Online For Authors Podcast

From Page to Pod: Why Fiction Authors Embrace Podcasting with Podmatch Founder Alex Sanfilippo

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch, here to chat with me about podcast guesting for authors.  PodMatch, is a software company specifically focused on independent podcast hosts and their guests to elevate their voices through podcasting and be heard. In addition to founding PodMatch, Alex is also the host of the top-rated podcast, Podcasting Made Simple, and is one of the most sought-after educators and public speakers in the podcasting industry.
At the age of 10, Alex got his first taste of entrepreneurship when he began selling used golf balls that he would find in the lakes and woods around his neighborhood golf course. Alex immediately realized that he enjoyed generating sales and keeping track of profit margins. (Yes, an odd kid for only 10 years old!) Through many twists and turns, from a job in the aerospace field to church ministry leadership, Alex finally came back to his entrepreneurial roots with the podcast, Creating a Brand, and eventually creating the platform, PodMatch, to help podcasters find guests for their shows.
In Alex’s own words, “I’m in this industry to serve indie podcasters, and their guests to help independent voices get elevated and, as a result, help them serve the world in the way only they can. I love what I do; I believe I’m now doing what I was created to do – And I’m giving it 110% every day!”
You can follow Alex Sanfilippo, Founder of Podmatch, at:
www.podmatch.com/free
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.comFB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#alexsanfilippo #podmatch #podcasting #podcastingforauthors #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Online For Authors Trailer: A Podcast for Avid Readers Looking for New Authors and Their Books

As the award-winning host for Online for Authors, my goal is to introduce avid readers to characters they’d like to invite to lunch. Listeners 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 other podcasts focused on fiction, I take the time to read and review each novel before the interview. By doing so, I can guarantee a good fit for my audience as well as an interesting and inquisitive conversation.
Additionally, the first Saturday of each month, I release what I affectionately call OFAU – Online for Authors University. These once-monthly episodes feature writing tips for authors in all stages of their careers and speaks directly to my 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, I gather experts for LIVE streams around topics of interest, such as why authors choose to use pen names or a behind the scenes look at audiobook creation. These LIVE streams happen each 5th Tuesday at 7pm ET, in addition to various dates around specific bookish events like book launches, author readings, and even book birthdays!
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.

LIVE - Behind the Pen: Author Livestream Discussion About Pen Names

My guests today on the Online for Authors podcast are here to discuss pen names and why some authors choose to use them, as well as the benefits and downfalls of doing so. My panel of guests includes Louise Davis, author of Haunted by You, Alexandra Grace, author of Author of The Journey Series, Van Haney, author of Stories to Curl Your Toes and Bloody Ever After, and Wenna Olsson, author of Lost in Secrets.
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Louise Davis is a powerful, up-and-coming young adult author with an innate ability to draw readers into her stories using dramatic realism. Her commercial and accessible writing style blends with highly riveting and twisting plotlines to craft truly unique works of literary art. Her recent book, Haunted by You, artistically showcases her wide range of writing skills, weaving in romance, mystery, and suspense all in one thrilling book. Her lifelong love of reading led her to earn a bachelor’s degree with a focus on creative writing, which paved the way to writing her own books, including her children’s book, Grandpa’s Boots. Through Louise’s profound character development and realistic storylines, she enjoys entertaining her readers while delivering valuable life lessons in the process. When Louise is not sharing her love for writing with the world, she enjoys reading, going on adventures, and spending her time with her five boys, husband, and various animals on their peaceful 3-acre ranch-style home in the Idaho Falls, Idaho area.
You can follow Author Louise Davis:
Website: https://www.louisedavisbooks.com/
IG:@louisedavisbooks
FB: @louisedavisbooks
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It wasn't until her 40s that Alexandra Grace fulfilled her dream to be an author, and she had so much fun, her first novel evolved into a series. She likes to combine her respect for military service men and women with her heartfelt approach to storytelling. All her novels are heartwarming, sweet with heat stories that give lovable veteran heroes the happily ever after they deserve. Alexandra lives in Virginia with her family and enjoys reading, binge watching action TV series with her husband, and being her kids' biggest cheerleader.
You can follow Alexandra Grace:
IG: @authoralexandragrace
Threads: @authoralexandragrace
FB: @authoralexandragrace
Tiktok: @authoralexandragrace
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Vanessa grew up in the new-age circus known as the entertainment industry. She was first published in an anthology of poems in 1997. In the early 2000's she was showcased in young filmmaker competitions for her screenplays, and in 2018 while getting her Master's in Education she self-published her first book of short stories, Stories to Curl Your Toes. Now after two children and a move to the Pacific Northwest she's unleashing her stories into the world once again.
You can follow Author Van Haney:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Van-Haney/author/B0CFJYCSYJ
TikTok: @van_haney_books
IG: @dystopianess
FB: @Dystopianess
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Wenna lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. She loves words and the hope and joy they bring. She expresses herself best through written words. She first started writing over eight years ago to navigate the tumultuous emotions that clouded her mind. She began sharing her words through blogs and non-fiction writing. In 2022, she made the move to start writing fiction, desiring to create multilayered stories that offered encouragement. Stories taking a bit of heavy and twisting it into a fun tale, but still, lessons learned. Creating something good to fill your mind with and bringing a little light and hope to something not so easy. And also reveal the strength of love. In the fall of 2023, she self-published her debut fiction novel and has plans to continue on her journey to bring great stories that blend mystery, love, suspense, and a ray of hope.
You can follow Author Wenna Olsson:
IG: @author.wennaolsson
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Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host:
https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
Copyright Information for Pen Names: https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ32.pdf
https://blogs.loc.gov/copyright/2022/04/whats-in-a-name-using-pseudonyms-when-registering-works-with-the-copyright-office/ 
#vanhaney #wennaolsson #louisedavis #alexandragrace #hauntedbyyou #thejourneyseries #curlyourtoes #bloodyeverafter #lostinsecrets #pennames #livepodcast #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

The Enchanted Worlds of a Fantasy Wordsmith with Author Krystal Clark

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Krystal Clark, author of the book Balance of Power, the first in the Chozien Path Series.  Krystal, a budding fantasy author, discovered the enchanting world of writing as a refuge for emotional expression during her childhood. What started as a solace soon bloomed into a passion for poetry, breathing life into her journey of public speaking. While many view Fantasy as an escape, Krystal found it to be a world that coexisted within her own reality, shaping her perception of storytelling.As time unfolded, the fantasy genre lost its allure, becoming mundane and repetitive for Krystal, prompting her to cease reading altogether. Determined to redefine the essence of Fantasy, she decided to embark on her own literary quest, focusing not on fantastical worlds but on the characters within them – characters as human and complex as ourselves.Life's demands took center stage as Krystal navigated through college, financial responsibilities, marriage, and the joys of motherhood. Her career in Data Management soared as she became a top-performing executive, yet the longing to be an author lingered in the depths of her being. Despite the demands, she put her writing on pause.It was her husband's encouragement that reignited the spark within Krystal, propelling her to pick up her pen once more. With his unwavering support, she completed her first fantasy novel, a testament to her resilience and unwavering dedication to her dream. The journey from initiation to completion was marked by gratitude for the experiences that shaped her – from childhood through adolescence, young adulthood, motherhood, marriage, and career trials.Krystal acknowledges that without this rich tapestry of life, her fantasy novel would not have achieved the success it enjoys. The good and the bad, the trials and triumphs – all have not only provided inspiration for her writing but have also deepened her understanding of "Moving With Meaning." As a budding fantasy author, Krystal B. Clark invites readers into a world where characters mirror the complexities of humanity, creating stories that resonate with the essence of life itself."
In my book review, I stated that although not typically a fantasy reader, I do enjoy a well-written fantasy with strong characters – and Krystal provides just that.
In Balance of Power, we see different orders looking for The Chozien, the one the Great Spirit has sent to rule the earth. We follow the Chozien from infancy through early adulthood as he trains and learns and begins to accept his role. But not everyone is happy and there are some who wish to steal The Chozien for their own order - because the order with the boy has immense power over the future.
​I enjoyed the characters, and the world, though different from my own, had enough similarities that I didn't get bogged down. The only thing I didn't like was the cliffhanger at the end. Of course, Krystal has ensured that I will read the next installment!
You can follow Author Krystal Clark:
Website: https://www.movingwithmeaning.com/
IG: @movingwithmeaning82
LinkedIn: @krystalclark
YouTube: @movingwithmeaning
TikTok: @krystalbclark
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.comFB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#krystalclark #krystalbclark #balanceofpower #thechozienpathseries #fantasy #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Empower Your Best Self: Inspirational Tips and Insights with Author Ally Dalsimer

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Ally Dalsimer, author of the book, It’s Okay Not to be Fabulous Every Day. Ally is a published author, award-winning environmental expert, former political candidate, and an experienced life coach. Life highlights include traveling the world, rescuing 7 cats, raising two children, and surviving the death of her husband and mother. Her breadth of life experience infuses her ‘Fabulous’ book with incredible insights and lessons learned. 
 Ally has undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology from the University of Richmond, and a Master’s in Public Policy, Environmental Law and Economics Track from Georgetown University. She lives in Virginia with her rescue cat Pooma.
She has authored or co-authored more than 50 articles, technical reports, proceedings,brochures, and now a book! She is a member of ALLi, SCBWI, TWSA, and AAUW. Her new book, Jack & Ginger: An Unexpected Friendship will be available in 2024!
In my book review, I stated It's Okay Not To Be Fabulous Every Day by Ally Dalsimer is an inspirational read reminding us that although we should have goals and strive to reach them, we don't have to be at the top of our game every single day. In fact, it isn't possible to do so. When that is our aim, we are sure to become disappointed in ourselves.Ally began this book as a book of 'lessons learned' for her children as they began to move away from home and start their adult lives. In the end, she realized that everyone needs these bits of wisdom.Each chapter has quotes from sources you will recognize, such as Martin Luther King, Jr, but she also throws in Yoda. In fact, Ally is willing to share truth wherever she finds it to help each of us live a more fulfilled life.​I think this book would be a perfect source of daily inspiration and could easily be used for prompts for daily journal writing. It is not a 'one and done' book. Instead, it will stay on your bedside table for easy access whenever life seems just a little bit too hard.
You can follow Author Ally Dalsimer:
Website: www.allydalsimer.com
IG: @ally.dalsimer
X: @AllyDalsimer
LinkedIn: @ally-dalsimer-5a872a10/
FB: @allydalsimer1
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.comFB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#allydalsimer #itsokaynottobefabulouseveryday #itsokaynottobefabulous #selfhelp #inspirational #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Mind Games of a Psychological Thriller: Unraveling the Brain's Twisted Tales with Author Gary Simonds

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Gary Simonds, author of the book Death’s Pale Flag.  Gary is a highly experienced neurosurgeon, and former head of an academic neurosurgery program at Virginia Tech/Carilion Clinic. He is a professor and teaches regularly at the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.
Gary has written and spoken widely on the subjects of neuroscience, medical school admissions, humanism, medical socioeconomics, medical ethics, burnout, personal wellness, spirituality, death and dying, and the interface between science and religion. Known for his compassion and sense of humor, he also writes fiction and is an accomplished and entertaining storyteller.
Born in New Jersey, Gary has lived in New Jersey; England; Washington D.C.; Denver; Danville, Pennsylvania; and Roanoke, Virginia. He currently lives in the beautiful town of Black Mountain, North Carolina.
In my book review, I stated that Death's Pale is a psychological thriller that had me from page one. The main character, Ryan, is a brain surgeon, so some of the medical stuff really hit home with me as my husband and I navigate his brain cancer diagnosis. However, I found what Ryan does as a trauma neurosurgeon amazing. And because the author is a neurosurgeon, it is very accurate!
But the story isn't about a run-of-the-mill neurosurgeon and his patients. Instead, it is about a highly educated man who begins to see ghosts - some from long ago and some far more recent. Why are they contacting him? What will his coworkers and family think? Are they real or is he cracking up?
​I loved this story and was sad to see it end. Gary did a magnificent job with character development. Definitely a must-read, even if psychological thriller is not usually on your TBR!
You can follow Author Gary Simonds:
Website: www.garyrsimonds.com
Social media:
FB: @garyrsimonds
TikTok: @garyrsimonds
IG: @garyrsimonds
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#garysimonds #garyrsimonds #deathspaleflag #psychologicalthriller #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Bound by Secrets: A Tale of Friendship, Family, and Hidden Truths with Author Fran Hawthorne

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Fran Hawthorne, author of the book, I Meant to Tell You.
Fran has been writing novels since she was four years old, although she was sidetracked for several decades by journalism. During that award-winning career, she wrote eight nonfiction books (mainly about consumer activism and the healthcare industry) and was an editor or regular contributor for The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, and many other publications. But Fran never abandoned her true love: Her debut novel, The Heirs, was published in 2018, and now I MEANT TO TELL YOU (which was published last November by Stephen F. Austin State University Press) has already won or is a finalist for seven awards, including the Eric Hoffer Award and the Sarton Award. Fran is at work on two new novels and also writes book reviews for the New York Journal of Books.
In my book review, I stated that I Meant to Tell You is a contemporary women's fiction with some forays into the history surrounding the demonstrations during the Vietnam War era. More importantly, it is about a woman named Miranda who must come to terms with her past - both the past she has tried to keep secret and the past that has been kept secret from her.Fran made me think about what I would do to keep my mistakes hidden from others or what others might do if they found out about my skeletons. She also made me consider how I would handle learning about someone else's secrets - especially if those secrets were meaningful to me.​Can love survive the past? And when is it okay to tell a few white lies to gloss over the details of the past? I Meant To Tell You may just have the answers.
You can follow Author Fran Hawthorne:
Website: https://www.hawthornewriter.com
Instagram: @hawthornewriter
X: @hawthornewriter
LinkedIn: in/franhawthorne
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomhawthornewriter
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com 
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#franhawthorne #imeanttotellyou #womensfiction #literaryfiction #historicalfiction #vietnamera #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Elevating Fiction: How Editing Takes Your Story to the Next Level with Editor Megan Turner

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Editor Megan Turner here to talk with me about the editing process. Megan is a graduate of the MFA Program for Poets and Writers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her work has appeared in Witness, Atticus Review, Rio Grande Review, Fiction International, and others. She currently serves as a developmental editor at Atmosphere Press and as an instructor for UC Berkeley Extension. She lives and works in Portland, Maine.
Megan and I met almost three years ago through Atmosphere Press, and she was instrumental in helping me bring Sunflowers Beneath the Snow to publication. Since then, she has been my editor for An Enemy Like Me and Daughters of Green Mountain Gap. Each time, she has helped take my story to the next level.
You can follow editor and writer Megan Turner at her website: www.meganrturner.com or through Atmosphere Press: www.atmospherepress.com
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#meganturner #editing #editingprocess #developmentaleditor #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

The Bravest Heroes: WWII Historical Fiction from Down Under with Elaine Schroller

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Elaine Schroller, author of the book The Bravest Soldiers. Elaine reads and writes historical fiction to escape writing about computer software and to travel to other places in time. Her degree is in History, which gave her the perfect training for researching specific places and events in her first novel, Dare Not Tell, as well as her second, The Bravest Soldiers. She’s traveled to all but one of the countries in the books and visited all the sites where the story takes place, some more than once.
Elaine was an oil brat and attended high schools in Algiers, Algeria, Northwood, England, Clear Lake City, Texas, Beirut, Lebanon, and Kingston-upon-Thames, England. For many years she has lived in Bellaire, Texas, where she and her husband raised their son. Now, she has a rescue cocker spaniel underfoot and travels as often as she can convince her son to look after the dog.
Elaine is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Women's Fiction Writers Association.
In my book review, I stated that The Bravest Soldiers was an amazing historical fiction with a dash of romance. It is set in WWII in Australia and has been winning awards - as it should!For those who know Elaine's work, we meet Sophie in book one of The Immense Sky Saga. She was a nurse in WWI in France but when the war ended, she emigrated to Australia with her new husband, adopted son, and step-son. The Bravest Soldiers is what happens to Sophie as a mom during WWII.Sophie is one of those "do it all" ladies who sees a need and fills it. But what happens when the needs are those you cannot fill and the fear of loss is almost too immense? Elaine helps us see that bravery doesn't just happen on the front line of a war. In fact, the bravest soldiers are often the women who are left behind to keep things running despite the stress and worry.​You can follow Author Elaine Schroller:
Website: www.elaineschroller.com
Instagram: @elaineschroller
Facebook: @elaine.aucoin.schroller
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#elaineschroller #thebravestsoldiers #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Unleash Your Potential: Live Life on Your Own Terms with Inspirational Author Carol Pearson

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Carol Pearson, author of the book 10 Little Rules for a Blissy Life. Carol is the founder and creative force behind the 10 Little Rules books. She crafted her rules for living after navigating through some of life's unexpected twists and coming out stronger, happier, and whole. Home base is Bay City, Michigan, where she lives, writes, and shares life’s adventures with her husband, John. Carol's words aren't just ink on paper; with a dash of humor and a large sprinkle of compassion, she’ll take you on a self-discovery journey — one rule at a time.
In my book review, I stated that Carol wrote 10 Little Rules for a Blissy Life after her world, in a matter of eight weeks, fell apart. Her daughters were moving out to start their own lives, her husband lost his job, they realized their marriage was over, and her own income stream was destroyed by her business partners. Despite being broke, homeless, and dealing with interpersonal relationship issues, Carol was the happiest she had ever been. Why? She had begun living life by her own rules rather than the rules given to her by her parents, society, and the "shoulds" residing in her head.
Carol offers readers the ten rules that helped her navigate through these big changes and offers great questions and journaling space to help find where you might be stuck. The best part is that these are merely a starting place. She encourages readers to dig deep and discover their own rules for being happy in this life.
My favorite rule is #10 - Every Night, Give Thanks.
This is a perfect book for anyone going through change and wanting to figure out how to do so gracefully.
You can follow Author Carol Pearson
Website: https://10littlerules.com
Facebook: @10littlerules
Instagram: @10littlerules
YouTube: @10littlerules94
LinkedIn: @10littlerules
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
#carolpearson #10littlerules #10littlerulesforablissylife #inspirational #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview