EPISODE 415 - Lynne Shaner - Journey to Everland Bay, Black Rose Writing, and Apple Trees

About Lynne
Lynne Shaner has been captivated by fantasy, myth, and fairy tales since childhood, when her mother first read Charlotte’s Web and The Wind in the Willows to her. She lives in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, close enough to Lake Michigan to walk to the shoreline every day.

Shelves overflowing with books line her home, and there is always a knitting project on her needles. Lynne lives with her husband, and Merlin, her small, adorable pup. When not writing, she can be found reading and knitting in her garden, where she grows herbs, flowers and story ideas. Her work has appeared in various literary magazines. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing/fiction from Johns Hopkins. This is her debut novel.

Journey to Everland Bay
Jemma Avalon, an unconventional mage-in-training, longs to return to Everland Bay, her ancestral homeland, and find a way to join the renowned magical research institute there, like the women in her family before her.

Daughter of a gentle part elf-fae mother and a father with fiery dragon blood, an unusual combination even in the magical world, ten years after her mother’s sudden death, she is working at a major museum in DC, where magic is all but outlawed. Her father wants her to assimilate and live without magic, but Jemma is determined to fully embrace her heritage.

When an ordinary day at the museum takes an extraordinary turn, Jemma is rocketed to an Everland Bay Institute under violent siege, where dark-arts mages threaten everything important to her. Once there, she joins forces with her companions and works feverishly to save Everland Bay from crumbling under enemy attack. In so doing, she finds a path to her own strength and mastery, and her heart’s true home.

A Heroine’s Journey for our times.

“A beautifully engaging fantasy teeming with dragons, fae, magic and the importance of family and friendship. A joy to read from beginning to end. I found myself rooting for our main heroine, Jemma, as she grew into a wonderful and powerful young woman. I am already looking forward to the next work in this thrilling series!” – Julie Boglisch, author of The Elifer Chronicles, The Requiem of Stones series and her standalone, Ghost of a Memory.

https://lynneshaner.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

EPISODE 414 - Jack Ori - Fiction With A Purpose - transgender author who writes LGBTQ+ mysteries starring trauma survivors

I’ve been writing stories ever since my grandmother gifted me a typewriter when I was six. My first story was a two-page Nancy Drew fanfiction—to my young mind, it made sense for her to find the bad guy hiding under the bed!

As a kid, I loved mysteries. My favorite series was The Three Investigators, which is sadly out of print today. I was especially fascinated by all the secret codes the protagonists used and how Jupiter Jones (what a name!) would use his acting skills to pretend he was stupid when he needed to get information. And of course, there would always be a scene near the end where the bad guys kidnapped one or more of the boys to try to keep their secrets hidden.

Although I read and write stories for teens and adults now, I still love a good kidnapping scene. I also love writing powerful villains who will do anything to keep their secrets hidden, falsely accused people (sometimes framed by their enemies!) who must race against time to clear their names before they end up in jail, and underdog heroes who are determined to find and expose horrifying truths despite the potential consequences.

Many of my darkest stories come from my devastating personal experiences with trauma, drug addiction and abuse. I had a fairly normal childhood. But when I grew up I lived and loved a drug addict and was lucky to escape with my life. He was not—he died of an overdose two days after I moved across the country. It was another five years before I learned I was both autistic and transgender, which shattered my worldview in some ways even though it made everything that came before make sense.

I had many careers while I was trying to figure it all out, most recently as a licensed master social worker. I’ve worked with traumatized people, drug or alcohol addicts, and people impacted by the criminal justice system.

One summer I worked at an alternative court system in New York City. It opened my eyes to the ways racism and homo/transphobia, trauma, and drug use often intersect to create a “justice” system that is stacked against certain groups of people.

For all these reasons, I write mystery/thrillers that not only keep people guessing but also inspire and empower trauma survivors. All of my characters have experienced traumatic violence but don’t let that stop them from fighting for justice.

I love it when readers tell me that my books helped them heal. I also tell the stories I do to advocate for real-world change to the criminal justice system.

https://authorjackori.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Episode 413 - Tanya Brockett - Co-Author of Basic Financial Literacy, What You Didn't Learn in School

Book: Basic Financial Literacy: What You Didn't Learn in School - Ever wish someone had taught you more about finance and wealth management so you didn’t feel short-changed in conversations about money?

Dive into practical wealth management with Basic Financial Literacy: What You Didn't Learn in School. This short read demystifies financial literacy, making budgeting and money management accessible to all.

Inside, you'll discover:

• Why & How to Prepare Your Financial Mindset
• How to Set SMART Financial Goals
• Effective Budgeting Strategies
• The Power of Regular Saving
• Fundamental Investing Principles
• Debt Management Techniques
• How to Build and ProtectPersonal & Business Credit
• Benefits of Lifelong Learning in Finance
• How to Build a Solid Retirement Plan
• Strategic Tax Planning Tips
• The Importance of Insurance in Wealth Protection
• And More…

Through each chapter’s relatable examples, you'll see how people apply these principles in their lives, transforming their relationship with money. Perfect for beginners (teens and adults), this book is a must-have for anyone seeking to understand their finances and build lasting wealth. Basic Financial Literacy equips you with the strategies needed to take control of your financial future.

Discover how to build wealth, secure financial freedom, and achieve prosperity with this empowering roadmap to financial success. It even comes with suggestions for further reading so you can continue your financial empowerment journey. Don't miss the opportunity to unlock your financial potential and pave the way for a prosperous tomorrow.

https://amzn.to/45xJvlc
https://Linktr.ee/TanyaBrockett
https://tanyabrockett.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Episode 412 - Cathy Gagliardi - Encouraged by Author Robert Munsch, Cathy wrote Bellyflies, a book that takes you from pain to purpose

Book: BELLYFLIES - The first of the Yumyum books, by author Cathy Gagliardi of Twinkling Lynx is BellyFlies and achieved #1 Top Hot New Release on Amazon on the same day it was released and quickly became an International Best Selling book. This is a much-beloved book by many children and their parents. It helps children express those feelings and emotions that they find hard to express in words. A must-have book if the child(ren) in your life are feeling anxious, sad, worried, or simply curious about how to safely and openly express their feelings more easily.

Bellyflies, was born out of tragedy, yet from that book has emerged so many amazing stories from parents who have shared that their children are learning new ways to cope with those moments of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Children are saying, "Mommy, I have Bellyflies!" It has even been shared that this book has been used by a Therapist helping children walk through the separation of parents who are away from home for long periods due to work or duty.

The author, Cathy believes that it is her life's work to write stories for children that help them step through the tough times in life and do so with skills that help them cope a little easier.

About the author

Cathy Gagliardi of Twinkling Lynx is passionate about writing stories for children.

She also loves reading those stories to children as she visits schools, hospitals, and organizations around the world. Her books are helping children to express more easily times when they feel anxious, nervous, scared, or sad.

Cathy is so happy when a child receives her books from their parent, grandparent, or someone special in their lives and is excited to hear how they have helped and enjoyed them.

Cathy's mission is to be able to do her part in helping the world by having her books in the hands and homes of children and schools around the world. She feels that if children learn tools to help them through uncomfortable feelings then as they grow, these techniques will naturally be called upon.

Cathy invites you to join her by supporting her Go Fund Me Initiative at twinklinglynx.com#GoFundMe and support children around the world in receiving Cathy's books.

Connect with Cathy and Twinkling Lynx:

Web: https://twinklinglynx.com/
https://amzn.to/3VNGZE7

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

EPISODE 411 - Lorraine Norwood - My Characters Speak To Me - Letting The Story Lead

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here. I'm glad you take an interest in writers and writing. And I'm glad you love books.

I'm a native of Western North Carolina, home to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English with honors in creative writing and then pursued a career as a professional journalist for over 20 years, working in print and television journalism.

My lifelong interest in archaeology and all things medieval led me to a mid-life career change. I earned a second degree in anthropology at Western Carolina University followed by a Master’s Degree in Medieval Archaeology from the University of York in the UK. I was 50 years old when I graduated. I know! I know! It sounds crazy, but it was one of those things I just had to do. I try to go back to the UK to participate in excavations as often as I can. I love to stay in York, my favorite city, and volunteer with the York Archaeological Trust. You can find them here. Two of my favorite places to stay in York are the Adams House and the Bar Convent.

My novels are set in 14th century England, France, and Germany. It's fascinating, it's hard, and it's fun.

I love getting stuck down rabbit holes finding facts that will add to my story and authenticate my characters and location.

When I'm writing, I'm usually accompanied by my yellow Lab Sally. Sally is like a toddler – she follows me wherever I go. Most of the time she's looking for a handout.

I'm happiest when I'm writing and the magic moment occurs – the words sing and the hairs go up on the back of my neck. It's been a long road, but I'm pleased that at long last after two marriages, two children, nineteen jobs, three college degrees, and twenty-seven moves (one of which was abroad), I have a room of my own in which to write. Virginia Woolf would be proud.

https://www.lorrainenorwood.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Episode 410 - Gary Randolph - Amusing Books and Lively Storytelling Programs From Indiana to Ireland to Outer Space

Located in Anderson, Indiana, Gary Randolph is an author and storyteller. His books spin tales (generally with a heaping spoonful of humor) of murder mysteries and wacky aliens in outer space. As a storyteller he performs around central Indiana to both adults and children. He weaves together a mix of stories, songs, poems, and jokes that can transport audiences into another time and place. He specializes in stories of Ireland and Scotland, but is equally comfortable talking and singing about growing up in Indiana, pirates, history and more.

Gary Blaine Randolph is an award-winning writer and storyteller. Over his career he has been a software company owner, a college professor, and a web developer. And always he has been writing and telling stories.

His storytelling weaves together a mix of stories, songs, poems, and jokes for audiences of any age. He specializes in stories of Ireland and Scotland, of pirates and princesses, of growing up in down home Indiana.

He has presented programs to adults and children, Irish festivals, luncheon groups, churches, fairs, senior groups, office parties, and schools.

Gary's books include Stories From Celtic Lands, the whimsical Galactic Detective Agency series, and more.

He and his wife live in Indiana, where, in addition to writing, he cycles, plays guitar, drinks coffee, and hangs out with his grandkids.

https://grstoryteller.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Episode 409 - Christine Blosdale - Use Your Podcast To Write Your Next Book, Podcastonomics, and Following Your Passions

About the author

Christine Blosdale is a three time #1 Amazon Bestselling Author, a Social Media Coach and Podcast Expert. She’s also an award-winning radio personality and producer with over two decades of experience in both broadcasting and podcasting. She has been a featured contributor to America Online, The Microsoft Network, Woman’s Day Magazine, Ticker News, Pacifica Radio and Take 5 Magazine.

Christine's #1 Amazon bestselling books include;

- Podcast Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get Booked on Podcasts

- Podcastonomics: Unlocking The Secrets of Profitable Podcasting For Beginners

- Your Amazing Itty Bitty Podcast Book

Podcastonomics is a #1 Amazon Bestseller! Hey there, aspiring podcaster. Are you ready to rock the mic and dive into the exciting world of podcasts? Let International Bestselling Author and Podcast Coach Christine Blosdale be your guide with her latest book, "Podcastonomics: Unlocking The Secrets of Profitable Podcasting For Beginners."

In an audio landscape featuring over 3.5 million podcasts, Christine spills the beans on how to turn your podcasting passion into profits and success - and with millions of listeners on the hunt for fresh content, your voice could be the next one they hear!

"Podcastonomics" is your backstage pass, showing you how to craft engaging stories that'll hook listeners from all corners of the world. Christine Blosdale has been in the audio game for over two decades, and today she's sharing her insider tips to help you create a genuine connection that'll keep your audience coming back for more.

So whether you're a passionate vegan, a single mom budget ninja, or a champion for social justice, your story matters and there's an audience out there waiting for you. Ready to take your voice to the podcasting stage? Let "Podcastonomics" lead the way to podcasting success, one episode at a time. Get ready to slide on those headphones and rock that microphone, you soon-to-be podcast legend, you!

https://www.christineblosdale.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

EPISODE 408 - Danielle Ice - The Tides of the Universe Lightning Trilogy - A thrilling space adventure trilogy

Danielle was bitten by the writing bug when she was in elementary school and she can’t seem to get rid of it! She’s been the author of six short stories including A Dance of Dichotomies, Alyssum’s Wish, and The Trickster’s Trials. She started publishing full-length novels in 2022.

Whenever she isn’t writing, she’s either taking obscenely long walks, watching Disney movies, playing video games, reading, or drinking hot chocolate (sometimes many of those things at once). While she doesn’t write as her full-time job, she likes to put the people and places that live in her head on paper, and she hopes on the off chance that other people like her stories as much as she does.

She cares for writing as much as she does her fantastic family and her cat, Dave. She currently resides in Indiana with her husband and the aforementioned cat. See how adorable he is to the right.

https://danielleiceauthor.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/