Shows
A Book Finds You!Susan W. GreenSusan W. Green shares insight into what it takes to crank out a novel. Explaining the details behind her thoughtful and descriptive characters, she points out the many small pieces of a much larger puzzle that create a book. Along with her insight into self-publishing, Susan shares so many key pieces of the authoring process that will help you take a closer look at how you writer your own works.Visit Susan W. Green's website at https://booksbysusanwgreen.com/ to explore her work and stay updated on her latest projects.If you enjoyed this episode...2025-08-0842 min
A Book Finds You!S.R. WebsterDiscover S.R. Webster's unique writing process, the challenges she faced, and the creative routines that fuel her passion for horror. From the eerie influences of her childhood to her experiences with night terrors, S.R.'s journey is both captivating and inspiring. During our conversation, SR also discusses the importance of community in the writing world. She emphasizes the value of connecting with other writers and participating in local events, such as her recent book launch at a community brewery. This grassroots approach to marketing has not only helped her build a supportive network but has also c...2025-08-0130 min
A Book Finds You!Steven R SouthardJoin us as Steven shares the inspiration behind his imaginative world, blending elements of science fiction with real-world possibilities. Discover his writing journey, from the initial spark of creativity to the challenges he faced along the way. With insights into his unique writing process and daily routines, Steven reveals how he navigates the delicate balance between creativity and plausible science. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a lover of speculative fiction, this episode promises to inspire and ignite your passion for storytelling.Visit Steven R. Southard's website at https://stevenrsouthard.com/ for more information on his work. 2025-07-2530 min
A Book Finds You!Jane WestDr. West shares her transformative journey from educator to author, revealing how her passion for teaching inspired her to write a practical guide for both novices and seasoned advocates alike. Join us as we explore her writing process, the challenges she faced, and the importance of making your voice heard in today's chaotic political landscape.Visit Dr. Jane West's website at https://www.janewestconsulting.com/ for more information on her work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it!
To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, vis...2025-07-1133 min
A Book Finds You!Diana McDonoughJoin us as Diana shares her journey from a hammock in Jamaica to crafting a tale filled with swashbuckling romance and the harsh realities of the time. Discover the inspiration behind her writing, the challenges she faced, and how her characters took on lives of their own. With insights into her writing process and marketing strategies, this episode is a treasure trove for aspiring authors and history enthusiasts alike. Visit Diana McDonough's website at https://dianamcdonough.com/ for more information on her work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it...2025-07-0436 min
A Book Finds You!Michael WatyokaJoin us as Michael shares his incredible story of resilience, from facing academic setbacks to graduating summa cum laude, and how he turned his pain into purpose. Discover the writing process behind his memoir, the challenges he faced, and the powerful lessons he imparts for anyone feeling stuck or underestimated. Michael's message resonates with those navigating their own murky waters, reminding us all that sometimes the darkest moments lead to the brightest transformations. Don't miss this uplifting conversation with host Rob Jolles that will leave you inspired to pursue your own dreams. Visit Michael Watyoka's website at h...2025-06-2734 min
A Book Finds You!Mojdeh BaharMojdeh has a deep interest in world literature including Persian Poetry. In this episode she discusses what led her to translating poetry, specifically Iranian women's poetry, and how she provides a profound translation of words to convey the deep meaning behind the works she translates. Her work is meticulous, focused, and crafted but she does it because she loves it. Listen in as she shares her story.Mojdeh Bahar doesn't currently have a website but her works can be found on Amazon here.You can reach Mojdeh at her email address: baharmojdeh@gmail.com
2025-06-2023 min
A Book Finds You!John DeDakisIntrigue, mystery, suspense, that's what you'll find in John DeDakis's novel but the story of how it came to be is even more interesting. Using real life events to inform his writing, John wrote his most recently released fiction novel, Enemies Domestic, by taking the shocking news stories that were happening and putting his main character, Lark Chadwick right in the thick of it all. John discusses how his 8 am daily coffee routine with his wife, helps inform his storytelling and keeps him turning the pages for his readers. You don't want to miss this informational episode with John...2025-06-1337 min
A Book Finds You!Philippe MonfistonJoin Philippe as he dives into his background with writing and publishing and also shares how he realized the Fibonacci sequence which involves numbers, plays a role in how children learn. Join us for an interesting conversation about Philippe's personal love of puzzles and how that translated into his idea for this book!Visit Philippe Monfiston's website at https://philippemonfiston.com/ for more information on his work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it.
To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at h...2025-06-0632 min
A Book Finds You!B.L. MostynListen as B.L. reminisces about her love of writing from an early age to escape the perils of her young teenage life. From the beginnings of a teenage writer all the way to adulthood, B.L. has continued to use writing as her way of finding calm in her hectic life. She explains what it has been like working with a hybrid publisher and how she will transform her written works with the knowledge she has most recently learned about writing and the writing process. She shares a glimpse into her own writing life and how she plans...2025-05-3037 min
A Book Finds You!Frank JosephFrank Joseph started out as a writer for the Associated Press and moved on in his writing journey to become a publisher, twice! After working several different positions as a writer and publisher, Frank sat down and wrote his first novel, To Love Mercy, published in 2006. Frank discusses the difficult journey he faced as he tried to find a publisher and ultimately ended up with a series. Frank shares is past experiences with wisdom from years past, which writers of all levels can benefit from. Visit Frank Josephs' website at https://frankjoseph.com/ for more information on h...2025-05-1640 min
A Book Finds You!M.K. SholundListen in as M.K. discusses the creative way she created the list of prompts and how she focuses on her writing through a daily routine including some of her prompts! Find out what it's like for a writer who writes for their day job and just won't quit writing. Tune in and be inspired!Visit M.K. Sholund's website at https://mksholund.com/ for more information on her work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it!
To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit the...2025-05-0936 min
A Book Finds You!Connie MatsumotoConnie shares the personal journey that inspired her to write this poignant story, revealing how her husband’s family history shaped her narrative and the challenges she faced while researching the devastating events of Hiroshima.As she reflects on her writing process, Connie opens up about the emotional weight of crafting scenes related to the atomic bombing and the importance of honoring the stories of those who suffered. She emphasizes the significance of community and collaboration in the writing world, encouraging aspiring authors to immerse themselves in the literary community and seek support.Join us as...2025-05-0236 min
A Book Finds You!Amy WatkinsJoin us as Amy shares her heartfelt journey of writing, including the motivation behind her latest book, Love is Golden: Lessons from a Therapy Dog, which offers a unique perspective from a dog's point of view. Discover how her experiences with her own therapy dog, Sadie, and her family's pets influenced her storytelling, and learn about the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. Amy's message of resilience and the importance of trying new things will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite fit in. Don't miss this delightful conversation filled with insights on...2025-04-2535 min
A Book Finds You!Jeff ElkinsWith a blend of humor and heart, Jeff shares his unconventional journey to becoming a writer, sparked by a job loss that led him to discover the joy of storytelling. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of writing, from crafting short stories to navigating the complexities of the publishing world. Tune in as we explore Jeff's creative process, his insights on marketing, and the importance of connecting with readers. Get ready for a conversation that might just inspire you to embrace your own writing journey!Visit Jeff Elkins' website at https://jeffelkinswriter.com/ for more information on...2025-04-1842 min
A Book Finds You!Diane HelentjarisIn this episode, we uncover the untold story of Lulu Bell Parr, a celebrated Wild West star who faced the harsh realities of fame and fortune. From Diane's childhood encounter with an unmarked grave to the challenges of writing a biography, she reflects on the life of a remarkable woman who rode broncos for three decades and ultimately fell into obscurity. Discover the intricacies of Diane's writing process, her inspirations, and the ethical considerations that come with telling someone else's story. Visit Diane Helentjaris''s website at https://dianehelentjaris.com/ for more information on her work. Do...2025-04-1134 min
A Book Finds You!Doug NortonDoug shares his unique writing journey, revealing how inspiration struck him at unexpected moments—from a classroom to a napkin on a flight. Join us as he discusses the challenges of writing about current events, the organic nature of his storytelling, and the importance of connecting with readers. Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, Doug's insights on the writing process and the publishing landscape will inspire you to keep your creative engine running. Visit Doug Norton's website at https://www.authordougnorton.com/ for more information on his work. Don't forget to rate, revi...2025-04-0430 min
A Book Finds You!Christine KessidesJoin us as Christine shares her writing journey, the inspiration behind her book, and the lessons she learned along the way. From the importance of research to her writing routines and the publishing process, Christine offers invaluable insights for aspiring authors. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with host Rob Jolles! Visit Christine Kessides's website at https://christinekessidesauthor.com/ for more information on her work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it.
To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://ma...2025-03-2837 min
A Book Finds You!Amy L. BernsteinJoin host Rob Jolles as he and Amy discuss her latest book, Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration, a powerful guide for anyone looking to overcome their fears and embrace their creative journey. Discover the strategies she shares for confronting doubt, the importance of community support, and how to cultivate a writing routine that works for you. Whether you're an aspiring author, entrepreneur, or artist, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice to help you push past uncertainty and unleash your creative potential.Visit Amy L Bernstein's website at https://amywrites.live/ for m...2025-03-2134 min
A Book Finds You!Alan PorterAlan shares the inspiration behind his upcoming book, "Bristol Brabazon: The Ocean Liner of the Skies and its Ongoing Legacy," set to take flight in mid-2025. Join us as he discusses the challenges of writing non-fiction, the importance of thematic depth in storytelling, and how he navigates the research process while keeping his creative flow intact. With insights into his writing routine and the significance of networking in the publishing world, Alan offers valuable advice for aspiring writers. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the unexpected ways a book can find its author.Visit Alan...2025-03-1435 min
A Book Finds You!Amy Schisler Amy shares the captivating story behind her inspiration and the unique writing process that brought her characters to life. Join us as we explore the challenges and routines that shape her creative journey, and discover how a ghost town sparked the idea for a series she never thought she would write.Visit Amy Schisler's website at https://amyschislerauthor.com/ for more information on her work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it!
To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org...2025-03-0703 min
A Book Finds You!Jean BurgessFollow Jean as she recounts her process of writing about her experiences touring with a swing band. Discover the creative process that led Jean to transform her memories into a compelling narrative, and learn about the unique marketing strategies she employs to connect with readers and audiences. Join host Rob Jolles for an engaging conversation that dives deep into the heart of storytelling and the journey of self-discovery.Visit Jean Burgess's website at https://www.jeanburgessauthor.com/ for more information on her work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it!
...2025-02-2836 min
A Book Finds You!Ann BrackenAnn shares her harrowing experiences with depression, the challenges of over-medication, and the profound impact of her mother’s struggles with mental health. In this episode, host Rob Jolles delves into Ann's writing process, her motivations for penning her memoir, and the intricate relationship between personal narrative and medical research. Discover how Ann transformed her pain into purpose, advocating for mental health reform and shedding light on the opioid crisis. Prepare to be moved as Ann discusses the importance of storytelling in healing and the ways in which her past has shaped her present. This episode is a must-listen fo...2025-02-2132 min
A Book Finds You!Debra Wright MosbyIn this episode, we dive into the world of Debra Wright Mosby, a former conflict and diversity solutions consultant turned children's book author. Debra shares her enlightening perspective on diversity and conflict resolution, inspired by her extensive experience in teaching and observing children. Join us as she discusses her book, *The Diverse Universe*, and the journey that led her to create a resource that helps young readers understand and embrace differences. Discover her writing process, the challenges she faced, and the importance of teaching children how to communicate and resolve conflicts constructively. Visit Debra's website at https://ww...2025-02-1428 min
A Book Finds You!Dale LehmanDale shares how a simple flash fiction joke transformed into his latest humorous crime caper, Rooftop Sonata, revealing the creative process behind his characters and the unexpected inspirations that shape his writing. Join us as he discusses his writing routine, the challenges he faces, and the importance of persistence in both writing and marketing. With insights into the indie publishing world and practical advice for aspiring authors, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to navigate their own writing journey. Visit Dale E. Lehman's website at https://www.daleelehman.com/ for more information on...2025-02-0737 min
A Book Finds You!Dian SeidelDiscover how the COVID-19 pandemic inspired Dian to transform her experiences into her memoir, "Kindergarten at 60," and the creative process behind capturing the vibrant culture and unforgettable characters she encountered. Dian reflects on her writing routine, the importance of community support, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Tune in for insights into her transition from scientist to storyteller and how a book can indeed find you when you least expect it.Visit Dian Seidel's website at https://www.dianseidel.com/ for more information on her work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode i...2025-01-3133 min
A Book Finds You!Les DeckJoin us as Les shares his journey of writing poetry over three decades, the connective themes within his poems, and the profound impact they have had on his life and those around him. Discover how he balances his creative pursuits with a busy professional life, and learn about the unique process that leads to his poetic inspiration. Don't miss this insightful conversation about authenticity in writing and the power of expression.Visit Les Deck on Facebook for more information on his work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it
2025-01-2431 min
A Book Finds You!R.L.KramerMeet R.L. Kramer as he joins us to share his journey from child psychiatry and drug addiction to managing his attention span without medication. In this episode, we delve into his literary memoir, "Hocus Focus: Coming of Age with ADD and its Medicines".Tune in to learn about his writing routine, the challenges he faced, and the inspiration behind his work. Whether you're a writer, a reader, or someone interested in the complexities of ADHD medication, this episode offers valuable insights into the art of storytelling and personal growth. Visit R.L. Kramer's website at...2025-01-1733 min
A Book Finds You!Flo McCahonWriting under the pseudonym Millie Mack, Flo shares her unique approach to storytelling, starting with a murder and letting the story unfold from there. Discover her insights on the writing process, the rules of mystery writing, the art of plotting, and her strategies for marketing books in today's competitive landscape.Visit Flo McCahon's website at www.darkandstormynights.com for more information on her work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it!
To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you ca...2025-01-1034 min
A Book Finds You!Pat ValdataIn this episode of A Book Finds You!, we welcome Pat Valdata, an award-winning poet, novelist, retired university professor, and accomplished pilot. Pat shares her journey of writing her second poetry book, "Where No Man Can Touch," which won the 2015 Donald Justice Poetry Prize and was republished in 2023. Discover the inspiration behind her poems, which spotlight the fearless women aviators who took to the skies long before Amelia Earhart. Pat delves into her creative process, from research to writing residencies, and the challenges of crafting poetry that honors these pioneering women. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with...2024-12-2035 min
A Book Finds You!David SloanJoin us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the mind of David Sloan, a Baltimore-based novelist and neuroscientist, discussing his intriguing book, "Cameraman." Host Rob Jolles explores Sloan's creative process, from the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of balancing writing with a busy life. Discover how Sloan's scientific background informs his narrative style and the ethical implications of a world without secrets. Listen in as Sloan shares insights on his unique publishing journey and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of technology, storytelling, and...2024-12-1334 min
A Book Finds You!Kae WagnerIn this captivating episode of "A Book Finds You," host Rob Jolles welcomes the talented Kae Wagner, a versatile author who has made a remarkable transition from business writing to fiction. Kae shares the inspiration behind her latest work, "A Saturday Night at the Trailer Park," a compelling series that weaves themes of forgiveness and redemption into a coming-of-age story. Kae discusses her writing process, highlighting her commitment to writing daily and her innovative use of dictation to capture her thoughts while on the go. She also shares her marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of shameless self-promotion a...2024-12-0739 min
A Book Finds You!Shannon BohrerIn a riveting podcast episode, we delve into the depths of the criminal justice system with Shannon Bohrer, a former Maryland State Police officer and author of the eye-opening book, "Judicial Soup." Shannon's journey from law enforcement to authoring a book about wrongful convictions is as fascinating as it is crucial. His experience as an expert witness for Heath Patrick Thomas, a man wrongfully convicted of a minor crime, serves as a poignant reminder that the flaws in our justice system can have life-altering ramifications.Throughout the episode, Shannon shares the story of Heath, who, despite serving...2024-11-1535 min
A Book Finds You!Burt ClarkBurt's book, "I Can't Save You and Don't Want to Die Trying: American Fire Culture," delves into the critical aspects of fire safety and prevention, offering insights that can save lives.Burt's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Despite being dyslexic, he discovered his love for writing through a transformative college course that taught him to embrace his unique voice. This newfound confidence propelled him to publish his first article in a national magazine in 1976, and he hasn't looked back since. His writing journey is a series of 500-word essays that capture...2024-11-0829 min
A Book Finds You!Frances AltmanFrances's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of evolving with the times. She began her writing career in the communications field, where she honed her skills and developed a passion for storytelling. Her journey took a significant turn when she stumbled upon the name Mary Edwards Walker in a 1970s newspaper article. This sparked a curiosity that would eventually lead to the creation of "Destiny's Daughter," a book that took over 30 years to fruition.Throughout the episode, Frances emphasizes the need for writers to be adaptable and open to change. She...2024-11-0135 min
A Book Finds You!Zorina FreyIn a world where societal expectations often dictate our paths, finding the courage to embrace our true selves can be a daunting journey. Our latest podcast episode features an inspiring author who has dedicated her work to helping others break free from these constraints. Zorina Frey offers a unique perspective on self-discovery and empowerment through her poetic monologues and soliloquies, and provides a unique perspective on self-discovery and empowerment.The author shares her personal journey and the motivations behind her writing. She believes everyone has the right to define their own path, free from the pressures...2024-10-2534 min
A Book Finds You!Anita NahalThis episode delves into the writing world with acclaimed Indian American author and professor Anita Nahal. Join host Rob Jolles as they discuss Nahal's inspirations, writing process, and challenges as a poet and novelist. Discover how her latest poetry collection, "What's Wrong with Us Kali Women?" addresses global injustices and cultural nuances. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a literary enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into the discipline and creativity of writing.Visit Anita Nahal's website at https://www.anitanahal.com/ for more information on her work.
To learn more about the Maryland Wr...2024-10-1833 min
A Book Finds You!Kari Ann MartindaleIn this episode of A Book Finds You! we welcome Kari Ann Martindale, a Pushcart-nominated poet & spoken word artist who has read at Arts guilds across Maryland and performed at the White House. She sits on the Board of Maryland Writers’ Association, is on the management team of EC Poetry & Prose, and is a teaching artist for Armed Services Arts Partnership. Kari Ann shares her journey of writing her book series about Flash the dog and his girl, Squirt with a great introduction to empathy and social cues. Visit Kari Ann Martindale's website at https://kariannmartindale.com/ for...2024-10-1121 min
A Book Finds You!IntroductionIn this introductory episode, you will learn about the Maryland Writers' Association and what to expect from our podcast. To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their
website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about
upcoming events and become a member.2024-10-1002 min
Writers Who Read2024 Maryland Writers ConferenceHere’s a brief update on another 2024 writer’s conference: the Maryland Writers Association's 2024 Conference, in Baltimore, MA, this October 19 & 20. Mira Landry and Gary McBride recently spoke with MWA Conference Chair Flo McCahonMore info at: https://MarylandWriters.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-09-0811 min
Illo Chat: Illustration PodcastEP 8 Part 1 How to Find Work and Promote yourself as an IllustratorIn Part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about ways to generate income as a children's book illustrator. They cover multiple income streams and how to promote yourself online. There was a lot to cover and the episode ran long so we broke this up into two parts. Part 2 will release later and continue our discussion about where to promote yourself and where to find work. Thanks for listening.
Links we discuss in the podcast:
PLACES YOU CAN SELL your work or products: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/ Society6: https://s...2021-08-1651 min