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Citywide Bytes—The dark secrets of “Coach’s Corner”

Author J. Lee returns with his newest book, and this one has an ending you’ll never see coming. The murder mystery “Coach’s Corner” will be released out on Oct. 14. Here’s a look at the story:

In a small rural town of 1,500 people, life is usually quiet — until the summer of 1997, when Charlie’s best friend, Barry Ray, is arrested for murder. Convinced of Barry Ray’s innocence, Charlie sets out to uncover the truth, navigating his dangerous investigation without the help of modern technology. 

What begins as a simple search for justice quickly unravels his understanding of right and wrong, revealing that truth is rarely black and white — and exposing it could cost lives.

In this episode, J. Lee will talk about the unique nature of this mystery, how the setting influences the story, and solving a mystery through the eyes of youth.

Todd Brown wanders a house with a dark history

In his debut book, author Todd Brown weaves a dark tale in the Southern Gothic “When Shadows Burn.” Here’s a look at the story:

In the heart of Raven’s Cross, Virginia, the decaying Scott house looms. Its broken-window eyes watch a town desperate to forget. When Roxy, a teenage girl, vanishes into a sweltering night, long-buried fears erupt, and suspicion turns savage. The townspeople turn on the newcomers, blaming them for what they refuse to face in themselves. As polite smiles crack and old grudges resurface, Raven’s Cross’s genteel mask begins to slip, revealing the rot beneath. 

Timothy Michaels came to town chasing a story. A true crime podcaster investigating the haunted legacy of the Scott house, he never expected to be pulled into something so immediate—and so dangerous. Alongside unexpected allies, Tim begins to unearth a legacy of complicity and cruelty—one the town would kill to keep buried. Because, in Raven’s Cross, the shadows don’t just linger. They burn.

Todd’s book brings with it authentic queer representation and he talks about what this means to him, as well as how he goes about doing it. We look into the writing process, a sequel in the works, and the story behind the cover and title.

Todd talks with us about the story’s origin and the worldbuilding he did to craft the Scott house and town of Raven’s Cross. He talks about the house’s history and how the town itself has changed as a result. We’re introduced to Timothy Michaels and his choice to learn the history of the Scott house, as well his own past in Raven’s Cross.

This interview includes an excerpt from the audiobook, coming out later this year and voiced by award-winning VA Emily Woo Zeller.

“Outer Lands” gives us a historical tale with a modern twist

In the recent Comixology release “Outer Lands,” a young prince living in a seemingly Ancient Grecian world is exiled to a prison isle to keep him from assuming the throne, he unintentionally discovers a massive global conspiracy. It’s a great story with a twist that will really surprise you.

Series writer Matthew Arnold joins us to talk about how the series lived for awhile in his mind, writing so much that when the time came to bring it to life, much of it was ready to go. We discuss the team behind this, including artist Davide Gianfelice, who is best known for his work on “Northlanders,” and a cover by artist Jock, whose comics work includes “Batman” and “Wytches.”

Matthew dives into the in-depth worldbuilding and research that he did for “Outer Lands” and the modern-day themes that were blended into the story. We talk about characters, specifically Prince Heron, the series protagonist who may or may not be the hero of the story. Matthew also gives advice on getting that creative ball rolling and how to find a team to work with.

Citywide Bytes—Pamela Harris uncovers new truths in “Through Our Teeth”

In author Pamela Harris’ newest book, “Through Our Teeth,” we open with the death of Hope Jackson, and while it appears that she took her own life, her friend Liv doesn’t believe it. But as the investigation unfolds, we learn that things are not what they seem.

Join us as Pamela talks about how this grew from an idea she had 10 years ago, the complex characters she’s created, the social issues she addresses in the story, and how sometimes, things are not what they seem.

Discovering joy with Bruce Springsteen

At 60 years old, author Anne Abel did something completely out of character – she flew halfway across the world by herself to follow Bruce Springsteen’s tour in Australia. Eight concerts. Five cities.

Twenty-six days. No guidebook, no plan. Just a desperate hope that his music might save her life. This story is the heart of her new memoir, "High Hopes," released on Springsteen’s birthday, Sept. 23.

In this interview, Anne talks about seeing her first Springsteen concert and the powerful impact it had. She shares what led to her following Springsteen on tour and her experiences at the different shows—even meeting the artist at one point!

Anne talks about her decision to write a memoir about these experiences and the process of putting it all together, as well as the hopeful messages contained within.

Citywide Bytes—It’s the last mystery for Vega and Middleton

As they say, all good things must come to an end.

After six books, award-winning The Vega and Middleton series by Sue Hinkin is about to come to a close with “The Snake Handler’s Wife” (Oct. 1, Literary Wanderlust). It’s the final mystery for Los Angeles TV news journalist Bea Jackson and best friend, photographer Lucy Vega, and we talk about the final story as well as how the series got its start.

Sue goes into the characters and how they’ve changed over six books, where the ideas come from, and how she’s wrapping up the series.

Facing mortality—Author’s cancer diagnosis inspires memoir

On May 28, 2013, Jocelyn Rasmussen woke up and realized, with profound clarity, that she had cancer. This was later confirmed by a doctor, after which Jocelyn was told she had a small chance of survival.

Today, Jocelyn is a cancer survivor for 12 years and living a life of love, adventure and music. 

During her treatment, Jocelyn began speaking with other patients with life-threatening illnesses about hope and healing, a message she brings to her memoir, “This Day Won't Come Again: Radical Presence and Life-Threatening Illness.”

In this episode, Jocelyn recounts that fateful day and what went through her mind after receiving the diagnosis. She talks about the choice to go into treatment, and how she managed the days that followed.

Jocelyn speaks on her meetings with other patients and the person that recommended she publish a book, as well as how she built on what had already been done. She explains the message of living “into the best and worst of all that arises when the possibility of our own mortality seems sooner rather than later.”   

Citywide Bytes—Choosing between two lives

What if you could lead an entirely different life, changing the choices you once made? Would you be willing to leave the old life behind? That’s the story behind author C.B. Giesinger’s new book, “The Wall That Divides the Ocean.” Here’s a look at the plot.

Anna is satisfied with the life that she has built with her husband, Chris. Her steady, but lackluster job, and their cushion-stain-free lifestyle give her stability, untouched by chaos. 

As she succumbs to her brain-swelling coma, Anna opens her eyes inexplicably to a life she would have once had. She finds herself married to a man she'd once met in Scotland, though she'd left him to pursue a more predictable path over a decade ago. He gives her life meaning and excitement, filled with the happiness and chaos that make life worth living.  

Will the truth of her circumstances force her to confront her new life and return to where she came from? Or will she risk living a lie to preserve the dream she has created across the ocean?

In this interview, C.B. talks about the inspiration for the book and how she chose the cover and title. We do into the new life that Anna is living in her coma and the man she’s now married to. We talk about how it compares to her old life and the choice she has to make. 

Headed to a musical circus

Derek Smith of Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures is back with a brand new three-part album called Temporary Circus. Act 1 was released back in May, with the second act slated for Sept. 12. The music is a wonderful, eclectic blend of sounds that showcases Derek’s wide-ranging style.

In this interview, Derek talks about the origins of Temporary Circus and what we can expect in Act 2. He shares what’s new in this release, including his wife singing on one of the tracks. We talk promotion for the new project, and how he makes himself heard amidst the ten of thousands of artists working toward the same goal.

Derek’s music has recently hit some new milestones, with songs like “Black Angel” and “White Spade Symphony” reaching 30,000 listens on Spotify, and he gives an honest take on what that means to him.

Closing out this episode is “Indie Darling,” from “Temporary Circus Act 1.”

Citywide Bytes—Crime thrillers in the heart of San Fran

Born and raised in San Francisco, author Brian Brady has blended the city’s endless inspiration with his lengthy career as a police officer and security executive to create his series of books. The newest, “Greed,” begins with an art forgery and theft, traveling from San Francisco to Paris to Amsterdam, but takes a twist when one of the perpetrators gets too greedy.

In this episode, Brian talks about what inspired his decision to join the writing world and the real-life cases he’s drawn inspiration from. He talks about San Francisco as a setting, the things he’s learned as a writer and give us a glimpse into his fourth book.