Online For Authors Podcast

Secrets, Lies, and Love: A YA Author Suspense Romance with Author Louise Davis

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Louise Davis, author of the book, Haunted by You. Louise 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.
In my book review, I stated that I found Haunted by You to be a delightful YA Fiction that is a perfect mixture of suspense and clean romance. And I learned when interviewing Louise that this is part of a trilogy!
Genevieve is a teenage girl who falls for Steve, a student at a private school in Charleston and a ghost tour guide. However, their budding romance has to take a back seat to what Genevieve learns about her father - he's being blackmailed! Davis does a good job introducing us to the characters and providing enough details to make us look in all the wrong directions for the blackmailer. And although the ending wraps up nicely, there is plenty of room for more!
You can follow Author Louise Davis:
Website: https://www.louisedavisbooks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisedavisbooks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisedavisbooks
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#louisedavis #hauntedbyyou #youngadult #youngadultmystery #mystery #romance #youngadultromance #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

The Invisible Battles: A Fictional Tale of the War in Afghanistan with Author Rich LaMonica

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Rich LaMonica, author of the book, Out of the Darkness. Rich is a 22-year veteran of the United States Army who was deployed on multiple occasions in support of the Global War on Terrorism. It was during this career he evolved as a leader of people.
His education came from great mentors who showed him how to take care of people. He retired in 2015 and went through an entire year of self-reflection as he transitioned to civilian life again. Those 365 days from retiring to finding a job taught him valuable lessons about transition. This has powered his drive to help other veterans as they go through the transition and any other roadblocks they are hitting.
He is a Motivated Speaker who discusses Mindset, Resilience, Grit, and more skills that will make you find your Purpose no matter the journey you have been on.
He is currently finishing up two books while pursuing a Ph.D from Liberty University in Homeland Security. He lives by rules and has a motto that resonates with fans of How I met Your Mother “Challenge Accepted”. He is the Executive Producer and host of The MisFitNation Podcast.
Fittingly, I read Out of the Darkness by on Veteran's Day. In my book review, I stated that this novel follows a fictional soldier, Bull, who is fighting in Afghanistan. We meet each of his team members and several enablers (those who help the team) along the way and discover who they were before they joined the military, what happened during this tour, and the consequences when the tour was over.​Although this is a fictional story, Rich uses these characters to help others understand the realities of war - and what soldiers face even when the bullets stop flying. My big takeaway is that our soldiers need - and deserve - better mental health services, and we, as a people, need to do everything in our power to support them, both while they are fighting and when they return home.
You can follow Author Rich LaMonica:
Website: www.TheMisfitNation.com  
LinkedIn: in/Rich LaMonica
X: @TheMisFitNation
Facebook: TheMisfiNnation
Instagram: @The_MisFitNation
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#richlamonica #outofthedarkness #militaryfiction #afghanwar #militaryhistory #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Mastering Author Marketing: Essential Tips for Success with Author Caleb Wygal

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Caleb Wygal, author of the Myrtle Beach Mystery series. I’ve invited Caleb on today to talk about marketing – something that he does really well and many authors need to learn more about.
Caleb is an acclaimed mystery author, and seasoned Mystery Writing instructor affiliated with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institution at Coastal Carolina University. He is renowned for his exceptional storytelling, notably in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series, with his debut novel Death on the Boardwalk receiving accolades from Women’s World Magazine, which hailed it as a must-read for visitors exploring Myrtle Beach. Additionally, his captivating mystery, Death on the Causeway, was honored with the prestigious 2023 Gold Medal by Readers’ Favorite for Best Amateur Sleuth Mystery, solidifying his status as a master of the genre.
His talent goes beyond the realms of mystery writing; he’s also a dedicated social media marketer, a skilled woodworker, an occasional golfer, and a beach enthusiast known for his knack for finding shark teeth along the shoreline.
Currently immersed in crafting the next installment of the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series, Caleb resides in Myrtle Beach with his loving wife and son. His passion for unraveling mysteries and teaching the art of mystery writing continues to inspire aspiring writers and captivate readers worldwide.
You can follow Author Caleb Wygal:
Website: https://calebwygal.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/calebwygalauthor
IG: @ calebwygal
X: @calebwygal
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#calebwygal #myrtlebeachmysteries #cozymystery #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview #marketing #authormarketing #bookmarketing

A Sleeping Beauty Fairy Tale Retelling: A Fantasy Adventure with Author Evelyn Puerto

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Evelyn Puerto, author of the book, The Girl Who Broke the Dark.  Evelyn states that she reads just about anything, writes in multiple genres, and is the author of the award-winning Outlawed Myth epic fantasy series. When she married, she inherited three stepdaughters, a pair of step-grandsons and a neurotic cat. Currently she writes from South Carolina. When she’s not arguing with her characters, she’s helping her grandsons catch bugs.
In my book review, I stated that The Girl Who Broke the Dark by Evelyn Puerto is another story I simply could not put down. This fantasy, a twisted version of the fairytale, A Sleeping Beauty, had me wishing for more. And once again, I'm thrilled because it is just the first volume in what will become her Royal Mages series.
Evelyn weaves a tale about Princess Eliana, her country of Ymittos, and a sleeping prince cursed by the evil sorcerer Cetus. Although she remains unaware of her role until her 18th birthday, Eliana is destined to break the curse or watch her country - and eventually the entire continent - fall victim to Cetus. Unfortunately, to do what she must, Eliana must venture deep underground to face barbarians, monsters, and her own fears.
​I often struggle with fantasy because I get lost in the world building, non-human characters, and social/physical law differences. However, I LOVED LOVED LOVED The Girl Who Broke the Dark and am enthralled with the story. I can't wait to read Puerto's second installment.
You can follow Author Evelyn Puerto:
Website: https://www.evelynpuerto.com/ 
Newsletter: https://subscribe.evelynpuerto.com/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/evelyn_puerto 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Evelyn.Puerto 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theevelynpuerto/ 
Youtube:   https://www.youtube.com/@evelynpuertoauthor 
BookBub Profile  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/evelyn-puerto 
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com 
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#evelynpuerto #thegirlwhobrokethedark #fantasy #epicfantasy #epicfantasyadventure #fairytalefantasy #swordandsorceryfantasy #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Italian Memories: A 1960s New York City Tale with Author Tomasina Decrescenzo

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Tomasina Decrescenzo, author of the book, Two Left Feet. Tomasina resides in Queens NY. She is a retired operating room nurse, as well as a single parent and grandparent. She has written poetry and short stories over the years, however this is her first novel. Tomasina also writes, paints, and performs in comedy clubs at the golden age of 70!
In my book review, I stated that Tomasina’s  book, though fiction, is filled to the brim with stories of her childhood and what it was like to grow up in an Italian immigrant family in New York.The main character, Mikey, short for Michelina, regales readers with childhood stories from magic wine, to witch's curses, to only being able to find two left sneakers when buying shoes for the summer.​Tomasina is a wonderful storyteller and had me laughing out loud.
You can follow Author Tomasina Decrescenzo:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomasina.decrescenzo.5
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#tomasinadecrescenzo #twoleftfeet #historicalfiction #familysaga #italianimmigrant #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Legends of the Past: Unearthed Tales from Ancient History with Author Karin Ciholas

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Karin Ciholas, author of the book, The Lighthouse.  Karin Ciholas was born in Virginia and grew up in Switzerland where she studied classical languages. The study of Latin and Greek led to her fascination with the ancient world and its history. She earned advanced degrees in languages and comparative literature at UNC, Chapel Hill and enjoyed teaching modern languages and courses on the ancient world. She has won twelve awards for her short stories and plays. She lives in Sarasota with her husband, author and theologian Paul Ciholas.
In my book review, I stated that ancient history is not really my thing. However, once I started reading, I couldn't stop thinking about the characters - even when I was supposed to be doing other things. In fact, I read far too late into the night on a couple of occasions so I could finish. (And the best part is that Karin is writing a trilogy, so I'm not really done!)
The Lighthouse is set during the days of Christ and seen from the point of view of Simon, an educated Jewish healer, and his best friend from boyhood who eventually becomes a Roman solider. When a thug kills a member of Simon's family and then abducts his sister, he is chosen to avenge them. But how can he both murder Meidias and keep his Hippocratic oath?
Karin did a great job describing Simon's struggle to be everything he was meant to be as well as everything he has been asked to be. Despite a setting and time far removed from my own, I think all readers will understand that challenge.
As a #researchjunkie, I stand in awe of Karin’s tremendous research, and how she was able to bring me into Simon's world. She shows readers what it was like to be Jewish during Roman rule, whether focusing on family and religious traditions or the fear of those in power. ​This is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great character development, historical fiction, and escaping into a story.
You can follow Author Karin Ciholas:
Website: https://thecyreniantrilogy.com/ and https://karinciholas.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086903948313
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#karinchiholas #thelighthouse #historicalfiction #ancienthistory #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

The Great Debate: Pantser vs Plotter - Finding Your Writing Style with Author Karen C Whalen

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Karen C Whalen, author of two cozy mystery series. But today, I’ve invited Karen to help me discuss the difference between plotters and pantsers, tips for determining which one you are, and some valuable resources you might find useful.
Resources Discussed During the Podcast:
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody - https://www.amazon.com/Save-Cat-Writes-Novel-Writing/dp/0399579745/ref=asc_df_0399579745
Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell -  https://www.amazon.com/Plot-Structure-Techniques-Exercises-Crafting/dp/158297294X
5 Secrets of Story Structure by K.M. Weiland (FREE)- https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Story-Structure-Helping-Writers-ebook/dp/B01BHE3HXE
Other free resources and blog by K.M Weiland - https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com
How to follow Author Karen C Whalen:
Website: http://www.karencwhalen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whalencozyauthor
Instagram: @karen_c_whalen_author
X: @whalenkc
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-c-whalen
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com 
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#karencwhalen #plotter #pantser #authorcraft #howtowrite #becominganauthor #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #nonfiction #writer #bookreview

Inside the War: A US Soldier's True Story of Serving in Afghanistan with Author William Yeske

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is William Yeske, author of the book, Damn the Valley. William Yeske is a combat veteran who served 11 years in the U.S. Army. He is a serial entrepreneur who brings significant expertise in marketing, IT, and project management. He currently runs and operates a marketing company, No Limits Marketing Group (NLMG), founded to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses a combination of modern marketing techniques coupled with a non-lethal targeting framework learned in the military to provide clients with winning strategies. Will was also a founding board member of a Veteran non-profit, Rally for the Troops (now part of Racing for Heroes) and has worked on other veteran-based projects. He is currently attending Columbia Business School while running current business projects, creating new possibilities for future endeavors, and parenting his two children with his wife, who is also a US military veteran.
In my book review, I stated that I found Damn the Valley to be a tough read because it detailed the tour of 2 Fury into Afghanistan. Half of the team was wounded or killed. Those who survived now live with the consequences of what they did and saw while protecting our country.Will was one of the members of the team and, though he states that he is not an author, he believed that the story, one the media barely mentioned, needed to be told. Why? So others would know of the sacrifices made and that these sacrifices would not be in vain.​I learned a lot about the military and the war in Afghanistan. If you are looking for clarity about what it was like for soldiers, then this is a must-read.
You can follow Author William Yeske:
Website: https://damnthevalleybook.com  
Instagram: @damnthevalleybook
Facebook: @damnthevalleybook
YouTube: @damnthevalleybook
Tiktok: @damnthevalleybook
X: @WYeske
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com 
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#williamyeske #damnthevalleybook #military #militaryhistory #afghanwar #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #nonfiction #writer #bookreview

The Mysterious Adventures of the Tow Truck Sleuth with Author Karen C Whalen

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Karen C Whalen, author of the Tow Truck Mystery series, as well as The Dinner Club Mystery series, both published by The Wild Rose Press. Both are cozy mysteries about strong friendships and family ties set in Colorado. Karen worked for many years as a paralegal at a law firm in Denver, Colorado and was a columnist and regular contributor to The National Paralegal Reporter magazine. Whalen loves to host dinner clubs, entertain friends, ride bicycles, hike in the mountains, walk on the beach, and read cozy murder mysteries.
In my book review, I stated that I’ve read the entire Tow Truck series, which is amazing because I’ve not read much cozy mystery as an adult. However, Karen has me hooked – and here’s why: I love her main character, Delaney.
She is a young woman with a somewhat nagging mother and little direction in her life when she finds herself the owner of a tow truck after her estranged father dies. This shoe-a-hol-ic, who picks what shoes to wear based on the mood their color will evoke, is not a natural fit for tow truck driving, and so, hilarity ensues. But not just hilarity - murder! On Delaney's very first tow, she drives a dead body to the pound and becomes suspect #1 in a murder!Whalen does an amazing job keeping me guessing by providing half a dozen suspects with 'cause' - and keeps me laughing at Delaney. However, the most impressive part of the series is how Whalen develops Delaney into a well-rounded character. She's way more than a ditzy shoe lover. We follow her through guilt over her father, anxiety about whether she is good enough, and compassion toward others. Simply stated, I'm in love with Delaney Morran and am so glad I read the series.
You can follow Author Karen C Whalen:
Website: http://www.karencwhalen.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-c-whalen
X: @whalenkc
Instagram: @karen_c_whalen_author
Facebook: @whalencozyauthor
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com 
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#karencwhalen #towtruckmysteries #toesonthedash #handsonthewheel #eyesontheroad #friendscometocall #cozymystery #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

The Heart of the Story: A Character-Driven Debut Novel with Author Rachel Stone

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Rachel Stone, author of the book, The Blue Iris, her debut novel. She writes stories about hope and redemption, often set against vibrant Canadian backdrops. Her writing placed first in the 2022 OBOA Writing Contest and has appeared in international literary and visual arts magazines, journals and blogs. Rachel holds degrees in psychology and industrial relations, and once worked seven summers at a flower market. She lives near Toronto with her family, and on weekends you’ll find her along the shore of Georgian Bay, belting nineties pop rock off-key from her paddleboard.
In my book review of The Blue Iris, I stated that I love great character development, and Rachel Stone did not disappoint. I immediately fell in love with Tessa, a young woman haunted by her past and struggling to find her "big" in life. I enjoyed how Tessa was like all of us - bold sometimes and timid at others, sure of herself and doubtful, ready to tackle life and wanting to hide under the covers. Because she was so real, I connected with her immediately.
However, Rachel did more than create one great character. She created a host of characters and provided them with their own points of view in the story. I gasped at her future in-laws, wondered at her fiancé, rooted for Luke, cried over Sam and Charlie, shook my head over Tony, and ached for Darryl. I hated to finish the last page knowing that these lives would no longer be part of mine.
Rachel Stone did an amazing job on her first novel. I can't wait to see what she brings to the table next.
You can follow Author Rachel Stone:
Website: www.rachelstoneauthor.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/rachelstoneauthor
Instagram: @racheystone
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030081772132
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/96565236-rachel-stone
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
#rachelstone #theblueiris #womensfiction #literaryfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #bookpodcast #books #author #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview