“The Birthing House”

Posted on January 13, 2024 by author

A Multi-Layered Novel by Kathy Taylor

My Fascinating Visit with Award-Winning Author Kathy Taylor!

Audio-only link

SHOW NOTES with Links:

Kathy Taylor, who are you today?
We spoke about Kathy’s idea for THE BIRTHING HOUSE 2 years ago when I interviewed her about “Trees and other Witnesses.”
This is a multi-layered, complex story filled with musings about languages, words, time, dreams, history, and trees. I ask how she would characterize genre for this work?
Her inspiration came from very personal experiences with loss. Why did she choose fiction over memoir?
Clare’s husband Stefan’s research uncovers an early 18th Century Parish register. He says, “People’s attitudes toward death reveal so much about their lives.” What is Kathy’s attitude?

Why did she include many stories of other women with different challenging backgrounds?
I read an excerpt about migration and Isra’s story. I ask Kathy if she feels like a migrant.
Clare is fascinated by how she was a different person in each language. Elaborate!
I read a passage about writing and ask why Kathy wrote a book within a book.
We discuss genres and I ask if she has a favorite to read.
Has her writing produced and surprises?
The audiobook is in progress…
What’s next?
Find Kathy’s work HERE and follow her HERE!

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!

Thomas K. Carpenter:

Posted on January 5, 2024 by author

Creator of “fantastic families, magical academies, and epic adventures”!

Enjoy my visit with Tom!

Audio-only version of our visit!

Show Notes with Links:

The Hundred Halls BOOK 1: TRIALS OF MAGIC

Tom shares who he is when he’s not writing.
He shares his exciting news about a new cooperative strategy card game based on his books, available in February! (Subscribe to his newsletter to get up-to-date info)

(I’m not sure when he finds time to ski!)

With over 60 published books, how do you keep track of your characters? (any writing apps?)
How do you remember what you’ve written?
When did you know you could make a living from your imagination?
Everyone wants to know the “trick” for success. How many years did it take you to become on “overnight success”?

Tom and Rachel, his wife and business partner

You have all the elements of a magical world. Harry-Potter-type schools, guilt-ridden older sister who must learn the truth about how to respond to the unknown, jealous, tormenting peers. . .
Trials of Magic has a scene reminiscent of one in Orson Scott Card’s Enders Game
Which authors/books inspired you most?
You chose two sisters for this series. Why?
What one word would sum up Trials of Magic? [mine is FUN!]
Cover Art designers: Ravven.com and G&S Covers
Where do you write? Tom discusses his writing routine.
We discuss the need for tension in stories, and Tom says, “Authors are really cruel people.”
Do you have a favorite pair of socks? [we share our socks!] Or any other thing most don’t know about you?

What is one piece of advice writers can use right now?
What’s your writing goal for 2024, and do you ever worry about how long you can keep up the pace?

Here’s a list of Tom’s current Hundred Halls titles!

The Hundred Halls (Arcanium Hall)
Book 1: Trials of Magic
Book 2: Web of Lies
Book 3: Alchemy of Souls
Book 4: Gathering of Shadows
Book 5: City of Sorcery

The Reluctant Assassin (Academy of Subtle Arts)
Book 1: The Reluctant Assassin
Book 2: The Sorcerous Spy
Book 3: The Veiled Diplomat
Book 4: Agent Unraveled
Book 5: The Webs That Bind

Gamemakers Online (Gamemakers Hall)
Book 1: The Warped Forest
Book 2: Gladiators of Warsong
Book 3: Citadel of Broken Dreams
Book 4: Enter the Daemonpits
Book 5: Plane of Twilight

Animalians (Animalians Hall)
Book 1: Wild Magic
Book 2: Bane of the Hunter
Book 3: Mark of the Phoenix
Book 4: Arcane Mutations
Book 5: Untamed Destiny

Stone Singers (Stone Singers Hall)
Book 1: Song of Siren and Blood
Book 2: House of Snake and Tome
Book 3: Storm of Dragon and Stone
Book 4: Sonata of Shadow and Thorn
Book 5: Well of Demon and Bone

More about Tom’s new release: Champions of the Hundred Halls Cooperative Strategy Card Game!

All the books can be found at major retailers and directly from the author at https://thomaskcarpenter.com/.
Subscribe to his newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/trialsofmagic
Anything else you’d like our listeners to know?
You may support Tom’s growing list of fun, magical creations by contributing whatever you can to his Kickstarter Campaign! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/orderofmerlintrilogy/champions-of-the-hundred-halls
Oh, and I introduce our new puppy, Banjo!

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

“Let’s Talk About Sex!” [with Dr. Heather England]

Posted on November 5, 2023 by author

(I think she’s our new Dr. Ruth for the 21st Century!)

Dr. Heather England, Founder of Love Filled Life

My interview with Heather on 15 October 2023

Audio-only version of our interview

Dr. Heather England’s Bio:

Heather is a licensed clinical psychotherapist, certified sex therapist, and life coach, specializing in helping people love themselves and create the lives they truly want, nurture meaningful, loving relationships, and have great sex. She has had a wild and varied career that includes being an army officer and a senior manager at Hallmark Cards. Her focus as a certified sex therapist is helping people in midlife and beyond with challenges like low desire, disconnection from their partners, shame, lack of sexual know-how and self-confidence, and erectile dysfunction so they can enjoy magnificent sex.

Show Notes with Links:

I ask Heather the who/what/when/where/why and WHAT inspired her to become a sex therapist.
She discusses her audience for her GREAT SEX PODCAST.
She talks about doing shows with her son and how it has enriched their relationship.

I ask about her husband’s response to her fairly new venture.

There seems to be a need now…shows like “SEX EDUCATION” and “BIG MOUTH”(animated). I ask her thoughts on those shows.
What is the topic of most concern?
I ask when she will do a live show with call-ins.
Heather talks about the feedback she’s getting.

She leaves listeners with a message and a very funny story about sex.
FOLLOW drheatherengland on Instagram, www.lovefilled life.com, GreatSexPodcast

Links to Heather’s sites:

Website: Love Filled Life

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-england-ph-d-59a72745/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drheatherengland/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrHeatherEngland/

Laurel Stuff:

Heather and I danced (on the sidelines!) at a Drag Queen show in Vegas this summer!

Find my other work here!

Cam Torrens: Award-Winning Author of “STABLE”

Posted on August 24, 2023 by author

and man of many adventures!

Cam Torrens, Award-Winning Author of “STABLE”

Enjoy this fun visit with Cam!

Audio-only version of our visit!

Show Notes with Links:

Cam has served 30 years as an Air Force Officer. He’s been a husband, an attaché, a professor, a father of six, and a Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer for Chaffee County, Colorado.
He tells us who he is today.
His debut novel STABLE has already earned three awards. Suspense, action, mystery, dynamic personal interactions, and humor! This novel has it all.
Cam gives us an elevator pitch for STABLE, which has some autobiographical elements.

Cam also races. Seen here doing the Moab 55K.

Cam talks about how he organizes his time (he’s very organized!) to accomplish his goals.
He discusses his greatest challenge in completing his novels and the things/organizations/people that have helped.
If he could choose one job to do for the rest of his life…?
Cam is a voracious reader. His newsletter includes book reviews every month. Sign up for it on his website: camtorrens.com

Cam on a SAR mission on La Plata peak (a Colorado 14’er)

He discusses where he’s happiest.
We talk about Central Colorado Writers (CCW) and the critique group led my author L.V. Ditchkus.
We talk about NYT Best-Selling Author David L. Robbins and the course we took with him: The Mighty Pen Project.
Cam offers tips to writers, new and less new!
He adds a few shout-outs in addition to his wife and children and his publishing company, Black Rose Writing
Book two in the Tyler Zahn series is available for pre-order now, with a release date of October 5th, 2023. False Summit
Cam donates portions of his book sales to SAR.

Laurel Stuff:

Mike and I spend time in the mountains too! This is Browns Creek Falls.

Find my other work here!

Debut Poet Savannah J Tully!

Posted on June 23, 2023 by author

Poet, Nature Lover, Humanitarian,
All-around Wonderful Human!

Audio-only version of our visit!

Show Notes with Links:

I met Savannah when she won the Central Colorado Writers YOUTH WRITING CONTEST Bronze prize for “Mangroves Whisper Life and Death.” The assigned topic was “SOMEDAY”…she talks about her inspiration.
Read her story on the Central Colorado Writers website: https://www.ccwriters.org/

Her debut publication is a Poetry Collection: SIX TALL TREES
She tells us how she came to Buena Vista, Colorado from Indiana for her senior HS year.
“Through the dirt on my feet and the air we all share, I find peace in struggle and triumph” (back cover). I ask how she got to be so wise. She talks about her wonderful grandmother.
We discuss her understanding of things being “neither good nor bad, they just are,” I read Mountain Mindset (p. 48)
Life presents challenges, not problems!

She also paints birdhouses!
Savannah reads a few of her favorite poems and we discuss them.
Her understanding of time comes through in Mountain Mindset and Winter (p. 80)
I suggest Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now.
We discuss her poem Want (p. 11) and her BIG question (p. 7)
Her illustrations remind me of Etch A Sketch. They are one-line sketches, and they embellish her book beautifully.
She talks about a typical family evening, challenges of high school, and looking forward to attending Missouri University of Science and Technology.
She offers advice to young writers.
email Savannah at savtul20@gmail.com and you may order her book from her Instagram account: stully_20 or
Order from Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/six-tall-trees-savannah-j-tully/1143206791
Or Amazon:

Laurel Stuff:

When I’m not visiting fascinating people, I’m enjoying the fruits of my labor!

Find my other work here!

Are You a Vegas Virgin?

Posted on April 15, 2023 by author

I’m not, anymore!

This will forevermore be my favorite profile photo!

When my friend Sherry Randall told me she planned to see Barry Manilow in Las Vegas the end of March, 2023, I decided to tag along. I’d never been to Vegas. I’d won a trip for two to Vegas back in the early 2000s after winning the Northern Virginia Bowler of the Year Award (traded it in for tickets to St. Croix), been told by countless people how horrible Vegas was, and had been warned about the still-smoky casinos, but deep in my heart I knew it was time to decide for myself.

Sherry planned the whole weekend. We’d see Barry the first night, attend a Cirque du Soleil (Mystère) the second night, see the musical SIX the 3rd night, and possibly recover from walking an average of seven miles per day our 4th night.

Sometime over the course of our visit, one of us would turn $20 into $20,000 at a Casino. It (didn’t) could happen.

Without saying any more, watch this video compilation of highlights from our Vegas vacation and decide for yourself if it was worth doing!

Yes, it was SOOoooooo worth doing!

Happy to say I’m no longer a Vegas Virgin–and I would recommend an exploratory visit there to anyone who might ask! Make sure you go with someone you know will choose to have fun!

Laurel Stuff:

I applied for a job…they said I was overqualified! HA!

Find my other work here!

Johnny Worthen’s Epic Worlds!

Posted on February 3, 2023 by author

Meet the award-winning, tie-dye wearing author of epic social science fiction!

Visit with us and see his Coronam System here!

Listen to audio-only version of our visit here!

Show Notes with Links:

WELCOME! I met Johnny Worthen at the RMFW Conference in September! He presented the workshop: “The Muddled Middle”

Johnny tells us about himself after I tease him about being a tie-dye king…which is now his “brand”!
We agree with how liberating it is to have a uniform (which leads me to wonder how the world would change if the military adopted tie-dye uniforms)!
He tells us about his debut as a storyteller.
He talks about his bagel shop in Oregon (The Daily Bagel).
I give him more than 4 floors to present his elevator pitch for Of Kings, Queens, and Colonies
I read some of his wonderful similes and figurative language elements, and we discuss “multi-genreism”
I ask about the space elevator thread—and wiki says “The key concept of the space elevator appeared in 1895 when Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.”
I ask about his natives—and reflections of Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness.”
Bees and honey, Religion and school indoctrination, steampunk elements, and more!
Johnny reads a passage from “Of Kings, Queens, and Colonies”…
I ask what’s the most controversial thing he’ve ever done, and he tells us.
He talks about his greatest challenge as a writer
Lightning round: Chocolate or pistachio / fall or spring / Star Trek or StarWars / dogs or llamas ) listen for his answers!
I ask about the dark fiction press he edits for in LA.
Shout-outs and ADVICE to writers!
Johnnyworthen.com
Flame Tree Publishing

Laurel Stuff:

I always seem to find author L.V. Ditchkus‘s Sasquatch at conferences! Here at the RMFW Conference where I attended Johnny’s workshop!

Find my other work here!

How About a Cozy Murder Mystery?

Posted on January 18, 2023 by author

“The Last Hurrah: A Phoebe Korneal Mystery” by Judilee Butler & GaGa Gabardi fills the bill!

Jean (aka GaGa) Gabardi and Judy Butler, authors . . . friends!

Visit with us here on YouTube!

The audio-only version of our visit!

Show Notes with Links:

Judilee (Judy) Butler and Jean (GaGa) Gabardi have co-authored a cozy murder mystery series in a place I recognize!
Gaga and Judy tell us a bit about themselves.
We get an ELEVATOR PITCH for The Last Hurrah, book 1 of their series.
They discuss why and how they wrote the first book.
CCWritersExhange has benefitted both authors (and we encourage everyone to join this supportive writing group!)
We talk about collaborating with other authors and what their roles were in developing/writing this ongoing story.
We learn what makes a murder mystery cozy.
Judy and Jean discuss the research they did to make Oresville (Leadville!) feel real.

They tell us what surprised them while creating this series.
We touch on marketing and the challenges of technology.
How many more books will there be? A funny answer!
They each give shout-outs and advice to budding authors.
Find their books on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Hurrah-Phoebe-Korneal-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08PFXHT76/
Follow them on their website here: https://jgabardi.wixsite.com/bngbooks

Watch the trailer!

Laurel Stuff:

Meanwhile, I’m working on a new science fiction novel! Here I am with authors L.V. Ditchkus and Jean (GaGa) Gabardi during a Salida Art Walk event!

Find my other work here!

New York Times Best-Selling Author David L. Robbins Discusses “Isaac’s Beacon” and Writing Craft!

Posted on January 11, 2023 by author

Author, teacher, historian David L. Robbins

What a treat is was to visit with and learn from David L. Robbins on January 10, 2023! Here’s a link to our visit on YouTube:

Here is the edited audio-only version of our visit!

Show Notes and Links:

David tells us what he’d like us to know about him after I suggest every aspiring and accomplished writer should read Isaac’s Beacon to learn writing craft.
He discusses the importance of writing as an art form.
He gives us the “elevator pitch” for Isaac’s Beacon (I give him 5 floors!)
I ask him why he wrote this book, the first in what will be a 5-book series called “The Promised Wars.” (The Shortest Road will be released on May 2, 2023, available for pre-order now)
He talks about what it was like to be raised by two WWII Veterans, and how his father and mother ended up together (a fascinating story!)
David reads Chapter 1 of “Isaac’s Beacon” and we discuss dialogue, subtext, Absolute Truth and Profound Truth.
We talk about character development and the limited use of interiority (because we both agree it cheats the reader!)

We talk about censorship and swearing and his decision to stop swearing.
I ask the same question his character Mrs. Pappel asks about being “too brave,” and David answers.
He talks about “Terror Management Theory” and The Worm at the Core.
He discusses his views about marketing and I talk about purchasing his book.
Does he unwind? Listen to his answer!

I met David (beardless!) at the 2022 RMFW Conference where he was a Keynote speaker. We stand in front of author L.V. Ditchkus’ Sasquatch banner!

David is involved in giving back to his community and has helped to establish the following organizations: Podium RVA, James River Writers, Mighty Pen Project, and First Responses.
He talks about a fun mixed genre project he’s working on now and gives a couple of shout-outs.
Find all of David’s books HERE
Follow him on his website at davidlrobbinsauthor.com

YOU MUST READ “ISAAC’S BEACON”!

Laurel Stuff:

Meanwhile, I’m working on a new science fiction novel with tidbits from my time as a cadet at West Point! (My senior photo)

Find my other work here!

Darlene Kulig’s Joyous Art!

Posted on December 21, 2022 by author

Artist Darlene Kulig

Visit with us on YouTube and tour Darlene’s gorgeous studio!

Listen to the audio-only interview here!

Show Notes and Links:

Darlene is originally from Ottawa, and now lives in Toronto.
She earned a National Art Scholarship, granted to only six Canadian students entering Fine Arts based on outstanding potential in visual arts, and graduated from OCAD University (Ontario College of Art & Design University).
We talk about the fun way we “met” . . . Peace by Piece: 10 Lessons from a Jigsaw Puzzle
Nadine’s puzzle—“Outside Vienna”
My puzzle—”Gustav’s Cat”

She talks about what she did before painting became a priority.
She discusses her painting process, darkness and light, and the “challenge to find a quiet place to balance all the activity” in her bold paintings.
Darlene talks about the Japanese concept of MA – emptiness with presence.
Her work is described as semi-abstracted spirited landscape and each painting is dotted with her signature, effervescent champagne bubbles. We talk about the bubbles!
She talks about traveling by train to paint the mountains for a Canadian Rockies series.
How does she choose what to paint from the hundreds of photographs she takes?
The “Dr. Suess” qualities of her work.
Calendars and other products with Darlene’s gorgeous work.

She is also planning her next travel destination for a new series of paintings…Find out WHERE!
Her “Paintings wait for their owners—their forever homes”
I ask where her dream place to work/live/paint would be, and we discuss how Covid has helped her with “letting go” and finding peace. We discuss melancholy and sadness.
Darlene believes boredom is necessary!
She tells us about the Craig Kulig Memorial Fund
And her favorite color(s).

Links to Darlene’s social media sites:

https://www.youtube.com/@mthornley/featured

https://www.instagram.com/darlenekulig/

https://www.facebook.com/Kuligart

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-kulig-584301188/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbqda__g-kL3ZViEQL9JLew

A Multi-Layered Novel by Kathy Taylor

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

Creator of “fantastic families, magical academies, and epic adventures”!

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

(I think she’s our new Dr. Ruth for the 21st Century!)

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

and man of many adventures!

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

Poet, Nature Lover, Humanitarian, All-around Wonderful Human!

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

I’m not, anymore!

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

Meet the award-winning, tie-dye wearing author of epic social science fiction!

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

“The Last Hurrah: A Phoebe Korneal Mystery” by Judilee Butler & GaGa Gabardi fills the bill!

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

Laurel Stuff:

Find my other work here!

Poet, Nature Lover, Humanitarian,
All-around Wonderful Human!