Featured Interview With Julie Catania-Shady

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi! I'm Julie! I'm a Law & Order: Special Victims Unit junkie; children's books literacy advocate, Author, spouse to a retired air force airman, and mama, who is simply making it through the day by the grace of caffeine and Jesus. I live in leggings and LOVE wearing dresses with sneakers! I have a degree in broadcast journalism and criminal justice from the University of Maryland in College Park. After college, I went on to work in television, specializing in crime TV and then advanced to investigations for the federal government. My most favorite job has been being a mommy and Conversations With Colton are my favorite! I live in Oklahoma with my husband, son, and dog.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always had a knack for story telling. Even as a young child I enjoyed telling stories. I even have old journals filled with writings about random topics. In journalism school I mostly wrote news stories but Conversations With Colton is my first "official" book!

I’ve been writing conversations with Colton for the last 7 years! Not in the conventional sense, but when my son was a baby, I started posting about him on social media using the #conversationswithcolton. The older he got, the more in-depth our conversations grew. The older he grew, the more interesting our conversations got! The more interesting our conversations got, the more I started to pray for patience. I digress…but let’s just say Conversations With Colton has been a work in progress for years!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite series growing up was Nancy Drew. I wish I had fond childhood memories of enjoying books before middle school, but I don’t. I don’t have any memories where I enjoyed reading before the Nancy Drew series. I know my parents read bedtime stories to me.

I read when it was required in school, but I didn’t love books,

until I “met” Nancy and the gang.

For those you don’t know, Nancy Drew is a fictional teenage amateur detective in an extended series of mystery books by Carolyn Keene. Nancy Drew’s intelligence, courage, and independence made her a popular role model for many generations of young readers. I may have been her #1 fan. I was obsessed with her investigative skills and loved the idea of solving mysteries. In hindsight, I believe she inspired me more than I realized at the time, but I owe Carolyn Keene the world because she is was sparked my LOVE of books.

I currently enjoy reading EVERYTHING-all genres from Romantic Comedies to Mysteries to Business books.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Conversations with Colton is an exploration of faith. When I was pregnant with my son Colton doctors said he would NOT be born alive. But GOD stepped in, and a miracle happened. So, I wrote a book about him, our miracle, and our conversations which are hilarious by the way! But what I planned to write was a fun coffee table comedic account of our conversations and what I ended up writing are two different things. I realized that we had a greater message to share. Conversations with Colton explores how to keep faith when caught in a “storm?” Colton survived despite what doctors said and conversations with him have made all the fear, faith, and doubt that got us to this moment 100 percent worth it.

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Featured Interview With Alicia Villasenor

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I live in Southern California with my husband, two kids, and two dogs. I love to read and write, of course. I love gardening and growing my own vegetables.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Probably when I was a teen, after diving into Greek mythology. I loved Homer and Ann Rice so I'd say they were my early inspirations. I wrote my first story in high school, although I never finished it. I wrote it in a notebook because in those days, computers were too expensive for us to afford one.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love reading many different genres including nonfiction but my heart is in fantasy because that is also the genre I write. Favorite authors include Brandon Sanderson, Carrie Ann Noble, Jessica Payne, Kat Kinney, Casie Aufenthie, Kristin Hannah, Erik Larson to name a few. For inspiration, I'd say I get pieces and bits from many authors and their writings.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Ballerina Jessica Lavigne is envious of Charlotte for all things Charlotte is, that Jessica is not. Hitting rock bottom is a new low for Jessica who becomes a witness-turned-suspect in a murder case with a sinking dance career. To make matters worse, her hometown is invaded by monsters and her secret crush continues to shun her. That is until a demigod named Nimai walks into her life and makes all her ballet dreams come true. But there’s a deadly connection between the murders, the monsters, and the benevolent demigod.

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Featured Interview With Durale Harper

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a motivational speaker, life coach, and author, who is driven to positively impact the lives of others. I was born and raised in the small town of Hugo, Oklahoma by a single mother who raised her 4 kids by working two jobs. I currently live in Dallas, Texas where I am a sales professional for a beverage brand, I speak at local schools, mentor young men, and very involved in my communities.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always like books, especially the sports books, like the Michael Jordan books. I wrote my first book in 2018 and my second book here in 2023. I love reading and gaining knowledge from others. Not only do I try to inspire, I am truly inspired by others great stories.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My current favorite author is Dr. Eric Thomas. Reading his new book "You owe you" pushes me to be better everyday. My favorite genre to read is autobiographies, because again, I am inspired by other people stories and the principles they used to overcome their struggles.
My family inspires my writings. My mother is one of my biggest inspirations, her sacrifices, long days, and her drive to provide for her family has bled into me and now I am pushing to take it to a whole new level. My son is another inspiration, I grew up without a father, so I teach my son from my mistakes and hope that he learns from them. My new book is to him and he pushes me to be a better man, father, and husband every day. Lastly, my wife, she deserves the best version of me. To be there for her, provide for her, protect her, and be her support system.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Dear Jr started 3 years ago right in the heart of the pandemic. It was my therapy. I didn't know where life was going or what was going to happen, but I knew that there was still work to be done with my son. One day a big question came to me, "Did I teach him everything I wanted and needed to if I left this Earth and that answer was "NO." So, I begin to write, telling him everything I felt that I haven't told him yet, principles and lessons that I have learned through great people, trial and error, wins and loses. Giving him my lessons on life and what I wanted him to take from it and learn from it. This book was not written just for my son, I pray this book blesses Fathers and young men around the world. My goal, my dream has always been bigger than me and I will never stop doing my part to positively Impact the world.
Straight Up!

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Featured Interview With Douglas Harris

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Southern California and currently live in Santa Barbara with my wife, MacKenzie, and our four children. We also have two small dogs, Phoebe and Phineas.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always loved books. My mother read story books with me and my sister almost every night when we were young. I remember asking her to read the book Danny and the Dinosaur quite often.

I started writing children’s books almost ten years ago when my then eight-year-old daughter, Bailey, asked me if I could help her write a children’s book. She was inspired to write this book after watching Cosmos, A Spacetime Odyssey with our family. In that evening’s episode, the host and narrator Neil deGrasse Tyson said, “The planets, the stars, the galaxies, we ourselves and all of life—the same star stuff.”. She wanted to share how amazing this is with everyone! We released the book My Name is Stardust three years later.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love reading both fiction and non-fiction. I just finished reading Lessons in Chemistry with my wife and I’m currently reading Anxious People with my daughter in the evenings. I am a science and philosophy junky and specifically love reading books about the science of happiness, the philosophy of Stoicism, and anything about evolutionary biology. I generally have about three books in the rotation at a time.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
A few years ago, I was writing the book Elle the Humanist with my daughter, Elle. This book was based on her experiences at elementary school and her passion about conversations she was having regarding diversity and beliefs. While working with her on this book over a Friday the 13th, I read an article about this superstition and was intrigued. I was surprised by how much it actually impacts our world (no 13th floor in hotels, no row 13 on airplanes, people not going to work or driving on this day and on and on). Our Stardust Book Series attempts to help teach evidence based critical thinking skills using science and it struck me that we could use the idea of this fun superstition to help teach the same concept from a new angle.

I’ve learned in my own family, with my four children, how important it is to teach children how to think, not what to think. My hope with this book is that by helping children understand the idea of superstitions, we can illustrate how important it can be to use evidence based critical thinking skills as we navigate a confusing world where even adults believe silly things.

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Featured Interview With Malia Williams

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I'm Malia Williams, a dedicated author with a passion for culinary arts. Writing has always been a significant part of my life, and I've combined this love with my culinary expertise to create cookbooks that inspire others to explore the world of cooking. My journey as an author has been a thrilling one, and I'm eager to continue sharing my culinary adventures through my writing.
I was raised in Village of Dixville Notch in New Hampshire, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse and rich culinary culture. Growing up in such an environment played a significant role in shaping my love for food and cooking.
Yes, I share my home with a lovely Tom, who has been a constant source of joy and companionship throughout my writing journey. While my primary focus is on cooking and writing, having a pet adds a wonderful balance to my life.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I discovered my fascination with books at a very young age. I vividly remember being captivated by the magic of storytelling and the power of words from the moment I learned to read. As a child, I devoured books of all genres, and that fascination with literature has remained a constant in my life.
I started writing at a relatively early age as well. I believe I was around 12 when I began to pen down my thoughts and ideas. Initially, it was more of a personal expression, but as I grew older, I found that writing was the perfect medium to convey my passion for food and cooking. This led me to create my first cookbook and ultimately pursue a career in writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoy exploring a diverse range of literature, which often enriches my own writing. While my writing primarily revolves around culinary themes, I don't limit my reading to a single genre. I have a profound love for contemporary fiction, historical non-fiction, and I find that diverse genres provide me with new perspectives and inspirations. In my culinary writing, I draw inspiration from various sources. Renowned chefs and culinary experts have inspired my approach to cooking and food storytelling. Additionally, the diverse cultures and cuisines I've encountered on my culinary journey are a continuous source of inspiration. My desire to share the joy of cooking and the stories behind the recipes with my readers is what drives me to write.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Indulge in a gastronomic adventure with "Savor the Flavors," your passport to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Dive into the world of exquisite Mediterranean cuisine with this remarkable cookbook, filled with an array of tantalizing recipes, each brimming with the rich cultural tapestry of the Mediterranean. From the aromatic herbs of Greece to the savory spices of Morocco, this cookbook presents an enticing collection of international recipes that promise to transport your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, "Savor the Flavors" caters to all palates and skill levels, making Mediterranean cooking accessible to everyone.

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Featured Interview With Vered Neta

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My Name is Vered Neta. Since the 16th century, my family has lived in what today is Israel, but for the last 28 years, I’ve been living all over the world.

Today, I live with my husband in Tenerife in the Canary Islands on an off-the-grid farm, creating a sustainable life through permaculture agriculture and a food forest that we tend on our farm.

We live in the middle of a pine forest, and the nearest village to us is 3.5 miles up the mountain, so it's basically me, my husband and our chickens, dogs and birds here. We also have a grown-up daughter who lives in London.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I've always been drawn to books. I was a "book nerd" even before that expression existed. However, I started writing only at the ripe age of 57 after having, as I call it, 3 Past Lives in this lifetime.

I've been an archaeologist, a top manager in high-tech companies and health institutions and, for nearly 30 years, a personal coach, trainer, and motivational speaker while owning and running the fastest-growing training centre for entrepreneurs in The Netherlands.

But after doing all that, I came to realise that I’m not growing anymore. I still had more things I wanted to learn and develop, which is how I came to challenge myself with a new career as a writer. Being heavily dyslexic, as a non-native English speaker, writing novels or scripts seemed like a Mission Impossible for me. Add to it years of non-supportive beliefs that I’m bad at writing, and that I am not creative enough, and that sounded like a good challenge to tackle and grow through.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
This is an unfair question. I have so many of them. I used to be a lonely child, and books were my haven. I used to say that people can disappoint and betray you, but books are always there for you, so I surrounded myself with books.

I would go through periods of reading the Classics like Dickens and Jane Austin and the Bronte Sisters, and then expand to Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy and Kafka and, on the other side of the world, authors like Gabriel García Márquez and Paulo Coelho.
Today, my favourite genres are historical fiction, fantasy and women's literature, but I also read many non-fiction books about philosophy, personal development, spirituality and, of course, the craft of writing.

So, as you can see, I have an eclectic influence. What they all inspired me to write about was human nature and human relationships. They inspired me to write stories that would bring light into the world, even during hard and dark times, stories of hope, kindness and love.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The book is called “Full Circle”. It started as a movie script I wrote during the 2020 lockdowns and the George Floyd riots. I wanted to write a script about a friendship between white and black women who are fighting against racism and the connection with freedom. However, I kept getting feedback that it had too much of a “White Saviour” element to it, and a friend recommended that I should focus on the secondary story of the white woman in Prague during the Prague Spring of 1968.

That’s how I started writing the novel. When I finished the first draft, I wasn’t sure about it. Still, then Russia invaded Ukraine, and it all became so real and relevant as it resembled what had been done to the Czech Republic, which wished for more freedom from Moscow during the period of Dunbcek in 1968 and ended up being invaded by the Soviets. Ana’s story became so relevant, and I wanted to remind us all about a period that somehow is between history and current events and tends to be forgotten. It was a period when the word freedom had consequences. We got used to taking our freedoms for granted.

"Full Circle" explores an age-old dilemma: the struggle between unwavering principles and the harsh embrace of survival. In the face of imminent peril, it challenges the core of our beliefs, prompting us to redefine freedom, bravery, and strength.

In the blaze of revolution, Ana's dreams ignited her defiance – and sealed her fate.
1968, student protests are everywhere. But in Prague, behind the Iron Curtain, Ana dreams of becoming a doctor. Nothing would distract her from that path until she reconnects with her childhood friend, Jan, who gets her involved in the demand for freedom that sweeps the country.
Helen, Ana’s mother, haunted by the Holocaust, knows the dreadful cost of subjugation and tries to persuade her not to get involved, but Ana is determined to fight for her beliefs in freedom.
As Soviet tanks invade Prague, Ana and Jan find themselves at the frontline of a protest that will forever change their fates. Amidst the chaos, a single act seals Ana's fate, and her own government is now hunting her. She knows that her only chance to fulfil her dream is to find a way to escape beyond the Iron Curtain.

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Featured Interview With Jackie Haley

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I'm from Minnesota, but spent most of my life in Iowa. I live in central Iowa with my two sons and husband and our toy poodle, Charlie.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I've always enjoyed writing as a child, but once school and work began, it always took a back seat to those priorities. It wasn't until around 2008 that I seriously got back into writing, but I'm so thankful I did and I've enjoyed it ever since.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I've always been a Jane Austen fan. I'm a big fan of historical fiction and innocent love stories. Nicholas Sparks is also an author that inspires me. His attention to detail and scene development truly put the reader in the story.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Brenda's Wish is a true story about a cancer-stricken wife that, in the final precious months she had left, wrote a letter and gave it to a friend. She said when my husband finds a new wife to take care of our four boys, please send it into the radio station Christmas Wish program. Two years after she passed, David, the husband, goes into the radio station and hears the words of his late wife for the first time. It's a true and inspiring story of one mother that looked beyond her own life for her family.

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