The Bookcast

Master thief Christmas “Crazy-Eyes” Parker has robbed and murdered a path from one end of the galaxy to the other, earning a solid living as a hired gun for the Galactic Coalition, the singular government controlling all planets inhabited by mankind. Now, in Kevin McCormick‘s book “A Voice in the Thunder,” an armored truck job goes sideways on the planet Eridan. Parker’s next move puts her at odds both with her government liaison, who betrays Parker thanks to a convincing religious experience, and her boss, a woman who is equal parts generous philanthropist and ruthless killer. And the package Parker stole off that armored truck threatens to forever alter what it means to be human. More below the media player. Listen to Kevin McCormick The Indie Author Life Most of the indie authors I know go into the writing process with a much keener appreciation for the enormity of their challenge than do many traditionally-published authors. Here’s a portion of a recent blog post by Kevin McCormick: I haven’t the slightest idea how most people decide whether or not to take a chance to an author they’ve never heard of. Hell, I don’t even know how I come to that [...]Similar Posts:A Death That Changes Many Young LivesWill This Teenager Step Up and Save His World?Teen Heroine vs Pirate SpyWill Ambition Get The Better of Verity Parker?If You’re Dead And You Know It, Clap Your Hands The post This Thief Steals Her Way Almost to Death appeared first on The Bookcast.

Sydney Harter has long awaited September 12th, 2033, her eighteenth birthday. She can finally apply for guardianship of her sister Evvie, her only family and entire world. Sydney holds a sliver of hope that they will be lawfully reunited, and that light will return to her desolate life. But she is prepared to defy authority and risk everything to escape Miles County so that she and Evvie can live full lives together. In Gabrielle Arrowsmith‘s dystopian young adult novel “Concealed in the Shadows” citizens are bound to their county by sophisticated chip implants that deliver shocks to anyone who crosses the electronic barrier. It would seem to be impossible to escape into the forgotten forests and cities of the past, but Sydney is determined to find a way, if she is denied guardianship of Evvie. More below the media player. Listen to Gabrielle Arrowsmith The Indie Author Life And see Gabrielle Arrowsmith’s book trailer:Similar Posts:Fear No Evil in The “Valley of the Shadows”She’s Trying, Very Hard, to Live – Happily Ever…One Man’s Search for a New Life – On An AsteroidDoes He Really Want to Know The Family Secrets?She Wanted to Kill Him – But Fell in Love Instead The post Two Sisters and the Impossible Escape appeared first on The Bookcast.

1983. Newborn MTV. Cabbage Patch Kids. President Reagan. A U.S. – Soviet Cold War that threatens to go “hot” at any moment. Against this backdrop three teenagers begin a year of painful change and turmoil after the sudden loss of one of their closest friends, in Kevin Sharp‘s book “After Dakota.” Dakota meant different things to Cameron, Bryce, and Claire. When she disappears in a plane crash, they each have to face their own mortality, along with the secrets they still carry about her. More below the media player. Listen to Kevin Sharp The Indie Author Life Kevin Sharp is also author of the prizewinning short story “2012.” An excerpt: You are 18 years old. In Amy’s bedroom, listening to Annie Lennox. The ice has made your earlobe numb. She lies on her back, silent beneath the artificial stars on the ceiling. The lamp, sheathed in red silk, highlights downy hair on her arms. You realize in hindsight that this is the type of memory one might refer back to when asked to name “A time you were truly happy.” In later retellings (to yourself primarily) you make yourself truly happy by lessening your soon-to-be sizzling agony, intense need to [...]Similar Posts:Will This Teenager Step Up and Save His World?This Thief Steals Her Way Almost to Death‘American Psycho’ Meets ‘Sex & the…The Secret That Haunts A Presidential HopefulIs No One Left Who Knows Compassion Anymore? The post A Death That Changes Many Young Lives appeared first on The Bookcast.

Premature birth remains the number-one killer of newborns in the United States. In fact, with about one in eight pregnancies resulting in premature birth each year, the U.S. has one of the worst records in the world, and certainly among developed nations. The statistics are not only appalling, but surprising, and many parents are shocked, frightened and confused as they attempt to navigate the world of the neonatal intensive care unit. Now comes a powerful and inspiring story about one woman’s experience with prematurity. Sola Olu‘s book, “The Summer Called Angel,” a memoir, began as Sola’s journal entries. It is a moving and detailed account of her thoughts and feelings at each step of her journey. “The Summer Called Angel” is a powerful tribute to parental love in the face of unexpected challenges. More below the media player. Listen to Sola Olu The Indie Author Life Sola Olu is a native of Nigeria, who worked for British Airways and visited the United States several times on vacation before eventually moving here after her marriage to her Illinois-based Nigerian husband. In an essay published at faithhopeandfiction.com, Sola wrote: I come from a “touchy-feely” nation; we give hugs and embraces to anyone [...]Similar Posts:Saved By An Angel. Oh, Wait…The Secret That Haunts A Presidential HopefulThe Knife Is Her Only ComfortWhat Got This (Good) Dad ArrestedThe Unique Courage of One Mother The post This is Not How Childbirth is Supposed To Go appeared first on The Bookcast.

Pryor Wright’s ultra-conservative radio show has millions of devout fans who are sure that the slurs and wild accusations fired at the liberal left prove him a true patriot. But in Robin Lamont‘s novel “Wright for America,” when his venomous rantings catch Maren Garrity’s twin brother in the crossfire, the struggling actress pursues her own style of justice. She enlists a troupe of fellow unemployed actors to teach Wright just how powerful words can be. More below the media player. Listen to Robin Lamont The Indie Author Life If you think you’ve heard of Robin Lamont, you’re right: ….I attended Carnegie-Mellon’s specialized drama program where I performed in and helped conceive the musical Godspell. I stayed with the show from its original Off Broadway run and went on to re-create my role in the film by Columbia Pictures. To my surprise and delight, my recording of “Day by Day” from the cast album became a hit on the Billboard charts, and the film version of the song still draws viewers from around the world. Later, I joined the Broadway cast of Grease, playing Sandy. And then I appeared in the Broadway production of Working, in which I sang James Taylor’s [...]Similar Posts:How to Get Your Song on the RadioA Professional Tour Guide’s Best Hollywood StoriesThe Mixed Blessing of Being One Soul in Two BodiesSmall Town, Big IntrigueWhat If This Was Really How It All Began? The post Sweet Revenge. And Irony. And Humor. And Sarcasm. appeared first on The Bookcast.

Somewhere in Algonquin Park, a three thousand square mile forest in northern Ontario, Canada, wanders fourteen-year-old Mary Elizabeth. Separated from her family during a weekend camping trip, M.E. must draw upon every ounce of strength and resolve to face the harsh landscape, wild animals and psychological battles that endanger her. In Brenda Murray‘s novel “The Haunting of M.E.” Mary Elizabeth’s journey through these woods takes her through some of the uncharted territory of her own soul — and ends with a haunting twist. More below the media player. Listen to Brenda Murray The Indie Author Life In our interview,  you heard Brenda mention the first draft of her story “The Haunting of M.E.” – scraps of paper she scribbled on while camping. On her blog, Brenda shows us those scribbles: This is a photo of the original outline that I wrote long hand by the light of a lantern on a few scraps of paper at our off-grid property near Algonquin Park. With no electricity, on the edge of a black lake and surrounded by Jack Pines I didn’t have to think too hard to imagine what it would be like to be lost in the woods. This story was [...]Similar Posts:She Was Lost, Now is Found. And Now Her Real Trouble…She Wanted to Kill Him – But Fell in Love InsteadCan a Life Not Lived Yet Save The One She Has Now?They Warned Her He Would Be Trouble. But a Killer?Dear Mom (And Dear Dad) The post Terrified, Lost In The Woods – With a Ghost appeared first on The Bookcast.

Keeva lives her life on the run, changing identities and personas. She is running from monsters she has never seen — vrykolakes, vampire creatures her father, Sandor, has told her stories about all her life. Keeva had almost convinced herself that these monsters had all died in a volcano eruption on the island of Strongili long ago. But, in Sherri Lackey‘s novel “The Vrykolakas Deviation,” when a vrykolakas named Severin kills Keeva’s best friend Mandy, she discovers the vrykolakes are alive and well. Keeva knows about Severin from her father’s stories, and her first impulse is to kill him and rid the world of the evil vrykolakas. However, she feels drawn to him, and takes him prisoner, hoping to better understand the vrykolakes and perhaps better understand herself. You see, Keeva is over two thousand years old. She doesn’t know who or what she is, but she wants to find out. In order to do that, she has to discover her past. And Severin might be the place to start looking for a connection to the past. Or he could be the worst mistake Keeva has ever made. Sherri will be awarding a $25 GC from Amazon to a randomly [...]Similar Posts:One Man’s Search for a New Life – On An AsteroidTerrified, Lost In The Woods – With a GhostThe Epic (Epic!) Story of a Magical Land in JeopardyThey Warned Her He Would Be Trouble. But a Killer?A (Princess) Penny’s Worth of Trouble The post She Wanted to Kill Him – But Fell in Love Instead appeared first on The Bookcast.

Prior to recorded history, a small genetic mutation occurred that created a race of humans now found among every civilization in every corner of the globe. Unrecognizable to the rest of mankind but dependent upon them for survival, this race is known as Mortui; those whose spirits do not sever from their bodies when they die. As S.P. Cloward reveals in his novel “AfterLife,” they are the source of all “living dead” legends. At the time of his premature death, Wesley Lohmann discovers he belongs to this select group. He is recruited by AfterLife, learns what it means to be Mortui, and joins in the impending conflict between two rival organizations; one determined to serve humans and the other focused on the domination and subjection of the living. As he struggles with new and past relationships and tries to find meaning for his continued existence, Wes discovers within himself the ability and heart to tip the balance in favor of those who want to deal harmoniously with mankind. More below the media player. Listen to S.P. Cloward The Indie Author Life On his website, S.P. Cloward offers up some very nice illustrations of key scenes in “AfterLife”. Here’s just one: [...]Similar Posts:The Mixed Blessing of Being One Soul in Two BodiesThe Epic (Epic!) Story of a Magical Land in JeopardySmall Town, Big IntrigueSweet Revenge. And Irony. And Humor. And Sarcasm.An Ireland Full of Sensory Delights The post What If This Was Really How It All Began? appeared first on The Bookcast.

Being born a twin means having a built-in best friend and soulmate. But that unique relationship doesn’t come without obstacles. Mirror-imaged, identical twins Lauren & Allison Knight describe, in their joint memoir Mirror Mirror, their past or current experiences with bullying, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and relationship and career uncertainty. All are struggles that, in some way, connect to their unique closeness.  Although they speak from their perspective as identical twins, the topics Allison and Lauren address are ones that affect the lives of so many others — twin or non-twin, male or female, young or old. More below the media player. Listen to Lauren & Allison Knight The Indie Author Life On their website, Lauren and Allison Knight explain their still-evolving career plans: Both of us graduated from Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario in 2006 with Double Honours degrees in English and History. During the following academic year we took the additional courses necessary to earn Minor degrees in French. With the aspiration to attain Masters degrees, in 2007 we embarked on a twelve-month History program which saw us graduate in the fall of 2008. As graduate students we had the great learning experience and responsibility of [...]Similar Posts:Debut Thriller is a Race With EvilWhat If This Was Really How It All Began?Strap Yourself In and Meet “A Greater Monster”Sweet Revenge. And Irony. And Humor. And Sarcasm.Can a Life Not Lived Yet Save The One She Has Now? The post The Mixed Blessing of Being One Soul in Two Bodies appeared first on The Bookcast.

The commander of the Levarian legion of gargoyles is an impressively tall, muscular and imposing figure named Ryder. And, as Lawna Mackie‘s fantasy romance “Perfect Misfits” opens, Ryder also has a problem. He keeps dreaming on duty, and falling – neither of which gargoyles ever do. Each of Ryder’s dreams is of the same woman, and every time it brings on red-hot, searing pain in the crescent-shaped scar on his palm. Driven to find this woman – and the reason for his bizarre dreams – Ryder lets himself fall… And he lands in a place he never knew existed and face to face with the woman of his dreams. Her name is Tempest. Labeled a misfit, Tempest was snatched away as a child and imprisoned in the hidden realm of Misfit Mountain, locked up by the ruler of the kingdom who intends to take her as his bride. Tempest has no choice but to brave the dangerous snow and ice of the mountain to escape. Love is the last thing on her mind — until Ryder snatches her from the air and into a whole new realm of feeling. More below the media player. Listen to Lawna Mackie The Indie [...]Similar Posts:The Astonishing Power – In An Old SuitcaseShe’s Trying, Very Hard, to Live – Happily Ever…A Love Story Across the CenturiesIf You’re Dead And You Know It, Clap Your HandsOne Man’s Search for a New Life – On An Asteroid The post Falling Hard for the Girl of His Dreams appeared first on The Bookcast.

Claire and Barloe are cousins, who had almost forgotten the enchanting adventures their Aunt Mim used to tell them about, when they were little girls. Her tales always began with, “Long ago in a faraway land…” But Aunt Mim is gone now, as Amre Cortadino‘s novel “Valley of the Shadows: Kingdom of Hillael” opens. “Long ago in a faraway land…”A priceless treasure, meant to forge an accord between the kingdoms of the KinKades and the Kaebreans, was taken. Betrayed, the enraged KinKades warred against Kaebrea and slaughtered its inhabitants. Although victorious in battle, the KinKades failed to recover their cherished offering. Their consuming hatred eventually transformed the KinKades into a secretive, mythical, feared society – the Shadows. Bordering both countries, Hillael vowed to remain neutral, and accepted all survivors. Secure within a prosperous nation, life in Hillael flourished. But now, conspiring to become King of Hillael, the ambitious, self-serving Rokhana forms an evil pact with the Shadows. An epic battle of good versus evil begins …. More below the media player. Listen to Amre Cortadino The Indie Author Life Where are Claire and Barloe? Jessa Larsen, in her review of Amre’s novel, said: I first thought this was going to [...]Similar Posts:Two Sisters and the Impossible EscapeAn Ancient Evil Is On The RiseTeen Heroine vs Pirate SpyThe Treasure Hunt That Will Change Her LifeGetting To More Soul-Full Eating The post Fear No Evil in The “Valley of the Shadows” appeared first on The Bookcast.

When last we met young Lady Alexin she was confronting the evil wizard Mylar, who killed her parents when she was 4. As Alex grew up she worked hard to gain the warrior skills to face Mylar in battle, unaware that she was born with those very skills. Now, in Joni Parker‘s new book “Tangled Omens” we catch up with Alex, whose adventures continue as she unravels the mysteries of Seaward Isle. In her new role as a Tracker, Alex is on the trail of a spy called the Horseman who is in cahoots with the pirates to steal Elfin gold. And Alex is experiencing new aspects of her own gifts bestowed on her by her Titan ancestors. More below the media player. Listen to Joni Parker Download audio file (joniparker.mp3) The Indie Author Life Joni Parker has an epic series of books planned in the Seaward Isle saga. Here’s her most recent book trailer ..Similar Posts:This Girl Is One Elf You Don’t Wanna Mess WithDoes He Really Want to Know The Family Secrets?The Knife Is Her Only ComfortThe Treasure Hunt That Will Change Her LifeSmall Town, Big Intrigue The post Teen Heroine vs Pirate Spy appeared first on The Bookcast.

Exploring the West of Ireland is a time for meditation, spiritual reflection and strengthening the bonds of life. More practically the ability to read a map might have proved helpful. The tourist office in Ireland has all their paths clearly marked. You can’t go wrong if you follow that little yellow man. Or can you? As British ex-patriate Kerry Dwyer leads her trusting French husband Bertrand astray once more, they reminisce and reflect upon accents and accidents, family and friends, love and what it means to be alive. Bertrand doesn’t mind getting lost – he loves Kerry all the more for going off the beaten track. Her book “Ramblings in Ireland” is not a book about rambling in Ireland. It’s the tale of one particular walking trip, and the memories and musings it inspired. More below the media player. Listen to Kerry Dwyer Download audio file (kerrydwyer.mp3) The Indie Author Life Kerry Dwyer was born in England but has lived in France for years. On her website Kerry writes that the trip to Ireland was a chance for Bertrand to discover for himself the joys of another culture… There is a lovely French expression “il ne perd pas le nord.” [...]Similar Posts:She’s Trying, Very Hard, to Live – Happily Ever…Can a Life Not Lived Yet Save The One She Has Now?Getting To More Soul-Full EatingTeen Heroine vs Pirate SpyHow to Get Your Song on the Radio The post An Ireland Full of Sensory Delights appeared first on The Bookcast.

Sometimes, the most important conversation you can have is with someone who is gone. Do the words “Dear Mom” come any easier when Mom is gone? What if there were things you never told her? Things you’ve always wanted to know? And after you’ve written letters pouring your heart out to your mom, would you show those letters to your dad? Kate Kaiser did. Her book “Letters to my Mother (But Really for My Father)” is the touching and true story of one woman’s open letters to her past, her family – and to herself. More below the media player. Listen to Kate Kaiser Download audio file (katekaiser.mp3) The Indie Author Life Why do writers write? Sometimes, as Kate explains in our interview, the writing begins almost effortlessly, with “Dear Mom” scrawled at the top of a piece of paper. The Hudson Reporter asked Kate Kaiser what else may be a foundation for her work: Do you write to find clarity about your life? KK: I began writing to understand me and to find a home for those complicated feelings that needed to come out. I didn’t understand that all my feelings were valid and that I choose what I [...]Similar Posts:The Unique Courage of One MotherHow to Write Mom’s StoryThis Guy’s No Killer – He’s a Regular…Does He Really Want to Know The Family Secrets?Five Moons Craving a Hero The post Dear Mom (And Dear Dad) appeared first on The Bookcast.

You’re invited to spend the night in The Usher Institute for the Study of Criminal Psychopathology. In Candy Korman‘s new suspense thriller “POED,” the clinic’s director takes you inside a contemporary version of Edgar Allan Poe’s dark and twisted world. The Usher, an exclusive clinic housing the most heinous killers in New York City, also prides itself on burying the deadliest secrets of the city’s most prominent families. It’s an original Gothic tale of horror that serves as homage to some of Poe’s most famous stories More below the media player. Listen to Candy Korman Download audio file (candykorman.mp3) Don’t see a player here? Click on this link to listen, or right click and “Save As” to download.   The Indie Author Life Are these “Poe-ish times”? Sure are, says Candy Korman. In a recent post at Candy’s Monsters, she writes: I know that many readers find Edgar Allan Poe’s writing style to be antiquated (convoluted, confusing & a bit too lavish), but I think we live in a time that Poe would understand. During his lifetime, Poe’s most notable stories were largely ignored or misunderstood. He made more money as a critic with scathing reviews of his contemporaries. His [...]Similar Posts:Just Your Friendly Neighborhood VampireWhy I Don’t Charge Authors to be InterviewedInside The Mind of a Serial KillerAuthors, What’s Up With Your Websites?How to Get Your Song on the Radio The post Paranoia, Revenge, Murder – Let’s Get Poed appeared first on The Bookcast.