Citywide Blackout

Book deals, movie deals, and writing advice with Jonathan Janz

In this episode, I welcome back author Jonathan Janz, and do we have a lot to talk about!

It begins with a recent three-book deal that he signed with Weird Tales and Blackstone Publishing for his three upcoming titles—“Marla,” “The Stars Have Left The Skies” and “Panopticon.” We dive into all three books, what they’re about and the possibility of a connection between them.

If that wasn’t enough, the audiobook for “Marla” is set to be released on Aug. 18, by the wife-and-husband team of Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins. Jonathan and I talk about what makes a really good audiobook, particularly for the horror genre.

And there’s more! “Marla” is in development for television, while both “The Stars Have Left The Skies” and “Panopticon” are headed for the big screen. We can’t share all the details now, but do talk a bit about where they are in the process.

Jonathan also shares some business insight, including the importance of just writing, regardless of whether it’s your best, and a realistic look about making writing into a career.

You can learn more about Jonathan and get his books at https://jonathanjanz.com.

Want to jump into comics? Hear what Adam Tierney has to say

We’re talking all things comics on this episode, featuring “13 Demons Dead” by Adam Tierney and set to be released by IDW Publishing on Aug. 4. Here’s a peek at what lies within its pages:

“Fourteen-year-old Everly “Ev” Espada was walking home one night when she spotted her favorite teacher, Father Serrano, suspended in midair, choking and being ripped apart by something she couldn’t see. Acting on pure instinct, Ev swings a nearby pipe and shatters the illusion, exposing a monstrous demon in the middle of her school. With one lucky shot, the creature is dead. And so is Ev’s normal life. 

By killing one of Earth’s Thirteen Hidden Demons, Ev has unknowingly triggered an ancient covenant. She’s been marked as the latest demon hunter, and the remaining twelve demons are already coming for her. The rules are simple and merciless: slay all thirteen within one year… or they will return more powerful, more vicious, and utterly unstoppable.” 

Adam, Max and Curtis talk about what went into developing the story, which was among Adam’s early forays into the world of comics. Adam shares what it was like working with the title’s artist Saspy, and how they brought his idea to life.

From there, it’s all business, as Adam speaks honestly about the comics industry, imparts some advice on how to get started, and addresses the notion of it being “too late.”

You can learn more at http://adamctierney.com

Launching your music? Twayn has something to say about that

Getting your foot in the door of the music industry is a challenge, and in this episode, the musical duo of Twayn — twin sisters Hannah and Grace —share their advice, which includes taking the opportunities when they arrive.

We talk their new single, “Wouldn’t It Be Better?” and the very personal experience that inspired it. Hannah and Grace recount their early years and how they came to be a band, and the many lessons learned on the road, particularly from the legendary Jools Holland.

Wrapping this up is their new single, “Wouldn’t It Be Better?”

Like the episode? Be sure to check out https://twayn.co.uk for new music, tour dates, and more.

Finding your voice in writing with Darlene Koldenhoven

GRAMMY® Winner and three-time nominee Darlene Koldenhoven’s memoir, “Put Your Dress Down and Sing” (Sibylline Press), shows how a shy, introverted, Calvinist girl from the South Side of Chicago became known globally as the tambourine-waving choir nun in both “Sister Act” movies with Whoopi Goldberg and the featured soprano soloist in “Yanni, Live at the Acropolis,” the most popular PBS-TV Special and video seen by over 1.5 billion worldwide.

And believe it or not, that’s just a portion of the amazing tales in this book.

Darlene talks about the book’s origins and how she came to work with Sibylline Press. We go into the writing process, which took only a handful of months, and how she wound up needing to cut around 100,000 words from the manuscript!

Darlene shares a few stories in the book, such as how the title came to be, her many years in music and the message she hopes to impart to readers.

Want to pre-order your copy? Then head over to www.darlenekoldenhoven.com!

Music and the state of the world with ChiodoSupply

Following his time with the legendary American punk band Model Citizen, ChiodoSupply has a new venture, but with the same vibe and message. In this episode, we’re going to talk about art and speaking to the state of the world, which is captured in his new single, “Homeland.”

Chiodo and I also share the hard truths of the music industry, the use of artificial intelligence in making art, and give a few tips on getting your foot in the door.

Wrapping up this episode is the single that got this all started, “Wandering and Wanting.”

Like the episode? Then check out more of Chido at https://chiodosupply.com/.

Mima Tipper connects with a legend in “Channeling Marilyn”

Just in time for the anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s birthday, author Mima Tipper has released a new book, “Channeling Marilyn.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:

High school senior Lexa Donovan longs to be more than a bit player in her own drab life—and when she’s chosen to be part of her school’s spring production of Bus Stop, she thinks her wish has come true. But her thrill turns to panic when she’s tapped to play the leading role, sexy showgirl Cherie. One thing tall, plus-size Lexa knows for sure is that she is the exact opposite of the most famous Cherie ever: sex-goddess Marilyn Monroe. 

Lexa wants out before she makes a fool of herself in front of everyone. But then something entirely unexpected happens: The spirit of Marilyn Monroe appears—ready and willing to be Lexa’s personal acting coach. 

Before the curtain rises on opening night, Lexa and Marilyn will have to learn to trust their own hearts and act on what each truly needs to move forward—in life and in death.

Curtis and I talk all about the inspiration for this book, Mima’s second (so far!). She shares her interest in the legendary Marilyn and what she learned about her during the writing process. She talks about the creation of her protagonist, Lexa Donovan, and how the two interact.

Mima also talks about the business of writing, offering her advice for taking feedback and the value of having someone to critique your work. She goes into the challenges of making writing into a business and the importance of really knowing the genre.

If you like this episode, please check out www.mimatipper.com.

Citywide Bytes—From the American West to outer space

Author Perrin Pring joins me to talk about her recently-released book, “Cash and Gravity” (Diversion Books), set in a world where everyone’s trying to get off it as quickly as possible.

In this book, Chevy Cole is a female Launch Tech Marine who lives in a world where mega corporations battle each other for Earthly metals in the pursuit of one day getting humans permanently off planet.

During a battle, Chevy comes across a crash site containing a super soldier, an Ace, who has the world's first mobile fusion device. Chevy knows her corporation stole it from their rival. She is forced to partner with Dolon, a phantom, a man so analogue he can use cash and navigate by paper map, to get them to a safe house, thrusting them on a low-tech, high-stakes road trip across the American West. 

We’re going to talk all about the worldbuilding and character creation that went into this as well as the many re-writes and how this changed the story. Perrin also talks a little shop and shares some advice for fellow debut writers.

Like what you heard? Then check out www.psquaredbooks.com for more!

Making money and being flexible in music

Following our talk about new music and the New England Americana Fest, Boston-based musician Kier Byrnes of Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners stuck around to talk a little business—specifically, the music business.

In this episode, we go into the things he thinks musicians should stop doing, as well as the different ways that they can make a living—and it’s more than just selling merch or tickets. Kier shares some really important advice, such as not waiting for things to be perfect, because that’s never going to happen.

We talk a little gear talk, and Kier gives some ideas as to what an aspiring musician could buy with $100. We also look ahead to what new opportunities lie ahead for musicians and examine the notion of it being “too late” to get your start.

Closing this episode out is “Goin’ Down in Style,” one of songs from the band’s new EP, ““Moonshine & Other Spirits.”

Want to know more? Visit https://www.kierbyrnes.com to check it all out!

Kier Byrnes on moonshine-inspired music

In this episode, I’m reunited with Boston’s own Kier Byrnes of Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners. They’ve got a new EP out called “Moonshine & Other Spirits,” an absolutely amazing five-track collection of high-energy Americana music.

Kier and I talk about the origin of this album, which all began at an off-the-grid moonshine distillery in New Hampshire (yes, that really happened). We go into the sound of the album, as well as the great guest musicians that worked with the band.

Kier reflects on the band’s 2025, which saw a Boston Music Award win, shows in Europe and of course, new music galore.

This is part one of our talk, and be sure to check out the second episode, where we go into the business side of music.

Closing this episode out is “My Baby’s Happy,” one of songs from the EP.

Want to know more? Visit https://www.kierbyrnes.com to check it all out!

Citywide Bytes—Charting a new course with ‘Kloud 9: The Star Soldier’

In this episode, I’m joined by author  AJ O. Mason and illustrator Dominic Bustamante to talk about new sci-fi YA queer graphic novel, “Kloud 9: The Star Soldier,” which drops on July 7 through IDW.

Kloud 9 follows Kal, an Earthling without much purpose in life. Cosmot’urr Col Al’neyr, Cosmo for short, is an alien struggling to find his place in the galaxy. Sparks fly when the two meet—but when Cosmo’s past catches up with him, Kal is forced to make a choice: remain on Earth or follow his crush into the great unknown. Now they just have to navigate the dangers of outer space, a megalomaniac pseudoparent, and their growing feelings for each other.

AJ and Dominic share how they began collaborating on this project, and how the process went for two people who never worked together before. We dive into the Dominic’s art style and the new world of sci-fi that he got to draw. AJ talks about how he grew as a writer and the lessons learned.

We also talk a little business, such as how to launch an idea from the initial concept and ways to find a publishing company.

You can learn more about this talented duo at https://ajomason.com and https://linktr.ee/Dommnics.