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Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Winter, a French Cajun author whose writing is deeply influenced by his rich cultural heritage and the vibrant history of South Louisiana. …

Send us a Text Messa…

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Winter, a French Cajun author whose writing is deeply influenced by his rich cultural heritage and the vibrant history of South Louisiana. His historical fiction, Wake the Devil, is inspired by the notorious X-Men murders of 1918 in New Orleans.Join us as Ryan shares his journey to finding his unique voice, transitioning from imitating literary giants to crafting his own compelling stories.We delve into what sets horror apart, exploring how it uniquely exposes our deepest fears and vulnerabilities.We'll also take a nostalgic tri…

Send us a Text Message.What happens when war disrupts the creative minds of writers? In this episode, I conversed with Franco-Moroccan-American writer and editor, Jordan Elgrably where we delved into …

Send us a Text Messa…

Send us a Text Message.What happens when war disrupts the creative minds of writers? In this episode, I conversed with Franco-Moroccan-American writer and editor, Jordan Elgrably where we delved into the intersection of literature and conflict. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation:Middle Eastern writers' anthology: We explore Jordan's latest anthology, Stories from the Center of the World, which showcases the diverse voices of Middle Eastern writers navigating the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape. Arab American Authors in Focus: We highlight the rema…

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Kevin, founder and chief inspiration officer of Highlander Press. We uncover surprising statistics about book sales, discuss the financ…

Send us a Text Messa…

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Kevin, founder and chief inspiration officer of Highlander Press. We uncover surprising statistics about book sales, discuss the financial intricacies of advances and royalties, and reveal why independent publishers are outpacing traditional ones in today's fast-paced market.From self-publishing challenges to the nuances of hybrid models, Deborah and I explore the full spectrum of publishing options available to authors today. Discover how professional editing and design can catapult self-published authors to success and le…

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how a book goes from a manuscript to a bestseller? Join me in this episode as I sit down with Elizabeth Briggs, the editorial director at Saqi Books, who gives us …

Send us a Text Messa…

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how a book goes from a manuscript to a bestseller? Join me in this episode as I sit down with Elizabeth Briggs, the editorial director at Saqi Books, who gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes at one of Europe's most unique publishing houses. Elizabeth shares the rich history of Saqi Books, which evolved from Europe's first Arabic language bookshop, and reveals how they continue to amplify bold and inspiring voices from the Arab and Muslim worlds. Elizabeth also offers a glimpse into her daily routine as a publishing professional in London…

 Jordanian author and gender activist Fadi Zaghmout is passionate about the transformative landscape of Arabic science fiction. His novel Heaven on Earth and its sequel portray the prospects of a wo…

 Jordanian author a…

 Jordanian author and gender activist Fadi Zaghmout is passionate about the transformative landscape of Arabic science fiction. His novel Heaven on Earth and its sequel portray the prospects of a world free from the clutches of aging and invites reflection on the societal ripples such a future might create. In our conversation, we scrutinize how these boundary-pushing themes are received in the traditionally conservative Arab society and the growing appetite for narratives that dare to chart the unexplored territories of tomorrow.We also tackle the shifts in publishing strategies and the pro…

When Mark  Ryall coached his daughter Stephanie in competitive running, he forged a bond far beyond the track. Their story, Run Daughter, Run Father, is not just a training manual – it's a tes…

When Mark  Ryall co…

When Mark  Ryall coached his daughter Stephanie in competitive running, he forged a bond far beyond the track. Their story, Run Daughter, Run Father, is not just a training manual – it's a testament to their shared triumphs and  a lifelong passion.  Inspired by my own journey back into running and writing, this episode celebrates the limitless potential for reinvention. If you're lacing up for the first time or starting your first draft, remember - age is just a number.  Join us for a conversation about endurance and expression, where the starting line is always open.Support t…

Can laughter be the best medicine for aging?  Humorist Neil Offen thinks so!He delivers a hilarious and insightful take on the trials and triumphs of Boomer life in his book Building a Better Boomer.…

Can laughter be the …

Can laughter be the best medicine for aging?  Humorist Neil Offen thinks so!He delivers a hilarious and insightful take on the trials and triumphs of Boomer life in his book Building a Better Boomer. Join us as Neil shares his satirical wit and offers a refreshingly honest look at aging. We'll discuss the power of laughter, the evolution of book publishing, and even how to navigate the ever-changing world of social media.Neil's unique perspective resonates with readers of all ages.We'll explore the legacy of the Boomer generation and offer a lighthearted apology for those quest…

Toby Dorr, is a former prison librarian who made headlines in 2006 for assisting convicted murderer John Manard in a daring escape from the Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas.Toby, who faced lega…

Toby Dorr, is a form…

Toby Dorr, is a former prison librarian who made headlines in 2006 for assisting convicted murderer John Manard in a daring escape from the Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas.Toby, who faced legal consequences for her role in the escape, shares her side of the story, shedding light on the events that captivated the nation in her new memoir Living with Conviction.Hear firsthand about the choices she made, the consequences she faced, and what life has been like since her involvement in this infamous prison break. Don't miss this in-depth conversation with a central figure in one of re…

Kristen Van Nest, an author, actor, and comedian, joins us to recount the lessons learned while navigating this tumultuous yet exhilarating journey. From the conservative confines of her upbringing to…

Kristen Van Nest, an…

Kristen Van Nest, an author, actor, and comedian, joins us to recount the lessons learned while navigating this tumultuous yet exhilarating journey. From the conservative confines of her upbringing to globetrotting adventures, Kristen's story is a testament to the fearless pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment, detailed humorously in her memoir Where to Nest.In a world that often equates success with a linear career path, Kristen's narrative shatters the mold, proving that the road less traveled can make all the difference. She discusses the significance of family support …

When a patient's desire for distraction blossomed into a realm of magic, fantasy author Danielle Orsino discovered her true passion. Join us as she recounts her extraordinary journey from nursin…

When a patient'…

When a patient's desire for distraction blossomed into a realm of magic, fantasy author Danielle Orsino discovered her true passion. Join us as she recounts her extraordinary journey from nursing to becoming a novelist, revealing the unexpected turns life can take. Her stories transcend mere tales of the mystical Fae and their cosmic conflicts; they embody the creative flame sparked amidst the most poignant moments of compassion and companionship.Join us for an episode brimming with the magic of storytelling and the reality of making dreams come true.Support the show********************…

In this episode, Becky Parker Geist, CEO of Pro Audio Voices, joins us to explore the booming audiobook industry. We cover the technological advancements that have made audiobooks more accessible, th…

In this episode, Bec…

In this episode, Becky Parker Geist, CEO of Pro Audio Voices, joins us to explore the booming audiobook industry. We cover the technological advancements that have made audiobooks more accessible, their significant impact on multitaskers like myself, and the journey from tape to digital. We also discuss how platforms like Amplify Audio Books Create empower authors by offering a non-exclusive distribution model, challenging traditional retail monopolies and enhancing the author-listener connection.We delve into the hurdles of audiobook production and marketing, highlighting Pro Audio Voices&ap…

Dr. Heather Davis, an expert book coach and advocate for diversity in literature, joins me to unravel the journey of an idea as it transforms into a compelling narrative.We discuss the nuances of auth…

Dr. Heather Davis, a…

Dr. Heather Davis, an expert book coach and advocate for diversity in literature, joins me to unravel the journey of an idea as it transforms into a compelling narrative.We discuss the nuances of authorship, from the birth of a concept to navigating the corridors of publishing, all while championing voices that reflect the true spectrum of humanity.In an industry that's evolving with the times, Heather provides a backstage pass into the world of book Coaching, distinguishing it from editing and illustrating its profound impact on the writing process. The conversation highlights how mento…

 In this episode, we dive into the creative world of Eman Quotah, the Arab American author of the novel Bride of the Sea.Drawing from the experience of a family friend's real-life ordeal and enr…

 In this episode, w…

 In this episode, we dive into the creative world of Eman Quotah, the Arab American author of the novel Bride of the Sea.Drawing from the experience of a family friend's real-life ordeal and enriched by Eman's bicultural background, we uncover the depth of storytelling that defines her work.We also shed light on the evolving presence and impact of Arab American writers in the modern art landscape, providing listeners with an intimate exploration of identity, heritage, and the rich emotional fabric that threads through these narratives.Eman opens up about the intricacies of juggling …

With  16 books to her name, author Mary Carol Moore shares her journey from a distinguished food journalist to a fiction writer whose upcoming novel,  Last Bets, covers the high-stakes backgammon bo…

With  16 books to h…

With  16 books to her name, author Mary Carol Moore shares her journey from a distinguished food journalist to a fiction writer whose upcoming novel,  Last Bets, covers the high-stakes backgammon boardgame in a sultry Caribbean setting. Throughout our conversation, Moore offers an insider's look at the intricacies of self-publishing and the marketing maze. As the publishing industry moves away from traditional agent partnerships, we explore the newfound autonomy authors have over their work alongside the hurdles they face in this dynamic landscape.We also uncovered tips on assembling a…

In my latest episode with writer and scholar Ciahnan Darrell we discuss into the complexities of creating a feminine experience when you are a male author.In his novel, a Lifetime of Men, Ciahnan draw…

In my latest episode…

In my latest episode with writer and scholar Ciahnan Darrell we discuss into the complexities of creating a feminine experience when you are a male author.In his novel, a Lifetime of Men, Ciahnan draws from his own upbringing amidst powerful women colors, as he intertwines personal stories with societal struggles on feminism and reproductive rights, inviting us to reflect on the intricate dance between personal agency and cultural forces.As our discussion unfolds, we navigate the contentious terrain of minority representation in literature, considering the "own voices" movement and the heated …

 Author Paul Tramill lives aboard his sailboat, and has found a profound sense of freedom and self-discovery.When Paul is not steering his boat "Windflower" through tranquil waters or bracing against…

 Author Paul Tramil…

 Author Paul Tramill lives aboard his sailboat, and has found a profound sense of freedom and self-discovery.When Paul is not steering his boat "Windflower" through tranquil waters or bracing against the unexpected, he's penning novels and self-publishing from his floating abode.In this podcast, we talked about the world of self-publishing at sea, from leveraging friends' feedback to navigating the labyrinth of marketing and audiobook production. We also discussed how digital platforms are reshaping the landscape for authors who dare to follow their dreams off the beaten path. Paul…

Deema Alalami is an educator-turned-author and reading advocate, In this episode, we discuss the following:Transition to literary luminary: The transformation of Dima Alalami from corporate life to a…

Deema Alalami is an …

Deema Alalami is an educator-turned-author and reading advocate, In this episode, we discuss the following:Transition to literary luminary: The transformation of Dima Alalami from corporate life to a renowned author and reading advocate, along with the inception of her "Mother to Author" program.Embracing Arabic children's literature: An exploration of Dima's dedication to Arabic children's literature, detailing her journey through the writing world and the challenges and triumphs of career transition.The writing process: Dima's guidance on the essential steps of writing, …

Do you know what a book coach does? I sit down with Kathy Otten, a certified book coach and published author.  Kathy sheds light on the customized support that book Coaching provides, from the germi…

Do you know what a b…

Do you know what a book coach does? I sit down with Kathy Otten, a certified book coach and published author.  Kathy sheds light on the customized support that book Coaching provides, from the germination of an idea to the pride of a completed manuscript and the labyrinth of choices that the publishing world presents.For anyone in need of a nudge or a wellspring of encouragement, this episode promises to fuel your writing journey with the reminder that persistence and authenticity are the heartbeats of every great story.Support the show********************************************************…