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

EPISODE 485 - Wendy Dale - Memoir Writing for Geniuses, Peru and Grandma's Pies

About Wendy Dale
"Wendy is the best instructor I've had, bar none. She continually pushes you and never lets you settle for good enough. She is knowledgeable, patient, helpful, and has an excellent sense of humor! I would take a class again with her anytime." -- Sandra Carpenter

"Wendy is phenomenal! I've taken dozens of writing courses and completed an MFA in creative writing. Never have I received such useful instruction. I'm happy that I'll be starting her advanced course next week." -- Mary Rowland

"Wendy exceeded my expectations. I was stunned by how much practical information I learned and by how much I grew as a writer. The class was, in a word, invaluable!" -- Carly Van Thomme

"Wendy encourages her students to dig deeper -- and the results show. I highly recommend her. She is insightful, conscientious, and supportive. I couldn't ask for more." -- Michele Meek

"Wendy is that tough critic who can be the best thing that happens to your manuscript." -- Lucey Bowen

Acclaim for Wendy's memoir
"Deeply funny." 
   – Vogue Magazine

"Wry, funny."   
  – Outside Magazine

"Mix David Sedaris, Lucille Ball, and a fifth of tequila in a blender [and] you get Wendy Dale, who is quite possibly the funniest travel writer since Homer. But strain off the foamy giggles and you’re left with a raw, smart, and passionate woman in search of herself and awestruck at the beauty of even the ugliest corners of the earth."
   – Deborah C. Kogan, author of Shutterbabe"

"Dale has an amazing ability not only to find intrigue and drama and hardship but to meet them all with an undampened sense of humor and a roving eye for the absurd. And by getting entangled in other people’s lives, as opposed to hiking through rain forests, she enjoys glimpses into worlds forever closed to the average tourist. A few years ago, Janet Malcolm, writing in the New Yorker, complained that she ‘always found travel writing a little boring’ because ‘travel itself is a low-key emotional experience, a pallid affair in comparison with ordinary life’ … which is absolutely true, unless you travel like Wendy Dale."
   – Thomas Swick, travel editor of the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"This is a wonderful book – not a subversive treatise on rule-breaking as the title might suggest, but a witty, insightful memoir of a young woman from an offbeat, though well-traveled family." 
   – Bookpage

"With grace, charm and abundant humor, Dale narrates her meandering story of a childhood regained, ‘a chance to make rash decisions, to take wild risks, to lose everything knowing I’d still have plenty of time to earn it all back.’"
   – Time Out New York

"Funny, impulsive, and alluringly naïve, Wendy Dale is repeatedly swept into adventure and trouble and love, mostly when she’s looking the other way. I had a great time going along on her wacky journey. I read the book in one sitting, reluctantly getting up midway to make a sandwich, placing the open book on the counter so I didn’t have to stop reading."
   – Rita Golden Gelman, author of Tales of a Female Nomad 

https://www.geniusmemoirwriting.com/

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EPISODE 484 - Zeeva Bukai - The Anatomy of Exile, A modern-day Romeo and Juliet story between a Palestinian and a Jew

Zeeva Bukai is a fiction writer, born in Israel and raised in New York City. Her stories have appeared in OfTheBook Press, Carve Magazine, Pithead Chapel, The Master’s Review, jewishfiction.net, Mcsweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Image Journal, December Magazine, The Jewish Quarterly and elsewhere. Her honors include a fellowship at the New York Center for Fiction, residencies at Hedgebrook Writer’s Colony, and Byrdcliff AIR program in Woodstock NY. 

She received The Master’s Review fiction prize, the Curt Johnson Prose Award, and the Lilith Fiction Award. Her work has been anthologized in Frankly Feminist: Short Stories by Jewish Women from Lilith Magazine, and Out of Many: Multiplicity and Divisions in America Today. She holds an MFA from Brooklyn College and is the Assistant Director of Academic Support at SUNY Empire State University. Her debut novel, The Anatomy of Exile, will be published by Delphinium Books in January 2025. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.

The Abadi Family saga begins when a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story between a Palestinian and a Jew ends in predictable tragedy. The family flees to America to mend, but encounters only more turmoil that threatens to tear the family apart.

In the wake of the 1967 Six Day War, Tamar Abadi’s world collapses when her sister-in-law is killed in what appears to be a terror attack but what is really the result of a secret relationship with a Palestinian poet. Tamar’s husband, Salim, is an Arab and a Jew. Torn between the two identities, and mourning his sister’s death, he uproots the family and moves them to the US. As Tamar struggles to maintain the integrity of the family’s Jewish Israeli identity against the backdrop of the American “melting pot” culture, a Palestinian family moves into the apartment upstairs and she is forced to reckon with her narrow thinking as her daughter falls in love with the Palestinian son. 

Fearing history will repeat itself, Tamar's determination to separate the two sets into motion a series of events that have the power to destroy her relationship with her daughter, her marriage, and the family she has worked so hard to protect. This powerful debut novel explores Tamar’s struggle to keep her family intact, to accept love that is taboo, and grapples with how exile forces us to reshape our identity in ways we could not imagine.

https://www.zeevabukai.com/

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Episode 483 - Bob Johnson  - Midwest Author - The Continental Divide explore the undertow of violence and sin along the St. Lawrence Divide in Northern Indiana

Bob Johnson holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers Workshop. He took a disgraceful, extended break from writing short stories to follow several career paths, the most notable of which were an English professorship at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, and Operations Manager at WSBT-TV in South Bend.

He came to his senses in the last year and is now writing fiction full-time and having the time of his life.

Bob's story "Pay the Fish Lady" appeared earlier this summer in the online journal Wag's Revue.

He lives in South Bend with his wife Cindy and his dog Ellie. His other hobbies include playing golf (badly) and gardening (occasionally successful). He has two sons, two daughters-in-law and two granddaughters, and he is looking forward to the arrival of two grandsons within a week of one another in December.

Book: The Continental Divide: Stories - A country woman makes a Sophie's Choice regarding her family's survival. A small town marshal hunts his own son for murder. A former football hero must face his role in a brutal locker room ritual. Ferocious and real, the fourteen tales in Bob Johnson's blistering debut The Continental Divide explore the undertow of violence and sin along the St. Lawrence Divide in northern Indiana, where men, women, and children struggle to find their way in the darkness...of the divide.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterRLJ
https://www.bobjohnsonwriter.com/

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EPISODE 482 - Bart Stark - Army Paratrooper, Combat Veteran, Prosecutor, Defense Attorney, Novelist

Bart Stark is a U.S. Army paratrooper and a combat veteran, who later entered a life of crime as a prosecutor and defense attorney. Now, Bart is beginning the third act of his life as a novelist.

After leading a vagabond life which took them across America and Europe, Bart and his wife settled in the highlands of Panama. His favorite pastime is hiking his dogs in the jungle and daydreaming dystopian futures for his characters.

Book - Wolves at the Gate
Lieutenant Jim Fraser was in turns eager and terrified. His Bravo Company led the American offensive to liberate Charleston, but would his wife Florie and their twin girls trapped behind German lines survive the coming battle?

Consider another Second World War. Due to a twist of history during his youth, Adolf Hitler turns west and out to sea against England and America in alliance with fascist Japan and Italy. After the British Empire falls, the Axis turn on an outnumbered and unprepared United States. Instead of being waged in far off land, total war rages across the Hawaiian Islands and South Carolina, down our streets and into the homes of our families.

https://www.bartstarkbooks.com/
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Episode 481 - Grinelle Buzz Desjarlais - Saving KC, exploring the human condition through the lens of addiction

The new re-released edition of “Saving KC” by Grinell “Buzz” Desjarlais offers readers a unique experience by presenting two alternate endings, allowing them to choose between a hopeful conclusion or a more somber, thought-provoking one. This historical fiction novel, set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam America, delves into the complexities of addiction, recovery, and redemption. The book releases on September 17, 2024, under Classic Day Publishing/Peanut Butter Publishing and is available on Amazon in hardcopy, e-book, and audiobook formats. 

To celebrate the launch, Desjarlais will appear as a guest of Books That Make You at the exclusive DPA Pre- Awards Gifting Suite in Los Angeles. His signing and gifting takes place Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Luxe Hotel. There, he will sign copies of his book for celebrities and attendees of the high-profile Hollywood gifting party. 

“Saving KC” explores the human condition through the lens of addiction and the quest for personal salvation. Desjarlais, who comes from a long line of Native American creatives, brings a deeply personal narrative to life, reflecting his own experiences through fictional storytelling.  

“In ‘Saving KC,’ I explore the delicate balance between saving others and saving oneself—a journey many of us walk every day,” says Grinell “Buzz” Desjarlais.  

The historical fiction book is set in a time when America was grappling with the aftershocks of the Vietnam War. It tells the story of characters who struggle with their demons and search for redemption in a world that often feels unforgiving. 

The new edition of “Saving KC” is groundbreaking in that it offers readers a choice in how the story concludes. Desjarlais wanted to give his audience the ability to engage more deeply with the narrative by allowing them to determine the fate of the characters. This innovative approach to storytelling invites readers to reflect on the themes of the book and decide whether they prefer a story of hope or one that challenges them with a more realistic, albeit somber, conclusion. 

“Life doesn’t always offer us choices in the outcomes we face, but in literature, we can imagine anything. Creating a book with two endings provides readers with their choice between comforting happiness, or a jolt of reality, depending on their preference,” Elliott Wolf, President of Classic Day Publishing/Peanut Butter Publishing, explains. 

“Saving KC” is available on Amazon and from other retailers. Hardcopy, e-book, and audiobook versions will be available. The publisher is Classic Day Publishing, an imprint of Peanut Butter Press. The new, dual-ending edition will be available by September 17, 2024. 

https://www.savingkcthestory.com/

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BONUS - Book Suggestion For January 2025 - Mel Robbins - The Let Them Theory

Mel Robbins' latest book, "The Let Them Theory," offers a refreshingly simple yet powerful approach to personal growth and empowerment. At its core, the book revolves around two words: "Let Them," which Robbins presents as a transformative tool for reclaiming control over one's life

Key Concepts

The central premise of "The Let Them Theory" is that by relinquishing the need to control others' perceptions, actions, and feelings, individuals can significantly enhance their own well-being and relationships. Robbins argues that many of our frustrations and limitations stem from giving too much power to external factors and other people's opinions

Structure and Content

Robbins breaks down her theory into eight key areas of life where it can be applied for maximum impact

 Throughout the book, she employs a blend of:

• Relatable personal anecdotes
• Practical advice
• Scientific research
• Insights from experts in psychology, neuroscience, and relationships

This multi-faceted approach helps readers understand and implement the "Let Them" philosophy in various aspects of their lives.

Writing Style

Written in Robbins' characteristic no-nonsense style, the book is designed to be easily digestible and actionable

Her straightforward approach may seem overly simplistic to some, but Robbins embraces this simplicity, arguing that complicated solutions are often less effective

Impact and Application

"The Let Them Theory" aims to help readers:

• Stop wasting energy on uncontrollable factors
• Break free from self-doubt and fear
• Build stronger relationships
• Pursue personal goals with confidence
• Develop resilience against everyday stressors

"The Let Them Theory" is a valuable addition to the self-help genre, offering a simple yet potentially life-changing tool for personal empowerment. Robbins' engaging writing style, combined with her practical approach and scientific backing, makes this book accessible and potentially transformative for a wide audience. Whether you're looking to improve relationships, advance your career, or simply find more happiness in life, "The Let Them Theory" provides a fresh perspective on achieving personal freedom and success

https://www.melrobbins.com/

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Episode 480 - Monica Singh - Pronounced Guilty - Behind bars in the Indian criminal justice system

Set against the backdrop of contemporary India, Pronounced Guilty is a thought-provoking tale that delves deep into the complexities of the human psyche, exploring themes of second chances and the pursuit of justice.

In a world where moral boundaries blur and the line between right and wrong is often obscured, Pronounced Guilty prompts readers to question their perceptions of criminals and the Indian criminal justice system. Through the intertwining stories of ex-convicts, a celebrity lawyer, and a psychologist grappling with their own traumas, the novel sheds light on the harsh realities of life behind bars and the quest for redemption.

In a narrative that seamlessly blends fact with fiction, Monica Singh invites readers to ponder the profound questions posed by her characters’ struggles—Do convicted criminals deserve a second chance at a normal life?

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the pursuit of justice is not always straightforward, and that true redemption may lie in unexpected places.

Pronounced Guilty is not just a novel—it’s a reflection of the world we live in, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Get ready for a captivating read that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.

https://www.readomania.com/blog/readomania-announces-pronounced-guilty-by-monica-singh

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Episode 479 - Jo Ann Fawcett - The Prince Was Wrong, Leaving the Narcissist Behind

Book: The Prince Was Wrong: Leaving the Narcissist Behind
After eighteen years of marriage to her seventh husband – an inmate in a state prison, Jo Ann Fawcett realized that her now-ex was a narcissist. The Prince Was Wrong: Leaving the Narcissist Behind is Jo Ann’s second memoir and shares her journey through this problem that affects millions. You will learn the red flags of this type of abuse. You will experience how they met, married, and the ultimate demise of their relationship with clear examples of her ex-husband’s narcissistic behavior. You will witness Jo Ann’s 3-year untangling process and the powerful lessons that she learned from their 25-year relationship. Celebrate Jo Ann’s newfound joy after divorcing The Prince and creating her best life.

The narcissist in your life can be a romantic partner/spouse, friend, sibling, child, parent, or colleague. Writing this book was a powerful part of Jo Ann’s healing journey. It’s for those who feel stuck and overwhelmed in their own toxic relationships. Learn ways that you can survive the roller coaster ride of narcissistic abuse and thrive. There is hope. You can be happy again.

Jo Ann Fawcett lives in Portland Oregon. She is the mother of a grown daughter and proud grandmother of three. She has 2-year degrees in Accounting and Film Production. She dramatically changed her life after seven marriages that included abuse, divorce, death, and being a prison wife. She left the Mormon Church after 30 years and never looked back. She found her strengths, gifts, and inner power, learning that dreams do come true.

https://a.co/d/2WEuSvu
https://joannfawcett.com/

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Episode 478 - CB Strul - CONNECTIVITY, a new science fiction novel that combines gaming and motherhood

C.B. Strul is author of The Ancient Ones and founder of Odom’s Library. He also has in print three novellas: Spinners, Forget the Complex, and What Grows from the Stump of a Tree? His short play Leading the Blind was produced in Los Angeles by the former artist organization ImageneseFree. And his three Minuet short films as well as the animated feature screenplay for Critter Crossing have received awards and recognition at multiple festivals in California and around the world. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his fiancee, extended family, and three sweet pug doggies

New Book: CONNECTIVITY, a new science fiction novel about

a single mother's desperate attempt to balance her career in video games with her home life and motherhood..

https://odomslibrary.com/

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Episode 477 - Ben Hawken - Author of Chandelier - A Family, a Crisis, a Signal

Ben Hawken is the award-winning creator of several beloved video series and a small handful of children.

Previously, he was the author of zero other books and graduated with honors from a community college, as well as a real college.  

He lives outside Seattle with his family.

Book: Chandelier 

At the height of the Cold War, Sienna Barrett was an unremarkable and otherwise anonymous child.

She would spend the next two years participating in the most closely guarded secret in human history. No president, prime minister, or general knew of the project’s existence until 30 years after every piece of it had been disassembled and the pieces incinerated.

And then she was abruptly sent home and given the impossible task of resuming her life as if nothing had happened.

Thirty years later, the world is about to descend into chaos – unbeknownst to everyone but the small handful of world leaders struggling to survive while inadvertently pushing it over the edge.  This chaos finds Sienna and requires her to make a terrible choice.

This thrilling and expansive story unfolds across a narrative landscape that is both breathtaking in its scope and intensely intimate in its approach.

https://www.benhawken.com/

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