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YABooksPodcast's podcast

I interview Young Adult, YA, authors about their books. YA novels may be Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, Action, Horror, or General Fiction. We talk about the author's lives, locations, work, careers, training, education, inspiration, writing methods and routines.
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Feb 25, 2016

Jasmine Kaur Dhuga was a third place award winner for the Canadian Federation of University Women Windsor Poetry Contest in 2011. Soon after, she became an editor for her school newspaper. Dhuga often uses her writing to voice her opinion on certain social issues. She resides in Ontario and is currently studying neuroscience.


"Monique Brooks has a pretty easy life. All she has to deal with is an alcoholic father, a dependent brother, and an abusive drug dealer. On top of all that, at the age of seventeen, she stumbles upon a completely different world, a world that she just so happens to be the protector of. To add more flowers to the garden, she finds out that her adoptive father wants to kill her for the power that she holds. Now, not only does she have to figure out a way to save herself, she must work hard to save the thousands of lives she has in her hands.

But that should all be a piece of cake, right?"

Feb 24, 2016

F.C. Shaw grew up with stories. First she had them told to her, and read to her. Then she read them for herself and discovered the magic therein. She is on a mission to help others discover the magic unlocked by reading a book, so has set forth to write her own stories. When she is not dreaming up and writing new stories, she tours the country sharing her books with kids. With a Master's Degree and Teaching Credential, she has taught everything from Kindergarten to college. She lives with her husband and two sons in California.

We talk about listening to stories told by grandmothers, book tours and assemblies at elementary schools, and what interests middle grade readers.

Feb 18, 2016

In this episode I talk with Sharon Ahern about the many books she published to gether with her late husband, Jerry and now with a former shared friend, Rob Anderson. She talks about publishing books in the 80's and 90's and how things have changed. We talk about bringing a series back and the new spin she has taken with all the children of the original protagonists.

Camp Zero is a spin off of
the Survivalist series which was written from 1981 to 1993 by my husband,
Jerry Ahern and myself and then I restarted the series in 2012 with author Bob
Anderson.

The Survivalist series always represented the idea that you should remember to
"always plan ahead." Camp Zero is the story of the next generation of
Rourkes/Rubensteins who have grown up in a much safer world where survival
skills are not nearly as important to them. The adults send them to a special
survival camp where they and other kids are taught how to think and act on
their own and to learn how to survive in all sorts of difficulties. Of course,
the world changes and these young teens are thrust into situations requiring
skills that they never took seriously.

Camp Zero will be primarily an action/adventure series but will also allow
young readers to learn basic survival skills along with the book's
protagonists. They also learn that not all friends are what they seem.
I'd like to talk about the beginnings of the Survivalist series and its
progression over the years up to the new YA series that will be coming out
this Spring.

Feb 11, 2016

In this episode I talk with Lorraine Carey and we talk about Grand Cayman and the Cayman Islands, island fever compared to the rat race, being a reading specialist for children of all ages, rock star readers in kindergarten, Arizona and the Superstition Mountains, Rome, Pompey and Vestal Virgins, Pachentro Italy, gypsy legends and curses. She likes to read the classics, Tolkien, Brent Legg "The Last Librarian", Teema Maria Lacobia, "The Queen of Vampires", YA author Amanda Hawking,

Find her at http://www.lorrainecarey.com

 

Lorraine Carey is a veteran children's reading specialist, teacher and an International Award-Winning Author. She has taught in many states in the US and currently is providing reading services for students at a private school on Grand Cayman, where she lives with her husband. Five years ago she was a city gal, living in Orange County, California, where life was very different from the one she lives in now. Trading in her fashionable heels for flip-flops was quite a change, but led to a lifestyle that allowed for a writing career to begin.

Her love for paranormal stories and urban legends began at a young age, when staying up all night to watch spooky movies or reading a scary book started a lifelong passion.

Published novels include: Losing Ground, a short memoir, followed by Mysteries of the Red Coyote Inn, Out of the Ashes, Jonathan's Locket and The Last Vestal Virgin. All of these novels are paranormal with a mix of historical fiction, woven with urban legends. Her most recent novel, Beloved Sacrifice, is a Supernatural Thriller for Young Adults to Adults.

As a bonus, Mysteries of the Red Coyote Inn and Jonathan's Locket have free downloadable comprehension worksheets on her website for educators, or parents.

Her latest novel, A Rock Star Reader by Kindergarten, is an educational guide for parents of young children to help their child achieve many of the pre-reading concepts necessary to be a successful reader by the time they reach kindergarten.

When not writing you can find Lorraine reading, beach- hopping, snorkeling, or boating around the island with her husband on their boat, the Angelica.

Feb 4, 2016

In this episode I talk with author Cameron Dayton about living in the Bay Area of California, video game development and story writing for video games, working with fascinating authors, and his book, "Etherwalker".


Best selling author, screenwriter, and developer for Blizzard Entertainment, EA Games, and Chair Entertainment -- Cameron Dayton has charted flights through the worlds of Warcraft, Diablo, Starcraft, Undertow, Advent Rising, Minions Paradise and beyond.


https://twitter.com/CameronDayton

And my Amazon book page is here:

http://amzn.to/1Q8VGqC

https://www.facebook.com/SiliconCovenant/

Feb 2, 2016

In this interview with Rich Meyrick we talk about historical environmentalism, Canada, Germany, The Great Migration of the Serengeti, Waterloo, London, and more.

http://www.jaspasjourney.com/

@JaspaJ on Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/Jaspa-48561121909/?fref=nf

Nothing New?

Jaspa’s Journey is all about travel and adventure. Nothing new there, you might think. But that’s where you’d be wrong. Because Jaspa’s Journey combines these two common themes in a totally unique way.

Firstly, there’s the Jaspa’s Journey Books. Written by Rich Meyrick, these thrilling novels are largely based on real places I’ve visited and the things I experienced along the way. They blend adventure and travel into exciting stories you can really lose yourself in, no matter how old you are.

Then there’s the ongoing, real-life Travel aspect of Jaspa’s Journey. Whether it’s the regular updates in the Travel section here on my website, on my WordPress blog (Jaspa’s Journal), or through my other social media accounts (see the Contact section), it’s all in my own words and from my own distinctive perspective. And don’t forget the ever-growing Gallery, capturing my travels on camera.

Almost daily, interactive tales from the star of a series of electrifying, award-winning novels for young and old. That has to be a first.

And you thought there was nothing new about Jaspa’s Journey!

Jan 28, 2016

In this episode I interview Shanned Crane Camp. We talk about video games new and old, being a girl gamer, her many book series', and her writing process.

June Series
Sugar Coated Trilogy
Parrish Chronicles
PWNed


Shannen Crane Camp was born and raised in Southern California, where she developed a love of reading, writing, and anything having to do with film. After high school, she moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where she received a degree in Media Arts and found herself a husband in fellow California native Josh Camp. The two now live in Utah with their miniature schnauzer Hemingway. Shannen's true love is Young Adult Fiction though she often dabbles in New Adult, Paranormal, and Mystery. She takes any opportunity to include her love of film and video games in her writing and you might just find a nerdy Easter Egg or two hidden in her works.
Shannen loves to hear from readers, so feel free to contact her at Shannencbooks@hotmail.com or visit her website for more information: http://shannencbooks.blogspot.com

Jan 21, 2016


In this episode I talk with author Davidson L. Haworth. We talk about selling books at Comic Cons, book tours in Russia and Ukraine and finding information about obscure, middle-age, European towns. (Specifically Prali, the location of his three young adult historical fantasy novels.)

Davidson L. Haworth has written several novels, and he is considered to be the father of historical fantasy. He is also the pioneer of conducting full book tours strictly at comic book, science fiction, and fantasy conventions. Davidson also tours on an international circuit to promote his writings and converse with those from around the globe. In the United States he spends most of his efforts speaking at pop culture conventions and educational institutions. Davidson lives with his wife and two children in San Jose, California.

Contact him through: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Davidson%20L.%20Haworth

"
Life in Prali, a small village nestled in a picturesque valley in the Italian Alps, is quiet and safe—until the gates to the underworld open nearby, unleashing the fury of the last of the dragons. Generations earlier, the dragons were driven from Prali and slaughtered. Now they have returned with only one goal: revenge against humanity.
A young Franciscan monk named Bernard, an English girl named Mary, and a knight named Leonardo are all that stand in the way of fiery oblivion unleashed by the invading dragon army. The underworld is a place of dark and mysterious magic, where threats far more diabolical than dragons lurk in the shadows.
A powerful wizard, Simon Magnus, sees the plight of the overwhelmed heroes and offers his assistance. But his intentions are far from altruistic; after the dragons destroy the villages, Magnus plans to step in to enslave the villagers and enlists the help of winged furia, demons from the underworld, to finish off the dragons. Desperate, Bernard seeks the assistance of the French leader, Clement Laurent. Infuriated, Magnus brings in Persian mercenaries to crush the resistance. Meanwhile, news that fighters from the Vampire Empire are on the march toward Prali pushes the heroes to the breaking point.
The fate of Prali rests in the outcome of an epic battle between the combined forces of good and evil. Can Bernard and his allies hope to save their village and their way of life?

Jan 14, 2016

Suzy Vadori
Young Adult Author
Suzy’s first Young Adult Novel, The Fountain was released December 8, 2015 with Evil Alter Ego Press.
Suzy’s long career building companies lends her a unique perspective in the literary world.
Suzy lives in Calgary, Canada with her husband and three children and is an involved community member. Currently, she is the Program Manager, Young Adult/Children’s Programming for When Words Collide (WWC), a literary Festival held in Calgary annually in August.

www.suzyvadori.wordpress.com
Twitter: @vadoris
https://www.facebook.com/Suzy-Vadori-Author-881782831858263/

Jan 7, 2016

In this episode I interview Ryan Dalton about his about-to-be-released novel, "The Year of Lightning".

Here's a link to the book on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Year-Lightning-Time-Shift-Trilogy/dp/1631630504/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1452142410&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Year+of+Lightning

www.ryandaltonwrites.com

Author Bio
Ryan Dalton is author of the young adult Time Shift Trilogy. His debut novel THE YEAR OF LIGHTNING will be released on December 8, 2015. Ryan splits his time between writing books during the day, fighting crime at night, and hanging out in his awesome underground lair. Please do not tell anyone he's Batman. It's a secret.


Welcome, People of Earth!

I’m Ryan Dalton, author of the young adult Time Shift Trilogy. My debut novel THE YEAR OF LIGHTNING is a sci-fi mystery, and it will be released through Jolly Fish Press on December 8, 2015. The sequel THE BLACK TEMPEST will be released in Fall 2016.

I write things, and I’m a geek. Yes, both at the same time. I also have thoughts about writing, geek culture, and other random things that may or may not be relevant (Spoiler Alert: they’re not). Welcome to my corner of the Interwebz, and when the fancy strikes I will post anything like tips on writing believable dialogue, the current state of comic books, and who would win in a fight between Abe Lincoln and an ill-tempered ham sandwich.

So buckle up, Jack! (that’s right, I’ve renamed you all Jack)

Want to reach out to me? Find me on social media (links are on the front page, at the bottom) or email me at RyanDaltonWrites@gmail.com

Dec 29, 2015

In this episode I talk with E.B. Wheeler about historical landscaping and restoration in national parks and historic sites. We talk about her book she has out, others she is preparing, and working with Cedar Fort Press.

E.B. Wheeler grew up in Georgia and California. She has graduate degrees in history and landscape architecture, and wrote about history and historic preservation before focusing on fiction. She is the author of THE HAUNTING OF SPRINGETT HALL and BORN TO TREASON (forthcoming May 2016). She lives in the mountains of Utah with her husband, daughters, various pets, and as many antique roses as she can cram into her yard. You can find more about her at ebwheeler.com

Dec 22, 2015

In this episode I interview YA Author Robison Wells.
We talk about Marketing
Understanding your readers, characters, and their motivations.
A squishy MBA
Diesel Punk
Mental Illness- Obsession and compulsion and writing.

Contact
@RobisonWells
robisonwells@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/robisonwells


Bio:
Robison Wells is also the author of Blackout, Variant, and Feedback. Variant was a Publishers Weekly Best Book and a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Robison lives in the Rocky Mountains in a house not too far from elk pastures. His wife, Erin, is a better person than he will ever be, and their three kids cause mischief and/or joy.

Robison suffers from five mental illnesses (panic disorder, OCD, agoraphobia, depression and dermatillomania) and is an outspoken advocate for those with mental illnesses.

His books have been published in nine different languages, and he is the winner of many awards both in and out of the United States.

Dec 17, 2015

Bryan Cohen and I talk about

Selling for Authors.com
bestpagefoward.net copy editing better blurbs get better sales.
Sell more books show podcast...Jazzy Jim Cucral
Marshmallow elect

For the purposes of this podcast...

Co host on The Split YA Book review podcast ..... currently 50+ reviews/discussion
Author of the series Ted Saves the world.

Instructor of Selling for authors closed on Thursday

Tell us about Ted saves the world
How many books.
Has he finished saving the world?
Book 0 came out this last summer. Do you have other YA fiction coming in the future?

YA books, boys and romance. Romantic tension...
"Red Rising" by Pierce Brown
"Grasshopper Jungle" by Andrew Smith

Dec 10, 2015

In this episode I interview Robert Rayner
We talk about performing and teaching music, school presentations, being a journalist, and his many books, among which as stories written in a publisher's imprint, Lorimer Sports, Lorimer Side Streets, and Lorimer Street Lights.
And his newest release through the publisher Speaking Volumnes, Colorland.
https://www.raggedbeliever.wordpress.com
The intro and outro music for this episode was written and performed by Robert and is the theme for his book, Colorland. The entire piece is available on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJuLBRX8rxw

Author Bio:
I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.

In addition to a few go-nowhere jobs, I've been a journalist (in Cambridge, England), a teacher (in Colchester, England; Glovertown, Newfoundland; and Charlotte County, New Brunswick), and an elementary school principal (in St. George, New Brunswick).

I've been writing for as long as I can remember - news and feature articles as a journalist, tracts and diatribes on education as a teacher, stories to read in assembly as a principal, and, all the time, stories for their own sake. I now have nine young adult novels, two teen novels, and three adult novels in print. My stories have been shortlisted for the Ann Connor Brimer Children's Literature Prize and (three times) for the Hackmatack Children's Choice Award, and five of them have been included in the Canadian Children's Book Centre annual 'Best Books' list.

Although I forsook being a school principal in order to teach music at home, and to have more time for writing, I still love the world of school, and often talk to students about writing, and read to them from my books, and present writing workshops. Many of my books have grown out of, and continue to grow out of, my experiences working with children of all ages.

Usually I write in the morning, starting early, and save afternoons for playing and teaching music. If I'm under pressure to finish something, or I'm obsessed with a story (which I regard as a good sign), I resume writing in the evening, or go over what I wrote earlier.

When I'm not writing, or playing and teaching music, I'm usually walking, reading, skiing, feeding and watching the birds, taking photographs, or listening to music. I play keyboard, saxophone and clarinet with Stepping Out, a band that performs standards, blues, and old rock and roll for dances and other social events, and use the guitar to accompany songs I've written to introduce some of the characters in the stories.

I live in St. George, New Brunswick, on the Magaguadavic River (the one that flooded so disastrously just before Christmas 2011), where I like to drive Nancy, my wife, to distraction by watching soccer on TV and playing loud music.

And while I write, and teach, and play music, I'm still wondering what I want to be when I grow up.

Colorland

He said slowly, “You know how sometimes something happens, and afterwards you think what you could have – should have – done, if only you had the nerve and the confidence to do it, but of course by the time you think that, it’s too late.”

Isolde nodded.

Wenden mumbled, “Only, like, all the time.”

“Well – it’s like having the nerve and the confidence to do it straight off, at the moment you need to do it,” said Ridge.

Life changes quickly from carefree, innocent fun to desperate survival when teen friends Ridge, Isolde and Wenden inadvertently transgress their city state’s strict rules of conduct and morality. They are sent to a remote institution for ‘retraining’, from which they escape, only to find themselves wandering an empty wilderness as they are hunted by the ruthless guards of the state. In order to survive, they draw on abilities they didn’t know they possessed. They call it Going to Colorland. They’re happy to go there. But afraid of not coming back.

Dec 8, 2015

In this episode I interview L.G. Rollilns and we talk about the editing process when working with a publisher, home schooling, American Sign Language, her debut novel Shadows of Angels, and Cedar Fort Publishing.


L. G. Rollins grew up in a far off land fighting dragons, stealing talismans, and traveling with dwarfs and elves. She is especially skilled at bribing giants with sweets. Currently, her husband and four kids live in Utah so that is where she spends most of her time. She may, or may not, have a Zaad Stone. To learn more about L. G. Rollins and her books visit LGRollins.com.
Shadows of Angels comes out December 8th and is the beginning of the Zaad Stone trilogy.

http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Angels-L-G-Rollins/dp/1462117465/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447356362&sr=8-1&keywords=shadows+of+angels+L+G+Rollins

http://www.lgrollins.com

http://blog.cedarfort.com/

Dec 3, 2015

In this episode I interveiw Ana Del C.
We talk about writing books in English and translating to Spanish. We talk about the many books she has written, where she gets her inspiration, and what her practices are for writing them.

 

Anna was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She is the third child and twins with her sister Elena. She grew up with four other siblings being placed in the middle. Her mother died when she was six years old and her father never married again.
The green eyed, brown haired author found a mother in her husband's mother and loves her dearly. She accredits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.

The author loves reading, but had few opportunities to do so while growing up. Once married she was introduced to the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books that she admits to having collected, which collections she still retains. They were the ones who wet her appetite. A few years ago she was introduced to Tolkien's Lord of the Ring's and to J. K. Rowling's writings, which she loves. She also loves romantic music that she listens to every day, plays that she attends at least six times a year, and cats (when they are not shedding.) She likes her clothes to be very feminine, with lace being one of her favorites. "I am afraid that I do not follow fashions," she was heard to say. "I wear what I like."

Early on in her life she showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that rewarded her with the opportunities of taking care of the costumes for the cast of four different plays, which she enjoyed immensely. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and understands Portuguese.

At twenty-one she moved north to marry Rodney and has resided in Utah since then. Her husband, a native of Idaho, met her in her hometown. They fell in love and she came to Utah on Christmas Eve to be married two weeks later. They are the parents of three princes and a princess.

With her husband and his family she has have the opportunity of traveling to many of the states in USA, most of them camping, and to three other countries, something she enjoys very much. Soon, she would like to visit the castles in Germany and other European countries.

Anna possesses a great mind and imagination, which, with the encouragement of her husband, she set to writing. The creation of her two series of books The Elf Series and her Medieval Romance series; are the result of many years of daydreaming and now, her own laptop. You can fallow Anna in her website at: http://www.annadelc.com

Nov 26, 2015

In this episode I talk with Alma Alexander

We discuss her trilogy "The Were Chronicles". "Random", "Wolf", and "Shifter" which should have gone live already, but is imminently going to drop at any moment.

She edited an anothogy "River" http://www.amazon.com/River-Joshua-Palmatier-ebook/dp/B008V5EQII/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1448483380&sr=1-1&keywords=River+Alma+Alexander

She can be contacted through her website at www.almaalexander.org

Alma Alexander, the 'Duchess of Fantasy,' was born on the banks of an ancient river in a country which no longer exists. When she was ten, her family left Europe and moved to Africa. Since then she has lived in several countries on four continents and now lives in America with a husband she met on the Internet

She has written three million words in more than 20 books and one of her novels, "The Secrets of Jin-shei," has been published around the world in 14 languages. The heroine of her popular Young Adult Worldweavers series is as American as Harry Potter is British. The first book in another young adult series about a shape-shifting Were family will be published shortly.

When asked what she would be if she weren't a writer, she quotes Ursula LeGuin's answer to that question: "Dead."

Alma is a punaholic and a chronic worrier, one of those people who proves that real pessimists are truly born and not made. She is owned by a cat. She was born on the fifth day of July (the day after America), six years before man walked on the moon, which makes her a cancer according to the Western horoscope and a water rabbit according to the Chinese one.

Nov 19, 2015

In this episode I interview Doug Fowler
We talk about:
Nanowrimo, Law School, Family Law, Challenges facing youth, youth ministry, distopian novels, and baseball.
His Bio:
Doug Fowler was born in NE Ohio with vision & hearing handicaps, plus a dash of cerebral palsy & Dandy-Walker Syndrome. He has also used the skills God gave him to accomplish a lot. He got a B.A. in Communication Studies from the College of Wooster('91), a J.D. from Case Western Reserve('94), & a Masters in Ministry from Tennessee Temple University('08) via online courses and modules. He does wills and estates part time as an attorney, serves as an online missionary with Global Media Outreach, co-hosts a radio show for a local youth ministry, Greater Canton Youthquake, and does numerous other things for the Lord toward earning rewards in Heaven.

Doug loves family friendly fun as well as baseball, which he has followed since he was little. (His first favorite team was Charlie Brown's) He loves using his brain to develop what-ifs, such as the alternate histories in this list. he creates occasional comedy tapes for his nieces and nephews, one of which helped spawn the zany goings-on in "Vikings Sack San Marino."

Doug has a free blogged book at takethespirituallead.blogspot.com for young people or anyone who wants to be a spiritual leader but worries they can't.

Nov 13, 2015


We talk about InD'Scribe conference
her two books,
http://www.beaconaudiobooks.com/home.html
http://www.pjboox.com/ November 22nd Book signing event in Ft. Meyers Florida between 1 and 4.
@bella623 on twitter
www.claudettemelanson.com
Facebook author page
Sherry Wingler, Wings of Darkness
Teema Maria Lacova, Blood Gifted
Louise White, The Calling

Nov 13, 2015

This is our first bonus episode.
We're back with Kevin L. Nielson as he prepares to launch his latest book, "Resurgent Shadows".
To learn more about this and the activities around the launch check his website at:
http://kevinlnielsen.com/
http://www.futurehousepublishing.com
Buy it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017TKDHNA?keywords=resurgent%20shadows&pebp=1447390238785&perid=V6AJNJAMNSTDTASBG923&qid=1447390234&ref_=sr_1_1&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Nov 12, 2015

In this episode I talk with Joana Hill about Maine, Tennessee, Nanowrimo, Scrivener, and her many manuscripts.


www.Nanowrimo.org
Scrivener
www.scribophile.com
Sarah Dessen
Gayle Foreman - If I Stay
joana@wordsandteabottles.com
http://nanowrimo.org/participants/maemi

Nov 10, 2015

We talk about getting a BA in English, Freanch, Humanities, Playing the violin and piano, her book, Ella, more books, Cedar Fort Press, and the LDStorymakers conference.


www.jotsbyjess.com for more contact
jess_peaslee Instagram
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jessilyn-Stewart-Peaslee-890103107707130/?fref=ts


JESSILYN STEWART PEASLEE was born the fourth of seven children into a family of avid readers, music lovers, movie quoters, and sports fans. Jessilyn graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English, and also studied French and the Humanities. She loves playing catch with her boys, singing, playing the piano, making Orange Julius and popcorn, and watching movies with her husband and five boys. She is very grateful to them for being so supportive while Mommy wrote her “girl book.” Jessilyn grew up in the beautiful high desert of Southern California and now resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. As you read this, she is probably folding laundry . . . or should be.

About Ella
As soon as I felt the warmth from the fire, I realized I was freezing. The thought of leaving the delicious heat sent chills through me and I couldn’t bear to abandon it. I stretched out my weary body on the hearth, not caring about the cinders and soot that clung to me. I untied my shawl, placed it under my head and lay down, and watched the flames dance to a song I couldn’t hear.

Without the help of mice, magic, or fairy godmothers, the reserved yet resilient Ella Blakeley must find within herself the courage to overcome almost insurmountable obstacles, combat feelings of loneliness and worthlessness, forgive the unrepentant, and open her eyes and heart to the selfless and patient nature of true love. Through sacrifice and perseverance, Ella slowly rises from the cinders in her soul to make the transformation from mere survival to truly living and loving.
Going Live November 11th
http://www.amazon.com/Ella-Jessilyn-Stewart-Peaslee/dp/1462117457/

Nov 4, 2015

In this episode I talk with Kai Strand about Bend, Oregon, the high desert, King of Bad, fantasy vrs. speculative fiction, contemporary romance, and bed time stories
Favorite authors: Maggie Stiefvater, Jonathan Stroud,

King of Bad
Jeff Mean would rather set fires than follow rules or observe curfew. He wears his bad boy image like a favorite old hoodie; that is until he’s recruited by Super Villain Academy – where you learn to be good at being bad. In a school where one kid can evaporate all the water from your body and the girl you hang around with can perform psychic sex in your head, bad takes on a whole new meaning. Jeff wonders if he’s bad enough for SVA. He may never find out. Classmates vilify him when he develops good manners. Then he’s kidnapped by those closest to him and left to wonder who is good and who is bad. His rescue is the climactic episode that balances good and evil in the super world. The catalyst – the girl he’s crushing on. A girlfriend and balancing the supers is good, right? Or is it…bad?

Thanks for your interest in my books and me. I love talking books with readers and hope you'll share your thoughts on my books by leaving a review and/or dropping me an email. It's easiest to get a hold of me through my website: www.kaistrand.com. Perhaps you clicked on my bio to find out things about me, such as I hate to handle raw meat, I'm a wife and mother of four, a compulsive walker, and a Mozart fangirl. But since you stopped by, what I really want you to know is that I love that you read. Readers are smart, quick-witted, and usually good conversationalists--even if it's only inside their head. Introverts unite!

I write middle grade fiction because those are the most formative years of our lives. It's when we are trying to claim our freedom, while still being restricted by rules. The things we learn in books can give us the skills to navigate that maze. I write young adult fiction because there are no limits to what message I share or how I share it. Plus young adult readers are some of the most passionate readers out there. I heart YA readers.

If you'd like an image of me as a writer, go ahead and picture me with my laptop in a quaint bookshop café, fingers flying over the keys while the words pour out of my fingertips. It's much better than the real image of me in my pajamas with coffee breath, sinking into the me-sized crater in the couch, grumbling at my laptop when the words don't come.

Happy reading!

Oct 24, 2015

Woohoo!

We just got our first 100 downloads.

Eight episodes are up.

This might not sound like much, but most podcasts don't make it past 7 episodes. I have about 10 more interviews recorded and a half dozen lined up to record.

So...This podcast shouldn't go away for a while.

Please, take a moment, go to iTunes, subscribe, and give us a rating. This will help get the podcast out to the people who can help support these wonderful authors I have had on the show.

Thanks,

Philip Carroll

Oct 23, 2015

We talk about Education, being a reading specialist for middle school, The Outsiders, Writing through stress, a need to tell stories, two stories he is currently working on, books and movies as a reflection of society's concerns.
www.markmagroauthor.com
@magrocrag

 

Surfacing:
In a postapocalyptic world, two students discover that the worst thing about searching for the truth is actually finding it After a nuclear war has ravaged the planet, children of the few survivors are sent to renowned scientist Dr. Parkman and his underground facility, Parkman Institute of Science and Solutions, to learn, create, and test the latest technologies until they turn 18 and are sent back to the surface to help rebuild society. Balt and Zoe, 16-year-old students, have begun to realize something is amiss when Zoe is given a glimpse of an entirely different reality during a freak accident, one completely foreign to what Parkman has always described to his students. With the help of Balt and his midterm robotics project, the talkative head of an A.I. called Smith, the three devise a plan to escape the institute and travel through the ruins of the old labs to get to the surface. As they draw closer to their destination, they begin to see that their biggest threat might be each other. The old lab is full of secrets, and some answers are perhaps better left buried.

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