Online For Authors Podcast

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Leslie K Simmons, author of the book Red Clay, Running Waters. Leslie K. Simmons writes about extraordinary people at the center of crucial turning points in American history. She is particularly fascinated by outliers and the lesser known (but no less incredible) stories that slip through history’s cracks. After decades of research, she followed a path marked by serendipities to the true story of John and Sarah Ridge and her debut novel, Red Clay, Running Waters. In my book review, I stated Red Clay, Running Waters​ is a masterful account of John Ridge, a Cherokee statesman and his wife, Sarah Northrop. Simmons' research is phenomenal and gives readers a glimpse into what it was like as Georgia tried to force the Cherokee from its borders. Quite honestly, I had trouble reading and could only take the novel in small doses. Not because of the writing - which was flawless - but because of what I learned about how my government treated the Cherokee - lying, slandering, stealing, and killing. In addition to the heartless treatment of a great People, the book also looks at love. The relationship between Sarah and John is beautiful, though in no way perfect. Despite having continual trials, this couple found a way to keep moving forward. It certainly gave me hope. This is not a book for the faint of heart, but one that should be on everyone's TBR list. You can follow Author Leslie K Simmons: Website: leslieksimmons.com FB: @leslieksimmons-author IG: @lksimmonsauthor LinkedIn: @leslie-k-simmons-author Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #leslieksimmons #redclayrunningwaters #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Lya Badgley, author of the book The Worth of a Ruby. Lya was born in Yangon, Myanmar. The child of Montana parents – a political scientist and an artist – she grew up in a household that encouraged critical thinking and creativity. After dabbling in retail management, Lya moved to the Pacific Northwest in the eighties, becoming a part of the Seattle arts and music scene. In the nineties, after a decade of life as a struggling poet/ musician, she returned to Southeast Asia as a videographer on a clandestine expedition interviewing Burmese insurgents. A year later, she was working as director of Cornell University’s Archival Project, microfilming documents at Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide in Cambodia, helping to bring war criminals to justice. Finishing that, she managed the first foreign-owned project of its kind for the time, opening the 50th Street Bar & Grill Restaurant in Yangon, Myanmar. Since then, Lya has been an elected city council member and a dedicated environmental activist. She is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and Hugo House. Her first self-published novel, The Foreigner’s Confession, was released to good reviews in February of 2022. Her second novel, The Worth of a Ruby, launched November 2023. Badgley lives in Snohomish, Washington, and is working on her third novel set in Bosnia. In my book review, I stated that I thoroughly enjoyed Lya’s first novel, The Foreigner's Confession, and was super excited to get my hands on this one, The Worth of a Ruby, set in Burma. Badgley writes edgy international crime/suspense and gets the reader into the mind of her characters. Mallory Jones, a chef, like the author, wanted to open a restaurant in Burma but not because she was in love with the area. Instead, she was running from her past. However, as is wont when folks try to escape their past by running from it, the past found a way to erupt. As plans for a restaurant fall through, we see a side of Mallory that isn't evident in the beginning. ​The Worth of a Ruby has it all: great characters, amazing backdrop, kidnapping, blackmail, murder, and a bit of Burmese magic. Plus, in the words of the author, " I like ambiguous endings." Don't miss this book! You can follow Author Lya Badgley: Website: https://lyabadgley.com FB: @lyabadgleyauthor IG: @lyabadgleyauthor Purchase The Worth of a Ruby on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/3W4Jq5v Ebook: https://amzn.to/3W3qgg0 Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #lyabadgley #theworthofaruby #suspense #womensfiction #internationalsuspense #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Rebecca Hodge, author of the book Wildland. Rebecca is a former veterinarian and clinical research scientist who lives and writes in North Carolina. Her novels WILDLAND and OVER THE FALLS both place memorable characters in situations filled with suspense. She has three grown sons, one crazy dog, and one patient husband. When not writing on the back porch or brewing yet another mug of tea, she loves hiking, travel, and (of course) curling up with a good book. In my book review, I stated that Wildland is a contemporary suspense that will have you gripping your seat and praying for Kat Jamison and those in her care. Kat heads to the Blue Ridge Mountains to get away for a while. She needs to make a big decision about the return of her breast cancer. Does she continue to fight, as her daughter wants her to do, or does she allow the cancer to take her life, as she believes she wants to do. Within moments of her arrival, her peaceful, alone time is transformed by two dogs, and two families staying nearby. Add a drought and a summer lightning storm, and Kat's survival is in question long before she intended - as is the survival of others now in her care. ​This book made me think about life, living it fully, and what I would do if faced with a battle. Definitely a great read. You can follow Author Rebecca Hodge: Website: www.rebeccahodgefiction.com/ FB: @ rebeccahodgefiction IG: @ rhodge.fiction Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #rebeccahodge #wildland #suspense #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Bookologist Stephanie Affinito of A Lit Life. She’s going to chat with us about a new concept called Bookology, which is the study of books and reading and notebooks and writing, mixed with mindfulness and creativity to bring you restorative reading and writing. Stephanie states on her website that “books and reading have the power to transform our lives. We meet new friends, travel to locations, experience new perspectives and learn valuable life lessons with each turn of the page. And, when we explore the themes of the book in our own lives, from love and relationships to baking and gardening, magic happens. The book leaves us a better person than when we started.” Stephanie is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of books and writing. Through her blog, podcast, and coaching endeavors, Stephanie delves into the profound impact of literature on our lives, weaving together stories of personal growth, healing, and empowerment. Her journey from a childhood immersed in books to navigating through life’s challenges with the solace of literature showcases the profound influence of reading and writing on our well-being. She has an inspiring vision and commitment to fostering restorative reading practices for a brighter, more connected future. She blogs about the power of leading literate lives at www.alitlife.com and podcasts weekly on books and reading, writing and notebooks and everything in between on Get Lit(erate). She also chats with a new children’s literature author every week on her KidLit Love podcast, too. You can follow Stephanie Affinito: Website: www.alitlife.com FB: @AffinitoLit IG: @AffinitoLit X: @AffinitoLit Threads: @affinitolit Patreon: www.getliterate.co Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #stephanieaffinito #bookology #bookologist #notebooking #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jennifer Gasner, author of the book, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis. Jennifer received her BA in English from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and her MS in recreation from Western Illinois University. Her work with Independent Living Centers enabled her to learn about various disability programs throughout the country and ignited her passion for disability culture. She relocated to San Diego, California, on her own at the age of twenty-eight. As a mentor for What’s Next, a program for youth with disabilities, and as co-chair of UC San Diego’s Staff Association for staff with disabilities, Jennifer solidified her role in the San Diego disability community. In 2020, Jennifer became an ambassador for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), raising awareness about Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA). She participated in Rare Across America, meeting with legislators to discuss laws affecting more than 25 million Americans living with one or more rare diseases. Jennifer is a member of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association, and her writing has been published in Shaking the Tree, volumes 3 and 4. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, movies, and traveling. She lives with her boyfriend Gregory and their dog. My Unexpected Life is her first book. In my book review, I stated My Unexpected Life is a memoir that takes an honest look at Jennifer’s journey from diagnosis to embracing life with a disability. Jennifer has no qualms about showing the messy middle which includes denial and anger on her part, insensitivity on the part of family and friends, ableism culture in her school, community, and herself, and more. As a reader, you will want to both shake Jennifer and those around her, as well as cheer her on. You will learn what it's like to get potentially devastating news and how such news can affect everything you believe about life. In the end, you will learn that a disability doesn't have to define you. In fact, for Jennifer, her disability is just a small fraction of who she has become. Reading this book will help you shed light on your own ableist ideas and offer new ways of seeing those navigating life with a disability. I highly recommend this memoir. You can follow Author Jennifer Gasner Website: https://jennifergasner.com/. IG: @jennygwriter FB: @AuthorJenniferGasner Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #jennifergasner #myunexpectedlife #memoir #disability #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Thomas Kelso, author of the book Fractured. Tom is a physician who also holds a Ph.D. from Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Following medical school Dr. Kelso completed his residency in orthopedic surgery and served in the US Navy for nine years before entering civilian practice. He writes thrillers based on current innovations in medicine and science and continues to practice orthopedic surgery in Brunswick County, North Carolina. In my book review, I stated that Fractured is a medical thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire read. It features an orthopedic trauma surgeon, Mark Thurman, and a stem cell scientist, Claire Hodgson. The two have figured out how to grow bones and heal fractures in days. And their first patient, one who arrives in the ER, happens to be a former Navy SEAL sniper and a friend of Thurman. In fact, Thurman owes his life to John Bristow. Thurman's ties to Bristow and the SEALs, as well as his involvement as a trauma professional with the local police force, quickly entangles him - and his colleague - in a world of intrigue. Who tried to kill John Bristow - and why? More importantly, will Thurman's breakthrough be able to save his friend's leg, and will Thurman be able to save his friend's life? ​This is beautifully written and deserves the awards it has won. Kelso has definitely captured me as a reader. You can follow Author Thomas Kelso: Website: www.thomaskelso.com/ FB: @ThomasKelsoMD IG: @tomkelsowrites X: @TomKelsoWrites LinkedIn: @thomas-kelso-614b4948 Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #thomaskelso #fractured #medicalthriller #militarythirller #thriller #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Vivien Sieber, author of the book Kino and Kinder: A Family’s Journey in the Shadow of the Holocaust. Dr Vivien Sieber is a biologist. After ten years of biomedical research, she began lecturing in Genetics before her interests moved into academic development, learning technology and information literacy. She worked at several UK universities and has published around 100 academic papers. She lives in Oxford UK and wrote Kino and Kinder since retirement and is learning to make pottery. In my book review, I stated Kino and Kinder is the story of Paula Ticho and her family, and it focuses on life around WWI until Paula's death decades after WWII. Paula, a co-owner with her sister of a theater in Vienna, enjoyed great success until the Nazi takeover. We see her get her son to safety and beg her family to leave, before eventually fleeing to England. Penniless, Paula works as a matron to a hostel for Jewish girls who have fled the Nazis. What was supposed to be a temporary shelter for girls, turned into an orphanage spanning several years. Sieber uses letters from these girls, extensive research, and her grandmother's memories to create a story that helps others understand the atrocities of the Holocaust - and how this period of time negatively impacted Jewish people even if they were fortunate enough to escape a work or death camp. ​This family memoir is a must-read. You can follow Author Viven Sieber: FB: @Vivien Sieber IG: @siebervivien X: @VivienSieber LinkedIn: @Vivien Sieber Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #viviensieber #kinoandkinder #memoir #holocaust #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Sheila Athens, author of the book Neena Lee is Seeing Things. Sheila writes smart contemporary women’s fiction set where the South meets the Sunshine state. Her stories are about women seeking to find the peace we all deserve. Readers are drawn to her work because they believe that everyday heroes can make a difference in our world. She loves quiet spaces, eccentric people and the little band of writer hikers who walk at sunrise on a regular basis. After growing up in the Ozarks, she moved to Florida—sight unseen—with the man who would become her husband. She’s a boy mom, a former vice president of human resources, and an avid audiobook listener. To sign up for her newsletter or to schedule a book club visit (either in-person or virtual), go to SheilaAthens.com. In my book review, I stated Neena Lee is Seeing Things is a contemporary southern fiction looking back at the marriage of John F Kennedy to Carolyn in 1996 and their death in a plane crash in 1999 through the eyes of a journalist, Neena Lee. Neena has suffered loss and holds herself responsible. Her latest lost left her hospitalized in a mental health facility and without a job. She needs to write this article about John Jr to prove her abilities and save herself financially. However, when she 'sees' John Jr standing in the church, she is sure that her mental illness has taken a turn for the worse. ​ I enjoyed how Sheila connects those visiting the island today with issues Neena and/or John himself need to face. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. You can follow Author Sheila Athens: Website: www.SheilaAthens.com FB: @sheilaathensauthor IG: @sheilaathensauthor Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #sheilaathensauthor #neenaleeisseeingthings #southernfiction #contemporaryfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Babette Rosen Hughes, author of the book Lessons in Evil. Born in Cleveland Ohio, Babette grew up in the time of Prohibition and bootleggers. Her father was one of the first rum runners in the country and was murdered by the Mafia in a turf war at the age of 29. Babette was just two at the time. Writing has allowed her to draw from her unusual life experiences to create her characters and tell their stories (and sometimes cautionary tales) in vivid detail. Though she had always been an excellent writer throughout her life, and had even published a memoir, Lost and Found, Babette’s first novel, The Hat, wasn’t written and published until she was in her late eighties. She followed that with the other two books in the Kate Brady trilogy, The Red Scarf, and The Necklace. Other books followed: Searching for Vivian, 97 Speaks, and The Secret of Happiness. Now 101, she still writes every day with a fluidity and grace of a woman half her age. “The truth is liberating, but sometimes elusive.” She explains. “I’m always looking for it and how to best write about it, and I probably always will.” In my book review, I stated that Babette hit her latest creation out of the park. Annie Burg is an author who has been asked to write the unofficial biography of a very famous writer, Helga Hoffman. Annie doesn't want the assignment because of Helga's dismissive personality. Nonetheless, she takes it in hopes of restarting her career. But that is when everything turns sideways, and Annie finds herself in the middle of a Nazi-hunting investigation! I love Annie because I see her hang ups and all that is holding her back in life. I understand what drives her forward at the beginning of the story, but more importantly, what drives her at the end. The transformation is stunning. Add to that an antagonist you love to hate, and this novella has everything you need for a quick, satisfying read. Highly recommend! You can follow Author Babette Rosen Hughes: Website: www.babettehughesbooks.com Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #babetterosenhughes #lessonsinevil #novella #historicalfiction #suspense #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Janet Roberts, author of the book What Lies We Keep. Janet Roberts is a global leader in cybersecurity education and awareness with over a decade of experience. She holds a BA in Journalism from Temple University, and MA in Communications from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of both the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) and Pennwriters. Her first two novels won 1st Place in Fiction from Pittsburgh’s The Authors’ Zone. Her poetry has been published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and in San Fedele Press’ Art in the Time of COVID-19. She lives in Pittsburgh’s East End where Frick Park is her favorite place for a hike. She never met a library, bookstore, or ice cream shop she didn’t like. In my book review, I stated What Lies We Keep seamlessly weaves cybersecurity with the lies we tell one another. Ted and Charlotte are on the road to "living the dream." Ted has a good job, they have a daughter, and are saving to buy their first home. But something is amiss. Ted is hiding something and Charlotte, though she isn't sure what, is dragging him to marital counseling in hopes of saving their marriage. But the lies go beyond Ted, with two good friends, a brother-in-law, and even her mother keeping things from her - things that shape her world. ​This is not merely a story of Ted's redemption, but of Charlotte's journey to find the truth - about her husband, about her marriage, about her friends - and mostly about herself. Great read! You can follow Author Janet Roberts: Website: www.booksbyjanetroberts.com IG: @janetroberts77 Threads: @janetroberts77 FB: @janet.roberts.1426 TikTok: @wpawriter12 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT0Ve00TmFDDIhKv2ujvhmA Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #janetroberts #whatlieswekeep #womensfiction #familyfiction #contemporaryfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Edward Trayer, organizer of The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, and author of 18 children, YA, and adult books under the pen names of Billy Bob Buttons and Hickory Crowl. Today, Edward and I are chatting about book awards – what they are, what makes a good award, why you want to enter, and what to do if you win. Edward is a young talented author. On top of being a secondary school English teacher, he is also a pilot. Born in the Viking city of York, he and his wife, Therese, a true Swedish girl from the IKEA county of Småland, now live in Stockholm and London. Their twin girls, Rebecca and Beatrix, and little boy, Albert, inspire him every day to pick up a pen and work on his books. When not writing, he enjoys tennis and playing 'MONSTER!' with his three children. He is the author of the much loved, The Gullfoss Legends, Rubery Award finalist, Felicity Brady and the Wizard's Bookshop, UK People Book Prize runner-up, TOR Assassin Hunter and TOR Wolf Rising. I Think I Murdered Miss' is his ninth children's novel and recently won The UK People's Book Prize. You can follow Edward, aka Billy Bob Buttons: Website: https://www.bbbuttons.co.uk/ and https://www.thewsa.co.uk/ Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #edwardtrayer #billybobbuttons #hickorycrowl #thewishingshelfbookawards #wishingshelfawards #bookawards #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Meredith Ritchie, author of the book Poster Girls. Her historical fiction novel takes place in North Carolina during WWII, and is based on the true but forgotten events that happened in her hometown. When her triplets left for college, she wrote Poster Girls as a cure for acute empty nest syndrome. She now lives in Charlotte with her husband, two cats, four chickens and grown adults that occasionally return to her cozy coop. Poster Girls was named 2022 "Best of the Nest" for fiction by QC Nerve magazine and was recently named as part of the 2024 North Carolina Reads program sponsored by NC Humanities, a division of the Library of Congress. A lifelong learner, Meredith believes history told in the form of stories can never be forgotten, especially history that happened in our own backyard. In my book review, I stated that Meredith tells a delightful story about a group of "Rosie the Riveters" working in a bullet factory in Charlotte, NC during WWII. The story comes from two points of view - Maggie and Cora. Both women are married to soldiers, have moved to Charlotte from other areas, and love books - enough to start a friendship. However, others aren't quite as keen to see this relationship, since Maggie is a white woman of privilege and Cora is a poor, black woman. These two women are strong and fight for themselves and for one another. I enjoy how Meredith shows how, despite her good intentions, Maggie often 'gets it wrong.' I also love how she shows that Cora, who interprets life through a lens of racism, also gets it wrong. Most importantly, I love how the two characters persevere despite it all. ​If you love a good historical fiction, especially one that makes you think about issues we face today, then, this is the book for you. You can follow Author Meredith Ritchie Website: meredithritchie.com IG: @postergirlsbook Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #meredithritchie #postergirls #historicalfiction #womensfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Mark Jamilkowski, author of the book The Road to Moresco. Mark is a first-time author, a co-founder of a healthcare start-up, a husband and father. He enjoys music, reading and researching, games of strategy, photography, cooking, and writing. Mark authored "The Road to Moresco", a historical fiction novel released in August 2023, to tell the incredible story of a mother and her daughter beginning in early 1900's Italy. The story of these persistent and resilient women is complex, intimate, and inspiring. In my book review, I stated The Road to Moresco is a story about Maria-Luisa Moresco and then her daughter Claire. As a woman in the early 1900s, Maria-Luisa was ahead of her times and wanted more than the traditional life of motherhood. Unfortunately, her life was not easy, and the reader follows her as she pushes her way forward despite such things as earthquakes, war, and murder. Her daughter lived with these consequences and suffered her own difficult journey. The story and characters were really good. The historical research that went into the novel is also phenomenal. However, Mark had a difficult time intertwining the story with the history. I often felt like I was reading a great novel interrupted by a strong history lesson – which is something we discuss. Nonetheless, the story is a wonderful portrayal of strong women in a time when women were meant to be something else. You can follow Author Mark Jamilkowski: Website: www.mark-jamilkowski-author.com/ X: @roadtomoresco Goodreads: @ Mark_Jamilkowski Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #markjamilkowski #theroadtomoresco #familysaga #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jennifer Manocherian, author of the book Alpha Bette. Alpha Bette is Jennifer’s first novel. She put much of her personal and professional life experience into writing it, having been a family therapist, divorce mediator, Broadway and Off-Broadway producer, musical book writer, screenwriter & producer, and screenwriting teacher. She co-wrote and produced the films Family Blues and Boundary Waters (in production) as well as wrote the book of two musicals that are streaming online: Marry Harry, a full-length musical, and Cockroaches & Cologne, a short musical. She is a proud board member of New York Stage and Film, The Peace Studio, and 18by Vote. She is married with five children and many grandchildren—great source material! In my book review, I stated Alpha Bette is a contemporary fiction told from the viewpoint of several characters who revolve around the matriarch Bette Gartner. At ninety-five, Bette has lost her husband, most of her friends, and even her granddaughter. She has to rely on help from her housekeeper and night nurse after a fall that left her reliant on her wheelchair. One morning, after what she is sure is a sign from her dead husband, Bette orchestrates a dinner party. The entire story takes place in one day giving readers a glimpse into the past and present of Bette and those around her: housekeeper, aide, two neighbors, daughter and son-in-law, great-granddaughter, and what Bette hopes to be her eventual great-grandson-in-law. Throw in a cremated parrot, political prisoners, a spoiled puppy, a cancer scare, and a medium who Bette believes can speak to her husband, George, and you have a dinner party you'll never forget. This book reminds me a bit of My Grandmother Told Me To Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman and The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. I think it is because we get into the heads of so many characters and see how they touch one another's lives. ​Jennifer states that people either love or hate the ending. I'm in the love category, but that may be because I saw it coming! This is another must-read. You can follow Author Jennifer Manocherian: Website: https://jennifermanocherian.net/ FB: @ jmanocherian IG: @jennifermanocherian LinkedIn: @jennifer-manocherian-2421855 Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #jennifermanocherian #alphabette #contemporary #familyfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guests today on the Online for Authors podcast are the editors of Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women with a forward by Aimie K Runyan. The stories in Feisty Women span six centuries. Within these stories, you’ll find that even when time periods and geographical locations vary greatly, women’s struggles as they confront adversity are often remarkably universal. The twenty-three stories in this collection follow ordinary women from the 1470s to the 1960s as they rise to meet life’s challenges. Foreign invasions, the outbreak of war, rigid domestic authority, strictures of society and religion, the supernatural, love and family bonds all serve as catalysts for the feisty deeds of the women in these tales. Aimie K. Runyan is the internationally bestselling author of The School for German Brides, A Bakery in Paris, and Mademoiselle Eiffel. She writes to celebrate unsung heroines. She has written eight historical novels and is delving into the exciting world of contemporary women's fiction. She has been a finalist for the Colorado Book Award five times, a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers' 'Writer of the Year, ' and a Historical Novel Society's Editors' Choice selection. Aimie is active as a speaker and educator in the writing community in Colorado and beyond. She lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her wonderful husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) sweet cats, and a pet dragon. Website: aimiekrunyan.com IG: @bookishaimie FB: @aimiekrunyan X: @aimiekrunyan After a career as a university professor teaching and publishing in philosophy, Carolyn Korsmeyer turned her hand to fiction. She has published two novels, one historical – Charolotte’s Story, one a mystery – Little Follies: A Mystery at the Millennium. Her third novel, Riddle of Spirit and Bone, will be released in February 2025. Website: www.carolynkorsmeyer.com FB: @carolyn.korsmeyer IG: @carolyn.korsmeyer LinkedIn: carolyn-korsmeyer Christy Matheson writes romantic Regency fiction about friends, family, and finding one's place in an ever-changing world. Her debut novel was a finalist for the 2023 WFWA Rising Star Award, and is currently on submission, represented by Kristina Sutton Lennon. She is an award-winning spoken word poet. Christy is also an embroidery artist, classically trained pianist, and sews all of her own clothes. She lives in Oregon, on a country property that fondly reminds her of a Regency estate (except with a swing set instead of faux Greek ruins), with her five children, two Shelties, a bunny, and an improbable amount of art supplies. Website: christymatheson.com FB: @ Christy Matheson, Author IG: @christy_matheson_author X: @CMathesonAuthor Elaine Schroller reads and writes historical fiction to escape writing about computer software and to travel to other places in time. Her degree is in History, which gave her the perfect training for researching specific places and events in DARE NOT TELL and THE BRAVEST SOLDIER. She’s traveled to all but one of the countries in the books and visited all the sites where the story takes place, some more than once. She was an oil brat, and attended high schools in Algiers, Algeria, Northwood, England, Clear Lake City, Texas, Beirut, Lebanon, and Kingston-upon-Thames, England. For many years, she’s lived in Bellaire, Texas. She and her husband raised their son there. Now they have a rescue cocker spaniel underfoot and travel as often as they can convince their son to look after the dog for them. Elaine is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Women's Fiction Writers Association. Website: www.elaineschroller.com IG: @elaineschroller FB: @elaine.aucoin.schroller After selling her European fashion specialty store in 2016, Kay Smith-Blum began writing the novel she had been percolating on for two decades. Three manuscripts later, Smith-Blum’s debut novel, Tangles, depicts the human costs of the nuclear age and the...

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Laury A Egan, author of the book The Psychologist’s Shadow. Laury is the author of thirteen novels and four limited edition poetry volumes. Eighty-five of her stories and poems have appeared in literary journals and anthologies. She is a reviewer for The New York Journal of Books, a fine arts photographer, and a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey. In my book review, I stated The Psychologist's Shadow is a psychological thriller that had me hooked from the first chapter. Ellen Haskell is a psychologist who recently moved her practice to remove herself from a bad situation. Somehow, it seems that 'bad situations' follow Ellen, and she soon finds herself in the middle of an obsession. Laury does a wonderful job casting light on several patients and even a family member who could be behind the phone calls, notes, and trinkets. I didn't figure out the stalker. I had ruled out some because they seem too obvious and others because of specific things that happened during the action. I actually thought it was one of the patients that I didn't want it to be! I even suspected patients ruled out by Ellen figuring she was missing something. Finally, I suspected a past boyfriend. Although I hadn't ruled out the real stalker, I certainly wouldn't have bet my life on it! ​Laury did a great job keeping the reader guessing. Although I tend to shy away from thrillers because they often get too graphic, Laury provided all the suspense necessary without adding gratuitous violence. This is a must-read! You can follow Author Laury A Egan: Website:www.lauryaegan.com FB: @laury.egan IG: @laurya.egan X: @EganLaury LinkedIn: @laury-a-egan-09096b3/ Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #lauryaegan #thepsychologistsshadow #suspense #thriller #psychologicalsuspense #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch, here to chat with me about podcast guesting for authors. PodMatch, is a software company specifically focused on independent podcast hosts and their guests to elevate their voices through podcasting and be heard. In addition to founding PodMatch, Alex is also the host of the top-rated podcast, Podcasting Made Simple, and is one of the most sought-after educators and public speakers in the podcasting industry. At the age of 10, Alex got his first taste of entrepreneurship when he began selling used golf balls that he would find in the lakes and woods around his neighborhood golf course. Alex immediately realized that he enjoyed generating sales and keeping track of profit margins. (Yes, an odd kid for only 10 years old!) Through many twists and turns, from a job in the aerospace field to church ministry leadership, Alex finally came back to his entrepreneurial roots with the podcast, Creating a Brand, and eventually creating the platform, PodMatch, to help podcasters find guests for their shows. In Alex’s own words, “I’m in this industry to serve indie podcasters, and their guests to help independent voices get elevated and, as a result, help them serve the world in the way only they can. I love what I do; I believe I’m now doing what I was created to do – And I’m giving it 110% every day!” You can follow Alex Sanfilippo, Founder of Podmatch, at: www.podmatch.com/free Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #alexsanfilippo #podmatch #podcasting #podcastingforauthors #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

As the award-winning host for Online for Authors, my goal is to introduce avid readers to characters they’d like to invite to lunch. Listeners will have the opportunity to discover new authors, amazing characters, and “can’t stop reading” stories. Online for Authors releases a new episode featuring a guest interview each Tuesday morning at 6am ET. Tune in to be introduced to new and upcoming authors in a wide variety of fiction genres - from historical to fantasy to mystery to thriller to romance – as well as inspirational memoirs. If you are looking for the next book on your “to be read” pile, then this is the podcast for you. Listen as authors discuss their latest work (no spoilers!), the impetus behind the storyline, how/where/why they write, what’s coming up next, and more! These conversations are in-depth because unlike other podcasts focused on fiction, I take the time to read and review each novel before the interview. By doing so, I can guarantee a good fit for my audience as well as an interesting and inquisitive conversation. Additionally, the first Saturday of each month, I release what I affectionately call OFAU – Online for Authors University. These once-monthly episodes feature writing tips for authors in all stages of their careers and speaks directly to my desire to mentor others. Whether someone wants to know about editing, marketing, book awards, being a guest on a podcast, or how notebooking can help you overcome writer’s block, writers and aspiring writers will find useful tips to move their writing to the next level. Finally, I gather experts for LIVE streams around topics of interest, such as why authors choose to use pen names or a behind the scenes look at audiobook creation. These LIVE streams happen each 5th Tuesday at 7pm ET, in addition to various dates around specific bookish events like book launches, author readings, and even book birthdays! If you read more than 40 books per year and want to veer away from the NYT Best Seller's List or want to expand beyond your preferred genre, Online for Authors can help you discover novels written by Indie-Authors to add to your to-be-read list.

My guests today on the Online for Authors podcast are here to discuss pen names and why some authors choose to use them, as well as the benefits and downfalls of doing so. My panel of guests includes Louise Davis, author of Haunted by You, Alexandra Grace, author of Author of The Journey Series, Van Haney, author of Stories to Curl Your Toes and Bloody Ever After, and Wenna Olsson, author of Lost in Secrets. --- Louise Davis is a powerful, up-and-coming young adult author with an innate ability to draw readers into her stories using dramatic realism. Her commercial and accessible writing style blends with highly riveting and twisting plotlines to craft truly unique works of literary art. Her recent book, Haunted by You, artistically showcases her wide range of writing skills, weaving in romance, mystery, and suspense all in one thrilling book. Her lifelong love of reading led her to earn a bachelor’s degree with a focus on creative writing, which paved the way to writing her own books, including her children’s book, Grandpa’s Boots. Through Louise’s profound character development and realistic storylines, she enjoys entertaining her readers while delivering valuable life lessons in the process. When Louise is not sharing her love for writing with the world, she enjoys reading, going on adventures, and spending her time with her five boys, husband, and various animals on their peaceful 3-acre ranch-style home in the Idaho Falls, Idaho area. You can follow Author Louise Davis: Website: https://www.louisedavisbooks.com/ IG:@louisedavisbooks FB: @louisedavisbooks --- It wasn't until her 40s that Alexandra Grace fulfilled her dream to be an author, and she had so much fun, her first novel evolved into a series. She likes to combine her respect for military service men and women with her heartfelt approach to storytelling. All her novels are heartwarming, sweet with heat stories that give lovable veteran heroes the happily ever after they deserve. Alexandra lives in Virginia with her family and enjoys reading, binge watching action TV series with her husband, and being her kids' biggest cheerleader. You can follow Alexandra Grace: IG: @authoralexandragrace Threads: @authoralexandragrace FB: @authoralexandragrace Tiktok: @authoralexandragrace --- Vanessa grew up in the new-age circus known as the entertainment industry. She was first published in an anthology of poems in 1997. In the early 2000's she was showcased in young filmmaker competitions for her screenplays, and in 2018 while getting her Master's in Education she self-published her first book of short stories, Stories to Curl Your Toes. Now after two children and a move to the Pacific Northwest she's unleashing her stories into the world once again. You can follow Author Van Haney: Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Van-Haney/author/B0CFJYCSYJ TikTok: @van_haney_books IG: @dystopianess FB: @Dystopianess --- Wenna lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. She loves words and the hope and joy they bring. She expresses herself best through written words. She first started writing over eight years ago to navigate the tumultuous emotions that clouded her mind. She began sharing her words through blogs and non-fiction writing. In 2022, she made the move to start writing fiction, desiring to create multilayered stories that offered encouragement. Stories taking a bit of heavy and twisting it into a fun tale, but still, lessons learned. Creating something good to fill your mind with and bringing a little light and hope to something not so easy. And also reveal the strength of love. In the fall of 2023, she self-published her debut fiction novel and has plans to continue on her journey to bring great stories that blend mystery, love, suspense, and a ray of hope. You can follow Author Wenna Olsson: IG: @author.wennaolsson --- Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG:...

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Krystal Clark, author of the book Balance of Power, the first in the Chozien Path Series. Krystal, a budding fantasy author, discovered the enchanting world of writing as a refuge for emotional expression during her childhood. What started as a solace soon bloomed into a passion for poetry, breathing life into her journey of public speaking. While many view Fantasy as an escape, Krystal found it to be a world that coexisted within her own reality, shaping her perception of storytelling. As time unfolded, the fantasy genre lost its allure, becoming mundane and repetitive for Krystal, prompting her to cease reading altogether. Determined to redefine the essence of Fantasy, she decided to embark on her own literary quest, focusing not on fantastical worlds but on the characters within them – characters as human and complex as ourselves. Life's demands took center stage as Krystal navigated through college, financial responsibilities, marriage, and the joys of motherhood. Her career in Data Management soared as she became a top-performing executive, yet the longing to be an author lingered in the depths of her being. Despite the demands, she put her writing on pause. It was her husband's encouragement that reignited the spark within Krystal, propelling her to pick up her pen once more. With his unwavering support, she completed her first fantasy novel, a testament to her resilience and unwavering dedication to her dream. The journey from initiation to completion was marked by gratitude for the experiences that shaped her – from childhood through adolescence, young adulthood, motherhood, marriage, and career trials. Krystal acknowledges that without this rich tapestry of life, her fantasy novel would not have achieved the success it enjoys. The good and the bad, the trials and triumphs – all have not only provided inspiration for her writing but have also deepened her understanding of "Moving With Meaning." As a budding fantasy author, Krystal B. Clark invites readers into a world where characters mirror the complexities of humanity, creating stories that resonate with the essence of life itself." In my book review, I stated that although not typically a fantasy reader, I do enjoy a well-written fantasy with strong characters – and Krystal provides just that. In Balance of Power, we see different orders looking for The Chozien, the one the Great Spirit has sent to rule the earth. We follow the Chozien from infancy through early adulthood as he trains and learns and begins to accept his role. But not everyone is happy and there are some who wish to steal The Chozien for their own order - because the order with the boy has immense power over the future. ​I enjoyed the characters, and the world, though different from my own, had enough similarities that I didn't get bogged down. The only thing I didn't like was the cliffhanger at the end. Of course, Krystal has ensured that I will read the next installment! You can follow Author Krystal Clark: Website: https://www.movingwithmeaning.com/ IG: @movingwithmeaning82 LinkedIn: @krystalclark YouTube: @movingwithmeaning TikTok: @krystalbclark Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #krystalclark #krystalbclark #balanceofpower #thechozienpathseries #fantasy #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview