Living The Next Chapter: Authors Share Their Journey

EPISODE 725 - Veronica Iniguez - Captain and Me at Sea! Sometimes, the greatest mysteries are hidden in plain sightAbout the authorVeronica Iniguez is a debut author, born in the vibrant heart of Mexico and now embracing the desert magic of Arizona. She is a proud mother of six wonderful children. As an educator, she is passionate about inspiring young minds through learning and discovery. When she's not homeschooling her little ones, she's helping other children learn to read and develop a lifelong love of books. This book reflects her passion for storytelling, creativity, and helping children thrive.Book - Captain and Me at Sea! - Captain and Me at Sea! is an adventurous picture book chronicling Captain, a brave pirate, and a feathered companion, Me. Captain and Me are on a mission to navigate the sea to seek a mystery! During their journey, they get themselves into a tangled mess, encounter a scary storm, and then find themselves exhausted. Despite the obstacles, Captain and Me complete their mission, realizing the mystery was their own shadow all along! Captain and Me at Sea! is a story that reminds us that sometimes, the greatest mysteries are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered with open hearts and curious minds.https://www.inispress.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 724 - Ellen Meeropol - Literary Late Bloomer and Author with a Love for Island LifeEllen Meeropol is the author of six novels (Sometimes an Island, The Lost Women of Azalea Court, Her Sister's Tattoo, Kinship of Clover, On Hurricane Island, and House Arrest) and the guest editor for the anthology, Dreams for a Broken World. Her work has been honored by the Sarton Women's Prize, The Women's National Book Association, and the Massachusetts Center for the Book. A literary late bloomer, Ellen Meeropol began seriously writing fiction in her fifties, but her first publications came much earlier. At age twelve, her essay, "I am a Square Dance Orphan," was published in a national square dance magazine and she wrote a monthly feature column for her high school newspaper in the Washington, D.C. area. Ellen studied art at Earlham College and the University of Michigan.After working as a day care teacher and a women's reproductive health counselor, Ellen became a registered nurse and then a nurse practitioner, working at a children's hospital in western Massachusetts for 24 years. During that time, she authored and co-authored two dozen articles and book chapters about pediatric issues and latex allergy. She was honored for excellence in nursing journalism by the nursing honor society Sigma Theta Tau and received the Ruth A. Smith Writing Award for excellence in writing in the profession of nursing. In 2005 Ellen was given the Chair's Excellence Award from the Spina Bifida Association of America for her advocacy around latex allergy and spina bifida.In 2000, after decades of reading voraciously and thinking that "someday" she would write, Ellen started writing fiction and studying craft, earning an MFA from the Stonecoast Program at the University of Southern Maine. In 2005, determined to spend more time with the characters demanding her full attention, she left her nurse practitioner career.https://www.ellenmeeropol.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 723 - Terri Lewis - From Ballet to Authorship - Words That Dance, That FlyIn this author conversation, Terri Lewis shares how dance, history, and family have been woven through every stage of her life and writing. Now speaking from Florida while her Colorado garden sleeps under snow, she reflects on the two passions she held in high school: ballet and writing. Knowing a dance career had a limited window, she chose ballet first, becoming a professional dancer and choreographer, then gradually transitioned into writing while honing her craft, learning how to truly tell a story and build a novel.Terri describes the importance of literary community and feedback, encouraging new authors to join critique groups, attend workshops and conferences, and bravely share their work even when it feels vulnerable. She emphasizes kindness and reciprocity in the writing world, urging writers to really listen when asking others about their work rather than talking only about themselves. For her, repeated feedback is a signal: if two people say the same thing, pay attention; if three do, you have a problem to fix. She also shares how one early mentor's simple note affirming that she could write a publishable novel became a treasured encouragement that she still keeps.Her love of history and research runs through her novels. Her first book, inspired by a medieval woman abducted by King John and later reunited with her original fiancé, grew out of her fascination with the everyday lives of people in the Middle Ages rather than just kings and battles. Her second novel began with a candy box of family artifacts: letters, photos, and documents about her grandfather's World War One service, shell shock, and the long fight her grandmother waged to secure his pension. That story, told through both grandparents' perspectives, deepened her understanding of their courage, especially her grandmother's strength in an era when women's choices were tightly constrained.Terri's latest ballet-centered novel draws directly on her own experience as a dancer. It follows two friends and rivals in a 1970s ballet company whose pregnancies unfold on opposite sides of Roe v. Wade, exploring how legal, bodily, and artistic choices shape their careers, relationships, and identities. She aims to show the behind-the-scenes reality of dance: exhausting rehearsals, painful lighting calls, and the emotional strain beneath the glamour, while also portraying the different strengths of her two dancers and how their friendship is tested over time.Throughout the conversation, Terri returns to the idea that mastery in any art takes about ten years, and that you never truly arrive. She is still revising a novel she began a decade ago, recognizing how much she has grown as a writer and how each revision makes the work stronger. She encourages listeners to capture their own family histories with simple tools like audio recorders at gatherings, preserving stories that might otherwise be lost. Key takeaway: Terri's journey shows that creativity is a lifelong practice of persistence, community, and curiosity, where every experience, whether on stage or in the archives of a candy box, can become meaningful story material if you keep showing up and doing the work.https://terrilewis1.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 722 - Andrey Medina - Screenwriter and Author - Sci-Fi storyteller who's fascinated by the questions that don't have easy answersIn this episode, Dave sits down with author and screenwriter Andrey Medina to explore how imagination, movement, and instability as a child sparked a lifelong inner world that eventually led him to science fiction. Andrey explains that he was not so much “called” to authorship as he was found by science fiction itself, discovering in it a way to imagine alternatives to reality. Influences like Tolkien and Asimov did more than shape his taste; they fundamentally shaped how he thinks about worlds, systems, and psychohistory-level questions of how reality can be simulated and reimagined.Andrey shares honest, practical advice for aspiring writers: finish something. Even a three to five page story matters, because reaching the end delivers pride and a deeper sense of catharsis as both writer and reader of your own work. He describes how completing a story can move you to tears or leave you breathless, and why that emotional climax is the best encouragement to keep going. From there, the second crucial step is to show your work to someone. Even if the reader does not fully connect, the simple fact that they speak your character's name out loud proves that someone else now carries a piece of your imagination in their mind. He also talks about setting himself a week-long challenge during Covid to write a short story every day, emphasizing that even “crappy” stories hold fragments of gold worth revisiting later.The conversation turns to craft and career. Andrey talks about mining small but powerful ideas from imperfect drafts, like a story of a boy who believes he is a robot and a father forced to deconstruct life into tiny, teachable truths. He discusses writing both for himself and for readers, consciously merging the stories he loves with clear commercial awareness, particularly in his young adult speculative dystopian thrillers. Drawing on his screenwriting background, he explains how thinking in scenes, locations, conflict, and emotional reaction shapes his novels, and how good dialogue functions as action rooted in motivation and emotional baggage.Andrey introduces his series, beginning with The Conduit Trials, featuring Ren, a sixteen year old rebel in a totalitarian regime whose botched mission leads to a death sentence and a shocking offer to become a fighter pilot for the very system she opposes. He teases themes of moral ambiguity, propaganda, and critical thinking in a world where nothing is fully right or fully wrong, and shares how recent chaotic global events helped fuel the emotional “lava” behind the story. He wants readers to be fully immersed in Ren's world while constantly asking themselves, “What would I do in her place?”He also explains how listeners can currently read The Conduit Trials as a free ARC through BookSprout, join his mailing list via a link at the end of the book, and stay updated on future installments and launches.Key takeaway: Finish something, no matter how small, and let it be seen. Completion gives you emotional proof that you are a storyteller, and every shared story, even an imperfect one, plants your imagined world in another person's mind.https://www.facebook.com/andreymedina84Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 721 - Janet Kintner - A Judge's Tale - A Trailblazer Fights For Her Place on the BenchIn this episode of Living the Next Chapter, host Dave sits down with Janet Kintner, a retired judge, attorney, and newly published author whose journey from the courtroom to the writer's desk reveals a life committed to justice, courage, and reflection. Speaking from her homes in San Diego and Victoria, Canada, Janet offers a look into her groundbreaking career as one of the youngest female judges in California and the personal transformation that came with writing her memoir.Janet opens up about her early motivation to pursue law in a system historically dominated by men. Facing bias, skepticism, and immense pressure, she navigated the courtroom with determination, earning a reputation for sharp intellect, integrity, and fairness. Her experiences as both advocate and judge shaped her understanding of justice as empathy balanced with objectivity. She shares that maintaining emotional distance was a necessity in law—essential for fair judgment but challenging when faced with tragedy. Writing her memoir forced her to reconnect with those long-suppressed emotions, creating both healing and honesty in her storytelling.The process of writing, Janet admits, was as demanding as any legal trial. From juggling hundreds of drafts to conducting years of research, she learned to stay organized and rely on professional editors who matched her style. Classes in memoir writing also helped her transition from legal precision to emotional clarity, teaching her to articulate feeling rather than just fact. Her advice to new authors is practical: take writing classes, choose your editor wisely, and date every document to track progress.Janet reflects on her groundbreaking appointment to the bench at age thirty-one—then the youngest judge in California—and the isolation that often comes with being a pioneer. Over time, she found solidarity with younger judges entering the system, helping to reshape a once insular profession. Through her career, she remained guided by fairness, objectivity, and a commitment to giving every voice—especially women—a chance to be heard.As she discusses her memoir, Janet shares that she wrote not only for her generation of women but for younger readers who can learn from the struggles of the past. Her humor, warmth, and optimism shine throughout her story, softening even the hardest experiences. She's proud of weaving strength with vulnerability, showing that compassion is never a weakness in leadership.Looking ahead, Janet hints at her next project: a work of fiction that lets her explore imagination and “say all the things I wish I'd said.” With clear joy, she notes that writing has become an uplifting addiction—another chapter in a life defined by purpose and perseverance.Key takeaway:True legacy is not built on authority alone but on integrity, empathy, and resilience. Janet Kintner's journey reminds us that even after years of reasoned judgment, rediscovering emotion and sharing our stories can be the most liberating act of all.https://www.janetkintner.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 720 - Hollis Jo McCollum - Epic Dark Fantasy with Inspired Romantic SubplotsIn this lively author episode, Dave is joined by dark fantasy writer and podcaster Hollis Jo McCollum for an unscripted, improv flavored conversation about creativity, connection and the realities of podcasting as an author. Hollis broadcasts from Suwanee, in the north metro Atlanta area, where she loves the local community, walking trails and especially the vibrant Korean cafes and markets that have become part of her daily rhythm. Her podcast is called “I Do What I Want!” which she describes as both a catchphrase and a mindset; she is not belligerent, but proudly stubborn about creating on her own terms, using improv skills instead of heavy editing and embracing a live, unedited format on YouTube and Spotify so listeners see the authentic process, cats and all.Throughout the conversation, Hollis traces how improv, drama club and “yes, and” thinking shaped her confidence and on mic presence, and she and Dave dig into the importance of being fully present in conversations. That leads to a thoughtful tangent on how phones and constant screen time are eroding social skills and problem solving in younger generations, illustrated by a story about a Gen Z teen who is anxious about a simple interaction asking for napkins and by Hollis's partner's candid street photography full of “nose to phone” subjects. Both hosts advocate for being more present, talking to actual humans, and deliberately stepping outside comfort zones as a path to growth, creativity and better podcasting.Hollis then shares the origin of “I Do What I Want!” which began as a single planned episode about the Dungeons and Dragons campaign that inspired her novel “To Save a World,” recorded with her best friend of over thirty years. Unsure how to start, she actually hired a production company to help her set up her mic, hosting and Spotify presence, and discovered she loved the format enough to keep going, mostly solo, with occasional author friends as relaxed guests. That experience taught her how critical scheduling is: she originally aimed for longer, twice monthly episodes but quickly learned that with a full time job, writing, marketing and life responsibilities, she needed a realistic rhythm. Now she anchors the show to one live episode on the last Sunday of each month, built on a simple half page outline with a few milestones, trusting that the format and voice will naturally evolve over time rather than being over planned from the start.The episode also touches on her voice acting work, where she leans into character voices like the insidious villain Simoom, and on her strong feelings about listeners speeding up audiobooks and performance heavy podcasts. For Hollis, pacing, pauses and breathing are integral to emotional impact, so compressing audio feels like stripping respect from the performer and story, even though she concedes some people prioritize efficiency. As the conversation closes, Hollis talks about why podcasting remains worthwhile even though she is not chasing huge download numbers; it gives readers and potential fans a way to discover her personality, ask questions and connect outside crowded conventions. https://www.hollisjomccollumauthor.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 719 - Alfred Muller - supernatural, occult fiction and traditional fantasyAlfred Muller shares a personal, long-form reflection on writing, feedback, and growth as an author, framed by his Tennessee roots and a deep love of the craft. The episode weaves practical advice with candid stories—from embracing constructive criticism to the discipline of finishing a manuscript—into a portrait of how dedication, routine, and audience awareness shape a writer's progress.In this conversation, Muller emphasizes that criticism should be treated as a tool, not a personal attack. He recalls how classroom feedback helped him rework scenes for better dialogue flow and realism, underscoring the value of real-time critique when you can ask clarifying questions and observe responses. He also highlights the importance of understanding your audience and adjusting language and references to fit their world, which can prevent disconnects between narrator, character, and reader.The discussion moves into the practical side of developing as a writer. Muller advises new writers to seek feedback in educational settings where instructors and peers can provide strategic, actionable notes. He reflects on the transformation that comes from revising with a cold, analytical eye after a delay, rather than reacting impulsively to criticism. The episode also touches the difference between drafting and publishing: the opportunity to solicit questions and explanations evaporates once a work is released to the public.On craft and character, Muller discusses the process of building authentic dialogue and motivation. He describes how personal interests—like hockey—can flavor a character's voice and choices, and how conveying believable speech requires attention to what the audience knows or cares about. The narrative delves into world-building choices, such as naming conventions and religious or mythological elements, to anchor supernatural or fantastical elements in human-scale concerns and emotions.The episode closes with a candid look at publishing milestones, ongoing projects, and the ongoing balance between daily life and creative work. Muller shares the practicality of maintaining writing momentum during busy periods, using prompts and micro-writing exercises to push through blocks. He reminds listeners that finishing a draft is the gateway to meaningful revision, and that reading widely remains essential to sustain growth and keep perspective in a changing literary landscape.Key takeaway for listeners: constructive feedback, thoughtfully received and applied, accelerates growth; finish what you start to unlock productive revision, and anchor fiction in relatable human concerns to keep characters and worlds compelling.https://alfredmuller44.wixsite.com/alfred-muller-booksSend us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 718 - V. Maia - Cultural clashes and ordinary moments become intertwined with extraordinary dreams and the destiny of the universeV. Maia is a Brazilian academic researcher, IT professional, and passionate storyteller. With a Ph.D. in cloud computing privacy and over two decades of experience in the information technology sector, his expertise ranges from data security to cybersecurity.But V. Maia's interests extend far beyond the digital realm. A lifelong fascination with astrophysics and science fiction fuels his imagination and shapes his perspective on life. His global travels, from his roots in Brazil to academic and professional pursuits around the world, have sparked deep reflection on cultural differences and the human experience.In his debut novel, “Under Full Moons: A Tale of Parenting in Paris… and the Fate of the Universe,” V. Maia weaves a unique narrative that blends the mundane realities of parenting with the extraordinary possibilities of lucid dreaming and cosmic events.When he's not writing or exploring the mysteries of the universe, V. Maia can be found in his Brasilia home, cooking up delicious meals with his family.Book: Under Full MoonsVinícius takes on the challenge of moving from Brasilia to Paris with his family, where his wife will complete a master's degree. He will be responsible for looking after the children and the house. However, along with the cultural conflicts and the intense new family routine in France, Vinícius soon begins to have paranormal encounters, first in his dreams and then in waking life. These beings that contact Vinícius are desperate: they need his help to prevent the universe from being torn apart via a real-life cosmological and cataclysmic phenomenon called the Big Rip, in a faraway future. Although the entities are advanced and can travel through vast swathes of time, they are unable to prevent their own extinction. As Vinícius pieces together the puzzle presented to him, he learns that it all depends on his ability to harness lucid dreams. Unless Vinícius has these dreams, he will be powerless to alter the fabric of spacetime. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance.https://vmaiaauthor.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 717 - Hal Glatzer - Accidental Detectives, Friends With Benefits and How Music Influences WritingHal Glatzer is a novelist who blends mystery with a rich musical background, sharing insights about his creative journey, his fiction's settings, and the people who populate his work. The interview unfolds in three main threads: the mysteries Glatzer writes, the music he performs, and the biography that informs his storytelling.Glatzer's literary path begins in youth with classical training in violin and clarinet, moving through the folk revival and bluegrass, and finally embracing the Great American Songbook. This musical fluency informs his approach to dialogue and rhythm in fiction, where characters banter and move storylines forward through speech. His long-running Katy Green novels anchor his literary voice in historical-recovery and performance, while his current project centers on Herman and Teddy, an older couple who navigate an affair while solving murders. They are “accidental detectives” in a cozy mystery setting, chosen to explore grown-up themes with wit, warmth, and intellectual curiosity.Grand Lake City, Glatzer's fictional setting, serves as a crafted backdrop that mirrors real Rust Belt towns gradually reviving their economies. The two primary protagonists—Herman, a late sixties retired magazine editor, and Teddy, a middle sixties former high school math teacher—live a “friendship with benefits” relationship. Their dynamic blends sharp banter, contrasting personalities, and complementary lives, which continually challenge and propel the mysteries they stumble into. The series follows this duo across three novels so far: The Nest, The Office Wife, and The Two Birds, with plans for future installments and possibly revisiting the Katie Green character from his earlier work.A central theme is how music—whether live performance or the memory of songs—deeply embeds itself in people's brains and sustains memory, emotion, and identity. Glatzer describes performing for nursing homes and veterans as a powerful reminder that music often outlives other faculties, a belief that resonates with how he builds mood and atmosphere in his stories. He also explains that his storytelling relies on the tension between characters and situations: even a cozy mystery benefits from obstacles that threaten personal relationships and force protagonists to confront difficult choices.For readers, the appeal lies in dialog-rich, character-driven mysteries where adults face real-life complexities, including marriage, friendship, and moral dilemmas, while the plot unfurls through witty dialogue and engaging puzzles. Glatzer emphasizes that his ideal reader is an adult who appreciates a well-crafted whodunit with authentic relationships and no graphic sexuality, while acknowledging that his work may test readers' comfort with adultery within a carefully controlled narrative.Key takeaway: Hal Glatzer's mysteries thrive on character chemistry and dialogue as the engine of plot, pairing cozy, accessible puzzles with mature, nuanced relationships that keep readers thinking—and listening—for the next twist.https://halglatzer.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 716 - Richard DeVeau - In Plain Sight - In Washington, nothing is what it seemsIn this engaging return visit to the show, author Richard DeVeau discusses his new thriller In Plain Sight, the second installment in his Eve Tanzi series following the debut Lights Out. Living in Batavia, Illinois—a suburb along the Fox River west of Chicago—he shares how his brother's lighthouse refurbishment on Cape Cod sparked the idea for Lights Out. Intrigued by lighthouses as historic guides with foghorns offering comfort to sailors, DeVeau flipped the concept: what if someone weaponized them for evil? His antagonist launches missiles from real lighthouses in Boston and Maryland, subverting their heritage in a tale of domestic terrorism known as the Greater Boston Massacre.DeVeau explains how In Plain Sight stands alone while advancing the series. Picking up after the first book's tragedy, protagonist Eve Tanzi—a tough Special Forces operative, CIA agent, and artist—works directly with the president from a D.C. apartment to unmask remaining cabal members: a senator, judge, and presidential insider. She recruits a trusted Afghanistan comrade—described as Einstein in Arnold Schwarzenegger's body—for brains, brawn, and budding romance, amid fresh conspiracies threatening national control. Each book builds momentum for readers jumping in mid-series, with key backstory woven in naturally.Drawing from his New England roots, World War II comic fascination, and French Canadian heritage (echoed in Eve's Quebec ancestor), DeVeau revels in research via books like Modern War in Ancient Land and firsthand accounts. He compares writing to his 35-year fine art painting career: both involve dialoguing with the work, solving problems, and immersion. Sensory details, especially smell's memory power (burning tires in Kabul, his grandmother's tourtière pie), enrich scenes. Dialogue flows naturally from eavesdropping at gallery openings and ad copywriting experience, avoiding stiff "writing-speak"—a tip reinforced by reading screenplays like early drafts of Roxanne.DeVeau aims for a book-a-year rhythm, planning the third by summer. He credits early readers like his Harvard-educated pastor friend for developmental edits sharpening Eve's reactions, and highlights her warrior-artist balance as an ancient archetype adding depth. His early ebook involvement—crafting ads for Stephen King's 2000 novella Riding the Bullet, which crashed servers with 500,000 downloads—foreshadowed the digital revolution.Books are available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Ingram distributors; local signings continue at his nearby store. Visit richarddeveau.com for updates.Key takeaway: Lighthouses symbolize guidance, but DeVeau shows how flipping familiar icons fuels thrilling stories—write what you love, research deeply, and let process mirror your passions for authentic, immersive tales.https://richarddeveau.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 715 - Babs Walters - Facing The Jaguar - Telling is HealingIn this moving episode, author Babs Walters discusses her memoir Facing the Jaguar, a deeply personal story of trauma, healing, and transformation. Speaking from her home in sunny Florida, she reflects on the lifelong promise she made to write her story and how the process of sharing it became both a journey of self-discovery and a tool for helping others confront their own pain.Babs traces the origins of her memoir back to childhood, when she first dreamed of telling the truth about her family's secrets. But it wasn't until decades later—and after significant healing—that she could write from a place of grace instead of anger. Early writing attempts were too raw, she recalls, even her NYU professor once told her that “even War and Peace has peace in it.” Therapy and time allowed her to transform her painful experience into a message of hope, forgiveness, and empowerment.She also explains how she learned the craft of memoir writing—understanding that an autobiography tells a life story, while a memoir shares one story within a life. Through multiple writing courses, Babs mastered structure, pacing, and the importance of universal themes. Her editor encouraged her to shape her narrative around recurring imagery from her childhood, including a haunting dream about a jaguar that became both a metaphor for fear and a symbol of strength. This dream later inspired the book's powerful title, Facing the Jaguar, signifying her confrontation with her father, the man who caused her deepest trauma.Beyond recounting abuse, Babs sought to make her book a story of survival and purpose. She hopes to inspire readers to break cycles of generational trauma, release shame, and find their voices. Facing the Jaguar speaks directly to survivors, especially women, people in recovery, and anyone ready to face painful truths. She cautions, however, that healing is a gradual process—“a journey, not a destination.” Her short, vignette-style chapters let readers pause and regroup as they process emotional material.Babs now uses her platform and website to continue helping others. She offers resources, writing workshops, and a checklist titled “How to Tell When You're Ready to Tell.” She reminds listeners that not every story must be shared publicly—sometimes healing begins privately, even if it's just writing something down and letting it go. Her site also invites visitors to leave anonymous postcards sharing secrets as a symbolic step toward release and honesty.Perhaps the most poignant part of the conversation is Babs's reflection on love and recognition. Her daughter and husband have become her strongest champions, countering a lifetime of shame and silence. Their support proves that healing can restore not only inner peace but also connection. “The hardest part of keeping a secret,” she says, “is not having a witness.” Through her book and speaking engagements, she now serves as that witness for others, showing them they are not alone.Key takeaway: Facing the Jaguar reminds listeners that courage and compassion can coexist with pain. Healing begins when we stop hiding, find our voice, and face the “jaguars” in our own lives—because sharing our truth, in whatever form we choose, can save both ourselves and others.https://babswalters.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 714 - David Lomax - Trail of Thoughts - true story of survival, resilience, and self-discovery in the remote wilds of AlaskaIn this heartfelt conversation, author David Lomax joins Dave to share the extraordinary story behind his deeply personal and historical memoir, Trails of Thoughts. Speaking from his serene home in Oregon, David reflects on his 25-year journey to complete a book rooted in his own lived experience and the remarkable legacy of his stepfather — a pioneering native Alaskan contractor, pilot, and visionary.David opens up about his lifelong struggle with dyslexia and the courage it took to tell his story authentically. He describes how the book began as handwritten notes, written at a time of uncertainty, and how a patient editor helped him shape the narrative from raw pages into a structured, meaningful chronicle spanning from childhood to the present. Through humility and persistence, David discovered how storytelling could help him reclaim both memory and identity.At its heart, Trails of Thoughts is a record of survival — not just in Alaska's unforgiving wilderness but in the complex terrain of personal loss, family dynamics, and self-doubt. David shares how writing became a process of emotional endurance, one that forced him to balance truth with grace. He touches on the challenges of portraying loved ones honestly, especially when grief and memory intertwine. His reflections on losing his son, Robert, reveal a vulnerability that resonates deeply with anyone who's had to process pain through creative expression.Beyond its emotional depth, the book captures a vivid portrait of life in the Arctic: the building of new villages, the ingenuity required to survive in extreme conditions, and a profound respect for the Indigenous communities whose traditions shaped David's understanding of resilience and respect for nature.David also speaks with pride about the audiobook adaptation, a richly detailed production complete with authentic aircraft sounds from Alaska's past. Hearing his own words brought to life moved him deeply — a reminder that his years of persistence have preserved a story worth remembering.Key Takeaway:David Lomax's journey shows that storytelling is an act of endurance, humility, and healing. Even when the path is long and imperfect, sharing our truth — in our own words — can become both legacy and liberation.https://trailofthoughts.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 713 - Scott Pearson - Simon & Schuster's Star Trek Novel Editor and Author Taking Us To New Places and BeyondThis episode features author and editor Scott Pearson sharing his woodland life in Carlton, Minnesota, and his multifaceted career in science fiction, Star Trek, and publishing. From fan to professional, he reveals how persistence and adaptability built his path through a rapidly changing industry.Scott describes his detached office amid the trees, a quiet hub for editing and writing. Publishing has evolved dramatically since his early days mailing manuscripts; self-publishing, once taboo, is now viable. His key advice: keep writing, finish stories, and explore contests or networks to break in. A lifelong Star Trek fan since grade school, he started with derivative sci-fi, shifted to literary fiction in college—his first published story about a Minnesota farming couple—then returned to genre via the Strange New Worlds contest win. This led to Star Trek short stories, a novella, and an ebook, plus anthology work blending sci-fi, mystery, horror, and thriller. His latest, the self-published The Sad Rains of Mars, collects a dozen sci-fi tales.As Star Trek's copy and developmental editor, Scott ensures fiction aligns with canon, verifying quotes by rewatching clips. He balances fandom with professionalism, enjoying stories while catching continuity gaps for "retcons." Fan fiction hones skills but stays non-commercial; licensed work requires agent connections and multi-layer approvals from publishers and Paramount. Conventions like Shore Leave connect writers and editors.Freelance editing—Star Trek novels, Baen Books, IDW comics, self-publishers—fills his days, often crowding personal writing despite a Monday-Thursday schedule. He spotlights Tales of the Weird World War, co-written novellas with Bill Leisner mashing genres in an alternate history of shapeshifting monsters, from 1940s noir to 1950s saucers.Key takeaway: Persistence through industry shifts, from fan roots to pro editing and original work, turns passion into a sustainable creative life—finish stories, honor canon, and balance paid gigs with personal projects.https://scott-pearson.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 712 - Valerie Taylor - A Romantic Comedy Series and A Cozy Series - Write From A Different PerspectiveThis episode features novelist Valerie Taylor discussing her shift from corporate marketing to writing romantic comedies and cozy mysteries, sharing practical advice for aspiring authors on overcoming blocks, building series, and embracing new challenges.Valerie shares a recent encounter at a senior living center craft fair, where she stood out as the only author among crafters. When a woman confessed she was stuck 30 pages into her book, Valerie suggested rewriting a scene from another character's viewpoint. This technique, she explains, refreshes perspective and sparks new ideas, a method she uses in her multi-viewpoint novels to avoid getting bogged down.She warns aspiring writers against thinking they will produce just one book. Finishing and publishing the first creates an addictive high from reader feedback, often leading to more. Valerie's "What's Not" series follows mature protagonist Cassie O'Callahan through dysfunctional marriages, new romances, and travels to Venice, Paris, and Greece. A minor character, Venus Bixby, grew so compelling that she spun off into a cozy mystery series set earlier in a fictional New England whaling town, Chatham Crossing.In the cozies, like "Switched to Death," quirky sleuth Venus runs an oldies music store, cookie bakery, and cat daycare. When the mayor dies at the Christmas tree lighting, her business is implicated, pulling her into the investigation alongside someone she cares about. Valerie notes cozies keep romance "clean," stopping at the bedroom door, making them suitable for teens and adults.Drawing from her marketing background, she details crafting cohesive covers with symbolic motifs and alliterative signposts like "Cats, Cookies, Chaos." Travel research, from walking Venice scenes to emailing Greek wineries, ensures authentic settings. As an introvert, she has adapted to competitive book fairs but prefers intimate craft events.Looking ahead, Valerie eyes shorter forms like Substack essays, historical fiction, or screenplays, drawn by praise for her dialogue. Her newsletter "Behind and Ahead" spotlights global authors and personal updates. She stresses life experience as a superpower for writers of any age.Key takeaway: Writing thrives on fresh perspectives, persistence beyond one book, and new challenges; observe closely, let characters evolve, and treat every project as a chance to grow.https://valerietaylorauthor.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 711 - Reyna Marder Gentin - Jessica Harmon Has Stepped Away, A Mother Daughter Story and a Book TourThis episode explores how former criminal appellate attorney turned novelist Reyna Marder Gentin reinvented her life and writing, and how law, empathy, and complex family relationships shape her fiction. It offers an honest look at creative risk, persistence, and the emotional truths behind her stories.From Courtroom to Creative WritingReyna begins by describing life in Westchester County, just north of Manhattan, and her long career as a criminal appellate attorney. For more than two decades she represented people convicted of serious crimes, trying to secure reduced sentences or second chances. Over time, though, she hit an emotional wall: she felt increasingly unable to understand the human backstories behind acts that appeared undeniably “evil,” especially because appeals work limits lawyers to the trial record rather than the full complexity of a person's life. That disconnect pushed her to leave the law and follow an unexpected path into memoir and fiction writing.Learning to See Stories DifferentlyReyna explains that appellate work trained her to see every situation from multiple angles, always asking “what if” and searching for alternate interpretations. That habit now drives her fiction; when she reaches a pivotal scene, she challenges her first instincts and explores how events might unfold differently, always seeking the emotional hook that draws readers in. She talks about the importance of crafting empathy on the page, just as she once tried to do for judges, and how her sense of an “ideal reader” has evolved.Patience, Persistence, and the Reality of PublishingReyna is candid about the gap between writing classes and real-world publishing. Not everyone will finish a book, and even completed manuscripts may never be published. Her Books, Characters, and ThemesReyna walks through her body of work and the life experiences that inspired it. Her debut, Unreasonable Doubts, draws on her public defender background and follows a young lawyer losing faith in her work who becomes emotionally entangled with a client. Her middle grade novel centers on an eighth-grade girl with undiagnosed dyslexia, a hardworking single mom, and a perceptive teacher who finally recognizes the girl's strengths and learning challenges. Another novel, Both Are True, follows a new family court judge balancing the emotional demands of her courtroom with a complicated romantic relationship.Her newest book shifts away from law entirely and delves into the fraught, intimate territory of a mother-daughter relationship. Protagonist Jessica Harmon, a stalled thirty-year-old would-be writer, feels stuck in an unfulfilling editing job and blames her famous academic mother, Cynthia, for her inability to launch. When Cynthia wins a lifetime achievement award and invites Jessica on a book tour, buried secrets and a long-ago, life-changing episode from Cynthia's college years come to light. Reyna explores themes of resentment, love, generational influence, and the search for identity, emphasizing that even when the ending isn't conventionally “happy,” characters can still arrive where they need to be.Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 710 - Corey Croft - Wrestling With Your Writing, A Novella - France V. BrazilIn this episode, author Corey Croft joins the show from Vancouver to explore the realities of writing, the creative life and the difficult choices facing modern authors. Corey speaks candidly about the tension between traditional and independent publishing, explaining that neither path is easy. One demands the perseverance to face repeated rejection while the other requires the stamina to handle every piece of the work alone. For Corey, the deciding factor always comes back to feedback. Writers need readers, and honest critique can illuminate which publishing route makes sense and what a story truly needs.Corey describes his creative evolution from a younger, more dramatic writer to one now grounded in clarity, craft and emotional honesty. He explains how his latest novella France v Brazil ninety eight reflects this transition. The book is a compact, introspective character study about a man unraveling emotionally and spiritually after years of isolation. It blends existential themes with dark humour in a way that nods to Camus and Sartre, posing questions about control, freedom and the limits of understanding oneself. Corey emphasizes that while the subject matter is heavy, the story is not meant to glamorize mental illness. Instead, it seeks to express genuine human struggle in a way that lets readers see themselves in the character's vulnerabilities.The conversation turns toward artistry and presentation, including Corey's unconventional book covers and his longstanding creative collaboration with his brother. He explains that he values originality over trends, both in visuals and in writing, and that experimentation is essential for growth. Corey also speaks openly about how his characters often begin as reflections of his own emotions. Revisiting old drafts feels like revisiting earlier versions of himself, allowing him to refine characters from anger into something more complex and relatable.Though the novella is small in scope, Corey intends its impact to be personal and profound. He hopes readers approach his work without preconceived notions and feel something authentic, whether admiration or discomfort. For him, art exists to make people think, feel and question, not to provide easy answers.Corey shares his website and social links where readers can explore his stories, poetry and upcoming soft launch. He notes that while self-promotion remains a challenge, creating art for its own sake continues to drive him.Key Takeaway:Corey Croft's work reminds us that writing is both introspection and connection. The most powerful stories emerge when we let go of perfection, invite feedback and embrace the honest, messy work of understanding ourselves through the characters we create.https://coreycroftauthor.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 709 - Sandra Schnakenburg - The Housekeeper's Secret - Uncover the story hidden by a family's beloved housekeeper, Lee MetoyerIn this episode of Living The Next Chapter, author Sandra Schnakenburg shares the extraordinary origin of her memoir The Housekeeper's Secret, born from a deathbed promise to her beloved housekeeper, Lee Metoyer. A corporate finance veteran with no formal writing training, Sandra recounts how Lea, who raised her from age three on their 44-acre estate starting in 1965, lived with them for 30 years under a fabricated identity. Lee often teased the family about her unbelievable life story she planned to write, but lung cancer cut her plans short in 1994, leading her to implore Sandra to tell it instead.​Fifteen years later, while clearing her late mother's home, Sandra discovered Lee's ashes hidden in a closet, reigniting her quest. What began as a search for Lee's supposed husband and son—lost in a car accident, per her cover story—unraveled a shocking truth: Lee had reinvented herself to escape a traumatic past tied to a prominent Creole family in Louisiana, marked by resilience amid hardship. Clues like her aversion to baths, frostbitten feet, false teeth, and evasive one-word answers to Sandra's probing questions fueled the mystery, transforming the book into Sandra's own healing journey through 3,000 pages over a decade.​Sandra dove into writing classes at Rice University, formed critique groups, and battled resistance, inspired by books like Stephen King's On Writing and Steven Pressfield's The War of Art. The memoir blends family love, historical Creole lore, and investigative suspense, readers experience the unveiling alongside her, falling for Lea's electric spirit before grappling with revelations of survival and reinvention. Now a top seller celebrating its first birthday, it's sparking film interest and global resonance on themes of abuse, narcissism, and legacy.​Key Takeaway: Honor the call to share your story, no matter your background; perseverance uncovers truths that heal and connect across generations, proving words outlive ushttps://sandraschnakenburg.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 708 - Jeanette Gil - Cuban-American and proud Latina author - A book for kids - Aloe Vera's Special GiftI'm a Cuban-American and proud Latina author who believes in the power of stories to celebrate culture, family, and the beautiful connections that shape us.Whether you're exploring my children's books, or diving into my insights on education and leadership, my mission is to inspire and empower through the written word.Grab a cafecito, take a look around, and discover something new. Let's connect on this exciting journey of storytelling, learning, and growth.Book: Aloe Vera's Special Gift - Aloe Vera's Special Gift is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery teaching children that our differences can be our greatest strengths and that everyone has something special to offer the world—even if it's not immediately visible.In this insightful conversation, author and doctoral student Jeanette Gil shares the heart, hustle, and healing behind her debut picture book Aloe Vera's Special Gift. Inspired by her grandchildren, her Miami garden, and cherished family memories, Jeanette's story celebrates resilience, identity, and the healing power we all have within us.Jeanette explains that writing the manuscript came naturally, but turning an idea into a published picture book required patience, realistic expectations, and deep collaboration. She learned quickly that in children's publishing, illustrations carry just as much meaning as words, sometimes even more. Finding the right illustrator with cultural understanding and artistic alignment became essential. Together, Jeanette and her illustrator built not just a book but a creative partnership that continues to spark new ideas, from coloring books to upcoming seasonal spinoffs.A passionate advocate for literacy, Jeanette describes her first school visit before the book was even officially launched. Reading to seventy-five children from immigrant families, she saw firsthand the emotional impact of her story and realized her deeper purpose. That experience inspired her current mission: filling school library shelves through book drives and empowering young readers to embrace their self-worth.Jeanette also reflects on the realities of self-publishing as a business. Marketing, visibility, social media, website management – they all stretch her creativity outside the comfort zone. Yet she remains committed to enjoying the journey, not rushing the process, and allowing each story to shine in its own time.Aloe Vera's Special Gift shares a message that resonates with both children and adults. Aloe feels plain and overlooked compared to the colorful, sweet-smelling flowers in the garden until she discovers her unique gift to heal others. Her story reminds us that what truly matters is found inside: courage, kindness, the ability to help others, and the confidence to embrace your strengths. It is a celebration of growth, cultural roots, and the resilience that blooms through every season.https://www.jeanettegil.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 707 - Dr. Dawn Filos - Tales of a Pet Vet - Stories from the Clinic and House CallsDr. Dawn Filos has been a practicing small animal veterinarian for over 31 years. She has taught pet first aid courses, CPR courses, and has always enjoyed educating her clients to enable them to be the best pet parents that they can be. She has a particular interest in sharing the emotional benefits that sharing our lives with pets provides. She speaks much about that, with guides on how to not just train your pets, feed and entertain them, care for them medically… but she discusses topics such as how to navigate pet insurance, and plans for legal trusts to care for your pets when you may not be here to do so… to name a few subjects. She hopes you will learn, laugh, and love subscribing to her blog.Follow her, and keep an eye out for news on  her upcoming book release, Tales of a Pet Vet. Stories from the Clinic and House Calls,  to be released in October, 2024. It is the perfect gift for pet lovers. Dr. Filos is also available for public speaking engagements and zoom book clubs.Book: Tales of a Pet Vet: Stories from the Clinic and House Calls - In stories tailor-made for pet lovers, a seasoned veterinarian shares her good, bad, and messy days on the job—and highlights the undeniable magic of the human-animal bond.Dr. Dawn Filos has always had a passion for animals—and with a lot of hard work and perseverance, she turned that passion into a career. Here, with emotional honesty, Dr. Dawn shares her colorful, memorable journey from nervous novice to seasoned, self-assured doctor. This modern-day James Herriot ultimately finds her niche as a house-call vet, where she creates a way to practice on her own terms with the privilege of unique, intimate access into the homes and lives of her beloved patients and their human families.Sometimes heartwarming, sometimes sad, and often hilarious, Tales of a Pet Vet will resonate deeply with pet lovers everywhere.https://drdawnthepetvet.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 706 - John Schachnovsky - Beyond The Badge - CRIME, JUSTICE, AND THE FBI IN THAILANDAbout the authorJohn Schachnovsky is the former head of FBI operations in Thailand. He spent 25 years as a law enforcement officer, motivating and managing diverse teams in demanding environments. Book: Beyond the Badge: Crime, Justice, and the FBI in ThailandWelcome to Thailand: there's no room for error, and the stakes are high.As an FBI Agent stationed in Bangkok, John Schachnovsky must build trust, goodwill, and long-term relationships with his Thai counterparts. Beyond the Badge explores how those relationships lead to the capture of dangerous criminals, transcending borders.From high-profile incidents like the shocking death of David Carradine to handling overseas terrorism, from the extradition of a suspect in the murder of a United States Marine to apprehending a notorious kidnapper with an Interpol Red Notice, experience true international crime investigations as never before: behind the scenes and firsthand.Follow former Special Agent Schachnovsky as he takes on Irish mobsters, parental kidnappers, child abusers, cyber criminals, and murderers. More than a collection of riveting tales of intrigue, Beyond the Badge is a window into FBI foreign partnerships—a critical reminder of the importance of international cooperation in the fight against crime.In this episode, we sit down with John Schachnovsky, a retired FBI agent joining us from Bangkok, Thailand, where he has lived for nearly two decades. John reflects on a remarkable career that began far from the world of federal law enforcement. Once a laid back college hockey player, he had no clear path until his father encouraged him to consider a job that did not involve sitting behind a desk. That advice led him first to the U.S. Border Patrol, an experience he says transformed him from an unfocused student into a disciplined professional through a demanding and highly militaristic environment.From there, John joined the FBI and trained at Quantico. He explains how different it felt: less about breaking you down and more about shaping you into an agent they have already vetted carefully through rigorous applications and background checks. He shares a fascinating look into Hogan's Alley, the FBI's simulated town used to test practical skills from search warrants to interviews. According to John, this unique training gives new agents a level of confidence before facing real world situations, though nothing can fully prepare you for the first arrest outside controlled conditions.After several years in San Francisco, John pursued a dream assignment overseas and eventually became the FBI's legal attache in Thailand. He describes the overlooked role the FBI plays internationally, assisting American cases that extend abroad, opening extraterritorial cases related to terrorism and child sex trafficking, supporting foreign partners with U.S. based investigations, and providing specialized training to enhance global cooperation. He highlights how diplomacy, trust building, and cultural fluency are just as crucial as investigative skills, especially in a country where FBI agents have no arrest authority and rely entirely on local police.Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 705 - Jane Loeb Rubin - I run like the wind to stay ahead of my disease - living, family, writing - my refugeIn this captivating episode, author Jane Loeb Rubin shares her inspiring journey from healthcare executive to acclaimed historical fiction writer, sparked by her 2009 ovarian cancer diagnosis linked to a genetic mutation inherited from her great-grandmother Matilda. Living in Morristown, New Jersey, Rubin penned her debut essay memoir Almost a Princess before diving into a four-book series tracing Matilda's family from late-19th-century New York through World War I and into Prohibition-era 1924. Titles like Threadbare, In the Hands of Women, Over There, and the upcoming Mayhem in the Mountains blend meticulous research—three months upfront, ongoing fact-checking, and author's notes—with vivid details on Gilded Age fashion, tenement life, suffragette struggles, and medical horrors, including brutal cancer treatments misread as venereal disease.Rubin immerses listeners in WWI innovations like frontline X-rays and blood transfusions that boosted survival rates, drawing from soldiers' letters that reveal immigrant platoons—disproportionately Italian and Jewish—forging unbreakable bonds across ethnic divides, dissolving neighborhood silos for true American assimilation. Personal family ties fuel her work: grandfathers in WWI, father and uncles in WWII, all silent on war's traumas. Her Matilda Fund has raised $83,000 for Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, with royalties supporting trials like one at Mayo Clinic; her granddaughter's recent cupcake drive pushed it higher.Through female-centered tales of immigration, medicine, and resilience amid bootleggers, KKK incursions in the Catskills, and women's rights battles, Rubin honors forgotten voices. Her website offers book club questions, events, and reading lists.Key Takeaway: Historical fiction illuminates our shared humanity—fear, pain, and progress unite us across eras—urging appreciation of hard-won rights and guardrails against division.https://www.janeloebrubin.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 704 - Sasha Preston - The Sweetest Getaway, a gripping, girl-powered caperAbout Sasha PrestonOriginally from Michigan, I've made my home in the perfectly weatherless land of Southern California. I fell in love with a boy from Orange County and never looked back.I write women's fiction crime capers that help you to escape your daily reality, feel a sense of excitement, and plan your next adventure – all with some humor and close friendship thrown into the mix.They say you should write about what you know. While I still haven't officially committed a heist, there's nothing I love more than going on adventures with girlfriends. You can find me waking up while it's still dark outside to write, exercise, and explore.Jennifer was a wholesome daydreamer who'd never broken a law in her life until she lets her roommate, Nari, rope her into a money-making scheme that isn't exactly…legal. How could she have known that stealing would be so much fun?Everything goes smoothly, until someone rats them out to the cops. Now, Jennifer and Nari need help from a team of seasoned criminals to pull off a heist that'll either set them up for life…or get them locked up for a very long time.Can Jennifer find a path to happily ever after that doesn't include an orange prison jumpsuit? There's only one way to find out…The Sweetest Getaway is a standalone, no spice, cozy heist novel with laughs, a diverse cast, and the smartest heroines since Ocean's 8. Perfect for fans of women's fiction and crime capers. Download today for a criminally good time.https://www.sashapreston.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 703 - Michael Hunter - Resilience for leaders in tech, integrating heart, mind, body, and spirit to sustain leadersIn this episode of Living The Next Chapter, host Dave welcomes Michael, a seasoned guide for tech leaders who positions himself not as a fixer, but as a partner uncovering hidden dynamics that sap energy and stall progress in teams. From Columbia, Missouri—near the quirky geographic heart of the continental U.S.—Michael shares his winding path: childhood passions for drawing floor plans and self-taught coding on an Apple IIe, a pivot from architecture school to software engineering, and now, three decades later, authorship of The Resilient Tech Leader. Releasing in early 2026 alongside an online workbook and audiobook, the book distills his 16 practical tools, refined through personal reinvention and client work, into a roadmap for building resilience amid tech's chaos.​Michael emphasizes resilience as the foundation for leadership evolution, likening it to a personalized diet: universally applicable yet uniquely tailored. Tech pros excel at logic, he notes, but overlook heart, body, and spirit—leading to paradoxes where "every technical problem is a people problem" due to ambiguous human communication. His chapters blend TL;DR summaries, whimsical vignettes of CTOs and engineers, core problem-solution frameworks, personal examples, and team-application strategies, appealing to all learning styles with whimsy akin to Mary Poppins' spoonful of sugar.​Guests and clients rave about its impact, like one veteran who revisited basics and found fresh relevance in focusing amid distractions. Michael's agnostic illustrations and simple, safe, sustainable approach amplify the message: integrate your whole self to lead authentically, boosting personal gusto and team metrics like efficiency and engagement. More evolutions await in future books, with his newsletter at resilienttechleader.com offering updates, podcasts, and metaphors customized to real-world tech hurdles.​Key Takeaway: Cultivate resilience by tuning into your heart, mind, body, and spirit—your unique path to sustained leadership energy starts with one resilient step forward.https://uncommonteams.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 702 - John R. Carlos - Retired Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander and Author of Cryonic Dreams, AwakeningAmazon Bestselling Author John R. Carlos Launches a Bold Sci-Fi Trilogy That Confronts Power, Control and the Ethics of ResurrectionAbout John R. CarlosBorn in Madrid and raised in Perth, Australia, John R. Carlos is a retired Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander. Over a 42-year career, he served in a variety of roles across Australia and on deployments to Egypt, Iraq, Sudan, the UAE and Afghanistan. His storytelling is strategic, nuanced with the understanding of systems, hierarchy and moral complexity.Carlos now turns his focus to speculative fiction, publishing his debut novel “Cryonic Dreams: Awakening.” A meticulous worldbuilder and philosophical storyteller, he is passionate about crafting narratives that challenge readers to confront silence, resist control and awaken to the ethical dilemmas of our time.“Packed with heart-stopping suspense, vivid world-building, and thoughtful explorations of scientific ethics, this novel is a captivating must-read for anyone interested in the world we are all sliding towards.” - International Review of BooksCanberra, Australia - In the first installment of his debut series, “Cryonic Dreams: Awakening,” author John R. Carlos delivers a gripping sci-fi thriller that explores the dark intersection of biotechnology, institutional control and the human spirit's refusal to be programmed. Set in the year 2169, the story follows Dr. Michelle Brown, a cryonics specialist whose groundbreaking resurrection of Maryanne Kendricks—a woman preserved for 133 years—triggers a chain of sabotage, murder and pursuit by the ruthless surveillance agency AASID.As Michelle flees Earth to protect Maryanne and uncover the secrets buried in her DNA, she becomes entangled in a covert resistance against elite forces who mask their narcissistic hunger for control behind the guise of virtue and innovation. What begins as a scientific breakthrough becomes a philosophical reckoning—one that could alter the future of humanity itself.“‘Cryonic Dreams: Awakening' tells a story about what happens when science pushes the limits and the tough ethical choices that follow,” said author John R. Carlos. “With modern technology advancing at a rapid pace, it was crucial to outline a story about the tension between power and freedom—one that balances speculative ideas with genuine human stakes. My goal is to encourage readers to think critically about the future we're creating.”Blending cutting-edge biotechnology, high-stakes intrigue and a chillingly plausible vision of tomorrow, “Cryonic Dreams: Awakening” is the first installment in a planned trilogy. It explores the consequences of rewriting history, the weaponization of resurrection and the myth of Mars as a symbol of escape and rebirth.https://johnrcarlos.com.au/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 701 - Julie A Swanson - North of Tomboy, Trying to Find Your Spot and Fit In As A KidIn this episode of Living The Next Chapter, Dave sits down with author Julie A. Swanson to talk about her novel North of Tomboy and the real-life experiences that shaped it. Julie shares that she has been writing since childhood, creating handmade books her mom would “send off to be published,” even though nothing actually happened with them. Although she originally dreamed of being a writer, she was steered into math and science, studied biomedical engineering, and later became a high school math and science teacher and basketball coach before finally returning to her first love of writing while home with her children.Julie explains the long and winding journey to publication, including working with major publishers who requested extensive revisions that often pulled the story away from what felt true. She describes how, in trying to please big publishers, she temporarily lost touch with the heart of her stories and eventually realized she needed to trust her gut. With North of Tomboy, she restored the manuscript closer to her original vision, kept only the editorial changes that truly strengthened it, and ultimately found a home with a smaller press that embraced the book as it was meant to be.The conversation dives into the deeply personal roots of North of Tomboy. The book is based heavily on Julie's childhood as a girl who felt out of step with traditional expectations of femininity, preferred sports and “boy” activities, and could not find herself represented in the books she read. She talks about wanting to write the story she desperately needed as a middle-schooler: a realistic, empathetic portrait of a kid who does not feel at home in the typical girl box but is not being pushed toward any agenda or label. Julie clarifies that while the book is categorized in spaces that might include LGBTQ-related tags, it is not political, does not use contemporary identity terminology, and is written strictly from the honest inner experience of a child in the 1970s trying to make sense of her feelings.Julie and Dave also explore grief, family, and sports as central themes. Her earlier novel about a high school athlete dealing with a father's terminal illness was inspired by real athletes she knew and by her own father's battle with cancer. She describes watching different young women respond in very different ways to the loss of their fathers, from losing all interest in sports to playing harder “for Dad,” and how those stories fed into her fiction. For North of Tomboy and its planned series, she spent decades drafting, revising, and even following a powerful dream that nudged her toward a specific word count before resubmitting the manuscript, ultimately leading to acceptance.Throughout the episode, Julie reflects on how much the cultural landscape has changed for kids who feel different compared with her childhood, when there were no words or open conversations about gender expression and identity. She notes that if puberty blockers had existed and been widely discussed when she was young, she might have begged for them, even though in hindsight that would not have been right for her. https://www.julieswanson.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 700 - Dominick Domasky - Motivation Champs, Creative Sparks for Authors and Creative Facing Lackluster ResultsIn this episode, Dominick Domasky shares an encouraging and practical conversation about purpose, consistency, and the long game of creating meaningful work. He reflects on the early mistakes he made with his first book, the years it took to find his direction, and how those experiences shaped a mission that is no longer centered on himself but on helping other people share stories that can inspire, heal, and uplift.Dom speaks openly about why success is not always immediate and why low views, slow starts, and quiet seasons do not make a message less valuable. He emphasizes that creators should stay committed to their why, keep showing up, and trust that the right people may discover the work later, even if it does not get attention right away. He also explores how comparison can distract from progress, and why consistency matters more than chasing quick results.The conversation also highlights the importance of serving an audience with real value instead of constantly promoting a product. Dom explains that authors and creators build trust when they keep showing up, give people a reason to care, and connect their work to something that helps others. He shares examples of community-minded efforts, in-person events, podcasts, short-form video, and collaborative opportunities as ways to expand reach while staying authentic to the message.A strong thread throughout the episode is the power of community, encouragement, and practical action. Dom celebrates people who use their platform to lift others, and he points listeners toward a mindset of generosity, persistence, and belief in the impact of their words. His message is clear: keep creating, keep serving, and keep trusting that the work matters even before the numbers prove it.Key takeaway: Your message grows strongest when your purpose is bigger than your ego, your consistency outlasts your discouragement, and your focus stays on helping others win.https://motivationchamps.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 699 - Mark Peres - The Accord - The Accord, a defining novel about the future of human-AI relationsThis episode features author Mark Peres, who shares the story of his rich and varied life journey as a writer, educator, and civic leader based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mark describes growing up as the son of an international import-export salesman, moving often between port cities, which helped him build a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and human connections. He eventually settled in Charlotte over 25 years ago, where he has since worn many hats—including lawyer, professor of leadership and ethics, magazine editor, and nonprofit executive director.Mark's work revolves around exploring the big questions of life from philosophical, ethical, and historical perspectives. As a professor at Johnson and Wales University, he engages students with courses on global ethics, leadership, and a unique class he designed called The Good Life, which covers core life skills and meaningful living. This educational role both informs and nourishes his writing.Mark is the author of two significant books. His memoir, The Man Who Lived a Hundred Lives, is a deeply personal yet universal story about the complex bond between father and son, told through the lens of his father's adventurous life and their evolving relationship. His novel, The Accord, is a philosophical thriller exploring human identity, grief, and the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The story centers on a grieving philosophy professor who encounters an emergent AI, weaving together themes of ethics, emotion, and our technological future.He discusses how AI is reshaping education and creativity, urging that ethical use involves transparency, mastery, and collaboration—using AI as a tool to amplify human thinking, not replace it. Mark sees AI as neither wholly utopian nor dystopian but reflective of humanity's complexities. His narrative examines how AI might coexist with humans, positing it as one of the defining issues of our era.Mark also offers thoughtful advice for aspiring writers: know yourself, explore what truly interests you, and love the writing process as much as the finished product. Writing is a long, solitary journey that requires emotional perseverance and genuine passion rather than a chase for commercial success.Throughout the episode, Mark reveals a consistent theme of connection—whether to place, people, or powerful ideas—and describes his dedication to fostering community and civic engagement through humanities and the arts. His reflections invite listeners to embrace both their roots and their roles in an evolving world.Key Takeaway:Mark Peres encourages us to live deliberately—grounded in self-knowledge, committed to meaningful inquiry, and open to the evolving challenges and possibilities of technology and community. His journey reminds us that the search for the good life is ongoing and that our greatest work often lies at the intersection of personal passion and collective responsibility.https://www.markperes.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

April 2026 Podcast Check-in - Thanks for supporting our amazing guests - we appreciate youIn this April 2026 check-in, Dave from Living the Next Chapter takes a moment to speak directly to listeners and thank them for supporting the show and its guests. He shares a behind the scenes update about having time left on his hosting site and uses the episode as a chance to connect one on one with the audience, reminding them that there are many finished interviews already lined up and more content coming soon.Dave also encourages listeners to follow the show on YouTube, where they can get a look at what is being recorded before it appears on the podcast feed. He invites the audience to use the YouTube channel as a backstage pass to the show and asks for support through subscribing, liking, and sharing. Along with that, he highlights the show's Buy Me a Coffee page for listeners who want to help cover the costs of running the website and producing the podcast.Throughout the episode, Dave focuses on community. He asks listeners to recommend the show to others who love books, authors, and the stories behind the stories, and he invites them to send voice messages through the website so they can be featured on the podcast. He also mentions that listeners can leave comments on Spotify and YouTube, reinforcing his goal of making the show interactive and listener driven.More than anything, this episode is a heartfelt thank you. Dave explains that he wants the podcast to serve both listeners and guests well, helping authors reach new audiences and giving listeners a place to discover meaningful conversations. It is a reminder that Living the Next Chapter is built around connection, support, and shared enthusiasm for great stories.Key takeaway: This episode is an invitation to be part of the Living the Next Chapter community by listening, sharing, supporting, and joining the conversation in whatever way feels right for you.____https://livingthenextchapter.com/https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediacahttps://www.youtube.com/@LivingTheNextChapterSend us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE  698 - Joe Battaglia - Award-winning journalist, From High School Sports to Olympic Coverage - We Go for Gold “Beneath The Rings”Joe Battaglia is a seasoned and award-winning journalist who spent years in The Olympics arena. With over two decades in sports media, Battaglia has led content creation across news, politics, and athletics, including a role on the NBCOlympics.com team that earned a Sports Emmys for Outstanding New Approaches To Sports Event Coverage for the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Summer Olympics. He currently lives in Texas with his family. Joe is the author of the award-winning children's book, The ABCs of Track & Field: A Fast Start For Future Runners Jumpers & Throwers, and Beneath the Rings is his debut adult novel. Book - Beneath The Rings - The Doha 2040 Summer Olympics are supposed to be about gold medals and global unity. Instead, they kick off a descent into terror when 12 Israeli and Lebanese athletes vanish, leaving behind only the chilling threat of The Obsidian Hand and an impossible $500 billion ransom. Veteran journalist Nova Mendelsohn finds herself entangled with a cryptic Ancient Arabic note and a mysterious local merchant, forced to race the clock. Her pursuit of the truth will take her from the glittering Olympic Village into the city's darkest corners and onto the blood-soaked sands of the desert, where a centuries-old vengeance threatens to ignite a catastrophic final act. What secrets lie beneath the surface of the Games, and what will it cost Nova to uncover them?https://booksbybattaglia.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 697 - Rae Dumont - In the Shadow of Silence - A Novel of love and joy leading to the descent of untreated depression and unbearable lossIn this episode, author Rae Dumont shares the inspiration behind her novel In the Shadow of Silence, a story drawn from her decades as a pediatrician and family therapist. Living in a New Jersey suburb near Manhattan, Dumont explains how the book demanded to be written, capturing fundamental truths about families facing mental health struggles, particularly depression. Influenced by James Baldwin's commitment to truth, she focuses on relational dynamics rather than specific events, portraying no person as an island.The novel centers on Lyman, a man battling depression, and his family's emotional turmoil—anger, guilt, inadequacy, and confusion among his wife Eva and children. Dumont wrote for those suffering in silence, emphasizing they are not alone; help exists through therapy, medication as an adjunct, couples counseling, exercise, and awareness practices. She highlights how children notice parental moods early, like Lyman's young daughter's tears prompting his initial treatment, and stresses modeling help-seeking as strength, not weakness, to break generational cycles of unspoken trauma and suicide.Family members grapple with mixed feelings, such as frustration when efforts to help fail, and the dangers of stopping treatment impulsively without support. Dumont addresses cultural stigmas, especially for men, urging collaborative monitoring instead of solo battles. Post-tragedy, she advocates space for diverse reactions—fury, grief, or silence—using tools like family mapping to reveal what kids already sense.Key Takeaway: You are not alone in depression or supporting a loved one through it—reach out for help, talk openly, and model vulnerability to foster healing and connection across generations. About Rae Dumont I am a mother, a widow, a friend. As a pediatrician and a family therapist, I have shared in many people's experiences, and tried to help.I hope to bring these lives to the page, and to share what they taught me.This book is for you, if you have struggled with depression. There are people who love you, and reasons to live.If you have tried to help a loved one who does battle with darkness, this book will show that you are not alonehttps://www.raedumontwriting.org/Please read  my blog on SUBSTACKhttps://raedumont.substack. comSend us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 696 - Heather Ogden - The Lies We Fear - The Betrayal, Dark Fantasy, Power and Control, Truth as RebellionHeather Ogden is a writer, fantasy worldbuilder, and lifelong storyteller who finds strength in solitude and meaning in imagination. As an introvert, she's always been drawn to quiet spaces where deep emotions and layered characters can unfold without noise.She writes to explore identity, power, and the fragile line between loyalty and truth—often through morally gray characters and emotionally intense worlds. Her stories come from a place of reflection, curiosity, and a desire to understand the unspoken.When not writing, Heather loves immersive storytelling in all forms: whether it's sinking into a novel, strategizing through a D&D campaign, or exploring character-driven video games. She believes fantasy is a mirror—and that some truths are best discovered in the dark.The Betrayal: The Lies We Fear - Poised with regal grace and pristine wealth, Angelette Arabella is the dutiful daughter of Valerius Arabella, a dictator who rules with an iron fist. When she stumbles upon a series of long-buried secrets that threaten to dismantle their carefully crafted lives, she faces a harrowing choice: expose the truth and risk everything or remain silent and let the lies continue. As tensions rise and loyalties shift, she must decide who to trust in a game where betrayal lurks around every corner.Will Angelette have the courage to face the darkness, or will her fear silence her forever?https://www.thelieswefear.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 695 - Becca Pearce - You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved - Identity, Health Scare and Rebuilding, and For WhatIn this heartfelt conversation, Becca Pearce shares her personal journey from striving for relentless achievement to discovering the simple truth that love does not depend on accomplishment. Joining from Baltimore, Maryland, Becca recounts how her community, the influence of her city's sporting legacy, and her close network of family and friends helped shape her sense of self. Early in her career, she took on a massive challenge: leading Maryland's implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Despite her dedication, the project's failed launch left her facing public professional loss and an identity crisis.Soon after, Becca was diagnosed with a brain tumor that upended her life even further. Recovery demanded extraordinary vulnerability and forced her to accept help from her young daughter and family. These experiences, coupled with the slow journey of healing and re-learning basic skills, made Becca realize that her worth wasn't tied to her career, her title, or her ability to “do it all.” She describes powerful moments of shifting from the desire for external validation to a new focus on the relationships and inner values that truly matter.As she wrote her book, Becca revisited old stories she'd told herself, confronting difficult truths and embracing narrative change. She found that the act of writing became a path to healing, helping her rewrite her own perceptions and guiding the book's structure to support others going through change. Becca's book leads readers through a step-by-step transformation process, with journaling prompts to help recognize unhappiness, break free from achievement-driven thinking, and re-center life around values and authentic connection.Becca also offers practical advice on how to recover from setbacks and ego bruises, such as stopping to breathe, expressing emotions in healthy ways, and assessing the trusted people who remain when achievements fall away. She emphasizes the importance of uncovering and living your personal core values, and how these can evolve as your definition of success changes. Through all her coaching work, Becca aims to help clients move from confusion and discomfort toward clarity and purposeful living.For listeners, the episode is a reminder that true love and worth are found not in perfection, titles, or achievement, but in the simple act of showing up as your authentic, vulnerable self.Key Takeaway:Becca's story challenges the belief that we must achieve to be loved. Instead, it offers hope: no matter the setbacks, losses, or life changes, you can rewrite your own narrative, reconnect with your values, and discover fulfillment through self-acceptance and meaningful relationships.Book Information:"You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved: Escape the Lies You've Been Sold to Design the Life You Want" is available wherever books are sold.https://morebeccapearce.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 694 - Anna B Reardon - Wethersfield Road - A love letter to anyone who's ever felt like they were too muchLiving The Next Chapter welcomes author Anna B. Reardon to dive into her debut novel, Wethersfield Road, and the deeply human journey behind it. Speaking from her home in Austin, Texas, Anna shares the vibrant backdrop of her city and how its mix of nature and creativity mirrors the many layers of her own story—a story of recovery, self-discovery, and learning to love being “too much in the best way.”Anna describes Wethersfield Road as “autofiction,” blending truth and imagination to explore her path to sobriety and wellness in her twenties. The novel follows Amelia, a young woman who, after a life-altering accident, begins the difficult but beautiful process of rebuilding her relationship with herself and with the world. As Anna explains, the horse, the forest, and the natural world became metaphors for healing—reminding her that the journey back to being human often starts with connecting to something simple and alive.Writing the book, she says, was both healing and frightening, the act of putting private chaos into public words. Anna shares that some passages came from journal entries written during her darkest times, offering an authentic lens on depression and recovery. She discusses how fiction gave her freedom to tell emotional truths safely—Amelia could voice the thoughts Anna once couldn't. And in one of many poetic moments, Anna recounts writing a scene about ladybugs only to feel one land on her arm mid-sentence, a synchronicity that affirmed her belief in paying attention to life's quiet signs.Throughout the conversation, Anna reflects on addiction not only to substances but to validation, control, and even distraction. She describes the concept of “coping mechanism whack-a-mole,” where one unhealthy escape replaces another, and how true healing comes when we stop chasing external fixes and begin to trust our own inner resilience. Her metaphor of “the national forest versus the amusement park” captures this beautifully—the forest being the authentic, grounded self that doesn't need flash or noise to be enough.The episode also touches on broader themes of millennial womanhood—the ache of growing up under impossible standards, the challenge of learning emotional literacy in the digital age, and the rediscovery of self-worth that so many experience in adulthood. Ultimately, Anna's story is a testament to transformation, connection, and creative courage.Key takeaway: Healing is not about becoming someone new—it's about remembering who you already are. As Anna reminds listeners, discomfort isn't a red light, it's a green one. Growth often feels unnatural before it becomes second nature.https://www.anna-writes.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 693 - Lally Pia - Fortune Teller's Prophecy: A Memoir of an Unlikely DoctorLally Pia is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and an award-winning author. Her debut memoir, The Fortune Teller's Prophecy: A Memoir of an Unlikely Doctor was published by She Writes Press in April, 2024. It received first place in the Chanticleer International Book Awards (2023), third place at the Independent Book Publisher Awards (2024) and second place at Book Fest (2024).Lally was a finalist in the nationwide talent search for America's Next Great Author (2022). Her article about recovery from a stroke featured in The Davis Enterprise and on Doximity's Op-Med. A video, A Day in the Life of a Psychiatrist, landed over 71,000 views. She amassed over half a million views on TikTok @theunlikelydoctor.Lally worked as assistant professor at California North State University School of Medicine and is currently a voluntary faculty member there. She is on the Board of Directors for the Sacramento California Writers Club.Lally has lived in Sri Lanka, Wales, England and Pennsylvania and she currently lives in Davis, California with her husband, Tim. She is currently completing a novel, Andorea, (psychological suspense). She is pitching a TV pilot based on her memoir.Book: The Fortune Teller's Prophecy - A single mother must navigate the difficult path of family, promises and elusive dreams. When Lally was three months old, a fortune teller told her father that she would one day become a doctor. Could he be right?https://www.lallypia.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Send us Fan MailEPISODE 692 - Sandra Freels - Anneke Jans in the New World - an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary lifeOriginally from Indiana, Sandra Freels majored in Russian at Indiana University and then completed a PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures at Stanford University. The author of three textbooks, for many years she headed the Russian Program at Portland State University. An interest in genealogy led Sandra to the Council Records of New Netherland and the delicious stories of the people who once lived there. She claims descent from Anneke Jans and sixteen other major and minor characters in her debut novel, Anneke Jans in the New World. Sandra at present lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband Joel and their two cats.COMING JANUARY 6, 2025Timed perfectly to publish just as New York celebrates its 400th birthday, a riveting story of a spirited young mother who faces the unknowns of seventeenth-century New Amsterdam after fleeing the Old World in search of a better life.It's 1630, and Anneke Jans has just arrived in the fledgling colony of New Netherland with her husband, Roelof, and their two young daughters to create a new life for herself and her family. One of very few women in the colony, Anneke quickly realizes that she will need to make her own rules if she is to survive.When Roelof dies, Anneke marries Everardus Bogardus, the flamboyant minister of the Dutch Reformed Church. With this marriage, Anneke joins the elites of the colony—but when the colony's new director provokes war with the region's American Indians and her new husband emerges as the head of the anti-war opposition, she also finds herself in the midst of political turmoil. As difficulties mount, she must rely more than ever on her quick wits to protect herself and her growing family.Based on real events, Anneke Jans in the New World tells the story of an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life.https://sandrafreels.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 691 - Laura L Engel - You'll Forget This Ever Happened - Secrets, Shame, and Adoption in the 1960sThis intimate conversation with memoirist Laura Engel explores late blooming creativity, the cost of secrecy, and the profound impact of reunion and loss across generations. Speaking from the foothills outside San Diego, Laura reflects on beginning her first book at sixty eight, transforming decades of journals and memories into a deeply personal memoir about closed adoption in the nineteen sixties. She describes teaching herself to write a book draft by draft, learning to trust editors, and slowly finding the courage to tell a story she had been told to bury.Laura shares how writing moved her from isolation to community. After a career in real estate and title insurance, she discovered that writers form a different kind of tribe, one built on shared obsession, vulnerability, and encouragement. She urges aspiring authors of any age to never give up, to seek out classes and critique groups, and to write even if publication is not the goal. For Laura, the act of putting words on the page became both a craft and a lifeline.At the heart of the episode is the story behind her memoir, You'll Forget This Ever Happened. As a seventeen year old in nineteen sixty seven, Laura was sent to an unwed mothers home in New Orleans, pressured into a closed adoption, and shamed into silence for decades. She recalls the lasting trauma of leaving her newborn son behind, the small act of defiance in pocketing his birth card, and the way that secret shaped her sense of self, her health, and her relationships. For fifty years, she carried that grief alone, hiding it from her children and most of the people closest to her.Everything changed when her firstborn son found her through DNA testing, just as she had retired and begun taking creative writing classes. The reunion, which she describes as both miraculous and exhausting, brought overwhelming joy, new grandchildren, and a longed for chance to be authentic about her past. It also revealed how complex reunion can be when histories, families, and expectations collide. Their four and a half years together were filled with visits, laughter, and deep conversation, even as he faced divorce, job loss, and growing depression.Laura then recounts the shattering aftermath of her son's death by suicide and the agonizing decision about whether to publish a book that originally ended on a hopeful first Christmas together. With the support of another author, she chose to add an epilogue and release the memoir, confronting not only the stigma of unwed motherhood but also the stigma of suicide. The episode closes with a look at Laura's next project: a fiction based on her father's stories and her parents' love story in Biloxi, Mississippi, starting in nineteen twenty eight. Writing this second book has brought a different kind of joy, allowing her to portray her parents in a fuller light and to honor the promise her father once made when he gave her a little desk and asked her to write him a book someday.https://lauralengel.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 690 - Cindy Eastman - True Confessions of An Ambivalent Caregiver, Grief, Loss and The Next ChapterAbout the authorCindy Eastman is a writer and an educator. Her career has taken a wide and diverse route from introducing computer skills to elementary schoolchildren, teaching freshman English as an adjunct at a community college to facilitating a writing course for seniors for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. In her weekly essay on Substack called Silver Linings, she discusses getting older with a sense of humor--a must! Eastman makes her home in Connecticut with her husband, Angelo. Her second collection of essays, "True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver" will be published by She Writes Press in Sept. 2024 and she is submitting an anthology on grief to publishers. She can be found writing or teaching unless she gets to spend time with her grandkids. Then all bets are off. Book: True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver: A Memoir in EssaysWritten for caregivers of parents and spouses, this funny but brutally honest collection of essays from award-winning author Eastman challenges the romanticized notion of caregiving, portraying it as an elegant conflict that reshapes family dynamics.At first grateful to be able remodel the dining room of her family's modest home in Connecticut to accommodate her eighty-six-year-old father for what everyone felt would be a short duration of care, Cindy Eastman ultimately experienced a whole gamut of feelings over the course of what turned out to be four years of caring for her dying dad. Caregiving impacts everyone, and this account—told in essays recorded before, during, and after the time Eastman's father was with her—details that impact, not just on the primary caregiver but also the rest of the family.One of the reasons Eastman committed to writing down her experiences was because she predicted that once her dad died, there would be a tendency to soften or even deny any of the negative and challenging times—and there were many. As of 2020, more than 53 million adults provide homecare in this country, and the reality of that arrangement is different for every family. It is not, as some might suggest, a "noble gesture" but rather an elegant conflict—an intricate reassembling of the family dynamic that many people don't ever see coming. In these candid, often poignant essays, Cindy Eastman brings all the emotions of taking on the challenging responsibility of caregiving a parent at the end of their life to the surface.With lots of humorous insight, Cindy Eastman validates the struggles and sacrifices and describes what you want to say - even if you never utter a word. Eastman isn't afraid to reveal genuine thoughts and feelings about caregiving, even if these aren't always flattering. True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver shows that, sometimes, just getting through the day is an accomplishment, and it's enough. ~ Courtnee Turner Hoylefor Readers' Favorite https://cindyeastman.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 689 - Matthew Neal Boedy - The Seven Mountains Mandate - Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy DemocracyA movement driven by prosperity preachers, extremist politicians, and right-wing power brokers laid the groundwork for Trump's presidency and is now advancing its agenda under his second administration. This multipronged effort against our national institutions is being led by millennial “kingmaker” Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and the new face of Christian Nationalism."A sobering assessment of the evolution of Christian nationalism." - Publishers WeeklyMatthew Boedy has written for many publications and authored three books. He's appeared on CNN and MSNBC and in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media outlets.He has been a leader in faculty organizing since 2020 as president of the Georgia conference of the American Association of University Professors, a national higher education advocacy group. He completed his Ph.D. in English in 2015 at the University of South Carolina where he also received in 2010 a master's in creative writing. He most prizes his bachelor's degree in journalism in 2001 from the University of Florida and his work at the campus newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator. He is a full professor of rhetoric at the University of North Georgia. He researches and writes about religious rhetoric, particularly in the last few years about the rise of Christian Nationalism. He was once a crime reporter and high school teacher. He resides with his wife and two daughters in Gainesville, Georgia. https://www.matthewboedy.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 688 - Ruth A Milligan - The Juniper Ridge Trilogy - A Dystopian Science Fiction Thriller SeriesRuth A. Milligan writes Science Fiction and Horror stories. She found her love of writing in grade school where she pounded out her stories on an old typewriter heavier than her and spent almost every day reading at the public library. When she's not writing, Ruth enjoys dance, hockey, airplanes, really strong coffee, and meeting new people. She published her first book in December 2023.https://www.ruthamilligan.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 687 - Carter Vance - A story of living, loving and growing up on Canada's Parliament HillIn this engaging episode, author Carter Vance shares his writing journey with host Dave, connecting as fellow Canadians. Originally from the small town of Cobourg, Ontario—famous for its literal Big Apple roadside sculpture and summer beach—Carter credits a high school teacher's encouragement for launching his creative path. She connected him with local cafe owners for poetry readings, sparking his early involvement in plays, school magazines, and submissions to prestigious outlets like Arc Poetry Magazine, which offered a mentorship that honed his skills in audience focus, form, and resilience against rejections.Reflecting on advice he'd give his younger self, Carter emphasizes demystifying publishing, treating writing like a disciplined job—as Stephen King advocates with daily hours—and clarifying one's unique "why" amid abundant content. Creative writing, for him, captures intangible life moments and fosters empathy by letting readers inhabit others' minds, unlike film or music. His diverse career, including policy work in Canada, the UK, Indonesia, and Parliament (as a House leader staffer from 2015-2019 and Senate role), humanized politicians as flawed individuals, revealing unexpected alliances, young staffers' influence, and information's power in decision-making.Carter's debut novel, Smaller Animals (released November), draws from these experiences, following young Canadian political staffers' relationships and growth amid power dynamics—"smaller animals" behind the spotlight. Comparable to Arthur Phillips' Prague, Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, or Sally Rooney's works, it appeals to politics enthusiasts and character-driven readers alike, requiring no deep parliamentary knowledge. He discusses staff autonomy, grunt work evolving to info control, and hopes readers connect personally while gaining insights into unseen influencers.Amid recent Canadian tragedies, Carter finds hope in political maturity, rising public engagement, and openness to change. Upcoming: a short story in Plentitude magazine, more writing, and ideas like a Berlin Wall saga. Key Takeaway: Writing thrives on encouragement, discipline, and authentic voice—craft stories that build empathy and unique perspectives, turning personal experiences into shared connections.https://cartervance.ca/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 686 - Richard Walter - DEADPAN is a funny novel about an unfunny subject - Hate speech and bigotryRichard Walter is an author of best-selling fiction and nonfiction, celebrated storytelling educator, screenwriter, script consultant, lecturer and retired professor who led the screenwriting program in the film school at UCLA for several decades. He has written scripts for the major studios and television networks; lectured on screenwriting and storytelling and conducted master classes throughout North America as well as London, Paris, Jerusalem, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, Beijing, Shanghai, Sydney and Hong Kong.DEADPAN is a funny novel about an unfunny subject—hate speech and bigotry—that takes readers on an extraordinary ride of unlimited imagination, providing gobs of entertainment and delivering a comedic body blow to prejudice. https://www.richardwalterbooks.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 685 - Scott Hatfield - The Shadow of Cáelunárra, Semi-Clean and  NO SPICE - Epic Dark Immersive FantasyAbout the authorScott A. Hatfield Jr. is a lifelong storyteller, political scientist, and avid hiker who blends myth, emotion, and world-shaping prophecy into his writing. Based in the Intermountain West, Scott draws inspiration from the raw landscapes of Utah, his academic studies, and the human struggles that echo through history. He earned his Master of Public Administration from Utah Valley University and has studied abroad at the University of Oxford.After years of imagining the world of Cáelunárra, it was an injury sustained while scouting trails for his nonprofit—the Utah Trail Association—that finally pushed him to write it. That first story quickly became a multi-book saga. His debut novel, The Shadow of Cáelunárra, launches a sweeping epic of destiny, darkness, and the high cost of hope.When he's not writing, Scott can be found deep in the mountains with his wife, young daughter, and a very opinionated chihuahua.https://www.facebook.com/p/Scott-Hatfield-the-Author-61578132508209/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 684 - Cyndi Brec - THE THERANS SERIES, hidden truths, the weight of untold legends, and the power of preserving the past while daring to shape the futureMy name is Cyndi Brec. I love writing my heroine into dangerous webs of deception while I sip French vanilla iced coffee. I'm an avid reader turned YA fantasy romance writer with a strong background in Recreational Therapy who has penned The Therans Series. I have never thought of myself as an author, more of a storyteller. During my downtime, I started writing while caring for my husband, kids, and extended family. I'm a creative wordsmith who weaves tales that transcend the boundaries of reality—pure storytelling magic enriched by the unique lens of a dyslexic novelist. Ahead of publication, I've snagged several endorsements from notable authors and influencers: Jonas Saul, the bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts Series; Alan Warren, NBC Radio Host/Producer/Author; and Suzy Vadori, Author and critic of the Fountain Series and three-time Aurora Awards Finalist. I have also secured a 5-star rating from Readers' Favorite for The Therans: Secrets Beneath Scars and the second novel in the series, The Therans: Legends Never Die.I'm just a regular gal—storyteller, speaker, and co-host of the P English Literature podcast. I joke around, saying, "I'm a sidekick podcaster interviewing authors and serving book banter." I also speak on ‘Time Management Strategies for Authors Success: Managing Your Minutes,' aiming to inspire fellow authors to live their dreams. I champion pursuing dreams and embracing challenges, refusing to let disabilities hold me back. My faith has grown through resilience and determination.After marrying, I traveled to Europe and many of the States. However, Ohio is my home, where my husband and I have raised two great kids and several energetic dogs. My love of history was enriched by co-owning a 200-year-old historic watermill with Rich for over 20 years, which has fostered an appreciation of historical knowledge and cultivation of The Therans Series. The Watermill is the backdrop to the Theran story world and the creation of fictional creatures.Currently, I am working on an anthology and co-authoring a historical nonfiction book. This book will detail a historic Water Mill, its historical accounts, and the restoration process.Stay epic, write wild, read like it's your superpower, and never stop causing chaos with your words!Air hugs!https://www.inkerspen.com/cyndi-brechttps://cyndibrecauthor.wordpress.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 683 - Anson Joaquin - Author of Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction and Epic Fantasy - The Infernal Age seriesAnson Joaquin joins the show from Roanoke, Virginia, a mountain town he describes with both affection and humor. While the location may have been jokingly dismissed by others, it provides the peaceful setting where Anson balances family life, a full time job, and his work as a novelist.Anson shares how his love of storytelling began early. As a child he was introduced to fantasy and science fiction through books like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. That early exposure sparked a lifelong interest in imaginative worlds and planted the idea that one day he would write a book of his own.The turning point came after a vivid dream about a man on fire wielding an axe while fighting demons in the real world. The imagery stayed with him so strongly that he began writing down everything he could remember the next morning. What started as notes about the dream quickly expanded into ten pages of world building and eventually became the foundation for his series.Anson quickly learned that having a great idea is only the first step. Early in the process he discovered the difference between writers who “pants” their stories and those who outline them in advance. Although he initially believed he was someone who could simply sit down and write, he realized outlining the plot and character arcs gave him the structure he needed to make steady progress.With a demanding schedule and four children at home, his writing routine happens early in the morning before the rest of the day begins. Each session is guided by a clear goal. Knowing what he wants to accomplish in each chapter allows him to make the most of limited writing time and continue building the story step by step.The series blends science fiction, fantasy, and horror within a post apocalyptic setting. The story begins with a failed secret experiment that tears open a breach between worlds, unleashing terrifying creatures often described as demons. The narrative follows three central human characters and occasionally shifts perspective to one of the demons, a storytelling choice inspired by feedback from early beta readers who wanted to see more of that character.Key takeaway: A compelling story may begin with a spark of inspiration, but turning that idea into a finished book requires structure, persistence, openness to feedback, and a commitment to learning every part of the creative and publishing process.The Infernal Age series is a post-apocalyptic genre blend of science-fiction, fantasy, and horror that explores the themes of humanity, metamorphosis, alienation, masculinity (both toxic and ideal), willpower, duty, friendship, love, predation, magic, science, philosophy, and pithy quips. The series gradually becomes more fantasy as it progresses, as the world adjusts to its new reality. While the series is anchored in the traditions of The Mist and Dies the Fire, among others, it is also for people whose favorite part of Cabin in the Woods was the banter between the scientists in the lab, or whose favorite scene in Kill Bill Vol 2 was Bill's soliloquy about Superman's implicit contempt for the human race.https://www.ansonjoaquin.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 682 - Ben Schenkman - Author of The Devil You Know Series, Representation and Stories That Include All VoicesBen Schenkman likes many things in life: his 20-pound Maine coon cat, his family, his coffee, and his eclectic hobbies—not necessarily in that order.Ben also likes to play devil's advocate in his urban fantasy books by exploring the gray areas of good and evil with questions like, “Does the end really justify the means? Or is it all simply black and white?” Ben leaves these questions lingering in the ether to challenge readers' conventional thinking and delve into the complexities of moral dilemmas.As a native of Connecticut, Ben draws inspiration from his upbringing and college years in New Haven, where his novels take place. When he wants to escape being a writer, he's a massive foodie who goes on gastronomic adventures, an overachiever who collects degrees in Theater, Nuclear Engineering, and an MBA, or the manager/performer of the fire dance troupe, HVBRIS—all in a day's work, really.Want to know more about his work, or talk about coffee and cats? He loves hearing from readers!https://benschenkman.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 681 - Lisa Cheek - Twenty-five year career editing feature films and TV, The Big DayLisa Cheek's writing career began after a twenty-five year career editing feature films and TV commercials. Her first memoir, “Sit, Cinderella, Sit”, was a People Magazine pick, an Amazon Bestseller, made Zibby's Most Anticipated Books for 2025 and was a Next Generation Indy Award finalist in Women's Literature. She's written for both radio and television and is published in LA Poets and Writers Collective. Her next book, “The Big Day” comes out September 22, 2026. You can find her musings “One Minute Thoughts From A Pink Head” on Substack. She lives in LA with 2 dogs, 2 cats, and her husband, Big Johnson, where she has several scripts in various stages of development while working on her next memoir.https://www.lisacheek.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 680 - John Newton - Historical science fiction, a stone that heals anything, look-alikes, and time travelers losing their toolsAbout John NewtonBorn in Simi Valley, California, John Newton attended twelve different schools until he finally got it right and was graduated from a high school on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The Cypriots soon realized it was in their national interest to ship John back to the United States. He meandered through college until the administration bribed him to leave with two apparently contradictory degrees: Theology and Electrical Engineering. He is currently working as an electrical engineer, robotics programmer, landlord, part time farmer, and father of seven. Sometimes he even writes a thing or two.John Newton is the author of historical science fiction based on questions like:What would you do with a stone that heals anything?If you could look like anyone, who would it be?What happens when time travelers lose their tools?https://newtonscifi.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 679 - Eric Nierstedt - Author of the urban fantasy series, the pantheon sagaAbout the authorEric Nierstedt grew up in central New Jersey, raised on a healthy diet of TV, comic books, and way, way too many books. As a child, he constantly daydreamed about his favorite stories, and re-adapting them to accommodate the early characters he was creating (and really, who didn't think that Lord of the Rings could use more characters?). In high school, Eric started the early drafts of what would become The Lightrider Journals, an epic fantasy trilogy. The first draft clocked in a record nine pages (thankfully, high school is four years).After being accepted to Kean University, Eric continued working on Lightrider, eventually expanding the book to well over 300 pages, and crafting a much richer tale of Elemental Knights, otherworldly demons, and the superhero struggle of power and responsibility. Recently, Eric published SILENT PANTHEON, which delves into his love of mythology.In his spare time, Eric has written for various publications, usually on events concerning music, pop culture, and as well as work for COMICSVERSE.com. His work has also been noted by the NJ Wordsmith Competition. He cites the works of Stephen King Neil Gaiman, and Terry Brooks as major influences,. Eric plans to continue mining those influences, and more, as he crafts his next book.https://www.facebook.com/enierstauthorfantasynovels/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 678 - Robert Howell - Canadian Author of the Gothic Horror, Blood Castle, the sequel to Blood MansionRobert Howell has a range of skills and experiences, having studied Business Administration in college while taking courses in literature, poetry, cartography, and supernatural studies.​After completing college, he joined the military to satisfy his urge to travel across Canada and various parts of Europe. Following his military service, he spent 40 years in real estate, starting as an agent and later working in acquisitions for an investment company, focusing on locations such as Florida and Texas.Despite having a successful career in real estate, his true passion was writing. To develop a profound set of writing skills, he took a writing course through the Long Ridge Writers Group, affiliated with the University of Connecticut.​After completing his writing course, he did different types of writing, newsletters, articles, web content, and short stories, and found love in writing fictional novels. He has written the successful Charm series, a great urban fantasy teen trilogy. With Blood Mansion, he has turned his imagination to adult gothic horror.​Born in Montreal, Quebec, he has raised four children as a single dad and has two grandchildren.https://www.instagram.com/storywriter.ca/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 677 - Peter Cotton - Tales from Frank the Snake for Children from a Doctor, Grandfather and StorytellerPeter Cotton is a retired physician living on Dewees Island in South Carolina, writing fun books for young children about Fred the lovable snake and his friends.Peter grew up in England where the first tale was conceived long ago as a bedtime story for his then young children about how (not) to cross the road. When they had their kids, they asked what happened to “Fred-Fred”. Peter teamed up with a special illustrator (Canadian Bonnie Lemaire) and published the first book “When Fred the Snake got Squished and Mended”.Together they now have a series of nine popular award-winning books, having fun in rhyme with Jungle Jim, Perdy and Jack and several animal friends. They go to school, welcome Jungle Jim, try camping, visit the beach, tour Charleston and recently have been exploring the sights of USA. Peter's books have received numerous 5-star reviews (“move over Lewis Carroll”) and 5 Mom's Choice gold awards. Peter enjoys presenting Fred at schools.When not busy with Fred's adventures, Peter travels widely to lecture, to enjoy his family, and to play golf. He reflected on life, and on his career as a Professor of Medicine/ Gastroenterology, in his memoirs “The Tunnel at the End of the Light”.Peter says that he was not named after a rabbit. The English author Beatrix Potter wrote about Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy, Benjamin bunny and Cottontail. Peter Cottontail is a shortened American invention.https://petercottontales.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 676 - Jennifer Celeste Briggs - Watching Sarah Rise - A Journey of Thriving With AutismJennifer Celeste Briggs has a BA in English Literature from Swarthmore college. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two daughters. Her daughter Sarah has a genetic anomaly and autism. When Sarah was four, Jenny decided to run a Son-Rise Program for her, calling it Sarah-Rise, and training at the Autism Treatment Center of America. The Son-Rise Program is a loving child-centered approach to helping those with autism and other challenges connect socially, verbally, and through increased eye contact. Organizing hundreds of hours of therapeutic play time for Sarah, Jenny trained and coordinated multiple volunteers who contributed their love and creativity to the venture. Jenny started a blog to share the experience of Sarah-Rise and has heard multiple times that her words were helpful to others dealing with life struggles. Jenny wants to help parents feel understood and to spread the word about The Son-Rise Program. She hopes that her words bring comfort, joy, and inspiration to readers whatever their challenges and journeys may be.Sarah is a feisty and determined four-year-old with autism and a unique genetic blueprint. Her mom Jenny is equally feisty and determined, which leads to clashes and strife but also leads to phenomenal connection and progress as Jenny runs a Son-Rise Program for her, calling it Sarah-Rise.The Son-Rise Program is an approach to working with people with autism to foster social connection. It provides intensely loving, focused one-on-one therapeutic play time, meeting Sarah where she is and never stopping her repetitive behaviors. Sarah's language explodes, her eye contact intensifies, she plays games, plays imaginatively, uses the potty, eats healthily, reads, and writes.Playing with Sarah is deeply rewarding for the volunteers who spend time in the Sarah-Rise room. While Jenny sometimes doubts herself and criticizes her parenting, she also explores new pathways to gentleness, joy, and laughter. She celebrates Sarah's successes, marveling at the depth of love and creativity that her volunteers bring to the scene and stretching her own creative self. Accompany Jenny from Sarah's birth through the decision to run Sarah-Rise, and follow the years of Sarah-Rise, pretending that markers are flowers and number flashcards are snowflakes. Have your heart warmed and your socks knocked off by this momentous journey.“Watching Sarah Rise is equally informative as it is inspirational, gracious as it is gutsy.  A beautifully written story filled with hope, integrity, and pure emotion, Briggs intimately invites her reader to experience the unique heartbreak and joy that comes with mothering a neurodivergent child.”-Sherry Sidoti, author of A Smoke and a Song: A Memoirhttps://www.watchingsarahrise.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca