Online For Authors Podcast

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Ally Dalsimer, author of the book, It’s Okay Not to be Fabulous Every Day. Ally is a published author, award-winning environmental expert, former political candidate, and an experienced life coach. Life highlights include traveling the world, rescuing 7 cats, raising two children, and surviving the death of her husband and mother. Her breadth of life experience infuses her ‘Fabulous’ book with incredible insights and lessons learned.   Ally has undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology from the University of Richmond, and a Master’s in Public Policy, Environmental Law and Economics Track from Georgetown University. She lives in Virginia with her rescue cat Pooma. She has authored or co-authored more than 50 articles, technical reports, proceedings, brochures, and now a book! She is a member of ALLi, SCBWI, TWSA, and AAUW. Her new book, Jack & Ginger: An Unexpected Friendship will be available in 2024! In my book review, I stated It's Okay Not To Be Fabulous Every Day by Ally Dalsimer is an inspirational read reminding us that although we should have goals and strive to reach them, we don't have to be at the top of our game every single day. In fact, it isn't possible to do so. When that is our aim, we are sure to become disappointed in ourselves. Ally began this book as a book of 'lessons learned' for her children as they began to move away from home and start their adult lives. In the end, she realized that everyone needs these bits of wisdom. Each chapter has quotes from sources you will recognize, such as Martin Luther King, Jr, but she also throws in Yoda. In fact, Ally is willing to share truth wherever she finds it to help each of us live a more fulfilled life. ​ I think this book would be a perfect source of daily inspiration and could easily be used for prompts for daily journal writing. It is not a 'one and done' book. Instead, it will stay on your bedside table for easy access whenever life seems just a little bit too hard. You can follow Author Ally Dalsimer: Website: www.allydalsimer.com IG: @ally.dalsimer X: @AllyDalsimer LinkedIn: @ally-dalsimer-5a872a10/ FB: @allydalsimer1 Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #allydalsimer #itsokaynottobefabulouseveryday #itsokaynottobefabulous #selfhelp #inspirational #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 Gary Simonds, author of the book Death’s Pale Flag.  Gary is a highly experienced neurosurgeon, and former head of an academic neurosurgery program at Virginia Tech/Carilion Clinic. He is a professor and teaches regularly at the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Gary has written and spoken widely on the subjects of neuroscience, medical school admissions, humanism, medical socioeconomics, medical ethics, burnout, personal wellness, spirituality, death and dying, and the interface between science and religion. Known for his compassion and sense of humor, he also writes fiction and is an accomplished and entertaining storyteller. Born in New Jersey, Gary has lived in New Jersey; England; Washington D.C.; Denver; Danville, Pennsylvania; and Roanoke, Virginia. He currently lives in the beautiful town of Black Mountain, North Carolina. In my book review, I stated that Death's Pale is a psychological thriller that had me from page one. The main character, Ryan, is a brain surgeon, so some of the medical stuff really hit home with me as my husband and I navigate his brain cancer diagnosis. However, I found what Ryan does as a trauma neurosurgeon amazing. And because the author is a neurosurgeon, it is very accurate! But the story isn't about a run-of-the-mill neurosurgeon and his patients. Instead, it is about a highly educated man who begins to see ghosts - some from long ago and some far more recent. Why are they contacting him? What will his coworkers and family think? Are they real or is he cracking up? ​I loved this story and was sad to see it end. Gary did a magnificent job with character development. Definitely a must-read, even if psychological thriller is not usually on your TBR! You can follow Author Gary Simonds: Website: www.garyrsimonds.com Social media: FB: @garyrsimonds TikTok: @garyrsimonds IG: @garyrsimonds   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #garysimonds #garyrsimonds #deathspaleflag #psychologicalthriller #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 Fran Hawthorne, author of the book, I Meant to Tell You. Fran has been writing novels since she was four years old, although she was sidetracked for several decades by journalism. During that award-winning career, she wrote eight nonfiction books (mainly about consumer activism and the healthcare industry) and was an editor or regular contributor for The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, and many other publications. But Fran never abandoned her true love: Her debut novel, The Heirs, was published in 2018, and now I MEANT TO TELL YOU (which was published last November by Stephen F. Austin State University Press) has already won or is a finalist for seven awards, including the Eric Hoffer Award and the Sarton Award. Fran is at work on two new novels and also writes book reviews for the New York Journal of Books. In my book review, I stated that I Meant to Tell You is a contemporary women's fiction with some forays into the history surrounding the demonstrations during the Vietnam War era. More importantly, it is about a woman named Miranda who must come to terms with her past - both the past she has tried to keep secret and the past that has been kept secret from her. Fran made me think about what I would do to keep my mistakes hidden from others or what others might do if they found out about my skeletons. She also made me consider how I would handle learning about someone else's secrets - especially if those secrets were meaningful to me. ​ Can love survive the past? And when is it okay to tell a few white lies to gloss over the details of the past? I Meant To Tell You may just have the answers. You can follow Author Fran Hawthorne: Website: https://www.hawthornewriter.com Instagram: @hawthornewriter X: @hawthornewriter LinkedIn: in/franhawthorne Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomhawthornewriter   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com  FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #franhawthorne #imeanttotellyou #womensfiction #literaryfiction #historicalfiction #vietnamera #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 Editor Megan Turner here to talk with me about the editing process. Megan is a graduate of the MFA Program for Poets and Writers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her work has appeared in Witness, Atticus Review, Rio Grande Review, Fiction International, and others. She currently serves as a developmental editor at Atmosphere Press and as an instructor for UC Berkeley Extension. She lives and works in Portland, Maine. Megan and I met almost three years ago through Atmosphere Press, and she was instrumental in helping me bring Sunflowers Beneath the Snow to publication. Since then, she has been my editor for An Enemy Like Me and Daughters of Green Mountain Gap. Each time, she has helped take my story to the next level. You can follow editor and writer Megan Turner at her website: www.meganrturner.com or through Atmosphere Press: www.atmospherepress.com   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #meganturner #editing #editingprocess #developmentaleditor #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 Elaine Schroller, author of the book The Bravest Soldiers. Elaine 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 her first novel, Dare Not Tell, as well as her second, The Bravest Soldiers. 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. Elaine 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 has lived in Bellaire, Texas, where she and her husband raised their son. Now, she has a rescue cocker spaniel underfoot and travels as often as she can convince her son to look after the dog. Elaine is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Women's Fiction Writers Association. In my book review, I stated that The Bravest Soldiers was an amazing historical fiction with a dash of romance. It is set in WWII in Australia and has been winning awards - as it should! For those who know Elaine's work, we meet Sophie in book one of The Immense Sky Saga. She was a nurse in WWI in France but when the war ended, she emigrated to Australia with her new husband, adopted son, and step-son. The Bravest Soldiers is what happens to Sophie as a mom during WWII. Sophie is one of those "do it all" ladies who sees a need and fills it. But what happens when the needs are those you cannot fill and the fear of loss is almost too immense? Elaine helps us see that bravery doesn't just happen on the front line of a war. In fact, the bravest soldiers are often the women who are left behind to keep things running despite the stress and worry. ​ You can follow Author Elaine Schroller: Website: www.elaineschroller.com Instagram: @elaineschroller Facebook: @elaine.aucoin.schroller   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #elaineschroller #thebravestsoldiers #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 Carol Pearson, author of the book 10 Little Rules for a Blissy Life. Carol is the founder and creative force behind the 10 Little Rules books. She crafted her rules for living after navigating through some of life's unexpected twists and coming out stronger, happier, and whole. Home base is Bay City, Michigan, where she lives, writes, and shares life’s adventures with her husband, John. Carol's words aren't just ink on paper; with a dash of humor and a large sprinkle of compassion, she’ll take you on a self-discovery journey — one rule at a time. In my book review, I stated that Carol wrote 10 Little Rules for a Blissy Life after her world, in a matter of eight weeks, fell apart. Her daughters were moving out to start their own lives, her husband lost his job, they realized their marriage was over, and her own income stream was destroyed by her business partners. Despite being broke, homeless, and dealing with interpersonal relationship issues, Carol was the happiest she had ever been. Why? She had begun living life by her own rules rather than the rules given to her by her parents, society, and the "shoulds" residing in her head. Carol offers readers the ten rules that helped her navigate through these big changes and offers great questions and journaling space to help find where you might be stuck. The best part is that these are merely a starting place. She encourages readers to dig deep and discover their own rules for being happy in this life. My favorite rule is #10 - Every Night, Give Thanks. This is a perfect book for anyone going through change and wanting to figure out how to do so gracefully. You can follow Author Carol Pearson Website: https://10littlerules.com Facebook: @10littlerules Instagram: @10littlerules YouTube: @10littlerules94 LinkedIn: @10littlerules   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #carolpearson #10littlerules #10littlerulesforablissylife #inspirational #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 Louise Davis, author of the book, Haunted by You. Louise 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. In my book review, I stated that I found Haunted by You to be a delightful YA Fiction that is a perfect mixture of suspense and clean romance. And I learned when interviewing Louise that this is part of a trilogy! Genevieve is a teenage girl who falls for Steve, a student at a private school in Charleston and a ghost tour guide. However, their budding romance has to take a back seat to what Genevieve learns about her father - he's being blackmailed! Davis does a good job introducing us to the characters and providing enough details to make us look in all the wrong directions for the blackmailer. And although the ending wraps up nicely, there is plenty of room for more! You can follow Author Louise Davis: Website: https://www.louisedavisbooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisedavisbooks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisedavisbooks   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #louisedavis #hauntedbyyou #youngadult #youngadultmystery #mystery #romance #youngadultromance #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 Rich LaMonica, author of the book, Out of the Darkness. Rich is a 22-year veteran of the United States Army who was deployed on multiple occasions in support of the Global War on Terrorism. It was during this career he evolved as a leader of people. His education came from great mentors who showed him how to take care of people. He retired in 2015 and went through an entire year of self-reflection as he transitioned to civilian life again. Those 365 days from retiring to finding a job taught him valuable lessons about transition. This has powered his drive to help other veterans as they go through the transition and any other roadblocks they are hitting. He is a Motivated Speaker who discusses Mindset, Resilience, Grit, and more skills that will make you find your Purpose no matter the journey you have been on. He is currently finishing up two books while pursuing a Ph.D from Liberty University in Homeland Security. He lives by rules and has a motto that resonates with fans of How I met Your Mother “Challenge Accepted”. He is the Executive Producer and host of The MisFitNation Podcast. Fittingly, I read Out of the Darkness by on Veteran's Day. In my book review, I stated that this novel follows a fictional soldier, Bull, who is fighting in Afghanistan. We meet each of his team members and several enablers (those who help the team) along the way and discover who they were before they joined the military, what happened during this tour, and the consequences when the tour was over. ​ Although this is a fictional story, Rich uses these characters to help others understand the realities of war - and what soldiers face even when the bullets stop flying. My big takeaway is that our soldiers need - and deserve - better mental health services, and we, as a people, need to do everything in our power to support them, both while they are fighting and when they return home. You can follow Author Rich LaMonica: Website: www.TheMisfitNation.com   LinkedIn: in/Rich LaMonica X: @TheMisFitNation Facebook: TheMisfiNnation Instagram: @The_MisFitNation   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #richlamonica #outofthedarkness #militaryfiction #afghanwar #militaryhistory #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 Caleb Wygal, author of the Myrtle Beach Mystery series. I’ve invited Caleb on today to talk about marketing – something that he does really well and many authors need to learn more about. Caleb is an acclaimed mystery author, and seasoned Mystery Writing instructor affiliated with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institution at Coastal Carolina University. He is renowned for his exceptional storytelling, notably in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series, with his debut novel Death on the Boardwalk receiving accolades from Women’s World Magazine, which hailed it as a must-read for visitors exploring Myrtle Beach. Additionally, his captivating mystery, Death on the Causeway, was honored with the prestigious 2023 Gold Medal by Readers’ Favorite for Best Amateur Sleuth Mystery, solidifying his status as a master of the genre. His talent goes beyond the realms of mystery writing; he’s also a dedicated social media marketer, a skilled woodworker, an occasional golfer, and a beach enthusiast known for his knack for finding shark teeth along the shoreline. Currently immersed in crafting the next installment of the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series, Caleb resides in Myrtle Beach with his loving wife and son. His passion for unraveling mysteries and teaching the art of mystery writing continues to inspire aspiring writers and captivate readers worldwide. You can follow Author Caleb Wygal: Website: https://calebwygal.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/calebwygalauthor IG: @ calebwygal X: @calebwygal   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #calebwygal #myrtlebeachmysteries #cozymystery #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview #marketing #authormarketing #bookmarketing

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Evelyn Puerto, author of the book, The Girl Who Broke the Dark.  Evelyn states that she reads just about anything, writes in multiple genres, and is the author of the award-winning Outlawed Myth epic fantasy series. When she married, she inherited three stepdaughters, a pair of step-grandsons and a neurotic cat. Currently she writes from South Carolina. When she’s not arguing with her characters, she’s helping her grandsons catch bugs. In my book review, I stated that The Girl Who Broke the Dark by Evelyn Puerto is another story I simply could not put down. This fantasy, a twisted version of the fairytale, A Sleeping Beauty, had me wishing for more. And once again, I'm thrilled because it is just the first volume in what will become her Royal Mages series. Evelyn weaves a tale about Princess Eliana, her country of Ymittos, and a sleeping prince cursed by the evil sorcerer Cetus. Although she remains unaware of her role until her 18th birthday, Eliana is destined to break the curse or watch her country - and eventually the entire continent - fall victim to Cetus. Unfortunately, to do what she must, Eliana must venture deep underground to face barbarians, monsters, and her own fears. ​I often struggle with fantasy because I get lost in the world building, non-human characters, and social/physical law differences. However, I LOVED LOVED LOVED The Girl Who Broke the Dark and am enthralled with the story. I can't wait to read Puerto's second installment. You can follow Author Evelyn Puerto: Website: https://www.evelynpuerto.com/  Newsletter: https://subscribe.evelynpuerto.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/evelyn_puerto  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Evelyn.Puerto  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theevelynpuerto/  Youtube:   https://www.youtube.com/@evelynpuertoauthor  BookBub Profile  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/evelyn-puerto    Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com  FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #evelynpuerto #thegirlwhobrokethedark #fantasy #epicfantasy #epicfantasyadventure #fairytalefantasy #swordandsorceryfantasy #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 Tomasina Decrescenzo, author of the book, Two Left Feet. Tomasina resides in Queens NY. She is a retired operating room nurse, as well as a single parent and grandparent. She has written poetry and short stories over the years, however this is her first novel. Tomasina also writes, paints, and performs in comedy clubs at the golden age of 70! In my book review, I stated that Tomasina’s  book, though fiction, is filled to the brim with stories of her childhood and what it was like to grow up in an Italian immigrant family in New York. The main character, Mikey, short for Michelina, regales readers with childhood stories from magic wine, to witch's curses, to only being able to find two left sneakers when buying shoes for the summer. ​ Tomasina is a wonderful storyteller and had me laughing out loud. You can follow Author Tomasina Decrescenzo: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomasina.decrescenzo.5 Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #tomasinadecrescenzo #twoleftfeet #historicalfiction #familysaga #italianimmigrant #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 Karin Ciholas, author of the book, The Lighthouse.  Karin Ciholas was born in Virginia and grew up in Switzerland where she studied classical languages. The study of Latin and Greek led to her fascination with the ancient world and its history. She earned advanced degrees in languages and comparative literature at UNC, Chapel Hill and enjoyed teaching modern languages and courses on the ancient world. She has won twelve awards for her short stories and plays. She lives in Sarasota with her husband, author and theologian Paul Ciholas. In my book review, I stated that ancient history is not really my thing. However, once I started reading, I couldn't stop thinking about the characters - even when I was supposed to be doing other things. In fact, I read far too late into the night on a couple of occasions so I could finish. (And the best part is that Karin is writing a trilogy, so I'm not really done!) The Lighthouse is set during the days of Christ and seen from the point of view of Simon, an educated Jewish healer, and his best friend from boyhood who eventually becomes a Roman solider. When a thug kills a member of Simon's family and then abducts his sister, he is chosen to avenge them. But how can he both murder Meidias and keep his Hippocratic oath? Karin did a great job describing Simon's struggle to be everything he was meant to be as well as everything he has been asked to be. Despite a setting and time far removed from my own, I think all readers will understand that challenge. As a #researchjunkie, I stand in awe of Karin’s tremendous research, and how she was able to bring me into Simon's world. She shows readers what it was like to be Jewish during Roman rule, whether focusing on family and religious traditions or the fear of those in power. ​This is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great character development, historical fiction, and escaping into a story. You can follow Author Karin Ciholas: Website: https://thecyreniantrilogy.com/ and https://karinciholas.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086903948313   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #karinchiholas #thelighthouse #historicalfiction #ancienthistory #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 Karen C Whalen, author of two cozy mystery series. But today, I’ve invited Karen to help me discuss the difference between plotters and pantsers, tips for determining which one you are, and some valuable resources you might find useful. Resources Discussed During the Podcast: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody - https://www.amazon.com/Save-Cat-Writes-Novel-Writing/dp/0399579745/ref=asc_df_0399579745 Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell -  https://www.amazon.com/Plot-Structure-Techniques-Exercises-Crafting/dp/158297294X 5 Secrets of Story Structure by K.M. Weiland (FREE)- https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Story-Structure-Helping-Writers-ebook/dp/B01BHE3HXE Other free resources and blog by K.M Weiland - https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com How to follow Author Karen C Whalen: Website: http://www.karencwhalen.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whalencozyauthor Instagram: @karen_c_whalen_author X: @whalenkc BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-c-whalen   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com  FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #karencwhalen #plotter #pantser #authorcraft #howtowrite #becominganauthor #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #nonfiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is William Yeske, author of the book, Damn the Valley. William Yeske is a combat veteran who served 11 years in the U.S. Army. He is a serial entrepreneur who brings significant expertise in marketing, IT, and project management. He currently runs and operates a marketing company, No Limits Marketing Group (NLMG), founded to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses a combination of modern marketing techniques coupled with a non-lethal targeting framework learned in the military to provide clients with winning strategies. Will was also a founding board member of a Veteran non-profit, Rally for the Troops (now part of Racing for Heroes) and has worked on other veteran-based projects. He is currently attending Columbia Business School while running current business projects, creating new possibilities for future endeavors, and parenting his two children with his wife, who is also a US military veteran. In my book review, I stated that I found Damn the Valley to be a tough read because it detailed the tour of 2 Fury into Afghanistan. Half of the team was wounded or killed. Those who survived now live with the consequences of what they did and saw while protecting our country. Will was one of the members of the team and, though he states that he is not an author, he believed that the story, one the media barely mentioned, needed to be told. Why? So others would know of the sacrifices made and that these sacrifices would not be in vain. ​ I learned a lot about the military and the war in Afghanistan. If you are looking for clarity about what it was like for soldiers, then this is a must-read. You can follow Author William Yeske: Website: https://damnthevalleybook.com   Instagram: @damnthevalleybook Facebook: @damnthevalleybook YouTube: @damnthevalleybook Tiktok: @damnthevalleybook X: @WYeske   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com  FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #williamyeske #damnthevalleybook #military #militaryhistory #afghanwar #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #nonfiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Karen C Whalen, author of the Tow Truck Mystery series, as well as The Dinner Club Mystery series, both published by The Wild Rose Press. Both are cozy mysteries about strong friendships and family ties set in Colorado. Karen worked for many years as a paralegal at a law firm in Denver, Colorado and was a columnist and regular contributor to The National Paralegal Reporter magazine. Whalen loves to host dinner clubs, entertain friends, ride bicycles, hike in the mountains, walk on the beach, and read cozy murder mysteries. In my book review, I stated that I’ve read the entire Tow Truck series, which is amazing because I’ve not read much cozy mystery as an adult. However, Karen has me hooked – and here’s why: I love her main character, Delaney. She is a young woman with a somewhat nagging mother and little direction in her life when she finds herself the owner of a tow truck after her estranged father dies. This shoe-a-hol-ic, who picks what shoes to wear based on the mood their color will evoke, is not a natural fit for tow truck driving, and so, hilarity ensues. But not just hilarity - murder! On Delaney's very first tow, she drives a dead body to the pound and becomes suspect #1 in a murder! Whalen does an amazing job keeping me guessing by providing half a dozen suspects with 'cause' - and keeps me laughing at Delaney. However, the most impressive part of the series is how Whalen develops Delaney into a well-rounded character. She's way more than a ditzy shoe lover. We follow her through guilt over her father, anxiety about whether she is good enough, and compassion toward others. Simply stated, I'm in love with Delaney Morran and am so glad I read the series. You can follow Author Karen C Whalen: Website: http://www.karencwhalen.com Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-c-whalen X: @whalenkc Instagram: @karen_c_whalen_author Facebook: @whalencozyauthor   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com  FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #karencwhalen #towtruckmysteries #toesonthedash #handsonthewheel #eyesontheroad #friendscometocall #cozymystery #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 Rachel Stone, author of the book, The Blue Iris, her debut novel. She writes stories about hope and redemption, often set against vibrant Canadian backdrops. Her writing placed first in the 2022 OBOA Writing Contest and has appeared in international literary and visual arts magazines, journals and blogs. Rachel holds degrees in psychology and industrial relations, and once worked seven summers at a flower market. She lives near Toronto with her family, and on weekends you’ll find her along the shore of Georgian Bay, belting nineties pop rock off-key from her paddleboard. In my book review of The Blue Iris, I stated that I love great character development, and Rachel Stone did not disappoint. I immediately fell in love with Tessa, a young woman haunted by her past and struggling to find her "big" in life. I enjoyed how Tessa was like all of us - bold sometimes and timid at others, sure of herself and doubtful, ready to tackle life and wanting to hide under the covers. Because she was so real, I connected with her immediately. However, Rachel did more than create one great character. She created a host of characters and provided them with their own points of view in the story. I gasped at her future in-laws, wondered at her fiancé, rooted for Luke, cried over Sam and Charlie, shook my head over Tony, and ached for Darryl. I hated to finish the last page knowing that these lives would no longer be part of mine. Rachel Stone did an amazing job on her first novel. I can't wait to see what she brings to the table next. You can follow Author Rachel Stone: Website: www.rachelstoneauthor.com LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/rachelstoneauthor Instagram: @racheystone Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030081772132 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/96565236-rachel-stone Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #rachelstone #theblueiris #womensfiction #literaryfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #bookpodcast #books #author #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Join me today as I welcome Emily Winslow, author of Time to Write, to the Online for Authors podcast where we discuss some of the key components of writing outlined in her book. Emily Winslow lives in Cambridge, England. She’s the author of a Cambridge-set series of crime novels (The Whole World, The Start of Everything, The Red House, Look For Her) and the memoir Jane Doe January. Her books have been published by Random House, HarperCollins, Allison & Busby, and Shanghai Translation Publishing House. Emily trained as an actor at Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious drama conservatory and earned a master’s degree in museum studies from Seton Hall University. For six years she wrote for Games magazine, creating increasingly elaborate and lavishly illustrated logic puzzles. She lives with her husband and two sons, and teaches at the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education at beautiful Madingley Hall, where she is the Course Director for Cambridge’s MSt degree in Crime & Thriller Writing. Emily is represented by Cameron McClure  at the Donald Maass Literary Agency. As I stated in my book review, Time to Write by Emily Winslow is an awesome author craft book written by someone who is an author and professor teaching writing. Over the years, Emily taught many different classes and finally decided to put them all together into a book. What I loved about this craft book is that it is less about what you must do and more about things you should keep in mind when writing. She doesn't say "Write your book this way," but instead suggests you think about things like the difference between plot and structure, consider what tense you are using and why, and figure out how to find your writing tribe. What's more, this book is perfect for beginners or for authors who've written several books already. Regardless of where you are, you'll get something from her lessons. This is a must-read for anyone who writes or is considering it! Follow Author Emily Winslow on: Her website: www.emilywinslow.com Facebook: @emilywinslow.author Instagram: @emilycwinslow Email: ew@emilywinslow.com Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: www.terimbrown.com  FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #emilywinslow #timetowrite #crimenovels #crimewriting #thrillerwriting #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #bookpodcast #books #author #goodreads #bookclub #nonfiction #writer #bookreview

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