Feathers and Flame: Poetry of Australian Landscapes and Personal Transformation

A heartfelt collection that intertwines the beauty of Australian wildlife, international locations and personal growth. It reveals emotional truths, inviting readers to explore the process of healing through nature.

Observing nature, especially how animals and birds interact and give unconditionally, provides moments of stillness, enabling deep gratitude and peace.

Learn more about Kathryn (Kate) Carlisle and her work at https://kcarlisleauthor.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• About Feathers and Flame and the Inspiration Behind the Collection – Kate shares how nature walks, personal memories, and her experience in the Australian Defence Force inspired this deeply reflective and healing body of work.

• Writing as a Path to Healing – Through poetry and journaling, Kate explored grief, self-forgiveness, and emotional transformation, using stillness in nature to process past experiences and reconnect with herself.

• Themes, Style, and Visuals – The collection blends short poems, longer reflections, and full-color landscape photography to create a layered, sensory storytelling experience grounded in emotion and place.

• Author Readings: “Mirror Me” and “Storm” – Kate reads two poems aloud, one reflecting on self-acceptance (Mirror Me), and another capturing the destructive and renewing force of nature (Storm).

• What’s Next for Kate – She’s continuing to write, including poems from the perspective of animals, and is considering turning Feathers and Flame into an audiobook.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Carlisle spent her early years in various regions of Australia, sometimes in a double-decker bus and a caravan, travelling across New South Wales, South Australia, north Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. During the family's travels, Kate learned to write by listing all the creeks and rivers they crossed in a notebook. This unique background, filled with diverse landscapes and experiences, shaped her experiences and writing. It instilled a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of adaptability that would later help her heal.

Kate served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for almost 39 years. At 16, she joined the Royal Australian Navy as an apprentice Electronics Technician, her formative year. After 10 years, she transitioned to the Royal Australian Air Force, serving nationally and overseas, separating in March 2023. Throughout her career, Kate found solace in writing, using it to express herself. She wrote about her experiences in the ADF, the challenges she faced, and the moments of triumph. Her writing served as a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others who might be going through similar experiences.

As a veteran, Kate completed the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills program, which helps build confidence and resilience in people experiencing health and wellbeing challenges related to service in the ADF. Kate found joy and an unlimited opportunity for healing through creative writing, and combined this with her love for nature and the outdoors. When at home, Kate spends time in the Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve, a space that Kate loves and uses to connect and experience the profound healing power of nature.    

CONNECT WITH KATE CARLISLE

Website: https://kcarlisleauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.carlisle.148 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kate-c-40702b9a Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate1_carlisle?igsh=MThnZmVtbzR5M2llaw==

THE PHILLY PHENOMS

Ten-year-old Lee Lomax is trying to scratch a severe golf itch. Like many kids, Lee idolizes his dad, Sam, a talented golfer who has put his game on hold to focus on his family. But Lee is relentless and vows to spend his summer at Sam’s blue-collar country club in the Philly suburbs, hoping it will entice his dad to do the same. Enter the despicable Hal Rustin, who wants nothing more than to see the Lomax family booted from the club. Sam might have no choice but to step in. In The Philly Phenoms, we follow Lee Lomax as he searches for a fix for his golf obsession. He circles a special charity match, held on the first anniversary of 9/11, as both the potential cure and the opportunity of a lifetime for the Lomax family.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• Golf as a Symbol and Passion – Central to the plot and rooted in the author’s personal experiences with his father and upbringing.
• Father-Son Relationship – A deep emotional core of the story, inspired by the author’s real bond with his own dad.
• Themes of Grit and Perseverance – Reflected in Lee’s character and motivated by the author’s observations as a teacher, especially post-COVID.
• Blending Humor with Real-World Trauma – Balancing lighthearted moments with heavier subjects like 9/11 and mental health, especially from a child’s point of view.
• Collaborative Creative Process – The book became a group effort, with contributions from friends and colleagues for the cover art, course map, and fictional club logo.
• What’s Next – Upcoming writing and publishing plans

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nate Oxman has been a golf writer in the Philadelphia area for nearly 20 years. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State University in 2004, Oxman served as an unpaid intern and later sports editor at The Spirit Community Newspapers in Philadelphia, where he covered general news and local youth and high school sports. In 2007, he was hired as the associate sports editor for Montgomery Newspapers, which publishes a group of weekly papers in the Philadelphia suburbs of Montgomery County, and the staff writer for Philadelphia Golfer, a monthly golf magazine published by the newspaper group. While writing for Philadelphia Golfer, Oxman earned a Keystone Media Award from Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association as well as a first-place prize from the Philadelphia Press Association. In 2010, Oxman became the staff writer for Tri-State Golf Magazine, a quarterly publication covering golf news throughout the tri-state area of eastern Pennsylvania, south Jersey, and Delaware. He continues to serve as the staff writer for Tri-State Golf and has contributed freelance work to myriad publications including The Philadelphia Daily News, The Philadelphia Inquirer, South Jersey Magazine, Suburban Life Magazine, Golf Association of Philadelphia Magazine, and Golfer’s Tee Times.

Oxman has covered dozens of local and national events on every major professional golf tour as well as the USGA including the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion, the 2015 and 2024 U.S. Women’s Opens at Lancaster Country Club and the 2026 Truist Championship and Mizuho Americas Open. Oxman is a longtime member of the Golf Writers’ Association of America, the International Network of Golf, the Golf Travel Writers’ Association of America and the Delco Press Club.

Oxman shifted gears and earned his teacher certification from Cabrini University in 2010 and has served as a classroom teacher in the School District of Haverford Township since 2012. He received his Master’s degree in Teaching Secondary English from Slippery Rock University in 2023.

In addition to his work in education and journalism, Oxman began caddying at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. in 1995 and has served as one of the club’s assistant caddie managers since 2009. He has caddied in club, local, and national events including the 1998 U.S. Girls’ Junior, the 2005 U.S. Amateur, and the 2022 Curtis Cup matches. Oxman’s father and uncle both caddied on the PGA Tour.

He lives in Havertown, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, with his wife, Laura, and three daughters: Anna, 12, Emilia, 9, and Eden, 5.

CONNECT WITH NATE OXMAN!

WEBSITE: https://thephillyphenoms.com/ INSTAGRAM: @NateOxman X: @NateOxman LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-oxman-b741a520/

THIS IS ME

Luke Corbett, a young man who spent most of his life in Canberra, has recently returned to his hometown of Gamarra, a small rural community in the heart of New South Wales. Struggling to find his footing in a place that feels both familiar and alien, Luke is confronted with long-buried emotions when a childhood friend reappears. His deep feelings for this man, however, clash with the conservative values of the town. As whispers and judgement threaten to overshadow his life, Luke must choose: will he suppress his true self to conform or confront the prejudice around him and embrace the life he was meant to live?

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• Inspiration and Writing Journey. Aspen’s personal experiences and how the isolation of COVID sparked the story.

• Identity and Belonging. Luke’s struggle to live authentically in a small rural town.

• Family Legacy. The pressure of living up to his grandfather’s achievements and values.

• Community Acceptance vs. Rejection. The tension between tradition and embracing change.

• What’s Next. Plans for the sequel and trilogy: This Is Us and This Is Where We Belong.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aspen Thomas grew up in the small western Riverina town of Goolgowi, where the vast landscapes and vibrant community life shaped his early imagination. After moving to Canberra for high school, Aspen continued to nurture his passion for storytelling, drawing inspiration from the world around him. As a child, he loved weaving tales about farm machinery that came to life, setting the stage for a lifetime of creative exploration. A passionate tennis player, Aspen has played since childhood and competes in his tennis club's championships every year. Inspired by tennis greats like Ashleigh Barty, his love for the sport parallels his dedication to education. Aspen has been teaching science and mathematics since 2016, bringing his curiosity and enthusiasm to the classroom. Aspen's debut novel, This Is Me!, was born during the isolating days of the Covid years, while he was locked down in his two-bedroom apartment. Deeply personal yet fictionalised, the story reflects his experiences growing up gay and autistic with ADHD in a small rural community. With an overactive imagination and a determination to share his unique perspective, Aspen creates heartfelt, relatable narratives that resonate with readers. When not writing or teaching, Aspen can be found on the tennis court, exploring new ideas, or championing authenticity and representation in storytelling.

CONNECT WITH ASPEN THOMAS!

Website: https://aspenthomas-writes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspenthomaswrites/

Fungus Theory of Conscious Growth - A Radical Biological Origin Story Linking Fungi, Evolution, and Humanity's Cosmic Destiny What if all complex life—plants, animals, and even humans—are just branches of a vast, ancient fungal network? In Fungus Theory of Conscious Growth, a groundbreaking theory is explored: that all multicellular life evolved from fungi, and that humanity may be the conscious spore of this planetary organism—poised to spread beyond Earth itself. Drawing from evolutionary biology, paleontology, and astrobiology, this book presents a compelling scientific case that fungi were the first multicellular organisms on Earth. Over time, they diversified, branching into the plant and animal kingdoms. This interconnected lineage suggests a unifying fungal ancestry—and redefines the way we see life on Earth. As humans explore space and prepare to colonize other worlds, we may be participating in a deeper biological imperative—spreading life beyond Earth as fungal spores once colonized land.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• Fungus Theory and Human Purpose
• Technology as a Survival Mechanism
• The Science
• The Role of Storytelling and Emotion
• Cosmic Urgency and Existential Risk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark L. Christensen is a lifelong explorer of ideas, driven by a deep curiosity about cosmology, physiology, and sociology. With a passion for connecting science, creativity, and big-picture thinking, Mark has spent decades developing insights and innovations that challenge conventional boundaries. His work invites us to rethink how we grow, evolve, and understand our place in the universe.

Learn more about Mark and his work at https://marklchristensen.com/

Read an extended interview with Mark L. Christensen: https://readerviews.com/reviews/meet-the-author-christensen-fungus-theory-of-conscious-growth/

THE PYJAMA BOY

Steven Murphy spent his formative years in Sydney's Redfern. Abandoned by his mother when only weeks old, his father left him in the care of a cruel, alcoholic stepmother while he himself was in jail. Unbelievably, the child they dubbed the "Pyjama Boy" fought his way through life to achieve his ultimate goal. His story is a poignant and haunting one that captivates its reader from the very beginning and remains long after the book has been closed. AN INSPIRATIONAL TALE OF SUCCESS AGAINST THE ODDS . . .

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

• Childhood Abuse and Trauma Stephen discusses his harrowing upbringing—abandonment, neglect, and physical/emotional abuse by a stepmother—with raw honesty. These experiences form the foundation of The Pajama Boy memoir.

• Resilience and Transformation A major theme is how he overcame adversity through perseverance, military service, and eventually becoming a police officer. He emphasizes self-worth, emotional growth, and the importance of breaking cycles.

• Emotional Honesty and Vulnerability Stephen reflects on shame, emotional wounds, lost relationships, and the impact of unresolved trauma. He explains his decision to be candid rather than paint himself as a hero and why that matters to him and his readers.

• The Book’s Evolution and Re-release He shares why he originally wrote The Pajama Boy, why he’s re-releasing it with updates, and how feedback led to changes—particularly the shift from third-person narration to first-person in the sequel for deeper personal connection.

• Sequel and Multimedia Integration The upcoming sequel is discussed in detail—its emotional intensity, inclusion of reflections from family members, and the innovative use of video footage tied to book chapters to enhance reader engagement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steven Murphy is an Australian author and speaker, whose book The Pyjama Boy offers a raw, unfiltered account of surviving a childhood marked by abandonment, abuse, and neglect. Once known on the streets of Redfern as “the boy in the crumpled pyjamas,” Steven overcame extraordinary adversity to serve in the military, become a police officer, and later, a nationally sought-after speaker.

First released nearly two decades ago and now reintroduced with new reflections, The Pyjama Boy is a powerful reminder that trauma does not define a person—how they respond to it does. Today, Steven speaks at schools, youth centers, and community events across Australia, using real photos, documents, and unsparing honesty to connect with audiences and spark conversations about resilience, identity, and hope.

CONNECT WITH STEVEN MURPHY!

Website: https://thepyjamaboy.com/ You Tube: www.youtube.com/@thepjboycom Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/stevenmurphyauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenjohnmurphy Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.pyjama.boy

CICERO JAMES, MIRACLE WORKER

My name is Cicero James, and I died last Thursday. I know how it sounds, and the rest of what I have to tell you is just going to make it worse. But it's true. I died, and I came back. And the rest of it—why it happened, what it means, and most importantly what we’re going to have to do about it—is what I need you to hear. I’m going to start at the beginning, and I’m going to tell all of this as faithfully as possible. I’m going to try to bring you along for the ride. It’s all coming out in a rush, so if I don’t tell it quite right, or if I muff a word or use bad grammar or something, try not to hold it against me. And if I don’t manage to convince you… I understand. No harm, no foul, no hard feelings. This is all insane to anyone who hasn't lived it. But if you're in, then you’re in, and here we go.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• Overview of the Story and Inspiration Discussion of Cicero James, Miracle Worker's premise, including the protagonist's role as a modern miracle worker, and how the story was built around the opening line about dying multiple times.

• World-Building and Magic System Exploration of the parallel society of workers, the concept of “workings,” the nature of terrors, and how belief shapes reality in this urban fantasy world.

• Character Development and Voice Focus on Cicero’s personality, tattoos, sense of humor, relationships, and how these elements reveal different facets of his identity and emotional depth.

• Themes of Mental Health and Trauma Conversation around how childhood trauma opens the door to magical abilities, and how Cicero’s personal struggles influence his role as a protector of the “blissful” (non-magical people).

• Series Continuation and Reader Reactions Talk about feedback from readers, unexpected interpretations (including political ones), and what’s planned for the next book in the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hal Emerson is the author of ten books, including the award-winning Exile Trilogy, beginning with The Prince of Ravens. He is a graduate of UCLA with a BA in theatre, where he studied Shakespeare, Chekhov, and the Greek and Roman Classics. He also has an MBA from UC Berkeley (Cal).

Some of his favorite books and series include East of Eden, The Brothers Karamazov, The Lord of the Rings, and The Wheel of Time. As a young reader he was particularly inspired by The Chronicles of Prydain, and he is an avid Harry Potter fan.

He still believes in the Oxford comma, and he has seen every Robin Williams movie.

CONNECT WITH HAL EMERSON!

https://www.halemerson.com

https://www.instagram.com/halemerson/

https://x.com/halemersonauth

Marketing is more than just strategies and sales—it's a means to connect, inspire, and create positive change. In Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection, Melissa Fors Shackelford draws from her 25 years of experience as a marketing executive to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven marketing. This insightful guide challenges business leaders and marketers to think beyond the bottom line, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal and organizational purposes. Melissa’s actionable advice reveals how authentic brands inspire loyalty, build deeper connections, and achieve long-term success. Key chapters cover essential topics, including finding professional purpose, fostering creativity, balancing work-life dynamics, embracing inclusive and ethical marketing, and crafting strategies that reflect a brand's core values. Melissa also delves into cause marketing, effective team collaboration, and building resilience in modern marketing challenges. Packed with inspiring real-world examples and practical advice, Harnessing Purpose is a roadmap for professionals seeking to make an impact through their work.

Whether you're launching a startup, managing a small business, or leading a marketing team, this book will equip you with the tools to unlock creativity, foster meaningful connections, and lead with authenticity. If you’re ready to transform your marketing approach and build a purpose-driven brand, Harnessing Purpose is the guide you’ve been waiting for.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

• Aligning personal and brand purpose to create meaningful marketing.
• Building authenticity and trust through values-driven branding.
• Leading purpose-driven teams to foster collaboration and engagement.
• Practicing inclusive, accessible, and ethical marketing.
• Combating burnout and sustaining creativity through purposeful work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Fors Shackelford is a trusted advisor to executives and emerging businesses, helping organizations build compelling brands, accelerate market growth, and navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry. With over 20 years of experience as a marketing executive, Melissa brings deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, brand positioning, and growth marketing to her consulting practice, Shackelford Strategies.

As a sought-after consultant and advisor, Melissa partners with C-Suite leaders, startups, and established healthcare brands to refine messaging, strengthen market positioning, and drive customer engagement. She provides hands-on guidance to help businesses launch new offerings, enter new markets, and scale sustainably.

Melissa is a recognized thought leader in marketing and brand strategy. She is a frequent industry speaker, podcast guest, and contributor to leading publications, covering topics such as purpose-driven marketing, inclusive communications, and branding. Her expertise has earned her prestigious honors, including Nonprofit Marketer of the Year (American Marketing Association, 2019).

Melissa holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas and a BA from the University of Minnesota. She serves on multiple industry and corporate boards.

CONNECT WITH MELISSA FORS SHACKELFORD!

Website: https://harnessingpurpose.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarnessingPurpose/# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harnessing_purpose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfors/

SWIPE: A TWISTY PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER

Sonya's fed up with bad internet dates. But she never meant to kill anyone.

After a stressful day at work and a creepy first meetup, Sonya Romano goes on a mission: teach a lesson to the smarmy guys she's meeting on her dating app. But when one of them falls to his death as a result of her confrontation--a married man posing as a single guy--she realizes she's gone too far.

Meanwhile, Jake Parker, former Pulitzer nominee, has hit rock bottom. His boss gives him an assignment: go under cover and produce a click bait story about dating apps. Things start to look up when another married man on the app is murdered, and Jake suspects that there may be a serial killer targeting cheaters.

With Jake hot on her trail, Sonya races to cover her tracks, until they finally meet. Fighting a powerful mutual attraction but suspicious of each other, neither of them know that a deranged psychopath is closer than they think, and much more of a danger than either of them realizes.

Can they figure out what's going on, before one of them is next?

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• How Swipe Was Born – The story’s inspiration, how Bonnie Traymore and R.G. Belsky teamed up, and what made their co-writing process successful.

• Crafting Complex Characters – Building emotionally rich, flawed protagonists (Sonya and Jake), and how their arcs were shaped through collaboration.

• Modern Dating & Deception – Exploring the risks, absurdities, and emotional fallout of dating app culture, and how it mirrors broader social disconnection.

• Blending Thriller with Dark Humor – Striking a balance between suspense and satire, and navigating how far is “too far” in both tone and theme.

• Launch Buzz & What’s Next – Early reader reactions, the book’s success on NetGalley, and a peek at each author’s upcoming solo projects and thoughts on a sequel.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

R.G. Belsky is an award-winning author of crime fiction and a journalist in New York City. Belsky has published more than 20 novels—most of them set in the New York city media world where he has had a long career as a top editor at the New York Post, New York Daily News, Star magazine and NBC News. He also writes thrillers under the name Dana Perry. And he is a contributing writer for The Big Thrill magazine as well as BookTrib.

Learn more about RG Belsky at www.rgbelsky.com

Bonnie Traymore is the Amazon charts bestselling author of eight domestic/psychological thrillers. Her thrillers feature strong but relatable female protagonists who peel back the layers of suburban American life and give readers a peek inside. The plots explore difficult topics such as jealousy, infidelity, murder, and the impact of psychological disorders, but she also includes bits of romance and humor to lighten the mood from time to time.

Bonnie loves Hitchcock movies, psychological thriller novels, coffee, and dark chocolate, not necessarily in that order and sometimes simultaneously. She has a doctorate in United States history and resides in Honolulu with her family. She’s an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America.

Learn more about Bonnie Traymore at www.bonnietraymore.com.