For the Love of Books Podcast

”Mystekos Fall” portrays the ideal of balance in fantasy and real worlds

In her Mystekos season series, author Amy Klco takes on the big theme of creating a balance between fantasy and real worlds.

In the second book, "Mystekos Fall" of the Lake of Two Worlds series- Emily returns to Camp Tender-Heart- and to Mystekos-only to find new trouble waiting for her.

All four books are a product of Klco's participation in the National Novel Writing Month, even though the first book took 12 years to write, while the second book took only the month of November.

You can win the four-book Mystekos series by emailing Amy at enchantmentpress@gmail.com

 

 

YA author Melanie Hooyenga transports main character in ”Flicker” back in time

What would you change if you could go back to yesterday?

 

The main character Biz in Hooyenga's young adult book "Flicker" discovers that she has a special ability; she uses sunlight to jump back to yesterday. She takes advantage of flickering by retaking Trig tests, fixing fights with her boyfriend (or reliving the making up), and repeating pretty much anything that could be done better. Trouble is, flickering makes her head explode from the inside. Or feel like it anyway.

No one knows about her freakish ability and she’s content to keep it that way. Guys don't stick around because she refuses to let them in, but all that changes when Cameron, her best friend, starts looking oh-so-yummy. Suddenly she's noticing his biceps, his smile, and the cute way his eyes crinkle when he—gah! This is her friend!

But the butterflies come to a screeching halt when little girls start disappearing, then take a nosedive when the police link the kidnappings to Cameron's sister, who vanished years earlier. As the police grasp for clues, Biz photographs a strange man lurking in the shadows and realizes that her flickering can help more than just herself.

 

Listen to the episode for details of the giveaway. Contact Melanie through her website to receive a free signed book.

Author Melanie Hooyenga

 

 

 

Author D.A. Reed addresses teen depression, suicide and homelessness in her new books

Author D. A. Reed delivers a message of hope to struggling teens, their parents and educators in her young adult novels "All The Things We Didn't See" and "Nothin' but Gutters and Change."

"There is always help," she said. "As a society, we need to eradicate the stigma around mental illness. I didn't realize it was such a big problem."

After writing twice about difficult issues for teens, Reed realized that she need to be aware, that these problems exist in society.

"People approached me to write about depression and suicide," she said.

At first she balked at the issues, but then Reed buckled up to bring awareness to serious problems that people are struggling with.

"I made sure to write it in a way so it's not that intense that people wouldn't want to read about it," she said. 

Reed found a balance between stating the truth correctly while injecting some sarcastic humor into the stories.

"I always try to find that silver lining in difficult situations," she said.

 

 

True crime author Rod Sadler pens ”Killing Women”

What could be more frightening than the inevitable release of a serial killer?

A former police officer of 30 years, author Rod Sadler draws on his experience and relationships with the key people involved in the investigation, prosecution, and the defense of East Lansing serial killer Don Miller.

Due to pending changes in Michigan law, Miller could be released as soon as next year when he becomes eligible for parole. 

Miller was arrested for the attempted murder of two teenagers in 1978. However, the police quickly realized he was probably responsible for the disappearance of four women.

"Most people had forgotten this," Sadler said. "When Miller gets released, those teenagers will relive that day and each subsequent year. He could be your neighbor."

 

 

 

 

Power your NaNo 2021 authors offer tips to win the 50k word challenge

With the National Novel Writing Month better known as NaNoWriMo just around the corner,  NaNo authors Jean Davis, Sara Shanning, and Kristine Brickey share their insights from their experiences in conquering the word marathon.

According to all the panel participants whether you hit a writers' block, crossroads in the plot, or the midway slump, you just keep on rolling.

"Just keep on writing," Davis said.

 

Author Jared Morningstar delves deep into the American experience in his poetry and short stories anthologies

Author Jared Morningstar takes on different aspects of the great American experience ranging from fake patriotism as reflected in the title of the first collection of poems and short stories- "American Fries" to fear in "American Reality."

"American Reality captures the darkness of 2020," Morningstar said. "The fear of politics and our health concerns, but it's not just about Covid."

For a chance to win both books listen in to the episode.

Author Brenda Hasse pens ”A Victim of Desperation” as a National Novel Writing Month book

Author Brenda Hasse has participated in the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November multiple times. Her most recent NaNo book is "A Victim of Desperation" based on a true story about human trafficking.

Her most recent book, romantic suspense, is "A Cursed Witch" with a setting in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1828 when body snatchers stole dead bodies from "kirkyards" and sold them to the local medical college for 8 to 10 British pounds.

Listen in for a chance to win a free signed book of your choice.

47th Annual Island Art Fair in Grand Ledge will be all about shopping and camaraderie

"This island is for you," said art fair director Stephene Lapp. "We want you vendors. I can't wait to meet all the authors and all the vendors."

Seven Michigan authors will be among the 114 vendors on the island that is connected to the mainland by one bridge only. Lapp expects around 6,000 visitors to the event on July 31st. 

There will be also nine musicians and boat rides.

Authors Alley at Lakeshore Art Festival offers a variety of books

Come out this weekend to downtown Muskegon to 4th Street and Clay and you will find a reader's delight grouped in the Authors Alley; everything from kids books, Christian, fantasy, poetry, short stories, thrillers and horror.

"It's a festival in the streets," said author Melanie Hooyenga. "It feels like you're a part of the community."

Author Scott Rutherford draws on the story of prodigal son in "Dani's Inferno"

Once, Rutherford changed the main character of the prodigal son to prodigal daughter in his debut novel, Scott knew he had a story screaming to be told.

"The novel practically wrote itself," he said. "I am a plotter, writing is easy. The real challenge was presenting it to the world."