Category: Interview

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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
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!

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
Books Interview Laurel on Life Writing

“WITHOUT BRAKES: Fingers Crossed”

The 2024 RMFW Anthology is here! Visit with co-editors Paul Martz and Linda Ditchkus as we discuss these stunning stories.

Our video visit today!
Podcast: audio-only

Show Notes with Links:

  • Who came up with the theme for this year’s Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers anthology? Linda and Paul discuss the idea of Colorado’s Changing Climate and how it opened the doors to multi-genre stories.
Get the book on Amazon today!
  • They discuss what inspired them to co-edit an anthology of climate-themed fiction.
  • I ask about the tasks involved in creating the anthology and how they determined who did what. I guessed there may have been arm wrestling involved, but Paul corrected me. It was rock/paper/scissors!
Author and co-editor Paul Martz
  • We talk about the role fiction plays in educating society about climate change, and how there are stories for every type of reader represented in the anthology.
  • We talk about how a story by Nebula Award-winning author Paolo Bacigalupi made it into the book.
  • I ask Paul what challenges he faced as a blind editor.
  • I ask Linda about her Chrom Y series.
Author and co-editor L.V. (Linda) Ditchkus
  • I read a snippet from my story Iphus.
  • Linda and Paul talk about how the book’s title was chosen.
  • I ask Paul if his cat can play the drums yet, and Linda about the 100’ish countries she’s visited.
  • They tell listeners why they’d want to buy WITHOUT BRAKES: Fingers Crossed
  • They encourage writers at all levels to participate in this year’s Colorado Gold Writers Conference September 27-29.
  • Contact Paul at PaulMartz.com. He is willing to be a resource for anyone interested in publishing in Braille. He is also a contract tech writer for nbp.org, National Braille press.
  • Contact Linda at LindaDitchkus@gmail.com
Linda Ditchkus with Paolo Bacigalupi at the Crested Butte Words Festival, May 25th

MORE:

The release party for the anthology is 9/7, 11:30-12:30, at The Bookies Bookstore. https://thebookies.com/

The official anthology web page is: https://rmfw.org/publications/

tions/

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Laurel Stuff:

Sometimes in fiction, the trail ends…

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 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 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

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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 Interview Podcast Writing

Author Annie Dawid’s Novel “Paradise Undone”

A Novel of Jonestown

Author Annie Dawid
Enjoy this fascinating visit with Annie Dawid
Audio-only version of our visit

Show Notes with Links:

  • Annie introduces herself and discusses her fascination with the stories of Jonestown victims.
  • She explains her decisions to follow four characters: two nonfiction (Mother Marceline–Jones’ wife, and Ambassador Virgil Nascimento–not his real name, but a real person) and two composite characters (“Watts,” an African-American man who escaped on the day of the massacre, and “Truth,” a young, white devotee).
  • I ask Annie if the victims of Jonestown–@300 minors, 300 elderly, 300 adults, mostly poor, female, and African-American–were easy targets for a cult leader.
  • Journalist Kenyatta’s interview of Watts, which flows through the novel, is fascinating and reads like an actual transcription.
  • We discuss Jones’ quotations throughout the novel and how they demonstrate his slide into megalomania.
Tribune article
  • We discuss “Mother Marceline” and how she was able to turn the other cheek when it was clear Jones was sleeping with many women. “No one gets to have everything.” How she became a sort of martyr, and her complicity in the ultimate mass murders.
  • We talk about the Shakahola Forest Incident/Massacre (May of 2023) and I ask how we can educate people are ignorant of cults.
  • Annie talks about the warning signs of possible cult behavior.
  • Annie will speak at the Salida Regional Library on May 8th at 5:30 p.m.
Paradise Undone

Links to Annie Dawid’s social media and previous interviews:

www.anniedawid.com

https://www.instagram.com/anniedawidnovel/

 Talk Radio Europe, 11/30 for recording, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_vB2PxeqayWeZIp3qDPiXaUA_CiGAjPy/view

 Podcast BOOKABLE SPACE, UK,  2/1/24 live https://shows.acast.com/bookable-space/episodes/bookable-space-with-annie-dawid

 CookieBiscuit Q&A Blog November 18 https://cookiebiscuit.co.uk/2023/11/18/paradise-undone-by-annie-dawid-q-a/

Dec 27 youtube w/Peter O YouTube on the 31st Dec. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP6o_fx-SLs

Essays:

1. The Jonestown Report: https://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=123974

2. Women Writers Website, UK, 11.18.23 

On Writing Paradise Undone: A Novel of Jonestown

Laurel Stuff:

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 Writing

Author Spirit Ricks Shares Lessons for Living a Virtuous Life

Spirit Ricks
Visit with us here!
Audio-only version of our visit!

Show Notes with Links:

  • Author Spirit Ricks talks about his life experiences and how he wrote A Woman’s Guide to a Virtuous Man and a Man’s Guide to Virtue
  • He talks about who he is, and how he raised his children to be shepherds, not sheep.
  • It takes courage to tell the truth! Parents should be a child’s relief, not a punisher.
  • “Put the mirror in front of ourselves” to see the truth. Bad choices do not define us.
  • He talks about why our children might talk to others rather than ourselves.
  • (we’ve all made mistakes and we turned out okay!)
  • Spirit Ricks discusses witnessing a difficult childbirth and how it affected him. A woman’s labor…and how God labors for us.
  • I ask if we can learn humility, and he tells us how, and why it’s more challenging today.
  • The beginning of any journey requires a person ready for it.
  • Spirit talks about his mother and how she will have eternal life through him! I ask about his mother’s sayings.
  • “Don’t get caught up in what you see” in terms of other people.
  • I ask if we can find good in bad examples. “Without a doubt”!
  • Spirit talks about his first 25 years, before he learned how to live a virtuous life.
His Book!
  • Spirit wants to leave people better than when he found them.
  • He talks about his vision, and the book of his life.
  • Spirit talks about how to forgive…and try to forget!
  • Follow Spirit Ricks at spiritricks.com

Laurel Stuff:

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
Interview Podcast

“Bring Them Home!”

Israeli Author Miriam Green Discusses the Hamas Terrorist Attack on 7 October 2023

CONTENT WARNING: Graphic language of attack may disturb listeners.

Watch our visit on November 19, 2023.
Photo of Miriam and her mom from her webpage thelostkitchen.org
Audio-only version of our interview

SHOW NOTES with Links:

  • Miriam Green’s book The Lost Kitchen: Reflections and Recipes from a Alzheimer’s Caregiver
  • Miriam’s website The Lost Kitchen
  • I introduce Miriam Green, born in London, raised in Bethesda, MD, Oberlin College in Ohio, met husband in Washington, D.C., and has been living in Israel for 32 years.
  • I interviewed Miriam in July of 2019 when her book came out. Here’s the link. Please watch if you’re interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • She talks about what she did today, and how in her poetry group members pay tribute to one of their own (Judy Weinstein Hagai) who is presumed to be captured or worse. Miriam is one of the founders of the group Voices Israel
  • Miriam sets the scene for what happened on October 7th as her family prepared for Shabbat.
  • She discusses the phone call from her daughter and the subsequent horrors she discovered.
  • She discusses a day in which three unique events became linked in her memory: Leaving her youngest son at the bus to deploy, paying a condolence call to a family that had lost their daughter and son-in-law horribly, and visiting her mother in the Alzheimer’s Care home.
  • She talks about her mom and how music still allows her to connect.
  • Both men and women in Israel are called into service.
  • I ask how her children, their children, and her father (who is 85) are coping with living in a war zone.
  • Miriam and a friend volunteer at a new local zoo as a way to make a difference and as a way to help them cope with the daily uncertainty.
  • In the midst of war, Miriam Green and others like her have made the decision they must move forward.
  • I mention Thanksgiving week in the United States and how I feel both thankful and guilty for the circumstances of my birth and how I’m able to live in safety.
  • How can we help? Here are two links: 
  • The first is JGive which highlights different organizations that are helping in the war effort: https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAgeeqBhBAEiwAoDDhn70Thd0cjQ2obzFHJ7cbTXHRfp6p_NbVLNWqDQN6WKCEmqYQSw0E8BoCqGgQAvD_BwE
  • The second is my friend’s kibbutz, Kibbutz Ketura: Want to help on a personal level through Kibbutz Ketura? Donate to Merkaz Hasachar on Israel Gives, and Ketura will use the money to care for the over 250 extra people we have on kibbutz now. We are making food and donating toys and clothing, sending young people to play, read, and do activities with kids evacuated from the fighting to Eilat as well as the families staying with us. Also taking treats to soldiers, finding ways to send necessities to people who were called up to serve without time to prepare. The money will be used to get what they need. However we can help. https://www.israelgives.org/amuta/580032159 
  • And a link to the poem: https://www.dailygood.org/story/2647/wislawa-szymborska-life-while-you-wait-maria-popova/

“BRING THEM HOME”

Laurel Stuff:

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!