Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Barbara J. Taylor, on air form April 30th
Barbara J. Taylor, author of Rain Breaks No Bones Set in 1955, this final installment in Taylor’s best-selling Scranton Trilogy explores a family’s legacy of loss and a sometimes mystical vision of a better tomorrow.
Though the novels are connected, they each stand alone.
Born and raised in Scranton, PA, Barbara J. Taylor sets her novels in the hometown she loves and fills them with miners, evangelists, vaudevillians, nuns, gangsters, prostitutes, widows, musicians, dreamers, and a seer or two.
EVERYBODY HAS SECRETS. EVEN THE DEAD.
Fifty-year-old Violet has had a good life. The love of an honest man. The joys of motherhood. Yet, even in 1955, her heart still aches over the death of her sister more than four decades earlier. Lately, Violet can’t help thinking about the little girl, picturing her in the moments before the accident, wearing that pleated white dress and a hair bow to match. Maybe if her big sister were here now, she could tell Violet what to do about the secret she’s been keeping from her daughter Daisy. Daisy has a secret of her own. When she first moved back home to Scranton, she wasn’t ready to give up her dreams of performing in Atlantic City. Then she met Johnny, a man who needs music as much as she does. Her first real chance at love. If only they can find the courage to buck small-town thinking when it comes to interracial dating. Small-town thinking. Zethray had seen her fair share of it. That’s why she advertised a room to rent in The Negro Motorist Green Book. Give folks a safe place to stay away from home. That’s how Johnny ended up at her door. Now he’s sweet on some young woman. Not that he told Zethray, but she knows. The dead like to talk, and she listens. If only her mother would tell the secret behind her shocking death. Instead, she stands silent, while that little girl with the bow in her hair runs wild. Rain Breaks No Bones, is the final novel in the Scranton Trilogy, starting with Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night, followed by All Waiting Is Long. Though the novels are connected, they each stand alone.
Born and raised in Scranton, PA, Barbara J. Taylor sets her novels in the hometown she loves and fills them with miners, evangelists, vaudevillians, nuns, gangsters, prostitutes, widows, musicians, dreamers, and a seer or two. She is the author of Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night and All Waiting Is Long. Her latest book, Rain Breaks No Bones, is the final installment in her Scranton trilogy.
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AUTHORS KISSwith Sara Troy and her guest James (Jim) B. Flaherty, on air from April 23rd
EMBRACE YOUR AGE – YOU CAN BE BETTER THAN EVER because it speaks to the subject of aging cheerfully and productively.
Mr. Flaherty, who says he’s an EMBRACE YOUR AGE – YOU CAN BE BETTER THAN EVER says EMBRACE YOUR AGE nails your self-doubts and insecurities whether you’re 40, 90, or in-between, with some direct calls to action. Besides acknowledging your bathroom mirror as your most meaningful psychiatrist, Flaherty makes you confront your toughest critic–yourself–and gives you the emotional ammunition and point of view that will help you wake up on the right side of the grass tomorrow, with a smile and a purpose. He challenges you to summarize your life in a six-word statement. For himself, he says: I am present–Living, Giving, Loving. You’ll find wisdom, loving guidance, a few honest laughs, and Did He Really Say That? in this easy-to read shot of adrenalin. This isn’t just another one of those smile and the whole world smiles with you books. Every chapter (and they’re not lengthy or overly wordy) asks a question, and most are going to make you think. For example: Why do you exist? Do you think you’re a little weird? Do you think you’re old? How are you going to handle it when they die? Jim, (I know him well enough to use his first name) was thinking of You when he wrote this book. You’ll find it’s very personal. He, personally, has had a hell of an interesting life. Self made, a corner office MadMan in NYC, even four years abroad, while raising two children (who still enjoy him), grandsons from Japan to Brooklyn, and almost too many friends. He tells them, “straighten up, get your act together, stop whining, we all have things to do.” At 88 he’s still writing every day, has preached at his church, is a public speaker . . .and a terrific joke teller. You’d like him. He says he needs an agent, to sell his novels to film producers. He also has a TV series and screenplay in his portfolio. And you’ll learn something about getting more out of yourself when you read EMBRACE YOUR AGE–You can be better than ever.
Jim Flaherty was an international advertising writer/creative director, has published two novels, and two non-fiction books. Was also creator and innkeeper of a five star country inn/conference center. He is a frequent motivational speaker about aging cheerfully; the pain and pleasure of writing; the joy and OMG of parenting; living abroad; and embracing an ancient quip of Noel Coward: Work is more fun than fun. A strong believer you are only as old as you think, Jim thinks 88 (going on 58) is terrific, and is a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Besides his books, he has a TV series, screenplay, and musical ready for public viewing. Home is a 1940’s art-filled dairy barn in the foothills of the Berkshires. He sings in his Church choir. And has appeared in regional theatre.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Sam Hawksmoor, on air from March 12th
Here we have Sam’s latest book on a child who ran away from a cult, abandoned by her mother, a NASA retired man who lost his wife and and is seeking parts for his car, and a dog who binds them together. Sam have done it again and brought us mystery, underling events and a journey into re-coving from loss and embracing redirections.
You never know what is around the corner, until you stop for a pee.
Remy has one last obsession – to complete the restoration of his ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk. He’s planned a road trip to Montreal to find a part he desperately needs. It’s a long way from Florida, his Chevy truck is almost as old as he is. There are doubts that he’ll be able to make the drive, doubts about his bladder, his heart, but he’s determined. At the very first urgent stop in the pouring rain, a dog appears from nowhere and jumps into his truck, quickly followed by a drenched teen. Scared, the girl urgently needs a ride. Ami has escaped from a religious cult desperate to find her mother who abandoned her to the cult when she was just five. One old man, a desperate teenage girl and Stan the dog are on a road trip into MAGA America. Montreal seems to get further away with each mile they travel.
Sam says “Ever since I was a child, I’ve found myself lost in the world of words and stories. I am Sam Hawksmoor, and writing isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am. It’s like I discovered my calling before I even knew what a calling was. Each blank page was a canvas for my imagination, a gateway to unknown worlds and uncharted territories.
As I grew, so did my stories. They blossomed from simple tales spun in the backyard to intricate narratives filled with mystery and adventure. The characters I create, they’re more than just figments of imagination; they’re part of me, living and breathing through each line I write.
I take pride in crafting stories that are not just exciting but illuminating. My goal? To transport you, my reader, to places you’ve never imagined. Each page you turn is a step into a new adventure, a mystery unfolding, a journey through the crevices of my mind.
Writing, for me, is an endless exploration. The thrill of creating worlds, the joy of weaving plots, the satisfaction of bringing characters to life – these are the things that fuel my passion. Each story I pen is a piece of my soul, a glimpse into the depths of my imagination.
As you journey through my books, I hope you find the same excitement and wonder that I do in creating them. Let’s unravel mysteries, embark on adventures, and explore the unknown together. This is my world, a realm of imagination and endless possibilities, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.”
‘It’s a terrific story with engaging, interesting characters. What a wonderful dog!’ Walli Leff – New York
From the author of ‘We Feel Your Pain’ and ‘The Book of Ashes’ – the Delaney & Asha mysteries.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book into production.
An Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Adam Gaffen, on air from February 6th
I am a science fiction author, and I specialize in Hopepunk. Why hopepunk, and why me? Look, it’s no surprise that you can look around today and find all sorts of indicators that we are entering Heinlein’s “Crazy Years.” Imagining a dystopian or grimdark future isn’t difficult; all you have to do is read the news. But I think that we are writing the history of the future right now, by the choices we make every day. Writing stories that present that optimistic view of the future is not just the right thing to do but necessary, at least to me. As Heinlein said, “A pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun…”
“You know me. Jump first, knit a parachute on the way down.” Kendra Cassidy, “A Quiet Revolution (The Artemis War 3)”
Adam Gaffen is the author of the near-future, hopepunk science fiction universe that starts with “The Cassidy Chronicles.” The heart of the universe is the indomitable Kendra Cassidy and her wife, Aiyana, as they struggle to drag humanity to the stars. The series The Artemis War follows the conflict that breaks out around the launch of the world’s first FTL starship, concluding with the award-winning “Triumph’s Ashes.” For those who want to know what happens next, the follow-on series launches with “The Ghosts of Tantor.” Two collections of short fiction round out the universe for now, but a sequel to “The Ghosts of Tantor” is coming. Soon. He promises.
He’s also venturing into fantasy/romance with the upcoming Godsfall trilogy.
He’s been honored with awards from Writers of the Future, Colorado Authors League, the Go Indie Now network, All Author, Read Free.ly, and the Drunken Druid.
He lives in Colorado with his wife, five dogs, five cats, and wonders where all the time goes.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book into production.
Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Sam Hawksmoor, on air from December 5th
As the festive season approaches and we all dive into the spirit of giving, I can’t help but think about the timeless gift of a good book. There’s something magical about unwrapping a story, isn’t there? A whole world waiting to be discovered, nestled between two covers.
For those of you looking to give the gift of adventure and mystery this season, why not consider one of Sam’s books? Each story he has crafted is a labor of love, a thrilling escape into the unknown, and a journey through the depths of imagination. They’re perfect for cozy nights by the fire or lazy afternoons curled up with a cup of tea.
From heart-pounding adventures to intriguing mysteries, my books are designed to captivate and entertain readers of all ages. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned reader or introducing someone to their new favorite hobby, a book is a gift that keeps on giving.
So, this holiday season, give the gift of a journey through the pages of a Sam Hawksmoor book. Let’s spread the joy of reading and the thrill of a good story!
You don’t have to live with pain. For years Doctors have ignored the underlying causes of pain – prescribing opioids and other painkillers that often lead to complications, or addiction, leaving a patient in a far worse situation. At the Jirdasham Institute, we will strive to take your pain away forever, with a drug-free treatment that really works. We make no claims about curing cancer or healing rheumatics. Our Jirdasham method is not a ‘cure’, but we promise to remove your pain and let you get on with living again. Can’t live with pain? Get rid of it. FOREVER
The CASE: Delaney and Asha run the Office of City Oversight. Their role is to expose the scams, keep Berg City safe from unscrupulous contractors. When something looks too good to be true – it’s a scam, right? But what if the scam works? What kind of scam is that?
At last a new Delaney & Asha mystery following their debut in ‘We Feel Your Pain – so you don’t have to’.
“This was supposed to be a simple trace job. Find the writer, bank the money. Now it’s a horror show. Someone is going to great lengths to keep something secret.”
Wolfie Sigurdsson, hired for $10,000 by Brin Martinet to pen a biography of his Olympian shooter and photographer father, now in a dementia facility, hasn’t delivered. In a chilly New England surfing town, Wolfie, claiming surveillance and threats against writing, is dismissed by Delaney as a drunken writer fabricating excuses, yet visibly scared.
Delaney’s partner, Asha, humorously suggests a link to the Dallas grassy knoll, fitting the old man’s profile. Asha’s dive into Martinet’s photos reveals a shocking truth about the memory-lost man. But as Martinet senior disappears from the facility, with the FBI’s eyes on them, Delaney and Asha fear their own safety.
Joking about faked dementia to evade justice, they grapple with a dire secret reaching the highest ranks, aware that some truths are too dangerous to unveil. ‘a fun read with unique elements … exemplary in its voice and style’ ‘Judge, 10th Annual Writer’s Digest E-Book Award
‘an immensely satisfying story‘ – Walli Leff on Goodreads.
From the award-winning author of The Repossession of Genie Magee trilogy & Girl with Cat (Blue) MISSION LONGSHOT Jarred awake after twenty-three years in a life-pod on colony-ship Nova, Celeste discovers she’s the only survivor – a trillion miles from home. Celeste knows no one will cross the entire universe to save one life. She is alone forever save for the company of a maintenance bot called SVIMON.
From the award-winning author of The Repossession Trilogy and Girl with Cat (Blue)
Sam Hawksmoor is the award-winning author of ‘The Repossession of Genie Magee’ trilogy (now back in print and on Kindle) & the Alt-London fantasy ‘Girl with Cat (Blue)’. Sam has been a writer and University lecturer for many years running Creative Writing Master’s programs in Falmouth (Cornwall) and then Portsmouth University. * Later Lincoln University for a while. He specializes in writing writing for teens although he wrote two adult mysteries during Covid lockdowns.
In 2021 he published ‘Mission Longshot: how far would you go to save one life?’ Climate emergency meets Space adventure set in Year 2057 and weirdly New Year’s Eve 1999. An exciting adventure with a genuine message about climate change and about testing the first light speed vessel. It shows just how hard it’s going to be escape the consequences of our actions on this planet.
In 2021 Sam’s completed a mystery novel ‘We Feel Your Pain’, dutifully informed by painful sessions with osteopaths, quacks and miracle creams, none of which worked on his aches and pains. ”We Feel Your Pain” was his first mystery novel, but somehow a kid and a dog snuck in there anyway. If you’ve ever been scammed by someone who promised relief from pain read this book! ***The sequel ‘The Book of Ashes’ (some secrets are meant to be kept forever) was published August 2022. *’A Fun Read’ says Writer’s Digest.
A previous novel ‘Girl with Cat (Blue)‘ was shortlisted for the International Rubery Book Award and garnered an Honorable Mention – 26th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. There is also completed a seven part (60 min each episode) script if anyone is interested!
****The full list of Hawksmoor titles: The Repossession of Genie Magee, The Hunting of Genie Magee, The Heaviness, Marrika, Another Place to Die: Endtime Chronicles, The Repercussions of Tomas D, J&K 4Ever, Girl with Cat(Blue), Mission Longshot, We Feel your Pain & The Book of Ashes.
We have all just lived through the Covid pandemic but Sam’s pandemic novel ‘Another Place to Die: Endtime Chronicles’ with his alter-ego Sam North, anticipated all this way back in 2006 and was then revised in 2014. A lethal virus (more deadly than Covid) is coming to North America and people are dying fast. The story traces the fortunes of four young teens who desperately try to get ahead of the disease and survive as civilization crumbles around them. There’s a very good reason to wear that mask!
Sam’s only Lincolnshire novel is MARIKKA based on a true story of a girl who fled an arson attack on her home and ran headlong into trouble. She meets Starfish Boy – hiding out with a man who claims he saving the fish in the North Sea and behind her is Marikka’s real father, endlessly searching for his daughter with the aid of Anya, the girl who can read objects.
Sam is also the joint-editor of Hackwriters.com – the long running web magazine in it’s final years. He is currently researching a new novel about one very precious Studebaker Golden Hawk.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book into production.
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