking are favourite pastimes, cooking and baking edible food remain mysterious skills she has yet to master. Thankfully, her writing is something others seem to enjoy. For more information visit: https://womenconnect.ca/book-launch-gallant/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

The Personal Journey of Lynn and Paula: Exploring their bond, shared experiences, and the vivid memories that shaped their lives together.
Transforming Grief into Advocacy: Lynn's strength in pushing for justice and improving support systems for victims' families.
The Fight Against Gender-Based Violence: Insights from Cora's work and the broader societal conversation influenced by Paula's story.
Justice System Challenges and Reforms: Key obstacles and the changes needed to better support victims' families and prevent violence against women.
Paula’s Legacy and Looking Forward: How sharing her story inspires societal change and what’s next for Lynn in her journey.

FOR THE LOVE OF MY SISTER

The overwhelming sense of gratitude and love I felt at Thanksgiving, surrounded by my two sisters, their husbands and our five children, allowed me to finally exhale. With a sense of unimaginable contentment I finally let go of the breath I was holding since my parents died. This pure love carried me straight through to Christmas, until murder entered our lives.
This is a true story about how love never gives up. This is Paula Gallant's legacy.

KJ Fieler is known for her exceptional storytelling and captivating narratives. She's won multiple awards, including:

Literary Titan Gold
Firebird Award for Women's Issues and Weird Genre
2023 Historical Fiction Company, 5-star Reader's Choice and Silver Award for Fantasy
The 20th Annual "Best Book" Awards, Finalist
Reader's Favorite, 5-star Reader's Choice and Finalist

She also hosts Writer 2 Writer, an enlightening YouTube author spotlight show. Through this platform, she delves into the lives and works of fellow authors, shedding light on their creative processes and showcasing their latest works.

Fieler's award-winning debut novel, "Shadow Runner" is the first installment in a thrilling three-book Victorian Adventure series which plunges readers into an exhilarating world of mystery and intrigue. "Shadow Hunter," the highly anticipated second book in the Shadow Series, is set to debut in December of 2024.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KJ FIELER AND HER WORK: https://www.kjfieler.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Shadow Runner and the inspiraton for the story
Exploring Ada's journey from aristocrat to assassin, her changing views on freedom, and the societal and moral challenges she faces.
The integration of Victorian elements with steampunk innovation and the supernatural, including world-building and the setting's unique atmosphere.
How Ada's relationships reflect Victorian and modern power structures, as well as the deeper truths and societal norms challenged in the story.
Insights into the series' trajectory, potential developments in book two, and any hints about upcoming projects.

SHADOW RUNNER by KJ Fieler

Born to aristocracy, Ada will marry and never want for anything, except freedom. An unearthly visitor and a series of seemingly supernatural events unexpectedly deliver her from the mundane. But no one could have predicted the darkness that comes with it. Taken in and raised by a secret society, Ada is groomed as an assassin. As she comes of age, she must become a predator, targeting members of the very nobility to which she was born... or try to escape. But if she leaves, she risks the lives of the two she loves most... her adopted sister... and her captor.

CONNECT WITH KJ FIELER!

https://www.kjfieler.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kat.fieler/

https://www.youtube.com/@KatFieler

https://www.instagram.com/katfieler/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553066355617

Gary D. McGugan has always enjoyed reading and storytelling, but for more than forty years, he was deeply embedded in the corporate world. Anyone who has operated at a senior level within a large company knows there’s little time for serious writing, and it took retirement from that world to pursue a new passion. His first book was a work of non-fiction, co-authored with his friend Jeff Allen. That positive experience demonstrated that while writing a book is undeniably challenging, it’s not insurmountable.

McGugan’s life experiences now form the foundation for entertaining suspense thrillers, set against the backdrop of a large, multinational corporation and woven with intrigue. Since his debut novel in 2016, Three Weeks Less a Day, he has released a new book each year, with his eighth, When Power Fails, now available.

His corporate career offered a wealth of insight into a wide range of industries and situations. He worked in supermarkets, sold appliances, distributed motorcycles, launched an automobile dealer network, and provided financing and consulting to help businesses grow. Each industry had its unique culture and character, yet all were units of large corporations with operations around the world.

Travel has always been a significant part of his career. Before starting the automobile business for Suzuki Motor Company’s Canadian subsidiary, he had the pleasure of visiting nearly every city, town, village, and hamlet in Canada while leading sales and marketing for its motorcycle division.

A role with an ITT subsidiary took him to most U.S. states. Living and working in Germany for several years while creating a new business unit for Deutsche Bank gave him the opportunity to visit all EU countries, and later, responsibilities with a GE Capital subsidiary allowed him to explore various countries in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Every trip was a learning experience.

In those days, it was essential to study business practices and cultures before each trip. Each day spent in a new country yielded valuable insights into its people, culture, laws, and unique qualities.

Today, McGugan is a member and former Co-Chair of the Writers’ Community of York Region, a vibrant group of writers from all genres supporting each other and honing their craft. With over 100 members, the group welcomes writers from the region and beyond, with many virtual events that make it easy to participate and benefit from both the community and the expertise of guest presenters.

Experts often say writers should focus on what they know best. For McGugan, those subjects are business, travel, and people. As an author, he aims to share his experiences, insights, and perspectives through suspense stories crafted to entertain readers around the world—one reader at a time.

To learn more about Gary D. McGugan and his work, visit: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "When Power Fails" and the inspiration behind the story
Corporate power clashes with organized crime.
Real-world corporate insights inspire plot.
Suzanne's complex leadership and relationships.
Global settings enhance story’s authenticity.
Cybersecurity threats heighten digital tension.
Ethics and trust drive corporate drama.
What's next for Gary D. McGugan?

WHEN POWER FAILS

Suzanne Simpson thinks she has pulled off the biggest acquisition of her career, catapulting Multima Corporation into the upper echelons of international business.

But did she? Will her AAA-rated company get the $6 Billion loan it desperately needs? And why did strangers flee from her mountain home in the darkness of night only days after she signed the deal?

When Power Fails pits a powerful woman leading a successful global supermarket chain against nefarious forces that seek to ravage both the company’s resources and its reputation. From high-stakes borrowing to threats of crippling cyber security attacks, this story of human strengths and vulnerabilities sweeps across the globe like a violent tornado sucking in people, corporations and governments.

In vibrant cities like Singapore, San Francisco and Atlanta, the picturesque Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, and Dubrovnik in Croatia, Suzanne Simpson battles those who seek to destroy her company. Will she and her company survive?

CONNECT WITH GARY D. MCGUGAN!

Website: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com
Monthly Blog: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/rendezvous-blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gary.d.mcgugan.books
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryDMcGugan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgarydmcgugan

The life of Jo Cooling is like living in a theme park: one minute, it’s like riding a roller coaster, baking cupcakes, cookies, and slices. With a kitchen covered with chocolate, flour, and cooking utensils. Also trying to develop new tastes and ideas for her growing baking business.

Sometimes, she feels like she travels through life in a Dodge ’em car. All the while, she works to complete two novels while caring for two Cavoodles, who believe their mother was placed on this earth purely to play with them 24 hours a day.

But no matter how out of control her life can be at times, eventually, she ends up sailing around on the Walt Disney teacup ride on top of the world. However, when she relaxes, the Cavoodles see this as an opportunity to snuggle on Mum’s lap.

Jo’s work career has been just as colorful as her current life. She has worked in horse and car racing, sold lingerie, designed websites, been a Personal Assistant, and worked as a Law Clerk.

Jo looks at life like a box of chocolates: each day unwraps a new layer, revealing unexpected flavors and textures.

You can learn more about Jo Cooling and her work at jocooling.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Child Protection" and the inspiration for writing the book
Misconceptions about child protection work
Challenges and Cultural Issues
Injecting humor into a serious issue
The most pressing issues today
Long term solutions
What's next for Jo Cooling?

CHILD PROTECTION: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

My journey started with a tragedy, which led me to study youth suicide and the impact this has on young people and their families. I was shocked to discover how many young people fell through the cracks of our broken mental health system. Furthermore, young people were also falling through the cracks of many systems, including Child Protection.

If you think you know what Child Protection is all about, think again. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when the public is not watching or listening.

Ian Crouch is a doctor living in Adelaide, South Australia. He has always lived there, apart from one year spent working in England in the early days. His books are the result of a lifelong fascination with Greek and Roman history. He is the great good fortune to live with a wonderful woman in a country at peace.

You can learn more about Ian Crouch and his work at theshapingofdestiny.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "A Pyrrhic Victory" and the inspiration behind the trilogy.
Balancing historical accuracy with narrative storytelling
Research!
Pyrrus as a great historical figure.
The meaning of "a Pyrrhic victory"
The role of fate
What's next for Ian Crouch?

A PYRRHIC VICTORY: VOLUME III: FATE

In 279 BC, Pyrrhus has just won the bloody battle of Asculum against the Romans in the battle that gave rise to the expression – “A Pyrrhic Victory” – one that comes at such a great cost that the victory may not have been worth the ordeal that was suffered.

While punished, the power of the legions has not been broken. The road to Rome is still barred to Pyrrhus. His peace terms are again rejected.

He must gather greater strength to break the deadlock, and accepts the invitation of the powerful Greek cities in Sicily to lead them against the invading Carthaginians. In return, they offer him their support in his war against Rome.

Pyrrhus was described by Hannibal as the finest commander the world had seen, after Alexander himself.

Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and renowned video creator. With over 50 publications, he has become an authority in self-publishing, leading him to create his own YouTube channel, Self-Publishing with Dale, regarded as one of the premier information resources in the indie publishing community. Dale lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife Kelli and two rescue cats, Auggie and Allie.

You can learn more about Dale L. Roberts and his work at selfpublishingwithdale.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "How to Write a Book in 48 Hours" and the inspiration for writing the book
Balancing the need for speed with maintaining quality writing.
Timelines and Outlines
Editing and Proofreading
Marketing and Independent Publishing
Self Publishing with Dale
What's Next for Dale L. Roberts?

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK IN 48 HOURS

It’s going to be a best seller…
…if you can only figure out how to write the book.

What does it take to self-publish?

Dale L. Roberts is a fitness author who has published over 50 titles. He’s been a tireless advocate for learning to do it yourself. His YouTube channel is in the top-50 for authors, and he’s written this book to teach you what you need to know to succeed with your book.

You’ll learn:Setting Your Timeline

Two Great Ways to Produce Content
An Efficient Outlining Method
Editing and Proofing Your Book
Publishing Options
And much more

In this straightforward, easy-to-digest, book, getting that great idea from mind to market will be a snap.
Are you ready to begin?
You’ll love these concise lessons, because writing and publishing a book is much simpler than you imagine.
Get started now.

CONNECT WITH DALE L. ROBERTS!

Website - http://selfpublishingwithdale.com

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/selfpublishingwithdale

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dale-L.-Roberts/author/B00KUAL3NS

Discord – https://dalelinks.com/discord

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/selfpubwithdale

Facebook Group Self-Publishing Books - https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingbooks

Twitter – https://twitter.com/selfpubwithdale

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@selfpubwithdale

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/selfpubwithdale/

Warwick Wood was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. From a very early age he developed an interest in all things creative. From age five, he would spend hours drawing and making up stories.

Warwick left school in year 10 to pursue a career in art. After graduating from college, he was employed as a commercial artist before joining an advertising agency where he became an art director. A decade later he began his own graphic design and marketing agency where, apart from being the owner, he was responsible for concept and copywriting. He began writing novels in 2014.

Warwick is married with two daughters and still lives in Sydney.

You can learn more about Warwick Wood and his work at: www.warwickwoodauthor.com.

Instagram: @warwickwood_author
Instagram: @warwickwood_art

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Your Move: The Girl in the Park" and the inspiration behind the story
Blending genres and letting the story unfold organically
Writing in two different time periods authentically
Capturing the reader with visually rich and descriptive prose
Character development
Storytelling approach to incorporating different themes.
What's next for Warwick Wood?

YOUR MOVE: THE GIRL IN THE PARK

A game of chess. The sacrifice of a queen.

In London, 1973, two strangers sit across from each other in a park playing a game that will change both their lives forever.

One simple gambit will draw both Evelyn Copeland, a researcher, and Krystyna Zygalska, daughter of a Polish diplomat, into a labyrinth of secrets, betrayal and death, as conflicting realities lead to the uncovering of an event that occurred twenty-eight years earlier in 1945. An event that one person will go to any lengths to keep buried forever.

Lauren Gouin is a Canadian poet, screenwriter/director for TV and film, script editor, and storytelling consultant. Her poetry uses rhythm and rhyme to narrate her inner-most contemplations.

You can learn more about Lauren Gouin and her work at https://laurengouin.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "Chasing Shadows" and the inspiration behind the collection
Imagery and Shadows
Vulnerability, expression/crafting and going from raw emotions to polished verse
Life and relationships. Introspection and social reflection
Poetry Reading
What's next for Lauren Gouin

CHASING SHADOWS

This book spans five chapters, walking through the cloudy and uncertain terrain of various forms of heartache and repair. When the ground beneath you cracks, it can crumble even harder; when the next step feels like a mountain, your path can seem never ending. And that is just it: it is and it isn't. Keep going.

Sofia Pires Baquedano is a Brazilian-Spanish writer and filmmaker. She currently is a film student in university in Brazil, and holds a certificate from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. She is passionate about the importance of imagery and beauty in a scene, both on-screen and on-paper. She grew up between Brazil and Spain. "This is My Worst Nightmare: Please Be Nice to Me" is her first novel.

To learn more about Sofia and her work visit: https://sofiabaquedano.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "This is My Worst Nightmare: Please Be Nice to Me" and the inspiration for the story
Writing a non-linear plot
The dynamics of a Trio in relationships
How the author's filmmaking career complements her storytelling
Research, writing, challenges and triumphs in the creative process
What's next for Sofia Bacquedano?

THIS IS MY WORST NIGHTMARE: PLEASE BE NICE TO ME

"We have the dire need to love. To make our lives gorgeous and fulfilling, to love and live and be happy in spite of the absurdness of it all."

Sunny is a high school teacher in her late twenties navigating the hospitalization of her best friend Charlie. As a narrator who feels like an observer in her own life, Sunny examines what her life without Charlie might have been like and what life with him has meant for her. The story moves through time non-linearly, exploring Charlie’s family, his and Sunny’s mutual friend Louis, and Sunny’s past and present.

Mourning for someone who is still alive and a past that has been left unresolved, Sunny tells her story, straying away from the darkest aspects of the past with witty comic relief. this is my worst nightmare, please be nice to me is a tale of love, its pains and joys, belonging, and finding trouble in one’s brain, whether literally or figuratively.

Elysia Stevens is a big fan of rom-coms, which will not be a surprise after you read Smelling Daisies. Most would describe her as eccentric in her personality, which really stands out in her choice of attire. She loves to wear fun socks, and every Friday she celebrates "Fabio Friday" by wearing a Fabio T-shirt for all to enjoy (she loves Fabio!).💛

Thankfully, her husband, Mark Stevens, has a lot of patience because she can't sit still for more than five minutes at a time and always has her head in the clouds. He has been her partner in life for over eighteen years, and there is nothing they can't and don't tackle together. Her husband's taste generally ranges from Stephen King to classic literature, but being the great guy he is, he not only read her rom-com novel but also co-authored it with her! Unfortunately, he still doesn't understand the appeal of a good naughty scene in a book, but she won't hold that against him.

You can learn more about Elysia, Mark and their work at https://elysiamarkstevensbooks.ca

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Smelling Daisies" and the inspiration for the story.
Co-authoring a book with your spouse
Discussion about Daisy and some other key characters
Exploring different themes in time travel/romance/historical fiction and more
What about the kilts?
What's next for Elysia and Mark Stevens?

SMELLING DAISIES

Whenever things seem to fall apart around Daisy, romance novels are her way of escaping. When
immersed in a novel, she can imagine herself in the story as the lead female character. Still, the difference between her and the typical female character in her novels is that she is not your average damsel in distress.

Daisy was raised by a military father who ensured his daughter knew survival skills and how to protect herself. Following in her beloved father's footsteps, Daisy joined the army and met Justin. Eventually, Daisy's dreams would come true. While on a decompression stop after a deployment overseas, she finds herself at the Lachlan Castle in Scotland. There, she is thrown back in time to the era she loves to read about, but things are nothing like she imagined.

When Daisy befriends a bonnie Scottish lass, she finds herself in a haven under the roof of the girl's brother, a laird named Alick. It becomes clear that the laird is constantly challenged by the many nuances of Daisy's status as a modern-day female soldier as she attempts to navigate the dangerous life in medieval Scotland. While trying her best to fit in, Daisy stumbles upon a psychotic baron named Thomas, who loves to torture women and is fascinated with her.

Both Laird Alick and Baron Thomas want to tame the lioness in Daisy but for different reasons. But Daisy is ill-prepared for medieval love or warfare and must train her heart and head to face what's coming next.

Janet R. Macreery is the author of the multi-award-winning historical fiction adventures A Little Wicked and A Little Noble as well as her new release The Falls. She explores the United States and Europe for inspiration and research as well as her quest to find the ultimate hot chocolate.

You can learn more about Janet and her work at https://janetmacreery.wordpress.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "The Falls" and the inspiration behind the story
Life as the only child in a remote fishing camp
Writing for a Middle Grade audience
Research and the Alaskan Wilderness
What's next for Janet Macreery?

THE FALLS

In 1953, 11-year-old Monty and her widowed father move to an Alaskan fishing camp. As the only child there, Monty navigates friendships, bullies, and the dangers of the wilderness. She learns about the beauty and peril of nature from various adults, while one fishing guide believes children don't belong at the camp. Through her experiences, Monty and her father confront themes of risk, loss, and survival in the Alaskan wilderness.

CONNECT WITH JANET MACREERY!

Janet R. Macreery (wordpress.com)

Janet Macreery 🦋 (@JanetMacreery) / X

Janet Macreery | LinkedIn

https://www.facebook.com/JanetMacreery

https://www.instagram.com/janetmacreery/

Link to the Reader Views review: https://www.readerviewskids.com/the-falls-macreery/

Celia Straus is an Emmy-nominated writer with extensive experience in television and film, including the creation of award-winning shows and documentaries for major networks and organizations. Her work spans a variety of genres, from children's content to military topics and environmental issues. Straus has authored several books, including a poetry trilogy for middle school girls and works on PTSD in soldiers. She also writes children's picture books about endangered species, donating the royalties to related non-profit organizations. With a background in English from the University of Virginia and Georgetown University, Straus continues to produce content for television, live performances, and literature while residing in Washington, D.C.

You can learn more about Celia Straus at https://www.celiastraus.com/

Linda Chambers is a versatile creative professional with extensive experience in theatre, film, and writing. Her career spans acting, directing, producing, and teaching, but her primary focus has been writing across various mediums, including plays, screenplays, and novels. Chambers has published an epic fantasy novel, award-winning short stories, and children's plays. She is currently working on several projects, including a one-woman production about union organizer Mother Jones and a reimagining of "The Emperor's New Clothes." Her interests also extend to photography, particularly of butterflies, which led to her creating a series of artworks called "Fancy Butters."

You can learn more about Linda Chambers at https://lindachamberswriter.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "Sophie the Monarch Butterfly: Mission to Mexico" and the inspiration behind the story.
The marvelous Monarch butterfly, an endangered species
Instilling themes of self-belief, leadership, care, kindness and environmental issues into an engaging story for kids (of all ages)!
Bringing Sophie and her butterfly world to life through illustrations
Inspiring children to become involved in conservation efforts - in and outside the classroom.
What's next for Celia Straus and Linda Chambers?

SOPHIE THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY: MISSION TO MEXICO

Sophie is a small Monarch Butterfly with a magical eye in her wing that acts as a compass. When the Monarch Butterflies make their annual migration from North America to the mountains of Mexico, where they spend the winter, they become lost. Against all odds, from predators, destruction of habitat and poisoning by herbicides, Sophie leads them to safety demonstrating her perseverance, courage and determination to believe in herself.

For children of all ages, Sophie Monarch Butterfly, Mission to Mexico explores what it takes to believe in yourself and take the lead when the welfare of others is at stake. It is also a story of one of our most endangered species, Monarch Butterflies, and their inspiring and courageous annual migration from North America to Mexico and back again.

Florence Wetzel was born 1962 in Brooklyn, NY. Her latest book, “Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss,” was released in July 2024. Florence’s novels include “The Woman Who Went Overboard: A Thriller” and “The Grand Man: A Swedish Mystery.” She has also authored a horror short story collection, a book of poems and memoirs, and co-authored jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson’s autobiography.

You can learn more about Florence Wetzel and her work on Link Tree at: https://linktr.ee/FlorenceWetzel

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Sara My Sara" and the inspiration for writing the book.
Writing a memoir/biography in lyric prose.
Balancing grief with levity.
The grief process and change of perspective.
Writing to assist the healing process.
Unexpected insights, realizations, and gifts.
What's next for Florence Wetzel?

SARA MY SARA

An intimate and moving exploration of friendship, unexpected loss, and the gifts revealed in grief’s aftermath.

Author Florence Wetzel is delighted when her elderly mother Marion develops a close bond with Sara, her new housekeeper. When Marion falls ill, Florence and Sara work together to take care of her, forging their own warm friendship in the process.

Eighteen months after Marion’s death, Sara is diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma, with no more than two years left to live. Florence does her best to enjoy the remaining months with Sara, while at the same time watching helplessly as her beloved friend disappears.

When Sara dies, Florence finds herself mute with grief. Amid the chaos of the global pandemic, she embarks on a journey throughout Europe, trying to find a place in the world after her many losses.

Laced with humor and filled with beloved dogs, strong coffee, and even a touch of Botox, Sara My Sara is an honest exploration of a warm friendship, the devastation wrought by cancer, and the unexpected gifts in the middle of grief.

When T.G. Brown is not writing books, he is a martial arts practitioner and a competitive CrossFit athlete. He practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Boxing and Muay Thai.

He competed in the sport of Crossfit in 2019 and placed in the top 1 percent of the world. Prior to injuring his knee, in 2021, he competed in the occupational games and placed as the 29th fittest cop in the world.

T.G. Brown is also a certified Defensive tactics instructor for police officers in the state of Oregon. When he is not doing his own training, he works with police officers or civilians who want to learn how to stay alive in verbal, physical, or deadly use-of-force conflicts.

You can learn more about TG Brown and his work at https://www.tgbrownbooks.comTOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Jericho Burning and the Warren Lawson series
Creating the world of the Jericho Nation Reservation
Building a story around real-world wildfire crisis
A bit about the characters...
Authenticity in telling great stories
What next for TG Brown?

JERICHO BURNING

Seven months after a deadly shootout on the Jericho Nation Reservation, it's the 4th of July weekend, and wildfires threaten to engulf the entire state. As if battling a living inferno isn't enough, a new menace emerges from the ashes, one that no one saw coming.
Carl Jamison has a spotless record and a charming demeanor, but a cauldron of vengeance simmers beneath the surface. Pushed to his breaking point, Carl embarks on a twisted crusade, transforming from a mild-mannered neighbor into a relentless force of chaos. His wrath ignites the reservation, and his vendetta spares no one.

As bodies pile up, Warren finds himself in a desperate race against time. The community's survival hangs in the balance, and Warren must outwit a man who knows every inch of the land and every shadow to hide in.

Can Warren delve into the mind of a man driven by a lifetime of pain and stop his deadly rampage? Or will Carl Jamison's fury consume everything in its path?

CONNECT WITH TG BROWN!

Website: www.tgbrownbooks.com

Facebook: TG Brown

Instagram: tgbrownbooks

Mark Shaiken lives with his wife Loren and their dog Emily in Denver Colorado. He schooled at Haverford College and Washburn University, and practiced commercial bankruptcy law for almost 4 decades before moving on to writing, board service, and his photography and music.

You can learn more about Mark Shaiken and his work at markshaikenauthor.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "It's What Makes Me... Me" and the inspiration behind the book
Intimacy/vulnerability when writing about personal topics
On aging and more...
Writing fiction vs. non-fiction
Handling feeback
How different creative outlets influence writing
What's next for Mark Shaiken?

IT'S WHAT MAKES ME... ME

It's What Makes Me... Me is an extraordinarily candid journey through what it means to be human. Amazon's bestselling and award-winning author Mark Shaiken unlocks his most personal thoughts, observations, and introspections through the highs and lows, youth and aging, and beauty and messiness of life. Laugh, reflect, and take in all the ins and outs that have uniquely combined to make Mark... Mark.

CONNECT WITH MARK SHAIKEN!

Website: htttp://markshaikenauthor.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-shaiken-author

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dp4M6P7Kvvg?si=lzDB3BXd1Q1P5tmy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Shaiken-Author/100070831924501/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkShaiken

E. William Podojil is an international business executive and novelist. He has traveled extensively and visited over sixty countries while based in Europe and the USA. Podojil works as an executive business advisor, strategist and coach while also pursuing his love of storytelling and writing. Podojil's first novel, The Tenth Man, was published in 2004. His second novel, The Poseidon Project, will be published in August, 2024 by The Wild Rose Press, and is the first in The Herb Society Mysteries, a series of adventure thrillers. Besides showcasing his published work, Podojil writes personal, humorous stories of his life and travels with his husband and three sons.

Learn more about Bill Podojil and his work at www.ewpodojil.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "The Poseidon Project" and the inspiration behind the new Herb Society Mysteries series.
The characters and relationship dynamics
Locales and the significance to the story
Balancing family drama and international intrigue
Technological thrillers - writing about a threat that could impact billions of people
What's next in the series and for E. William Podojil

THE POSEIDON PROJECT

Molly Halloran and her friends have a secret past. Their bucolic retirement is suddenly upended when Molly’s husband is abducted and held for a steep ransom. Now she, her friends, her tech executive son, Lukas and his Air Force pilot boyfriend must race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet the kidnappers’ demands. But when they learn why her husband has been abducted, they realize how high the stakes truly are. Molly and her friends now must face their past in order to save the future. But not only their futures; the world’s.

An Education Consultant for over a decade, Monika Ferenczy helps students and parents make decisions regarding learning and education. Her

practice focuses on finding the best solution to meet the needs of students, young or mature, to help them reach their full potential, providing relevant and timely information for sound decision-making.

Considered an expert in the education sector, with certificates in Education Law and Human Rights for Education Professionals from Osgoode Hall, York University, principal’s qualifications, a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Ottawa and over 25 years of educator experience in elementary and secondary special education positions, Monika effectively supports families with special needs children and youth.

She served as an elected member of the governing Council of the Ontario College of Teachers (the regulatory body of the teaching profession in Ontario) as Vice-Chair of the Discipline Committee, and the Editorial Board for the publication Professionally Speaking. She has also served on panels of the Fitness to Practice and Teacher Program Accreditation Committees.

Monika offers education expertise in separation and divorce proceedings, presents workshops for parents and advocates for improved educational practices, policies and legislation. Through an analysis of systemic gaps in the students’ best interest and recommendations to government, her contributions to advocacy and social justice initiatives are growing.

Monika is often invited to comment in print, radio and television media about education related trends and issues in Ontario and across Canada, and she was commissioned to write a comprehensive report on rural education in 2021.

As an author, she has published four books:

• How to Advocate for your Child in Public Education (May, 2024)
• The Guide to Hosting International Students in Canada (2020)
• 12 Tips for International Students Living and Studying in Canada (2019)
• Lillian and Noah’s Great Moving Adventure (2018)

Learn more about Monika Ferenczy and her work at https://horizoned.ca/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "How to Advocate for Your Child in Public Education" and the inspiration for writing the book.
What everyday advocacy might look like for a parent within the school system
Barriers often encounted by parents and ways to work through them
Debunking myths in Education
Fostering a collaborative relationship amont students, parents and educators.
Services offered
What's next for Monika Ferenczy

HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD IN PUBLIC EDUCATION

What you need to know as a parent. Master the art and science of advocating for your child or youth, and model and teach advocacy to them as a lifelong skill. Learn about positive phrasing and neutral language, why you should not say "please" but always say "thank you," and why you should never address emails and letters "to whom it may concern." Reading this guide will enlighten and empower parents to know what to ask, and who to ask to ensure concerns are addressed quickly and resolved.

William J. Birrell is a longtime educator, teaching at a well-known Canadian university for over 20 years. In addition to holding several university degrees, including a graduate degree in Education (M.Ed), William has also developed a passion for writing and telling stories. He is the proud father of three adult children and six young grandchildren. He currently lives in the Niagara Region, nestled in the heart of Southern Ontario

Learn more about William burl and his work at https://williamjbirrellauthor.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "The King and the Ogre" and the inspiration behind the story.
Choosing characters that would not be likely friends
Silly Dragons
Kindness and Acceptance towards those different from us
The gorgeous illustrations
What's next for William J. Birrell?

THE KING AND THE OGRE

This tale is an unlikely story about a king and an ogre who, by the forces of nature, become lifelong friends. Together they care for the nearby villagers in their charge. Every year, the king generously invites these townspeople to a harvest celebration, and every year they are interrupted by a group of silly dragons who live in the mountains nearby, until one day the king and the ogre come up with a plan to bring those antics to an end.

James Marck was a journalist, author, artist and musician. He was a devoted husband, brother, uncle and friend to many. James was a kind and gentle person with a huge heart. James grew up in Burlington, Ontario and moved to Toronto to pursue his career as author and editor with Now Magazine.

James interviewed many interesting authors, politicians, actors and musicians incuding Harry Belafonte, Garth Brooks, Kate Bush and The Tragically Hip to name a few. While James had immense respect for the famous people he met, he never appeared starstruck. James put people at ease by being approachable and down to earth. He was known for getting the most interesting, unique and authentic interviews.

The following people were instrumental in publishing"A Day at the Waterhole":

Carol Perdic came across James’ original hand-written story in her archives and after re-reading it nearly 30 years later, felt the message of friendship, collaboration, and harmony was even more relevant today and worthy of getting into the hands of young readers. Carol had a vision of getting this story told and had the good fortune of meeting a new friend, Chris White.

Chris White is a talented illustrator and artist who has a passion for drawing, sketching, writing, and creating. Chris said he always wanted to illustrate a children’s story. After reading A Day at The Waterhole, his dream came true. Chris’ hand drawn, colourful, vibrant works of art will surprise and delight readers of any age. Chris guarantees that no animals were harmed during the creation of this book, except for the frogs, and they were delicious!

With special thanks to editor, Sandy White, who has been involved with book publishing, selling and marketing for over 50 years. Sandy generously devoted her time, energy and expertise editing this book.
Learn more about A Day at the Waterhole at https://adayatthewaterhole.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "A Day at the Waterhole"
A decades old discovery prompts the publishing of a book with timeless relevance
Delightful humor, amazing characters, important lessons.
About the illustrations!
Interactive activities for all ages
Continuing the author's legacy.
What's next for the jungle animals in "A Day at the Waterhole"?

A DAY AT THE WATERHOLE

The jungle is full of adventure and there is a big fight about to take place between two big bull elephants. Can these two elephants learn to get along? Can peace and harmony be restored in the jungle community?

Professor Sticky Feet and her friends will take you through this whimsical book full of adventure and surprises. Follow the captivating cast of colourful characters and find out what happens one day at the waterhole.

Steve Bassett was born, raised and educated in New Jersey before joining the dwindling number of itinerant newsmen roaming the countryside in search of just about everything. Stints as a featured reporter with newspapers in New Jersey, Illinois and Salt Lake City were followed by Associated Press assignments in Phoenix and finally as Investigative Reporter in San Franciso. Then came CBS television news, three Emmy Awards for his investigative documentaries, and the prestigious first Medallion Award, presented by the California Bar Association for “Distinguished Reporting on the Administration of Justice.” Along the way he found time to author The Battered Rich (Ashely Books), exposing seldom discussed but widespread marital abuse among the affluent; Father Divine’s Bikes and Payback-Tales of Love, Hate and Revenge, the first two books of his Passaic River Trilogy. He lives in Placitas, New Mexico.

Learn more about Steve Bassett and his work at: https://stevebassettworld.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

A unique perspective on the Cold War era in France
Research and investigation involving over 250 live interviews
Grand Narratives - sharing some of the personal stories of how the Americans and French fell in an out of love
Reflecting on the significance of the air base Deols-Chateauroux - when it opened and after its closure
...and more!

FRENCH KISS - Blurbs from reviewers:

“I belonged to a communist family and I remember walking in the streets with petitions against the U.S. intrusion in France. People later realized that the Americans were manna from heaven who improved their lives. They were happy because of them. But I must say, I am surprised that it is an American not a Frenchman that is giving an in depth account of this period.” -- Leandre Boizeau, Communist publisher of “La Bouinotte,” a leading regional magazine in Central France.

As the only American who has tackled the task, Steve Bassett, in his book "French Kiss" has provided a one-of-a-kind insight into the sixteen year life of an extraordinary air station closed by Charles de Gaulle's imperial edict. I found it fascinating reading and an accurate portrayal of military life that will probably never be seen again. -- Air Force Major General John Riddle (Ret.)

“Steve Bassett's book demonstrates to his readers that across the Atlantic, in a provincial town of France, the memory of this American period is very long-lived.” -- Jean-François Mayet, a member of the French Assembly, Senator l'Indre County, Mayor of Châteauroux

“Your book is one of a kind. There have been many books written by French authors about the Americans in France during the Cold War, but never one by an American writer. I know the books that have been written and have read many of them myself. There has been nothing to match what you offer.” -- Mme. Lydie Gerbaud, press secretary for Jacques Chirac during his tenures as French President and Prime Minister.

Steve Bassett sadly notes in his book, “Thousands of jobs for the French supported the local economy which grew by more than 33% in a few years with Uncle Sam…There was a time where one in six Berrichon received a cheque from the Golden Ghetto." And all that remains today is nostalgia. -- Jean-François Donny, French journalist and author whose books include “U.S. Go Home.”

CONNECT WITH STEVE BASSETT

Website: https://stevebassettworld.com/
X (Twitter): https://mobile.twitter.com/SteveBassett19
Facebook: Steve Bassett Author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevebassettauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bassetts474

Tara J. Stone started writing fiction when she was in first grade and discovered the thrill of screenwriting when she studied Communications Media at John Paul the Great Catholic University. Screenplays are her favorite way to tell stories, but novels are quickly gaining. She hopes her writing will contribute to a revival of Catholic fiction.

After successfully self-publishing two screenplays as paperbacks and ebooks, she partnered with two of her former film professors to create Story Masters Film Academy, which offers online courses in screenwriting and directing.

Tara resides in Colorado, and in 2016, she became a Consecrated Virgin Living in the World in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. In addition to making things up and writing them down, Tara enjoys praying, hiking (definitely not running), going to the symphony (especially movies at the symphony), discovering new craft brews, and spending time with family and friends.

Learn more about Tara J. Stone and her work at https://tarajstonewriter.com/.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "680 Miles Away," the inspiration behind the story and title!
The protagonist's journey
Integrating music into the storyline
The unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
Writing a sequel to satisfy current fans and new readers.
What's next for Tara J. Stone?

680 Miles Away

Summary:

The follow-up to 6 Blocks Home is a powerful story about confronting old wounds, embracing new possibilities, and the triumph of unrelenting love.

Evie is a musical prodigy who has a habit of running away when things get hard. Or messy. Or just plain awkward. Like the time she ran away from home when she discovered the devastating truth about her past.

Now, at twenty-three, Evie is content with the quiet life she’s carved out for herself—working at a music store, teaching violin lessons, and joking around with her coworker and best friend, Finn—but her world is about to get hard and messy and awkward again.

A chance encounter with a stranger sets Evie on a crash course with the very past she’s spent years running from. An old flame reappears. And most terrifying of all, she’s beginning to suspect Finn is more than just a friend.

As events beyond her control force Evie to choose between running and risking it all, she will discover the heartache of betrayal, the strength of true friendship, and the unbreakable bonds of unconditional love.

CONNECT WITH TARA J. STONE!

Website: https://tarajstonewriter.com
X: @tjswriter
IG: @tjswriter

Michael Rizzo is a fantasy fiction writer who works in finance during the day and often spends evenings writing and creating his fantasy world. He published his first book, Tales of Asterra, in early 2023, and he continues to build upon the established lore of this magical world in his spare time. He is currently working on his second book, To Sow a Fallow, which will be the second adventure set in Asterra, with many more soon to follow. When Michael is not writing, he enjoys playing guitar in his band and relaxing with his family, friends, and dogs. His inspirations for writing come from a variety of different sources: classic literature, mythology, old-world language studies, video games, fantasy literature, music, and other sources.

Learn more about Michael Rizzo and his book at https://www.talesofasterra.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "Tales of Asterra" and the inspiration behind the book
Writing a short story anthology
Using a narrator to connect the stories
Building realms and languages, exploring magic
Working with an illustrator to bring the stories to life
Advice for new authors
What's next in the world of Asterra?

TALES OF ASTERRA - SYNOPSIS

Welcome, adventurer, to the wondrously magical world of Asterra-where no two roads are the same and life blooms and beckons around every bend. Join Penniforth 'Penny' Rodgers as he regales you with tales of the events, people, currencies, and beliefs that have shaped this mystical land.

From the pirate infested shoals of Del' San Cove, to the dark depths of the Ochre Halls and the fairy forests of Faeril, there is a story for everyone. All that is missing is for you to create your own adventure within Asterra. So, what are you waiting for? Penny has already marked the first destination on the map.

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL RIZZO!

WEBSITE: https://www.talesofasterra.com/
FACEBOOK: TALES OF ASTERRA
INSTAGRAM: TALES OF ASTERRA

RACHEL STONE writes stories of hope and redemption, often set against vibrant Canadian backdrops. Her debut novel, THE BLUE IRIS, was named a BookLife Editor's Pick and placed second in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her award-winning lyric essays have appeared in international literary magazines, journals, and blogs.

Rachel holds degrees in psychology and industrial relations, and once worked seven summers at a flower market. She's an active member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association and the proud co-founder of a local volunteer initiative supporting new moms and newly-immigrated families in need. She lives near Toronto with her family and on weekends you'll find her along the shore of Georgian Bay, belting nineties pop rock off-key from her paddleboard.

Learn more about Rachel Stone and her work at: www.rachelstoneauthor.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "The Blue Iris" and the inspiration behind the story
The chosen family
Love, loss and healing
Writing from multiple perspectives
The delightful characters
Feedback from readers
What's next for Rachel Stone?

THE BLUE IRIS

Sometimes, uprooting the thorn-filled past is the only way we bloom...

Tessa Lewis is set to embark on a Big-Time Career and marry Toronto's fastest-rising lawyer, who loves her to pieces. But when a visit to
a flower market from her childhood sparks memories of the mother she lost too soon, Tessa puts her bright future on hold to work there, determined to come to terms with her past.

At the Blue Iris Flower Market, everything is blossoming except the rag-tag crew, each hiding deep scars of their own. When Sam, the beloved but troubled man in charge, takes off and leaves the market reeling, Tessa and her unlikely new friends come face-to-face with their most uncomfortable truths, uprooting lives carefully cultivated-and just maybe, unearthing everything they've ever wanted.

Told from multiple perspectives, The Blue Iris is an intricately woven exploration of love tested beyond its limits, chosen family, and the beauty that grows in letting go.

CONNECT WITH RACHEL STONE!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rachelstoneauthor

Website: www.rachelstoneauthor.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/racheystone

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030081772132

X: https://twitter.com/rachestone

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelstoneauthor/

Margaret A. Blenkush writes from her childhood home in South Saint Paul, Minnesota where she enjoys the changing seasons. Always a writer at heart, it was the COVID pandemic that challenged her to seek publication of her first novel, The Doctor of Bellechester. Enthusiastic response as in "When's the next book coming out?" and receiving an honorable mention for Best Catholic Novel in the 2023 Catholic Media Awards encouraged Margaret to continue writing about the adventures of Dr. M.E. Senty.

A proud graduate of the College of St. Benedict (B.A.) and St. John's University, Collegeville (M.A. in Theology - Systematics), she became an Oblate of Saint Benedict's Monastery in 2010. A life-long learner who loves books and libraries, Margaret earned a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in 1991. In 2004, she contracted a rare auto-immune disease that forced an early retirement from her dream job as Director of the Instructional Services Center for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis from 1992-2004.

When not writing, Margaret enjoys spending time with family, playing card and board games, gardening, volunteering and solving word and sudoku puzzles. She and her identical twin sister, Mary are enrolled in the University of Minnesota Twin Study where they participate in many and varied research projects. Currently, they are participating in a study on twins and aging.

You can learn more about Margaret Blenkush and her work at https://www.margaretablenkush.com/.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Welcome to Bellechester and the inspiration behind the story
The importance of setting to the story
Research around medicine and sleuthing in 1959
Learning more about the characters
The writing process and drawing inspiration from personal experience
What's next in the Dr. M.E. (Mary Elizabeth) Senty series?

WELCOME TO BELLECHESTER

Meet the lovable and quirky residents of this idyllic 1959 Shropshire County village as Dr. Mary Elizabeth Senty arrives to join Dr. Harold Merton's medical practice. Detective Inspector William Donnelly has recently transferred to Bellechester from London's Metropolitan Police Service to deal with the rash of jewel thefts in the area. When local socialite Lady Beatrice Brantwell is enlisted to throw a gala as a ruse to flush out the thieves, she pairs the newcomers in hopes of kindling a romance. Despite the police's best efforts, jewels, including Mary Elizabeth's precious agate pendant, are stolen in an intricately planned heist.

Can William and his officers solve the case and return the jewels to their rightful owners? Does love stand a chance between the career- minded doctor and duty-bound chief inspector? Find out in this gentle, cozy sequel to The Doctor of Bellechester which is sure to keep readers turning the pages.

CONNECT WITH MARGARET BLENKUSH:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marge.blenkush/about/

Website: https://www.margaretablenkush.com/

When T.G. Brown is not writing books, he is a martial arts practitioner and a competitive CrossFit athlete. He practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Boxing and Muay Thai.

He competed in the sport of CrossFit, before blowing out his knee in the 2021. Like most Crossfitters, he would do the "CrossFit Open." A nationwide test of fitness that introduces some of the hardest workouts in the world. In 2019, T.G. placed in the top 1 percent of the world, which was not enough to make the famous CrossFit Games, but he was proud of it nonetheless. In 2021, before injuring his knee, T.G. competed in a CrossFit competition involving the fittest Law Enforcement Officers in the world. He was the 29th fittest Law Enforcement Officer in the world that year.

T.G. Brown is also a certified Defensive Tactics Instructor for police officers in the state of Oregon. When he is not doing his own training, T.G. works with police officers or civilians who want to learn how to stay alive in verbal, physical, or deadly use-of-force conflicts.

Learn more about TG Brown and his work at : www.tgbrownbooks.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Literary Awards Accolades
About "Tribal Honor" and the Inspiration Behind the Story
Developing upstanding (and villainous) characters with authenticity
The influence of actual life and work experience on the plot and characters
Bringing tribal issues to the forefront
Representation in literature
What's next for TG Brown?

TRIBAL HONOR

Warren Lawson is an elite Tribal Police Officer on the Jericho Nation Reservation in Oregon. A relatively peaceful place, but that’s all about to change.
Marvin Bingham is a man with morals that vastly differ from Warren Lawson's. One man loves to kill; the other does everything he can to avoid killing.
As Marvin claims another victim, he attracts the attention of two twin Native American brothers who want revenge outside the law, two brothers who happen to be very good at killing.
Caught in the middle of three killers, Warren races to keep the peace in his town, a task that grows increasingly difficult as his moral compass is tested unlike ever before. With each twist and turn in the case, Warren contemplates whether the law is worth upholding, or if he is just like the very people he puts behind bars.
Buckle in, as a seemingly cut-and-dry case turns into something horrific and complex, leaving the Jericho reservation in the wake of a bloody battle.

CONNECT WITH TG BROWN!

Website: www.tgbrownbooks.com

Facebook: TG Brown

Instagram: tgbrownbooks

An accomplished attorney and award-winning journalist, Randy Richardson is the founding member and president of the Chicago Writers Association. His latest novel, "Havana Hangover," earned recognition as a 2023 Finalist for the Kindle Book Awards and the BestThrillers.com Book Awards and received 5-Star Reviews from Reader Views and Readers' Favorites. With two more novels, "Cheeseland" and "Lost in the Ivy," plus a coauthored nonfiction work titled "Cubsessions," Randy's influence spans genres. His essays grace anthologies like "Chicken Soup for the Father and Son Soul," "Storytellers' True Stories About Love," and "Cubbie Blues," and literary journals such as Hypertext and Memory House. As The first male recipient of the National Federation of Press Women’s Communicator of Achievement Award, Randy is featured on NewCity’s "Lit 50: Who Really Books in Chicago" list for 2019 and 2022.

Learn more about Randy Richardson and his work at randyrichardson.co

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Havana Hangover" and the inspiration behind the story.
Traveling, researching and writing about Cuba
Drawing from personal experiences
The influence of Ernest Hemingway
The importance of the writing community for authors
What's next for Randy Richardson?

HAVANA HANGOVER

Thirty-year-old Chicago corporate lawyer Tanner Ford leaves behind a painful past and lucrative job for a bucket-list trip to Cuba with Jackson Swift, his estranged best friend from law school. But when they arrive, the oddities start adding up. Jackson evades questions about his wife and kids. Their itinerary keeps changing, and their tour guide might work for a fake company. When Tanner awakes after a rum-soaked night beside Dannel, a local musician with something to hide, and a text from Jackson that reads “HELP ME,” his dream vacation turns into a fight for survival. He is held hostage in an abandoned cigar factory, interrogated by the police, and hunted down by a mysterious “ghost” in the Cuban government. Beset by anxiety and panic attacks, Tanner is hurled unwittingly into an international conspiracy leading right back to Jackson and a friendship that began in betrayal.

CONNECT WITH RANDY RICHARDSON!

https://www.randyrichardson.co/
https://www.facebook.com/RandyRichardsonWriter
http://twitter.com/lostintheivy
https://www.instagram.com/randman61/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyrichardson/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2629753.Randy_Richardson

Celia Straus is an accomplished writer whose talents span television, film, and literature, earning her an Emmy nomination for the YouTube series "Kids Speak Out" in collaboration with the United Nations She also created and wrote the Emmy Award Winning Memorial Day Concert that was broadcast nationally on PBS. Her versatility in storytelling has been recognized with numerous additional awards, highlighting her ability to engage audiences across various platforms.

Straus’s literary contributions include a poetry trilogy for middle school girls, insightful works on military themes and children’s picture books where she hopes to ignite a love for animal conservation and encourage them to learn about, appreciate and protect our natural world.

Celia resides in Washington, D.C. but travels frequently to see her two daughters and gorgeous grandchildren, who are the apple of her eye.

You can learn more about Celia Straus and her work at https://celiastraus.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Livy Little Honey Bee" and "Red Pandas Journey to Sikkim" and the inspiration behind the stories
Balancing storytelling between providing educational content and entertainment
Encouraging a sense of self and care for the planet
Understanding environmental issues as young readers
What's next for Celia Straus?

LEARN MORE:

A portion of proceeds from the sales of her children’s books are donated to organizations dedicated to conservation, education and research.

LIVY LITTLE HONEY BEE

Livy is a honey bee who spends her days gathering nectar and pollen from flowers with other worker bees. But Livy runs into trouble when her determination to express who she really is and what she values in life runs counter to the rest of the hive. Ultimately she is called before the Queen Bee to plead her case.

RED PANDAS JOURNEY TO SIKKIM

High in the Himalayan Mountains two young Red Pandas, Connor and Mishti, befriend a shy Pangolin.

Oblivious of their precarious existence, they dance and play together until a wise Sarus Crane disrupts their fun. They must flee, he warns them, before civilization destroys their forest home. He promises to lead them to Sikkim, a nature sanctuary across the mountains. The three friends follow his feathers on their long journey to safety.

Lauren de Leeuw graduated with a degree in journalism; however, she was always far more interested in the adventure novel that was in her book bag as well as her next travel destination than she ever was with her current local news assignments. She has published many articles across a variety of platforms. Secrets in the Islands is her first book. Lauren lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and two wonderfully energetic children.

Learn more about Lauren de Leeuw and her work at https://samiseriesadventures.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About" Secrets in the Islands" and the inspiration behind the story.
Cultural Heritage and Environmental issues in a children's adventure
Digital relationships
Writing a successful children's adventure balancing entertainment with learning
What's next in the Sami Series?

SECRETS IN THE ISLANDS

Having world famous archaeologists for parents isn't easy. Sure, the stories about their discoveries used to be exciting, but recently twelve-year-old Sami Johnson just feels like she's missing out.That is, until now.After being left behind one too many times, she finally gets to tag along with her parents to their next dig site. Keeping it local and seemingly simple for Sami's first glimpse into the family business, the Johnson's head to Haida Gwaii - a group of islands off the west coast of Canada where an old fishing weir and some ancient spearheads were recently discovered. But things start going downhill as soon as they arrive.After meeting a new friend, Sami realizes that the whole island is awash in secrets. Missing artifacts, late night stakeouts and stalkers in the forest were not what Sami was expecting on this trip and she begins to wonder if this was why her parents had left her at home for so many years. Can Sami find the grit, determination, and most importantly the confidence, to make it through and solve this mystery before it's too late?

CONNECT WITH LAUREN DE LEEUW!

Website: https://samiseriesadventures.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.lauren.deleeuw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_sami_adventure/

Diana Tuorto is a Buffalo, NY-based children’s author. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English Writing and History, Diana is also an active animal rescue volunteer and serves as Vice President of a small non-profit horse rescue. She shares a small farm with her husband, horses, and cats.

Diana started writing her first children’s novel at the age of 12. Most of her books are written from a horse’s point of view. Diana has a total of six books: three middle grade novels, two picture books and one easy reader, all featuring a horse or cat as a main character.

Learn more about Diana Tuorto and her work at https://horsebooksforkids.com/.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "Ms. Alberta: Feline Barn Manager" and the inspiration behind the story.
Focus on themes of trust, overcoming obstacles and fear through the eyes of a feral cat.
Writing to engage children while incorporating life lessons
Working with illustrator Ava Bucci to bring Ms. Alberta to life
Understanding human-animal relationships
What's next for Diana Tuorto
and much more!

MS. ALBERTA: FELINE BARN MANAGER

MS. ALBERTA: FELINE BARN MANAGER is based on the true story of a feral barn cat who is torn between the outdoor world she knows and desire to live with her special human “Mama.” When Ms. Alberta finds the courage to take a step towards house cat life, something gets in her way: Mama’s dog. Can a barn cat and a barking dog set aside their differences and become friends?

Diana Tuorto has been writing fiction and poetry since the age of ten. Ms. Alberta: Feline Barn Manager is her sixth children’s book and second picture book. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English Writing and History, Ms. Tuorto is a Western New York-based Marketing/Communications director and active horse rescue volunteer.

CONNECT WITH DIANA TUORTO!

My website is https://horsebooksforkids.com/.
You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dtuorto/
and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lunar_aradia

Viterose Elaine Van Huis is a recent widow, who lives between Barbados, her birth country, and the United States. She lives with a little dog named Charlie. She spends her time reading, writing, and gardening. This is her third book. Most recently she published Living Intentionally, in 2021 She published Incredible Mr. Charlie. Bones in the Alley: A journey to self-awareness that began on the island of Barbados was first published in

Learn more about Viterose Van Huis and her work at: Viterosevanhuis.wixsite,com/elaine

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Bones in the Alley" and the inspiration behind the book
How past experiences shaped the person she is today
Learning about herself and using her story to help others
Self discovery as the key to happiness
Other writing projects by Viterose Van Huis
What's next for Viterose Van Huis?

BONES IN THE ALLEY

In this book, Viterose Van Huis shares her journey to self-awareness. She makes it clear that self-discovery is essential in the pursuit of happiness and meaning. The story portrays her strong, self-determined, unrelenting personality. The difficulties of her childhood in Barbados, the heroic years in America, her limited education and her uncertain circumstances, rather than hinder her, propelled her to a greater understanding. This is an inspiring account of one woman's spiritual growth. The book assures you that all the answers to life's challenges are within you.

Robert L. O'Toole is an international figure skating coach with over 47 years of experience coaching athletes from the grassroots to the Olympic level. His positive and motivational approach to coaching is his trademark, along with his passion and love of sport. He has inspired thousands of athletes to achieve excellence in sport and beyond. My Journal is his debut entry into the literary world.

Learn more about Robert O'Toole and his work at:

www.robertotooleauthor.com
www.facebook.com/robertotooleauthor
www.instagram.com/robertotooleauthor

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "My Journal" and the inspiration behind writing the book
The transformative power of journaling
Individual pacing and self-acceptance
Journaling as a daily routine
Measuring your progress
What's next for Robert O'Toole?

My Journal: Motivation, Inspiration, Love, Kindness

Robert O’Toole
Tellwell Talent (2023)
ISBN: 978-1779411716

A daily journal with prompts for setting goals, self-reflection, and personal growth, emphasizing individual pacing and diverse expression methods.

A JOURNEY OF LIFE, LOVE, AND LIMITLESS ADVENTURE with STEPHANIE ROWEEmbark on a journey into the vibrant tapestry of my life, where each moment is an adventure waiting to unfold. I thrive on the richness of experiences, living life to its fullest.

My passion for connection is a cornerstone of my existence. Together with my husband, Jason, we merge the joys of bringing people together and the artistry of cooking. Our culinary escapades span the globe, from the Caribbean to the Philippines and the Mediterranean, weaving nights filled with love, laughter, and profound connections with our nearest and dearest.

Fresh from a six-month odyssey across Europe and South America (November 2023), my husband, Jason, and I have returned with a profound understanding of ourselves. Each country became a classroom, and we eagerly absorbed the diverse lessons embedded in their cultures. The journey was more than a physical exploration; it was a deep dive into self-discovery, a transformative experience that enriched our lives in ways we never imagined. The liberty to experience life fully and connect with our surroundings is a privilege we don't take lightly. Natural hot springs became our sanctuaries, leading us to serene and beautiful corners of the world.

The Arts hold a special place in my heart, epitomized during the unforgettable Mad Cool Festival in Spain. Jason and I indulged in the music of our youth, fulfilling my lifelong dream of seeing Red Hot Chili Peppers live. Despite the inevitable body aches after the first day, we cheekily dove back into the revelry with youthful zeal, dancing to the pulsating beats of the iconic performances of Offspring, Robbie Williams, Sam Smith, Lizzo, The Prodigy and so many more for three glorious days. Passionate advocates for live music and local artists, we immersed ourselves in the melodies of each city we visited, tuning into local radio stations to decipher the vibrant pulse of the community.

From the tender age of youth, poetry has been my chosen form of expression. Whether captivating audiences at events and spoken word nights, including Queensland Poetry, or delivering speeches infused with warmth and wisdom, my words resonate on both professional and personal fronts. The ability to intrigue and captivate is an art I've honed.

Dedication has forged my success. As I create the extraordinary life and business of my dreams, my love for humanity takes center stage in everything. Join me on this transformative journey, where every word, every adventure, is a testament to the power of living authentically and with purpose.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Fiercely Me and the inspiration behind the memoir.
Self-appreciation and following one's dreams
Sharing personal struggles with vulnerability
Goals and outlook on life
Coaching
What's next for Stephanie
SO MUCH MORE!

CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE ROWE

Website: mrsrowe.org
Email: mrsroweauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: Mrs Rowe Author
Insta: Mrs Rowe Author
TikTok: Stephanie Rowe

GET THE BOOK!

Bob Gebelein, with an IQ of 140 and a Harvard education, has been a pioneering software developer and a visionary thinker. Since 1955, he has focused on addressing cultural and systemic failures, channeling his exceptional intellect towards redesigning civilization. Gebelein pursued psychotherapy, dream analysis, and introspection to solve both personal and societal issues. His journey towards psychological maturity is reflected in his self-published books and original music, underscoring his commitment to profound mental and cultural transformation. Gebelein's work embodies a deep exploration of the mind and a dedication to meaningful change.

Topics of Conversation:

About Happiness and Survival and the inspiraton to write the book
Psychotherapy and Dream Analysis
Academia, Science and the Spiritual
The evolution of psychotherapy in the role in future society
What's next for Bob Gebelein?

HAPPINESS AND SURVIVAL

The message of "Happiness and Survival" is simple: for the survival of our species and personal happiness, everybody needs to go to a psychotherapist. Bob Gebelein shares his journey through the lies of the past to a new civilization, where he can view the academic establishment with some perspective. His solution for human survival is being blocked by an academic establishment that is removing knowledge from our culture. First, Gebelein points out the errors in "spirituality," "physicalism," and the rejection of Freudian/Jungian depth psychology. He then summarizes his search for a new civilization and the answers he found. Dream analysis, with the self-steering process, is a natural, nonauthoritarian method of self-education. Gebelein then shows the series of rejections that he went through and the few successes he had in trying to communicate his discoveries, primarily "the mental senses," the concept of "psychological age," the discovery that the normal person in our culture is psychologically 10 years old, how "human nature" itself can be changed at the psychological age of puberty, and "the self-steering process" of dream analysis. He then goes on to describe how the academic establishment has actually removed knowledge from our culture through rejecting mesmerism, the spiritual, the study of the mind, and the legacy of Freud and Jung. Lastly, Gebelein defines what should rightfully be called "philosophy," summarizes his own philosophy, and attempts to inform the culture of the evil forces lurking in the spiritual realm.

Dalton "Dean" Blankinship is from Oklahoma and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Nutritional Sciences, along with a master's in Health & Human Performance: Health Promotions. He used mostly his life lessons and experience to write the book. To say that it was a labor of love is an understatement, and what author can't say that? It is a sign of the marathon that is writing.

Learn more about Dean Blankinship and his work at https://hopesanddean.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Looking Inwards for a Better Life" and the inspiration for writing the book.
Self discovery and intropection
Maintaining personal integrity in today's world
Valuing respect over money
Key takeaway for readers
What's next for Dean Blankinship?

LOOKING INWARDS FOR A BETTER LIFE

Have you ever felt like something just wasn't clicking in your life? Has the shalllowness of society left you thritsy for deeper the truths that lie beneath the surface? Do you wish that you could just be more honest with wanting a life of no distractions? This book will take you deeper into many different levels of our societal hireachies and how you can you keep yourself honest in a world that seemingly is just getting allergic to the truth. I don't have all the answers but I can give just a few bits of the iceberg to go deeper and beyond your own comprehension .

CONNECT WITH DEAN BLANKINSHIP:

https://www.hopesanddean.com/

Dean's Book Business on Pinterest

https://www.facebook.com/dalton.blankinship/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084732972320

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DaltonBooks?ref=dashboard-header

Ray Catania is an acclaimed author, metaphysical teacher, theorist, and coach. He is the visionary behind Limitless Publications, Limitless Coaching, and Scientific Spirituality for the Modern Human.

Catania has written two captivating books in his Awakening Series: “The Atheist and The Afterlife” and “You Are Still Alive, Now Act Like It.” His profound insights and intuitive abilities have made him a sought-after practitioner in scientific-spiritualism and the practical applications of metaphysics. With a thriving private practice, he guides individuals on their transformative journeys.

A survivor of a near-death experience (NDE), Ray Catania is also an ordained minister with master certifications in life coaching, Usui Reiki, and meditation. Currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Metaphysical-Parapsychology, he combines his extensive formal education with wisdom gained from studying under some of the most brilliant minds in the world, including intuitives, mediums, shamans, and energy healers.

Learn more about Ray Catania and his work at: http://RayCatania.Com

Topics of Conversation:

About "You Are Still Alive, Now Act Like It!"
A Call to Action
Spiritual Transformation
Science and Spirituality
Next in the Series!

You Are Still Alive, Now Act Like It

Many years after a near-death experience, a former atheist becomes a spiritual warrior determined to overcome past traumas and discover the true nature of reality. (Winner of 8 Literary Awards to date) You are Still Alive, Now Act Like It, offers an inspiring, non-fictional, account of one man’s unintended journey from atheism to spiritualism and the knowledge he uncovered along the way. Ray Catania’s remarkable 2nd installment of his Awakening Series challenges us to reconsider spirituality, from a scientific perspective, and shows how it can be woven together with practicality and enlightenment.

CONNECT WITH RAY CATANIA!Main Website: http://RayCatania.Com
All Socials & Author Profiles: https://linktr.ee/raycatania
Primary Socials are …
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ray.catania/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Ray_Catania

Hollis Frances has fifteen years experience in Technical Writing from his career as a Technical Support Engineer on medical equipment at a major manufacturer/service company. He retired after thirty years in 2020.

That is when he decided to start a new career as an author of short stories based actual events although he does have a novel or two inside his heart that needs to come out in the future. and published his first short story, Willy’s Accident, in 2021.

He is a military veteran who served first in the US Navy for four years from 1975-1979. Then, in 1983, enlisted into the US Marines and served until 1987. Hollis Frances has Degree in Electronic Communications Technology. He is married with two adult children and three grandchildren.

You can learn more about Hollis Frances and his work at HollisFrances AOF.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Alter Called Witness" and the inspiration for the project
What are Pregnant Years and what is the Mazzaroth?
Correlation between the Hebrew and Modern Zodiac
Dwarf Planets and the significance in the context of this work
Much, Much more!
Up Next for Hollis Frances:
- Special Editions: Bethlehem Star and Passover
- Next Quarterly Journal featuring Christopher Columbus

ALTER CALLED WITNESS

The Hebrews tradition speaks of a annual cycle of events that reoccur in their "season". The author brings the reader along his journey involving the gathering and analysis of the data to determine if this tradition is fact or fiction. And, is there any information "written" in the stars, Mazzaroth, that confirm these events?

In this first issue of the Alter Called Witness, the author delves into events such as; The Binding of Isaac, Expulsion of the Hebrews from Spain, Destruction of the second temple and the conception of Jesus!

CONNECT WITH HOLLIS FRANCES:

https://hollisfrancesaof.com/
https://store.bookbaby.com/profile/HollisFrances
https://www.writing.com/main/forums/item_id/2301430-Hebrew-Calendar-and-Mazzaroth-Revisited
https://www.writing.com/main/profile/biography/hollisfrances

OTHER INTERESTING LINKS:

The Torah Calendar- https://torahcalendar.com/

Astronomy software, Starry Night 8 - https://starrynight.com/starry-night-8-professional-astronomy-telescope-control-software.html

Lisa Towles is an Amazon bestselling, award-winning crime novelist and a passionate speaker on the topics of fiction writing, creativity, and self care. She has ten crime thrillers in print and is the recipient of the Readers Choice, Readers Favorite, BookFest, Literary Titan, and Pencraft literary awards. Lisa is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers and is deeply committed to supporting other writers. She is Board President of a Bay Area nonprofit and speaks frequently to groups of business leaders and writers.

Learn more at www.lisatowles.com or follow Lisa on social media: linktr.ee/authortowles.

Topics of Conversation

About Terror Bay and the inspiration behind the story
Writing psychological thrillers
Secrets - the mystery behind them and the people that hold them
Research, writing, plotting and pantsing
The release of Terror Bay
What's next for Lisa Towles?

TERROR BAY

"A woman. A ghostly summons.
In a coma, no one can hear you scream.

Detective Kurt Farin, shot in the line of duty, is haunted by a woman he sees in a coma. Come, she says. I'll show you things. Like the missing piece of your soul.

Kurt's unshakable quest to find her leads him to northern Canada, where he discovers a shipwreck and a shocking family secret that can't possibly be true. As he digs deeper, he realizes his fate is inextricably tied to the enigmatic woman...and a long-lost treasure that's been submerged for centuries.His shooter, his nemesis, knows what he found and is coming to finish the job he started. Alone and exposed, Kurt's the only one who can bring down this notorious killer and expose an international scandal. But is the cost of justice - to him and everyone he loves, too high?

Terror Bay is filled with intrigue and action, with surprises at every turn. Fans of John Sandford and Christine Kling will love Lisa Towles' new psychological thriller. With a heart-pounding plot, complex characters, and a shocking twist, "Terror Bay" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction."

Gary D. McGugan loves to tell stories and is the author of “Three Weeks Less a Day,” “The Multima Scheme,” “Unrelenting Peril,” “Pernicious Pursuit,” and award-winning novels “A Web of Deceit” and “A Slippery Shadow.” After a forty-year career at senior levels of multinational corporations, Gary’s writing uses artful suspense to entertain and inform. His launch of a new writing career—at an age most people retire—reveals an ongoing zest for new challenges and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Home is near Toronto, but Gary thinks of himself as a true citizen of the world. His passion for travel and his broad experience are evident in every chapter.

Learn more about Gary D. McGugan and his work at https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/

Topics of Conversation

About Contention and the inspiration for the story
What the characters are up to in Contention - Crime Boss, Fidelia Morales, Suzanne Simpson - CEO of Multima Corporation and Howard Knight - Financial Wizard
Weaving social, legal and ethical issues into the plot - Corporate Espionage
The role of the Caribbean setting
Writing and marketing as an Indie Author
What's next for Gary D. McGugan?

CONTENTION

Fidelia Morales is supreme mobster in the world of organized crime, with international interests in prostitution, illicit drugs, gambling, payday loans, and money laundering. She also rules her outfit with an iron fist. How will she react when her sometime lover and top financial genius wants out?

Howard Knight has lived under Fidelia’s rigid control while he invested, scammed, or stole hundreds of millions in cyber currency for her and her criminal outfit, The Organization. But he craves freedom.

Will she let him wade into a new corporate espionage venture from a Caribbean Island? Can the notorious crime boss manipulate her on-and-off lover’s ambitions and still realize a long-held dream of controlling one of the world’s largest publicly traded businesses?

Contention pits the aspirations of one against the unimaginable power and reach of the other, setting Multima Corporation’s CEO—Suzanne Simpson—squarely in their criminal crosshairs. Will the high-powered executive recognize signals of impending danger soon enough to defend the massive company she inherited?

CONNECT WITH GARY MCGUGAN!

Website: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com
Monthly Blog: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/rendezvous-blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gary.d.mcgugan.books
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryDMcGugan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgarydmcgugan

Dr. Randy Overbeck, a retired educator with over four decades of experience, is an award-winning author known for crafting suspenseful, heroic, and mysterious tales set in school environments. His books have received numerous awards and national recognition. His Haunted Shores Mysteries series has achieved bestseller status on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Dr. Overbeck is also the host of the podcast "Great Stories about Great Storytellers," where he uncovers the unique backgrounds of famous authors, directors, and poets. He frequently speaks to audiences nationwide, offering multimedia presentations on various topics.

You can learn more about Randy Overbeck and his work at https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/

Topics of Conversation

About Cruel Lessons and his new Lessons in Peril series
Research - going to jail for research!
Creating a suspensful whodunit wrapped around the social issue of drug abuse
How a small town and school system handle the drug issue in schools
Sharing Truths with Entertainment
What's next for Randy Overbeck- and more!

CRUEL LESSONS

On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous threat: if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption?

CONNECT WITH RANDY OVERBECK!

Website: https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/

Tik Tok @authorrandyo

Visit Randy Overbeck's Podcast: Great Stories about Great Storytellers

Mark Shaiken lives with his wife Loren and their dog Emily in Denver Colorado. He schooled at Haverford College and Washburn University, and practiced commercial bankruptcy law for almost 4 decades before moving on to writing, board service, and his photography and music.

He is the author of 4 novels in his 3J Legal Thrillers series, including Fresh Start, Automatic Stay, Unfair Discrimination, and Cram Down, the book we are going to visit with Mark about today. He also has a non-fiction title available called: And Just Like That: Essays on a Life Before During and After the Law

You can learn more about Mark Shaiken and his work at markshaikenauthor.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Cram Down and the inspiraton behind the story
Cram Down in the legal world
Debuted on Amazon's 100 best seller list for financial thrillers in its first week!
Character Discussion - AMAZING characters!
Rich Kansas City history: incorporating historical elements into a fictional story
Elements of ethical complexities, history, bankruptcy, jazz and music
Creating the audiobook
What's next for Mark Shaiken?

CRAM DOWN

Kansas City attorney Josephina Jillian Jones, 3J to her friends, has dealt with people perpetrating online disinformation, white supremacists, and clients hiding assets, so when a couple who heads up a company that builds inner city housing for marginalized communities comes to her for legal help because their longtime banking partner has shut off their funding, the case appears at first blush to be tame by comparison. But when the bank president disappears and his greed-driven brother seems the likely culprit, things heat up. And when it appears the Kansas City mob is involved, the race is on to save both the company and the bank president. Lives are at stake and the clock is ticking. 3J has a reputation for being fierce and determined, but she’s going to need both help and a little luck to save the day this time.

CONNECT WITH MARK SHAIKEN!

Website: htttp://markshaikenauthor.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-shaiken-author

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dp4M6P7Kvvg?si=lzDB3BXd1Q1P5tmy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Shaiken-Author/100070831924501/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkShaiken

Dan McMillan is a therapist and psychologist in Alberta, Canada, and the father of two young children. This story was originally created to help highlight a common, hurtful pattern in couples’ relationships. One day he told the story to his daughters and found they really enjoyed it as well. So, a kid-friendly version was born in hopes of both entertaining children, and sharing important information for parents to be aware of.

Websites: https://danmcmillanbooks.com/ https://assuredpsychology.com/

Topics of Conversation:

About Badger and Turtle Face the Storm and the inspiration behind the story
Storytelling with Metaphors
Using a storm as the central challenge
Emotional Behaviors - Badger or Turtle - which one are you?
Writing an engaging book for kids that speaks to adults
What's next for Daniel McMillan?

Badger and Turtle Face the Storm

Written by a therapist, Badger and Turtle Face the Storm follows a pair of friends who learn to work together under stress. This book is meant for not only children to enjoy, but as a tool for families to better understand a common, hurtful pattern that can occur, particularly between parents.

CONNECT WITH DANIEL MCMILLAN!

Websites: https://danmcmillanbooks.com/ https://assuredpsychology.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assuredpsychology/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assuredpsych
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assured-psychology/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/assuredpsychology/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@assuredpsychology

Homa Pourasgari is an activist, entrepreneur, and author. Her writings dive deep into themes of love, integrity, compassion, and justice. Fluent in multiple languages, Homa has journeyed across the world, immersing herself in diverse cultures and embracing a variety of viewpoints. While she sometimes finds herself lost in the depths of her writing room, perfecting every scene, Homa equally cherishes moments spent with friends and family, laughing and sharing stories.

You can learn more about Homa Pourasgari and Lemon Curd at https://lemoncurdbook.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Lemon Curd and the inspiration behind the story
Releasing a new edition
The marketing world as a backdrop for the story
Relationships!
Advice for new and up and coming authors
What's next for Homa Pourasgari?

LEMON CURD

After years of working long hours in the hopes of becoming a partner at a leading marketing firm, the last thing Anna Lisa Gibson expects is to be forced to share her important client with a Brit from their London office. She finds him rude, arrogant and disagreeable.

With high profile clients to his credit, Neil Scott Whitaker never had any difficulties getting along with women until he meets Anna Lisa. He finds her uptight, unpleasant, and impossible to work with. But as the two get to know each other, they start to become friends. Except that Neil has a lot more than friendship in mind. Although he and Anna Lisa had a bad start, he can't control his attraction toward her, and he wonders what it would feel like to spend one night with his officemate.

CONNECT WITH HOMA POURASGARI

Book Website: https://www.lemoncurdbook.com/
Website: https://www.homapourasgari.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomaPourasgari
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088472221231

Jeffrey Marshall is a writer, novelist and poet from Scottsdale, AZ. He's the author of five books, including the novels Squeeze Plays, Little Miss Sure Shot and Undetected; Undetected and Squeeze Plays were named ShelfUnbound Notable 100 Indie books in 2020 and 2022, respectively, and Squeeze Plays also was named a Book Excellence Award winner in 2023.

A retired journalist and the former editor of two national business magazines, Marshall has freelanced to more than 30 publications as varied as The New York Times, High Country News and Tail Fly-Fishing Magazine, and his short fiction has appeared in online magazines like Bright Flash Literary Review, Ariel Chart and Vocal.com, among others. A short story he wrote took first place in the 2022 Arizona Authors competition.

You can learn more about Jeffrey Marshall and his work at https://jmarshbks.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Squeeze Plays and the inspiration behind the story
Setting this psychological thriller in the financial hubs of New York and London
The Characters! A bank CEO, a New York tabloic publisher and a Russian oligarch - developing their dynamics and conflicting interests
The financial reporter who plays a pivotal role in uncovering the deeper story
Strong principled female characters
Serious insights into wealth and power with some humorous, satirical elements
What's next for Jeffrey Marshall?

SQUEEZE PLAYS

A modern tableau about money and power set in New York and London - Two powerful men, a bank chief executive and a New York tabloid publisher, are at odds over a loan that would keep the publisher afloat. Enter a ruthless Russian oligarch with an offer of a financial life raft to the publisher – a gambit uncovered by a dogged financial reporter who senses a big story.

In Squeeze Plays, Jeffrey Marshall whisks us into the paneled boardrooms and lavish penthouses of the New York elite and shows us their lifestyle, their desires and their foibles. Using his background as a financial journalist, he carefully details the reporter’s story, which ties the central characters together in what becomes a stunning front-page expose. Along the way, the reader visits New York, London, Nantucket and the English countryside and sees not just financial skullduggery but sexual blackmail, strong and principled female characters, and a brisk and often satirical take on the corrupting influences of wealth and power.

Dr. Jaya Viswanathan is a neuroscientist and artist born and raised in India. She earned an engineering degree, a Master's in neuroscience, and a Doctorate in cognitive neuroscience. She then worked as a postdoctoral fellow before joining the Division of Neuroscience at the National Institute on Aging [C]. Her research was focused on understanding how brains interpret the world through vision and audition. She was invited to write a Neuronline article about Baby Senses as an educational resource and nominated for the Science Educator Award by the Society for Neuroscience. She loves art and is a part of Tuesday Night Group in DC. Her Neuroscience art has been featured in several art shows and she has been featured in several podcasts.

You can learn more about Dr. Viswanathan and Baby Senses at https://babysensesbook.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Baby Senses and the inspiration behind the creation of the book
An innovative, accessible approach to presenting a broad spectrum of sensory systems.
How animals sense electric vibes and see light!
Using the Glossary; a friendly learning guide for inquisitive minds of all ages
Introducing the younger generation to neuroscience
SO MUCH MORE!

Baby Senses: A Sensory Neuroscience Primer for All Ages

Animals, from ants to whales, rely on evolved sensory systems to navigate their environments. "Baby Senses" delves into this rich tapestry, exploring beyond the familiar five senses to include incredible abilities like detecting electric fields. Paired with detailed neuroscience artwork, this book offers a vivid glimpse into a usually microscopic realm, captivating both children and adults.

Jason Jackson is the author of "My Life Inspiring Journal," His book portrays his personal struggle to transcend his disabilities and find solace in the shared human experience of adversity.

Highlighting the prevalence of autism (affecting 1 in 44 children) and bipolar disorder (4.4% of the population), Jason navigates the complexities of these conditions. Inspired by conversations with his late father, he intertwines both disabilities into a heartfelt narrative that captures his journey into adulthood.

Jason is currently working on his second book, which will explore the inner thoughts of individuals

Visit Jason’s website, https://perseveracycle.com/ to learn more about him and his work.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Jason's writing journey.
About My Life Inspiring Journal.
Inspiration for writing the book and how it all came together.
Emphasis on abilities over limitations.
Was dad planting the seed for a future author?
What's next for Jason?

MY LIFE INSPIRING JOURNAL

Travel through this author's journey with feelings, thoughts, and desires as a Autistic man living with Bipolar. Learn how he interacts with characters in everyday life. This book is a collage of episodes modeled, and based on the author's true experiences.

Jason Jackson has managed in the few pages of this "journal" to convey both the challenges and insights of someone with autism. The need for validation, love and acceptance are the hidden drivers that direct his perceptions of the world. Told in a way that mirrors the discontinuities of his own mind and his thinking process, Jason is able to inform the readers that stories of life abound and intersect as much as they interact. There is no need to "pity" the person with autism; more important is the ability to see it as a perceptual way of dealing with daily life. In this journal, Jason has accomplished this. --Harriette H, friend and former basketball coach/Sunday School teacher

Frederick Douglass Reynolds is a retired L.A. County Sheriff’s Homicide Sergeant. He was born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan where he became a petty criminal and was involved in gangs. He joined the US Marine Corps in 1979 to escape the life of crime that he seemed destined for. After a brief stint in Okinawa, Japan, he finished out his military career in Southern California and ultimately became a police officer with the Compton Police Department. He worked there from 1985 until 2000 and then transferred to the Sheriff’s Department where he worked an additional seventeen years, retiring in 2017 with over seventy-five commendations including two California Officer of the Year awards, one in 1994 and the other in 1998. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Carolyn, and their daughter Lauren and young son, Desmond. They have six other adult children and nine grandchildren.

Learn more about Frederick Douglass Reynolds at: https://frederickdreynolds.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION * About Saint Bloodbath and the Motivation for Telling this Story * Giving voice to the victims * Telling the story from every perspective * Writing True Crime * What's next for Frederick Douglass Reynolds?

SAINT BLOODBATH Detectives McGuire and Cortes take on a gruesome homicide case in Long Beach, California, and navigate the complex role of being the murder police in an area marked by homelessness, drug abuse, and gang violence. With little but their combined decades of detective experience to go off of, they investigate personal and gang-related motives in an attempt to identify and arrest their suspect. When a severed hand is found in the desert nearly 100 miles away, their years-long investigation crosses jurisdictions, and they must connect the dots before the bloodbath continues. Saint Bloodbath explores the true story of multiple heinous crimes, but perhaps more importantly, highlights the lives and experiences of the victims, their peers, and the investigators who sought to bring a murderer to justice.

Nancy Major is an award-winning nonprofit and business executive with more than thirty years of professional experience. She’s also a professional speaker and certified Christian trauma coach. Her primary area of focus is helping women overcome sexual shame and trauma.

Recently she added, ‘bestselling author’ to her bio, with her newly released memoir entitled, “A Wretch Like Me: A Modern-Day Mary Magdalene Saved by Grace. “It offers a glimpse into her lived experience as a former prostitute, “outed” by a client bent on revenge. Her courageous story tackles themes of childhood sexual abuse, shame, public humiliation, redemption, and the immeasurable gift of grace.

Nancy often jokingly refers to her colorful life as one that might lead others to think she was either in the witness protection program or running from the law. She has been known by many last names and has moved so many times that the US post office has “unfriended” her!

Today, Nancy is a wife of eleven years, a mother, stepmom, mother-in-law, and grandmother to six beloved and cherished cutie-pies. She and her husband, Jesse, live in southeastern Wisconsin with their two silly pooches, Lulu Bell and Jilly Bean.

Learn more about Nancy Major at https://nancymajor.net/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About "A Wretch Like Me" and the inspiration behind writing the story.
Shared experiences with Mary Magdalene
Telling difficult stories and bringing light to the dark
Navigating life's challenges through faith
Miracles happen everyday
Christian trauma coaching
What's next for Nancy Major?

A WRETCH LIKE ME: A MODERN DAY MARY MAGDALENE SAVED BY GRACE

I couldn’t imagine in a million years that I would ever have the courage to face telling the world about this one ugly, vile secret I figured I’d die with. The truth of who and what I had been, how it happened, and the grace that saved me on the day my life imploded.

An anonymous packet was sent to business leaders throughout my community and surrounding thirteen-county area. As a business owner, I had made it a point to become well-known. When the president of one of the local chambers of commerce called me and I saw the packet for the first time, I literally couldn’t breathe.

I was shell-shocked and utterly shattered. I wanted to die. No words could explain away or erase what had been written. I couldn’t see any possible way to live with the guilt and shame of being “outed” as a prostitute.

If you’ve ever been tormented in a silent prison of shame over something you’ve done, haunted by a secret from your past, thought you were too broken, too bad, or too disgusting to be forgiven—you’re not alone.

You haven’t been forgotten or abandoned. You’re loved more than you could ever imagine, and above all, you’re NEVER too far gone for grace.
.
How would I know? Because grace saved a wretch like me.

CONNECT WITH NANCY MAJOR AT https://nancymajor.net/

Suzanne Seifert Groves parlayed her B.A. in English from The University of Texas at Austin into a storied 35-year career in organizational communications, public relations, and marketing. She has served in leadership roles with several large organizations spanning multiple industries including higher education, healthcare, technology and travel and tourism. Her personal affinity for storytelling enabled her to help the executives and organizations she supported make valuable connections with their audiences. With just enough ADD to be dangerous, Groves is known for taking disparate ideas and weaving them into new creative or strategic concepts that have yet to be tried. Over the course of her career, she and the teams she has led have accrued more than 360 regional, national and international awards for communications, marketing and creative excellence from several prestigious programs including NYX MarCom, MarCom, Muse, Hermes, The Conference Board, PR Daily Content Marketing and more.

In 2020, Groves was named a "Top Woman in Communications," one of only nine women to be recognized in the Visionary category, by Ragan Communications/PR Daily in the inaugural year of the award. In 2014, she was named one of 24 "Great Women of Texas" by the Fort Worth Business Press. In addition to her professional career, she has served on numerous advisory boards including the Arlington Public Library, Leadership Arlington, Susan G. Komen of Greater Fort Worth, Alzheimer’s Association of North Central Texas, and as a member of the Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives Inc. Festival and Events Committee. In 2013, she earned her M.A. in History from The University of Texas at Arlington while working full time, and was named a University Scholar (a distinction only given to the top 1% of undergraduate and graduate students). Why history? Groves will tell you the discipline is a true study in leadership, which continued to inform her career as a communications strategist.

An admitted research junkie, Groves spends her time working on family genealogy for herself and for friends (when she’s not writing or editing). With their two children grown, successful, and likely not boomeranging home, she and her husband travel as frequently as possible, though it means leaving behind their two feisty German Shepherd Dogs and their very bossy cat. Of all her excursions, Groves will tell you one of her favorite memories is being dubbed “The Emu Whisperer” while on her honeymoon in Sonoma.

Learn more about Suzanne Seifert Groves and her work at: suzannegroves.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About We Need to Talk and Suzanne's inspiration for writing the book
Why do people have trouble communicating effectively?
Information is not Communication
Communicating through Social Media
The Key to Effective Communication
What's next for Suzanne Seifert Groves?

WE NEED TO TALK

“We need to talk.” Nobody wants to hear it, and no one should ever say it.

So stop! It’s the worst way to begin a serious conversation, especially when you need something from the other person/s – their cooperation, their agreement or commitment, or a change in behavior.

Suzanne Seifert Groves has a 35-year career in organizational communication and here, in straightforward steps, she provides the ‘difficult conversation’ framework you’ve needed your entire career, and for every personal relationship as well.

How many times have you acquiesced, alienated, or just plain pissed off your staff, your clients, your partner, your kids, or your neighbors because you didn’t frame things correctly? We’ve all done it more frequently than we’d like to admit.

Along with the practice exercises, you’re going to want to make this methodology second nature because it will change how you think and speak about issues important to you. When “taken as directed,” the four-step process will transform every important relationship in your life (with no harmful side effects).

Tom Pearson is an artist and poet who works in dance, theater, film, visual art, and multi-media. He is known for his original works for theater, including the long-running, off-Broadway immersive hits THEN SHE FELL and THE GRAND PARADISE and as a founder and co-artistic director of the New York City-based Third Rail Projects and Global Performance Studio.

Heis the author of two books, THE SANDPIPER'S SPELL and STILL, THE SKY.

Learn more about Tom and his work at https://tompearsonnyc.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Connecting with Poetry at an Early Age
About Still, The Sky
Featured Artwork
Using different forms of poetry
Reading and interpreting poetry
Feedback on Still, The Sky
What's next for Tom?

STILL, THE SKY - Synopsis

Still, the Sky is a speculative mythology rendered through poetry and art that combines the tales of Icarus and the Minotaur and creates for them a shared coming-of-age through a correspondence of written fragments, artifacts, ecofacts, and ephemera. Fragmented memories, relics, and confessions combine in a labyrinth of fever dreams and meditations which contemplate innocence and experience, war and peace, exile and homecoming, flight and failure, love and loss.

Photo credits:

Headshot: Tom Pearson Courtesy of the Artist
Mic Shot: Tom Pearson Photo by Joshua Dutton-Reaver
Papers in the air: Tom Pearson Photo by Laura Bianchi courtesy of the Bogliasco Foundation

Since 2007 Roxanne McCarty-O'Kane’s unique and multi-award winning method of storytelling has changed the lives of thousands of budding authors, allowing them to bring their messages to life in nonfiction books with structure, connection to the reader and potential profit.

A prolific ghostwriter, author, workshop facilitator, writing mentor and journalist, Roxanne’s presentations are charged with powerful content and tangible tools that remove the mystery from storytelling and ignite a thought-provoking and emotion-evoking theatre within the mind of aspiring authors.

Her book, The Mindful Author, has become a powerful resource for aspiring authors around the world to craft their manuscripts with clarity and a true sense of purpose and passion.

This knowledge, and so much more, is brought to life through Roxanne’s intimate Ignite & Write workshops and mentorship programs, offering first-time authors the opportunity to navigate their journey to authorship with ease and confidence.

As an MC, presenter and speaker, Roxanne’s down to earth, relatable, humorous style engages her audience, inspires their minds and moves them to begin to think laterally about their own stories and how their lived experiences and knowledge journeys can have a greater impact on the world around them.

Learn more about Roxanne McCarty-O'Kane at http://www.roxannewriter.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Roxanne McCarty-O'Kane
About The Mindful Author
Transformation through Authorship and the Phoenix
Using The Mindful Author as a resource
Ghostwriting
The next books in the Ignite & Write series

THE MINDFUL AUTHOR

The Mindful Author is the first book in the Ignite & Write trilogy designed to step you through from your first word to complete book using the Phoenix Phenomenon process.

Within these pages, you'll find your inspiration and become empowered by the strength of your story as Roxanne leads you to transform your fears, roadblocks, and self-doubt into confidence and completion.

It's time to embrace the mindset of an author.

It's time to IGNITE your passion and WRITE your book.

The world is waiting for your message.

CONNECT WITH ROXANNE MCCARTY-O’KANE!WEBSITE: www.roxannewriter.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/roxannewriter/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/roxannewriter/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75594136-the-mindful-author

As an attorney and civil justice advocate, author Mark M. Bello draws upon over 40 years of courtroom experience in his Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series.

A Michigan native, Mark received his B.A. in English Literature from Oakland University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After working extremely high-profile legal cases, Mark wanted to give the public a front-row glimpse of what victims face when standing up for justice.

Combining his legal experience and passion for justice with a creative writing style, Mark not only brings high-quality legal services to his clients but captivating novels to his readers.

When Mark’s not writing legal and political novels, he writes and posts about fairness and justice in the civil justice system on his website, Legal Examiner and NotFakeNews. In his spare time, Mark enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. Mark and his wife, Tobye, have four children and 9 grandchildren.

Learn more about Mark and his work: https://www.markmbello.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Catching up with Mark Bello
About The Final Steps
Branching Out - Writing in new genres and developing new characters.
Reading his work as a reader
What’s next for Mark?

The Final Steps

Summary: Who murdered a popular law professor on a northern Michigan college campus?

Judge Rosaline Maxwell is living the good life. Retired from the circuit court bench, she now lives in the home of her dreams, lakefront in scenic Harbor Springs, Michigan. She’s written a fascinating new book and is invited to speak at a local college. But her idyllic existence is rudely interrupted by a call from her best friend, Tyler Guthrie, the college president.

A popular law professor has taken his final steps—he is found dead at the bottom of a popular outdoor staircase. The police suspect foul play. There are no witnesses, but key pieces of evidence make Tyler the number one suspect. After his arrest, Rosaline doubts her friend’s innocence but still jumps into the fray, abandoning the law, antagonizing local police, becoming an amateur sleuth with one goal and one goal only: To prove, conclusively, that Tyler Guthrie is innocent of this brutal crime.

Along the way, Rosaline receives anonymous death threats, warning her to stay away from the investigation, but the former judge will not be deterred from her quest for the truth. There is no shortage of interesting and quirky suspects as attorney/award-winning author Mark M. Bello keeps you guessing ‘whodunnit’ until the very end.

CONNECT WITH MARK BELLO!Website: https://www.markmbello.com
Facebook: @markmbellobooks
Twitter: @markmbello
Instagram: @markmbellobooks

PODCASTS MENTIONED IN THIS INTERVIEW:

Links:

Inside Scoop Podcast – You Have the Right to Remain Silent

Justice Counts Podcast – Pushing Back Against Book Bans

Marisa Billions is a high school English teacher in Southern California. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminology. She is the author of the fiction novels, This Too Shall Pass, Like Sapphire Blue, and Into the Blue Again and is supposed to be working on her upcoming fourth novel. She lives in Southern California with her wife, Stephanie and son Alexander and two Dogs, Max and Bonnie.

Learn more about Marisa and her work at https://authormarisabillions.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Catching up with Marisa Billions
Literary Awards and about Like Sapphire Blue
Writing the characters with authenticity and being fearless
Sapphic Novels and LGBTQIA+ Literature
Growing as a reader and a writer
What's next for Marisa?

LIKE SAPPHIRE BLUE

Synopsis:

“Your eyes are amazing. I’ve never seen a blue like that.”

Emma Landry is tough, independent, beautiful, and smart. Being an outcast unable to identify with her classmates, she was willing to do whatever it takes to climb her way out of poverty.

“What color would you say they are?”

Like Sapphire Blue

Having never known a mother’s love, her father “Bear”, raised her on the wrong side of the tracks in a wealthy town.

When success beckons, the woman she’s been in love with is, finally, within her grasp. Life is now worth living and loving. That is, until a dark family secret is revealed. A secret tied into the very fabric of who she is, and what she spent a lifetime working to overcome.

Faced with a foundation shattering treachery, Emma finds herself at the crossroads. Can she overcome a destiny stronger than death, destitution, and murder, to prove she is more than just her father’s daughter? Or will this new knowledge lead her to destroy the world she’s spent a lifetime building?

CONNECT WITH MARISA BILLIONS!

Website: https://authormarisabillions.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormarisabillions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormarisabillions/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarisaBillions

Syl Tang has been a futurist for 25+ years with an eye towards world events such as natural disasters, geo-political clashes, and economic cycles.

In addition to her book Disrobed, she has written hundreds of articles on the confluence of world events and soft goods for print outlets such as the Financial Times, predicting and documenting occurrences such as the Trump election, the Apple watch and other smart wearables, lab-made diamonds, and the effects of global warming on the South Seas.

As CEO and founder of HipGuide Inc, her work has helped more than 50 companies and governments. In addition to helping them navigate the future, she is behind the launches of some of the most well-known beauty, beverage, automotive and urban development efforts, including revitalizing Detroit and product category changers such as frozen alcohol and mineral makeup.

In 1999 she created the first mobile lifestyle texting product in the market and predicted mobile couponing as it exists today. Her company HipGuide is a case study taught in universities around the world, from Dubai to Nova Scotia to Purdue, through a textbook series with McGraw-Hill.

Her book Disrobed can be found at over 1000+ libraries including Harvard, Oxford, Yale, and the New York Public Library, as well as at all major bookstores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstone's, and Blackwell's.

Learn more about Syl Tang and her work at: https://linktr.ee/hipguide

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

A bit about Syl Tang
Inspiration for writing Disrobed
Clothing and Societal Issues
It's not always about clothing
What's next for Syl Tang?

DISROBED: How Clothing Predicts Economic Cycles, Saves Lives, and Determines the Future

AMAZON SUMMARY: We may not often think of our clothes as having a function beyond covering our naked bodies and keeping us a little safer from the elements. But to discount the enormous influence of clothing on anything from economic cycles to the future of water scarcity is to ignore the greater meaning of the garments we put on our backs. Disrobed vividly considers the role that clothing plays in everything from natural disasters to climate change to terrorism to geopolitics to agribusiness. Chapter by chapter, Tang takes the reader on an unusual journey, telling stories and asking questions that most consumers have never considered about their clothing. Why do banker’s wives sell off their clothes and how does that presage a recession? How is clothing linked to ethanol and starvation on the African continent? Could RFID in clothing save the lives of millions of people in earthquakes around the world?

READ OUR REVIEW OF DISROBED!

Scott Macfadyen is a Canadian author who loves to spend his time with his wife Tabitha and his dog Carly traveling or off grid where he can work on his writing. Scott spent over 20 years as a chef in restaurants, Pubs and resorts but had always had an interest in writing stories ever since elementary school. In his younger years he was known to write many stories and shared them with his school mates. Scott had a true passion for the escapism of story telling and over the years he had come up with the idea of his first published novella, A Whisper In the Shadows. Scott continues to write and looks forward to bringing you new stories and adventures in the future.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Scott's Writing Journey
Writing a novella
A strong female lead and character motivation
On reading and Stephen King
His personal writing escape
Advice for aspiring author
What's next for Scott?

A WHISPER IN THE SHADOWS

"Layla is a devoted mother and wife, but when someone from her past is gunned down and left for dead, she returns to her previous life that her family knows nothing about.

Now Layla must keep her secret safe from her family, and find the people who shot the man who rescued her from living on the streets and who turned her into a professional hitwoman.

Layla races against time while navigating twists and turns before her dark past catches up to her and her family becomes a target."

CONNECT WITH SCOTT MACFADYEN!

Website: https://scottmacbooks.com/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scottymacwritesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.macfadyen.authorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/Scott.macfadyen_author/

In addition to a career as a newspaper editor, publisher, and manager, Robb Grindstaff has written fiction most of his life. The newspaper biz has taken him and his family from Phoenix, Arizona, to small towns in North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin, from seven years in Washington, D.C., to five years in Asia. Born and raised a small-town kid, he’s as comfortable in Tokyo or Tuna, Texas.

The variety of places he’s lived and visited serve as settings for the characters who invade his head.

His novels are probably best classified as contemporary southern lit, and he’s had more than twenty short stories published in a wide array of genres. His articles on the craft of fiction writing have appeared in various writer magazines and websites, and one of his seminars was presented at the Sydney (Australia) Writers Festival. He also has taught writing courses for the Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers of Australia, and the Novel-in-Progress writers retreat.

Robb retired from the newspaper business in the summer of 2020 to write and edit fiction full time. He and his wife relocated to the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

Robb also edits fiction and non-fiction books for authors from around the world. It helps that he’s fluent in five languages: US English, UK English, Canadian English, and Australian English, plus his native language, Texan.

Robb Grindstaff’s books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBooks, and many other online retailers. They are also available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Robb's writing journey
All about Slade
Writing a story using interviews
The most surprising thing he discovered while writing Slade
Being a fulltime writer, fiction editor and working with other authors
What's next for Robb Grindstaff?

SLADE

Synopsis:

A car crash thirty years earlier left Slade Bennington severely disabled but with a new outlook on life. His book about overcoming trauma becomes a bestseller and a box office hit movie. Slade strikes up an unusual friendship with Schuyler, the six-foot-tall teenage actress who portrays his sister in the movie. She encourages him to continue writing, and his pithy musings about life spur a nationwide following of devotees who study his books like Holy Scriptures.

Slade becomes a counselor to the celebrity in-crowd—the Shaman to the Stars. While thousands adore Slade, others call him a Svengali or Rasputin-like character who controls and manipulates his clients.

One disillusioned fan spends years plotting revenge.

CONNECT WITH ROBB GRINDSTAFF!Robb’s website (Discover Robb’s books and learn about his editing services)

Robb’s Amazon page

A Writer’s Block (Robb’s Substack with tips and discussions on writing and editing)

Robb’s books on Evolved Publishing

Robb on Facebook

Robb on Twitter occasionally

Email: robb(at)robbgrindstaff(dot)com.

Matti Silver has been storytelling for most of his life. He loves working, reading, writing books and creating worlds for himself and others to immerse themselves within. A lover of film, comic books, fantasy and anime, he takes it upon himself to combine all the best ideas and present them to the world, like a master curator of fine taste and limitless free time.

Besides his endless energy and eclectic taste in everything, Matti loves nothing more than reading everything except speed limit signs and expiry dates on his government documents.

To learn more about Matti Silver and his work visit his website at www.evwpress.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Becoming an Author
About the series and the inspiraton behind the stories
Writing in the choose-your-own-path genre
Challenges in writing a series
Working with an AMAZING illustrator
What's next for Matti Silver?

Connor Shane is an “almost” 20-year-old author currently making his way through community college. He hopes to become an ecologist one day in order to help better understand and protect the wildlife of our planet.

Connor loves a story that carries a message and believes art is one of the most beautifl ways to teach lessons, allowing us to live our best days. He prefers deep discussions about life as opposed to throwing opinions about the weather into the wind. He’s also a serious gamer.

Connor goes by the pen name Curon. A Warm Touch is his debut novel.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION Connor's Writing Journey * About A Warm Touch* and the inspiration behind the story * Friendships and Mental Health * Favorite Authors * Future Projects

A WARM TOUCHAfter hundreds of years since humanity’s extinction, with a whole new world of technology and animal-like intelligent life living in a reconstructed society, the pain of friendship persists. It doesn’t seem to matter how strong Similic and Drift want their relationships to be, since without passionate effort held together through the thickest of conflicts, they are never meant to be.

The question that always haunts them is one that seems so awfully simple, yet that’s exactly why it rips them to shreds. How do we maintain and improve our closest friendships? At that rate, how do we keep track of our relationships with ourselves, with all the surging thoughts that make us who we are? The answers may or may not lie in an obvious light, but the only way to truly fail is to choose to give up. What seems like such a wonderful party get-together between once close friends ends up becoming the very reason they may never see each other again. It would be simple enough if it were left at that, however Similic and his best friend Drift are determined to keep their connection to their friends and themselves intact. If they are able to do so, and if they are able to figure out this mysterious person who somehow knows too much about them, is a question they might not be able to answer well. But will they ever say that this uncertainty will stop them from trying? So far, the answer seems to be never!

CONNECT WITH CONNOR SHANE!Amazon Author's Page: https://amzn.to/3jjBXyQ Fanfic.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/10038066/ Booksie.com: https://www.booksie.com/users/curon-238850Instagram at curon2014 Twitter at konablaze73

For the past 50 years, professional ecologist and conservationist Budd Titlow has used his pen and camera to capture the awe and wonders of our natural world. His goal has always been to inspire others to both appreciate and enjoy what he sees. Now he has one main question: Can we save humankind’s place — within nature’s beauty — before it’s too late?

Budd’s two latest books are dedicated to answering this perplexing dilemma. PROTECTING THE PLANET: Environmental Champions from Conservation to Climate Change, a non-fiction book, examines whether we still have the environmental heroes among us — harking back to such past heroes as Audubon, Hemenway, Muir, Douglas, Leopold, Brower, Carson, and Meadows — needed to accomplish this goal. Next, using fact-filled and entertaining story-telling, his latest book — COMING FULL CIRCLE: A Sweeping Saga of Conservation Stewardship Across America — provides the answers we all seek and need.

Having published five books, more than 500 photo-essays, and 5,000 photographs, Budd Titlow lives with his music educator wife, Debby, in San Diego, California.

You can learn more about Budd on his website www.buddtitlow.com.

~Mariah Tinger is an author and educator teaching sustainability at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. Additionally, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in climate communication at Otago University and applying her knowledge as a co-host on the podcast, The Climate Minute.

When she is not chasing chickens or her children in her Massachusetts home, she is dreaming of new ways to tell the climate story.

You can learn more about Mariah on her website www.mariahtinger.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Coming Full Circle and the inspiration behind the storyline
Writing the story as a fictional tale as opposed to a non-fiction narrative
Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss
Sanctity and equality of all living things
The biggest danger to our planet and ways we can fix the problem

COMING FULL CIRCLE

Amazon Synopsis: Is there a winning re-write of United States history that everyone will feel good about? Following a multi-generational family across America and back again, this book sets the record straight. The skillful, entertaining story-telling shines a light on the origins of our current conservation crises—climate change and biodiversity loss—while convincing readers that we have immediate solutions right at our fingertips. Only one question remains: Will we use these solutions in time? Buy a copy of "Coming Full Circle" and find out what happens! (from Budd Titlow and Mariah Tinger, the authors of "Protecting the Planet")

CONNECT WITH BUDD TITLOW!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/protectingtheplanetashome/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/budd.titlow/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btitlow/

FIdelis O. Mkparu is a Nigerian immigrant to the US, and in this novel, he sets out to speak to his experiences and those of his fellow immigrants.

He is a professor of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University and a senior attending cardiologist at Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio. Previously, he was a Spaulding fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School. His preceding novels include Love’s Affliction and Tears Before Exaltation (Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Awards Winner, Literary & Contemporary Fiction 2018).

To learn more about Fidelis Mkparu and his work visit his website at https://fidelismkparu.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Soulful Return and the inspiration behind the story/
Writing a fictional accounting versus a memoir or biography
Reconnecting with his family, homeland and soul
The struggle of immigrants
Growth as a writer
What's next for Fidelis Mkparu?

SOULFUL RETURN

Amazon synopsis: "The hounding voice inside me would not let go."Thus begins the emotional journey of Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku a Harvard-trained medical doctor with a career most can only dream of, a loving wife, and supportive family. Then, after he receives a telephone call from his sister who lives in Nigeria that her life is being threatened.Left with no other fair choice, Afam leaves behind his family, throwing his marriage into turmoil and risking the life he has built in Boston. Instead of the Nigeria that he loves, that he needs, he finds a land and people he barely recognizes waiting for him. Afam decides to stay but realizes that his future in Nigeria is as murky as the River-Niger after a torrential tropical rainfall.As Afam sets out on a journey to reconnect with the family and heritage that he left behind, he must face new enemies in an increasingly corrupt Nigeria where many people see him as an American intruder. And through it all, he must fight to keep his family together—and alive.

CONNECT WITH FIDELIS MKPARU:

Website: https://fidelismkparu.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fidelis.mkparu

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fidelismkparu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fidelis-mkparu-md-facc-fase-fasnc-58545938/

Mark Shaiken lives with his wife Loren and their dog Emily in Denver, CO. He schooled at Haverford College and Washburn University, and practiced commercial bankruptcy law for several decades before moving on in 2019 to write, volunteer and play music.

Mark has written three legal thrillers to date: Fresh Start, Automatic Stay and Unfair Discrimination. Before getting into fiction, he wrote And . . Just Like That - essays on a life before, during, and after the law. Mark is currently working on his next book in his legal mystery series, titled Cram Down.

You can learn more about mark and his work at markshaikenauthor.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Unfair Discrimination and the inspiration behind the story
Protagonists 3J and Pascale and the dynamics of their relationship
Research around the Civil War and how it ties to the antagonist and his white nationalism ancestry
Balancing bankruptcy terminology with a captivating storyline
Mark's writing process and how he's grown as a novelist
What's next for the series?

UNFAIR DISCRIMINATION

Amazon Blurb: A committee of creditors hires 3J, one of whom is the leader of a White Nationalist organization on the government’s domestic terrorist list. When the member realizes he will not get paid back everything he is owed, he blames 3J, a black attorney, and opposing counsel, a Jewish attorney. How far will the hater go to get paid back and what steps will he take to do so in the name of White Nationalism?

CONNECT WITH MARK SHAIKEN!

Website: http://markshaikenauthor.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-shaiken-author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Shaiken-Author/100070831924501/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkShaiken

Check out the trailer for Unfair Discrimination

https://youtu.be/TK0yh8f3eAE

MEET THE AUTHOR

Born in Tehran, Iran, Homa Pourasgari spent hours in her father’s home office, writing, reading and letting her imagination carry her to unseen worlds. She moved to Los Angeles, California at a young age. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in business, she went to Paris for a year to study literature at the Sorbonne. Before becoming a fulltime writer, she ran her own boutique, worked at a bank and a CPA firm, was a personal trainer and even taught spinning and cardio kickboxing. When she is not writing, she is stumbling, miming and pointing to find her way in a foreign country. Her latest novel, The American Outsider, is based on her travels in Japan.

Learn more about Homa Pourasgari and her work at https://www.homapourasgari.com/ and https://www.theamericanoutsider.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Inspiration behind The American Outsider
The plight of the dolphin and advocating for the species
Japanese Culture and the research involved in writing the story
Elements of importance - reader take-aways about other cultures, human and non-human rights
Book launch mid-January 2023

THE AMERICAN OUTSIDER

Summary from the webite:

“She had gone to Taiji to help save the dolphins; in the end, it was the dolphins who had saved her.”

Tessa Walker is a veterinarian with a strong, emotional connection to animals. As a teen, she witnessed the brutal slaughter of dolphins, and as an adult, she decides to do something about it. She leaves her home in Los Angeles and travels to Japan to speak out for them, but little does she know that she is embarking on an adventure that will change her life forever. From the urban metropolis of Tokyo to the historic Kyoto to the culinary city of Osaka, and the seaside town of Taiji, Tessa is determined to help Japanese activists stand up for her beloved mammals.

Along the way, the friendships and bonds that she builds with people in Japan, and the unconditional love of a stranger named Toshiro, open her eyes to a complicated society of conventions and traditions. Yet, her limited knowledge of the language and customs doesn’t deter her from taking on a dangerous mission that could land her in jail.

CONNECT WITH HOMA POURASGARIWebsite: https://www.theamericanoutsider.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/homapourasgariFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/homa.pourasgari/

Read our review of The American Outsider

Gahl Sasson is an established author and has been teaching workshops on Storytelling, Kabbalah, Astrology, and Mysticism around the globe for over 20 years. His first book, A Wish Can Change Your Life, has been translated into over eight languages and is endorsed by HH the 14th Dalai Lama. His second work, Cosmic Navigator, is the essential reference guide to understanding your astrological makeup. Since 2018 Gahl has been publishing a yearly bestselling book on the astrology of the upcoming year.

He is a contributor to the Huffington Post, and Astrology.com, and has been named "Los Angeles' Best Astrologer" by W Magazine. He is a guest lecturer at USC, Tel Aviv University, and teaches at Esalen, Omega Institute, University of Judaism, and the Open Center in NYC. He has appeared on CNN, ABC News, KTLA-TV Los Angeles to name a few. His academic paper, Symbolic Meaning of Names in the Bible was published by the Journal of Storytelling, Self, & Society. He currently resides in Los Angeles but gives seminars and workshops regularly in over 13 countries.

His website is www.CosmicNavigator.com and has a podcast – the Cosmic Navigator Astrology Show.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

His journey to becoming the Cosmic Navigator
About The Astrology of 2023 and the significance of Traversing the Bridge
Who will benefit from reading this book?
Basic knowledge points about Astrology for those interested in learning more
Key dates in 2023
How The Astrology of 2023: Traversing the Bridge stands apart from other books on Astrology

THE ASTROLOGY OF 2023: TRAVERSING THE BRIDGE

Prepare for and plan the next 12 months with this essential astrological guide written by The Cosmic Navigator, Gahl E. Sasson. The 2023 Manual combines Kabbalah, Astrology, Tarot, history, and Mythology. The first part of the book provides a list of important dates for each month. The second part details the major astrological trends of the year 2023, while the third section lays out a month to month forecast for each zodiac sign. What days are good for finance? Which dates are auspicious for love and relationships? When should you pay attention to your health or start a diet? When will Mercury retrograde? When are the eclipses and what do they mean for each sign? How to manifest your New Year's resolution? Why is the numerology of 2023 lucky 7? What does it mean that Pluto moves into Aquarius for the first time since the French Revolution? Get your guide to the stars to help you navigate the Astrology of 2023.

CONNECT WITH GAHL SASSON!

Website: https://cosmicnavigator.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmic_navigator/

Links to Webinars, Live Events and Free Goodies: https://linktr.ee/cosmic_navigator

None

CK Sobey (known as Kas to her friends) continues to live a life of curiosity. She considers herself to be a seeker, an explorer. Her many ventures in life attest to this. In her earlier years, she studied singing and theater. Kas is a trained mediator and worked in the San Diego dispute resolution department. She also worked in the corporate world for almost thirty years. As a once active spiritual practitioner, she later became a certified hypnotherapist, bringing a deeper understanding of the inner, subconscious mind to others. She has facilitated groups in a variety of subjects and a practice called SoulCollage® for years.

When CK is not writing or in her studio creating something that has caught her attention, we can find her in her kitchen cooking and savoring a dish with a blend of aromas wafting about or somewhere on one of her trails, waving.

A Collection of Tiny Stories, Diminutive Tales from the Tip of My Imagination is her third published book.

To learn more about Kas and her other works, visit https://innerharvesting.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About A Collection of Tiny Stories
Inspiration for writing the collection and her writing style
Writing short stories
Creativity that knows no bounds - from writing to art
The importance of a writing community
A reading from A Collection of Tiny Stories

A COLLECTION OF TINY STORIES, DIMINUITIVE TALES FROM THE TIP OF MY IMAGINATION

This collection of Tiny Stories is an assortment of tiny, brief stories that were born out of moments of whimsy, mystery, and longing. I believe in the indefatigable powers of imagination. I do my best to widen my imaginative lens of what I can create in any genre, recipe, or seeking a solution to a problem. The list goes on and on. It is what gets me out of bed in the morning. What will the day bring? Not every day is an explosive revelation, with my muses rambling around, whispering to me of some plan. I do my best to find peace and calm, even in moments. When I find these moments, they are the sweetness between the flow of found ideas. The quiet space is what I need to receive. I honor this time to allow the ideas to take shape, to grow. I love pictures as well. They have their own story to tell. As prompts I become turned on to a story, musing or something new coming all together. I hope you enjoy my visual stories as well. They were created for these stories.

CONNECT WITH CK (Kas) SOBEY! Website: https://innerharvesting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnerHarvestKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerharvesting/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/C.K.-Sobey/e/B08174ZZKG Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13836875.CK_Sobey

Calvin James was promoted to DAD in 2017. After the birth of his son he tried to thing of ways to educate him about life and the ever-changing world. Out of this desire his company, CALVIN JAMES CREATES was born.

The mission statement of CALVIN JAMES CREATES is to share children’s stories, novels, and music that promote the values of truth, kindness, friendship, love, and hope.

His first book, The Colored Water Fountain was released in December 2021. The second book in his children’s book series, Christmas Sunrise will be released in December 2022.

To learn more about Calvin James and his work visit calvinjamescreates.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Christmas Sunrise and writing a holiday book
Inspiration behind the stories in Christmas Sunrise
Working with illustrator Jordan Pizzuti to bring the story to life
A bit about Calvin's upcoming works
A reading from Christmas Sunrise

CHRISTMAS SUNRISE

As the holidays approach, a grandmother recalls her youth and all that she loves about the holidays. Hoping that it will snow for a White Christmas, the excitement she feels on Christmas Eve, and her favorite part, having her family and loved ones with her on Christmas Day.

CONNECT WITH DR. CALVIN JAMES!

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CalvinJamesCreates

Twitter @CalJamesCreates

YouTube Channel: Calvin James Creates

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvinjamescreates/

Vik Azeem grew up in the Northern Virginia area and currently resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He's been writing stories since the age of twelve and has a deep love for stories and movies in general. Ice Dance is his 4th novel. He's previously published the books Soul Half Empty, Algebra and Demons, and Quixotic.

When he's not writing, he's working on his movie review podcast, The Movie Fellas, which is also available on all podcast platforms.

For more information about Vik and his work visit his website at www.vikazeem.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

The author's journey
About Ice Dance and the inspiration behind the story
Writing Fantasy
Using humor and unique characters to drive his fantasy
Creative and other interests
What's next for Vik Azeem?

ICE DANCE

Hassan is a Pakistani-American conflicted between pursuing his creative passions and fitting in with his culture. He's also unemployed and days away from being evicted. Then he meets Yasmine, a mysterious bar-hopper with a keen interest in psychology. As enigmatic as she is, Hassan is enthralled with her.

He soon learns Yasmine has a dark secret that will put both their lives at risk. As the night of New Year’s Eve unravels, he's introduced to a world of magic, portals, wise-cracking trolls, and dangerous enemies beyond his wildest fears. The only question is, will he survive to see the new year? Ice Dance is a comedic urban fantasy inspired by swashbuckling adventures of the past.

CONNECT WITH VIK AZEEM!

Website: www.vikazeem.com Twitter: @vikazeem Instagram: thevikazeem

Shelah Johnson is the recipient of 9 awards from The Society for Technical Communication and is also a published photographer and has produced and directed more than 40 lifestyle broadcast segments focused on eco and small space living. She directed, produced, and is the co-creator of the documentary series, Where Small Business Grows (Amazon Prime). Shelah lives a life of voluntary simplicity, where she makes a mid-century modern Airstream her home on an island in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys kayaking and traveling across the country and around the world.

J R Santana is an award-winning Screenwriter and Producer. With over three decades of experience working in Hollywood and Europe, JR has been involved in productions ranging from $1m - $25m, all with an A-list cast. As a Screenwriter, he has won the Kodak Award for Outstanding Cinematic Achievement, the Turner Classic Movies Prize, Best Film at the Interfilm Berlin Film Festival as well as being nominated for two consecutive BAFTA Awards. He also holds a Master’s degree from Cambridge University. When not working, JR spends his free time riding his vintage British motorcycle, competing in International Long Range Match Rifle competitions and penning his debut novel.

For more information about Shelah Johnson, JR Santana and their work visit www.theboloneytrail.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About The Boloney Trail Trilogy and the historical era
Parallels to Today's Society
Progression from a novel to the screen through their partnership
Marketability, casting hopefuls and the next steps
Audio book production
What's next with the project?

PERPETUAL GLOOM

Based on true events, Perpetual Gloom is the first installation of The Boloney Trail trilogy. The story begins in the eye of the Great Depression, which left thousands dead or destitute, one family, the Hornbecks, finds a way to survive the storm by serving both the Devil and the Lord in a nomadic life along a perilous trail leading them out of their beloved South and into the dank logging camps of the Pacific Northwest.

CONNECT WITH SHELAH JOHNSON AND JR SANTANA

WEBSITE: https://theboloneytrail.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoloneyTrail/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theboloneytrailofficial/

Jacqueline Greer Graham is a Canadian citizen who was born in Montserrat, British West Indies. She has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from York University, and a Medical Office and Laboratory Assisting Diploma from Career Canada College. Jacqueline is a former manager at the Canadian Institute for Health Information. She is now a business owner, pursuing her passion for telling stories. Almost Full Circle is her debut book. Jacqueline also enjoys singing and dancing, and is a health and fitness enthusiast. She lives in Ontario, Canada, and has two children.

To learn more about Jacqueline and her work visit her website at https://jacquelinegreergraham.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Almost Full Circle and the inspiration behind the book.
Writing Memoir and drawing on memories
Keeping your stories alive for future generations
Experiences in Montserrat
Learning a thing or two along the way
What's next for Jacqueline Greer Graham?

ALMOST FULL CIRCLE: FROM MONTSERRAT TO CANADA AND BACK-ISH

Where do you call home? It’s likely a number of places over time, but there’s probably something special about your first home. For Jacqueline Greer Graham, it was Harris, Montserrat, British West Indies, where her experiences were rich and defining; it is where she navigated both the pleasant and unpleasant situations that shaped her identity. Jacqueline immigrated to Canada and continued to be shaped by her experiences. She took for granted that she could go home anytime, but a sleeping giant had other plans. The Soufrière Hills volcano, which was dormant for almost 400 years, awoke on July 18, 1995, and changed Montserrat catastrophically. When the ashes cleared, Jacqueline’s journey home would prove to be challenging, albeit transformative.

CONNECT WITH JACQUELINE GREER GRAHAM

Website: https://jacquelinegreergraham.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacquelinegreergraham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinegreergraham Twitter: https://twitter.com/jacquelinegrgr

Daniel Santos is a twenty-one-year young adult author, born in Manila, Philippines, and immigrated to the U.S. at a very young age. He’s spent most of his life living in the West while occasionally flying home to visit his family. When he’s not listening to music, playing video games or just doing things people of his age engage in, he’s writing. Daniel’s writing usually consists of fantasy fiction that delves into the paranormal. He likes to focus on characterization and letting the reader get to know his characters. He genuinely believes that we often learn more from fictional characters than we do from real ones. Life is Inevitable is his debut novel.

To learn more about Daniel Santos and his work visit www.dantheauthor.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION: * Daniel’s writing journey * About Life is Inevitable and the inspiration behind the story * Adding paranormal elements to heavy social issues * Writing about difficult topics with authenticity * Daniel’s writing routine * What’s next for Daniel Santos?

LIFE IS INEVITABLE A story about trauma, abuse and mental health, Life is Inevitable is about Eighteen-year-old boy Brennan, and seventeen-year-old girl Olivia, who have their entire lives and worldview changed when they commit suicide on the same day. In this world, the dead are brought to a train station where they receive tickets that send them to heaven or hell. However, Olivia and Brennan are given a second chance. An angel gives them train tickets that will send them back to their bodies, but a new problem emerges when they accidentally switch their tickets. In the world of the living, they wake up in each other's bodies and are now forced to undo the mistake they just made while living the other person's life.

CONNECT WITH DANIEL SANTOS Website: https://www.dantheauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniel_the_author/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfkXBo7G6Um6y4HVz43y5zQ

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlosdanielsa96

Subscribe for Updates from Daniel Santos

Nancy Stohlman's book Going Short: An Invitation to Flash Fiction, won a 2021 Reader Views Gold Award and was re-released as an audiobook in 2022. Her other books include After the Rapture, (forthcoming 2023), Madam Velvet's Cabaret of Oddities, and The Vixen Scream and Other Bible Stories, among others. Her work has appeared in the Norton anthology New Micro: Exceptionally Short Fiction and The Best Small Fictions 2019, as well as adapted for both the stage and screen. She teaches at the University of Colorado Boulder and around the world.

To learn more about Nancy Stohlman and her work, visit https://nancystohlman.com/

Topics of Conversation:

About Going Short: An Invitation to Flash Fiction
What is Flash Fiction?
Different forms of Flash
How writing Flash improves your writing overall
Flash Myths
Flash Workshops, Getting Started with Flash
What's next for Nancy Stohlman?

GOING SHORT: AN INVITATION TO FLASH FICTION

Flash fiction is changing the way we tell stories. Carving away the excess, eliminating all but the most essential, flash fiction is putting the story through a literary dehydrator, leaving the meat without the fat. And it only looks easy.

Enter Going Short: An Invitation to Flash Fiction. In this, her treatise on the form, veteran writer Nancy Stohlman takes us on a flash fiction journey: from creating, sculpting, revisioning and collecting stories to best practices for writers in any genre. It is both instructive and conversational, witty and practical, and presented in flash fiction chapters that demonstrate the form as they discuss it. If you’re already a flash fiction lover, this book will be a dose of inspiration. If you teach flash fiction, you’ll want it as part of your repertoire. And if you’re new to the form, you might just find yourself ready to begin.

PRE-ORDER NANCY'S UPCOMING FLASH NOVEL: AFTER THE RAPTURE

CONNECT WITH NANCY STOHLMAN

Website: https://nancystohlman.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.stohlman/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/nancystohlman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancy_stohlman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/nancystohlman

Going Short: An Invitation to Flash Fiction

Paul Sturm actually started writing poems as a teenager, attempting to impress young ladies, though to no avail except for a smile or two. Many years later, the author worked in a high pressure career prompting him to escape by reading and writing for the fun of it. The author's amusing sense of humor provided the perfect backdrop for his hilarious books.

Another important aspect of his writing could be gleaned from an episode of 'The Twilight Zone' titled "Walking the Distance." In that episode, a traveling executive has car trouble on a country road. The man walks to the small town nearby where he was born and discovers himself as a boy once more. The author, in a manner, revels in writing amusing tales of his youth growing up in a small town, allowing him to be a spirited boy once more.

Paul has a B.S. degree from the College of William and Mary, an M.B.A. degree from the University of South Florida, and is a Certified Public Accountant, a CPA. The author spent 2 years at the accounting firm of Arthur Andersen, Inc., before accepting an offer from Computer Sciences Corporation, where he became a Vice President of Finance in 1986. The author enjoyed 37 exciting and adventurous years at Computer Sciences Corporation, including several overseas assignments in Malaysia, India, and Europe.

The author has written 3 amusing, entertaining, and fun-loving books, including 'My Favorite Girlfriend,' 'Golfing Adventures with Frankie, the Witty Caddie,' and 'More Golfing Adventures with Frankie, the Witty Caddie.'

Paul is married and has 3 children and 3 grandchildren, and lives just outside of Washington, D.C., in a Virginia suburb.

You can learn more about Paul Sturm and his work at https://www.paulsturmauthor.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About his books
Writing memoir
The role of humor in his writing and in his life
Surprising things he learned along the way
What people are saying about Pauls Books

CONNECT WITH PAUL STURM!

Website is http://www.paulsturmauthor.com.

Facebook URL is: https://www.facebook.com/paulsturmauthor/

LinkedIn URL is; http://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sturm-a41487190

Instagram URL is: https://www.instagram.com/paulsturmauthor/

Amazon URL for "My Favorite Girlfriend" is: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08DBZPM1W

Amazon URL for "Golfing Adventures with Frankie, the Witty Caddie" is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DG2XMH9/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i2

Amazon URL for "More Golfing Adventures with Frankie, the Witty Caddie" is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08S3HLYJT/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1

Mark Shaiken lives with his wife Loren and their dog Emily in Denver, CO. He schooled at Haverford College and Washburn University, and practiced commercial bankruptcy law for several decades before moving on in 2019 to write, volunteer and play music.

In addition to his latest legal thriller, "Automatic Stay," he is the author of "And . . Just Like That - essays on a life before, during, and after the law" and "Fresh Start," a legal mystery. Mark is currently working on his book, "Unfair Discrimination."

You can learn more about mark and his work at markshaikenauthor.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Mark's author journey
Writing fiction and non-fiction
Developing and mapping out a legal thriller series
Writing authentic characters
What people are saying about Automatic Stay
What's next for Mark Shaiken?

AUTOMATIC STAY

In Automatic Stay, 3J and Pascale are back and file bankruptcy cases for six Kansas City jazz clubs that have somehow managed to survive the Covid pandemic. Now they must battle an unknown enemy who runs an anonymous disinformation campaign on social media to try to put the clubs out of business. Will they be able to stop the campaign in time to save the clubs and keep jazz alive in the city?

CONNECT WITH MARK SHAIKEN!

Website: https://youtu.be/KyJSXZNCRaY

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-shaiken-author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Shaiken-Author/100070831924501/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkShaiken

Books have been a part of Marilynn Wood’s world for as long as she can remember. She was influenced by her maternal grandmother, a teacher, who exposed her to reading and writing at an early age. She wrote her first story in first grade and caught the literary bug, though it would be many years later for her dream to become an author was realized.

What started as a book about the socio-economic problems on our planet took a turn to SciFi when a UFO experience caused her to wonder about beings from another planet and how they would regard us and the way we treat one another. During the creation of her debut novel, Exit to Morvana, Wood realized her deepest wish was for our planet to achieve Utopia, claiming victory over all the upheavals we’ve been through. Marilynn believes we have all the potential to succeed, but it’s up to us to choose the right path.

Marilynn Wood resides in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, in the Canadian province of British Columbia, where she is currently working on her second novel.

To learn more about Marilynn Wood and her work visit www.morvana.ca.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

The author's writing journey and her decision to become an author.
About Exit to Morvana
Inspiration behind the story.
Writing a series.
The most surprising thing she learned while writing Exit to Morvana and the one thing she wishes she'd known before she started out!
What's next for Marilynn Wood?

EXIT TO MORVANA

Do the painful disappointments in life make you wonder "Where is the exit door on this planet? Consider the tale of over worked, lonely Samantha who one day meets a mysterious Alien while visiting a metaphysical book store. He offers to take her to Morvana, a planet in the Andromeda galaxy where the people have such long life spans they are virtually immortal. The Morvanian civilization has suffered through all the trials and tribulations that planet Earth has and overcome them. This has resulted in a near perfect Utopian planet. The only catch is, Samantha must agree to leave Earth and everything she knows -- forever. If you had such an opportunity, would you go?

In his role as President of Propheta Lucro Management Consultants, Paul Sacco develops and delivers leadership development programs that enable people to create, verify and decide ideas for strategy, innovation, and complex problem-solving. He is also the author of Strategy Quest – The Executive Guide for Finding Business Opportunities.

Paul is a graduate of the University of Toronto, where he earned both a B.A.Sc. and an MBA. He is also a certified MBTI Practitioner. Paul's volunteer experience includes mentoring MBA students and participating as a director on non-profit boards.

Residing in Calgary, Alberta, Paul, and his wife Juli enjoy golf, music, tropical vacations, theatre and hiking with their dog, Kali.

To learn more about Paul Sacco and his work visit https://paul-sacco.com/ and https://prophetalucro.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Strategy Quest and the inspiration for writing the book.
What is a strategic mindset?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test and its significance to the strategic mindset
Sears and Amazon
Propheta Lucro Management Colsultants
What's next for Paul Sacco?

Strategy Quest: The Executive Guide to Finding Business Opportunities

Are you a business executive in need of strategic opportunities? Using an entirely new method, Strategy Quest will guide you every step of the way. With Strategy Quest you will learn to set strategic goals, create an original vision, and judge whether it represents a strategic opportunity.

Stop copying your competitors or following trends. The only way to beat the competition is to find unique strategic opportunities. Get started on your Strategy Quest today. Combining knowledge from leadership, business, strategy, psychology, philosophy, art, neuroscience and history, Strategy Quest will pave your way to competitive success. Whether your business is B2C or B2B and your customers are internal or external, Strategy Quest will help your business win!

CONNECT WITH PAUL SACCO

www.prophetalucro.com

www.paul-sacco.com

Paul-Sacco.com

https://www.facebook.com/paulsaccoauthor

https://www.facebook.com/PLIdeas

linkedin.com/in/paulsacco

https://www.linkedin.com/company/propheta-lucro-management-consulting

https://twitter.com/prophetalucro

Julie Broad, founder of the self-publishing services firm Book Launchers and Amazon Overall #1 Best-Selling Author, knows what it takes to successfully self-publish a book. Her popular YouTube channel, BookLaunchers.TV, embodies the hashtag of #noboringbooks helping nonfiction authors write and market books people want to read.

Julie’s titles include More than Cashflow, which topped Amazon, The New Brand You, and her latest book, Self-Publish & Succeed. A recognized real estate investor, successful entrepreneur, and notable speaker, Julie also received the Top 20 under 40 Award for her business and community contributions. She’s been speaking on stages across Canada and the US since 2009, sharing her strategies to write a book that builds your business and have more impact and influence with your brand.

An expert on writing a book with marketing in mind, Julie teaches the best approaches to get results, make an impact, and ultimately, make more money. Julie always leaves people inspired, excited, and with clear steps to take action immediately. Her advice for authors and investors has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur.com, Yahoo! Business, CTV, the Toronto Sun, Medium.com and many local and national TV shows.

Born and raised in Canada, Julie currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. When she’s not busy with Book Launchers or her family, you’ll find her at CrossFit or playing poker.

To learn more about Julie and her work, visit https://juliebroad.com/ and https://booklaunchers.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Writing a book people will want to read using the Self-Publish and Succeed method.
The importance of your book title, subtitle and chapter titles!
Do the prep work
Should all non-fiction authors narrate their audiobooks?
About BookLaunchers.com
What's next for Julie Broad?

SELF-PUBLISH & SUCCEED

You can write a book—anyone can. But if you want to write a book that people will want or even need to read, it’s not as simple as sitting down to write. In fact, that’s one of the biggest mistakes unsuccessful authors make.

Writing a book can be one of the smartest moves for your business success. But you need more than a message and writing skills to create an impressive book that readers will love. You also need a plan to market, sell, and leverage your book into a new level of leadership within your industry to reach your professional goals.

In Self-Publish & Succeed, trusted best-selling author and entrepreneur Julie Broad shows you that writing a successful nonfiction book starts long before you craft your first chapter. To write a book that boosts your brand, generates a profit, and makes you an influencer in your industry, you need the #noboringbooks way.

CONNECT WITH JULIE BROAD AND BOOK LAUNCHERS!

https://www.facebook.com/booklaunchers/ https://twitter.com/BookLaunchers https://www.instagram.com/booklaunchers/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKx1lFOj7qGseYruGokKVjg https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebroad/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/book-launchers/

Jessica Wohlgemuth is a country prairie girl who grew up on a little hobby farm passionate about animals. Her two favorite bunnies were named Flip and Flop. Oh, how she loved her soft fluffy pets! Now with nieces and nephew spending hours chasing their own bunnies, she couldn’t help but imagine what life would be like if bunnies lived in a sort of people world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about Jessica Wohlgemuth and her work visit her Etsy shop: The Hidden Pine Tree

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Bop-It and No More Covid and the inspiration behind the story
Her debut in writing and illustrating
Growing up on a hobby farm
How her upbringing influenced her decision to use animals as her main characters
What's next for Jessica?

BOP-IT AND NO MORE COVID

Are you tired of living the COVID life? Find hope and cheer in this little book about a fuzzy little grey bunny named Bop-It. Read about how he and his friends learn to cope through the pandemic, finding fun in the new normal.

Daniel Lassell is the author of Spit (Wheelbarrow Books / Michigan State University Press, 2021), winner of the 2020 Wheelbarrow Books Emerging Poetry Prize selected by Gabrielle Calvocoressi, and winner of the 2021-22 Reader Views Gold Award for Poetry and the Inside Scoop Live Award for the Most Innovative Poetry Book. He is also the author of a chapbook, Ad Spot (Ethel Zine and Micro Press, 2021), and his poems have appeared in the Colorado Review, Cherry Tree, and Prairie Schooner, among others. He grew up in Kentucky, and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

To learn more about Daniel Lassell and his work, visit his website at http://www.daniel-lassell.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

What sparked his initial interest in poetry
About "Spit" and his inspiration behind the collection
Using different poetic forms
Thoughts about how his idea of poetry has evolved
Poetry readings from "Spit"
What's next for Daniel Lassell?

SPIT

he first-ever poetry book set on a llama farm, Daniel Lassell’s debut collection, Spit, examines the roles we play in the act of belonging. It is a portrait of a boy living on a farm populated with chickens sung to sleep by lullaby, captive wolves next door that attack a child, and a herd of llamas learning to survive despite coyotes and a chaotic family. The collection in part explores the role of the body in health and illness and one’s treatment of the earth and others. A theme of spirituality also weaves throughout the collection as the speaker treks into adulthood, yearning for peace amid the decline of his parents’ marriage. Driven by a “wish to visit / some landless landscape,” the speaker eventually leaves his family’s farm, only to find that return is impossible. After losing the farm and the llama herd to his parents’ divorce, the speaker wrestles with the role of presence as it relates to healing, remarking, “I wish enough, / to have only // these memories I have.” Unflinching at every turn, the collection pushes the boundaries of “home” to arrive upon new meaning, definition, and purpose.

Julian Tryst is a fiction author from Canada who likes to observe the messed-up aspects of human nature and make stories out of them.

For more information about Julian and his work, visit his website at https://juliantryst.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Garvey Feinstein: Hollywood Predator
Inspiration behind the story
Satire, erotica and writing about human nature
A reading from the book
Reader reaction to the story
Cover creation
What's next for Julian Tryst?

GARVEY FEINSTEIN: HOLLYWOOD PREDATOR

The story of the rise and fall of a lecherous and uncouth Hollywood mogul named Garvey. A man who sought clout and influence to remedy his past frustrations, and who ended up using and abusing those things mainly on members of the opposite sex.

But alas for Garvey, such unfettered thirst for power and women was bound to leave a number of skeletons along his road, one of which could come back and haunt him in the least expected ways.

As an attorney and civil justice advocate, author Mark M. Bello draws upon over 40 years of courtroom experience in his Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series.

A Michigan native, Mark received his B.A. in English Literature from Oakland University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After working extremely high-profile legal cases, Mark wanted to give the public a front-row glimpse of what victims face when standing up for justice.

Combining his legal experience and passion for justice with a creative writing style, Mark not only brings high-quality legal services to his clients, but captivating novels to his readers.

When Mark’s not writing legal and political novels, he writes and posts about fairness and justice in the civil justice system on his website, Legal Examiner and NotFakeNews. In his spare time, Mark enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. Mark and his wife, Tobye, have four children and 8 grandchildren.

To learn more about Mark and his work visit www.markmbello.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Happy Jack Sad Jack and His Social Justice/Safety Series for Kids
Bullying
Talking about sensitive issues with kids
Working with an illustrator
Writing for Kids
Up next for Mark Bello - other books in the series

HAPPY JACK SAD JACK

Jack has always been a very happy little boy.

But when he starts kindergarten, he discovers he is different than the others. For the very first time, he is bullied—Happy Jack suddenly becomes Sad Jack.

What should Jack do? Should he tell an adult? His parents? Would his teacher or principal understand? What can they do to help?

As parents, we want certain things for our kids. Mainly, we want them to be happy. Can today’s kids celebrate their differences, or are they doomed to fight over them like generations before?

Jack’s school community learns an important lesson as attorney/author Mark M. Bello presents Jack’s compelling story in rhyme, beautifully and dramatically illustrated by Melinda Falgoust:

“People are different in color, shape, size. Ears, noses, mouths, and different shaped eyes. Different races, and genders—more, too. Christian or Buddhist, or Muslim or Jew. But there’s one thing in common we all have in this place. We are all valued members of this human race.”

Happy Jack Sad Jack: A Bullying Story is a must read for all children and one your child will never forget.

Kristin Bloch first began rhyming words together at a very young age. Soon these words expanded into poems and stories that enchanted family and friends. A compilation of those writings was recently released in her first book, Walk Through a Field of Flowers. Kristin works full time and has earned an MBA degree from the University of Phoenix. Kristin is also a certified personal trainer and certified Pilates instructor, teaching several classes each week. Scatter Seeds of Kindness is her second book.

You can Learn more about Kristin Bloch and her work on her website at KABlochauthor.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About Scatter Seeds of Kindness and the inspiration behind the story.
Learning about the power behind words at an early age
Writing poetry vs. prose
The stages of life that most influence her work
Poetry reading
What's next for Kristin Bloch?

SCATTER SEEDS OF KINDNESS

Scatter Seeds of Kindness presents a new collection of poetry from K. A. Bloch, the author of Walk through a Field of Flowers. Her poetry explores a wide variety of themes, such as memories and how they impact our life, the passage of time, stereotypes within society, and bullying. She also includes fun and lighthearted poems designed to bring a smile to your face and shares her struggles with trying to practice kindness and not always succeeding. Sometimes raw and vulnerable, sometimes light and humorous, these verses encourage you to be kind not only to others but also to yourself. This poetry collection presents personal life experiences and thoughts set in verses and provides the inspiration or motivation behind each poem. Scatter seeds of kindness Wherever you may go. Reach deep inside your heart And scatter them to and fro. Scatter seeds of kindness And bring a few to share. You never know when you'll find the chance To show someone you care.

CONNECT WITH KRISTIN BLOCH:

WEBSITE: https://www.kablochauthor.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KABlochauthor INSTAGRAM: @kablochauthor TWITTER: @KABlochauthor

As an attorney and civil justice advocate, author Mark M. Bello draws upon over 40 years of courtroom experience in his Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series.

A Michigan native, Mark received his B.A. in English Literature from Oakland University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After working extremely high-profile legal cases, Mark wanted to give the public a front-row glimpse of what victims face when standing up for justice.

Combining his legal experience and passion for justice with a creative writing style, Mark not only brings high-quality legal services to his clients, but captivating novels to his readers.

When Mark’s not writing legal and political novels, he writes and posts about fairness and justice in the civil justice system on his website, Legal Examiner and NotFakeNews. In his spare time, Mark enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. Mark and his wife, Tobye, have four children and 8 grandchildren.

To learn more about Mark and his work visit www.markmbello.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About You Have the Right to Remain Silent and the inspiration behind the story.
A departure from his signature work
Introducing a vibrant new character
Incorporating his family cookbook into his latest thriller
About The Blake Lewin Family Cookbook of Traditional Jewish Recipes and his motivation for publishing.
Great food, great family stories.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT

Expect the unexpected in this whodunit legal crime thriller, the 8th installment of the Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series, featuring all your favorite series characters and one brash, exciting newcomer who gives Blake all he can handle.

"Zachary Blake has become one of the greatest leading men in a series in my own personal library. Considering I read too many books to name, that's saying something. With this latest and greatest suspense, I once again got to sit on the edge of my chair and enjoy Zack, his adventure, his need and passion to see justice served, and the charismatic cast that appears every time I pick one of these up. If You Have The Right to Remain Silent is representative of the quality of books coming in our future, 2022 is going to be one heck of a year for readers.” —Reader Views

THE BLAKE-LEWIN FAMILY COOKBOOK OF TRADITIONAL JEWISH RECIPES

Hi folks, Mark M. Bello, author of the Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series here. Family, ethnic identity, holidays, and food are vital components of the Jewish experience. The delightful family recipes contained in this book have been handed down, l'dor v'dor—from generation to generation by precious family members from both sides of my family, some still with us, others of blessed memory. Somehow, despite tremendous adversity and tragedy, the Jews and Jewish family traditions have survived. Mitch pacha is important to me—I am who I am because of the influence and contributions of my family. My Jewish identity is also why I am so passionate about social justice—as you may have noticed, most Jewish holidays celebrate events in history when those in power tried to kill or harm the Jews. They failed, hence, holiday celebrations. Hopefully, these recipes will now endure, a lasting tribute to cherished family members and memories. I hope you enjoy this book, the delightful family stories woven between the delightful recipes, and the recipes themselves. If you happen to be Jewish, you will, no doubt, recognize many of these dishes. Perhaps your own family has created a special version of one or many. If you are not Jewish, hopefully the stories and recipes will, in some small way, help provide an better understanding of or connection to the Jewish experience. Either way, thanks for indulging my family memories as transmitted through my fictional character, Zachary Blake, Detroit's King of Justice. L'Chaim—To Life! Let's Eat!

CONNECT WITH MARK BELLO!

Website: https://www.markmbello.com Facebook: @markmbellobooks Twitter: @markmbello Instagram: @markmbellobooks

Recently awarded a Gold Medal by Reader Views 2021-22 Literary Awards in the Mystery/Thriller category, writing started for Gary D. McGugan after a 40-year career in the world of business. He’s worked in supermarkets, sold appliances, distributed motorcycles, launched an automobile dealer network, and provided financing to help businesses grow. Every industry was very different from the other. Each company had a distinctive culture and character, but all were units of large corporations with operations around the globe. Travel has always been a large component of his business roles and he’s now visited more than 650 towns and cities in more than fifty countries for either business or leisure. Experts say we should write about things we know best. In Gary’s case, those subjects are business, travel, and people. As an author, his goal is to entertain readers around the world — one at a time.

For more information about Gary D. McGugan and his work visit https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About A Slippery Shadow and the inspiration behind the story
Character creation/development and readers' favorites
Surprising twists and turns
Travel and the influence of such in his work
Marketing and book sales via bookstore signings and meeting readers
Upcoming projects

A SLIPPERY SHADOW

Snatched from her private jet, crime-boss Fidelia Morales barely escapes with her life. Now she wants revenge. But her gang of criminals is thrown into chaos as dozens of key operatives suddenly disappear.

Howard Knight—Fidelia’s former lover and accomplice in her latest heist—walks free from the same plane only to flee in a desperate quest to escape The Organization. He too is hounded by menacing encounters.

Both become entangled with massive Multima Corporation led by SuzanneSimpson. Amid a global pandemic, this powerful CEO scrambles to fill crucial executive roles while dealing with bizarre threats and mysterious interference on three continents. All seem connected and threaten her empire.

With breath-taking reach and bewildering influence, is it possible an unseen and elusive Shadow can pull strings to manipulate people, companies, criminal organizations and governments?

CONNECT WITH GARY MCGUGAN!

Website: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com Monthly Blog: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/rendezvous-blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gary.d.mcgugan.books Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryDMcGugan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgarydmcgugan

I grew up in Barnegat NJ, and had a Huck Finn childhood, surrounded by woods, streams, and meadows. In the 1950s, 1200 people lived there. I have two younger sisters, Laura and Liza, both now professionally accomplished, with kids and husbands. Our Dad, a merchant seaman for most of his life, had a small business raising lab mice for companies like Squibbs and Merck. He was an amazing story teller, a great little league coach, and a town character. Mom was from the mountain region of North Carolina. She graduated from college, was a teacher and taught us kids to read early.

Dad lost the business and returned to sea and we moved from Barnegat to a North Jersey suburb when I was 13. I ran track and cross country at Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale. In 1969, I attended the University of Kansas on a small track scholarship, where I studied and graduated with a double major BA in Economics and History (and also met Liz, my ex-wife and now friend.)

We moved from Kansas to Salt Lake City, then to Eugene Oregon, where Liz and separated and divorced. During that time, I worked as a laborer, a forklift driver, landscaper, and other jobs while I wrote quite a few short stories, a couple of plays, and began my first novel about college life, (from which I incorporated large chunks into my SwiftPad Trilogy). I taught myself land surveying and associated Civil Engineering, then worked in the field and in the office for Eugene Public Works.

I met Mary, and began to study Chinese at the University of Oregon, and then was invited by my language instructor and friend Qi Xinghua to teach English in Xian China. After six months, Mary joined me. In 1986, we moved to Beijing where Mary studied Chinese and worked at the US Embassy's school and I taught at the Foreign Language Institute. Two years later, we returned to the US, broke, with son Zach on the way. I got a job in a Florida strip mall computer store. On the job, and with self-study, I learned computer hardware, software, networking, IT security, ‘hacking’, and other associated technologies.

I changed jobs every few years, and wrote intermittently, mostly on my China novel “Farewell the Dragon”. Thirty years later I retired from IBM, and wrote “The SwiftPad Trilogy.”

For more information on Lee Barckmann and his work, visit www.barckwords.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Farewell the Dragon and the inspiration behind the story
Spending time and teaching in China
Incorporating a mystery and fiction inspired by real events
Book Awards
Reading and Reviewing Books
What's Next for Lee?

FAREWELL THE DRAGON

In Farewell the Dragon, Nate Scheutt, American, 35, is pulled into a politically charged murder investigation when he stumbles onto the bodies of two young Europeans on a prestigious Beijing university campus. Gradually Nate discovers the case is entwined with an international quest for a small stone tablet, (a stele) that might contain the key to ancient China's long-lost link with the West.

In the 1980's, old Beijing's walls and hutong alleyways were disappearing, victims of Deng Xiaoping's proclamation 致富光荣!(To get rich is glorious!). While juggling teaching English, his business, (and women), Nate seeks refuge at the bar on the roof of the Friendship Hotel with a legation of self-imposed exiles from the both sides of the Cold War. There he enters a netherworld of sex, spies, strange religion and the hidden history of China's Cultural Revolution.

Jan Phillips' quest has taken her into and out of a religious convent, across the country on a Honda motorcycle, and around the world on a one-woman peace pilgrimage. She is the founder and Executive Director of the Livingkindness Foundation, which created a Learning Center in Nigeria and supports anti-racist creative projects by black women in the U.S.

Jan is the author of eleven award-winning books and a thought leader who bridges spiritual intelligence, evolutionary creativity, and social transformation. She has taught in over 25 countries, and has published work in the New York Times, Ms., Newsday, People, Parade Magazine, Christian Science Monitor, Spirituality and Health, Science of Mind, National Catholic Reporter, Sun Magazine. Still on Fire: Field Notes from a Queer Mystic is her first memoir.

For more information about Jan Phillips and her work visit her website at www.janphillips.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About the book and her inspiration for writing it.
Being Gay. And Catholic. And Suicidal
Experiences in the Convent
Religion vs. Spirituality
Marginalization and Homophobia
What is a Queer Mystic?
What's next for Jan Phillips?

STILL ON FIRE: FIELD NOTES FROM A QUEER MYSTIC

Jan Phillips was a devoted Catholic who wanted nothing more than to be a nun and who joyously entered the convent at 18. Two years later, she was dismissed for “a disposition unsuited to religious life, with excessive and exclusive friendships.” She was lesbian. She had always known it. “It was being homosexual that made me want to kill myself [at 12]. As far as I knew, there was nothing worse than being queer. They were perverts, sinners, hated by God, hated by just about everyone. Lezzies, bull dykes, fags, queers, lesbos―all damned, and there I was, one of them.”

Still on Fire is a memoir of religious wounding and spiritual healing, of judgment and forgiveness, and of social activism in a world that is in our hands. Phillips traveled the globe on a one-woman peace pilgrimage, raised the consciousness of women, faced her privilege on a trip to India, and is working to dismantle structural racism. Her The Livingkindness Foundation supports schoolchildren in Nigeria. “Any spirituality that does not bring about more justice, more social awareness, more right action in the world is a lame and impotent excuse for faith … My action for justice is my spirituality.” Over the years, Phillips created a life of love, service, community, and prayer. She evolved her understanding of God and came to see herself―and all of us―as the light of the world. “Had I not been born gay … my heart would not have broken in half, would not have opened itself to Love Supreme, would not have been tenderized by life’s bitter pounding.” She tells the story of her life with humor and compassion, sharing her poetry, songs, and photos along the way.

The founder of Values of the Wise, Jason Merchey is also a philosophical thinker, master’s level psychologist, proponent of the research ideal, social critic, author / essayist / blogger, and a student of the tradition of arts and letters. Growing up Jewish in a suburb of Los Angeles, he grappled with sociocultural, familial, religious, psychological, and self motivation issues that led to much of the insight he has today. After junior college, he earned a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in psychology and social behavior from the University of California Irvine, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa for excellence in liberal scholarship. Jason went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology from California State University Fullerton. Having moved to San Diego, he obtained thousands hours of experience counseling clients of all types. It was in that capacity that Jason became intrigued by and began to study wisdom, values, and ethics.

The Values of the Wise™ website (www.ValuesoftheWise.com) and book series were born as ways to lead not only himself but also his clients to find the insight, consolation, and wisdom from great quotations representing our intellectual heritage.

Jason lives in the Hendersonville, NC area with his wife and pets. He has earned a graduate certificate in philosophy and ethics from Harvard University Extension.

Learn more about Jason Merchey and his work at www.ValuesoftheWise.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About the book - "Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue that Cannot be Bought"
What is wisdom?
Lack of wisdom and the consequences in America and around the world
Research, including 1,500 quotes referenced in Wisdom
Important takeaways
What's next for Jason Merchey?

WISDOM: A VERY VALUABLE VIRTUE THAT CANNOT BE BOUGHT

Wisdom is not for sale no matter how much money a person has! But it CAN be developed and improved. Improving your understanding of wisdom will certainly lead to living a better life!

This new book will help you live a life that harnesses the power of philosophy, critical thinking, and applied psychology. These things are not as complicated as they may seem and indeed have the potential to increase your wisdom. Greater wisdom leads to improved personal growth, happiness, and success.

B.A. Bellec’s debut novel, Someone’s Story, won the Reader Views Reader’s Choice Literary Award for Young Adult Book of the Year. Someone’s Story is a young adult coming-of-age book and has seen good support over Instagram, YouTube, and Goodreads. One of the aspects that makes Bellec’s projects unique is he includes musicians in his novels and then he actually produces the songs as his book goes through the editing stages.

Bellec was born in Richmond, BC, and raised in Langley, BC, before settling in Winnipeg, MB. His first adventure was a career in Finance, where he spent 15 years developing his business skills. His highest achievement was the Certified Payroll Manager designation. He currently still consults with businesses on their systems and processes. Over that period of time, he also attended Lights Film School where he started to nurture his early creative abilities.

A self-starter always interested in research, he taught himself many of the aspects of storytelling through reading books, screenplays, and material online. Whenever he found an inspirational piece of art, he quickly went to the source to find the story behind the artist who created the work. It took many years after attending film school for him to finally combine his creative skills with his life experience and tell these stories he had been holding back. Some of his favorite creative people: Lukas Rossi, Justin Furstenfeld, Peter Jackson, Stephen Chbosky, J.K. Rowling, and Stephen King.

During COVID-19, Bellec started a YouTube channel and was awarded a grant from The Canada Council for the Arts. He also pounded away on the keyboard to bring his second novel, Pulse, from his imagination to the page.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Pulse and writing in different genres
The creature
Cover art and working with Midnight Comics
Music and the original song, Perduto
Reader Views Literary Awards Sponsorship
and more...

Pulse is a multi-POV dystopian sci-fi horror thriller set in 2040, centered around a corporation, a creature, and a music festival. Think Fyre Festival, Black Mirror, and X-Files combined. The story deals with themes of capitalism, consumerism, business, politics, pandemics, climate change, activism, and technology while bouncing between a diverse group of characters sure to entertain almost anyone. The book is already being praised for its fantastic use of horror, engaging world-building, and genre-bending approach utilizing some screenplay-like formatting. This is the first entry in a new series with the sequel well underway.

B.A. Bellec writes with a unique, modern, minimalistic approach. He is the author of Someone's Story, his award-winning debut novel called a masterpiece by multiple reviewers. Never afraid of a challenge, Bellec switched genres to bring you this dark vision that simmered in his mind for years.

In addition to writing, Bellec also creates music. You can find it on his YouTube channel.

Follow him on social media or at www.babellec.com to stay in the loop on new projects.

Before devoting himself to writing, award-winning author Bruno Pirecki spent over two decades as a Nashville entertainment industry executive, specializing in strategic alliances and artist relations. A native of Capitol Hill in Seattle, Washington, he spent his formative years enjoying the beauty of the San Juan Islands and the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. He is a thirty-year resident of Franklin, Tennessee, and lives downtown with his wife, Jennifer; their three rescue cats; and one spoiled Rhodesian ridgeback.

Town Lawe, his debut novel, received the Gold/First Place award in the Adult Fiction category at the 2022 Feathered Quill Awards.

You can learn more about Bruno Pirecki on Instagram at @bruno.pirecki.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

His writing journey
About Town Lawe
Writing amazing characters
Representing minority groups in fiction
Being a visual writer
Editing and Research
What's next for Bruno Pirecki?

TOWN LAWE

“Our path is straight, yet it is made up of corners. It was designed this way, so the splendor unfolds only in glimpses.” So says Chilok, a tribal wise woman and mystic whom Townsend Lawe has known all his life. Town is a precocious boy growing up in Pole Pass, Idaho, a sleepy mountain hamlet rich in mining history, native lore, and secrets buried since its foundation. Accomplished in academics and the tribal traditions handed down from his ancestors, Town finds peace deep in the forest and in his schoolwork. But while away at college, he begins to explore the mysteries of his deceased mother’s past, and his sleuthing leads to a little-known off-campus institution in Princeton, New Jersey, where a shocking discovery exposes the sins of his hometown’s founding families. In the process, he experiences the wisdom of Chilok firsthand and opens an ancient truth that reveals a glimpse of what lies beyond . . .

Town Lawe

Perry Martin’s career was in performing root cause failure analysis for the USAF performing “aircraft mishap investigations” and then for the private sector involving failures in high reliability equipment. His first book was Electronic Failure Analysis Handbook, published by McGraw Hill in 1999 and was a comprehensive overview of the use of root cause failure analysis in developing more reliable electronic equipment. “California Chrome Our Story” documents the development of a champion racehorse and more enlightened readers will ascertain how root cause failure analysis was used in this process.

To learn more about Perry Martin and California Chrome visit https://www.chromeourstory.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About the book and inspiration for writing California Chrome: Our Story.
Breeding Horses
Being involved in all aspects of being a racehorse owner.
Who are the Chromies
California Chrome and his charismatic charm
The process of the development of a champion racehorse

CALIFORNIA CHROME: OUR STORY

California Chrome - Our Story A compelling true story about family, life and love. Building a dream, and then getting swept away by the horse of a lifetime! The Martins had built a comfortable middle-class life, only to risk it all and push their finances to the limit in building Martin Testing Laboratories. After years of struggling, they made the business profitable through sheer will. Regaining their financial feet, you would think they would relax and enjoy their much earned success. Instead, they embark on the ride of a lifetime as the first horse they had ever bred, California Chrome, takes the world by storm and wins the Kentucky Derby! This book is an effort to clear the social media and internet fog surrounding California Chrome and to dispel the salacious gossip that in today's world passes for journalism. It is a clear-eyed look at the business of breeding and racing a champion racehorse, and all the thrills and heartaches that go along with it.

Gloria A. Swift immigrated to the United States in 1973 and served in the United States Army where she received many "firsts" in awards and recognition. Ms. Swift also served as the first female police officer on the Foster City Police Department. Those were the days when it was difficult for black women to integrate into a white, male-dominated profession.

Ms. Swift is a retired educator who holds multiple degrees and credentials in Education. 'Thank You, Ms. Swift - It's Not about As and Bs' was written to highlight the challenges teachers face when assigning students the grades they earned. Ms. Swift enjoys authoring real stories about real people. She does not shy away from the issues that affect human lives.

Ms. Gloria Swift spends her time commuting between the United States and Belize, where as a Director, she is actively involved in the non-profit organization established in honor of her parents, John and Adele Swift Development and Enrichment Center (JADE), providing for those who need food, financial assistance in education, and transportation. She also assists in the family's B&B in Belize. In her spare time, Ms. Swift visits countries around the world and soaks in the culture.

To learn more about Gloria Swift and her work visit her Amazon page at: https://www.amazon.com/author/gloriaswift

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Her writing journey
About "They Called Me Mama"
Farm animals vs. Pets
Returning to Belize and the farm after many years
Mama telling the story in first person
Life on the farm with Mama in charge
What's next for Gloria Swift?

THEY CALLED ME MAMA

It is not every day I say, “I enjoy time with critters.” I grew up on this farm decades ago. Then I left. Now I have returned. I enjoy working with the critters now more than ever. The sheep, turkeys, fowls, guinea hens, and dogs are unique. I spent time with one sheep whom I called Mama. She understood me. No matter where she was, when she heard my voice, she came running. Mama was spoiled, and she knew it. The flock treated her with respect. They never entered the pen in the evenings unless Mama was there to enter first. They assembled in front of the gate and waited for her. In the mornings, she led them out of the pen. There are times when Mama sneaked away from the flock and ate alone. When she was discovered missing, they ran all around the farm baaing and baaing. Mama heard them, but she never answered. When the flock found her, they surrounded her, but Mama continued eating. I observed a turkey hen training her first seven chicks. She stretched her neck in the air, called out a certain sound, and all the chicks crouched on the ground. After giving another signal, they got up.

Remarkable. As a child, I never observed these behaviors. They were critters who served a purpose. Now I get so involved that the loss of one haunts me for weeks even months. Mama told her own story, her observations and challenges. She was favored more than the others, and she knew it. Her story is a reminder that the day will come when each of us will leave our loved ones. We have to pass on the torch of life and hope for the best.

Bruce Thomas was raised in Farmington, Missouri, by two loving parents. Playing four sports in high school while playing in the band, singing and acting in a local play, he obtained a fantastic education and well-rounded childhood. After high school, Bruce was appointed to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After four years of strenuous physical and mental activities, he graduated in 1980 as a second lieutenant with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

After graduation, Bruce set upon his real life's passion, flying. In the summer of 1980, he attended US Air Force pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. After an exhausting and rewarding year, Bruce received his silver pilot's wings. All three of his daughters were born at Vance Air Force Base during this part of his career while he was teaching other Air Force pilots how to fly jet aircraft.

After five rewarding years, Bruce was qualified in the A-10 Warthog, a close air support, fighter aircraft. His first assignment was in the far north near Fairbank, Alaska. For the next twenty years, he flew the single-seat A-10 fighter in multiple wars and hotspots all over the world. During his military career, Bruce was stationed in six different states and six foreign countries, including Iraq and South Korea. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas retired from the 303rd Fighter Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, in 2004.

As his military career was drawing down, Bruce was blessed to receive an invitation to become a commercial airline pilot with Southwest Airlines. After six years, he was upgraded to captain on the Boeing 737 aircraft in 2006. In 2020, he retired from his second job at Southwest Airlines after a total of twenty years of exciting flying all over the USA. He now concentrates on relaxing and writing in Overland Park, Kansas.

Bruce has been married to Vivian for twelve years. His five children and nine grandchildren are all blessed with good health and beautiful families. Bruce Thomas's first book, The Hope of the South, was published in 2018 and is available on all major outlets. Chaos Above the Sand, a prequel, is the second book in the Special Projects Unit series.

Learn more about Bruce Thomas and his work by visiting his website at https://www.brucethomasauthor.com/.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About "Chaos Above the Sand"
What is the SPU?
Character dynamics and development
Research, Traveling and Writing
Writing a Series
What's Next for Bruce Thomas?

CONNECT WITH BRUCE THOMAS!

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BruceThomas1957

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BruceThomasSPU2

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/brucethomasauthor

CHAOS ABOVE THE SAND

Iran 2010. The Iranian High Council has decided that today is the day that their fighter pilots will attack. With a large group of fighter aircraft poised to cross the border into Iraq, the only thing standing in the Iranians way is Wild Bill Eddy's four F-15C aircraft. With lightning speed, the battle rages in the sky above Iraq. Iran's desire to control the Middle East sets this fast-paced, multilayered story in motion.

Germany, May 1944. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel has sent his most trusted representatives to steal vast treasures from Hitler's hidden storage location. Once these were obtained, they intend to use the horde to fund their escape from the war that has devastated Germany and made them lose faith with the Führer. A mix of attacks, setbacks, and terrible timing cause the treasures to be lost when the Allies attacked Normandy on June 6, 1944.

From the beginning, the Special Projects Unit is thrown into this thriller with traitors, spies, and patriotic soldiers. The SPU director, William "Wild Bill" Eddy, along with his best friend, Assistant Director Mark "Vector" Jones, race to solve the clues to who is supplying top secret information to the Iranians. With villains and traitors on every page, the SPU must decipher the clues and save the USA from a fast-approaching military defeat. Clues to the lost World War II treasure become mixed into the story of the building and hiding of the SPU. This yarn is the tale of the development and birth of the SPU.

Chaos Above the Sand: A Special Projects Unit Adventure

David L. Savage grew up as an Air Force brat in West Texas with a deep and rich scouting background beginning in Cub Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and earning the bronze, silver and gold palms, then establishing and leading a high adventure Explorer Post before heading to Texas A&M University to study engineering. The summer after graduating from Texas A&M, he worked as a backpacking guide, or Ranger, at Philmont Scout Ranch and Explorer Base in Cimarron, New Mexico.

David has a passion for history and geopolitics, which he has enriched through global job-related travel and extensive reading. He and his wife, Kimberly, have been married for eighteen years and live in Katy, Texas. They blended their families and raised four children, now grown.

He has written hundreds of poems and was the official Roaster-in-Chief at many company promotion and retirement events, all in verse. His rich sense of humor has been displayed as an amateur at the Comedy Workshop in Houston and winning the Star Search contest in Chicago back in the late eighties. He also was the U.S. Regional Winner of the Tall Tales Contest for Toastmasters International in that same time period.

David has been a lifelong backpacker and outdoorsman and has been blessed to have a group of five older advisors who, along with David, call themselves “The Sixpack.” They have backpacked for twenty-five years together to provide some of the rich and humorous stories he shares throughout his memoir, The Savage Path.

Learn More about David and his work by visiting his website at www.thesavagepath.com

Topics of Conversation

About "The Savage Path: A Memoir of Modern Masculinity"
Inspiration for writing the book
What is Modern Masculinity?
David's radio show/podcast: "Wrestling with the Inner Man"
Advice for young men
What's next for David L. Savage?

The Savage Path: A Memoir of Modern Masculinity

This book is one humble man's memoir describing his journey through life with its successes, failures, friendships, and family. Using humility and humor to highlight hard-won wisdom, David invites you to sit by his campfire, feel its warmth, and let it draw you into the intimate storytelling environment that only its flickering flame and the expansive night sky can provide. It is a sacred place where we share tall tails, triumphs, and tragedies. Through it all, we engage in the pursuit of authentic manhood and positive, healthy masculinity.

CONNECT WITH DAVID L. SAVAGE!

Website: www.thesavagepath.com Email: dsavage4@comcast.net LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/DavidLSavage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidlsavage/

The Savage Path: A Memoir of Modern Masculinity

A writer with a BA in English, a minor in Japanese, an art degree in animation, and an MBA in International Management, certificate in Social Engineering and multiple awards for articles on Net Neutrality, Privacy, LGBT Youth Homelessness, Cybersecurity and Cyberbullying, Natsuya Uesugi is writing his dream of showcasing fictional minority characters in positions of power.

Of Mixed Multi-cultural heritage (Indigenous, Asian, French, Scottish, Dutch, African-American), he sees life through the lens of challenge, marginalization, personal power and systemic marginalization. With ADHD on the Autism Spectrum and Transgender as a QPoC minority voice often silenced and invisible in mainstream literature, film, and manga, Natsuya focuses on bringing stories of empowerment, truth, triumph, and hope against insurmountable odds.

Using fiction, fantasy, and yaoi to spread his positive message, he writes to encourage LGBT, non-gender conforming, and neurodivergent young people to live their truth and dare to be their genuine selves. His stories, lauded for bringing visibility for featuring Queer People of Colour, his writing showcases the power of a multicultural viewpoint daring to pen diverse, real world fiction that fosters the complex aesthetic and art of #OwnVoices realness, beauty,and truth.

To learn more about Natsuya Uesugi DuBois visit his websites at: https://natsukoarts.com/ and https://www.grydscaen.com/.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About the Grydscaen series
Natsuya’s diverse writing portfolio
The multiple award-winning grydscaen anime web series
Passions outside of writing
The invisibility of many groups in mainstream literature, film and manga and the importance of representation of those groups in the Indie World.
What’s next for Natsuya Uesugi DuBois?

GRYDSCAEN: DARK

A clandestine meet occurs in the Echelons under cover of darkness where Top Secret intel on the stock market changes hands. The insider tip gets the gothic hacker Jester engaged in a high tech game. Parliament votes to lower harsh stock market regulations fueling the Corporation's bottom line, a payoff from ministers who were propped up by illegal corporate campaign donations. Ordered by Jester, the teenage hacker Rom infiltrates the largest high volume brokerage house causing wild gyrations in trading. When Jester triggers an insidious stock market payload all hell breaks loose threatening the pristine City. Will Zoon, the leader of the Triumvirate, get roped into the fray? Can Raven, the government hacker, put the cryptic clues together before the market crashes? Find out in grydscaen: dark. Whose side are you on?

FIRST LOOK!! EXCLUSIVE CONCEPT SKETCH

17 year old Amiael Saren Aiken from book 3 of the "grydscaen: Prophet Trilogy."

FOLLOW NATSUYA UESUGI DUBOIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

NatsuyaUesugiAuthor Natsuya Uesugi Manga Natsuya Uesugi Manga #NatsuyaUesugiManga NatsuyaUesugiManga
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13136335/

B.A. Bellec’s debut novel, Someone’s Story, won the Reader Views Reader’s Choice Literary Award for Young Adult Book of the Year. Someone’s Story is a young adult coming-of-age book and has seen good support over Instagram, YouTube, and Goodreads. One of the aspects that makes Bellec’s projects unique is he includes musicians in his novels and then he actually produces the songs as his book goes through the editing stages.

Bellec was born in Richmond, BC, and raised in Langley, BC, before settling in Winnipeg, MB. His first adventure was a career in Finance, where he spent 15 years developing his business skills. His highest achievement was the Certified Payroll Manager designation. He currently still consults with businesses on their systems and processes. Over that period of time, he also attended Lights Film School where he started to nurture his early creative abilities.

A self-starter always interested in research, he taught himself many of the aspects of storytelling through reading books, screenplays, and material online. Whenever he found an inspirational piece of art, he quickly went to the source to find the story behind the artist who created the work. It took many years after attending film school for him to finally combine his creative skills with his life experience and tell these stories he had been holding back. Some of his favorite creative people: Lukas Rossi, Justin Furstenfeld, Peter Jackson, Stephen Chbosky, J.K. Rowling, and Stephen King.

During COVID-19, Bellec started a YouTube channel and was awarded a grant from The Canada Council for the Arts. He also pounded away on the keyboard to bring his second novel, Pulse, from his imagination to the page. He can’t wait to release that book along with the new songs that will go with it!

For more information about B.A. Bellec and his works visit his website at www.babellec.com.

Topics of Conversation * About Someone's Story and the inspiration behind the book. * Putting your story out and the editing process * Publishing during a pandemic * Creating an anonymous character as the lead protagonist * Incorporating Music into the story * Marketing during a pandemic * Blonde roast anyone? * What's next for BA Bellec?

CONNECT WITH B.A. BELLEC! Website: https://babellec.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BABellecsProductionStudio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ba_bellec Twitter: https://twitter.com/b_bellec Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babellec

Jolly Walker Bittick grew up in Sequim, Washington and served in the U.S. Navy from 2005 to 2009. He is a freelance writer, avid historian, and passionate outdoorsman who has traveled extensively over the course of his life. He draws inspiration and literary prowess from his experiences in numerous career fields and a multitude of social environments. From his time in retail, military, sales, and civil service, as well as his time living in rural, suburban, and urban environments, Jolly has developed a unique literary brand that encompasses numerous aspects of contemporary society.

To learn more about Jolly Walker Bittick and his work, visit his website at https://jollywalkerbittick.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

About Cape Henry House and the inspiration behind the story
Fictionalizing a story based on true events
Working with an illustrators and others to bring the best story forward
What he likes to read and authors who inspire him
Advice to aspiring authors
What's next for Jolly Walker Bittick?

CAPE HENRY HOUSE

Based on a true story, Cape Henry House is a coming of age epoch about a ragtag group of sailors and their partying adventures from a bygone era, as told by former Petty Officer Third Class Bosner. When two of his best friends move into a house off base, they believe it will be a place to relax and have a few beers. For three weeks in early 2008, it's a place to roar and have a few kegs! From bars and diners, to dance floors and strip clubs, Cape Henry House proves to be the focal point where everyone convenes. Through laughter, mayhem, drinking, and drama, the group discovers a deeper camaraderie that sees them off as some are sent overseas, others find love, and all are left with lasting memories to cherish for a lifetime!

CONNECT WITH JOLLY WALKER BITTICK!

Website: https://jollywalkerbittick.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JollyWalkerBittick Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealJollyWalker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jollywalkerbittick/

Dr. Calvin James began his creative journey when he was nineteen. He taught himself how to play guitar, started writing music, and founded a record company, Climax Records, Inc. in 2001. He released his first album, “City” in 2004. Around 2011, he took an interest in writing and gradually shifted his focus away from music to writing children’s stories. Once he finished graduate school in 2018, he decided to share all the music and stories he had written and founded Calvin James Creates in 2019. The mission statement of his company is to share children’s stories, novels, and music that promote the values of truth, kindness, friendship, love, and hope. The first two music videos released under the Calvin James Creates brand were “Hurricane” on October 16th, 2020 and “Listless Christmas” on December 4th, 2020. The first children’s book that will be released is “The Colored Water Fountain” on December 1st, 2021.

To learn more about Dr. Calvin James and his works, visit his website at https://calvinjamescreates.com/.

Topics of Conversation

Creating a series for children about social issues from a different perspective
Building a world outside our reality to show how crazy the concept of judging someone by their skin color is
Diversity in children's books
Favorite books and inspiration
Music, Children's Books and Novels
What's next?

THE COLORED WATER FOUNTAIN

In a world that has been remade by a great flood, humans wake to find they are immortal children with no memory of the past. Animals are caretakers of the world; growing old and wise with no knowledge of times before. And yet, some things from the world that was... remain. When Asher and Adeline discover a sign that reads, 'Colored' Water Fountain, they set out on a quest to uncover the meaning.

CONNECT WITH DR. CALVIN JAMES!

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CalvinJamesCreates

Twitter @CalJamesCreates

YouTube Channel: Calvin James Creates

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvinjamescreates/

Read the Review of The Colored Water Fountain

Marisa Billions is a high school English teacher and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminology. She is the author of the fiction novel, This Too Shall Pass and is working on her upcoming second novel. Marisa lives in Southern California with her wife, Stephanie and son Alexander and two Boxer Dogs, Max and Ruby.

To learn more about Marisa Billions and her work, visit her website at: https://marisabillions.wordpress.com/

Topics of Conversation: * About This Too Shall Pass * Genre-Blending * Taking Creative Liberties * Feedback from Readers * The Debut Journey * What's Next for Marisa Billions?

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

Cynical and sardonic Eva Brooks ponders what it would take to be satisfied in life. She fights against familial expectations, societal constraints, and her own desires. Landing herself in an unsatisfying marriage and conventional life, Eva realizes that she is gloomier than ever.

A reunion with Riley, the woman of her dreams, changes her life forever. A future of happiness hovers on the horizon, beckoning her, calling her forever forwards.

Then reality strikes and it hits hard.

After trying unsuccessfully to protect her son via orthodox methods, life, and death, take a twist. A ghostly turn of events has Eva trying to decide to what lengths she will go to protect her child.

Can Eva use her haunting new ability to help her son?

CONNECT WITH MARISA BILLIONS

Website: https://marisabillions.wordpress.com/

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdPpbHj8/

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/authormarisabillions

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/authormarisabillions

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/marisabillions

David Fiensy has a passion for teaching and preaching the Bible and for thinking about and articulating theological ideas.

After graduating from Duke University with a Ph.D. in New Testament, David Fiensy taught for seven years at Kentucky Christian University. He then served a two-year tenure at The Institute for the Study of Christian origins in Germany. Upon returning to the United States, he accepted a church pastorate for six years and then resumed teaching at Kentucky Christian University. He has participated in seven archaeological excavations and surveys and has otherwise traveled widely in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East.

Now semi-retired, David serves as a speaker and consultant for churches and colleges and is involved in several writing and research projects. David and his wife, Molly, have two daughters and three grandchildren.

To learn more about David and his works, visit his website at https://davidafiensy.com/

Topics of Conversation

Inspiration behind The Journey
The Core of the Christian Faith
Walking the line vs. Hitting the road
Best method to study The Journey
Other books by David A. Fiensy

The Journey: Spiritual Growth in Galatians and Philippians

SYNOPSIS:

The purpose of life is not to prosper; it is to develop the soul (Alexander Solzhenitsyn)

The Christian life is not so much walking the line as hitting the road. It is about journeying with God through the adventures of life, climbing the mountains of joy and descending into the valleys of suffering. In this inspiring, accessible, and engaging book, Fiensy draws on his forty years as teacher and pastor to explore Paul's spirituality. He focuses on Paul's autobiographical references in his letters to the Galatians and Philippians.

The Journey teaches us that the Christian's life in the Spirit can benefit from suffering as well as joy, danger as well as peace, and rejection as well as love.

CONNECT WITH DAVID A. FIENSY

Website: https://davidafiensy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidafiensy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fiensy-0614663a/

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Author Page

Read the Reader Views Book Review of The Journey

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for four decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent.

His thriller, Leave No Child Behind (2012) and his recent mysteries, the Amazon No. 1 Best Seller, Blood on the Chesapeake, Crimson at Cape May and Scarlet at Crystal River have earned five star reviews and garnered national awards including "Thriller of the Year--ReadersFavorite.com, "Gold Award"—Literary Titan, "Mystery of the Year"—ReadersView.com and "Crowned Heart of Excellence"—InD'Tale Magazine. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers' critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he's not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation, "Things Still Go Bump in the Night," he's spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.

For more information about Randy Overbeck and his work, visit his website at https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/

Topics of Conversation * Writing Ghost Stories * Representation of Ghosts based on actual documentation of researchers * Featuring different out-of-the-way unknown spa resort towns in his novels * Creating not-so-perfect characters and his protagonist's special gift * Targeting relevant social issues, this story focusing on the plight of migrant workers and their children * What's next for Randy Overbeck?

Scarlet at Crystal River (The Haunted Shores Mysteries Series Book 3) All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. But his carefully laid plans go sideways when they discover a hidden painting of two young Latino children, which turns out to be haunted. Is Darrell willing to derail their entire honeymoon in this perfect, quiet corner of the world to unravel the mystery of the children's deaths?

CONNECT WITH RANDY OVERBECK Website: https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/ Email: randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-KOC0LH2GQRSAjwxOFr5rg

Tik Tok @authorrandyo

Omar Harris is a former pharmaceutical General Manager (GSK, Allergan), Intent Consulting and Tympo.io founder, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, with over 20 years' experience building high performance organizations on 4 continents. Having managed multibillion dollar brands and led extensive organizations while working in the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the US, he innovated blueprints for J.E.D.I. Leadership (leading with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) and servant leadership and 20 Team Performance Acceleration Principles (TPAPs) that can be applied by leaders at all levels of professional experience.

To learn more about Omar Harris and his work, visit his website at https://omarlharris.com.

Topics of Conversation * Motivation for developing his leadership series. * The changing blueprint of the corporate world * The five goals of JEDI Leadership * A book for all levels of leadership; using it to take your leadership abilities to the next level * What's next?

Be a J.E.D.I. Leader, Not a Boss: Leadership in the Era of Corporate Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Synopsis: From the Bestselling Author of The Servant Leader’s Manifesto with 20+ years of global pharmaceutical executive experience comes the most crucial and compelling business book of the year.

Business Must Be More…

There are dark forces at work breeding separation, disunity, disengagement, and denying their role in maintaining a status quo rife with injustices and inequities that keep them in power and everyone else subjugated.

But there is an equally and opposite force for good pushing back. Leaders who understand that business must be more by creating culture where injustices are mitigated, inequities are eradicated, diversity is highly prized, and inclusion is the norm.

These leaders wield the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) in order to achieve the true purpose of corporations – increased value for employees, customers, communities, the environment and shareholders.

CONNECT WITH OMAR HARRIS! Website: https://www.omarlharris.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/strengthsleader

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omarlharris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarlharris/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarl.harris/

Read Our Review of Be a J.E.D.I. Leader, Not a Boss

Charlene Wheeless is the founder of her namesake firm Charlene Wheeless LLC. She is a renowned business and communications professional, author, speaker, and executive and life empowerment advisor. Additionally, she is the senior advisor for equity and justice at APCO Worldwide, a global advocacy and communications consultancy.

Wheeless is the chairman of the board of trustees for the Page Society and the HCA Virginia Reston Hospital and serves on other industry and community boards. She has received numerous awards for communications and leadership excellence throughout her career, including being named to the PR Week Global Power Book for most influential professionals in Public Relations and The Network Journal’s Most Influential Black Women in Business. Many business, industry, and lifestyle publications have featured Wheeless for her expertise and as a contributing writer.

Before launching her consultancy and following a four-year health crisis, Wheeless retired from corporate America as the principal vice president of global corporate affairs for Bechtel Corporation, a $40B global firm. In her words, “Cancer changed me; so I changed my world.”

To learn more about Charlene and her work, visit her website at CharleneWheeless.Biz

Topics of Conversation * Three books in one: part memoir, a cautionary tale, and part of how to create the life you want. Reclaiming Your Career and Your Life with Purpose, Passion, and Unapologetic Authenticity. * Returning to the corporate world after defeating Stage 2 breast cancer * Pivoting to create her new life by helping others * Feedback from business executives and those on the cancer recovery journey * How to overcome obstacles to live your best life

You Are Enough! Reclaiming Your Career and Your Life with Purpose, Passion, and Unapologetic Authenticity SYNOPSIS: YOU ARE ENOUGH! draws from Wheeless’s experiences climbing the corporate ladder and battling breast cancer to illustrate life lessons for others. Personal recollections are used to illustrate that Black women not only have to contend with a glass ceiling, but also a concrete wall that makes it impossible to even see what lies on the other side, much less determine how to get there. While acknowledging that there's no single path around that wall, Wheeless shares advice on how she navigated the route herself. For Wheeless, this means busting up stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and flat-out refusing to be ignored, pigeonholed, or forgotten.

While YOU ARE ENOUGH! chronicles Charlene’s fearless quest to be the best possible version of herself in every aspect of her life, her story is everyone's story regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender. With wit, raw honesty, blazing courage, and solution-driven sensibility, Charlene reminds us that we are enough!

CONNECT WITH CHARLENE WHEELESS! Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Read our review of You Are Enough!

As an attorney and civil justice advocate, author Mark M. Bello draws upon over 40 years of courtroom experience in his Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series.

A Michigan native, Mark received his B.A. in English Literature from Oakland University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After working extremely high-profile legal cases, Mark wanted to give the public a front-row glimpse of what victims face when standing up for justice.

Combining his legal experience and passion for justice with a creative writing style, Mark not only brings high-quality legal services to his clients but captivating novels to his readers.

When Mark’s not writing legal and political novels, he writes and posts about fairness and justice in the civil justice system on his website, Legal Examiner and NotFakeNews. In his spare time, Mark enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. Mark and his wife, Tobye, have four children and 8 grandchildren.

To learn more about Mark Bello and his books visit his website at markmbello.com

Topics of Conversation

Writing about the immigration issue
Undocumented versus documented - what's the difference
Justice Counts - Mark's new podcast
Branching out - Cookbooks and Children's Books

Betrayal at the Border

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER DISCOUNT THROUGH OCTOBER 11, 2021

In Betrayal at the Border, attorney Zachary Blake returns to tackle two cases that strike at the heart of our nation's contentious immigration debate.

Two unique immigrant families, two uniquely dangerous consequences of America’s dysfunctional immigration system. Enter Zachary Blake, superstar lawyer.

But, for the first time in a long time, Blake is out of his element—immigration law calls for the expertise of his specialist/partner, Marshall Mann. Together, two extraordinary lawyers take on a terrorist network and a broken immigration system. And master investigator Micah Love returns, racing against the clock to prevent tragic circumstances. In our politically charged, anti-immigrant international climate, will a Hail Mary be their only move?

Award-winning legal thriller author, Mark M. Bello, pits our nation's broken immigration system against important human and social justice rights issues, spinning a tale that shines a bright light on the everyday fears of immigrants all over these United States. Can Blake, Mann, and Love prevent a Betrayal at the Border?

CONNECT WITH MARK BELLO! Website: https://www.markmbello.com Facebook: @markmbellobooks Twitter: @markmbello Instagram: @markmbellobooks

Mark’s books can be found on his website, Amazon, Goodreads, and all other online retailers. The books are available for reader, in print, or as audiobooks.

Read Our Review of Betrayal at the Border

Betrayal at the Border (A Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Book 7)

Stuart Z. Goldstein was one of the longest serving PR Spokespersons on Wall Street. As Managing Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) in New York, the largest trade clearing house ($5 trillion daily) and central securities depository in the world.

“Goldstein surely was the highest profile corporate communications executive in the securities services industry,” according to Global Custodian magazine. “In a position where few survive more than 5 years and one CEO, Goldstein managed four times the average tenure, and served three successive CEOs.”

Prior to this, he was a spokesperson for American Express and led National Public Affairs at Citicorp. Earlier he served as a State Ombudsman in New Jersey and as Legislative Affairs director for the NJ Public Advocate.

Mr. Goldstein has co-authored 2 books in plain English explaining the inner workings of U.S. Capital Markets. He has published numerous articles in PR trade magazines and was a contributing author to Public Affairs in an Era of Change. His by-lined articles on public policy issues have appeared in USA Today, the Washington Times, the Star Ledger, Trenton Times, Global Financial Markets magazine and many trade journals.

He graduated from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) with a B.A. in English and earned his M.A. in American Government from Rutgers University. During college, he wrote for the Trenton Times newspaper and helped lead the effort in NJ to lower the voting age to 18 and ratify the 26th Amendment.

He lectures on crisis communications and media relations. He has also served on the graduate school advisory board in Corporate Communications at Fairleigh Dickinson University and was a founding member of the Corporate Communications Institute at Baruch College.

Connect with Stuart Z. Goldstein and learn more about him and his works on Facebook and LinkedIn.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION * Moe Fields and Growing Up During the Depression * Returning From War - Starting a New Business and a Family * Overcoming Adversity * The Role of a Father * A Story for Future Generations

Moe Fields: The Special Bond Between Fathers and Sons

Moe Fields (aka Murray Goldman), is a gripping narrative about a father's fighting spirit and determination to save his family and inspire his sons to succeed.

Goldstein applies his gift of storytelling to bring us the story of Moe Fields, growing up during the Great Depression - from his teens as a Golden Gloves boxer, to his career as a Bootleg fighter in Brooklyn for money, to being a WWII sailor whose most prideful moment was singled out by FDR, to overcoming prejudice and building one of the large plumbing businesses in New Jersey.

When a health crisis hits Moe, and later, a drunk driver causes a horrific car accident, crippling his wife, they are both left to deal with a lifetime of disabilities. But Moe digs deep to turn tragedy into triumph.

We all have our Moe Fields. This treasure of a book is a poignant and thought-provoking memoir that captures the enduring power of role models in our lives.

Goldstein has written a life-affirming story that's hard to put down-and hard not to talk about.

At a time when we need heroes, this book celebrates the strength of family, faith-and the enduring legacy we leave our children.

CONNECT WITH STUART Z. GOLDSTEIN!

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Read the Reader Views 5-Star Book Review!

Moe Fields

Bineta Ngom was born in Senegal, West Africa, in 1964. She grew up without her father, who died when she was a little over four years old, and was raised by her mother, who taught her how to appreciate life and serve people in need, even when the family was enduring hardship.

Bineta came to America in 1994 to pursuit her dream, to give her children the opportunity she never had as a child, and to empower the global community by sharing her stories and by working with parents to raise philanthropic children, which she believes is part of the solution for the problems we have in our school environments. Bineta thinks children value what their parents’ value. She never stops learning and always strive to be the best role model for her children.

She decided to write her book “Becoming an Angel of Change” to share her stories with the world to inspire parents, immigrants and women to make positive change within themselves, their homes, and their workplaces, as well as their communities. Bineta currently lives in Los Angeles with her four children.

For more information about Bineta Gom visit her website at binetangom.com

Topics of Conversation

-What is an Angel of Change?

-Early Experiences in Senegal, West Africa

-Immigrating to the U.S.

-Passion for Philanthropy

-The Family Bridge Foundation

-What's next for Bineta?

Becoming an Angel of Change Part memoir, part inspiration and self-help, Becoming an Angel of Change is a collection of stories detailing the author’s journey of exploring her life’s purpose: helping others in need. From her beginnings as an eight-year-old philanthropist in Senegal, to her adult life establishing outreach programs in the United States, through Bineta’s journey readers will be inspired to discover their own strengths, uniqueness, and purpose.

Connect with Bineta Ngom Website Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Paulette Boudrot earned a BS in Education from Bridgewater State University, an MA in French Language and Literature from Middlebury College in Vermont, and a diploma in Twentieth-Century French Literature from the Sorbonne, University of Paris as a Fulbright Scholar. Paulette taught French and ESL in elementary schools, colleges, and universities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. During the 1980s, she transitioned from education to administration at the French Cultural Services at the French Consulate in Boston. In 1995, she founded PLJ Administrative & Business Solutions, outsourcing administration and project management for small to medium sized companies. The French government honored her as a Chevalier in the Order of Academic Palms in 2010. Paulette is an active member of Rotary International, the Boston/Strasbourg Sister City Association, the Sandwich Arts Alliance and the Société Francophone de Cape Cod. She currently resides on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Boston, My Blissful Winter is her debut literary translation.

For more information about Paulette Boudrot, visit her website at http://www.pauletteboudrot.com.

Topics of Conversation Translating a Book

Working with the Author during the translation

Literal vs. Literary Translation

The publishing journey

What's next for Paulette Boudrot?

Read the Reader Views Review of Boston My Blissful Winter

A Note from the Author "Dear friends,

The American-English translation of my book "Boston, un hiver si court" has just been released as "Boston My Blissful Winter, Memories of the 1980s", by PRA Publishing. We owe it to Paulette Boudrot, who did a remarkable job giving us an attentive, precise, elegant and faithful version. I thank her very sincerely. I would also like to thank the publisher, Lucinda Clark and editor, Ellen Albanese, who, despite the health crisis we are all experiencing, have managed to meet publication deadlines.

Over time, the 1980s emerged as happy and fruitful years. Peace and prosperity prevailed in Boston. The large number of students attending its universities brought enthusiasm and joy to this human-scaled city where it was a pleasure to live.

The centennial of the Statue of Liberty, the bicentennial of the Revolution of 1789, and the visit of the French President gave me many opportunities to celebrate the French and Franco-American friendship. These occasions also allowed me to discover the strength of the Bostonians, attached to their traditions, but tolerant, reasonable, and daring, always ready to protect Freedom and especially their own freedom. I have had the pleasure of meeting exceptional people, some noted in my book and to whom it is dedicated. "

Alain Briottet Paris October 2020

Jennifer Yeates Camara is a poet living in Vancouver, Canada. She is the youngest of 13 children, born to an extremely poor family in Ontario, Canada. She grew up in an old house that someone had paid her father to haul away, albeit without plumbing as the water was never hooked up! Jennifer's early life in the 70s included an outhouse, a well, and a wood-burning fireplace.

Jennifer's parents were both avid readers and often recited poems by memory. Reading was ingrained in her siblings, too, and Jennifer learned quickly.

At age 9, Jennifer's family still at home moved to the BC coast. Jennifer was encouraged to join a late French immersion program starting from grade 6. It was around that time that Jennifer also started writing her own poetry.

Although Jennifer continued excelling academically, the family's economic situation was still dire, and she turned to poetry to express herself. Once Jennifer started working, she eagerly frequented local bookstores, where the owners introduced her to poetry from many cultures, including Persia, China, Japan and India.

For more information about Jennifer, please visit yeatescamara.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION * About Reduction Fired and her inspiration behind the collection * Architectural and West Coast Contemporary influences * Using Imagery from Nature * How to enjoy Poetry for those hesitant to jump in * Poetry Readings: Leaving Warmth * What's next for Jennifer Yeates Camara?

REDUCTION FIRED Concise, quiet, and intense poems voiced over vibrant scenes of nature - reflections to ripple through the mind.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER YEATES CAMARA

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Read the Reader Views review of Reduction Fired

Marjorie Anderson is a native Virgin islander, retired bank executive, co-funder and former executive director of the GREATER Philadelphia Minority Business Strategic Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morgan State University, a Master of Science in Management from La Salle University, and is a graduate of the Wharton’s School Management Program of the University of Pennsylvania. Her book “The Key” is a Reader Views Literary Awards Winner. Marjorie currently lives in Liberty Hill, Texas.

Topics of Conversation: * Inspiration behind writing a finance book for teens and the need for a Spanish translation * Why teens and young adults get into trouble financially * Including Charity in your budget * Using a simple system for saving and spending

La Clave La Clave shares the author’s financial knowledge and experience to help teens get a head start in life. The book presents readers with basic financial knowledge and life changing know-how tips on how to manage money to make the most of their income to build a successful future. But Anderson does not stop there, she also teaches young people to invest in their communities by buying local products and donating to help others. La Clave is the Spanish translation of Marjorie L. Anderson’s Reader Views Award winner “The Key.”

Connect with Marjorie Anderson Website: www.challenge4teens.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekeychallenge/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjorie-anderson-6372b788/

Erik Steidl was born and raised in Medina, Ohio as the third of six children. He wrote his first book, titled A City Slicker in Texas, for a Power of the Pen competition in fourth grade and never looked back. He has always found joy in writing, both creatively and academically. He attended Liberty University where he crammed a four year degree into six years, graduating in 2012 with a B.S. in Teaching English as a Second Language with minors in Spanish and Youth Ministry.

Erik is married to his high school sweetheart, Shannon. They live together in Medina, Ohio with their four children and yellow lab. They are an active family and enjoy hiking, soccer, basketball, biking, and almost any other outdoor activity. Erik is proud to be able to state that, like him, his children are all avid Star Wars fans.

For more information about Erik and his works visit his website at: https://steidlstories.com/

Topics of Conversation * Motivation behind writing the story * Filling the Middle Grade Christian void in literature * Writing for a young crowd from a teen perspective * Reading preferences and authors of influence * What’s next?

Ayal the Arrow Boy Ayal the Arrow Boy tells the story of David and Jonathan from a never-before-seen perspective; that of Ayal, a servant in King Saul's palace.

Ayal finally has his life going in the right direction. After growing up an orphan on the streets of Jerusalem, he finally has a home in the palace and a good job as a runner for Prince Jonathan. Everything changes when he overhears two men planning to kill David, a commander in King Saul's army and Jonathan's best friend. Now the race is on to thwart the scheme, save David, and return peace to Israel. Will he be in time?

CONNECT WITH ERIK STEIDL! Website

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Del Bates is an author, speaker, and an enthusiastic encouragement to many. She has been on leadership with Aglow International for numerous years. Her hope is to see the lost saved and healed through those meetings. She has self-published two books and has numerous stories in various publications. Crosslink publishers released her latest book on Spiritual Warfare, “Walking In A Minefield” in June 2021.

Del and her husband have the joy of being snowbirds between Florida and Michigan. Michigan is her heart-felt home where she spends quality time with her three-grown children, their families and finds plenty of time to spoil her five grandkids.

Her heart’s desire is to further the Kingdom of God through her Pen-4-the Lord and her gift of prophecy where she loves to equip others through words of wisdom from above.

You can learn more about Del Bates and her work at www.Delbates.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION * The inspiration behind Walking in a Minefield * What is spiritual warfare? * 14 areas and action needed to fight the spiritual warfare we face daily * How to recognize the bombs before they go off

WALKING IN A MINEFIELD Daily the war rages on.

We are in a battle like never before. But the most significant battle you face is for your soul. Within the pages of WALKING IN A MINEFIELD, learn to identify the bombs raging around you and how to disarm them before they explode.

• Discover Satan's tactics. • Learn how to pray amid each battle. • Know how to use your God-given weapons. • Understand the General of Intercession― the Holy Spirit • Claim your authority.

In this non-fiction scripture-based book along with true-to-life stories, you will see spiritual warfare in action resulting in battles won in the Spiritual realm.

CONNECT WITH DEL BATES! Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

Read the Reader Views Review of Walking in a Minefield

Lee Barckmann grew up in Barnegat NJ, and had a Huck Finn childhood, surrounded by woods, streams, and meadows. In the 1950s, 1200 people lived there.

Later on, he studied Economics and History at the University of Kansas, moved to Eugene, Oregon, and met his wife Mary. He did various jobs for a time, then the two of them packed it up and went to China where Lee taught English. After two-and-a-half years, they returned to the US, settled down and had a family and Lee spent the next 30 years in a career in the IT field, eventually retiring from IBM. During that time, he wrote intermittently, mostly on his first novel "Farewell the Dragon".

Lee and his wife currently live outside of Portland Oregon where they enjoy backpacking, biking, and playing with their granddaughter.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION * About the Trilogy * Writing ALT-History * One of the most surprising things he learned writing his trilogy * Reading and Writing * What's Next?

THE SWIFTPAD TRILOGY There’s a lot of punch packed into this trilogy which is at it’s core an alt history of the past decade. There’s murder and mystery, the boom of social media, politics and an unstable leader. Our Reader Views reviewer said, “The satire that is offered in this tale is brutally honest, hysterical, and unforgettable. But, remember, this is not a dystopian world; this is a very real, bare bones, trash-talking world that all of us have lived through – and are still living through to this day. As a reader who loves reality as much as the gritty suspense that a book like this provides, there is also that underlying current that shows how much we’ve seen and survived over the past decades, and how much we’re most likely going to see before we say adieu to this life."

CONNECT WITH LEE BARCKMANN! Visit the Author's Website

Read the Reader Views Reviews of the SwiftPad Trilogy:

Digging Up New Business: The SwiftPad Takeover

Digging the Golden Fungus: The SwiftPad Insurgency

Digging Around the Pandemic: The SwiftPad Extinction

Geoffrey Morris is a 10 time award-winning author. He has garnered much acclaim for his debut novel, Tomorrow’s End. He not only won a prestigious Dragonfly book award, but a Feathered quill and received multiple 5 star reviews from many websites. He was a philosopher and a graduate from seminary studies before taking writing courses in college.

Topics of Conversation * Philosophical Fiction * A Sixteen-Year-Old Savior * How Tomorrow's End evolved over 20 years * Thoughts on reading and horror movies! * The story behind the cover art. * What's next?

Tomorrow's End Do you have free will?

He never asked to be a hero, but the universe didn't give him a choice.

Kevin Knight never wanted to be the one to save the galaxy. But when tragedy upends his life and demonic forces steal his soul, the fate of time and space are sealed. Until a scaly, trench-coat-clad alien appears and gives him a glimpse into the true nature of all things.

Astounded, Kevin learns the world he knows is merely an illusion created by alien beings who control humanity's every move. With an invasion imminent, he must defeat the blackness and perfect his powers before the bloody battle begins.

Which prophecy will Kevin fulfill... the one of darkness or the one of light?

CONNECT WITH G.R. MORRIS! WEBSITE: https://grmorrisbooks.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/grmorrisbooks/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Tomorrows-END-107630997775307/

Read our Review of Tomorrow’s End

Kevin Kunkel believes people are fundamentally good and altruistic. He writes books to reflect that belief. Kevin fully intends to fix the screen door this spring or by fall at the latest. Kevin writes bios in the 3rd person because it comes off as more professional and writing in the 5th person gets confusing. Kevin lives in Minnesota with his wife and 2 sons. He complains that Hollywood movies don't understand real cold.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION * How the world is getting better and inspiration behind the storyline. * Writing for children * Rhyming and the perfect meter * On being a standup comedian * More children's books coming soon!

THE WORLD WE CHOOSE This book teaches children that the world is mostly improving, and that the way to make sure it continues is to pay attention to the good all around us.

Cable news often reports on the bad things that happen every day, but we can choose a positive story and make it a reality. In this book, the rhyming story and light-filled illustrations focus on positive things like renewable energy, improved literacy, and better technology to stay close to the ones we love.

The World We Choose focuses on the good things about our planet and encourages—and empowers!—kids to make our future even brighter. This uplifting children’s book reminds us all that we can choose a better world.

CONNECT WITH KEVIN KUNKEL! Website

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Instagram Author Account

Parenting Account

READ THE READER VIEWS KIDS REVIEW OF "THE WORLD WE CHOOSE"

Author L.A. Thompson knew she wanted to be a writer at a young age. She longed to create worlds and characters that would draw people in and transport them to another time and place, which she achieves in her novel Isle of Dragons.

L.A. loves fantasy and witchcraft and by combining those elements in her stories with different historical periods, she creates a world that's in an industrial era caught between technology and magic, exploring the two's unique interplay.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION * Writing Fantasy * Creating characters from a place of want vs. need * Adding elements of innovation * Plotting vs. letting the characters take the lead * What's next?

ISLE OF DRAGONS Watch steampunk technology and high fantasy witchcraft clash in this heroine’s fast-paced, epic journey to rescue her father from dragons and reveal the evil secrets of the noble court.

On the run from the royal army in a giant mechanical centipede, sixteen-year-old Jade Sol embarks on a dangerous adventure to help her father escape from the Isle of Dragons—a land of untamed magic that some believe only exists in myth. When Jade is cornered by soldiers, a mysterious witch named Miria Atkins rescues her, calling on spirits from a magical realm to channel their mystical energy into light and matter. Jade begs Miria and the sorceress’s mechanist brother, Dan, to join her quest.

The siblings resist at first, but their hearts soften when they hear of her father’s fate. Their own parents had attempted an expedition from Vansh to the Isle of Dragons years ago and never returned. Together, the trio of young heroes journey across the feudal countryside trek across the sea to become the first humans to reach the elusive Isle of Dragons.

CONNECT WITH L.A. THOMPSON! Website

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Instagram

READ THE READER VIEWS REVIEW OF ISLE OF DRAGONS!

Holly Brandon breaks free from her analytical side to produce Life in the Chastity Zone. Holding a PhD., M.S., and B.S. in Civil Engineering, Holly is best known for her published works in the Journal of Earthquakes, Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibrations, and Earthquake Science.

Unbelievable as it may appear, many of the scenes in Life in the Chastity Zone are based on true-life experiences. Holly invites readers to follow Chastity on her crazy and hilarious adventures in her search for love and happiness. With more to come, Life in the Chastity Zone is the first in an unforgettable, brand-new Chastity Zone series.

Topics of Conversation * About Life in the Chastity Zone * Those crazy stories! * Letting the character take the lead * Comparing men to buildings * More to come in the Chastity Series!

Life in the Chastity Zone Thirty-year-old Chastity (Chase) Morgan has always dreamed of her fairytale life—the perfect career, wedding, marriage, family, and on and on. A structural engineer, Chase is brilliant in her line of work, but keeping to her moniker, she is as chaste as they come. Although she doesn’t know the first thing about love and dating, everything changes when she meets Grant Stevens. Wedding bells appear to be right around the corner until he unceremoniously abandons her for another. Derailed but determined, Chase has to find a way to move on. Little does she know that sinister plans are at work to squash her hopes and dreams. While a psychic medium comes to her aide, it’s uncertain whether or not Chastity will follow the clairvoyant’s advice. Only time will tell if she’ll choose between throwing away her virginity and diving full force into the dating world, or clinging to her fairytale life plan.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY BRANDON! Website

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Instagram

Read the Reader Views review of Life in the Chastity Zone

Sandra Brown-Lindstedt was born and raised in Chicago and moved to Portland with her three children when she was thirty-three. After working as a medical secretary for many years, she decided to go back to college and her my degree graduating from Lewis & Clark College in Portland Oregon with bachelor's degrees in Theater and English.

She’s also worked in New York, on stage productions, art and design. She’s won two first place short story awards and three poetry awards, publishing the work in literary journals. She’s written and directed numerous plays in the US and in Sweden. Sandy resides in Sweden with her husband. Life of a Firefly is her first children's book.

Topics of Conversation * About winning several awards for her debut book. * Inspiration behind the story. * Writing for a young audience. * The sequel to Life of a Firefly * Advice for emerging authors

Life of a Firefly This award winning children's book, is both fun and exciting. It's written for kids of all ages to build strong character and help boost their self esteem. Girls as well as boys will see themselves in almost every situation that Sandy finds herself in, when she and her firefly go on amazing adventures that captures the imagination. As she continues on her incredible journey, each person she encounters teaches her another lesson about friendship and family.

This beautiful collection of moral stories will remind children, no matter how bleak a situation may look, a little faith and a firefly, can take them a long way. It also gives children of color a mirror of strong characters that look like them, and others a window to experience the African American community in a whole new way.

Connect with Sandra Brown-Lindstedt on Facebook!

Read the review!

Michael Devendorf served as a chief executive for a national organization and crafted corporate communications for the business community and the workforce. He traveled from coast-to-coast meeting fascinating people and visiting remarkable places presenting his message on company culture to audiences that included industry leaders and political figures. Those events have fallen into the crevices of his mind and sometimes crawl their way out to influence his writing today. Captivating storytelling that clings to the soul has always been his passion. After years of letting life and career get in the way, he chose to step away from business and technical writing to devote himself to creativity instead. Michael is inspired by writing about juxtaposing emotions and provoking the reader with stories that defy strict categorization and blend genres. In addition to writing, he is a passionate animal welfare advocate. He and his family split their time between Dallas, Texas, and northern Wisconsin.

Topics of Conversation * Inspiration behind the storyline * Writing from the female perspective * Building a story with juxtaposing emotions * A twist you won't see coming * Research and writing * What Michael likes to read * His next book

DECIDUOUS It has been ten months since forest conservationist Sienna lost her daughter in a tragic home accident when she was the only other person around. Kira's death transforms Sienna into an overprotective mother to her son. But then Kai dies under similar circumstances. Desperate to keep from losing her mind, if only to preserve the memories of her children, Sienna climbs into the treehouse where Kai took his last breath.

While meditating to connect with him, terrifying images of a "mother tree," a nurturing hub tree Sienna studied in an isolated meadow near their lake house, corrupt all memories of her kids. No longer a majestic, colorful sentinel, the tree menaces her with its limbs draped in leaves that morph into skeletal hands. As Sienna's thoughts fester, convincing her that her children's deaths were not simple accidents, those around her try to persuade her she must be guilty of harming Kira and Kai, even if she can't remember. Anxious to unveil the terrible truth hiding in her psyche, Sienna instead finds herself in very physical danger as secrets come to light.

Connect with Michael Devendorf! Website: https://www.michaeldevendorf.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Michael.A.Devendorf Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikedevendorf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedevendorf/

Read the Reader Views review of Deciduous

Writing started for Gary D. McGugan after a 40-year career in the world of business. He’s worked in supermarkets, sold appliances, distributed motorcycles, launched an automobile dealer network, and provided financing to help businesses grow. Every industry was very different from the other. Each company had a distinctive culture and character, but all were units of large corporations with operations around the globe.

Travel has always been a large component of his business roles and he’s now visited more than 650 towns and cities in more than fifty countries for either business or leisure.

Experts say we should write about things we know best. In Gary’s case, those subjects are business, travel, and people. As an author, his goal is to entertain readers around the world — one at a time.

Topics of Conversation:

Technology, organized crime, and other inspirations for a novel of intrigue
Female protagonists in fiction and writing from the perspective of the opposite gender
Killing off his characters
The influence Gary's worldly travels have on his writing
Exploring options outside fiction and what's next

A Web of Deceit

Fate, misfortune and opportunity entangle three rivals in a quick-paced suspense thriller. It's a jet-setting, exhilarating trek across five different continents where the risks can be fatal but the payouts oh-so-rewarding.

Connect with Gary McGugan! Website: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com Facebook: @gary.d.mcgugan.books Twitter: @GaryDMcGugan Instagram: @authorgarydmcgugan

Read our review of A Web of Deceit

Award-winning author Christian de la Huerta is an acclaimed speaker at various settings, including universities, conferences, corporate training, spiritual communities and the TedX stage. Audiences find Christian's message particularly relevant in these times. Christian also practices as a spiritual coach and a leadership development consultant whose work ranges from individuals and couples in private practice to major corporations and non-profit groups.

Topics of Conversation:

What is the Soul of Power?
Why women's empowerment is so important in the world today.
What are the different types of power?
How do we take back our power?
Deepening your experience

Awakening the Soul of Power, the first book in the Calling All Heroes series, rethinks what heroism means in the 21st century and reveals practical tools to help you embark on a journey to personal freedom. If you long for healthier relationships and a life filled with meaning and purpose, this book holds the keys to unlocking the secrets of personal empowerment and unleashing your inner hero.

Awakening the Soul of Power focuses on personal empowerment because the way you embody, express and relate to power impacts every area of your life.

If you long for healthier relationships and a life filled with meaning and purpose, this book holds the keys to getting what you want.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTIAN DE LA HUERTA!

SoulfulPower.com

Unleash Your Inner Hero Facebook Group

Instagram

Soulful Power You Tube Channel

BRITT EAST is an author and speaker who uses his experience, strength, and hope to challenge and inspire change-oriented gay men to get down to the business of improving their lives. With over two decades of personal growth and development experience in a variety of modalities, such as the 12 Steps, Nonviolent Communication, yoga, meditation, talk therapy, and the Hoffman Process, Britt is committed to building a personal practice of self-discovery that he can then share with gay men everywhere. He lives in Seattle with his husband and their crazy dog.

Topics of Conversation

Using his experiences to establish a platform to help others
Britt's personal experience growing up gay in the South
Using "A Gay Man's Guide to Life" for personal transformation
Coming from a place of service for personal growth
Realizing your full potential
and more...

A GAY MAN'S GUIDE TO LIFE presents an approachable, no-nonsense path for gay men, to set down the excuses and get to the business of improving their lives. No new-age mumbo jumbo or wishy washy self-help jargon. Just real work focused on real results to unleash our true selves and unlock our best lives.

CONNECT WITH BRITT EAST! Website: https://www.britteast.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittdawsoneast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/britteast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britteast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTGeWrvrfCAlq4oUPiEBTHQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britteast/

eMail: info@britteast.com

As an attorney and civil justice advocate, author Mark M. Bello draws upon over 40 years of courtroom experience in his Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series.

A Michigan native, Mark received his B.A. in English Literature from Oakland University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After working extremely high profile legal cases, Mark wanted to give the public a front-row glimpse of what victims face when standing up for justice.

Combining his legal experience and passion for justice with a creative writing style, Mark not only brings high-quality legal services to his clients but captivating novels to his readers.

When Mark’s not writing legal and political novels, he writes and posts about fairness and justice in the civil justice system on his website, Legal Examiner and Injury Board. In his spare time, Mark enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. Mark and his wife, Tobye, have four children and 8 grandchildren.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Drawing inspiration from today's headlines
Social justice issues
Sexual assault reporting before and after the MeToo Movement
Creating characters we love and those we love to hate
Writing two novels at one time
What's next?

SUPREME BETRAYAL is a dynamic and action-packed journey of injustice, betrayal, murder and revenge as white privilege, partisan politics and greed take precedence over the truth.

CONNECT WITH MARK BELLO!

Visit his website: https://www.markmbello.com/

Follow him on social media:

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Watch the book trailer video

Read the Reader Views review of Supreme Betrayal

DERRYEN PLANTE is a survivor who battled back from a traumatic brain injury and redefined herself in the wake of a horrific attack that altered the course of her life.

Derryen received her BS from St. Lawrence University in 2015 (mathematics-economics combined and psychology), her master's degree in criminal justice from Boston University in 2019, and is currently working on her doctorate degree in business administration from Northcentral University. She currently works as a Principal Revenue Agent for the State of Maine, where she resides with her two adorable cats, Kanga and Roo.

She wrote this book to create a connection with others suffering with an invisible injury and to offer them strength to build a new life post-injury. From the broken pieces, she was able to create something beautiful. She hopes she can inspire others to do the same.

To connect and learn more about Derryen visit her website at DerryenPlante.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

The 20-second attack that changed her life forever
Writing about her experience as a way to help others
How her experience changed her perception of depression, PTSD and other invisible illnesses
Recovery - Expectations vs. Reality
Coming to Terms
What life looks like now

YOU'VE GOT SOME NERVE

Derryen Plante knew her destination in life long before she reached it: she was going to be a special investigator for the federal government working on high-level crimes. Every step she took was in preparation for one day achieving that dream. Then, without warning, her dream was shattered.

While completing a unit check at the juvenile prison where she worked, Derryen was violently attacked by one of the inmates. She suffered a traumatic brain injury that sent her into a spiral of PTSD, depression, and multiple medical interventions. As she navigated her life after the attack, Derryen struggled to accept her new reality. She’d built her entire life around a dream that no longer seemed possible. Without that, who was she?

You've Got Some Nerve is Derryen’s real, raw, and honest account of how she redefined her life, navigated the challenges unique to brain injury recovery, and found support in unexpected places. Her journey offers keen insight into how each of us can support those suffering with the long-term effects of an invisible injury.

CONNECT WITH DERRYEN PLANTE!

Visit her website: https://www.derryenplante.com/

Follow her on social media:

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Read the Reader Views Review of You've Got Some Nerve

Melissa Muldoon is the author of Dreaming Sophia, Waking Isabella, Eternally Artemisia, and The Secret Life of Sofonsiba Anguissola.

She is an artist, designer, and creator of the Studentessa Matta Dual-language Blog and Youtube channel. Through her many projects and her programs to study in Italy, Melissa promotes Italian language and culture.

She has a B.A. in fine arts, art history, and European history and a Master's in art history. She studied painting, language, and art history in Florence.

Melissa's four books set in Italy celebrate art and creativity. They tell the stories of women and their journeys of self-discovery to find love, uncover hidden truths, and follow their destinies to shape a better future.

For more information about Melissa Muldoon and her books, visit her website at MelissaMuldoon.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

Her inspiration behind the story of Sofonisba Anguissola
Creation of the world's first "selfie"
Sofonisba's spirit, independence, and self-worth paves the way for female artists and all women
Writing Historical Fiction
Writing and marketing during a pandemic.
Next for Melissa

THE SECRET LIFE OF SOFONISBA ANGUISSOLA

Sofonisba Anguissola was a woman who dared to dream far beyond the limitations set for women during her era – truly a woman before her time. Her story demonstrates the power behind the sentiment, “anything is possible” and her achievements helped pave the way for generations of women to come. That Sofonisba is “the most famous woman you’ve never heard of” as indicated in the subtitle, is representative of the way she left her mark on the world – humbly, through hard work, humility, resilience, integrity, and respect. Through Melissa Muldoon’s exquisite rendition the world can see – 500 years later, that Sofonisba Anguissola was a true heroine and role model for all women on the road to equality.

CONNECT WITH MELISSA MULDOON!

For more information visit Melissa’s author webpage: MelissaMuldoon.com & Amazon Author page

To find Melissa on her other Social Media platforms please visit Linktree where all Social Media links are conveniently compiled for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube, Goodreads and her other websites (https://linktr.ee/MelissaMuldoon)

Read our Review!

Kaylin McFarren has received more than fifty national literary awards, in addition to a prestigious RWA Golden Heart Award nomination for Flaherty’s Crossing—a book she and her oldest daughter, New York Times/USA Today best-selling author Kristina McMorris, co-wrote in 2008.

Prior to embarking on her writing journey and developing her popular Threads psychological thriller series, she poured her passion for creativity into her work as the director of a fine art gallery in the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon; she also served as a governor-appointed member of the Oregon Arts Commission and currently oversees interior design projects for the Yoshida Group of Companies.

Her self-published books are written in multiple genres and include award-winning romantic thrillers, mysteries, a time-travel adventure, and now, a paranormal fantasy. She hopes that her stories are entertaining and that they linger in the minds of readers long after her final twists are revealed.

In addition to writing, when she’s not traveling between homes in San Diego and Portland or spoiling her two pups and three grandsons, she enjoys giving back to her community through participation and support of various charitable, medical, and educational organizations, and encourages others to do the same.

To learn more about Kaylin McFarren and her work, visit her website.

Topics of Conversation

Stepping outside her normal genre – writing about the supernatural world
Why she pushes her characters to their limits
Bringing relevant social issues into the mix – women’s rights
A woman as the ruler of hell?
Writing and publishing a book during a pandemic

SOUL SEEKER

Crighton Daemonium arrives in the peaceful town of Lochton, Illinois, searching for wicked souls to add to his count. Benjamin Poe, a devoted husband, father and firefighter, finds himself in a battle of wills against this evil, manipulating demon, while protecting his only son. Ultimately, Poe is tricked into committing murder and Crighton is rewarded with the soul he was sent to retrieve. Following Poe’s execution, Crighton continues his dark malevolent duties, until he's kidnapped by members of The Sovereign Sector. This group of scientists, notorious for experimenting on supernatural creatures, forces Crighton into a soulmate relationship with the very angel he was sent to capture for the King of Hell, Lucifer. With secrets revealed, darkness rules and loyalties shift. The demonic soul-seeker soon becomes the target of Lucifer's revenge, and his journey to redemption and freedom—or eternal enslavement—begins.

CONNECT WITH KAYLIN MCFARREN! Website: http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaylinMcFarren

Twitter: https://twitter.com/4kaylin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4kaylinmcfarren/

WATCH THE BOOK VIDEO

READ THE READER VIEWS BOOK REVIEW

SOUL SEEKER (Gehenna)

Dr. Randy Overbeck is a veteran educator who has served children as a teacher and school leader. For more than three decades, his educational experiences and responsibilities ranged from coach and yearbook advisor to principal and superintendent, and he’s lived the roles of many of the characters in his stories.

An accomplished writer, he has been published in trade journals, professional texts and newspapers, as well as in fiction, now with his third published novel.

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation “Things That Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.

To learn more about Randy Overbeck and his work visit authorrandyoverbeck.com.

Topics of Conversation

The paranormal world and believing in ghosts
Choosing a new location for each mystery
Writing in a different time period
Favorite part of research process
Centering your mysteries around a social justice issue.

CRIMSON AT CAPE MAY

No matter how far you run, you can never really escape a haunted past. Darrell Henshaw-teacher, coach, and paranormal sensitive-learned this lesson the hard way. Now, with his job gone and few options, he heads for Cape May to coach a summer football camp. The resort town, with gorgeous beaches, rich history and famous Victorian mansions, might just be the getaway he needs. Only, no one told him Cape May is the most haunted seaport on the East Coast. When a resident ghost, the Haunted Bride, stalks Darrell, begging for his help, he can't refuse, and joins forces with Cassie, another sensitive. As Darrell and the street-wise teen investigate the bride's death, they uncover something far more sinister than a murder. Can Darrell and Cassie expose those behind the crimes before they end up becoming the next victims?

CONNECT WITH RANDY OVERBECK Website: https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/ Email: randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com

Facebook: @authorrandyoverbeck Twitter: @overbeckrandy

Watch the book video

Read the Reader Views Book Review

Crimson at Cape May (2) (Haunted Shores Mysteries)

As an attorney and civil justice advocate, author Mark M. Bello draws upon over 40 years of courtroom experience in his Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series. A Michigan native, Mark received his B.A. in English Literature from Oakland University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After working extremely high profile legal cases, Mark wanted to give the public a front-row glimpse of what victims face when standing up for justice. Combining his legal experience and passion for justice with a creative writing style, Mark not only brings high-quality legal services to his clients but captivating novels to his readers. When Mark’s not writing legal and political novels, he writes and posts about fairness and justice in the civil justice system on his website, Legal Examiner and Injury Board. In his spare time, Mark enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. Mark and his wife, Tobye, have four children and 8 grandchildren.

Learn more about Mark and his work by visiting his website at www.markmbello.com.

Just a few of the topics of conversation:

School shootings and the root causes
Using an author platform to get the news out about relevant social justice issues
The Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series

BETRAYAL HIGH

What does a kid do when it just won’t stop? Kevin Burns has had enough. Today, the bullying stops. Today, he has easy access to his father’s gun cabinet. Today, Kevin exacts his revenge.

Bloomfield, Michigan, an affluent Detroit area suburb, is home to trial lawyer Zachary Blake. Other school districts envy Bloomfield, that is, until Kevin Burns commits shocking, all too familiar, acts of senseless violence. In the aftermath of the tragedy, everyone wonders ‘why?’.

Zack Blake seeks answers, justice for the victims, including his own son. How does a kid get a cache of weapons?

In Betrayal High, a Zachary Blake legal thriller, award-winning author/attorney Mark M. Bello answers these questions and more in this fifth installment of what many readers are calling the country’s best courtroom drama series. Prepare to get Betrayed . . . again.

CONNECT WITH MARK M. BELLO! Website: https://www.markmbello.com Facebook: @markmbellobooks Twitter: @markmbello Instagram: @markmbellobooks

Mark’s books can be found on his website, Amazon, Goodreads, and all other online retailers. The books are available for reader, in print, or as audiobooks.

Read Our Review of Betrayal High

Colleen M. Story inspires writers to overcome modern-day challenges and find creative fulfillment in their work. Her first non-fiction book, Overwhelmed Writer Rescue, was named Book by Book Publicity’s Best Writing/Publishing Book in 2018, and her novel, Loreena’s Gift, was a Foreword Reviews' INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, among others. Her latest release, Writer Get Noticed!, was a gold-medal winner in the 2019 Reader’s Favorite Book Awards for writing and publishing, and a recent 1st-place winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards. With over 20 years in the creative industry, Colleen is the founder of Writing and Wellness (writingandwellness.com) and Writer CEO (writerceo.com). Please see her author website (colleenmstory.com) or follow her on Twitter (@colleen_m_story).

Topics of Conversation:

About Writer Get Noticed!
What is an Author Platform?
Using your Strengths to Develop your Niche
The Three-Brain Decision Making system
On Writing and Wellness

Have you been writing for years, but feel like no one notices? Have you publishedyour stories, only to gain a handful of readers? Do your marketing efforts feel like shouting into a void?

Veteran writer and motivational coach Colleen M. Story helps you break the spell of invisibility to reveal the author platform that will finally draw readers your way. There are more books out there than ever before, and readers have many other things vying for their attention. A writer can feel like a needle in a haystack, and throwing money at the problem rarely helps. What does work is creating a platform that stands out, but in a sea of a million platforms, how is one to do that?

Writer Get Noticed! takes a new approach, dispelling the notion that fixing your writing flaws and expanding your social media reach will get you the readers you deserve. Instead, discover a myriad of strengths you didn't know you had, then use them to find your author theme, power up your platform, and create a new author business blueprint, all while gaining insight into what sets you apart as a writer and creative artist.

CONNECT WITH COLLEEN M. STORY! Writing and Wellness (http://writingandwellness.com/)

Writer CEO (https://writerceo.com/)

Author Site (http://colleenmstory.com/)

LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-m-story-81408034/)

Twitter (@colleen_m_story)

Read our review of Writer Get Noticed!

Gary D. McGugan loves to tell stories and is the author of Three Weeks Less a Day, The Multima Scheme, Unrelenting Peril and Pernicious Pursuit. Whether sharing a vision with colleagues in large multinational corporations, helping consulting clients implement expert advice, or writing a corporate thriller, Gary uses artful suspense to entertain and inform. His launch of a new writing career—at an age most people retire—reveals an ongoing zest for new challenges and a life-long pursuit of knowledge. Home may be in Toronto, but his love of travel and broad business knowledge accumulated from extensive experiences around the globe are evident in every chapter Gary writes.

Topics of Conversation:

Writing novels of intrigue
Using international settings
Incorporating current relevant issues into the plot
Creating authentic female characters
Interests outside of writing
Coming Soon

Snatched from a safe house in The Netherlands in the middle of the night, Howard Knight finds himself in the crosshairs of a vindictive crime boss relentlessly determined to even old scores. His lover, Janet Weissel, barely escapes the grasp of the unwelcome intruders. Her daring getaway takes an unconventional path to another country, a clandestine outfit, and a new purpose.

With The Organization’s vast resources as a backdrop, Pernicious Pursuit is a tale of survival, cunning schemes and dogged determination with seemingly insurmountable odds—while surreptitiously fighting back against deep-seated misogyny, abuse and the degradation of women by the nefarious criminal element.

Connect with Gary D. McGugan!

Website: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com Monthly Blog: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/rendezvous-blog Facebook: @gary.d.mcgugan.books Twitter: @GaryDMcGugan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgarydmcgugan

Jessica (Tyner) Mehta is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, multi-award-winning poet, and author of over one dozen books. Place, space, and personal ancestry inform much of her work. She’s also the Editor-in-Chief of Crab Creek Review and owner of an award-winning small business. MehtaFor is a writing services company that offers pro bono services to Native Americans and indigenous-serving non-profits.

Her novel The Wrong Kind of Indian won gold at the 2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs) and at the American Book Fest Best Book. Jessica has also received numerous fellowships in recent years, including the Everett Helm Visiting Fellowship at the Lilly Library at Indiana University in Bloomington and the Eccles Centre Visiting Fellowship at The British Library in London. Jessica is a popular speaker and panelist, featured recently at events such as the US State Department’s National Poetry Month event, “Poets as Cultural Emissaries: A Conversation with Women Writers,” as well as the “Women’s Transatlantic Prison Activism Since 1960” symposium at Oxford University.

She has undertaken poetry residencies around the globe including at Hosking Houses Trust with an appointment at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in England, Paris Lit Up in France, and at the Crazy Horse Memorial and museum in South Dakota. Her work has been featured at galleries and exhibitions around the world, including IA&A Hillyer in Washington DC, The Emergency Gallery in Sweden, and Institute of American Indian Arts in New Mexico.

Topics of Conversation:

About writing poetry
Integrating poetry with technology through her "Red/Act" Exhibition
Poetry Performance Art and her "emBODY poetry" work
How writing serves as a means of trauma management (bibliotherapy)
A reading from "Savagery"

Poetry. Native American Studies. SAVAGERY joins Mehta's oeuvre as a reflection of what it means to be indigenous in today's increasingly hostile, post-colonial America. Reflecting on self, place, and space and with strong confessional leanings, SAVAGERY joins the ranks of other much-needed indigenous poetry of the era to provide a lens (and mirror) into indigenous issues and disparities while also providing a constant offering of hope. These poems are raw and very, very necessary.

Connect with Jessica Mehta

websites: www.jessicamehta.com and www.mehtafor.com

Twitter: @bookscatsyoga

Instagram: @bookscatsyoga

Dianne Romain grew up in Missouri and studied philosophy at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. After completing her PhD in Philosophy at UC Berkeley, she taught feminist ethics and philosophy of emotion at Sonoma State University and published Thinking Things Through, a critical thinking textbook. While in California, she practiced fiction writing techniques in a women’s writing group. In Guanajuato, where she lives with novelist Sterling Bennett, she took up the trumpet as research for her debut novel, The Trumpet Lesson. Her current writing projects set in Guanajuato include short stories and a second novel.

Topics of Conversation:

About “The Trumpet Lesson” and the Inspiration Behind the Story
Living in Guanajuato, Mexico
Learning to play the trumpet as research for her Novel
Bringing diverse characters together
Differences between writing fiction and non-fiction
Supporting non-profits
New projects from Dianne Romain

THE TRUMPET LESSON

Fascinated by a young woman’s performance of “The Lost Child” in Guanajuato’s central plaza, painfully shy expatriate Callie Quinn asks the woman for a trumpet lesson ― and ends up confronting her longing to know her own lost child.

When Callie became pregnant in 1960s rural Missouri over thirty years ago, her outraged father, with her mother’s acquiescence, insisted that no one know―and Callie complied. She went away, and she gave up her baby. She did it to protect the baby’s father―a black teen―from the era’s racist violence.

When Pamela, the trumpeter whose music flows from her heart, enters Callie’s life, Callie begins to dream of opening her own heart. But instead she remains silent, hiding her longing and risking giving up everyone she dares to love in order to safeguard her secret. Callie tells herself she does so to protect her daughter, but ultimately, in order to speak, she must confront the deepest reasons for her silence―the ones she’s been concealing even from herself.

CONNECT WITH DIANNE ROMAIN! Website: https://dianneromain.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DRomainGTO Twitter: https://twitter.com/dianne_romain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_romain/ YouTube Channel: Dianne Romain

Read our review of “The Trumpet Lesson”

James D. Bell is an award-winning author and retired Judge who received the highest bar association approval ratings ever given to a Mississippi Circuit or County Judge. He is listed in Preeminent Lawyers, Outstanding Lawyers of America and Top 100 Attorneys of North America. He is the author of two novels, Vampire Defense and Maximilian’s Treasure. His short story, The Adventures of Sherlock Hound, was published in Mardi Allen’s collection, Dog Stories for the Soul, alongside stories from Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, Willie Morris and others. The son of a Choctaw mother and a Mississippi businessman, Judge Bell is devoted to his wife, Joanne. They live near Jackson, Mississippi and have four children. Judge Bell returned to law practice but is frequently called back to the bench by the Mississippi Supreme Court for short term assignments.

Topics of Conversation: * About “Maximilian’s Treasure” and the Inspiration Behind the Story * Is Maximilian’s Treasure real? * Finding solutions from our differences. * About writing to make people laugh out loud! * New projects from James Bell

MAXIMILIAN’S TREASURE

Rumors of a legendary treasure trigger a battle over possession of a Choctaw family farm. Two young lawyers, John Brooks and Jackson Bradley, agree to help the family keep their farm. Early legal success prompts the drive-by murder of the patriarch of the family. The grandson chases the suspects whose bodies are found on the farm, scalped. At the same time clues to a vast treasure are found on the farm. Jackson, pursued by fortune seekers, adventurers, an exotic beauty and a homicidal maniac, follows the clues from a Caribbean reef to the Chiapas jungle. John stays behind to defend the grandson and continue the fight for the farm. His efforts are complicated by arson, murder, race riots, and the realization that he lost his one true love. Though there is great distance between them, their adventures are intertwined as they rush toward a triple climax that could shake the world. Join the adventure and discover your “Maximilian’s Treasure.”

CONNECT WITH JAMES D BELL! Website: http://maximilianstreasure.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VampireDefense

Twitter: https://twitter.com/James_D_Bell

Margaret Franceschini’s desire to write in a dramatic way began at a young age. Her passion for poetry and short stories can be traced back to early childhood when she wrote about the creatures she watched in her backyard. Entering into adult life led her to join poetry sites, where she was able to share her innermost feelings with those of the same type of writings.

Later in life, she became intrigued with children with autism as she worked best with this population. Earning her credits with college writing, her essays always composed with her daily observation of their progression.

Through the years, she found the path to sincere friendships. While forming these friendships, she was able to gain trust and give these friendships emotional support. They shared the trials of young love and the conflicting decisions of their pregnancies. Weighing heavy on their hearts with this dilemma, and abandoned by the father, left them alone, with a decision of either abortion versus adoption.

Her story is a portrayal of young women of any generation that had to make a life-changing decision that, either way remained etched in their hearts for a lifetime.

Topics of Conversation: * The inspiration behind “Veil of Secrecy” * Researching her subject and the level of detail involved * Margaret’s writing journey – from poet to novelist * Personal interests outside of writing * A bit of insight into her next project * Margaret’s advice to emerging authors

VEIL OF SECRECY

An ambitious young woman who dreams of leaving her small town to follow her dreams learns the heartbreak of reckless love. As a young woman trapped in the confines of her small Newfoundland fishing village, sixteen-year-old Julie dreams of someday making her way out into the world and becoming a journalist. The daughter she gave up at birth must learn the same lesson, but will she follow in her mother's footsteps and give up her dreams?

What happens when a daughter, given up at birth, makes the same tragic mistake as the mother she never knew? In 1950 Julie was deceived in love and had to give up not only the child of that union, but her dreams of escaping her small fishing village to become a journalist. Twenty years later, Marina, too, is deceived in love and has to forfeit her child, but dreams are not to be thwarted the second time around. The only refuge for young teen girls at that time was an old plantation pavilion called The Fold located in Nova Scotia. Hidden away on acres of lush green grass and surrounded by the wonder of the sea, The Fold holds the mystery and secrets of those who suffered emotions of forfeiting their infant and the suffering that remains within their veil of secrecy.

CONNECT WITH MARGARET FRANCESCHINI!

Website: http://www.pagepublishing.com/books/?book=veil-of-secrecy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeilOfSecrecyBook/ https://www.facebook.com/franceschinistories

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Veil-Secrecy-Margaret-Franceschini/dp/164544080X/

Veil of Secrecy

Steve Bassett was born, raised and educated in New Jersey, and, although far removed during a career as a multiple award-winning journalist, he has always been proud of the sobriquet, Jersey Guy. He has written for several publications, including the Pulitzer Prize winning Salt Lake Tribune. He’s worked for the Associated Press, where his exposés gained national recognition, and CBS television news in Los Angeles, earning three Emmy Awards for his investigative documentaries.

His book, “Golden Ghetto: How the Americans and French Fell In and Out of Love During the Cold War,” was published in 2013. “Father Divine’s Bikes,” Book One in his Passaic River Trilogy was published in 2018. “Payback: Tales of Love, Hate and Revenge,” is the second novel in the trilogy continuing the historical noir crime drama surrounding Newark, NJ in the post WWII era.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

About “Payback – Tales of Love, Hate, and Revenge” and the Inspiration Behind the Story
The German-American Bund and the Minutemen
Redlining then and now – and other parallels in the story to current events
Personal Interest – on owning a 600 year-old property in Central France and the differences between French and American Culture

Payback – Tales of Love, Hate and Revenge, the second book of the Passaic River Trilogy, is a drama so intense that it would be improbable anywhere but 1946 Newark. Across the country millions were dealing with the loss of loved ones, and horrible memories were being buried for the greater good. But not in Newark. Two mutilated bodies were pulled from the putrid Passaic River, and the sawed-off arm of a third man was found neatly wrapped and tied at the city dump. The three victims were members of the German-American Bund, Hitler lovers who had to pay the price for supporting a murderous madman. Someone was sending a message that only revenge could clear the mind and free the soul.

CONNECT WITH STEVE BASSETT!

Website: https://stevebassettworld.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevebassettworld/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/SteveBassett19

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevebassettauthor

Payback - Tales of Love, Hate and Revenge (Passaic River Trilogy)

Steve Bassett was born, raised and educated in New Jersey, and, although far removed during a career as a multiple award-winning journalist, he has always been proud of the sobriquet Jersey Guy. He has been legally blind for almost a decade but hasn’t let this slow him down. Polish on his mother’s side and Montenegrin on his father’s, with grandparents who spoke little or no English, his early outlook was ethnic and suspicious. As a natural iconoclast, he joined the dwindling number of itinerant newsmen roaming the countryside in search of, well just about everything. Sadly, their breed has vanished into the digital ether. Bassett’s targets were not selected simply by sticking pins in a map. There had to be a sense of the bizarre.

First there was The Long Branch Daily Record on the New Jersey shore. Mobsters loved the place. It was one of their favorite watering holes. A mafia soldier was gunned down not far from the paper. Great fun for a cub reporter. Curiosity got the better of him with his next choice the Pekin Daily Times located in central Illinois. Now a respected newspaper, it had once been the official voice of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1920’s. Pekin had saved its bacon during the Depression by tacitly approving two time-honored money makers, prostitution and gambling, earning an eight-page spread in Life.

Next it was the Salt Lake Tribune. The Pulitzer Prize winner was then, and still is, considered one of the best daily newspapers west of the Rockies. Bassett’s coverage of the invective laden contract talks between the United Mine Workers and the three copper mining giants led to his recruitment by the Associated Press.

Bassett’s series for the AP in Phoenix uncovered the widespread abuses inherent in the Government’s Barcero program for Mexican contract workers. The series exposed working and housing conditions that transformed workers into virtual slave laborers, forced to buy at company stores, live in squalid housing and pay illegally collected unemployment taxes that went into the pocket of their bosses. The series led to Bassett’s promotion and transfer to the San Francisco bureau.

His final AP posting was in San Francisco. Bassett’s five-part series on the Wah Ching gained national attention by exposing the Chinese youth gang as the violent instrument of Chinatown’s criminal bosses.

Then came CBS television news in Los Angeles, three Emmy Awards for his investigative documentaries, and the prestigious Medallion Award presented by the California Bar Association for “Distinguished Reporting on the Administration of Justice.” Along the way he found time to author “The Battered Rich” (Ashley Books) exposing seldom discussed but widespread marital abuse among the affluent.

His book, “Golden Ghetto: How the Americans and French Fell In and Out of Love During the Cold War,” published in 2013 by Red Hen Press under its Xeno imprint, traces the sixteen-year history of what was then the largest U.S. Air Force base in Europe. It pieces together a love affair that defines trust, hope, renewal, prosperity, and finally the discovery that it was all a Cold War delusion.

His first fiction work, “Father Divine’s Bikes,” is a historical, noir crime novel set in 1945 Newark. A gangster war, three murders, a gun-toting paperboy, and the numbers racket punctuate the tragic story of two gritty altar boys adrift in a world of poverty, crime and hopelessness. The boys live in a world ripe for grifters like Father Divine and his promise of heaven on earth.

Bassett currently resides in Placitas, New Mexico with his wife Darlene Chandler Bassett.

To learn more about Steve Bassett, visit his website at www.stevebassettworld.com.

Topics of Conversation:

About Father Divine’s Bikes and the Inspiration Behind the Story
America’s Urban History
Who is Father Divine?
Multi-Generational Characters
Interests Outside of Writing
The VA and Assistance for Veterans with Disabilities

Lucinda Clark is the Founder of P.R.A. Publishing and the Poetry Matters Project Ltd. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. now residing in Georgia. She has written and published a four-part poetry series titled View From the Middle of the Road with various emerging writers from many areas of the arts. She is currently a contributor to the Accentuated Reading Project. Her mission is to build community connections through collaborations based on literary arts.

Lucinda describes herself as follows: “I am a woman who went on a journey of self-discovery and found that my view(s) on life are determined by updates to my perspective based on new things I experience, meaning, things can change at any time.”

Learn more about Lucinda and her work at www.poetrymattersproject.org

Topics of Conversation:

History of the Poetry Matters Project
Poetry Matters Project Literary Prize – 20 Year Anniversary
Where are they now? Update on some of the past contest winners.
Getting involved – as a contestant, judge or volunteer
Poetry Diversified 2019 Anthology
Poetry Readings by Lucinda Clark

Michael McCord, the former political editor and columnist for The Portsmouth (NH) Herald, is an award-winning journalist and writer.

A U.S. Army veteran, he covered his first presidential primary campaign in 1980 and has written for dozens of publications – including the Boston Globe Magazine, Boston Globe, New Hampshire Business Review, Boston Herald, New Hampshire Magazine – and has won New England & New Hampshire press association awards for investigative reporting, political commentary, feature and historical writing, and business journalism.

Among many adventures, he profiled James Dougherty, Marilyn Monroe’s mostly unknown unknown first husband, for Boston Globe Magazine. He also co-wrote the produced theatrical play “think twice before you think” about the life and writings of e e cummings. His essay on the history of the New Hampshire presidential primary was included in the 2008 analogy The American Presidency.

His Real America saga includes The Execution Channel: A Political Fable (2013) & End Times: More Great Adventures in Real America (2019). Penelope will be the final book in the trilogy.

He lives in Exeter, NH with his artist wife Anne and their cat Vito (the Twitter star of the family).

To learn more about Michael McCord visit his website at www.michaelmccordauthor.com.

Topics of Conversation: * A vision of “Real America” * How the Real America in the book compares to the current political climate in the U.S. * Satire – a fun book to write * How the Information Warfare plot plays out * Promoting and Self-Publishing * and more!

Jeannine Kellogg loves a grand adventure and a great story. She has traveled to fifteen countries and her adventures include hiking in New Zealand, sea-kayaking above the Arctic Circle, and wading through rice fields in Thailand. Yet she has grown certain that the great inspirations are found not in distant adventures, but in the often-overlooked details of everyday life.

Jeannine’s career has spanned a variety of industries and roles, but it has mostly involved analyzing lots of numbers and telling stories in numbers. Mid-career she switched it up and starting telling stories in words. She loves ice cream. Guinea pigs. Mathematics. Children. History. Practical jokes. Family. Thai food. Friends. Music. And, of course, writing.

Her first novel, The Tukor’s Journey, began in a windstorm as Jeannine and her nephews dove deep into sheltered waters seeking sparkling blue stones only visible when sunlight broke through the clouds. She built a story around that diving adventure, and over time, inspired by the encouragement of her nephews, it grew into The Tukor’s Journey series.

Jeannine enjoys nothing more than encouraging kids to seize life’s wonderful adventure and take the lead in their own powerful journey. She invites you to connect with her on social media. And she would be delighted to visit your school.

To learn more about Jeannine Kellogg visit her website at www.jeanninekellogg.com.

Topics of Conversation:

Introducing a world of adventure through extraordinary animals and locations
Encouraging outdoor adventures
Characters who use their own skills and imagination to invent and solve problems
Storytelling and instilling hope
The Publishing Industry vs. The Gaming Industry

Susan Braudy is the bestselling author of six books. Her writing has also appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Ms. Magazine, New York Magazine, Jezebel, The Week, and the New Journal at Yale. The Men’s Issue she created and edited for Ms. Magazine was the highest selling in the magazine’s history. She’s a recipient of the Dick Goldensohn Fund Award for investigative reporting and was a judge for the J. Anthony Lukas Prize at Columbia University. Alfred A. Knopf nominated her last book for the Pulitzer Prize. Her blogs are Writers Celebrate Writers and Manhattan Voyeur.

For more information on Susan Braudy and her book – visit her website at www.susanbraudy.com.

Topics of Conversation

A young woman’s sexual awakening.
America’s infatuation with the Kennedy’s
Researching historical figures
The power of language
Susan’s current project – a mystery/thriller based on a true story!
Advice for emerging authors

Melissa Muldoon is the author of three novels set in Italy: “Dreaming Sophia,” “Waking Isabella,” and “Eternally Artemisia.” All three books tell the stories of American women and their journeys of self-discovery to find love, uncover hidden truths, and follow their destinies to shape a better future in Italy.

Melissa is also the author of the Studentessa Matta website, where she promotes the study of Italian language and culture through her dual-language blog written in Italian and English (studentessamatta.com). Studentessa Matta means the “crazy linguist” and has grown to include a podcast, Tutti Matti per l’Italiano and the Studentessa Matta YouTube channel, Facebook page and Instagram feed. Melissa also created Matta Italian Language Immersion Programs, which she co-leads with Italian schools in Italy to learn Italian in Italy. Through her website, she also offers the opportunities to live and study in Italy through Homestay programs.

Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history and European history from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a master’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She has also studied painting and art history in Florence. She is an artist, designer, and illustrated the cover art for all three of her books. Melissa is also the managing director of Matta Press.

Melissa designed and illustrated the cover art for Eternally Artemisia, Waking Isabella, and Dreaming Sophia. She also curates the Dreaming Sophia Art History blog site and Pinterest site: The Art of Loving Italy, where you will find companion pictures for all three books. Visit MelissaMuldoon.com for more information about immersion trips to learn the language with Melissa in Italy, as well as the Studentessa Matta blog for practice and tips to learn the Italian language.

To learn more about Melissa Muldoon visit her website at melissamuldoon.com.

Topics of Conversation:

Artemisia Gentileschi’s influence on the art world and her relevance to today’s women
Italy – its history and beauty
A common theme connecting all of her books
Incorporating history into historical fiction
Artistic expression
Advice for emerging authors

Bob Gebelein graduated from Harvard with a BA in Mathematics in 1956, and then went on to have a legendary career as a computer programmer and creator of software systems.

But the main focus of his adult life has been to create a new civilization, because of the threat of nuclear annihilation and other cultural problems. His methods were psychotherapy, withdrawal from the culture, and dream analysis. He succeeded in his quest by discovering how “human nature” itself can be changed, to compassion and altruism, to create a new kind of human being, who will then create a new civilization. He is a new civilization with a population of one.

His book, RE-EDUCATING MYSELF, describes his search and the answers that he found. THE MENTAL ENVIRONMENT describes the network of lies from which he extricated himself. His original songs, on “Uncle Bobby’s Record,” now have an international following.

Because he is writing from a new civilization, he can view the scientific establishment with some perspective, especially because he is not controlled by it. Also he brings to DIRTY SCIENCE original concepts such as “the mental senses,” “mental warfare,” and “psychological age,” which make this work a step ahead of the present culture.

To learn more about Dirty Science – visit dirtyscience.net. To learn more about Bob Gebelein and his other works visit bobgebelein.com.

Topics of Conversation:

What is dirty science?
Which areas of research are being targeted?
The spiritual and the psychic
How to recognize unscientific methods and educating the public
Getting the word out – read the first chapter

Aimee Cabo Nikolov is a Cuban American who has lived most of her life in Miami. She is a trained nurse and the president and owner of IMIC, Inc, a medical research company in Palmetto Bay, Florida. She lives with her husband, Dr. Boris Nikolov, and her three children, Danielle, Sean and Michelle. Love is the Answer, God is the Cure is her first book.

To learn more about Aimee Cabo Nikolov and her book, Love is the Answer, God is the Cure, visit her website at www.godisthecure.com.

Topics of Conversation:

Writing her memoir
The different forms of abuse and how to recognize it
Consequences of abuse
Healing
Helping Others
Inspiration

Paul Kloschinsky was born in Saskatchewan in 1963. He received a BSc in Computer Science and an MD from the University of British Columbia in the 1980’s. He is now an avid photographer, songwriter and poet.

Paul lives in Delta, BC, Canada. He won the 2007 MusicAid Award for Best Canadian Songwriter for his original song “Wearin’ Blue.” In 2010, he was accepted as a full member of the League of Canadian Poets. He has since won multiple awards for his songwriting, poetry and photography.

He has published four volumes of poetry and has released five musical CDs of his original songs.

For more information about Paul Kloschinsky and his book, “Vice and Virtue” visit his website at https://kloschinsky.com.

Topics of Conversation:

Writing Poetry
Inspiration
League of Canadian Poets
Songwriting and Photography
Poetry Readings from Vice and Virtue

Michelle Peach worked in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the 1990s, serving in London in the News Department and the Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe’s Private Office. She spent three years as the radio communications officer and visa assistant in the British Embassy in Sana’a, in the former Yemen Arab Republic. During those three years, she witnessed the beginning of the Iraq/Kuwait War in a country which supported Saddam Hussein with popular, violent demonstrations.

She obtained her B.A. (Hons) degree in Arabic with Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Durham University where her second year was spent studying in Damascus, Syria.

She freelanced as an Arabic translator for a UN research report in Beirut, Lebanon.

She worked as an executive secretary for the British president and CEO of a large oil shipping company in Dubai, U.A.E.. Later, becoming the Business Development Director of an investment company in Dubai.

Michelle met her husband in Dubai and moved to America. Last year, they celebrated 20 years of marriage at a renewal of their vows in the same chapel in Las Vegas with their children in attendance.

Currently, Michelle is working on her second novel. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, gardening and reading.

For more information about Michelle Peach and her book, “Gazelle in the Shadows” visit her website at https://michellepeach.com/

Topics of Conversation:

Story inspiration
The process of writing and research about Syria and its people
Worldly travels – 37 countries for business and pleasure
Working in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, Yemen and Djibouti.
Writing and upcoming projects
Advice for emerging authors

Britta Stromeyer Esmail is a writer and a mom passionate about raising resilient girls to find their own voice. The mother of two girls lives in Northern California. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, horseback riding and reading with her daughters Maya and Anya.

To learn more about Britta Stromeyer Esmail and her book, “Raina’s (Un)happy Birthday, visit www.rainasunhappybirthday.com.

Topics of Conversation:

Writing to show kids they have a voice
Relatable Characters
Working with an illustrator
About the publishing journey
Writing and upcoming projects
Advice for emerging picture book authors

Geza Tatrallyay is the author of ten published books in the genres of thrillers, memoirs, poetry and children’s books.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, Geza escaped with his family in 1956 during the Hungarian Revolution, immigrating to Canada the same year. He grew up in Toronto, attending the University of Toronto Schools, where he was school captain and graduated from Harvard University with a BA in Human Ecology. Geza was selected as a Rhodes Scholar from Ontario, attending Oxford University and graduating with a BA/MA in Human Sciences. He completed his studies with a MSc in Economics from London School of Economics and Politics. Geza represented Canada as an epée fencer in the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.

Geza’s professional experience has included stints in government, international organizations, finance and environmental entrepreneurship. Since 2004, he has been semi-retired, managing a few investments mainly in the clean energy sector and devoting himself to his family and his writing. Geza is a citizen of Canada and Hungary, and currently divides his time between Vermont and San Francisco.

To learn more about Geza Tatrallyay and his books visit his website: www.gezatatrallyay.com

Topics of Conversation:

The art of writing
Writing in different genres: Poetry, Memoir, Thriller, Children’s Books
His experience as an Olympian
Research and Russia
Poetry readings from his new collection, Extinction

Michelle Burke is a highly respected and sought-after Communication, Team and leadership Coach, Consultant, and Speaker. She is Founder and President of Energy Catalyst Group, a consulting, training and coaching company for well-being. Burke has devoted her 20-year career to helping leaders, their teams and organizations thrive by increasing self-awareness, accountability and shifting negative attitudes and behaviors that get in the way of an energized life and workplace. Her deep experience and knowledge consulting with Fortune 100 and 500 companies established her as a leading expert in bridging communication, team and gender gaps. Burke developed hundreds of team, leadership and energy boosting training programs which continually garner rave reviews from clients. As a coach, she works with executives and managers to adapt a mindfulness approach to their leadership capabilities and achieved great success in empowering women into leadership roles. Her work consistently results in higher productivity, stronger employee engagement, and more energized and inclusive workplaces. Some clients include Microsoft, Visa, Ernst & Young, Intel, Hewlett Packard, McDonald’s, Cobra Golf, Cisco Systems, Blue Shield, Disney, Sony Electronics, HTC, Genentech, Snap Inc., Stanford University and Sony PlayStation.

Michelle is also author of the highly acclaimed book, The Valuable Office Professional, endorsed by Ken Blanchard and was featured in Business Week, LA Times, SF Chronicle, and Wall Street Journal. Her articles appeared in Training, HR, and Chief Learning Officer, Huffington Post. She is a member of Forbes Coaches Council and participated in UCLA’s MARC intensive year-long mindfulness Program. Admired for her positive spirit, empathy, warmth and creativity, Michelle finds joy by giving back, fun adventures, reading, cooking, is a sports enthusiast and practices pausing every day.

For more information about Michelle Burke, Lilamani de Silva, and “15 Minute Pause” visit www.15minutepause.com or www.energycatalystgroup.com.

Topics of Conversation

Why it’s so important to take a 15 minute pause
How can we re-energize?
Life Energy Inventory
The Meddler vs. The Player
Feet on the Ground Challenge
Personalogy Games

Don Ake is a funny guy. His humor writing is clever, witty, and totally entertaining. Instead of telling jokes, he paints funny pictures inside your head. You will smile, then snicker, and finally laugh out loud. Often you will laugh with him, sometimes you will laugh at him, but you will laugh and laugh a lot.

Don takes simple everyday things and situations and makes them hilarious. His perspective on life is unique, sometimes even bizarre. His humor writing has been compared to the television show “Seinfeld” because the topics are so basic, but the humor so funny.

He started writing humor columns in college and began writing his popular Ake’s Pains blog in 2011. He released his first humor book, “Just Make Me A Sammich” in 2015 and followed it up with “Will There Be Free Appetizers” in 2018.

Don works as an analyst/economist in the trucking industry and has an MBA degree from the University of Akron. He resides in Northeast Ohio.

To learn more about Don Ake and his books visit his website at www.donake.net.

Topics of conversation:

* Writing Humor * How to make even the most mundane topics funny * Humor that’s relatable and diverse * Making people laugh out loud * Who makes Don laugh? * Evolving and growing as a writer * Advice to aspiring authors

Anna Dopico never imaged herself as a writer but felt compelled to write the story of Phil White and Gerard Vroomen, co-founders of Cervélo Cycles. Married to Phil, she had an insider’s view of their story from when Phil and Gerard met to when they sold their company. Anna was not only Phil’s wife but a business person, as well, with financing experience that proved useful after Phil and Gerard started their company. She provided a home for Cervélo in the early years, became a business advisor to the company, and in the later years, went to work for the company. She spent three years writing the Cervélo story and released the book in May 2018.

To learn more about Anna Dopico and her book visit her website at www.tomakeridersfaster.com.

Topics of conversation:

On becoming a writer and the writing process
A company built on determination and excellence
Marketing
CAN Fund www.canadianathletesnow.ca
Hobbies and Interests
Endeavour Volunteer Consulting www.endeavourvolunteer.ca
Advice to aspiring authors

Betty Jean Craige retired from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia in 2011, after thirty-eight happy years. During this time, she published books in the fields of literature, poetry translation (from Spanish), history of ideas, ecology, and art. She curated two museum exhibitions of the art of Alvar Suñol and produced a documentary about him titled Alvar: His Vision and His Art, which won first place in its category in the Indie Gathering Film Festival. Her non-academic books are Conversations with Cosmo: At Home with an African Grey Parrot (2010); three Witherston Murder Mysteries: Downstream (2014), Fairfield’s Auction (2016), and Dam Witherston (2017), published by Black Opal Books; and Aldo (2018), a thriller, also published by Black Opal Books. Fairfield’s Auction won first place in the category of Murder and Mayhem in the 2018 Chanticleer International Book Awards. Dam Witherston received Honorable Mention in the Mysteries category of the 2017 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and Distinguished Favorite in Mystery in the 2018 Independent Press Awards.

To learn more about Betty Jean Craige and her books visit her website at www.bettyjeancraigebooks.weebly.com.

Topics of conversation:

Writing murder mysteries
Cosmo – her African Grey Parrot – we’ll hear some of Cosmo’s thoughts as well!
Hobbies and Interests
Writing what you want to learn about

A Chinese American and son of Chinese immigrants who escaped from the Communist takeover of China in 1949, Stanley Chao grew up in California in a very traditional Chinese family: living with three generations under one roof, speaking only Chinese until grade school, and learning that anything less than an A grade was unacceptable, and that working hard was the only way to get ahead in life. Chao holds a BSEE degree from Columbia University, an MSEE from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Business. His professional career includes stints at Philips Lighting in California, and China; Kingston Technology in California and Japan; SoftBank in Japan; and Merrill Lynch in New York and Japan. He speaks fluent English, Mandarin, and Japanese and currently resides in Los Angeles. Chao is the Managing Director of All In Consulting, a Los Angeles based consulting firm assisting Western companies in their Asia and China business developments. Chao’s clients include: Intel, Emerson Electric, SPX, Kingston Technology, Baxter Healthcare, and dozens of small and medium-sized companies. Chao and his team have conducted over 200 projects in China covering more than 12 different vertical markets including the aviation, automotive, medical, information technology, manufacturing and environmental engineering industries.

To learn more about Stanley Chao and his book, “Selling to China” visit his website at www.allinconsult.com.

Topics of conversation:

The Sino-US trade war
What will happen over the coming months?
Is China running out of bullets?
What should American companies do?
Intellectual property theft
The most difficult aspects about doing business in China
Predictions about China
Hobbies and Interests
Personal story about travels to China

Desirée Calderón de Fawaz is a writer and illustrator specializing in stories about children from different cultural and religious backgrounds; stories that have universal appeal and hidden wisdom. Born and raised in Mexico City, Desirée’s earliest memories are of painting with oils and writing poems, both natural activities in a family where writers like Jose Vasconcelos and painters like Frida Kahlo flourished. In 2015, Desirée traveled to Lebanon in search of the perfect town that would set the stage for her new story and found that the cities of Saida and Biblos epitomized the diverse and vibrant Mediterranean culture she was looking for. Two years and many teas later, Tata’s Earrings was ready to launch with the hope that it would sow a small seed of love, compassion, and understanding. Desirée lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and three children. When not writing, she practices yoga, learns herbology, and enjoys cuddling up on her couch with a good book.

To learn more about Desiree and her books visit her website at www.desireecalderondefawaz.com.

Topics of conversation:

Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books
Research and Travel for the Perfect Setting
Representation of Arab Women and Children in Literature
Frida Khalo
Hobbies and Interests
Campaign of Giving

Mark Gunther has been many things in his life— student, hippie, cook, husband, carpenter, father, dancer, administrator, musician, entrepreneur, athlete. He has worked in staff or board roles in small businesses and nonprofit organizations for forty years.

After his daughter Eva was killed by a drunk driver in 1997, he and his wife started the Eva Gunther Foundation (www.evafoundation.org), to “fuel hope in the heart of a girl.”

Mark received an MFA in Creative Writing in December of 2015 and since then has been published in several literary journals and other publications. Without Jenny is his first novel.

To learn more about Mark Gunther and his debut novel, “Without Jenny” visit his website at www.markgunther.net.

Topics of conversation:

Writing Fiction vs. Memoir
Eva Gunther Foundation (www.evafoundation.org)
Personal Judaism
Long Distance Bicycling and Other Interests
Advice to Aspiring Authors

Sherrill S. Cannon is a former teacher and grandmother of ten and the author of nine published rhymed children’s stories in addition to this newest book of poetry. Her books have received fifty-eight National and International awards. “A Penny for Your Thoughts” is a collection of poetry she has written through the years.

As a teacher, she used poetry to help counsel many troubled teens and friends and has continued this pattern throughout the years. She is also a playwright with seven published plays for elementary school children, which have been performed internationally in 24 countries. She has also been a professional newspaper sports writer and photographer, a dinner theatre stage manager, and a business administrator.

Sherrill and her husband just celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this June. They are now retired and travel in their RV from coast to coast each year to spend time with their children and grandchildren.

For more information on Sherrill Cannon and her books, visit her website at www.sherrillcannon.com.

Topics of conversation:

Writing Poetry
Her Children’s Books and Plays
Travel
Poetry Readings from “A Penny for Your Thoughts” Grandfather Clock I Think of You Winter’s Nuptials Frozen Wasteland
Teasers from “A Dime is a Sign” A Dime is a Sign Through Time When I Open My Eyes

Dr. Diane Pomerantz is a clinical psychologist who has been in practice working with children, adolescents, and adults in the Baltimore, Maryland area for over thirty-five years. She has done extensive work in the area of trauma and child abuse, and research in the area of personality development of abused children. She currently runs Healing Through Writing groups in her practice. She is a breast cancer survivor and has two wonderful grown children. She and her shaggy dog, Rug, live amidst tall trees on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland.

For more information on Diane and her book “Lost in the Reflecting Pool” visit her websites at www.dianepomerantz.com and www.drdianepomerantz.com.

Topics of conversation:

Memoir writing as healing
How becoming a parent enhanced her skills as a therapist
Forgiveness – is it necessary to forgive in order to heal?
Human Connectedness
Narcissism in today’s world

J. Peter (Pete) Hoyer was born and raised in New York State, about 40 miles north of NYC. He graduated from the Citadel, Military College of SC, then served a 22-year career with the Army. He traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and South Korea. After retiring from the Army, he worked 20 more years as a civilian instructor with the Department of Defense, teaching logistics, transportation, and military tactics.

He has received many military and civilian awards and decorations but is most proud of being awarded the U.S. Army Transportation Corps Distinguished Member of the Regiment award.

Pete holds 2 Masters Degrees from Webster University and Troy State University in the study of Human Relations and Human Resource Management.

Pete is married, with 2 children and 2 grandchildren, and lives in Calabash, NC. “Characters on the Green” is his first published book.

For more information on Peter Hoyer and his book, “Characters on the Green” visit his website at www.charactersonthegreen.com.

Topics of conversation:

How his sense of humor comes through in his writing style
Humorous stories about some of the people he’s met on and off the golf course
Life in the Army and meeting interesting characters from all over the world
Marketing, book promotion and his next projects
Advice to aspiring authors

Since childhood, Thomas J. Brodeur has been telling stories. Early efforts included drawing his own comics, a skill he honed from grade school through college. In high school, he composed three graphic novels and wrote his first short story. His first published novel, Regina Silsby’s Secret War (2004), was nominated for the Scott O’Dell award for historical fiction.

Besides writing, Mr. Brodeur managed to graduate college and divert some attention to a multi-faceted career. His corporate experience spans several continents and includes motion picture production, computer-aided design, information technology, management, and customer service.

He spends his spare time building ships-in-bottles and dabbling in calligraphy, cartooning and fine art. Additional activities include laundry, dishwashing, lawn mowing, painting, plumbing, and electrical work as required. He enjoys fixing things, anything from bikes to broken furniture.

Home is Florida, with his bride of several decades.

Faces Behind the Masks was recently honored with two top awards in the 2017-2018 Reader Views Literary Awards, taking home First Place in the Teen Category for Kids ages 12-16 and the Reader Views Kids Award for Best Teen/YA Book of the Year.

For more information on Thomas J. Brodeur and his books visit his website at http://thomasjbrodeur.org.

Topics of conversation:

Writing from the perspective of a Teen/YA
Everything is a field for possible use in writing
Developing your Characters
Using an Outline
Hobbies – Building Ships in Bottles, Fixing and Building Things, etc.

Fidelis O. Mkparu was born in Onitsha Nigeria. He is a Harvard-trained cardiologist who has written medical articles for both scientific and lay audiences. His previous novel, Love’s Affliction, was a 2016 Nautilus Book Awards Silver Winner for Fiction, a Reader Views Literary Award Winner for 2015/2016, and a finalist for the 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award for Multicultural Fiction. He lives in Canton, Ohio USA.

For more information about Fidelis Mkparu and his books visit his website at www.fidelismkparu.com.

Topics of conversation:

Passion for Writing
Spirituality in Life and in Writing
The Greatest Gift
Upcoming Projects
Advice to New Authors

Melissa Muldoon is an artist, graphic designer, and award-winning author of the Studentessa Matta Website, a dual language blog, where she promotes the Italian language and culture. Through the Matta Website, she organizes small group language immersion programs in Italy twice a year, in collaboration with Italian schools as well as private Italian language homestay vacations, with teachers all over Italy.

Waking Isabella follows Melissa’s debut novel Dreaming Sophia, published in 2016. In this new book set in Arezzo, Italy, readers are taken on another art history adventure. Waking Isabella weaves together several loves stories as well as a few mysteries, as Nora, the protagonist begins to resolve the puzzle of a painting, which has been missing for decades of Isabella de’ Medici — the Renaissance princess who was murdered by her husband.

For more information on Melissa Muldoon and her books, visit her website at www.melissamuldoon.com.

Topics of conversation:

Isabella de Medici
Research for the book in Arezzo, Italy
Giostra del Saracino – Annual Jousting Festival held in Arezzo
Suppression of Artists and Hitler’s Obsession during WWII
Melissa’s Writing Process
Her Award Winning Italian Language Blog and Immersion Trips to Italy
Most Rewarding Experience as an Author

Dr. Iyabo Ojikutu is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She received her medical degree at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. She has been practicing medicine since she was 22 years old, and currently owns, and runs her practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where she lives with her two daughters. Permanent Happiness is her first book. Her writing began in December 2015, after her dear father passed.

For more information on Dr. Iyabo and her book visit her website at www.driyabo.com.

Topics of conversation:

Her inspiration to start writing
Pediatrics as a career
Finding balance in a busy world
Learning about life from living in 3 different continents
United Nations SDG Media Zone event
Her writing process and publishing experience

Adeed Dawisha was born and raised in Iraq and educated in England, where he received his Ph.D. from the London School of Economics in 1974. Until September 2016, he was University Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Miami University, Ohio, and is the recipient of many prestigious fellowships and awards.

In addition to over 80 academic and public policy articles and book chapters, Dr Dawisha has 12 scholarly books, the most recent of which are the new and expanded editions of Arab Nationalism in the Twentieth Century (2016), and Iraq: A Political History (2013), both published by Princeton University Press, and The Second Arab Awakening (2013), published by W.W. Norton.

Since retirement, he has turned to fiction with the publication of his first novel, The Paymaster (Outskirts Press, 2017). A fast-paced thriller, The Paymaster is a tightly written and intricately plotted novel, with many unanticipated twists and revelations. The plot is complex, but not complicated, and while the narrative moves along at a tempo that makes it difficult for the reader to put the book down, there is enough space for character development, so that the reader feels intimately connected to the characters at every juncture of the novel.

Adeed Dawisha is married to Dr. Karen Dawisha, author of the best-selling book, Putin’s Kleptocracy (Simon and Schuster, 2014). He has a daughter, Nadia, a son, Emile, and a recently arrived beautiful grandson, Theodore.

Topics of conversation:

Writing Mystery/Thrillers in Retirement
Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Writing
European Soccer
Future Projects
Publishing Experience and Advice to New Authors

Kaylin McFarren has received more than 40 national literary awards, in addition to a prestigious Golden Heart Award nomination for Flaherty’s Crossing – a book she and her oldest daughter, Kristina McMorris, co-authored in 2008. Prior to embarking on her writing journey and developing the popular Threads action/adventure romance series, she poured her passion for creativity into her work as the director of a fine art gallery in the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon; she also served as a governor-appointed member of the Oregon Arts Commission.

When she’s not traveling or spoiling her pups and three grandsons, she enjoys giving back to her community through participation and support of various charitable and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest, and is currently the president of the Soulful Giving Foundation – a non-profit focused on cancer research, care and treatment at hospitals throughout Oregon.

For more information about Kaylin McFarren and her work, visit her website at www.kaylinmcfarren.com.

Topics of conversation:

Writing Across Different Genres
Soulful Giving Foundation
Annual Family Photo
Upcoming Projects
Her Unique Writing Process

J. Everett Prewitt is a Vietnam veteran and a former Army officer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, and a Master of Science Degree in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University. Prewitt was awarded the title of distinguished alumni at both schools.

His debut novel Snake Walkers placed first for fiction in four different literary contests and won the Bronze Award for General Fiction in ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year contest. Snake Walkers was also honored by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.

Prewitt’s second novel, A Long Way Back was awarded the Literary Classic’s Seal of Approval. It won the Independent Publishers of New England first place award, was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal Award, received the Bronze Award for the INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, the Silver Award from Literary Classics and the DNQ Award from IBPA’s Benjamin Franklin Award.

Something About Ann, and a series of short stories related to A Long Way Back including the award-winning The Last Time I Saw Willie, will be available in September 2017.

Prewitt loves tennis, billiards, backgammon, jazz, and a good red wine.

For more information about Everett Prewitt and his work, visit his website at www.eprewitt.com.

Topics of conversation:

Writing and PTSD
Books That Inspired Him
Writing Positive Stories
Prewitt’s Future Projects
Message to Young African American Writers

Michael Pronko has lived in Tokyo for twenty years but was born in Kansas City, a very different world. After graduating from Brown University in philosophy, he hit the road, traveling around the world for two years working odd jobs. He went back to school for a Master’s in Education, and then took a teaching position in Beijing. For two years, he taught English, traveled China and wrote.

After more traveling and two more degrees, another M.A. in Comparative Literature in Madison, Wisconsin and a Ph.D. in English at the University of Kent at Canterbury, he finally settled in Tokyo as a professor of American Literature at Meiji Gakuin University. His seminars focus on contemporary novels and film adaptations, and he teaches other classes in American indie film and American music and art.

Pronko has published three award-winning collections of essays: Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo (Raked Gravel Press 2015), Tokyo’s Mystery Deepens (Raked Gravel Press 2014), and Beauty and Chaos: Essays on Tokyo (Raked Gravel Press 2014). He has published books in Japanese and two textbooks in both English and Japanese.

Over the years in Tokyo, he has written regular columns for many publications: The Japan Times, Newsweek Japan, Jazznin, ST Shukan, Jazz Colo[u]rs, and Artscape Japan. He runs his own website Jazz in Japan (www.jazzinjapan.com). He also continues to publish academic articles and helps run a conference on teaching literature.

For more information about Michael Pronko and his work, visit his website at www.michaelpronko.com.

Topics of conversation: * Writing Mystery * Life in Tokyo * Cultural differences between Japan and America * Being a Professor of American Literature in Tokyo * Jazz and his Jazz website: www.jazzinjapan.com

Diana Forbes is a 9th generation American, with ancestors on both sides of the Civil War. Diana Forbes lives and writes in Manhattan. When she is not cribbing chapters, Diana Forbes loves to explore the buildings where her 19th Century American ancestors lived, loved, survived and thrived. She is passionate about vintage clothing, antique furniture, ancestry, and vows to master the quadrille in her lifetime. Diana Forbes is the author of New York Gilded Age historical fiction.

For more information about Diana Forbes visit her website at www.DianaForbesNovels.com.

Topics of conversation: * Being a Native New Yorker and finding traces of Old New York in today’s city * The Gilded Age and the Women’s Suffrage Movement * The Discipline of Writing * Finding Your Community of Writers * Writing Historical Fiction

Michael Kasenow is an award-winning novelist (View From The Edge; A Wicked Thing); an award-winning poet (Six Feet Down); and the author of the critically acclaimed novel The Last Paradise. He has traveled extensively, living in many places among a variety of unique personalities. His lifetime resume includes waiter, cab driver, bartender, lumberman, janitor, and ranch hand in New Mexico. These experiences add authenticity to his written work. He is currently a Geology Professor at Eastern Michigan University and lives in a Michigan harbor town, enjoying the west waves of Lake Michigan.

For more information on Michael Kasenow and his book visit his website.

Topics of conversation: * Poetry as a writing and reading tool/exercise * How an Author’s non-writing background helps his/her writing * Surviving and thriving after child abuse * His Passion for Geology

Nicole Taylor is an anthropologist who explores contemporary social issues related to education and health through the analytic lens of language practices. Her research includes teasing and bullying in schools, childhood obesity, and body image concerns and social media use among youth. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Arizona.

Following graduate school, she worked in nonprofit and corporate settings conducting research in the areas of substance abuse, education and poverty, childhood obesity, and school climate. Nicole then served for five years as the Director of Scholar Programs at the School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe, New Mexico before returning to Texas State University, her undergraduate alma mater, to accept a faculty position.

For more information on Nicole Taylor and her book, visit her website.

Topics of conversation: * Conducting Ethnographic Research * Creating a Healthy, Respectful Relationship with our Bodies * Guilty Pleasures * Yoga, Meditation, and Walking – Self Care * The Importance of Family, School, and Community Engagement

Janice Wood Wetzel is a graduate of the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, and a former Dean and Professor Emerita of Social Work at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. She has served as a United Nations Representative in New York since 1988. Dr. Wetzel is a well-published international educator and researcher who has specialized in the human rights, mental health and advancement of women from a global perspective for more than 40 years. A mother of three and grandmother of four, she is a member of Professional Women Photographers and lives on the Upper West Side of New York City.

For more information about Janice Wood Wetzel and her book visit her website.

Topics of conversation: * The Profession of Social Work * Women and the United Nations * Women and Mental Health from a Global Perspective * Photography * Writing a Memoir

Donna Zadunajsky grew up in a small town in Ohio named Bristolville, spending her childhood reading, writing, and fishing. In her teens, she read nothing but Stephen King books, and it was then that she told herself she would one day write her own books.

Donna’s writing career began with seven children's books about her daughter and the adventures she went on, but her dream has always been to write mystery/suspense novels.

For more information about Donna Zadunajsky and her books, visit her website.

Topics of conversation:

Writing in different genres
Reading Goals
Love of Music
Freelance Writing
Work Ethic and Her Mentor
Elvis Presley Memorabilia

Amanda Yoshida first dreamt of being a children’s book illustrator when she was a mere toddler, growing up in the suburbs surrounding Portland, Oregon.

As a child, she spent countless hours drawing and studying the artwork inside her stacks of colorfully illustrated books. She favored the rhyming words and silly drawings of Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein and claimed one day she would be an artist.

Eventually, the pens and pencils that were always in her hand became paint brushes in her exploration of creativity. At the age of fourteen, her original artwork was displayed and sold at her family’s art gallery in Portland’s Pearl District and lead to substantial private commissions.

After graduating from the elite Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Los Angeles in 2009, she fell in love with the digital canvas and began working solely in this media.

Amanda returned to her beloved hometown of Portland in 2013 and began working as a freelance graphic designer and digital painter. While in the midst of growing her successful business and putting down roots with her husband, the dream of becoming a mother and published author was realized.

Two months before the birth of her first child, she received word that her first children’s book, would be published. Amanda now enjoys reading her debut book, “The Greatest Wish” to her son, Morgan. She is currently working on the next installment of the Everchanging Story Book series.

For more information on Amanda Yoshida and The Greatest Wish, visit her website.

Topics of conversation:

Becoming a Mother and an Award Winning Author
Growing up with a Family of Authors
Her Background as an Artist
Loving Life in Portland, Oregon
Her Passion for Vinyl Records

Joshua Landeros was born in Pomona, CA, but was raised in Perris of Riverside County for years uncountable now.

He comes from a large family in which he is admittedly “the black sheep.” Landeros grew up on Dragon Ball Z, Godzilla films, Batman the Animated Series, and Star Wars. Not to mention an infinite love for dinosaurs and all movie monsters.

He began writing in middle school starting with Godzilla fanfictions. He kept writing and eventually created his own world full of characters. In 2016, the dream was finally realized in his first novel, Reverence. He now attends the University of California, Riverside where he majors in History Admin Studies and minors in English.

For more information on Josh Landeros and his book, visit his website.

Topics of conversation:

Favorite Hobbies: Movies and Comics
Politics
Balancing College Life with the Writer’s Life
His Self-Publishing Experience
Favorite Books and Authors

Buck Marshall taught political science for five years and received his doctorate from Tulane in 1992. After 20 years in the private sector, his reaction to the Occupy Wall Street movement was to write a series of books and establish the non-profit SWIFT Act Alliance. For more information about Buck Marshall and his book visit his website.

Topics of conversation: * What is SWIFT Act * His holistic view of the current economy in the US * Society – Political – Economic Circle and Bipartisanism * How the average Joe can help turn things around * Importance of The Swift Act Petition in the Trump era

Melissa Muldoon is the Studentessa Matta—the crazy linguist! In Italian, “matta” means “crazy” or “impassioned”. Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history and European History from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a master’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She has also studied painting and art history in Florence.

Melissa promotes the study of Italian language and culture through her dual-language blog, Studentessa Matta (studentessamatta.com). Melissa began the Matta blog to improve her command of the language and to connect with other language learners. It has since grown to include a podcast, “Tutti Matti per l’Italiano” and the Studentessa Matta YouTube channel. Melissa also created Matta Italian Language Immersion Tours, which she co-leads with Italian partners in Italy.

Dreaming Sophia is Melissa’s first novel. It is a fanciful look at art history and Italian language and culture, but it is also the culmination of personal stories and insights resulting from her experiences living in Italy, as well as her involvement and familiarity with the Italian language, painting, and art history.

For more information on Melissa Muldoon and her book, visit her website at www.DreamingSophiaBook.com. For more information on her Italian language blog visit studentessamatta.com.

Topics of conversation:

The Studentessa Matta – Her Italian language blog
Her original career plans as an art history teacher
Being a plein air painter and graphic designer
How her passion for Italy comes to life through her book
Italian language immersion program
Meeting Sophia Loren!

Emilio Corsetti, III is a professional pilot and author. Emilio has written for both regional and national publications including the Chicago Tribune, Multimedia Producer, and Professional Pilot magazine. Emilio’s first book 35 Miles From Shore: The Ditching and Rescue of ALM Flight 980 tells the true story of an airline ditching in the Caribbean Sea and the efforts to rescue those who survived. Emilio is a graduate of St. Louis University. He and his wife Lynn reside in Dallas, TX.

To learn more about Emilio Corsetti and his book visit his website.

Topics of conversation:

Being a pilot and flying
Writing investigative non-fiction
Factual vs. creative historical writing
What he learned from his research for Scapegoat
Self Publishing vs. Independent Publishing

Dr. Emily Christensen earned her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy and has two Masters Degrees: an M.S. in Professional Counseling and an M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling.

The only thing better than writing, she says, is being married to a writer. Nathan Christensen married Emily in the Oklahoma City temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 13 October 2012, and have since fostered more than eighty-five children. In 2015, they adopted the six children who stayed, and are totally and completely and helplessly in love as a family – now sealed together for time and all eternity.

Topics of conversation:

Foster Care
Adopting a Special Needs Child
Informed Patient Care for Foster Parents
Living Your Vocation

Kay Williams always had an inclination to be a professional actress, so, with stars in her eyes, she moved to New York City right after college graduation (she was a theater major). She lived in a rent-controlled apartment with no heat, and lots of rodents, too busy earning money to act (her dad had saved her letters from that time so she recently took a fresh look at those hair-raising and now hilarious adventures). After 9 months in the Big Apple, Kay slunk back to Ohio, to a safer life, teaching, directing, acting in community theater, and reviewing films and plays.

Her dream didn’t die. She moved to San Francisco, where she played many leading roles until several theaters went bankrupt (an occupational hazard, she discovered). Acting roles dried up just after she earned her Equity union card. She left the Bay Area for the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Two years later that theater was too broke to renew her contract. There was only one place left to go, New York City. It still scared her, but this time, she vowed to be victorious. Kay acted in a number of new off-Broadway plays, finding it more fun than doing a show that had been successfully produced and “set in stone.” In between acting jobs, she worked as an office temp until she landed a perfect job, “Gal Friday” to an award-winning independent filmmaker, which not only gave her flexible hours to audition, but also an education about film writing, directing, and producing. She took films she’d helped produce to the Cannes Film Festival and to the Leningrad International Documentary Festival (where Kay and Eileen’s second thriller, The Matryoshka Murders, begins).

Kay’s eventual move to an apartment in New York’s crime-ridden Hell’s Kitchen became one of the catalysts for Butcher of Dreams, Kay and Eileen’s first thriller (about the theater, of course).

Fearful of spending her retirement as a bag lady begging for money outside Actors Equity, Kay took a “real” job. A physician she’d worked for as a temp asked her to join him as he set up a Primary Care Residency Track at NYU Medical Center. She did and learned a great deal about good doctoring and academic medicine (and the politics of academe–another book, perhaps). The NYU job was too demanding to take time off to audition so she and Eileen teamed up to write, a move they had been contemplating for several years. Kay discovered that she didn’t miss acting all that much. With fiction writing, she had total control and could play all the characters! Kay and Eileen found they jelled as a writing team.

To learn more about Kay Williams and her book visit her website.

Topics of conversation:

Her adventures in NYC and San Francisco in the 60s
Being a Gypsy Actor
Working as a “Gal-Friday” for independent film writer, producer, director, Jack O’Connell
Her trip to Russia to the Leningrad International Documentary Festival
How she and her sister finished writing their dad’s romance novel

Jane Alvey Harris has a Humanities degree from Brigham Young University with emphases in Art History, Italian Language, and Studio Art. She’s CRAZY about the visual and performing arts! She enjoys playing classical piano, painting & sketching, singing & acting, and especially writing poetry & prose.

But, her real passion is PEOPLE. She loves to watch and study what makes us tick as human beings. Definitely a dreamer, her favorite thing to do is to weave together sublime settings and stories for characters to live and learn in…herself included.

Jane currently lives in an enchanted fairy-princess castle in Dallas, Texas, with her three often-adorable children and their three seldom-adorable cats.

To learn more about Jane Alvey Harris and her books visit her website.

Topics of conversation:

Being a movie junkie
Books and reading
Travel and trying new things
Musical motivation
Being in love with her cat!

Sandy Marriott Cook lives in Texas with her husband, Richard, and their furry and feathered “children.” She has been an animal lover ever since her pet turtle was her best friend and confidante. As an artist, Sandy hopes to convey the special places pets hold in our hearts. To see some of her portraits of pets and wildlife, visit www.smarriottcook.com.

Topics of conversation:

Rescuing waterfowl
Painting
Being a big classic movie fan
How A Home for Abigail was a family project
Her new dog, Peaches

“Beyond the Last Horizon” is Mary DeGroat‘s debut as an author. A second book of fiction for women is progressing with plans for publishing early 2017. A concept for her third book is under wraps for the time being though the outline has been completed and the first chapter written.

Mary is an executive-level professional with more than twenty years’ marketing and communications experience within non-profit, marketing/pr agency, corporate and commodity board environments. She seeks moderate adventure that has taken her to Base Camp on Mt. Everest and on a wild-wide with her son through the jungles from the border of Tibet to Katmandu, Nepal. Those and many more travel experiences in addition to the diversity of industries in which she has worked —professional liability insurance to California strawberries, art and tourism —have fed her desire for expanded horizons.

Mary has studied metaphysics for nearly thirty-five years and met her meditation master from Indian in 1985. That meeting, Mary says, changed her life by opening her heart and steadying her mind.

Most recently, Mary left her position in tourism marketing to accept a part-time position working on behalf of underserved children with no literacy experiences. “It’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done,” she says. “Week after week, we hear about the differences we’re making by bringing books into young children’s lives as we help prepare the little ones for kindergarten, which sets them on course to succeed in school and in life.”

“Beyond the Last Horizon” was published in December 2015 and has garnered three awards: Feathered Quill Gold for Inspiration and Silver for Best Women’s Fiction and the Reader Views Literary Award. Her second work of fiction, set New York City, tells the story of a wealthy woman who falls in love with a homeless man. Mary lives on California’s gorgeous Central Coast with her husband, two dogs, and two cats. She visits her son, who lives in Taipei with his wife and baby boy, as often as possible.

To learn more about Mary DeGroat and her book, visit her website.

Topics of conversation: * The Power of Decision * Writing and Writer’s Block * Writing from the Heart and Emotion * Advice for Others on any Creative Path * The Next Chapter

Roe DePinto grew up in the Bronx and Yonkers, and is mostly Italian, of American descent. From an early age, she was taught the importance of family. and raised her two children with the same values instilling in them the message that love is more important than anything else in this world.

When her children were young Roe decided to take a 3-year course in children’s literature. She also got her Realtor’s license in New York and California and was certified as a notary and a travel agent. She also established her family business office, administrating their fast growing electrical business with her husband. After finishing her literature course, Roe shelved the idea for a children’s book series involving a baby seal pup and a baby orca, since she was so busy with daily living, putting the needs of her family first, hoping that one day she would pick it all up again and bring her characters to life.

Thirty years later, Roe is making her dreams a reality. The first book in the series: The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins, was published in 2015 and Books 2 and 3 are now also in print, with 9 more stories to come. Her retirement project is now a dream come true and Roe is thrilled to have accomplished what she has thus far as a legacy to her husband, children, grandchildren and all of her family.

Topics of conversation: * Her children and grandchildren * Writing children’s books, poetry, and an autobiography * Gaming * Animations and cartoons

Eben Mishkin is a gentleman and a scholar who has devoted his life to the study of the story and the accumulation of trivia.

He holds many degrees but is most proud of his Masters in the teaching and practice of creative writing from the University of Wales, Cardiff. He enjoys role-playing games and casually wielding forbidden knowledge.

Mishkin is married to a very talented artist who was kind enough to do all the artwork for his debut novel.

Topics of conversation: * Creative Writing * Research * Bending Reality * Role Playing Games

Holly Moulder is a former elementary school teacher who left the classroom in order to write historical fiction for middle-grade students. Her fascination with history has helped her create four award-winning novels: Eyes of the Calusa, A Cord of Three Strands, Crystal City Lights, and A Time To Be Brave.

Moulder has two adult daughters and one granddaughter, Macie. She and her husband, Don, live in Sharpsburg, Georgia.

For more information about Holly Moulder and her books, visit her website.

Topics of conversation:

Her favorite authors and books
The decision to write historical novels
Strong Female Characters
The hardest thing about writing a book

Cheryl Williams, a registered nurse with a doctor of health education degree, published her doctoral dissertation in ProQuest. She believes that God has entrusted her with spreading the word about His Son’s return in 2017, which birthed her book, “God’s Indemnity.”

For more information about Cheryl Williams and her book, visit her website. Topics of conversation: * Her Message * Her Passions * The Most Influential Person in her Life

Julius Bailey, Ph.D., Christian Existentialist, teaches in the Department of Philosophy at Wittenberg University. He is a philosopher, cultural critic, social theorist, and diversity lecturer. As a socially conscious academic, Dr. Bailey has been interviewed on CNN, Fox, B.E.T, and ABC Nightline. A guest on numerous radio shows as a social critic and education advisor, he is often sought to speak at colleges, prisons, and community organizations across America.

Publications include “The Cultural Impact of Kanye West” (ed. Palgrave-McMillan, March 2014), “Philosophy and Hip-hop: Ruminations on Hip-Hop as Postmodern Cultural Form” (Palgrave,-McMillan, July 2014) and “Jay-Z: Essays on Hip Hop’s Philosopher King” (McFarland, 2011). He has also authored a host of articles on Hip-Hop Pedagogy and Social Justice issues. He holds Masters Degrees from Howard and Harvard Universities and a Doctorate from the University of Illinois.

For more information about Julius Bailey and his book, visit his website. Topics of conversation: * Christian Existentialism * Hip Hop and Philosophy * American Politics and Racial Issues * Today’s Culture and Diversity * Is Cultural Harmony Achievable?

Derek Berry is a poet & novelist. They are the author of the novel Heathens & Liar of Lickskillet County (PRA, 2016) & the poetry chapbook Skinny Dipping with Strangers (2013).

Their poems & short stories can be found in Beloit Poetry Journal, ANMLY, Raleigh Review, Jet Fuel Review, Longleaf Review, Barely South Review, Landfill, The Water This Time: Anthology on Sea Level Rise in Charleston, BOAAT Journal, Pidgeonholes, Yemassee, The Broken Plate, Gigantic Sequins, Longleaf Review, Open Minds Quarterly, Jet Fuel Review, Running with Water Anthology, Blue Mountain Review, Glint Journal, museum of americana, Taco Bell Quarterly, Ki'n, Kakalak, Fall Lines, Lemonstar Magazine, armarolla, Rabid Oak, The Comet Poems Series, The Southern Tablet, Cattywampus, Charleston Currents, Illuminations, RiverSedge, Miscellany, and other journals. They are the 2018 recipient of the Patricia & Emmett Robinson Prize from the Poetry Society of South Carolina. They are also the recipient of the 2018 KAKALAK Poetry Prize & 2018 Emrys Poetry Prize. They have worked as a photographer’s assistant, busboy, and bookseller. They currently work at a curation facility for Cold War History.

For more information about Derek Berry visit their website at: https://derekberrywriter.com/

Topics of conversation: * Creativity – Habits vs. Muse * International Politics – Refugee Policies * Balancing Being a Writer with Being a College Student * Growing Up in the South * Work as a Spoken Word Poet

Born and raised in Venezuela of Italian immigrants, Susan Violante completed a BA in Political Science and Business Administration before moving to the US . Although she built a career as a Business Analyst/Accountant, she also kept herself active as a freelance writer in the US; publishing articles, poetry, children's stories, and illustrations since 1996. She published her first book in 2009, and released her revised edition: Innocent War: Behind An Immigrant's Past - Book 1 in 2011. Her picture book: Tuma: The Tribe's Little Princess was published in early 2013 under her own label. Currently, Susan Violante is the Managing Editor/CEO Partner of I Have Something to Say Press and Book By Book Publicity/Author/Reviewer/Publicist and Publisher. She resides in Austin, TX with her husband (Michel), and her three dogs (Peggy, Canela and Nutela). Susan is mother of two adult daughters and a caregiver to her elderly parents. She enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, painting, writing, gardening, and any outdoor activity.

For more information about Susan Violante and her books, visit her website at www.susanviolante.com.

Topics of conversation:

Teaching Children about Nature and People
Being a Book Reviewer and an Author
Writing Different Genres
Becoming an Illustrator
Balancing Act of Living Life and Writing

Imowen Lodestone was inspired to write “Seasons of Pain” in large part because of his admiration for the creative genius of fellow writer H.P. Lovecraft. He has always wanted to write a novel dominated by supernatural characters that showed readers that these individuals, although endowed with special abilities and keen senses, still get scared and make assumptions. As a result of these failings, they sometimes make mistakes. His goal is to reveal to the reader how supernatural beings experience fear while telling an action-packed tale that does not stop with a scary monster but embraces all brands of fear.

Topics of conversation: * Vampires Vs. Supernatural * Taking Horror to a new level * Three Dimensional Characters * Aggressive writing style * Message to writers embarking on a book project