True Fiction Project

This week, I am excited to introduce paranormal writer Gina Lynelle Schaefer. The stories she shares throughout the episode are quite fascinating and it is inspiring to learn more about her writing process and how she is inspired by real life events. She shares about her personal contributions and how she pulls them into stories, as well as her experience with capturing ghosts. Gina reads an excerpt from her book Pied Piper’s Prince which is inspired by the Candy Man. This portion of the story is when the veil is lifted, and a woman is trying to understand what happened in her home in the past. Tune in if you enjoy spooky, goosebump giving stories! 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [1:57] Gina shares about her inspiration when writing paranormal fiction.  
• [4:41] Why are people so fascinated with true crime?  
• [6:09] What sites has Gina visited for inspiration for her stories? 
• [9:40] What’s the difference between paranormal, horror, and mystery?  
• [12:04] What personal contributions does Gina bring into her stories?  
• [12:48] How does a paranormal investigator capture ghosts? 
• [14:41] Gina shares about the piece she will read for us, the Pied Piper’s Prince. 
• [18:57] We hear an excerpt from the Pied Piper’s Prince. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• If young readers can see it, feel it, and it's descriptive, they’re more likely to buy it, read it, and get hooked on it.  
• The research that goes into creating non fiction into fiction can be a huge amount of time. Our guest today spends time physically visiting sites, talking with those who were involved, and gathering information to inspire her next story.  
• It is thought that the obsession with true crime comes from people trying to understand what goes on in the minds of these people and how it’s possible.  

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora  

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita 

Fiction Credits: 

Written by Gina Lynelle Schaefer 

Read by Gina Lynelle Schaefer 

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Gina Schaefer's LinkedIn  

Gina Schaefer's Facebook Personal Page  

Gina Schaefer's Facebook Business Page  

Gina Schaefer's Instagram  

Gina Schaefer's Website 

The Pied Piper's Prince Book

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

BIO: 

Gina Lynelle Schaefer is the author of five books based out of historical fiction and paranormal horror. She has performed paranormal investigations and visited and written about all realms of paranormal and true crime. 

Welcome to the True Fiction Project! From historical fiction to adult romances, Amy True is a wonderful storyteller. Amy shares the various female protagonists she showcases in her stories, and who she got the inspiration from. She explains how she creates her characters and the process of writing historical fiction. Amy then shares what led her to add adult romance to her list of books. Tune in to hear an excerpt from her newest book Meet Me in Ivy Falls, about a hot mess of a woman who goes on to save a small town.  

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:04] Why does Amy go by the last name of Trueblood vs. True? 
• [4:42] Are Amy’s female protagonists inspired by real people? 
• [8:05] Why did Amy write historical fiction vs. a history book? 
• [9:25] What made Amy segue into adult romance?  
• [12:31] How does Amy’s relationship with her siblings tie into her stories? 
• [16:09] When is the book available and where can you find Amy? 
• [17:18] Amy reads an excerpt from her newest book, Meet Me in Ivy Falls. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Writing historical fiction is a huge undertaking because not only are you writing a story, but you have to have your facts straight as well, which requires a lot of research. 
• Sometimes as an author, you need to switch up your writing style to allow yourself to clean your slate and get out of a rut. That is what caused our guest to switch from historical fiction to adult romance. 
• Meet Me in Ivy Falls is a sweet small town romance, readers who enjoyed the show Gilmore Girls will love this book! 

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and listen to Bill’s second song, “It is What it Is Until It’s Not”. You will also be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora  

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita  

 Fiction Credits: 

Written by Amy True 

Read by Amy True 

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Amy True's Website    

Amy True's Instagram  

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

BIO: 

After stints working in entertainment and advertising, Amy True turned to chasing her one dream: writing romance. She can often be found in her local writing spot sipping her favorite iced tea (with a touch of lemonade) and putting together playlists for her next books. When she’s not daydreaming about her next cinnamon roll hero, she’s traveling with her family, reading good books, and plotting her next small-town romance. While she grew up only ten minutes from Disneyland, which inspired her love for storytelling, she now calls Arizona home. 

Welcome to the Season of the Witch! This week I am joined by Emma MacDonald, a storyteller of witch fantasy. We talk about all things witches from black and white witches, to herbal witches. Emma explains how she uses witchcraft in her life, and how it is different from the outcasted witches of the past. She shares what inspired her to write her novel Whispers Most Foul about a college student who cannot cast spells, but can see ghosts. At the end of the episode, you’ll hear an excerpt of her novel, which is when the main character, Rose, is visited by a ghostly vision in the bath. Interested in reading more? Whispers Most Foul is out now! Check it out here.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:46] What is witch fantasy? 
• [2:24] What was Emma doing before she became a witchy author? 
• [3:26] Emma explains the background of witchiness. 
• [5:23] What is Emma’s witchy setup?
• [8:30] What is a white witch vs. a black witch? 
• [9:37] Emma shares what her novel Whispers Most Foul is about and what inspired her to write it. 
• [12:44] We hear an excerpt from Emma’s novel Whispers Most Foul.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Witchcraft is varied in so many different places and there are different types of witchcraft. 
• The term white witch and black witch comes from a Wiccan tradition, where white magic was good magic and black magic was bad magic. 
• People like to flirt with the unknown, that mystery. There is something innately human about wanting to reach for those mysterious places.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by Emma MacDonald

Read by Emma MacDonald

GUEST RESOURCES:

Emma MacDonald's Twitter Account 

Emma MacDonald's Instagram Account 

Emma MacDonald's TikTok Account 

Whispers Most Foul Book

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Emma MacDonald was born and raised outside of Washington, DC, where she received a B.A in International Relations from American University. When she’s not writing, she can be found gardening, brewing potions, or chasing after her small menagerie of pets. Emma loves to write fantasy with a big splash of magic and romance.

Hello everyone! This week, on the True Fiction Project, I am joined by screenplay writer and professor of film and media, Candace Egan. Candace shares about how she works on a variety of different genres from horror to comedy pieces. She talks about her latest piece, Second Set which is a twist on getting a second chance to do something you would never expect. Candace describes her writing and revision process and what it looks like to go from draft to final piece. At the end of the show we hear an excerpt from Second Set about a woman who received a tennis scholarship, but after ending up pregnant at a young age, decided to move away. She has since come back home and is getting a second chance at tennis. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:10] What is Candace’s focus and what is she currently working on? 
• [6:00] Candace shares about the script that is today’s focus of discussion. 
• [7:24] What types of genres does Candace write about? 
• [11:40] Candace talks about her piece Second Set.
• [15:32] We learn about the relationship between the characters in the Second Set. 
• [19:06] Candace talks about the writing and revision process. 
• [21:02] What made this story really hit the mark with the fellowships and residencies? 
• [23:48] Candace reads an excerpt from Second Set. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Life doesn’t end just because you’re retired!
• Write what is actually meaningful and coming to you, the things you are passionate about, don’t chase after the trends or genres. 

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by Candace Egan 

Read by Candace Egan

GUEST RESOURCES:

Candace Lee Egan | Portfolio

Candace Egan's LinkedIn 

Candace Egan's Facebook 

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Candace Egan is a professor of Film and Media Arts at Fresno State and a screenwriter focused on female-forward stories. She’s had a long career as a non-fiction visual storyteller, exploring stories about a breadth of people such as the first Hmong women to go to college, a U.S. Poet Laureate, and competitive wheelchair tennis players. She writes female-driven stories about mature, authentic women who transform into vibrant, adventurous versions of themselves and learn that it’s never too late to explore new opportunities. Her comedy pilot “Second Set” about a grandmother becoming a freshman tennis student-athlete, based on Candace’s own experience, has won or placed in 16 contests including winning a fellowship at the Stowe Story Labs. When Candace isn’t writing she’s on the tennis court trying to keep up with spry, athletic 80-year-olds who compete internationally.

I can’t wait for you to meet my guest this week, singer and songwriter, Bill Abernathy. Bill started in the music world at 19, then shifted to work in the corporate world for 40 years and has come back around to music! Many of his songs are based around sci-fi and the political world that we are experiencing today. Tune in to hear his song Save Your Drama for Your Mama and if you are a paid substack subscriber or a patreon member, you can listen to his second hit It is What it Is Until It’s Not. If you are up for a challenge, after you listen to both songs, send me a message at reenita.com/contact-us about the sci-fi connections you hear for a chance at a prize! 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:09] Bill shares how he navigated the life of the corporate world and the music world.  
• [6:23] How did Bill find and build his audience?  
• [8:44] What does Bill think his audience enjoys about his songs? 
• [9:46] Where does Bill advertise his music?  
• [10:35] What are the different types of songs that Bill releases?  
• [12:56] Bill shares the story about his song Save Your Drama for Your Mama. 
• [16:13] What is the bonus Bill is offering to our subscription audiences?  
• [17:50] How can we change things aside from voting in today’s world? 
• [19:30] Bill shares a challenge for our listeners to find his science fiction references in his songs Save Your Drama for Your Mama and It is What it is Until It’s Not. 
• [22:41] Tune in to hear Save Your Drama for Your Mama.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• It is what it is until it is not. We have the ability to change the things that we don’t like. Use your rights and freedom of speech to fight for what you believe. 
• Don’t give up on your dream! My guest this week started as a musician, joined the corporate world and came back around to music, it’s never too late. 
• Even music can be a type of fiction from non fiction. Bill writes his music based on sci-fi and politics. If you are a sci-fi fan, tune in to hear Bill’s challenge to our listeners.  

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and listen to Bill’s second song, “It is What it Is Until It’s Not”. You will also be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora  

Or subscribe to Patreon for exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits: 

Written by Bill Abernathy 

Sung by Bill Abernathy 

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Reenita Malhotra Hora - send your challenge answers here! 

Bill Abernathy's Website  

Bill Abernathy's LinkedIn  

Bill Abernathy's Personal Facebook  

Bill Abernathy's Business Facebook  

Bill Abernathy's Twitter  

Bill Abernathy's Instagram 

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

BIO: 

Bill Abernathy has embarked on an exceptional journey, courageously navigating through the ebbs and flows of his musical and corporate life. Rising from humble beginnings, he has persistently pushed beyond the ordinary, challenging the status quo and dismantling long standing stereotypes. 

Bill's Latest Project "MORE", released in 2023 has had 3 #1 singles in the Adult Contemporary Charts. The Songs, "Hideaway", Call Their Name, and the title cute "More", have reached hundreds of thousands of listeners on various streaming and video platforms. 

In 2017, Abernathy's musical passion ignited with the release of his album "Find A Way," indelibly inscribing his unique signature on the vast tapestry of music. His pivotal track, "Goodbye Will Never Come Again," ascended to the zenith of the Roots Music Chart, signaling the inception of a truly extraordinary musical journey. 

Venturing further, his acclaimed album "Crossing Willow Creek," unveiled the hit "Cry Wolf," among other tracks that captivated international audiences, increasing his global reach. 

His deeply stirring track, "Who Are You, Who Am I," from his 2021 EP, earned him a place as a finalist for ISSA Song of the Year— an accolade that attests to his ever-evolving artistry. 

Abernathy's music has permeated the globe, amassing streams from countless devoted listeners. His authentic voice, genuine songwriting, and masterful storytelling have nurtured a long-lasting bond with his audience, carving a niche for him in the hearts of music lovers across the world. 

Hey everyone! In this episode, I’m excited to introduce two amazing storytellers and writers to the show, Jodie Anders and Eric Rosswood. This week we are discussing their collaboration writing Queer Cheer and why it was so important to them to represent the queer teen community. We discuss identity, book bans, and the difference that teens are making in the queer community. Jodie shares a “News Announcement” from their book Queer Cheer, about two teens who are on a mission to remove a book ban. Tune in for a great episode!  

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:02] Eric and Jodie introduce themselves and describe their work.  
• [3:18] Eric describes how he and Jodie came together on their project Queer Cheer.    
• [5:37] Why is representing queer teens important?  
• [8:32] What is causing book bans to be on an all time high? 
• [12:08] Does the uncertainty around being queer and identity change as they get older vs. being a teen?  
• [16:08] Jodie shares what the excerpt is that she will be reading. 
• [18:08] We hear a fictional piece from the book, Queer Cheer.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• There is nothing wrong with who you are as a person. You are loved, you are valuable, you are important.  
• By demonstrating differences in race, sexuality, gender identity and sexism, those who are working through their identity can find similarities with others, and realize that they are not alone.  
• It can be eye opening to look at your identity and how you behave around different types of people, from work to school to spending time with friends, seeing who you show up as can help determine who you truly are.  

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode, to receive the ‘News Announcement’ from the book Queer Cheer, referred to in the fiction section of the podcast, and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora  

Fiction Credits: 

Written by Jodie Anders & Eric Rosswood 

Read by Jodie Anders 

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Jodie Anders' Twitter  

Jodie Ander's Website  

Jodie Anders' LinkedIn   

Jodie Ander's Instagram  

Eric Rosswood's Facebook  

Eric Rosswood's Instagram   

Eric Rosswood's Website  

Queer Cheer Book Website  

Students Protecting Education 

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

BIO: 

Jodie is a multi-talented artist whose work spans the mediums of acting, writing, videography, editing, and graphic design. As a Jewish bisexual creator who struggled as a teen, Jodie focuses on celebrating diversity and promoting youth empowerment. She currently serves as the Publicity and Communications Director for the youth non-profit California Rainbow Girls, where she's spent over two decades mentoring and guiding teens in confidence and leadership skills. She is the co-author of Queer Cheer: Activities, Advice, and Affirmations for LGBTQ+ Teens and the producer of "Let's Talk about Leadership, Service and Sisterhood," a podcast by and for teens. 

Eric Rosswood is an author and commentator on LGBTQ+ issues including civil rights, parenting, marriage, and politics. He has led panels on LGBTQ+ parenting issues for organizations such as the Family Equality Council and the Modern Family Alliance. 

His bestselling book, Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood, won numerous awards including the best Parenting/Family/Relationships book in the IAN Book of the Year Awards, the best Parenting book in the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, and the best LGBTQ Non-Fiction book in the International Best Book Awards. His picture book, Strong, won the Stonewall Honor from the American Library Association. 

Hey everyone! Welcome to this week's episode of the True Fiction Project. Today I’m honored to talk with Sathya Saran and learn her story about rising in the editorial world in India that was typically dominated by men. Sathya shares her experience in journalism and explains how she turned around and brought success to the magazine’s Femina India and Me Magazine for the DNA, Daily News and Analysis. Tune in to learn how she flew high, even when her wings were clipped. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:16] Sathya shares how she got started with her career path.  
• [8:10] What led to hostility that Sathya experienced in journalism?  
• [9:07] Who is Dr. Mulk Raj Anand and what did meeting with him lead to?  
• [10:34] What was so important about the magazine Femina?  
• [11:55] Sathya shares how she turned Femina magazine around.  
• [18:20] What happened after Sathya left Femina?  
• [21:43] Sathya shares her journey of writing her first book. 
• [23:13] What was the Me Magazine for the DNA, Daily News and Analysis?  
• [28:52] Sathya shares what led her to focus full time on her books.  
• [30:50] Sathya discusses her journey of sharing with others how to write.   

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• If you love what you do, and do it with confidence and do it with integrity, it will reward you in some way.  
• Take a chance on yourself! Sathya went outside the box, challenged the norm, and created wild success.  
• Fly high, even if your wings are clipped! 

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora  

Fiction Credits: 

Read by Sathya Saran 

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Sathya Saran's Twitter  

Sathya Saran's Instagram  

Sathya Saran's LinkedIn 

HOST RESOURCES 

Website 

LinkedIn  

Tiktok  

Instagram  

Facebook  

Twitter (X)  

Substack  

Threads  

LinkTree  

BIO: 

Best known for her long association with Femina, which she edited for 12 years, Sathya Saran is currently Consulting Editor with Penguin Random House India. 

Sathya Saran is also the author of a diverse variety of books. The Dark Side reflects her love of the short story, while the critically acclaimed biographies, Ten Years with Guru Dutt Abrar Alvi's Journey; Sun Mere Bandhu Re The Musical World of SD Burman and Baat Niklegi toh Phir The Life and Music of Jagjit Singh bear testimony to her love of cinema and music. 

Sathya has also written the hugely appreciated biography of Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia. 

Sathya teaches fashion journalism at NIFT Mumbai, Kangra and Srinagar. She has been a stage actor with Veenapani Chawla. 

Passionate about writing, she conceptualised and curates the first of its kind Writers Conclave titled The Spaces between Words the unfestival sponsored by JSW at Kaladham near Hampi. 

Sathya has written a tv serial titled Kashmakash on marital problems. 

Her column in Femina and Me magazine is now continuing to gain new fans as a guest column in Dainik Jagran. She also writes a column for the New Indian Express. 

Hey everyone! Welcome to this week's True Fiction Project. India's celebrating its 78th Independence Day, and we've got a treat for you. A few years back, Shukla Lal shared her Partition story (which we have linked to below). Today, I'm excited to continue that thread with her niece and my lifelong friend, Miel Sahgal.

Miel talks about growing up with her inspiring grandfather, his love for yoga, and how he influenced her essay "Balancing Act." At the end of the episode Miel shares her touching essay which hones into the story of her grandfather and her upbringing. Don’t miss it!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [4:30] Miel shares how and why she wrote the essay Balancing Act. 
• [6:28] Why did Miel start with her grandfather as a starting point?
• [11:16] What changes or makes things different from where or how or who you descended from to where you grew up in? 
• [14:25] Miel and Reenita share their experiences around ritualistic living. 
• [17:49] Why did Miel’s grandfather promote independence with women in the family? 
• [19:31] How did yoga bring Miel further into her culture in a different way?
• [21:09] What was the connection her grandfather had with her son? 
• [22:48] Did her grandfather’s relationship with younger friends impact his long lifespan? 
• [24:20] Why is the essay called Balancing Act?
• [26:15] Where can you read more of Miel’s work? 
• [27:42] We hear the essay Balancing Act by Miel Sahgal.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Yoga, pronounced yog, means to yoke or unite, and wellness comes not just from contortions, but from the integration of mind, body, and spirit; the enduring ancient teachings apply to everyone. 
• Miel’s lesson from her grandfather was showing that where you live or what you leave behind is not nearly as important as what you carry inside. 
• Part of the fun of being alive is learning and growing. Spend your time listening to stories of those older and younger than you, learning from your culture and others, and continuing to experience all life has to offer.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

Fiction Credits:

Written and read by Miel Sahgal

Balancing Act in the Hamilton Arts & Letters

RESOURCES:

Books by Miel Sahgal 

S2 EP 4 – India at 75: A special “Partition Story” with Shukla Lal, author of Rano & Phulo Episode

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Miel Sahgal writes about nature, education, and contemporary world society. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, where she was previously Managing Editor of Sanctuary Asia and conducted events for children and educators. Miel was born in India, and has co-authored a children’s book on Mumbai as well as a travel book on Maharashtra. She now lives in Southern Ontario, Canada.

Welcome to this week's episode of the True Fiction Project! I am honored to have author and poet, Bhakti Mathur join the show. Bhakti is the author of two children’s series titled Amma, Take Me and Amma, Tell Me, which were inspired by exploring new places with her children. Aside from writing, Bhakti is also a bibliotherapist, who helps clients explore their emotions and heal through the use of fiction, non fiction and poetry. She explains how she got into the bibliotherapist work and came to be the first in Hong Kong. At the end of the episode, Bhakti shares three different poems with us. The first is about her grandmother’s death, the second is about the Ganges on fire, and the last is about a failed relationship. Tune in to learn more about bibliotherapy and hear her amazing poems. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:09] What is a bibliotherapist? 
• [8:12] How did Bhakti get into this field? 
• [10:51] What is the Amma, Take Me series?
• [12:31] What is the Amma, Tell Me series?
• [13:48] Do Bibliotherapists exist in other places in the world? 
• [15:42] What is Bhakti going to share with the listeners and why?
• [17:52] Does Bhakti explore light and death a lot in her work? 
• [20:11] Is Bhakti taking new bibliotherapist clients? 
• [20:40] What is coming next from Bhakti? 
• [23:23] Bhakti reads us her poem called An Indian Summer about the death of her grandmother. 
• [26:30] Bhakti reads her poem called Varanasi about a city of water by the Ganges on fire. 
• [27:52] Bhakti reads her poem The Thornbird about the ending of a relationship.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• A bibliotherapist is someone who recommends books to people as a way to heal. They focus on healing by using fiction, nonfiction and poetry to help people connect with their experiences and feelings through a different view. 
• Amma, Take Me and Amma, Tell Me are stories inspired by trips that Bhakti took with her children. They are nonfiction books, inspired by questions that her children asked her while they were out seeing new places. 
• Bhakti utilizes poetry as a form of healing. They provided her space to express and label her emotions. Writing offers an opportunity to put distance between you and the problem or issue that you are struggling with. 

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora 

Fiction Credits:

Written and read by Bhakti Mathur

GUEST RESOURCES:

Bhakti Mathur's LinkedIn 

Bhakti Mathur's Personal Facebook 

Bhakti Mathur's Business Facebook 

Bhakti Mathur's Instagram 

Bookswithbee.net

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn 

Tiktok 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter (X) 

Substack 

Threads 

LinkTree 

BIO:

Bhakti Mathur is the author of the 'Amma Tell Me' and 'Amma Take Me' series of children’s books about Indian mythology and history, with 19 published titles to date. After a long stint as a banker, she now juggles her time between writing, practicing yoga, and with her family. She lives in Hong Kong with her husband, their two children, and two dogs. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Hong Kong and is a freelance journalist with 100 published articles in the South China Morning Post on life, health, and fitness. Bhakti is an ICF credentialled (ACC) executive coach and is Hong Kong's first bibliotherapist. When not writing or running after her boys, Bhakti is happiest curled up with a book in one hand and a hot cup of chai in the other. To learn more about her, visit her at www.bhaktimathur.com, www.reflectwithbhakti.com, and www.bookswithb.net.

Welcome to this week's episode of the True Fiction Project! Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Mary K. Savarese, an "overnight success" who discovered her passion for writing after becoming an empty nester. In this episode, Mary shares how her life experiences have shaped her unique storytelling style, and why she loves to explore different genres and projects. Mary captivates us with her writing journey, from the challenges she faced to the triumphs she achieved. She also treats us to an exclusive reading from her trilogy, The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper. In this excerpt, we meet Dante, a man ensnared in a mysterious world, where an evil figure manipulates scenes he cannot intervene in. Tune in for an episode filled with creativity, perseverance, and the magic of storytelling! 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:56] Mary shares about her day to day life.  
• [4:41] What is an overnight success and what does that mean to Mary? 
• [7:39] How has life experience impacted her writing?  
• [12:06] What is a spiritual mystery?  
• [13:44] What is the difference between a series and a trilogy? 
• [18:40] What was the adventure that Mary had the other day?  
• [22:21] What inspired the excerpt that Mary is going to read to us?  
• [26:13] We hear an excerpt from The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper written and read by Mary K. Savarese.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• If you have the passion for it and you stick with it, it can happen for you. Not overnight, but if you have the passion and the desire it can happen for you.  
• Mary utilized the ending of her parenting chapter, becoming an empty nester, to begin writing as a way to deal with the difficult transition.  
• As an author, you don’t need to write like everyone else. Follow your heart, and your creativity to find what lights you up the most.  

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Fiction Credits: 

Written and read by Mary K. Savarese. 

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BIO: 

Mary K. Savarese is a traditionally published, best-selling, award-winning fiction author and speaker. She is known for her quirky titles. Her debut novel, Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (who knew!) a mystery romance with a supernatural twist garnered eight awards. 

Her recent novel is a fantasy adventure intertwined with romance and has also become an audiobook. The Girl In The Toile Wallpaper, is the first in the StarWriters trilogy. The second novel, The StarWriters Club, will be published this July 15. 

A finalist in the CIBA 1st place and grand prize category, The Girl In The Toile Wallpaper, won The NYC Big Book Award for Fantasy, the International Royal DragonFly for Fantasy and YA and most recent swept the Fantasy category at the International Cadmus Awards. 

US Review of Books compared it to A Wrinkle in Time and Dr. Who. 

Mary K. Savarese was born in Brooklyn, NY, raised her family in New England, and now resides in Florida where she loves to take her readers on wonderful fantasies. 

Mary appears on iHeartRadio, radio podcasts, Streaming Podcasts, Mindalia TV, Cable, YouTube, local publications and UK Radio. 

Her novels can be purchased from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, on line & brick and mortar and independent book stores everywhere