My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is EB Mendel, author of the book If Frogs Could Fly. E.B. Mendel is an author in South Florida. If Frogs Could Fly is his first novel, and The Help of Angels, a historical novel, is his second. He has also recorded, produced, and published audiobooks from the same titles. He is currently getting ready to publish his 3rd novel, The Miraculous Adventures of Willy Maze.

In my book review, I stated If Frogs Could Fly is a contemporary fiction complete with magical realism and adventure. What I found most amazing was that the book was originally written in 2016 but mirrors our recent COVID pandemic to a great degree.

The story follows Ron Levine, a journalist, along with his wife and friends. Ron is invited to head to South America to find one of the lost tribes of Israel along with a crew put together by a Jewish Rabbi. Unfortunately, the crew finds more than they bargained for, including a new disease that spreads quickly throughout the world.

EB shows us what a world with an incurable, transmittable disease might look like. He then pairs this epidemic with a 1960s style culture of drugs, trips, and music. I have to admit that I got a little lost at times and wondered what was real and what wasn't. I suspect that was what EB hoped to have happen!

If you like a book that feels like a psychedelic dream, then If Frogs Could Fly might just be for you.

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Tristian Smith, author of the book Against All Odds. Tristian Smith is not just an author—he's a living testament to resilience and transformation. His powerful memoir, "Against All Odds," chronicles his harrowing journey from a turbulent foster care system—where he lived in over 25 homes and attended 13 different schools—to emerging as a United States Army Officer, foster youth advocate, and inspiring speaker. Tristian’s unique story combines firsthand experience with a deep commitment to changing the narrative for foster youth. He brings not only a compelling personal history but also actionable insights on overcoming adversity, the importance of mentorship, and the urgent need for systemic reform in foster care. Podcast hosts looking for a guest who can engage audiences on topics ranging from personal transformation and mental health to advocacy and veteran experiences will find Tristian’s story both moving and motivational. Book him to share a narrative that is as impactful as it is inspiring.

In my book review, I stated Against All Odds by Tristian Smith is a memoir, as well as a how-to manual for surviving in and fixing the foster care system.

Tristian found himself in the foster system as a young boy. Like most kids in the system, they are there through no fault of their own. These kids keep hoping to find connection and security - something that, according to Tristian, is rare to find in the current foster care system.

After helping readers understand his own story and how it felt to be pushed and pulled from home to home like an object rather than a person, he spends the second half of the book talking to kids in the system and people concerned with the system.

After reading the book, I felt an urgency to find a way to help create a better system for the kids who find themselves in need of care. I have also begun looking into being a mentor for teens as they move toward aging out of the system. And Tristian's words to kids in foster care are words for anyone who finds themself in a difficult situation.

His goal is to help others while shining a light on a broken system. Without a doubt, he did just that.

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Sarah Seltzer, author of the book The Singer Sisters.

Sarah is writer in New York City where she lives with her family surrounded by books, records, CDs—and a lot of snacks. Her debut novel THE SINGER SISTERS, about a family of folk rock singers who express their conflicts, secrets, betrayals and love through music, was published by Flatiron Books in summer 2024 and was a USA Today Bestseller!

She is an editor at Lilith Magazine and has been a journalist for many big and small publications from Jezebel to the New York Times reporting on activism and culture, and writing essays, cultural criticism, and the occasional opinion piece.

In my book review, I stated The Singer Sisters by Sarah Seltzer is a women's fiction with a dash of musical historical fiction thrown in for good measure. If you love a good family saga filled with generational expectations, family secrets, addictions, mental health issues, unplanned pregnancies, adoption, abortion, sexual orientation, and mother/daughter struggles, then this is the novel for you.

The key players are Judie and her sister Sylvia, folk singers who made a name in the 1960s and Emma, who is Judie's daughter and wants to make her own musical mark in the world- along with a great cast of secondary characters who give the book a beautiful flavor. Against the backdrop of a musical family, we soon become embroiled in family drama. As Emma begins her journey toward fame, she learns lessons about herself, her life, and her mother. And despite this story being about a famous family, it could be about you. It seems that all families have their love, secrets, shame, and problems!

I loved the nods to famous singers from the 1960s who were trying to be the next great Dylan as well as singers from the 1990s who were angry, combat boot wearing women trying to show the world how little had changed. But mostly, I loved moving along life with a family that was just trying to make it work. This is definitely a must-read!

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

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Elisabeth Carson-Williams, author of the book Castaway on the Isle of Devils. Inspired by her students, and her fervent love of travel, Elisabeth hrives on meeting new people and hearing their stories. This, coupled with her own desire to understand her family’s history, led her to write historical fiction, to capture the themes and voices of those not found in a textbook. “Ricochet,” her short story in Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women anthology, is about the quiet battles women fight in order to survive, and how one person’s actions can ricochet through multiple generations. Castaway on the Isle of Devils is her first young adult novel. To learn more about Elisabeth’s publishing journey, writing process, and research trips, or sign up for her newsletter, visit: www.ecarsonwilliams.com.

In my book review, I stated Castaway on the Isle of Devils is a young adult historical fiction filled to the brim with travel and adventure. We meet Alice Drinkard as she and her family are about to board a ship, Sea Venture, which is setting sail from England to Jamestown.

Alice starts off the trip rather high and mighty. She is disdainful of her mother whom she calls Your Highness, she rarely takes advice. and she often finds herself in trouble because she chose to do things her own way with no regard to others.

While on the ship, she starts to discover that their trip, one she felt was simply an adventure, and one they were going on because she wanted it, is a whole lot more. However, it isn't until the Sea Venture is nearly destroyed in a hurricane and is shipwrecked on the Isle of Devils, that she begins to understand the entire story - as well as a lot about herself and what she is made of. She also begins to understand human nature and what happens when people who seek power end up in charge.

Elizabeth created her tale based on the true story of the Sea Venture, the shipwreck which was the inspiration for Shakespeare's The Tempest. Though William is barely a character in the book, Elizabeth did a wonderful job creating an exciting backstory to explain where Shakespeare got his idea for the play.

Although touted as a young adult novel, I believe it is a story for all ages. I highly recommend this book!

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IG: @ecarsonwilliams

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Purchase Castaway on the Isle of Devils on Amazon:

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

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FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

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X: @terimbrown1

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#elisabethcarsonwilliams #castawayontheisleofdevils #ya #historicalfiction #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.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Amy Suto, author of the book The Nomad Detective. Amy Suto began her career as a Hollywood TV writer before hitting the road and becoming a digital nomad and freelance writer, which was the subject of her nonfiction book Six-Figure Freelance Writer: A Holistic Guide on Finding Freedom in Freelance. The Nomad Detective: Volume I is Amy’s debut work of fiction, and marks the start of the book series following Detective Violet Chase. Amy runs a Substack newsletter called From the Desk of Amy Suto about how to carve your path as a working writer. When she's not writing, Amy travels the world and works remotely from cafes in Cusco, Peru—or is misplacing her AirPods in Lisbon, Portugal. You can learn more about Amy at: AmySuto.com.

In my book review, I stated The Nomad Detective is the first in a mystery detective series. Violet Chase became a detective after her twin disappeared in Guatemala. Her ultimate goal is to take cases that might lead her to her sister.

Violet isn't just any detective. After her sister's disappearance, she developed synesthesia - mixed up senses. She sees people's aura's as colors - and these colors have specific smells. She uses her synesthesia, a condition she hasn't shared with anyone, to capture the bad guys.

This first volume is a collection of four stories that take us into various exotic locations where Violet works to find the killer. Readers learn more and more of Violet's history and discover, though the hero of the series, that Violet has many flaws and a not-so-pretty past. The more I learned, that more I routed for Violet to solve the current mystery - and to find her sister.

Amy did a wonderful job with character development. She also left me wanting more. Without a doubt, I'll be ready when Volume 2 of the Nomad Detective is ready for readers!

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Website: https://www.amysuto.com/

LinkedIn: @Amy Suto

IG: @sutoscience

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Purchase The Nomad Detective on Amazon:

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Ebook: https://amzn.to/4m9PlRw

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FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

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X: @terimbrown1

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

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is W. Terry Whalin, author of the book 10 Publishing Myths. W. Terry Whalin understands both sides of the editorial desk--as an editor and a writer. He worked as a magazine editor and his magazine work has appeared in more than 50 publications. A former literary agent, Terry is an Acquisitions Editor at Morgan James Publishing.

He has written more than 60 books through traditional publishers in a wide range of topics from children’s books to biographies to co-authored books. Several of Terry’s books have sold over 100,000 copies.

Terry’s most recent book is BOOK PROPOSALS THAT SELL (THE REVISED EDITION) which has over 150 Five-Star reviews. He has also written 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS, INSIGHTS EVERY AUTHOR NEEDS TO SUCCEED and BILLY GRAHAM, A BIOGRAPHY OF AMERICA’S GREATEST EVANGELIST (all from Morgan James Publishing). Also, Terry has an innovative online training course to help authors effectively connect with literary agents and editors called Write a Book Proposal.

Terry is a popular speaker and teacher at numerous writers’ conferences and an active member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. He lives in Southern California and has an active following on twitter.

In my book review, I stated 10 Publishing Myths by W. Terry Whalin is a great craft book helping authors understand what publishing a book entails - and what it doesn't. Many writers get started on the path to authorship without a real understanding of what comes after the book is written. Terry's book gives authors a realistic look at what to expect.

I loved that the book gave real-life examples, actionable tips, and even links for more information. It's a quick read but stuffed with great information - whether you are published or not. This book should be on every author's bookshelf.

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Website: https://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/

X: @terrywhalin

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FB: @terrywhalin

Purchase 10 Publishing Myths on Amazon:

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

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FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

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#wterrywhalin #10publishingmyths #authorcraft #writercraft #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is William R Douglas, author of the book The Sun of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0. William R. Douglas is an award-winning novelist whose debut novel, The Death and Resurrection of Baseball: Echoes from a Distant Past, was recognized by two book award contests: Readers' Favorite and the Independent Author Network. His latest novel, The Sum of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0, is a Speculative Fiction story set in 2061, a time when the nation's divisiveness and anger finally come to a boil after the inauguration of the first openly socialist President.

After obtaining a Journalism Degree in 1980, his career turned down the road of Information Technology, working for well-known companies: Mindscape Software, Moore Business Forms, EDS (Electronic Data Systems), IBM, Sears, Walgreens, DELL, and currently The Boeing Company. He could still enjoy writing in his career, whether it was technical documentation, websites, newsletters, or other material.

He lives an hour northwest of Chicago in the small town of McHenry, Illinois (population 27 thousand), with his wife Laurie and cat Peaches. They enjoy spending time with six kids and nine grandkids and are active in their local church.

In my book review, I stated The Sum of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0 by William R Douglas is realistic domestic military thriller set about forty years in the future. This book was amazing. Horrifying. Thought-provoking. Disturbing. Anxiety-producing. And a must-read.

The Civil War is something we should never want to repeat in the United States, but with political parties who refuse to work together, name-calling, and "dig in our heels" ideologies, many fear this could be on the horizon. The Sum of All Our Anger looks at the United States in 2061 and shows readers a worst case scenario that includes states seceding from the Union, martial law, and the removal of the founding documents of our country.

Quite frankly, I had to put the book down several times and swallow hard before I could continue. Why? Because I could imagine this scenario playing out. And the results of a second Civil War would be beyond devastating. I hope you read this book, contemplate what you see, and do your part to effect change - regardless of which side of the aisle holds your vote.

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Website: https://www.authorwilliamrdouglas.com/

FB: @Author William R Douglas

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IG: @williamrdouglas59

Purchase The Sun of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0 on Amazon:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Zv8LGO

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

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X: @terimbrown1

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#williamrdouglas #thesumofallouranger #thriller #militarythriller #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Robert W Norris, author of the book The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise. Robert W. Norris was born and raised in Humboldt County, California. In 1969, he entered the Air Force, subsequently became a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, and served time in a military prison for refusing to fight in the war. In his twenties, he roamed across the United States, went to Europe twice, and made one journey around the world. In 1983, he landed in Japan, where he eventually became a professor at a private university, spent two years as the dean of students, and retired in 2016 as a professor emeritus.

Norris is the author of Looking for the Summer, a novel about a former Vietnam War conscientious objector’s adventures and search for identity in Europe, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and India in 1977; Toraware, a novel about the obsessive relationship of three misfits from different cultural backgrounds in 1980s Kobe, Japan; Autumn Shadows in August, an hallucinogenic mid-life crisis/adventure, and homage to Malcolm Lowry and Hermann Hesse; The Many Roads to Japan, a novella used as an English textbook in Japanese universities; and The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise: Pentimento Memories of Mom and Me, a memoir and tribute to his mother. He has also written several articles on teaching English as a foreign language. He and his wife live near Fukuoka, Japan.

In my book review, I stated The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise is a wonderful memoir about Robert's mother, Kay, as well as his own interesting life. This memoir spans 90+ years and gives readers a glimpse into the lives of two people who never quite followed the "rules" as set out by society.

Kay, twice divorced, spoke her mind, even when others thought she should keep quiet - just ask the Catholic priest who refused to give her communion. She raised her children with the same spirit - to know who they were and what they stood for along with a willingness to act. Kay was a lifelong learner, taking on getting a pilot's license, going back to school to become a legal secretary, writing poetry, drawing nature, and studying the Japanese language. She loved to travel and she loved her family.

I really enjoyed reading Robert's account of his own life and how his mother fit into the picture. I appreciated his candor - he didn't seem to have the need to paint himself in the perfect light, which means the reader gets to see his struggles and pains as well as his triumphs. Although Robert and I have very different opinions about life, I admire how he found his truth and then found a way to live that truth.

This is a fascinating memoir about a boy and his mom through the years. I think you'll enjoy it.

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Website: https://robertwnorris.com/

FB: @bob.norris.374

Purchase The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise on Amazon:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3XNTS1L

Ebook: https://amzn.to/4i1hXZZ

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FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

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X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors

#robertwnorris #thegoodlordwillingandthecreekdontrise #memoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

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