Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read

EPISODE 558 - Edward R Rosick - Where The Grass Don't Grow and Vultures Sing, 12 Tales of speculative fiction

Edward R. Rosick is a writer and physician living in the urban wilds of central Michigan. His diverse works of speculative fiction, from the sublime to surreal, have appeared in numerous award-winning magazines and anthologies including Pulphouse, The Half That You See, and Monstrous Tales Vol. 2 & 3. Dr. Rosick is also an accomplished nonfiction writer, having authored hundreds of articles on nutrition, health, and wellness for publications including Life Extension, Oxygen, and Ultimate Athlete. When he's not reading, writing, or working, Dr. Rosick enjoys spending time exercising, doing martial arts, and being outdoors with his family, friends, and canine companion.

Edward R. Rosick is a writer and physician living in the urban wilds of central Michigan. His diverse works of speculative fiction, from the sublime to surreal, have appeared in numerous award-winning magazines and anthologies, including Pulphouse, Sick Cruising, and The Half That You See.

Spring has sprung here in Michigan! Although intermittent days of cold and—dare I say it, snow—continue on, crocuses and daffodils are giving the landscape a kaleidoscope of welcome color.

On the publishing front, the big news is that my short story collection, WHERE THE GRASS DON'T GROW AND VULTURES SING , has been published! I’m quite proud of the 12 tales of speculative fiction—some sublime, all surreal—that grace the pages of the book published by Baynam Books Press. Go to Amazon to get your copy today. For a sample of one of the stories, entitled Leshii, in the collection, head over the free stories section for a peek!

Book mentioned: The Portable MFA in Creative Writing - Get the core knowledge of a prestigious MFA education without the tuition. Have you always wanted to get an MFA, but couldn't because of the cost, time commitment, or admission requirements? Well now you can fulfill that dream without having to devote tons of money or time. 

The Portable MFA gives you all of the essential information you would learn in the MFA program in one book. Covering fiction, memoirs, personal essays, magazine articles, poetry, and playwriting, this book provides you with:    
• Inspiration and tips on revision, stamina, and productivity    
• Clear instruction on the craft behind the art    
• Detailed reading lists to expand your literary horizons    
• Exercises to improve your writing endeavors 

By heeding the advice in The Portable MFA, you will gain the wisdom and experience of some of today's greatest teachers, all for just the price of a book.

https://www.edrosick.net/

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EPISODE 557 - Ronald Okuaki Lieber - The Long Journey Out - from the place where I now am, the diary of that journey

Author's Bio
I am of Japanese and Jewish lineage, born in Tokyo, a late post WWII baby. I grew up moving every year until the age of 14 when my parents settled in Petersburg, VA. I graduated with a BS in Biology from the College of William and Mary, then served two years as a Peace Corp volunteer in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. I returned to live in NYC and eventually graduated from the MFA Program at Columbia University. I later began psychoanalytic training at the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies. After graduation, I became the Director of the institute and editor of its journal, Modern Psychoanalysis. I have been in private practice since 2001 as a licensed psychoanalyst and recently completed a plant medicine guide training program at the Center for Medicine Work in Philadelphia.

My entrance into poetry begins with these lines from “Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour. July 13, 1798” by William Wordsworth:

And I have felt
A presence that disturbs me with the joy
Of elevated thoughts; a sense sublime
Of something far more deeply interfused,
Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns,
And the round ocean and the living air,
And the blue sky, and in the mind of man:
A motion and a spirit, that impels
All thinking things, all objects of all thought,
And rolls through all things.

Those lines form the basis of my book The Long Journey Out. I was a sophomore in college, adrift in the back of the room in a second semester composition class when the professor read those lines. They woke me from my stupor. There, in those lines, I heard a kindred voice that spoke to an experience I had, an LSD trip, that was, to borrow a cliché, awash in the ineffable, a boundless sense of oneness where any distinction between self and other sundered. That voice joined with another, “An unexamined life is life not worth living,” from which a path emerged, unknown to me at the time--and forgive if what follows sounds pretentious--that took me to Jung, the Peace Corps and Costa Rica, Gurdjieff, poetry, eastern doctrine through The I Ching and the Bhagavad Gita, the TS Eliot of The Four Quartets, Heidegger’s Being and Time, the gospels of the New Testament, and too many other books to enumerate, and an abiding curiosity about the unconscious, thus the study and practice of Freud and psychoanalysis, meditation, making do in the East Village of the early 80s, Ashtanga yoga, domestity and two wives and two children, dabbling along the way into neuroscience, windsurfing, and cosmology.

The book The Long Journey Out is, from the place where I now am, the diary of that journey.

https://www.ronaldokuakilieber.com/

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EPISODE 556 - Jaime Townzen - Absorbed, A transformative coming-of-age story taking readers back to 1996

Jaime Townzen is a Southern California-based writer and professional artist whose watercolor paintings have earned international recognition. Her essays and microfiction have been published in Light magazine and Fairfield Scribes. Jaime’s debut novel, Absorbed was released in early 2025. When Jaime’s not in her studio, she can be found at the beach with her family and their dogs or listening to live music.

Absorbed
A transformative coming-of-age story confronting issues of teenage sexual consent and women’s reproductive rights, Absorbed traces alt-rock-loving lifeguard Stacey Chapman’s unraveling over the summer of 1996.  After she is pressured into sex and experiments with drugs and alcohol, Stacey begins redefining herself through her love of music and art. But with her future in limbo while awaiting results from Planned Parenthood, Stacey’s resilience is put to the test as a pool rescue turns tragic.

https://jaimetownzen.com/

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Episode 555 - Karl Hörnell - Singularity Minus Twelve - sci-fi at its finest—bold, unsettling, and fiercely intelligent

Karl Hörnell is a cartoonist and a game developer with a degree in engineering and a PhD in applied mathematics. He grew up in a quiet suburb north of Uppsala, Sweden, where he spent way too much time doing creative things for no good reason. Thankfully, he has been able to continue on that track for most of his adult life.

Book: Singularity Minus Twelve

In a near future where artificial general intelligence has been achieved, AIs that develop self-awareness are becoming a problem. Difficult to contain, they are often hunted and destroyed, but a team of exceptional ones has been spared to take down the most dangerous rogue AI of all time.Singularity Minus Twelve is a sci-fi thriller that delves into the near-term philosophical and societal implications of artificial intelligence, while having some fun playing with characters inspired by popular fictional AIs.

"I love a thoughtful, well-executed narrative and Singularity Minus Twelve by Karl Hörnell was an absolute treat for me. This is one of those rare books that grips you with its sharp intelligence.

Set against the haunting backdrop of a future shaped—and perhaps doomed—by runaway artificial intelligence, Singularity Minus Twelve beautifully blends fast-paced action with deeply philosophical questions about agency, consciousness, and the terrifying, blurry line between human and machine. From the nerve-wracking opening scene of a doll-like rogue robot outsmarting a tactical team, to the subtle but chilling political undercurrents about global AI arms races, author Hörnell builds a disturbingly plausible world.

The characters, especially Blake, are written with emotional depth and nuance. His struggles with memory loss and identity ground the bigger tech-driven narrative in something heartbreakingly human. I loved how even amid the breakneck plot, the novel kept circling back to one core question: What happens when we create minds we don't understand—and can't control?

The pacing was relentless but never at the cost of intelligent storytelling. If I had to nitpick, I'd say a few sections could have been tightened just a bit, but honestly, that's just me wishing the story could have flowed even smoother because I was so invested.

If you love hard science fiction with heart, danger, and razor-sharp insight into where humanity might be heading, you cannot miss Singularity Minus Twelve. This is sci-fi at its finest—bold, unsettling, and fiercely intelligent." Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi on Goodreads

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-h%C3%B6rnell-20aa5/

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Episode 554 - Sarah M. Eden - Crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops 

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of more than seventy witty and charming historical novels, which have sold over one million copies worldwide. Her works include 2020’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, Forget Me Not, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a three-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. 

https://www.sarahmeden.com/

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Episode 553 - Jim Carlough - The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership - A Roadmap To Success

Jim Carlough Launches Leadership Book for Modern Professionals

Jim Carlough, an experienced leader and first-time author, has officially released his debut book, designed to revolutionize how individuals approach leadership. This new publication provides a fresh perspective on leading teams and driving professional success through actionable strategies and clear guidance.

In an era of constant workplace evolution, effective leadership has never been more crucial. Carlough’s book addresses these demands head-on by offering solutions tailored to the challenges of today’s complex professional environment. It serves as a blueprint for leaders to build trust, foster collaboration, and achieve outstanding results.

Transforming Leadership with Actionable Insights

Unlike many books on leadership, Carlough’s debut work emphasizes practicality over theory. Each chapter presents readers with clear strategies that can be applied immediately to improve team dynamics and overall performance.

The book focuses on the following key areas:

• Building a Culture of Trust and Accountability: Carlough stresses the importance of creating environments where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.
• Effective Goal Setting and Motivation: Learn how to align team objectives with organizational goals and inspire individuals to surpass expectations.
• Adapting Leadership Styles: The book teaches leaders to customize their approaches to suit the needs of diverse teams and situations.

Why This Book Is Essential Now

The workplace has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by remote work, technological advancements, and shifting employee expectations. Leadership is now about more than achieving short-term goals—it requires creating sustainable success while navigating unprecedented challenges.

Jim Carlough’s book addresses these realities, equipping leaders with tools to adapt and thrive. By focusing on actionable insights, the book helps readers overcome common leadership pitfalls and deliver lasting results.

Empowering Leaders to Drive Results

One of the standout features of Carlough’s book is its emphasis on measurable impact. By blending proven techniques with adaptable strategies, the author ensures that leaders can translate knowledge into real-world results.

The book is designed for a wide audience, including:

• Aspiring leaders looking to build their skills.
• Established professionals seeking to refine their leadership style.
• Organizations aiming to develop stronger teams and more cohesive cultures.

About Jim Carlough

Jim Carlough is a seasoned professional with years of experience in leadership and team development. His career is marked by a commitment to helping individuals and organizations achieve their full potential through effective strategies and forward-thinking approaches. Carlough’s insights, drawn from years of hands-on experience, form the backbone of his writing, making his debut book a must-read for professionals across industries.

https://www.jimcarlough.com/

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Episode 552 - J L Witterick - Big Ideas Don't Need Big Words, Support That Authors Need, Love is the Common Thread

JL Witterick is an international bestselling author. Her books are enjoyed in 10 languages around the world. She loves to tell stories that are inspirational and moving. My Mother’s Secret, her first novel, has been selected to teach courage and compassion in many schools.

The ideas for her stories can come from the most unlikely of places. Her latest creation, It Was Always Her, was the result of a dream that was so emotionally charged that she could not let it go. In the middle of the night, she started writing!. Time travel and the question of what we would do with a second chance have always fascinated her, and she wove these concepts into this novel.

Writing is a passion for her and she hopes that readers will enjoy her books as much as she enjoyed writing them. She cherishes her family, her friends, her dog, her cats…and her stories.

https://witterickbooks.com/

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Episode 551 - Jonathan Heaslet - Author of EAST OF APPLE GLEN and HAWKS NEST CHRONICLES

EAST OF APPLE GLEN

Murder. Sexual assault. Abortion.

These things don’t happen in rural America. Or do they?

Welcome to Apple Glen, Ohio.

You’ve heard it said, you can’t go home again. But what if you don’t want to go home again? And what happens when you have to go home again? That’s the dilemma facing Nathan Sherwood upon learning that his mother and grandmother have just died. Joined by his childhood friend Robbye O’Malley, Nathan must return to face the truth behind the deaths of his loved ones and the truth of his past.

What Readers are Saying:

Read the reviews coming in for  East of Apple Glen

“In Apple Glen, Heaslet masterfully weaves a thrilling story of intrigue and suspense, while creating characters you genuinely root for as they face the demons in their past.”

—Erika Ferrari Lopez, Author of The Adventures of Amazing Grace

“What a well-crafted and compelling story! A sympathetic protagonist. A clever and unique take on the clash between good and evil!”

—Molly McDermott, Author of For Every End A New Beginning and Her Dangerous Choice

HAWKS NEST CHRONICLES

Good News from Osceola, Iowa

Described by one reader as chocolates on a bedtime pillow, these short stories with good news at the center are a perfect way to end the day—or to savor with a muffin on a quiet afternoon. Unwrap each one to find a scripture lesson, a life lesson, or maybe an episode of the ridiculous. They’ll make you smile, lead you to reflect, and maybe cause a tear or two.

What Readers are Saying:

Read the reviews coming in for  Hawks Nest Chronicles: Good News From Osceola, Iowa 

“I loved reading this book. It was as nice as ice-cold sweet tea on a warm summer day.”

“Charming, inspiring faith based stories situated in small town America made memorable because of the humor and grace they reveal.”

https://www.jonathanheaslet.com/

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Episode 550 - Leonard Goldberg - A Scandalous Affair - A Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Leonard Goldberg is the internationally bestselling author of the Joanna Blalock series of medical thrillers. His novels, acclaimed by critics as well as fellow authors, have been translated into a dozen languages and sold more than a million copies worldwide. Leonard Goldberg is himself a consulting physician affiliated with the UCLA Medical Center, where he holds an appointment as Clinical Professor of Medicine. A highly sought-after expert witness in medical malpractice trials, he is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and rheumatology, and has published over a hundred scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals.

On the strength of the critical and popular reception of TRANSPLANT, Leonard Goldberg was off to the races as an author of medical thrillers. He began writing a series of new books, with a continuing main character named Joanna Blalock. The "Joanna Blalock" series features a forensic pathologist at a prestigious university medical center who has a Holmesian knack for solving murders. The books, published in the U.S. by Dutton and Signet, include DEADLY MEDICINE, A DEADLY PRACTICE, DEADLY CARE, DEADLY HARVEST, DEADLY EXPOSURE, LETHAL MEASURES, FATAL CARE, BRAINWAVES and FEVER CELL.

Leonard Goldberg's novels have been selections of the Book of the Month Club, French and Czech book clubs, and The Mystery Guild. They have been featured as People magazine's "Page-Turner of the Week", as well as at the International Book Fair in Budapest. The series has been optioned on several occasions for development as a motion picture or television project.

Book: A Scandalous Affair: A Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery

In the latest Daughter of Sherlock Holmes novel, Joanna Holmes must confront a shocking case of blackmail that threatens the highest levels of His Majesty’s government, as this USA Today bestselling mystery series continues.

In the latest installment of this acclaimed series, Sherlock Holmes’s daughter faces an elaborate mystery that threatens the second most powerful man in His Majesty’s government. His position is such that he answers only to the king and the prime minister.

In 1918, during the height of the Great War, Joanna Holmes and the Watsons receive a late-night, clandestine visit from Sir William Radcliffe, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who brings with him an agonizing tale of blackmail; a case so sensitive that it can only be spoken of in the confines of 221B Baker Street.

Sir William's family has been forced to pay exorbitant sums for several of the photographs, but even more salacious pictures remain in the blackmailer’s possession—and will no doubt carry greater demands and threats. Scotland Yard cannot be involved, for fear of public disclosure. It thus falls on the shoulders of Joanna and the Watsons to expose the blackmailer and procure the photographs before irreparable harm comes to the chancellor and his family.

https://www.leonardgoldberg.com/

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Episode 549 - J Susanne Wilson - Ancient Civilizations, Greek Myth Retelling, Trojan War

I am a historical fiction writer focusing on myths set in Bronze Age Greece. I earned my B.A. in Ancient Civilizations with a minor in Classical Languages from the University of Iowa. My concentration was on Greek and Roman art, religion, history, and languages. My debut novel, The Death and Life of Iphigenia, was short-listed for the 2024 Novel London Literary Prize and was published in 2025.

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF IPHIGENIA

SONGS AND LIES, BOOK 1 - Iphigenia’s true story lies beneath the songs of the bards and the whispers of Muses

As Greek warriors prepare for the Trojan War, Mycenaean princess Iphigenia is forced to endure the demands of angry gods and desperate kings. Separated from her mother and sister, exiled to an oppressive foreign land, she is bound by sacred duty to perform grim rituals that stain her hands and haunt her dreams.

Finally, after fourteen long years, she discovers an opportunity to escape and must decide if her longed-for home and stolen life are still worth fighting for.

This is a tale of survival, identity, and the eternal quest for belonging.

https://www.jsusannewilson.com/

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