Join hosts, Author's Karisa DeLay and Jaime Vendera on the All Ways Write Podcast as they explore the fascinating journey of guest Mark Connor, a 'Literary Pugilist' hailing from Saint Paul, Minnesota. Mark, a boxer, trainer, and writer, shares insights from his unique career, blending the worlds of boxing and literature. Discover how Mark's service, Fighting Chance/Boxing For Life, empowers individuals through boxing, and delve into his captivating contributions to BoxersAndWritersMagazine.

In this episode, Mark discusses his multifaceted writing career, including his acclaimed first book, It's About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad), the 2024 winner of the Irish Network Minnesota Bloomsday Literary Award. This narrative, woven with poetry and memoir, explores themes of love, family, and unity, while celebrating Saint Paul's vibrant culture and Irish heritage. Mark's storytelling takes us from the boxing ring to the heart of community life, with poignant reflections on marriage, fatherhood, and hope.

Explore Mark's background in journalism, his love for Irish culture, and his experiences in politics and current affairs. With a Substack newsletter, Irish, Catholic, Punchdrunk in Saint Paul, Mark connects the dots between his diverse interests and experiences, all rooted in his Minnesota upbringing and Irish ancestry.

Don't miss this engaging conversation that promises to inspire and motivate, whether you're a writer, a boxing enthusiast, or someone seeking stories of resilience and connection. Tune in for a Boxing Day special with Mark Connor, and celebrate the punchlines of life with All Ways Write Podcast.

Connect With Us:

Stay connected with us by following our journey on social media! You can find us at: www.allwayswritepodcast.com. If you have any questions, feedback, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out via email at: allwayswritepodcast@gmail.com.

We also invite you to follow and subscribe to the All Ways Write Podcast. Join us for engaging discussions, valuable insights, and expert advice that will empower your writing journey and spark your creativity!

Episode Links:

Discover more about our featured guests by visiting their personal websites:

- Explore Jamie Vendera's work at: www.jaimevendera.com

- Learn more about Karisa DeLay at: www.karisadelay.com

-Find Mark Connor at: www.boxersandwritersmagazine.com

Thank you for tuning in to this episode! We truly appreciate your support and hope that the conversation inspires you on your own writing path. Enjoy your journey!

Keywords: Boxing, Writing, Irish Culture, Family, Saint Paul, Poetry, Fiction, Journalism, Author

#AllWaysWritePodcast #BoxingDay #Poetry #Poet #MarkConnor #WritingCommunity #IrishCulture #BoxingLife

This December 19th, we celebrate the 81st anniversary of the publication of Charles Dickens's timeless classic, A Christmas Carol! Join Jaime Vendera and Karisa DeLay as they delve beyond the heartwarming tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and explore the profound influences that shaped this literary masterpiece. We'll uncover the deeply personal experiences that fueled Dickens's writing, including his own stark childhood poverty and his time working in a blacking factory. We'll discuss how the Victorian social landscape, with its stark inequalities and burgeoning social reform movements, directly impacted the story's themes and characters. We'll also explore how Dickens's unique background—as a parliamentary reporter, a captivating public reader, and even an early adopter of photography—informed his narrative style and social commentary.

Beyond the familiar story, we’ll uncover fascinating facts—like the possible alternative endings Dickens considered, the origins of the name “Scrooge,” and the mixed critical reaction A Christmas Carol initially received. Hear Jaime and Karisa discuss how Dickens's personal life, his keen observations of society, and his masterful storytelling combined to create a novella that transcends its holiday setting, offering enduring lessons on compassion, social responsibility, and the transformative power of empathy. It's a Christmas Carol—but also a powerful reflection on the human condition.

Connect With Us: -

Follow us on social media: www.allwayswritepodcast.com

Email us at:

allwayswritepodcast@gmail.com

Remember to follow and subscribe to the All Ways Write Podcast for more inspiring conversations and expert advice in the writing community!

Episode Links: -

Jamie Vendera's website: www.jaimevendera.com

Karisa DeLay's website: www.karisadelay.com

Thank you for tuning in to this episode! We hope you enjoy the conversation and find inspiration for your own writing journey.

Keywords: A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, Victorian Era, Christmas Story, Social Commentary, Literary Analysis, Classic Literature, Podcast, Writing, Authors, Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Social Injustice, Poverty, Redemption, Empathy, Compassion, Holiday Stories, Literary History, Victorian England, Social Reform, Industrial Revolution, "A Christmas Carol" analysis, "A Christmas Carol" literary devices, "A Christmas Carol" historical context, Charles Dickens' life and works, The influence of poverty on "A Christmas Carol", "A Christmas Carol" podcast episode, How "A Christmas Carol" shaped Christmas traditions, Behind the scenes of "A Christmas Carol"

Bonus: This episode drops on the 81st anniversary of the book's publication—a truly perfect time to revisit this literary giant!

All Ways Write Podcast:

Are you a loyal follower of the Yellow Brick Road, or are you more of a Wicked fan? Join us as we delve into the magical and sometimes twisted world of Oz!

This episode, inspired by a recent trip to see Wicked on the big screen, explores the fascinating differences between L. Frank Baum's original The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its countless adaptations, including the iconic 1939 film and Gregory Maguire's groundbreaking Wicked. We'll uncover the surprising divergences between the book and the beloved movie, highlighting key changes to characters like the Wicked Witches, the Wizard himself, and even Dorothy's iconic shoes!

We'll journey through the differences between Baum's Oz and Maguire's reimagining, discussing how social and political contexts shaped each author's unique vision. From the silver shoes to the expanded role of the Wicked Witch of the West, we uncover the creative liberties taken in translating Baum's work to the screen and stage. Then, we’ll explore Wicked's own evolution from novel to Broadway sensation to film.

We discuss the intricacies of the Oz timeline, touching upon Baum's 13 Oz sequels and the challenges of defining a definitive Oz "canon." We'll even consider the impact of Technicolor on the 1939 movie's enduring imagery! Ultimately, we aim to illuminate the rich tapestry of stories woven within this enchanting universe, celebrating both the beloved classics and the innovative reinterpretations that continue to captivate audiences today. Prepare for a whirlwind adventure down the Yellow Brick Road...and beyond!

Connect With Us: -

Follow us on social media: www.allwayswritepodcast.com

Email us at:

allwayswritepodcast@gmail.com

Remember to follow and subscribe to the All Ways Write Podcast for more inspiring conversations and expert advice in the writing community!

Episode Links: -

Jamie Vendera's website: www.jaimevendera.com

Karisa DeLay's website: www.karisadelay.com

Thank you for tuning in to this episode! We hope you enjoy the conversation and find inspiration for your own writing journey.