Category: Author Interview

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? :)

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

Find my other work here!

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!

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

Find my other work here!

Categories
Author Interview Books Writing

Helen Starbuck Shares “The Killer Without A Face”

A grip-your-seat new thriller!

Multiple Award-Winning Author Helen Starbuck
Visit with us on YouTube!
Podcast audio link

Show Notes with Links:

  • Helen talks about why she is drawn to writing suspenseful thrillers.
  • Helen gives us the “elevator pitch” for The Killer Without A Face
  • Her MC, Dani, flees to a tiny town in Colorado that feels completely real.
  • Characters in this novel…as in all…are real and wonderful. I ask if any are based on people she knows. “CAREFUL, OR YOU’LL END UP IN MY NOVEL” (the sign in my guest bathroom!)
  • We discuss her characters and how they made it into her work (Irma and her dog Elmer, Jess the wounded former Marine, that beeotch Polly)!
  • How has your ballroom dancing influenced Helen’s writing?
  • Photos below show Helen dancing with her teacher, Isaac Lynn, at Arthur Murray Studio in Boulder
  • The CRIME STOPPERS broadcast also adds lots of tension!
  • Helen talks about how she captured the idea of trust so well, and how it adds to the tension between Dani and Jess.
  • “Undercurrents of romance”…that tension…Helen takes us through her process of putting this novel together.
Get it here!
  • The dramatic chase scene…
  • Whodunit? Did she know when she started the novel?
  • We discuss AI in writing and NaNoWriMo‘s new policy.
  • We discuss the Covid virus and vaccines.
  • Helen will attend this year’s Book Nook at the Georgetown Christmas Market hosted by award-winning author Jerry Fabyanic
  • Helen tells us a bit about her next novel.
  • Find her books on Amazon
  • Follow her on her website and sign up for her newsletter.
  • I tell her to stay well, keep writing, and keep dancing!

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Laurel Stuff:

I used to dance too! I’m the hot little number in red, with a friend and my baby sister!

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

Find my other work here!

Categories
Author Interview Books Podcast

Amber Herbert’s “Lipstick Covered Magnet”

A Debut Novel

Author Amber Herbert
Visit with us on YouTube!
audio-only podcast version of our visit

Show Notes with Links:

  • Amber Herbert’s debut novel is Lipstick Covered Magnet, a “genre-bending debut that weaves the intricacies of healing with delusion and suspense.”
  • She gives us an elevator pitch for this novel geared toward college-age readers.
  • Amber discusses her inspiration for writing a book about stalking as her debut nove.
  • Lyrics from the song “Lipstick Covered Magnet” by the group The Front Bottoms were in line with her story.
  • We talk about delusional characters, how she got into Connor’s mind (the stalker), and how she interwove the story line between the two main characters.
  • We talk about participation in NaNoWriMo
  • She talks about visiting London, her love of Shakespeare, and her tendency toward being an Anglophile.
  • We talk about the allusions to books and films Amber has read/viewed.
  • We both discuss our dark Muses!
  • I read a section about catfishing and the dangers of Facebook and revealing too much about ourselves.
  • We discuss counselling, healing, and telling our stories of horror and trauma.
  • A cautionary tale, Lipstick Covered Magnet is a book men should read.
  • Amber discusses her other novels, surprises in writing, and lucid dreaming!
  • Amber provides some advice to new writers.
  • As the technology chairperson for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW), she is also coordinating speakers and workshops for this year’s Colorado Gold Writers Conference. Registration is still open!

Find out more about Amber Herbert at her website: amberherbert.com and contact her at amber@amberherbert.com

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Laurel Stuff:

If I’m not here, I might be in Moab!

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

Find my other work here!

Categories
Author Interview Books Podcast

Peter Heller Presents “BURN”!

Multi-Award-Winning, Best-Selling Author Peter Heller Discusses His New Release (and lots more)!

Peter Heller doing one of the things he loves.
Enjoy this fun and informative visit with Peter Heller!
Audio-only podcast Episode 155!

Show Notes with Links:

  • As a NYT and National Best-Selling Author, we discuss his accolades, and I ask Peter who he is today.
  • Peter gives us the elevator pitch for BURN.
  • In previous interviews, Peter likens writing a novel to kayaking a new river…you never know what might be around the next bend, something frightening, awe-inspiring, a ferocious animal, someone with a rifle…he likes surprises! I ask what surprised him while writing “BURN.”
Another thing Peter enjoys while not writing!
  • Peter’s books are dark but with hope, and I ask if we all have both angels and devils on our shoulders.
  • He talks about the music of the language, and I ask about the Tang Dynasty Poets
  • I read a couple of gorgeous passages from “BURN.”
  • We discuss the OED! At age 12, Peter read the dictionary!
  • I ask if he’s had a friendship as close as Jess has with Storey.
Peter (center) with Paonia river friends Sascha Steinway (left) and Landis Arnold (right)
  • “Love is attention” . . . discuss!
  • We talk a bit about the current state of world affairs.
  • I mention Peter’s expertise in presenting places and emotions. He hits all the feels: love, loyalty, betrayal, anger, horror, suspense, surprise, longing, shame, confusion, AWE …
  • Paolo Bacigalupi taught him, “Your job is just to make sure it doesn’t suck”…well, he succeeded!
Paonia home.
  • Jess’s gradual character arc is credible and incredible!
  • I ask about AI in publishing.
  • He talks about living off-grid.
  • I ask about his full launch marketing schedule and how he maintains his enthusiasm. Find him in your neck-of-the-woods on his BOOK TOUR schedule!
  • 3 rapid-fire questions: Favorite color / thing he’s most likely to consume first thing each day (and then we discussed vegetarianism) / YES or NO: Cats are people too and should be allowed to vote! Listen to his answer!!!
  • ORDER BURN NOW! August 13 release! I ask Peter to save me 2 front row seats Aug 29th in Edwards, CO!
Peter in his element…outdoors!

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Laurel Stuff:

Me in my Smith College days, before I joined the Army!

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

Find my other work here!

Categories
Author Interview Books Interview Podcast

From Zero to Hero

A Children’s Book Adults Will Appreciate!

Susan’s granddaughter reads From Zero to Hero
Enjoy this visit with author Susan Baum Gluck and artist Barbara Kuhn McGould
Listen to the Audio-only podcast!

Show Notes with Links:

  • Susan and Barbara talk about how they met and became collaborators on this project…and we discuss high altitude baking (with tips)!
  • I tell them how I heard about their project from Barbara’s son (Chuck), who is my West Point classmate.
  • The book is dedicated “To all our greats and grands”! We learn how many they have, and we talk about being grandmothers (and grandmother names)!
The littlest fan of “From Zero to Hero,” Barbara’s great-granddaughter Olivia Levine!
  • Susan talks about the book’s message for the main character: TO DISCOVER HER TALENT AND WORTH. She explains the story’s journey, how is started, and how it evolved over time.
  • I ask if Dr. Seuss inspired the rhyming cadence of the story.
Susan’s granddaughter Natalie enjoys the book with her grandfather (who also seems to be enjoying the story!)
  • Number 7 is a rapper! I ask Susan to rap that section (and she does!)
  • We laugh about Zero leaving her purse with number 7.
  • Number 8 gives the best encouragement (I think!)
  • Some numbers are a bit snarky with her, (starting with Numero Uno) and full of themselves…like some real characters children might meet.
  • Barbara talks about her artwork and a scare she had while illustrating the book using Sketchbook on an old computer!
Barbara’s granddaughter Alexa Levine reads to her 4-month-old baby Olivia!
  • Barbara will donate sale proceeds to the Wounded Warriors Project.
  • I suggest future projects the two could work together on together!
  • They share their favorite number(s)!
  • Please support these two wonderful women by buying their book on Amazon and telling your friends about it…

“FOR NO ONE ON EARTH IS INCONSEQUENTIAL”

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Laurel Stuff:

And if your kiddos like ducks, they might enjoy my book QUACK!

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

Find my other work here!

Please subscribe to Alligator Preserves on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts, and tell your friends about it! I’d love it if you “liked” the episodes you listen to, and I’d love it even more if you’d post a quick comment!

Categories
Author Interview Interview Podcast Writing

Jodi Bowersox, Award-Winning Author, Renaissance Woman!

Jodi Bowersox and her equally fun husband, Kevin, at the Georgetown Christmas Market
Jodi Bowersox also writes about Cats! Visit with us for this fun interview!
Audio-only podcast of our interview
Jodi writes children’s book under pen name J.B. Stockings

Show Notes with Links:

  • Jodi tells us why I call her a Renaissance woman.
  • Jodi defines her genre and talks about how her books differ from those traditionally found on bookstore shelves.
  • We discuss the many subgenres of romance. I ask what Jodi read as a younger person.
  • She tells us which authors inspired her.
  • We talk about the many love triangles in Mars Madness (and the funniest one involving a character named Minnie!)
The first of 3 books!
  • There is a lot of situational humor within the suspense of these novels.
  • I ask about her thoughts on A.I., and will we be seeing crates of Minnies on COSTO shelves.
  • I ask about gene splicing of horses in the novel.
  • Many wonderful characters! The BFF–Clarinda–who tells it like she sees it, the precocious youngster Frankie, Blaze and Doug and Alexandro and Ariel…
  • Jodi’s husband publishes too, and she tells us what it’s like having two published authors in the same household.
Another series! Time Agents

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Laurel Stuff:

Jodi believes in breaking writing rules! I believe in NOT breaking my noggin!

Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Find my services HERE!

Find my other work here!

Please subscribe to Alligator Preserves on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts, and tell your friends about it! I’d love it if you “liked” the episodes you listen to, and I’d love it even more if you’d post a quick comment!

Categories
Author Interview Books Podcast

Peter A. Eschbach Presents “An Illustrated Look at Traditions of The United States Military Academy A to Z”

with Memories from Hundreds from the Long Gray Line

Peter with his wife, Susan: Plebe Parent Week at West Point
Visit with us here on YouTube!
Podcast audio version!

Show Notes with Links:

  • A is for ARMY…I ask Peter why he made the decision to join the Army, especially since he’s an artist.
  • Peter discusses the artwork he created for this book.
  • “Army is the other family you have.” ~ R. Jim Steiner ’78. I ask about Peter’s relationship with the Army.
One of Peter’s “Spirit” drawings: The Army Mule mascot chasing down the Navy Goat!
  • Peter discusses the process for putting together all the pieces: the alphabet definitions, the artwork, the input from past graduates of West Point.
  • He talks about his “favorite” letter!
  • As an Old Grad, he’s still active. I saw on Facebook a photo of him presenting an appointment letter to a soon-to-be new cadet. [ I mention my representing West Point at the local high school Career Fair day]
  • We talk about “X-Traditions” and how we both contributed to the POINTER magazine (no longer published). Peter also designed the crest for his class ring (West Point Class of 1978).
Peter at Ft. Sumpter
  • I ask if he was a hazer (I didn’t think so)!
  • Peter has great advice for young people considering West Point and the military academies.
  • Peter is working on a book for his USMA Class of 1978 for their next reunion.
  • I put in a plug for The Virginia War Memorial’s Mighty Pen Project for veterans, led by New York Times Best-Selling Author David L. Robbins.

Find Peter’s book on Amazon HERE

OR:

Get $5 off your purchase using the code LeadvilleLaurel on BookBaby:

Follow this QR with code LeadvilleLaurel for $5 off your purchase of Peter’s book!

GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!

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Laurel Stuff:

“Firstie” Cadet Laurel Bernier (that’s me! Just about 40ish years ago!) holding my “T” is for “Tarbucket”!

Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Find my services HERE!

Find my other work here!

Please subscribe to Alligator Preserves on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts, and tell your friends about it! I’d love it if you “liked” the episodes you listen to, and I’d love it even more if you’d post a quick comment!

Categories
Author Interview Books Interview

Keith Steinbaum Presents:

“In Lieu of Flowers” — A Supernatural Thriller!

and THIS JUST IN on 15 July 2024, two more awards for Keith’s books in the Horror: Paranormal/Supernatural category from the 2024 American Fiction Awards!

Congratulations, Keith!

—————————-

The Poe Consequence by Keith Steinbaum

Independently Published

Winner

Horror: Paranormal/Supernatural

—-

In Lieu of Flowers by Keith Steinbaum

World Castle Publishing, LLC

Finalist

Horror: Paranormal/Supernatural

—————————-

Supernatural Author Keith Steinbaum
Visit with us on YouTube!
Podcast episode version!

Show Notes with Links:

We start by discussing our visit from 5 years ago about Keith’s novel “You Say Goodbye” and the obituary of Alexandra Scott, a child who inspired Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for childhood cancer research.

  • Keith tells the true story of his grandfather’s attempted kidnapping in the late 1800s, the inspiration that started his novel “In Lieu of Flowers.”
  • He was a “Sunday writer” when he wrote “You Say Goodbye,” but now that he’s retired . . .
  • We discuss his earlier books: “You Say Goodbye” and “The Poe Consequence”
  • We remember Alexandra Scott, who’s obituary as an 8-year-old victim of childhood cancer inspired not only Keith’s earlier novel, but also Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which has raised over $300 million for childhood cancer research.
Author Keith Steinbaum with Liz Scott, Alexandra Scott’s mother, who founded Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
Donate today to help cure childhood cancer.
  • Keith reads a nightmare passage from “In Lieu of Flowers”
  • We discuss the significance of numbers. In Jewish mysticism, the number 74 represents “the absence of light…the emergence of darkness.” The number plays a significant role in the novel.
  • We discuss the significance of letter writing.
  • Keith talks about his inspiration for the characters Dragonfly and Hummingbird.
  • “Maybe evil wins out because God is overwhelmed…”
  • Were the character Michael’s sleepover memories autobiographical?
  • I ask about Keith’s knowledge of Braille and blindness and how they inform the plot.
  • I read a passage about Evergreen Cemetery and we discuss how the gravestones have photos of the deceased, the burial sites “represented lives that experienced what we all do, the connective tissue of tales and time—”
Evergreen Cemetery
Evergreen Cemetery
  • Keith talks about the lullaby he used in the story.
  • We discuss our beliefs in the supernatural?
  • Keith explains how he has changed as an author.
  • He gives wonderful advice to new authors.
  • Follow him on his website and email him with your thoughts! He’d love to hear from you!
  • His links:

Keith’s website: https://keithsteinbaum.com/
email him at keith@keithsteinbaum.com

Here’s a link to our interview about “You Say Goodbye”:

My visit with Keith about 5 years ago!

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Laurel Stuff:

I write dark things, too!

Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Find my services HERE!

Find my other work here!

Please subscribe to Alligator Preserves on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts, and tell your friends about it! I’d love it if you “liked” the episodes you listen to, and I’d love it even more if you’d post a quick comment!

Sharing is caring!

Categories
Author Interview Books

Frank Demith’s Novel is “Of Vital Interest”!

Frank receiving the International Impact Book Award for Best Military Book in 2023!
Enjoy this captivating visit with LTC (Ret) Frank Demith
Audio-only podcast episode

Show Notes with Links:

  • Frank Demith tells us who he is today, and talks about his recent graduation from the Deliberate Discomfort Challenge, making him a member of the Endless 6.
  • Frank’s novel earned the title of Best Military Book in 2023 from the International Impact Book Awards.
  • We discuss former Sergeant Major Bill Armstrong’s influence on Frank, and his Facebook post about all of the “firsts” Frank presented him with, including: “First saxophone player I ever enlisted into the Army band, first recruit I ever had go to West Point, first person who owned a Mustang II and later rebounded and became a REAL car aficionado with the truck and the jeep, and now as far as I know, the first published author.” 
Frank in his “thinking hat”!
  • He tells us how he learned to write creatively.
  • I ask, “Who are you in this novel?”
  • We discuss the characters Al Khafaji and Abdullah (and others).
  • His novel is extremely detail oriented, which made me feel like I was right there in the chow line with his characters.
  • We discuss his character development…from strongest to weakest… and their growth, and how realistic the dialogue is.
Frank and another 1983 West Point classmate, Lorraine Lesieur, taken at a book signing at Barnes and Noble in Ashburn, VA
  • I ask him about leadership lessons in his 28 years of service, the scene in his novel with the young Lieutenant, and West Point leadership lessons.
  • Frank captures the pre-deployment intensity, stress, excitement, fear, and the unknown…and how there’s never enough time for true preparation.
  • “Not my circus, not my monkeys” (we discuss).
  • “Hope is not a method” (we discuss).
  • I ask what Frank hopes for the future of our nation.
  • After reading Frank’s work, I believe his soldiers loved and respected him.
  • I challenge him to recite the DEFINITION of LEATHER, and although I leave out a few words, we stumble through it!
“Firstie” Cadet Frank Demith
  • What’s next? Frank has a deal now through Flag Day (June 14th) where he’ll donate $1 from each purchase to the “Warrior Rising” project.
  • A shout-out to Franks fabulous wife and to another classmate, Michael “Mac” Crumlin.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Laurel Stuff:

“Firstie” Cadet Laurel Bernier (that’s me! Just about 40ish years ago!)

Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Find my services HERE!

Find my other work here!

Please subscribe to Alligator Preserves on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts, and tell your friends about it! I’d love it if you “liked” the episodes you listen to, and I’d love it even more if you’d post a quick comment!