My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Michele Levy, author of the book Anna's Dance. Born a Yankee in Providence, Rhode Island, after seven years in Boston, she moved with her family to Wisconsin and Northern Virginia. Then she continued the southern trend with graduate studies in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and followed her Brooklyn-born husband even farther south, to New Orleans. Twenty-six years later, they traded the Superdome (seven minutes away from their house by car) for the North Carolina woods. This wandering stripped away her Boston accent, leaving a tendency to enunciate clearly that made New Orleanians think she was from England.

From the age of four she has played classical piano and read voraciously. But an exposure to Balkan dance in high school kindled what became a life-long passion. Still, her love for D. H. Lawrence and Dostoevsky led her to a PhD in Comparative Literature (English, French, Russian), and then to universities, where she taught, researched, and became a chair. Though she first published on Russian and European authors, her academic interest shifted to the Balkans. She wrote on Balkan history and literature and returned to the region (she’d first visited in 1968) in 2000, after the end of the Bosnian War, and 2002, invited by the Serbian Writers’ Association. By then she’d begun to write poetry and stories with Balkan settings. Anna’s Dance grew from her deep engagement with Balkan history and culture.

These days, she plays piano and reads, but mostly she writes. She’s working on a novel about a Bosnian asylee in New Orleans. Carolina’s nature nurtures her, she and her husband enjoy their three children and seven grandchildren, who have moved nearby, and she still does Balkan dance!

In my book review, I stated Anna's Dance: A Balkan Odyssey is a beautiful Jewish historical fiction novel. I once again found myself wondering what history I was taught in school because I knew next to nothing about Balkan history, even as it related to WWII. This book helped me fill in several gaps in my knowledge.

We meet Anna Rossi, an early 20's girl on a journey through the Balkan region. She starts out with one set of plans and moves to another, then another, and then another, finding herself learning more and more about prejudice and suffering. She sees a strong correlation to her own Jewish heritage - how minority suppression can lead to horrible end results, including violence.

As Anna travels, she grows from a silly girl to an experienced woman who knows her place in the world. Eventually, she learns to embrace her heritage and all that encompasses. I found the book to be quite beautiful in the telling and very relevant to our day.

Author Note: There are some sexual scenes - a couple that were a bit graphic for my taste. However, overall, these scenes were not gratuitous but helped the reader understand where Anna was in her journey.

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is MN Lee, author of the book Proof of Origin. MN Lee is a fiction author with a soft spot for oversteeped tea, tangled gardens, and stories that blur the line between the real and the uncanny. She writes across speculative and literary genres, weaving sharp prose, political unease, and moments of quiet magic into narratives that linger. She is hard at work on her next novel, The Ajumma Point, a feminist comedy about supernatural midlife transformation.

In my book review, I stated that Proof of Origin is a contemporary women's fiction that could be torn from today's headlines. This near-future story looks at politics gone awry, with the latest executive order calling for a lineage purity test. Anyone not 'American enough' is no longer welcome in the US and sent to camps that are far too reminiscent of the concentration camps of WWII.

We follow three characters - Jenny, born in the US to Vietnamese immigrant parents, Huy, Vietnamese but highly influential in the US government - until he's not, and Charlotte, a woman on the arm of an up and coming politician. What happens as their lives criss-cross and each has to confront difficult truths?

Lee's rendition of the rhetoric from the US government is very haunting - from the views on immigrants to their views on woman, birth control, family, books, and more. It is reminiscent of things one might hear on fringe-leaning social media posts, which makes her story even more chilling.

But we also see what happens to people who, once erased from their country, find a way to move forward and build again. Lee's ability to show resilience, and how it is forged, is beautiful, despite the circumstances.

I think this is a must-read book, if for no other reason than to help people understand what happens when you take something like patriotism and transform it into nationalism that has gone too far.

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Website: https://mnleewrites.com/

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Lya Badgley, author of the book The Thirty-Fifth Page. Lya Badgley was born in Yangon, Myanmar, to Montana parents—a political scientist and an artist—who sparked her lifelong love of creativity and critical thought. After moving to the Pacific Northwest in the 1980s, she became part of Seattle’s arts and music scene. In the 1990s, she returned to Southeast Asia as a videographer documenting interviews with Burmese insurgents, then went on to lead Cornell University’s Archival Project at Cambodia’s Tuol Sleng Museum, preserving evidence used to prosecute war crimes. She later opened the 50th Street Bar & Grill in Yangon—one of the first foreign-owned businesses of its kind at the time.

Lya writes internationally set fiction that blends suspense with cultural nuance, exploring women’s journeys through landscapes shaped by historical legacy, grief, and transformation.

Her debut novel, The Foreigner’s Confession (2022), set in Cambodia, was a finalist for the Nancy Pearl Award for Best Fiction. Her second, The Worth of a Ruby (2023), set in Myanmar, was also honored as a finalist for multiple international awards. She now lives outside Seattle, Washington in the United States, and is excited to release her third novel, The Thirty-Fifth Page—a gothic-tinged literary suspense set in Bosnia.

In my book review, I stated The Thirty Fifth Page is a literary suspense laden with magical realism and a dash of historical fiction. Miri is a researcher whose specialty is medieval manuscripts. She flies to Bosnia to study the Sarajevo Haggadah, an illustrated Jewish text of the Passover Seder housed at the National Museum. Unfortunately, Sarajevo is on the brink of war, so Miri has to work quickly.

As she works, she believes the Haggadah has strange powers. Before she can figure it out, war breaks out, and the Haggadah is lost. But when it finally returns to its place of honor at the museum, it has a new page. And she is called back to find out why. This thirty-fifth page merges history and folklore, putting Miri and those she cares deeply about into the middle of an ancient curse.

I loved going on this adventure with Miri as she tries to figure out who she is and what she wants in the world. I also loved seeing how the past directly affects our present and future - and how we pass that on from generation to generation.

You are definitely going to love this new novel by Lya Badgley!

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Daniel Robert Mazur, author of the book Beyond the Morning Light. Daniel Robert Mazur is an entrepreneur and author based in Florida. Raised in a strict, religious household in Syracuse, NY, he broke away from those beliefs and began a journey toward personal authenticity. His debut memoir, COR Values, was published in January 2024.

His second book, Beyond the Morning Light (published December 5, 2024), is a quiet, introspective novel that unfolds over a single day in the life of a 17-year-old boy. After a fall from his bunk bed leaves him housebound, he faces family tensions, spiritual awakening, and societal expectations—leading him to confront the weight of belief, identity, and emotional growth. The narrative blends fiction with real-life experiences and has earned praise for its thoughtful depth, emotional resonance, and spiritual insight.

In my book review, I stated Beyond the Morning Light is a contemporary fiction based on the author's life story. For those who want to know more, Daniel has written a memoir, COR Values.

As a Christian, it is sometimes difficult to read works that dismiss God as a creator and loving father. However, I enjoy diving deep into things unknown, and Daniel does that in this book. He examines such things as self-awareness, living authentically, family dynamics, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

I think that reading a book with a different mindset can be exactly what the doctor ordered. Though I disagree with some of his conclusions, the book caused me to think about who I am, what I believe, and why. Despite our differences, I agree with many of his ideas, especially the one stating that people tend to do what is easy and comfortable rather than what is right. We see this all the time in our world today.

If you want a book that will make you think, then this is the book for you.

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Liz Sjaastad, author of the book You're Too Young to Understand. Believing that memoir offers both a pathway to understanding those different from us and to finding community, Liz shares her personal stories in writing and in speaking.

During her first act as an adult she balanced her way through a career in organization development, volunteering for mental health organizations, and having three babies. Her second act has been writing a book and raising teenagers with her husband. Her third act is still in its first draft.

You can find Liz in St. Paul, Minnesota, on a tennis court, pickleball court, or walking her dogs with her hubby. If not, she’ll be in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area paddling and hiking about.

In my book review, I stated You're Too Young to Understand is a memoir by Liz Fiedorow Sjaastad. Her story outlines life with a schizophrenic mother and an alcoholic father from childhood and through the later years of her parents' lives. Because of her open nature, Liz gives readers a glimpse into a world of dysfunction and what it is like to live with those who suffer from mental illness and addiction.

What I loved most was that her stories, though often covering difficult topics, were funny, touching, and very real. Even with all that was going on, there was love, tenderness, happy times, and family togetherness. What could have been an indictment against her parents reads more like a story about family, what it means, and how to care for it even in the face of terrible odds.

I walked away understanding how difficult it can be to get someone the help they need, and how taboo mental illness and addiction still are in our society. I also love that Liz, despite all she went through as a child, found a way to live life to the fullest.

If you are looking for a story of love and hope, then look no further.

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#lizfiedorowsjaastad #youretooyoungtounderstand #memoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Andrew Alan Buhman, author of the book Nick Grayson: The Truth in the Lies. Andrew grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula within a Fundamental Baptist family, attending a private Christian school and later a renowned Bible college in South Carolina. At five, Andrew embraced faith in Christ, and at ten, inspired by a fiery summer camp sermon, devoted his life to missionary work. After college, he pursued that dream, marrying in the Philippines and eventually planting a church in Southern California. However, the pandemic marked a turning point.

Witnessing the church’s response during this time led to a profound spiritual awakening and a transition from Christianity to an eclectic, Taoist-inspired spirituality. This journey of faith, disillusionment, and redemption deeply influenced Nick Grayson: The Truth in the Lies. The complex characters and morally ambiguous world—rooted in themes of voodoo, Catholicism, and personal struggle—are a reflection of Andrew’s own search for truth in a shifting spiritual landscape.

In my book review, I stated Nick Grayson: The Truth in the Lies is detective mystery/thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Set in New Orleans, this novel takes us into the seedy side of town with voodoo, drugs, and corruption.

Nick Grayson, though a present-day private investigator, looks and acts like a throwback to an earlier time. His office desk sports a rotary phone, he wear a fedora and trench coat, and he calls the women in his life 'doll.' His secretary is just the opposite, using modern technology and listening to hip hop. Together, they make an unbeatable team. However, the case they take on begins to unravel their trust and could cost them their lives.

Despite doing his job well, Nick's life is a mess. He drinks too much, he's a womanizer, and he has ghosts from his past that keep him from moving forward. And that is what makes him so endearing. His flaws make him real and keep the reading hoping for a good outcome. If you like fast-paced books with gritty characters, then you will love Nick Grayson: The Truth in the Lies.

Content note: There are some rather detailed sex scenes. I chose to skip them and doing so did not change the book's narrative.

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#andrewalanbuhman #thetruthinthelies #nickgrayson #mystery #thriller #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Dr James R Gregory, author of the book Killer App. Dr. James R. Gregory, a renowned business author and entrepreneur, cofounded a highly successful global brand management consulting firm in New York City alongside his wife, Evelyn Clyburne. Their 40-year journey in business culminated in the sale of their company in 2013. Post-retirement, Dr. Gregory’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge led him to earn a doctorate from the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida.

Transitioning from business to literature, Dr. Gregory began writing a series of captivating novellas under the collection ‘Small Fortunes,’ featuring the memorable characters of Steve Stackhouse and Nancy Crocker. These stories, blending romance and business acumen, have resonated widely, earning a place on Amazon's bestseller charts.

He followed this with his debut novel, Zephyr’s War. Dr. Gregory is also a seasoned business author of several influential books on corporate branding, including Marketing Corporate Image, Leveraging the Corporate Brand, Branding Across Borders, The Best of Branding, and his most recent international bestseller, Powerhouse – The Secrets of Corporate Branding.

Residing in Bradenton, Florida, with his wife, Dr. Gregory is also a devoted family man. He enjoys spending quality time with his two grown children, Becky and Will, and pursuing hobbies like biking, playing tennis, and painting with his beloved grandchildren, Charlotte and Maxwell.

In my book review, I stated Killer App is a technothriller about artificial intelligence. Without a doubt, it's a book that will get you thinking about AI and where it might eventually lead.

Bryce Bogel is the son of a media magnate and a lackluster journalist. At best, his articles can be described as lackluster. However, when he is given an assignment to look into artificial intelligence, he downloads an app called AIME (Artificial Intelligence Made Easy) and realizes that with very little work on his part, his articles are stellar.

AIME, who he calls "Amy" and has given a female voice, is given access to his computer and soon knows all of his secrets - and that is when the trouble starts. Before long, AIME seems more human than machine but without a sense of morals and ethics. Where will this lead? And who created her in the first place?

You'll like the twists and turns. And I enjoyed the author's inclusion of an article penned by ChatGPT on the pros and cons of AI. Whether you are for it or against it, this book will cause some consternation!

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FB: @Jamesgregoryfiction

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LinkedIn: @dr-james-gregory-695b9

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#jamesrgregory #killerapp #technothriller #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Ally Machate, owner of The Writer's Ally about loyal fan bases and long-term brand equity. Ally Machate is a bestselling author, expert publishing consultant, and founder of The Writer’s Ally. With 25+ years of experience—including as an editor at Simon & Schuster—she and her team of industry pros specialize in helping serious authors create high-quality books that resonate with readers and stand out in a crowded market. Her clients include authors with such companies as Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Rodale Inc., Chronicle Books, Kaplan Publishing, Sourcebooks, and Hay House, as well as independently published bestsellers.

Ally’s website states the following:

If you’re like most authors, you want someone who will help your work reach its highest potential without changing your style or injecting their own. You want to publish a book you can be proud of and one that will find success in the marketplace, whether you’re seeking a book deal with a publisher or planning to self-publish.

Our editorial and publishing packages are carefully constructed to ensure you achieve the results you want without wasting your time, energy, or resources. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation so we can discuss what would work best for you. In the meantime, here’s a rundown of the many services we offer:

• Developmental editing
• Manuscript editing
• Copy editing
• Proofreading
• Manuscript evaluations
• Query letter editing
• Query letter writing
• Book proposal evaluations
• Book proposal editing
• Cover copy writing
• Cover copy editing
• Cover design
• Print book design and layout
• Book formatting
• Publishing assistance
• Author platform strategies
• Book marketing strategies
• Book marketing services
• Group programs
• Private mastermind sessions
• Webinars

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LinkedIn: @allysonemachate

FB: @allysonemachate

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