Indie Reads Aloud: A Storytelling Podcast

Listener Advisory: Mature Situations & Language
About The Reader: Mark Love lived for many years in the metropolitan Detroit area, where crime and corruption are always prevalent. As a former freelance reporter, Mark honed his writing skills covering features and hard news.  He is the author of the Jamie Richmond romance mysteries, the Jefferson Chene mystery series, and more.  Mark now resides in West Michigan, where he enjoys a wide variety of music, books, travel, cooking, and the great outdoors.
Title: Rules of Desperation
Genre: Mystery
Book Synopsis: How far would you go to achieve the goal of your dreams?
All Nicholas Burr wants to do is traditionally publish a mystery novel. Sure, he's had some success as a ghostwriter for a young adult series, but that's not the same.
It's not even close.
Camille, his long-suffering wife, has had enough. She's tired of being the breadwinner. Tired of listening to him prattle on about his next project. Tired of... him.
Nicholas Burr is desperate. Should he do something rash? Something unexpected? Something so outrageous it would get everyone's attention?
Yet, if there's one thing he knows, it's that he must follow the rules.

Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

About The Author: Jamie M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers alongside his husband and their cats.
Title: Ooo Shiny! Volume 1
Genre: Multi-Genre Short Stories
Book Synopsis: The dark lord's call pulls the exalted king from his eternal slumber, but he's trapped behind a stone wall. A centipede pleads for help, but what if it's a hyper-advanced AI from the future? An assassin uses everyday objects in his craft and grooves to 1990s top 40 hits. Cannibal ghosts drive campers into an eating frenzy. What if Ivan the Terrible's Golden Library were hidden under the Red Square Krispy Kreme? What if a competing dungeon offered dental?
Ooo Shiny! is a collection of 19 absurd stories from a mind that can't focus, each taking only 5 to 15 minutes to read during your morning constitutional. Sometimes rambling nonsense that aims to make you smirk or your eyes roll, even the most black-hearted, humorless souls will find at least one chuckle in this collection. Grab a stick of unicorn jerky, put down your time-traveling phone, and respawn into the dungeon next to the D.E.D. sorority mixer! As one advance reader called it, "Fun... In a disturbing way..."

Learn more at www.DKPWriter.com

About The Author: Jamie M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers alongside his husband and their cats.
Title: The Invisible Castle
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy Novelette
Book Synopsis: Long before he became the storied mage-knight protector of House Galmoth, Ser Nerik Vazadon and his friends stumble upon an invisible castle. The ancient butler invites them to stay forever as the castle's masters, but as they begin exploring their new home, they sense something ominous is at play. With only their wit and friendship, they must unravel the mystery of the castle's magic and outmaneuver the force that seeks to hold them captive. In this captivating YA fantasy novelette, Ser Vazadon recounts the harrowing tale of his youth and the invisible castle that threatened to become his eternal prison.

Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

About The Author: Preethi Saravanakumar is a software developer by profession. Writing poetry remains her major passion; she also writes children’s literature. Preethi has written hundreds of poems, which have been published in a variety of places, including her blog, Instagram, and even in a few magazines. She has published a few picture books, as well. Her first book of poetry was published in 2011. Her latest volume, Scribblings of My Soul, recently won three book awards. And her latest nonfiction book, Pearls of My Mind, has won two awards.
Title: Walking with The Sun
Genre: Children’s
Book Synopsis: One Journey. Two Friends. A big Realization!
Following Garud's idea, they walk towards the west to escape the scorching heat. The ignorant friends only learn at the end that they were walking with the sun. Later, there is a big surprise awaiting Gaja!

Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

Listener Advisory: Strong Language, Mature Situations, Sexual Content, Historical/Religious Reimagining
About The Author: As a kid, books were Tanya DeClercq’s escape. Getting lost in another place and time was so fascinating to her. How authors could weave a tale her mind could envision hooked her and never let go.
It is because of those authors that she is working on her first series of paranormal/fantasy books. Her hope is others may read her work to find that momentary journey. The escape waiting for them every time a book opens, or the page turns. Perhaps she will even inspire someone else to share their stories.
Tanya’s current exploration into becoming an author began in 2022 with a promise to herself that she would stop deleting and work through the story. She published the first book in her Fate series in May of 2023, all while working full time and caring for her teenager. There is no stopping her now; Tanya’s curiosity to see how far she can go is pushing her forward. Tanya is a true Michigander, working full time at her primary job, trying to be a good mom, and trying to show her children, family, and friends that it is possible to achieve your dreams.
Title: A Life Forged In Death
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Book Synopsis: Jenna Devereaux will have to die to learn how to live and have a fighting chance at forging her own destiny. One carved out in blood and shrouded in death. Tonight, she will attend the ball knowing the man of her dreams plans to ask for permission to call on her. She would be married to Trent Rathborne, the most attractive man she has ever seen and the son of a Lord. The first night of her new life. Everything was arranged perfectly. Fate though, had other plans. Since the moment of her conception, her future was not her own.

Jenna will have to learn to discern friend from foe as she uncovers who and what she really is. Then, the real battle begins. Will she be capable of taking control with others conspiring against her?

Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

About The Author: Jamie M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers alongside his husband and their cats.
Title: Cracking the World: A Grave Mistakes Prequel
Genre: Fantasy
Book Synopsis: Eldrisil, the epicenter of the world's magic.
In the heart of this mystical realm, a group as unlikely as their quest assembles – a daring mage named Venica, a roguish knave named Sebastian, and a conflicted bishop named Aurelius. Their aim? A daring ritual that defies possibility itself.
Venica, driven by curiosity, seeks to test her magical prowess like never before. Aurelius, torn between faith and desperation, yearns to resurrect his son from the clutches of death. Meanwhile, Sebastian, the ever-charming knave, is just in it for the adventure.
Together, they must outsmart both the arcane guardians and their own doubts as they ascend the tower, fighting with both their wits and blades. All the while, Aurelius grapples with his beliefs, hoping against hope that their audacious act might somehow be in alignment with the grand, unfathomable Grace of his goddess.

In the enchanting world of Eldrisil, where magic knows no bounds, this unlikely band of companions embarks on a perilous journey that will test their mettle, beliefs, and the very fabric of reality itself.

Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

About The Author: Jessica Hartsfield became an author, adventurer, anthropologist, philosopher, artist, and historian with the goal of helping others create peaceful, fulfilling, and balanced lives. Her first series, the sisters three saga, hopes to provide lovers of mystery and mysticism a way to absorb the beauty and pain of life through the magic of connection, understanding, and love.
PMP certified, with a BBA in International Business, and an MA in Intercultural Relations, Jessica created Maven Source International, LLC in 2021 after 15 years in the corporate world, a consulting organization that assists groups in "Developing their Present to Brighten their Future", and also launched the Essential Elements of Life, a program designed to assist humans in "finding balance and creating peace."
The 'sisters three saga' is her first attempt in sharing her imagination with a wider audience, and the first success of her many attempts to finish a story. In her words, becoming an author is, "a dream come true" and she looks forward to many more years of striving to be excellent in this craft. Outside of work, Jessica spends as much time as possible having intellectual debates with her soul mate, working on books two and three of the Sisters three saga, clogging with the 'just for kicks' cloggers of Roscommon MI, gardening, exploring, and spending time with the goats, chickens, dog, cats, and woodland creatures on their constantly under construction hobby farm in Northern Michigan.
Title: The Kingdom of Orion: The Mystery of The Troubles (The Sisters Three Saga Book 1)
Genre: Fantasy Mystery
Book Synopsis: Esme Halle thought she had finally found peace. Creating a life in Avalon on the continent of Mar, she had worked hard to distance herself from her sordid past in the neighboring Kingdom of Orion. So hard in fact that she could barely recall any memories of her previous life, and she preferred it this way.
Now all of the secrets she had kept hidden so deeply even from herself, may be the only key to saving everything she holds dear. The sisters three, Esme's name for her mother and aunts, have brought the kingdom of Orion to its knees, information has grown scarce, and her dreams show her the past is the key to all. Now the devastating sickness is spreading, affecting all of Mar and threatening to stalk beyond its borders to the rest of the world. People have grown aggressive, pained, and cruel; disasters are daily, and terror lurks around every corner.
Believing in her bones that these "Troubles" have a source, Esme vows to uncover the mystery and set things right. Armed only with her magic, her cousins as companions, and an old book as their only clue, the three of them have little time to find the source, solve the mystery, and save the world.

Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

About The Author: Mark McCraw has spent more than a decade in education working with children and students of all ages from infants through college students. He is an Air Force/Air Force Reserves Disabled Veteran. He is a father of four adult children and a grandfather of nine grandchildren. He currently lives in Oklahoma.
Mark is a member of the Oklahoma Literacy Association (OLA), American Library Association (ALA), Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) as a Jr. Vice Commander.
​Title: Nicoli Picoli
Genre: Children’s
Book Synopsis: Adults are always having children try different vegetables and fruits. Nicoli explores his journey to decide if he really likes pickles. There has been much debate on whether it is a vegetable or a fruit. This is your chance to discover in which category, either vegetable or fruit, the pickle is classified. But do not forget to focus on his journey in elementary with this food item that will make you laugh and pique your interest as well as your imagination.

Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

Author: Nikki Mitchell is the award-winning American author of the Middle Grade Portal Fantasy trilogy; Eleanor Mason’s Literary Adventures, and The Magic Shoebox Adventures.
She is a native of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and lives there with her husband, two children, two rabbits, three cats, and a dog. She is a proud member of the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA). As a mom of a child with ADHD and a sensory processing disorder (SPD), she continues to write fantasy tales with disabled characters, and characters with ADHD, anxiety, and Autism.
Book Title: Season of Dragons - #1 in the Magic Shoebox Series
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
Book Synopsis: What would you do if you found a dragon egg at your bus stop?
Ichabod Surname never imagined he’d be spending a Friday afternoon cross-country skiing with a grandma dragon—but that’s exactly what happens when he finds a giant egg on the way to school.
For as long as he can remember, he has been at war with his siblings because he thinks outside of the box. He stays invisible at home and school, but for the first time in his life, he may be the key to restoring the weather and happiness in the village of Hasir.
Can Ichabod and Gran fix what has gone awry and end the sibling war before Ichabod’s science teacher notices he is gone? --an enchanting fantasy about finding family, unexpected friendships, and the importance of being true to who you are.*The Magic Shoebox Adventure books feature:
--easy-to-read chapters for all readers
--ADHD representation
--Fun adventure for the whole family

Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

About The Author: Lisa Jacovsky currently lives in her hometown of North Brunswick, NJ. She works as a Child Development Specialist with Early Intervention. In her job she is able to help children under the age of three with cognitive and developmental delays, sometimes with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis for eight years and this is where she had inspiration for writing her very first series, Lets Talk!. Her hopes for this series are to simply inspire families and their children to be open to anyone no matter their differences. There will be six books in the series, with the fourth in production right now! Lisa has always loved writing and hopes to use this way of expression to show the beauty that is in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Title: Happy Thoughts!  Going To The Aquarium
Genre: Children’s
Book Synopsis: Emma is so excited to be going on lots of adventures with her best friends Harper and Jerry! She happens to have autism and talks differently than other kids but she has never let that stop her. In their newest adventure the friends are going to the aquarium for the first time. Narrated by Emma, she will take you on a journey of having to learn how to make a new friend even though she is very nervous. Sometimes she has anxiety when new people try to talk to her but with the help of her best friends, she learns how to get past it. Come along on this fun journey to the aquarium and hear it from Emma's point of view for the first time.

Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com