Category Archives: Uncategorized

Episode #35: Ilona Parunakova

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Ilona Parunakova is an author, diversity and inclusion speaker, and founder and CEO of IP Resilience Global and Identity Guru. She penned the best-selling books Opium of the Almond Tree, Am I Godfident, Unfiltered, Unleashed, Unapologetic, Royal Grand Berries, Success without Apology, and In the Front Line with Royal Warriors. Additionally, she has published the International Project book Godfident Voices and the children’s book Bella’s Butterfly. Parunakova is a TEDx international speaker who brings encouragement to audiences whenever she walks on stage.
Parunakova is a direct descendant of survivors of the Armenian Genocide during World War I. She herself survived wartime in the Republic of Georgia after the collapse of the USSR. Parunakova also endured ethnic discrimination, experiencing mocking and rejection by family members, and denied admission to universities.  Through it all, she has succeeded in transforming the obstacles of war, loss, and the struggle to fit in into her superpowers.
Parunakova’s Christian faith has been instrumental to her survival. It allowed her to see things from a positive perspective—that no matter what happens, God will always be in control of her destiny. She introduces herself unapologetically as God’s Masterpiece and puts God as a CEO of her life.
IP Resilience

Ilona’s Readings:

  • Not Naturally Ambitious – 10:50
  • Beauty of the Woman – 29:02
  • Identity and Society – 45:29

Michael’s Beer Pairings: 

Interview Highlights: 

  • Optimism after war, earthquake, cold, hunger, and discrimination – 20:22
  • Beauty pageant won and yet there are obstacles! – 30:41
  • What is inner beauty? – 35:35
  • A mother’s influence – 38:56
  • Identity and Legacy – 47:20
  • Keys to Success/Building a strong identity – 51:04

COMING NEXT MONTH: Marian McCarthy, novelist, memoirist, short story writer.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Episode #34: Sadira Stone

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Award-winning contemporary romance author Sadira Stone spins steamy, smoochy tales set in small businesses—a quirky bookstore, a neighborhood bar, a vintage boutique… Her stories highlight found family, friendship, and the sizzling chemistry that pulls unlikely partners together. When she emerges from her writing cave in Las Vegas, Nevada (which she seldom does), she can be found in belly dance class, or strumming her ukulele, perhaps exploring the West with her charming husband, or cooking up a storm, and always gobbling all the romance books. Sadira’s promise to readers: a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhangers!
www.sadirastone.com  

Sadira’s Readings:

  • Christmas Re-Kindled, Bangers Tavern Romance #1 – 16:03
  • Opposites Ignite, Bangers Tavern Romance #2 – 32:42
  • Delicious Heat, Bangers Tavern Romance #3 – 41:22

Michael’s Beer Pairings:

Interview Highlights:

  • From Cozy Mystery to Romance – 27:45
  • Most romantic date ever? – 29:09
  • On using pseudonyms – 37:44
  • How writers get started – 38:40
  • Do you believe in love at first sight? – 46:16
  • Influences and inspirations – 47:19
  • Best thing about writing/hitting the zone – 50:03
  • Advice to aspiring writers – 51:00

COMING NEXT MONTH: Motivational speaker Ilona Parunakova.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Episode #33: Shannyn Schroeder

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Sloane Steele is the pen name for Shannyn Schroeder. As Sloane, her Counterfeit Capers series of heist romances are her love letter to the TV show Leverage. As Shannyn, she writes contemporary romances about big families, both those created by blood and by choice. Her books are set in the city of Chicago because having grown up there and lived near the city her whole life, she writes what she knows. Shannyn is a part-time English teacher, part-time curriculum editor, and full-time mom, even though her kids are pretty self-sufficient teens. In her down time, she bakes cookies, reads romance, and watches far too much TV.
shannynschroeder.com

Shannyn’s Readings:

  • It Takes a Thief – 13:53
  • Catch Your Breath, O’ Leary Family #4 – 25:37
  • My Forever Plus-One, Daring Divorcees – 42:08

Michael’s Beer Pairings:

Interview Highlights:

  • The good thieves – 18:44
  • The name behind the beer (or What goes on in breweries?) – 23:52
  • Finding time to write with kids – 38:00
  • What is the attraction of reading about big families? – 32:14
  • Conflict in romance–when you’re with your best friend? – 48:24
  • Using two author names – 51:37

COMING NEXT MONTH: Sadira Stone, Romance Author.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Episode #32: Christine Madline Ellsworth

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Christine Madline Ellsworth, has just released her first book of poetry, published by Potter’s Wheel Publishing. Here is a collection of poems tracing the arc of transition in a contemporary woman’s life. From childhood fascinations to adult issues such as domestic violence, marriage and divorce, Ellsworth shares many relatable experiences. Ellsworth holds BA and MA degrees in English literature from Moorhead State University Moorhead and Marquette University, respectively. She is a member of the Jackpine Writer’s Bloc and her poetry has appeared in issues of The Talking Stick. Her work has also appeared in Moorhead State University’s Red Weather, and the South Dakota State Poetry Society’s Pasque Petals. She is currently working toward certification as a certified applied poetry therapy facilitator through the International Federation of Biblio-Poetry Therapy (ifbt.org). Ellsworth was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and currently lives in Wyndmere, North Dakota with her Blue Heeler and two cats. This book is available in print and Kindle versions on Amazon. The author is available for book signings and poetry events both electronic and in person.
christinemadlineellsworth.com

Christine’s Readings:

  • What to Wear While Saving France – 13:01
  • Kitchen Table – 30:21
  • Rembrandt’s Light – 43:40

Michael’s Beer Pairings:

Interview Highlights:

  • How reading poetry can save the world – 16:34
  • Importance of poetry for mental development – 17:42
  • Transformation as the residual effect of poetry – 23:32
  • What makes a good poem? – 32:26
  • How to draw in a reader through poetry – 36:26
  • The fascinating life of Rembrandt – 47:58
  • Transformation of a person or the transformative power of art? – 50:54

COMING NEXT MONTH: Shannyn Schroeder

UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Episode #31: Sandy Hanna

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Sandy Hanna is an award-winning author for her memoir “The Ignorance of Bliss: An American Kid in Saigon,” a true coming-of-age story about growing up in Vietnam in the early 60s. She current resides in Lambertville, New Jersey. As a military BRAT (British Regiment Attached Transfer) her story reveals a turbulent time where politics and intrigue resided between plot and counterplot and where, as children, she and her siblings lived in the continuous present – perhaps the only way children can live. Ms. Hanna graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois with a BA in Interdisciplinary Programs in Science and Literature and University of Massachusetts with a MED in the Biology of Cognition. Her background is one of working with children and designing learning environment for museums, theme parks, and communities. However, she sees herself as a life-time storyteller and artist.
Sandyhanna.net

Sandy Readings:

  • Witnessing the Coup – 9:35
  • Baby Powder & Hershey Bars – 28:27
  • Brink’s Bomb – 43:44

Michael’s Beer Pairings:

Harvey Weissbanger Recipe

  • 1 oz. Galliano
  • 2 oz. Orange Juice
  • 6 oz. Weissbier

Fill a collins glass with ice. Add the Galliano and orange juice. Top with Weissbier. Garnish with orange peel.

Interview Highlights:

  • Did you take it for granted you survived a shooting spree? – 15:34
  • The Dragon Lady and Colonel Sam’s Expose – 19:12
  • Did your brother’s basketball start the Vietnam War? – 23:26
  • Everything in life lies in acceptance – 35:26
  • Military kids taking control in an out-of-control world – 36:58
  • Military transport to Saigon – 51:05

COMING NEXT MONTH: Christine Madline Ellsworth, poet and 1st time novelist

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

  • Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology
  • Laura will be signing books Sunday, November 7, 2 to 5 pm at Maple Grove Lutheran Church, 9251 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN. Several other authors from Night Writers will also be signing books.

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Episode #30: Christine Husom

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Christine Husom is a national best-selling author from Minnesota. She pens the suspenseful Winnebago County Mysteries and the cozy, but not too cozy, Snow Globe Shop Mysteries where bad guys demonstrate not everyone is “Minnesota Nice.” She also has stories in many anthologies. Husom served with the Wright County Sheriff, is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime and is active with the Twin Cities chapter. She loves meeting readers at a variety of venues and events.
www.christinehusom.com

Christine’s Readings:

  • Death in Lionel’s Woods – 33:47
  • Secret in Whitetail Lake – 26:11
  • Frosty the Dead Man – 41:36

Michael’s Beer Pairings:

Interview Highlights:

  • From Sheriff’s Office to Author – 16:21
  • Writing from things seen at the sheriff’s office – 18:23
  • Researching for a crime novel – 19:35
  • Character-driven vs plot driven – 34:29
  • Readers’ views of Minnesota – 36:12
  • Writing mysteries vs writing other fiction – 50:18

COMING NEXT MONTH: Sandy Hanna, Memoirs of military life

UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Episode #29: Nicole Burnham

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Nicole Burnham is the RITA Award-winning author of over twenty romance novels, including the popular Royal Scandals series. As an army brat, Nicole was raised moving around the world. She still travels abroad whenever she can score cheap airfare and loves that it feeds her writing. If Nicole isn’t at her keyboard, she is happiest spending time at Fenway Park or trail running.
www.nicoleburnham.com  

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Nicole’s Readings (read by Hollis McCarthy):

  • Scandal with a Prince (Megan Hears a Voice) – 12:32
  • Slow Tango with a Prince (Emily Finds Vittorio) – 26:02
  • To Kiss a King (Expert Advice) – 45:31

Michael’s Beer Pairings: 

Interview Highlights: 

  • Struck by a voice – 14:10
  • What drew you to royalty? – 18:48
  • A man’s point of view vs. a woman’s point of view in romance – 30:04
  • Identical twins – 33:28
  • Law degree and writing romance – 35:35
  • Emotional focus of romance novels – 50:25
  • Fictional kingdom vs. a real kingdom – 53:02
  • Growing up military and writing – 54:58

COMING NEXT MONTH: Christine Husom, mystery author

UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Episode #28: Jeff LaFerney

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Jeff LaFerney was a full-time language arts teacher in Davison, Michigan, for 30 years. After coaching basketball for most of his career, he decided to write books instead and took on his new hobby. Now he spends his free time reading, writing, and editing books. He and his beautiful wife have two adult children. His Clay and Tanner Thomas series focuses on a father and son team who use parapsychological abilities to solve mysteries. Jumper is a time-travel science fiction adventure. Lost and Found, is a unique mystery/treasure hunt with ties to World War II history. His latest, Planer, is the sequel to Jumper, his best-selling novel. He has a blog called The Red Pen where he usually infuses humor to share about himself or to give inspiration or writing tips.
jefflaferney.blogspot.com

Jeff’s Readings:

  • Loving the Rain – 13:28
  • Lost and Found – 30:22
  • Jumper – 43:35

Michael’s Beer Pairings: 

Interview Highlights: 

  • What led to the very strong disclaimer that your work is fiction! – 22:15
  • Mixing secular and faith – 23:52
  • What’s historical, what’s not – 38:19
  • Research on time travel – 49:11
  • Dropping crumbs that readers want to follow – 51:54
  • How to hook the reader – 54:30

COMING NEXT MONTH: Nicole Burnham, romance author

UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Episode #27: Ernie Brill

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Ernie Brill writes fiction and poetry about everyday people. His I Looked Over Jordan and Other Stories explores race and class among hospital workers. The actress Ruby Dee purchased, adapted, and performed the story Crazy Hattie Enters Ice Age for her and her husband’s PBS TV series “With Ruby and Ossie.” Brill won a New York State Council for The Arts Fiction Grant. He received his BA and MA in English from San Francisco State College. Brill has published widely fiction, poetry and essays in the US and Canada (River Styx, Other Voices, Z, U. of Minnesota, Prentice Hall Ontario Canada. Favorite writers include Virginia Woolf, Richard Wright, Mahmoud Darwish, Hyseoon Kim, Gwendolyn Brooks, Sterling A. Brown, Pedro Pietri, Pablo Neruda.
Active Muse

Ernie’s Readings:

  • Intake – 9:55
  • End of Faculty Meeting – 27:13
  • Longshore – 42:31

Michael’s Beer Pairings: 

Interview Highlights: 

  • How a chapbook about hospitals came to be – 12:30
  • A short story on PBS “With Ossie and Ruby” – 17:50
  • Buzz words at Meetings – 29:38
  • Early advocacy for multicultural literature – 30:37
  • The value of art to society – 46:56
  • How our life’s work may hurt us – 49:20

COMING NEXT MONTH: Jeff LaFerney, YA author of time travel and sci-fi

UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Episode #26: Eugenia Fain

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Eugenia Fain is an author of poetry and prose.  She is also a songwriter and available on Amazon and Spotify.  Eugenia has forty years of experience in writing.  She is a preschool teacher and tutor.

She is published here and abroad; she is considered an international author.  Eugenia is featured in several anthologies.  She is published online, in print, ebook, and audiobook form.  She has no children of her own; but she resides in Columbia, SC with her husband, Ivan, and tabby cat, Buddy. 
Allpoetry.com  

Eugenia’s Readings:

  • Immortality, a glose poem – 13:12
  • A Song of Despair, a viator poem – 29:29
  • Dancing, a masnavi poem – 43:22

Michael’s Beer Pairings:

Interview Highlights:

  • Glose poems: which comes first, the poem or the idea? – 17:35
  • Published in Norton’s Anthology at 11 – 24:17
  • Being positive vs admitting difficulty – 33:09
  • The complexity of forms – 36:56
  • Why love? – 45:05
  • Where do you hope your work is 100 years from now? – 50:29

COMING NEXT MONTH: Ernie Brill, poet

UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel’s Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology.

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.