Online For Authors Podcast
Winner of the 2024 Positive Change Podcast Awards for Best Host and Best Book Podcast. Online for Authors is the only podcast with a host that personally reads and reviews indie-written fiction and inspirational/memoirs for avid readers who want to add books for their TBR beyond what they can find on the NYT best sellers list. As an award-winning host, Teri M Brown’s goal for Online for Authors is to introduce avid readers to characters they’d like to invite to lunch. If you read more than 40 books per year and want to veer away from the NYT Best Seller’s List or want to expand beyond your preferred genre, Online for Authors can help you discover novels written by Indie-Authors to add to your to-be-read list. Teri M Brown is an author of character-driven fiction and lives for the moments her characters speak their stories to her. Recognizing that other authors also have interesting lives and reasons for writing, Teri uses Online for Authors as a space for these authors to shine. Avid readers listening to Online for Authors will have the opportunity to discover new authors, amazing characters, and “can’t stop reading” stories. Online for Authors releases a new episode featuring a guest interview each Tuesday morning at 6am ET. Tune in to be introduced to new and upcoming authors in a wide variety of fiction genres - from historical to fantasy to mystery to thriller to romance – as well as inspirational memoirs. If you are looking for the next book on your “to be read” pile, then this is the podcast for you. Listen as authors discuss their latest work (no spoilers!), the impetus behind the storyline, how/where/why they write, what’s coming up next, and more! These conversations are in-depth because, unlike many hosts, Teri takes the time to read and review each novel before interviewing her guests. She believes that by doing so, she can guarantee a good fit for her audience as well as an interesting and inquisitive interview. Additionally, the first Saturday of each month, Teri releases what she affectionately calls OFAU – Online for Authors University. These once-monthly episodes feature writing tips for authors in all stages of their careers and speaks directly to her desire to mentor others. Whether someone wants to know about editing, marketing, book awards, being a guest on a podcast, or how notebooking can help you overcome writer’s block, writers and aspiring writers will find useful tips to move their writing to the next level. Finally, Teri gathers experts for LIVE streams around topics of interest, such as why authors choose to use pen names, a behind the scenes look at audiobook creation, and more. These LIVE streams happen each 5th Tuesday at 7pm ET, in addition to various dates around specific bookish events.
Listen on:
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is DR Shores, author of the book Shallow Stock. Raised on the Yorkshire coastline in the United Kingdom, D R Shores studied engineering prior to a twenty-five year career in business. Literature has always been a passion, with a taste ranging from Sigrid Nunez and Thomas Harris to established twentieth-century classics from Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Ayn Rand and Milan Kundera. Now living with his family and introverted dog in the east midlands area of England, his other interests include music, current affairs, volunteering and keeping fit.
In my book review, I stated Shallow Stock is a suspense thriller that will keep you reading well into the wee hours of the morning! I loved the story and the intricate plotlines. As an author, I was also intrigued by how all the threads came together in the end.
The story has a Hatfield and McCoy vibe. Two families are at 'war' and have been for several generations. They each own a competing corporation and work tirelessly to out do one another. Wynter McGlynn is the CEO of one. Julian Dayton is the CEO of the other. Both currently have issues holding onto their positions of power and see the other as their biggest obstacle. The competition is fierce, but is it fair? And what happens when the finger pointing starts?
From black tie balls to crooked politicians to a city-wide triathlon to human trafficking to board meetings to interesting family dynamics, this book will lead you down a road you won't want to miss. And even when you think you've gotten the very last surprise, Shores finds a way to offer you a tidbit more. It's a great read!
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
You can follow Author DR Shores:
Website: https://shallowstock.com
FB: @Shallow Stock
X: @d_r_shores
IG: @d_r_shores
LinkedIn: @Duncan Shores
Purchase Shallow Stock on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4boTcp8
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3EYiEpe
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#drshores #shallowstock #suspense #thriller #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Today on the Online for Authors podcast, guest-host Carole O’Neill is chatting with Carla Conti, author of the book Chained Birds.
Carla Conti is a former journalist and author of the award-winning true crime memoir CHAINED BIRDS, a prison abuse exposé about justice and survival in federal prison. It took her ten years to write as she balanced the safety of the story participants (including herself) in this tell-all thriller of prison gang hit orders and corrupt officials.
Carla lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, who tolerates her true crime habit. She supports prison and criminal justice reform and blogs about these interests and other passions at CarlaJeanConti.com.
In her book review, Carole stated reading Chained Birds was like reading two books in one. A documentary about the horrible conditions and deplorable happenings at maximum-security and experimental prisons in Pennsylvania, and a memoir about a former journalist who was asked to join a legal team of former friends. Carla Conti’s insurmountable task was to document what was happening to a convict as he tried to weave his way through a difficult system of penal abuse in the hopes of a much shorter sentence after an orchestrated stabbing.
Two different federal prison gangs made no secret of their desire to rid themselves of the man on trial, continuously threading their way through a ten-year struggle to avoid justice. Fear was spread at every level, and it became obvious that not only was the prisoner, Kevin at risk of being killed, but everyone working on his behalf, including Carla when they heard she was planning to write a tell-all book.
She came very close to walking away from the entire project. But, in the end, with the security of a pen name to protect her real identity, the story is on these pages for all of us to see.
Time well spent on a shocking tell all.
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
You can follow Author Carla Conti
Website: https://carlajeanconti.com
IG: @carlajeanconti
X: @carlajeanconti
Threads: @carlajeanconti
FB: @carlajeanconti
Pinterest: @carlajeanconti
Purchase Chained Birds on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3D8jvmI
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3D8jvmI
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#carlaconti #chainedbirds #truecrime #memoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Karen E Osborne, author of the book Justice for Emerson. Karen is an award-winning and Amazon Kindle best-selling author of five suspense novels–Reckonings (award-winning family saga/suspense), Tangled Lies (award-winning murder mystery), Getting It Right (recognized by Essence Magazine as a Best Read), True Grace, (award-winning historical fiction inspired by her grandmother, set in 1924 Harlem, NY), and Justice for Emerson, a dual timeline murder mystery.
Karen believes in generosity and giving back. She hosts a weekly video podcast What Are You Reading? What Are You Writing? supporting fellow authors. She is on the board of directors of Easterseals Florida helping the differently abled, is an Elder in her church, volunteers for several professional organizations supporting nonprofits and feeds the hungry and unhoused every week. Native New Yorkers living in Florida, Karen and her husband, Robert, have two grown children and three grandsons.
In my book review, I stated Justice for Emerson is a wonderful mystery with a side of romance and a dash of historical fiction - and I simply loved this book! Without a doubt, I am a sucker for books that cross genres. Plus, it had a dual timeline and more than one POV.
The main character, Aria, loves to serve. Her career puts her on the frontlines battling homelessness, addiction, and hunger. She's a go-getter, but she's not perfect. She has a chip on her shoulder - she hates her diminutive stature and worries if others see her as a capable leader - AND she's still grieving the loss of her husband - which means she's more than conflicted about the attention of two very different and very handsome men.
Things come to a head when she finds Emerson, a volunteer and Vietnam Vet who struggles with addiction, shot in the basement of her non-profit. To make matters worse, she sees the killer, and he threatens her and everyone she loves.
The descriptions of those living in their cars tore at my heart. The romance stirred my heart. And the twists and turns kept my heart racing. It's a story you won't want to miss!
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
You can follow Author Karen E Osborne:
Website: https://www.kareneosborne.com/
FB: @Karen E Osborne
YouTube: @Karen E. Osborne
IG: @writerkareneosborne
LinkedIn: @Karen E. Osborne
Book Bub: @karen-e-osborne
Purchase Justice for Emerson on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Ql0fFv
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4hH0h6E
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#kareneosborne #justiceforemerson #mystery #suspense #historicalfiction #lovestory #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Mark Sowersby, author of the book Forgiving the Nightmare. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in his childhood. And how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance.
He now speaks about his story and his testimony of healing, forgiveness and freedom through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare.
In my book review, I stated Forgiving the Nightmare is more than an abuse memoir or Christian instruction - it's a story of grace, overcoming, and forgiveness. Mark doesn't sugarcoat the truth, whether that truth is about his childhood abuse or about his difficulty moving beyond that abuse. In fact, he is so honest that he will be the first to admit that forgiveness will be a lifelong journey.
What I loved most about this book is the hope. Each page leads the reader down a path to something better. No matter what trauma you've suffered - and haven't we all had some trauma in our life - there is light on the other side. For Mark, this comes by way Jesus Christ. And Mark shares ten trail markers to help those who are seeking to forgive the nightmares in their own lives.
Do you know what happens when you hold a nightmare to the light? It loses power. And that's exactly what Mark discovered. It's a beautiful book that will fill you with the desire to do better, be better, love better, and forgive fully.
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
You can follow Author Mark Sowersby
https://forgivingthenightmare.com/
FB:@forgivingthenightmare
IG: @forgiving_the_nightmare_/
X: @SowersbyMark
LinkedIn: @Mark-Sowersby
Purchase Forgiving the Nightmare on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/41gr585
Ebook: https://amzn.to/41gr585
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#marksowersby #forgivingthenightmare #memoir #christianmemoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Today on the Online for Authors podcast, special guest host Carol Pearson is flipping the script and interviewing me, Teri M Brown, author of the book 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure.
Carol Pearson is the founder of indie publishing house 10 Little Rules, creating books filled with personal narrative and guided journaling inspiration. The books are written by a growing community of authentic and inspiring authors who share their stories to empower others and share their wisdom. At 10LRs we believe in the unbreakable connection between all of us, and relish those "me too" moments that lead to insights and powerful change.
As an author of character-driven fiction, my goal is to introduce readers to characters they'd love to invite to lunch. I do this through my writing (Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, An Enemy Like Me, Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, and 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure), through my book reviews on my blog (www.terimbrown.com/blog), and through my podcasting as host of this show.
In addition to telling a great story, I want those who read or hear my words to contemplate difficult aspects of life such as racism, xenophobia, fear of change, family dynamics, loss, and war. My TEDx talk relates my experiences with racism (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxYidJsL_Wc), while my books always tackle hard topics.
In their book review, the Book Commentary stated that 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure by Teri M Brown is a wonderful exploration of personal growth, transformation, and the quest for adventure. The book is an inspiring guide wrapped around the author’s journey of cycling across the United States on a tandem bike with her husband, Bruce. Through this adventure, Brown discovers new geographical locations and insights about herself, her relationships, and life at large. She shares those insights in this life-transforming book! The book's central message is about embracing life’s challenges and uncertainties to foster personal growth and healing. Brown emphasizes that everyone can achieve extraordinary feats, regardless of age or circumstances, if they break it into manageable segments and stay focused. Her tale is not just about the physical act of cycling but signifies a mental and emotional metamorphosis that empowers her to redefine her potential.
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
You can follow Guest-Host Carol Pearson
Website: https://10littlerules.com/
FB:@10 Little Rules
IG: @10littlerules
LinkedIn: @10 Little Rules
Purchase 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure on Amazon:
https://10littlerules.com/
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#terimbrown.com #10littlerules #doublebuttedadventure #memoir #inspirational #selfhelp #guidedjournaling #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Chris Underwood, author of the book The Cold Winter. Chris started seriously writing back in 2012 when his concerns of a power grid failure began to creep into his mind. His concerns festered into a storyline that continued to bug him until he got it on paper. He’s heard that good writing is like sharing a good secret. It took five years of honing his craft to get the first book out, but it was fun sharing this secret.
He has always loved to write, even as a kid in elementary school. He still has his first book about a three-headed snake, complete with a Crayola cover stapled together. Several short stories were written in high school and college, but no attempts to be published. College courses in creative writing were taken at Ohio State, but again, another path was chosen. A business degree in Computer Science and Accounting was selected as a more promising road to success.
His other passion is sailing. He has worked on a sailing charter boat in Key West and taken some sailing classes to develop his skills. He has a sailboat in Ohio, and he spends more time aboard each season. A blue water sailboat in the Gulf of Mexico is his next goal, and it feels to be not far away. He pines for the day that writing and sailing consume his life, and hopefully he can take a few readers along in his stories!
In my book review, I stated The Cold Winter is a contemporary dystopian fiction (Book 1) about a power grid failure across the Northeastern United States. Despite reading it during the heat of a North Carolina August, I was always surprised at the temperature outside - the book had me so engrossed that I expected snowdrifts instead of sand dunes!
The story follows the Vesper family: Tom, his wife, and their two children as they navigate the failure of the Niagara Falls grid. We soon learn that Tom used to be a "prepper" but had to take a step back due to high anxiety and his wife's insistence. However, his knowledge about prepping becomes not only useful, but necessary for survival as he helps friends and strangers make it through the winter.
The book had a really unique twist at the end that I didn't see coming - Chris did a great job with that, but you'll have to read it to know more! Let's just say that I'm hooked enough to want to read the next two. Definitely put on your TBR!
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
You can follow Author Chris Underwood
Website: https://authorchrisaunderwood.com/
FB: @authorchrisunderwood#
Purchase The Cold Winter on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Bm02h3
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4enqghQ
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#chrisunderwood #thecoldwinter #contemporaryfiction #dystopian #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Janis Daly, author of the book The Path Beneath Her Feet and creator of #31titleswomeninhistory, along with four additional authors from the list.
The compiled list of historical fiction represents thirty-one titles to read, discover, learn, and celebrate women who’ve made history, individually or collectively. Their achievements languish in the shadows, awaiting authors to write their stories and readers to embrace them.
According to Janis, developing the list wasn’t easy because there are far more books than she could include. But this is how she made her final decision:
Had to be historical fiction
Had to be written by a woman
Looked for diversity in authors – cultural, type of publishing, and name recognition
Looked for diversity in the subject – cultural, setting, field of recognition
Ratings on Goodreads
Here is the list of books Janis has included for the 31 days of March in 2025:
Akmaral by Judith Lindbergh - Amazon Warrior Women, Ancient History Asia
American Daughters by Piper Huguley - Progressive political daughters and friends, Alice Roosevelt, Portia Washington, early 1900s America
Can’t We Be Friends by Denny S. Byce & Eliza Knight - Entertainers Ella Fitzgerald, Marilyn Monroe, 1950s America
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain - Aviator Beryl Markham, 1920s Africa
The Dark Lady’s Mask by Mary Sharratt - Writer Aemilia Bassano Lanier, late 1500s England
Daughters of Green Mountain Gap by Teri M. Brown - Women Healers of Rural America, late 1800s North Carolina
Finding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki - Philosopher & Women's Rights Activist Margaret Fuller, mid 1800s Massachusetts & Italy
Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray - Writer & Editor Jessie Redmond Fauset, 1920s New York
Hild by Nicola Griffin - St. Hild of Whitby, Dark Ages England
Illuminating Darwin by Jill George - Writer, Editor & Anthropologist Arabella Buckley, mid/late 1800s England
The Invincible Miss Cust by Penny Haw - Veterinarian Aleen Cust, late 1800s Great Britain
Katharine, the Wright Sister by Tracey Enerson Wood - Aviator Advisor & Business Manager Katharine Wright, early 1900s Ohio
Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted - Civil War Nurse & Educator Katharine Prescott Wormeley, early 1900s New England
Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore - Aviator Nancy Harkness Love - World War II United States
The Last Twelve Miles by Erika Robuck - Codebreaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman, 1920s Washington DC / Florida
Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray - Princess Selene of Egypt, First Century BC, Rome
Madame Pommery by Rebecca Rosenberg - Jeanne Alexandrine Pommery, mid/late 1800s France
Mademoiselle Eiffel by Aimie K. Runyan - Claire Eiffel, late 1800s France
The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods - Social activist Abby Swift Mendenhall, late 1800s Minnesota
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles - Librarian Jessie “Kit” Carson, World War I France
A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson - Aviator Bessie Coleman, 1920s Chicago / France / Germany
The Path Beneath Her Feet by Janis Robinson Daly - American Women’s Hospitals, 1930s/40s United States
The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict - Mystery Writer Dorothy Sayers, 1930s London
Saving Vincent by Joan Fernandez - Art Curator and Seller Jo van Gogh, 1890s Paris
Scandalous Women by Gill Paul - Romance Writers Jackie Collins, Jacqueline Susann, 1960s New York & London
The Secret War of Julia Child by Diana R. Chambers - Espionage Agent Julia McWilliams Child, World War II Asia
Solitary Walker by N. J. Mastro - Mary Wollstonecraft
Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly - Nurse & Abolitionist Georgeanna Woolsey, Civil War United States
The Vow by Jude Berman - Artist Angelica Kauffman, 1700s Italy
The Women by Kristin Hannah - Vietnam War Nurses, 1960s/1970s
Women of the Post by Joshunda Sanders - Women's Army Corps First Black Unit & Major Charity Adams Earley, World War II
To learn more, head over to: https://janisrdaly.com/women-in-history-2025/
For your chance to win one of these amazing books, fill out this survey: https://us20.list-manage.com/survey?u=a032c3f5608248aaa0896e0d3&id=acbb9b45d9&attribution=false
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host:
https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#janisdaly #31titleswomeninhistory #womenshistorymonth #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Nicole Janz, author of the book The Write Habit. Dr. Nicole Janz is a former journalist, academic, and recognized expert in writing habits and creative mindset coaching. She has helped hundreds of writers overcome procrastination, connect with their creative purpose, and bring their books and articles to life through her 1-1 mentoring and coaching programs.
In my book review, I stated The Write Habit 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, Nicole 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!
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
You can follow Author Nicole Janz
Website: www.nicolejanz.com
FB: @Dr Nicole Janz
IG: @writehabitcoach
IG: @drnicolejanz
X: @camwritinghub
LinkedIn: Dr. Nicole Janz
Purchase The Write Habit on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4f0e0Eo
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#nicolejanz #thewritehabit #nonfiction #writerscraft #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jake Lynch, author of the book Broken to Beautiful. Jake Lynch is an author specializing in contemporary religious fiction and action-adventure novels. Having grown up under the teachings of Rick Warren, he has a strong devotion to God and actively seeks to love on others. While writing stories is entertaining, his main mission is to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to bring hope and healing into the world.
In my book review, I stated Broken to Beautiful by Jake Lynch is a YA contemporary Christian fiction that follows a loner high school student from the point of suicide to a place of love and beauty - all because of her walk with Christ.
Krystal struggles to fit in. In fact, she struggles to be seen at all. After years of loneliness, she decides that suicide is her best option. Thankfully, she does not succeed. Instead she meets a hospital janitor who helps her see that she may be more than she thought. As she comes to know God and allows Him into her life, she reaches out to others, helping them find answers to their own issues.
Krystal's character is very believable. As a once shy child, I remember those feelings of wanting to fit in but not quite knowing how. Jake did a great job showing readers her journey, and how, despite a religious transformation, the path forward wasn't all easy and paved with gold.
Jake also introduced a host of other characters, allowing readers to find the one they related to most - changing oneself to meet other's expectations, not knowing who you really are, being angry at God for something bad happening in your life, moving to a new location and having no friends, finding yourself pregnant and now an outcast. Essentially, whatever the issue, accepting Christ is a great place to start.
On the flipside, I felt Broken to Beautiful was too long and would have had a better punch had it been shorter. I would have reduced the characters as well as reduced the long scripture references. Additionally, some of the description was repetitive. Despite these issues, I enjoyed the book.
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
You can follow Author Jake Lynch
Website: www.authorjakelynch.com
IG: @authorjakelynch
FB: @AuthorJakeLynch
TikTok: @authorjakelynch
Purchase Broken to Beautiful on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4dwCeEy
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4dwCeEy Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4eD2D4o
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#jakelynch #brokentobeautiful #YAficiton #christianfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Guest-host Carole O’Neill’s guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Scott Gordon, author of the book Head Fake. Scott Gordon’s fiction has appeared in the Green Hills Literary Lantern (GHLL), Modern Times Magazine, Pennsylvania Literary Journal, The Satirist, and Mobius Magazine. In addition to writing fiction, he has written and directed films and television series, including A History of Black Achievement in America, Great American Authors, and more. Scott spent years working as a Youth Advocate for juvenile offenders with mental illness. Head Fake is inspired by the strength and courage of the kids he worked with. Originally from New Jersey, Scott lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Samantha, and their two rescue pups, Mel Brooks and Khaleesi Bee.
In her book review, Carole O'Neill stated:
As I began reading Head Fake, I wasn’t sure it was something I would finish. After all, mentally ill teenagers centered around the game of basketball was everything I would avoid choosing when I decided to read a new author.
My surprise was the way Scott Gordon used humor on nearly every page to enhance Mikey’s interaction against the antics of the high-risk offenders he was about to coach. The more difficult challenge was to make sure Mikey’s own clinical depression didn’t become the reason for a failed experiment.
By the second chapter, I had forgotten about the sport of basketball and raced through the pages to find out how each of these disturbed students would be saved. The violent offenders and outcasts battled with bipolar disorder and street violence to arrive each day to train with a coach they believed would get them a win.
Halfway through the book, I found myself cheering for the team and their impossible hurdles toward a goal no one thought could be reached. I LOVED THIS BOOK!
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You can follow Author Scott Gordon
Website: scottgordonbooks.com/
FB: @ScottGordonBooks
IG: @scottgordonbooks
Purchase Head Fake on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/417anIe
Ebook: https://amzn.to/418IXl9
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
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