Have a comment? Text me!What happens when childhood memories collide with historical events?In this episode, I sit down with Rhonda Zimlich—author, writing teacher at American University, and storyteller. Rhonda shares the inspiration behind her novel, Raising Panic, a story rooted in her own experiences and the tragic PSA 182 crash in San Diego.Set in 1978 in rural Southern California, Raising Panic captures the resilience of two young girls navigating chaos and loss. Rhonda opens up about w...
Have a comment? Text me!Imagine spending nearly a decade dreaming about writing your first book, only to finally break through with a 30-day writing challenge.That’s exactly what happened with our guest, Bradley Charbonneau, an author who has now penned 35 books. He opens up about his battle with procrastination and perfectionism, sharing how he transformed his creative process to produce work consistently for over seven years. In this podcast, we explore the trials and triumphs of leavi...
Have a comment? Text me!What if pursuing your passions could redefine aging?Meet James Flaherty, 89, who’s added not just years but vitality to his life. Starting his writing journey later, Jim has authored four books, including his latest, Embrace Your Age, a reflection on aging with a purpose that challenges the idea of “feeling old.” In this episode, he shares his insights on staying active and positive through the years, plus stories of friends who chose a different path.James' career kic...
Have a comment? Text me!Renowned dermatologist and author Dr. Steve Feldman shares the inspiring journey behind his book Bent Toward Justice, highlighting how diverse perspectives, including Holocaust survivor Murray Swartzman’s story, reshaped his worldview. He discusses the emotional complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Yitzhak Rabin’s influence, and the challenges of advocating for peace.Dr. Feldman reflects on his potential congressional campaign, inspired by Martin Luth...
Have a comment? Text me!Do you want to build a thriving writing career and monetize your content? Tune in as David Mcilroy breaks down the exact strategies he used to grow a massive audience on Medium and Substack. From consistent posting to effective networking, he’s got the blueprint for success—and he’s planning to go full-time by year's end, thanks to his supportive subscriber base.We dive into the nitty-gritty of paywalls, comparing monetization models on Substack and Medium, and of...
Have a comment? Text me!Curious about how alcohol shaped American history and continues to influence our lives today?Join us for a compelling conversation with marketing expert and author Ella Parlor as we uncover the untold stories behind America’s relationship with alcohol. From the Prohibition era to today’s complex regulatory landscape, we explore the fascinating history of the 18th and 21st Amendments and their enduring impact on society.Ella shares her unique insights on the contro...
Have a comment? Text me!Award-winning children's author Neil Rosen, also known by his whimsical pen name Professor Stork, joins me to share his inspiring journey from a bookish childhood to rediscovering his passion for writing later in life. His latest graphic novel, Mila on Purpose, celebrates friendship and diversity and aims to help children build confidence.We also weigh the pros and cons of each publishing method, from the lengthy process of landing a traditional publisher to the financ...
Have a comment? Text me!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, expl...
Have a comment? Text me!What happens when war disrupts the creative minds of writers? In this episode, I conversed with Franco-Moroccan-American writer Jordan Elgrably, editor-in-chief of The Markaz Review, 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 wri...
Have a comment? Text me!Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is shaking up jobs and our creative landscape? Join us as we unpack these changes with bestselling author Matt Witten. In this episode, Matt dives into the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in his latest novel, Killer Story. He shares insights into the evolving challenges of journalism and how AI might just be the next big disruptor.From securing an agent to seeing Leonardo DiCaprio's company adapt his book The Necklac...
Have a comment? Text me!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 tod...
Have a comment? Text me!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 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....
Have a comment? Text me! 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 ...
Have a comment? Text me!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 - ...
Have a comment? Text me!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 re...
Have a comment? Text me!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 sinc...
Have a comment? Text me!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 mol...
Have a comment? Text me!When a patient's desire for distraction developed into a realm of magic, fantasy author Danielle Orsino, who was working as a nurse, discovered her true passion. Join us as Danielle recounts her extraordinary journey from nursing to becoming a novelist, revealing the unexpected turns life can take. Her stories transcend tales of the mystical Fae and their cosmic conflicts and companionship.Listen to this episode, which is brimmed with the magic of storytelli...
Have a comment? Text me!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 enhanci...
Have a comment? Text me!In this episode, Shireen Sabanegh shares her journey from museum management in Jordan to creating children's stories in the UK. She reveals the intricate process of traditional publishing, from the excitement of having two manuscripts accepted to collaborating with publishers and illustrators. The discussion delves into themes like representing disability in children's books through empowering narratives and the impact of storytelling on fostering inclu...