Citywide Blackout

Rhode Author Island Expo, Part2

Welcome to the second collection of interviews of authors taking part in the annual Rhode Island Author Expo. Happening on Dec. 5, this year's expo will be a virtual one, with panels, author meet-and-greets, and much more.

 

My first interview in this segment is with Dana Vacca for her Freedom Series, which entails Freedom Calling and The Edge of Freedom. Set in the Civil War era, these books focus on escaped slaves and their journey toward freedom.

 

Next is Christine Lajewski, whom we last had on the show about a year ago for her book, “Bonebelly.” and we kick things off with her short story that is included in the Wicked Women anthology. She also talks about the horror genre, how to pitch, and the kinds of books she enjoys.

 

The final interview in this segment is with Joann Mead. She has a new book out, “Designer Baby,” the third in her Underlying Crimes series. We look at the villain Tiger Girl and her scheme to create the perfect babies, plus the real science behind the story.

Chashe speaks on Boston/London music scenes, being a full-time musician, and the different twists of life

London-based songwriter Chashe has certainly had an interesting life story. Born in Zimbabwe, educated at the University of Cape Town and Berklee College of Music in Boston, she has a lot of stories to share. We talk all about her time in Boston and the different bands she got the chance to see, with plenty of my own stories from living there.

 

Chashe's mom has been a central figure in her music career, whether it was encouraging her to pursue her dreams at a young age, to being the ultimate 'band mom' today. She also talks about working with her partner in the studio and how they complement each other as a team.

 

“Lucid” is Chashe's newest album, and it's an eclectic mix of styles and sounds. We look at the different stories she shares, from there being no rules when it comes to love, or moving ahead without looking back. She's also got new music in the works, and potentially some events to look forward to.

 

Following this, kick back and enjoy “Lucid,” followed by “9:45,” both from the new album and two of my favorites.

Mykaela Jay shares stories of singing her way from Melbourne to Ecuador and home again

In this episode, Mykaela Jay talks about what led to her moving from Australia at the age of 19 and living and playing in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. This includes busking with a circus performer, and would eventually lead to her heading back home. She also talks about the many charities she has worked with, as well as the activist causes she has taken on, both through volunteer work and in her music.

Mykaela has released two singles so far, “A Dog’s Way Home” and “Purple Flowers” and her debut album “Mother Dearest” will be released early next year. We discuss the many people she's worked with and some of the impromptu additions that have been made to the songs. She's also returned to the stage and we talk about how it feels to be back before a live audience.

Following this, enjoy her single “Purple Flowers.” It's got a jazzy, soulful style that I really loved.

Jeremy Haun packs an amazing story into 40 Seconds

Writer Jeremy Haun joins me to delve into the comiXology Originals title “40 Seconds,” which he worked on with artist Chris Mitten, colorist Brett Weldele, and letterer and designer Thomas Mauer. Jeremy and I talk about the origin of the story, the process of bringing it to the page, and some cool details that tie into his other works. We also go into the changes that the comics industry has seen and how indie creators now have a better chance of bringning their work to a wider audience.

Natalie Joly keeps the music going amidst the pandemic

In this interview, Wakefield-based solo artist Natalie Joly unveils her new single, “Running Circles,” which drops on Nov. 6. Recorded during the pandemic, this song took Natalie in some new directions, which she goes into, as well as her plans for releasing it with shows and tours not on the menu.

Natalie is a full-time musician, and she defines what that means and how it goes far beyond playing at clubs and going on tour.

Following this, enjoy two of her songs, “You Oughta Know,” followed by the new single “Running Circles.”

Arechan takes us on a tour of the world of LUFF

I've been looking forward to this one for awhile! Arechan—writer/artist behind the Webtoon title LUFF—joins me to give listeners a tour of the world behind this amazing comic. We talk about the worldbuilding that went into it, including the LUFF system and how it becomes such a central force that influences all aspects of people's lives. We go into the characters, Daniel, Julian, and Beatriz, and how they've changed over the course of 89 episodes.

Rhode Island Author Expo, Part 1

Welcome to the first collection of interviews of authors taking part in the annual Rhode Island Author Expo. Happening on Dec. 5, this year's expo will be a virtual one, with panels, author meet-and-greets, and much more.

First, Stan Carpenter joins me to talk about his history-inspired titles, which include a look at how World War II would have gone if the attack on Pearl Habor had never happened.

Next, Barbara Ann Whitman and I discuss her debut novel, “Have Mercy,” which came in part from Whitman's many years as a social worker.

Last in this episode are the writing brothers, David and Daniel Orsini. David is first and gives a detailed recap of his book, “The Weaver of Plots.” Following this, Daniel talks about his three books of metaphysical poetry.

Memoir shows how to find the true warrior within

Courtney Ramm joins me to talk about her memoir, “Eris Rising,” available Oct. 27 through Acorn Publishing, which details a professional dancer, choreographer, and yoga teacher crossing paths with an enticing, yet manipulative man named Marcus, and the relationship marked by emotional and even physical abuse that followed. Courtney has been out of this relationship for some time and talks about how it's possible to move forward from such a time and grow into a true warrior.

Nadia Vaeh addresses mental health and coping mechanisms in new single

LA-based pop artist Nadia Vaeh joins me once again in an Instagram Live interview to talk about her new single “Anxiety.” The song deals with mental health struggles and how people experience and cope with it an Nadia talks about her own battles with anxiety. We also dive into the music video for the single and her partnering with MusiCares, which raises funds to support musicians in need.

Following this, enjoy the new single, “Anxiety.”

Author Heather Mateus Sappenield takes us on 17 journeys in "Lyrics for Rock Stars"

Ranchers, super models, dead pigs, burro racers, and religious beet farmers—these are just a few of the characters in Heather Mateus Sappenfield's new book, "Lyrics for Rock Stars." We talk about the different viewpoints in this book, all set in the West, as well as her previous works and how she evolved as a writer. I also ask her about a line from her bio where she is “fascinated by the many selves each of us becomes in our varied roles throughout the day (some we like, some we do not)” and how that factors in to her writing.