In this episode I am featuring the horror novella "The Ballad of Black Tom" and the graphic novel series "Destroyer" by Victor Lavalle. How did I find "The Ballad of Black Tom" by Victor Lavalle? Why do I like this book? More about Victor Lavalle's Destroyer series? Click here to read the full show notes…

Chris Ferrie has created an innovative and fun line of books designed to introduce science to babies and when I say babies I mean infants. Chris Ferrie's books use colorful and simple images along with easy to understand language to explain concepts in Quantum Physics, Newtonian Physics, Chemistry and more. These books are designed for parents ...…

For over 20 years I have shopped at Brett Hewitt’s Positive Vibes store in Virginia Beach. One of the key things I know I can find in his store are wonderful books for African American children. Positive Vibes has a wide selection of books that I have given as gifts for nephews, nieces and friend’s children. In this episode I want to feature fo ...…

I discuss two cozy mysteries by African American authors that are unique, addictive and fun. Barbara Neely's "Blanche on the Lam" and V.M. Burns "The Plot is Murder". In this episode I talk about the following: What makes a mystery a cozy mystery www.cozy-mystery.com Barbara Neely's "Blanche on the Lam" V.M. Burns' "The Plot is Murder" Frankie' ...…

YouTube is a great resource for everything from videos on how to unclog a toilet to cute pet videos. YouTube is also a great place for readers and lovers of books. There are a group of people who create videos about the books they have and want to read. The name of this community of video creators is BookTube and the people who create these vid ...…

Thriller author Dwayne Alexander Smith joins me to talk about his great book "Forty Acres". A suspenseful page turner that you will not be able to put down. Mix a secret society of black men, modern day slavery and one man's courage and you have the ingredients use by Dwayne Alexander Smith in "Forty Acres" I loved reading this book. The pacing ...…

The novel Vengeance Bound by Justina Ireland is very interesting story of a supernatural struggle that involves the Greek mythological figures of the Furies and one young lady. Set in a modern world, Justina Ireland uses the characters and background story of the Furies to paint a suspenseful and thrilling story. Cory Graff is a young lady who ...…

In this episode I discuss the following: What do I like to read Mysteries Science Fiction Horror History Biographies - in particular jazz artists Literary Fiction Always wanted to but did not do Setting obtainable goals - small steps to climb a mountain Read at least 50 short stories this year Read all the Simple stories by Langston Hughes Read ...…

Kathy Strahs - Innovative Cookbooks For Delicious, Convenient and Fun Meals Author Kathy Strahs is an innovative author of cookbooks that teach people how to use common items to create wonderful and convenient meals. Kathy shows us how to take that appliance or dish that has been gathering dust and use it to produce some delicious and innovativ ...…

Author Kenya Moss-Dyme joins me to discuss her horror short story collections. When I read Kenya's short stories, I was so impressed by her effective use of surprise in her horror stories (Horror with a mean left hook). I had such a great time talking with Kenya and learning about her writing process and discussing her books.…

Author Mya Lairis brings a new perspective to paranormal romance and dark fantasy. By telling stories from the viewpoint of characters that are usually in the background or sidelines, Mya brings new energy to story lines that have been around for a long time. Interview Highlights We talk about the diversity in Mya Lairis' characters Mya tells u ...…

A self-proclaimed genre hopping author, Dahlia DeWinters, joins us to share her fantastic stories of relationships in the fantastic worlds she creates. From taking the zombie genre and turning it around to showing the world of horror that existed during the time when slavery was the norm in the Americas. Interview Highlights The intense emotion ...…

Eden Royce creates horror short stories that will have you looking at everyone and everything with a suspicious eye. Eden Royce brings a fresh new voice to the Gothic Horror. As a writer and an editor of anthologies, Eden has an impressive body of work you can explore. Eden has also brought her creativity to the science fiction / fantasy world ...…

Author Steven Van Patten takes a new and creative approach to the classic vampire tale in his "Brookwater's Curse" series of books. We also discuss his thriller "Killer Genius". Interview Highlights I explain how I almost miss our interview time We talk about Steven's motivation for creating the Brookwater's Curse series Steven describes the hi ...…

Fun Books & Podcast For Children

In the moving biography, “Triple Exclam!!!”, Dr. Daaim Shabazz captures the life and spirit of Emory Tate. A great black chess player whose legacy lives on in his games and the memories of the people who had the honor to know him. The writing in this book is so great that even if you do not follow chess, you will be captivated by the story of E ...…

A country going through a massive regime change, a shadowy figure who rules the country, two children of an aristocratic family who have two very different visions for the future, this is just part of the fantastic world Anna Redmond builds in her novel "The Golden Arrow". A story of political and religious intrigue set in a wonderfully detaile ...…

Paulette Harper joins me to discuss her first full length novel, "Secret Places Revealed" and her inspiring chronical of her path through the roughest time in her life, "That Was Then, This Is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored". Paulette writes books that bring spiritual water to people in life's deserts. Besides being a multi award winning auth ...…

Kenesha Williams is an author, editor and publisher who's every work truly captures the meaning of magic. Kenesha is the publisher of "Black Girl Magic Lit Magazine". A magazine dedicated to showcasing speculative fiction that feature black women as the central character. Like Ms. Williams shares in the interview, the stories in the magazine tr ...…

Dr. Beth Brombosz has developed two books that provide a complete plan for passionate runners and bloggers to take things to the next level. Both runners and bloggers are people who have an inner drive that propels them to push themselves to new heights and often must face their challenges alone. Runners must push themselves past discomfort and ...…

Allyson M Deese is an author who is not confined by a single genre. Allyson has an extensive catalog of books she has written under her name and her two pen names. From romance to inspirational literature, Allyson M Deese delivers clear and relatable literature that always touch’s the heart. Allyson started writing as a poet. From Poetry to Sho ...…

In "Empire of Glass", Kaitlin Solimine draws upon the stories share by her "Chinese father" during her frequent trips to China as an exchange student and Fulbright Fellow. The book follows the lives of Baba and Li-Ming as they survive the dramatic changes that occurred between the 1950s and 1990s in China. A story that captures how a family's l ...…

Patricia Bridewell co-authored the book "A Generation of Curses" with Faatima Johnson and has contributed a story to the anthology "Single Mama Dating Drama". Patricia Bridewell's writing grabs a reader's attention from the first paragraph and delivers a relatable story. A Generation of Curses follows the life of Khadesia Hill whose ideal life ...…

Keith Fentonmiller joins me to share his novel "Kasper Mützenmacher’s Cursed Hat". A fascinating story that starts in pre - World War II Germany and moves to Detroit. Keith combines jazz, magic, mythology and history to create a compelling story that will have you compel to read just one more page. "Kasper Mützenmacher’s Cursed Hat" is the firs ...…

Overcoming obesity and living a healthy life are subjects that Maleka and Eric Beal have mastered and they share their knowledge in the Betterchoices cook book series. Eric and Maleka have a fantastic story to tell about how they overcame their weight challenges and developed an effective way to eat healthy every day and enjoy what you are eati ...…

Shequeta Smith Author, Filmmaker & Founder of Shero Comics Shequeta joins us to discuss her comic book "Rayven Choi". Shequeta Smith's journey from NC State University student to screen writer to comic book creator to founder of Sherocomics is a fascinating and inspiring story. Shequeta shares how her personal experience as a study abroad stude ...…

Today on, "Talking With Authors", we speak to the innovative author Maurice Broaddus about his new book "Buffalo Soldier", his short story collection "The Voices of Martyrs" and his love for world building. We learn the origins of the world he built for "Buffalo Soldier". A world where half of North America remains under colonial control, Jamai ...…

LaShaunda Hoffman stops by "Talking with Authors" to share her book, "Building Online Relationships: One Reader At A Time". LaShaunda has been involved with books and the promotion of books for over seventeen years. LaShaunda created and managed the web site "Shades of Romance" (SORMAG) to create a space for lovers of romance literature focused ...…

"Love Your Life" by Cheryl Marks Young Personal coach, Cheryl Marks Young, has helped countless people define and reach their goals and now Cheryl has authored a book, "Love Your Life", that guides the reader through the process of achieving their dreams. By following the process Cheryl has developed over several years, the reader can take cont ...…

Author Nikolas Larum joins me to discuss his latest book “The Gypsy Spy.” His epic novel chronicles the early life of Carlos de Leon. Larum takes the reader on a suspenseful and thrilling ride around the world as 12-year-old Carlos experiences tragedy and challenges that would break an adult. Nikolas Larum draws on his life experiences in Spain ...…

Jaynee Sasso is an author, entrepreneur, inspirational and keynote speaker and transition coach. Jaynee joins us today to discuss her books and to share her wisdom. Jaynee’s book “5 Strategies to Leverage Times of Change and Uncertainty” is a life line for people in transition who are feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Her strategies are t ...…

Today on Talking with Authors we have the pleasure to speak to Darryl Harvey. An accomplished Poet and writer, Darryl has a created a new series of children’s book. His Sunflower Series of children’s books promotes self-esteem, education, sharing and positive family relationships. His multiethnic characters share adventures while learning valua ...…

Author and entrepreneur, Terrie L Branch is an accomplished business person and a prolific author. Terrie joins us today in an interview conducted by fellow writer Rekaya Gibson (Episode 5). Terrie’s books cover many different genres. From self-help to fiction, Terrie L Branch is dedicated to reaching her readers and leaving them entertained an ...…

Angela Spears, the creator and founder of Dream Living, is an International Coaching Federation, ACC Certified Life & Executive Coach, Talent Management, Leadership and Organizational Development expert. She is also an Author, Keynote Speaker, and friend whose purpose in life is to help others achieve phenomenal life results leading to ultimate ...…

Today on "Talking With Authors" we speak with the dynamic Ni'cola Mitchell. Ni’cola Mitchell, Founder of Girls Who Brunch Tour, Best-Selling Author and recently featured in Black Enterprise 2015 as one of the 5-Follow Worthy Bloggers to Watch. She entered the literary scene with one main objective: To Stimulate Your Mind, One Word at a Time. Th ...…

Today we are talking with an author who has published six books in various genres. As well as two in audio book format. Talking With Authors welcomes Rekaya Gibson "The Food Temptress".

Talking With Authors, Episode 4 Indie Author Day - Part 4 Welcome to episode 4 of Talking with Authors. My name is Curtis and today we wrap up the interviews I conducted at the Indie Author Day event at the Central Public Library in Virginia Beach. This was a great event and if you have not already done so, listen to the first three episode to ...…

Welcome to episode 3 of Talking With Authors. This is the third in my series of interviews with independent writers at the Indie Author Day event held at the Virginia Beach Central Library on October 8th. Lynn Yvonne Moon Our first author has two series of books plus a children's book. Let's listen to Lynn Yvonne Moon tells us about her books. ...…

This is the second in a four part series of interviews I conducted on October 8th at the Central Library in Virginia Beach, Va during the Indie Author Day book signing. Before we begin, I want to encourage everyone to visit and support your local library. Libraries have changed a lot over the last 10 years and you can see this by looking at the ...…

On October 8, over 300 libraries participated in Indie Author Day. These libraries hosted events that allowed independent authors to share their books with the library patrons. The libraries also featured books by local authors and hosted lectures for potential writers on the publishing process. Our library, The Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Libr ...…