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ink & peatJoy When Least ExpectedFinal Episode of ink & peatIn this, our final episode of ink & peat, we offer a sampling of guests' recollections of joy when they least expected it.A heartfelt thank you to all our listeners.
2023-12-1826 minink & peatPro Audio Voices Inc ~ with Founder & CEO Becky Parker GeistFollowing the advice of a mentor, Becky Parker Geist took a leap of faith and combined her love for theater, reading aloud, and books. She turned these beloved pastimes into a global business dedicated to publishing audiobooks explicitly for indie authors. Pro Audio Voices is a company that produces audiobooks for authors who want to take their work off the page and turn it into an audio experience. In ink & peat episode 48, Becky tells about how she was drawn to voice acting from an early age, the role that gratitude plays in her success, and how her...
2023-08-1037 minink & peatLove's Journey Home ~ with author Gabi CoatsworthIn her memoir, Love’s Journey Home, author Gabi Coatsworth tells the story of finding, leaving, and reuniting with the love of her life. Gabi’s candor about how their relationship worked, and then didn’t, and ultimately did, makes for a read that is both romantic and packed with the realities two people must face when confronted with difficult life choices. In episode 47, Gabi shares how she was encouraged by friends to write the memoir for herself and how – through the writing process – she was able to gain clarity about her experiences and affirm her love’s journey ho...
2023-07-2741 minink & peatInheriting Our Names ~ with Author C. Vargas McPhersonCristina Vargas McPherson’s memoir is a deeply moving account of coming to terms with grief – a grief handed down from grandmother to mother to daughter, brought about through unconscionable events of the Spanish Civil War. Told through imagined conversations between her grandparents, real events of Franco’s fascist regime, and vivid mystical encounters with the revered religious icon, La Macarena, Cristina weaves fact and fiction, history and mysticism into a spellbinding memoir that heals and, in so doing, breaks her family legacy.In ink and peat episode 46 Cristina talks about the inspiration for her book...
2023-07-1340 minink & peatBetween the Lines of Three Winning MemoirsExpert book reviewer and developmental editor ~ Annie Mydla ~ joins us on ink & peat again. This time to share her vast knowledge about what has made each of three North Street Book Prize winning memoirs worthy of the awards they received and why a reader would do well to invest time and soul into these self-published authors and their books. In ink & peat episode 45, Annie talks about what makes these memoirs memorable, how each writer approached crafting her book, the pitfalls they avoided and the remarkable stories that win not only prizes, but the hearts of those t...
2023-06-1548 minink & peatMike Evans ~ Belfast BlazersWhen Mike Evans graduated from college, he moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland – ostensibly to be a Program Director for a non-profit, coaching basketball to young school kids in a visionary program called Playing for Peace, while keeping his hand in semi-pro basketball on the side. But things didn’t turn out quite as he expected, and Mike soon found himself playing out a vision of his own – coaching basketball to a mixed group of reluctant Protestant and Catholic 15-year-old boys – each side charged with preconceived notions and generations of prejudices. In his memoir, The Belfast...
2023-06-0137 minink & peatIn the Shadow of the Apennines ~ with author Kimberly SullivanEnchanted by the rugged beauty of the Apennines in Italy's Abruzzo region, and drawn to the rich history and struggles of its inhabitants, Kimberly Sullivan crafted a novel that tells the stories of two women separated by a century yet connected intimately by place and circumstance. In the Shadow of the Apennines is Kimberly's third self-published novel. In ink and peat episode 43, Kimberly talks about Women's Fiction – what it is and why she is drawn to it, why self-publishing is a perfect fit for her, and how her love for writing, history, and international travel provide endless so...
2023-05-1733 minink & peatModern Websites for Authors ~ with designer Emma BatesELB Media builds websites for authors. An unbridled love for books and reading inspired ELB Media’s Founder ~ Emma Bates ~ to apply her vast technical know-how and social media expertise to help authors. In ink&peat episode 42, Emma shares her insights on what makes author websites unique, how her life has been impacted by books and authors, and how she helps authors create personalized websites for the next chapter of their writing careers.TiktokFacebookInstagramWebsite
2023-05-0232 minink & peatAmuse-Bouche ~ A Taste of Melancholy with poet Dana Huneke-StoneDana Huneke-Stone expresses her poetry in bite-sized morsels. She recently self-published a collection of her poems and accompanying illustrations in a book entitled Amuse Bouche - A Taste of Melancholy. In ink&peat episode 41 Dana shares how she draws inspiration from living on the Oregon Coast and through taking what she calls prayer walks, how she writes poetry to express her deeply-held beliefs and experiences, and how she prefers to forgo rules and write from a place all her own.InstagramFacebook
2023-04-1834 minink & peatThe Book of SheMichelle Meyer created The Book of She as a means of celebrating, exploring, and honoring the experience of womanhood. Having lost her mother unexpectedly, Michelle – an only child – felt a deep longing to cultivate relationships with other women. Through a year-long Instagram collaboration with 51 women who interpreted Michelle’s poems and created accompanying artwork inspired by the poems, The Book of She was born. In ink & peat episode 40, Michelle talks about how writing has shaped her life, how poetry is a vehicle for understanding and self-knowledge, and how...
2023-04-0538 minink & peatA Conversation with Author Ceilidh MichelleInspired by the teachings of an Indian spiritual master and following a deep desire to find her way in the world, 20-year-old Ceilidh Michelle left home and a fractured family life in Canada for an ashram in Southern California. Accompanied by her acoustic guitar and a few belongings, Ceilidh found herself instead broke, but not broken, living and seeking solace on the streets of Venice Beach. In ink and peat episode 39, Ceilidh recounts how thankful she is now to her younger self who captured keen observations of life on the streets, the people she met and...
2023-03-2732 minink & peatAaxel Author Services ~ with Alexa NazzaroThese are Golden Days for Indie writers. With so many options for self-publishing, however, it can be daunting. To help emerging authors and seasoned writers maneuver through the complexities of crafting a quality finished product, Alexa Nazzaro created Aaxel Author Services. Alexa's commitment to the authors she works with is summed up aptly in their tagline "We won't let you publish crap". Alexa shares with us in ink & peat episode 38 what separates Aaxel Author Services from other self-publishing options, what to look for in vanity press scams, and gives in detail the steps they take to support yo...
2023-03-0829 minink & peat14 Days in Beijing ~ Author Chancellor K. Jackson Shares His StoryAuthor Chancellor K. Jackson shares his story of 14 Days in Beijing – what brought him to China, the significance of 14 days, how he sought and received help from his ancestors to overcome the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way. He realized in talking with family and friends after he returned home that there was a book about his experiences waiting for him to write and share. In ink & peat episode 37 Chancellor talks about his writing experience, about the ownership self-publishing provides writers, and how he is now committed to using his knowledge of wri...
2023-02-1935 minink & peatWriting Tips for Winning Manuscripts ~ A Conversation with Annie MydlaAnnie Mydla knows good writing when she reads it; she is an impassioned advocate for well-written books and stories in what she refers to as the Golden Age of Literacy. Annie applies her keen sense of what makes a great book to help emerging writers craft manuscripts that transport readers. Along with offering mid-draft critiques to aspiring authors, Annie spends her days reading, reviewing, and judging manuscripts that have been submitted to Winning Writers competitions. In ink & peat episode 36, Annie shares key pitfalls writers should avoid in order to deliver a book that enthralls readers.annie@winningwriters.com
2023-02-0639 minink & peatTalking with Martina Clark About Her Unexpected LifeIn 1992, at the age of 28, Martina Clark's life took an unexpected turn: she was diagnosed as HIV positive and told by doctors she had from a few months to a few years to live at best. At the time, Martina knew of no other women who were HIV positive – information and support were scarce. Through her determination, courage, and facing her situation head-on, Martina became an HIV activist, ultimately working for the United Nations and sharing her story on the global stage. In her memoir "My Unexpected Life" Martina shares how her life took a turn, what she did as...
2023-01-2235 minink & peatDiane Hatz Shares Rock Gods and Messy MonstersA career in the fast-paced, cutthroat corporate music industry provided Diane Hatz with the inspiration for her first novel – Rock Gods and Messy Monsters. Diane writes with a masterful blend of satire and absurdism to create fantastical characters in bizarre scenarios that shed light on seamier sides of the star-making music machinery. Diane shares how writing helped her gain perspective on her music industry stint – the thrills as well as the inequities she experienced there. She also provides us with her take on indie publishing and a few hard-won tips about how to avoid some publishing pitfalls....
2022-12-1233 minink & peatExploring Self-publishing and The Other Side with Ghost Helper, Tina ErwinAuthor of The Lightworker's Guide to Healing Grief, and seven self-published books on Amazon, Tina Erwin is known as a Ghost Helper. Ghosts, she explains, are just souls that - for any number of reasons - did not make the transition from their earthly life to the realm of the afterlife. In ink & peat episode 29, Tina shares with us her insights and enthusiasm about self-publishing, glimpses of her history and the responsibilities she feels as a Ghost Helper, and a few anecdotes about ghosts she's helped to reach the "other side". https...
2022-11-2237 minink & peatSpontaneous Revolutions ~ A Conversation with Liza McQuadeLiza McQuade joins us on ink & peat episode 33 to talk about her book Spontaneous Revolutions – Seeing America One Pedal at a Time, a travel story about biking with her husband cross country on the spur of the moment - out of shape, lacking long haul biking experience and armed with only a basic knowledge of bike mechanics. Instead, they relied on their belief in each other, in the gifts that come with spontaneity and a healthy dose of wild hair. Liza shares with us insights she ga...
2022-11-0332 minink & peatSelf Publish with Author Now! ~ Talking with Erin DonleyIt’s estimated that roughly 80% of us would like to write and publish a book, but most of us don’t know where to begin, or what to do to bring it to fruition. Erin Donley is the motivating force behind the book publishing service, Author Now, where she uses her skills as a ghostwriter, author, editor, and book coach to guide people through the process of self-publishing their non-fiction books. In ink & peat episode 32, Erin explains why this is the Golden Age of self-publishing for seasoned writers and first-timers alike, and why now is a great time to b...
2022-08-2238 minink & peatA Tale of Transformation & Hope ~ with Delila OlssonIn the depths of the global pandemic, one of her dear friends gave Delila Olsson a milkweed plant to attract Monarch butterflies to her Portland, OR garden. A keen observer, Delila noticed a tiny caterpillar had hitched a ride on the milkweed and realized she’d been given both a physical and metaphorical gift to lift her spirits. She set about creating a safe haven to support, watch and record the caterpillar’s metamorphosis. A fan club of the little caterpillar emerged through followers of Delila’s posts on Facebook and from this experience, her first book was born: Fred t...
2022-08-0931 minink & peatStillness and Wonder ~ A Conversation with poet Caroline HolmPoet Caroline Holm, shares in ink & peat episode 30 the sources of inspiration for her newly published book Woodland. A resident of Salem, Oregon, Caroline’s poetry, prose, and illustrations celebrate nature, miracles of being a mother, the dance between joy and suffering, and the richness of being in the present. Caroline offers glimpses into how, through embracing stillness, one is better able to observe and to receive the subtle gifts of creativity awaiting our discovery.
2022-03-1533 minink & peatWriting Your Way with Conor Bredin, Author & TeacherAfter a summer hiatus, we are pleased to start a new season of ink & peat with a lively conversation featuring author/teacher/ and podcast host Conor Bredin, whose enthusiasm for writing, reading, storytelling, and teaching runs deep. Conor shares writing tips, and talks about how a 'kick in the arse' from his beloved was the motivation he needed to come to terms with writing as more than wishful thinking. His supernatural thriller ~ The Longest Night ~ is available on Amazon and through his website, where you can access his podcast
2021-09-0942 minink & peatLiving on Lamlash Street ~ A Conversation with author Jill PhillipsFond memories of growing up in her family’s three-story home at 11B Lamlash Street in southeast London, provided the inspiration for Jill Phillips’ first memoir. In her book, she recalls the incidents surrounding a pivotal time in her beloved neighborhood when everything changed. Lamlash Street, a pocket within the cockney Elephant and Castle district, was home to Jill’s large and extended family. She recounts in ink and peat episode 27 the many ways it was an ideal community to grow up in during the early ’60s, how her life was influenced by her parents and relatives, a budding romance...
2021-05-2141 minink & peatGrowing Up Black in Nova Scotia with Leonard ParisIn his memoir, Leonard Paris recounts the struggles of growing up a black male in rural Nova Scotia, Canada during the 1950’s and 60’s. Leonard began writing Jim Crow Also Lived Here in response to lying awake nights, replaying childhood memories ~ both good and bad ~ and reflecting on how racism and generational poverty had impacted his life. He felt called to turn his memories into a book in order to share his story with younger generations of black people, as well as to shed light on the lasting effects of structural racism and generational pove...
2021-04-0734 minink & peatAdventures with Rachel Nolan ~ On Cycling, Gratitude, Whiskey, and FreedomRachel Nolan knew as a young girl that being outside is where she feels most free. This has translated for her into a lifetime of adventure ~ cycling, kayaking, climbing, running, and team endurance challenges ~ around the world. She created Rachel’s Irish Adventures in her hometown of Ballina, County Mayo, to share her love of being outside in the wild West of Ireland. Rachel talks with us in ink and peat episode 25 about becoming the first woman to win the Transatlantic Way cycling race, maintaining a positive attitude, and what distinguishes Irish Whiskey from all the rest.ww...
2021-03-2636 minink & peatNever a Dull Moment with George PlawskiGeorge Plawski has lived a life brimming with adventure -- in the sky, before the stage, and with his beloved wife, Rita. His memoir Never a Dull Moment; Memoirs of Canadian Naval Aviation, Firebombing and Theatre, captures on the page a collection of stories, and lively anecdotes. In ink & peat episode 24, George recounts the choices he’s made, his writing process, the role of luck, and finding the ultimate joy where ~ and when ~ he least expected it.
2021-03-2153 minink & peatA Sense of Place with Liamy Mac NallyLiamy Mac Nally talks with us in ink and peat episode 23 about the Irish “sense of place”. A native of Westport, County Mayo, Liamy’s rich sense of place is built upon tradition, local stories, the Irish language, and walking the familiar landscape of his childhood. He was a featured BBC Three Counties Radio and Mayo West radio personality, is a regular columnist with the Mayo News, co-founded a book publishing company, and is a driving force in the Mayo folk music scene. Liamy is a Bob Dylan fan, and in the episode talks about compiling a book of tribut...
2021-03-1554 minink & peatThe Butcher Shop Girl: A Memoir for Misfits & Mavericks, Carmen Kissel-VerrierCarmen Kissel-Verrier grew up on a ranch in Alberta, tagged by her schoolmates the Butcher Shop Girl. In her striking memoir, Carmen talks about ranch life, working in her mom’s slaughterhouse, and striking out on her own to follow the allure of big money -- first in the oil fields and then as an exotic entertainer. In ink and peat episode 22, Carmen shares how writing her memoir helped her heal and work through secrets she’s kept for decades. She offers her life story as an example of possibility to those who struggle with fitting in or who...
2021-03-0439 minink & peatRecreateNow ~ Making Things Better; A Chat with Mike ArseneaultMike Arseneault believes beauty is all around us and has stories to tell -- if we choose to see it. Mike uses his gift for bringing stories to life through marketing, musical theater, photography, foodie groups, and community organizing -- wherever he lands. From working successfully as a major creative in global sportswear giant Nike, to building community through food celebrations and restoring historic landmarks on the Oregon Coast, Mike dedicates himself to uncovering and bringing to life stories of beauty and possibility.Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/recreatenowhttps://www.facebook.com...
2021-02-2333 minink & peatFoodCorps From the Ground Up ~ a Conversation with Curt EllisThe path to becoming co-founder and CEO of FoodCorps led Curt Ellis through his father’s tomato patch, the streets of Brooklyn with a pickup bed full of soil, the commons of a prestigious university not known for its ag program, Iowa cornfields, and documentary film cutting room floors. Through these experiences and his boundless enthusiasm for food issues, Curt was well suited to find himself in the right place at the right time with the right people to bring his dream to fruition. In ink and peat episode 20 Curt shares with us the story of FoodCorps, his th...
2021-02-1232 minink & peatEloquent Listening with Oregon Poet Laureate, Kim StaffordKim Stafford is a writer in Oregon who uses writing as a means to raise the human spirit. He has done so through the creation of a vast collection of poems, books, classes, workshops, and readings around Oregon and the globe. The Northwest Writing Institute and Fishtrap Writers Gathering were inspired by and created through Kim's commitment to the craft of writing as an essential part of human experience. He was honored in 2018 as Oregon's 9th Poet Laureate in recognition of his contributions, and for the encouragement and invitation he extends to each of us to write.
2020-11-1036 minink & peatKey To Change ~ A Conversation with Dr. Quinton MorrisDr. Quinton Morris, master violinist, tireless teacher, and advocate for underserved youth, talks with us in ink & peat episode 18 about listening to his inner voice. Through hard work, resilience, and unwavering perseverance, Dr. Morris overcame extraordinary odds to become a world-renowned violinist. He has performed three sold-out solo recitals at Carnegie Hall, has been featured with full orchestras and chamber groups around the globe, created the innovative Young Eight Octet, and directed 11 successful seasons. He is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and recipient of numerous awards and accolades including being named one o...
2020-09-0439 minink & peatFearless Writing With William KenowerWilliam Kenower is a prolific writer, a writer's writer. Author of two books for writers, novelist, essayist, writer's life coach, teacher, editor-in-chief of Author Magazine, podcast host of Author to Author, Bill has lived and examined all sides of the writer's life. In his thoughtful book Fearless Writing, Bill explains to both beginning writers and seasoned pros the benefits of--and the need for--writing fearlessly, and offers his views on how "it's about more than the writing". In episode 17 of ink & peat, Bill shares his experience with, and enthusiasm for, turning the three-dimensional w...
2020-05-2436 minink & peatTelling Tales with Traditional Irish Storyteller, Niall De BurcaAs a young boy, Niall De Burca heard stories told by an elder Irishman and knew at that moment he was meant to be a traditional Irish storyteller. Later, as a young Irish emigrant in New Zealand, his vision began to take shape ~ upon the urging of his friends, Niall took his storytelling to the stage and has never looked back. In ink & peat Episode 16, we talk with Niall about the power of story, what drew him to become a master storyteller, and of how the common threads of human experience are shared through...
2020-04-2239 minink & peatStories by the Fire with Craig Stewart & Barbara RobitailleSharing stories can shorten the social distance between humans, no matter how far apart.Listening to writers read their work before the hearth in Cottage 4 calls us to the Memoir Tours retreat as much as anything. Think Open-Mic with a peat fire ablaze, cup of tea or glass of wine in hand, listening to stories. Stories of how we got here, what we learned along the way, and maybe what we left behind. The stories are as diverse as the people that bring them, though each is a celebration of the human spirit, of...
2020-03-2128 minink & peatStorytelling with Marianne McShaneStoryteller Marianne McShane chats with us on ink & peat episode 14, and gives us a taste of remembering what it was to be a wee child. A native of Bangor, County Down on the northeast coast of Ireland, Marianne developed an appreciation for stories early on. She fondly remembers many evenings before the hearth listening to her Granda fill her imagination with stories, wonder tales, and legends. Her fascination with story deepened over the course of her work as a children’s librarian. Known for her traditional Irish stories, she has performed in Ireland and th...
2020-03-1131 minink & peatThe Memoir Project with Marion Roach SmithIn this episode, we talk with author and teacher Marion Roach Smith about her approach to writing memoir. Author of The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text For Writing & Life, Marion has developed a formula for writing memoir that opens the writer to take a deep dive into the waters of self-examination. Writing with intent is the goal she sets for herself and her students as they sift through experiences for the gems that define a life well-lived.
2020-02-1829 minink & peatThe Writing Practice with Barbara O'NeilOur guest on this episode of ink & peat is Barbara O’Neil, teacher, writer, facilitator, and -- perhaps the most coveted title of all -- a former elementary school librarian. Barbara teaches mixed-age groups in the Boston area helping students develop their writing voices. In addition, twice a month she writes with elders, a practice that brings her great pleasure. She also holds an annual retreat in Taos, NM where writers of all ages and experience come together to explore and develop their writing practices.
2020-02-0533 minink & peatTo Taste Life Twice ~ A Conversation with Drew LammAuthor, teacher, mentor and writing muse, Drew Lamm inspires writers to mine their life's stories. For over twenty years, students in Drew's Taste Life Twice Writing course have found their voices and their stories through her gentle and effective writing instruction. Her students call her teaching technique 'enchanting, affirming, supportive, on target, brilliant.'We talk with Drew about the creative process, writing and not holding back.
2020-01-1836 minink & peatMemory & Art with Una MorrisUna Morris chats with us on this ink & peat episode about how the pursuit of art has shaped her life, both as a creative outlet and as a vehicle or an opportunity to extract meaning from memory ~ real or imagined.
2019-08-1028 minink & peatThe Rune Woman ~ A Conversation with Ingrid KincaidOur chat on this episode of ink & peat is with Ingrid Kincaid, a writer, teacher, wise counselor who lives fully and freely, following ancient wisdom as offered through the reading of runes, through silence, through questioning and through living flat out. Ingrid teaches writing as a means of tapping into one’s creativity and urges those she teaches to step into the center of their lives and embrace the practice of writing daily.
2019-07-2635 minink & peatInsights from a Ghostwriter ~ A Conversation with Erin DonleyErin Donley talks about how her ghostwriting career evolved through years of reviewing books, how she loves the collaborative book writing process, and how memoir can be viewed as a legacy. Erin is the author of Don’t Tell Me to Calm Down -- Face Your Power and Find Your Peace; she speaks passionately and with authority about book writing and publishing.
2019-07-0129 min2019-06-3021 minink & peatA Session with Andrew GillespieIn this episode of ink & peat ~ which we refer to as a session for reasons that will become clear ~ we have a chat with Andrew Gillespie, box player, singer, folk music advocate, consummate musician, and generous soul. Andrew is a leading figure in the Killala Bay Folk Club and music scene. He joins us for a chat about playing the box, what makes for a memorable session, and how traditional music is alive and well in Ireland today. Listen in to get a sense of what great craic you can expect if you’re lucky enough to share a se...
2019-06-2929 minink & peatWalking the Mayo Landscape ~ With Naturalist Denis QuinnDenis Quinn is our guest on this ink & peat episode. A Failte Ireland-approved local marine and countryside guide, Denis is the founder of Wild Atlantic Cultural Tours. He holds an Honours degree in Heritage Studies; that he received the Award for Academic Excellence comes as no surprise. Denis is a walking guidebook for natural and built heritage, folklore, flora & fauna, and archaeology. He is easy going and class to be around -- whether walking the wild Irish landscape, exploring ancient ruins, or raising a pint.
2019-06-1329 minink & peatUpping Your Writing Game with Writer & Editor Helen FalconerMany aspects of writing demand courage -- overcoming resistance and feelings of inadequacy are two that top my list. Add to these the vulnerability we often subject ourselves to, especially when writing memoir, and we can find ourselves paralyzed, staring into an abyss of unstarted or unfinished projects, or both. Projects, when shared, can be transformative for both writer and reader...meaning, they deserve to see the light of day.Working with editor Helen Falconer gives you the tools to slay monsters lurking around your keyboard or notebook. With a lifetime of experience writing...
2019-06-0129 minink & peatOn Writing ~ An Act of Great Audaciousness; Conversation with Author, Kate KerriganKate Kerrigan, New York Times bestselling author, is second-generation Irishwoman, born and raised in London, who returned to her beloved Irish family roots in the 90’s, settling in Killala to be near her Mother and their family home in Ballina, a short distance away. Kate prides herself on being a Writing Evangelist ~ she teaches writing at the National University Ireland Galway.With at least 11 books to her credit, Recipes for a Perfect Marriage was shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year in 2006 and The...
2019-05-2229 minink & peatWriting Memoir with Carol RaphaelThis episode features a conversation with Carol Raphael, writer, editor and ghostwriter. Carol talks about writing, memoir, what mentoring/ghostwriting memoir means to her, and the value of making time to bring a fresh perspective to one's life.
2019-05-1926 minink & peatAwaken to the Wisdom of Your DreamsPsychotherapist and dream advocate, Kathleen Duffy. Kathleen is the author of Awaken to the Wisdom of Your Dreams: Mirrors in the River. Kathleen is an expert on dreams and how they can be used to inform our waking hours. Listening to her is inspiring and helps us mine the psyche for great insights, which in turn is useful for bringing context to writing.
2019-05-0432 min