Online For Authors Podcast

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.
In 2007 Maryann McFadden “won the literary lottery” according to writing blogs when her previously self-published novel, The Richest Season, sold at auction to Hyperion Books. It became a Target Breakout Novel and an Indie Next Pick by the American Booksellers Association. Her next 2 novels, Cape Cod Light and The Book Lover are also Indie Next Picks. Her 4th novel, The Cemetery Keeper’s Wife, is a historical novel set in her NJ hometown and has become a book club sensation. It is a novel she believes she was destined to write. Maryann’s books have been translated into multiple languages and her unusual publishing journey has inspired many aspiring authors. You can reach her at maryannmcfadden.com. The Christmas Star is her fifth novel.
In Carole’s book review, she stated that 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.
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 Maryann McFadden
Website: www.maryannmcfadden.com  
FB: https://www.facebook.com/maryannmcfaddenauthor
IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryannmcfaddenauthor/
 
Purchase The Book Lover on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3WuyC0w
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4fdOwnx
 
Carole O’Neill, Author and Podcast Guest Host: https://caroleoneillauthor.com/
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#maryannmcfadden #thebooklover #contemporaryfiction #womensfiction #romance #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview #caroleoneill
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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.
She grew up in Galax, Virginia. Most of her stories are set in her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, but South of Heaven takes place in the North Carolina Sandhills, in Carthage where her family’s roots run deep. Please know that the Carthage in South of Heaven was born from long ago visits to see her grandmothers, a Carthage formed from hazy childhood memories that have become more imaginary than real. If you know the real Carthage, she apologizes for misplaced landmarks and fictitious churches.
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.
In my book review, I stated South of Heaven is a contemporary family fiction that is filled to the brim with amazing characters, as well as a delightful and though-provoking storyline. In fact, if you have family - and we all do - you'll relate to miscommunications, slights, white lies, bold-faced lies, and reinventions of the past that often occur between those we love.
Fern made a poor choice when she was barely accountable for such things and has lived with the consequences every single day since. Except for her son, her aunt, and one friend, she has kept to herself, hoping to somehow atone for her sins. Her sister, Leona, on the other hand, seems to have it all, moving beyond their rotten childhood. But what happens when truth - old and new - becomes headline news?
​I love this story because it is one of redemption and love. We all make mistakes. We all try to cover those mistakes up, usually with disastrous results. We all find a way to love family, despite it all. This is a wonderful novel, and I highly recommend it.
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
You can follow Author Patti Meredith:
Website: www.pattimeredith.com
 
Purchase South of Heaven on Amazon:
Purchase the paperback.Purchase the ebook.
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#pattimeredith #southofheaven #familyfiction #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.

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. She founded The Inspired Writer Community, an online mentoring community for writers at any stage in their writing lives. Her bestselling book The Writer's Roadmap: Paving the Way To Your Ideal Writing Life helps thousands find their way in the writing world. Her international writing retreat and website are listed in The Write Life’s top resources for writers, and her words have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Longreads, and Guernica among others.
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.
In my book review, I stated The Writer's Roadmap is an amazing writer's craft book. Unlike several that I've read, this one has little to do with writing tips and tricks and everything to do with treating your writing like a business.
I was worried that the book wasn't going to agree with my creative mind, but I soon learned how wrong I was. This roadmap helped me determine what I wanted from my writing (the objective) and then helped me create a clear plan for getting what I want (goals, strategies, and measures). Having this roadmap allows busy authors to determine what things to say yes to and which things to let go. Because, let's face it, we can't do it all!
I highly recommend this book to authors, especially those who feel they have too much on their plate and don't know which way to turn.
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 Leigh Shulman
Website: https://leighshulman.com
IG: @theleighshulman
FB: @leighshulman
Linked In: @leighshulman
 
Purchase The Writer's Roadmap on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3LDZm8N
Ebook: https://amzn.to/46v32Dq
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#leighshulman #thewritersroadmap #selfhelp #bookcraft #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.

The Voice Behind the Story: Meet Traci Odom, A Talented Audiobook Narrator

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Traci Odom, an audiobook narrator and voice-artist who is going to chat with us about audiobook production – where to find a narrator, how to pick the right one for your project, the timeline for production, and her experiences when creating audio for authors.
Traci, an American-born actor and voice artist, has built a successful career that spans decades. As a stage, film, and television actor, she has played everything from a tree to an Irish Setter to a lawyer, but it is as a veteran narrator of more than 350 audiobooks that she has truly found her voice, inviting her listeners into the worlds of romance, witchcraft, devilry, and vampirism. Working in close collaboration with her authors, she brings their creations to life with dynamic energy and commitment.
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 Audiobook Narrator Traci Odom:
Website: www.traciodom.com
FB: @ traci.odom.12 
IG: @ traciodomvoiceartist 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#traciodom #tieranwilder #audiobook #audiobooknarrator #narrator #voiceartist #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

The Untold Story of John Ridge: A Real Cherokee Hero with Author Leslie K Simmons

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Leslie K Simmons, author of the book Red Clay, Running Waters.  Leslie K. Simmons writes about extraordinary people at the center of crucial turning points in American history. She is particularly fascinated by outliers and the lesser known (but no less incredible) stories that slip through history’s cracks. After decades of research, she followed a path marked by serendipities to the true story of John and Sarah Ridge and her debut novel, Red Clay, Running Waters.
In my book review, I stated Red Clay, Running Waters​ is a masterful account of John Ridge, a Cherokee statesman and his wife, Sarah Northrop. Simmons' research is phenomenal and gives readers a glimpse into what it was like as Georgia tried to force the Cherokee from its borders.
Quite honestly, I had trouble reading and could only take the novel in small doses. Not because of the writing - which was flawless - but because of what I learned about how my government treated the Cherokee - lying, slandering, stealing, and killing.
In addition to the heartless treatment of a great People, the book also looks at love. The relationship between Sarah and John is beautiful, though in no way perfect. Despite having continual trials, this couple found a way to keep moving forward. It certainly gave me hope.
This is not a book for the faint of heart, but one that should be on everyone's TBR list.
You can follow Author Leslie K Simmons:
Website: leslieksimmons.com
FB: @leslieksimmons-author
IG: @lksimmonsauthor
LinkedIn: @leslie-k-simmons-author
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#leslieksimmons #redclayrunningwaters #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Badass Women: International Tales of Suspense with Author Lya Badgley

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Lya Badgley, author of the book The Worth of a Ruby. Lya was born in Yangon, Myanmar. The child of Montana parents – a political scientist and an artist – she grew up in a household that encouraged critical thinking and creativity. After dabbling in retail management, Lya moved to the Pacific Northwest in the eighties, becoming a part of the Seattle arts and music scene. In the nineties, after a decade of life as a struggling poet/ musician, she returned to Southeast Asia as a videographer on a clandestine expedition interviewing Burmese insurgents. A year later, she was working as director of Cornell University’s Archival Project, microfilming documents at Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide in Cambodia, helping to bring war criminals to justice. Finishing that, she managed the first foreign-owned project of its kind for the time, opening the 50th Street Bar & Grill Restaurant in Yangon, Myanmar. Since then, Lya has been an elected city council member and a dedicated environmental activist.
She is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and Hugo House. Her first self-published novel, The Foreigner’s Confession, was released to good reviews in February of 2022. Her second novel, The Worth of a Ruby, launched November 2023. Badgley lives in Snohomish, Washington, and is working on her third novel set in Bosnia.
In my book review, I stated that I thoroughly enjoyed Lya’s first novel, The Foreigner's Confession, and was super excited to get my hands on this one, The Worth of a Ruby, set in Burma.
Badgley writes edgy international crime/suspense and gets the reader into the mind of her characters. Mallory Jones, a chef, like the author, wanted to open a restaurant in Burma but not because she was in love with the area. Instead, she was running from her past.
However, as is wont when folks try to escape their past by running from it, the past found a way to erupt. As plans for a restaurant fall through, we see a side of Mallory that isn't evident in the beginning.
​The Worth of a Ruby has it all: great characters, amazing backdrop, kidnapping, blackmail, murder, and a bit of Burmese magic. Plus, in the words of the author, " I like ambiguous endings." Don't miss this book!
You can follow Author Lya Badgley:
Website: https://lyabadgley.com
FB: @lyabadgleyauthor
IG: @lyabadgleyauthor
Purchase The Worth of a Ruby on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3W4Jq5v
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3W3qgg0
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#lyabadgley #theworthofaruby #suspense #womensfiction #internationalsuspense #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.

Trapped in the Flames: A Suspenseful Forest Fire Thriller by Author Rebecca Hodge

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Rebecca Hodge, author of the book Wildland.  Rebecca is a former veterinarian and clinical research scientist who lives and writes in North Carolina. Her novels WILDLAND and OVER THE FALLS both place memorable characters in situations filled with suspense. She has three grown sons, one crazy dog, and one patient husband. When not writing on the back porch or brewing yet another mug of tea, she loves hiking, travel, and (of course) curling up with a good book.
In my book review, I stated that Wildland is a contemporary suspense that will have you gripping your seat and praying for Kat Jamison and those in her care.
Kat heads to the Blue Ridge Mountains to get away for a while. She needs to make a big decision about the return of her breast cancer. Does she continue to fight, as her daughter wants her to do, or does she allow the cancer to take her life, as she believes she wants to do.
Within moments of her arrival, her peaceful, alone time is transformed by two dogs, and two families staying nearby. Add a drought and a summer lightning storm, and Kat's survival is in question long before she intended - as is the survival of others now in her care.
​This book made me think about life, living it fully, and what I would do if faced with a battle. Definitely a great read.
You can follow Author Rebecca Hodge:
Website: www.rebeccahodgefiction.com/
FB: @ rebeccahodgefiction
IG: @ rhodge.fiction  
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.comFB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#rebeccahodge #wildland #suspense #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Bookology: A Guide to Reading and Notebooking with Stephanie Affinito

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Bookologist Stephanie Affinito of A Lit Life. She’s going to chat with us about a new concept called Bookology, which is the study of books and reading and notebooks and writing, mixed with mindfulness and creativity to bring you restorative reading and writing.
Stephanie states on her website that “books and reading have the power to transform our lives. We meet new friends, travel to locations, experience new perspectives and learn valuable life lessons with each turn of the page. And, when we explore the themes of the book in our own lives, from love and relationships to baking and gardening, magic happens. The book leaves us a better person than when we started.”
Stephanie is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of books and writing. Through her blog, podcast, and coaching endeavors, Stephanie delves into the profound impact of literature on our lives, weaving together stories of personal growth, healing, and empowerment.
Her journey from a childhood immersed in books to navigating through life’s challenges with the solace of literature showcases the profound influence of reading and writing on our well-being. She has an inspiring vision and commitment to fostering restorative reading practices for a brighter, more connected future.
She blogs about the power of leading literate lives at www.alitlife.com and podcasts weekly on books and reading, writing and notebooks and everything in between on Get Lit(erate). She also chats with a new children’s literature author every week on her KidLit Love podcast, too.
You can follow Stephanie Affinito:
Website: www.alitlife.com
FB: @AffinitoLit
IG: @AffinitoLit
X: @AffinitoLit
Threads: @affinitolit
Patreon: www.getliterate.co
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#stephanieaffinito #bookology #bookologist #notebooking #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Embracing Life: My Disability Journey with Author Jennifer Gasner

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jennifer Gasner, author of the book, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis. Jennifer received her BA in English from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and her MS in recreation from Western Illinois University. Her work with Independent Living Centers enabled her to learn about various disability programs throughout the country and ignited her passion for disability culture. She relocated to San Diego, California, on her own at the age of twenty-eight.
 
As a mentor for What’s Next, a program for youth with disabilities, and as co-chair of UC San Diego’s Staff Association for staff with disabilities, Jennifer solidified her role in the San Diego disability community. In 2020, Jennifer became an ambassador for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), raising awareness about Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA). She participated in Rare Across America, meeting with legislators to discuss laws affecting more than 25 million Americans living with one or more rare diseases.
 
Jennifer is a member of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association, and her writing has been published in Shaking the Tree, volumes 3 and 4. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, movies, and traveling. She lives with her boyfriend Gregory and their dog. My Unexpected Life is her first book.
 
In my book review, I stated My Unexpected Life is a memoir that takes an honest look at Jennifer’s journey from diagnosis to embracing life with a disability. Jennifer has no qualms about showing the messy middle which includes denial and anger on her part, insensitivity on the part of family and friends, ableism culture in her school, community, and herself, and more.
As a reader, you will want to both shake Jennifer and those around her, as well as cheer her on. You will learn what it's like to get potentially devastating news and how such news can affect everything you believe about life. In the end, you will learn that a disability doesn't have to define you. In fact, for Jennifer, her disability is just a small fraction of who she has become.
Reading this book will help you shed light on your own ableist ideas and offer new ways of seeing those navigating life with a disability. I highly recommend this memoir.
 
You can follow Author Jennifer Gasner
Website: https://jennifergasner.com/.
IG: @jennygwriter
FB: @AuthorJenniferGasner
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host:
https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#jennifergasner #myunexpectedlife #memoir #disability #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Broken Bones and Betrayal: A Medical Thriller by Orthopedic Trauma Author Thomas Kelso

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Thomas Kelso, author of the book Fractured. Tom is a physician who also holds a Ph.D. from Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Following medical school Dr. Kelso completed his residency in orthopedic surgery and served in the US Navy for nine years before entering civilian practice. He writes thrillers based on current innovations in medicine and science and continues to practice orthopedic surgery in Brunswick County, North Carolina.
In my book review, I stated that Fractured is a medical thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire read. It features an orthopedic trauma surgeon, Mark Thurman, and a stem cell scientist, Claire Hodgson. The two have figured out how to grow bones and heal fractures in days. And their first patient, one who arrives in the ER, happens to be a former Navy SEAL sniper and a friend of Thurman. In fact, Thurman owes his life to John Bristow.
Thurman's ties to Bristow and the SEALs, as well as his involvement as a trauma professional with the local police force, quickly entangles him - and his colleague - in a world of intrigue. Who tried to kill John Bristow - and why? More importantly, will Thurman's breakthrough be able to save his friend's leg, and will Thurman be able to save his friend's life?
​This is beautifully written and deserves the awards it has won. Kelso has definitely captured me as a reader.
You can follow Author Thomas Kelso:
Website: www.thomaskelso.com/
FB: @ThomasKelsoMD
IG: @tomkelsowrites
X: @TomKelsoWrites
LinkedIn: @thomas-kelso-614b4948
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host:
https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#thomaskelso #fractured #medicalthriller #militarythirller #thriller #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview