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October 18, 2023
Paige Roberts

Guest/ Interview: November is Novel Writing Month and National Authors Day (1)

 

Timeliness:

October is National Book Month, LGBT History Month

November is National Novel Writing Month, National Authors Day – 1, Wolfenoot Day – 23 (This day celebrates both the Spirit of the Wolf and kindness.)

December is Read a New Book Month

 

Let’s rally your audience to celebrate National Novel Writing in November! Writing books is a tough job, takes a lot of work and is definitely a craft to be celebrated. 

 

Let me introduce you to Paige’s Pages! I’d like to offer Paige E. Ewing, author of Explosive Chemistry (November 2023, City Owl Press) for an excerpt, guest post, or interview. There’s a huge push in publishing to increase inclusivity by using diverse characters who showcase a variety of types of people, Paige and Explosive Chemistry are stepping out on a mission.

 

Let's talk about:

Climate change fiction (hopepunk, solarpunk, cli fi) – Climate change is an existential threat. Paige can talk about what wonderful things would happen if we did better and what awful things will happen if we don’t. Mixing genres – Explosive Chemistry is actually chemistry, made up of mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and even a hint of slow-burn paranormal romance. Neurodivergence – Some of us think even more differently than most. A lot of folks have the concept that having a mental difference means a person doesn’t have the same desires for companionship, or can’t be brilliant, or funny, or useful to society.  World myths – In Explosive Chemistry, we get to meet some native myths and monsters.  Cozy fantasy – Explosive Chemistry, while action-packed, has elements that make it a fun, cozy read, including personal relationships as primary stakes, a found family made up of quirky misfit characters, and even tea parties. The importance of a diverse main cast – “Nice thing about being a fiction writer who wants to change the world: it’s your world, and you can change it.” It’s important for members of the audience to be represented in all aspects, and diversity is something Paige is passionate about in her writing and in her day-to-day life.

About the Novel: Explosive Chemistry is the second installment of the Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville series. Set 30 years into a hopeful future where fossil fuels are obsolete, Liliana is a reluctant spider-kin fortune teller who is faced with the task of solving the mystery of who killed four soldiers at Fort Liberty. Follow along as Liliana bands together with irritating Fae Colonel as they defend their close friends, an oak goblin doctor and a fairy with a penchant for machine guns. Explosive Chemistry is the perfect book for readers interested in urban fantasy, Fae romance, and a touch of paranormal spiders.

 

Please let me know if you’d like to see an advance review copy or excerpt, or to be connected with the author for a Q&A. Can we set a time to introduce Paige to your audience?

United States of America

Paige writes about superheroes and sentient cities, were-spiders and gun-loving fairies, werewolves and fighter pilots. By day, Paige writes articles and technical books for O’Reilly Publishers about analytics software and data architecture. In her spare time, Paige loves to shoot arrows and throw axes and spears. She lives in the middle of Texas, and will show you far too many pictures of her garden if you let her. She once invented a way to grow food on Mars that NASA liked, and has a cute trophy to show for it. Her dogs and horses are unimpressed.

October 18, 2023
Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin

Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin is the author of Sacrifices For Kingdoms (October 24, 2023), the first book of a romance trilogy which follows the relationship between Elizabeth, a sophisticated activist, and Michael, a European Prince with hidden ambitions, as it intersects with their other loves, lives—and lies. 

 

Filled with passion, danger, and intrigue, their journey crosses continents and cultures, places and races, as they navigate secrets, societal pressures, and decisions as to which kingdom gets sacrificed. The story delves into provocative themes of love, eroticism, religion, environmentalism, and sexism, giving it extra dimension.

 

Patricia can discuss:

The importance of setting and its influence on the narrative Exploration of diverse cultural perspectives inspired by her own multicultural background and world travels The role of literature in initiating conversations around sensitive topics and how it will prompt readers to reflect on these topics in their own lives The theme of "God Has No Gender," a speech given by the protagonist that took Patricia decades to research and write The need for female equality, especially in leadership, to ensure the survival of humanity and the planet The significance of addressing controversial themes and confronting societal norms (religious discrimination, climate change, and women’s rights) within fiction

About Patricia:

She was born in Trinidad of British and French ancestry, educated there and in the UK and U.S. She started working on this novel over 30 years ago, writing the first 10 chapters in long-hand  She’s an award-winning artist, renowned for developing her “Unique Stainings On Wood” She’s still married to her high school sweetheart She did extensive research for this book (and the rest of the trilogy) She was raised staunchly Catholic, but enjoys discussing her research and stance debunking the religious patriarchal oppression of women and how culturally advanced, peaceful Goddess societies were in place long before male-dominated barbarian tribes and organized religious factions came into existence

Thank you for scheduling a conversation with this intriguing new novelist. 

 

Jill Maxick

Senior Publicist

PR by the Book 

jill@prbythebook.com

512-501-4399 ext. 711

United States

Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin was born in Trinidad of British and French ancestry. She was educated there, the UK, and the USA. She is a world traveler and an award-winning artist, famous for developing her “Unique Stainings On Wood.” Although she has composed poetry, Sacrifices For Kingdoms is her first novel. She lives in Florida with her husband, and she has three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

October 17, 2023
Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN

Just in time for American Diabetes Month, World Vegan Month, and Good Nutrition Month (November) comes The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook (HCI, Oct. 24, 2023) by Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN—a plant-forward culinary nutritionist, classically trained chef, and award-winning cookbook author. 

 

Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States: more than 11% of the population is living with diabetes, and 38% of U.S. adults have pre-diabetes. A diet featuring fruits and vegetables is a key component in preventing and treating both conditions. The key to such a diet being successful? Full-flavored recipes with fresh, modern appeal (that won’t take you all day to prep); a wide variety of menus and plant-based recipes (main dishes, party apps, salads, soups, desserts, drinks, snacks, bowls and skillet meals); and helpful tips that will appeal to all eaters, not just vegetarians. 

 

Interview Jackie, an experienced media spokesperson, on these topics and more:

The facts and stats of the diabetes epidemic How plant-based eating can fit into a diabetes eating plan and increase longevity Benefits of plant-based eating beyond diabetes management Plant-based ingredient swaps Recipes for upcoming holiday meals and parties 100s of helpful tips that will appeal to all eaters, not just vegetarians  How a plant-based eating plan can be healthier than a meat-based diet for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes since it may help: Reduce blood pressure; Boost antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits; Promote a healthy gut microbiome; Support weight loss/management; Improve blood sugar management and insulin sensitivity; and Reduce cardiovascular disease risk and improve lipid profile

Find more info on Jackie Newgent and her latest cookbook here. Digital ARCs are available on NetGalley and print review copies are available by request. 

 

Let me know how we can help you with a story on plant-based eating for better health–an evergreen topic! 

US

Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, is a plant-forward culinary nutritionist, classically trained chef, award-winning cookbook author, professional recipe developer, media personality, spokesperson, and food writer. She’s the author of six cookbooks, including The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook, 1,000 Low-Calorie Recipes, and her latest, The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook. 

 

Jackie is a Forbes Health Advisory Board member and contributor to Diabetes Food Hub. She is a former national media spokesperson for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and cooking instructor at The Institute of Culinary Education. Jackie has made guest appearances on dozens of television news shows, including Good Morning America. She resides in Brooklyn, New York. For more, visit jackienewgent.com.

October 17, 2023
Chris Grosso and Preston Fassel

Did you know that horror movies can be healing? (What?) It turns out that horror—a genre concerned with death—teaches us a lot about being alive.

 

Necessary Death: What Horror Movies Teach Us About Navigating the Human Experience (HCI, October 31, 2023, yes, Halloween)—by horror aficionados and acclaimed writers Chris Grosso and Preston Fassel—looks at your favorite horror franchises through the lens of self-help and empowerment. 

 

Interview Chris and Preston on:

Why we love horror and what that tells us about ourselves How horror movies can help us with issues we face in our everyday lives  The intersection of pop culture and self help Facing the monsters within and learning to fight external dark forces What fear of dying can teach us about living

More information about the authors and book can be found here. Find a digital review copy of the book here or read a sampler of the book here. Print review copies are available by request. 

 

Both accomplished authors, Chris works in counseling while Preston is well-known in the horror genre community. Their combined expertise provides a unique perspective and many valuable and practical takeaways. 

 

Thank you for considering both or either them as guests!

 

Jill Maxick

PR by the Book

jill@prbythebook.com

512-501-4399 x711

US

CHRIS GROSSO is an artist, counselor, writer, and film producer with Fourth Media. He is the author of Indie Spiritualist, Everything Mind, Dead Set On Living, and the children’s book, I Love Drums (co-written with Mark O’Connell of Taking Back Sunday). You can usually find him in San Diego up to some kind of spirited mischief.

 

PRESTON FASSEL is an award-winning novelist and journalist whose work has appeared in Fangoria, Rue Morgue, and Screem Magazine. The author of Our Lady of the Inferno, winner of the 2019 Independent Publishers’ Award for Horror, and Landis: The Story of a Real Man on 42nd Street, nominated for the 2022 Rondo Hatton Award for Book of the Year, he has a BS in psychology from Sam Houston State University. 

October 17, 2023
Barron Ryan

Composer Barron Ryan was recognized by Smithsonian Magazine as a Top 10 Innovator for his capacity to take inspiration from a narrative, discover its melody, and communicate a story through music.

 

Honey, If It Wasn’t For You is the true story of a song written by Barron Ryan and Don Feagin. Don, a professional songwriter, wrote the words and Barron wrote the music. But this wasn’t your average collaboration. That’s because Don died in 1981—six years before Barron was even born.

 

Barron releases his original work without copyright. He gives it as an offering, with the hope that it will make the world a better place. When the work of writing or recording is finished, he prefers the results be enjoyed by any who might be edified by them. He made this ‘videobook’ of Honey, If It Wasn’t for You in that spirit: https://youtu.be/bEkL7ctysHI?si=rN4GRwswPF3J_Td_

 

Interview Barron Ryan on:

The transcendent power of music to connect people 3 reasons to give your ideas away (his unique philosophy of art, beauty and authorship and why he releases work without copyright) The process of putting music to a love song that was written for a wife by a husband who could no longer sing it How the story of Don and Linda Feagin’s marriage inspired Barron beyond his expectations Why beauty matters in everyday life How to not starve as an artist … eventually The songwriting process: from big ideas to little choices How to defy categories as an artist How a pianist transitioned to also being a writer

More information on Barron and the book can be found here. A digital review copy, audio file of the song, and downloadable press materials can be found here. If you’d prefer a print review copy, please let me know. 

 

Thank you for talking to Barron about innovation, the creative process, and the love story he was chosen to tell. 

 

Jill Maxick

PR by the Book

jill@prbythebook.com

512-501-4399 x711

US

The son of two musicians, Barron Ryan grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Motown. In his own work, he combines those disparate influences into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

Barron seemed destined for a career in music. He began piano lessons at age four with his father, then excelled in performing throughout middle and high schools and as a piano performance major at The University of Oklahoma. But it was only after an international concert tour—the result of winning a piano competition—that Barron found his artistic voice. He discovered the joy of jazz and ragtime-inspired concert music and endeavored to fill the void of funk, pop, and country-inspired classical music. Following his unique muse, Barron has released four albums. 

In 2021, Barron wrote a commissioned piece for piano trio entitled My Soul Is Full of Troubles to commemorate the 1921 massacre in Tulsa, OK. Smithsonian Magazine took note and named him one of Ten Innovators to Watch in 2021.

As was the practice of his favorite composers, Barron publishes his original works in the public domain—offering his work as a gift to the world, and as a chance to collaborate with artists from around the globe. Honey, If It Wasn’t For You is his first book. 

October 17, 2023
Heather C. Markham

If, in your 30s, you learned that you had a progressive disease that was soon going to take away your ability to walk (and to do most things without assistance)—how would you respond? 

 

Interview Heather C. Markham, author of Rough Waters: From Surviving to Thriving with a Progressive Muscular Dystrophy, to learn how her response shows all of us:

How to change priorities and personal goals—and open new opportunities in the process Why you need to find your team—those people who’ll be there to help you navigate times of change and adversity and challenge you to do more with your life How to overcome limits, which Heather believes are only in your mind

Heather can also speak about:

The difficult challenges of traveling with a disability—but why it’s amazingly worth it Different types of adapted driving systems and adaptive technologies The importance of advocating for yourself and trusting your own voice The limitations of the ADA, in practice What everyday life on a power wheelchair really looks like 

Press materials and a digital review copy is available here. Print review copies are available by request. 

 

Let me know when we can connect you with Heather - her insight and attitude makes for a phenomenal interview. 

 

Jill Maxick

PR by the Book

jill@prbythebook.com

US

Heather C. Markham is an engineer, assistive technology professional, public speaker, competitive Para Surfer, educator, ADA architectural barriers specialist, golfer, and award-winning international photographer. 

 

Her company, Making Waves for Good, launched in 2018 as an umbrella for a variety of ventures including publishing and photographic projects and to help companies solve disability access problems they didn't know they had—not just staying within ADA code but looking beyond it to make the world more accessible and usable for all.

 

Heather currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her super snuggly Maine coon cat.

October 17, 2023
Emmanuel Laroche

In Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door, food and beverage industry executive and creator and host of the podcast “Flavors Unknown,” Emmanuel Laroche, speaks with some of the nation’s top chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists. He finds the common threads among these culinary masters and shares their take on food culture, heritage, leadership, and creativity. 

 

Interview Emmanuel Laroche on:

Tradition vs Innovation: How to balance cultural heritage with food creativity How his process of turning podcast stories into a written book fueled a journey of self-discovery and a renewed passion for culinary experimentation The challenge of balancing creativity, technique, and productivity in the kitchen How to incorporate international flavors into home cooking, merging them seamlessly into your everyday dishes 7 simple practices that demystify the process of weaving multicultural flavors into your cooking

I hope you’ll consider sharing the insights from Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door with your audience. More information about Emmanuel Laroche and his book, including talking points and sample questions, can be found here. Find a digital review copy of the book here; print review copies are available by request. 

Please let me know when we can schedule Emmanuel!

 

Jill Maxick

Senior Publicist

PR by the Book

jill@prbythebook.com

512-501-4399 x711

United States

EMMANUEL LAROCHE is VP of Marketing with Symrise North America, a global manufacturer of flavors for the food and beverage industry. There, he developed an exclusive partnership with StarChefs and began moderating panel discussions with successful culinary professionals. 

He hosts the popular podcast “Flavors Unknown”, featuring a series of conversations with acclaimed and award-winning chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists from around the United States. 

Born and raised in France, Emmanuel lives in New Jersey and travels around the country conducting tastings and giving lectures and presentations on food, flavors, ingredients and consumer trends.

October 16, 2023
Jeanne Collins

I’m contacting you with a segment idea about one woman who faced a maelstrom of shattering challenges, embarked on a total "redesign" inside and out, and wound up more satisfied and successful than she could have dreamed.  

Big idea: There's nothing wrong with looking at life as a metaphor, especially if it's a metaphor of building a house, from the foundation to the framing to the rooms inside. That's how Jeanne Collins was able to leave hardship and pain behind and build her own "house on a hill."  

Why it matters: Surviving — and thriving — is a universal story, to be sure. But in this case, the narrator has found a way to turn her own story of how she reconstructed her own life and career into universal lessons that provide an inspiring foundation for anyone seeking change.   

Key messages: Author and award-winning interior designer Jeanne Collins shares her strategies for creating lives filled with love, passion and success, using the art of building and design as a working metaphor. As Collins observes, women need to pick up their own tools and construct the space for themselves. All they need are some plans and inspiration.  

The author can also discuss:

• How to lay a strong foundation by doing the work to address the pain of the past.

• How to build seven power pillars to support yourself, from mindfulness to self-prioritizing.

• How to put up the right kind of walls against those costly time-wasters that get us nowhere.

• How to curate a toolkit of resources to calm the mind, like tapping, journaling and music. 

• How to build wellness and emotional connection into your own home.

The source: Jeanne Collins is an award-winning interior designer who left the corporate world behind to find her true self through design and internal reflection. Her firm, JerMar Designs, works with executives and entrepreneurs, focusing on projects that combine sophistication and balance with inner and outer wellness. Winner of the 2022 Luxe Magazine Red Award, she was also recently nominated as an HGTV Designer of the Year. She chronicles her journey and the approach that changed her life and work in her memoir, Two Feet In: Lessons from an All-In Life. Learn more at JerMarDesigns.com.

Please let me know if you’d like me to send you Jeanne Collins' new book: Two Feet In: Lessons from an All-In Life or set up an interview with her.   

Best Regards, 
 

David Lewis
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists
845-679-2188
 
United States

Jeanne Collins is an award-winning interior designer who left the corporate world behind to find her true self through design and internal reflection. Her firm, JerMar Designs, works with executives and entrepreneurs, focusing on projects that combine sophistication and balance with inner and outer wellness. Winner of the 2022 Luxe Magazine Red Award, she was also recently nominated as an HGTV Designer of the Year. She chronicles her journey and the approach that changed her life and work in her memoir, Two Feet In: Lessons from an All-In Life. Learn more at JerMarDesigns.com.

October 15, 2023
Brandon Leibowitz

I have been involved with digital marketing since 2007.

I want to share my knowledge about SEO, Social Media Marketing, and Google Ads with your audience.

You can listen to previous podcasts I did at https://seooptimizers.com/podcast

I will share the podcast recording with my social media following (100k) and email subscriber list (25k)

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United States

Brandon Leibowitz runs and operate SEO Optimizers since 2007. We are a digital marketing company that focuses on helping small and medium-sized businesses get more online traffic, which in turn converts into clients, sales, leads, etc.