Author Interviews - AfterBuzz Books

Host James Lott Jr. chats with Ed Asner about his autobiography SON OF A JUNKMAN. About the Book: Emmy Award-winning actor, Ed Asner, recounts tales from his amazing life in this charming and hilarious memoir. From his colorful childhood as the son of a junkman growing up in the West Bottoms of Kansas City all the way through his spectacular acting career during the golden age of film and television, Ed recounts warm memories that are anything but ordinary. Son of a Junkman makes the reader feel as if they've pulled up a chair in Ed's home just in time to catch the lovable Hollywood grump tell a story or two. Foreword by Paul Rudd. About Ed: Ed is primarily known for his role as Lou Grant during the 1970s and early 1980s, on both The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off series Lou Grant, making him one of the few television actors to portray the same character in both a comedy and a drama. He is the most honored male performer in the history of the Primetime Emmy Awards, having won seven, five for portraying Lou Grant (three as Supporting Actor in a Comedy Television Series and two as Lead Actor in a Dramatic Television Series). His other Emmys were for performances in two of the most significant mini-television series of the 1970s: Rich Man, Poor Man (1976), where he won for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Performance in a TV series, and Roots (1977), for which he won for Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in a TV series. He played John Wayne's adversary Bart Jason in the 1966 Western El Dorado. He has played Santa Claus in several films, notably in 2003's Elf. In 2009, he starred as the voice of Carl Fredricksen in Pixar's animated film Up, and made a guest appearance on CSI: NY in the episode "Yahrzeit". In early 2011, Asner returned to television as butcher Hank Greziak in Working Class, the first original sitcom on cable channel CMT. He starred in the Canadian television series Michael, Tuesdays and Thursdays, on CBC Television and has appeared in the 2013 television series The Glades. Asner guest-starred as Guy Redmayne, a homophobic billionaire who supports Alicia Florrick's campaign, in the sixth season of The Good Wife.

Tami Goveia interviews New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg about his new book, "Lost Hills" ABOUT BOOK CIRCLE ONLINE: Book Circle Online is the world’s first online network with shows dedicated to the intimate discussion and dissection of various books. BCO also features one on one author interviews and engages fellow fans via social media. BCO Hosts, comprised of authors, writers, critics and media personalities, discuss all aspects of the book from the author’s inspiration and background to chapter-by-chapter breakdowns. Hosts offer insight and opinions as well as diverse and thought-provoking views.

Tommalisa Lumpkin is the funny, smart, take-no-prisoners momma behind ‘Menopause vs Puberty.’ This award winning corporate sales executive turned ‘momager’ has held positions at Eli Lilly, and the NFL all while raising to three great children. ABOUT BOOK CIRCLE ONLINE: Book Circle Online is the world’s first online network with shows dedicated to the intimate discussion and dissection of various books. BCO also features one on one author interviews and engages fellow fans via social media. BCO Hosts, comprised of authors, writers, critics and media personalities, discuss all aspects of the book from the author’s inspiration and background to chapter-by-chapter breakdowns. Hosts offer insight and opinions as well as diverse and thought-provoking views.

Deeran, an energetic United States Navy veteran, turned personal growth & business etiquette influencer, and now the author of "Colorful Confessions" is quickly becoming household name. This is evident through his multiple television appearances on The Game Show Network, FoxNews, Youtube Red, Afterbuzz TV, and his time as a disc jockey in the San Diego area on 89.1FM, where his love of music and unmatched work ethic earned him the nickname "DJ Deeran." Deeran is most well-known from his starring role on the E! Network reality show Revenge Body season 3 where he lost 40 lbs in 12 weeks. He has taken what he has learned from his world travels in the military, time on Revenge Body and credentials to help other progressive-minded people think more inward and laugh more outward at the same time. ABOUT BOOK CIRCLE ONLINE: Book Circle Online is the world’s first online network with shows dedicated to the intimate discussion and dissection of various books. BCO also features one on one author interviews and engages fellow fans via social media. BCO Hosts, comprised of authors, writers, critics and media personalities, discuss all aspects of the book from the author’s inspiration and background to chapter-by-chapter breakdowns. Hosts offer insight and opinions as well as diverse and thought-provoking views.

Host Michael Clouse sits down with Jefferson Bethke to talk about his book "To Hell with the Hustle: Reclaiming Your Life in an Overworked, Overspent, and Overconnected World" #Books #Interviews #JeffersonBethke Subscribe to Book Circle Online! http://youtube.com/bookcircleonline Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/bookcircleon Website - http://bookcircleonline.com ABOUT BOOK CIRCLE ONLINE: Book Circle Online is the world’s first online network with shows dedicated to the intimate discussion and dissection of various books. BCO also features one on one author interviews and engages fellow fans via social media. BCO Hosts, comprised of authors, writers, critics and media personalities, discuss all aspects of the book from the author’s inspiration and background to chapter-by-chapter breakdowns. Hosts offer insight and opinions as well as diverse and thought-provoking views.

Join Tami Goveia in a conversation with author Maria Goodavage! Three-time New York Times bestselling author Maria Goodavage is known for her powerful books about military and Secret Service dogs who keep everyone from troops to presidents out of harm’s way. In DOCTOR DOGS: How Our Best Friends Are Becoming Our Best Medicine (Dutton; publication date: October 1, 2019; hardcover, $28.00), the former USA Today journalist reveals the fascinating new ways dogs are saving lives every day in their emerging roles as “doctor dogs.”

Join Tami Goveia in a conversation with author MG Hennessey! From the author of The Other Boy comes a poignant and heartfelt novel that explores what it means to be a family. Perfect for fans of Counting by 7s. Nevaeh, Vic, and Mara are veterans of the Los Angeles foster care system. For over a year they’ve been staying with Mrs. K in Echo Park. Vic spends most of his time living in a dream world, Mara barely speaks, and Nevaeh is forced to act as a back-up parent. Though their situation isn’t ideal, it’s still their best home yet. Then Child Protective Services places Quentin in the house, and everything is turned upside down. Nevaeh really can’t handle watching over anyone else, especially a boy on the autism spectrum. Meanwhile, Quentin is having trouble adjusting and attempts to run away. So when Vic realizes Quentin just wants to see his mom again, he plans an “epic quest” to reunite them. It could result in the foster siblings getting sent to different group homes. But isn’t family always worth the risk?

Part autobiography, part philosophical inquiry, and part spiritual quest, Comedy Sex God is a hilarious, profound, and enlightening romp around the fertile mind of stand-up stand-out, podcast king, and HBO superstar Pete Holmes. PETE: Pete Holmes is a comedian, writer, cartoonist, “Christ-leaning spiritual seeker”, and podcast host. His wildly popular podcast, You Made It Weird, is a comedic exploration of the meaning of life with guests ranging from Deepak Chopra and Elizabeth Gilbert to Seth Rogen and Garry Shandling. Pete also created and starred in the semi-autobiographical HBO show Crashing which he executive produced alongside Judd Apatow. An accomplished standup with three hour-long television specials and innumerous late night appearances, he continues to tour regularly to sold-out crowds. He lives with his wife and daughter in LA.

TK Trinidad sits down with Writer Trent Shelton to talk about Trent's book "The Greatest You"        In this remarkable, life-changing new book, renowned inspirational speaker Trent Shelton shares his revolutionary tool kit for transforming your life and reaching your goals. Trent Shelton seemed to have it all together--until everything fell apart. A college football standout, his NFL dreams died when he was cut from multiple teams. With no job and no prospects, learning he had a child out of wedlock on the way and numbing himself with whatever he could find, Trent then found out one of his closest friends had killed himself. Life seemed without hope--until Trent discovered the secret to finding promise in the darkest of times. And now he shares that secret with you.    Writing from deep, been-there experience, Trent walks you on a journey to become the best hope-filled version of yourself. In The Greatest You, Trent takes you through the necessary steps to become everything you are meant to be, from facing the reality of your circumstances and realizing your purpose in life, to breaking free from toxic environments and forgiving those--including yourself--who've harmed you, to learning how to guard yourself against the pitfalls of life. Weaving together personal stories from his own life and from others who have also gone through hard times, Trent reveals how you can bring out the best in yourself and establish a happier, more fulfilled future for generations to come.

Chae' Jones sits down with Writer Regina Louise and Casting Directo Twinkie Byrd. and they talk about Regina's book "Someone Has Led This Child To Believe"Regina Louise was born in Austin, Texas. She attended Molly Dawson elementary school and left at the age of eleven. Due to her father's estrangement, Regina turned herself in to the Richmond Police Department and was taken into custody the day before her thirteenth birthday.Louise lived in over 30 foster homes, group homes and psychiatric facilities before age 18. She now speaks and coaches organizations and individuals on issues of trauma and personal development, and is a foster care abolitionist. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.Author of the memoir Somebody's Someone, Louise has appeared on National Public Radio's All Things Considered KQED Forum, CBC, BBC and the CBS Early Show. Louise and her story have also been covered in various newspapers and magazines.[2][3][4] Her second memoir, Someone Has Led This Child to Believe: A Case History of Love, was released July 10th, 2018.Regina’s real-life story is the subject of a Lifetime movie I Am Somebody's Child: The Regina Louise Story. The film stars Angela Fairley as Regina Louise, Ginnifer Goodwin as Jeanne Kerr, Monique Coleman, Sherri Saum, and Kim Hawthorne as Gwen Ford.Twinkie Byrd is a Brooklyn-born and raised casting director with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Madonna, the Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Katy Perry are among the artists who have counted on Byrd to find talent who can bring their songs to life on the small screen. Byrd has the vision spot actors who can bring complicated and nuanced storylines from page to motion picture . Her work on Stomp the Yard, The Blind Side, Notorious , Ju mping the Broom, FillyBrown, Sparkle, Black Nativity and FRUITVALE STATION prove as much. Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd has spent decades channeling her super power of finding the perfect person for every character.

Tami Goveia sits down with Writer Maureen Johnson and they talk about her latest book "The Vanishing Stair" The Truly Devious case—an unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1936—has consumed Stevie for years. It’s the very reason she came to the academy. But then her classmate was murdered, and her parents quickly pull her out of school. For her safety, they say. She must move past this obsession with crime.  Stevie’s willing to do anything to get back to Ellingham, be back with her friends, and solve the Truly Devious case. Even if it means making a deal with the despicable Senator Edward King. And when Stevie finally returns, she also returns to David: the guy she kissed, and the guy who lied about his identity—Edward King’s son. But larger issues are at play. Where did the murderer hide? What’s the meaning of the riddle Albert Ellingham left behind? And what, exactly, is at stake in the Truly Devious affair? The Ellingham case isn’t just a piece of history—it’s a live wire into the present.

Yasmine Tanres sits down with Writer Susan Holmes McKagan and they talk about her latest book "The Velvet Rose" In the early nineties, Scarlet, a painter and high fashion model, finds herself working in some of the world’s most famous fashion capitals. As her adventure continues, she meets Johnny of The Westies, an up-and-coming band on the cusp of superstardom. What ensues is an unhinged ride of a novel following the audacious lead female protagonist as she navigates her life through fame, addiction, infidelity, and all the ups and downs of dating a legendary musician from one of the biggest rock bands in history. A riveting and heartfelt journey of figuring out one’s own path and championing that aspect to finding their dreams. Rich in spirit and relatable for all those who have ever had the courage to chase their dreams and pursue an unconventional path in this glorious world. A page-turner, frequently injected with laugh-out-loud humor, front row seat of fun debut that is being heralded as the earnest generation of authenticity of a nineties voyage, Susan Holmes McKagan shines in The Velvet Rose.

Fern Ronay sits down with Author Iain Thomas and they talk about his latest book ""Every Word You Cannot Say." I know you don’t want to talk sometimes. Sometimes because it hurts and sometimes because you’re just not supposed to talk about what you want to talk about. Sometimes it can be hard to say, “this is beautiful,” when no one else can see what you see. Or, “Here, this is where the pain is.” But some part of you knows, the truth about the words you cannot say is that they only hurt until you say them. They only hurt until the person who needs to hear them, hears them. Because we are human, and the closest we’ve ever come to showing each other who we really are, and how we love, is with words. So I’m going to try to say to you here, what I wish you’d say to me too. Please. Listen. We can change things.

James Lott Jr. talks with Sean Hanan about his book, "Success Factor X." Actor, producer, writer and comedian Sean Kanan is releasing a “Success” book entitled “Success Factor X.” The book has a slew of contributors, some of the most successful people on the planet, including Mark Cuban, Jason Alexander, Bobbi Brown, Don King, Martin Kove, Prince Lorenzo de’ Medici, Anthony Robbins, Eric Roberts, Ken Shamrock, Jerry Springer, Darryl (DMC) Mc Daniels, Tristan Rodgers, Antonio Sabato Jr., Sara Blakely, Harry Wayne (KC) Casey, Shawn Johnson, Susan Lucci, and Jill Liberman ( Sean’s partner in the book). The foreward was written by television/radio host and PR mogul Jimmy Star from The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell.

Tami Goveia talks with Lee Goldberg about his book, "Killer Thriller." In #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg’s action-packed sequel to the Washington Post bestseller True Fiction, a hapless writer is pitted against an enemy nation mounting a treacherous plot lifted from one of his thrillers. Everybody loves Ian Ludlow’s action novels—especially the CIA—because the spies know something the public doesn’t: his fictional plots have a frightening tendency to come true. Ian is in Hong Kong with his resourceful assistant Margo French to research his wildest story yet—a deadly global conspiracy by Chinese intelligence to topple the United States. What Ian doesn’t know is that his horrifying scenario is happening and that the Chinese mistakenly believe he’s an undercover superspy assigned to foil their scheme. Now Ian is trapped in his own terrifying thriller, on the run from assassins, and racing against time to prevent an epic disaster. He’s written himself into a corner that could cost his life…and his country.

Louiza Shar talks with Carla Renata about her book, "The Actor's Guide To Self-Marketing." Stand Out from the Competition! How do actors sell their personality? What does it take to make a lasting impression? How can actors use their image to achieve their dreams? The Actor's Guide to Self-Marketing answers all these questions and more. With a background in acting and publicity, author Carla Renata has gathered insider info and proven tips to help actors create their own brand and utilize it for success. With The Actor's Guide to Self-Marketing, you will learn how to: Highlight unique traits and skills Distinguish yourself from the crowd Market yourself through social media Angle for your dream role And so much more! Renata's methods have been tested and developed through her branding and social media program, The Branding Buddha, which has been taught online and privately, as well as in group classes at top universities in the United States. Along with tips from her program and extensive background in the field, Renata uses meditative practices and self-actualization to help actors develop their public image and reach their goals with clarity and intention. As she writes, "The mind is everything. What you think, you will become." With The Actor's Guide to Self-Marketing, you'll be well on your way to becoming the actor you really want to be and landing your dream roles.

Jessie Zahner talks with CJ Zahner about her book, "Dream Wide Awake." Three boys are missing. Six-year-old Mikala Daly can see the spirit of one of those boys. Through dreams, the murdered boy shows Mikala that the other two boys are alive but clinging to life. She knows she can find and save them. But will Daddy let her?

Jeff Graham talks with Richard Robbins about his book, "Love, Loss, and Lagniappe." Life is good for Dr. Drew Coleman, a successful young eye surgeon living in Uptown New Orleans, and he knows it. Having met and married his beautiful medical school classmate, Kate, the two settle happily into the routine of raising their two young daughters. Drew's charmed life is soon shattered by devastating news, causing him to go on a ten-year transcontinental journey of self-discovery, during which he explores the nature of God and Man, the divine inspiration for many of New York's landmarks and artistic treasures, and the relationship between the found and the lost souls passing on the street. He meets a number of memorable characters, including the young blue-haired runaway, Blue, who renounced her given name when forced to leave her Minnesota home with her girlfriend, Anna. In time, he discovers and explains the scientific basis for the meaning of life, and is finally found, or finds himself, setting the stage for a bittersweet and memorable ending.

Louiza Shar talks with Cindy Gaber about her book, "Ascenders." Walker Callaghan doesn't know what happened to her. One minute she was living her teenage life in suburban Chicago...and the next minute, she was in a strange place and in a brand new school with absolutely no homework, no rules, and no consequences. Walker Callaghan, 17, is dead. She doesn't go to heaven or hell. She lands at The Academy, a middle realm where teenagers have one thing in common: They were the morning announcement at their high schools because they died young. These high school kids are now caught in a strange “in-between” zone where life hasn’t changed very much. In fact, this special teen limbo looks a lot like life in a quaint Michigan town complete with jocks, popular girls and cliques. "There are even cheerleaders in death," Walker observes. It's not a coincidence that the music teacher is a guy named Kurt who "used to have this band." The drama teacher, Heath, is crush worthy because back in his life, he starred in some superhero movie. Principal King explains the rules -- there are none. Why? You can't die twice. There is no homework. No tests. No SATS. You're just there to learn because the human brain isn't fully formed until you're 24. By the way, you can't get hurt physically, so race your Harley off that hillside. But falling in love is the most dangerous thing you can do ...because no one knows how long you'll stay in this realm or what's next. "Losing someone you love would be like dying twice," Walker says. * * * * * * Walker Callaghan has just arrived at the Academy after a tragic car accident. “Is this heaven or is this high school?” she asks. She finds out her new life is a bit of both as she falls in love with tat-covered, bad boy Daniel Reid who is about to break the only sacred rule of this place. He's looking for a portal to return back to the living realm. He needs just one hour to retrieve his younger brother who strangely never arrived at The Academy. Bobby is an Earth Bound Spirit, stuck at a plane crash site that took both of their lives as their rich father piloted his private jet nose-first into a cornfield on Christmas Eve. Walker loves Daniel and risks it all to go with him. Have they learned enough to outsmart dangerous forces while transporting a young child with them? Can their love survive the fragmented evil parts of themselves that are now hunting them down as they try to find a way back to the middle? At the Academy, you learn the lessons of an after-lifetime.

Tami Goveia talks with Elana Arnold about her book, "Damsel." A dark, twisted, unforgettable fairy tale from Elana K. Arnold, author of the National Book Award finalist What Girls Are Made Of The rite has existed for as long as anyone can remember: When the king dies, his son the prince must venture out into the gray lands, slay a fierce dragon, and rescue a damsel to be his bride. This is the way things have always been. When Ama wakes in the arms of Prince Emory, she knows none of this. She has no memory of what came before she was captured by the dragon or what horrors she faced in its lair. She knows only this handsome young man, the story he tells of her rescue, and her destiny of sitting on a throne beside him. It’s all like a dream, like something from a fairy tale. As Ama follows Emory to the kingdom of Harding, however, she discovers that not all is as it seems. There is more to the legends of the dragons and the damsels than anyone knows, and the greatest threats may not be behind her, but around her, now, and closing in.