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Today I continue my conversation with author Stefanie Santone. We have a very open conversation about our struggles with mental wellness - and the important part that writing, reading, and stories have played in helping us in our journey. This is a topic that I have wanted to discuss for awhile, and I am grateful that Stefanie was willing to be open with her journey. We also talk about her nickname "The Mindful Scribe" - and how she came to claim it! I hope that you will be inspired to keep creating, to be kind to yourself, and if you need help I hope that there is a friend or counselor you can reach out to.

Buy Stefanie's brand new book "Tangled Magic" here: https://shop.stefaniesantone.com/ and find out ways to connect with Stefanie!

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction:

01:00 Our Mental Health Journey

23:37 The Mindful Scribe

30:20 Future writing plans

32:00 Wrapping up

Books Mentioned:

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

Wonder Woman

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Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey
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Hello bookworms! Today I have the privilege of sitting down with author Stefanie Santone. She's just published a book called "Tangled Magic" - and it's the first book in a new urban fantasy mystery series.

In Part 1 of my interview, the chaos runs strong: In this fun and wide-ranging episode, Stefanie shares her writing journey—from being inspired by Star Wars to crafting magical stories of her own. We talk about everything from reading and writing to our favorite shows like Star Wars and Star Trek. We explore how she handles bad reviews, pets, and writing tips for new authors. Then we end part 1 chatting about the differences of viewing stories with enthusiasm vs criticism.

Stay tuned for Part 2 coming out next week - we dig deep into a more serious topic and explore mental health and how it impacts creativity. You won't want to miss it!

Buy "Tangled Magic" here: https://shop.stefaniesantone.com/ and find out ways to connect with Stefanie!

Books and shows mentioned:

Lamb, by Christopher Moore

Star Wars legacy books

Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Star Wars

Star Trek The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager

Star Trek Lower Decks

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and channel updates

03:12 Getting to Know Stefanie Santone

09:34 Writing Journey but actually we just talk about Star Wars and Star Trek

21:57 “Tangled Magic” and other distracted conversations

34:12 Enthusiasm vs Critical Reading

37:33 Wrap Up Part 1

#booktube #authorinterview #indieauthor

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There are 4 ways you can help support the channel!

-Like and subscribe!
-I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey
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- My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3
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Find Me Online:

Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/
Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey
Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe
Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey
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Today on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I sit down with fantasy author M.T. Solomon to discuss her latest release, "Liar Queen" – the exciting first book in an all-new fantasy trilogy! At the beginning of the episode I also give a quick update on my podcast, this channel, and life in general.

We then explore her writing journey—from her dreams of being a writer that began as a young child, to an adult making that dream a reality. She opens up about the joys and challenges of writing, finding inspiration from the world around you, and the pros and cons of traditional vs. indie publishing - and how that led her to become the first author to be published by Golden Scales Publishing!

You'll also hear:

📚 Her favorite books to recommend

✍️ Her best writing advice for aspiring authors

👑 A behind-the-scenes look at "Liar Queen" – and what to expect next!

Whether you're a fan of epic fantasy, an aspiring author, or just love hearing about the creative process, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Links: M. T. Solomon's website: https://themtsolomon.wordpress.com/

Buy Liar Queen and support small bookstores: https://bookshop.org/a/56283/9798991530309 (affiliate link)

Golden Scales Publishing: https://goldenscalespublishing.com/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and life update and channel update

04:45 Introducing MT Solomon

13:37 M. T. Solomon’s Writing Journey

17:56 All About “Liar Queen”

23:11 Joys and Challenges of her Writing Journey

25:49 Writing Advice 30:42 Publishing Independent vs traditional

33:47 Future Plans

Books Mentioned:

Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid’s Tale.

Ellis, Samantha. Take Courage.

O'Meara, Mallory. The Lady from the Black Lagoon.

Solomon, M.T. All the Fragile Hearts.

Solomon, M.T. The Liar Queen.

Solomon, M.T. Whispers in the Dark.

#booktube #podcast #romantasy #fantasybooks #TheBookshelfOdyssey #FantasyAuthorInterview #RomantasyBooks #BookPodcast #WomenWhoWrite #WritingJourney #IndieAuthor #PodcastClip #AuthorInterview #FantasyBookLovers

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There are 4 ways you can help support the channel!

-Like and subscribe!
-I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey
-Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod
- My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3
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Find Me Online:

Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/
Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey
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Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey
Twitter: @odyssey_podcast
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In today's episode I speak with author Nat Bickel! She was just written and published a new YA novel called "The Catalyst". We discuss some favorite books, her writing journey, and the highs and lows of self publishing!

"Kelynn Sanders has a head full of dreams almost as overwhelming as the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. She can't contain it nor control it. The constant swimming of what ifs, wants, aspirations, and the possible failure of it all causes her to black out. She tries her best to push her thoughts into a mystical opal necklace, but it only keeps her episodes temporarily at bay. Her loss of consciousness sometimes lasts for more than eight hours at a time, which only puts her life on hold, until she meets Clayto
When Clayton Fogerty enters into her world on a bet, he soon becomes the only thing that clears her head. He makes life bearable, her thoughts understandable and realistic, but Clayton has a secret. He has Kelynn's opal necklace through which he's able to watch her biggest dreams play out before his eyes like a movie. He uses his access to her thoughts to his advantage, boosting her confidence and creating scenarios that seem like coincidences to really push her into what he thinks she wants out of life."

Find Nat online: https://www.natmosfear.com/

Get "The Catalyst" https://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-Nat-Bickel/dp/B0DFK9337B/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=rRaqr&content-id=amzn1.sym.05575cf6-d484-437c-b7e0-42887775cf30&pf_rd_p=05575cf6-d484-437c-b7e0-42887775cf30&pf_rd_r=143-6100496-5366316&pd_rd_wg=E3iHG&pd_rd_r=db8ee681-0a6c-4c36-8bdc-23358dd3f80b&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction

01:45 Favorite Authors and Book Recommendations

03:33 What Inspires You To Tell Stories

05:55 Book Discussion on The Catalyst (no spoilers)
We also discuss her writing journey and what was it like to self puplish

Books Mentioned:
Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick

Christine Hannah The Nightingale

Greta Gerwig Little Women

____________

There are 4 ways you can help support the channel!

-Like and subscribe!
-I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey
-Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod
- My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3
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Find Me Online:

Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/
Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey
Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe
Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey
Twitter: @odyssey_podcast
Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast

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In today's episode, I sit and have a fun conversation with authors Heidi O'Barr and returning guest Jessica Thompson! Secrets will be revealed! They will shock you!... Ok maybe not, but I had a delightful time discusing the joys of reading and writing with two cozy mystery writers. They have a new collection of cozy mystery short stories out just in time for Halloween. Watch our conversation today and then run out and get their new collection: A Graveyard of Secrets!

Books Mentioned:
Drinker of Ink by Shannon Castleton
Locked in Time, Lois Duncan
Killers of a Certain Age, by Deanna Raybourn
The Cupcake Company Baker’s Manual by Heidi O’Barr
Beyond the Woods
Bippity, Boppity, Boots
A Graveyard of Secrets

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and What we’ve been reading
04:34 How did you become a writer, what do you write
10:31 Jessica’s stories and upcoming projects
16:55 Heidi’s challenges and joys of writing
20:55 Jessica’s Writing Process
21:50 Reading while younger - and some cool library stories
31:43 Future plans for Heidi, Jessica, and more

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There are 4 ways you can help support the channel!
-Like and subscribe!
-I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey
-Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod
- My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3
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Find Me Online:
Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/
Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey
Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe
Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey
Twitter: @odyssey_podcast
Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast


#booktube #podcast #authortube

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There are 4 ways you can help support the channel!

-Like and subscribe!
-I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey
-Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod
- My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3
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Find Me Online:

Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/
Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey
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Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey
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In today's story I interview Mary Kendall, the author of "Bottled Secrets of Rosewood", how her experiences inspire her creativity, and we discuss our favorite authors including Louise Penny, Alan Bradley, and more! If you need more books to add to your TBR, listen to this episode today!

Find Mary and her book online here: https://www.marykendallauthor.com/

"After an archeological dig at Rosewood, Miranda's historic house, unearths an ancient blue bottle of questionable origin, it seems to trigger the occurrence of inexplicable and mysterious events. While Brian, the head archeologist, and his team try to figure out the mystery behind the blue bottle, disturbing encounters with the local folks leave Miranda shaken and unsure of the isolated, coastal corner of Virginia where she has moved. In fact, it seems that there are forces at hand trying to oust Miranda from Rosewood with the bottle at the root of it all. When she is awakened one night by an eerie glow at her window and finds a circle of fire around her property, she must decide. Should she leave her dream house or stay--and potentially pay the ultimate price?"

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction, What are You Reading
11:25 Bottled Secrets of Rosewood
15:55 Growing up in old and haunted houses and the things that inspiring creativity
31:35 Her book journey, advice, and more



#podcast #books #reading recommendations

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There are 4 ways you can help support the channel!

-Like and subscribe!
-I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey
-Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod
- My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3
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Find Me Online:

Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/
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Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey
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In today's episode, I interview author Felicity Green. She is the author of the Scottish Witches Cozy Mystery Series. Her books are an excellent choice if you want some witchy cozy mysteries to read this October! Not only do we also explore her author journey from actress to author, we also end up talking about a lot of great cozy mysteries! So get ready to add to your TBR list with this fun episode!

Find Felicity Green online: https://felicitygreenauthor.com/

Books Mentioned
Famous Five series and Twins of St. Clare by Enid Blyton
Books by Kelley Armstrong
Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris
Paige Shelton Scottish Bookshop Mysteries
Amanda Flower Magical Garden Series
Harry Dresden Series by Jim Butcher
Shady Hollows series by Juneau Black
Beacon Bakeshop Series by Darci Hannah
Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton

Time Stamps
00:00 The Scottish Witches Mystery Series
08:30 Author Journey
13:29 Favorite Books
15:30 The Story Behind the Witch's Story
18:20 Challenges
21:37 Book Recommendations, Cozies, and yummy treats

#podcast #booktube #cozymystery #authorinterview

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There are 4 ways you can help support the channel!

-Like and subscribe!
-I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey
-Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod
- My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3
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Find Me Online:

Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/
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Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey
Twitter: @odyssey_podcast
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Hello Bookworms! Have you ever wondered what goes into writing a retelling of a classics story, legend, or myth? I discuss that topic and more with our guest today, author Jeanne Blasberg. She has written the book "Daughter of a Promise", and it is a modern day retelling of the Biblical story of David and Bathsheba. We talk about how different the story is seen in the modern "me too" movement, what goes into writing a retelling, and the powerful connection our myths and legends have to our stories today.

Find Jeanne Blasberg online: https://jeanneblasberg.com/

Get her book here: https://jeanneblasberg.com/books/daughter-of-a-promise/

Books Mentioned/Discussed:
"James" by Percival Everett (bookshop.org affiliate link)

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (bookshop.org affiliate link)

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There are 4 ways you can help support the channel!

-Like and subscribe!
-I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey
-Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod
- My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3
_____________

Find Me Online:

Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/
Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey
Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe
Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey
Twitter: @odyssey_podcast
Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast