Author Interview Series--K.T. Anglehart

K.T. Anglehart

Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever- present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series. K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school- sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets: Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and Stirling.

Marina Raydun: You are multilingual, speaking English, French, Italian, and Spanish! That’s super impressive! How do you feel this affects your creative process?

K.T. Anglehart: Growing up in Montreal, it’s considered “normal” to be bilingual in both English and French, and I consider myself fortunate to have been born into an Italian family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have maintained and practiced it with my grandparents, some aunts and uncles, and even my little cousins as they grew up. Although I learned Spanish in high school and thoroughly enjoyed it, my proficiency currently leans more towards “Spanglish”! I definitely believe that exposure to diverse languages and cultures has broadened my perspective on life. As a writer, observation is a key aspect, and through these experiences, I feel better equipped to convey the intricacies of the human experience in my writing, if that makes any sense!

MR: What made you pivot from journalism to creative writing?

KTA: I pursued journalism because I knew I wanted to make a living as a writer, not specifically to report the news—it seemed like the more “practical” career path. Despite the program’s merits, I soon realized it wasn’t my calling. Deep down I’ve always had the ambition to write books and, hopefully, for television someday. My true passion lies in crafting characters, captivating and motivating audiences through storytelling.

MR: Your writing sits comfortably in the fantasy genre. How about your reading preferences?

KTA: I read across genres! As an eleven-year-old, I was (of course) drawn to Harry Potter and enchanted by stories blending realism with magical urban settings, like in A Discovery of Witches—and anything witchy, really—while also being a fan of high fantasy. Funnily enough, my absolute favourite book is the American classic Catcher in the Rye. I understand it’s a controversial choice, but as a teenager, it evoked emotions in me that no other book has matched so far, and I have a hard time explaining why. These days, you’ll find me immersed in books on Scottish folklore, history, and witchcraft as I work on writing Book 3 of The Scottish Scrolls!

MR: What first inspired you to write The Wise One, book one of The Scottish Scrolls?

KTA: A blend of my lifelong passions! Magic, witchcraft, folklore, mythology, and breathtaking scenery. The Wise One began as a TV script during my Master’s in Creative Writing, but when my screenwriting course ended, I couldn’t bear to part with the story. I transformed it into a book and designated it as my thesis project. As for what inspired the story and setting, my Irish high school English teacher used to regale us with tales of Ireland, and I believe that, coupled with the UK setting in the Harry Potter films, drew me to these enchanting places. The Wise One is rooted in environmental themes, and with my belief that magic and nature are intertwined, the book naturally delves into themes of environmental stewardship, which aligns with the prophecy my main character (Mckenna) is tied to.

MR: You take much of your inspiration from Irish and Scottish folklore. Have you visited?

KTA: Oh, yes! My husband, Andy, and I were planning our Ireland and Scotland honeymoon just as I was outlining The Wise One. Being there, learning about the history, soaking in the culture, and being surrounded by such stunning landscapes is what inspired so much of the storyline. I’ve now been to Scotland three times. (I’m actually here right now, working on book three!)

MR: What is your writing routine like?

KTA: I take it easy in the morning with a coffee and whatever show I’m binging, and then late morning is when I dive in. I last about three to four hours. Once mid-afternoon hits, I slow down quite a bit. That’s when I pay the most attention to the pup and the bunnies! Luckily, my dog, Nessie is a sleepy head…

MR: What is the one topic you will never write about?

KTA: Real world wars.

MR: What is your favorite book-to-screen adaptation?

KTA: If we’re talking films, The Lord of the Rings—all of them. As for TV adaptations, I think A Discovery of Witches is super well done. 1

MR: What do you think about driving alone in your car?

KTA: I live in Toronto, so mostly, I’m thinking, “How did this person manage to get a license?”

To learn more about K.T. Anglehart, please visit https://www.ktanglehart.com/

2023 in Books

2023…How can something feel like it both drags and flies, simultaneously? It’s frightening. Sometimes I find myself almost hyperventilating over how fast it all goes.

It’s been an eventful year, including the the release of my Year One. I am proud of this one and have been getting wonderful feedback. I am so grateful to each reader who finds ways to relate to my tween journey.

In addition to working on my own writing, I managed to read quite a bit this year—a total of 25 books. Here’s a list with tiny blurb reviews. If you read any of these, please let me know so we can compare notes.

1. The Cabin at the End of the World

   I didn’t read this in time for Halloween the previous year but it is quite a thriller of the philosophical kind. I know they adapted this one into a movie but I haven’t seen it. Highly recommend if you enjoy the “is this the end of the world” type of reading?

2. Still Here

   This book by Lana Vapnyar took me a while but I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend it to any immigrant as it deals with much of the “who am I and where do I belong” internal dialogue we all have.

3. Mad Honey

   I learned a literal ton from this book. I never read anything by the author and I’m glad this was my introduction to her. If you’re a boy-mom, I think you especially should read this one.

4. The Family Game

   Meh. Entertaining but a little tired by way of genre. Too many tropes (i.e. rich people are weird and just plain bad). It’s been done.

5. The Wilderwomen

   I’m not much of magical realism fan so I feel like I just didn’t get this one. A few interesting and enjoyable themes about motherhood and sisterhood though.

6. Violeta

   First book by Isabel Allende for me! Can you believe it?! Very much a multigenerational saga, I did enjoy it.

7. Sleep Donation

   Oooh what a psychological thriller. If you suffer from insomnia, this may be a bit triggering but I was enthralled with this one. Lots of medical ethics themes too. Highly recommend.

8. The Boston Girl

   This book has been on my TBR list for a while and I’m so glad I finally read it. I so enjoyed the narration. If you have an interest in women’s lit and/or history of Jewish Women in America, I highly recommend it. Very enjoyable read.

9. The Silent Patient

   I haven’t been this thrown for a loop mid-book since Gone Girl. I did not see that twist coming (yes, there is a twist). If you like thrillers, put this one on your list.

10. The Backpack, a Bar, and Eight Crates of Vodka: A Memoir

    This one shouldn’t be much of a surprise. Ever since writing my own little memoir, I rediscovered my passion for immigration history. Currently, I am working on a historical fiction novel about Soviet Jewish immigration of the late 1980s and this book came up in my research. Seen through the eyes of a child (and then adult), this is a wonderful read.

11. The Thursday Murder Club

    This series is a revelation. If you want to feel good reading something, read The Thursday Murder Club. Just glorious! Multiple POVs only help drive this Christie-esque series. 10 stars!

12. The Man Who Died Twice (#2)

    Basically, see above!

13. Pineapple Street

    What a let down. Again with the tired “rich people are weird and just plain bad” tropes! I was excited to pick it up because it’s set in Brooklyn Heights but I did not enjoy it at all.

14. The Only One Left

    Riley Sager is back! After two blah books, this one hooks you. Very much a gothic thriller.

15. Community Board

    So enjoyable! Wonderful and honest social commentary.

16. Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim

    I don’t read much YA even though Year One can arguably be classified as YA itself. I picked this one up at a Little Free Library and absolutely loved it. Again, immigrants of any background are the best audience for this. Coming of age when you have to code switch to begin with is not easy.

17. The Bullet That Missed (#3)

    Book three in my new favorite book series. Read above to see how much I love it!

18. None of This is True

    Great mystery. I listened to this one and the production was so innovative. Highly recommend.

19. The Scent of Pine

    I love Lana Vapnyar’s books but this one did not click for me at all.

20. My Mother’s Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region

    I loved The Nesting Dolls by Alina Adams so I was eager to read this one. It didn’t disappoint. And I learned so much about Berobidzhan too! Very thoroughly researched and the characters were highly relatable. Recommend.

21. The Trap

    I love CRH’s mysteries and this was no exception. A solid mystery with some food for thought.

22. The Woman in Me

    Of course I couldn’t resist this one. It felt important to listen to what Britney had to say after everything she’s been put through. Excellent narration by Michelle Williams on audible! She captured Britney’s voice without doing an impression. Also, wonderful job by the ghost writer who co-wrote it with Britney—very seamless. Britney is very funny so I do recommend it if you like a celebrity memoir.

23. The Orchard

    Alina Adams recommended this one on her YouTube series where she talks to her American-born daughter about Soviet Union through books, and I have to say I loved it. The characters are older than me by more than a decade but the time period and the setting are familiar so it was a truly engaging read.

24. Matzah Ball

    Very fluffy but adorable. Cute romance novel that also manages to educate about chronic illness. Fun for the holiday season.

25. When I’m Dead

    The first book I got via Book of the Month subscription box. A very well researched and graphic thriller. I know it’s part of a series but I didn’t have a problem reading it out of order.

What have you read this past year? And what are your reading plans for 2024?

Author Interview Series-Lisa Jacovsky

Lisa Jacovsky

Lisa Jacovsky is a professor of Psychology at Union College and is working on her PsyD in School Psychology. Lisa began writing short stories when she was seven years old. Writing is a passion for her and one of the many things she enjoys. She is the author of the award winning first three books in the Lets Talk! Series, Rascal Cat Brothers, Purrrfect as I am and Spooky Ooky Dance Party. Lisa lives in New Jersey where she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working on her next series, Happy Thoughts, which is going to be from Emma’s point of view.

Marina Raydun: You’re a psychologist and a behaviorist. What inspired you to pursue these fields and how do you feel this ties into choosing to write?

Lisa Jacovsky: Getting into psychology, I think, was something I became interested in during my senior year in high school. I took a few human behavior classes and loved it! I definitely did not think about going into applied behavior analysis, though. I really fell into that when I was researching masters degrees. I wanted something in psychology but originally thought about going into social work. When I was researching degrees, I found ABA. I liked the description of it and it made me feel like that is what I did in my job at the time in daycares. I always loved observing the kids and trying to understand why they did what they did. I also always liked helping the kids work on their behaviors. It just felt like a natural fit. When I started in the field that’s when I knew I had made the right choice. There is so much to do in psychology and more to behavior than just working with children. It really has been amazing to explore this field.

MR: What inspired you to write the Let’s Talk series?

LJ: I was inspired at work one day with a client. I was doing in home 1:1 ABA and my client’s mother told me about their day. They had gone to the park and my client had gone on the swings. But another little girl was trying to teach her how to swing the right way and was getting frustrated. I thought there needs to be more resources out there to help our kids learn how to interact with little ones with Autism and not get frustrated. That’s really how Lets talk! was born. My character with Autism is loosely based on that client. Then, in thinking about things, I thought why not show my world in ABA. The last company I had worked in was a residential group home organization. And one thing they asked me to do was to plan excursions. It was so much fun! That inspired me to write each book as a different activity. I wanted to show the world that these children can do it too. They are not limited by their differences. I wanted to show what I saw, the beauty in being different and have ASD.

MR: Have you written creatively before that?

LJ: I have. i’ve been writing short stories since I was in first grade. My grandmother still has copies of those as she always tells me. I have always loved to write and, with school, kind of fell off of writing my own stuff. But when I was inspired, it just poured out and it was the best feeling. It felt amazing to write these books and realize this dream I have had since I was a kid.

MR: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

LJ: To not listen to people that say you can’t make money in writing or journalism. That’s really why it took me so long to decide to write books. I never majored in it because I wanted a strong foundation for a career. I never thought to look into writing books or that there was anything like self-publishing. I just figured if I want to write again I will and it’ll be like an itch that needs to be scratched. Not something that I can make a real difference with. I would tell myself to keep going because you can do anything you want, no matter what others say about it.

MR: What is the first experience you had when you learned that language had power?

LJ: I don’t know if it was the first one, it was definitely close to it, but there is one memorable moment for me. That is when my grandmother said you helped me to understand Autism. It meant so much to me because she comes from a generation that really had no resources to go on for Autism. Her and my grandfather are the reason my whole family is so open to anyone; we were raised this way. But being open does not always mean understanding. For her to say that it meant she finally understood something that really was very difficult and different for her. That meant the most to me, and her support always has, too.

MR: What does literary success look like to you?

LJ: Literary success to me is where I am currently. My books sell but not only that, they are changing peoples minds about Autism. That is the biggest success to me. My books don’t need to be best sellers or sell hundreds of copies in one month. But if I can sell one book a month that helps a family, that helps them accept their child, friend or coworker, which leads that individual with Autism to have a better life, then I have been hugely successful. For me it is not about the quantity of sales but the positive changes that each book makes for families and for those with Autism.

MR: What is your favorite genre to read?

LJ: It’s so funny because everyone assumes, being a children’s book author, that my favorite to read would be funny or cute books. But, actually, my favorite to read are thrillers and anything supernatural.

MR: What are you currently reading?

LJ: I am reading (for the second time) Lasher by Anne rice—one of my favorite authors.

MR: What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

LJ: Oh gosh, so many! I have three that are the most notable. All three have become like mentors to me. One helps me with my podcast. Another one helps me with marketing and any questions I have. The third has helped me with marketing and questions as well and has had me on his podcast a number of times. They are such amazing, generous and talented people. I have learned so much from them and am thankful for their friendship.

MR: How did publishing your first book change your writing process?

LJ: I don’t think it did really. I definitely have learned a lot since then about publishing and do things in that way differently now. But writing process is really the same. I write when I am inspired and don’t push myself. That way things flow naturally and because of that, it feels so much better when I write.

To keep in touch with Lisa, please check out the following:

FB: booksbylisajacovsky

insta: diverseinkbooks

Author Interview Series-Kimberley Ash

Kimberley Ash

As a teen, award-winning author Kimberley Ash would sit in her English boarding school dormitory and read Silhouette Romances with her friends. They would have passionate arguments about the kind of American hero they really wanted to see in the books, so to settle things, Kimberley wrote one. While she took great pleasure in deconstructing alpha males and exposing their chiseled but vulnerable underbellies, life and inner demons made her put away her dreams for twenty-five years. She was forty before she realized that what she wanted to be when she grew up was what she’d always wanted: a writer. So she joined New Jersey Romance Writers, took all the classes she could find, and has never looked back.

Meanwhile, to her great surprise, Kimberley was swept off her feet by her own all-American hero. Now making her home in rural New Jersey (yes, there is a rural New Jersey) with him, two hybrid children and two big furry dogs, she can be found staring into a computer screen, wrestling with plotlines and ignoring the giant dustbunnies.

Kimberley's debut novel, Breathe, was released in 2018 with Crimson Romance. Her trilogy, the Van Allen Brothers, was published by Tule Publishing in 2019. Kimberley re-released Breathe under her own imprint, Tea Rose Publishing, in June of 2022 followed by its sequels: Hold, in October, 2022, Stand in January, 2023, and Rise in November, 2023.

Kimberley holds a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of London (spectacularly useful at PTA meetings) and a master’s in English Literature from Drew University. She writes contemporary romance about fish-out-of-water characters who find home where they least expect it.

Marina Raydun: You wrote your first romance novel as a student in an English boarding school (sidenote: I think we need to know more about your experiences!). If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Kimberley Ash: Boarding school was a great experience for me, personally. I got out of the village I wasn’t happy in, learned a whole lot that I’ve been using ever since, and met friends who I’m still close to forty years later. And yes, we all loved reading romance! I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to wait until you know a whole lot more about life before you publish! The book I wrote in school became my first novel, BREATHE, but boy did it need about 30 years to stew before it could be unleashed on the world!

MR: What is the first experience you had when you learned that language had power?

KA: I feel like I’ve always known. I love words, English words particularly! I grew up in a house full of books and with a mother who loved the art of words and a father who loved a good joke. That was about all I needed! There were also some wonderful comedians who taught me the value of language: the Monty Python guys, Stephen Fry, and the Blackadder series, for example.

MR: I know you liked deconstructing male leads in romance novels growing up. What is your favorite underappreciated romance novel?

KA: Ooh, that’s very hard. I’m not much of a pioneer when it comes to reading romance, so I don’t have any secret authors to give you! But I do love the cinnamon roll heroes that have been taking romance by storm in the last few years. When a man will hold onto a woman having a nightmare, or take her kids for the day to give her a break, I just get all gooey. Talia Hibbert’s heroes come to mind.

MR: What do you owe real life people upon whom you base your characters?

KA: It’s no fun at all to be my friend or relative these days. Anything you say can and will be put in a book. Like all authors, I take people, places, scenes, smells, tastes, and experiences from my real life (and other people’s) to create my stories. For example, a few years ago I heard two stories about a man who was being physically abused by his wife in the space of one week. The nugget of that story became my hero in STAND.

MR: What’s the most difficult part about writing characters from the opposite sex?

KA: Without a man to tell you every single thing that goes through his mind (and I don’t think any of us want that, or vice versa!), we have to take an educated guess. I like my men to be intelligent and aware of their own feelings, so while of course they need to learn a thing or two and my heroines are the perfect ones to teach them, generally they’re pretty mature. No one likes a manbaby. (I’m looking at you, Kylo Ren.)

MR: What’s the best and worst book review you’ve ever received?

KA: Oh I have a good worst one. And the awful thing about it was that they were kind of right. In Breathe, my heroine is traumatized from an attack on her back home. So she has a heightened trauma response to any man coming near her. The hero tries to find out what happened and to help her not to react so strongly. But I wrote the story right before #MeToo came out, and in light of that, my hero’s attempts to “calm her down” were bull-headed and stupid. I changed it when I got the rights back and re-released it on my own, but this reviewer was really mad at him. And my best review was for the same book! Library Journal said “In the midst of the #MeToo movement and a lack of celebrity privacy, no romance could be more apropos for exploring these issues. Libraries should add this debut novel to their romance collection.” So there you go! Everyone reads books in different ways.

MR: Is romance your favorite genre to read as well? Any favorite authors?

KA: Definitely. I like my stories to have happy endings. There’s enough sadness in the world. You can run me through the mill a little, but I want to be sure it’s all going to be okay in the end. Some authors whose books I’ve loved recently are Helen Hoang, Farrah Rochon, Mhairi McFarlane, Erin Sterling, and Lily Chu.

MR: What are you currently reading?

KA: Right now I’m reading Lady Chatterley’s Lover, for a class I’m going to be teaching in the Spring. The only thing I can say about it is that I thought the pearl-clutchers of the 1920s were overreacting at its content. Well, it does indeed go into subjects no other book of the time dared to! And it’s flipping brilliant for it. After all my contemporary reads recently, it’s fun to get into an ‘historical’ mindset.

MR: If you could have drinks with any person, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

KA: Oh my. I would love to make Virginia Woolf feel better about the world. And get her some medication! I wish I knew exactly what Shakespeare did and didn’t write. And there are many contemporary authors I’d love to have a drink with, but I’d probably embarrass myself fangirling all over them.

You can reach Kimberley Ash at www.kimberleyash.com, and on Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, Tiktok, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Author Interview Series-Chenille Johnson

Chenille Johnson

As a military/veteran spouse of over 20 years, Chenille has taken on the role of volunteering in many organizations inside and outside of the military community. Through Chenille’s personal and diverse professional experience, she has recognized how important it was to have a community to support you and be able to support them through their high and low moments while living a military lifestyle. It has been through volunteering in the community that she realized that volunteering is a selfless service. It is something that is above that person, understanding that there may never be any accolades but knowing that the reward is within. Chenille Johnson is a New Jersey native, wife, mother, sister, daughter, advocate, first-time author, avid traveler, music lover, lifelong learner, educator, and much more. Chenille is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education in Community Care and Counseling with an emphasis on Traumatology. Today, Chenille and her family reside in Maryland.

Marina Raydun: You're a military wife with 20-year tenure! What have your experiences of having to relocate often teach you and how did they inform your decision to pursue writing?

Chenille Johnson: Moving around can be quite overwhelming. You do not necessarily have a support system to help you in your new location. However, it was on one of our moves, I believe we were there for a year and the idea came to me on the spur of the moment to write a book about moving but base it on the dog. This was 10 years ago.

MR: Bark! I'm Moving is a wonderful tool to teach kids about having to move and their associated emotions. Can you tell us a little bit more about how it came about?

CJ: At the time of this idea, we had already moved 6 times. My children were enrolled in a few schools. At this particular location we were assigned to, it was considered to be a remote location. We had to adjust quite a bit. We were also living in an area where there were not too many people who looked like us. Writing this book helped me put what I thought my children were feeling into words.

MR: What’s your favorite childhood book?

CJ: When I was younger I loved to read because it gave me the opportunity to escape. I did love to read The Babysitter's Club.

MR: If you had to do something differently as a child or a teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

CJ: I think as a child or teenager I would have put my thoughts down on paper.

MR: Is there one topic you would never write about as an author? Why?

CJ: At this time I do not have a topic that I would say is off-limits. I say this because I always tell people to tell your story as you never know who you may help, whether it is fiction or nonfiction.

MR: You're currently pursuing a doctorate degree. How does your field of study tie into your writing?

CJ: In all honesty, I believe that many children, and families can be affected by moving as frequently as military families have to do. If we were to do a deep dive, we can list how Community Care and Counseling, with an emphasis on Traumatology, can tie into Bark! I'm Moving. Also, at the time of writing this story, I was not enrolled in this program.

MR: Is there a book that people might be surprised to learn you love?

CJ: It is now a banned book, but I really love The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas.

MR: Are there any books you’ve read over and over again?

CJ: I would really need to think hard on this but I can say, The Coldest Winter Ever and No Disrespect by Sister Souljah.

MR: What's next for our favorite little military dog? Is there more travel in his future?

CJ: Pepsi has traveled to quite a few places, especially while we lived overseas. Right now he is enjoying his home in MD or when he goes and visits family in NJ. 

For more information, please visit the following:

Instagram @barkimmoving

Website: www.barkimmoving.com

Six Months into 2023...reading-wise

It’s a miracle but, so far, I’m ahead on my Goodreads reading challenge. Of course, that’s thanks to being able to listen to books as well as physically read them, but still. I’ll take any victory I can. Below is a list of everything I’ve read since January 2023, along with brief reviews. Perhaps you’ll find something you’d like to try reading this summer on here.

Still Here

I started reading this last year. Due to a whole bunch of crippling family circumstances, it took me a while but I finally finished reading it in January. And boy, how I loved this book! The way the author painted her characters was achingly relatable. A wondrous tale of immigrant friends looking for their identities. Highly recommend.

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem

This was different from what I usually read and it was refreshing in its departure. A long, multi-generational family saga, it was a bit like reading a soap opera but I learned so much. I did not watch the Netflix adaptation and I hear that much was changed in it.

The Cabin at the End of the World

Spooky and so thought provoking. Not a long read so even if thrillers are not your jam, I highly recommend it for all the ethical dilemmas the author brings up.

Mad Honey

I was afraid this would be a lot like Defending Jacob but it wasn’t at all. The book was cowritten by Jodi Picout and Jennifer Finney Boylan, and it’s incredible how seamlessly their voices blend. There is a tremendous revelation about half way in and it’d be a spoiler for me to reveal it here, but again, I learned so much more than I could’ve expected to from a fiction novel. Highly recommend.

Violetta

My first Isabel Allende novel! Much like The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, this one is also a familial saga. The language is beautiful, as are the characters.

The Family Game

This one was a let down. It was a fun read, with some unexpected twists, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that I’m getting bored with this sort of genre tropes: rich families are mysterious and crazy, not rich families are innocent and fluffy. An engaging read, nevertheless.

The Wilder Women

The description was intriguing but the book was a bit too much for me. Much of it is magical realism and I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief. Again, it was well written, but I just picked the wrong genre for myself.

Sleep Donation

Now this was a real psychological thriller, especially for anyone out there struggling with sleep disorders. A very short read, I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this sort of scaries.

The Boston Girl

I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while, and I’m so glad I finally did. It was so lovely. I listened to it on Audible, and I have to say-the narrator did such justice to it. For me, her voice made the book. Recommend this one to those interested in family type sagas and/or Jewish American history.

The Silent Patient

I haven’t been this surprised since Gone Girl. What a twist! I did not see it coming. Like, AT ALL! Highly recommend to those who like reading psychological suspense type novels.

A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka

Needless to say, I have a soft spot for immigration stories, especially those of Soviet-Jewish refugees. This is a wonderfully crafted story, told primarily from the perspective of a child. We have very much different stories but the author’s is relatable, anyway. Highly recommend.

The Thursday Murder Club

What a joy! Just a lovely, lovely story, full of multi-dimensional, fascinating characters. If you like Agatha Christie, for some reason, I think you’d enjoy this.

The Man Who Died Twice

This is book two in the Thursday Murder Club series, and it’s just as enjoyable as book one. The characters keep developing and you fall more and more in love with them. It’s wonderful to have a popular series where central characters are those in their 70s and living active lives. I wish this retirement community were real because, though I’m too young for it, I’d love to buy in!

Pineapple Street

This book came with such glorious reviews, I was excited to read it. The cover is so pretty, too! But, again, this is a case of mismatched expectations. It aims at depth but still comes across superficial. It’s a good beach read, but I wasn’t too crazy about the characters and their development, and the writing seems a bit too episodic. Not one I’d eagerly recommend.

Let me know if you’ve read any of these so we can compare notes!

Author Interview Series-Sarah Budd

Sarah Budd

Sarah Budd  grew up in Cornwall surrounded by myths and legends. She has always been fascinated by anything out of the ordinary. Her work has appeared in over twenty magazines including NoSleep Podcast, Diabolica Britannica, Tales to Terrify, Aphotic Realm, Sanitarium Magazine, Dark Fire Fiction, Mystic Blue Review, Siren’s Call Publications, Deadman’s Tome, Innersins, Aphelion, Bewildering Stories and Blood Moon Rising Magazine.

 Marina Raydun: Your bio says you grew up surround by myths and legends. Can you give us some examples?

 Sarah Budd: Cornwall is home to Tintagel Castle, home to King Arthur the legendary warrior king who aided by Merlin, a powerful sorcerer fought giants, witches, monsters, and dragons whilst on his daring adventures. Legend says that today he sleeps under Glastonbury Tor waiting to called upon once again.

MR: Enter the Darkness sounds deliciously creepy and intriguing. What inspired you to write this one?

SB: One day I visited Chislehurst Caves and I immediately fell in love with the place. The caves are so eerie and subject to so many ghosts and hauntings, it’s the perfect setting for a horror novel and really compelled me to write about it. I wanted to create a fast action-packed ride through the dark caves.

MR: What is your favorite underappreciated novel within the horror genre?

SB: Ooh this is a tricky question as I’m a huge fan of indie horror and I think there’s hundreds of indie horror books that deserve way more praise and attention. My favourite horror author of all time is Adam Neville and I think he deserves to be as famous as Stephen King.

I recently read A Different Darkness and Other Abominations by Luigi Musolino from Valancourt Books which really blew me away. I also recently read The Devil’s Pocket Book by Ross Jeffery which is folk horror at its finest. Catherine McCarthy has two new books coming out soon, Mosaic, and A Moonlight Path of Madness which I’m really excited about.

MR: Do real life people inspire your characters?

SB: It would be terrifying if they did as I love to write about people that are very unhinged! All my characters are plucked out of thin air. I like my characters to be deeply flawed and complicated, I don’t believe in the concept of goodies vs baddies. We’re all people at the end of the day and we’re all capable of doing good and bad things. A good person can do something bad and vice versa.

 MR: What was the hardest scene to write?

 SB: In Enter the Darkness writing the final chapter was the hardest scene as it was hard saying goodbye to the book, and I also wanted to make sure it was impactful. I also found the White Lady hard to write as I wanted to make her terrifying for my readers.

MR: What is your favorite genre to read?

SB: My favourite genre is horror, but I love to read all genres. I love anything from classics to contemporary. I’m a big fan of Daphne Du Maurier, Gwendoline Riley, Gwendoline Kiste, Emma Forrest, the Bronte Sister’s and Kirsty Logan.

MR: What are you currently reading?

SB: I have just started reading Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield, Death in Her Hands by Ottessa Mosfegh, Slow Days, Fast Company by Eve Babitz. I can’t just read one book at a time, and I always have to be reading  a book!

MR: How did publishing your first book change your writing process?

SB: I think having a book published made me realise that I have an audience, in a way it has inspired me to write more but also now I feel a little self-conscious!

 MR: Is there a thing you’ve written that makes you cringe now?

 SB: There are so many short stories I have written that make me cringe, but I think that’s a good thing as it shows how my writing has progressed through the years.

MR: Is there a book you wish you’d written?

SB: The one that springs to mind was Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough. I watched it first on Netflix and when it all fits together I literally lay awake that night thinking how genius it was. So simple yet so effective. I absolutely love that book!

For more information, please visit:

Twitter: @SjbuddJ

Website: http://www.sjbudd.co.uk/

Author Interview Series-Francesca Maria

Francesca Maria

Francesca Maria writes dark fiction surrounded by cats near the Pacific Ocean. She is the creator of the Black Cat Chronicles, a true horror comic book series narrated by a mystical black cat. And her short story collection-They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark will be out in April 2023 from Brigid’s Gate Press. Her short stories and essays can be found in Crystal Lake Publishing’s Shallow Waters series and anthologies and Death’s Garden Revisited.

Marina Raydun: First of all, let's talk black cats and why we love and are inspired by them! 

Francesca Maria: Black cats rule. They really do. They are smart, aloof, loving, snuggly and wickedly beautiful. Every black cat that I've met has had their own unique personality and dare I say, style about them. There's just a certain swagger that black cats have that I don't find in other cats or other animals for that matter. It's like they know they're badass and aren't afraid to flaunt it.  

MR: What is the target audience for your Black Cat Chronicles?

FM: Adults and older teens who are fans of horror, Tales from the Crypt, true crime stuff, paranormal shows, etc. would hopefully dig Black Cat Chronicles. Each true tail (ha, get it?) is a mixture of horror, the supernatural and a mystery all rolled up into one single issue. We have three so far and the fourth is on its way. They are stand alone issues, meaning, you don't have to read them all or in order as each one is its own complete story. The first issue takes place at the Greyfriars Cemetery in Scotland - a renowned haunted and evil place, the second in Alaska and a little fishing town called Port Chatham that ups and vanishes and the third is about the weird and secret military missions in Antarctica during and after WWII. They are all true stories and as we state in our tagline: Truth is Scarier than Fiction!

MR: Have you really been writing horror stories since the age of six? What was your parents' reaction?

FM: Yes I have. As soon as I learned to pick up a pen and write, I wrote about a group of kids who stumbled onto a haunted house at the end of a cul-de-sac. It was a 10-pager and pretty impressive for a six year old. I wish I still had it, but alas, it's lost to time. And I don't really remember my parents reacting to my little tales, but I'm sure my mom was proud. I am the youngest of five kids and by the time I came around, I think my parents were just happy that I didn't sprout two heads, so writing scary stuff was the least of their concerns. 

MR: Does your bio imply that your childhood house was haunted? Can we delve into that a little bit?

FM: Sure and yes. I did indeed grow up in a haunted house: lights flickering on and off, TVs going static and turning on by themselves, doors slamming, knocks and phantom footsteps, rattling and scratching from within closet doors. It was pretty scary. And we never talked about it growing up. I think we were partially afraid that if we talked about it, it would get worse. But also, our parents never believed us so we were reprimanded for talking about it. My parents didn't want my older siblings to scare us younger ones. We never did find out what caused the haunting. I lived in that house from ages 0 - 14 and the fear and sense of 'presence' never let up once. It wasn't until I moved into a new home that I finally learned what it meant to be 'alone'.  

MR: How do your abilities as a psychic medium inform your storytelling?

FM: Being a psychic I feel things a lot more than perhaps most. When I blend with the energy of a spirit I can feel their pain, their emotion, their joy, their sadness. So it's like I get to be a voyeur into someone else's life. Those real feelings of loss, pain, intense emotions can and sometimes do inform my writing. More often it's my work as a psychic detective that helps with my horror writing and vice versa. I sometimes get asked by clients to help find a lost loved one or provide answers to a mystery surrounding a suspicious death or missing person. As a horror writer, my ability to think about the worst case scenario - what horrible things people can do to each other -  opens up the world of possibilities to what can happen in a missing person or murder case. Because I'm already experienced in seeing and exploring the nature of evil, those things that lurk in the shadows, the dark places, it's easier for me to see what might happen in a case. And working on real cases and hearing the true horror that takes place in the world often does make its way back into my writing. 

MR: You write horror but what is your favorite genre to read?

FM: 100% Horror, all the time, all day and night long. Especially horror short stories and God love him, any and all things Neil Gaiman. Gaiman straddles the line between fantasy and horror, but if anyone has read anything by him, think Coraline, Ocean at the End of the Lane, Graveyard Book, Sandman, these are straight up horror books, in my opinion. Yes, they cross genres, but to me, they land squarely in the horror realm.  

MR: Is there a book that cemented you as a writer?

FM: Hmmm....good question. I can't say for certain, but Salem's Lot by Stephen King definitely left a mark. I don't know that it inspired me to become a writer but it did open up my eyes to what was possible with writing. It was the first book I read where I can remember actually feeling something while reading it, something visceral that took me a long time to unravel. It was pretty heady for a kid of about twelve. 

MR: Can you talk a little bit about your latest book, a collection of short stories called, They Hide?

FM: I'd be happy to. THEY HIDE: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark, is a collection of 13 tales that weave through the shadows, exploring the nature of fear, powerlessness, and control. THEY HIDE is my love letter to horror tropes. Each story tackles a beloved trope: witches, vampires, mummies, werewolves, ghosts, demons, cryptids and more. I wanted to challenge myself and see if I had anything new and different to say about these well-worn tropes. I'm really proud of how it came out. I wrote it during the pandemic lock-own and it really helped me cope with the fear and anxieties I had at the time. 

 MR: Is there a book that your readers may be surprised to learn you love?

FM: Batman. I am a big comic book nerd. For 19 years I co-ran Black Cat Comics, a comic book store in northern California with my husband Causey. I'm a huge fan of Tom King's run of Batman. Those comics: War of Jokes and Riddles and The Wedding were some of the best stuff I've ever read, in any medium. It makes me angry how good they are. 

MR: Is there one topic you would never write about? Why?

FM: Everyone has their triggers and mine is animal cruelty. It's so weird that a lot of us horror writers can write horrific things about people all day long, but the minute we talk about abuse of an animal I'm out, and I'm not the only one. I just can't. I am a cat lover and love all animals and can't bring myself to read or write about animal cruelty. If there's a scene in a movie where an animal is getting abused I'll walk out. I just can't take it. 

You can find Francesca Maria at francescamaria.com and on Twitter @Writer_of_Weird.

2022 in Books

Favorite read of the year

Year 2022. So far-I’m 21 books in, not counting reading and rereading my own drafts of Year One as I continue to work with my editors in preparation for its mid-2023 release.

Below is a list of all the books I’ve lived through this year, along with (extremely) brief reviews. Do we have any in common?

1. A Fall of Marigolds: I started this book last year but finished in January 2022. I’m partial to immigration history so I liked it for all its thorough research of the Ellis Island.

2. The Septembers of Shiraz: I got this book in a Secret Santa type book exchange and it took my breath away. Highly recommend for those with interest in history and Iranian revolution.

3. Woman No. 17: a trip of a book! Great especially for mothers with children with special needs because it is raw in its honestly about such relationships. Almost painfully so. Really made me look in the mirror.

4. The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes: the biggest disappointment of the year for me (well, book-wise, anyway). I had such high hopes based on reviews but it fell so achingly flat. Everything about it was predictable, and all characters one-dimensional and undeveloped. Do not recommend.

5. Rodham: a very neat concept! Take a real (and huge!) person, and imagine if they’d taken a different path in life. Mind blown! Recommend for its gutsiness.

6. The Lost Daughter: painfully good. I had to read it in short bursts because swallowing so much genuine and relatable emotion was uncomfortable. Highly recommend to mother’s of daughters.

7. Signs of Survival: this is middle school appropriate and I picked it up at a school Scholastic Book Fair. A tale of two sisters living through the Holocaust alone, without parents, and one of the sisters is deaf. It’s a great introduction on the subject as it’s not terribly graphic for younger readers. Great lesson in resiliency.

8. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead: fascinating read, written by a Nobel Prize Winner. Probably my first by a Polish author. Highly recommend. Wonderful humor and absurdism.

9. The Personal Librarian: what a fascinating story! Just a jewel among historical fiction novels. So wonderfully researched! Both respect and authenticity were palpable. Recommend.

10. I Must Betray You: Highly recommend to anyone with an interest in what went on behind the Iron Curtain. I had no idea that Romania had it this bad! Technically, this is a YA novel but it’s too good for adults not to read it due to genre designation alone.

11. All’s Well: Chronic pain and Shakespeare! What a gripping, enthralling read. Everything about it is just so masterful! Definitely my top read of the year. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an expertly written psychological thriller.

12. The House Across the Lake: I used to be Riley Sager fan but this was a disappointment (his last one too, unfortunately). The storyline is no longer original (with so many books with traumatized, unreliable female narrators) and the paranormal resolution felt like a copout. Riley Sager has done better.

13. The Sentence: I really wanted to love this book but it didn’t happen. There were parts of it that I downright loved but, overall, there was just too much going on. It simply couldn’t make up its mind as to what it wanted to be. Additionally, I feel like marketing got in the way on this one: it was sold as a story about a haunted book store. That’s not what we got, though

14. Lilac Girls: another historical fiction for me this year. What a story! Again, real people as inspiration, treated with much respect by the author. If you have an interest in WWII history, you’ll appreciate this book.

15. Shmutz: it’s not my first novel about a young girl in an ultra orthodox Jewish community rebelling, but this one is different. Very different. A very unique coming of age story. Recommend.

16. Run Time: After reading 56 Days, I am Ms. Howards’s number 1 fan! This was a fun trip.

17. When No One is Watching: this had some gripping Get Out vibes but then veered too far into the grotesque, even given the genre.

18. There are Jews in my House: close second for the favorite read of the year for me. Short stories are hard to write so when you find a good set, you do a little dance. If you enjoy immigrant lit, check this out. I loved this collection so much, I am reading one of the author’s novels right now.

19. All That I Am: Anna Funder’s Stasiland is one of the most formative books of my life (seriously), and this novel has been on my radar for a while. I’m glad I finally read it. I’ve read a considerable amount about WWII but I’ve never read anything about the brave resistance by exiles. All based on real events and real people! Recommend if you have an interest in historical fiction and the history of WWII.

20. Suburban Hell: I mean, I wanted an easy read, and I got an easy read. Fairly mindless but good entertainment.

21. The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem: very different from other novels I usually read, but I was very much into it. It’s kind of a saga, maybe even a soap opera, but very engaging and entertaining. I loved the character development and the slow revelation of perspectives. Nothing in life is black and white and the author here did a pretty good job of capturing the grays.

Currently, I’m reading Still Here: A Novel, and listening to The Cabin at the End of the World. I’m not sure if I’ll sneak these in right under the wire as 2022 comes to a close but so far, I like both. Will share more…potentially in my next round up.

What are some of your favorites this year? Anything you’d recommend?

Author Interview Series-Vikki Stark

Vikki Stark

Vikki Stark has an active international psychotherapy practice in which she works with clients both in her lovely Montreal office with a fireplace and by phone or Skype worldwide. She is the founder and director of the Sedona Counseling Centre of Montreal, where there are thirty therapists offering a full range of wellness services to our community.

Ms. Stark is also an international guest expert on television and radio on issues related to mental health and emotional well being, notably appearing on NBC’s The Today Show and Oprah radio. She was featured in Time Magazine and Maclean’s (Canada), among many other media appearances. She writes a blog called Schlepping Through Heartbreak for Psychology Today magazine that has had over 4 million views.

Vikki has written three books and edited a fourth. Her first book is about sister relationships and the other three are about divorce and divorce recovery. As a result of one of her books, Runaway Husbands, Ms. Stark leads a worldwide community of women supporting each other through recovery from sudden unexpected divorces.

Marina Raydun: You work primarily as a psychotherapist. What inspired you to write your first book-My Sister, My Self?

Vikki Stark: Prior to writing My Sister, My Self, I had never thought of myself as a writer but one thing I have always been is curious. So the germ for me writing my first book came at dinner one night with my two adult daughters when my younger daughter, Lauren, said, "No matter where I go, I always feel like a little sister" and I thought "Me, too!". I'm also a younger sister and always feel like the kid in the room. So I got curious about that and started asking around and realized that all of my best friends are also younger sisters. And then I had to know more!

MR: How did publishing your first book change your writing process?

VS: It really didn't. Because I work full time as a psychotherapist and have to squeeze in time to write, I don't really have a formal writing process. It's always been just grabbing a few hours whenever I can.

MR: Runaway Husbands is based on a worldwide study. Given that your clientele is international, do you find any cultural differences affecting the Wife Abandonment Syndrome?

VS: That is a really interesting aspect of our community. There is very little difference between women in different cultures. The remarkable things rather, is how much women's experience is the same from one side of the world to the other! 

MR: What is your favorite genre to read?

VS: I enjoy memoirs or books that feel like memoirs.

MR: What is the first book that made you cry?

VS: I don't really remember but I was one of those kids who was always reading. I remember walking down the street reading. And I loved the big, heavy classics - Dickens, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky - at one point in my life.

MR: What are you currently reading?

VS: I've just abandoned the book, The Sleeping Car Porter. I just couldn't get into it.  Prior to that, I read The Personal Librarian, which I really enjoyed - so much so that I visited the Morgan Library last time I was in New York.

MR: If you could have drinks with any person, living or dead, who would it be?

VS: Hillary Clinton - I think we would have a lot in common. Plus she's led such a fascinating life - I'd love to hear about it from her own perspective. 

MR: What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

VS: I'm probably planning and organizing. There's so much going on in my life, I use any spare moment to make patterns. 

MR: Some readers say that you changed their lives with Runaway Husbands. Is there a book that changed your life?

VS: I'm privileged to have been able to help people in a meaningful, profound way. That is really an honor for me. I would say that one book that changed my life is Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning. We are all looking for ways to manage suffering in life and his book provides richness in that regard.

Find Vikki Stark’s books here:
VIkki Stark