Online For Authors Podcast

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Fran Hawthorne, author of the book, I Meant to Tell You.

Fran has been writing novels since she was four years old, although she was sidetracked for several decades by journalism. During that award-winning career, she wrote eight nonfiction books (mainly about consumer activism and the healthcare industry) and was an editor or regular contributor for The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, and many other publications. But Fran never abandoned her true love: Her debut novel, The Heirs, was published in 2018, and now I MEANT TO TELL YOU (which was published last November by Stephen F. Austin State University Press) has already won or is a finalist for seven awards, including the Eric Hoffer Award and the Sarton Award. Fran is at work on two new novels and also writes book reviews for the New York Journal of Books.

In my book review, I stated that I Meant to Tell You is a contemporary women's fiction with some forays into the history surrounding the demonstrations during the Vietnam War era. More importantly, it is about a woman named Miranda who must come to terms with her past - both the past she has tried to keep secret and the past that has been kept secret from her.

You can follow Author Fran Hawthorne:

Website: https://www.hawthornewriter.com

Instagram: @hawthornewriter

X: @hawthornewriter

LinkedIn: in/franhawthorne

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomhawthornewriter

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com 

#franhawthorne #imeanttotellyou #womensfiction #literaryfiction #historicalfiction #vietnamera #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Editor Megan Turner here to talk with me about the editing process. Megan is a graduate of the MFA Program for Poets and Writers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her work has appeared in Witness, Atticus Review, Rio Grande Review, Fiction International, and others. She currently serves as a developmental editor at Atmosphere Press and as an instructor for UC Berkeley Extension. She lives and works in Portland, Maine.

Megan and I met almost three years ago through Atmosphere Press, and she was instrumental in helping me bring Sunflowers Beneath the Snow to publication. Since then, she has been my editor for An Enemy Like Me and Daughters of Green Mountain Gap. Each time, she has helped take my story to the next level.

You can follow editor and writer Megan Turner at her website: www.meganrturner.com or through Atmosphere Press: www.atmospherepress.com

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Elaine Schroller, author of the book The Bravest Soldiers. Elaine reads and writes historical fiction to escape writing about computer software and to travel to other places in time. Her degree is in History, which gave her the perfect training for researching specific places and events in her first novel, Dare Not Tell, as well as her second, The Bravest Soldiers. She’s traveled to all but one of the countries in the books and visited all the sites where the story takes place, some more than once.

Elaine was an oil brat and attended high schools in Algiers, Algeria, Northwood, England, Clear Lake City, Texas, Beirut, Lebanon, and Kingston-upon-Thames, England. For many years she has lived in Bellaire, Texas, where she and her husband raised their son. Now, she has a rescue cocker spaniel underfoot and travels as often as she can convince her son to look after the dog.

Elaine is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Women's Fiction Writers Association.

In my book review, I stated that The Bravest Soldiers was an amazing historical fiction with a dash of romance. It is set in WWII in Australia and has been winning awards - as it should!

Website: www.elaineschroller.com

Instagram: @elaineschroller

Facebook: @elaine.aucoin.schroller

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Carol Pearson, author of the book 10 Little Rules for a Blissy Life. Carol is the founder and creative force behind the 10 Little Rules books. She crafted her rules for living after navigating through some of life's unexpected twists and coming out stronger, happier, and whole. Home base is Bay City, Michigan, where she lives, writes, and shares life’s adventures with her husband, John. Carol's words aren't just ink on paper; with a dash of humor and a large sprinkle of compassion, she’ll take you on a self-discovery journey — one rule at a time.

In my book review, I stated that Carol wrote 10 Little Rules for a Blissy Life after her world, in a matter of eight weeks, fell apart. Her daughters were moving out to start their own lives, her husband lost his job, they realized their marriage was over, and her own income stream was destroyed by her business partners. Despite being broke, homeless, and dealing with interpersonal relationship issues, Carol was the happiest she had ever been. Why? She had begun living life by her own rules rather than the rules given to her by her parents, society, and the "shoulds" residing in her head.

Carol offers readers the ten rules that helped her navigate through these big changes and offers great questions and journaling space to help find where you might be stuck. The best part is that these are merely a starting place. She encourages readers to dig deep and discover their own rules for being happy in this life.

My favorite rule is #10 - Every Night, Give Thanks.

This is a perfect book for anyone going through change and wanting to figure out how to do so gracefully.

You can follow Author Carol Pearson

Website: https://10littlerules.com

Facebook: @10littlerules

Instagram: @10littlerules

YouTube: @10littlerules94

LinkedIn: @10littlerules

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on

#carolpearson #10littlerules #10littlerulesforablissylife #inspirational #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Louise Davis, author of the book, Haunted by You. Louise is a powerful, up-and-coming young adult author with an innate ability to draw readers into her stories using dramatic realism. Her commercial and accessible writing style blends with highly riveting and twisting plotlines to craft truly unique works of literary art. Her recent book, Haunted by You, artistically showcases her wide range of writing skills, weaving in romance, mystery, and suspense all in one thrilling book.

Her lifelong love of reading led her to earn a bachelor’s degree with a focus on creative writing, which paved the way to writing her own books, including her children’s book, Grandpa’s Boots. Through Louise’s profound character development and realistic storylines, she enjoys entertaining her readers while delivering valuable life lessons in the process. When Louise is not sharing her love for writing with the world, she enjoys reading, going on adventures, and spending her time with her five boys, husband, and various animals on their peaceful 3-acre ranch-style home in the Idaho Falls, Idaho area.

In my book review, I stated that I found Haunted by You to be a delightful YA Fiction that is a perfect mixture of suspense and clean romance. And I learned when interviewing Louise that this is part of a trilogy!

Genevieve is a teenage girl who falls for Steve, a student at a private school in Charleston and a ghost tour guide. However, their budding romance has to take a back seat to what Genevieve learns about her father - he's being blackmailed! Davis does a good job introducing us to the characters and providing enough details to make us look in all the wrong directions for the blackmailer. And although the ending wraps up nicely, there is plenty of room for more!

You can follow Author Louise Davis:

Website: https://www.louisedavisbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisedavisbooks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisedavisbooks

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

#louisedavis #hauntedbyyou #youngadult #youngadultmystery #mystery #romance #youngadultromance #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Rich LaMonica, author of the book, Out of the Darkness. Rich is a 22-year veteran of the United States Army who was deployed on multiple occasions in support of the Global War on Terrorism. It was during this career he evolved as a leader of people.

His education came from great mentors who showed him how to take care of people. He retired in 2015 and went through an entire year of self-reflection as he transitioned to civilian life again. Those 365 days from retiring to finding a job taught him valuable lessons about transition. This has powered his drive to help other veterans as they go through the transition and any other roadblocks they are hitting.

He is a Motivated Speaker who discusses Mindset, Resilience, Grit, and more skills that will make you find your Purpose no matter the journey you have been on.

He is currently finishing up two books while pursuing a Ph.D from Liberty University in Homeland Security. He lives by rules and has a motto that resonates with fans of How I met Your Mother “Challenge Accepted”. He is the Executive Producer and host of The MisFitNation Podcast.

Fittingly, I read Out of the Darkness by on Veteran's Day. In my book review, I stated that this novel follows a fictional soldier, Bull, who is fighting in Afghanistan. We meet each of his team members and several enablers (those who help the team) along the way and discover who they were before they joined the military, what happened during this tour, and the consequences when the tour was over.

You can follow Author Rich LaMonica:

Website: www.TheMisfitNation.com  

LinkedIn: in/Rich LaMonica

X: @TheMisFitNation

Facebook: TheMisfiNnation

Instagram: @The_MisFitNation

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

#richlamonica #outofthedarkness #militaryfiction #afghanwar #militaryhistory #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Caleb Wygal, author of the Myrtle Beach Mystery series. I’ve invited Caleb on today to talk about marketing – something that he does really well and many authors need to learn more about.

Caleb is an acclaimed mystery author, and seasoned Mystery Writing instructor affiliated with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institution at Coastal Carolina University. He is renowned for his exceptional storytelling, notably in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series, with his debut novel Death on the Boardwalk receiving accolades from Women’s World Magazine, which hailed it as a must-read for visitors exploring Myrtle Beach. Additionally, his captivating mystery, Death on the Causeway, was honored with the prestigious 2023 Gold Medal by Readers’ Favorite for Best Amateur Sleuth Mystery, solidifying his status as a master of the genre.

His talent goes beyond the realms of mystery writing; he’s also a dedicated social media marketer, a skilled woodworker, an occasional golfer, and a beach enthusiast known for his knack for finding shark teeth along the shoreline.

Currently immersed in crafting the next installment of the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series, Caleb resides in Myrtle Beach with his loving wife and son. His passion for unraveling mysteries and teaching the art of mystery writing continues to inspire aspiring writers and captivate readers worldwide.

You can follow Author Caleb Wygal:

Website: https://calebwygal.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/calebwygalauthor

IG: @ calebwygal

X: @calebwygal

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on

#calebwygal #myrtlebeachmysteries #cozymystery #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview #marketing #authormarketing #bookmarketing

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Evelyn Puerto, author of the book, The Girl Who Broke the Dark.  Evelyn states that she reads just about anything, writes in multiple genres, and is the author of the award-winning Outlawed Myth epic fantasy series. When she married, she inherited three stepdaughters, a pair of step-grandsons and a neurotic cat. Currently she writes from South Carolina. When she’s not arguing with her characters, she’s helping her grandsons catch bugs.

In my book review, I stated that The Girl Who Broke the Dark by Evelyn Puerto is another story I simply could not put down. This fantasy, a twisted version of the fairytale, A Sleeping Beauty, had me wishing for more. And once again, I'm thrilled because it is just the first volume in what will become her Royal Mages series.

Evelyn weaves a tale about Princess Eliana, her country of Ymittos, and a sleeping prince cursed by the evil sorcerer Cetus. Although she remains unaware of her role until her 18th birthday, Eliana is destined to break the curse or watch her country - and eventually the entire continent - fall victim to Cetus. Unfortunately, to do what she must, Eliana must venture deep underground to face barbarians, monsters, and her own fears.

​I often struggle with fantasy because I get lost in the world building, non-human characters, and social/physical law differences. However, I LOVED LOVED LOVED The Girl Who Broke the Dark and am enthralled with the story. I can't wait to read Puerto's second installment.

You can follow Author Evelyn Puerto:

Website: https://www.evelynpuerto.com/ 

Newsletter: https://subscribe.evelynpuerto.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/evelyn_puerto 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Evelyn.Puerto 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theevelynpuerto/ 

Youtube:   https://www.youtube.com/@evelynpuertoauthor 

BookBub Profile  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/evelyn-puerto 

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com 

#evelynpuerto #thegirlwhobrokethedark #fantasy #epicfantasy #epicfantasyadventure #fairytalefantasy #swordandsorceryfantasy #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Tomasina Decrescenzo, author of the book, Two Left Feet. Tomasina resides in Queens NY. She is a retired operating room nurse, as well as a single parent and grandparent. She has written poetry and short stories over the years, however this is her first novel. Tomasina also writes, paints, and performs in comedy clubs at the golden age of 70!

In my book review, I stated that Tomasina’s  book, though fiction, is filled to the brim with stories of her childhood and what it was like to grow up in an Italian immigrant family in New York.

You can follow Author Tomasina Decrescenzo:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomasina.decrescenzo.5

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

#tomasinadecrescenzo #twoleftfeet #historicalfiction #familysaga #italianimmigrant #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Karin Ciholas, author of the book, The Lighthouse.  Karin Ciholas was born in Virginia and grew up in Switzerland where she studied classical languages. The study of Latin and Greek led to her fascination with the ancient world and its history. She earned advanced degrees in languages and comparative literature at UNC, Chapel Hill and enjoyed teaching modern languages and courses on the ancient world. She has won twelve awards for her short stories and plays. She lives in Sarasota with her husband, author and theologian Paul Ciholas.

In my book review, I stated that ancient history is not really my thing. However, once I started reading, I couldn't stop thinking about the characters - even when I was supposed to be doing other things. In fact, I read far too late into the night on a couple of occasions so I could finish. (And the best part is that Karin is writing a trilogy, so I'm not really done!)

The Lighthouse is set during the days of Christ and seen from the point of view of Simon, an educated Jewish healer, and his best friend from boyhood who eventually becomes a Roman solider. When a thug kills a member of Simon's family and then abducts his sister, he is chosen to avenge them. But how can he both murder Meidias and keep his Hippocratic oath?

Karin did a great job describing Simon's struggle to be everything he was meant to be as well as everything he has been asked to be. Despite a setting and time far removed from my own, I think all readers will understand that challenge.

As a #researchjunkie, I stand in awe of Karin’s tremendous research, and how she was able to bring me into Simon's world. She shows readers what it was like to be Jewish during Roman rule, whether focusing on family and religious traditions or the fear of those in power. ​This is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great character development, historical fiction, and escaping into a story.

You can follow Author Karin Ciholas:

Website: https://thecyreniantrilogy.com/ and https://karinciholas.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086903948313

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on

#karinchiholas #thelighthouse #historicalfiction #ancienthistory #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview