{"mode":"live","websiteData":{"about":{"bio":"Eiusmod sunt nulla aliqua sunt dolore anim ea duis consequat enim proident amet occaecat ea. Enim id duis incididunt exercitation ea. Consectetur et duis eiusmod esse nostrud mollit in est nostrud magna deserunt sit. Anim sint esse mollit eu exercitation ut tempor laborum adipisicing officia. Non labore duis ipsum excepteur veniam.\nUt deserunt consectetur anim eu enim magna laborum ipsum excepteur. Exercitation ex excepteur excepteur fugiat voluptate. Est incididunt sit sit tempor mollit fugiat laborum cillum aliqua amet ea commodo ut. Velit velit nisi mollit reprehenderit eu pariatur sunt aliqua anim exercitation esse in dolor veniam.","firstName":"Micha","lastName":"Medenciy"},"assets":{"profileImage":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2F-M_T1d3Wsx3Cux6dMWNm%2FAuthor%20Photo%20300x300%20(4)_1630383601435.png?alt=media&token=fb9aaf87-20de-4ef9-9c24-820dccb909f3"},"books":[{"about":{"description":"Magna qui labore irure aute sint amet laboris nostrud dolore magna minim Lorem elit. Voluptate deserunt nisi officia esse incididunt minim sunt. Cupidatat deserunt labore consectetur excepteur culpa nisi cupidatat voluptate tempor incididunt duis proident. Aliqua ea consequat aliquip enim elit reprehenderit voluptate magna est minim.\nMinim aliquip velit proident tempor ipsum sunt cillum consectetur dolore consequat non Lorem mollit. Pariatur esse labore quis sunt laborum. Consequat anim anim proident exercitation voluptate dolor dolor dolor laboris quis. 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Non eu eu fugiat minim sunt occaecat dolore cupidatat mollit excepteur magna veniam. Ut laboris duis incididunt in culpa et est quis dolor voluptate adipisicing occaecat amet cillum.","subheading":"Adventure Awaits","title":"My Book vol 1"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2F-Me2FhU3IIVbO4nSFoPw%2FBook%20Mockup%20Coming%20Soon_1628629865566.png?alt=media&token=3b832a27-10b7-4840-8cea-256d771f1532"},"id":"makr45GTrf","purchase":{"indieboundLink":"https://www.indiebound.org/"},"reviews":{"content":"Voluptate occaecat laboris incididunt cillum do adipisicing excepteur Lorem proident. Veniam ad minim eu id cupidatat esse quis deserunt sunt laborum sit esse in et. Ut non consectetur occaecat excepteur ullamco aute sunt enim culpa aliquip minim dolor ex. Minim commodo et exercitation amet eu aliqua nostrud adipisicing laborum."}}],"contact":{"content":"Say hello! I'd love to hear from you. Drop me an email using the contact form below.","email":"mzmedenciyauthor@gmail.com"},"id":"site_djMw5VD2pv","meta":{"appVersion":"v4","createdDate":"2023-08-29T21:04:45.335Z","purchased":true,"slug":"micha","websiteType":"standard"},"style":{"baseThemeId":"fanning-the-pages:default","wiml":{"siteData":{"components":{"ids":["lists","pages"],"items":{"lists":{"ids":["blog","books","characters","events","instagramFeed","quicklinks","socialMedia","socialMediaOptions","socialMediaPosts"],"items":{"blog":{"ids":["ids","items"],"items":{"ids":["li_56TCYhGKs8","li_Cv2iSf42nf","li_FYAAcgvsve","li_Jz2jYH8MTE","li_KpxqBKEmnh","li_LpH4CD6QWP","li_PDcRkUMfTX","li_QHvC2QuQMB","li_RbjaNgM6ui","li_T7KXR4GnFd","li_TK8Z8cW3jw","li_VQx3nSbsbG","li_XG7jLPVN3t","li_XYpKM3xjZm","li_Xj3pbbHUn6","li_a6Q2VHhhrZ","li_h23rq9vfyr","li_hqJVZFXbRf","li_iEmKc3wBfA","li_jMvczAyVkr","li_mdQqtkcyRP","li_sKQTjjEgep","li_u95ztmvWVs","li_w4AjihNjPa","li_wKHhxLgaLC","li_wKwsAB3faM","li_wW8LeMkHAb","li_x2XPFfstAC","li_x9WNutqDks","li_yzaNJdiKR7","li_WnEPggBM7k"],"items":{"li_56TCYhGKs8":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-09-05T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-09-05T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 ARIA Author Showcase","value":"2023 ARIA Author Showcase"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202023-09-08T193337.467_1694219629276.png?alt=media&token=8742b6db-8bf1-4557-9de9-cd96c78025a5","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202023-09-08T193337.467_1694219629276.png?alt=media&token=8742b6db-8bf1-4557-9de9-cd96c78025a5"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-aria-author-showcase"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

For several years, ARIA (Association of Rhode Island Authors) has held an event called \"The Authors Showcase.\" This event showcases thirty Rhode Island Authors via an online interview. It is also a raffle event. Each day commenters are entered into a raffle. Simply put, if you comment on each post, you have thirty opportunities to win thirty different prizes. Generally, prizes are related to the author being showcased that day. Books, merch, etc. It doesn't just end there; on December 8th, there will be a Grand Prize Drawing. This final raffle collects all of the commenters from all 30 days and pulls three prizes -

1. $250 Amazon Gift Card

2. $100 Amazon Gift Card

3. $50 Amazon Gift Card

If you commented on all 30 days, not only will you have 30 opportunities to win a book / merch, you will also have 30 entries towards the grand prize. How awesome is that?

","value":"

1. $250 Amazon Gift Card

2. $100 Amazon Gift Card

3. $50 Amazon Gift Card

If you commented on all 30 days, not only will you have 30 opportunities to win a book / merch, you will also have 30 entries towards the grand prize. How awesome is that?

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-09-09T00:30:23.058Z","editedDate":"2023-10-18T22:08:40.764Z"}},"li_Cv2iSf42nf":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-02T16:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-02T16:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nM.Z. Medenciy","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nM.Z. Medenciy"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FMZMedenciySM_1698892139075.png?alt=media&token=7d0b99f3-1538-4a3a-9578-f213550182fe","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FMZMedenciySM_1698892139075.png?alt=media&token=7d0b99f3-1538-4a3a-9578-f213550182fe"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasemz-medenciy"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

How to enter – Comment on the daily showcases to enter the daily Giveaways. Comments close one week after the initial Showcase post. GRAND PRIZE drawn on Dec 8th (1 -$250, 1 -$100, or a 1 -$50 Amazon gift card. One grand prize pp) – For every showcase you post on, you automatically gain one entry to the grand prize. 30 Authors = 30 entries.

M.Z. will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? M.Z. Medenciy

Where do you call home? Southern, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Fantasy and it's sub genres.

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? Fantasy 100%, Mystery and Fiction such as The Secret Garden.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Jane Eyre - I love Janes’ strength and growth. Midsummer Nights Dream - I loved Puck’s mischievousness and how things went haywire. And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie. Enough said. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland - I loved the out-of-the-box wackadoodle world created by Lewis Carroll

What are some of your favorite books today? Good Omens, Nena Knight series, Morgan is My Name, Brittany Mystery Series, oh and the Karma series also the Stephanie Plum … listen I just love books lol

What inspired you to become a writer? Writing has always been a form of escape for me. As a child, my imagination was a protective mechanism. When it wasn't needed anymore, it manifested itself into wild dreams. I eventually put pen to paper in an attempt to tame it. It sort of worked ^_^.

$\"\"$

Island Eight

In a world on the verge of repeating a cataclysmic history, Sophia, a Salinian entertainer, unknowingly holds the key to the world's salvation. She intentionally overlooks their king's tyranny to ensure her happiness, but not even the gods can protect her when the eyes of the castle alight upon her town. After narrowly escaping death with the aid of a mysterious man who whisks her away to once-forbidden lands, Sophia is unwillingly sucked into the brewing war she had so desperately evaded. In Island Eight by M.Z. Medenciy, Sophia embarks on an unprecedented journey where she encounters new dangers through magic-wielding Fae, discovers a resilience within her she never thought possible, and uncovers a history of the gods and their planet that will change the lives of all forever.

Tell us a little about how Island Eight came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? Island Eight was born from my dreams. The first incarnation of Gabriel appeared to me several times in my sleep. I would wake up with this aching in my heart, and an unspoken message as if he was imploring me to tell his tale. I knew there was a story there.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? I have to say that the most prevalent change is that I have significantly fewer characters than what I started with. One of the biggest edits I was asked to do by my content editor was to minimize the number of characters I had. He also suggested that I take the strong traits of weaker characters that I was eliminating and use those traits to add more dimension to my main characters. It was brilliant advice. Even so, it was hard for me to do. There were some side stories I wanted to keep but, in the end, I realized those characters did not drive the plot forward in anyway. So, they had to go.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Cytrine – From the get-go I knew what the relationship between Cytrine and Sophia was going to be. But creating a character like Cytrine was difficult for me. I did not want to her to be the typical OW (Other Woman) in novels. She is so much more than that, and figuring out how to tell her story meant me getting into her head. Working out why she wants what she wants and does what she does had me screaming into pillows. In the end it wasn’t about what I wanted. It didn’t matter if at first she did come off as the typical OW, because that’s what she wanted. Cytrine didn’t care how Sophia perceived her, so I needed to let that go. In the end I had to let Cytrine write herself.

What do you like best about being a writer? When I write I am free. There are no inhibitions. Utterly, wonderfully free.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Pffft I said it once I will say it again, I would love to work with Latina author Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It would be called - Cauldron of Sparrows - \"Gods stay gods because they are corrupt and powerful. But every five thousand years the Cauldron opens, giving a mortal the chance to challenge a god and take their throne.\" Maybe? Hmmm Silvia, have your people call my people ^_^.

Follow M.Z. Medenciy at

www.mzmedenciy.com

https://www.instagram.com/mzmedenciy/

M.Z. is raffling off a signed copy of Island Eight and a small handcrafted wooden bowl

To enter, comment below. --> Your King is corrupt; he plunders, he destroys. Do you bring together the people to fight? Or do you live comfortably and blissfully in ignorance? (In a Keanu Reeves voice) Do you take the Red pill and rebel, or the Blue pill and forget?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

M.Z. will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? M.Z. Medenciy

Where do you call home? Southern, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Fantasy and it's sub genres.

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? Fantasy 100%, Mystery and Fiction such as The Secret Garden.

$\"\"$

Island Eight

What do you like best about being a writer? When I write I am free. There are no inhibitions. Utterly, wonderfully free.

Follow M.Z. Medenciy at

www.mzmedenciy.com

https://www.instagram.com/mzmedenciy/

M.Z. is raffling off a signed copy of Island Eight and a small handcrafted wooden bowl

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-02T02:28:02.061Z","editedDate":"2023-11-08T02:31:45.228Z"}},"li_FYAAcgvsve":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-06T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-06T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nKara Marziali","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nKara Marziali"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FKara%20M_1699207456758.png?alt=media&token=21d0d4ad-f81e-4551-a620-3709d5f6a808","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FKara%20M_1699207456758.png?alt=media&token=21d0d4ad-f81e-4551-a620-3709d5f6a808"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasekara-marziali"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Kara Marziali will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Kara Marziali

Where do you call home? Currently residing in West Warwick

What genre(s) do you write? children's books, short stories, and poetry

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I've always loved mysteries or suspenseful stories. There's just something so compelling about a plot twist!

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? \"Free to Be You & Me\" (along with the album that accompanied the book). I knew all the songs, poems and stories by heart. When I got a little older \"The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe\" delighted me.

What are some of your favorite books today? I'm still a fan of mysteries and my guilty pleasure is a true crime novel. The grittier, the better. Which is a far departure from Kid Lit, doncha think?

What inspired you to become a write? I've always been a daydreamer and a storyteller, so writing was the best way for me to express myself. Growing up, my best friend and I used to write stories together, and I've kept a daily journal since the age of 10. Throughout elementary, middle and high school, teachers told me I was a \"good writer\" and many of them encouraged me to put pen to paper. Professionally, I have worked as a copywriter, editor, and director of communications.

$\"\"$

Kara Koala and Her Kaleidoscope of Feelings

In \"Kara Koala and Her Kaleidoscope of Feelings,\" Kara is a sensitive koala trying to process her feelings. Will she be able to sort out her emotions before she gets ready for the first day of school? Children will identify with Kara Koala as she explores a kaleidoscope of feelings. This delightful story, endorsed by psychologists and educators, encourages readers to accept the myriad of emotions we all experience, develop empathy, increase self-awareness, and recognize that sometimes it's necessary to talk to someone about our emotions. The other two books in the series allow children to re-engage with Kara Koala and her friends by partaking in STEAM-based activities in the Activity Book or by writing out their feelings in the Journal.

Tell us a little about how Kara Koala and Her Kaleidoscope of Feelings came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? As a little girl, I didn't know how to regulate the thoughts or actions around my emotions. My mother instinctively knew how to help me process all those BIG feelings. \"Kara Koala and Her Kaleidoscope of Feelings\" is dedicated to my mom. Then when I became a mom to a child on the autistic spectrum, it was even more obvious to me that EVERYONE needs to learn that our feelings—all of them—are part of the human experience. I knew I wasn’t the only sensitive kid who got overwhelmed by emotions--or adult, for that matter. We have made strides in talking about our moods, mental health, and emotional intelligence. But we still have a way to go. I don't want anyone to feel shame or feel uncomfortable expressing their feelings. The Activity book and Journal were a natural follow up to the story book. If we're talking about our feelings, why not write about them? The Activity book, which was dedicated to my son, reinforces some of the messages in the first book while offering plenty of STEAM fun and games for children of all ages.

What do you like best about being a writer? I have a heart for service, a love of learning, and I endeavor to inspire people. So whether my reader is 8 or 80, I just want to say something meaningful or motivational. I want people to feel special after they've spent some time with my words.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Hmmm... What an interesting question! I'd partner with William Shakespeare to write a play called \"To Thine Own Self Be True.\" I'm not sure if it's a tragedy or comedy yet!

You can follow Kara Marziali here -

https://www.KaraKoala.com

Kara is giving away a copy of Kara Koala and Her Kaleidoscope of Feelings

To enter, comment below. --> What's the earliest \"first day of school,\" memory you have? How did it feel to go back to school then?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Kara Marziali will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Kara Marziali

Where do you call home? Currently residing in West Warwick

What genre(s) do you write? children's books, short stories, and poetry

$\"\"$

Kara Koala and Her Kaleidoscope of Feelings

You can follow Kara Marziali here -

https://www.KaraKoala.com

Kara is giving away a copy of Kara Koala and Her Kaleidoscope of Feelings

To enter, comment below. --> What's the earliest \"first day of school,\" memory you have? How did it feel to go back to school then?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-06T12:25:41.078Z","editedDate":"2023-11-08T02:30:40.199Z"}},"li_Jz2jYH8MTE":{"components":{"ids":["link","text","image","heading","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-12T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-12T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nKatherine Itacy","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nKatherine Itacy"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FKItacy_1699757904441.png?alt=media&token=8e24feae-42e3-45a5-897e-bdf1a3a1947f","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FKItacy_1699757904441.png?alt=media&token=8e24feae-42e3-45a5-897e-bdf1a3a1947f"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasekatherine-itacy"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

How to enter – Comment on the daily showcases to enter the daily giveaway. Comments close one week after the initial Showcase post. GRAND PRIZE drawn on Dec 8th (1 -$250, 1 -$100, or a 1 -$50 Amazon gift card. One grand prize pp) – For every showcase you post on, you automatically gain one entry to the grand prize. 30 Authors = 30 entries.

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Katherine Itacy

Where do you call home? Warwick, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Creative non-fiction/Memoir

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? I wrote a short story in elementary school or junior high about a young girl who stumbles upon a ghost in the woods. It was entitled \"A Loving Mother,\" and it was published in a student anthology book. It was almost \"The Sixth Sense\" before the film was even made. I thought I was being so clever to have the older woman the girl meets actually be a ghost at the end. I'm not sure what inspired me to write the story, but I'm most certainly not a fan of ghost stories/horror anymore!

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? I grew to love memoirs or biographies about impactful experiences in the human existence. \"Assata: An Autobiography,\" by Assata Shakur, was my absolute favorite book in college. I've read it repeatedly since then

What are some of your favorite books today? I continue to devour memoirs today, but I'm also in a number of different book clubs, so I get to enjoy a wide variety of different genres as well. Some of my favorites of late have been \"A Man of Two Faces,\" by Viet Thanh Nguyen, \"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,\" by Sherman Alexie, \"The Measure,\" by Nikki Erlick, and \"The Executioner's Song,\" by Norman Mailer.

What inspired you to become a write? I was forced to retire from practicing law because of a disability, and I had to mourn the loss of my identity and chosen profession at the age of thirty-three. Writing my memoir was a truly cathartic experience, and I was inspired to hopefully help others who might feel alone in some of their experiences.

Relentless

$\"\"$

Katherine Itacy was born deformed and, by the age of four, had developed both a dangerous spinal disorder and an incurable disease. Yet, thirteen years later, she’d amassed five state and eight national high school championship titles in track and field. She went on to compete in the Division I NCAA Championships and, later, to graduate fourth in her law school class. By twenty-five, she was operating her own law firm and by twenty-nine, was serving on three boards of directors for civil rights and criminal justice non-profit organizations. Persevering through hate mail, public ridicule, a death threat, two sexual assaults, and diabulimia, Katherine believed sheer will could get her through anything. Until her medical conditions proved that, sometimes, mind over matter just won’t cut it. In her self-help memoir, Relentless: From National Champion to Physically Disabled Activist, Katherine writes from the heart about the lessons she’s learned from living with a diseased body– from denial to resistance to, finally, acceptance, understanding, and the desire to help others.

Tell us a little about how \"Relentless” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? As I mentioned above, I was forced to retire from practicing law because of a disability, and I had to mourn the loss of my identity and chosen profession at the age of thirty-three. Writing my memoir was a truly cathartic experience, and I was inspired to hopefully help others who might feel alone in some of their experiences. Whether it's believing love will be enough to sustain a relationship, or you've been forced to let go of your goals or profession and find a new purpose or passion, or you've sacrificed your health or mental well-being for someone or something else, or you've been dismissed or misdiagnosed by a medical professional, I wanted others to be able to identify with my life experiences and know that there's a way through and a happy, healthy life still ahead of you.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? Since it's a memoir, most of the content included in the memoir remained the same. That being said, how I chose to organize the chapters (by life lessons I've learned around the subject matter) was something that continuously changed throughout the various drafts.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? I'd say that the chapter most difficult for me to write was the chapter about sex and my experiences with sexual assault. I knew some of my family and friends would be reading the book, and I had to come to peace with sharing such vulnerable, intimate details about my life with them.

What do you like best about being a writer? I really enjoy the creativity I can explore by writing, whether that's creating new worlds and characters in my fiction writing, or sharing my life experiences with my readers in a way that helps them identify with the narrative.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. I\"m currently working on two separate crime novels at the moment, so I'd really enjoy collaborating with the author Meg Gardiner, who's written some really compelling, exciting crime novels. The book's working title would be \"Indefensible,\" and it would be about a female criminal defense attorney who's being stalked by a former sex offender client of hers.

You can follow Katherine Itacy here -

https://katherineitacy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorkatherineitacy

https://www.instagram.com/katherine.itacy/

Katherine is giving away a free audiobook of “Relentless” To enter comment below --> Changing gears in life is never easy. Have you ever found yourself having to do so? If yes, are there any words of wisdom you’d like to offer?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Katherine Itacy

Where do you call home? Warwick, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Creative non-fiction/Memoir

Relentless

$\"\"$

You can follow Katherine Itacy here -

https://katherineitacy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorkatherineitacy

https://www.instagram.com/katherine.itacy/

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-12T02:57:56.556Z","editedDate":"2023-11-12T03:13:56.847Z"}},"li_KpxqBKEmnh":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-22T18:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-22T18:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nNishita Roy-Pope","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nNishita Roy-Pope"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FNRoyPope_1700627519328.png?alt=media&token=1bd4badb-b35e-45da-bebc-49c21a7303d8","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FNRoyPope_1700627519328.png?alt=media&token=1bd4badb-b35e-45da-bebc-49c21a7303d8"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasenishita-roypope"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Nishita Roy-Pope will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Nishita Roy-Pope

Where do you call home? Rhode Island

What genre(s) do you write? Children's Fiction

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? Children's Fiction - I appreciated that these fictional stories allowed me to dare to dream bigger without setting limits to what was possible based on reality.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? I loved the Nancy Drew mystery series. I thought it was super empowering that a teenage girl was so fearless and capable of solving hard problems. I was (and am still) pretty fearless, so I definitely resonate with strong women/girl protagonists who are not afraid to lead and show the world how awesome they are.

What are some of your favorite books today? My favorite books today center more on non-fiction inspirational and leadership books, such as Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, Becoming by Michelle Obama and It's About Damn Time by Arlan Hamilton. Just as I admired Nancy Drew for her courage and passion, I find myself seeking out real-life women who have \"made it\" and am eager to learn from their experiences and challenges as I navigate my own journey as a leader, entrepreneur, author, mother and diversity champion.

What inspired you to become a writer? When I became a mother seven years ago, I realized that I had a responsibility not only to my own kids to empower them and show them they can do anything, but also felt a greater purpose to do this for all kids. I want kids to understand that they all have unique strengths, that their diverse experiences are an asset and that they are capable of taking on the world's hardest problems and challenges. Although children's literature is improving, there are still gaps in terms of diverse authors, diverse main characters and content that is both educational and entertaining. My aim is to do my part to fill these gaps through my books.

Courage Kids: The Magic Soccer Ball

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Boringville is a place that is really…BORING. There are no playgrounds, no beaches, no soccer fields, no basketball courts, no video games, no ice cream trucks and definitely no recess at school. It is against the law to use your imagination in Boringville. Everything must be done the way it has always been done. Well, at least Boringville used to be so boring. Until, an unexpected discovery of a magic soccer ball brought together a group of students–known as the Courage Kids–who want to make the world better. They must use the soccer ball to save their town before it disappears! Will they be able to use their teamwork and problem-solving skills to save Boringville in time? Will they be able to complete the mission without getting caught by Principal Bland? There is only one way to find out…read this adventure-filled book!

Tell us a little about how “Courage Kids: The Magic Soccer Ball” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? The book came to be because my 6-year old asked me to focus on a book featuring sports (which he is really into). I took on this challenge and then also added in other key concepts I believe are important, including exposure to STEM topics and seeing a set of strong, diverse characters leading the way. I studied a lot of the popular books that appeal to early elementary students and tried to emulate a lot of those best practices in terms of how the stories are structured, making sure there was suspense and drama, adding in a little humor throughout, having some cool illustrations along the way, etc. Each of the characters takes a little inspiration from people I have met along the way - some very close to me and some strangers, including from my time living abroad in multiple countries. I hope that many different types of kids can relate to and see themselves in these characters.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? I can't say there was one specific thing that changed the most along the way. But, the challenge was taking all these disparate pieces of content that I wanted included and figuring out how to incorporate them in a way that was still easy to understand for young kids. It took me a lot of iterations and creativity to figure out how I was going to combine elements such as soccer, STEM, diverse characters, action-oriented storyline, some way to measure reader retention, etc all into one book and make it fun to read! I know my goal is to help educate and empower kids, but I had to find a way to achieve this without them feeling like it was boring and overly prescribed.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Two of the characters in the group - Ziggy-O and Diggy-O - are based on my kids. So it was hard at times to progress with them as my kids would have feedback as to what they wanted to see, which did not always match up with my vision. But, I was able to include them in much of the design process and find a way to merge the best of all our ideas. It's really special to know that my kids were both the reason for me becoming an author and that they could also be a direct part of the creative process.

What do you like best about being a writer? If I'm being honest, I am still getting used to the title of \"author\". I have had many titles in my life, but author is a new one and it does feel like a weight at times. I know that words are powerful and I hope that, as an author, the words I choose to share will lift and inspire the next generation.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Going back to my childhood, one of the things I thought was so fascinating was when I found books that had Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys together. So, I would love to collaborate with a popular early reader team series and combine forces. Imagine the Courage Kids team up with Harry Potter, Dragon Masters, Magic Treehouse, etc....now that would be pretty fantastic!

You can follow Nishita Roy-Pope here -

https://www.facebook.com/nishita.roy.9

https://www.instagram.com/nishitaroypope/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishitaroypope/

https://www.tiktok.com/@nishitaroypope

Nishita is giving away a signed copy of her book - Courage Kids: The Magic Soccer Ball. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Nishita Roy-Pope will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Nishita Roy-Pope

Where do you call home? Rhode Island

What genre(s) do you write? Children's Fiction

Courage Kids: The Magic Soccer Ball

$\"\"$

You can follow Nishita Roy-Pope here -

https://www.facebook.com/nishita.roy.9

https://www.instagram.com/nishitaroypope/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishitaroypope/

https://www.tiktok.com/@nishitaroypope

Nishita is giving away a signed copy of her book - Courage Kids: The Magic Soccer Ball. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-22T04:25:41.319Z","editedDate":"2023-11-22T21:06:34.884Z"}},"li_LpH4CD6QWP":{"components":{"ids":["link","heading","image","text","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-17T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-17T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nBelle A. DeCosta","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nBelle A. DeCosta"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FBDecosta_1700190791805.png?alt=media&token=a2b1bc58-8a5b-4bca-ac5d-5bca076c0524","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FBDecosta_1700190791805.png?alt=media&token=a2b1bc58-8a5b-4bca-ac5d-5bca076c0524"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasebelle-a-decosta"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Belle A. Decosta will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Belle A. DeCosta

Where do you call home? East Providence, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Memoirs, and fiction about strong women finding their authentic selves, their relationships, and continued growth.

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? Just about anything other than horror.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Little Women was, and is, my all time favorite. The strong, resilient women theme, so beautifully written. Nancy Drew because a girl my age could solve mysteries. The biography of Clara Barton, a nurse in the Civil War and founder of the Red Cross. We had to read it for a 4th grade book report and her story stays with me to this day.

What are some of your favorite books today? My favorite is still Little Women. I also enjoyed The Paper Palace, Miranda Crowley Heller, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Alma Cuervo, Necessary Lies, Diane Chamberlain, Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens, We Need to Talk About Kevin, Lionel Shriver, and so may more. I love books with strong, tenacious characters.

What inspired you to become a writer? I love being in nature, surrounded by its strength and tranquility. A walk in the woods always leaves me balanced, and usually with what I call, “A download.” After many downloads of “Write your story,” I finally did. Hence, my memoir, Echoes in the Mirror, and a new- found passion and creative outlet.

$\"\"$

Treading Water

Meet Caroline McMerritt. Ambitious and driven, with a tongue as sharp as her mind, she is the top advertising executive for a prestigious Manhattan firm- until a particular circumstance takes a bite out of her edge, and she starts down a precipitous path. Forced to take a hiatus or lose her job, and at the strong suggestion of a trusted brother, Caroline finds herself exiled to the abandoned family cabin in the backwoods of Maine. Disgusted by her surroundings and enraged by the involuntary break, she vows to be unproductive and miserable, counting the days until she can return to the fast-paced life of her beloved NYC. But a telling moment brings Caroline face to face with her problem, and for the first time in her life, she feels out of control, lost. Panic ensues. The discovery of a hidden treasure, buried in her deceased mother’s hope chest, helps her reset and restores her strong will. The unexpected gift not only provides the comfort of her mother’s presence but tells of secrets kept, past experiences lived, and lessons learned. Join Caroline as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, hard truths, friendship, and love, guided by the advice and wisdom of her late mother. Will it be enough to save her?

Heart of Addisen

Meet Caroline has flourished in the years since her move to Addisen, strengthening her connections to those closest to her. Pragmatic events and personal growth have created a blissful existence for the previous win-at-all-costs Manhattanite. But will it remain enough? Is her driven ambition permanently slain or merely in hibernation? Is it possible to have it all, and at what cost?

Return to idyllic Addisen, tucked into the majestic bosom of rural Maine. Once again, breathe the crisp air infused with pine and earth scents as you intertwine with nature. Feel the nostalgic pull of Americana while you visit old friends and make new acquaintances in this quintessential small town. Witness them navigate through crucial changes and life’s challenges and feel its effect on their relationships. Can their marriages, friendships, and kinships survive? Or will the necessary adjustments and compromises prove too difficult?

Even the cardinal seems to fret…unsure of the outcome.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? In Treading Water, it was Donna, and in The Heart of Addisen, her son Danny.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Caroline, by far. I wanted to portray her as fierce, edgy and driven enough to make it to the top of the cutthroat advertising world in NYC, but also with a tamped down vulnerable side. I needed to develop her character to eventually be willing to look within, re-evaluate, and open herself to new emotions and experiences without complete abandonment of who she had been. A challenging but exciting journey she took me on in Treading Water, and Heart of Addisen!

What do you like best about being a writer? I love to create characters that take me on their journey through life, emotionally and physically, to places I only discover as we travel down the writing trail. I never know where we’re going or how we’ll get there, making the trip such an adventure for me.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Maya Angelou. “ How to Grow a Sunflower.” Women must follow their inner light, much as a sunflower always faces the sun, for therein lies their true strength.

You can follow Belle here -

http://www.belledecosta.com

https://www.instagram.com/belledecosta/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007779227872

Belle is giving away a gift set of her “Treading Water” series. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Belle A. Decosta will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Belle A. DeCosta

Where do you call home? East Providence, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Memoirs, and fiction about strong women finding their authentic selves, their relationships, and continued growth.

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? Just about anything other than horror.

$\"\"$

Treading Water

Heart of Addisen

Even the cardinal seems to fret…unsure of the outcome.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? In Treading Water, it was Donna, and in The Heart of Addisen, her son Danny.

You can follow Belle here -

http://www.belledecosta.com

https://www.instagram.com/belledecosta/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007779227872

Belle is giving away a gift set of her “Treading Water” series. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-17T03:12:41.856Z","editedDate":"2023-11-17T11:22:47.561Z"}},"li_PDcRkUMfTX":{"components":{"ids":["heading","image","link","text","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-21T18:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-21T18:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nRebecca Miller","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nRebecca Miller"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FRMiller_1700539844001.png?alt=media&token=ad8b0623-1de9-405a-81d7-ea2e9d8198db","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FRMiller_1700539844001.png?alt=media&token=ad8b0623-1de9-405a-81d7-ea2e9d8198db"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcaserebecca-miller"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Rebecca Miller will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Rebecca Miller

Where do you call home? Northern RI

What genre(s) do you write? Realistic Fiction

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? Because of a failed grade school experience that left me barely able to read or write for the first half of my life, I’m sad to say that I didn’t read much at all in my younger years. However, once I did finally start to gain some ability in my early teens, for an unknown reason, I was drawn to both fiction and non-fiction books about psychology and/or child abuse (and, oddly, medical dictionaries). The theme later carried on into my college years when I began with a major in psychology.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer and Cry Out! by P.E. Quinn are the two that come to mind most. For someone who struggled so greatly with reading, I blew through both with speed I didn’t realize I was capable of. If I recall correctly, it was those two books that propelled me toward the social sciences.

What are some of your favorite books today? Though I don’t have any particular favorites, I usually gravitate towards books that involve some sort of psychological element. I’m most involved in a story—fiction or non-fiction—in which the author has a deep understanding of relationships, emotions, and the parts we all play in each other's lives.

What inspired you to become a writer? Because of my early-life inabilities, I had no desire to be a writer; therefore, I have no reasonable answer as to why the characters from TOUCH chose me to be the medium for their story. However, when their voices became too loud to keep inside my head—and knowing the importance of their message—I realized failure was not an option. I have spent the past twenty years pushing my limits to bring their story to life in a way that will reach the widest audience possible, while also discovering a love-hate relationship with the process.

Touch

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TOUCH is a powerful story of two teens searching: one for their place in the world, the other for a reason to survive. After her mother’s sudden death, artistically gifted Megan lost her will to draw as she watched her family crumble. When her father unexpectedly moves what’s left of them halfway across the country to mend, Megan must try, yet again, to rise from the ashes and create a new existence for herself. She’s intrigued when she sees Shawn—a secluded classmate who sparks unexpected drawing inspiration. Shawn is protecting a terrible secret and teeters on the edge of letting go. With each layer Megan strips from him, she gets hints about how broken he is. If Shawn is brave enough to open up, Megan might be his undoing—which could save his life. But when Megan learns his darkest secret, will she be able to convince him life is still worth living? Through a heart-wrenching journey that immerses Megan’s entire family in the dangerous and unthinkable world Shawn lives in, Megan succumbs to certain truths about life: Nothing happens by accident. We are exactly where we’re meant to be. We all really are here for a reason. Reality is rarely subtle. Touch depicts abuses that may be difficult for some readers and is recommended for a mature audience.

Tell us a little about how “Touch” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? I have no idea why, but the idea for the story started with my favorite car when I originally thought this story up in junior high, the color royal blue, and a strong imagination. Don’t ask, because I promise I’m just as confused as you.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? My female main character, Megan, whose personality and motivations were loosely based on my own, changed the most over the decades-long writing journey as I, myself, grew into my own skin.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Megan, my main character. As much as I feel like I know and understand others, it took me a long time to find myself. Seeing that her personality and motivations were somewhat based on my own, she took just as long to develop as I did.

What do you like best about being a writer? I love it when the characters speak. When no thought is involved, and my fingers move along the keyboard quicker than I can keep up with. And, most of all, the indescribable feeling of knowing I’m involved in something bigger than myself.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. There isn’t a particular author whom I would like to collaborate with, only one more skilled than myself who falls in love with the story of TOUCH so much that they would want to lend their talent and passion toward the creation of a sequel.

You can follow Rebecca Miller here -

https://www.rebeccamiller-author.com

Insta - @author_rebeccamiller

Rebecca is giving away a signed paperback copy of “Touch”. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Rebecca Miller will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Rebecca Miller

Where do you call home? Northern RI

What genre(s) do you write? Realistic Fiction

Touch

$\"\"$

You can follow Rebecca Miller here -

https://www.rebeccamiller-author.com

Insta - @author_rebeccamiller

Rebecca is giving away a signed paperback copy of “Touch”. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-21T04:08:50.288Z","editedDate":"2023-11-21T13:57:08.337Z"}},"li_QHvC2QuQMB":{"components":{"ids":["link","heading","text","date","image"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-09-08T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-09-08T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"Hello, book lovers and aspiring writers! ","value":"Hello, book lovers and aspiring writers! "}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202023-09-08T104836.813_1694188140866.png?alt=media&token=7abda1fb-64b5-41db-999d-72af61d41f54","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202023-09-08T104836.813_1694188140866.png?alt=media&token=7abda1fb-64b5-41db-999d-72af61d41f54"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/hello-book-lovers-and-aspiring-writers-"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to my new blog, your digital haven for all things literary. Here, I'll be sharing my thoughts on writing, offering a behind-the-scenes look into crafting my novel \"Island Eight,\" and delving into the book world.

Behind the Scenes of \"Island Eight\"

This blog will take you on a journey through my experience writing \"Island Eight.\" I'll unveil the creative process, from inspiration to final edits, giving you a sneak peek into character development, plot twists, and the highs and lows of bringing a novel to life.

Writing Tips and Techniques

For aspiring writers, I'll provide practical tips to hone your craft. Learn to conquer writer's block, master story structure, and perfect your dialogue. My goal is to support you on your writing journey.

Book Reviews and Recommendations

Discover your next read with my book reviews and recommendations spanning various genres.

This blog is your one-stop destination for literary exploration. Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or an aspiring author, there's something here for everyone.

Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions and writing insights. Together, we'll celebrate the magic of storytelling in all its forms.

","value":"

Behind the Scenes of \"Island Eight\"

Writing Tips and Techniques

Book Reviews and Recommendations

Discover your next read with my book reviews and recommendations spanning various genres.

This blog is your one-stop destination for literary exploration. Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or an aspiring author, there's something here for everyone.

Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions and writing insights. Together, we'll celebrate the magic of storytelling in all its forms.

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-09-08T15:41:00.170Z","editedDate":"2023-09-08T15:50:26.878Z"}},"li_RbjaNgM6ui":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-14T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-14T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nTheresa Schimmel","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nTheresa Schimmel"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FTSchimmel_1699960955979.png?alt=media&token=ba832cb6-8344-4b24-8c6b-263cf43eba31","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FTSchimmel_1699960955979.png?alt=media&token=ba832cb6-8344-4b24-8c6b-263cf43eba31"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasetheresa-schimmel"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Theresa Schimmel

Where do you call home? South Kingstown, RI

What genre(s) do you write? fiction, both adult and children's

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? fiction

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? I loved the Walter Farley Black Stallion series and Lois Lenski books featuring young girls from various locations in the past

What are some of your favorite books today? The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Lunch with Buddha by Roland Merullo, The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and A for Owen Meany by John Irving

What inspired you to become a writer? I've written stories ever since I was a girl and then when I took a sabbatical from my job and took a college creative writing course, the professor was extremely affirming- saying I was a gifted writer and it triggered me to write more and get my books and stories read.

Yankee Girl in Dixie

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Long before Confederate symbols made front page news, they triggered racial strife in the deep South. Yankee Girl in Dixie, a historical novel, is based on actual events that took place in Pensacola, Florida in the 1970's. Newlyweds, Cassie and Jack, are excited to move to Pensacola, Florida, to start their new life together. But it is 1972. There is a war in Vietnam and civil unrest at home. Both will change their lives forever. When Jack’s helicopter crashes in Vietnam, Cassie struggles to move on. But grief isn’t her only challenge. As a new teacher in the south, she is naïve and ignorant of the pattern of racism and extreme poverty. Confronted with situations that both shock and disturb her, she remains determined to make a difference in the lives of her students. Her allies in this effort are Reina, the African-American social worker in the school, and Grant, a high school history teacher, who has his own challenges, as the high school erupts in racial turmoil over the use of Confederate symbols. The story is told through the eyes of both Cassie and Grant, whose budding romance is thwarted both by Cassie’s grief for her lost husband and the unfolding traumatic events in Pensacola. Cassie is initially resistant to Grant's romantic overtures, but life-threatening events and an unexpected messenger help her to embrace new love and purpose.

Tell us a little about how \"Yankee Girl in Dixie” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? This is an historical fiction book largely based on personal experience of teaching poor children in the deep South and events occurring there at the time.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? After the first major editing I chose to change the opening of my book.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Most of the characters came to me fairly easily but perhaps Grant, the main male character, was more challenging as I wanted to make sure that he was a rounded character, someone who wasn't perfect.

What do you like best about being a writer? It is a source of personal satisfaction to me. I get very immersed in my stories, my characters, so much so that it is a stress reliever.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Kristin Hannah: One More Chance

You can follow Theresa Schimmel here -

www.tamstales.net

https://www.facebook.com/TamsTales/

Theresa is giving away a copy of “Yankee Girl in Dixie.” To enter comment below --> Growing up, did you have a favorite teacher? Who were they and what made them special?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Theresa Schimmel

Where do you call home? South Kingstown, RI

What genre(s) do you write? fiction, both adult and children's

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? fiction

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? I loved the Walter Farley Black Stallion series and Lois Lenski books featuring young girls from various locations in the past

What are some of your favorite books today? The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Lunch with Buddha by Roland Merullo, The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and A for Owen Meany by John Irving

Yankee Girl in Dixie

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Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? After the first major editing I chose to change the opening of my book.

What do you like best about being a writer? It is a source of personal satisfaction to me. I get very immersed in my stories, my characters, so much so that it is a stress reliever.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Kristin Hannah: One More Chance

You can follow Theresa Schimmel here -

www.tamstales.net

https://www.facebook.com/TamsTales/

Theresa is giving away a copy of “Yankee Girl in Dixie.” To enter comment below --> Growing up, did you have a favorite teacher? Who were they and what made them special?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-14T01:59:59.625Z","editedDate":"2023-11-14T11:38:50.495Z"}},"li_T7KXR4GnFd":{"components":{"ids":["heading","image","link","text","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-15T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-15T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nJ. Michael Squatrito, Jr","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nJ. Michael Squatrito, Jr"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FMSquatrito_1700013147159.png?alt=media&token=999d8504-ec8f-4244-a62b-75e90a833ae2","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FMSquatrito_1700013147159.png?alt=media&token=999d8504-ec8f-4244-a62b-75e90a833ae2"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasej-michael-squatrito-jr"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

J. Michael Squatrito, Jr.will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? J. Michael Squatrito, Jr.

Where do you call home? Tiverton, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Fantasy, Science Fiction, Sports

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I definitely appealed to science fiction and fantasy. I'm a huge Star Wars fan and love everything about science fiction. However, my novels are epic fantasy because of my influence by the Lord of the Rings. Being a DM in the past has definitely given my stories a D+D flair as well!

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit are why I wrote epic fantasy. However, I gravitated to many science fiction stories when Star Wars came out. I'm more of a movie/TV guy, with shows like The X-Files, Interstellar, The Expanse, etc. paving the way for my science fiction stories. I also like my Marvel shows and movies, too.

What are some of your favorite books today? I read a lot of books from my author friends, like Tabitha Lord's Horizon series, Heather Rigney's Mermaid trilogy, and Keith Carreiro's Immortality Wars books.

What inspired you to become a writer? Like I said before, I'm a huge Star Wars fan. I knew I could write something on that kind of grand scale. However, Tolkien swayed me to the fantasy side. Shows like the X-Files made me think in another way, pushing me toward science fiction. Believe it or not, The Beatles were a major influence on my writing. I'm a huge fan but when I realized that they created Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band when they were only in their 20s, I knew that I could do the same, on a much smaller scale of course!

The Overlords Fantasy Book Series. Showcasing the first book, Legend of the Treasure

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Harrison Cross wishes nothing more than to help his hometown of Aegeus secure the land's most sacred treasure, the bounty of the ancient Overlords known simply as the Treasure of the Land.The original Overlords vanished on one infamous day over 1,000 years ago leaving behind clues to their hidden treasure in the form of indestructible metallic plates and a map revealing a series of secret rooms.During their journey, Harrison and his friends face countless foes on their way to the sacred Seven Rooms, including the evil Scynthians who want nothing more than to eradicate the human race, and the ruthless and treasure-seeking Lord Nigel Hammer, governor of Concur and his large menacing army.Using the clues discovered along the way, the group must successfully navigate through the hidden mysteries of the sacred Seven Rooms in order to secure the land's most elusive prize. Only then will their journey be a success. The question is, will they succeed?

Tell us a little about how \"The Overlords” series came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? The Overlords started out as nothing more than a D+D campaign. I had created all of the characters, maps, the land, treasures, monsters, etc. while I was in college. However, my buddies and I all graduated and went out separate ways and the campaign never got played. I knew I had created a great story and it had to be told. Of course my characters started telling me to write about them and I'm glad I listened to them!

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? The Overlords Fantasy Book Series is a collection of four books. Originally, there was only supposed to be two books but Harrison's story kept getting bigger. His goal went from finding a lost treasure to doing whatever he can to reunite humanity. That was NOT where I thought his story would go

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Tara Underwood. Tara's Harrison's love interest but I didn't want her to be a trophy girlfriend for a righteous warrior. Tara's a prototypical fantasy heroine -- blonde hair, blue eyes, extremely beautiful -- but she's also feisty, well put together, and compliments Harrison every step of the way. Oh, and she's a mage in training! My fear was that she would be just another pretty face but her role in Journey to Salvation changes all of that, in my opinion.

What do you like best about being a writer? I like being able to allow people to leave this hectic, stressful world that we live in day in and day out, and submerse themselves in another place where they can root for their heroes. I think I've succeeded!

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Wow, that's tough question. I'd probably like to collaborate with Stephen King on some science fiction story. My favorite book of all time is his \"November 22, 1963\", which is not horror whatsoever. We'd call it something like \"It Came From The Sky\". If I had others, I'd love to collaborate with Chris Carter on an X-Files like spinoff. My biggest fantasy would be to collaborate with Paul McCartney on anything!

You can follow J. Michael Squatrito, Jr. here -

www.MikeSquatrito.com

https://www.facebook.com/MikeSquatritoAuthor

Insta - @mikesquatrito

X: @Overlords

J. Michael is giving away a copy of “Legend of the Treasure.” To enter comment below --> What was your favorite game growing up (videogame, board game, card game, RPG etc)? What is your favorite game today?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

J. Michael Squatrito, Jr.will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? J. Michael Squatrito, Jr.

Where do you call home? Tiverton, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Fantasy, Science Fiction, Sports

The Overlords Fantasy Book Series. Showcasing the first book, Legend of the Treasure

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You can follow J. Michael Squatrito, Jr. here -

www.MikeSquatrito.com

https://www.facebook.com/MikeSquatritoAuthor

Insta - @mikesquatrito

X: @Overlords

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-15T01:51:08.589Z","editedDate":"2023-11-15T11:56:52.584Z"}},"li_TK8Z8cW3jw":{"components":{"ids":["heading","image","link","text","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-11T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-11T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nSusan Joyce","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nSusan Joyce"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FSJoyce_1699669656847.png?alt=media&token=fe053044-eada-427e-963b-6d0a7174a55c","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FSJoyce_1699669656847.png?alt=media&token=fe053044-eada-427e-963b-6d0a7174a55c"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasesusan-joyce"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Susan Joyce will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Susan Joyce

Where do you call home? Foster, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Children's picture books

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? When I was young I devoured everything, but especially stories of adventure, stories with animals, mythical tales. I would find an author and read every one of her/his books. The books transported me and I imagined myself in the stories.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? National Velvet, Lassie Come Home, Bambi, Watershed Down. Walter Farley's horse books. The Chronicles of Narnia. All the Little Women Books. Nancy Drew, every Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes (my father had a boxed set). The entire Swallows and Amazons series (We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea is still one of the best titles ever). Anne of Green Gables series. EB White's essays. F Scott Fitzgerald. May Sarton (novels, non-fiction, and poems). Anywhere I visited I poured over the bookshelves and started reading. As to why, I became absorbed in the lives of every character (or real person). I wanted to know as much about them as possible. I worried about their fate. I sobbed with abandon at their heartbreaks, triumphs, deaths. I needed to know the end of everyone's story.

What are some of your favorite books today? Among the recent books I have read, Annie Harnett's Unlikely Animals is one of my all-time favorites. Also loved her first book, Rabbit Cake. I just finished Colson Whitehead's Crook Manifesto (sequel to Harlem Shuffle, which I also loved). Just before that I read SA Cosby's All the Sinners Bleed, which was excellent (also loved Razorblade Tears). The Night Watchman and The Sentence by Louise Erdrich (among many others of hers). Going back a bit, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver changed how we live our lives. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon blew me away.

What inspired you to become a write? I love books and the written word. My father wrote beautifully and edited many of my essays. He had terrible handwriting and there would be illegible scrawls across every page, however once I'd deciphered his notes I understood what he meant and it made my writing tighter and better.

Billy the Rescue Dog

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Billy the Rescue Dog is the true story of Billy, a Treeing Walker Coonhound. As Billy gains confidence in his new life, he begins to find things...and his tracking skills become critically important when a chicken goes missing.

Tell us a little about how Billy the Rescue Dog came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? I had wanted to write a children's book for years, however none of the stories bouncing around in my mind quite gelled. When we adopted Billy, he was skin and bone--PAWS New England rescued him. He had been chained to a doghouse, and was starved and sick. When we first brought him home he was overwhelmed by his new surroundings. He had (has) such heart though, and I knew I wanted to tell his story.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? I had some young test readers (who read an early draft of the story). They gave wonderful, honest feedback, much of which I incorporated. The biggest change was in expanding the search for the chicken. I compacted some of the text on previous pages, and asked my friend/fabulous artist/book illustrator to add more art for the search. At one point she asked me, very nicely, how many more test readers there were going to be.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Billy the Rescue Dog is a true story, so the characters are real. However, I wanted to convey so much about Billy, and I worked hard to capture his personality, and how he evolved as he settled in with us.

What do you like best about being a writer? Talking to young kids. I have visited schools and libraries to read the book, and in some cases I have given talks about making the book. For younger children I focus on how the characters are all real, trying to encourage the kids to tell their own stories. For older kids (3-5 grades), I take them through the making of the book from the first drafts to the actual printed copy. Because I wrote and published the book myself, I was able to control the entire process. And I was lucky enough to work with two extremely talented friends--Thea Ernest, who captured Billy and all of us with her lovely watercolors, and Jeanette Chow, who designed the book, including the cover. I talk about (and show) their processes as well. When a kindergartener looks you in the eye and says \"That was a good book\" well, there is nothing better.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Roz Chast and the book would be called “Getting Older Is Not So Bad.” It would be a collection of essays, snippets, and her cartoons, about the good (and bad) of aging. \"

You can follow Susan Joyce here -

billytherescuedog.com

https://www.facebook.com/billytherescuedog

Insta - @billytherescuedog2021

Susan is giving away a copy of “Billy the Rescue Dog.” To enter comment below. --> You are a detective and have been paired up with a pup to assist your sleuthing needs. What breed is your new k9 partner? What is their name? And finally, give your pooch a fun quirk.

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Susan Joyce will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Susan Joyce

Where do you call home? Foster, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Children's picture books

Billy the Rescue Dog

$\"\"$

You can follow Susan Joyce here -

billytherescuedog.com

https://www.facebook.com/billytherescuedog

Insta - @billytherescuedog2021

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-11T02:27:05.233Z","editedDate":"2023-11-11T12:32:45.067Z"}},"li_VQx3nSbsbG":{"components":{"ids":["heading","image","link","text","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-16T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-16T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nColleen Coyne","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nColleen Coyne"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FCCoyne_1700103145536.png?alt=media&token=5fde892d-6651-4618-ad46-3a938fd3ce62","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FCCoyne_1700103145536.png?alt=media&token=5fde892d-6651-4618-ad46-3a938fd3ce62"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasecolleen-coyne"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Colleen Coyne will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Colleen Coyne

Where do you call home? Mystic, CT, now, RI born and raised

What genre(s) do you write? Historical Fiction, Mystery/Suspense & Psychological Thrillers

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I was never drawn to one particular genre, which is probably also why my books are different genres - from historical fiction to psychological thrillers.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Like many women my age, my early favorite reads were Nancy Drew books. Later, one of my favorite books was Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins.

What are some of your favorite books today? I've been enjoying most everything I've been reading lately. Wonderful books that I've recently read include The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese and Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng.

What inspired you to become a writer? For many years, I worked a trade show each spring in Brussels, Belgium. I've also spent a lot of time in the South of France where we have an apartment. Brussels, at the time, was adorned with statutes of King Leopold II. I can gaze across the bay from our apartment balcony and see some of King Leopold's most storied properties. Curiosity about how the King could spend so much time in a country other than his own, and his influence in shaping the French Riviera, led me to doing research. What I learned inspired me to try my hand at writing my first novel The Unintended Heiress.

BEWEPT

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Anna is finally happy—newly married to a wonderful, supportive man and living in her dream home. Just as her husband begins to announce a big surprise, his heart ceases, her future dissolves, and she plunges into grief.

Grief has her stuck between what was and what is. From past experience, Anna knows how easy it is to get lost in a grief that causes odd behaviors, lost chunks of time, and forgetfulness. This time, is it a sign she is in the throes of early dementia?

When past horrors resurface and collide with Anna’s uncertain present, she wonders if something sinister is at play. Discovering the truth sends her on a harrowing odyssey where each step forward unlocks another terrible memory. Successfully confronting the ghosts from her past will be key to her survival.

Tell us a little about how \"Bewept” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? The initial kernel of the idea was influenced by my mother's struggle with dementia. Early in that terrible journey, she could expertly cover-up her struggle. But as time progressed and she lost more of herself, her reliance on others naturally increased. An ill-intentioned person could easily take advantage of that vulnerability. In my research, I was also struck by the fact that the early stages of grief and dementia can be quite similar. That inner struggle and second-guessing of yourself generated by either cause could be maddening—especially if somebody evil might be helping it along.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? Anna, the main character, changed the most from first draft to publication. I initially had other plans for Anna, but she surprised me and demanded taking a different path. I love it when characters develop into their own distinct personalities. That's when the story begins to write itself.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Anna was the most challenging character to create. I was alone for sixteen months during the pandemic. My husband was in Europe and I was stateside. It was then that I began writing this story and putting myself into her shoes. It soon felt as if I was \"living\" with her because she was so much in my head—and I sometimes thought that I might be the one losing it!

What do you like best about being a writer? I love when a story's momentum takes hold. The writing pace quickens until you suddenly, and inevitably, hit a wall. It's then energizing to discover a twist or turn that keeps the story moving, and sometimes it is in a surprising new way. Where you end up can be so different from how you originally imagined—and it is usually so much better!

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Jodi Picoult is a gifted writer who she sometimes collaborates with other authors. It would be wonderful to have the opportunity to learn from her through collaboration. Ping-ponging character development and plot would be so much fun!

You can follow Colleen Coyne here -

https://www.instagram.com/coyne.colleen/

colleencoynewriter.com (coming soon)

Colleen is giving away a copy of “Bewept” To enter comment below --> We know the saying skeletons in the closet, but have you heard of ... \"Book binds\" in the closet? probablly not because I just made it up ^_^. What's a guilty pleasure book or series you couldn't help but consume?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Colleen Coyne will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Colleen Coyne

Where do you call home? Mystic, CT, now, RI born and raised

What genre(s) do you write? Historical Fiction, Mystery/Suspense & Psychological Thrillers

BEWEPT

$\"\"$

You can follow Colleen Coyne here -

https://www.instagram.com/coyne.colleen/

colleencoynewriter.com (coming soon)

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-16T02:49:13.993Z","editedDate":"2023-11-16T11:23:22.700Z"}},"li_WnEPggBM7k":{"components":{"ids":["link","text","heading","image"],"items":{"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nPat Mitchell","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nPat Mitchell"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FPMitchell_1701223668037.png?alt=media&token=c78fb056-3758-4ffe-9075-b4f77195f3cd","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FPMitchell_1701223668037.png?alt=media&token=c78fb056-3758-4ffe-9075-b4f77195f3cd"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasepat-mitchell"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Pat Mitchell will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Pat Mitchell

Where do you call home? Cranston Rhode Island

What genre(s) do you write? Various. So far Memoir and YA fiction

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I loved a variety of genres especially about animals. I remember books about the horse Stormy of Chincotegue, and a series about Big Red the Irish setter. I always related to animals telling their story.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? The ones I mentioned of Course but I loved witty books like The House at Pooh Corner and piles of collections of Charlie Brown and Snoopy books. I could identify with their sarcasm and humor. I also loved classics like A Wrinkle in Time and From The mixed up files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler. I enjoyed adventures with well defined characters that didn’t really fit in with the norm. P

What are some of your favorite books today? I love historical fiction and Phillips Gregory is a favorite author of mine. She writes a lot Tudor and Elizabethan era books. For comedy it’s David Sedaris. Other than that I’m really drawn to biographies and memoirs, including those by Michelle Obama and Elton John. I love understanding what motivates people to act the way they do, whether it be childhood trauma or their current situation. Overcoming obstacles is very uplifting and inspiring and I like delving into people’s characters.

What inspired you to become a writer? When I was in fifth grade I had a teacher who would punish us by making us write essays. I loved writing sarcastic essays and trying To make him laugh. I got a lot of essay assignments even when I wasn’t in a lot of trouble. I enjoyed expressing myself because I was a bit shy and I felt a connection when someone laughed at my words. I got interested in journalism for a while in college then found my nice in creative writing. Unfortunately I lacked confidence in myself and waited a long time to write my first book, a memoir of my mother’s life called A Girl From the Hill. When I got so much positive feedback I felt I could tackle fiction and write Goodbye Pound Cake.

Goodbye Pound Cake

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Inspired by the memory of her mother to register for this year’s Newport Bridge Run, Rhode Island’s most popular long-distance running race of the year, 14-year-old Michelle Natale envisions herself getting fit, sporting a perfect body, and finally silencing the Hyenas and their boyfriends at Apple Valley Middle School who bully her and call her Pound Cake. But when Michelle invites her best friend Mandy on the journey from overweight outcasts to beautiful winners, Mandy declines. Instead, she takes a different path to happiness, and the two friends nearly destroy everything that’s most important. Michelle learns from her relationships with her science-nerd father, her obnoxious big brother, her dreamy new running coach, her mini-me dog, and even Elvis Presley bringing messages from beyond, that true beauty comes from family, friendship, healthy choices, and being happy with who you are.

Tell us a little about how “Goodbye Pound Cake” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? I’ve always been fascinated with mother daughter relationships and feel the voice of Michelle, the protagonist, is mine. I wanted to express as a mom and a daughter how poor self esteem and body shaming can really do a lot of damage to women and girls. Girls learn this from their mothers sometimes, or from friends and try to strive for a perfection that doesn’t really exist. I have had my own challenges in this area and wanted to express that it’s not hopeless. Learning to love yourself and take care of yourself is important even at a young age in order to break the cycle of shame around body image.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? The character that change the most was Mandy, Michelle’s best friend. She made choices that we’re not smart and we’re not safe instead of being a loyal sidekick she became an important part of the story end of the lesson that self-love is important.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Actually, the character of Dillon was the hardest to create because while I wanted him to be perfect in so many ways so that Michelle admired him I also want him to be very real and have a very real problems. Balancing that was difficult.

What do you like best about being a writer? I like the idea of someone reading my work, and connecting with me, connecting with my thoughts and understanding me better because of what I’ve written, even if it’s not about me directly.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Truman Capote would’ve been fun to write with! Breakfast at Tiffany’s could’ve taken on a whole new meaning with the two of us working together. Holly Golightly would’ve had a much better sense of sarcasm perhaps.

You can follow Patty Mitchell here -

www.pattytmitchell.com

https://www.facebook.com/PattyMitch

Instagram - @Pattytmitch

Patty is giving away a copy of “Goodbye Pound Cake.” To enter comment below --> Name a time in your life that you felt most like yourself?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Pat Mitchell will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Pat Mitchell

Where do you call home? Cranston Rhode Island

What genre(s) do you write? Various. So far Memoir and YA fiction

Goodbye Pound Cake

$\"\"$

You can follow Patty Mitchell here -

www.pattytmitchell.com

https://www.facebook.com/PattyMitch

Instagram - @Pattytmitch

Patty is giving away a copy of “Goodbye Pound Cake.” To enter comment below --> Name a time in your life that you felt most like yourself?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-29T02:05:27.138Z","editedDate":"2023-11-29T02:11:03.180Z"}},"li_XG7jLPVN3t":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-01T16:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-01T16:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nR.K. Bentley","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nR.K. Bentley"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FR.K.%20BentleySM_1698809837800.png?alt=media&token=da832692-6697-4cf4-a8eb-81fc27002ac4","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FR.K.%20BentleySM_1698809837800.png?alt=media&token=da832692-6697-4cf4-a8eb-81fc27002ac4"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcaserk-bentley"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

R.K. will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? R. K. Bentley

Where do you call home? Eastern, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Sci-Fi

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? Science Fiction and a dash of horror with Koontz but never as deep as King.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Hyperion was great because of the multiple stories it offered. Planet Pirates by Elizabeth Moon.

What are some of your favorite books today? Cherie Priest Clockwork Century books, John Scalzi books, James S. A. Corey books.

What inspired you to become a writer? I think if I had put my mind to it I could have been an artist but writing is easier to create, delete and create again. I adapted the Transformers Episode on my dad TSR-80 and started writing in Junior High and High School.

$\"\"$

Where Weavers Daire

Ten years after the last war . . . Across the universe, on the desert world of Stuk’s Hollow, the New Year celebrations are in full swing with gatherings of Houses; the technological, the magical and the mortal. All the while invisible fingers pull the living, the dead and the banished towards the festivities. Salvage hauler Melinda Scott and her family are in the middle of an asteroid belt when her wild ride begins. Necromancer Spence MacGregor awakens from a long slumber only to find himself and his ship on a collision course with the Hollow. Techno Mage Roark Knoll is very dead but that doesn’t stop their adventures. From the cold and dark reaches of space to across the Wailing Sea, something old has been summoned. It’s just a question of who’s going to reach the festivities first and what secrets they will uncover. The Fallen Techno Mage. The Forgotten Weaver. The Lost Leader. The bloodthirsty evil. Welcome to Where Weavers Daire.

Tell us a little about how Where Weavers Daire came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma, or something else? The verse this book takes place in has been with me since High School so I had a lot planned out and I decided to start somewhere without much backstory. The main character finds something and off we go. The first revision started off with ten pages of scenes that never went anywhere until the last three pages. After getting suggestions from my writing group I tweaked it so the last three pages became the first three.

Which scene, character, or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? WWD went through several revisions and the plots kept getting whittled down until I had jettisoned a lot. I pants my way through the book and paid for it. I think the ending changed the most since I was writing it up until a week before I published it.

Which character was the most challenging to create? Why? All the characters were challenging to create because I put too many in this one book with too many plot lines. I think Mindy was the hardest because I'm not an 18yr old girl and sometimes she was pushed to the side too much.

What do you like best about being a writer? I've started saying: I wrote this. I'm a laid back seller so I don't say I wrote this book enough as I should.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one-sentence blurb. I'd like to collaborate with Bennett North since she has creepy cool ideas and/or John Scalzi since I love his sense of humor. Title of the book: The deathly curse of the bone suckers. Sentence blurb: The undead world is up in arms due to a new monster that no one has seen but has been making their lives a miserable hell.

Follow R.K. Bentley at

http://www.rkbwrites.com

http://www.instagram.com/rkbentley

http://www.twitter.com/rkbentley

R.K. is raffling off a signed hard cover of Where Weavers Daire.

To enter comment below. --> If you awoke from suspended animation and found yourself on a ship that was on a collision course with an asteroid, what would you do? (In a Keanu Reeves voice) What would you do?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

R.K. will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? R. K. Bentley

Where do you call home? Eastern, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Sci-Fi

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? Science Fiction and a dash of horror with Koontz but never as deep as King.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Hyperion was great because of the multiple stories it offered. Planet Pirates by Elizabeth Moon.

What are some of your favorite books today? Cherie Priest Clockwork Century books, John Scalzi books, James S. A. Corey books.

$\"\"$

Where Weavers Daire

What do you like best about being a writer? I've started saying: I wrote this. I'm a laid back seller so I don't say I wrote this book enough as I should.

Follow R.K. Bentley at

http://www.rkbwrites.com

http://www.instagram.com/rkbentley

http://www.twitter.com/rkbentley

R.K. is raffling off a signed hard cover of Where Weavers Daire.

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-01T02:42:00.834Z","editedDate":"2023-11-08T02:31:55.892Z"}},"li_XYpKM3xjZm":{"components":{"ids":["link","text","heading","image","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-10T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-10T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nJodi L. Leffingwell Ed.D","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nJodi L. Leffingwell Ed.D"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FJLeffingwell_1699585814052.png?alt=media&token=0ffed98b-fb6e-4954-bfcf-9f96e473bb28","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FJLeffingwell_1699585814052.png?alt=media&token=0ffed98b-fb6e-4954-bfcf-9f96e473bb28"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasejodi-l-leffingwell-edd"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Jodi L. Leffingwell Ed.D

Where do you call home? Southeastern, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Fiction/Non-Fiction

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald and Rebecca - Daphne DeMaurier. Classic period pieces and my mind got lost, not only in the plots, but in the imagery of grand parties with flappers and hidden speak easy's but the suspense of solving a mystery. I also continue re-read Dickens A Christmas Carol.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald and Rebecca - Daphne DeMaurier. Classic period pieces and my mind got lost, not only in the plots, but in the imagery of grand parties with flappers and hidden speak easy's but the suspense of solving a mystery. I also continue re-read Dickens A Christmas Carol.

What are some of your favorite books today? P I am stil drawn to the classics, I read more historical non-fiction, biographies, and leadership books for my research on leadership. A really great new book I have read was Nita Prose- The Maid. Really well written with a great balance of mystery and suspense.

What inspired you to become a write? I have written for most of my life for fun, and just cam to a point later in life, where I felt I had lived enough and experienced enough to have something of value to share.

When Christmas Came to Town

$\"\"$

For the first time, since anyone could remember, Christmas was going to be cancelled, but Santa and some special people were determined not to let that happen.

Tell us a little about how When Christmas Came to Town came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? When Christmas Came to Town is based on real events that happened during the pandemic when lockdown occurred and life as we knew it changed. Christmas was coming and for the first time in many , many years, there would be no children getting to visit Santa with their Christmas visits. A group of wonderful people on the Christmas Festival Committee in Bristol came up with an idea to bring Santa to the children using one of the vacant storefronts in town. We brought Santa and his workshop to Bristol. Children were able to come to the store front, drop their letter in Santa's box and see Santa through the glass. We were able to preserve the Spirit of Christmas.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? The skeleton of the story stayed the same from beginning to end. I will say that I work iteratively, and as the illustrations are done, it sometimes changes the dialogue.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? These characters were based on real people, so these characters were fairly easy to create.

What do you like best about being a writer? I love that we have the power to ignite people's imagination when we write. I love that writing can challenge other's to think differently about a topic. We have the ability to influence through our writing.

You can follow Jodi L. Leffingwell Ed.D here -

www.saltygirlpublising.com

FB - Salty Girl Publishing

Insta - @saltygirl854 @drjodileff

Jodi is giving away a signed copy of “When Christmas Came to Town”. To enter comment below. --> What is your favorite Christmas themed book?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Jodi L. Leffingwell Ed.D

Where do you call home? Southeastern, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Fiction/Non-Fiction

When Christmas Came to Town

$\"\"$

For the first time, since anyone could remember, Christmas was going to be cancelled, but Santa and some special people were determined not to let that happen.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? These characters were based on real people, so these characters were fairly easy to create.

You can follow Jodi L. Leffingwell Ed.D here -

www.saltygirlpublising.com

FB - Salty Girl Publishing

Insta - @saltygirl854 @drjodileff

Jodi is giving away a signed copy of “When Christmas Came to Town”. To enter comment below. --> What is your favorite Christmas themed book?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-10T03:05:53.303Z","editedDate":"2023-11-10T18:26:33.939Z"}},"li_Xj3pbbHUn6":{"components":{"ids":["heading","image","link","text","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-28T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-28T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nDebbie Kaiman Tillinghast","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nDebbie Kaiman Tillinghast"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FDtillinghast_1701127265128.png?alt=media&token=ee22deb5-5302-477a-8e64-7854fa911279","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FDtillinghast_1701127265128.png?alt=media&token=ee22deb5-5302-477a-8e64-7854fa911279"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasedebbie-kaiman-tillinghast"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Debbie Kaiman Tillinghast

Where do you call home? Northern RI

What genre(s) do you write? Memoir, Fiction, Poetry

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I didn’t write when I was younger, but I read fiction, including mysteries. I liked characters who had adventures that I could imagine having.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Mr Popper’s Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater, all the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Nancy Drew Mystery series by Carolyn Keene. I liked to think I could face the challenges and adventures that the characters did. I loved going to the library every two weeks and finding the next book in the series. And a penguin in the bathtub? What fun!

What are some of your favorite books today? My favorite book is Gift From The Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I also like The Shell Seekers by Rosemunde Pilcher, and any book by Elin Hilderbrand, Jenny Colgan, or Debbie Macomber

What inspired you to become a writer? I wrote The Ferry Home, a memoir about growing up on Prudence Island, to preserve the memories of island living for my children. I discovered I loved to write, and I felt disappointed when I finished the memoir, so I kept writing.

A Gift of Cookies, A Gift of Love

$\"\"$

A Gift of Cookies, A Gift of Love Generations of cookies, made together and shared with love.

Tell us a little about how “A Gift of Cookies, A Gift of Love” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? I originally wrote it to preserve the tradition and recipes for my family. After many requests, I published it to share them more broadly.

What do you like best about being a writer? I love following a new idea, a character, or a memory that joins me unexpectedly as I walk. I lose myself in words and stories, and I can write myself to peace. I can live everything twice. I savor the stillness of a winter morning when I experience it and again when I write about it. Details in life matter, and moments that might have vanished unnoticed, I save on the page.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Erin Hilderbrand. The title would be Island Girls The saga of three generations of women born on three islands in Rhode Island.

You can follow Debbie Kaiman Tillinghast here -

http://www.debbiekaimantillinghast.com

Debbie is giving away a copy of A Gift of Cookies, A Gift of Love. To enter comment below --> What is your favorite traditional holiday food?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Debbie Kaiman Tillinghast

Where do you call home? Northern RI

What genre(s) do you write? Memoir, Fiction, Poetry

A Gift of Cookies, A Gift of Love

$\"\"$

A Gift of Cookies, A Gift of Love Generations of cookies, made together and shared with love.

You can follow Debbie Kaiman Tillinghast here -

http://www.debbiekaimantillinghast.com

Debbie is giving away a copy of A Gift of Cookies, A Gift of Love. To enter comment below --> What is your favorite traditional holiday food?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-27T23:19:34.309Z","editedDate":"2023-11-28T17:17:07.657Z"}},"li_a6Q2VHhhrZ":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-05T16:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-05T16:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nA Keith Carreiro","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nA Keith Carreiro"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FDaily%20Author%20Showcase_1699149637525.png?alt=media&token=3e8cbad2-0b9c-4d6f-a68e-cc34c9ef0ade","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FDaily%20Author%20Showcase_1699149637525.png?alt=media&token=3e8cbad2-0b9c-4d6f-a68e-cc34c9ef0ade"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasea-keith-carreiro"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

A.Keith will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? A. Keith Carreiro

Where do you call home? Swansea, MA

What genre(s) do you write? Mostly sci-fi, fantasy for prose fiction. I do academic writing as well and I also write poetry.

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I was drawn to history, the Bible, biographies, science fiction, fantasy, adventure, mysteries. I loved to read. Still do.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Some of my favorite writing was Ben-Hur (Lew Wallace), books by Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, T.H. White, books about collies by Albert Payson Terhune, the Tarzan series written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, anything about the American Civil War and World War Two, stories about King Arthur, the Hardy Boys Mystery Stories, Edgar Allan Poe's work, Walt Whitman, and many more. Reading these stories was a phenomenal experience for me. It brought me out of my daily life and plunged me into different worlds, and the lives fully lived in them. It made me appreciate what I had in life, the power of the mind, and allowed me a front row seat on the storytellers' imaginations and their first-hand realizations of peace and war, goodness and evil, and the full gamut of the human condition.

What are some of your favorite books today? I've been extremely fortunat The same mentioned above but I have a wide reading appreciation for academic writing in many different disciplines, such as philosophy, religion, history, geography, sociology, psychology, anthropology, astronomy, physics... I have a solid collection of sci-fi, fantasy authors, as well as books about and by visual artists, composers, poets, and musicians. These authors have influenced my writing because of the power of their imagination, their skill in writing and the mastery they demonstrate in their craft. They gave me the courage to create my own stories and they helped inspire me to participate in the mystery and wonder of storytelling.

What inspired you to become a write? Growing up, I was surrounded by great storytellers in my family. I enjoyed listening to people in the literary and performing arts. Movies, plays, poetry, and music were constant companions. I felt inspired and encouraged to create my own stories.

$\"\"$

The Penitent: Part 1

A baby is born and placed in his dead mother’s arms…
When the funeral shroud is cast over her, his father names his son Pall. It will soon become a name that strikes a shiver of fear into the hearts of those who hear it in combat.

A lone survivor on a battlefield many years later, Pall dazedly recovers from the wounds of war. Despite the dead cast about him, everything he looks upon is unfamiliar to him. Wandering away from this scene of carnage, he encounters John Savage, a giant of a man who puts Pall within the sight of Savage’s seven-foot, nocked longbow.

What ensues from this deadly encounter is an elusive journey for truth. Yet, while it is haunted by a ravening demon that is out to destroy Pall and John, the vision and prayers of a startlingly beautiful young woman protect them from afar.

Tell us a little about how The Penitant came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? I classify this series as a Christian–based sci-fi, fantasy, spiritual thriller. The idea for \"The Immortality Wars\" originated in May of 2014. I wanted to write a story that had an epic sweep to it. In casting around for ideas, I thought about what would happen if I had the power to go back in time to our American Revolution and take key figures of that era with me 238 years into their future and into my present. I wanted to take individuals, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John and Abigail Adams, to Times Square in New York City, to Tokyo, Paris, Shanghai and London. What would be their reactions to, and how would they perceive, their surroundings that they now found themselves in while visiting these twenty–first century cities? How would people from the eighteenth century, people who knew fire only for light and heat and horses for transportation, interpret what they were now seeing? Arthur C. Clarke’s quote came to mind: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” [Profiles of the Future, 1961 (Clarke’s third law)]. Accompanied by such an incredible cast of historical figures, I saw myself fill with pride about the sophistication I had attained over them from a scientific point of view. Hubris is such a dissatisfying drink of saltwater for the ego to take. I then saw myself, in turn, taken into the 26th century. I was no longer on earth but on an exoplanet surrounding a nearby star in this part of the galaxy. I now had a beginning hold of an idea for a story. As I fleshed out the conception of the story further, I also needed to configure the kind of world I saw. What was the level of scientific sophistication like? Did the people of this time solely lean on science for answers to the nature of life and death? Did faith in spiritual matters play a part of their lives? Did war still occur? It became an intriguing thought experiment. In thinking it through as thoroughly as possible, I discovered that this story is ultimately about the battle between faith and disbelief, as well as how hope and cynicism clash against one another in the human spirit. In the arc of development in the main character of Pall Warren, can the ultimate basis of truth within a fiction be found. In his quest for meaning, can virtue be used to combat and overcome evil?

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? The relationship between two protagonists, Pall Warren and John Savage, became a major change as I first intended them to be opposed to one another. Instead, they actually told me that they did not want that storyline to unfold. Despite an initially rough start, they became steadfast friends over the course of the first and third books in the series.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? In the fourth book of the series, there is a character named Chén Liú. It was an interesting challenge to create him and a lot of thought and research went into his identity. He is is one of the greatest beings of his time. His levels of observation, intelligence, memory, physical stamina, fierceness, and combat skills brought him to the pinnacle of his race. He was the first out of one hundred of the most powerful and influential cyborgs to sign the Armistice between humans and “machines in 2455 OET. This group of almost all powerful cyborgs functions as a war, and/or governing, council. It has a variety of names, such as “The Chamber”, “The Enclave”, “The Court”, or “The Tabernacle”. While peace was not reached, an agreement between combatants was hammered out to allow a cease fire to occur. Galactic territories were respectively created and assigned to both opposing sides. These areas were separated by the galactic center and were 65,000 light‒years apart. The humans agreed to living only within the Orion Spur. Liú settled on the exoplanet Aion [Greek, Αἰών] between the first and fourth quadrant on the Carina‒Sagittarius Arm. The machines settled on this spiral arm of the Galaxy, which is directly on the other side of the Galaxy from human settlement. For 107 years since the Armistice was signed, he practiced the calling of fang hsien tao [方僊道], or immortality. He became a member of the fangshi, 方石, meaning “specialists in occult prescriptions”, also known as “recipe masters” and “magicians”. Intense study in these concerns and interests led him to become a daoshi, 道士, or a “specialist in the Way”. Attracted to the dark arts, he became a sorcerer or wu, 吴语, where he acted as an intermediary between spiritual realms and those of the machines and humans alike. The results of his studies and achievements on and off the battlefield created an individual so potent that human beings physically cannot stand near him without being harmed in his presence. He aims to become one of the xian, 西安, or immortals. His devotion and quest for immortality is the only driving force that animates his life. On Aion, he lives at the tip of an archipelago called The Spoke of Eternity (tán dào yŏng héng, 谈到永恒, which is on the Sea of Immortality (Bùxiù Zhī Hâi, 不朽之海. The fangshi lives on an island called Penglai, 蓬莱, or paradise. The islands of Fangzhang, 方章, and Yingzhou, 瀛洲, bracket Penglai. In a meeting with Gedeon Karik and Chén Liú, RM Addison 2560-90’*, called Liú “Proizvoditel’ Voinov” in Russian, or “Warrior Maker”, or “Destroyer”. Liú has an uneasy relationship with Karik through the Azhdaya Cartel. Both have profited from one another. Liú created a cyborg warrior named Zhou the Destroyer. He called this creation his twin brother. Zhou became a champion fighter for Karik. Zhou fought in 3,000 fights. He defeated all his opponents and not once was he touched by any weapon raised against him. When Pall Warren entered the world of The Five Alliances, he unexpectedly faced Zhou as an opponent. Within seconds, at the start of the fight, Zhou was killed. Liú wants revenge against Pall Warren for causing the death of the cyborg’s twin when both were locked in mortal combat during a premiere gambling cartel event.

What do you like best about being a writer? The freedom to create a story that has bubbled up into my awareness and to see something unseen become real.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. I think it would be wonderful if I could collaborate with T. H. White. The title of the book would be \"The Once and Future Empire\". \"In our collaborative foray into the realms of science fiction and fantasy, 'The Once and Future Empire' by T.H. White and myself unravels a mesmerizing tapestry of interstellar monarchies, mythical worlds, and the enduring legacy of an empire transcending time, weaving a saga that blurs the boundaries between history, magic, and the boundless expanse of the cosmos.\"

You can follow A. Keith Carreiro here -

https://immortalitywars.com/

https://www.facebook.com/akeithcarreiroauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/immortalitywars/

Other ways to connect with A.Keith

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-keith-carreiro-5040aa17/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15959901.A_Keith_Carreiro

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/A.%20Keith%20Carreiro/author/B01M28LUP0

Keith Carreiro is giving away the first volume of the \"Immortality Wars\" series, titled, \"The Pennant Part 1.”

To enter, comment below. --> If you could travel back in time to grab any historical figure and bring them to the present, who would it be and why?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

A.Keith will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? A. Keith Carreiro

Where do you call home? Swansea, MA

What genre(s) do you write? Mostly sci-fi, fantasy for prose fiction. I do academic writing as well and I also write poetry.

$\"\"$

The Penitent: Part 1

What do you like best about being a writer? The freedom to create a story that has bubbled up into my awareness and to see something unseen become real.

You can follow A. Keith Carreiro here -

https://immortalitywars.com/

https://www.facebook.com/akeithcarreiroauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/immortalitywars/

Other ways to connect with A.Keith

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-keith-carreiro-5040aa17/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15959901.A_Keith_Carreiro

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/A.%20Keith%20Carreiro/author/B01M28LUP0

Keith Carreiro is giving away the first volume of the \"Immortality Wars\" series, titled, \"The Pennant Part 1.”

To enter, comment below. --> If you could travel back in time to grab any historical figure and bring them to the present, who would it be and why?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-05T01:59:17.048Z","editedDate":"2023-11-08T02:30:50.008Z"}},"li_h23rq9vfyr":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-19T18:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-19T18:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nCourtney Carter DeJesus","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nCourtney Carter DeJesus"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FCDeJesus_1700351294282.png?alt=media&token=177b1d37-a78f-44d2-8659-c92d1ccfdde0","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FCDeJesus_1700351294282.png?alt=media&token=177b1d37-a78f-44d2-8659-c92d1ccfdde0"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasecourtney-carter-dejesus"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Courtney Carter DeJesus will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Courtney Carter DeJesus

Where do you call home? Warwick, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Children’s

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I was drawn to suspense/thrillers when I was younger.

What are some of your favorite books today? Magic lessons-Alice Hoffman

What inspired you to become a writer? I am a big reader so I developed a curiosity over the years for wanting to write my own.

Eva the Kid Reporter

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Come along on Eva's adventure as she finds out how being yourself is the best gift of all. Eva is a little girl whose big, curly hair matches her big appetite for answers. She is curious, asks a lot of questions and talks a lot. Everyone from her babysitter to her classmates try to stop her from asking so many questions, but she just can't seem to help it! She starts to feel like maybe she should change who she is, until she watches her favorite program, the evening news, and sees a new reporter on the screen that looks JUST like her. From the reporter's curly hair, to the reporter asking questions all the time to find the answers, Eva starts to realize they have a lot in common...and she may not need to change who she is after all!

Tell us a little about how \"Eva the Kid Reporter” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? I used to be a reporter and had little girls and boys come up to me asking how to be a reporter, this book was inspired by that! Also my own daughter Eva whose spunk, talkative nature and questions she asks, reminds me of myself as a little girl.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? How Eva learns to stay true to herself

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? The reporter Eva looks up to! Because she is who Eva looks up to, I had to make it good.

What do you like best about being a writer? The creativity of being able to have something in your head and then putting it down on paper and seeing it come to life.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Stephen King probably, he’s one of the greats! I would definitely collaborate on a thriller.

You can follow Courtney Carter DeJesus here -

www.evathekidreporter.com

Instagram @courtcarterdejesus

Courtney is giving away a copy of “Eva the Kid Reporter.” To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Courtney Carter DeJesus will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Courtney Carter DeJesus

Where do you call home? Warwick, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Children’s

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I was drawn to suspense/thrillers when I was younger.

What are some of your favorite books today? Magic lessons-Alice Hoffman

What inspired you to become a writer? I am a big reader so I developed a curiosity over the years for wanting to write my own.

Eva the Kid Reporter

$\"\"$

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? How Eva learns to stay true to herself

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? The reporter Eva looks up to! Because she is who Eva looks up to, I had to make it good.

What do you like best about being a writer? The creativity of being able to have something in your head and then putting it down on paper and seeing it come to life.

You can follow Courtney Carter DeJesus here -

www.evathekidreporter.com

Instagram @courtcarterdejesus

Courtney is giving away a copy of “Eva the Kid Reporter.” To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-18T23:47:43.952Z","editedDate":"2023-11-20T21:09:04.405Z"}},"li_hqJVZFXbRf":{"components":{"ids":["link","heading","image","text","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-26T18:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-26T18:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nAnn Watt","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nAnn Watt"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FAWatt_1700971875668.png?alt=media&token=e9f926a2-053f-4d5f-8f1e-5bfcc3b2c13e","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FAWatt_1700971875668.png?alt=media&token=e9f926a2-053f-4d5f-8f1e-5bfcc3b2c13e"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcaseann-watt"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Ann Watt will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Ann Watt

Where do you call home? Northwest RI

What genre(s) do you write? Non-fiction memoir

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I enjoyed mysteries, as well as many classic works of fiction. I didn't care what I read, I was just hungry to have a book in my hands, and I liked variety.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? As a child, I read all of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries. When I was older, I read every Sidney Sheldon book in the town library. My father was often sick when I was a young--these books were a wonderful distraction for me and made me focus on the plot, not what was happening at home.

What are some of your favorite books today? Nowadays, my favorite books are usually found in the biography or outdoor adventure section of a bookstore. A couple of my favorites were \"Following Atticus\" by Tom Ryan, and \"A Walk in the Woods\" by Bill Bryson.

What inspired you to become a writer? I've wanted to be a writer since I was in eighth grade, studying poetry in English class. But poetry was not meant to be my genre, I failed miserably at writing poems. But I always dreamed of publishing \"something.\" Decades later, after many life experiences, I finally found my niche--a nursing memoir.

When Being a Nurse Was Fun

$\"\"$

Besides taking excellent care of their patients, nurses enjoyed humor at work before the COVID-19 pandemic. Playing jokes on each other or finding hilarity in absurd situations, we devised ways to amuse ourselves while performing our duties. Glimpse into the medical career of someone who dares to say life as a nurse used to be fun. Follow my journey from being a student nurse to a critical care RN with 30 years of experience. Relive with me both the frustrations and camaraderie that I encountered as an RN. Filled with true tales from my life both in and out of the hospital, \"When Being a Nurse Was Fun\" will cause you to laugh, and may also make you cry.

Tell us a little about how “When Being a Nurse Was Fun” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? Inspiration for the book came after a discussion with my publisher. He said something such as, \"Write about what you know--some of the best books are written from personal experiences.\" I thought to myself, \"What do I know better than being a nurse?\" I decided to write the book while I was driving home from his bookstore.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? The first chapter changed the most. I wanted to write only about my nursing experiences. Then I realized I had to include some background information about my family and my feelings about what was happening when I was in nursing school.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Since my book is non-fiction, I can't say any of the characters were challenging to create. I wrote about real people who remain very vivid in my mind. If anything, writing about myself was the most difficult part--I wanted to convey my genuine feelings about being a nurse and emphasize the positive aspects of my life without appearing to see everything through rose-colored glasses.

What do you like best about being a writer? I enjoy having a \"voice.\" I now have the potential to send positive messages to a large audience in the world--to people who otherwise would never have known about me.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Jon Krakauer. A thrilling tale of how a mismatched pair of hikers escape potential tragedy and have the adventure of a lifetime.

You can follow Ann Watt here -

http://www.annwattauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/annwattauthor

Ann is giving away a signed copy of her book – When Being a Nurse Was Fun. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Ann Watt will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Ann Watt

Where do you call home? Northwest RI

What genre(s) do you write? Non-fiction memoir

When Being a Nurse Was Fun

$\"\"$

You can follow Ann Watt here -

http://www.annwattauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/annwattauthor

Ann is giving away a signed copy of her book – When Being a Nurse Was Fun. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-26T04:10:45.922Z","editedDate":"2023-11-26T16:37:09.933Z"}},"li_iEmKc3wBfA":{"components":{"ids":["link","heading","image","text","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-27T18:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-27T18:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nElizabeth B. Splaine","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nElizabeth B. Splaine"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FEBSplaine_1701046168029.png?alt=media&token=1a1a7a0e-de75-45e3-bbfc-09d198d28e43","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FEBSplaine_1701046168029.png?alt=media&token=1a1a7a0e-de75-45e3-bbfc-09d198d28e43"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcaseelizabeth-b-splaine"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Elizabeth B. Splaine will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Elizabeth B. Splaine

Where do you call home? Bristol, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Historical fiction, medical thriller, psychological thriller, new YA, picture books

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? As a kid I loved mysteries because I liked to figure them out as I read. As I got older psychological fiction fascinated me because it allowed me to get inside someone else's head. As an adult, I love historical fiction because I learn about the past and people's roles within it.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Wuthering Heights, Crime and Punishment, 1984, Animal Farm

What are some of your favorite books today? I loved White Fragility because it altered my perception and thinking about what racists look like and how they act. It has literally changed me in a positive way. I also love The Last Hundred Days (anything historical fiction really) and a small book called Although the Day Isn't Mine to Give, I'll Show You the Morning Sun, a poem about childhood from a parent's perspective. I loved it as a child but I have a deeper, more nuanced appreciation for it now as a parent.

What inspired you to become a writer? A character popped into my head and wouldn't leave so I wrote his story. After that, I started to appreciate the artistic nature of writing and story-telling. It's filled a creative need that performing never could. With writing, I'm creating something new instead of simply regurgitating what someone else wrote.

Tyrone the Tenor Mouse

$\"\"$

Tyrone the Tenor Mouse has a secret wish- to perform in the opera house where he lives with his animal friends, Stella the precocious Persian cat and Oscar the mangy mutt. Ty learns the music by secretly singing along with a famous tenor named Roland L’Amour. When Roland becomes ill on opening night, Ty sees an opportunity to make his dream come true. With the royal family in attendance, Ty nervously asks if he can play the lead role. With the support of his friends, he finds the courage to take the stage and discovers that hard work and friendship can make any dream come true!

Tell us a little about how “Tyrone the Tenor Mouse” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? As a retired opera singer and a writer, I constantly have rhymes and music in my head. It only made sense to merge music and writing to create Tyrone. He's a mouse because mice are adorable and tiny. Can you imagine a mouse singing on an operatic stage? It's funny, almost unthinkable, thereby making his achievement all the more amazing!

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? Miss Gloria Snow, the operatic diva in the story, underwent several name changes, as did her precocious Persian cat, Stella.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Again, Miss Gloria Snow. Forgive me, all you sopranos, but there's a reason the stereotype of a diva exists. I wanted to make Miss Snow daunting but, in the end, approachable and begrudgingly kind. A tough balance to walk, especially in such a short story.

What do you like best about being a writer? I adore creating something from nothing. When an idea pops and the blinking cursor starts moving, I know I'm creating something that never existed before. There's no other feeling like that! I also love the initial creativity, but then the honing, the refining that comes afterwards. I used to see it as a burden, until I realized that I'm not re-writing, I'm still creating on a more specific scale. Balancing teaching voice with writing makes me one happy camper!

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. It might be kind of fun to collaborate with M. Night on a film or book. I suppose it might be titled The Light Settlers. Gifted children set out on a journey to identify their life purpose and foil a major catastrophe along the way.

You can follow Elizabeth B. Splaine here -

https://elizabethsplaineauthor.com/

Facebook - @elizabethsplaineauthor

Instagram - @elizbsplaine

twitter: @elizabethsplai2

Elizabeth is giving away a free half hour voice lesson. To enter comment below --> What is your favorite song to sing? Car singing, shower singing, karaoke, whatever. It all counts.

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Elizabeth B. Splaine will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Elizabeth B. Splaine

Where do you call home? Bristol, RI

What genre(s) do you write? Historical fiction, medical thriller, psychological thriller, new YA, picture books

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Wuthering Heights, Crime and Punishment, 1984, Animal Farm

Tyrone the Tenor Mouse

$\"\"$

You can follow Elizabeth B. Splaine here -

https://elizabethsplaineauthor.com/

Facebook - @elizabethsplaineauthor

Instagram - @elizbsplaine

twitter: @elizabethsplai2

Elizabeth is giving away a free half hour voice lesson. To enter comment below --> What is your favorite song to sing? Car singing, shower singing, karaoke, whatever. It all counts.

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-27T00:48:57.389Z","editedDate":"2023-11-27T10:59:10.753Z"}},"li_jMvczAyVkr":{"components":{"ids":["link","text","heading","image","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-13T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-13T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nLiz Sauco","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nLiz Sauco"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FLSauco_1699843848462.png?alt=media&token=f56fea3d-ccca-4018-95ee-446a3a85fb8a","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FLSauco_1699843848462.png?alt=media&token=f56fea3d-ccca-4018-95ee-446a3a85fb8a"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcaseliz-sauco"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Liz Sauco will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Liz Sauco

Where do you call home? RI, East Greenwich

What genre(s) do you write? High fantasy, blended with science fiction and urban fantasy. Occasionally I dabble in other things too for short stories, but fantasy is always the underlying genre.

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? Definitely fantasy! I've been drawn to the fantastical since I was very little. Don't ask my parents how many times I watched The Last Unicorn. I can quote whole pieces of that movie from heart.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series. I love her characters! And Lord of the Rings was big in our household. The worldbuilding really drew me in. Oh, and Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders - I love the dragons!

What are some of your favorite books today? Anne Bishop's Black Jewels is amazing. Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber, Terry Brooks Shannara Chronicles... I do like large worlds with multiple books haha. I like having a world I can sink my teeth into. I'm also a big fan of anime and video games - Destiny 2, Genshin Impact, Sailor Moon, and K Project are all favorites!

What inspired you to become a write? I've always told stories to myself, and in high school I wrote short stories and fanfiction. I wanted more of the media I already loved. I've also been a Dungeons and Dragons player since I was twelve years old. In college I decided to try my hand at NaNoWriMo. I did not win that year (did not even come close), but the next year for NaNo I did start what would become Lost Blades, even if I didn't finish it for another decade. Still, I spent those ten years or so working on my world!

Lost Blades

$\"\"$

*As the world ends once more, the Goddess chooses who she will wield against Abomination* In Lyndiniam: A street thief attempts a heist far more ambitious than anything he has done before, but due to circumstances outside his control, finds himself locked up for crimes he both did and did not commit. A strange woman with abilities Jamirh does not understand breaks him out, and he finds himself on the run - fleeing to Romanii, a country he thought no longer existed. In Ni Fon: A shinobi is banished by the Empress for killing her daughter and his fiancée, Princess Hotaru. This is a ploy, however - Takeshi is still working for Ni Fon despite the murder, trying to learn information about a rebellion against the Rose Empire that Ni Fon will be able to leverage to regain their own freedom. Though thousands of miles apart, both Jamirh and Takeshi find themselves pulled into an ancient struggle between forces far beyond anything they have ever dreamed of, whether they want to be or not.

Tell us a little about how \"Lost Blades” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? It started... very differently, actually. I had an idea for an adventure fantasy, made some maps, drew some character concepts, outlined about 3/4 of it. Then I decided it was boring. But I liked some of the characters a lot of the worldbuilding, so I decided to write a different story - set in the same world, but a thousand years after the story I abandoned. That story still shows up as lore in Lost Blades. Who knows, maybe one day I'll go back to it.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? Chapter two changed the most. I added a lot more than what was in the first draft, and rewrote a bunch of what was left. I really like the final draft, though, so it was very worth it. One part of that chapter makes me giggle every time I read it.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Hmmm challenging to create? Maybe Jeri. She wasn't originally going to be in it for very long, but she refused to leave, so I had to shift directions with her a bit, which meant giving her... more. A lot more. Of everything.

What do you like best about being a writer? Reader reactions! I love hearing what they think about different elements and plot points. When did they figure out the twist? What are their theories? I live for that.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. I think I'd want to collaborate with Neil Gaiman - he seems like a fun person to work with! Perhaps we would write some sort of mythology retelling. \"A Tale (or maybe \"Tail,\" for the pun?) of Cats\" - Follows Bast and other cat/feline gods as they push things off tables and generally make a nuisance of themselves.

You can follow Liz Sauco here -

https://www.lizsauco.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorlizsauco/

https://www.instagram.com/authorlizsauco/

https://discord.gg/zWgXN3FFm7

Liz is giving away a copy of “Lost Blades.” To enter, comment below --> If you chose two champions (fictitious and real) to save the world, who would they be?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Liz Sauco will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Liz Sauco

Where do you call home? RI, East Greenwich

What genre(s) do you write? High fantasy, blended with science fiction and urban fantasy. Occasionally I dabble in other things too for short stories, but fantasy is always the underlying genre.

Lost Blades

$\"\"$

You can follow Liz Sauco here -

https://www.lizsauco.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorlizsauco/

https://www.instagram.com/authorlizsauco/

https://discord.gg/zWgXN3FFm7

Liz is giving away a copy of “Lost Blades.” To enter, comment below --> If you chose two champions (fictitious and real) to save the world, who would they be?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-13T02:50:12.237Z","editedDate":"2023-11-13T03:01:32.844Z"}},"li_mdQqtkcyRP":{"components":{"ids":["link","text","heading","image","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-24T18:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-24T18:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nM.A. Guglielmo","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nM.A. Guglielmo"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FMguglielmo_1700804426074.png?alt=media&token=02ad497a-18ba-4bd8-9e6a-7e5e74a83d8f","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FMguglielmo_1700804426074.png?alt=media&token=02ad497a-18ba-4bd8-9e6a-7e5e74a83d8f"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasema-guglielmo"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

M.A. Guglielmo will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? M.A. Guglielmo

Where do you call home? Southern RI

What genre(s) do you write? Fantasy and Romance

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? I've been a huge fan of speculative fiction since I was a young. I always enjoyed the focus on fantastical worlds and the sense of unlimited options.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? The Lord of the Rings saga, Watership Down, and the MIsts of Avalon, among many others. All of these allowed me to imagine being in another time and place, seeing a unique world through a different perspective.

What are some of your favorite books today? I read a lot more romance now, and I particularly enjoy the the historical romances of K.J. Charles (I've read all of them, often more than once!), quirky science fiction like the Murderbot series by Martha Wells, and gaslamp fantasy like the Stariel series by AJ Lancaster.

What inspired you to become a writer? I started writing when I was reading fantasy books to my daughters and thought I might like to take a stab at writing my own stories. I had no idea how much work that would be...

Witch City Rift

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Remi Gatti, a half-human con man with a psychic ability to manipulate sexual desire, has to steal a wedding present from a newlywed marine biologist—without the scientist’s sea-monster wife eating him first. The job should be straightforward: board a tourist bus bound for Salem, seduce his mark, and make a clean get away with the gift—a powerful alien artifact Remi’s larcenous family wants for its own nefarious purposes. But the unconventional married couple was brought together by the Matchmaker, an alien entity that can alter reality to further its matrimonial mission. Remi might not believe in true love, but his powers are useless against it. When the con goes bad, the usually amoral Remi struggles with a moral dilemma—help the couple and incur his family’s wrath, or try to outmatch the Matchmaker and face the consequences of defying love.

Tell us a little about how “Witch City Rift” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? \"Witch City Rift\" is a prequel short story to my upcoming Riftworld paranormal rom-com series. Set in a future Salem, Massachusetts, the idea came to me as I wondered how so many people could ignore and deny crises like Covid and global warming. I thought: \"What would it take to get their attention? A monster apocalypse?\" Then I decided it would be fun to write about a world where people had become so accustomed to intelligent aliens coming through interdimensional portals that some of them ended up marrying a monster.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? I had to come up with a symbol or object relating to the ocean to tie the plot together, and ended going down a rabbit hole of research about narwhal horns. So, there's a narwhal horn in the story, and you'll have to read it to find out why.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? My main character, Remi Gatti, is a morally gray character. He's a con artist, a consummate liar, and a bit of a wine snob, too. Getting him to a point where he realizes he does have a conscience after all was a struggle, but an enjoyable one.

What do you like best about being a writer? I love creating new worlds and characters and sharing them with others. As Steven King says, writing is a type of telepathy. I like to think of my stories being transmitted across space and time to others who might enjoy them.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. I'd like to work with Martha Wells and develop a a story about one of her Murderbot series characters, an android constructed as a romantic companion who has grown to hate humans. \"When an embittered sex bot escapes with the aid of a sentient spaceship, the android must choose between vengeance and guaranteed freedom, or an uncertain future with the only friend they've ever known.\"

You can follow M.A. Guglielmo here -

https://www.maguglielmo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/maguglielmoauthor

https://bit.ly/Instmaguglielmo

https://bit.ly/GRmaguglielmo

M.A. is giving away a signed copy of the first book in From Smokeless Fire trilogy, Summoned.. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

M.A. Guglielmo will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? M.A. Guglielmo

Where do you call home? Southern RI

What genre(s) do you write? Fantasy and Romance

Witch City Rift

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You can follow M.A. Guglielmo here -

https://www.maguglielmo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/maguglielmoauthor

https://bit.ly/Instmaguglielmo

https://bit.ly/GRmaguglielmo

M.A. is giving away a signed copy of the first book in From Smokeless Fire trilogy, Summoned.. To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-24T05:39:39.036Z","editedDate":"2023-11-24T05:42:58.765Z"}},"li_sKQTjjEgep":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-03T16:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-03T16:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nMaria Kamoulakou","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nMaria Kamoulakou"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FMaria%20Kamoulakou_1698971446401.png?alt=media&token=e538fb48-8b66-4e96-9e63-c75168c999bd","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FMaria%20Kamoulakou_1698971446401.png?alt=media&token=e538fb48-8b66-4e96-9e63-c75168c999bd"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasemaria-kamoulakou"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Maria Kamoulakou

Where do you call home? My home is Athens, Greece, but for the past fifteen years I've been living in Springfield, Massachusetts.

What genre(s) do you write? Children’s books for ages 7-10.

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? In my adolescence, I was drawn to British literature. Jane Austen and Daphne du Maurier were my favorite authors. I had read all their novels by the age of 18! There was something in their writing that appealed to the romantic and daydreaming side of my personality.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? My childhood was filled with trips to museums and ancient sites all around Greece. As a result, I grew fond of archaeology (which I ultimately studied) and began to \"devour\" books with stories from Greek Mythology. There was one particular publication that held a very dear place in my heart: the Greek edition of \"Tales of the Greeks and Trojans\", with mesmerizing illustrations by Anna and Janet Graham Johnston. That book had cast a spell on me then, and guess what? I am still spellbound!

What are some of your favorite books today? I find myself to be full of contradictions! In my adolescence, I hardly read anything in Greek! Then, for a couple of decades I stopped reading literature altogether! My studies in archaeology -and my subsequent career in the Greek Ministry of Culture- allowed little time for extra curriculum reading . . . Moving in the US has put a stopped to that. In the past fifteen years, I've happily rediscovered Greek literature. The suitcase holds more books than cloths in every trip from Greece. Historical novels are my new favorite. They keep me good company in the long, stormy nights of New England.

What inspired you to become a writer? The need to feel closer to kids -following a serious health issue- led me to become a writer. It's one of those decisions that you make without much thinking, driven by instinct . . .

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Sky Cloud City

When two young friends, Hope and Trusty, purchase a pair of talking birds, they have no idea what adventure lies ahead! In this fun retelling of an ancient Greek play, we accompany Hope and Trusty to the Land of the Birds. Who is King Hoopoe? Why did he summon a bird assembly? Hope and Trusty are trespassers and must face the consequences! How do the Olympian gods get involved in all of this? Sky Cloud City is the first book in The Adventures of Hope & Trusty series, inspired by the play Ornithes (The Birds, 414 BCE) by Aristophanes. This is a story of friendship and brotherhood that highlights working together to achieve impossible goals.

Tell us a little about how Sky Cloud City came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? It started with an urge to offer English speaking kids alternative readings to those of Greek Mythology, the Olympian Gods and Homer's Iliad & Odyssey. There are more sources to draw inspiration from, such as ancient Greek theatrical plays, historical records and archaeology.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? Both heroes, Hope & Trusty, matured gradually as characters. From the first draft in 2013, to the 2016 edition and, finally, to the chapter book edition of 2021, they became more adventurous, daring and brave.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? The girl -Hope- was the most challenging character to create, because she reminds me of myself at her age! I wanted her to be quiet but not submissive, cautious yet daring, delicate but strong, inspiring yet avoiding the spotlight. Hope has leadership qualities but prefers to support rather than lead.

What do you like best about being a writer? The interaction with people and kids at festivals and fairs.

Follow Maria Kamoulakou at

www.mariakamoulakou.com

www.instagram.com/author_maria_kamoulakou

www.littlecentaurpress.com

Maria is giving away a paperback copy of Sky Cloud City (2021 edition) printed in the USA (Michigan)

To enter, comment below. --> If you were teleported to the Land of Birds what would be the first thing you would do? Would you find it (In a Keanu Reeves voice) Excellent? Or Bogus?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Maria Kamoulakou

Where do you call home? My home is Athens, Greece, but for the past fifteen years I've been living in Springfield, Massachusetts.

What genre(s) do you write? Children’s books for ages 7-10.

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Sky Cloud City

What do you like best about being a writer? The interaction with people and kids at festivals and fairs.

Follow Maria Kamoulakou at

www.mariakamoulakou.com

www.instagram.com/author_maria_kamoulakou

www.littlecentaurpress.com

Maria is giving away a paperback copy of Sky Cloud City (2021 edition) printed in the USA (Michigan)

To enter, comment below. --> If you were teleported to the Land of Birds what would be the first thing you would do? Would you find it (In a Keanu Reeves voice) Excellent? Or Bogus?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-03T00:28:12.868Z","editedDate":"2023-11-08T02:31:16.255Z"}},"li_u95ztmvWVs":{"components":{"ids":["link","text","date","image","heading"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-25T18:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-25T18:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nBrianna Stockwell","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nBrianna Stockwell"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FBstockwell_1700891087541.png?alt=media&token=3afe4cf1-532b-4d50-9edf-cfbe79b14154","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FBstockwell_1700891087541.png?alt=media&token=3afe4cf1-532b-4d50-9edf-cfbe79b14154"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasebrianna-stockwell"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Brianna Stockwell will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Brianna Stockwell

Where do you call home? Rhode Island

What genre(s) do you write? I write Children's Literature.

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? As a child I was drawn to children' s literature.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? My favorite book growing up was \"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day\" by Judith Viorst. I loved this book as a child because I related to Alexander. This is still my favorite book today! My second favorite book was \"Oh My Honor\" by Marion Dane Bauer. This book teaches children that they have the moral obligation to do what's right and be honest

What are some of your favorite books today? Some of my favorite books today are Before the Coffee Gets cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and Passing by Nella Larson.

What inspired you to become a writer? My third grade elementary school teacher inspired me to become a writer.

Christmas Activity Book

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21 pages of mazes, writing activities, coloring pages, and so much more!

What do you like best about being a writer? I love being able to express myself creatively!

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. If I could collaborate with any author past or present I would collaborate with Jeanette Winterson!

You can follow Brianna Stockwell here -

www.Briannastockwellbooks.com

http://instagram.com/briannastockwellbooks/

Brianna is giving away a copy of her Christmas Activity Book To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Brianna Stockwell will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Brianna Stockwell

Where do you call home? Rhode Island

What genre(s) do you write? I write Children's Literature.

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? As a child I was drawn to children' s literature.

What are some of your favorite books today? Some of my favorite books today are Before the Coffee Gets cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and Passing by Nella Larson.

What inspired you to become a writer? My third grade elementary school teacher inspired me to become a writer.

Christmas Activity Book

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21 pages of mazes, writing activities, coloring pages, and so much more!

What do you like best about being a writer? I love being able to express myself creatively!

You can follow Brianna Stockwell here -

www.Briannastockwellbooks.com

http://instagram.com/briannastockwellbooks/

Brianna is giving away a copy of her Christmas Activity Book To enter comment below -->

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-25T05:42:56.223Z","editedDate":"2023-11-25T05:46:58.517Z"}},"li_w4AjihNjPa":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-18T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-18T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nJ.W. Elliot","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nJ.W. Elliot"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FJWElliot_1700277638328.png?alt=media&token=7c0a6382-d62c-4223-a275-6a7f99fc5c64","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FJWElliot_1700277638328.png?alt=media&token=7c0a6382-d62c-4223-a275-6a7f99fc5c64"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasejw-elliot"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

J.W. Elliot will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? J.W. Elliot

Where do you call home? Middleboro, MA

What genre(s) do you write? Fantasy, Science Fiction, Action Adventure, Historical

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? Fantasy and Science Fiction; I love history and exploring real and imagined worlds.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Lord of the Rings, Katherine Kurtz's Deryni Series, Ursula K. Le Guin's Earth Sea Trilogy

What are some of your favorite books today? Brandon Sanderson's Reckoners and Mistborn Series, Christopher Paul Curtis's Bud Not Buddy, Richard Peck's Long Way from Chicago

What inspired you to become a writer? The love of stories, real and fictional.

Archer of the Heathland Series

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Brion of Wexford must become more than a simple archer if he is to survive the savage violence of the heathland and save the ones he loves. All the while, he is haunted by a past he had no part in making while being drawn into events he cannot control by forces he does not understand. Book 1: Deliverance: Brion never meant to start a war. But when the Salassani murdered his parents and enslaved his sister and his sweetheart, they left him no choice. Brion of Wexford is the son of a crippled trapper living a quiet life on the edge of the vast and unruly heathland. But when Salassani raiders destroy his world, he must venture into the heathland to attempt the impossible task of finding the girls, rescuing them, and conveying them safely home across hundreds of miles of enemy territory. Now Brion finds himself pursued by men bent on his destruction, deprived of his protectors, and haunted by the knowledge that his murdered father has hidden a dark secret that could reshape Brion’s entire identity. Brion must find a way to stay alive long enough to get the girls safely home.

Tell us a little about how \"Archer of the Heathland series” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? I started writing Deliverance after reading, and being dissatisfied with, several adventure books with archery in them. I am an avid archer, bowyer, martial artist, and historian. I wanted to write a book that was true to the technology and history of archery. In many ways, this series is my romance with the bow and arrow.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? The character, Emyr, changed the most. He started out being an antagonist, but as I wrote the first two books, he evolved to be a much more complicated, interesting, and important character.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? The main character, Brion, proved to be a challenge because he needed to experience the most growth. I had to take him from being an inexperienced country boy to a competent warrior and leader of men.

What do you like best about being a writer? The freedom to create stories that express the deeper truths of the human experience.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Ursula K. LeGuinn, Beyond the Earth Sea. \"To name is to control. Ged travels beyond the bounds of the Earth Sea seeking the name of the source of all things.\"

You can follow J.W. Elliot here -

www.jwelliot.com

https://www.facebook.com/jw.elliot.3/

Instagram @jwelliotbooks

J.W. is giving away a copy of “Archer of the Heathland: Deliverance”. To enter comment below --> If you were given the opportunity to master a weapon, what would it be?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

J.W. Elliot will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? J.W. Elliot

Where do you call home? Middleboro, MA

What genre(s) do you write? Fantasy, Science Fiction, Action Adventure, Historical

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? Lord of the Rings, Katherine Kurtz's Deryni Series, Ursula K. Le Guin's Earth Sea Trilogy

What are some of your favorite books today? Brandon Sanderson's Reckoners and Mistborn Series, Christopher Paul Curtis's Bud Not Buddy, Richard Peck's Long Way from Chicago

What inspired you to become a writer? The love of stories, real and fictional.

Archer of the Heathland Series

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What do you like best about being a writer? The freedom to create stories that express the deeper truths of the human experience.

You can follow J.W. Elliot here -

www.jwelliot.com

https://www.facebook.com/jw.elliot.3/

Instagram @jwelliotbooks

J.W. is giving away a copy of “Archer of the Heathland: Deliverance”. To enter comment below --> If you were given the opportunity to master a weapon, what would it be?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-18T03:20:13.964Z","editedDate":"2023-11-27T23:23:51.443Z"}},"li_wKHhxLgaLC":{"components":{"ids":["date","heading","image","link","text"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-04T16:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-04T16:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nPaul Magnan","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nPaul Magnan"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FPaul%20M_1699107637493.png?alt=media&token=71a380f5-090d-4d94-9000-5f75c61591fe","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FPaul%20M_1699107637493.png?alt=media&token=71a380f5-090d-4d94-9000-5f75c61591fe"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasepaul-magnan"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Paul will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Paul Magnan

Where do you call home? The wilds of Rhode Island

What genre(s) do you write? Dark Fantasy/horror

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? I always loved horror and fantasy with an edge. Not sure why, that's just how I rolled.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? The first book I fell in love with was Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Then, I was introduced to Edgar Allan Poe in the 7th grade. I fell in love with his short stories. I also loved anything by Ray Bradbury and the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen Donaldson. I've also loved anything by the late, great Peter Straub, with whom I was lucky enough to get acquainted with over the course of several Readercons.

What are some of your favorite books today? I've been extremely fortunate to not only get to know, but become friends with, several contemporary horror and fantasy writers, such as Gwendolyn Kiste (\"Reluctant Immortals\"), John Langan (The Fisherman\"), C. S. E. Cooney (\"Saint Death's Daughter\"), and Zin E. Rocklyn (\"Flowers For the Sea\").

What inspired you to become a writer? This is a hard one to answer, but I think the seed for this desire was planted when I was in the 6th grade, when some of us were assigned to write a short story for our English class. After that, I knew this would be my dream.

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The Coming of Dis

On an alternate world, the Four Territories are surrounded by the Disian Curtain, a poisonous, misty world where horrors called Infernals consume human bodies and souls. With the help of an arena fighter who has a connection to both worlds, can the Territories populace cease fighting amongst themselves and prepare for the threat that is closing in on them?

Tell us a little about how The Coming of Dis came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? Interestingly enough, it started with a comic strip I created in my high school art class. My classmates loved it and demanded more, so it was a natural leap to put the character of Kyu, The Unknown on the printed page. Thirty-five years later, I realized this dream.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? No particular scenes changed. The character of Kyu changed quite a bit from his genesis in high school (including his name), but I always had an idea concerning his character arc. Same with the plot. I had several wonderful beta readers, and my first publisher, Writers AMuse Me Publishing (now, sadly, defunct) provided much-needed editing suggestions.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Probably Erenia. She is a woman with untapped courage and ability who absolutely loathes the main character, Kyu, and is just as instrumental as he in uniting a contentious population to face the Infernals. I love this character, but I'm always afraid readers might find her grating.

What do you like best about being a writer? The act of creating something that is not only yours, but belongs to everyone who reads it. I'm always amazed and delighted by the sheer number of interpretations different readers have, no matter what I write. stivals and fairs.

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. Wow, this is a tough one. Probably Shirley Jackson. Her writing is understated, but devastatingly effective. For title, maybe \"The Underneath\". Blurb? I'll need to get back to you on that one. ;)

Find Paul Magnan here -

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Paul-Magnan/author/B01LIONK9E

Paul is giving away the first volume of the \"Kyu, The Unknown\" series, titled, \"The Coming of Dis\"

To enter, comment below. --> If you had the ability to traverse two worlds, what would those two worlds be?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

Paul will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Paul Magnan

Where do you call home? The wilds of Rhode Island

What genre(s) do you write? Dark Fantasy/horror

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? I always loved horror and fantasy with an edge. Not sure why, that's just how I rolled.

$\"\"$

The Coming of Dis

Find Paul Magnan here -

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Paul-Magnan/author/B01LIONK9E

Paul is giving away the first volume of the \"Kyu, The Unknown\" series, titled, \"The Coming of Dis\"

To enter, comment below. --> If you had the ability to traverse two worlds, what would those two worlds be?

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-04T01:44:00.183Z","editedDate":"2023-11-08T02:31:00.565Z"}},"li_wKwsAB3faM":{"components":{"ids":["link","heading","image","text","date"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-23T18:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-23T18:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nBrittney Dias","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nBrittney Dias"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FBdias_1700687360757.png?alt=media&token=bc920f93-5f5a-4b12-b8a8-963b878b0e7c","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FBdias_1700687360757.png?alt=media&token=bc920f93-5f5a-4b12-b8a8-963b878b0e7c"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasebrittney-dias"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Brittney C. Dias

Where do you call home? Brooklyn, NY

What genre(s) do you write? Children's Fiction, Poetry

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger Was there a reason that genre(s) appealed to you the most? As a kid and teen, I was drawn to a lot of historical fiction, coming of age fiction, and dystopian novels. It's no surprise that now as an adult, I've dedicated a lot of my professional and personal life advocating for social rights.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? I LOVED The Hunger Games series. I remember spending all of my 7th grade holiday break reading it. I was also a big fan of John Greene cause I'm a sucker for a good coming of age love story with a little bit of tragedy. I think my top favorite book as kid was Stones in Water by Donna Jo Napoli. It's about two Italian boys who are friends growing up in the midst of WWII. Historical fictions, to me, humanize the stories we learn about and give us the insight to learn from history and not repeat it.

What are some of your favorite books today? I recently read the book Kindred by Octavia Butler. It's like a mix between syfy and historical fiction. I also like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

What inspired you to become a writer? Since I was a kid I've written poetry, prose, and short stories. It's how I express my emotions. I've always enjoyed creating something from my emotions and experiences. My mom is also a poet so I think I get it from her. What led me to write and publish children's fiction in particular was a need I saw. Growing up, I never saw picture book of other Black girls so I decided to change that. In many ways, writing for young children is a way for me to connect with my inner child and provide the kids today with what I needed growing up.

Ava & Mae: The Fabulous Fashion Show

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Ava & Mae are two sisters who believe they can do anything they set their minds to. Learn with Ava & Mae as they land business deals, negotiate, and make their dreams come true.

Tell us a little about how “Ava & Mae: The Fabulous Fashion Show” came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? I was a junior in college when the pandemic hit. Due to the racial reckoning of 2020, I exercised my passion for social justice and Black liberation in a bigger way. While participating in social activism, I thought of the importance of ownership and its relationship to freedom. In the United States, ownership is essential to autonomy and liberty but is systematically kept from Black Americans. After joining a startup's DE&I team, I researched the challenges that Black entrepreneurs face. As a student of Public Health and a Child Development researcher, I focused on the barriers that exist for Black children. What if we shifted our focus to encouraging entrepreneurship among children? This could increase the younger generation's interest in and enthusiasm for business ownership, ultimately leading to a shift in Black wealth. I pitched a the Ava & Mae series, a children's book series that features Black children who own businesses and develop entrepreneurial skills. What began as a college project in 2021, has grown into a multimedia brand with a reach of over 500,000 globally that offers a lens for kids to develop their potential and identity.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? I would say in the first book \"Ava & Mae own a Lemonade Stand,\" I worked closely with my editor to add some more conflict throughout the book. This made the story a bit more dynamic than it was in the first draft.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? I would say Zuri. You meet her in the second book \"Ava & Mae: The Fabulous Fashion Show.\" It's difficult, as a children's author to capture the nuances of each character within 32 pages. Sometimes it's hard to encompass all of one characters identity and self with the brevity you need in children's picture book writing. I have complete story arcs of each of these characters that readers will never see. And each character's life story has to come out in the way they show up for the 3-4 lines they get in each book.

What do you like best about being a writer? I love creating characters. It's awesome. You literally make a whole entity that other people will read about and connect to and form emotional relationships with. It's a crazy experience. I know Ava & Mae as characters mean a lot to my readers and it's an honor to be able got create that space for them.

If you could collaborate with any author, past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one-sentence blurb. I would work with Maya Angelou to create a poetic-esque picture book about a girl who sets a caged bird free.

You can follow Brittney C. Dias here -

www.facebook.com/booksbybrittd

www.instagram.com/booksbybrittd

www.tiktok.com/booksbybrittd

Brittney is giving away a paperback copy of her book – Ava and Mae: The Fabulous Fashion Show. To enter comment below --> If you can have an adventure with anyone real or fictional who would it be? What adventure would you embark upon?

(Comments are open for one week)

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Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Brittney C. Dias

Where do you call home? Brooklyn, NY

What genre(s) do you write? Children's Fiction, Poetry

Ava & Mae: The Fabulous Fashion Show

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Ava & Mae are two sisters who believe they can do anything they set their minds to. Learn with Ava & Mae as they land business deals, negotiate, and make their dreams come true.

You can follow Brittney C. Dias here -

www.facebook.com/booksbybrittd

www.instagram.com/booksbybrittd

www.tiktok.com/booksbybrittd

(Comments are open for one week)

"}}}}},"meta":{"createdDate":"2023-11-22T21:08:38.706Z","editedDate":"2023-11-23T16:02:47.216Z"}},"li_wW8LeMkHAb":{"components":{"ids":["link","text","date","image","heading"],"items":{"date":{"date":{"data":{"expression":"2023-11-09T17:00:00.000Z","value":"2023-11-09T17:00:00.000Z"}}},"heading":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"2023 Author Showcase\nChristina Rondeau","value":"2023 Author Showcase\nChristina Rondeau"}}},"image":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FCRondeau_1699499487711.png?alt=media&token=fce03646-5ec2-47c1-899d-72ae0045096c","value":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2Fsite_djMw5VD2pv%2FCRondeau_1699499487711.png?alt=media&token=fce03646-5ec2-47c1-899d-72ae0045096c"}}},"link":{"url":{"data":{"expression":"/post/{{slugify(current_item.components.items.heading.content.data.value)}}","value":"/post/2023-author-showcasechristina-rondeau"}}},"text":{"content":{"data":{"expression":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Christina Rondeau

Where do you call home? Northern RI

What genre(s) do you write? A lot of different genres , poetry, children's books, adventure novels, Fitness books

What genre(s) were you drawn to when you were younger? I enjoyed a good escape in an adventure novel. I also loved children's books and enjoyed the illustrations and when a illustrator would hide things in the book. I did the same with my two children's books. You have to find Luna bear doggie in all the pictures.

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? I really mixed it up and found myself mostly into the Janet Evanovich

What are some of your favorite books today? Pretty much the same books. Adventure, Mystery.

What inspired you to become a write? I always loved writing. From a young age I crafted poetry and wrote adventure stories.

Blessings Fron Being Bullied

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Tell us a little about how Blessings from Being Bullied came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else? This book took some courage to write because its comes from my experience as a kid in elementary school to a senior in high school. The things that happened to me made me make choices to become who I am today. Its all a true story.

Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? Nothing changed. I really dive into my books and what I start I finish with no changes. Even my novels, once I get going nothing changes.

Which character was the most challenging to create. Why? Bullied is a true story so this question I can answer more from my recent Novel that was published. ROXY GOLD is my favorite character and she is in my only series, \"The Adventures of Roxy Gold\", She is wild and fun and all over the place with her love life.

What do you like best about being a writer? Its pure enjoyment for me and an escape. I love creating things for people to enjoy.,

If you could collaborate with any author past or present, who would it be? What would the title of the book be? (If possible) - Give us a one sentence blurb. I would love for Janet and myself to write about our leads together. Roxy Gold and Stephanie Plum: \"Double Pursuit: The female Detectives Unite\"

You can follow Christina Rondeau here -

www.rkblive.com

FB - @christinarondeaucelebrity

Insta - @christinarondeaucelebrity

Christina is giving away Lottery Tickets & Coffee Basket ! Value $25 To enter, comment below. --> When you have a task you do not want to complete, what do you do to get yourself out of your doubt, and into action?

(Comments are open for one week)

","value":"

Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? Christina Rondeau

Where do you call home? Northern RI

What genre(s) do you write? A lot of different genres , poetry, children's books, adventure novels, Fitness books

What were some of your favorite books growing up? Why? I really mixed it up and found myself mostly into the Janet Evanovich

What are some of your favorite books today? Pretty much the same books. Adventure, Mystery.

What inspired you to become a write? I always loved writing. From a young age I crafted poetry and wrote adventure stories.

Blessings Fron Being Bullied

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What do you like best about being a writer? Its pure enjoyment for me and an escape. I love creating things for people to enjoy.,

You can follow Christina Rondeau here -

www.rkblive.com

FB - @christinarondeaucelebrity

Insta - @christinarondeaucelebrity

(Comments are open for one week)

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Welcome to the 2023 ARIA Author Showcase and Giveaway Event!

C.B. Giesinger will be at the Rhode Island Author Expo

On to the Showcase!

What name do you like to write under? C.B. Giesinger

Where do you call home? Central RI

Author Talk and Book Signing