Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 27
August 22, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 8-22-24
The Crown and the Chaos: A Tale of Intrigue with Author Catherine Butterfield
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Catherine Butterfield, author of the book, The Serpent and the Rose. Catherine was born in Manhattan but raised primarily in Minnesota and Massachusetts. (The Three M's) She was a skinny kid with miserable allergies and spent most of her youth indoors reading books. Her two biggest influences at that point were J.D. Salinger and Anne Frank. Recently, she has written her first novel, "The Serpent and the Rose," about the French queen Marguerite de Valois and her lifelong battle with her mother, Catherine de Medici. She lives in Santa Monica with Ron West and their cat, Pandita. Her daughter is the actress Audrey Corsa.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionIn today's podcast episode, I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Catherine Butterfield, author of the historical fiction novel "The Serpent and the Rose." Set in 16th century France, the book follows the life of Margarite de Valois, a French princess who becomes the Queen of Navarre.
What I loved most about this book was the fresh, humorous take on a historical figure. Catherine brings Margarite to life through witty journal entries, allowing us to see the craziness of court life and dysfunctional royal family dynamics through her sharp and often hilarious lens. It's rare to find a historical fiction novel that can make you laugh out loud, but "The Serpent and the Rose" does just that.
Some of my favorite quotes from Margarite in the book:"Why exactly are men necessary?""Adversity is solitary whilst prosperity dwells in a crowd."On her husband, the King: "Even if he is a thoughtless adult whom I could occasionally like to shove down the stairs. Such, I suspect, is the nature of marriage."
Catherine and I talked about her writing journey, how she stumbled upon Margarite's story while at a writer's retreat in France, and what it was like to give voice to this captivating yet often misunderstood historical figure. We also geeked out over little historical tidbits, like how the game of chess was changed in the 16th century to make the Queen the most powerful piece on the board!
If you love historical fiction with a side of wit and whimsy, definitely check out "The Serpent and the Rose." It's the perfect book to read in small bites, as Margarite's journal entries lend themselves well to savoring over time.
You can learn more about Catherine and her writing at www.catherinebutterfield.com. And if you'd like to hear Margarite's story in Catherine's own voice, an audiobook version is now available!
Thanks as always for tuning in. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be ever so grateful if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or shared with a friend who loves to laugh and learn through historical fiction.
Until next time, happy reading!
P.S. What's the most unexpectedly humorous historical fiction book you've ever read? Comment and let me know, I'm always looking for recommendations!
Purchase a copy of The Serpent and the Rose:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3YUp9RZ
eBook: https://amzn.to/3T1twGV
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4czwd9F
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Catherine Butterfield, author of the book, The Serpent and the Rose. Catherine was born in Manhattan but raised primarily in Minnesota and Massachusetts. (The Three M's) She was a skinny kid with miserable allergies and spent most of her youth indoors reading books. Her two biggest influences at that point were J.D. Salinger and Anne Frank. Recently, she has written her first novel, "The Serpent and the Rose," about the French queen Marguerite de Valois and her lifelong battle with her mother, Catherine de Medici. She lives in Santa Monica with Ron West and their cat, Pandita. Her daughter is the actress Audrey Corsa.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionIn today's podcast episode, I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Catherine Butterfield, author of the historical fiction novel "The Serpent and the Rose." Set in 16th century France, the book follows the life of Margarite de Valois, a French princess who becomes the Queen of Navarre.What I loved most about this book was the fresh, humorous take on a historical figure. Catherine brings Margarite to life through witty journal entries, allowing us to see the craziness of court life and dysfunctional royal family dynamics through her sharp and often hilarious lens. It's rare to find a historical fiction novel that can make you laugh out loud, but "The Serpent and the Rose" does just that.
Some of my favorite quotes from Margarite in the book:"Why exactly are men necessary?""Adversity is solitary whilst prosperity dwells in a crowd."On her husband, the King: "Even if he is a thoughtless adult whom I could occasionally like to shove down the stairs. Such, I suspect, is the nature of marriage."
Catherine and I talked about her writing journey, how she stumbled upon Margarite's story while at a writer's retreat in France, and what it was like to give voice to this captivating yet often misunderstood historical figure. We also geeked out over little historical tidbits, like how the game of chess was changed in the 16th century to make the Queen the most powerful piece on the board!
If you love historical fiction with a side of wit and whimsy, definitely check out "The Serpent and the Rose." It's the perfect book to read in small bites, as Margarite's journal entries lend themselves well to savoring over time.
You can learn more about Catherine and her writing at www.catherinebutterfield.com. And if you'd like to hear Margarite's story in Catherine's own voice, an audiobook version is now available!
Thanks as always for tuning in. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be ever so grateful if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or shared with a friend who loves to laugh and learn through historical fiction.
Until next time, happy reading!
P.S. What's the most unexpectedly humorous historical fiction book you've ever read? Comment and let me know, I'm always looking for recommendations!
Purchase a copy of The Serpent and the Rose:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3YUp9RZ
eBook: https://amzn.to/3T1twGV
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4czwd9F
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 21, 2024
Book Review: Justice Be Done
Justice Be Done by Carla Damron is a contemporary suspense novel set in Columbia, South Carolina. The main character, Caleb Knowles, is a social worker who often consults with criminals and suspects for the police department. This time, the criminal is a teenager, and the crime stems from racial mistreatment.The more Caleb looks, the more he finds. Discrimination in the community. Discrimination in the police force. Discrimination among the political leaders. Finally, the discrimination touches his own family.
Will he be able to save his client? Can he save others? Or will hatred and violence ultimately win? This is a 'can't put down' read!
Buy the paperback.
Buy the Kindle.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 20, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 8-20-24
Surviving the Unknown: A Pandemic Refugee's Journey with Author Joel David Bond
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Joel David Bond, author of the book As Large As Your Spirit: A Reverse Refugee Memoir. A born explorer, Joel has spent over two decades living and working around the world, from farm work in Italian vineyards to jet-setting as a London-based flight attendant.His recent work in Iraqi Kurdistan built bridges between some of the region’s most elite students and the locally marginalized refugee community through service-learning.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of chatting with Joel David Bond, author of the fascinating memoir As Large As Your Spirit: A Reverse Refugee Memoir. In his book, Joel shares his experience of being unexpectedly quarantined on a remote Greek island for five months during the early days of the pandemic.
Cut off from his life in Iraq, struggling with isolation and uncertainty, Joel found himself crossing paths with Middle Eastern refugees seeking to resettle in the West. Through these encounters, Joel discovered profound truths about the universal human need to find a place to call home, both geographically and within one's own identity. As he forged connections with refugees and locals alike, Joel gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a "reverse refugee" - someone privileged yet still yearning for belonging.
A few key takeaways that resonated with me:
We all share common emotions and experiences, regardless of our circumstances. Feeling isolated, struggling to connect, being separated from loved ones - these are universal human challenges.Stepping outside your comfort zone and engaging with those different from you can shatter stereotypes and open your eyes to our shared humanity. The more "exceptions" you meet, the more your preconceived "rules" fall apart.While global migration presents complex issues, getting to know refugees as individuals reveals their immense value, skills and potential to contribute to society. Many are highly educated professionals displaced by conflict.When facing big life changes, it's important to balance the "what ifs" - not just focusing on what could go wrong, but imagining how the experience could be amazing and transformative.
Joel's journey of growth is still unfolding as he advocates for refugees, lends his voice to the displaced, and seeks ways to empower communities through education. His next memoir (cheekily titled Between Iraq and a Hard Place) promises a love letter to Iraq juxtaposed with his dramatic evacuation from the country.
I highly recommend giving As Large As Your Spirit a read and following Joel's ongoing story. It's a poignant reminder to open ourselves up to the richness of human connection, especially with those we perceive as different.
Want to hear more from Joel David Bond? You can also connect with Joel and explore his work on his website.
If you know someone who would appreciate Joel's story of finding home amidst displacement, please feel free to share this post. And I'm always eager to hear your thoughts - just comment to share what resonated with you.
Purchase a copy of As Large As Your Spirit:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4cydETn
eBook: https://amzn.to/4cwarDJ
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Joel David Bond, author of the book As Large As Your Spirit: A Reverse Refugee Memoir. A born explorer, Joel has spent over two decades living and working around the world, from farm work in Italian vineyards to jet-setting as a London-based flight attendant.His recent work in Iraqi Kurdistan built bridges between some of the region’s most elite students and the locally marginalized refugee community through service-learning.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of chatting with Joel David Bond, author of the fascinating memoir As Large As Your Spirit: A Reverse Refugee Memoir. In his book, Joel shares his experience of being unexpectedly quarantined on a remote Greek island for five months during the early days of the pandemic.Cut off from his life in Iraq, struggling with isolation and uncertainty, Joel found himself crossing paths with Middle Eastern refugees seeking to resettle in the West. Through these encounters, Joel discovered profound truths about the universal human need to find a place to call home, both geographically and within one's own identity. As he forged connections with refugees and locals alike, Joel gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a "reverse refugee" - someone privileged yet still yearning for belonging.
A few key takeaways that resonated with me:
We all share common emotions and experiences, regardless of our circumstances. Feeling isolated, struggling to connect, being separated from loved ones - these are universal human challenges.Stepping outside your comfort zone and engaging with those different from you can shatter stereotypes and open your eyes to our shared humanity. The more "exceptions" you meet, the more your preconceived "rules" fall apart.While global migration presents complex issues, getting to know refugees as individuals reveals their immense value, skills and potential to contribute to society. Many are highly educated professionals displaced by conflict.When facing big life changes, it's important to balance the "what ifs" - not just focusing on what could go wrong, but imagining how the experience could be amazing and transformative.
Joel's journey of growth is still unfolding as he advocates for refugees, lends his voice to the displaced, and seeks ways to empower communities through education. His next memoir (cheekily titled Between Iraq and a Hard Place) promises a love letter to Iraq juxtaposed with his dramatic evacuation from the country.
I highly recommend giving As Large As Your Spirit a read and following Joel's ongoing story. It's a poignant reminder to open ourselves up to the richness of human connection, especially with those we perceive as different.
Want to hear more from Joel David Bond? You can also connect with Joel and explore his work on his website.
If you know someone who would appreciate Joel's story of finding home amidst displacement, please feel free to share this post. And I'm always eager to hear your thoughts - just comment to share what resonated with you.
Purchase a copy of As Large As Your Spirit:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4cydETn
eBook: https://amzn.to/4cwarDJ
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 16, 2024
Book Review: The Last Whaler
The Last Whaler by Cynthia Reeves is a historical fiction that looks at the will to survive in the harshest circumstances. We follow Astrid through her journal entries, while we follow her husband, Tor, through his journal entries ten years later. The back and forth allows the reader to see Astrid struggles in real time as well as Tor's reflections - and all the things he missed.Astrid is strong-willed and vibrant. She is educated and dedicated. She wants - very much - to move on beyond a tragedy. A summer spent with her husband, a whaler, on a remote island, seems to be the ticket. She will revive her relationship. She will study the flora. She will find forgiveness for herself. Except, the Arctic has other ideas.
This story, beautifully told, explores mental illness, religious faith, man's impact on the environment, and the solace of storytelling. You won't want to miss it.
Buy the paperback.
Buy the Kindle.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 14, 2024
Book Review: When the Fudge Trees Bloom
When the Fudge Trees Bloom: Memories of an American in the Middle East by Catherine W. Rouhana is an amazing memoir. Catherine spent many years of her adult life in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. However, the person she was when she left the US as a young mother and wife to a Lebanese citizen, and the person she was when she entered Lebanon again when her son got married were two very different women.I learned a lot about the unrest in the Middle East in the 70s and 80s. I also learned a lot about living life in the closed society of Saudi Arabia and family traditions in Lebanon. This memoir made me wonder how I would have handled the many wars, the political upheaval, the idea that women are second class citizens, and simply the loneliness of being far from home.
In the end, I fell in love with Lebanon - at least the Lebanon known to Catherine's family. The one not torn to shreds by war.
Buy the paperback.
Buy the Kindle.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 13, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 8-13-24
Divine Crossroads: A Christian Thriller Romance with Author Dani Pettrey
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Dani Pettrey, author of the book One Wrong Move. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]," (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).
From her early years eagerly reading Nancy Drew mysteries, to paging through Agatha Christie novels or watching on-the-edge-of-her-seat adventure movies, Dani has always enjoyed mystery and suspense. She considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves--full of plot twists and peril, love, and longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI hope you're having a fantastic week and finding time to get lost in a good story. Speaking of good stories, have you heard of author Dani Pettrey? I recently had the pleasure of chatting with her about her book "One Wrong Move" and her unique blend of thriller and romance genres.
Dani has a knack for keeping readers on the edge of their seats with intense storylines while also weaving in a satisfying dose of romance. In "One Wrong Move," ex-FBI agent Andi teams up with security expert Christian to solve a string of art gallery heists. As they dodge attempts on their lives and unravel mysterious clues left by the thief, sparks fly between them. It's a thrilling ride with a side of love!
What I found most fascinating about our conversation was Dani's writing process. Despite writing thrillers, she's actually a "pantser" - meaning she doesn't outline or plot out her stories in advance. Instead, she lets the characters take the lead and sees where the story goes. As a fellow pantser, I could totally relate!
Dani also shared how her faith naturally flows into her characters and stories, without feeling forced or preachy. It's a testament to writing what you know and staying true to yourself.
If you love a page-turning thriller with a dash of romance, I highly recommend checking out Dani Pettrey's books. "One Wrong Move" is the first in her Jeopardy in Falls series, which will feature a different sibling in each book - all from a family of private investigators.
To learn more about Dani and her writing, visit her website at https://danipettrey.com/. You can also connect with her on social media or in her Facebook reader group, The Suspense Squad.
As for me, chatting with Dani and seeing the similarities in our creative processes was a great reminder that there's no one "right" way to write a novel. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, write romance or thrillers (or both!), the key is to stay passionate and keep honing your craft.
Happy writing and reading!
P.S. What's your favorite book genre? Are you a sucker for a good thriller like me? Comment and let me know - I'm always looking for new recommendations!
Purchase One Wrong Move on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4ciFSkQ
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4cnmUcT
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Dani Pettrey, author of the book One Wrong Move. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]," (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).From her early years eagerly reading Nancy Drew mysteries, to paging through Agatha Christie novels or watching on-the-edge-of-her-seat adventure movies, Dani has always enjoyed mystery and suspense. She considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves--full of plot twists and peril, love, and longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI hope you're having a fantastic week and finding time to get lost in a good story. Speaking of good stories, have you heard of author Dani Pettrey? I recently had the pleasure of chatting with her about her book "One Wrong Move" and her unique blend of thriller and romance genres.
Dani has a knack for keeping readers on the edge of their seats with intense storylines while also weaving in a satisfying dose of romance. In "One Wrong Move," ex-FBI agent Andi teams up with security expert Christian to solve a string of art gallery heists. As they dodge attempts on their lives and unravel mysterious clues left by the thief, sparks fly between them. It's a thrilling ride with a side of love!
What I found most fascinating about our conversation was Dani's writing process. Despite writing thrillers, she's actually a "pantser" - meaning she doesn't outline or plot out her stories in advance. Instead, she lets the characters take the lead and sees where the story goes. As a fellow pantser, I could totally relate!
Dani also shared how her faith naturally flows into her characters and stories, without feeling forced or preachy. It's a testament to writing what you know and staying true to yourself.
If you love a page-turning thriller with a dash of romance, I highly recommend checking out Dani Pettrey's books. "One Wrong Move" is the first in her Jeopardy in Falls series, which will feature a different sibling in each book - all from a family of private investigators.
To learn more about Dani and her writing, visit her website at https://danipettrey.com/. You can also connect with her on social media or in her Facebook reader group, The Suspense Squad.
As for me, chatting with Dani and seeing the similarities in our creative processes was a great reminder that there's no one "right" way to write a novel. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, write romance or thrillers (or both!), the key is to stay passionate and keep honing your craft.
Happy writing and reading!
P.S. What's your favorite book genre? Are you a sucker for a good thriller like me? Comment and let me know - I'm always looking for new recommendations!
Purchase One Wrong Move on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4ciFSkQ
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4cnmUcT
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 10, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 8-10-24
Pages of Love: A Writer and Bookseller Dream Big with Author Maryann McFadden
Today, Online for Authors will be hosted by an amazing guest host, Carole O’Neill. Her guest is Maryann McFadden, author of the book The Book Lover. Listen to the Audio VersionListen to the Video VersionI've got a special treat for you this week - a guest host! That's right, Carole O'Neill agreed to guest host a few episodes and her first was with the delightful Maryann McFaden, author of the heartwarming novel The Book Lover. This book is a true love letter to independent bookstores, and Maryann's own journey to publication is nothing short of inspiring.
In The Book Lover, we meet Lucy, an aspiring author who finds herself at a crossroads after losing so much in life. Her last glimmer of hope lies in getting her book published. Enter Ruth, the owner of a charming indie bookstore called "The Book Lover." As Ruth takes Lucy under her wing, a beautiful friendship blossoms, pushing both women to chase their dreams. But a little white lie threatens to unravel it all...
During their chat, Maryann shared her own rollercoaster ride through the publishing world. From self-publishing to landing a coveted book deal (complete with a nail-biting bidding war!), she's seen it all. What struck Carole most was her unwavering determination and the vital role independent booksellers played in her success. They became her champions, hand-selling her book and helping her prove she had an audience.
Maryann's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic that happens when authors and indie bookstores unite. If you're a writer, her journey will inspire you to keep chasing your dreams, no matter the obstacles. And if you're a reader, it'll make you appreciate the unsung heroes running your favorite local bookshop even more.
Trust me, you're going to fall head over heels for The Book Lover. It's got humor, heart, and a cast of characters that'll feel like old friends by the last page. So go on, treat yourself to a copy and let's show our indie bookstores some love!
Happy reading!
P.S. Want to keep the book lover discussion going? Head over to the Novels and Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win a digital copy of The Book Lover!
P.P.S. To dive deeper into Maryann's writing world, check out her website at maryannemcfadden.com. She's also on Facebook and Instagram as @maryannmcfaddenauthor. Go show her some love!
Purchase a copy of The Book Lover:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3WYwnTp
eBook: https://amzn.to/3AsvVE2
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today, Online for Authors will be hosted by an amazing guest host, Carole O’Neill. Her guest is Maryann McFadden, author of the book The Book Lover. Listen to the Audio VersionListen to the Video VersionI've got a special treat for you this week - a guest host! That's right, Carole O'Neill agreed to guest host a few episodes and her first was with the delightful Maryann McFaden, author of the heartwarming novel The Book Lover. This book is a true love letter to independent bookstores, and Maryann's own journey to publication is nothing short of inspiring.In The Book Lover, we meet Lucy, an aspiring author who finds herself at a crossroads after losing so much in life. Her last glimmer of hope lies in getting her book published. Enter Ruth, the owner of a charming indie bookstore called "The Book Lover." As Ruth takes Lucy under her wing, a beautiful friendship blossoms, pushing both women to chase their dreams. But a little white lie threatens to unravel it all...
During their chat, Maryann shared her own rollercoaster ride through the publishing world. From self-publishing to landing a coveted book deal (complete with a nail-biting bidding war!), she's seen it all. What struck Carole most was her unwavering determination and the vital role independent booksellers played in her success. They became her champions, hand-selling her book and helping her prove she had an audience.
Maryann's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic that happens when authors and indie bookstores unite. If you're a writer, her journey will inspire you to keep chasing your dreams, no matter the obstacles. And if you're a reader, it'll make you appreciate the unsung heroes running your favorite local bookshop even more.
Trust me, you're going to fall head over heels for The Book Lover. It's got humor, heart, and a cast of characters that'll feel like old friends by the last page. So go on, treat yourself to a copy and let's show our indie bookstores some love!
Happy reading!
P.S. Want to keep the book lover discussion going? Head over to the Novels and Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win a digital copy of The Book Lover!
P.P.S. To dive deeper into Maryann's writing world, check out her website at maryannemcfadden.com. She's also on Facebook and Instagram as @maryannmcfaddenauthor. Go show her some love!
Purchase a copy of The Book Lover:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3WYwnTp
eBook: https://amzn.to/3AsvVE2
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 7, 2024
Book Review: The Book Lover
(Review by Carole O'Neill, Guest Host on Online for Authors)If you love to read, and especially if you love to discover independent bookstores, you’ll enjoy The Book Lover by Maryann McFadden. Her bookstore owner, Ruth, is not only believable, but you’ll find yourself encouraging her to find her way to the second chance she doesn’t think is possible. In fact, the book if full of second chances. Just as you’re sure you know where the story is going, you’ll be surprised by a new twist you never saw coming.
Any writer who is struggling with a decision of whether to self-publish or wait for an answer from an agent, will recognize Lucy’s dilemma and be amazed at how she solves her problems.
This is an easy and enjoyable read that I recommend you add to your list of TBR’s.
Buy the paperback.
Buy the Kindle.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 6, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 8-6-24
Secrets and Lies: Your Biggest Mistakes Do Not Define You with Patti Frye Meredith
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Patti Frye Meredith, author of the book South of Heaven. Patti’s debut novel came out late in life and for her, that's right on time. She could not be happier. After living all over over the South—Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana—she and her husband, Lee, have settled back in Chapel Hill with their Springer Spaniel, Maggie. Nothing could be finer.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Audio VersionI'm so excited to share my latest podcast episode with you, featuring the delightful Southern fiction author Patti Meredith. Patti and I had such a blast chatting about her debut novel, South of Heaven, and diving into the themes of family secrets, personal redemption, and the quirks of living in the South.
In South of Heaven, estranged sisters Fern and Leona grapple with the fallout when long-buried secrets from their troubled childhood come to light. Patty does an incredible job exploring how even the closest families can harbor hidden pain, and how it's never too late to make amends and forge a new path forward. Plus, there's a surprising side plot involving an emu farm that will have you chuckling!
During our conversation, Patti shared so many words of wisdom that resonated with me as both a reader and writer:
"We're not the worst thing we ever did. You're not the worst mistake you ever made.""I want people to come away with the thought that there's always another chance.""It's a gift to live in a way that you give people a break. We all go out there and do things that we think to ourselves, boy if I could change that I would."
Patti and I also bonded over the writing process, from drawing inspiration from real life (apparently her preacher likes to sit in different congregation members' seats to pray for them!) to the importance of carving out creative space away from the demands of home. I could definitely relate to sometimes needing an "Airbnb writing retreat" to really focus.
If you're a fan of Southern fiction, character-driven stories, or just excellent writing, I highly recommend giving South of Heaven a read. And if you've already devoured it, consider inviting Patti to your book club - she loves connecting with readers and is happy to pop in for a chat, virtual or otherwise! You can reach out to her via her website, pattimeredith.com.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode, the book, or your own experiences with family secrets.
Happy reading and listening!
Purchase the paperback: https://amzn.to/4chzxpV
Purchase the ebook: https://amzn.to/3Acoxgh
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Patti Frye Meredith, author of the book South of Heaven. Patti’s debut novel came out late in life and for her, that's right on time. She could not be happier. After living all over over the South—Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana—she and her husband, Lee, have settled back in Chapel Hill with their Springer Spaniel, Maggie. Nothing could be finer.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Audio VersionI'm so excited to share my latest podcast episode with you, featuring the delightful Southern fiction author Patti Meredith. Patti and I had such a blast chatting about her debut novel, South of Heaven, and diving into the themes of family secrets, personal redemption, and the quirks of living in the South.In South of Heaven, estranged sisters Fern and Leona grapple with the fallout when long-buried secrets from their troubled childhood come to light. Patty does an incredible job exploring how even the closest families can harbor hidden pain, and how it's never too late to make amends and forge a new path forward. Plus, there's a surprising side plot involving an emu farm that will have you chuckling!
During our conversation, Patti shared so many words of wisdom that resonated with me as both a reader and writer:
"We're not the worst thing we ever did. You're not the worst mistake you ever made.""I want people to come away with the thought that there's always another chance.""It's a gift to live in a way that you give people a break. We all go out there and do things that we think to ourselves, boy if I could change that I would."
Patti and I also bonded over the writing process, from drawing inspiration from real life (apparently her preacher likes to sit in different congregation members' seats to pray for them!) to the importance of carving out creative space away from the demands of home. I could definitely relate to sometimes needing an "Airbnb writing retreat" to really focus.
If you're a fan of Southern fiction, character-driven stories, or just excellent writing, I highly recommend giving South of Heaven a read. And if you've already devoured it, consider inviting Patti to your book club - she loves connecting with readers and is happy to pop in for a chat, virtual or otherwise! You can reach out to her via her website, pattimeredith.com.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode, the book, or your own experiences with family secrets.
Happy reading and listening!
Purchase the paperback: https://amzn.to/4chzxpV
Purchase the ebook: https://amzn.to/3Acoxgh
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 3, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 8-3-24
Unlocking Your Author Potential: Essential Business Strategies with Author Leigh Shulman
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Leigh Shulman, author of the book The Writer's Roadmap. Leigh is a writer and writing mentor with two decades of experience under her belt. Leigh lives in Argentina with her family where she writes and wonders if she’s the only person on earth who doesn’t like dulce de leche.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionIt's Teri here, and I'm freshly inspired after an incredible conversation with author and writing mentor Leigh Schulman about her transformative book, The Writer's Road Map: Paving the Way to Your Ideal Writing Life. In just one chat, Leigh completely changed my perspective on approaching my writing career more intentionally.
As someone who tends to resist structure in my creative process, I was admittedly wary about Leigh's OGSM (Objective, Goals, Strategies, Measures) framework at first. But after diving into the book and completing the exercises, I realized how invaluable it is to have a clear vision and plan for my writing life.
Some key takeaways that resonated with me:
Crafting a one-sentence Objective encapsulating your ideal writing lifeFocusing on just 3 main writing Goals or projects at a timeBreaking those Goals down into actionable Strategies, or to-do'sRegularly reviewing what's working and streamlining processes to make more space for creativity
With Leigh's guidance, I wrote my own Objective statement: I want to live on the beach as a financially successful writer, speaker, and podcaster who invests time with friends and family while continuing to learn, grow, and teach other writers. Having this North Star is already helping me make more intentional decisions in my writing career.
If you're feeling overwhelmed juggling writing with everything else in life, I highly recommend picking up The Writer's Road Map and connecting with Leigh. She offers 1:1 mentorship as well as a supportive writing community. Visit leighshulman.com/podcast for a special signup just for Online for Authors listeners to explore working with her!
You can also catch the full, fascinating conversation with Lee on the Online for Authors podcast. Listen and prepare for a perspective shift on approaching your writing with more focus and purpose.
P.S. For more writerly wisdom and community, come join us in the Novels and Latte book club. Hope to see you there!
Purchase the paperback: https://amzn.to/3ysetPv
Purchase the ebook: https://amzn.to/4fxNh2m
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Leigh Shulman, author of the book The Writer's Roadmap. Leigh is a writer and writing mentor with two decades of experience under her belt. Leigh lives in Argentina with her family where she writes and wonders if she’s the only person on earth who doesn’t like dulce de leche.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionIt's Teri here, and I'm freshly inspired after an incredible conversation with author and writing mentor Leigh Schulman about her transformative book, The Writer's Road Map: Paving the Way to Your Ideal Writing Life. In just one chat, Leigh completely changed my perspective on approaching my writing career more intentionally.As someone who tends to resist structure in my creative process, I was admittedly wary about Leigh's OGSM (Objective, Goals, Strategies, Measures) framework at first. But after diving into the book and completing the exercises, I realized how invaluable it is to have a clear vision and plan for my writing life.
Some key takeaways that resonated with me:
Crafting a one-sentence Objective encapsulating your ideal writing lifeFocusing on just 3 main writing Goals or projects at a timeBreaking those Goals down into actionable Strategies, or to-do'sRegularly reviewing what's working and streamlining processes to make more space for creativity
With Leigh's guidance, I wrote my own Objective statement: I want to live on the beach as a financially successful writer, speaker, and podcaster who invests time with friends and family while continuing to learn, grow, and teach other writers. Having this North Star is already helping me make more intentional decisions in my writing career.
If you're feeling overwhelmed juggling writing with everything else in life, I highly recommend picking up The Writer's Road Map and connecting with Leigh. She offers 1:1 mentorship as well as a supportive writing community. Visit leighshulman.com/podcast for a special signup just for Online for Authors listeners to explore working with her!
You can also catch the full, fascinating conversation with Lee on the Online for Authors podcast. Listen and prepare for a perspective shift on approaching your writing with more focus and purpose.
P.S. For more writerly wisdom and community, come join us in the Novels and Latte book club. Hope to see you there!
Purchase the paperback: https://amzn.to/3ysetPv
Purchase the ebook: https://amzn.to/4fxNh2m
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
