#WriterWednesday Interview with Maria Gallucci 

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I’d like to welcome author Maria Gallucci to the blog today for #WriterWedensday!

Words that describe you:

Determined, compassionate, optimistic, resilient, and just a little stubborn.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t:

Impatient and overly ambitious. I always have a million ideas and not enough hours in the day.

Something you’re really good at:

Connecting with people. Whether it’s through real estate, my book, or everyday conversations, I genuinely love helping people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Something you’re really bad at:

Sitting still and relaxing. Even when I’m supposed to be taking a break, I’m usually thinking about my next project.

Things you’d walk a mile for:

Coffee, great Italian food, a good book, and quality time with people I love.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room:

Negativity, unnecessary drama, and people who talk more than they listen.

Things you always put in your books:

Heart, humor, hope, and reminders that connection matters.

Things you never put in your books:

Anything intended to tear people down or make someone feel small.

Favorite places you’ve been:

Italy is at the top of my list. I also love Hawaii and anywhere I can experience a different culture and meet interesting people.

Places you never want to go to again:

I honestly can’t think of one. I usually find something to appreciate wherever I go.

Favorite things to do:

Traveling, reading, spending time with family and friends, hanging out with my pug Ray Ray, and helping people find a place to call home.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing:

Folding laundry. I’d rather negotiate a complicated real estate transaction.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done:

Writing and publishing Raised in Silence. Sharing your life story with the world is both terrifying and incredibly rewarding.

Something you chickened out from doing:

Skydiving. I keep saying maybe someday, but that day hasn’t arrived yet.

The funniest thing to happen to you:

I’ve accidentally started signing to hearing people who don’t know ASL and not realized it until they gave me a very confused look. Growing up in a Deaf household, it happens more often than you’d think.

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you:

Walking confidently into the wrong meeting and introducing myself before realizing I wasn’t supposed to be there.

The coolest person you’ve ever met:

My parents. They are both Deaf and taught me resilience, determination, and that communication is about so much more than words.

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video:

Most celebrities seem shorter in real life than they do on television! Like me!!! 

The nicest thing a reader said to you:

That Raised in Silence opened their eyes to a world they had never thought about before and helped them better understand the Deaf community and the importance of inclusion.

The craziest thing a reader said to you:

That they laughed, cried, and stayed up way too late because they couldn’t put the book down.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done:

Building businesses that bring people together. From real estate to advocacy work, I’ve always loved finding creative ways to connect communities.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it:

I’ve had plenty! But some of my biggest lessons and best opportunities came from projects that didn’t go according to plan.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books:

One of the stories in Raised in Silence is helping my Deaf parents navigate the home-buying process when I was just a kid. That experience shaped not only my life but eventually my career in real estate.

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not:

Readers sometimes assume every detail and conversation happened exactly as written. While the book is based on my life, some scenes were condensed or combined to help tell the story.

My favorite book as a child:
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

A book I’ve read more than once:
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Motto: Just Try 

About Maria:

Maria Gallucci is a bestselling author, REALTOR®, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusion. As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), she grew up bridging the Deaf and hearing worlds, an experience that inspired her book Raised in Silence: Lessons on Listening, Love, and Loud Family Dinners From a Child of Deaf Adults. Maria is passionate about communication, belonging, leadership, and helping people connect across cultures, communities, and differences.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: Home - Raised In Silence by Maria Gallucci

Facebook: Facebook

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Michael Hingson

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Author Michael Hingson is my guest today for #WriterWednesday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Coming up with new book possibilities

Easiest thing about being a writer: Talking about my books and what I put in them, especially teaching moments.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Collaboration as I prefer to work with someone. We feed off each other which spirs my creativity.

Things that hamper your writing: Putting some of my hardest thoughts into words. Again, collaboration helps.

Words that describe you: “Blind World Trade Center Survivor,” Bestselling author, International acclaimed author, Kind.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Disabled, Visually impaired, Less than others especially those who can see.

Something you’re really good at: Collecting old time radio shows, doing my podcast, public speaking

Something you’re really bad at: driving a car but that skill will improve later, speaking languages other than English.

Last best thing you ate: Garrett popcorn

Last thing you regret eating: raw tomatoes

Favorite music or song: Big band music especially Benny Goodman

Music that drives you crazy: rap and hip-hop

The last thing you ordered online: treats for my guide dog, Alamo and treats I purchased for my cat Stitch

The last thing you regret buying: A ladder that didn’t meet my needs.

Things you’d walk a mile for: My guide dog and cat. Speaking at venues where people have an interest in what I have to say, Mint chip ice cream, Virgil’s barbecue.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: People who do not want to communicate and who think they are the only ones who are right. TV shows without much or any dialog. Pizza made with way too much dough and not enough toppings to balance them out.

Things you always put in your books: Life lessons I think people might want to read about. Stories about how I and other blind people live work and have fun. Things that are fun and enjoyable to read about.

Things you never put in your books: Condescending words. Political things unless I can present all sides in a way that won’t offend.

Things to say to an author: Hello. I want to learn more about you and your books. I would like to invite you to be a guest on my podcast, Unstoppable Mindset.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: I am a better writer than you. I would like your autograph, (especially when I know they hate giving autographs). I want to be in your next book.

Favorite places you’ve been: New Zealand. All over the U.S. Canada

Places you never want to go to again: I have yet to visit a place where I wouldn’t want to revisit.

Favorite books (or genre): The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein. Science fiction and cosey mysteries.

Books you wouldn’t buy: Most books on politics. Books that put some people down.

Favorite things to do: Talk with people. Cruising. Playing with Alamo and Stitch. Public speaking. Crafting a new book.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Eating raw tomatoes. Listening to people who won’t listen back. People who clearly don’t want to share ideas or consider learning from someone who has a different opinion than they.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: Traveling from my home in California alone to Boston for the first time.

Something you chickened out from doing: So far, sky diving.

The coolest person you’ve ever met: Peter Falk. Also Larry King.

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: Wouldn’t know about that, but I did see Adam West, (TV’s Batman), who acted like a jerk.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: You taught me a lot about blindness and blind people. I take your lessons to heart.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: While attending and speaking at a book club where everyone had supposedly read my book, Thunder Dog, the first question I was asked was “what were you doing in the World Trade Center anyway?”.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done:

Crafting and giving speeches. Hosting a podcast. Working with Ray Kurzweil to help develop the first reading machine for blind and low vision people.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: Life in general. I always wanted to go into professional teaching at the high school or college level. However, while my life took a different direction, I have learned how I still am in reality a teacher.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: Escaping from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: My guide dog, Roselle, did all the work and “lead” me out of the World Trade Center. However, that is not what a guide dog does.

The first 8-track, record, cassette, or CD you ever bought: A record by the Kingston Trio back in 1957.

A type of music that’s not your cup of tea: RAP and/or heavy metal.

About Michael:

On September 11, 2001, a blind man escaped the World Trade Center by walking down 78 flights of stairs with his guide dog. Days later, America fell in love with Mike and Roselle and the special bond that helped them both survive one of the country’s darkest days.

Immediately after the 9-11 tragedy, Michael was featured on the Larry King show five times. To quote Larry King…

“Michael Hingson is an international hero honored and awarded by top organizations worldwide.” This media exposure changed the course of Michael’s life and launched him into a speaking career that has spanned over nineteen years. He now travels the world as a keynote and inspirational speaker that can motivate audiences to action.

Let’s Be Social:

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/mhingson

https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/

https://www.facebook.com/Roselle911GuideDog/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1568642850718948

https://www.facebook.com/?paipv=0&eav=AfZNi2VDR2R4nC6SveyCvZIyKtyi9VOLOzOKcG-v0Hk1glaVssEHwdR920w1_u-8B-k&_rdr

https://www.facebook.com/?paipv=0&eav=AfZNi2VDR2R4nC6SveyCvZIyKtyi9VOLOzOKcG-v0Hk1glaVssEHwdR920w1_u-8B-k&_rdr

Twitter, https://twitter.com/mhingson

LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson

Youtube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCx2L9OVN38Dv4mX6udP8g.

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Alison McBain

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I’d like to welcome Alison McBain back to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

Words that describe you: I’m loyal to a fault, but if my trust is broken in someone, I have a hard time ever getting over it.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: There’s a streak of stubbornness that runs through me. Well, maybe more than a streak, if I’m being honest. It can be great to be stubborn—I accomplish things that are hard to do. But it also sucks being, essentially, an immovable brick wall. Most people have a hard time climbing over a brick wall and seeing what’s on the other side.

Last best thing you ate: I love sweets of any sort. Cookies, cupcakes, ice cream, various candies—sign me up for all of them. So, the last best thing that I ate? A chocolate bar. Yum!

Last thing you regret eating: Well, here’s the rub. Sweets are definitely not great for you. So, while I almost never say no to a dessert, I definitely regret it after I’m done eating it. So, the last thing I regret is, unfortunately, also that chocolate bar.

The last thing you ordered online: I have three kids and they all like to get out and about during the summer—in Alberta, Canada, the warm seasons are shorter than some of the other places that I’ve lived. But given that my three kids are also all about the same size as me, they tend to “borrow” anything that I buy for myself. Permanently. The last 3 bicycles that I’ve purchased for myself ended up going to them, one at a time. So, after the last bike I bought was co-opted a few months ago by my middle daughter, I just bought another one for myself. We’ll see if I actually get to use it.

The last thing you regret buying: I bought a gift for my dad, which was a book from an author I had never read myself. While I sometimes get gems that way, this one was a bit of a dud. When I asked my dad if he liked the story, he shrugged and said it wasn’t for him. Oh, well.

Things you always put in your books: I don’t just write prose, I’m also an avid poet as well. So, I like to add a bit of poetry to my writing—not directly, but through very visual or musical language that can help bring a scene to life. There’s a rhythm and cadence to writing poetry, and I like to bring a bit of that to my novels as well.

Things you never put in your books: There’s very little that’s taboo for me when it comes to writing, but I’m a big proponent of diversity. I would have a hard time writing a protagonist who was racist, misogynistic, or anti-LGBTQ+. The villain? Sure. S/he can be all of those things and more. But the main character to me, despite having flaws, should feel basic decency for their fellow human beings.

Favorite books (or genre): I love a lot of genres. That being said, I have two go-tos when I need some comfort reading: fantasy and romance. I love fantasy because who doesn’t love a good adventure? Who doesn’t want a bit of magic in their lives? And romance—I’m a romantic at heart. I love a good love story.

Books you wouldn’t buy: While I have bought one or two in my life, I tend to veer away from political books and nonfiction/self-help books. I like to keep up with the news and what’s going on around the world, but a whole book of it? By a politician? No, thank you. And self-help books (at least those I’ve read) tend to take maybe one good idea and then repeat it over and over ad nauseum. Part of the adventure of life is making mistakes and learning from them. I’m not a fan of being lectured at.

The funniest thing to happen to you: Hindsight is 20/20, isn’t it? The funniest things we laugh about now usually started out as something completely terrible at the time. Such as all the crazy things that happen when you’re a new parent and have no idea what you’re doing. I have to ask: what other lifelong job can you do with no training, no entrance exam, no financial support, no emotional support, and expect to do it right the first time? I joke with my oldest kid that they were my “guinea pig,” and they tell me that’s a fair assessment. And then I apologize profusely to them, ha ha.

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you: I got stood up for a date once. It was a guy I’d met in college and he was adorable—Spanish, dark hair, smooth complexion, and a lovely accent. We made plans to grab a beer after my work day was done. However, he never showed up and I was too chicken to ask him afterward why not. Did he forget? Was he trying to let me down gently? Did he meet someone else and decide to blow me off? I’ll never know. But I told all my friends about my big date—and then had to say afterward that it never happened. I felt humiliated.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: I love doing a lot of creative things, including drawing, painting, baking, handcrafts, etc. My motto is “Do something creative every day.” A project that took me a long time was painting a picture of my oldest when they were a baby. I worked on it for days and days, and it turned out quite well in my opinion (it’s on my website: https://www.alisonmcbain.com/random-art.html), especially considering that I don’t consider myself a natural artist. But, boy did I slave over that thing.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: Not quite a project, but something that didn’t turn out how I planned was when I picked up and moved from the USA to Canada. I planned it out exactly, but… you know what they say about the best-laid plans. We took a road trip across the continent and ended up having a few adventures, such as closed roadways, failed GPS, and staying in towns that were terribly stinky from nearby factories. But our furniture and possessions that were being shipped to us ended up being 3 weeks late, so when we arrived in our new house, we did what I called “indoor camping”– sleeping bags on the floor in an empty house, plus one pot to cook with for about a month. There’s something to say for low-possession living. Much easier to clean the home, to be honest.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: This isn’t from my life, but my last novel was in the alternate history genre, and I had a fun time researching a real-life villain. Junipero Serra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jun%C3%ADpero_Serra) was a missionary in California who subjected the indigenous populations to what a lot of colonists did in the 1700s—namely, forced conversions, accusations of witchcraft against locals, torture and imprisonment. So, I made him the villain of my own book.

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: I like to write characters from a lot of different perspectives, so I’m sure that readers sometimes think that I’ve undergone the experiences myself. For example, one novel that I’ve written (but that’s currently unpublished) is set in a location that resembles apartheid South Africa. The biggest compliment I got from a beta reader, who lived in South African for a number of years, was that he asked me how long I’d lived there myself. Truth be told, I’ve never even been. He was shocked when I revealed that because he said I created such a realistic world that he had a hard time believing I’d never gone.

The first 8-track, record, cassette, or CD you ever bought: 8-tracks were before my time, but cassettes were the best. And there were plenty of stores where you could get used ones, which was great for a kid’s allowance money. The first ones I bought were actually blank ones, so I could record music from the radio. Everyone did it and made mix tapes to give to their friends. Ah, good times.

A type of music that’s not your cup of tea: Country music is NOT my jam. While there might be one or two songs that aren’t too terrible, for the most part I switch the radio station if a country song comes up when I’m scrolling through.

My favorite book as a child: I had SO many, but one series I loved a lot was Narnia. There was just so magic and imagination in that book series. And who didn’t want to find a magical portal to another world, full of adventures, villains, and Turkish delight?

A book I’ve read more than once: There are a number of books that are my “comfort” books, and I’ll pick them up when I’m in a certain mood. Some favorites: A Heroine of the World by Tanith Lee, Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett, The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury, Illusion by Paula Volsky… and the list goes on. I have several bookshelves stuffed with my favorite books that I’ll pick up and reread on occasion.

Your favorite movie as a child: That’s an easy one: my favorite childhood film was Beauty and the Beast, the Disney version. I can sing all the songs, although you probably wouldn’t want me to. LOL.

A TV show or movie that kept you awake at night as a kid (or as an adult): People might laugh at this, but ET was the bane of my childhood. I watched it WAY too young—I think I might have been three or four—and the scene where the alien dies and comes back to life… ugh. Gave me nightmares at the time, and I still can’t watch that movie now.

About Alison:

Alison McBain’s human-created novels are the recipients of over 13 awards, including the Foreword INDIES. Her latest novella Dual took home 3rd place in the 3-Day Novel Contest. When not writing for herself, she’s a ghostwriter who has penned over two dozen books for clients, as well as an award-winning editor who has worked with both celebrity and NY Times-bestselling authors. In 2024, she pursued a project called “Author Versus AI,” where she wrote a book a week, using NO AI at all (34 books total). When not writing, Ms. McBain is the associate editor for the magazine ScribesMICRO and draws all over the walls of her house with the enthusiastic help of her kids. She lives in Alberta, Canada.

Let’s Be Social:

Author website: https://www.alisonmcbain.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.mcbain.9

Twitter: https://x.com/AlisonMcBain

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonamcbain/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-mcbain-0a026a266/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9PMu4p4urp_un0oy1vroQ

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1authorversusai

Medium: https://medium.com/@amcbain

#WriterWednesday with Author Sandy Malone

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I’d like to welcome Sandy Malone to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Getting the uninterrupted time to write

Easiest thing about being a writer: Writing

Words that describe you: Enthusiastic, optimistic, and friendly

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Chatterbox and overcommitted

Something you’re really good at: Planning parties and attracting fun groups of people

Something you’re really bad at: Saying no

Last best thing you ate: warm Krispy Kreme donuts

Last thing you regret eating: too many Krispy Kremes

Favorite music or song: Yungblud “Zombie”

Music that drives you crazy: The Jimmy Buffett channel on XM – my husband listens to it constantly on road trips

The last thing you ordered online: one of those mattress toppers that’s supposed to make your bed feel like a fancy hotel (it worked, btw)

The last thing you regret buying: Cosmetics (any of them) off TikTok. I gotta stop scrolling late at night.

Things you’d walk a mile for: A friend who needs me

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: Drunken members of the wedding party

Things you always put in your books: Cops and weddings

Things you never put in your books: Spicy sex scenes – I have six teenage grandchildren and five of them are boys. I don’t want them to avoid looking me in the eye on holidays.

Things to say to an author: I cannot wait for your next book.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Do you use AI to make your covers or write your books?

Favorite things to do: Read a book on the beach and travel with my husband

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Probably planning weddings professionally again

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: Getting my pilot’s license

Something you chickened out from doing: Nobody can get me to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I’ve been called “the Elin Hilderbrand of Jekyll Island” – I’m a huge fan of Elin Hilderbrand, and I’ve read all of her books

The craziest thing a reader said to you: Messages warning me not to kill off certain characters who are important to them

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: Probably opening my own flower shop on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, after the local florist refused to do what my brides requested.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: RealityTV. I had no idea that I wouldn’t be able to do real work for clients while I was filming Wedding Island.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: All the crazy weddings we planned

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: I’m not my main character, Tally Davis. She’s a compilation of me and all the wedding planners I ever worked with.

The first 8-track, record, cassette, or CD you ever bought: Berlin – Love Life, it was a record and then I bought the tape for at the beach because we didn’t have a record player down there.

A type of music that’s not your cup of tea: Reggaeton.

My favorite book as a child: I read the entire Bobbsey Twins series in second grade. VC Andrews as I got older – I was obsessed with the Flowers in the Attic series.

A book I’ve read more than once: The Charm School by Nelson DeMille

Your favorite movie as a child: Wizard of Oz and E.T.

A TV show or movie that kept you awake at night as a kid (or as an adult): Dumbo and Bambi – I never liked shows where they killed off the mommy.

About Sandy:

Author Sandy Malone is best known for starring in TLC's reality TV show "Wedding Island" and writing hundreds of wedding advice columns that were published in BRIDES, WeddingWire, and HuffPost. She wrote a DIY wedding planning book in 2016 that was traditionally published, and she released her new fiction series - Gem of the Golden Isles - in April 2024. She has also ghostwritten books for well-known reality TV stars (including a Real Housewife). Most recently, she was editor of The Police Tribune.

Sandy got her journalism degree at The Ohio State University and was a reporter and editor for major news publications, including the Wall Street Journal, before she returned to her hometown of Washington, DC, for a career in public relations and government affairs. She began planning destination weddings professionally after her own was nearly a disaster, and ended up planning more than 500 weddings in the Caribbean in 11 years with her retired SWAT-commander husband. After Hurricane Maria wiped out her wedding business, Sandy went back to writing full time.

Sandy and her husband, Bill, live on Jekyll Island, Georgia, with their coonhound Sherlock. Christmas on Jekyll is her fifth fiction novel. She’s working on a new series titled Under the Oaks for release in 2026.

Let’s Be Social:

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Shamayne Olivia

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I’d like to welcome author, Shamayne Olivia, back to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

Last best thing you ate: I had some delicious carrot cake at my niece’s baby shower.

Last thing you regret eating: Tuna salad, which I once loved, but for some reason it doesn’t taste the same to me anymore.

Favorite music or song: I have so many good memories from my adolescence in the seventies and coming of age in the eighties. I love classic rock and alternative rock from those years.

Music that drives you crazy: Although I enjoy several genres of music, I can’t handle most country music except for the classic country artists. It drives me crazy when I’m in the dentist’s chair. LOL

The last thing you ordered online: I have started a tradition of buying personalized books for my grandchildren and grandnieces and nephews. I recently ordered one for a grand-nephew who arrived in March.

The last thing you regret buying: I ordered a pair of pants then realized I already had the same pair in my closet. I cleaned out my closet after that mistake so I guess not all was lost.

Things you’d walk a mile for: I would walk any distance for my kids and grandkids.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: This is easy because it just happened when I saw a mouse run through the living room and I screamed as I ran to another room.

The funniest thing to happen to you: This was funny after the fact, but while at a park with friends recently, we were laughing and telling stories when a kid’s baseball came our way and hit me in the back of my head. The next day while in our backyard and sitting around our fire pit, a stray football came over our fence and again, hit me in the back of the head. No injuries, I couldn’t believe it happened twice in the same weekend.

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you: While attending John C. Riley’s one man show, Mr. Romantic, he came into the audience with a mic and a rose and walked right up to me. Without prompting me with a question or anything else, he put the mic in my face and I froze and didn’t know what to say. With the whole audience watching, I was so embarrassed.

The coolest person you’ve ever met: I’ve seen a lot of cool people in Austin, but only have met a few. After seeing the musical, “Head Over Heels,” I met Kathy Valentine from the Go-Go’s.

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: Shelley Duvall from Popeye and The Shining. She lived in our town and shopped at the same store as us. She looked completely different from her acting days.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: I did a DIY project of sponge painting my dining room in the 90’s! It actually looked really good at the time.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: I thought it would be fun to decorate cakes and cupcakes for my kids. I could never get the hang of it and they never turned out like the pictures.

The first 8-track, record, cassette, or CD you ever bought: I love music and started listening to music in the sixties as a child. I remember my dad taking me to the record section of a department store when I was four years old so I could buy The Monkees album with my birthday money. I never stopped buying music after that.

A type of music that’s not your cup of tea: I would have to say modern country music again.

My favorite book as a child: The book Edie Changes Her Mind was my favorite. I read it every night and held onto it throughout my life. I still had it in a box when my kids were born.

A book I’ve read more than once: I like reading mysteries, but can’t think of one I’ve read twice for obvious reasons.

Your favorite movie as a child: Disney’s Fantasia mesmerized me. I loved the colorful movement, dancing, and songs.

A TV show or movie that kept you awake at night as a kid (or as an adult): The Twilight Zone and Night Gallery on Friday nights when I was young. I still remember one that probably traumatized me for life. It had to do with a bug crawling into someone’s ear as they slept. Yeah, that was something I wish I’d never seen.

About Shamayen Olivia:

Shamayne Olivia is an author, speaker, coach, and facilitator passionate about guiding women through transformation and self-discovery. With a gift for creating safe and empowering spaces, she helps women navigate through life’s pivotal emotional transitions with courage, clarity, and renewed purpose.

Her work is rooted in her own journey of healing and awakening in midlife, which inspires her to support others in reclaiming their voices, honoring their stories, and embracing their true selves. She understands how isolating change can feel, and she believes no woman should have to walk that path alone. Creating spaces where women can feel seen, supported, and empowered to rewrite their own stories, she invites them into connection, compassion, and authentic transformation.

When she’s not writing or leading workshops, Shamayne finds joy in family time, traveling, exploring nature, live music and theatre, major league baseball, and practicing yoga. Simple practices that remind her to stay grounded in gratitude and wonder for each new chapter.

Her hope is that every woman who encounters her work discovers the same truth she has embraced: it’s never too late to reclaim your identity.



#WriterWednesday Interview with Annie McEwen

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I’d like to welcome my friend, the amazing Annie McEwen, to the blog today for #WriterWednesday.

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: I love to read, work in my gardens, go thrifting for cheap treasure ( I love a good bargain & a project!), and hang out with my family.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: I don’t know why, but I always procrastinate putting laundry away.

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: I need lots of different colors of pens, dry-erase markers, and Sharpies. Notecards for plotting scenes and suspects, my corkboard/murder board, and my whiteboard are also a must. Of course, my laptop and caffeine in any way, shape, or form!

Things that distract you from writing: How much room do we have? LOL! My phone is a biggie— keeping up with my author social media, texts/calls from my family. We have three dogs and one cat, so they tend to be a bit needy. My husband recently retired after almost thirty years as a police officer, and now works partly from home... bless his heart, he likes to pop in my office to chat a lot. But, he does make a great cup of coffee!

Favorite snacks: My daughter has a bakery business and makes THE most delicious cookies. I love to freeze them, then zap them in the microwave for a bit... makes that chocolate ooey-gooey!

Things that make you want to gag: I’m not super-picky, but I despise avocados and raw onions. I can only tolerate onions if they’re cooked with an inch of their life (or battered and deep-fried at the fair!)

Something you’re really good at: I am one awesome grandma (or Gigi, as my little grandsons call me!) My forts are pretty great, I can rock a superhero cape, and my Play-Doh donuts are second to none. But besides all that, I’m fortunate to be able to babysit them, go on preschool field trips, and cuddle and snuggle my little guys all the time. It’s the absolute best!

Something you’re really bad at: I am NOT athletic. I’ve tried, but I am totally uncoordinated. Guess who was always picked last in gym class?

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: I wanted to be an AUTHOR!

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: My bill-paying job is a Radiologic Technologist (aka I take X-rays). I never dreamed I’d be doing that. In fact, I didn’t go back to college for it until my late thirties.

Something you wish you could do: I want to learn how to play the guitar. I taught myself to play the piano by ear when I was a kid, and I can read music a bit. So I’m determined to do the same with the guitar... in my “spare” time.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: Hmm... I honestly can’t think of anything, unless it’s how to properly clean barn stalls. Growing up on a farm, there was a lot of that!

Last best thing you ate: Oooo... lobster risotto from one of my favorite restaurants. It’s a special place my hubby and I go to only a few times a year.

Last thing you regret eating: This one crushes me, but original Doritos. I ended up with terrible heartburn.

Things to say to an author: “Your book made me laugh so hard!” “I can’t wait for your next book!”

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: “So, you just get to sit around and make up stories? I think I could do that.” “Your main character is so unrealistic.” (Paraphrased from an actual review!)

The most exciting thing about your writing life: It’s hard to choose, but seeing my name on the cover of a book I actually wrote as I held it in my hands... There were happy tears!

The one thing you wish you could do over in your writing life: I wish I had started sooner. But, honestly, I feel like everything has happened in my life when it was supposed to, so I don’t really regret it.

Recommendations for curing writer’s block: Get up and move. Read and get inspired. Eat that cookie you’ve been saving!

Things you do to avoid writing: I clean or organize. My pantry and closets are always in tip-top shape when I don’t feel like hitting my word count.

About Annie:

Annie McEwen writes the best-selling Northwoods Mysteries series, inspired by the pine forests and sparkling lakes of northern Wisconsin, where she spent childhood vacations and still visits family today.

A former farm kid, Annie now lives in rural Indiana with her husband. Their children and young grandsons live nearby, making grandparenting her favorite role. Their home also includes four fur babies—some of whom insist on appearing in her books.

Annie is a member of Sisters in Crime and one of the hosts of the Facebook group, Murder, They Write. She also writes a monthly column for Fresh Fiction called “Where Everybody Knows Your... Alibi.” When she isn’t writing, Annie enjoys trash-to-treasure projects, gardening, working as a radiological technologist, and connecting with readers and fellow authors.

Books:

 Resort to Murder

Dead, White, and Blue

 Snow Time to Die

Yule Regret It

Let’s Be Social:

Website: www.anniemcewenauthor.com

Instagram

Facebook

Gemma Halliday Publishing

                    

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

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I’d like to welcome Randi-Lee Bowslaugh back to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Promoting the book.

Easiest thing about being a writer:  Being creative and getting the idea written.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Noise-cancelling headphones and a great playlist.

Things that hamper your writing: Mess around me. 

Words that describe you: Creative, eccentric, smart, honest

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Annoying, perfectionist, silly, blunt

Last best thing you ate: Gluten-free Skor butter tart from Bomb Bish

Last thing you regret eating: Chicken and frozen diced cauliflower that I made and really overspiced 

Favorite music or song: Punk Rock and Country

Music that drives you crazy: Most pop songs

The last thing you ordered online: Invisible fence dog collar (to keep my pup out of my garden). 

The last thing you regret buying: Slime for my kid - it stuck to the ceiling, and the purple spot is still there.

Things to say to an author: Keep going, write true to who you are, and you will find your audience.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Your books are boring cliches.

Favorite places you’ve been: Cuba, Parc Omega, Ireland, Salem

Places you never want to go to again: The hospital.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: High ropes course by Niagara Falls with a 40-foot drop at the end.

Something you chickened out from doing: Skydiving when my dad asked me to go with him. 

The first 8-track, record, cassette, or CD you ever bought: Garth Brooks’ first album on cassette.

A type of music that’s not your cup of tea: Screamo (but my child loves it).

My favorite book as a child: The Monster at the End of the Book - featuring Grover by Jon Stone

A book I’ve read more than once:  Acheron by Sherilyn McQueen

Your favorite movie as a child: The Labyrinth (and it still is)

A TV show or movie that kept you awake at night as a kid (or as an adult): “The People Under the Stairs”

About Randi-Lee:

Randi-Lee is an outspoken advocate for mental health, a YouTube host of the Write or Die Show and a public speaker. She is the mother of two grown children, a grandmother, and a wife. She has dealt with depression for more than half her life, and was diagnosed late in life with Autism and CPTSD. She wants others to have the tools they need to keep going.

Randi-Lee graduated from Niagara College for Community and Justice Services and completed a placement at a Drug and Alcohol Recovery House. She worked in social services for six years before becoming an author and focusing on speaking out.
She has represented Team Canada twice in kickboxing, earning a silver medal in 2016. She took a year's break after having cancer. She returned as a kickboxing coach, personal trainer and yoga instructor until chronic pain made it difficult. She continues to fight to regain her life.

Her motto is never to let “too tired keep her down” and wants others to know they are not alone.

Let’s Be Social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rbwriting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randileebowslaugh/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randileebowslaugh
Substack: https://substack.com/@randileebowslaugh?
Website: https://www.rbwriting.ca
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@randileebowslaugh
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/randileebowslaugh
Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Randi-Lee-Bowslaugh/author/B08QJTS9T9?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

#WriterWednesday Interview with Carol Floriani

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I’d like to welcome the wonderful Carol Floriani to the blog for #WriterWednesday. Keep reading and check out her new mystery! I was able to read an early copy, and it’s wonderful!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Sitting down in front of my laptop and staring at a blank screen.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Typing “The End” after completing a manuscript.

Words that describe you: Super-organized, introverted, impatient.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Super-organized, introverted, impatient.

 Something you’re really good at: Procrastinating
Something you’re really bad at: I’ll get back to you.

The last thing you ordered online: Disposable champagne flutes for the launch party for Invitation to Murder.

The last thing you regret buying:  A “miracle” swimsuit that was less than miraculous.

Things you’d walk a mile for:  I would walk more than a mile along a long and winding road to see Paul McCartney in concert.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: Standing around in high heels trying to make small talk at cocktail parties.

Favorite books (or genre):  Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.

Books you wouldn’t buy: Fantasy genre.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: Years ago, I was kissed on the cheek by Shamu the Killer Whale in Sea World, San Diego. The trainer had me stand in a designated place next to the whale’s pool and then she signaled for him to jump up and give me a smooch.  Oh, to be 25 and fearless (or crazy?)!

Something you chickened out from doing: Downhill skiing in the Berkshires in Massachusetts.

The funniest thing to happen to you: After heading to the concession stand to get some snacks at Yankee Stadium, I mistakenly returned to the section adjacent to ours and, of course, I searched in vain for my husband and daughter. Suddenly everyone in my correct section started yelling “Carol,” and I finally got to my proper seat.

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you: When I was a publicist at Simon & Schuster many years ago, I was on tour with an Oscar-winning actor who had written a memoir. I had arranged for him to play tennis, which he loved to do, right before lunch. We were on a very tight schedule with several television, radio, and print interviews arranged, and as we were heading to the racket club in Chicago, he decided to save time by changing into his tennis clothes in the back of the limo as I was sitting right beside him. I tried to remain nonchalant. I don’t want to drop any names, but his Oscar-winning role rhymes with Hen-Bur.

The coolest person you’ve ever met: James Taylor.

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: Phil Collins.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: “I could totally relate to your book.”

The craziest thing a reader said to you: From a reader review, “The characters’ names are so aggressively fictional they break any sense of immersion.”  (Huh?)

The first 8-track, record, cassette, or CD you ever bought: A Hard Day’s Night, the soundtrack vinyl album. I was 10 years old and had a little record player in my room.

A type of music that’s not your cup of tea: Hip-hop, Rap, Jazz.

My favorite book as a child: The Silver Spoon Mystery from the Scholastic Book Club and the Little Golden Book, Duck and His Friends.  I still have both.

A book I’ve read more than once: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

About Carol:

After studying at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and graduating from Rider University, Carol Floriani worked for many years in the editorial and publicity departments of a Big Five publisher before ultimately embarking on her writing career. In addition to Invitation to Murder, her debut cozy mystery from Crooked Lane Books, she has written two previously published young adult novels, A Summer to Remember by Carol Robertson (Pocket Books/First Love from Silhouette) and Dancing in the Dark by Carolyn Ross (Bantam/Sweet Dreams). 

Let’s Be Social:

Website: carolflorianiauthor.com     

Instagram: @carolflorianiauthor 

Facebook: (Carol Floriani Author) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566913933568