Meet the Author: James Stejskal is an author, military historian, and conflict archaeologist. To gain inspiration and research his writings, he spent 35 years serving with the US Army Special Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency in interesting places like Africa, Europe, the Balkans, the Near and Far East. He is the author of the “Snake Eater Chronicles,” a Cold War military & espionage thriller series as well as the non-fiction books “Special Forces Berlin: Clandestine Cold War Operations of the US Army’s Elite, 1956–1990” and “Masters of Mayhem: Lawrence of Arabia and the British Military Mission to the Hejaz.” He lives in Virginia with his wife Wanda. Learn more here!

“Berlin,” by James Stejskal

About James’ new book: Berlin: A Spy’s Guide to its Cold War History in Story and Image: Many cities have laid claim to the title City of Spies—Vienna, London, Moscow, even Miami. But no city has earned it more than Berlin. From the rubble of World War II to the razor’s edge of the Cold War, Berlin became the epicenter of a secret war fought in the shadows. Divided, occupied, and deeply contested, the city was home to the world’s most elite intelligence operatives. American, Soviet, British, French, East and West German services—and even terrorist and revolutionary factions like the Red Army Faction and the PLO—turned Berlin into a vast chessboard of espionage, deception, and covert operations. In Berlin: A Spy’s Guide to its Cold War History in Story and Image, former Green Beret and intelligence officer James Stejskal delivers a gripping, photo-rich guide to the key players, locations, missions, and betrayals that defined Cold War Berlin. Part travelogue, part historical dossier, this book is your gateway to understanding how the Cold War was really fought—and why Berlin remains the most spy-saturated city on Earth. History. Intrigue. Secrets. Welcome to Berlin, the City of Spies. Click here to buy the book!

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host: Bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins is a retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays. He has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. Jeff received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selection is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

About the Book: Sins of the Saviors Book 1: Escape from the Culling Box

No one escaped from hell. Until David, who returns to a twisted shadow of the country and family he left decades ago. The 2028 election was our last – democracy traded for an AI-directed utopia. The network saved humanity from existential threats and curbed our violent tendencies, but it came with a heavy price.

As a vestige soldier fleeing a forever war, David must rediscover who he is after the lies that shaped him are torn away. His faith in family, nation, and truth itself is shattered. Now, he must decide whether this new world is worth saving. The elites who saved us must also decide-kill David to preserve control or use him to resurrect free will? Their redemption could plunge us back to the brink of extinction. Again.

SINS OF THE SAVIORS flips the script on evil elites, indisputable truths, and the virtue of free will. In this contemplative technothriller, a dark future is shaped by our actions today. Unlike most dystopian novels that fixate on the collapse into chaos, this story explores the journey out of it-the way back home. Click here to buy the book!

About Sins of the Saviors Prequel: The Network Apostate

The Network saved us. All we had to do was believe.

As political leaders ignore a perfect storm of existential threats, Earth teeters on collapse. Global elites seize control following the 2028 U.S. election, creating a utopia run by the Goliath Network AI. The masses trade truth and humanity for comfort and security.

But Jane can’t shake the feeling something is horribly wrong. She’s old enough to remember life before the transition, aware enough to know what we’ve lost, and just altruistic enough to conspire to get it back. And now it’s personal—they lied about her brother’s death in the forever war.

As she digs deeper, Jane finds herself in a race to preserve the evaporating evidence of Goliath’s lies, and prove David yet lives, before the Network silences her forever.

In this gripping Literary Titan award-winning prequel to the Sins of the Saviors, Jane is torn between her tortured convictions to expose the Network and a gnawing desire to embrace it. Before she enlists others in a dangerous fight, she will need to convince herself that free will is worth risking paradise. Click here to buy the book!

About the Author: Joe Relk is an analyst, manager, and strategic communicator with more than 30 years developing and implementing influential reporting plans, interagency strategies, and public relations initiatives. He joined the State Department as Foreign Service Officer in 2002. Joe has served in Venezuela, Bolivia, Germany, Ecuador, Guatemala, Suriname, and Afghanistan.

As the Stabilization Coordinator at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from July 2020 until July 2022, he shaped conflict stabilization and prevention aspects of military plans and exercises. Joe was the Political-Economic Section Chief at Embassy Paramaribo between 2018 and 2020. He led an Embassy election observation mission during the height of the global pandemic and coordinated efforts to evacuate Embassy staff and U.S. citizens.

Joe also developed and led an Afghan refugee counseling and release process during Operation Allies Welcome. That system was adapted to process more than 15,000 Afghan refugees. He served at the Office for Afghanistan in Washington, where he developed the first State Department training regimen for civilians deployed in Afghanistan. During his tenure with the Office of Interagency Provincial Affairs (IPA) in Afghanistan, Relk created a retrospective of the civilian surge. He also authored “Afghanistan Through the Humvee Window” and “The Network Apostate.” His prior professions include U.S. Army cryptology analyst, public relations specialist, journalist, talk show host, and photographer. He is originally from Idaho and graduated from Boise State University.

Find more Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selection is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12 growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

About The Mapmaker: Resistance operative Charlotte Denneau has critical targeting information for the Allies, and the Gestapo knows it. On the run across occupied France, she must prioritize her mission over the lives of the agents and civilians she needs to help her escape. Germans are taking down Resistance networks with disastrous results. Agents are being arrested, tortured, questioned, and turned. Charlotte never knows whom to trust. She communicates in coded radio calls to London, with the enemy always listening. More than anything, she needs a flight out—before the Nazis drag her to an interrogation chamber.

Philippe Gerard, a French pilot who joined the British Royal Air Force after the fall of France, faces an impossible mission: He must find Charlotte, land by moonlight to pick her up in a farmer’s field, and evade Luftwaffe fighters on the way back to England. But where is she? If he gets an all-clear signal over a dark pasture, is she really there? Or does the signal lure him into a trap?

In the critical weeks before D-Day, every contribution counts: A well-drawn map, a timely aerial photo, or a daring landing in a muddy field might make the difference between triumph and defeat. Inspired by real-life events from World War II, The Mapmaker demonstrates how individual courage and sacrifice can set the stage for victory.

Click here to buy The Mapmaker!

Meet the Author: Tom Young served in Afghanistan and Iraq with the Air National Guard. He has also flown combat missions to Bosnia and Kosovo, and additional missions to Latin America, the horn of Africa, and the Far East.  In all, Young logged nearly 5,000 hours as a flight engineer on the C-5 Galaxy and the C-130 Hercules, while flying to almost forty countries.  Military honors include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals, three Aerial Achievement Medals, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal. Young retired from the Air Guard in 2013 after more than twenty years of service.

In civilian life he spent ten years as a writer and editor with the broadcast division of the Associated Press, and retired recently as an airline captain based at Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.  Young holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Young’s well-received military adventure novels include The Mullah’s Storm, Silent Enemy, The Renegades, The Warriors, and Sand and Fire.

The Mullah’s Storm was a Book of the Month Club Thriller of the Month and an Indie Next List Selection. Publishers Weekly gave starred reviews to The Renegades, Silent Enemy, and The Warriors. The Mullah’s Storm earned a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. The Mullah’s Storm, Silent Enemy, and The Renegades received Gold Medal awards from the Military Writers Society of America. Sand and Fire received a starred review from Booklist.

Young is also the author of the nonfiction book The Speed of Heat: An Airlift Wing at War in Iraq and Afghanistan, released in 2008.  His narrative, “Night Flight to Baghdad,” appeared in the anthology Operation Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front in the Words of U.S. Troops and Their Families. The Washington Post listed Operation Homecoming among the best books of 2006. Learn more about Tom: tomyoungbooks.com

Find more Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selection is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12 growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

June 26, 2025 — It was a special treat today at Elaine’s Literary Salon, where host of the show Jeffrey James Higgins launched his new book, The Havana Syndrome. This is Volume 1 in a 4-part (maybe more) series by the bestselling thriller novelist. “I wanted to write a story about what happens when devotion and duty collide, giving my protagonist — FBI Agent Nathan Burke — a heart-pounding challenge to uncover a global conspiracy to save his wife, and the nation,” explains Jeff, whose critically-acclaimed books are refered to as “pulse-pounding and a must-read.”

Turning the tables on the Elaine’s Literay Salon host, who has interviewed more than 125 authors since opening the Salon in 2022, is psychological thriller bestseller KT Nguyen. 

“My psychological thrillers offer a veneer of glamour—think of that lust-worthy, buttery-soft Birkin,” shares KT. “But they also give you a birds-eye view inside the bag. Messy contents made all the more fascinating because we keep them hidden. A crumpled facial tissue reserved for one more use, leftover painkillers from last year’s dental surgery, an illicit phone number—the one you’re definitely planning to throw out eventually, your secret kill list (yeah, that escalated quickly).” Learn more about her here: ktnguyenauthor.com.

Be sure to check out their interview, and click here to buy the book.

The story behind The Havana Syndrome: FBI Agent Nathan Burke is in the middle of a high-stakes operation to dismantle a terrorist network when his world is turned upside down―his estranged wife, Reagan, falls victim to the mysterious and debilitating Havana Syndrome. Determined to reconcile with her and find the responsible party, he teams up with his former academy classmate Meili Chan and CIA liaison Bashir Gemayel to launch a rogue investigation, putting his own job at risk.

As more American spies and diplomats fall prey to this unexplained phenomenon, and terrorist attacks increase at home and abroad, Nathan unearths evidence of high-energy weapons and a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of national security.

But when the CIA dismisses his findings, and the balance between his official and illicit missions teeters on the edge of collapse, Nathan must choose between his duty to his country and his devotion to Reagan. With his allies falling one by one to mysterious attacks and with friend and foe seemingly indistinguishable, Nathan must stop the spread of the Havana Syndrome and uncover the truth…or risk becoming its next victim.

Bestselling author Jeffrey James Higgins takes readers from the buzzing streets of Washington, D.C., to the eerie silence of Tallinn, Estonia, where suspense meets the stark realities of espionage, assassination, and deception. Perfect for fans of David Baldacci and Michael Connelly.

About Jeffrey James Higgins: The author of Furious and Unseen, Jeff bolsters his reputation for high-stakes, no-frills drama with this taut thrillers. Reviewers say there isn’t an ounce of fat on Higgins’ prose. Nearly every line of dialogue is a gut punch, and yet he can make a landscape come alive with a single high-impact sentence (“The pier was a mishmash of pulleys and taught metal lines, and it smelled of diesel fumes and saltwater.”)

His 2024 novel, Forever Technology, gives us characters that are so likable, and so on the ropes, that their day-to-day fight for survival is what makes this a page-turner. There’s no indication yet that Higgins is planning a series, but we would love to see one centered around this book’s main character, DEA Special Agent Adam Locke. As it stands, what separates Locke from the Jack Reachers of the literary landscape is his hearty, seemingly natural exploration of deeper themes. In this case, it’s nothing less than the future of immortality.

Find more Literary Salon events here.

And keep checking back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s: Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away. Elaine’s is named after the owner’s grandmother. When the owner was twelve years old in Cairo, Egypt, she promised her grandmother that she would someday own a restaurant and name it after her. The owner proudly shares her family’s recipes with the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

This week at Elaine’s Literary Salon we meet Sarah DeBlock, author of the 2025 memoire, The Year of Sarah.

About the author: Sarah has an amazing back story. This yogi and entrepreneur who published her first novel in 2025 was introduced to yoga in 2011 when she was majoring in Chemical Engineering.

“During some difficult semesters, I was lucky to discover yoga’s incredible stress-relieving benefits and contribute these yoga classes to help me through the high-pressure environment I faced,” she explains, noting that in 2015, she again experienced the healing force of yoga when she met yoga therapists at Rasa Yoga who helped her heal sciatica pain that had been ongoing for five years. Her passion for yoga was already immense, but this solidified her desire to train in-depth in yoga therapy for self-transformation and pass on this knowledge.

Sarah founded Soma Yoga Healing Center and loves connecting with people on their healing journey every day. She contributes her training and knowledge of Ayurveda yoga to many teachers in the lineage with her main influence coming from her guru Padma Shakti. She obtained her RYT-200, RYT-500, CIAYT yoga therapy, and Ayurveda certification through Padma’s School Rasa Yoga, and completed her prenatal yoga specialization at Mind the Mat with experienced teachers Sara Vanderhoof and Caroline Deitch. Currently, she studies under Padma Shakti, mentor Gayatri Asita, and Sanskrit teachers Kristin and Randall Brooks. She would not be where she is today without the many teachers who have guided her and all the teachers who came before them. She is deeply grateful for their love and dedication.

About the book: The Year of Sarah is a memoir of transformation, where Sarah invites readers to join her for the year that redefined her understanding of love and self. In the midst of a long-distance relationship and the heartbreak that follows, Sarah embarks on a deeply personal journey—one that ultimately leads her back to her heart. Through the practice of yoga, Sarah discovers that the path to healing is not just about overcoming loss, but about investing in her own self-evolution. As she learns to let go of attachment and embrace personal growth, her story becomes a testament to the power of turning inward during life’s most challenging moments. This memoir speaks to anyone who has ever felt lost in love or disconnected from their true self. By reflecting on her own journey, Sarah holds up a mirror for others to see themselves reflected in her experiences, reminding us that healing and connection come from the courage to share our stories. The Year of Sarah reminds us that the most important relationship we can nurture is the one we have with ourselves, and proves that even in times of heartache, we can be led back to joy, resilience, and the deepest parts of who we are.

Click here to buy The Year of Sarah.

Check out upcoming live Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s: Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away. Elaine’s is named after the owner’s grandmother. When the owner was twelve years old in Cairo, Egypt, she promised her grandmother that she would someday own a restaurant and name it after her. The owner proudly shares her family’s recipes with the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Watch the interview on Inkandescent.tv!

This week at Elaine’s Literary Salon, we meet critically acclaimed bestselling author John Gilstrap and learn about his newest novel, Burned Bridges.

About the author and his books: When John Gilstrap’s first novel, Nathan’s Run, hit the market in 1996, it set the literary world on fire. Publication rights sold in 23 countries, the movie rights were scooped up at auction by Warner Bros., and John changed professions. A safety engineer by training and education, he specialized in explosives and hazardous materials, and also served 15 years in the fire and rescue service, rising to the rank of lieutenant.

That “first” book was really his fourth, and that one call from an agent (after logging 27 rejections) changed the trajectory of his life. Twenty books and seven movie projects later, it’s been a good run, and it’s still running. But his career track looks more like a sine curve than a rocket ship. There were lots of setbacks along the way. At one point, his writing career appeared to be dead. Then came the comeback. John’s presentation, “Dare to Dream”, tells the story of triumph, disappointment, despair, and finally some long-lasting success.

John has spoken at events across the country, most recently at the Pike’s Peak Writers Conference in Colorado Springs, and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers in Denver. In February, he will be the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the California Association of Teachers of English in Los Angeles. His YouTube channel, “A Writer’s View of Writing and Publishing” has over 1,700 subscribers and more are coming aboard every day. Outside of his writing life, John is a renowned safety expert with extensive knowledge of explosives, hazardous materials, and fire behavior. Learn more here: johngilstrap.com.

About Burned Bridges — An Irene Rivers Thriller: Brimming with suspense, intense drama, and riveting intrigue, Burned Bridges plunges readers into a world of hidden threats and unlikely heroes. The creator of the renowned Jonathan Grave thriller series captivates readers again with the release of Burned Bridges, the first novel in a groundbreaking new series.

Known for his electrifying storytelling and gripping narratives, Gilstrap introduces fans to a powerful new protagonist, former FBI Director Irene Rivers, who is ready to take justice into her own hands. A standout character in the Jonathan Grave series, Rivers is the last truly “honest” civil servant. She’s willing to bend, and even break, the rules to restore justice, making her one of modern fiction’s most formidable female protagonists.

“Irene Rivers is a badass female protagonist,” says Gilstrap. “Readers of my Jonathan Grave series will recognize her, but Burned Bridges casts her in a whole new light. She’s done playing by the old rules; now she’s creating her own.”

Gilstrap’s literary journey began with his critically acclaimed debut novel, Nathan’s Run, published in over twenty countries and translated into multiple languages. His remarkable success continued with At All Costs, for which he sold book and movie rights before ultimately leaving his “day job” to pursue writing full-time. With Burned Bridges, Gilstrap embarks on his most compelling series yet, blending his signature suspense with an unflinching look at small-town corruption and justice. With an unparalleled ability to craft heart-pounding narratives, Gilstrap once again delivers a thriller that raises the bar for the genre. Fans of intense, character-driven suspense won’t want to miss this explosive new series. Click here to buy the book!

Movie News: Netflix is in early development on the adaptation of John Gilstrap and Kurt Muse’s Six Minutes To Freedom, the incredible true story of a daring hostage rescue. Jared Rosenberg has been hired to adapt the non-fiction book, which draws on Muse’s harrowing experiences, into a film. It is being produced by Toby Jaffe and his new venture, RDV Films. Read all about it in Variety.

Check out upcoming live Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s: Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away. Elaine’s is named after the owner’s grandmother. When the owner was twelve years old in Cairo, Egypt, she promised her grandmother that she would someday own a restaurant and name it after her. The owner proudly shares her family’s recipes with the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Watch the interview on Inkandescent.tv!

This week at Elaine’s Literary Salon we meet the author of Courage to Thrive: Finding Joy and Hope in the Midst of Mental Health Struggles, Rev. Dr. Robert D. Flanagan, also known as Father Bob.

About the author: An esteemed Episcopal priest and author, Father Bob has dedicated his life to spiritual transformation and caring for others. With a profound connection to his faith and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need, he has touched countless lives through his ministry, writings, and teachings. Bob’s book, “Letters of an Unexpected Mystic,” was a 2023 Selah Book Award finalist in the Bible study category.

“Writing has always been a cornerstone of my spiritual practice,” explains Father Bob, who since the early 2000s, he has delivered hundreds of sermons, crafted poignant poetry, and published numerous articles in the fields of Christian spirituality and evangelism. Through his writings, Father Bob seeks to illuminate the path from despair to hope, encouraging readers to discover their true selves and deepen their spiritual awareness.

About his books: Father Bob’s books, including the award-winning “Growing a Sustainable Soul” and “The Letters of an Unexpected Mystic,” delve into themes of mysticism, mental health, and spiritual growth. His current work, “Courage to Thrive: Discovering Your True Self,” is the first in a series that includes his new title, Courage to Thrive: Finding Joy and Hope in the Midst of Mental Health Struggles. In the first Courage book, readers go on a 36-day journey of self-exploration, offering insights into finding peace, joy, and hope.

In the new title, Father Bob explains, “When wrestling with depression and anxiety, getting out of bed is a courageous move. When panic attacks and suicidal thoughts strike, finding victories in the small things of life and reframing feelings can help a person flourish even in the midst of mental health struggles. I know all about that, having spent two decades combating mental illness head-on.”

In his first-person spiritual journal, he takes the reader with him as he traverses the dark and scary landscape of his mind and then the paths of faith that lead him to the Source of light and hope. Through a vulnerable look at the realities of a priest battling mental illness and still thriving, readers–whether dealing with similar mental health challenges or the stressors of everyday life–are left with a quiet confidence that assures them they too, can thrive and enjoy the gifts God has given them. Each of the forty reflections concludes with a heartfelt prayer that revels in God’s healing mercies. Join Flanagan on a journey to joy, peace, and hope. Click here to buy the book.

Click here to learn more about Father Bob and his books: robertdflanagan.com

Check out upcoming live Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s: Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away. Elaine’s is named after the owner’s grandmother. When the owner was twelve years old in Cairo, Egypt, she promised her grandmother that she would someday own a restaurant and name it after her. The owner proudly shares her family’s recipes with the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Watch the interview on Inkandescent.tv!

“In this dark, twisted tale of sex, drugs, and murder, in the book, Tom compellingly exposes the intrigue behind every locked door, our secret desires and fears, the what-ifs, and the meandering paths we take to find the truth,” explains I.S. Berry, an Edgar Award-winning author of The Peacock and the Sparrow, of Tom Milani’s new novel, “The Places that are Gone.”

About the book: For Bennett Wilder, every day is the same-head to work, do his job, and come home to his increasingly distant wife. As a man who values routine, Bennett surprises even himself when he picks up Liz Messina, a pretty hitchhiker, on his morning commute. As he quickly learns, she’s got a young child, a dark past, and a debt that needs to be repaid-or else. Even though he knows it’s risky, he decides to take a chance and help Liz out. But when her trouble turns out to run even deeper than he realizes, Bennett and Liz find themselves facing off against dangerous drug dealers and fighting for their lives. Bound by bloodshed and facing a road full of wrong turns ahead, Bennett calls on an old friend with ties to a past he would rather leave hidden, as he and Liz try to decide how far they’ll go to turn the tables on their pursuers-and, if they’re lucky, save their own lives. Click here to buy the book.

About the author: Tom’s short fiction has appeared online in Black Cat Weekly and Urban Pigs Press, as well as in several anthologies, most recently Janie’s Got a Gun: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Aerosmith, Mickey Finn: 21st Century Noir volume 5, In Too Deep: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Music of Genesis, and Sleuths Just Wanna Have Fun: Private Eyes in the Materialistic Eighties. Derringer finalist “Barracuda Backfire” was published in 2024 as Book 4 of Michael Bracken’s Chop Shop series of novellas. His first novel, Places That Are Gone, was released in May 2025 by Unnerving. He is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, the Private Eye Writers of America, and the Authors Guild. Tom lives in Old Town Alexandria with his wife, glass sculptor Alison Sigethy. Click here to learn more about Tom: tommilani.com.

Check out upcoming live Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s: Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away. Elaine’s is named after the owner’s grandmother. When the owner was twelve years old in Cairo, Egypt, she promised her grandmother that one day she would own a restaurant and name it after her. The owner is proud to share her family’s recipes with the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

This week at Elaine’s Literary Salon we meet Glenn Cook, an Alexandria, VA-based writer and photojournalist whose work has appeared in national magazines and in newspapers across the U.S. He talks today with our show host Jefferey James Higgins about his book, Keep Your Distance: Walking Through the First Year of COVID.

A photography book that examines events in four cities — Alexandria and Richmond, Va., Washington, D.C., and New York City — the photojournalist walked almost 4,000 miles from March 2020 to March 2021, shooting images of day-to-day life, protests and their aftermath during this historic and tumultuous period in U.S. history.

Buy the book: A limited number of signed hardback copies of the book are available from the author here. Paperback editions can be ordered from Amazon here.

Coming soon: Glenn is revisiting the fifth anniversary of COVID through a series of diary entries that feature writing and photos not included in Keep Your Distance. Those can be found in the “Social Distancing Diary” section of his Substack website: glenncook.substack.com.

About the author: A Texas native whose first job as a reporter started nine days after his high school graduation, Cook attributes his lasting need and desire to chronicle events to his father, a visual artist and history teacher, and his grandmother, who kept a daily diary for almost 70 years. He worked in newspapers for 13 years, school communications for five, and as the editor of an association magazine for 12 before striking out as a freelance writer and photographer in 2013. Glenn’s Substack website, “Our Reality Show,” features writing and photography on a wide variety of topics, including music, education, culture, the performing arts, and parenting. He and his wife, Jill, have four adult children and two grandchildren.

Check out upcoming live Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s: Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away. Elaine’s is named after the owner’s grandmother. When the owner was twelve years old in Cairo, Egypt, she promised her grandmother that she would someday own a restaurant and name it after her. The owner proudly shares her family’s recipes with the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Watch the interview on Inkandescent.tv!

Welcome to Elaine’s Literary Salon: Today we meet the award winning author of historical young adult fiction, Christine Kessides, who wrote her debut novel set in the WWI era about German immigrants in Pittsburgh  — MAGDA, STANDING (published by Bold Story Press in June 2023). And now, under the name Christine Kessides, she has released her first children’s book, A TAIL TALE (published by Atmosphere Press on January 7, 2025).

On today’s episode of Elaine’s: Host Jeffery James Higgins asks Christine about her journey to become an author, why historical fiction is a passion of hers, and what inspired her to write a children’s book about tails. Don’t miss it!

About the author: “I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was always interested in the fact that on both my mother’s and father’s sides, all the ancestors that we could identify came from Germany (mainly the south and the border area next to France) in the 1850s-80s,” Christine explains. “That is a bit unusual in the US, where different ethnicities and nationalities often blend in one or two generations—as my own family has now done. After reviewing our genealogy a few years ago I was inspired to write Magda’s story, which is loosely based on elements of my ancestry, and key characters are modeled on certain older relatives. I believe that everyone has a tale to tell, and often the best way to start may be at the beginning—where we came from and who we came from.”

After college and grad school at Northwestern University and Princeton University, respectively, Christine says she was very fortunate to have had a career as a policy analyst at the World Bank, in Washington, DC. “My written output was economic policy reports in international development, not stories. Reading, especially historical fiction, has always been my passion, and I love sharing favorite books with friends. In addition to volunteering with nonprofit organizations that support women and families, I enjoy yoga and travel. I live in suburban Maryland with my husband, not far from our son, and try to see our three daughters and our grandchildren at opposite ends of the country as much as possible, as well as our multiple granddogs.”

About Magda, Standing: When her father pulls her out of high school to care for her invalid mother and little brother, sixteen-year-old Magda is devastated—but the greater challenge is saving her family in the midst of a global war and pandemic. In 1916, the world is at war, even if America has not yet joined the effort. But for Magda, the growing hostility surrounding her German immigrant family in Pittsburgh hits close to home. Despite her domestic obligations, Magda persists with her education, determined to find an independent role for herself.  Faced with the mounting crises of the Great War and the Spanish flu, Magda seeks the knowledge and strength to protect those she loves most. Standing up to a war and pandemic, traditions and expectations, Magda embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience that leads her back to embracing her family and caring for a wider community. Buy the book!

About A Tail Tale: Wally is starting a new school—will he be able to make friends?

Learn more about Christine: christinekessidesauthor.com

Check out upcoming live Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s: Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away. Elaine’s is named after the owner’s grandmother. When the owner was twelve years old in Cairo, Egypt, she promised her grandmother that she would someday own a restaurant and name it after her. The owner proudly shares her family’s recipes with the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.