Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Kevin, founder and chief inspiration officer of Highlander Press. We uncover surprising statistics about book sales, discuss the financial intricacies of advances and royalties, and reveal why independent publishers are outpacing traditional ones in today's fast-paced market. From sel…

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

Send us a Text Message. 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 conversatio…

Send us a Text Message. 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 celebrat…

Send us a Text Message. 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, …

Send us a Text Message. 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 nat…

Send us a Text Message. 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, de…

Send us a Text Message. 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 tale…

Send us a Text Message. 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 Am…

Send us a Text Message. 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 them…

Send us a Text Message. Dr. Heather Davis, an expert book coach and advocate for diversity in literature, joins me to unravel the journey of an idea as it transforms into a compelling narrative. We discuss the nuances of authorship, from the birth of a concept to navigating the corridors of publishing, all while championing voices that reflect the …

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we dive into the creative world of Eman Quotah, the Arab American author of the novel Bride of the Sea. Drawing from the experience of a family friend's real-life ordeal and enriched by Eman's bicultural background, we uncover the depth of storytelling that defines her work. We also shed light on the evolvin…

Send us a Text Message. With 16 books to her name, author Mary Carol Moore shares her journey from a distinguished food journalist to a fiction writer whose upcoming novel, Last Bets, covers the high-stakes backgammon boardgame in a sultry Caribbean setting. Throughout our conversation, Moore offers an insider's look at the intricacies of self-publ…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with writer and scholar Ciahnan Darrell. We discuss the complexities of creating a feminine experience when you are a male author. In his novel, a Lifetime of Men, Ciahnan draws from his own upbringing amidst powerful women , as he intertwines personal stories with societal struggles on feminism and r…

Send us a Text Message. 📹 Watch the interview on YouTube. Author Paul Trammell lives aboard his sailboat, and has found a profound sense of freedom and self-discovery. When Paul is not steering his boat "Windflower" through tranquil waters or bracing against the unexpected, he's penning novels and self-publishing from his floating abode. In this po…

Send us a Text Message. Deema Alalami is an educator-turned-author and reading advocate. In this episode, we discuss the following: Transition to literary luminary: The transformation of Deema Al Alami from corporate life to a renowned author and reading advocate, along with the inception of her "Mother to Author" program. Embracing Arabic children…

Send us a Text Message. 📹 You can watch the interview on YouTube here. Do you know what a book coach does? I sit down with Kathy Otten, a certified book coach and published author. Kathy sheds light on the customized support that book coaching provides, from the germination of an idea to the pride of a completed manuscript and the various choices t…

Send us a Text Message. Pauls Toutonghi is the Pushcart Prize-winning author of the acclaimed novels Red Weather and Evel Knievel Days. He was born in Seattle, Washington, to an Egyptian father and a Latvian mother. His latest novel is The Refugee Ocean. In this episode, we explore various facets of writing, publishing, and the art of storytelling:…

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered what happens when two authors team up to write a murder mystery? Join us for a thrilling episode with Landis Wade and Sarah Archer, the dynamic duo behind the novella Death by Podcasting. This light-hearted murder mystery has won over readers with its unique blend of their distinct writing styles. They reveal t…

Send us a Text Message. 📹 Watch the interview on YouTube Indie author Douglas Weissman shares his journey from penning his first novel to navigating the world of small independent presses. Listen in as Weissman shares his perspective on the challenges and rewards of this unique path in the literary world. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the…

Send us a Text Message. Alexandra Wyman transformed her devastating loss into a beacon of hope for others becoming, a mental health advocate and public speaker. She penned down her experience of losing her husband to suicide in her memoir - "The Suicide Club: What to Do When Someone You Love Chooses Death." Through her story, she aims to change the…

Send us a Text Message. Carrie Berk is a social media influencer, author, and blogger with over 3 million followers on TikTok alone. In her YA book, My Real Life Romcom: How to Build Confidence and Write Your Own Relationship Rules, Berk shares her dating adventures (and misadventures) to help others discover more about themselves and the relations…

Send us a Text Message. After battling a health crisis, Marjorie Turner-Hulman, embarked on a remarkable journey, creating the "Easy Walks" guidebook series. These aren't just books; they are a beacon of hope and exploration that help people find local trails, and they are a testament to her resilience and passion. Not stopping at the guidebooks, M…

Send us a Text Message. Dr. Zaid Brifkani is an American physician of Iraqi-Kurdish descent. He specializes in dialysis and kidney transplantation with a lifelong passion for writing. His debut novel, The Mountains We Carry, was released in November 2021. His latest novel, Waters Under Baghdad , was published in October 2023, Growing up in Iraq, Br…

Send us a Text Message. Tina Erwin is a "ghost helper" and author of eight ground-breaking books on metaphysics. With a unique ability to communicate with the spiritual realm, Tina shares riveting stories of growing up with psychic abilities and recounts personal encounters with ghosts, such as her six-year-old niece's spirit after her sudden passi…

Send us a Text Message. Ready to get a firsthand look at the roller coaster of emotions that is life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Susan Landers, a seasoned neonatologist and author who takes us through her thrilling 34-year career. In her book So Many Babies, My Life Balancing a Busy Medical Career & Motherhoo…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Egyptian children's author Miranda Beshara talks about her transition from finance to storytelling. Miranda is the co-founder of Hadi Badi Children & YA Lit in Arabic. She also talks about her first children's book, Tata and Babcha, and how it's a vessel for preserving her family's culture and identity. We a…

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered what motivates women to step outside their marriages? Susan Shapiro Barash, a seasoned author and gender studies educator known for her thought-provoking research on the taboo topic of female infidelity, sheds light on how these extramarital escapades often serve as a hidden path to empowerment, self-esteem, an…

Send us a Text Message. Amanda Blackwood, opens up about her harrowing journey as a survivor of human trafficking, not once, but thrice, beginning at the tender age of 18. Amanda's tale is not just one of survival, but an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she transformed her traumatic experiences into a platform for advo…

Send us a Text Message. 📹 Watch the interview on YouTube. Ever wondered how to seamlessly blend humor into a dark, suspense-filled narrative? Liz Alterman, the author of the riveting suburban thriller, The Perfect Neighborhood, joins us to shed light on this unique storytelling approach. We unravel the layers of her book, delving into her choice of…

Send us a Text Message. Delve into the world of book marketing with our guest, Emily Enger, who wears many hats, including that of a book marketing and publicity coach. Emily brings a fresh perspective to the table, advocating for minimalist marketing strategies for authors and sharing profound insights on the choice between traditional or self-pub…

Send us a Text Message. Scott Stedman s a serial entrepreneur, business leader, and advisor to a diverse group of companies. He wrote the book Mouse because he wanted his daughter to know that anything was within her reach. "I want my amazing daughter to know that she doesn’t need anyone’s permission to create magic." Listen to our conversation and…

Send us a Text Message. 📹 VIDEO: You can watch the interview on YouTube here. Living twenty years with an undiagnosed autoimmune disease, Margaret Mary O'Connor's life was hell. Beyond the daily physical symptoms to deal with were the emotional ones as well. She was told by two doctors that her physical symptoms of vomiting, great loss of weight, a…

Send us a Text Message. California mompreneur Rebecca Linney has figured out the secret to teaching her son to get to sleep and stay asleep, and yes, she wrote a children's book about it. She is a busy working mom that will always make sure to find time to write, even it means asking Siri for help. In this podcast episode, I chat with Rebecca Linne…

Send us a Text Message. 🎥 Watch the interview on YouTube here. Aiden Adams is eight years old. He is a singer-songwriter and an author. He was four years old when he wrote his first book, There Are No Sheep in New York City, about the power of imagination. Hear the conversation and tell your kids about Aiden. Support the Show. *********************…

Send us a Text Message. After twenty years of working on her legacy journal project, Merle R. Saferstein published Living and Leaving My Legacy, Vol. I. —a legacy journal for this and future generations. Vol. II will be released on June 20, 2023. In reading through 359 of her journals, she came to understand the value and impact of journaling as we…

Send us a Text Message. Before turning to fiction, Aggie Blum Thompson covered real-life crime as a newspaper reporter for a number of papers, including The Boston Globe and The Washington Post. She is the author of I Don't Forgive You and All the Dirty Secrets. In this episode, we talk about: The surge in the interest of true crime. The cultural s…

Send us a Text Message. Rick Bleiweiss is an award-winning author, publishing executive, music producer, rock musician, record company senior executive, and educator. In this inspiring conversation, we talk about the publishing journey, the pros and cons of self-publishing and why it is important to have an agent. Bleiweiss is the author of The Pig…

Send us a Text Message. 📹 Watch the interview here. Shabbat Goy is a novel by Palestinian author Aref Husseini. It tells the story of Nabih, a young man growing up in the Old City of Jerusalem. Narrated from Nabih’s perspective, the story depicts his lack of choice in maneuvering bizarre situations. Nabih is alienated by the political slogans and a…

Send us a Text Message. 📹 Watch the interview here. Violet Lemay is a veteran when it comes to creating and illustrating children's books. She has illustrated forty-four books, six of which she also wrote. Her clients include HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, duopress, 'Magination Press, and Highlights. Her latest book, Let's Be Frie…

Send us a Text Message. Ethan T. Burroughs's Messianic Reveal narrates the story of a young man who seeks to serve his country, and in so doing, he follows his instincts into a labyrinth of conspiracies. The novel launches from and connects to real events and real people: the 1979 siege of Mecca, Osama Bin Laden’s brother, Ayatollah Khomeini’s temp…

Send us a Text Message. In this fascinating discussion, author Dr. Shahd Alshammari discusses her memoir Head Above Water, which takes us into intimate conversations on illness and society's stigmatization of disabled bodies. We discussed women's identities and bodies and the importance of discussing the human experience of illness. Diagnosed with …

Send us a Text Message. Listen to my interview with author Cassie Sanchez who got the inspiration for her first novel from watching her kids play video games. After more than a year of characters arguing in her head, Sanchez finished her award-winning debut novel, Chasing the Darkness. The second book in The Darkness Trilogy, Embracing the Darkness…

Send us a Text Message. Author and book marketer Karina Kantas talks about some of the mistakes authors make when they promote their books. These include: - Posting multiple times on Facebook, ending up in Facebook jail. - Constant "Buy my book" posts that everyone glosses over. Kantas suggests different techniques, such as recording a video of the…

Send us a Text Message. Emily Johnson was born in Aspen, Colorado. In 1996, Emily's mom, Marilyn, was diagnosed with breast and advanced ovarian cancer. She began writing The Bird of Paradise as a life gift for her daughter. She passed away in 2012 leaving the novel unfinished – for Emily to complete. Hear how Emily discovered her mother's manuscri…

Send us a Text Message. Listen to the shocking, heart-wrenching story of Antonio Salazar-Hobson, who was the eleventh of fourteen migrant farmworker children born in Phoenix, Arizona. At age four, he was kidnapped by a childless, middle-aged white couple and was trafficked until the age of ten. As a teenager, Antonio met Cesar Chavez and was taken …

Send us a Text Message. Hear the story of Sarah Humphreys, who achieved what many writers struggle to do: Find an agent and get a publishing deal when she was only 15 years old. You can get her book Cold Stone here. ******************************************** Connect with me: 🐦 Twitter https://twitter.com/NatashaTynes Facebook: https://www.faceboo…

Send us a Text Message. Author Gabi justice delves into teen anxiety and bullying in 'Dog Girl'. 📚 You can get Dog Girl here. ********************************************************************************* Connect with me: 🐦 Twitter https://twitter.com/NatashaTynes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashatynes... 📸 Instagram: https://www.instag…

Send us a Text Message. 📹 ** Watch the interview on YouTube** Canadian author Sam Thiara who wrote the memoir Lost and Found, in which he traces his family's roots in India, believes everyone should write their autobiography. Do you agree? Have you started working on your autobiography yet? 📚 You can get Sam Thiara's book here. ********************…

Send us a Text Message. A lively discussion with author Carol Saller in which we discuss how many rejections are enough before authors decide to put our manuscripts aside, and the top mistakes authors make when they submit to agents. You can get Carol Saller's book here: https://amzn.to/3w1efuP Support the Show. ************************************…