Episodes

  • Unknown Destiny: The Journey of a Reluctant Princess with Author Karina Kantas
    Nov 5 2024

    My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Karina Kantas, author of the book Illusional Reality (Duology). Karina is the bestselling author of 14 titles covering most fiction genres, including thriller novels and young adult fiction, many of which have won awards. She’s also an award-winning filmmaker and has won numerous awards for her documentary and short films at International Film Festivals. (You can find them in the Trophy Room.) She’s also a BookTuber, podcaster and radio host and runs Author Assist to help independent authors with promoting and marketing their books.

    In my book review, I stated Illusional Reality (Duology) is the two-book fantasy romance series. Both books start on earth but quickly take us to an enchanted realm in which Becky is known as Thya and happens to be a princess. Her parents, the rulers at her birth, whisked her away to earth to keep her safe. But now it is time for her to return and save Tsinia from the evil prince bent on domination.

    Becky turned Thya has to figure out a new world, the laws that govern the land, an unusual way of speaking, and her own magical abilities - plus her attraction to someone she is forbidden to love. The book moves quickly and kept me guessing at what would happen next. And although the ending of book two (The Quest) wrapped up nicely, Karina left room for more. Who knows! There could be a book three in the future!

    Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1

    Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

    You can follow Author Karina Kantas

    Website: https://explosivewriter.com/

    FB: @KKantasAuthorAssist

    FB: @ExplosiveWriter

    IG: @author_assist_karina_kantas

    X: @KarinaKantas

    Purchase Illusional Reality (Duology) on Amazon:

    Ebook: https://amzn.to/3ZNHUXN

    Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

    FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

    IG: @terimbrown_author

    X: @terimbrown1

    #karinakantas #illustionalreality #fantasy #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

    *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    24 mins
  • Mastering the Art of Flash Fiction: Tips from Editor John McCaffrey
    Nov 2 2024

    My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is John McCaffrey, editor of 50 Give or Take, is here to chat with us about flash fiction and why authors might want to consider this form of storytelling. Originally from Rochester, New York, John McCaffrey attended Villanova University and received his M.A. in Creative Writing from the City College of New York. He is the author of four published books: The Book of Ash (2013), a science fiction novel, and the short story collections Two Syllable Men (2016), What's Wrong With This Picture? (2019) and Automatically Hip (2022). He is an award-winning playwright, a writing professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a columnist for The Good Men Project.

    Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1

    Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

    You can follow Author John McCaffrey

    Website: linktr.ee/johnmccaffreyhttps://linktr.ee/johnmccaffrey

    FB: @john.mccaffrey.984

    IG: @jmccaffrey0

    X @jamccaffrey

    Purchase The 50-Word Stories of 2023: Microfiction for Lovers of Quick Reads (50 Give or Take) on Amazon:

    Paperback: https://amzn.to/4e8KNXp

    Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

    FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

    IG: @terimbrown_author

    X: @terimbrown1

    #johnmccaffrey #the50wordstoriesof2023 #flashfiction #50giveortake #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

    *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    24 mins
  • Ghostly Secrets: See What Paranormal Investigators Uncover with Authors RC and JP Carter
    Oct 29 2024

    My guests today on the Online for Authors podcast are RC and JP Carter, author of the book A Chance of a Ghost. RC and JP aka Rob and Joan, are hosts of Meet the Author Podcast on WLFE-db Radio and WDJY FM Radio (Atlanta). They are cohosts of Haunted Campfire Tales Podcast WLFE-db Radio. Both podcasts stream LIVE on Youtube, Facebook and LinkedIn. Rob and Joan publicize other indie authors on their website. Rob and Joan are members of the Underground Authors writing group and the authors of Book 23 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles - A Chance of a Ghost.

    On a personal note, they are the proud parents of six children, grandparents of fourteen grandchildren and great grandparents of one great granddaughter. Their household is run by a nine and a half pound Papillon/Shih Tzu rescue dog. They travel the country with their dog Missy in their travel trailer. Missy is a Certified B.A.R.K. Ranger, having completed a hiking trail at Mt Rushmore.

    In my book review, I stated A Chance of a Ghost is a paranormal mystery and is part of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Although I'm not usually a ghost-story reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned quite a lot in the process.

    You see, RC and JP are not just authors and podcast hosts, they are also paranormal investigators. This story shows what paranormal investigators do, the type of equipment they use, and the types of situations they run into. It also shows skepticism from those who realize what they are up to, which I found refreshing since I, too, am a skeptic when it comes to haunted houses. Yet, despite my skepticism, I have seen and felt things I cannot explain.

    The characters, Mike and Maureen, are a lovable couple trying to help their cousins uncover the secrets of the old mansion they purchased. Plus, Mike also receives a premonition about a local man's murder. Will they discover a ghost? Can they help the ghost move on without marring their cousins' reputations? Will they be able to stop a murder before it happens?

    This is a fun, quick read and is a great ghost story, especially for those who may not be believers!

    Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1

    Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

    You can follow Author RC and JP Carter

    Website: https://indiebooksource.com/books-by-rc-jp-carter/

    Social media: IG: @carternovels

    LinkedIn: @RC and JP Carter

    FB: @IndieBookSource

    X: @INDIEBOOKSOURCE

    Purchase A Chance of a Ghost on Amazon:

    Paperback: https://amzn.to/4dnG5DO

    Ebook: https://amzn.to/4dnG5DO

    Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

    FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

    IG: @terimbrown_author

    X: @terimbrown1

    #rcjpcarter #achanceofaghost #mystery #thriller #ghoststory #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

    *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • The Quad Squad: A Dramedy of Friendship and Healing with Author Donna Levin
    Oct 26 2024

    Today, the Online for Authors podcast Guest Host Tina Hogan Grant chats Donna Levin, author of the book The Talking Stick. Donna’s work is included in Boston University’s Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center and in the California State Library’s collection of California novels. She is the author of Extraordinary Means, California Street, There’s More Than One Way Home, and He Could Be Another Bill Gates, as well as her latest novel, The Talking Stick, a dramedy about four women who discover that some of their most-cherished memories are romanticized versions of the truth. In addition to novels, Donna has published two books about writing: Get that Novel Started and Get that Novel Written, both with Writer’s Digest Books.

    Donna has taught fiction writing for three decades, most notably at the University of California Extension at Berkeley, where she led the novel writing workshop. She has also been a frequent guest at writers’ conferences, including the San Francisco Writers’ Conference and the Squaw Valley Community of Writers. She lives in San Francisco.

    In her book review, Tina stated that this is a Joyful and at times humorous read that had me laughing out loud. After Hunter loses her cheating husband to her so-called friend, Angelica. Hunter decides to start a support group and places flyers around her neighborhood. I enjoyed reading how Danika, Alicia, and Penelope stumbled on the flyer and how we were introduced to the characters. I felt like I was sitting in on their meetings, learning of their history, struggles, and challenges. All were unique and over time their friendship grew and by the end of the book they had become a sisterhood. The storyline kept me engaged and many women will relate to one of the women's stories. Well written with a few surprises. A book I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

    Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1

    Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

    You can follow Author

    Website: https://www.donnalevin.com/

    FB: @authordonnalevin

    IG: @donnalevinauthor

    LinkedIn: @donna-levin-50b5047

    X: @DonnaLevinWrite

    Purchase on Amazon:

    Hardback: https://amzn.to/4eBSBkb

    Ebook: https://amzn.to/3zDy53Q

    Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

    FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

    IG: @terimbrown_author

    X: @terimbrown1

    #donnalevin #thetalkingstick #womensfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

    *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    24 mins
  • Unmasking Chaos: Murder in the Heart of a Race Riot with Author Carla Damron
    Oct 22 2024

    My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Carla Damron , author of the book Justice Be Done. Carla holds an MSW and an MFA. Her careers of social worker and writer are intricately intertwined; all of her novels explore social issues like addiction, homelessness, and mental illness. She works part-time with Communities in Schools and volunteers with the League of Women Voters, Sisters in Crime- Palmetto Chapter (President), and Mutual Aid Midlands.

    Carla is a social worker, advocate and author whose last novel, The Stone Necklace (about grief and addiction) won the 2017 Women’s Fiction Writers Association Star Award for Best Novel and was selected the One Community Read for Columbia SC. In her new novel, The Orchid Tattoo, Carla uses crime fiction to delve into the complex topic of human trafficking, a horrific crime affecting thousands of victims around the world—and in her native South Carolina. She hopes the novel will both entertain and educate her readers. She is also the author of the Caleb Knowles mystery novels and has published numerous short stories, essays, and op-eds.

    Carla is a South Carolina native. Born in Sumter, she currently lives outside of Columbia with her husband, Jim Hussey, and their blended family of assorted animals.

    In my book review, I stated Justice Be Done is a contemporary suspense novel set in Columbia, South Carolina. The main character, Caleb Knowles, is a social worker who often consults with criminals and suspects for the police department. This time, the criminal is a teenager, and the crime stems from racial mistreatment. The more Caleb looks, the more he finds. Discrimination in the community. Discrimination in the police force. Discrimination among the political leaders. Finally, the discrimination touches his own family. Will he be able to save his client? Can he save others? Or will hatred and violence ultimately win? This is a 'can't put down' read!

    Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1

    Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

    You can follow Author Carla Damron:

    Website: https://carladamron.com/

    FB: @carladamron

    IG:@carladamron

    X: @carlawritesfic

    Purchase on Amazon:

    Paperback: https://amzn.to/46OPVwM

    Ebook: https://amzn.to/3X6DYzw

    Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

    FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

    IG: @terimbrown_author

    X: @terimbrown1

    #carladamron #justicebedone #mystery #suspense #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

    *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    24 mins
  • Behind the Facade: Unraveling the Secrets That Bond Us with Author Christine Gunderson
    Oct 19 2024

    Carole O’Neill’s guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Christine Gunderson, author of the book Friends with Secrets, which is Christine’s debut novel. She wrote Friends with Secrets in her minivan in the school pick up line, at piano lessons, during drama rehearsals, at swim team practice, basketball practice, crew practice, and in lots of other unglamourous and uncomfortable places where only a parent who writes would write.

    Like all writers, she started life as a reader. She was born and raised on a fourth-generation family farm in rural North Dakota where she devoured Laura Ingalls Wilder books in her very own little house on the prairie. She also burned holes in her chenille bedspread while attempting to read Trixie Belden books under the covers when she was supposed to be asleep. During these formative years growing up on the farm, she learned to haul grain, drive a combine, and pick rocks, skills that have yet to be useful later in life. Growing up on the prairie fifty miles from the nearest McDonalds has also given her an aversion to trees, and lifelong craving for wide open spaces.

    She eventually left the farm to attend college and seek her fortune. She pursued the kind of jobs where one gets paid to talk and write and no one cares that she failed algebra. She worked as television anchor and reporter and a Capitol Hill press secretary, then left it all behind to stay home with her children, where algebra continues to baffle her all these years later. She currently lives in the Washington D.C. suburbs with her three children, Star the Wonder Dog, and a very patient husband.

    When not writing, she is sailing the Chesapeake Bay with her family, playing Star Wars monopoly, re-reading Jane Austen novels or unloading the dishwasher.

    In Carole’s book review, she stated that women have often been told, “You can have it all - just not at the same time.” Christine proves that theory wrong in her debut novel, Friends with Secrets.

    Nikki and Ainsley are two modern women on opposite ends of the motherhood spectrum. Nikki has just been told she’s been replaced at her television station as their anchor, while she spends most of her maternity leave struggling to convince her newborn son that her breast milk will really satisfy him, while her three older children destroy the aisles of the grocery store playing baby food pong down aisle five.

    Ainsley has no problem convincing her children of anything because she has the help of a nanny, housekeeper, cook, clothing designer and a husband with more money than God, who is running for congress.

    How these two women become a force to reckon with is what keeps you laughing out loud from the beginning. The secrets they share require the skills of both women to unravel. When they discover a way to expose the truth of Ainsley’s past life that threatens her husband’s future, you can’t turn the pages fast enough to find out if they’re right.

    Gunderson’s research comes from her real-life experience in television, proving you can balance motherhood, friendship, and career. This novel is a must read.

    Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1

    Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

    You can follow Author Christine Gunderson

    Website: https://christinegunderson.com/

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/47221896.Christine_Gunderson

    IG: @gunderchristine

    FB: @christine.i.gunderson

    X: @GunderChristine

    LinkedIn: @Christine-Gunderson-b1274a315

    Purchase Friends with Secrets on Amazon:

    Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Xv54zd

    Ebook: https://amzn.to/3zrvU3g

    Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

    FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

    IG: @terimbrown_author

    X: @terimbrown1

    #christinegunderson #friendswithsecrets #familyfiction #contemporaryfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

    *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    18 mins
  • Surviving the Impossible: The Harrowing Tale of Flight 571 with Author John Guiver
    Oct 15 2024

    My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is John Guiver, author of the book To Play the Game. John’s lifetime interest in the 1972 Andes Flight Disaster led him to travel to the site of the accident in January 2013 in the company of one of the sixteen survivors, Eduardo Strauch. Through him, John met many others connected to the story, including survivors Pedro Algorta and Coche Inciarte, whose memoirs he translated.

    Over the years, he has conducted numerous interviews within the close-knit passenger community, and has delved deeply into various archives, including that of Piers Paul Read who wrote the best-selling 1974 account of the tragedy, Alive. The detailed information he amassed persuaded him to write a comprehensive history of this iconic event.

    More recently, he was a guest expert on the May 2023 ABC 20/20 documentary "Prisoners of the Snow", a production for which his book was a major source.

    In my book review, I stated To Play the Game is the story of Flight 571. You may remember hearing about the plane that went down full of rugby players. The plane crashed, and it took ten weeks before they were found. A famous book, Alive, talks in detail about those ten weeks, but John's story does even more.

    First, he doesn't focus only on the survivors. Instead, he also tells the story of every person on the plane, so we understand why they were on the plane and what their life was like before the crash. Additionally, John spends a lot of time setting up the world view of the passengers, including their hometowns, occupations, education, and even love lives. Finally, John looks at the many possible causes of the accident. Each of these pieces makes this book a very comprehensive look at Flight 571 and all who were affected by the tragedy.

    Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1

    Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

    You can follow Author John Guiver

    Website: https://johnguiver.org/

    FB: @jpguiver

    LinkedIn: @guiver

    Purchase To Play the Game on Amazon:

    Paperback: https://amzn.to/46I7Ipr

    Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

    FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

    IG: @terimbrown_author

    X: @terimbrown1

    #johnguiver #toplaythegame #biography #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

    *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    27 mins
  • Navigating the Job Jungle: 10 Essential Rules with Author Kathleen Goggin
    Oct 12 2024

    My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Kathleen Goggin, author of the book 10 Little Rules When Good Jobs Go Bad. Writer, editor and author, Kate has always been interested in sharing best practices in business and in life. Disappointed there were no manuals to follow, she often created those for herself, and then shared them to help others. “10 Little Rules When Good Jobs Go Bad: Reclaim Your Power at Work and in Life” is her latest project and is for anyone facing difficult decisions in their job journey.

    A former “Family Matters” newspaper columnist, Kate has also published “The Art of International Living,” a newsletter for successful overseas relocation, and “Backpack Kids: The Planning Safety Checklist for Overseas Travel,” an iPhone app for parents, teachers, and volunteer leaders planning international travel for school-age children.

    She is a certified technical writer and a former spokesperson. Her former clients include the US State Department, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration. She lives in Leesburg, VA.

    In my book review, I stated 10 Little Rules When Good Jobs Go Bad takes a hard look at changing jobs, what it looks like, what it means, and when you might consider the switch. I love how Kathleen seasons the book with her work history story, allowing us a peek into her decisions, both good and not so good.

    My favorite rule was "Leverage Boredom." When Kate's job no longer challenged her, she became bored. However, rather than just accept boredom, or spend time scrolling social media reels, she took a technical writing certification program. As Kate states, "I always advise people they should learn something new if their job search is in neutral." This certification paved the way for the next stepping stone in her career.

    As a semi-retired author, I wish I had this book earlier in life. Knowing that, I think I'll buy several copies for my children in hopes of helping them navigate this area of their life. Well-done, Kathleen!

    Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1

    Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

    You can follow Author Kathleen Goggin:

    Personal website: https://kategoggin.net/

    Publisher website: https://10littlerules.com/store/10-Little-Rules-When-Good-Jobs-Go-Bad-p673825370

    LinkedIn: @kategoggin

    Facebook: @kate.goggin.58

    Instagram: @kate_goggin94

    Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/180958423-kathleen-goggin

    Purchase 10 Little Rules When Good Jobs Go Bad on Amazon:

    Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3TyoNNg

    Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

    FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

    IG: @terimbrown_author

    X: @terimbrown1

    #kathleengoggin #10littleruleswhengoodjobsgobad #10littlerules #inspirational #self-help #journalwriting #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

    *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    23 mins