Citywide Blackout

For longtime fans, Mikel Wisler is a real blast from the past. He was last on the show in 2019 and this time, we talked for so long, we decided to release it in three parts!

This interview focuses on his soon-to-be-released short sci-fi thriller “Proxy,” released through Elzaon Films and debuting at Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival on Aug. 8.  Here’s a look at the story:

“When an AI companion discovers that the woman whose body she now occupies is a victim of human trafficking, she fights to free the body surrogate before the man she was programmed to love destroys them both.”

Mikel talks about the origins of the short film, which is being released as a proof-of-concept for a full-length feature. He shares his experience working with the cast and how they all adapted to their roles. We also shine a light on Diana Porter, who Mikel worked with as a co-writer and co-director for the film.

There’s a lot more to come, so be sure to keep it here for Parts 2 and 3, and visit http://www.mikelwisler.com/ for more! 

Catherine Marshall-Smith (author of "American Family") recently released her second novel, “The Resilience of Red Thread” (She Writes Press), which follows a young mother fighting to save herself when her would-be rescuer proves to be as dangerous as the man she escaped.

We talk about what first inspired the book, and how a lengthy period of research led to a significant re-write. Catherine shares the creation of Emily, Lee and Jake and how an abusive husband and would-be-rescuer have more in common than you might think.

On July 26, Catherine had her big debut party and offers some tips for those about host their own launch party and really connect with the audience.

Want to know more? Visit https://catherinemarshallsmith.com.

Kicking off a new musical venture has a lot of steps, and in this episode, we talk with Seattle/Tacoma artists Jody Ellen and Tara Chugh of the band The Sirens about some of the key first parts in the process. We also go into the different ways to grow this into a career, and how you balance the various aspects that can make it up.

Jody and Tara share the story behind the band’s recent single, “Reverberations” and the themes found within the notes. They talk about how they first met and what happened to kick off this collaboration. We also get a sneak peek at a soon-to-be-released single later this summer.

“Reverberations” wraps up this interview, and we hope you check out their other releases.

Want to know more? Check out http://thesirensband.com/. Photo Credit: Skye Warden

A longtime veteran of the music industry, Linda Viens of Girl With A Hawk joins me to talk about the band’s debut album, “Regenesis,” which was released back in June. Linda talked about how it felt to put out the album, done through Rum Bar Records. We also go into the sound of the album, as well as some of the songs and what they mean to her.

Part of the album reflects on a life lived in bands, and Linda share some stories of her many years in music and how she and the band distilled those memories into “Regenesis.” There’s also a bit of a trip down memory lane to our past years in the local music scene, including that time she was putting up flyers…you gotta hear this!

Linda also shares some advice for those about to embark on their own music debut journey, and how to get their message out for everyone to hear.

Wrapping this up is "Share It All" from the debut album.

Check out more at https://girlwithahawk.bandcamp.com/.

To say that Cleve Sylcox is an experienced writer is putting it mildly. Over the years, he’s penned 42 books, ranging from poetry to science fiction to mystery thrillers, and will soon release “The Weight of Nothing,” a collection of short stories on the topic of, well…nothingness.

In this episode, Cleve and I talk about how he got his start as a writer and his early years learning the craft and the people who helped him. He goes into the story behind the story of “The Weight of Nothing” and the many tales contained within.

We also talk a little business, and Cleve talks about the realities of making writing into a paying career and some ways to make it happen. He shares some tips on promotion and what keeps him going after all these years.

Want to learn more? Visit www.clevesbooks.org for much more, and big thanks to Jeff Royds for making this happen!

Turning writing from something you do after work to a full-time job can be a long and difficult journey, and in this episode, author Staci Lynn Wilson shares some insight into how fellow writers can make this happen. She also talks promotion options and the benefits of working with an editor or book group.

Staci has a new book out now called “Murder in the House of Mirrors” through Crystal Lake Publishing. Here’s a look at the story:

In the late 1970s, Los Angeles is gripped by terror as a shadowy figure known as The Looking Glass Killer unleashes a wave of brutal and enigmatic murders. Leaving antique hand mirrors with each victim, this relentless predator pursues a dark and twisted agenda, evading capture at every turn.

Staci goes into the origin of the book and how it ties into her own upbringing, as well as creating a new world of serial killers.

Get your own copy of the new book and her other titles at https://www.stacilaynewilson.com.

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.

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

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.

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!