Shows
SAM MagazineE179 - Nancy Lynn Jarvis - GeorgieToday, I have a great time reading the short story, Georgie, written by Nancy Lynn Jarvis.Nancy Lynn Jarvis wore many hats before she started writing. After earning a BA in behavioral science from San Jose State University, she worked in the advertising department of the San Jose Mercury News, as a librarian, as the business manager for Shakespeare/Santa Cruz, and as a realtor.She has written seven Regan McHenry Real Estate Mysteries; a stand-alone novel Mags and the AARP Gang about a group of octogenarian bank robbers; edited Cozy Food: 128 Cozy...2024-03-2330 min
SAM MagazineE178 - Allan Hudson, excerpt from his novel, VigilantesAllan Hudson was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. Growing up in South Branch, he was encouraged to read from an early age by his mother, a school teacher. He lives in the seaside community of Cocagne with his wife, Gloria. He has enjoyed a lifetime of adventure, travel and uses the many experiences as ideas for his writing. He is an author of action/adventure novels, historical fiction and a short story collection. His short stories, The Ship Breakers, and In the Abyss, received Honourable Mentions in the New Brunswick Writer's Federation competition.He is...2024-03-1528 min
SAM MagazineE177 - Spy Girls - Joanna Vander Vlugt (first chapter)A CIA action officer is released from prison. A Chief Justice is murdered, and the Law Society is scrutinizing Jade Thyme’s conduct. Jade’s life can’t get much worse until she is coerced into finding an elusive double agent. Tangled in lies and political agendas, high speed chases and sticky bombs, can Jade outplay a dangerous Hungarian assassin before her own life is terminated?On today's episode, Joanna reads the first chapter from her novel, Spy Girls, which is available for pre-order on Amazon and Kobo, and will be released on Saturday, March 16, 2024. https://www.am...2024-03-0628 min
SAM MagazineE176 - Heather L. Barksdale - Arriving Through Time (novel excerpt)Heather L. Barksdale was born in Waterville, Maine. Her adventure into travel started young when her parents packed up the two-year-old and drove across the country to Seattle, Washington. They then flew to Fairbanks, Alaska to live until she was eight years old. She would move several more times throughout the years, living in places as different as Larimore, North Dakota, and Keflavik, Iceland. As a military brat, her experience with travel grew throughout the years and her passion for reading thrived. With all the travel came many different schools and both the challenge and opportunity...2024-02-2632 min
SAM MagazineE175 - Donalee Moulton - MoistDonalee Moulton's first mystery book Hung out to Die was published in 2023. Her historical mystery, Conflagration, will be published in 2024. Donalee's short story Swan Song appeared in Cold Canadian Crime and Black Cat Weekly. It will appear in the Mystery Most International anthology in 2024. Her second short story was published this spring in Black Cat Weekly. Her short story “Moist” originally appeared in After Dinner Conversation. Donalee is also the author of The Thong Principle: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say, and co-authored Celebrity Court Cases: Trials of the Rich and Famous. ...2024-02-1828 min
SAM MagazineE174 - J.E. (Jayne)Barnard - Bow TideJ.E. (Jayne) Barnard is best known for her Falls Mystery novels of women's wilderness suspense from Dundurn Press, winner of the CWC Award of Excellence and finalist for the CWA Debut Dagger, and for the Maddie Hatter Adventures fantasy series, winner of the BPAA Alberta Book of the Year and twice nominated for the Prix Aurora. Between work on upcoming novels and short stories, she devotes almost equal time to editing, mentoring, and literary juries. She migrates annually between the Alberta Rockies and the Vancouver Island rainforests. Find out more about Jayne and her works at the links below:2024-02-1053 min
SAM MagazineE173 - Andrew Welsh Huggins, The Whole StoryAndrew Welsh-Huggins is a Shamus, Derringer, and International Thriller Writers-award nominated mystery author of eleven books with more in the works.His latest novel, The End of the Road, was named one of the best thrillers of the first half of 2023 by Library Journal and called by Kirkus, “A crackerjack crime yarn chockablock with miscreants and a supersonic pace.”Andrew's seven-volume (with an eighth on the way) Andy Hayes series features a former Ohio State and Cleveland Browns quarterback turned investigator. “Readers who love old-fashioned detective novels will be in hog heaven as they tear i...2024-02-0351 min
SAM MagazineE172 - Ardelle Holden - Killing Imaginary FriendsArdelle Holden is the author of The Samantha Bowers Mysteries. Her latest novel is an Oliver Frampton Mystery and is being released on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. If you like suspenseful, emotional, coming-of-age angst, you’ll love Ardelle Holden’s gripping story of Olly’s imaginary friends who torment and frustrate his life until, at twenty, Oliver discovers what really happened when he was eight.Vancouver Island is Ardelle's home. She enjoys the glorious sunsets over Quennell Lake and Mount Benson. It’s a perfect spot for writing. Her plastic plants and polyester pets have allowed Ardelle and her husba...2024-01-2737 min
SAM MagazineE171 - W.L. Hawkin - Writing With Your MuseE171 - W.L. Hawkin loves to travel to the locations where her novels are situated so she can soak up that sensory landscape. A graduate of Trent University in Ontario, having completed a B.A. in Indigenous Studies, Wendy is a prolific author. Her Hollystone Mysteries are based on a coven of witches who solve murders. She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada, the Federation of B.C. Writers, ALLi, the Writers Union of Canada and many more organizations. If you would like to learn more about W.L. Hawkin and Blue H...2024-01-2135 min
SAM MagazineE170 - C.J.Papoutsis - Murder at the AcropolisDespite being a captive of the Civil Service for thirty-five years, C.J. has always been a writer. She lives in Victoria BC in a crooked old building on a crooked street where she stares out the window at the sea waiting for stories and poems to smack her on the head. C.J. finds humour in the unlikeliest places. She laughs at the wrong times and says things she probably shouldn’t. Life has provided C.J. with a palette of strange, wonderful characters and unique situations; many find their way into stories. Her essays, short stories, and po...2024-01-1446 min
SAM MagazineE169 - Judy Penz Sheluk, Plan DToday, I have the pleasure of reading the short mystery story Plan D, written by Judy Penz Sheluk. Plan D first appeared in The Whole She-Bang 2 (Sisters in Crime Toronto) in 2014 and was reprinted in The Best Laid Plans: 21 Stories of Mystery & Suspense in June 2020 (Superior Shores Press). A former journalist and magazine editor, Judy Penz Sheluk is the bestselling author of Finding Your Path to Publication and Self-publishing: The Ins & Outs of Going Indie, as well as two mystery series: the Glass Dolphin Mysteries and Marketville Mysteries, both of which have been published in multiple l...2024-01-0527 min
SAM MagazineE168 - Mother Always Kept A Gun, C.J. PapoutsisMother Always Kept A Gun is a short story written by C.J. Papoutsis in 2007. It was also accepted in the Blood on the Holly Crime Writers of Canada anthology. I have memories of critiquing this story with C.J., in coffee shops and at each other's homes. We still critique each other's work today. It's amazing the work that goes into a short story. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you C.J. for sharing your story with SAM Magazine.There is some language in this story which may not be suitable for all listeners. 2023-12-2348 min
SAM MagazineE167 - The Parrot and Wild Mushroom Stuffing, Joanna Vander VlugtThe Parrot and Wild Mushroom Stuffing is a short story I wrote under my then pseudonym, J.C. Szasz. It was accepted in the Blood on the Holly Crime Writers of Canada anthology. The inspiration for this story came to me when my youngest daughter, a teenager at the time, worked part-time in the meat department of a grocery store. She would come home and vent about the very stressed shoppers, some yelled at her, while others hug her. I wrote this story in 2007. I'm happy to see that it has stood the test of time. I hope you...2023-12-1442 min
SAM MagazineE166 - JP McLean, Scorch MarkJP (Jo-Anne) McLean is the author of ten books in the urban fantasy and thriller genres. She is an Eric Hoffer and Global Book Award winner and was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and the Independent Author Network Awards. She is a B.R.A.G. medallion honoree and three-time Literary Titan award winner. Reviewers call her books addictive, smart, and fun.Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP now lives with her husband on Denman Island, which is nestled between the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. When...2023-11-1842 min
SAM MagazineE165 - Natural Consequences, Laurie WoodTRIGGER WARNING: the fictional short story being read on today’s podcast deals with suicide. If you, or someone you love, need to talk about suicide, please reach out to Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566, and in the United States, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988.Today, I read Laurie Wood’s short story, Natural Consequences, which is from the Sisters in Crime Canada West anthology, Women of a Certain Age. Laurie is the author of the Heroes of the Tundra series, set in Churchill, Manitoba and available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo...2023-11-0343 min
SAM MagazineE164 - The Torchman’s Tale, Edward M. LernerToday's short story is from a prolific author of acclaimed short fiction, Edward M. Lerner. I have the pleasure of reading Edward's short story, The Torchman's Tale, which can be found in his anthology, The Best of Edward M. Lerner. Edward has also just released his latest novel, On the Shoals of Space-Time.On Edward’s website, it is written Edward is the perpetrator of science fiction and techno-thrillers. While you probably know Edward from his SF novels, including the InterstellarNet series and the epic Fleet of Worlds series with Larry Niven, Ed is a prolific au...2023-10-2841 min
SAM MagazineE163 - Herd Maintenance by Winona KentJoanna Vander Vlugt reads Winona Kent's story, Herd Maintenance, from Winona's anthology Ten Stories That Worried My Mother. Winona Kent was born in London, England and grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she completed her BA in English at the University of Regina. After moving to Vancouver, she graduated from UBC with an MFA in Creative Writing. More recently, she received her diploma in Writing for Screen and TV from Vancouver Film School.Winona’s debut novel Skywatcher was a finalist in the Seal Books First Novel Award and was published by Bantam Boo...2023-10-2022 min
SAM MagazineE162 - SAM Magazine, Egyptian QueenJoanna Vander Vlugt briefly explains what has occurred and how the JCVArtStudio podcast has changed from an interview to a short story podcast, in support of SAM Magazine. In today's podcast Joanna reads her short story Egyptian Queen, published in 2006 in the Crime Writers of Canada anthology, Dead In the Water, by Rendezvous Press.Joanna is the author of the Jade & Sage thriller series in which her heroine Jade Thyme is a prosecutor who finds herself embroiled with drug dealers and espionage. The Unravelling and Dealer's Child are out now. Spy Girls is being released March 2024.2023-10-0538 min
SAM MagazineE161 - Charlotte Morganti, The End GameIf you check out author Charlotte Morganti’s website, you’ll see that she, “like the protagonist in one of her novels,” is a recovering lawyer. In addition to her law degree, she holds an MFA in creative writing. She’s an active member of the Canada West chapter of Sisters in Crime, a collegial group of writers of mostly crime fiction, and Crime Writers of Canada. Charlotte writes fiction (mysteries, both dark and light), and the personal essay or review. Her short stories have been published in magazines and anthologies. A true writer, Charlotte is fascinated by the many absur...2023-09-2344 min
SAM MagazineE160 - Kalee Boisvert, Make Money Your ThingKalee Boisvert has been in the financial industry for over 15 years, but her love of money started very young. Growing up in a single parent household, she watched her mom struggle with finances and wished there was something she could do to help. Around this time, she realized she needed to find her own way to save and earn if she wasn’t going to allow her circumstances to define her. And so, her own journey to financial literacy began.Today, as a single mom and financially independent woman, Kalee is called to support women in th...2023-09-0957 min
SAM MagazineE159 - 2022 CBCA Winners, Isis Henriquez and Natasha SilvaToday's episode is the fourth and final in a series of podcasts I’m doing in my capacity as the Official Podcast Host for the 2022 Canadian Book Club Award winners. Today, I talk with poet Natasha Silva, author of North Star Heart; and Isis Maria Henriquez, the author of Mangos and Snowflakes. Their books were the winners of the 2022 Canadian Book Club Awards in their categories.Natasha Silva is a dual citizen of Portugal and Canada. She graduated from UBC’s School of Creative Writing, and an avid lover of the outdoors. It was through the Lang...2023-09-0648 min
SAM MagazineE158 - Kim Herdman Shapiro, The Raven’s CryKim Herdman Shapiro with me and we’re going to talk about the first novel in her Wynter Island cozy mystery series, The Raven’s Cry.Kim Herdman Shapiro worked as a journalist in Canada for many years, with experience in both print and broadcast journalism. Her book, Gelato with the Pope, highlights her time as a syndicated travel columnist in the Nineties. In addition to her travel column, she has written feature articles for numerous publications, edited a monthly children’s publication in British Columbia, and had her poetry published in Do Whales Jump at Night...2023-09-0242 min
SAM MagazineE157 - Susan Calder, Spring Into DangerSusan Calder is a Calgary writer who grew up in Montreal. Spring Into Danger is her fifth novel and the fourth book in her Paula Savard Mystery series. Susan’s short stories and poems have won contests and appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies. She has worked as an insurance claims examiner and served on the boards of the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society, Crime Writers of Canada, and When Words Collide Festival for Readers and Writers. Susan is a co-chair for Boucheron World Mystery Convention, Calgary 2026. Today we’re going to talk about her latest Paula Savard mystery, Spring into Da...2023-08-2653 min
SAM MagazineE156 - Francesca Maria, They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the DarkFrancesca Maria writes dark fiction surrounded by cats near the Pacific Ocean. She is thecreator of the Black Cat Chronicles, a true horror comic book series narrated by a mystical black cat. Her short story collection, They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark is out now, published by Brigid’s Gate Press. Her short stories and essays can be found in Crystal LakePublishing's Shallow Waters series and anthologies and Death’s Garden Revisited. You canfind her at Francesa Maria and on Twitter @Writer_of_Weird.They Hide: Short Stor...2023-08-2243 min
SAM MagazineE155 - Tony Ollivier, The Tokyo DiversionTony Ollivier is the author of the David Knight, high concept thriller series. The first book was released on March 2020, The Amsterdam Deception, and on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, the second novel in his series, The Tokyo Diversion, a fast-paced international thriller that starts in Tokyo. I never knew Tokyo had so many dispensing machines.A child of the 60s, Tony voraciously read every science fiction and adventure book he could. He lives in Vancouver with his wife.Tony works in Competitive Intelligence in a software company based out of Portugal. His high-tech career included...2023-08-2246 min
SAM MagazineE154 - Donalee Moulton, Hung Out to DieDonalee's mother knew she was going to be a writer in grade two. When asked to write a sentence using a specific word, like “tree” or “house” and provide one line for each sentence, one line, apparently, would not do. Donalee's first sentence ran off the line, down the margin, along the bottom of the page, and over onto the next page. A story, after all, is as long as a story needs to be. As a communications professional, Donalee worked with words to shape messages for clients, wonderful people doing important work that matt...2023-08-2150 min
SAM MagazineE153 - 2022 CBCA Winners, Tony Ollivier, Kate Gately, Sophie SullivanSeason 6 begins with an all-star Canadian cast of authors. Today's episode is the third in a a series of podcasts I’m doing in my capacity as the Official Podcast Host for the 2022 Canadian Book Club Award winners. I’m excited to feature three fiction authors this morning, Sophie Sullivan, author of The Rules for Faking It: A Romantic Comedy; Tony Ollivier, the author of The Amsterdam Deception and soon to be released, The Tokyo Diversion; and Kate Gately, the author of Tides of the Sovereign. We have a great conversation discussing the collective pain of being an author, what...2023-08-211h 11
SAM MagazineE152 - 2022 CBCA, Craig Colby, Katelyn E. Kenealy, Jane EnrightThis episode is how you end a season!Craig Colby is an executive producer, writer and director, and his productions have appeared on Discovery, ESPN+, TSN, BBC, CTV, and Netflix to name a few. Craig talks about the connections, trauma, and new beginnings behind each cap from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Pittsburgh Steelers in his memoir, All Caps. https://www.colbyvision.net/craigcolbyKatelyn E. Kenealy is the winner of numerous awards, including Woman of Achievement 2022, Young Professional of the Year 2021, Brainz Magazine 500 Global List, and Woman of Vision and Courage. Kate...2023-08-211h 27
SAM MagazineE151 - Sara Desai, To Have and To HeistSara Desai is a multi-published romance author. She has been a been a lawyer, radio DJ, marathon runner, historian, bouncer and librarian. She wrote her first novel when she was three years old. Sara’s diverse romantic comedy books have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, People, Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire, Pop Sugar, Bustle, Buzzfeed, Booklist, Hello Giggles, Publishers’ Weekly, Kirkus, Library Journal, Frolic, USA Today, Woman’s World, and Hello! Canada. Today we talked about her latest romance novel, To Have and To Heist.https://saradesai.com/ This is a public episode. If you would li...2023-08-2137 min
SAM MagazineE150 - Martha Anne Toll, Three MusesMartha Anne Toll is the author of the novel, Three Muses, (her debut novel) which was shortlisted for the Gotham Book Prize and won the Petrichor Prize for Finely Crafted Fiction. It has received glowing reviews from the Washington Post, Vulture, Kirkus Starred Review, and many more.Martha is a book reviewer and author interviewer at NPR Books, the Washington Post, Pointe Magazine, The Millions, and elsewhere. She brings a long career in social justice to her work covering writers of color and women writers. Martha also publishes short fiction and essays. In 2021, she was excited t...2023-08-2159 min
SAM MagazineE149 - W.L. Hawkin, To Kill a KingW.L. Hawkin, writes “edgy urban fantasy with a twist of murder” from Vancouver Island, B.C. Her novels—To Charm a Killer, To Sleep with Stones, To Render a Raven, and To Kill a King each stand alone but form the Hollystone Mysteries series. This coven of West Coast witches, and their eccentric friends, solve murders using ritual magic and a little help from the gods.Although she’s an introvert, in each book her characters go on a journey where Hawkin’s travelled herself. She researches all her locales (Ireland, Scotland, the B.C. Coast) to...2023-08-2158 min
SAM MagazineE148 - Roger Leslie, Light Come Out of The ClosetDr. Roger Leslie is a scholar in the fields of success and education. Through major literary houses, medium and small presses, and his own publishing house, Leslie has published fiction and nonfiction books in multiple genres: historical fiction, inspirational self-help, spirituality, writing and publishing, movie references, teaching and librarianship, biography, history, and a memoir. Roger has won numerous national awards including the ForeWord Book of the Year, The Ben Franklin Award, and Writer’s Digest’s #1 Inspirational Book of the Year. At its inaugural event, Roger received the Houston Literary Award for his body of work. Roger i...2023-08-211h 11
SAM MagazineE147 - Yvonne Maximchuk, Murder Rides a Gale Force WindMulti-published author, Yvonne Maximchuk is with me in the studio. Many readers are familiar with Yvonne's paintings, pottery and books. Yvonne is an artist of the Broughton Archipelago, where her new novel, Murder Rides A Gale Force Wind; an Island Mystery, is situated. Throughout the eight years of writing this book, Yvonne drew on the complex and rich beauty of her home environment, the Broughton Archipelago and used it as the framework on which to hang the story. Tales from neighbour Bill Proctor, plus thirty-six years of small-town life provided plenty of material to set the story in the...2023-08-2124 min
SAM MagazineE146 - 2022 CBCA Children’s Authors, Kelly Shuto and D.F. WhibleyKelly Shuto and D.F. Wibley were the 2022 Canadian Book Club Award Winners. They are the first two authors to kick off my summer series as Official Podcast Host for the 2022 Canadian Book Club Award winners. I've included the link if you want to find more information about the Canadian Book Club Awards, presented by the Self Publishing Agency .Kelly Shuto is a kindergarten and grade one teacher on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. She has two boys who are active in sports and a cat who is active in sleeping. She loves exploring nature...2023-08-211h 00
SAM MagazineE145 - Ling Ge, short story authorLing Ge is a Pushcart nominee who studies creative writing and works as a statistician in Toronto. In her literary work, she uses a combination of Eastern and Western styles. Her work has appeared in the Spadina Literary Review, Ribbons, the Rising Phoenix Review, and the Wales Haiku Journal. Today, we talked about Ling’s writing life, her short story She Left as if She Never Came, which can be found online at Ricepaper Magazine. Ling wants to write about unrealized beauty, unrealized issues, and unrealized stories. Podcast art provided by Ricepaper Magazine. Illustration by Anderson Lee. ...2023-08-2126 min
SAM MagazineE144 - Scott Overton, Augment NationScott Overton was a well-known radio morning host for more than 30 years in Ontario, Canada. Scott has now built a second career as an author. His radio-themed debut novel Dead Air was shortlisted for a Northern Lit Award in 2012, and his science fiction/thriller novels The Primus Labyrinth, Naïda, and The Dispossession of Dylan Knox have been well-received too, with readers most often comparing them to the work of Michael Crichton. Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo award-winning author says about Scott's latest novel, Augment Nation, “Scott Overton is a terrific writer and his vision of tomorrow is...2023-08-2154 min
SAM MagazineE143 - D.C. Gomez, The TraitorD. C. Gomez is an award winner, USA Today Best-selling Author, public speaker, mentor and podcaster. She writes in multiple genres from Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Lit, YA, Children’s Books, and even Devotionals. She has a quirky and at times dark sense of humor that can be seen across her different books.When she is not creating new stories, D. C. is working on her podcast, Inside the Minds of Authors. The podcast features upcoming and popular authors with new episodes each Friday. These fun and inspiring conversations provide the listeners with an inside look at th...2023-08-2156 min
SAM MagazineE142 - Hannah Mary McKinnon, The Revenge ListProlific author Hannah Mary McKinnon joins me today. Hannah was born in Manchester, UK to British & Swiss parents. Her family moved to Switzerland, and Hannah loved the mountains, chocolate, and cheese…or mountains of chocolate and cheese. After completing commercial studies in Geneva, she worked as a PA for DuPont. A year later she moved to Neuchâtel and became the Purchasing Manager for a high-tech company that made motors for industrial and space applications. While working, she returned to university, studying part-time for a Bachelor of Science. Hanna’s writing career began after...2023-08-211h 03
SAM MagazineE141 - Marian O’Shea, Out of IrelandAuthor Marian O’Shea Wernicke joins me today. She is the author of the stellar and beautiful novel, Out of Ireland. Marian was born and raised in an Irish Catholic family in St. Louis, Missouri. She is the author of the novel Toward That Which is Beautiful, a finalist in both Literary Fiction and Romance Fiction in the 2021 Independent Book Awards, and a finalist in Multicultural Fiction in the 2021 American Fiction Awards. The 2021 Catholic Press Association awarded the novel an Honorable Mention in Fiction. A nun for 11 years, Marian worked in Lima, Peru, for 3 years. After le...2023-08-2157 min
SAM MagazineE140 - David A. Bowles, Sheriff of Starr CountyDavid A. Bowles is the fifth generation of his family to be born in Austin Texas. Both parents were from pioneer settlers. His great grandmother, Elnora Van Cleve was the first child born in Austin on April 14, 1841. His award-winning series, the Westward Sagas is based on her family and their one-hundred-year journey from Pennsylvania to Texas. David and his dog Becka, enjoy Texas from October-May. When the last bluebonnet has lost its bloom, they pack up the RV and head for cooler weather telling and writing stories. Today, David talked with me about book 5 in Westward Saga series, Sheriff...2023-08-2135 min
SAM MagazineE138 - Daniele Cybulskie, How to Live Like a MonkDanièle Cybulskie has been researching and writing about the Middle Ages for over a decade. She is the author of The Five-Minute Medievalist and is a featured writer at Medievalists.net. A former college professor and specialist in medieval literature and Renaissance drama, her work has been published across international magazines, spanning topics from The Hundred Years’ War to Roman togas. Her mission is to make history fun, entertaining, and engaging, as well as to draw attention to our shared human nature across the centuries.Today, we talked about her latest book, How to Live Lik...2023-08-2151 min
SAM MagazineE137 - Amy Tector, Speak for the DeadAmy Tector has spent more than 20 years plumbing the secrets squirrelled away in archives — whether it's uncovering a whale's ear (true story) in a box of old photographs, or working in The Hague for the United Nations' International Criminal Tribunal for War Crimes in the former Yugoslavia, she has been privy to hidden records and extraordinary secrets. Amy’s debut novel, THE HONEYBEE EMERALDS was published in spring 2022. Her second novel, THE FOULEST THINGS, is the first in a loose trilogy centered on murders and mayhem in the archives.Amy has a PhD in English literature and...2023-08-2146 min
SAM MagazineE136 - Mark Everglade, InertiaMark Everglade has spent his life studying social conflict. He runs the website www.markeverglade.com where he reviews cyberpunk media and interviews other great authors. He also runs Cyberpunk Day, October 10, each year with a group dedicated to bringing dystopian fiction to a new generation. His short stories have been featured beside legendary authors like Cory Doctorow, Walter Jon Williams, and Dr. Rudy Rucker. Today, we talked about his latest novel, Inertia, as well as music, the band Rush, and binary code. Mark also has a link to writing resources 2023-08-2158 min
SAM MagazineE135 - Hank Phillippi Ryan, The House GuestHANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the USA Today bestselling author of 14 psychological thrillers, winning the genre's most prestigious awards: five Agathas, five Anthonys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She’s also an investigative reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV, winning 37 EMMYs. National book reviewers call her “a superb and gifted storyteller.” Her newest is the page-turning standalone THE HOUSE GUEST – a story of psychological manipulation exploring the dark heart of marriage and friendship—it’s Gaslight meets Thelma & Louise! Publishers Weekly says, “Ryan is a master of suspense!” and the Library Journal starred review calls it "Binge-worthy.”https://hankphilli...2023-08-211h 00
SAM MagazineE134 - Stephanie Ellis, RebornStephanie Ellis writes dark speculative prose and poetry and has been published in a variety of magazines and anthologies. Her longer work includes the novel, The Five Turns of the Wheel and the novellas, Bottled and Paused. Her short stories can be found in the collections, The Reckoning, and As the Wheel Turns.Her poetry has been published in the HWA Poetry Showcase Volumes VI, VII and VII, as well as other publications. She has also co-written a collection of found poetry, Foundlings, with Cindy O’Quinn based on the work Alessandro Manzetti and Linda D. Ad...2023-08-2158 min
SAM MagazineE133 - Joe Goldberg, Rebellious SonJoe Goldberg has been a CIA covert action officer, corporate intelligence director, international political consultant, and currently he is a college instructor and author.His work at the CIA garnered 3 Exceptional Performance Awards. In the private sector, as leader of Corporate Intelligence at Motorola, Joe received the Meritorious Award recognizing a single individual who has made significant contributions to the intelligence profession. He has consulted on numerous international presidential, prime minister, and legislative elections. Joe is the best-selling Amazon author of two awarding-winning espionage novels, Secret Wars: An Espionage Story (2014), The Spy Devils (2021) and today I...2023-08-211h 04
SAM MagazineE132 - Eileen Cook, Build Better SettingsEileen Cook is a multi-published, award-winning author. Her novels have been published in nine languages and optioned for film and TV. She spent most of her teen years wishing she was someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. She’s an instructor/mentor with The Creative Academy and Simon Fraser University Writer’s Studio Program, where she loves helping other writers find their unique story to tell. She was a keynote speaker at the Surrey International Writers' Conference, won the Battle of the Books competition and survived talking in front of a group of over...2023-08-2159 min
SAM MagazineE131 - Kev Harrison, BelowKev Harrison is a British author of dark fiction, living on the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal. His novella, Below, is out now, while his earlier novella, The Balance, is available from Lycan Valley Press. His debut collection, Paths Best Left Untrodden, is out now from Northern Republic. His short fiction has been featured in a number of anthologies and magazines, as well as on podcasts such as Tales to Terrify and The Other Stories from Hawk and Cleaver. When not writing dark tales, Kev can be found running, sampling too many craft beers for his own good, singing bizarre son...2023-08-2144 min
SAM MagazineE130 - Debra Purdy Kong, A Gold Satin MurderDebra Purdy Kong was a criminology student and spent many hours writing about criminal behaviour for term papers. When she received her diploma from Douglas College, she realized that she’d rather write crime fiction than work for the Criminal Justice System, a decision she’s never regretted. While learning the craft of writing through courses, conferences, workshops, books, and critique groups, she worked as a secretary for accountants, academics, lawyers, and others. When she left full time employment to raise her children, she used pockets of free time to develop short fiction while she kept working on mystery nove...2023-08-211h 00
SAM MagazineE129 - Jonathan Whitelaw, The Bingo Hall DetectivesJonathan Whitelaw is an author, award-winning journalist and broadcaster. He’s worked the frontline of Scottish politics, before he moved into journalism. The subjects he’s covered have varied from breaking news, the arts, culture, sports, radioactive waste, music and fashion. He’s a reviewer for the BBC and STV. We talk about his third novel, The Bingo Hall Detectives, a fast-paced, intriguing, laugh-out-loud cozy. As well, I find out why Jonathan and his family moved from Scotland to Edmonton, Alberta during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Thank you to the Whitelaw family for moving to Canada. Thank you Jonathan for a...2023-08-211h 09
SAM MagazineE128 - Jennifer Anne Gordon, Pretty UglyJennifer Anne Gordon is an award-winning author and the popular host of the Vox Vomitus podcast. Her novel Beautiful, Frightening and Silent won the Kindle Award for Best Horror/Suspense for 2020, Best Horror 2020 from Authors on the Air, and a finalist for American Book Fest’s Best Book Award-Horror, 2020. It also received the Platinum 5 Star Review from Reader’s Choice as well as the Gold Seal from Book View. Her latest novel Pretty/Ugly won the Helicon Award for Best Horror for 2022, as well as the Gold Medal from Literary Titan. Jennifer is a member of Mystery Writers of Amer...2023-08-2143 min
SAM MagazineE127 - Patti Lee, Between February and NovemberPatti Lee brings women's fiction stories to life, tapping into the hopes and sometimes fears of readers. Her debut novel, Between February and November placed in the top 10 in Notebook Publishing’s #IndieApril contest and took first place in the 2022 Firebird Book Awards fiction category. An award-winning essay writer, her creative non-fiction has been included in Crone Rising by Jazz House Publications. Her short story, The Ward House, was included in the autumn anthology Of Cottages and Cauldrons, also by Jazz House Publications.We talked about motivation. I re-told the Randy Bachman pizza story and quoted Da...2023-08-2141 min
SAM MagazineE126 - Christine Milkovic, Teddy Loses His EarsChristine Milkovic Krauss is a children’s author of picture books, which highlight educational points about pet care, support, inclusivity and celebrate being different together. When Christine is not writing picture books, she works as an essential service worker. Her children’s book Teddy Loses His Ear is based on her family’s experience during the pandemic. Teddy Loves Spaghetti, the second book in this adorable series, is also available now. Thank you Christine.https://cmkauthor.wixsite.com/christinemilkovic This is a public episode. If you would like to...2023-08-2131 min
SAM MagazineE125 - W.L. Hawkin, LureW.L. (Wendy) Hawkin writes mysteries and romantic adventures, often charged with “myth, magic, and mayhem” from her home near Vancouver, Canada. Her Hollystone Mysteries features a coven of West Coast witches who solve murders using ritual magic and a little help from the gods. Those books are To Charm a Killer, To Sleep with Stones, To Render a Raven, and To Kill a King. Her latest, Lure, of the Lure River Romances, is a small-town romantic suspense series. When Wendy's not writing, she writes book reviews for Opal Magazine. On today's podcast we talk about her novel Lure, Musk...2023-08-2147 min
SAM MagazineE124 - Diane Bator, Dead Man’s DollDiane Bator is a prolific Canadian mystery writer and the mom of three kids, two cats and a step-dog as well as the author of Wild Blue Mysteries, Gilda Wright Mysteries, Glitter Bay Mysteries, and the Audra Clemmings Mysteries from Books We Love Ltd. with many more books and plays to come! Diane was on the show on August 6, 2022 when we talked about her novel Dead Without Honor, a Gilda Wright mystery. Today, we talked about her latest Audra Clemmings' Mystery, Dead Man's Doll, book 2 in her Sugarwood Mysteries as well as the theatre.https://dianebator...2023-08-2137 min
SAM MagazineE123 - Freddy Cruz, Allow Me To Ruin Your ChristmasFreddy Cruz is the founder of Freddy Cruz Creative Works, a boutique media company in the Greater Houston area. Freddy’s work spans twenty-six years, three with the iconic KDWB/Minneapolis-Saint Paul and twenty-one with the legendary, two-time Marconi Award winning KRBE/Houston. The Greater Houston area has heard Freddy’s voice for more than seventeen thousand hours via weekday shows, community affairs shows and podcasts. And he has elevated world class brands by means of over fifty-eight thousand hours worth of production elements and traditional ads. When he's not in the lab creating auditory satisfaction, you can find him...2023-08-2146 min
SAM MagazineE122 - Jule Selbo, Novelist, playwright, screenwriter Jule Selbo moved from a career as a screenwriter in Los Angeles four years ago (her work as a screenwriter includes Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, animated Disney movies (Hunchback of Notre Dame Part Deux, Ariel’s Beginning and more, Melrose Place, Hercules, HBO’s Women Behind Bars, Space Above and Beyond, Flash, Life Goes On and more) to live in Portland Maine and focus on eating, drinking and writing novels. Four have been published so far, her most recent: 10 DAYS: A Dee Rommel Mystery (on the 2021 top-five list of Kirkus’ best crime/mysteries and nominated for a Foreword Review Best Awa...2023-08-2147 min
SAM MagazineE121 - Tanis Rideout, National bestselling author and 2006 Poet Laureate for Lake OntarioTanis Rideout’s internationally acclaimed first novel, Above All Things, was a national bestseller, named to numerous best books of the year lists, and published in several languages around the world. It was awarded the Premio ITAS del Libro di Montagna and was longlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Her new novel is The Sea Between Two Shores. She is also the author of the poetry collection Arguments with the Lake, and, in 2006, she was named the “Poet Laureate for Lake Ontario” by the environmental advocacy group Lake Ontario Waterkeeper. Born in Belgium, she grew up in Bermud...2023-08-2140 min
SAM MagazineE120 - Ann Charles, The Backside of HadesAnn Charles is a USA Today Best-selling author, and she joined me in the studio. Ann enjoys writing spicy mysteries, and has written numerous series, including the Junction Mystery Series, the Dig Site Mystery Series, the Deadwood Undertaker Series (with her husband, Sam Lucky), and the AC Silly Circus Mystery Series. Her Deadwood Mystery Series has won multiple national awards, including the Daphne du Maurier for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers...2023-08-211h 02
SAM MagazineE119 - Susan Jane Wright, Author of the Evie Valentine SeriesE119 - Susan Jane Wright has just come off the book launch of her second Evie Valentine series, that being The Glass Lake. Susan Jane Wright is a Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence Finalist. Her debut novel Box of Secrets was in Amazon’s top 100 and held the number 3 spot, then moved to the number 2 spot in its second week of release. Susan was a lawyer and an executive in the energy sector before she became a writer. Her legal career took her from the board rooms in Calgary to the streets of Beijing. She’s received the...2023-08-2146 min
SAM MagazineE118 - Meredith Hambrock, Author of Other People’s SecretsE118 - Meredith Hambrock is a Canadian fiction and television writer who grew up in Toronto and now lives in Vancouver. Her short fiction has appeared in several magazines, including Maisonneuve and Descant. She’s been a finalist for the CBC Short Story Prize and most recently wrote for the sitcom Corner Gas Animated. Today we’ll be talking about her debut novel, Other People’s Secrets, as well as 5 beat story structure, that vomit first draft, messy heroines and the events that occur in small towns. Thank you Meredith for joining me.Meredith Hambrock 2023-08-2151 min
SAM MagazineE117 - Edward M. Lerner, Sci-Fi AuthorE117 - Award-winning sci-fiction author Edward M. Lerner joins me in the studio. On Edward’s website, it is written Edward is the perpetrator of science fiction and techno-thrillers. While you probably know Ed from his SF novels, including the InterstellarNet series and the epic Fleet of Worlds series with Larry Niven, Ed is a prolific author of acclaimed short fiction. The Best of Edward M. Lerner showcases his finest and favorite shorter works.Edward is a physicist and computer scientist. After thirty years in the industry, working at every level from individual technical contributor to se...2023-08-2144 min
SAM MagazineE116 - Benny Sims, Author of Mile Marker ZeroE116 - Award-winning author Benny Sims returns to the podcast and we talk about his second novel, Mile Marker Zero. Benny's love of storytelling traces back to reading Jack London’s The Call of The Wild when he was seven years old. He remembers his uncle telling him stories about being an artillery cannoneer in North Africa and Italy during World War II.Benny grew up in Tennessee but moved to the small town of Benton in southern Illinois when he was 14. After attending college in Murray, Kentucky, he relocated back to Tennessee to work as a...2023-08-2150 min
SAM MagazineE115 - Lawyers as Protagonists Roundtable - PJ Donison and Susan Jane WrightE115 - Thriller authors, Susan Jane Wright and PJ (Pamela) Donnison join me in the studio. We enjoyed a roundtable discussion about lawyers as protagonists and the hazards and legalities involved with our protagonists having that occupation. Susan Jane Wright is a Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence Finalist. Her debut novel Box of Secrets was in Amazon’s top 100 and was at the number 3 spot in the Calgary Herald Best Sellers list then went up to #2 in its second week of release. The second novel in her Evie Valentine series, The Glass Lake is being released on No...2023-08-2158 min
SAM MagazineE114 - Zachary Hagen, Fantasy AuthorE114 - Zachary Hagen is a Mississippi based fantasy author and editor. When he isn't busy writing his next book or working with an editing client, you can often find him walking around his neighborhood or hiking.From a young age he was enthralled with the world of story. From the stories his parents read to him from his blue bedtime story books to the first two series that he read, The Chronicles of Narnia and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Zachary's tastes continued to develop throughout his years of reading. The influences for his first...2023-08-2149 min
SAM MagazineE113 - J.P. Mclean, Award-winning AuthorE113 - Award-winning author JP (Jo-Anne) McLean writes urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers that readers call addictive, smart, and fun. She is a 2021 finalist for the Chanticleer Paranormal Award for Supernatural Fiction, and the Wishing Shelf Book award for Adult Fiction. Her work has won a Readers’ Favorite Award, a Gold Literary Titan medal, and honourable mentions from the Whistler Independent Book Awards and the Victoria Writers’ Society. JP is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business. She makes her home on the coast of British Columbia. We talked about her paranormal thriller, setting...2023-08-2154 min
SAM MagazineE112- Natasha Deen, YA AuthorE112 - Natasha Deen writes for kids, teens, and adults. She believes the world is changed one story at a time, and as a Guyanese-Canadian whose family immigrated to Canada, she’s seen first-hand how stories have the power to shape the world. When she’s not writing, Natasha enjoys visiting schools, libraries and other organizations to help people to find and tell the stories that live inside them. She also spends an inordinate amount of time trying to convince her pets that she’s the boss of the house. Natasha is the author of the Lark & Connor Ba series...2023-08-211h 08
SAM MagazineE111 - Shoshona Freedman, Author of Blood AtonementE111 - International Amazon Bestselling author, Shoshona Freedman’s debut novel, The Faithful, was an International Amazon Bestseller, it reached the Quarter Finals in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, and was selected by Suspense Magazine as a "Best Debut of 2015.” Shoshona was on my podcast on April 10, 2021, when we discussed her novel, The Day She Died. Her latest novel, Blood Atonement, is out now. Shoshona lives in Vancouver with her husband and two children. She’s a proud member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America.Shoshona and I...2023-08-2154 min
SAM MagazineE110 - D.C. Gomez, USA Today Bestselling AuthorE110 - D.C. Gomez is a four-year army vet who has a morbid and quirky sense of humor. Her heart thumps for those who serve their country and those who support them. Her love-journey of humanity is ongoing. She is an award winning, USA Today Bestselling author, public speaker, mentor and podcaster. Her podcast is Inside the Minds of Authors. She writes multiple genres from Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Literature, YA, Children’s Books and Devotionals. I believe the current count for her novels and novellas is 18. She has an undergraduate degree in Film and Television from NYU. Born in...2023-08-2155 min
SAM MagazineE109 - Edward Willett, Award-winning Science Fiction and Fantasy AuthorE109 - Award-winning science fiction and fantasy author, Edward Willett, joined me on the podcast. Edward (Ed) has written over 60 science fiction, fantasy and non-fiction books for readers of all ages. His science fiction and fantasy novels are published through DAW Books in New York. Under the pseudonym Lee Arthur Chane, he is the author of the steampunk fantasy novel Magebane, and as E.C. Blake, he wrote the Masks of Aygrima fantasy trilogy, Masks, Shadows, and Faces. His novel Marseguro won the 2009 Aurora Award which honours Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy. His novel Terra Insegura was a 2010 Aurora...2023-08-2150 min
SAM MagazineE108 - K.L. Abrahamson, Author of Phoebe Clay mystery seriesK.L. Abrahamson writes suspenseful stories of crime, adventure and romance for readers who like to be transported to unusual locations around the world. From murder mysteries set in the heart of a re-imagined Russia, or on the rugged coast of British Columbia, to magical romances set in the heart of a summer beach town, K. L. Abrahamson creates immersive worlds of fully realized characters that readers can root for. Her work has been described as having a “connection to culture” with “powerful characters (who) make an incredible story.” Karen’s short stories can be found in issues of Ellery Que...2023-08-2151 min
SAM MagazineE107 - Jane Baird Warren, How To Be a GoldfishE107 - Jane Baird Warren writes for kids and adults, who, like her, still read Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction—Harry Potter was a game-changer for Jane. Jane has an MFA in creative writing from UBC. Her writing has been featured on CBC radio and in more than a dozen literary magazines in North America and the UK. In her fiction and real life, Jane is fascinated with people, but what she enjoys in both worlds is kindness and courage. She has a ridiculous memory for trivia, which she’d always believed was the most useless superpower a girl...2023-08-2151 min
SAM MagazineE106 - Fern Brady, Fantasy Author and Founder of Inklings PublishingE106 - Fern Brady is a fantasy author and the founder of Inklings Publishing. She holds multiple Masters degrees. She began her professional life as a foreign correspondent and taught for 15 years in Alief ISD. She has published numerous short stories, two children's picture books, and a couple of poems. Her debut novel, United Vidden, book one in her Thyrein’s Galactic Wall Series, was given a glowing review by Dr. Who Online, the official site of the fandom. Also available for purchase is volume one of her graphic novel/novella hybrid project, New Beginning. She has returned to th...2023-08-211h 13
SAM MagazineE105 - JM Landels, Fantasy Author and Publisher of Pulp LiteratureE105 - JM Landels wears so many hats from author, literary magazine publisher (she is also the managing editor), and swordplay on horseback with Academie Cavallo at Cornwall Ridge Farm. Jennifer has a BA in Medieval English Literature from UBC and may some day return to her doctorate in Arthurian Romance at University College London. She has been a keynote speaker at numerous events including Write Vancouver, The Royal City Arts Society, VCON and the Creative Ink Festival. She has travelled to France, Germany, the UK and the US to speak and teach at conferences. Her debut fantasy novel, A...2023-08-2146 min
SAM MagazineE104 - Diann Floyd Boehm, Humanitarian, Educator and Children’s AuthorE104 - Diann Floyd Boehm is a humanitarian, educator and award-winning author. Diann was responsible for getting computers and technology into Texas classrooms. She lived overseas in many different countries, including Dubai and the The Philippines. But foremost, she's an author, having written picture books and YA novels. She is republishing her books in the dyslexia font and has many more books about to be published. We talked about her children's books and her YA novel, Rise! A Girl's Struggle for More, which was an Amazon bestseller, and has been compared to Anne of Green Gables. D...2023-08-2150 min
SAM MagazineE103 - Sebastien deCastell, Fantasy Author, The Argosi SeriesE103 - Sebastien deCastell has an interesting story on how he began writing, which involved camping on an island. Sebastien has been nominated for many amazing awards. He was the 2019 finalist in the Sunburst (Canada) Best Young Adult; 2019 Finalist in the Grand Prix D’Imaginaire (France) Best Foreign YA; the 2019 Winner of the Centurion Award (UK) Best Novel, and the list goes on. You can check out Sebastien’s website and see the beautiful Booknest Fantasy Award 2018 he won for Saint’s Blood. Today, we talk about his fantasy novel, Way of the Argosi, Book 1 of The Argosi. Rock music...2023-08-2158 min
SAM MagazineE102 - J. Lynn Else, author of the Awakenings fantasy seriesJ. Lynn Else loves reading and writing about awesome women from antiquity. She was "... getting frustrated with the way historical women were being portrayed in numerous books which focused more on their sexual escapades than their own self-sustaining strength in overcoming social bonds. I wanted to satisfy both my wants as a reader and a writer.” J. Lynn is a fan of Star Wars, Star Trek and MST3K (Mystery Science Theatre 3000 – American science fiction comedy). J. Lynn graduated from college with a theatre major and a dance minor. She’s self-published two historical fiction novels set in...2023-08-2149 min
SAM MagazineE101 - Amy Tector, The Foulest ThingsE101 - Amy Tector loved reading and writing since a child. She grew up in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. When her husband got a job being a NATO archivist, they lived the expat life for almost three years. In Belgium, Amy returned to her PhD and wrote 460 pages about the representation of disability in Canadian novels of the First World War. You may remember Amy from when we talked about her novel, The Honeybee Emeralds, E91.Her debut novel, which was a 2008 finalist in the Crime Writer’s of Canada Unhanged Arthur Award, has grown and morp...2023-08-2155 min
SAM MagazineE100 - Philip Fracassi, Horror Author - GothicE100 - Philip Fracassi is the author of the award-winning story collection, Behold the Void, which won “Best Collection of the Year” from This Is Horror and Strange Aeons Magazine.His newest collection, Beneath a Pale Sky, was published in 2021 by Lethe Press. It received a starred review from Library Journal, and was named “Best Collection of the Year” by Rue Morgue Magazine. It was nominated for a Bram Stoker award. His novels include A Child Alone with Strangers, Gothic, and Boys in the Valley. Philip’s books have been translated into multiple languages and his stories ha...2023-08-211h 08
SAM MagazineE99 - M.N. Grenside, Author of Fall OutE99 - M.N. Grenside was born and raised in London. He began his career at Lloyds of London, specializing in Kidnap, Ransom and Extortion Insurance. At age twenty-five M.N. Grenside decided it was time for a career change and he started his media career working for Jim Henson and The Muppets. He has been involved in entertainment ever since. He is an award-winning producer, producing television series and mini-series such a Lonesome Dove, Merlin, Treasure Island, Fraggle Rock and much more. Mark appeared at the renowned Oxford Literary Festival, the Malta Book Festival, and he was interviewed...2023-08-2146 min
SAM MagazineE98 - Sarah M. Stephen, Author of The Hanging at the Hollow TreeE98 - Sarah M. Stephen started writing at an early age, first scribbling pages of notes while pretending to be a journalist before she could print. After mastering the alphabet, she moved into poetry and short stories. Following a few successes in grade school (a regional poetry prize) and university (a short story published in an anthology), she traded creative tales for corporate ones. A few years ago, she rediscovered her love of words and resumed creative writing. She is a graduate of The Writer's Studio creative writing program at Simon Fraser University and a co-host of the Clued...2023-08-2137 min
SAM MagazineE97 - Teoni Spathelfer, Author of Abalone WomanE97 - Teoni Spathelfer is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation from coastal BC. Since childhood she has loved immersing herself in her own culture and learning about other cultures around the world. Teoni has worked as a publicist; a radio journalist, host, and producer; and an arts and music writer. Her documentary Teoni’s Dream, informed by her mother’s residential school experience, has aired nationwide on CBC Radio. Her photography has been featured across various media and sold privately. She has been blessed with three daughters and four grandchildren.Today, Teoni and I discuss the...2023-08-2138 min
SAM MagazineE96 - Mickey Mikkelson of Creative Edge PublicityE96 - Mickey Mikkelson is the founder of Creative Edge Publicity.In 2006, he began his work in the literary and bookseller industry as the Special Events Manager for Chapters/Indigo, Canada’s largest bookstore chain, in St. Albert, Alberta. Ten years later, he formed Creative Edge Publicity, an aggressive publicity firm that specializes in advocating for both the traditional and independent artist.Since founding Creative Edge, Mickey has signed some of the top talents in the literary industry, including multiple award-winning authors, New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors, and successful indie au...2023-08-2154 min
SAM MagazineE95 - Diane Bator, Mystery AuthorE95 - Author Diane Bator has been writing since she was able to tell a story and pick up a pencil. She works full-time at a live-stage theatre. After winning a mystery contest, she published several mystery novels, and she is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and a local writing group. We talked about writing and her numerous series, and creating relatable heroines. Also, what do authors do on TikTok? We think we've figured it out. https://dianebator.ca/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss...2023-08-2131 min
SAM MagazineE94 - H.S. Burney, Author of The Lake Templeton MurdersE94 - H.S. Burney and I discuss her debut novel, The Lake Templeton Murders, a Fati Rizvi Private Investigator Murder Mystery. It is a fast-moving, action-packed mystery. Her sleuth, Fati Rizvi, is strong and independent and will let nothing get in her way when it comes to an investigation. We also talk about the local settings. The novel is situated on the West coast of Canada. And horror movies, we talk about horror movies! Thank you, H.S. for a fun conversation. https://hsburney.com/ This is a public episode. If you...2023-08-2140 min
SAM MagazineE93 - Gordon Mott, Author of Tears of JurateE93 - Gordon Mott, the author of Lithuanian Lullaby, The Angels of Klaipeda, and now Tears of Jurate is back and we talk about his latest novel. Gordon is quoted in the Baltic Times, “I have a special place in my heart for the Baltics.” Gordon is a former American-Lithuanian English teacher and he met his wife, Asta, in Lithuania in the early 1990s. Gordon’s first book, Lithuanian Lullaby, was published in early 2021, and immediately took off. The novel has been on the Amazon bestseller list in both the USA and Canada in the Lithuania category – it even achieved...2023-08-211h 10
SAM MagazineE92 - P.D. Workman, Author, Celebrating 86 novelsE92 - Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author P.D. Workman joins me on the podcast. P.D. was born in Fort McMurray, Alberta and later moved to Calgary. She wrote her first novel-length fiction at the age of 12. She continued writing novels for her own enjoyment but did not publish her debut novel until 2013. She has now published over 80 novels. Her earlier books focused on young adult literature. Her focus now is mystery and suspense. She is best known for her cozy mystery series, Auntie Clem’s Bakery; Reg Rawlins, Psychic Investigator; and her P.I. series, Zachary Go...2023-08-211h 06
SAM MagazineE91 - Amy Tector, The Honeybee EmeraldsE91 - Amy Tector talked to me about her debut novel, The Honeybee Emeralds which is a fantastic summer read. Amy holds a PhD in English literature from the Universite Libre de Bruxelles. She works at Canada’s national archives, Library and Archives Canada. She spent many years as an expat, living in Brussels and in The Hague, where she worked for the International Criminal Tribunal for War Crimes in Yugoslavia.In The Honeybee Emeralds Amy beautifully weaves fiction and fact, as beautifully as the diamonds and emeralds in the honeybee emerald necklace. This suspenseful mystery is...2023-08-2151 min
SAM MagazineE90 - Steven Raaymakers, Author of The Aria of Steel Book seriesAll the way from Wanganui, New Zealand, I had the pleasure of interviewing fantasy author and landscape artist Steven Raaymakers. Steven has a love for fantasy art and stories. He has painted concept art for the last 8 years including many commissions. He considers himself a visual storyteller. Steven wrote and created art during his teens, and we discuss the meshing of art and writing when it comes to crafting a series. We also discussed internal and external conflict, hand-in-hand in his novel, A Canticle of Two Souls, book 1, and his impactful words "war children." Steven's latest novel, A Canticle o...2023-08-2139 min
SAM MagazineE89 - Tara Moss, The Ghosts of ParisE89 - TARA MOSS is an internationally bestselling author, human rights activist, documentary and podcast host, and model. Her crime novels have been published in nineteen countries and thirteen languages, and her memoir, The Fictional Woman, was a #1 international bestseller. Her most recent novel is The War Widow, the first in the Billie Walker mystery series. A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she has received the Edna Ryan Award for significant contributions to feminist debate and for speaking out on behalf of women and children. In 2017, Tara Moss was recognized as one of the Global Top 50 Diversity Figures in Public Life...2023-08-2157 min
SAM MagazineE88 - Laura Ellen Scott, Author of Blue BillySome people thought Laura Ellen Scott's novel Blue Billy was a cozy. She proved them wrong. Laura and I had a fun and lively discussion about Blue Billy, the third novel in her New Royal Mysteries. Laura is a multi-published author of novels and short stories, as well as a professor at George Mason University. Laura likes writing stories with dark themes and quirky characters. She was born and raised in Northern Ohio and currently lives in Fairfax, Virginia. We talked about the presentation and contest she had with her students and the na...2023-08-211h 03
SAM MagazineE87 - Elgon Williams, author of Ninja Bread CastlesElgon Williams was born in Springfield, Ohio and grew up on a farm in southeastern Clark County near the town of South Charleston. Elgon is the author of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery with Pandamoon Publishing. His publications include Fried Windows (In a Light White Sauce); the Thuperman trilogy, starting with Becoming Thuperman, Homer Underby and the final book in the series, Thuperheroes. We talked about book 2 in the Fried Windows series. The first book being Fried Windows and the newly released second book, Ninja Bread Castles. From how our characters travel in time to onion bagels and science...2023-08-2156 min
SAM MagazineE86 - Michelle Fizzard, Author of Amazing Grace, A True Story of a Classroom CatE86 - Children's author Michelle Fizzard and I talked about her children's book Amazing Grace, A True Story of a Classroom Cat. As well as writing and the definition of success. What is success? A book deal? Completing a manuscript? Showing up? Let your writing be messy, just write. We also talked about the five writing fears. Michelle shares a humorous story about her father, as well as a touching story about her mother. Oh, and Cuddles's retirement party. Michelle is writing a new book and we talked a little about that as well. Michelle, thank you for stopping...2023-08-2142 min
SAM MagazineE85 - Hannah Mary McKinnon - Never Coming HomeInternational bestselling author, Hannah Mary McKinnon, returns to the podcast to talk about her latest novel, Never Coming Home.Hanna was born in the UK. She grew up in Switzerland and now lives in Canada with her husband and three sons. Before moving to Canada, she had completed commercial studies in Geneva and worked as a PA for DuPont. Later she moved to Neuchatel and became the Purchasing Manager for a high-tech company. Hannah is the author of numerous essays and pieces. Her sixth novel, Never Coming Home is in stores now, and it's receiving great...2023-08-2155 min
SAM MagazineE84 - L.A. Kessler, Fantasy AuthorL.A. Kessler returns to the podcast and we discuss her thriller novel, Perfect. After reading her thriller you'll think twice about saying that word ... Perfect. There is humor in her novel which balances the thrilling escapes and the subject matter. As much as I tried to be analytical reading Perfect, I kept being pulled into the story.Lisa shares a touching story of how her mother was the inspiration for her heroine, Juliette, and which character Lisa relates to the most.Lisa is the bestselling author of passionate, page-turning fiction. She has...2023-08-2153 min
SAM MagazineE73 - Authors Across the Border Drinking CoffeeThe Joanna and Benny Show. Yes, two authors, myself and Benny Sims, we are fans of each other's novels and writing styles. We talk about everything from writing in the 3rd person point-of-view to the first person point-of-view. Character arcs. What we've learned and what we still want to learn. Book trailers, promotion, and using life experiences in plotting a novel. Benny joins me from his writing shed in Alabama. We celebrate Benny's novel Code Gray winning Killer Nashville's Silver Falchion Award for best mystery, and Dealer's Child placing #60 and #64 in Amazon's top 100 during it's first w...2023-08-211h 03
SAM MagazineE54 - Joanna Vander Vlugt, Dealer’s ChildThe dressing room is taken over by Rudy, the rescue dog and Rudy's human. This time the interviewer, Joanna Vander Vlugt, is the interviewee. Susan Jane Wright, author of the soon-to-be-released novel, Box of Secrets, questions Joanna about the second novel in the Jade & Sage thriller series, Dealer's Child. What were the tough scenes? Why does Joanna insist on doing her own book covers? Is Jade, Joanna's alter ego? We also learn about the new characters that came to life on the pages of Dealer's Child. Joanna mentions Bill Morrison, the author of Lions in the Grass, Gordon Mott...2023-08-211h 00
SAM MagazineE8 - Joanna Vander Vlugt, Setting the SceneUsing her own novel, The Unravelling, as an example, Joanna provides listeners with tips of what to include in your scene. Tune in for updates and announcements.www.joannavandervlugt.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com2023-08-2125 min
SAM MagazineE7 - ART tag - A talk across the Canada/US BorderBe entertained by Joanna's and Rachel's intimate, lighthearted and reflective art conversation across the Canadian/US border. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com2023-08-2151 min
SAM MagazineE4 - Joanna Vander Vlugt, Don’t Judge a Book by It’s CoverJoanna takes listeners on her journey independently publishing her novel after not writing for 20 years to the valuable lesson she learned about having the right book cover. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com2023-08-2113 min