Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 24

Online for Authors Episode 10-10-24

​Uncovering Secrets: A Family Cape Cod Vacation Unraveled with Author Tess CallahanMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Tess Callahan, author of the book Dawnland. Tess Callahan is also the author of the novel April & Oliver. A dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, she lives in Cape Cod and Northern New Jersey with her family and number one life coach, her dog.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of chatting with author Tess Callahan about her compelling novel Dawnland. Set on Cape Cod, this literary family drama centers around the tumultuous reunion of a family as long-held secrets finally come to light.

What I loved most about this book was the complex, flawed yet relatable characters. As Tess said in our discussion, "I relate to [main character April] bumbling through life and living a large part of her early life sort of on autopilot... It takes her a lot, including connection with others and confrontation with Oliver, to kind of jar her out of those patterns and decide to take agency in her life."

While parts of the story were frustrating as characters struggled to break free of unhealthy patterns, it felt realistic. As Tess wisely noted, "I personally see humans as generally repeating patterns and not taking opportunity of moments to step out of those patterns... Life gives us lots of opportunities to [change], and we can say no and we can keep saying no, but eventually if we keep saying no, the door comes to us and it might come in not a very nice way. It's better if we, through our own volition, decide to embrace whatever it is we need to confront."

Some of my favorite elements of Dawnland:

The unfiltered character Beryl, who rips the lid off the family's pretense
The lush Cape Cod setting that Tess describes so evocatively
The unconventional love story woven throughout
The underlying themes of resilience, redemption, and reclaiming one's power
If you enjoy multi-layered, character-driven stories that don't fit neatly into genre boxes, I highly recommend checking out Tess Callahan's work. Dawnland is actually a standalone sequel to her earlier novel April & Oliver, but you don't need to read them in order.

I also asked Tess what guidance she would offer other authors. Her top tips:
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Figure out if you're more of a "plotter" who plans everything out, or a "pantser" who flies by the seat of your pants. Tess considers herself a "flapper" - having an intuitive sense of where the story is headed without knowing every detail in advance, like a migrating bird following an inner compass.
In addition to reading widely in your genre, watch movies and TV shows to absorb lessons about story structure, character development, pacing, and dialogue. Scripts have to be tightly written to keep the story moving.
Tess is currently putting the finishing touches on her third novel, which will also feature an unconventional love story against a historical backdrop. I can't wait to read it when it comes out!

Let me know, have you read Dawnland or April & Oliver? If so, what did you think? Comment and share your thoughts!

Happy reading!

P.S. Want a chance to win a signed copy of Dawnland? Head over to Novels & Latte book club on Facebook to enter!

Purchase Dawnland on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3BlPJJG
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4e8MfZR

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: A Fado for the River

A Fado for the River by by Geoffrey Wells is the first of three in a historical thriller series. The history is Mozambique (East Africa) in the early 1970s as the country was on the verge of a civil war. I know absolutely nothing about this history. Geoffrey's descriptions of the events taking place prior to the Carnation Revolution were eye-opening and made me want to learn more.

But more than a book about a historical period of which I knew nothing, Geoffrey penned a novel full of love and intrigue. Gida lives in Mozambique, though it is not her country of origin. Raf is a student visiting. They meet and fall in love. Then their world falls apart. Twenty years later, Raf, now a successful American TV executive, returns to the area only to be accused of Gida's murder.

Will he be able to prove his innocence? What awaits him as he begins his search for the women he still loves? Most importantly, can he forgive himself for all that he did - and didn't do?

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!
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Purchase a copy of A Fado for the River:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/47KbnDO​
eBook: https://amzn.to/4gGCiEz​
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3XZ8lbr
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 10-8-24

​Behind the Lens: Caught in a Dictator's Trap with Author Kathryn DodsonMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Kathryn Dodson, author of the book Portrait of Deception. Kathryn writes about women who have to become their own heroes - whether they're solving a crime or figuring out the next phase of their lives.

​Kathryn loves to travel and has visited 30 countries and 44 states. This inspires her novels about interesting women in fascinating places. Originally from Texas, Kathryn had the good fortune to live in Spain, Mexico, Tanzania, and several U.S. states, and the good sense to end up in Carlsbad, California. She loves travel, fiery food, hanging out with the neighbors in the front yard on Friday evenings, and reading.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kathryn Dodson, author of the gripping suspense novel Portrait of Deception, on my podcast Online for Authors. We dove into the inspiration behind her story, her writing process, and what readers can expect when they crack open the pages of this un-put-downable book.

Portrait of Deception follows Margo, a photographer on the cusp of fame, who finds herself entangled in a madman's plot to take over first his country, then the world. Though hired to photograph him, Margo soon realizes his sinister plan involves owning her too. Unless she can find a way to escape, she may never leave his castle grounds alive. But Margo has her own secrets that threaten to destroy her...

Kathryn shared that while the book was originally meant to be more women's fiction, the story took on a life of its own and evolved into an action-packed thriller. We bonded over our mutual love of complex, flawed characters who have to become their own heroes and overcome internal and external obstacles. Kathryn's background in photography through her son also lent fascinating insights into the power of images to manipulate perceptions.

Some of my favorite parts of our discussion:
​How Kathryn's diverse travels have informed her writing and helped her infuse a strong sense of placeThe way she lets her characters take the reins, even as a plotter, when a story wants to go in an unexpected directionHer thoughts on crafting authentic endings that honor the character's journey, rather than tying everything up with a neat bowWhy she believes it's important for writers to read widely, both in and outside their genres
Like me, Kathryn writes character-driven fiction across multiple genres, from suspense to women's fiction to mystery. We connected over not wanting to limit ourselves creatively and our desire to tell the stories that call to us, even if they don't fit neatly into a commercial box. She has so many exciting projects in the works, including a new mystery series and a women's fiction novel that promises to be a refreshing departure from her other books.

If you enjoy suspenseful reads with vivid settings, unforgettable characters, and themes of identity, art, and deception, definitely check out Portrait of Deception. This standalone thriller is a wild ride from start to finish that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Grab your copy today!

I'd love to hear from you: Do you read across genres or prefer to stick to one? What do you think makes for a satisfying thriller? Comment and let me know!

Happy reading!

P.S. Want to keep the discussion going? Head over to the Novels & Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win a digital copy of Portrait of Deception. As always, reviews are an author's best friend, so if you enjoyed the book, please consider leaving one on Amazon and Goodreads!

Purchase Portrait of Deception on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Yym6P8
​Ebook: https://amzn.to/3SJTsXo

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: Volk

Volk by D. Werkmeister is an FBI thriller with a shapeshifter. I can honestly say that I wasn't sure what I would think about this novel, and told Darin that I might not be his audience - werewolves are just not my thing. However, his characters are so strong and engaging, and the storyline so realistic (despite the werewolves), that I couldn't put it down.

Terri Watson is the main FBI agent. She is working the case of her career when she sees the beast. But who can she tell? Imagine seeing a werewolf and trying to explain that to your boss. Instead, Terri takes matters into her own hands, and the result is ... let's just say a great twist to the normal FBI thriller story!

I enjoyed that we see things from Terri's point of view as well as the wolf's. And Darin made it easy by making all of the wolf's thoughts in first person, present tense. It was rather spooky to be in the head of a werewolf, but this change in POV and tense really added to the story.

If you love a good thriller/suspense, even if you don't normally go for shapeshifters, I think you'll love this book. I know I did!

Purchase a copy of Volk:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3TJR1or​
eBook: https://amzn.to/47KoDrY​
Audible: https://amzn.to/3TJR1or
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 10-5-24

​Behind the Mic: Crafting Riveting Audio Dramas with Author George Sirois​My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is George Sirois, author, podcast host, and audiobook narrator. Today, he is here to chat with us about audio dramas – what they are, why an author might want to consider audio drama, and how to go about producing them.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI just released an exciting new episode of the Online For Authors podcast all about a creative way for authors to adapt their books into an immersive audio experience - audio dramas!

My guest this week was George Sirois, an author, podcaster, and audiobook narrator who recently adapted his own sci-fi novel Excelsior into an audio drama. He shared his journey of condensing a 7-hour audiobook into a compelling 1-hour dramatization, complete with a full cast of voice actors, sound effects, and an original music score.

Some key takeaways on creating your own audio drama adaptation:

Start by condensing your book into a fast-paced audio script with a clear beginning, middle and end. Decide what scenes are essential to the core story.Dialogue is key! Since the audience can only hear the story, not see it, write dialogue that builds the characters and advances the plot. Use sound effects to set the scene.Assemble a talented team - voice actors to bring the characters to life, a composer for an evocative original score, and ideally a director and sound editor.If you don't have access to a full production team, get creative! Audition voice actors, reach out to musician friends, and learn basic sound editing skills yourself.Audio dramas can either be recorded and edited like an audiobook, or performed and streamed live like an old-fashioned radio drama. Pick the format that works best for your story and resources.
George's enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of storytelling is contagious. As he put it, adapting your book into an audio drama is an amazing opportunity to "maintain control over what you're doing but at the same time pivot in terms of getting your work adapted to a different medium." It allows you to explore which aspects of the story are essential and which can be trimmed away.

I encourage you to check out the full interview for a fascinating deep dive into the process of adapting a novel into an immersive audio experience. It may inspire you to bring your own characters to life in a whole new way! Happy listening!

P.S. Want to keep the conversation going? Head over to the Novels & Latte Book Club on Facebook, where authors and avid readers dish about the writing life. See you there! 

Purchase Excelsior on Amazon:
Book 1 – Paperback: https://amzn.to/3SEkOOz
​Book 2 – Paperback: https://amzn.to/4cnwhcH

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: Polish Mother

Polish Mother by Karen Walczyk Prescott is a creative non-fiction novel that is part family memoir and part historical fiction written about her grandmother (Mary Ann) and her great grandmother (Stella). We even get the chance to meet her great great grandmother Jozefa!

The story takes place, first in Russia-occupied Poland, then on to Ellis Island, Connecticut, and finally New York. Stella arrives penniless after a perilous journey, meets up with her father who left the family a decade earlier to leave escape Poland and marry another woman, and eventually finds the man she will marry. However, even love doesn't solve all Stella's problems as she deals with the prohibition, family tragedy's, the depression, WWII, and her husband's betrayal.

Despite all the losses, this is a book about hope and redemption. It is a book about love and what a mother will do to protect her family. It is a book about what it means to be a Polish Mother - one who honors God, family and country. And how, even after generations in America, Polish families pass on these traditions of prayer, food and patriotism.

Excellent read!

Purchase a copy of Polish Mother:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3ZGcIJF
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 10-1-24

​Unlikely Alliances: A Tale of Friendship and Intrigue with Author Pamela StockwellMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Pamela Stockwell, author of the book The Tender Silver Stars. Award-winning author Pamela Stockwell was born in Texas and raised in South Carolina. In between, she lived in the Philippines and, along with her big sister, became fluent in Tagalog name-calling. She abandoned her foreign language studies at age five and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina. Pamela lives with her husband in Central New Jersey. She has three children in various stages of young adulthood, one dog, and too many cats. Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of chatting with the delightful Pamela Stockwell on my Online for Authors podcast. Pamela is the author of the wonderful novel The Tender Silver Stars, a heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship set in 1972 South Carolina.

In our conversation, Pamela dove into some fascinating topics, including:
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The theme of "found families" that ties together her novels - how our families of choice can be just as impactful as the ones we're born intoHer unique genre of "friendship fiction" that explores the complexities and joys of platonic relationshipsHow her own experience as an adoptive mother has influenced her writingTackling issues of racism and feminism through the lens of compelling characters in a specific time and placeHer writing process as a "pantser" who discovers the story as she goes along (rather than outlining everything in advance)
One of my favorite parts was hearing about how Pamela's quirky cast of trailer park neighbors provides both comic relief and a sense of chosen community for her characters. It's a setting I haven't seen explored much in fiction, and she brings it to vivid life.

If you enjoy character-driven stories about people finding connection in unexpected places, definitely give The Tender Silver Stars a read. And for more insights into Pamela's work and creative process, check out our full conversation on the podcast!

Here's to the found families we build for ourselves, on and off the page.
Happy reading!

P.S. For more chances to win free books and connect with authors and fellow readers, come join us in the Novels & Latte Book Club community. We'd love to have you!

Purchase a copy of The Tender Silver Stars:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4cIM7yA
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3Z1BZ0K

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 9-28-24

Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking: 10 Simple Rules with Author Frank WintersMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Frank Winters, author of the book 10 Little Rules for Sharing Your Story. A father of two fantastic men, public speaker, geographer, and explorer, Frank Winters was intrigued and motivated by a random fact: one of the things he loves the most – public speaking – is the thing most feared by many. ​Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of interviewing Frank Winters, author of the book 10 Little Rules for Sharing Your Story. In our conversation, Frank shared some profound insights about why storytelling is so innately human, and how we can tap into that to connect more meaningfully with others, whether one-on-one or in front of a crowd of thousands.

Some key takeaways:Think beyond the elevator pitch. Be able to adjust your message to fit any length of time, from 7 seconds to 20 minutes.Play the pause. Create space between an input and your reaction to allow people to think and make the story their own.Invite others in. Ask questions, solicit dissenting views, and give your audience agency to engage and shape the story.
My favorite part was Frank's perspective that by writing this book, he wasn't providing answers, but rather the right questions along with a framework for readers to develop their own rules. A third of the book's pages are intentionally left blank for you to do just that!
If you want to be a more engaging communicator, connect more deeply over coffee, or provide a legacy of powerful stories to your kids, I highly recommend picking up Frank's book. It's a quick, actionable read that will get you thinking about speaking and storytelling in a whole new light.
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Want to work with Frank directly to uplevel your communication game? Find him on LinkedIn or check out his upcoming public speaking workshops.

Comment and let me know - what's your #1 rule for sharing your story? I'd love to hear it!

PS: ❤️ My Favorite Quotes from the Interview

"Humans have been on this Earth for 300,000 years and it's only been 7,000 years since the invention of the wheel. 98% of our DNA is based on pre-wheel times. We are pre-disposed to connect around stories."

"If you've gone over in an agenda, you're being a reckless steward of the gift of time. The elevator pitch is time you're already captive."

"The pause gives people a chance to think, to make your story their own. Only then can we expect anything to change as a result."

Purchase 10 Little Rules for Sharing Your Story:
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3MuFIwa

​*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: Soul Dancing

Soul Dancing by Gail Priest is a delightful woman's fiction with a bit of romance and a paranormal twist! And quite frankly, I LOVED this cross-genre experiment!

Shirlene is a 90-year-old woman dying of cancer. Rain is a 20-year-old drug addict giving birth. Both women die, but Shirlene refuses to go toward the light. However, she dwells long enough that she can't return to her old body, instead finding herself in L&D in the final stages of labor.

Imagine this classy, reserved, older woman finding herself in the body of a young woman with tattoos and piercings - and then trying to explain to those she loves what has happened. Throw in her husband's death bed confession, romantic feelings toward Cameron, the uncle willing to raise his brother's baby, and an old friend who pushes Shirlene to take second chances, and you have an amazing novel that will make you shake your head, laugh, cry, and cheer for redemption.
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I couldn't put this award-winning book down - and I'm betting you won't be able to either!

​Purchase the paperback.​
​Purchase the ebook.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 9-24-24

​Utopian Betrayal: A Techno-Thriller Murder Unraveled with Author Joseph ReinMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Joseph Rein, author of the book Youtopia. Joseph is the author of the Youtopia series (Youtopia, Youtopia Reborn, Youtopia Infinity).  When not writing or reading, he can be found hiking with his wife Jessica, playing cribbage, or recovering from various small injuries inflicted by his four children.Listen to the audio versionWatch the Video VersionPurchase Youtopia on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3SpjvDc
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4c3pSmw
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*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.