Lydia Aswolf

I must admit, having read David’s extraordinary work, I’ve been looking forward to welcoming him to the show for a chat since the moment I booked him for an appearance on Lydia’s Literary Lowdown. Let the talk begin! You can…and should, find David on Twitter @DavidBeeson2 or on his blog right here:

http://davidbeesonrandomviews.blogspot.com/

Thirty years working for small companies, middle-sized companies, large companies, in Britain, in France, in Germany, owned by larger than life owners or anonymous shareholders from Europe, the States, even in one glorious, technicolor experience, by a larger-than life South African, have deeply ingrained in me a sense of what makes business tick, what makes it lurch along or fall, what makes it create or destroy.

Again and again, I’ve been the enthralled if not appalled spectator of the loyalties, noble and corrupt, the betrayals, the manipulations, the subversions that mark the relationships between the men and women whose work drives businesses or whose leadership takes them to success or failure. I’ve seen that the failures, personal or corporate, far outnumber the successes. And I’ve been the victim or the beneficiary of both – and much more often the victim.

But way back before all this started, I’d been a student of language – above all French and Italian – and of great novels written in a number of them, to say nothing of my own. And in all that 30 years of experience of rough and tumble of business, I’ve always felt there was material here to turn into novels not yet written, novels that might speak to people out there precisely because they talk about experiences they recognise as their own.

Does the formula work? I don’t know. The first attempt is nearly ready for release, the second is far advanced. There will come a time when I have screw up my courage and let them go and see where they take me. And all my experience of watching heights scaled and depths plunged will, at that stage, no doubt be more than ever necessary to me

I’m so excited to wrangle author Robbie Cox into appearing as a guest on Lydia’s Literary Lowdown. Having read Reaping the Harvest, I’m looking forward to harangui…ahem, I mean, asking him how he came up with an intriguing premise and threaded his way through a complicated (in a good way!) plotline.

Robbie Cox started writing in high school as a way of escaping the lessons his teachers tried to cram into his head.  With the aid of two very determined Literature teachers, he was given the push he needed as well as the guidance to win the Florida Pride Award for both short stories and poetry by his senior year and also helped create the school’s literary magazine, Spindrift.  However, it was five years later before he made his first sale, an essay on prayer, to Decision Magazine.

With that milestone, Robbie turned his attention to freelance writing in between his daily jobs and the raising of three boys.  While not always able to focus on it as he would have liked, he was able to stay active with his writing and has been published in parenting, religious, retirement, and ghost story magazines.  He had also written a Christmas play for local churches and was at one time a contributor to the Good Shephard Ministries Newsletter.  Still, he kept working on his novel and short stories.

In September of 2010, he decided to stop dabbling with his writing and began to take it seriously.   With the help of three ladies, whom he affectionately refers to as the girls or his editors-in-residence, he launched his blog, The Mess that Is Me.

Living along the Space Coast beaches of Florida with the girls, his 21 year old son, Zac, an 8-year old that demands quite a bit of attention, and two cats, his home is a revolving door of family, friends, and adventures to keep the imagination - and gossip mill- churning.  In 2012, he published his free short story, Circle of Justice, on Smashwords, which has received great reviews, and in February of this year, Robbie published his first novella, Reaping the Harvest, also on Smashwords.

I’m so thrilled to welcome Daria back to the show to discuss her upcoming book, as well as all the effort she puts into promoting her fellow authors and aspiring authors! You can find Daria on Twitter, (@dariaanne), on her blog, (http://www.dariadigiovanni.com/) and #Writestream (http://www.dariadigiovanni.com/writestream/)

Daria DiGiovanni was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in the nearby suburb of Media. The youngest of five children in a close-knit family, she earned a B.A. in English from Villanova University before relocating to South Florida in 1994.

A talented wordsmith from a very early age, Daria’s experience includes copywriting, website content, e-proposal and RFP writing, blogging, book editing and social media. Her first novel, Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, is a loosely autobiographical tale that explores the themes of first love, second chances, family, faith, personal growth, forgiveness, gratitude and patriotism.

In July, 2009 Water Signs won the Book of the Week Award from Blurb! Talk Radio, competing with several other novels for that coveted title. Daria appeared on Blurb! Talk Radio with Dr. Kent and Sally to discuss her work and accept her award on July 15, 2009. Listen to the interview on Blog Talk Radio.

Over three years ago, Daria discovered a passion for internet radio, starting out as a guest on various programs to discuss her book. That experience led to founding Conservative Republican Forum with co-host Steven Rosenblum in May, 2009. Airing every Saturday at 6 p.m. Eastern, the weekly broadcast — also part of the Red State Talk Radio Network — features commentary on current events as well as prominent conservative pundits, candidates, elected officials and national security experts. Recent guests include Mike Baker, Michelle Malkin and Jedediah Bila.

Daria has previously co-hosted Red State Town Hall with Premo Mondone in addition to flying solo with The Liberty Belle Hour, first on WAFS.TV and later on Blog Talk Radio.

She is also a proud co-founder of The Conservative Diva with fellow activist and patriot Ellen Snyder, and founder of the Writestream Twitter Chat and the Writestream Radio Network on Blog Talk Radio.

Based on the concept that “whatever the soul gives, the soul lives,” the What Happens If I… book by Betsy Otter Thompson takes you on an inner journey toward growth and understanding. Ms. Thompson’s theory of emotional action/reaction enables you to see yourself honestly. And with a little humor, she provides practical skills for achieving a richer, fuller, and more meaningful life.

In addition to Walking Through Illusion (published by O-Books, an imprint of John Hunt Publishing Ltd), Betsy Otter Thompson is the author of The Mirror Theory (published by Hampton Roads Publishing) and 4 self-published books through her own company, Ascension Publishing. The self-published books are now at of print except for LOVEPARENT, which is now available on Kindle and through Paypal. WALKING THROUGH ILLUSION: Jesus Speaks of the People who Shared his Journey (2010) THE MIRROR THEORY: The Way to Inner Peace, Resolution and Transformation (2005); The WHAT HAPPENS IF I…Book: How To Make Action/Reaction Work For You Instead Of Against You (1996). YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK: Make Your Thoughts Delicious (1993); LOVEHUMAN: How To Be Who You Love (1992); LOVEPARENT: How To Be The Parent You Hope To Be (1991); Betsy’s work has always gravitated toward the media. A native Philadelphian with a B.F.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, Betsy worked as an account executive for WFIL radio in Philadelphia, and from there went to radio stations WPEN and WFLN. After that, she became a commercial print model and acted in television commercials in New York and Philadelphia. For seventeen years, she worked in Los Angeles at the motion picture and television company Castle Rock Entertainment as the Assistant to the Chairman and CEO. In August ‘99, she followed her boss to Warner Bros. as he took a new position there as President and COO, and became his Executive Assistant. She is now writing full time. Betsy’s writing began unexpectedly while going through an especially difficult time in her life. She believes that her books were the answer to her prayers.

What Happens if I… Walking Through Illusion The Mirror Theory

Pitch:  When their adoptive father mysteriously dies, fifteen-year-old Haeden and Veanne are left defenseless against a preternatural plague spreading across an isolated Victorian colony. That is, until they unearth the dark legacy of their bloodline.

That’s it. That’s what immediately caught my attention about terrifically talented Sarah Turnbull…that pitch. We had both entered the same contest together, though her pitch was YA Dark Fantasy and mine was Adult Urban Fantasy. Sarah got five well deserved requests for her fantastic manuscript, and I got a few too. We’re both waiting to hear back, and there’s no better way to wait than to talk writing, publishing, and agent hunting together on the Lowdown! Sarah is @thesaturnbull on Twitter, on Pinterest here: http://pinterest.com/thesaturnbull/ and you can catch the show right here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ggmradio/2013/04/13/lydias-literary-lowdown-with-lydia-aswolf

In 2001, Sarah joined the AmeriCorps NCCC and served ten months on a team “getting things done” across the US. She also went to art school, so there’s that.

Sarah is currently revising a YA dark fantasy novel, and finishing up the first draft of a modern fantasy MG.

Aside from writing, she experiments with vegan baking, runs ten to twenty miles per week (to offset all the baking), and volunteers at a local no-kill animal shelter. She is a founding member of Wordsmith Studio, a community for writers.

If it weren’t for my secret fear of flying kettle balls, I’d bully Mary into telling us more about her follow up (Illumination) to her brilliant first book, Incandescent. As a matter of fact, I don’t know that her prowess with kettle balls or intimate knowledge of medicine (and thus ways to shut me up efficiently) will prevent my pestering her for spoilers in the upcoming Illumination. You can find the first book in the series, Incandescent here: http://www.amazon.com/Incandescent-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B008PW2ZO4 You can also find and follow the lovely Mary on Twitter: @MVFree, and don’t forget to stop by her site for updates on Illumination right here: http://www.mvfreeman.com Join Mary and I on Saturday at 4pmCST…and discover for yourself if my secret fear of kettle balls is revealed and used against me…or not. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ggmradio/2013/04/06/lydias-literary-lowdown-with-lydia-aswolf

M.V. Freeman is a native of Minnesota, but calls North Alabama her home. She is a member of RWA, and the chapters: Georgia Romance Writers and Southern Magic. By day her mind is filled with medical jargon at the local health clinic, but at night she finds herself exploring alternate worlds within our own. Heavily influenced by Slavic languages and culture, you will find she weaves these elements into her stories. Her award winning debut novel INCANDESCENT is the first in a series. She is currently working on the second book in the series while plotting another set of stories. When she is not writing, she’s reading, cooking, throwing around kettle bells, or making coffee.

I am fortunate enough to have been able to read two of Eric’s books, and I cannot wait to dive in and interrogat…I mean, ask him questions about the amazing life he’s led. I happily follow Eric on Twitter (he’s SpitToonsSaloon there), love his blog (http://spittoonssaloon.blogspot.com/) and you can find his books at: http://www.amazon.com/Eric-Kobb-Miller/e/B005KSV66Y

Eric Kobb Miller is a retired dentist, no longer swimming upstream in
saliva and wanting to get out of the mouth and into the world. He has
traded his drill for a quill and now practices the art of literary
humor, and has just published the third book of his Spit Toon’s Saloon
trilogy. The first book is called Spit Toon’s Saloon, Rinnce and Spit
Toon, Proprietors, Sad Songs and Funny Tales on Tap. He followed up
with Overheard at the Bar at Spit Toon’s Saloon, and then, most
recently, with Toasts from the Tap at Spit Toon’s Saloon. Born and
raised in New York, he was a resident there until 6 years ago, when he
and his wife moved to the Philadelphia area, to be near their daughter
and two grandsons. He is a Vietnam Veteran.

It’s true. I’ll be starting the second season of Lydia’s Literary Lowdown with my fantastic guest, author Melissa Carey. I’ve had the pleasure of her company once before on the show, and am looking forward to getting the scoop on her second book! Her amazing bio is below, as well as where you can find her!

Melissa Carey is the author of the *Macie’s Guide to the Odd, Strange,
Bizarre Unique, Unexplained and Twisted* series. Melissa published the
first book in the “Macie’s Guide” series, *The Power Awakened*, in March
2012. The expected release date for the second book, which will publish
under the series name and simply be titled, *Book II, *is May 2013.

Ms. Carey has also developed a children’s program based on the book’s
themes in which the participants discuss dreams and dream symbols, being an
individual, and dealing with the feelings of grief and loss. Just like
Macie, the main character of the series, who uses journaling to express her
thoughts and feelings and to deal with her experiences, each participant
creates a journal during the event. The program is available for use in
libraries and community-based events.

In addition to writing, Ms. Carey also combines her background in Music
Therapy to help children and adults. As a music therapist, Ms. Carey uses a
variety of music activities to elicit or enhance family memories, teach
music and relaxation techniques, provide music and meditation sessions, and
lead energizing and interactive group drumming (drum circles).

The first book in *the Macie’s Guide to the Odd, Strange, Bizarre, Unique,
Unexplained and Twisted – The Power Awakened*, is available at Amazon.com
and BN.Com. Connect with the author at
melissacarey.com<http://www.melissacarey.com/>,
and on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/MelissaCarey.page> or
Twitter<https://twitter.com/mcb1219>

Okay.

Move is over, I’m settled in, and itching to get back on the airwaves; luckily for me, I have the delightful Daria Anne DiGiovanni guesting this coming Tuesday, April 5th, at 2pmEST right here:

http://bit.ly/hPlB3l

Daria DiGiovanni was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in the nearby suburb of Media. The youngest of five children in a close-knit family, she earned a B.A. in English from Villanova University before relocating to South Florida at age 27. A passionate wordsmith from a very early age, DiGiovanni’s experience includes copywriting, website content, e-proposal and RFP writing, blogging and book editing. Her first novel, Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, loosely chronicles her own 16-year spiritual and personal growth journey in a simultaneously heart-wrenching and uplifting tale of first love, family, second chances, forgiveness, gratitude and patriotism.

DiGiovanni has also appeared on numerous internet talk radio programs, as well as traditional AM channels. Thanks to her performances during these interviews, show hosts Premo Mondone, Stephen Rhodes and Steven Rosenblum invited her to assume regular co-hosting duties on their unique Blog Talk broadcasts – opportunities the author/activist happily accepted. Until recently, on the first and third Saturdays of  the month at 9 p.m. Eastern, she co-hosted Red State Town Hall with Premo Mondone,  and on Tuesday evenings at 9 p.m. Eastern, The Republican Temple with Stephen Rhodes.

Every Saturday at 6 p.m. DiGiovanni continues to co-host Conservative Republican Forum with Steven Rosenblum, which has received rave reviews from Parcbench.com. She also makes recurring visits to BTR programs Neidner’s Talk Show,  Freedom’s Wings, The Black Sphere , Patriot Action Live, The Fritch Show and Young Gun Conservative. And you can find her occasionally on Kevin Price’s excellent show, Price of Business on CBS Radio.

On January 7, 2010, DiGiovanni launched her own internet TV program called The Liberty Belle Hour on WAFS-TV. A high-energy combination of entertainment, insight and debate, the show features accomplished guests from a variety of fields including politics, pop culture, health and wellness, small-business and publishing. With the closure of the WAFS-TV studio at the end of June, 2010, DiGiovanni relocated The Liberty Belle Hour to Blog Talk Radio, where she now broadcasts every Thursday evening from 6-7 p.m. Eastern. The new show debuted on August 5, 2010 with Philly Sportsradio personality Steve Trevelise. And just as before, live chat is always open and calls are gratefully received!

In other news, Ms. DiGiovanni won the Book of the Week Award from Blurb! Talk Radio, competing with several other fiction writers for that coveted title. She appeared on Blurb! Talk Radio with Dr. Kent and Sally to discuss her book on July 15, 2009. Listen to the interview here.

On September 23, 2009, DiGiovanni addressed the Hawthorne Writers Group in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Watch the video of her presentation here.

Ms. DiGiovanni was also selected as one of twelve authors to participate in the Delray Beach Library’s Eleventh Annual Author’s Showcase, which took place on January 10, 2010. She appeared in a promotional piece prior to the event in the Boca Raton Forum, having been interviewed about her work by journalist, Marcie Shatzman.

She currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida.

On Psychically Correct, Suzanne and I are going to be fielding YOUR questions all show long, so don’t forget to call into (347)237-5339 to chat with us!

Have to cancel this weeks lineup, will be following hubby and our belongings on the road to my home state, Missouri; can’t resist the opportunity to get out of the Texas heat and live near a lake on several peaceful acres of land.

Hate to let Sarah Prout and Betsy Otter Thompson fans down, but life got in the way this time…

Will do my best to post asap after relocation!