Tag Archives: books

Easter episodes coming soon, updated interview with author Mikel Classen

Christian authors

This is an updated episode with author Mikel Classen with sound editing by author Erik Bean aka prof. Bean.

Stay tuned for the upcoming Easter episodes with Christian authors Elizabeth Fust “The Hungry Kitten’s Tale” and Lowell’s author Amanda Filkins “Be Still: God’s Grace is Bigger Than Worldly Deceit.”

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-f32qy-11eea36

Digging deep into the past, U.P. author & historian Mikel Classen uncovers hidden stories in his newest release “True Tales- The Forgotten History of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.”

Stories of piracy, lost gold mines, the origin of the Copper Boom, profiles of people of note, Starvation on Isle Royale, and one of the darkest periods of Michigan history, are all True Tales of the early days of the Upper Peninsula Frontier.

“Some subjects I’ve researched over the years as a journalist,” Classen said. “It’s been several years in the making.”

The tales are broken up into moments in U.P. history like Chapter 15- “Peter White: The Founding of Marquette” or the story about a native American woman marooned on Isle Royale with her husband facing starvation.

One story, in particular, captured Classen’s inquisitive mind and set him off on a wild chase across the rugged northern peninsula hunting down the truth to rectify myths. During his research, Classen visited the historical societies in 16 towns.

“The local communities and historians sometimes intentionally buried the stories,” Classen said.

In seven towns, he was able to confirm the unimaginable.

“I was shocked,” he said. “Some things you find out can creep you out.”

Find out what it was by listening to this intriguing episode with a true U.P. expert for a chance to win a signed copy of Classen’s “True Tales.”

Sound editing by author Erik Bean.

Copyright (c) 2022. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Author Mikel Classen digs out lost stories in ”True Tales” from the U.P.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-wte2p-11e9af0

Digging deep into the past, U.P. author & historian Mikel Classen uncovers hidden stories in his newest release “True Tales- The Forgotten History of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.”

Stories of piracy, lost gold mines, the origin of the Copper Boom, profiles of people of note, Starvation on Isle Royale, and one of the darkest periods of Michigan history, are all True Tales of the early days of the Upper Peninsula Frontier.

“Some subjects I’ve researched over the years as a journalist,” Classen said. 

One story, in particular, captured Classen’s inquisitive mind and set him off on a wild chase across the rugged northern peninsula hunting down the truth to rectify myths. During his research, Classen visited the historical societies in 16 towns.

“The local communities and historians sometimes intentionally buried the stories,” Classen said.

In seven towns, he was able to confirm the unimaginable.

“I was shocked,” he said.

Find out what it was by listening to this intriguing episode with a true U.P. expert for a chance to win a signed copy of his “True Tales.”

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Author Virginia Johnson pens ”The Blood of Abigail” in the two-book series

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-jxi8v-11a99bf

 The Blood of Abigail is a story about a demon and ghost as the main couple, a perfectly mismatched pair. Both characters have troubled backstories and missing pieces of their souls that only the other can complete, according to one review.

Listen to this episode for a chance to win a signed copy by the author.

Aside from writing, Johnson owns and operates Anytime Author Promotions (AAP). AAP offers quality book graphic needs at a price and Indie author can afford.

Here is an excerpt from the book.

“Darkness welcomes me as I embrace the choices that I have made. With fire in my eyes and revenge having already condemned my soul, Salem has created a demon. Born from the ashes and convicted with no sin, I was forced to reign in the underworld while I waited for the right time to avenge my wrongful death. The cost was of no concern, until I met my match in a ghost, 300 years later. He had one job; collect the soul and release it to me. That’s it. Timothy carried his own past into the dark side. With conscience and a fondness for humans, I questioned his loyalty as I protected my secret.”

 

 

Michigan Authors hit the road with Women’s Expos in Lansing and Grand Rapids

Michigan Authors at the Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo in Lansing

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vp2f6-11a14a8

Starting off strong in 2022, Michigan Authors are making one of their first stops at the Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo this weekend Feb. 11 through Feb.13 at the Lansing Center.

Eleven authors representing different genres will be participating in the upcoming Expo in Lansing. Make sure you stop by the back wall between the concessions and the main stage to meet your next favorite read.

Listen to the special episode to find out how you can win free tickets to the show.

“We’re sci-fi fantasy heavy,” said author & organizer Jean Davis laughing. “We have two authors with Michigan books.”

Author Judith Wade or Lori Hudson can’t wait to meet with fans in person. 

“Bring your walking shoes and a big bag to carry your books,” Wade said. “It’s really a nice thing to help someone who wants to get started writing and publishing. Often they have a well-developed idea.”

Approximately 20 authors will be participating in the West Michigan Women’s Expo in Grand Rapids set for March 18 through March 20. Follow this podcast for more info about authors and their in-person shows.

Copyright (c)2022. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Author Tony Lindsay presents a strong female character in ”Melody Knight a Vampire’s Tale”

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6n5v8-11942ed

In this unique tale, author Tony Lindsay combines a spy thriller and a vampire novel. The reader experiences both: the life of a CIA operative and life within a vampire family.

The Knights are presented as a blended family with all the peculiarities that accompany those unions, and it is through her experiences with her vampire family that Melody develops an acceptance and respect for humanity.

The novel deals with the origin of American vampires, and a mystery/thriller edge develops when murdered children, human organ farming, and CIA corporate gains are uncovered.

Melody’s growth from a depressed human bride (her fiancee was gunned down on her wedding day) to a vampire that cares about humanity is shocking.

The thriller edge of the novel keeps the reader turning pages: don’t miss this one.

Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of this fine book.

Author Renae Micou debuts with ”I Think My Teacher Needs a Hug Today”

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6y5gu-11940b2

A pre-school teacher turned author Renae Micou gives us a hug with her delightful characters Kai and Ms. Coo in her brand new illustrated children’s book “I Think My Teacher Needs a Hug Today.”

Presenting for the first time at the Ann Arbor Holiday Art show, Micou skillfully recreated the classroom atmosphere, as reflected in her new book illustrated by Stephen Elugbemi.

It took two years to put the book together and to fit it with the right illustrations on the go.

Take a listen for a chance to win a signed copy of Micou’s new book.

Poet Donny Winter releases ”Feats of Alchemy” with a blast to raving reviews

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6tf6a-118b798

In his second book after Carbon Footprint, Donny Winter tackles issues beyond the glitz of stepping out as an LGBTQ+poet, educator, and activist.

The sophomore collection of poems Feats of Alchemy takes readers on a perilous adventure through a futuristic and dystopian world. His experimental free verse poems use science fiction, natural, and pop-cultural images to metaphorically illustrate his experiences as a gay man navigating the different obstacles society presents after coming out.
These poems create a cyberpunk-inspired, symbolic world centered around the cyborg, Solus Arcane, who seeks to understand their existence free of oppressive forces and strives to unlearn the programming given to them by their oppressive creator.
Together, our bodies are welded and soldered by the forces of those seeking to silence, erase, or oppress. Feats of Alchemy acts as a circuit board connecting us with pathways toward self-sovereignty beyond artifice.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of this fine collection of poems such as “This Closet is a Chrysalis.”

 

YA novel ”Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life” set for February release

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-dz6p3-11797dc

Author Dallas Woodburn skillfully flips friends into lovers in the love triangle between Carissa, Brad, and Rose using two points of view.

Set for February release the friends-to-lovers romance delivers a heartwarming message about self-improvement, identity, and acceptance in an image-obsessed culture.

This is Woodburn’s second novel with a short story collection How To Make Paper When the World is Ending slated for June publication.

A former John Steinbeck Fellow in Creative Writing, Woodburn’s writing has been honored with the Cypress & Pine Short Fiction Award, the international Glass Woman Prize, and four Pushcart Prize nominations.

When she’s not writing, Dallas hosts the podcast “Overflowing Bookshelves.” Woodburn is also a book doula.

Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of Woodburn’s new novel.

Author Theresa Halvorsen pens ”Warehouse Dreams”

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vezde-115b086

As author psychologist Halvorsen puts it: “Go gently into 2022.”

Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of featured authors’ giveaways.

In “Warehouse Dreams” author Theresa Halvorsen pitches the “Wilds” against the “Breds” embodied in delightful characters Kendle and teacher Stephen.

Kendle recruits teens with psychic abilities, for the Warehouse, the only school for Wilds. Accepting teens with Wild Gifts is risky; refusing means they face life under sedation. Stephen, the telepathy teacher, is a celebrity Bred with perfect genes. Can a Bred fall for a Wild like Kendle? As society’s hatred of Wilds goes up, the schools’ resources go down. Can Kendle protect her students?

Email the authors for a chance to win a free signed copy of their books.

 

Author Andrew Allen Smith releases book ”Adam” in new series ”Eternal Forever”

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-2dt7m-11516fb

Character Adam is edgier and author Andrew Allen Smith tells the story of the immortal in first person with the final fifth book in mind. “Adam” is a product of a dream, as often is the case with Smith’s books.

“He’s the first and only of his kind,” Smith said. “I tried to stay away from the stereotype of immortals. I wanted to stay on the edge of it.”

In this book, the author tackles the concept of death among many others from a different perspective.

“…here I am, cradling her in my arms. The cool breeze blowing across my face. I am looking down at a woman between life and death. I can save her, but at the cost of her being a little of me. I can watch her pass as I have seen so many pass before. The decision is mine. As I wrestle with it, the sirens scream in the background, closer and closer. Just a drop of my amazing blood will give her life, but how can I decide?”
 

Smith also talks about grieving during the holidays or at any time of the year in this special holiday episode.

“Don’t go through it alone,” he advises. “Be there for people who are grieving.”

Smith penned his only non-fiction book “What Not to Say to People Who are Grieving” after the tragic death of his niece in 2020.

Listen in to the episode for a chance to win a signed copy of “Adam.”