Category Archives: Uncategorized

Welcome to Apple Podcasts with host author Emma Palova

Happy Independent Book Store Day

I like my independence too, that’s why I’ve stepped up podcasting to the next level to promote independent authors like myself. Tyler Tichelaar, a recent author guest on the For the Love of Books Podcast said that his favorite moment in publishing happened after 15 years of rejection letters when he finally switched from traditional to self-publishing.

“I am going to make it happen myself,” he said.

So, did I and 99 percent of my author guests who are indie authors say the same thing.

Why should someone in New York City decide if I want to write fiction from Michigan?

Tichelaar is a seventh-generation Marquette resident and writes fiction from Marquette about Marquette. Listen in to the podcast episode about the time-travel novel Odin’s Eye.

After three years and 135 episodes, For the Love of Books Podcast with host author Emma Palova is now on the Apple Podcasts channel Authors Unbounded by subscription.

If you’ve been enjoying my show with a huge variety of authors, you don’t want to miss out on a single episode. Whether you are an avid reader on a hunt to find your next favorite read or an aspiring writer, you will find fascinating stories, useful tips, and inspiration in each episode.

Use your subscription as a skeleton key to open up new worlds with diverse authors ranging from a world-renowned hiker,  a descendent of the Detroit mafia, attorneys-turned-authors, comedians, filmmakers, the first female warden in Michigan to part-time Yooper Jon Stott who swam 22.7 miles from Munising to Marquette, and lived to write about it.

Let’s sample some of the content.

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-love-of-books-podcast/id1559434959

Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.

North American Solar Eclipse April 8 2024

Sky gazing with special eyewear to watch the solar eclipse.

Although we are located 120 miles from the path of totality, I could see the partial solar eclipse with 94 percent sun coverage in West Michigan.

The feature photo was taken with an Android at 2:50 p.m. by Ludek’s co-worker. I didn’t have much luck with my iPhone or iPad even when I used a filter.

The eclipse was special because it fell on our daughter’s birthday and our name day according to the Czech calendar. I have a few fascinating stories about the Czech calendar. Subscribe to get access.

Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Easter Monday traditions in Czech Republic

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2736849373165848

Easter Monday is one of the biggest holiday traditions of the year in the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The signature trademark of “schmigrust” is the whipping custom of women and girls in exchange for colored eggs, ribbons, and shots of Slivovitz. Men braid the whips from willow branches and decorate them with ribbons. In Slovakia, the custom takes a different flavor of pouring cold water on women.

Come celebrate “schmigrust” with Moravian Sons Distillery and their spirits during our regular tastings at your favorite liquor store in Michigan.

Go to the distillery website for more info at

Pictured below: a giant rattle to scare away bad spirits, the folk art of making Vizovicke pecivo, the whips, and the cookies.

Adhering to the custom, Josephine ties a ribbon to an Easter whip.

Camp NaNoWriMo starts today April 1

I will need all the angels by my side as I finish the draft of my new book.

Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Happy St. Pat’s

It’s a day of celebration when everyone is Irish in the USA. It has a different format in Ireland where the country suffers from the same thing that happened in the Middle East, according to my Irish friends, Mary & Frank.

It’s a solemn saint’s holiday. You can flip it around any way you want. You will get the same result.

So, beware of the Leprechaun.

Happy St. Pat’s from Moravian Sons District https://moraviansonsdistillery.com

On the trail

I met my dinner this morning, a crawfish crossed the trail to the pond. Now, this was a first. I’ve ran into deer and fox, and who knows what else, but never a delicatessen creature of the waters belonging mostly to Louisiana.

At first I thought, OMG someone let their lobster loose. My first instinct was to pick it up and throw it in the water. But, after yesterday’s close encounter, I changed my mind. The rest of the walk was peaceful.

I have regained my balance mainly thanks to two sessions of Yoga and Lenten meditation.

Follow me during this special Lenten time. It’s the fourth week of Lenten, and I am learning about the difference between flogging and scourging.

I am still attempting to record the podcast with retired history professor Albert Bell about “You’ve Got Blackmail.”

Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Palova.

Service Club Beach in Venice

This is where I go to the beach when I am in Venice. I hope they free the stranded whale. My recent pics from Service Club where I worked on my new novel with a draft titled The Jewel.