Categories
Author Interview Books Interview

“YOU DON’T SAY”

How We Get Communication Wrong…and How to Get It Right.

Demetria M. McNeal, Ph.D., Shares Her Book and Her Expertise!

SHOW NOTES with LINKS:

  • Dr. McNeal’s Bio (from her book cover): “Dr. Demetria McNeal is a communication scientist, academic researcher, popular speaker, corporate trainer, and communication coach. She helps individuals, executives, entrepreneurs, health care institutions, and health care clinicians dismantle communication pitfalls that stifle relationships, create disparities in health outcomes, derail health interventions, and impede organizational progress.”
  • Demetria tells us who she really is (in addition to her impressive bio!)
  • We met at Jerry Fabyanic‘s Book Nook in December 2024 where everyone flocked to her table to purchase her book!
  • I ask her about her earliest memory of communication gone wrong.
  • TITLE (YOU DON’T SAY) can be read in different ways depending on which word gets emphasized (very clever)!
  • We talk about taboos: “”Usually we say the wrong thing or we say nothing.” I ask what’s wrong with saying nothing.
  • In our communication, we’re stigmatized (especially when it comes to taboo topics) by culture, by ourselves, by our families…and we talk about family dynamics and the roles we play in our families, sometimes unwillingly.
  • Our inferences and judgments can be WRONG! (we are a judgy people). Demetria provides guidance on how to deal with our judgments.
  • We talk about honesty, and I ask if some secrets good to keep.
  • Demetria explains how habits influence our communication styles.
  • Does she have an opinion on small-talk? Listen to her answer!
  • She provides advice on how to deal with defensive responses.
  • What’s next? YOU DON’T SAY is available now on audiobook, narrated by the author herself with her velvety voice!
  • She offers thanks to those who helped her launch this book, including her publisher: Munn Avenue Press.

Follow Dr. Demetria M. McNeal Here:
demetriamcneal.com
youdontsayblog.com
demetriamcnealauthor.com
FB: youdontsay
IG: youdontsaybook

. . . and links to previous interviews with Demetria:

How We Get Communication Wrong… and How to Get It Right. Munn Press Podcast. Available at: Dr. Demetria M. McNeal, Ph.D., MBA – by Charles Levin (munnavenuemuse.com)

You Don’t Say? How to Phrase Boundaries in Relationships. Color of Success Podcast. Available at: Dr. Demetria McNeal: You Don’t Say? How to Phrase Boundaries in Relationships (colorofsuccesspodcast.com)

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Laurel Stuff:


Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Let me know!

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Categories
Author Interview Books

Carla Seyler Presents: “A Place Unmade”!

Author Carla Seyler. Photo credit: Zack Smith https://zacksmith.com/

Show Notes with Links:

  • Carla Seyler, multiple-award-winning author of A Place Unmade, tells us a bit about herself.
  • We get an elevator pitch for the novel, and learn how she was inspired to write this thriller/romance/bioterrorism story.
  • We talk about the research she did, and how she decided she’d done enough.
Carla at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
  • The classroom scenes made me feel like I was sitting there with the students. I ask about her educational experience.
  • A lot of people are big on NON-GMO products now. I ask if everything is genetically modified now, and how to protect ourselves.
  • The way Carla insert the villain’s nefarious activity adds greatly to the suspense. I ask how the idea come to her.
  • She talks about the love triangle/romance aspects of her writing.
  • We find out if she’s a planner or a pantser.
Carla researching her next novel in Barataria on a Bayou with Captain Jason
  • Her inclusion of Cajun food, music, and dance all add to the flavor of the story.
  • She tells us a bit about her next novel.
  • We each have advice to those who haven’t yet published.
  • Carla acknowledges people who have helped her.
  • She is a member of Central Colorado Writers and its critique group.
  • Follow Carla here:

website: carlaseyler.net

Instagram: @carlaseyler_author

linkedin.com/in/carla-seyler-23a85637/

facebook: www.facebook.com/carla.difulcoseyler

Author Carla Seyler. Photo credit: Zack Smith https://zacksmith.com/

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Laurel Stuff:


Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Let me know!

Find my other work here!

Categories
Author Interview Books Podcast

How Rock Hudson Befriended Gunther Allen

Gunther’s Memoir: Pushed Out of the Closet Without a Parachute

Rock Hudson (born Roy Sherer) with Gunther in Hawaii

Show Notes with Links:

  • Author Gunther Allen‘s background is filled with diverse activities: He taught aerobics in the ‘80s, (partially) painted the round World Arena for the 1984 Olympic Games, was a big deal on TV in Australia demonstrating the new Nautilus 20-minute workout, toured with the Long Beach University Chorus, took 1st place Water Polo trophy, steer wrestled, worked in photography and graphic arts, and is still a compassionate supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • And, according to the legendary Rock Hudson, Gunther was pretty cute!
The book
  • He tells us how he met Rock Hudson at the Silver Fox  in Long Beach.
  • Gunther plays guitar, and Rock asked him to play a party he was hosting at Dean Dittman’s place. (At 2 a.m., he finally played “the Whales,” astonishing everyone at the party).
  • He invited Hudson to his parent’s home on the BIG Island, where he visited and found solace in Gunther’s friendship. I ask him about the kiss.
left to right: Rock Hudson, Gunther’s mom, Gunther Allen, Gunther’s father
  • I ask him about how the “fake news” threatened and ultimately outed him.
  • Gunther had many impromptu performances and chance meetings with stars.
  • The book is filled with intricate details and moments of suspense.
  • He talks about how–with stage fright and dyslexia–he still managed to perform for an audience.
  • Gunther received a telegram from Elizabeth Taylor to attend Hudson’s memorial service.
  • In 1989, Gunther had intimate relations with Mark Christian, who lied about being AIDS free.
  • Gunther is telling his story now to tell world about Mark Christian’s many lies and the court battle over Hudson’s estate.
  • I ask Gunther about how Rock said goodbye to him.
  • Gunther’s book is a testament to a man who “wanted to please everyone…” He was a genuine person who made people aware of the AIDS crisis.
  • In his epilogue, Gunther calls himself an “ordinary person.” I would beg to differ.
Gunther Allen
with his husband, Daniel R. Warden

Watch for Gunther’s new book . . . coming soon!

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Laurel Stuff:

Delighted to visit with Gunther Allen today!

Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Let me know!

Find my other work here!

Categories
Author Interview Books Podcast

RoBEAR Isenberg Talks About Why Men are Suspicious of Yoga!

Show Notes with Links:

  • But first, I ask him when he first realized he could make people laugh. His answer will surprise you!
  • He talks about the troubles he had at school because of learning disabilities, and his early jobs selling encyclopedias and “fairly good” roast beef sandwiches! He attended Boston Latin School.
  • One of his chapters is about his interesting face. In FACE IT—for no apparent reason, people tell him how much $$$ they have . . . and swear they’ve seen him on TV! (I’m frequently told I look like someone’s aunt or grandmother…)
I believe RoBEAR has a fabulous face! I would like to draw this face!
  • He talks about his character Mr. Fridge.
  • In his chapter about hugging (he was not hugged as a child), he talks about how not everyone is a “good hugger.” He praises his very loving wife, Esther, for her affectionate nature.
The author with his wife Esther, his daughter Sarah, and his granddaughter Finleigh
  • He talks about what a difficult life it is for comedians, having to try to make people laugh night after night, because humor is so very subjective.
  • RoBEAR confesses to his habit of buying gadgets advertised on TV. His chapter A Collection of Nothing might strike a chord!
  • RoBEAR warns listeners to beware of SCAMMERS!
  • Check out the website Writers Beware.
  • He discusses the not-so-funny chapter Where has Humor Gone, which brings up the current political environment.
  • His book WHAM BAM! will take readers to NYC in the roaring ’60s.
  • His title chapter–Why Men are Suspicious of Yoga–is a hoot! It would seem that men and women do, indeed, think differently!
  • I ask if he is still performing live, and suggested he should not perform dead!
Another fabulous profile photo of a very funny man!

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Laurel Stuff:

I was ready for some YOGA!

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Categories
Author Interview Books Podcast

“Dyani’s Adventures” with Award-Winning Author Kitty Arceneaux

Follow Author Kitty Arceneaux on her website: Kittysbookshelf.com

Show Notes with Links:

  • Kitty Arceneaux is a wife, mother, author, minister, life coach, book coach, MUSE for other writers, non-profit leader . . . I ask her what has she NOT yet been?
  • I mention her interview on the Douglas Coleman Show about her novel RUTH READY and the message that every day we can CHOOSE to love.
  • Dyani’s Adventures is about a 9-year-old girl. I ask Kitty how much of the main character is autobiographical.
  • Dyani wants to learn and experience outside her comfort zone . . . so many don’t! We talk about why people are hesitant to explore new traditions, foods, and languages.
  • Dyani visits people from Brazil, China, Mexico, Asia, Egypt, Africa, Italy, Iran, and Japan, and learns an important message from an artist, who tells her to embrace the unexpected.
  • I ask if Kitty was surprised by anything as she wrote this book.
  • Most of her books are Christian themed, but her messages in “Dyani’s Adventures” are universal: Patience, understanding, willingness to listen, and love.
  • Find her books on Amazon and follow her on her website at https://kittysbookshelf.com/
  • Kitty shares advice for those with stories they want to tell.
  • Follow Kitty Arceneaux and find all of her books on Amazon!

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Laurel Stuff:

I’ll send my sweater to Kitty when I’m ready to pass it on!

Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Let me know!

Find my other work here!

Categories
Author Interview Books Interview

IWO JIMA

John Keith Wells with members of "Easy Company"...veterans of Iwo Jima.

“Give Me Fifty Marines Not Afraid to Die” by (the late) John Keith Wells

Buy the book HERE!
Listen to my interview here!

Order the audiobook: Iwo Jima: Give Me Fifty Marines Not Afraid to Die [click the link]

Show Notes with Links:

My first interview of 2025 is with Wes Wells, son of (the late) author John Keith Wells, US Marine Corps. Wes shares his father’s life and stunning story.

I read from the Prologue to give readers a sense for what is to come in this first-person account of the atmosphere just before battle:

“Dim outlines began taking shape near the base of Mount Suribachi. I threw the white wool Japanese Navy blanket off my shoulders and laid my Tommy gun on top of it. The captured warm blanket that our platoon runner had literally risked his life for would be of no use in today’s battle; it would be left behind. Nothing, I mean absolutely nothing, had a meaning. Not home, not mother, not wife, not children, not girlfriend, not hometown, not cold, hot, or hungry-nothing mattered except today’s forthcoming battle, and it would commence very soon.”

Description by Wes Wells: “One of the last pictures of Easy Company together. The man in the middle with the walker is Chuck Lindberg. He was in both Flag Raising pics. The man to his right is Richard (Dick) Wheeler. Famous historical writer mainly about the civil war. He also wrote several books about Iwo Jima. He helped dad get material, names and whatever dad wanted for this book. Google him, he was a great person.”
  • His description of basic training and getting gear thrown at him…he uses figurative language his English teacher would have rewarded!
  • Why did he write this stunning history? Wes discusses his father’s goal for the book.
  • I mention the “Short arm” inspection, which my dad told me about years ago! The author doesn’t hold back any details.
  • Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest battles in WW2 Marine Corps history, and Wells has graphic depictions of battle. He was 23 years old.
Description by Wes Wells: “The tall, younger man in the dark suit is Oliver North. Dad went to go see him give a talk and when he found out that dad was there, he wanted to meet and have a picture taken with him.”
  • I ask about his father’s embedded shrapnel and other wounds, and if they influenced him in any way.
  • Wes talks about the iconic “Flag raising” photo and surrounding controversy.
Description by Wes Wells: “Mom and Dad with Laura and President Bush. They had breakfast together.”
  • Wes describes his father as having tremendous confidence and an honorable bearing that drew people to him. His was a great storyteller. I ask if he was “squeaky clean,” and Wes reads a humorous passage about an incident at a USO show!

Description by Wes Wells of photo above: “Me and Jimmy Chappell… Interesting story. He served in the Marines and became a school art teacher. Many years ago dad would go to Midland, Tx to do business and mom would go to craft shows. She ran across an artist that had that pic he drew of the flag raising. Did you notice it only had 48 stars????? Jimmy told me this story after dad died. Mom made the comment that her husband commanded that platoon. She did not buy the pic, but he always remembered her. When dad passed he contacted me and told me this story. He came out to dads funeral where the ex-commandant of the Marine Corp and Governor Perry performed the service. Dad got a a Marine Corp Fly-over and a 21 gun salute.  His motorcade was over a mile and surrounded by the Patriot Guard Motorcycle group. In the picture frame, there is a picture of the funeral and 14 shell casings. Jimmy went after everyone left with a metal detector and found all the 14 casings. The other 7 are with the flag. He gave that picture to me and the family to have… Great guy, Great Patriot.”

  • The book includes historic photos, one with Pvt Robeson, who is shirtless, with Charles Lindberg . . . identical photos taken 32 years apart.
Description by Wes Wells: “Dad with the shorter man is Joe Rosenthal. He was the photographer that took that iconic photo of the second flag raising.”
  • John Keith Wells died days short of his 94th bday. We talk about people from “The Greatest Generation” and why we think they lived such long lives.
  • I ask Wes what he will remember most about his father.
Description by Wes Wells: “Me and dad in his 90’s showing him an iPad. He so loved technology.”
  • To learn more about John Keith Wells and the battle of Iwo Jima, buy his book HERE and consider purchasing the audio book when it comes out soon.
  • I thank Wes for sharing his father’s life and story.
(John) Keith Wells and wife Kathryn Wells

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Laurel Stuff:

Me (standing right corner) with my West Point Company D-1 classmates.

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Categories
Author Interview Books Podcast

Meet BEVERLY JENKINS!

Bestselling and Highly Acclaimed Author of Romance and Women’s Fiction!

Beverly Jenkins was a keynote speaker at the 2024 RMFW Colorado Gold Writers Conference! Visit with us here on YouTube.
Podcast (audio only) version

Show Notes with Links:

  • Chosen USA TODAY’s best-selling author of Romance and Women’s Fiction, today’s guest is the highly acclaimed author Beverly Jenkins.
  • We met at this year’s RMFW Colorado Gold Writers Conference, where Beverly was the keynote speaker. I brag about her accomplishments and kudos.
  • She was one of the Black Readers Conference’s keynote speakers in 2021at which time she was THE most read author in the Canon with 6 books, followed by Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Tiffany D. Jackson, with 4 books each.
Beverly’s RMFW Keynote speech was inspiring and–like her–funny!
  • She talks about being the editor of her elementary school’s newspaper in the 4th grade – The Myra Jones Elementary School COMET – but had no dreams of being a writer. Her dream job was to work in a library, which she eventually did. I ask how her library work inspired her storytelling, and she talks about her family of readers…and how her parents weren’t even allowed to check out books from their segregated library.
  • I ask when she first developed confidence in her ability to tell a story.
  • Avon Books called in June 1993 to say they wanted to buy her first book—Night Song. After it was published in the summer of 1994, Avon kept sending her contracts and she kept sending back books.
  • Al Roker says Beverly’s storytelling is “uplifting and engaging and proves it really does take a village.” Beverly discusses adopted and foster children (she adopted her son when he was five).
  • In a Goodreads interview December 2020, she talked about her author platform and said, “there’s enough light for everybody, and if I can shine my light on somebody who’s just coming out, or somebody who’s struggling, or somebody who just needs a little slight push to the center of the stage, why wouldn’t I do that? It doesn’t take anything away from me. I still got the light, I’ve still got my platform, so it’s much better to be kind than be a bitch.”
  • Speaking of being a bitch, I ask her to tell the story about the “Literary Fiction” author on the bus.
  • Many of her books are about African-American life in the 19th Century.
  • We talk about To Catch a Raven: Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best Romance! With historical details, espionage, a heist, suspense, a prophetic child, multiple cons, fabulous characters, FUN, a strong, smart woman lead and the steamy Braxton Steele . . . OOOOH!
Sooooo good!
  • It’s 3rd in the Women Who Dare series, and each book is a stand-alone read.
  • p. 271:   Raven wonders “if the country would ever value the men of the race the way their loved ones did.” We discuss this, and Beverly talks about how her writing is also a tribute to Black men.
  • What’s in the works? Beverly is a fantasy reader and plans to write a story with a black woman riding a dragon!
If only! She showed me what she had hidden under her top just before her keynote speech!

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Laurel Stuff:

One of my RMFW Conference outfits! I had fun!

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Categories
Author Interview Books Writing

Jeff Giles Explores the Afterlife…

in his debut novel Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane

Enjoy this visit on YouTube!
Podcast audio

Show Notes with Links:

  • Jeff tells us a bit about himself.
  • He talks about the title of his debut novel and provides an elevator pitch.
  • He tells us how he decided to write fiction after being a nonfiction author.
Author Jeff Giles
  • We discuss our thoughts about what lies beyond this mortal realm .
  • Reviewers across the board have indicated their delight in Jeff’s unique perspective on the afterlife.
  • His character Frank is wonderful, so we talk about him.
  • I ask about some fun allusions [Cyrus tells Langley, “We’re all counting on you,” an Airplane reference? And secret decoder ring, Christmas Story? Jeff includes many cultural tidbits from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s.
The Book!
  • I ask about the idea of the SPINE of the universe.
  • Meat pudding, Steven the mockingbird, a literal windbag. “With the sound of a fart…” Jeff peppers his narrative with delightfully humorous phrases and characters.
  • We discuss looking at formative experiences from a different perspective when we’re grown.
  • His characters address the Yin/yang balance in everything.
  • We get a little political about Cyrus’s perspective.

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Laurel Stuff:

Snow in Colorado! Is there show in the afterlife? :)

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Categories
Author Interview Interview Writing

Rising Literary Star Kollin Kennedy Presents “As Time Goes By”

A collection of poetry and prose

Visit with us on YouTube!
Podcast link (audio only)

Show Notes with Links:

Support this young artist! Buy Kollin’s book HERE!
  • For people creating their own collections, Kollin explains how he chose these pieces.
  • He explains why he issues a heads-up about his uncharacteristic style.
  • Kollin creates new words to express his unique voice.
  • I ask about Kollin’s education, how he came to love the sonnet, and the first poem he wrote.
  • The book is filled with literary and pop allusions: Kate and Petruchio, Tartuffe, Lucy and Desi … He talks about his knowledge base.
Follow Kollin Kennedy
  • I ask him to read The Portrait of A Nice Guy, First Perspective, and we talk about the autobiographic nature of many of his pieces.
  • His letters stun, amuse, and evoke emotion.
  • Letter V to a friend requesting an introduction to pop star Tito . . .
  • Letter VIII about the mixtape . . .
  • Much to do about money, greed, and cleanliness, or lack thereof in Letter XV in which stank foot is an issue! (I love his letters!)
  • I ask who he hopes will read his work.
Rising literary star Kollin Kennedy

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Laurel Stuff:

I asked Kollin if he might include a haiku or two in his next collection! Here’s a link to my Haikus Can Amuse!

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Categories
Books Interview

Sam Adams…

Does Comedy AND Sports Writing AND…

Sam entertained us all at the 2024 RMFW Colorado Gold Writers Conference!
Visit with us on YouTube!
Podcast link

Show Notes with Links:

  • I met Sam at this year’s RMFW Colorado Gold Conference in Denver where he kicked off the weekend by entertaining a room filled with mostly beige people!
  • He talks about the “bit” he does with paint sample cards and we share our true colors!
  • His book IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME . . . is a fascinating historical record of many, many, MANY sporting events. He talks about how he remembers them all, and we talk about a great quote from Ken Griffey Jr. The book is peppered with great quotes: “Lessons Learned From Listening To The Greats.”
  • Sam’s comedic voice comes through. “To this day, I am a notorious name-dropper when I am around friends.”
  • His golf score always higher than his bowling score . . .
  • He climbed a building to see Sugar Ray Leonard!
  • He talks about the first time he remembers making someone laugh.
Sports Writer, Comedian, author SAM ADAMS!
  • If Sam could interview one person not with us today…
  • And someone he’d still love to meet.
  • I ask why he is learning American Sign Language. Another great story!
  • Sam plans to return to the Steam Plant in Salida, CO next year . . . and I have a PRESS PASS!
  • I hope he keeps making people laugh, because we sure do need more happiness in our crazy world.
  • He offers great advice to listeners about life!
  • Sam’s website, where you can order an autographed copy of his book: https://samadamsdoescomedy.com/

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Laurel Stuff:

He’s one funny guy! Can’t wait to see him again.

Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Let me know!

Find my other work here!