Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 21
December 7, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 12-7-24
AI and Writing: Unlocking Creativity or Threatening Authenticity with Author Mike Trigg
Mike Trigg was born in Kentucky and raised in Wisconsin. He earned a BA from Northwestern University and an MBA from University of California, Berkeley. Before becoming a novelist, Trigg had a twenty-five-year career in Silicon Valley as a founder, executive, and investor in dozens of venture-funded technology start-ups.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week I had the fascinating opportunity to sit down with Mike Trigg, Silicon Valley tech veteran and author of the novels Bit Flip and Burner. As someone who has been immersed in the world of AI for over 25 years, Mike shared some incredible insights on how artificial intelligence is impacting the writing world, for better and for worse.
There's no doubt AI is a polarizing topic among authors. Some see it as a useful tool to enhance efficiency, while others fear it spells the end of original human creativity. Mike offered a balanced perspective, acknowledging valid concerns while highlighting how authors can harness AI's potential.
A few key takeaways:
AI algorithms crawl massive amounts of online data, including copyrighted books, to "learn". While concerning, fairly compensating every author whose work was ingested is impractical. Existing copyright laws offer some protection against egregious abuses.
AI can be a valuable tool for tasks like editing, research, and even sparking story ideas - but it crosses an ethical line if used to mimic another author's unique voice and style. "Write the next Stephen King novel" is a no-go.
The emotional nuance and "human element" in great writing is very difficult for AI to replicate. Rather than replacing authors, AI's biggest impact may be flooding the market with even more content, making it harder for quality books to get noticed.
AI will become as ubiquitous as the internet and smartphones, fundamentally changing how we consume and interact with information. The genie is out of the bottle - authors must learn to adapt and find the right balance.
Mike and I also discussed the AI themes woven into his own techno-thriller novels, and how speculative fiction helps us grapple with the profound moral quandaries on the horizon.
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Are you using AI tools in your own writing process? What excites or worries you most about an AI-driven future? Comment and let me know.
PS; Enter to win a signed copy! Just join the discussion in the Facebook group Novels N Latte Book Club.
Purchase Burner.
Paperback: https://amzn.to/48iJAKJ
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3Yfmsbx
Audible: https://amzn.to/3C2A5TU
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mike Trigg was born in Kentucky and raised in Wisconsin. He earned a BA from Northwestern University and an MBA from University of California, Berkeley. Before becoming a novelist, Trigg had a twenty-five-year career in Silicon Valley as a founder, executive, and investor in dozens of venture-funded technology start-ups.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week I had the fascinating opportunity to sit down with Mike Trigg, Silicon Valley tech veteran and author of the novels Bit Flip and Burner. As someone who has been immersed in the world of AI for over 25 years, Mike shared some incredible insights on how artificial intelligence is impacting the writing world, for better and for worse.There's no doubt AI is a polarizing topic among authors. Some see it as a useful tool to enhance efficiency, while others fear it spells the end of original human creativity. Mike offered a balanced perspective, acknowledging valid concerns while highlighting how authors can harness AI's potential.
A few key takeaways:
AI algorithms crawl massive amounts of online data, including copyrighted books, to "learn". While concerning, fairly compensating every author whose work was ingested is impractical. Existing copyright laws offer some protection against egregious abuses.
AI can be a valuable tool for tasks like editing, research, and even sparking story ideas - but it crosses an ethical line if used to mimic another author's unique voice and style. "Write the next Stephen King novel" is a no-go.
The emotional nuance and "human element" in great writing is very difficult for AI to replicate. Rather than replacing authors, AI's biggest impact may be flooding the market with even more content, making it harder for quality books to get noticed.
AI will become as ubiquitous as the internet and smartphones, fundamentally changing how we consume and interact with information. The genie is out of the bottle - authors must learn to adapt and find the right balance.
Mike and I also discussed the AI themes woven into his own techno-thriller novels, and how speculative fiction helps us grapple with the profound moral quandaries on the horizon.
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Are you using AI tools in your own writing process? What excites or worries you most about an AI-driven future? Comment and let me know.
PS; Enter to win a signed copy! Just join the discussion in the Facebook group Novels N Latte Book Club.
Purchase Burner.
Paperback: https://amzn.to/48iJAKJ
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3Yfmsbx
Audible: https://amzn.to/3C2A5TU
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
December 3, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 12-3-24
Whale Songs and Wildflowers: Trapped in the Dark with Author Cynthia Reeves
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Cynthia Reeves, author of the book The Last Whaler. Cynthia Reeves is the author of three books of fiction: the Arctic novel The Last Whaler; the novel in stories Falling Through the New World, winner of Gold Wake Press’s Fiction Award; and the novella Badlands, winner of Miami University Press’s Novella Prize. Her short stories, essays, and poetry have appeared widely. Most recently, her short story “The Last Glacier” was featured in If the Storm Clears, an anthology that concerns the sublime in the natural world.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of chatting with author Cynthia Reeves about her latest novel, The Last Whaler. Set in the unforgiving Arctic landscape of 1937-38, it follows a couple stranded on a remote whaling station, fighting to survive the polar darkness, bitter cold, dangerous animals, and dwindling food supplies.
Cynthia first got the inspiration for this story while on an artist residency in Svalbard, Norway, where she came across a beach littered with beluga whale bones. After uncovering a few tantalizing historical details about a 1930s whaler named Ingal Svensson who harvested hundreds of belugas each year, her imagination took flight. Two years of intensive research later, The Last Whaler was born.
One of the things I admire most about Cynthia's writing is how she weaves meticulous historical details into a compelling fictional narrative. Every fact, from the mechanics of whaling to the flora of the Arctic tundra, is painstakingly researched. Yet these details flow seamlessly into the story, immersing you in the characters' world without overwhelming the plot.
The book unfolds through a dual timeline, following both the couple's harrowing ordeal in 1937-38 and the husband Tor's guilt-ridden return 10 years later. Cynthia masterfully handles the transitions, keeping you grounded in each era while slowly revealing the mystery and tragedy that connects them.
While the novel centers on Tor's transformation, it was the character of his wife Astrid that I connected with most. A brilliant but stifled botanist, Astrid's physical and emotional journey through the months of total darkness was both agonizing and utterly relatable as a woman. Her storyline brings to life the little-known history of early female scientists who battled harsh conditions and societal constraints to pursue their passions.
Whether you love immersive historical fiction, gripping survival stories, or multi-dimensional characters, I highly recommend diving into The Last Whaler. Cynthia's evocative prose and impeccable research will transport you to the stark yet strangely beautiful world of Svalbard and the people who once tried to tame it.
I'm already eager to check out her next book, which will explore the ill-fated 1897 attempt to fly a hot air balloon to the North Pole.
What's the most fascinating or surprising bit of history you've learned from a novel? Comment and let me know. I'm always on the hunt for my next great read!
PS. Want your very own signed copy of The Last Whaler? Head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win.
Purchase The Last Whaler on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3WxCDBv
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3WBlSpa
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Cynthia Reeves, author of the book The Last Whaler. Cynthia Reeves is the author of three books of fiction: the Arctic novel The Last Whaler; the novel in stories Falling Through the New World, winner of Gold Wake Press’s Fiction Award; and the novella Badlands, winner of Miami University Press’s Novella Prize. Her short stories, essays, and poetry have appeared widely. Most recently, her short story “The Last Glacier” was featured in If the Storm Clears, an anthology that concerns the sublime in the natural world.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of chatting with author Cynthia Reeves about her latest novel, The Last Whaler. Set in the unforgiving Arctic landscape of 1937-38, it follows a couple stranded on a remote whaling station, fighting to survive the polar darkness, bitter cold, dangerous animals, and dwindling food supplies.Cynthia first got the inspiration for this story while on an artist residency in Svalbard, Norway, where she came across a beach littered with beluga whale bones. After uncovering a few tantalizing historical details about a 1930s whaler named Ingal Svensson who harvested hundreds of belugas each year, her imagination took flight. Two years of intensive research later, The Last Whaler was born.
One of the things I admire most about Cynthia's writing is how she weaves meticulous historical details into a compelling fictional narrative. Every fact, from the mechanics of whaling to the flora of the Arctic tundra, is painstakingly researched. Yet these details flow seamlessly into the story, immersing you in the characters' world without overwhelming the plot.
The book unfolds through a dual timeline, following both the couple's harrowing ordeal in 1937-38 and the husband Tor's guilt-ridden return 10 years later. Cynthia masterfully handles the transitions, keeping you grounded in each era while slowly revealing the mystery and tragedy that connects them.
While the novel centers on Tor's transformation, it was the character of his wife Astrid that I connected with most. A brilliant but stifled botanist, Astrid's physical and emotional journey through the months of total darkness was both agonizing and utterly relatable as a woman. Her storyline brings to life the little-known history of early female scientists who battled harsh conditions and societal constraints to pursue their passions.
Whether you love immersive historical fiction, gripping survival stories, or multi-dimensional characters, I highly recommend diving into The Last Whaler. Cynthia's evocative prose and impeccable research will transport you to the stark yet strangely beautiful world of Svalbard and the people who once tried to tame it.
I'm already eager to check out her next book, which will explore the ill-fated 1897 attempt to fly a hot air balloon to the North Pole.
What's the most fascinating or surprising bit of history you've learned from a novel? Comment and let me know. I'm always on the hunt for my next great read!
PS. Want your very own signed copy of The Last Whaler? Head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win.
Purchase The Last Whaler on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3WxCDBv
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3WBlSpa
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
December 1, 2024
Book Review: The Broken Fife
The Broken Fife by Gary Demack is a historical fiction set during the Civil War. However, I learned many things I didn't know because the focus was in Missouri. Quite honestly, I didn't realize that Missouri was part of the fray at all.This novel is a beautiful tale of forbidden love. Demack masterfully weaves the history of the era with engaging characters struggling against the bounds of societal norms as Junius, the son of a Jewish merchant, hides his faith, as well as his feelings for Ruby, the family's slave.
What will Junius do when the war, and all its implications, lands squarely in his small town in Missouri? Demack's story will leave readers wondering what they would be willing to do for love. A must-read for historical fiction fans.
(This novel is still in the Advanced Reader Copy stage. I'll be sure to provide links when the book has come to Amazon!)
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 30, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 11-30-24
Whispers from Beyond: Ghosts Really Do Exist? With Author Jeff Giles
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jeff Giles, author of the book Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane. An experienced culture writer and editor who's been featured in a long list of publications including Paste Magazine, the Village Voice, American Songwriter, Ultimate Classic Rock, and Rotten Tomatoes, Jeff makes his debut as a novelist with Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionGreetings from the online realm, where I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff Giles, author of the supernaturally comedic novel Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane. If you're in the mood for a rollercoaster ride through the afterlife with a ghost who never saw it coming, this is the book for you!
Here's the wild premise that got Jeff's creative juices flowing: What if a world-renowned debunker of paranormal phenomena suddenly died in a freak accident and became the very thing he spent his life scoffing at - a ghost? Enter Langley Powell, the protagonist who finds himself in this hilariously ironic predicament.
Throughout our conversation, Jeff shared fascinating tidbits about his writing process and the inspirations behind the book's quirky cast of characters. From the sarcastic spiritual guide Frank (who Jeff admits is essentially written in his own voice) to the sprinkling of historical figures like Prince and Aretha Franklin, there's no shortage of personalities to keep you entertained.
But amidst the laughs, Jeff also managed to weave in some thought-provoking themes about nostalgia, letting go of the past, and what truly holds the universe together. It's the kind of book that leaves you both chuckling and contemplating life's bigger questions.
As a self-proclaimed "pantser" (writing by the seat of his pants), Jeff dove into this novel without a clear roadmap, letting the story unfold organically. The result is a tale that keeps you guessing until the very end - which, by the way, leaves the door open for a potential sequel. Fingers crossed!
If you're craving more writerly wisdom from Jeff, be sure to check out the full podcast episode. And for a chance to win a free copy of Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane, head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook and join the conversation.
P.S. As always, if you've read a book you loved recently, pay it forward by leaving a review. Us authors thrive on your feedback and support!
Purchase Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4hroFcA
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4e7tJAj
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jeff Giles, author of the book Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane. An experienced culture writer and editor who's been featured in a long list of publications including Paste Magazine, the Village Voice, American Songwriter, Ultimate Classic Rock, and Rotten Tomatoes, Jeff makes his debut as a novelist with Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionGreetings from the online realm, where I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff Giles, author of the supernaturally comedic novel Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane. If you're in the mood for a rollercoaster ride through the afterlife with a ghost who never saw it coming, this is the book for you!Here's the wild premise that got Jeff's creative juices flowing: What if a world-renowned debunker of paranormal phenomena suddenly died in a freak accident and became the very thing he spent his life scoffing at - a ghost? Enter Langley Powell, the protagonist who finds himself in this hilariously ironic predicament.
Throughout our conversation, Jeff shared fascinating tidbits about his writing process and the inspirations behind the book's quirky cast of characters. From the sarcastic spiritual guide Frank (who Jeff admits is essentially written in his own voice) to the sprinkling of historical figures like Prince and Aretha Franklin, there's no shortage of personalities to keep you entertained.
But amidst the laughs, Jeff also managed to weave in some thought-provoking themes about nostalgia, letting go of the past, and what truly holds the universe together. It's the kind of book that leaves you both chuckling and contemplating life's bigger questions.
As a self-proclaimed "pantser" (writing by the seat of his pants), Jeff dove into this novel without a clear roadmap, letting the story unfold organically. The result is a tale that keeps you guessing until the very end - which, by the way, leaves the door open for a potential sequel. Fingers crossed!
If you're craving more writerly wisdom from Jeff, be sure to check out the full podcast episode. And for a chance to win a free copy of Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane, head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook and join the conversation.
P.S. As always, if you've read a book you loved recently, pay it forward by leaving a review. Us authors thrive on your feedback and support!
Purchase Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4hroFcA
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4e7tJAj
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 27, 2024
Book Review: The Write Habit
The Write Habit by Dr. Nicole Janz is an author craft book helping authors set goals and write daily. Although short, it is full of useful forms and lists, and is a great way to beat the procrastination habit.For authors who wish they could finish that book, this may be just what you are looking for. Plus, Dr. Nicole Janz offers a free course to go along with the book to provide you with more context, explanation, and resources.
I think this might be just what the doctor - or author - ordered!
Purchase a copy: Paperback: https://amzn.to/4f0e0Eo
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 26, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 11-26-24
A Curator’s Journey: A Memoir Of a Colorful Life with Author Jack Maher
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jack Maher, author of the book Poppy. Jack is a proud fifth generation Colorado native and grandson of Eric Douglas. Poppy is his first novel. A four-time National Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter Emmy winner, he worked at KUSA-TV in Denver as a 9NEWS Multimedia Journalist and Executive Producer.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI just had the most fascinating conversation with Jack Maher, author of the novel Poppy. This book is a treasure trove, shedding light on a little-known piece of Colorado history - the story of one of the early founders of the Denver Art Museum's Native Arts Department.
Jack's grandfather, Eric Douglas, along with Eric's father, pioneered groundbreaking work at the museum. They ventured out into the Great Southwest, connecting with tribal artists who were crafting beautiful works that had yet to receive the appreciation they deserved within the museum world. Eric, affectionately known as "Poppy", not only brought these incredible Native American artworks to the forefront, but also revolutionized the very methods museums used to showcase art, many of which are still in practice today.
Poppy is a family memoir that reads like an intimate biography. As Jack peeled back the layers of his grandfather's life through prolific letters, oral histories, and even a rare audio recording, what emerged was a portrait of a man deeply passionate about elevating and preserving Native American art and culture. From staging innovative "Indian Fashion Shows" to forging meaningful connections with artists like the revered Hopi potter Nampeyo, Poppy's tireless efforts helped break stereotypes and foster appreciation.
Though Jack admits he didn't know much about this part of his family history growing up, diving into the research for this book became a profound journey of discovery. Grief-stricken after suddenly losing his wife, Jack channeled that emotion into bringing Poppy's story to life, ensuring this inspiring legacy would live on for generations to come.
If you love getting lost in the pages of history, especially the kind that hits close to home, I highly recommend adding Poppy to your reading list. It's a beautiful reminder of the power one person's passion can have in shaping our understanding and appreciation of art, culture, and each other.
If you'd like a chance to win a digital copy of Poppy, head over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook to enter. As always, thanks for being part of this bookish community. I'm continually in awe of the stories we get to discover and share together.
Purchase Poppy on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3zrsZHQ
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3TxsXFb
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jack Maher, author of the book Poppy. Jack is a proud fifth generation Colorado native and grandson of Eric Douglas. Poppy is his first novel. A four-time National Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter Emmy winner, he worked at KUSA-TV in Denver as a 9NEWS Multimedia Journalist and Executive Producer.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI just had the most fascinating conversation with Jack Maher, author of the novel Poppy. This book is a treasure trove, shedding light on a little-known piece of Colorado history - the story of one of the early founders of the Denver Art Museum's Native Arts Department.Jack's grandfather, Eric Douglas, along with Eric's father, pioneered groundbreaking work at the museum. They ventured out into the Great Southwest, connecting with tribal artists who were crafting beautiful works that had yet to receive the appreciation they deserved within the museum world. Eric, affectionately known as "Poppy", not only brought these incredible Native American artworks to the forefront, but also revolutionized the very methods museums used to showcase art, many of which are still in practice today.
Poppy is a family memoir that reads like an intimate biography. As Jack peeled back the layers of his grandfather's life through prolific letters, oral histories, and even a rare audio recording, what emerged was a portrait of a man deeply passionate about elevating and preserving Native American art and culture. From staging innovative "Indian Fashion Shows" to forging meaningful connections with artists like the revered Hopi potter Nampeyo, Poppy's tireless efforts helped break stereotypes and foster appreciation.
Though Jack admits he didn't know much about this part of his family history growing up, diving into the research for this book became a profound journey of discovery. Grief-stricken after suddenly losing his wife, Jack channeled that emotion into bringing Poppy's story to life, ensuring this inspiring legacy would live on for generations to come.
If you love getting lost in the pages of history, especially the kind that hits close to home, I highly recommend adding Poppy to your reading list. It's a beautiful reminder of the power one person's passion can have in shaping our understanding and appreciation of art, culture, and each other.
If you'd like a chance to win a digital copy of Poppy, head over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook to enter. As always, thanks for being part of this bookish community. I'm continually in awe of the stories we get to discover and share together.
Purchase Poppy on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3zrsZHQ
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3TxsXFb
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 24, 2024
Book Review: A Cup of Tea on the Commode
A Cup of Tea on the Commode by Mark Steven Porro is a memoir about his time as a caregiver for his ailing mother. Porro takes readers on a real-life journey complete with personal childhood memories, funny ancedotes, and poignant details about his time as a caregiver.What I loved most is Porro's honesty. Being a caregiver is difficult. As a caregiver, he did his best but sometimes, his best and his family's best, led to not-so-great outcomes. Yet, overall, caring for his mom was something he wouldn't have wanted to miss because it gave him precious time with someone he loved dearly.
As a caregiver, I related completely. However, this book will touch more than caregivers. It will resonate with anyone who has a relationship with a parent - good or difficult - and provide the reader with new ways to look at aging.
Buy a copy: Paperback:
https://amzn.to/4e3TwJt
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3A5kEdm
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 23, 2024
Online for Authors Episode11-23-24
From Alaska to Manhattan: Unraveling the Secret Past with Author Tina Hogan Grant
Carole O’Neill’s (Guest Host) guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Tina Hogan Grant, author of the book Secrets Told. A native of England, she feels very lucky to have spent her childhood and adolescent years in a small quaint Yorkshire town called Ilkley, where many days were spent roaming the Yorkshire moors, climbing the Cow & Calf Rocks, swimming in the River Wharfe and playing “Conkers” and “Jacks” with schoolmates. She is the youngest daughter of famed science-fiction author James P. Hogan who sadly passed away before her first book was published. She thanks her dad for sharing his passion for books and writing with her. Today she is living that passion with hopes of passing it on to her children and grandkids.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week, Guest Hosts Carole O'Neill had the pleasure of chatting with author Tina Hogan Grant on the Online For Authors podcast. They discussed her award-winning novel, Secrets Told, which follows the story of Patricia Leck, a successful New York attorney whose carefully constructed life is shaken by a mysterious letter from her past.
Patricia has it all - a prestigious career, two beautiful daughters, and a cordial relationship with her ex-husband, Bryce. But when Bryce discovers a letter that forces Patricia to confront a long-buried secret, she must embark on a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she thought she knew about herself and her life.
As Patricia reluctantly agrees to travel to Alaska with Bryce and their daughters to uncover the truth, she grapples with the fear of her past being exposed. Will she be able to face what she finds and maintain the successful life she's built, or will everything be forever changed?
Tina shared some fascinating insights into her writing process, including how she lets her characters guide the story rather than plotting everything out in advance. As a "panster" herself, Carole could totally relate! They also bonded over their shared love of writing character-driven fiction.
If you enjoy stories of strong women, family secrets, and personal growth, we highly recommend checking out Secrets Told. Tina's complex, relatable characters and page-turning plot twists will keep you hooked from start to finish.
To learn more about Tina and her other books, including the Sabella romantic suspense series and the Tammy Mellows trilogy inspired by her own life, visit her website at tinahoggangrant.com. You can also connect with her in her active Facebook group, Read More Books, where she hangs out and chats with readers every evening.
Thanks for tuning in, and happy reading!
P.S. Want a chance to win a digital copy of Secrets Told? Head over to theNovels N Latte Book Club on Facebook and keep an eye out for the giveaway post!
Purchase Secrets Told on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3NzpHWn
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3YfkoQP
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Carole O’Neill’s (Guest Host) guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Tina Hogan Grant, author of the book Secrets Told. A native of England, she feels very lucky to have spent her childhood and adolescent years in a small quaint Yorkshire town called Ilkley, where many days were spent roaming the Yorkshire moors, climbing the Cow & Calf Rocks, swimming in the River Wharfe and playing “Conkers” and “Jacks” with schoolmates. She is the youngest daughter of famed science-fiction author James P. Hogan who sadly passed away before her first book was published. She thanks her dad for sharing his passion for books and writing with her. Today she is living that passion with hopes of passing it on to her children and grandkids.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week, Guest Hosts Carole O'Neill had the pleasure of chatting with author Tina Hogan Grant on the Online For Authors podcast. They discussed her award-winning novel, Secrets Told, which follows the story of Patricia Leck, a successful New York attorney whose carefully constructed life is shaken by a mysterious letter from her past.Patricia has it all - a prestigious career, two beautiful daughters, and a cordial relationship with her ex-husband, Bryce. But when Bryce discovers a letter that forces Patricia to confront a long-buried secret, she must embark on a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she thought she knew about herself and her life.
As Patricia reluctantly agrees to travel to Alaska with Bryce and their daughters to uncover the truth, she grapples with the fear of her past being exposed. Will she be able to face what she finds and maintain the successful life she's built, or will everything be forever changed?
Tina shared some fascinating insights into her writing process, including how she lets her characters guide the story rather than plotting everything out in advance. As a "panster" herself, Carole could totally relate! They also bonded over their shared love of writing character-driven fiction.
If you enjoy stories of strong women, family secrets, and personal growth, we highly recommend checking out Secrets Told. Tina's complex, relatable characters and page-turning plot twists will keep you hooked from start to finish.
To learn more about Tina and her other books, including the Sabella romantic suspense series and the Tammy Mellows trilogy inspired by her own life, visit her website at tinahoggangrant.com. You can also connect with her in her active Facebook group, Read More Books, where she hangs out and chats with readers every evening.
Thanks for tuning in, and happy reading!
P.S. Want a chance to win a digital copy of Secrets Told? Head over to theNovels N Latte Book Club on Facebook and keep an eye out for the giveaway post!
Purchase Secrets Told on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3NzpHWn
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3YfkoQP
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 20, 2024
Book Review: Memoirs from the Frontlines
Memoirs from the Frontlines by Kim Sloan is a memoir written about her experiences as an ICU nurse during COVID - and not just any ICU nurse, but one battling the pandemic in one of the hotspots in the United States - a small town in Southern Georgia. This memoir is a hard look at the pandemic from the eyes of someone who saw the worst of the worst.Her story covers the first two years of the pandemic and takes readers to four different hospitals. She lets us see things that were not shown on the news, hear the truth about the ravages of COVID, and begin to understand the horrific experience of helplessly watching people die one organ at a time.
As I read, I noted several shared experiences from one way lines in the grocery store to modified holidays with my family. But I also noted experiences that were uniquely those on the frontlines. And I completely understand her desire to save the rest of us from that miserable disease.
If you wonder if the lockdown was necessary, if the masks made sense, if the vaccine was/is helpful, or if anything you did during 2020 and 2021 helped anyone, I urge you to read this account - and then count yourself blessed to be here to read Kim's words.
Purchase a copy:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4e5VhpD
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4fqIL5b
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 19, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 11-19-24
Unmasked: An FBI Agent’s Hunt for a Shapeshifter with Author D Werkmeister
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is D Werkmeister, author of the book Volk. Born and raised in Nebraska, Darin Werkmeister now lives outside of Philadelphia PA, where he was an FBI street agent for 21 years. During that time, he investigated White Collar Crime, Organized Crime, Money Laundering, and Domestic Terrorism. While in Philadelphia, he was an eight-year member of the FBI SWAT team. Prior to the FBI he was a Marine Corps officer. VOLK is his first novel.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionAs a writer, my favorite part of any book is watching the characters come to life on the page. There's nothing quite like that "aha!" moment when a character's voice clicks and their story starts to unfold organically. So I was thrilled to chat with debut author D Werkmeister about his writing process and the inspiration behind his gripping new supernatural thriller, Volk.
Darin is a former FBI agent who spent 35 years working organized crime cases. While on a late-night surveillance op, his partner's shadow cast an eerily Sasquatch-like silhouette that sparked Darin's imagination: What would happen if FBI agents saw something truly inexplicable?
That tiny seed of an idea eventually blossomed into Volk, a genre-bending tale about veteran agent Terri Watson pursuing a killer she soon suspects may not be human. Grounded in Darin's real-world experience in the FBI, the story follows a by-the-book agent forced to question everything when the supernatural creeps into her meticulously ordered world.
"I wanted a book that had very strong female characters," Darin told me. "I don't think [female FBI agents] get enough credit. They usually show FBI police-type female agents dressed in very tight clothes and wearing high heel shoes... that's not going to fly."
Instead, Terri is portrayed as a competent professional - one of many details Darin got right, thanks to his decades in the Bureau. The investigative steps, squad interactions, even office politics rang true to his own experience. (Well, minus the werewolves!)
As a character-driven fiction author myself, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this book despite it being pretty far outside my usual genre. Darin's knack for breathing life into compelling characters, combined with a perfectly-proportioned dash of the paranormal, makes for a truly unique and engrossing read.
Volk is the first in a planned series, with Book 2 (Skinwalkers) already complete. I, for one, can't wait to see what Terry gets up to next - no outline required!
P.S. Want to win a copy of Volk on audiobook? Head over to the Facebook group, Novels N Latte, and leave a comment on the post about today's podcast. I'll be doing a drawing for one lucky winner!
Purchase Volk on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3TJR1or
eBook: https://amzn.to/47KoDrY
Audible: https://amzn.to/3TJR1or
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is D Werkmeister, author of the book Volk. Born and raised in Nebraska, Darin Werkmeister now lives outside of Philadelphia PA, where he was an FBI street agent for 21 years. During that time, he investigated White Collar Crime, Organized Crime, Money Laundering, and Domestic Terrorism. While in Philadelphia, he was an eight-year member of the FBI SWAT team. Prior to the FBI he was a Marine Corps officer. VOLK is his first novel.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionAs a writer, my favorite part of any book is watching the characters come to life on the page. There's nothing quite like that "aha!" moment when a character's voice clicks and their story starts to unfold organically. So I was thrilled to chat with debut author D Werkmeister about his writing process and the inspiration behind his gripping new supernatural thriller, Volk.Darin is a former FBI agent who spent 35 years working organized crime cases. While on a late-night surveillance op, his partner's shadow cast an eerily Sasquatch-like silhouette that sparked Darin's imagination: What would happen if FBI agents saw something truly inexplicable?
That tiny seed of an idea eventually blossomed into Volk, a genre-bending tale about veteran agent Terri Watson pursuing a killer she soon suspects may not be human. Grounded in Darin's real-world experience in the FBI, the story follows a by-the-book agent forced to question everything when the supernatural creeps into her meticulously ordered world.
"I wanted a book that had very strong female characters," Darin told me. "I don't think [female FBI agents] get enough credit. They usually show FBI police-type female agents dressed in very tight clothes and wearing high heel shoes... that's not going to fly."
Instead, Terri is portrayed as a competent professional - one of many details Darin got right, thanks to his decades in the Bureau. The investigative steps, squad interactions, even office politics rang true to his own experience. (Well, minus the werewolves!)
As a character-driven fiction author myself, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this book despite it being pretty far outside my usual genre. Darin's knack for breathing life into compelling characters, combined with a perfectly-proportioned dash of the paranormal, makes for a truly unique and engrossing read.
Volk is the first in a planned series, with Book 2 (Skinwalkers) already complete. I, for one, can't wait to see what Terry gets up to next - no outline required!
P.S. Want to win a copy of Volk on audiobook? Head over to the Facebook group, Novels N Latte, and leave a comment on the post about today's podcast. I'll be doing a drawing for one lucky winner!
Purchase Volk on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3TJR1or
eBook: https://amzn.to/47KoDrY
Audible: https://amzn.to/3TJR1or
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
