Ocieanna Fleiss has published books in a number of genres from memoir to romance to cozy mystery to devotional. It was hard to pick which one to chat about...so, we covered them all in Episode 19 of Season 2. We start with her memoir - Love Like There's No Tomorrow: How A Cardiac Arrest Brought My Heart To Life. At age 41, she literally died and had to be revived - more than once. But the interventions of God both in those first harrowing days and in the slow recuperative days that followed speak to his amazing, tender healing power. We also go over her romance novels written in tandem with Tricia Goyer - how that came about and how it proceeded. Her cozy mysteries, published by Guidepost, are two of an extensive series set at the Wayfarers Inn in Marietta, OH. Working in conjunction with an entire group of writers via a shared Facebook group and a deeply involved editor, makes this series flow seamlessly. And then there's Ocieanna's stunning devotional - Awaiting the Manger: Whispers of Advent in the Old Testament. Yup, we covered lots of ground and loved every minute. I think you will too! Check out all of Ocieanna's books and her blog at www.ocieanna.com

Eva Marie Everson is my guest in Episode 18 of Season 2. Her latest novel, Miss Beth Bettencourt, is being released on May 12, 2026. We discuss the evolution of that story from the combination of a Miss Abby column and a writing exercise into a full-blown novel set in small-town Georgia. We also get to delve into Eva's various ventures beyond her prolific writing career such as being the conference director for Florida Christian Writers Conference, the CEO of Word Weavers International and the overseer of the Selah Awards and Foundation Awards for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Eva Marie shares about setting goals in her writing process with word count and deadlines in mind while also recognizing that life happens to all of us despite our best laid plans. Her advice? Embrace real life even as you enjoy the journey of writing.

Another debut novelist joins me in Episode 17 of Season 2. Karen Higgin's book A Garden Grows is the first of three books scheduled in The Hills of Harvest series. Karen is traditionally published through Mountain Brook Ink but the journey to get to her recent book launch has taken years. While homeschooling her kids and teaching them about writing, a desire within her own heart opened up to become an author. So, in the midst of many years of busy mothering of five kids, Karen grabbed every moment she could to add to her growing storyline. She also attended writers conferences and joined a critique group as she continually sought to hone her craft along the way. Until, voila! In April of 2026 her book is published and two more are coming close behind it.

Nova McBee is my guest in Episode 16 of Season 2. She is an award-winning author, a screenwriter and a world traveler. The adventures packed into her Calculated book series are inspired by her own adventure-filled life. Book #4 - Liberated - is slated to be released on June 30, 2026. Nova talks about the preparations she made after God told her to write a book - she studied her craft, practiced her writing and poured over the ins and outs of the book publishing world. You'll hear inspiring stories behind her journey from agent query letter responses to book club critique partners showing up at just the right moment. Nova has also become proficient in the art of screenwriting and now leads an entire group of writers as they adapt books and craft original scripts for screens large and small. You can follow her at www.novamcbee.com as well as www.yxentertainmentgroup.com.

Episode 15 of Season 2 finds us exploring one teen aged girl's experience of living near a United States naval base in the Philippines during the Vietnam War - all through the lens of Mary Sheldahl's debut novel "Torn Between Two Worlds - The Cost of Forgiveness". The book is based on Mary's own life experiences when she and her family were sent to the Philippines so that her father could run a Lutheran Serviceman's Center near Subic Bay Naval Station. Taking her memories and processing them into a compelling story arc was healing, challenging and rewarding for Mary. Listen in as she explains how that journey unfolded for her as she looked back on things that happened many years ago and pulled them into this fresh novel that is relevant to today.

Claire Holloway Is Winging It is the first in Angela Ruth Strong's new contemporary romance series - High Flying Romance. Based on Angela's own experiences as a flight attendant, it will be released on March 17th. In Episode 14 of Season 2, you get a preview of what's behind the new book as well as many of her other books and series. You'll hear how Finding Love In Big Sky, Montana (part of her Resort to Love Series) was made into a movie and how one of her TikTok posts unexpectedly went viral! Angela also shares how some of life's harder moments like divorce and breast cancer, actually helped her find her way in her writing career. A traditionally published author, Angela gives us a glimpse into what that journey has looked like for her and why she loves this publishing option. She has ventured into Indie publishing from time to time in collaboration with fellow authors - listen and find out the fun doors that opened for her there as well.

Steve Rzasa is a prolific author of science fiction and fantasy stories who also works as a ghostwriter for non-fiction books. In Episode 13 of Season 2, we get to explore a few of his many writing adventures including his soon to be released book The Null Razor Heist. This story is a full blown novel about a character Steve developed in one chapter of Eon City Burnout - A Cyberpunk Anthology (refer to Episode 4 with Tina Gollings). Steve thrives on collaborative writing projects with his fellow realm building authors without neglecting his own individual series like The Face of the Deep, Vincent Chen, The Interstice Universe, Takamo Universe and more. He's got a lot going on including being a workshop presenter at the upcoming NCWA Renewal Conference on May 16, 2026 in Everett, WA. Register now and meet Steve in person!

Katie Mathews was 16 years old when her life was turned upside down in a car accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury and a quadriplegic body. In her memoir, Unparalyzed: Shattering Limits While Finding Freedom, Katie shares her journey from anger, resentment and hopelessness to freedom in discovering the purposes of God for her life. Her revelation about the power of renewing our minds through gratitude and gaining a higher perspective is truly inspiring. Of course, we also talk about how Katie moved her manuscript off her computer - where it sat for 12 years - into a published paperback as well as an audiobook. But this is just part of the ongoing impact of Katie's life. She has also established a non-profit organization and works as a life coach and public speaker. You can contact her at www.limitlessjourney.org. As always, I walk away from my conversation with Katie encouraged, challenged and inspired - I'm guessing you will too.