Fiction, Writers on Writing

Jan 19: #1 NYT Bestselling Author Jacquelyn Mitchard with The Good Son

Her very first novel was also Oprah’s very first book pick!

Since then, Jacquelyn Mitchard has become one of America’s iconic storytellers. Today we talk about her amazing journey from newspaper reporter to bestselling author.

Jacquelyn shares how a dropped book in a coffee line inspired the story for The Good Son.  She shares why she keeps her characters “on a short leash”; how she created sympathetic characters even though they are heavily flawed. And why, after all her success, she still has a hard time introducing herself as an author.

About Jacquelyn Mitchard

Jacquelyn Mitchard is the New York Times bestselling author of 22 novels for adults and teenagers, and the recipient of Great Britain’s Talkabout prize, The Bram Stoker, and Shirley Jackson awards. Her first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean — the inaugural selection of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club — was later adapted into a feature film starring Michelle Pfeiffer.

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Memoir, Non Fiction, Spirituality

Jan 12: Dan Millman Peaceful Heart, Warrior Spirit

The True Story of My Spiritual Quest

Written to inspire others on their own quest, Peaceful Heart, Warrior Spirit: The True Story of My Spriritual Quest  is a new memoir by bestselling author, Dan Millman.

We discuss what it means to have a peaceful heart and a warrior spirit; and explore the four archetypes who mentored Dan, and helped shaped his journey from young champion gymnast, to spiritual teacher the Professor, the Guru, the Warrior-Priest, and Sage. Dan shares some of his personal challenges along the way, as well as his unique views on reaching your potential, and self-sabotage.

About Dan Millman

He teaches “the peaceful warrior’s way” around the world, and is the author of 18 books, published in 29 languages. Dan Millman is a former world-champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor. His original bestseller, Way of the Peaceful Warrior, was adapted to a feature film starring Nick Nolte.

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Inspirational, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Spirituality

JAN 04: Peter Russell’s Letting Go of Nothing

Relax Your Mind  & Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature

Peter Russell says “Think of letting go as, not another thing to do,but as an un-doing of holding on.”  Today, he shares approaches to help us release thoughts and feelings that block happiness, impede growth, and hinder self-acceptance.   

We’ll discuss why there is no such thing as ego, the difference between feelings and emotions, and how imagination can get in the way of happiness.  Letting Go of Nothing is filled to the brim with real world wisdom and empowering practices.

About Peter Russell

Peter Russell is an author, speaker, and thought leader on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. He holds degrees in theoretical physics and psychology, a masters in computer science, and extensive studies in meditation and eastern philosophy. The latest of his 12 books, Letting Go of Nothing: Relax Your Mind and Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature,  is a special Eckhart Tolle Edition.

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Health & Wellness, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Psychology, Self-help

DEC 29: Start 2022 Off Right with The Full Spirit Workout

10 Steps to Shedding Self-Doubt, Strengthening Your Spiritual Core, & Creating a Fun & Fulfilling Life

With roots in positive psychology, neuroscience, and whole-person coaching techniques, The Full Spirit Workout  by Kate Eckman shares practices that saved and transformed her life. Kate’s results-driven plan is designed as an ongoing resource.

Kate shares her 5-minute daily check in. A better way to look at perfectionism. Resistance and surrender.  And how to make sure you’ve not lost sight of the truth of who you are.

About Kate Eckman

TV personality and broadcast journalist KATE ECKMAN is a former athlete whose expertise in communications, performance, and mindfulness aid her as a success coach for business leaders and athletes.  Kate is a certified ICF coach (ACC), a licensed NBI consultant, and a meditation teacher and course creator for Insight Timer. The FULL SPIRIT WORKOUT: A 10-Step System to Shed Your Self-Doubt, Strengthen Your Spiritual Core, and Create a Fun & Fulfilling Life is Kate’s first book.

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Inspirational, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Self-help

DEC 22: Girl Be Brave with Cheryl Hale

Finding Courage in 100 Days

When life throws you that unexpected curve, it takes bravery to hit it out of the park! Cheryl Hale knows that first hand and today we discuss her small but powerful book, Girl Be Brave: 100 Days to Chart Your Course.

We share the dangers of perfectionism, the pitfalls of overplanning, and taking your future into account with the choices you make today. Cheryl also shares how she overcame her fears and negative selftalk to walk more in love, empathy, and compassion.

About Cheryl Hale

Cheryl Hale is an entrepreneur–an author, writer, blogger, and founder of Girl Be Brave, an online community at GirlBeBrave.com. Cheryl’s book makes for a beautiful last minute Christmas gift or a treat for yourself!

 

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Fiction, Suspense, Writers on Writing

Dec 16: Last Girl Ghosted with NYT Bestselling Author Lisa Unger

Think Twice Before You Swipe

Whether or not you’ve already dated online, Lisa Unger‘s Last Girl Ghosted will definitely make you think twice before you swipe. As well as the dangers of online dating, this suspense story touches on mental health, family abuse, and a survivalist lifestyle.

Today we talk about why Lisa says love is not an algorithm. How she crafted her protagonist,  flaws and all. The most challenging parts of writing … or not.  What Lisa’s mom asked her to change in the book. And … did she change it?

About Lisa Unger

Lisa Unger is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author. With books published in 30 languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is widely regarded as a master of suspense. Her latest novel is LAST GIRL GHOSTED.

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Fiction, History, Writers on Writing

DEC 08: Love, Theodosia with Lori Anne Goldstein

Historical love story inspired by Hamilton

LOVE, THEODOSIA takes place during the post-American Revolution era. After seeing the hit musical, Hamilton, author Lori Anne Goldstein started questioning “what if?” That led her to conjure a tale of Philip Hamilton and Theodosia Burr–a vibrant feminist, ahead of her time, who was lost at sea.

We discuss how Lori captured the essence of real life characters that she fictionalizes in Love, Theodosia. What went into her research. Some of the challenges her characters faced. And how Lori went from YA author to writing historical fiction.

About Lori Anne Goldstein

A creative writing instructor, Lori Anne Goldstein is the author of four young adult novels. She credits her journalism background with giving her the skills and desire to conduct the extensive research at the core of her adult historical debut, LOVE, THEODOSIA.

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History, Non Fiction, Travel & Adventure

DEC 01: Brad Ricca with True Raiders

The Untold Story of the 1909 Expedition to Find the Legendary Ark of the Covenant

When author Brad Ricca learned his favorite movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, might have been based on a real life expedition, he felt as though his “… face was melting off.” So maybe it was inevitable that one day he’d dig deeper into the story and write his own book about the true archaeological exploration.

We discuss some of the real life characters from the 1909 event, and how Brad researched the facts (and maybe a few conspiracies). How he chooses what to include and discard when storytelling for nonfiction. And how he managed to climb into the mindset of each character to share their point of view.

About Brad Ricca

The author of the Edgar Award-nominated Mrs. Sherlock Holmes, Olive the Lionheart, and Super Boys, Brad Ricca is also the winner of the Ohioana Book Award for Nonfiction. He won the St Lawrence Book Award for American Mastodon. And his latest book is True Raiders: The Untold Story of the 1909 Expedition to Find the Legendary Ark of the Covenant.

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Journalism, Non Fiction, Social Issues

NOV 24: Pulitzer Prize Winner Eric Eyre with Death in Mud Lick

Why Death In Mud Lick Booka town called Kermit with only 382 residents prescribed 12 million pills in 3 years.

In Death in Mud Lick: A Coal Country Fight against the Drug Companies that Delivered the Opioid Epidemic, journalist Eric Eyre set out to expose the mysteries, tragedies, and government corruption behind the opioid crisis in West Virginia.

Eric joins us to share stories from the investigative research that took him to counties at the heart of the opioid crisis—small rural counties with the highest overdose rates in the United States.  We discuss the  importance of strong independent journalism, and community journalism in particular. Eric also shares the  concept of sustained outrage and how even tiny actions can make a huge impact.

About Eric Eyre

For more than 20 years, Eric Eyre was a reporter for the Charleston Gazette-Mail.  His series of investigations into massive shipments of opioids to West Virginia’s southern coalfields was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 2017, and led to his book, Death in Mud Lick: A Coal Country Fight against the Drug Companies That Delivered the Opioid Epidemic.

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Journalism, Memoir, Non Fiction

NOV 17: Sacrifice: A Gold Star Widow’s Fight for the Truth with Michelle Black

How a Green Beret wife restored her husband’s good name

When Green Beret Bryan Black and three of his team were killed during an ambush in Niger, the military spun a tale of disinformation, misdirecting blame and shame. The media repeated it. Over and over. And that fueled widow Michelle Black‘s journey to find the truth.

Michelle shares how she went from being wife and mom to investigative journalist. We discuss life before the fatal mission–one that wasn’t supposed to happen. How leadership ignored the plea to abort. And the many challenges Michelle faced in interviewing survivors, and exposing the military cover up that left her children fatherless.

About Michelle Black

Michelle Black is mother to two boys, a Gold Star widow, and author. She has a degree in environmental sciences and horticulture. She’s been published in the New York Times, The Daily Beast, and Task & Purpose. Sacrifice: A Gold Star Widow’s Fight for the Truth is her debut book.

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