Categories
Author Interview Books Podcast

CHERYL ILOV is The Reluctant Ninja!

“How a Middle-Aged Princess Became a Warrior Queen”

Watch this fascinating interview with author and warrior queen Cheryl Ilov!
Audio-only version of our visit!

Show Notes with Links:

  • We met at The Book Nook run by author Jerry Fabyanic during the Georgetown Christmas Market
  • While doing the “Doctor Dance,” Cheryl was told she was too old for school and labeled a chronic pain patient
  • I ask if she was born with the no-quit spirit and she talks about her ancestors and the line of resilient people (including her father who couldn’t speak English when he immigrated to the U.S. with his parents)
  • She is the 3rd of 5 girls
  • Cheryl started Martial arts after years of her acupuncturist’s haranguing, at the age of 47
  • In 20 years of teaching, Cheryl is her sensei’s first female black belt
  • I ask why she was anxious after the release of The Reluctant Ninja: How a Middle-Aged Princess Became a Warrior Queen
  • How does Cheryl respond to those who are critical of her work?
  • Great humor in the book! Cheryl talks about being called “light in the ass,” and a time when she “missed” a high thigh skin grab (and grabbed something else!)
Link to purchase Cheryl’s book!
  • We talk about leadership lessons and why her sensei was often unreasonably difficult
  • For women who are interested in martial arts but who have reason to protect their bones (such as someone with osteoporosis), Cheryl suggests Tai Chi
  • Cheryl talks about how to avoid an attack: Evade/Deflect/Redirect
  • After reading a passage about Cheryl’s love of ballet, I ask her if she had to give up one (ballet or martial arts), which would she give up?
  • Cheryl talks about her supportive husband and how he was stunned by her performance
  • Cheryl host the Femininja Podcast
  • Her first book, Forever Fit and Flexible is also available
  • Contact Cheryl if you’re interested in learning more about how to find the warrior spirit within you and how to pick a dojo/school that will work for you.
  • Cherylilov.com

Laurel Stuff:

After awarding my (now 30+ year-old) son his new belt…a few years back when I helped teach young’uns the art of Taekwondo!

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
Books Writing

RMFW Short Story Anthology!

It’s going to be a great one!!!

Watch this interview to find out more about this exciting collection!
Podcast host Mark Stevens interviewed editors Paul Martz and Linda Ditchkus

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!

Categories
Author Interview Books Podcast Writing

Author/Philosopher Santos CS Bermejo

“The Medway Tales”
Seven Modern Fables

Santos CS Bermejo
Visit with us here!
Audio-only version
Buy his book here!

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
His daughter, Leah . . .
and son, Lucas
  • 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
Presentation of the Spanish edition of The Medway Tales

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 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
Author Interview Books Writing

“The Birthing House”

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?
Places around Marburg, Germany
  • 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!

Categories
Author Interview Books Writing

Thomas K. Carpenter:

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

Book 1
  • 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?
My socks win!
  • 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!

Laurel Stuff:

Banjo meets Tom!

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

100 Best Books

Compiled by Shepherd.com

A while ago, Ben Shepherd created a place for authors and readers to post and find great reads! I have provided reviews and links in the past. Please support this effort by participating!

Here are the favorite reads from 2023 by over 1,000 authors!

Click here for complete list and reviews: https://shepherd.com/bboy/2023

And here are the reviews I provided (I picked three of the many I’ve read this past year!)

Click here for my reviews: https://shepherd.com/bboy/2023/f/laurel-mchargue

As always, thanks for visiting, and remember to sign up for my mid-monthly newsletter before leaving!

Laurel Stuff:

Banjo and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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!

Categories
Laurel on Life

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

(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.
Heather and her son
  • I ask about her husband’s response to her fairly new venture.
With her husband
  • 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.
Ready to record her GREAT SEX PODCAST
  • 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!

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!