Citywide Blackout

Rhode Island Author Expo, Part 3

Well, here we are, the final round of interviews from the Rhode Island Author Expo. Up first, Angelina Singer talks all about her soon-to-be-released book, “Forgetting What I Couldn't Remember.” Like much of her previous work, it touches on a personal part of her life.

Up next, The Pie Sisters make their big return! Leigh Brown and Victoria Corliss talk about their fourth book and how they co-write effectively.

Mary Catherine Volk believes that loved ones that have passed still have things to tell us and do so through signs, as she explains in her book, “Believe in Forever.”

Wrapping things up, Sam Kafrissen has a new book out in his Doherty Mystery series, and shows us how the character has evolved over the many titles.

 

 

Rhode Island Author Expo, Part 2

Here's the second installment of my interviews from the Rhode Island Author Expo. Debbie Kaiman Tillinghast is up first to share her stories growing up on Prudence Island in her book, “The Ferry Home.”

M.A. Guglielmo is up next to talk about her debut novel, “Summoned.” A jinn, an evil sorcerer, and vengeful fallen angel—this one's got it all!

The last interview for this episode is with S.M. Stevens for her book “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades,” a true-to-life tale for the #MeToo generation, in which two women reclaim their careers, romances and lives after suffering harassment and abuse.

Rhode Author Island Expo, Part 1

Here it is, my interviews from the recent Rhode Author Island Expo!

First up is Karen Gasperini—technically my last pre-show interview the day before—talks about her popular “Arianna's Magic Boots” series which feature's Karen's daughter as the main character.

Following that it's Christine Lajewski, who was last on the show about a year ago. She catches us up on what she has been up to, including some exciting news about her book “Bonebelly.”

Emily Tallman's books include characters with mental illness with the goal that more people will see themselves as worthwhile individuals and no longer just horror movie villains.

The final interview in this episode is with Therese Zink, whose main character Dr. Ann McLannly is a doctor working with international aid missions. It's something that Zink has personal experience with and she shares some of her times working with missions such as these.

New albums from around the world

In this episode, I'm headed overseas! Well, kinda. Based out of Kent, England, Dux recently released his new hip-hop EP, “Thought We Were Done.” This is an amazing array of styles, much of it honoring the 90s-era rap he grew up on. Dux talks on the artists he looks to as inspirations and the new experiences that came with a solo project. After the interview, enjoy “Thought We Were Done,” the title track from the new album.

After that, it's off to Italy to hang with singer-songwriter Eil Marchini who also has a new album out. He talks about the different directions he went in for “Lost in the Universe,” as well as some of the places he plays at in Europe. Following this, kick back with “The River.”

Rhode Island Author Expo Pre-Show, Part 4

In the fourth and final episode in this series, Candace Breen talks about her autobiographical story, “After the Darkness.” This book chronicles her experiences with childhood incest, rape, abuse, and domestic violence and how she found a path to healing and a new life.

Candace holds nothing back, and we look at what led her to share this story and the reaction of family and friends, both good and bad. She talks about her husband and how he inspired her to write the book and stand by her side throughout the process. Candace has a lot of hope and wants others who have been through this kind of abuse to not feel ashamed and be willing to talk about it.

You are not alone. If you're the victim of rape or domestic violence, there are places you can go to seek help. The links below are just a handful of resources—there are hundreds of crisis centers, web sites, and phone hotlines you can reach out to, and of course the police are willing and able to help.

 

The Rape Crisis Center

 

Domestic Violence Crisis Center

 

National Domestic Violence Hotline

 

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

Rhode Island Author Expo Pre-Show, Episode 3

In the third installment of my ongoing series of interviews with authors who will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo on Dec. 7, I speak to Joyce Derenas about her five-book series that takes a deep dive into her family history, Terry Gaspard on her extensively-researched book “Daughters of Divorce,” and M. Lee Prescott on her many romance and thriller titles.

Pearls and Sunflowers

Opening this episode is Pearl Cutten, a Denmark-based soul artist who recently released a new single, “The Pain in You,” a story of the reality of being in an abusive relationship but with a message that self-love is ultimately the answer. We talk a lot about the concept of self-love and how she's incorporated it into her life. After this interview, enjoy the new tune.

 

Next up is Boston's own Genie Santiago. This stellar R&B artist was first on the show in 2017 and has been a regular since then. We talk all about her latest single “Spirit Party” and the music video that accompanies it. She talks about balancing her life between work, music, and making time for herself. The show closes out with “Spirit Party.”

 

 

Ben Eads takes us to new depths of horror

Author Ben Eads walks some dark paths with his new novella, “Hollow Heart,” released through Crystal Lake Publishing. Ben introduces us to The Architect, a very complex character, and what it was like working with Crystal Lake Publishing and how it helped the final story. He also gives a sneak peak into some future projects, some of which involve a continuation of this novella.

 

Unique pop-punk and revolutionary rock

In this episode, Melbourne, Australia-based pop-punk artist Hated Names shares his debut single, “Anthem for the Atheist.” Naturally, religion and taking on this subject comes up, but we also learn about his origin as a musician, work as a producer, and the music scene in Australia. Following this interview, enjoy this great musical debut.

Lyric Dubee, of Ontario, has accomplished a lot by age 21—five albums, international tours, and much more. He tells us all about his journey to making music a full-time job, some interesting tour stories, and what he has in planned for 2020. After this, enjoy Lyric's tune, “Soundscape City.”

SuperMegaFest: Cosplay, haunted houses, and the danger of typos

In this episode, Ben Chou and I enjoy a day at the great local con, SuperMegaFest. There's some amazing creatives here and we showcase a sampling of them on the show. First up, authors Killarney and Margaret Traynor tells about their Encounter Series, a collection of stories that begin with the phrase “what if?” This includes haunted houses and alien invasions, but more is coming.

Next, Stephen Lomer debuts the short film adaptation of his book series, “Typo Squad.” Stephen talks about the transition from book to film and how the story changed to fit the medium. We also look at the stellar cast of this film and the different qualities they bring to the show.

Cosplay artist Chelsea Von Chastity closes out the day by telling us about the Princess Ariel costume she wore for SuperMegaFest as well as the many other ones she has created over the years. She's been to a number of other cons over the years and shares a few stories about those great times.