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Category Archives: Writing
Jeff Giles Explores the Afterlife…
in his debut novel Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- I ask what he has learned about himself now that he has completed and launched this novel.
- Jeff provides some great advice to those contemplating trying their hand at novel writing.
- Follow Jeff Giles here:
https://www.jefitoblog.com/about/
https://langleypowell.com
Amazon page
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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!
Rising Literary Star Kollin Kennedy Presents “As Time Goes By”
A collection of poetry and prose
Show Notes with Links:
- I met at the 2024 RMFW Colorado Gold Writers Conference. I ask why he came from Texas to attend.
- His new book: As Time Goes by: A Collection of Poetry and Prose presents 93 poems (sonnets with a 21st Century flair) and 9 letters (with satirical wit).
- 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.
- 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.
- Kollin discusses what he’s working on now, and how to reach him. His website:
https://kollinkennedy.com - His Insta:
https://www.instagram.com/kollink1?igsh=MXNhNXN3MGdyY3hlZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr - His podcast, Apollo’s Muse:
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/apollos-muse-kollin-kennedy-DeEqU-Ckjdr/
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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!
Helen Starbuck Shares “The Killer Without A Face”
A grip-your-seat new thriller!
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.
- 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:
Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Let me know!
Find my other work here!
“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.
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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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
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/
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Laurel Stuff:
Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Find my services HERE!
Find my other work here!
- Laurel’s Amazon Author page
- https://leadvillelaurel.com/writing-tips/
- https://www.facebook.com/LeadvilleLaurel/
- My YouTube Channel
- https://soundcloud.com/laurelmchargue (my podcast)
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!
Jodi Bowersox, Award-Winning Author, Renaissance Woman!
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!)
- 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.
- Jodi is the current president of Colorado Authors League (CAL)
- She give wonderful advice to aspiring authors.
- Follow Jodi on her website at jodibowersox.com and on Amazon at Jodi Bowersox
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Laurel Stuff:
Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Find my services HERE!
Find my other work here!
- Laurel’s Amazon Author page
- https://leadvillelaurel.com/writing-tips/
- https://www.facebook.com/LeadvilleLaurel/
- My YouTube Channel
- https://soundcloud.com/laurelmchargue (my podcast)
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!
RMFW Short Story Anthology!
It’s going to be a great one!!!
I’m proud to announce my short story “Iphus” will be included in this upcoming Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) anthology! Expected publication date in early September! Can’t wait to order my copies.
I’ll post again when they’re ready for purchase!
Author/Philosopher Santos CS Bermejo
“The Medway Tales”
Seven Modern Fables
Show Notes with Links: The Medway Tales by Author Santos CS Bermejo and artist Luisto+Quintanar
- Santos tells us about himself and why he ended up in England
- He discusses quotes from C.S. Lewis, Luis Pasteur, and Bernard of Chartres
- His seven stories are reminiscent of Aesop’s Fables, and his characters are unique
- He mentions fables he remembers from childhood
- One of his goals is to teach children how to think. We discuss today’s youths and the challenges they believe they have
- We talk about how fables can be discussed on many levels
The Medway Tales seven stories:
- 1–Senor Huevo
- 2–Cheeky Little Mole Tillo
- 3–Hyena Helena and the Mink Scarf
- 4–Amik, the Architect
- 5–This Little Squirrel Called Rita
- 6–Water Eddies
- 7–Little Rainy Things
- We discuss learning from observing nature and American Theoretical Physicist Richard Feynman
- Fabulous illustrations by Luistomas Quintanar (Luisto+Quintanar)
- Santos mentions author Juan Ramón Jiménez‘s book Platero and I
- He tells us which is his favorite tale
- He talks about his quotation: “Narrative is the most sublime way to gaze upon the world, understand reality, and explain life.”
- Santos would love it if you would email him with your comments/suggestions here: santoscejudo@hotmail.com
- Follow him on his website: https://santoscejudo.wixsite.com/bermejo
- His blog: https://santosandluistobooks.com/about/
Laurel Stuff:
Find my other work here!
- Laurel’s Amazon Author page
- https://leadvillelaurel.com/writing-tips/
- https://www.facebook.com/LeadvilleLaurel/
- My YouTube Channel
- https://soundcloud.com/laurelmchargue (my podcast)
- @laurelstuff (my TikTok)
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!
Author Annie Dawid’s Novel “Paradise Undone”
A Novel of Jonestown
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.
- 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.
Links to Annie Dawid’s social media and previous interviews:
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
Laurel Stuff:
Find my other work here!
- Laurel’s Amazon Author page
- https://leadvillelaurel.com/writing-tips/
- https://www.facebook.com/LeadvilleLaurel/
- My YouTube Channel
- https://soundcloud.com/laurelmchargue (my podcast)
- @laurelstuff (my TikTok)
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!
Author Spirit Ricks Shares Lessons for Living a Virtuous Life
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.
- 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:
Find my other work here!
- Laurel’s Amazon Author page
- https://leadvillelaurel.com/writing-tips/
- https://www.facebook.com/LeadvilleLaurel/
- My YouTube Channel
- https://soundcloud.com/laurelmchargue (my podcast)
- @laurelstuff (my TikTok)
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!