
Finding the Magic Book Podcast
By Tricia Copeland
I write young adult fantasy and sci-fi dystopian, as well as fun and inspiring romances. Listen in as I highlight books and authors from these genres as well as mysteries, thrillers, and horror. Find me and intro to my books at triciacopeland.com or all my links at linktr.ee/triciacopeland


S5 E38 with YA Fantasy Author Lisa Amowitz
Lisa Amowitz is an artist and graphic designer by trade, but writing
has always been a deep and abiding passion.
Her lastest release is the LOST GARDEN series, with the first book, An Island Strange and Wild, and the prequel, A Promise Bright and Fragile, available now. The second book in the series, A Secret Deep and Savage, released November 12, 2024.
isit her online at lisaamowitz.com
Twitter: @lisa_amowitz
Instagram @lisa_amowitz.author
TikTok: @lisaamowitz_author

S5 E37 with Romantasy Author Cyndi Brec
Cyndi Brec writes her heroine into dangerous webs of deception while she sips French vanilla iced coffee.
She’s a young adult romantasy author who has penned The Therans Series. She’s a creative wordsmith who weaves tales that transcend the boundaries of reality—pure storytelling magic, unadorned and enhanced by the unique lens of a dyslexic novelist.
Cyndi’s just a regular gal—storyteller, speaker, and co-host of the P English Literature podcast. She’s a sidekick podcaster interviewing authors and serving book banter.
Ahead of publication, she’s snagged a few endorsements from notable authors: Jonas Saul, the bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts Series; Alan Warren, NBC Radio Host/Producer/Author; and Suzy Vadori, Author and critic of the Fountain Series and three-time Aurora Awards Finalist. She’s also secured a 5-star rating from Readers’ Favorite.
Find Cyndi and all her books on her website here: https://www.inkerspen.com/cyndi-brec

S5 E36 with Author Aaron Starmer
Aaron Starmer was born in northern California and raised in the suburbs of Syracuse, New York. Before pursuing writing full-time, he worked in New York City for over ten years as an editor for a travel bookseller and as an operations director for an African safari company. His middle grade and young adult novels have been translated into multiple foreign languages and have appeared on best of the year lists from Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, New York Public Library, YALSA, Bank Street College of Education, Chicago Public Library and School Library Journal. He lives in Vermont with his wife and two daughters.
Find Aaron and his books here: https://www.aaronstarmer.com/

S5 E35 with Urban Fantasy Author Ben Schenkman
Ben Schenkman likes many things in life: his 20-pound Maine coon cat, his family, his coffee, and his eclectic hobbies—not necessarily in that order.
Ben also likes to play devil’s advocate in his urban fantasy books by exploring the gray areas of good and evil with questions like, “Does the end really justify the means? Or is it all simply black and white?” Ben leaves these questions lingering in the ether to challenge readers’ conventional thinking and delve into the complexities of moral dilemmas.
As a native of Connecticut, Ben draws inspiration from his upbringing and college years in New Haven, where his novels take place. When he wants to escape being a writer, he’s a massive foodie who goes on gastronomic adventures, an overachiever who collects degrees in Theater, Nuclear Engineering, and an MBA, or the manager/performer of the fire dance troupe, HVBRIS—you know, the basics. No big deal.
Want to know more about his work, or talk about coffee and cats? He loves hearing from readers!
Find him and all his books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47639912.Ben_Schenkman
You can also find him on Bookbub here: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ben-schenkman

S5 E34 with Thriller Author Kay Sparling
Kay Sparling is an international opera and sacred singer. Now retired, she lives in the Upper Midwest with her feline writing buddy, the invincible Paducah. When not teaching voice lessons or writing, Kay enjoys gardening, hiking, adventure travelling, and cooking for family and friends.
About the book...
Near the end of the Cold War, Kaitlyn Stewart lands an apprenticeship at the Vienna State Opera. Soon after arriving, she is recruited by the CIA as the only female high profile operative in THAW. Both CIA and MI6 are in a race against time to uncover a human trafficking cartel set up by fascist Western politicians who are in business with the East Germans and KGB. They are exploiting refugees from the former satellite countries of the USSR. THAW must infiltrate the cartel in order to shut down the trafficking and destroy the slave labor in East Germany. If the GDR economy fails, the Berlin Wall will come down. Covering as an opera singer, Kaitlyn infiltrates the inner circle of the KGB and neo-Nazis, only to find out that they have a much more deadly, lucrative plan in the blueprints for a dirty bomb. MI6 agent Clive Matthews, who is considered the best secret agent in the free world, skillfully guides Kaitlyn through the crazy maze of the mission. Based on fact.
Find the book and more about Kay here: https://kaysparlingbooks.com/

S5 E33 with Author Alison McBain
Diversity is one of Alison McBain's passions. With dual Canadian-U.S. citizenship, a Japanese-American mother and a B.A. in African history and classical literature, she has an eclectic background and a wide range of experience. She grew up in California and moved to the East Coast in her mid-twenties. Recently, she moved back to Alberta, where she is raising her three daughters.
She started her writing career at age four with a "self-published" horror story about the monster in the closet. The story was highly lauded by her closest family members. Since then, she's received a number of writing awards and accolades from people not even vaguely related to her, but she still has a soft spot for that first short story.
Her interest in diversity also extends to fiction. With over seventy publications to her name, her stories and poems range in tone from serious to silly. They cover nearly every genre, including literary, romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy, history and adventure.
When not writing fiction, she follows her own personal mantra of, "Do something creative every day." She serves as the Associate Editor for the literary magazine ScribesMICRO. She also blogs about local events, showcases her art and conducts author interviews on her website, http://www.alisonmcbain.com/.

S5 E32 with Christian Author Barbara M. Britton
BarbaraM. Britton not only loves to write about the Bible, but she has also taught Bible stories for over thirty years. She is multi-published in Christian Fiction where she brings little-known Bible stories to light, or she makes you swoon with her sweet romances. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barbara lives in Wisconsin with her husband of almost four decades and an indulged cat. Her sons are grown but they still come home and request their favorite recipes. Barbara has been a finalist in the prestigious Carol Awards, Reader’s Choice Awards, Angel BookAwards, and the National Excellence in Story Telling Contest. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website barbarambritton.com.

Free Book Offer Season 5 Bonus June 14 with Teen Fantasy Author Hemie Yao
Hemie Yao published her debut novel of the series, The Untold Truth of Club 門神, at the age of twelve in 2023. Daughter of a Chinese immigrant, she lives in New Hampshire and grows up in a mixed culture background. She loves to immerse herself in nature, art, and fictional worlds.
At a young age, she loved to write short stories she never got around finishing. One day she found a book series that inspired her to write-and finish-a story of her own that surrounded Chinese Mythology and started her goal to publish a book.
Find Hemie and all her books at https://hemieyao.com/

S5 E31 with S. A. Schneider, Fantasy Author
S.A. Schneider has a wolf, so of course he writes middle grade fantasy, wouldn’t you? Since his Lego and action figure days, he’s crafted worlds and stories within those worlds. This pursuit continues to his books today. Now he shows kids, and their parents, the joy of writing as a lifelong pursuit and how to turn it into a career. Not just books, but video game stories! He wants others to join him in fantastical worlds and possibly even delve into creating their own. Enjoy the adventure!!
Find S.A. and his books here: https://www.sa-schneider.com/

S5 E30 with Romance Author Savannah Carlisle
Savannah Carlisle writes heartwarming romance novels with idyllic beach settings. Her stories transport readers to fun and quirky small towns where friends feel like family. So, if you’re ready for a mental vacation, you’ve come to the right place!
Savannah jokes that she's living her own Hallmark movie because she's a former big city corporate attorney who now lives in the small beach town of Fernandina Beach writing romance novels.
When she isn't busy at her laptop writing her next book, Savannah enjoys putting her feet in the sand with a good book in hand. She lives on Amelia Island in Florida with her husband, German Shepherd, and three cats.
Visit www.SavannahCarlisle.com for Savannah's latest books, updates, reviews of her favorite reads and more. You can also follow Savannah on:
IG: www.instagram.com/savvycarlisle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/savvycarlisle
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@savvycarlisle
X: www.x.com/savvycarlisle(less)

S5 E29 with Vampire Fantasy Author Dan Klefstad
From Dan.... My latest novel, Fiona’s Guardians, is about humans who work for a beautiful manipulative vampire. This book was adapted by Artists' Ensemble Theater for their Mysterious Journey podcast. It's available on Spotify or wherever you get podcasts. I'm now writing the sequel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Find Dan and his books here: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomdan_klefstad

S5 E28 with Thriller Author J.M. Mitchell
J.M. Mitchell grew up in Texas, now lives in Colorado, and spent the years in between on some of America’s most cherished landscapes—Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks. He had a long career with the National Park Service, retiring as Chief of the agency’s Biological Resource Management Division, where he worked on the technical and sometimes politically charged issues facing the National Parks. In addition to his novels, his writing has appeared in scientific and conservation journals, travel magazines, and newspapers. He has served on the boards of scientific, philanthropic, and writer’s organizations. He and his wife split their time between Littleton and their ranch on Colorado’s western slope.
J.M. Mitchell's novels blend mystery, action and adventure, and capture the political intrigue faced in protecting cherished places.
Find J.M. and his books here: https://prairieplumpress.com/

S5 E27 with Fantasy Author D. S. McColgan
From D. S. McColgan ....
I grew up in a village not far from the Swiss Alps, surrounded by forest and mountains. Now I live in Wales with my wonderful husband and my daughter.
I write cosy yet dark fantasy with historic fairy tale vibes. My stories are populated by interesting, authentic characters and have a message to share alongside the fantastical elements.
My favourite books are by Nina Blazon, Naomi Novik, Brandon Sanderson, V. E. Schwab, Elizabeth Wheatley and many others.
Start her series here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208633807-a-tale-of-something-new
Website: www.ataleofbooks.com
Instagram: @dsmccolgan (German) and @ataleof_books (English)
Tiktok: ataleofbooks

S5 E26 with Sci-fi Author M. A. Wall
From Sci-fi Author M. A. (Max) Wall: I have been affiliated with the military for most of my life. I curse, I can be abrupt, and I save flowery wording for pissed off people and pretty metaphors. I have no problem with people poking holes in the science of a speculative fiction story, and I’m a scientist that has spent most of my career *asking* people to point out the flaws in my work. That being said, I do not look forward to the added trolls upsetting people that just want to enjoy a good book, but they’re always around.
Find the Shattered Hollows series here: https://www.shatteredhollows.com/

S5 E25 with Fantasy Author Edward Willett
Edward Willett is the award-winning author (under his own name and as E.C. Blake and Lee Arthur Chane) of more than sixty books of science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction for readers of all ages, including twelve novels for DAW Books, the most recent of which is The Tangled Stars, a humorous far-future space-opera heist adventure featuring an AI-uplifted talking cat who becomes a starship captain. Ed won Canada’s top science fiction award, the Aurora Award, for his second novel for DAW, Marseguro, and has been shortlisted several times since, including for his most recent young adult science fiction novel, Star Song. Ed has also won an Aurora Award for his podcast, The Worldshapers. In 2018, Ed founded Shadowpaw Press, publisher of the Shapers of Worlds anthologies among many other books, not only science fiction and fantasy but also literary fiction, poetry, historical fiction, children’s books, and nonfiction. In addition to writing, Ed is a professional actor and singer. He lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, with his wife. They have a grown daughter and a much younger black Siberian cat named, of course, Shadowpaw.
Find Edward and his books at: https://shadowpawpress.com/

S5 E24 with L. Ron Hubbard Winner Patrick MacPhee
Speculative Fiction Author Patrick MacPhee is a winner in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest earning him a trip to Hollywood for a week-long master-class workshop, an awards event and his winning story will be published in the international bestselling anthology, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41.
The Writers of the Future Award is the genre’s most prestigious award of its kind and has now become the largest, most successful, and demonstrably most influential vehicle for budding creative talent in the world of speculative fiction. Since its inception, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future contests have produced over 40 anthology volumes and awarded upwards of $1 million in cash prizes and royalties.
Find Patrick and his books on his website here: https://patrickmacphee.com/

S5 E23 with Cyberpunk Author Mark Everglade
Mark Everglade has spent his life studying social conflict. He runs the website www.markeverglade.com where he reviews cyberpunk media and interviews the greats. He also runs Cyberpunk Day 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 and Walter Jon Williams.

S5 E22 with Mystery Author Ann Charles
Ann Charles—Author
Nearly Departed in Deadwood, the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award Winner and a 2011 RWA Golden Heart Award Winner.
*USA Today Best Selling Author,
*Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Winner Suspense Magazine Best of 2012, 2015. 2016
*Winner of Paranormal Grand Prize from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media,
*Winner of Southern Writers Best Covers Contest
You'll laugh. You'll cringe. You'll want more.
Find all her books here: https://anncharles.com/

S5 E21 with YA Fantasy Author Aimee Phan
Aimee Phan was born and raised in Orange County, California. She received her BA in English from UCLA and her MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. She is the author of two books for adults, We Should Never Meet: Stories and the novel The Reeducation of Cherry Truong. She has received fellowships and residencies from the NEA, MacDowell Colony, the Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center, Djerassi andHedgebrook. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Time, USA Today and CNN.com among other publications. Aimee teaches as an associate professor in writing and literature at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco and resides in Berkeley, California with her family.
You can find The Lost Queen here on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218460320-the-lost-queen
Find Aimee on her website here: https://aimeephan.wordpress.com/about/

S5 E20 with fantasy author Peter Gribble
Peter Gribble is a writer and a lifelong studentof history whose work explores the intersections of knowledge, power, and the human condition. His fantasy series, “The City of the Magicians,” is set in a civilization that rejects traditional warfare. The series examines how intellect, psychological strategy, and telepathic abilities can be both a society’s greatest strength and its most dangerous vulnerability. Influenced by his childhood in postwar France—where silence about the war was as pervasive as its lingering shadows—Gribble crafts stories that explore the dangers of complacency and the consequences of pacifism and brutality colliding.
Gribble studied art at Sheridan College School of Design, experimental psychology at the University of Toronto, and education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. He has written for NUVO and various British Columbia publications, including gardening columns for two journals over a decade. His time working in bookstores reinforced his belief in the power of books to inspire, challenge and transform. Learn more at PeterGribble.com.

S5 E19 with Dystopian Author Paul G. Vecchiet
Paul G. Vecchiet is an author whose speculative fictionbridges U.S. government cover-ups, extraterrestrial phenomena, spirituality, and the future of humanity. Through his writing, Paul encourages readers to explore hidden truths and imagine new realities. A U.S. government civilian and former U.S. Air Force Civil Engineering Officer, Pauldraws from real-life experiences in his novel, “The Disclosure Paradox.”
Inspired by transformative meditation experiences in2009, the novel incorporates elements of Paul’s personal journey, including the discovery of a hidden underground space at a large secure military facility, into his storytelling. “The Disclosure Paradox” has garnered high praise onAmazon and Goodreads, with its revised February 2025 edition offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of discovery and intrigue.
Born in Italy, Paul immigrated to the United States as achild, where his life was shaped by a rich blend of cultural influences and professional accomplishments. After earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago, he served as a Civil Engineering Officer in the United States Air Force. His assignments across Washington, theAzores, Ohio, and Japan informed both his professional expertise and his globally reflective perspective.
For more information about Paul G. Vecchiet and “TheDisclosure Paradox,” visit www.thedisclosureparadox.com.

S5 E18 with Fantasy Author James Bow
James was born in downtown Toronto on April 19, 1972 and lived there until his folks moved up to Kitchener in 1991 so he could attend the University of Waterloo. He's lived in Kitchener ever since. He's a trained urban planner has worked as a database manager, web designer, circulation manager, administrative assistant, layout designer and office manager. The one consistent thing about his varied academic and professional career has been a love of writing.

S5 E17 with Women's Fiction Author Heather Tracy
Heather Tracy (she/her) is a travel agent by day, and a masked copy editor and writer by night. As a travel agent, she plans Nerdventures—travel for the nerd in all of us. These can be anything from visiting New Zealand to see as many Lord of the Rings filming locations as you can to visiting castles in Europe to following in the footsteps of your favorite author.
As a copy editor, she’s found hundreds of typos, comma splices, and other grammatical nitpicks for Space Wizard Science Fantasy since before 2016. With over 30 titles copyedited, she’s now turned her hand to her first published short story in Fiery Deeps, and her first novel, Only a Chapter, which features some of her personal journey surviving breast cancer.
Heather lives in Raleigh with her husband of over twenty years, William C. Tracy, where they have two rambunctious cats and several beehives. They enjoy taking their own Nerdventures—as much as they can be away from their small businesses—andcosplaying at various markets and cons throughout the year.
You can find her on Facebook as @heathertracyauthor,on Bluesky as @heathertracyauthor.bsky.social and on Instagram as @hunnyjar319.
For her travel agency, Melvin’s Travel Adventures, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram as @melvinstraveladventures or on Bluesky as @melvinsta.bsky.social.

S5 E16 with Young Adult Fantasy Author C.J. Hosack
CJ grew up in Southern California, loving fantasy and science fiction. She is married to her husband of thirty plus years, has four children, and has an ever-growing number of grandchildren. Adopted at eight months old, she recently found her birth parents. She has a Masters Degree in Public History from Southern New Hampshire University, and if she’s not writing, you can generally find her quilting, costuming, or traveling to spend time with those she loves. She’s a wannabe dress historian and has worked with museums on historical dress recreation. The Slayer’s Magic is her first book in The Beads of Bone series.
Find C.J. and her books here: https://cjhosack.com/

S5 E15 with Author H.M. Gooden
H.M. Gooden is a full time worker bee, mother, and writer by the wee hours of the day. She would write all the time if she had her way, but alas, life and family come first!
Somewhere in the last few years she's managed to carve out just enough time to write the trilogy that has spawned it all, based on a recurring dream she had in her teens.
Find H.M. and her books at https://www.hmgoodenauthor.com/

S5 E14 with YA Dystopian Author CC Robinson
CC Robinson has over two decades’ experience in cross-cultural settings as a medical doctor working in post-civil war nations and as an Associate Pastor at a multi-ethnic congregation led by an African-American man in Cincinnati, the setting for Divided. When she’s not throwing on her superhero cape to save her characters from their dystopian antics, CC enjoys hiking, gardening, dancing, swimming, and driving her jeep through the woods with her husband and three kids.
Find CC and her books here: https://www.ccrobinsonauthor.com/

S5 E13 with Colorado Author Jack Maher
Historical novelist Jack Maher is a proud fifth generation Colorado native and grandson of Eric Douglas, pioneering Denver Art Museum curator, Native arts champion andthe focus of Jack's best-seller "Poppy: A Novel About A Colorful Colorado Life." Prior to becoming a novelist, Jack worked at top rated NBC affiliate KUSA-TV in Denver as a 9NEWS Multimedia Journalist and Executive Producer. A four time Emmy winner, Jack is the recipient of multiple broadcasting honors from the Associated Press and the Colorado Broadcasters Association.
Learn more and find his book at

S5 E12 with Historical Fiction Author Tong Ge
It was such an honor to talk with Tong Ge about her new release. Tong Ge was born and raised in China and moved to Canada in 1988. She began writing the China China trilogy in 2004 with the first book: The House Filler. Although she was challenged by learning to write in English and by her long- term disability, she persevered and since 2012 has published poetry and prose in English and Chinese in publications such as Prism, Ricepaper, Flow, Canadian Stories, and The Polyglot. Tong Ge lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Find Tong Ge and her book here: https://tong-ge.com

S5 E11 with YA Fantasy Author K.T. Anglehart
K.T. Anglehart has always known she wanted to tell stories. Much of her writing inspiration stems from Scottish and Irish folklore, as illustrated in her debut young adult urban fantasy novel, The Wise One, and its sequel The Twin Flame, the first two installments in The Scottish Scrolls series.
Anglehart believes that a great book is one that incites you to change in some way. She hopes her readers will learn to find magic all around them, connect with nature, form lasting friendships, and keep following their excitement.
A devoted academic and speaker of three languages, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism; a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting; and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
When she’s not writing, diving into magical reads or studying folklore, Anglehart loves hiking, exploring cities and their local myth (of course), antiquing, amateur painting, and Netflixing with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They live in Toronto with their three pets: Nessie, a mysterious mutt rescued from Puerto Rico, and Onyx and Sterling, their troublemaking bunnies.
Find K.T. and all her books here: https://www.ktanglehart.com/

S5 E10 with Mystery Author Sally Barrilla
Sally Barrilla, AKA Detective Writer, is a Latinx and Italian individual. She was born and raised in NYC by grandparents since the age of six months old and has been a huge lover of writing ever since she was a kid trying to learn English. She learned at a young age, just how much imagination and creativity can be brought about by words.
Find Sally, her book, and her podcast here: Detective Writer at detectivewriter.com

S5 E9 with Suspense Author J.D. Barker
J.D. Barker is the the New York Times bestselling author of Forsaken, Dracul, and The Fourth Monkey.
J.D.’s latest novel, Something I Keep Upstairs, is set to release in May 2025, and it’s inspired by the real-life haunted house on Wood Island.
Listeners have an incredible chance to win an overnight stay in the very haunted house that inspired the story—an opportunity that would definitely engage your audience.
Enter here: : https://woobox.com/vcevs2

S5 E8 with Author Erika Krouse
Erika Krouse is a writer of fiction and nonfiction. Her upcoming short story collection, Save Me, Stranger, will be published by Flatiron Books in January 2025. Save Me, Stranger has been hailed as “a dozen little masterpieces,” by Adam Johnson, “remarkable” by Ann Beattie, and Louise Erdrich said, “Read these stories with a buddy, because someone will have to scrape you off the floor.” In a starred review, Kirkus calls the collection "a smart set of globetrotting, emotionally gripping stories," and Publishers Weekly says, "[Krouse] makes the thrill of new beginnings palpable."
Find Erika and her books here: Erika Krouse at wwwerikakrousewriter.com

S5 E7 with Author Carol Plum-Ucci
Carol Plum-Ucci is best known for her young adult novels that explore themes of psychological suspense, mystery, and the complexities of human nature. Her debut novel, The Body of Christopher Creed, won a Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award along with many other national honors. The novel’s dark, atmospheric tone and exploration of identity and social alienation resonated with young readers, earning Plum-Ucci a spot as a notable voice in contemporary YA literature. Following her debut, Plum-Ucci wrote six successful novels, five of which won national awards. She has twice been a finalist in the Edgar Allan Poe Awards and has received seven citations from the American Library Association.
She lives near Atlantic City, NJ, with her family.
Find her and her books at: https://www.carolplum-ucci.com/

S5 E6 with Author Marco Gamboa
Marco has a Bachelor's Degree in English and Psychology, as well as a Master of Jurisprudence. He's lived in San Antonio since the age of 3, via Mexico City. He has two daughters, 11 and 13. He enjoys music, whether it's a concert or just listening through headphones, running, and making people laugh.
The book is sad. It goes from bad to worse, but my readings and podcast appearances heavily leverage the ability to comedy. To laugh at what we cannot control.
Find Marco and his book here: https://wnlmarco.com/

S5 E5 with Fantasy Author Zachary Hagen
Zachary Hagen is a Minnesota based fantasy author and editor. He lives there with his wife, Claudia, and their dog, Flynn. 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 (if you know, you know) 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 series, The Eternal Chronicles, include Christopher Paolini, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and others.
Find Zachary and his books on his website here: https://zacharyhagenwrites.com/

S5 E4 with Sci-Fi & Fantasy Author Kristina W. Kelly
Professional Bio
She is the coauthor of the epic fantasy and sci-fi fusing series, the Etherea Cycle including Trials of the Innermost. Her scifi and fantasy poetry collection Imaginari includes her photography, and her fantasy adventure Tavern Tale (inspired by RPGs) releases Jan 7, 2025.
Since childhood, writing stories on her mother’s typewriter or trying to catalog her own books like a library, Kristina has been in love with storytelling. Her undergraduate pursuits focused on Psychology, Music, and Computer Science. With trumpet as her main instrument and a connection to nature, Kristina often works music and visual landscapes into her writings.
Several of Kristina’s recent short stories received honorable mentions from the Writers of the Future
contest,
including 2023 2nd Quarter Semi-Finalist and 2023 3rd Quarter Silver Honorable Mention. She won second place in the 2024 Poe-it Like Poe Contest.
Kristina resides in Indiana with her husband and sons. In her spare time, she takes photography, makes various crafts, plays video games (RPGs are her favorite), dabbles in other instruments, and tends to her flower garden. She loves going on new adventures in the great wide somewhere (sometimes just by picking up a new book).
Find Kristina and her books here: http://kristinaseyes.com/

S5 E3 with Fantasy Author Fern Brady
Fern Brady is the founder and CEO of Inklings Publishing. 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, which is book one in her Thyrein’s Galactic Wall Series, was given a glowing review by Dr. Who Online, the official site of the fandom. Love’s Call, which is book one of The Dragon and His Kitten, released in 2023. She also has a graphic novel collaboration, Mr. Landen’s Library, with the amazingly talented Rosa Maria Garza. She has returned to the leadership of the Houston Writers Guild, with whom she served as CEO for four years previously, and is a full time teacher again for Cy-Fair ISD.
Find Fern and all her work here: https://www.fernbrady.com/

S5 E2 with Fantasy Author Brian D. Anderson
From an early age, in the small town of Spanish Fort, Alabama, Brian delighted in conjuring fantastical worlds and unique characters. Alone in his room, he imagined them in most dire of situations, overcoming impossible odds, and snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. It was fun and gave a hyperactive child a way to occupy his mind constructively, rather than wreak havoc and get into trouble.
By the time Brian reached his teens, he was doing his level best to give his inner voice a real world platform for expression. Though it was not likely that anyone else would take time to read the fruits of his labors, he didn't care. The simple act of creation was where he derived his
pleasure.
As an adult, other interests dominated his life. He continued writing, but without hopes of turning it into a career, instead focused on the dream of being a rock star. As it turned out, he wasn't cut from the right cloth and was never able to
realize his ambitions.
It was in his late thirties, now with a wife and young son, his love of writing circled back into his life. And with the encouragement of those who love him, and
with no small amount of inspiration of his boy, he finally found his purpose. It was in front of him the entire time. But he just didn't see it.
Many worlds, thousands of characters and more than a dozen novels later, he can look back at the events leading him to this point with a sense of humor. The various misadventures and terrible choices had become sources of inspiration, whereas before they had been thorns of regret - memories he would use to malign himself in those dark moments of reflection.
Find Brian and his books on his website here: https://www.briandanderson.com/

S5 E1 with Author Lance Robinson
In his day job, Lance Robinson is an environmental social scientist who often works closely with mobile peoples. He is a sporadic nomad himself, having lived variously in countries such as Ghana, the Gambia, Colombia, and Kenya. He began writing speculative fiction as a child, and by his early twenties his stories began appearing in small press magazines. In the early 1990s, he even entered the Writers of the Future Contest two or three times. Eventually, though, his life filled up with other things and he set creative writing aside.
Recently, however, when he returned home to Canada, he decided it was also time to come back home to writing. Since then, his stories have often explored how our relationship with the natural world is intertwined with our spiritual journeys—as individuals, as communities, and as a collective humanity. Lance is also an avid astronomy and space-travel nut, and he found the germ of his story “Five Days Until Sunset” at the intersection of pondering the spiritual search that never ends and wondering what life might be like on a tidally locked, “eyeball” planet. The story also asks what it means to live in harmony with a world that is ready to kill you, and what it means to have faith in the face of inconvenient truths. Lance and his two children currently make their home in Robinson-Superior Treaty territory on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg peoples and Fort William First Nation in the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Our exodus family awoke on the new world—a paradise inexplicably teeming with Earth life, the Promise fulfilled. But 154 of us are missing. . . .—“Five Days Until Sunset” by Lance Robinson
Find Lance and his books here: https://lancerobinsonwriter.com/

S4 E30 with Fantasy Author Alex Kingsley
Alex Kingsley (they/them) is a writer, comedian, and game designer. They graduated from Swarthmore College with High Honors and are a part of the SFWA. They are a co-founder of new media company Strong Branch Productions, where they write and direct science-fiction comedy podcast The Stench of Adventure and edit weird fiction anthology show Tales From The Radiator . Their sci-fi play “The Bearer of Bad News” was produced by the Annenberg Foundation. In addition to their fiction, their non-fiction has appeared in Interstellar Flights Press, Ancillary Review of Books, and more. Alex’s tabletop games can be found at alexyquest.itch.io, and their dramatic catalog can be found on the New Play Exchange.
For more information, visit alexkingsley.org
Twitter: @alexyquest
Mastodon: alexyquest.podvibes.co
Instagram: hitchhikersguidetothealexy

S4 E29 with Fantasy Author DC Gomez
A long time ago, she used to enjoy long walks at the park and long days under the sun. Unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition, she is now allergic to those pesky UV rays. Rumor has it that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. But don’t fear my friend, she doesn’t bite (much…).
Now she has a legit medical condition to hide indoors and indulged her passions of reading, sometimes cooking, and of course writing. DC writes in multiple genres from Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Lit, YA, Children’s Books, and even Devotionals. Her dark sense of humor and infatuation for action/adventure can be found in many of her books.
As a self-proclaim serial-hobbyist, her passions expand to podcasting as well as live hosting. You can find DC every Monday night interviewing a new author on her podcast Inside the Minds of Authors. If you enjoy a more active experience, catch her online live on her Amazon Channel – The Book Corner. Where she features authors releasing books within the next 90 days.
Explored the website and check out many of her award-winning books (Death’s Intern, Plague Unleashed, Forbidden War, and The Origins of Constantine). Get lost in a mesmerizing adventure, full of quirky characters, zany plots, and always in the pursuit of their own tribe.
Happy reading!
Find DC Gomez and her books here: https://dcgomez-author.com/

S4 E28 with Fantasy Author Loz Cadman
Laurel 'Loz' Cadman was born and raised in Staffordshire, United Kingdom. She is an aspiring author who has been writing fiction since she was young. She went on hiatus after failing her GCSE English thus losing her confidence, thinking she will never become a published author, that is until the creative spark came back in 2021. Loz doesn't let anything stand in her way from achieving her dreams and always wants to prove to the world that people on the autism spectrum are capable with living independent and are able to achieve big!
Reality bending fiction is what Loz loves to write about as she has always admire stories that defy reality and allow the imagination to run free. She has always found this to be her interest in all medias, especially in video games.
Her debut novel 'Midnight Devotion' was written after attending a gig in Birmingham late October 2021 and she immediately became inspired to write again when she rediscovered her passion for fiction. She felt as though she would have full control of its content and the way it is being presented if she were to self-publish rather than going traditionally.
Her love for rock and metal, along with ambient post rock music play a huge influence for her writing, especially for her vampire punk band novel series! Music is her biggest influence for creativity as she can emotionally connect to the music she listen to, whether it's music from video games, movies and TV, a playlist compiled by Spotify towards a certain genre, or connecting songs and albums to her memories.
When she isn't writing, Loz would either be working out at the gym, playing guitar, playing video games, catching up on the wrestling, reading, gardening, or listening to music and a variety of podcasts.
Loz currently resides in Staffordshire with her partner, her two house bunnies, and his two guinea pigs!
Find Loz and her book here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197507858-midnight-devotion

S4 E27 with Breakfield and Burkey Sci-Fi Authors
Breakfield & Burkey, professional technology experts, have series and standalone stories available, with more planned. Find sample chapters, author interviews, scheduled events,
reviews, Q&A, and book trailers at https://www.EnigmaSeries.com.
Using their knowledge of technology, they weave compelling, relevant contemporary stories filled with TechnoThriller suspense, romance, humor, travel, and intrigue. They also ventured into writing cozy mysteries
with the Underground Authors in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Reach out directly to Authors@EnigmaSeries.com.

S4 E26 with Holiday Romance Author Lindsay Gibson
Writing stories as a little girl was the way I coped with the world around me. At 16, I faced a traumatic event that forever changed who I am and made me into the person I am today, but despite how hard it has been to heal - it didn't take away the storyteller in me. I continued to write throughout all those years I felt lost, bringing my characters to life and using it as my escape. I always knew I would be an author one day, but it wasn't until another tragedy- losing my son, Joseph, in 2013, who was born still - finally ignited my writing career. I began to write my story and didn't stop.
My memoir, Just Be, was published in 2018 and while I always knew I would venture into sweet romantic fiction, writing my story was important because for me - it is my ultimate love story.
Why sweet romance? Because stories with happy endings can help us grow as people and help us to be brave in a world that has many distractions, stresses, and where love is often challenged. My passion is to write and share romance that connects my readers with my characters whom they can relate to, smile within my stories and feel encouraged by the love that changes their lives, their relationships and their faith. Just as I wrap love around me every single day since overcoming trauma and grief.
You can connect with me in many ways -Sign up for my newsletter, read my latest blog or check out the latest on my social media channels.
Find Lindsay at https://www.lindsaygibson.com/

S4 E25 with YA Sci-fi Author James Bow
Coming November 12, 2024 from Shadowpaw Press 9781998273188 | Paperback, 476 pages | YA Science Fiction
Lieutenant Adeheid Koning was only 23 when the Earth's long fight against its environment ended in collapse and nuclear war. Earth's sudden silence leaves the colonies of the inner solar system without life-lines, in various stages of self-sufficiency. Or, in Mercury's case, not. To help her fellow stranded colonists of Mercury survive against starvation and a breakdown of order, Adelheid fights against some cold equations and makes some hard choices, ending up wearing an iron crown as queen of one of the rail cities of Mercury, constantly moving to stay ahead of the Sun.
Fifty years later, Adelheid's granddaughter Frieda is a 17-year-old princess who would rather be an engineer. Frieda's life is shattered when a suspicious accident takes one of her arms -- and is then turned upside-down when her mother dies from that accident. Frieda is left a young and vulnerable queen, locking horns with her grandmother, who is now regent and dowager.
When the Earth makes contact again, after fifty years of silence, Frieda is eager to end Mercury's isolation, but Adelheid is suspicious of the Earth's sudden return, and wary of the other latitude towns' desires to accept all that the Earth is offering, without question.
With thousands of lives on the line, is it wise to hope for healing? Or are we forever defined by what we do in the dark?
"The Sun Runners" is a story of intergenerational trauma, the cost of survival, and the necessary risks of hope.
Find James and his books here: https://bowjamesbow.ca/

S4 E24 with Fantasy Author Sebastien de Castell
From Sebastien... When I was sixteen, I was off on an island, camping by myself, and ended up having to wait about six hours for a ferry. While sitting on the pier, I read a book titled Bard by Keith Taylor filled with music, adventure, and swordplay. I was hooked. Unfortunately, it turns out there’s no such job as “bard” these days, so I’ve made do with a string of strange vocations, all of which brought me right back to books, only now I get to write them for a living!
Find Sebastien and his books here: https://decastell.com/

S4 E23 with Political Thriller Author Michael Fedor
Former Political operative lifts the curtain as political thriller authorMichael’s Story Award-winning political fiction author Michael Fedor brings a dynamic blend of suspense, thrillers, and political intrigue to readers with his captivating storytelling.
With over 20 years of political organizing and narrative expertise, Michael transforms his real-world experience from the wild, wooly worlds of Washington, D.C., and state capitals into gripping tales of power, ambition, and the human condition. His fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat writing style pairs seamlessly with meticulous research, creating thrillers that are not only exciting but also terrifyingly plausible.
Having transitioned from the classroom as a teacher 18 years ago to grassroots organizing, Michael has worked on campaigns at every level—from local to presidential—gaining firsthand insight into the personal costs of pursuing power. A former candidate and elected official himself, Michael retired from political life in 2020.
After years in the political trenches, Michael took the leap to pursue a long-held passion: writing. Dusting off a manuscript penned in 2004, he overhauled it, leading to the release of his award-winning debut novel, What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose in June 2024. This political thriller, the first in his “Bull Moose” series, has already garnered multiple awards and critical acclaim for its intense plot, accurate detail, and rich character development.
Michael earned both master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Penn State University. As a father and husband, he thoroughly enjoys forging new memories by planning adventures from the Fedor Family Bucket List.
Like the main character of Bull Moose, Michael is an avid outdoorsman, tenderhearted, a voracious reader, and a student of history. Michael remains undefeated at pub trivia.
Find Michael and Bull Moose here: https://michaelfedorbooks.com/

S4 October Bonus with Dark Fantasy Author Hollis Jo McCollum
From Hollis... Growing up a Navy brat gave me an extreme case of wanderlust and paved the way to becoming certifiably obsessed with ancient cultures, travel, and writing. Living abroad as a child helped to foster a sense of fun and wonderment at the world around me. Suffice to say that I loved my childhood so much so, that perhaps I never really grew up in my own head. Basically, you should never stop playing in life. The colors are much brighter that way!
My Father retired from the Navy when I was eleven, and I met Ashley, my very best friend and more of a sister, actually. One of the many activities we bonded over in our mutual creative nerdiness was playing Dungeons & Dragons. Over twenty five years later, we are still super geeks creating wonderful worlds and characters in between our adult lives. One of our adventures was the inspiration for my first novel, To Save a World, for which I am presently writing a sequel.
Curious to know more about me and my writing? Hop on over to www.hollisjomccollumauthor.com to learn more about my adventures and to keep in touch!
You can also see what I'm up to on Instagram as @hollisjomccollum or my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Rp-rstaQrxC6Hg3pNjpbg?view_as=subscriber
I'd love to hear from you.

S4 E22 with Romance Author Savannah Carlisle
From Savannah... My debut novel was released from Harpeth Road Press on May 7, 2024: The Library of Second Chances. I’m also currently editing my second novel, The Summer of Starting Over, and writing what I hope will be my third. They’re all small town romances set in fun, beachy locales. So, if you’re ready for a mental vacation, you’ve come to the right place!
Now to let you in on my little secret…my legal name is Kristi Dosh. I decided to go with a pen name when I started writing romance. People have lots of reasons for choosing to use a pen name, but as you can tell mine wasn’t anonymity.
If you happen to know me already as Kristi, then you know I’ve spent more than a decade now as a sports business reporter for outlets such as ESPN and Forbes and have published a book on the business of college football under that name. It’s also the name I used in my former life as an attorney.
Having spent more than a decade building up my platform as a sports business expert, my website and social channels under my real name are all full of dedicated sports fans…who I love. But, they’re not exactly the same demographic that might want to read romance novels.
So, I get to reinvent myself and be someone brand new, which I think will be a lot of fun. If you decide to follow me on this journey, I’m glad to have you along!
Find Savannah here: https://savannahcarlisle.com/

S4 E21 with Author Don Sawyer
Don Sawyer, writer and educator, grew up in Michigan and moved to Canada in the 1960s.
Don has worked with youth and adults from many cultural backgrounds and in a variety of locales. A world of opportunity and experiences opened up after he left a PhD program in Modern Chinese History, from teaching in a
small Newfoundland outport, to training community workers in West Africa, to teaching First Nations adults in BC, to designing a climate change action course for Jamaican youth.
Before moving to Ontario, Don lived and worked in Salmon Arm BC for more than thirty years. There he taught adult education, served as the Chair of the Okanagan University College (OUC) Adult Basic Education Department, and
acted as the Curriculum Director for the Native Adult Education Resource Centre.
Find Don and his books here: https://www.donsawyer.org/