Citywide Blackout

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. 

Pixiepunk, Part 2! The business of music

We hope that you enjoyed Part 1 of our discussion with Lynzi and TJ of the band Pixiepunk, because there is a lot more to hear!

Music, in the end, is a business, and we talk all about that aspect with TJ and Lynzi. They dive into the things that musicians should NOT be doing, as well as new opportunities down the road.

The two share some hard —but very accurate — truths about the industry, and while it’s hard to hear, it’s important for people to note. They also offer some insight into what newcomers to music can do to make their mark and believe me, this is worth hearing

Be sure to check out https://pixiepunk.world for more details, buy some merch, and follow their socials!

Wrapping up this episode is the new single “Spies.”

Citywide Bytes—Life from the projectionist’s booth

In this episode, author Brad Barkley joins me to talk about his newest YA book, “The Reel Life of Zara Kegg (Regal House, June 16, 2026). Here’s a look at the story:

“Three years after her mother’s death, 16-year-old Zara still feels like an outsider in Carolina Beach. Working during the beach’s off-season as the lone projectionist at the Palace Theatre—a rundown retro cinema that shows only vintage ’50s sci-fi and horror flicks, including a major Godzilla marathon—she spends her nights in a dusty booth, fueled by coffee, pushups and the occasional existential crisis.

Then she meets Zachary, who might be the most interesting person she’s ever met. As their friendship deepens into something more, Zara learns about the struggles Zachary hides beneath his charm and wonders if trust is possible.”

Brad and I talk about the role of cinema in this book as well as the themes of grief and mental health and how they’re all portrayed. Brad shares the origins of Zara and creating the setting for the book.

We talk business as well, such as how the YA genre has changed and how one prepares for the many rejection letters likely to come. We offer a few pieces of advice for prospective writers, particular those looking to break into the YA field.

Like what you heard? Then visit https://www.bradbarkley.com for more.

Kicking it with Pixiepunk, Part 1!

I’ve been a fan of the band Pixiepunk for a while now, so getting to talk with members Lynzi and TJ is something I’ve been looking forward to. We had such a great time and talke for so long that we decided to make this a two-parter!

So in this episode, it’s all about the music, as we dive into their (at the time) newest release “Roses,” and the interesting origin behind it. We talk about their song “I Don’t Fit In,” their response to the request to write a bio…instead, they wrote a song!

We also go into the band’s origin, keeping active during the pandemic, and how they create that unique Pixiepunk song.

Be sure to check out https://pixiepunk.world for more details, buy some merch, and follow their socials!

Wrapping up this episode is the single “Roses.”

Citywide Bytes—Creating a comic world, from the ground up

Making a comic is a lot of work, but taking that first step is the most important part. Writer/artist Mike Maihack talks about that step in this episode, as we dive into his new title, “The Moonlit Spiral,” to be released Oct. 6 through Candlewick Press.

 

Mike shares how those with an idea can make it happen, and not through a long-running series or a 100-page trade. He also gives a few tips as to what tools or programs are among his preferred to use.

Mike talks about the origin of this new comic, a fantasy story about two friends, Rion and Zola, on a quest to find the last treasure on the world of Helix. He goes into the art of the comic, which is just beautiful, and how he created the world of “The Moonlit Spiral,” as well as some new things he got to try.

Like what you’ve seen? Be sure to visit https://operationspacecat.com and pre-order your copy, and check out his other comics.

Find your voice with Emily Woo Zeller

Emily Woo Zeller has been in the voice acting performance field for many years, and may have even voiced the audiobook you’re reading now, so she has a lot to talk about when it comes to breaking into this field and earning your spot.

This episode takes a deep dive into how Emily started off, with a really fun origin story! She talks about the steps people can take if they’re interested in trying the VA industry, and gives some very honest thoughts on what works and what doesn’t. We also talk equipment and what is essential to start off, and AI and its impact on the industry comes up as well.

Emily also talks favorite roles over the years, the different genres she has voiced, and gives a hint or two as to what lies ahead.

Like what you heard? You can visit https://emilywoozeller.com to learn more.