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

Episode 419 - Bambi Lynn - THE JOURNEY OF JOSEPHINE THE DOLL THAT MENDED A BROKEN HEART

About the Author

Hi, my name is Bambi, took me thirty-two years to except the name I was given, but now I say my name with pride. I am a mother of six adult children and thirteen and counting grandchildren. Ever since my 7th grade teacher told me I had a gift to write I have never stopped. This is my first published book and many more to come. My passion is people, sitting around a table and listening to their stories and hoping mine gives them a little hope that storms don't last, and we will always get to the other side. I have worked in industries that give me the opportunity to speak to lots of people and hear lots of stories. I hope to change lives one life and door at a time. I believe that purpose is everything. when you find it run with it and make a difference for the kingdom. Let's continue this journey together.

Welcome to OUR website. This is a place where I am able to tell my story and share YOURS. My book is a catalyst for conversation. I have heard from allot of women who read my book that it was as if i was telling their story, which is why i started "healingthroughstories.com" .My book may be about MY life, but this website is about sharing OUR lives. Our Goal is to build a Community that can heal through each others stories, recognize that we are not alone, and have hope that TRIUMPH comes after tragedy!

https://healingthroughstories.com/

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EPISODE 418 - Andrea Heckner - Crime Thriller Books - Secrets in the Heartland Series

I’m Andrea Heckner, and I am an author of Crime Thriller Books. I live in Wisconsin with my husband, David. We have three grown sons and three grandchildren.

Here’s my why for writing: I became an avid reader as a teenager and love to lose myself in a great story, but that is not where my story begins. My story begins with a young girl who struggled to learn to read due to having Dyslexia. Thanks to parents, educators and tutors who were dedicated to helping me to become literate, I was able to not only learn to read and write but to find a true passion in literacy.

After starting as a Special Education Teacher, I realized how little I knew about teaching others to read and went back to school. Becoming a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach allowed me to be able to help other children to become readers and writers. Participating in the National Writing Project helped me to not only become a stronger teacher of writing but also to develop my voice as a writer.

Thanks for visiting; feel free to get in touch if you have questions about my books, and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to be one of the first to get updates.

Secrets in the Heartland Series
This series of Mystery/Thriller fiction books follows Detective Kass Minor and FBI Agent Robert Matthews as they work to solve crimes in and around the Springfield, Missouri, region of the United States.

Book 1-The Farm

Have you ever wondered how an ordinary person could know and interact with a serial killer and not know it until it was too late? The Farm, book one in The Murder in the Heartland series, centers on the disappearance of Kelsey Learner, a seemingly ordinary midwestern single mom.

Parallel to the investigation into Kelsey’s disappearance, a pair of serial killers are murdering in the area for what they perceive to be a higher good. Police have yet to connect their victims and, in some cases, even know they are missing. Is Kelsey their latest victim, or is it a coincidence that a serial killer couple is on the loose and Kelsey has vanished?

Book 2- Dismantling the Farm

FBI Agent Robert Matthews came from a long line of civil servants, but it was his grandfather’s love of a 1930s movie about the FBI that had made being an agent Robert’s dream. He had visions of car chases, gun fights, and media releases that featured his name. Instead, he got assigned to the Springfield, Missouri field office, where he spent his days doing paperwork, going out on investigative interviews, testifying in court, or practicing firearms use and defensive tactics. When he is assigned to look into the disappearance of a young man as a favor to a friend of the Assistant Director of the FBI, no one could have predicted how big the case would be.

Book 3-Remembering the Farm

The third book in the Secrets in the Heartland series brings the reader back to answer some of their lingering questions. When two boys go missing in Springfield, Detective Kass Minor must move fast to try to bring them home safely. Working with a new partner who is no Mitch Leet, she has no idea what this investigation will reveal.

Is Kelsey Learner still alive, or did she perish at the hands of the serial killers? Will learning the truth help Claire to move forward in her life?

https://andreahecknerauthor.com/

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Episode 417 - Whitney Riley - You Need You, The Catepillar Was Always the Butterfly, Make Everything Easier

As a transformational mentor, Whitney helps you achieve big results.

This work is a little like coaching, a little like spiritual healing, and a little like therapeutic counseling. As a mentor, the focus is on finding each person's unique path to emotional and mental freedom increasing self-confidence while building a connection with the authentic self. And it's fun.

Whitney has 25 years experience positively  transforming power struggles, weight issues, oppressive grief, autoimmune disorders, bad habits, anxiety, and financial ceilings.​

She has condensed her learning into powerful, proven sessions that transform the most difficult situations, so that people can let go and start living a better life.

Whitney is a mom, wife, author, speaker, certified EFT practitioner, and founder of Specific Meditation Technique. She is proud to have been blessed by the Dalai Lama and to have been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by a former client.

Book: Make Everything Easier: Get What You Want By Healing Hidden Resistance - Tired of working so hard at your life to just feel meh, it’s ok?

Do you look good and appear to have it all together, but feel exhausted, unsatisfied, and can’t find relief from the demands of people around you?

Embark on a transformative journey to self-discovery and empowerment. In Make Everything Easier you’ll learn a groundbreaking method that guides you through identifying and resolving hidden conflicts causing stress, anger, anxiety, and a host of other negative emotions. Break free from heavy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors making it easier to achieve your deepest goals.

https://amzn.to/3XxYBVL
https://www.startyourbetterlife.com/

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Episode 416 - Peach Grayson - Let’s Talk Menopause – You’re Not Crazy - Searching for the right words

About the author

Meet Peach Grayson, a seasoned writer and dedicated healthcare researcher with over 30 years of experience. Known for her witty and informative series of books titled Let's Talk Menopause, Peach has managed to strike the perfect balance between humor and education.

When she's not immersed in words and data, Peach can be found exploring the great outdoors, indulging in her love for hiking and nature. A proud mother of twin girls and a happy dog mom to Sadie, she cherishes her family time as much as her professional pursuits.

With an impressive career marked by insightful writing and valuable research contributions, Peach Grayson is a captivating storyteller who brings humor and expertise to the world of healthcare and beyond.

In "Let's Talk Menopause – You're Not Crazy!", Maggio takes you on a hilarious and relatable journey through the ups and downs of menopause. With her signature British humor, Maggio shares her personal experiences and wisdom, offering an honest look at this transformative time in a woman's life.

Through journal entries and reflections, Maggio invites you into her world as she navigates the challenges of hot flashes, mood swings, and more. You'll laugh and nod in recognition as she recounts her menopausal misadventures.

But this book is more than just a comedic memoir. It's a practical guide and a source of comfort for women facing menopause. Maggio breaks down the scientific aspects of each stage, explaining the hormonal changes and their effects on the body and mind in a way that is both informative and accessible. She also offers valuable tips on managing symptoms, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a positive outlook.

So, grab a glass of wine, put your feet up, and get ready to laugh, learn, and celebrate the menopausal experience like never before. Whether you're in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, this book is a must-read. You'll gain a newfound appreciation for the strength and resilience of the female body and a deep sense of camaraderie with the millions of women who have gone through this journey before you. Get ready to embrace your inner menopausal maven and take on the world, one hot flash at a time!

https://amzn.to/3z7awjg
https://peachgrayson.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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EPISODE 415 - Lynne Shaner - Journey to Everland Bay, Black Rose Writing, and Apple Trees

About Lynne
Lynne Shaner has been captivated by fantasy, myth, and fairy tales since childhood, when her mother first read Charlotte’s Web and The Wind in the Willows to her. She lives in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, close enough to Lake Michigan to walk to the shoreline every day.

Shelves overflowing with books line her home, and there is always a knitting project on her needles. Lynne lives with her husband, and Merlin, her small, adorable pup. When not writing, she can be found reading and knitting in her garden, where she grows herbs, flowers and story ideas. Her work has appeared in various literary magazines. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing/fiction from Johns Hopkins. This is her debut novel.

Journey to Everland Bay
Jemma Avalon, an unconventional mage-in-training, longs to return to Everland Bay, her ancestral homeland, and find a way to join the renowned magical research institute there, like the women in her family before her.

Daughter of a gentle part elf-fae mother and a father with fiery dragon blood, an unusual combination even in the magical world, ten years after her mother’s sudden death, she is working at a major museum in DC, where magic is all but outlawed. Her father wants her to assimilate and live without magic, but Jemma is determined to fully embrace her heritage.

When an ordinary day at the museum takes an extraordinary turn, Jemma is rocketed to an Everland Bay Institute under violent siege, where dark-arts mages threaten everything important to her. Once there, she joins forces with her companions and works feverishly to save Everland Bay from crumbling under enemy attack. In so doing, she finds a path to her own strength and mastery, and her heart’s true home.

A Heroine’s Journey for our times.

“A beautifully engaging fantasy teeming with dragons, fae, magic and the importance of family and friendship. A joy to read from beginning to end. I found myself rooting for our main heroine, Jemma, as she grew into a wonderful and powerful young woman. I am already looking forward to the next work in this thrilling series!” – Julie Boglisch, author of The Elifer Chronicles, The Requiem of Stones series and her standalone, Ghost of a Memory.

https://lynneshaner.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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EPISODE 414 - Jack Ori - Fiction With A Purpose - transgender author who writes LGBTQ+ mysteries starring trauma survivors

I’ve been writing stories ever since my grandmother gifted me a typewriter when I was six. My first story was a two-page Nancy Drew fanfiction—to my young mind, it made sense for her to find the bad guy hiding under the bed!

As a kid, I loved mysteries. My favorite series was The Three Investigators, which is sadly out of print today. I was especially fascinated by all the secret codes the protagonists used and how Jupiter Jones (what a name!) would use his acting skills to pretend he was stupid when he needed to get information. And of course, there would always be a scene near the end where the bad guys kidnapped one or more of the boys to try to keep their secrets hidden.

Although I read and write stories for teens and adults now, I still love a good kidnapping scene. I also love writing powerful villains who will do anything to keep their secrets hidden, falsely accused people (sometimes framed by their enemies!) who must race against time to clear their names before they end up in jail, and underdog heroes who are determined to find and expose horrifying truths despite the potential consequences.

Many of my darkest stories come from my devastating personal experiences with trauma, drug addiction and abuse. I had a fairly normal childhood. But when I grew up I lived and loved a drug addict and was lucky to escape with my life. He was not—he died of an overdose two days after I moved across the country. It was another five years before I learned I was both autistic and transgender, which shattered my worldview in some ways even though it made everything that came before make sense.

I had many careers while I was trying to figure it all out, most recently as a licensed master social worker. I’ve worked with traumatized people, drug or alcohol addicts, and people impacted by the criminal justice system.

One summer I worked at an alternative court system in New York City. It opened my eyes to the ways racism and homo/transphobia, trauma, and drug use often intersect to create a “justice” system that is stacked against certain groups of people.

For all these reasons, I write mystery/thrillers that not only keep people guessing but also inspire and empower trauma survivors. All of my characters have experienced traumatic violence but don’t let that stop them from fighting for justice.

I love it when readers tell me that my books helped them heal. I also tell the stories I do to advocate for real-world change to the criminal justice system.

https://authorjackori.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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Episode 413 - Tanya Brockett - Co-Author of Basic Financial Literacy, What You Didn't Learn in School

Book: Basic Financial Literacy: What You Didn't Learn in School - Ever wish someone had taught you more about finance and wealth management so you didn’t feel short-changed in conversations about money?

Dive into practical wealth management with Basic Financial Literacy: What You Didn't Learn in School. This short read demystifies financial literacy, making budgeting and money management accessible to all.

Inside, you'll discover:

• Why & How to Prepare Your Financial Mindset
• How to Set SMART Financial Goals
• Effective Budgeting Strategies
• The Power of Regular Saving
• Fundamental Investing Principles
• Debt Management Techniques
• How to Build and ProtectPersonal & Business Credit
• Benefits of Lifelong Learning in Finance
• How to Build a Solid Retirement Plan
• Strategic Tax Planning Tips
• The Importance of Insurance in Wealth Protection
• And More…

Through each chapter’s relatable examples, you'll see how people apply these principles in their lives, transforming their relationship with money. Perfect for beginners (teens and adults), this book is a must-have for anyone seeking to understand their finances and build lasting wealth. Basic Financial Literacy equips you with the strategies needed to take control of your financial future.

Discover how to build wealth, secure financial freedom, and achieve prosperity with this empowering roadmap to financial success. It even comes with suggestions for further reading so you can continue your financial empowerment journey. Don't miss the opportunity to unlock your financial potential and pave the way for a prosperous tomorrow.

https://amzn.to/45xJvlc
https://Linktr.ee/TanyaBrockett
https://tanyabrockett.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 412 - Cathy Gagliardi - Encouraged by Author Robert Munsch, Cathy wrote Bellyflies, a book that takes you from pain to purpose

Book: BELLYFLIES - The first of the Yumyum books, by author Cathy Gagliardi of Twinkling Lynx is BellyFlies and achieved #1 Top Hot New Release on Amazon on the same day it was released and quickly became an International Best Selling book. This is a much-beloved book by many children and their parents. It helps children express those feelings and emotions that they find hard to express in words. A must-have book if the child(ren) in your life are feeling anxious, sad, worried, or simply curious about how to safely and openly express their feelings more easily.

Bellyflies, was born out of tragedy, yet from that book has emerged so many amazing stories from parents who have shared that their children are learning new ways to cope with those moments of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Children are saying, "Mommy, I have Bellyflies!" It has even been shared that this book has been used by a Therapist helping children walk through the separation of parents who are away from home for long periods due to work or duty.

The author, Cathy believes that it is her life's work to write stories for children that help them step through the tough times in life and do so with skills that help them cope a little easier.

About the author

Cathy Gagliardi of Twinkling Lynx is passionate about writing stories for children.

She also loves reading those stories to children as she visits schools, hospitals, and organizations around the world. Her books are helping children to express more easily times when they feel anxious, nervous, scared, or sad.

Cathy is so happy when a child receives her books from their parent, grandparent, or someone special in their lives and is excited to hear how they have helped and enjoyed them. 

Cathy's mission is to be able to do her part in helping the world by having her books in the hands and homes of children and schools around the world. She feels that if children learn tools to help them through uncomfortable feelings then as they grow, these techniques will naturally be called upon. 

Cathy invites you to join her by supporting her Go Fund Me Initiative at twinklinglynx.com#GoFundMe and support children around the world in receiving Cathy's books.

Connect with Cathy and Twinkling Lynx:

Web: https://twinklinglynx.com/
https://amzn.to/3VNGZE7

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EPISODE 411 - Lorraine Norwood - My Characters Speak To Me - Letting The Story Lead

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here. I'm glad you take an interest in writers and writing. And I'm glad you love books.

I'm a native of Western North Carolina, home to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English with honors in creative writing and then pursued a career as a professional journalist for over 20 years, working in print and television journalism.

My lifelong interest in archaeology and all things medieval led me to a mid-life career change. I earned a second degree in anthropology at Western Carolina University followed by a Master’s Degree in Medieval Archaeology from the University of York in the UK.  I was 50 years old when I graduated. I know! I know! It sounds crazy, but it was one of those things I just had to do. I try to go back to the UK to participate in excavations as often as I can. I love to stay in York, my favorite city, and volunteer with the York Archaeological Trust. You can find them here. Two of my favorite places to stay in York are the Adams House and the Bar Convent.

My novels are set in 14th century England, France, and Germany. It's fascinating, it's hard, and it's fun.

I love getting stuck down rabbit holes finding facts that will add to my story and authenticate my characters and location.

When I'm writing, I'm usually accompanied by my yellow Lab Sally. Sally is like a toddler – she follows me wherever I go. Most of the time she's looking for a handout.

I'm happiest when I'm writing and the magic moment occurs – the words sing and the hairs go up on the back of my neck. It's been a long road, but I'm pleased that at long last after two marriages, two children, nineteen jobs, three college degrees, and twenty-seven moves (one of which was abroad), I have a room of my own in which to write. Virginia Woolf would be proud.

https://www.lorrainenorwood.com/

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Episode 410 - Gary Randolph - Amusing Books and Lively Storytelling Programs From Indiana to Ireland to Outer Space

Located in Anderson, Indiana, Gary Randolph is an author and storyteller. His books spin tales (generally with a heaping spoonful of humor) of murder mysteries and wacky aliens in outer space. As a storyteller he performs around central Indiana to both adults and children. He weaves together a mix of stories, songs, poems, and jokes that can transport audiences into another time and place. He specializes in stories of Ireland and Scotland, but is equally comfortable talking and singing about growing up in Indiana, pirates, history and more. 

Gary Blaine Randolph is an award-winning writer and storyteller. Over his career he has been a software company owner, a college professor, and a web developer. And always he has been writing and telling stories.

His storytelling weaves together a mix of stories, songs, poems, and jokes for audiences of any age. He specializes in stories of Ireland and Scotland, of pirates and princesses, of growing up in down home Indiana.

He has presented programs to adults and children, Irish festivals, luncheon groups, churches, fairs, senior groups, office parties, and schools.

Gary's books include Stories From Celtic Lands, the whimsical Galactic Detective Agency series, and more.

He and his wife live in Indiana, where, in addition to writing, he cycles, plays guitar, drinks coffee, and hangs out with his grandkids.

https://grstoryteller.com/

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https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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