Citywide Blackout

Final RIAE pre-show interview has us looking to the stars

In our final pre-show interview for the Rhode Island Author Expo, I’m getting a lesson in the 52-Star Code System from Karyn Chabot Martino. I’d need all day to expound on Karyn’s lengthy educational background, but suffice it to say, if it’s out there, odds are she’s studied it.

Case in point—years ago she learned about the Star Code System and in this episode, we’re going to hear what that is, what inspired her to write about it and how her five-book series builds on what she’s already learned.

The system is linked to the classic playing card deck and she talks about how the different suits and cards are a language all their own. These codes, according to Karyn’s web site, “unveil the probabilities of fate, the possibilities of destiny, and the concepts of free will, allowing humans to revolutionize the understanding of themselves, consciousness, and life itself.”

Solving mysteries with a 5-year-old detective in “The Tender Purdy Mysteries”

In the third installment of our pre-Rhode Island Author Expo interviews, Richard Harrington takes us on a tour of his “Tender Purdy Mysteries” series, now in its second volume. Tender Purdy has an IQ of 180, can solve complex cases….and is only 5 years old.

Richard talks about how he came up with the concept, and went from initial idea to completed book. He explains who Tender is, how she became a junior sleuth, and the challenges that await her in the books. We also get a sneak peek at what future stories have in store for the readers.

Western Education digs deep with new singles

The four-piece rock band Western Education is another old favorite from our Boston days. We’ve seen them on stage many times and it’s always been a blast, so of course, we had to have them on.

Band members Greg Alexandropoulos, Will Hunt and Devin Vaillaincourt join us to recap their most recent singles, which touch on some pretty serious topics, such as the loss of a loved one to cancer and trying to help someone dealing with mental health struggles. The band talks about the real-life people whose stories inspired the music and what it means to share them.

Western Education has been around since 2012, and we go into the “good ol’ days” of promoting music, how things have changed and how they’ve changed with them. We talk about favorite Boston venues – ours and theirs -- and some of the stages they’ve performed on.

Opening this episode is an excerpt from the band’s recent single, “Catherine What Have You Done” and closing things out is the new release, “Madeline in the Hurricane,” which was released on Nov. 15.  

Heidi McLaughlin gives a new perspective on “Forever My Girl”

In our second episode of the pre-Rhode Island Author Expo interviews, I’m joined by New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today-bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin. Heidi has a new book out on Dec. 3 called “Forever My Boy,” which provides a new angle on “Forever My Girl,” which was adapted to a movie in 2018.

Heidi and I talk about the book and the new direction it goes in, as well as how it fits into the Beaumont Series, which “Forever My Girl” kicks off. We talk about the characters and the different things we’re learning about them in the new book as well as revisiting “Forever My Girl” in the writing process.

We also go into her 60-plus books since 2012 and how she has made such a massive collection work.

Jeff Michaels talks about returning to music and charting new paths

Jeff Michaels of the Jeff Michaels Band is an old friend from our days in Boston. It’s been a while since we spoke and there’s a lot to cover, so let’s get to it!

Curtis, Max and Jeff talk all about their days in the Boston music scene and some of Jeff’s favorite venues to perform at. Jeff goes into a long break he took from music and the old friend who got him back to it. He shares some personal stories that are captured in his songs, especially “Luckiest By Far.”

While some musicians will opt for the crowdfunding, Jeff received his support from the State of Massachusetts and talks about all that he was able to do with the cash. He also goes into his relationship with fellow musician Scott Barkan and what he brings to the musical table.

Jeff shares some plans for the future, which include lots of new music, as well as his thoughts on getting back on stage. We also talk about how after 20 years, he remains a presence as a musician. 

Opening this episode is an excerpt from Jeff’s single, “Lost in the Night” and closing out the show is “Luckiest By Far.”

An intro to the Rhode Island Author Expo and the work of Scott Jablonski

On Dec. 7, the Rhode Island Author Expo returns, and we’re previewing this event by speaking to some of the writers who will be there. First up is Scott Jablonski, a writer, musician and teacher who has been encouraging kids to become their best version through his “Stand Out! Stand Out!” series.

In this interview, Scott talks about his work as a teacher and how it’s tied into his writing and music. He shares his hopes for the children that read his books and some of the messages he’s imparting through them. 

Citywide Bytes-How a dog helped Anne Abel to heal

For this episode, we’re talking all about dogs, and how one dog named Milo and his owner overcame their difficult pasts.

After the untimely death of her beloved pet, Mattie, author Anne Abel rescued an initially aggressive dog named Milo. Anne's commitment to Milo's rehabilitation became a powerful metaphor for her resilience and growth. Amid many challenges and recovering from childhood trauma, Anne found strength, rediscovered her capacity to love and transformed both herself and Milo in the process.

Anne wrote about this in "Mattie, Milo and Me," and we talk all about those early days with Milo and how she helped to ease his aggressive tendencies. She talks about her own past trauma and how working with Milo changed that, as well as sharing the story multiple times as part of the Moth StorySLAMs.  

A steampunk adventure with Nikola Tesla

To wrap up our Halloween coverage, we’re talking historical fiction, steampunk and Tesla….no not that Tesla. Joining us is author Matthew Donald to talk about his new book, “Teslamancer.”

The book is Donald’s second in this alternate history steampunk series, following “Teslanauts” in 2022. In the new book, protagonist Raymond Calvert is an experienced Teslanaut, completing missions across many countries, thwarting numerous underground factions using Tesla's cutting-edge volt-tech. In 1924, the world braces for the emergence of the Teslamancer, the ultimate wielder of Tesla's breakthrough science.

In this interview, Matthew talks about what inspired the series and how he changed history for the books. We go into Raymond’s character and how he’s changed over the two books and what lies in store over the next three titles. And of course, the interview wouldn’t be complete without talking about the tech to be found in this series.

Citywide Bytes—Author kicks off new trilogy set in a magical San Fran

In her first in an urban fantasy trilogy set in San Francisco, Evette Davis has created a “secret society of supernaturals who seek to slow the spread of facism.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Olivia Shepherd is a political consultant with a secret: She’s an empath, with the power to experience the emotions of those around her. Keen to keep her supernatural abilities hidden, Olivia's world is upended when Elsa, an ancient time-walker, appears in her kitchen, unveiling a destiny she never knew she had.

As Olivia delves deeper into the hidden world of the "Others" who lurk beneath San Francisco's foggy streets, she finds herself drawn into the clandestine organization of The Council–who seek to influence humanity from the shadows–and Gabriel Laurent, the enigmatic leader of a realm where vampires, witches, fairies and demons navigate a delicate balance of power.

In this episode, we go into Olivia’s character, her abilities, and how she finds herself amidst this conflict. Evette shares Olivia’s motivation and how she handles this new world that she finds herself a part of.

We talk about the fantasy aspect of the story and why she chose to place it in San Francisco, where she lives. We even go into what will be happening in her next two books, but no spoilers here!

New book sends us to a creepy island—with pie

Whatever you do, don’t eat the pie. That’s it. That’s all the warning you get.

In Monique Asher’s new book, “Don’t Eat the Pie,” we’re taken to Camillia Island, where Sam moves her family after her mother-in-law falls ill. All seems well and there’s even a pie competition, until Sam’s daughter Emma begins seeing ghosts who try to warn her of something.

Monique talks about the absolutely amazing cover art and introduces us to the artist who created it. We talk about what inspired the book and her writing process. Monique goes into Camillia Island, what makes it the way it is and the things Emma sees.

And speaking of hauntings , Monique is also the co-host of the “Stay The Night Podcast” and shares her experiences recording the episodes at some of the most haunted places around.