1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’m a mother of seven kids, five of them grown, and a grandmother of two beautiful boys. But years before all of that, when I was 19 and newly married, the car I was driving was hit by a city bus. I sustained a severe brain injury and nearly died; my prognosis was not good. However, being a mother a few years after, as well as writing, helped me to slowly recover. Almost 15 years after my brain injury I started college again and now I have a Master’s Degree in English Literature (I felt that if I wanted to hone my writing skills I needed to read and learn from the masters of the craft). 25 years after my car accident my first book was published, and now 32 years after my car accident my third book has just been published. So writing has essentially been my rehab.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I was just learning that I have Scottish ancestry, and I also love Shakespeare and read that he had based the three witches in Macbeth on the Three Fates of ancient Greek lore. I thought that was so interesting and I asked, “What if…” which I wanted to explore. I felt there would be so many questions that would drive my story and there were. I’ve also always loved fantasy, so I knew those things would be the components for my story, but when I commissioned my oldest son Bradley Hemmestad to create a book cover for me was when I became really inspired – his art helped shape my story completely.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
That we learn from past, present, and future – I would love readers to see things in a way they hadn’t thought of before, through the lens of fascination.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
The realm of possibility drew me to fantasy. I love history and the lessons that fill history, then embellishing that history within fantasy so I can stretch boundaries.
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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I think I would be too scared to sit down with any of the main characters in my book; I think they would find it hard to contain their innate power. I imagine Clotho as so otherworldly that she likely wouldn’t communicate on human terms and would probably lose patience, I also think that Apollo would be terrifying because there’s no earthly limit to his power the judgements he makes, and I think Macbeth would be frightening because he was driven by the fortitude of his ancestors and the passion in his beliefs. They would all be larger than life. I really included any questions I want to ask them in my book itself – like what are ancient Greek gods doing in medieval Scotland?
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Ask many, many questions of the characters in your story. They’ll reveal the direction they want to take. Listen to your dreams, like Toni Morrison did to write her masterpiece, Beloved. Don’t try to force your characters into a direction they don’t want to take or you’ll lose the sense of effortlessness that makes a story easy to get lost in.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
The future holds A LOT of writing. I’m trying to get the word out about my digital novel Macbeth’s Spinners, and I’m also working on another novel about the disappearance of Roanoke in early American history (I’m planning to infuse that story with fantasy as well).
Thank you for this interview, Anthony!
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About the Author
Justine Johnston Hemmestad is an editor, the author of three novels, and is included in several anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (after having been in a car accident that left her severely brain injured at 19). She is a graduate of The University of Iowa and has also graduated from the English Literature Master’s Degree program with distinction at Northern Arizona University. Her personal webpage is at https://know-your-craft.webnode.page/ , her amazon author’s page is at https://www.amazon.com/Justine-Johnston-Hemmestad/e/B01DHSLN0M?ref_=pe_1724030_132998060 and she’s on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JustineJohnstonHemmestadauthor
I received a free copy of this book in exchange or a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The line between reality and fiction blurs for a writer as the dark inspiration for a new screenplay brings old enemies and danger to his doorstep, and triggers darkness within himself at the same time, in author Sans Emmert’s “Little Miss Fortune”.
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The Synopsis
“Echoes of the JonBenét murder mystery permeate this exceptionally well executed, sinfully clever, and deeply absorbing psychological drama.” —Author David Aretha
‘Presumed Innocent’ meets ‘Sea of Love’ in this JonBenét Murder Whydunit
To escape the dark family secret that wrecked his childhood, aspiring screenwriter Damon loses himself in a movie world, becoming one with each character in his imagined plots. But that strength pales against the obsessive love he finds in his beautiful, can-do-no-wrong, Savannah spouse and their new son.
Haunting visions of her prior fling with an older married millionaire—who’d stolen her teenage virginity and corrupted her with dreams of the champagne life—kindle a brilliant revenge screenplay that could make Damon a millionaire.
But does the rich goliath still lurk? Damon’s paranoia redlines when the same dark secret suddenly seems to strike at his son. The eye-for-an-eye plot turns more sinister—and more real—as Damon rewrites the script to hurt his nemesis where it hurts most by stalking his pageant princess daughter. Will looking into her innocent eyes snap Damon from his deathly delusion?
“Dark and filled with a gritty tension that will leave readers feeling raw, Sans Emmert’s Little Miss Fortune is a twisted tale of love, deception, and the blurring of lines between reality and make-believe…. Sans Emmert has created an atmosphere that draws readers in, almost holding our breath as we fall deeper into the mind and perceptions of Damon’s world and his writing.
Razor taut throughout, readers will balance precariously on the edge of their seats waiting for that final shoe to fall…. Not for the faint of heart, this is a true test of the nature of man versus the nurturing of the soul. Highly recommended reading that is both chilling and haunting long after that final page.” —Tome Tender Book Blog
The Review
If I could sum up this psychological thriller and dark crime/horror read in one word, it would be chilling. Readers should first off be aware of some scenes implying acts of violence, including physical, psychological, and sexual in nature, all of which play an important role in the development of this main character. The haunting imagery of the narrative showcases the dark undertones this story hints at, and the rich development of these characters.
To me, the story excels due to the dynamic development of the main character and the essential themes the author touches upon. The horrifying backstory of the main character’s childhood and how it would impact his development and mindset overall was shocking and heartbreaking. The reason this character is so unique is that the story brings him into the role of both protagonist and antagonist at the same time, as he becomes his own worst enemy over time and the psychological impact of his past plays a role in the dark road he goes on. The themes of toxic masculinity, the impact violence, and toxic relationships can have on a child’s mind, and how young men need to be taught how to shed the mindsets that lead to those violent and dark sexual tones in their minds are all felt heavily in this narrative.
The Verdict
Captivating, haunting, and shocking, author Sans Emmert’s “Little Miss Fortune” is a must-read dark psychological thriller and horror novel. The way the story mirrors some of our own world’s true crimes will give the reader an equal amount of chills, as the author explores the cycle of violence and horror that often occurs in life, and how violence often begets violence. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Sans Emmert is a former cancer researcher and biomedical product developer with a PhD in Molecular Medicine and a passion for Spanish guitar and beach volleyball. Little Miss Fortune is his debut novel.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Melanie Faith showcases to readers the path and means of taking their story from the writing phase to the publication phase in her book “From Promising to Published”.
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The Synopsis
You’ve been writing and honing your craft for months or years and are curious about seeking publication for your latest project. Perhaps you wonder about the next steps in the process. Look no further!
This book has a little something for every writer interested in expanding their audience and sharing their writing with readers, from pre-writing and writing your drafts to choosing your market and the writing life before, during, and after publication.
Topics covered include:
The Lovely Littles: Breaking into Literary Magazines
The Spinning Spider: Keeping Track of your Brainchildren
Options, You’ve Got ’em: Traditional, Indie/Small, University Press, or Self-Publishing
Two Streams with One Stone: To Simultaneously Submit or Not
Monetize it! Part One: All about the Benjamins; Monetize it! Part Two: Risk and a Swimming Metaphor
The Myth of the Fancy-Pants Tools
The Art of Writing the Author Bio
Paradox Meets Passion: Writer vs. Author
The Slam-Bam Reply: Now in Two Painful Varieties; Creative Noodling
F.U.N
and so much more!
The Review
This was such a thoughtful and meaningful read. Authors and aspiring writers will absolutely love this book. The author’s writing style was very pointed and personable, allowing the reader to feel more like they were in a conversation and less like they were being preached to. This friendly and relatable approach to the subject allows readers to connect more to the author’s message, and the lessons found within.
I absolutely loved the amount of information the author was able to fit into this book. From the process of crafting an author bio and finding a target audience, to more thoughtful approaches such as making multiple submissions and finding a literary magazine to be featured in, as well as the differences between an author and a writer, this book does an incredible job of not only drawing the reader in but finding the right balance of inspiration and education.
The Verdict
Honest, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Melanie Faith’s “From Promising to Published” is a must-read guide and reference book on the publishing process for authors. The knowledge the reader is able to glean from this book and the writing style will allow readers to return to this book time and time again and keeps authors invested in learning the process of getting their work published in a cohesive way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Melanie Faith is a night-owl writer and editor who moves through the daytime world with her camera. She’s an introvert who likes to wear many hats, too, including as a poet, photographer, professor, and tutor. She’s been a doodler for years but just recently started to share her perfectly imperfect doodles. She loves to write about historical settings in poetry and prose, and this fall she taught both a Leaping Worlds class for historical fiction and time-travel writers as well as a university class about publishing. She especially enjoys creating nonfiction craft books that assist fellow authors on their writing paths, including books packed with tips about writing flash fiction and poetry. Her latest published craft books are: Photography for Writers, guides for teaching online and writing a research book respectively, and From Promising to Published: A Multi-Genre, Insider’s Guide to the Publication Process (all from Vine Leaves Press). Read more about her books, classes, and arts projects at https://melaniedfaith.com.
Join WOW as we celebrate the launch of Melanie Faith’s blog tour of From Promising to Publishing. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book
Visit Angie’s blog and read her review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith. She hosts a giveaway and also interviews author Melanie Faith about her book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and Hypnotherapist Jill K. Thomas takes readers on a journey to explore how to succeed as a business or entrepreneur pursuing your love and passion for healing in her book “The High Income Healer: How to Turn Your Healing Gift into a Full-Time Business”.
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The Synopsis
Dream of having a flourishing and fulfilling practice as a healer,
but are wrestling with the “business of healing”?
Countless healers today are stuck in jobs they hate—doing what they love at night, in fits and starts. Others are practicing their craft but struggling to make ends meet. And some never get off the ground because they have no idea how and where to start. Sound familiar?
What do they all have in common?
They’re far better healers than businesspeople.
Yet, to succeed in a healing profession today, you have to be BOTH.
Enter The High Income healer, written by Jill K. Thomas, a thriving 18-year certified hypnotherapist and successful solopreneur, who, over the years, found herself fielding endless questions from colleagues about the “business” of healing.
She quickly realized there was a huge need, not only for solid, practical nuts-and-bolts info, but also for guidance in banishing the limiting beliefs about money that keep so many healers strapped and struggling. In The High Income Healer, you’ll learn:
-The basics of business start-up, pricing and workflow planning
-Anxiety-free sales, marketing, advertising and networking
-How to effectively communicate your value, and most importantly…
-How to develop a “Money Mindset” that will have abundance flowing freely to you
Add in “barrier-busting” journaling exercises, practical action steps, and straight-shooting advice—all delivered with Jill’s empowering “you-can-do this!” guidance—and you’ll be quickly powering through blocks on the way to living your “healing dream.”
Ready to thrive as a healer, while shaving years off your “ramp-up” to profitability? Use The High Income Healer to boost your confidence as both a healer and a business person, as you build a practice that supports you—not just your clients!
The Review
This is a fantastic and well-developed read. The balance the author found between the business side of things and the healer’s path was the first thing that stood out. This balance was enhanced through the author’s writing style, which was both educational and yet very personable and honest in its delivery, and the striking tone the author made as they delivered these lessons kept the reader invested in the topic throughout the entirety of the book.
It was that balance that the author found that really become the heart of the narrative. The way author takes the time to explore what makes someone a healer, the ways in which healers are made through intense life experiences that affect them, and how healers are meant to guide their clients towards the right goal and teach them how to accomplish things, and yet it is up to the client to implement these ideas, made this half of the book shine. It was great to see this harmony as the author then showcased how healers need to find the means of separating their healing gift from the business-sided mind of their brains. Eliminating the need to stay in an employee mindset and transition into an employer state of mind was great to see explored, as were the basics of starting a business and how to interact with a client as both a healer and a business owner.
The Verdict
Captivating, thoughtful, and engaging, author Jill K. Thomas’s “The High-Income Healer” is a must-read nonfiction health and business read. The perfect way to jumpstart 2023, the author will give readers the tools they need to not only discover their passion for healing as a profession but start their own business and leave behind the day jobs they have been forced to work for years. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or pick up copy on January 25th, 2023.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
As an Intuitive Hypnotherapist, Clairvoyant Reader, Author, Medium and Vocal Channel, Jill K Thomas, CHT has over 18 years’ experience helping clients move past limiting beliefs, discover their authentic selves, and create a life of peace and harmony. Jill has helped thousands of people realize lifestyle and wellness goals they could never before achieve, including attracting prosperity and success, overcoming debilitating phobias, healing toxic relationships, and losing weight.
Among many of her accomplishments, her most recent book, “The High Income Healer: How to Turn your Healing Gift into a Full-time Business” helps healers take their business to the next level. Her other books include “Tales From the Trance”, published by Ozark Mountain Publishing, and her well known weight loss book “Feed Your Real Hunger: Getting off the Emotional Treadmill that Keeps you Overweight”.
She has appeared on numerous radio shows, maintains her popular online blog “Confessions of a Hypnotherapist”, and has authored articles for magazines read across the nation. Her “30 Day weight loss Jumpstart” CD has also helped many people finally lose the pounds, after years of trying.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Christine Copeland shares with young readers the beauty and wonder of a still winter day and what you can find during winter in the forest in the book “Winter in the Forest”, the second book in the Seasons in the Forest picture book children’s series.
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The Synopsis
Winter in the Forest is the second in a series of picture books for pre-K, K and early elementary kids about the natural world, in particular the deciduous forest of the American Northeast. This book depicts the cold stillness of winter and adaptations that plants and animals make during this long dark time. The three primary themes are snow and cold, long dark nights, and dormancy.
The language of our books is lyrical, the images are entrancing and sometimes humorous but always realistic – think field guides for 3 to 8 year-olds. There is a tracking activity in back for young readers.
Children will learn the names and habits of forest animals and plants so that they can recognize them in natural settings. These books engage children’s innate curiosity and connection to the living world so that they can learn complex principals in simple, age- appropriate language.
We publish in hardcover, paperback, and audio ebook.
The Review
This was a heartwarming and beautiful picture book and story. The simplicity and imagery the author utilized in the book captured the stark coldness of winter as a season while also bringing the beauty and magic that the season often inspires. The watercolor style of artwork added a great effect to the book, as it felt more in tune with nature as well.
The balance the author struck between educating the young readers on the behavior of animals and the nature surrounding winter and the engaging style of writing and artwork that drew the reader into the narrative. While a short read, the author does an amazing job of showcasing the ways in which different animals and plants adapt to the cold stillness of winter, and how dormancy plays a role in nature during this time.
The Verdict
Beautiful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Christine Copeland’s “Winter in the Forest” is a great second book in the Seasons in the Forest series and a heartwarming children’s picture book. The way the author was able to capture a mood and tone through her imagery and story kept me invested in this book, and will really speak to younger readers looking to understand the seasons of the year. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Christine Copeland lives in the forest of Massachusetts with her husband Bill, a pediatrician, naturalist and teacher, and their dogs and cat. Her sons have fledged but return seasonally. Christine has a BFA from Cornell University and a Masters in Education from Antioch New England. She combines her love for painting with her love for young children and nature-based education. She is an author/illustrator and also paints in oil. Her work can be seen at christinecopelandbooks.com and bcc-studios.com/paintings.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Authors “Produce Pete” Napolitano and Susan Bloom take readers on an engaging journey into the life and memories of TV icon Produce Pete in the book “They Call Me Produce Pete”.
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The Synopsis
Pete Napolitano began his career in the produce industry in the early 1950s at the tender age of five, peddling fruit and vegetables door-to-door to help support his family’s New Jersey-based produce business. “Discovered” at his store by a TV producer decades later and given the moniker “Produce Pete,” he’s since become a fixture on WNBC’s Weekend Today in New York show, where his tips on selecting, storing, and preparing various produce items – all shared in his authentic, endearing, and plain-speaking style – have captivated viewers in metro New York and other U.S. and international markets for 30 years and rendered him one of the longest-running segments in TV history.
In They Call Me Produce Pete, Napolitano shares candid memories of growing up poor in post-WWII America, striving to achieve the American Dream, and landing unexpected fame as one of the nation’s leading experts on produce. Sprinkled with touching stories, photos, and family recipes that have held a special place in his heart throughout his life, They Call me Produce Pete is a nostalgic nod to simpler times and a must-read for anyone who dares to dream the impossible.
The Review
This was a touching and heartfelt read. The author did an incredible job of writing in a way that made the memoir feel personal and engaging all at once. The author’s story speaks to so many different people, from those who grew up in post-WW2 America to those who have worked in food, in particular with produce, and even those who have worked in the television field.
The balance the author struck between personal life stories and memories with the behind-the-scenes look at his career and the family recipes that have held a special place in his heart was heartwarming to read about. The honesty and passionate way the author relayed his story to the reader spoke to the author’s storied career, and yet showcased the man behind “Produce Pete” in a brilliant way. I loved how personal and memorable each recipe the author included felt to the tapestry of his life story, and kept me both emotionally and intellectually invested in the author’s life.
The Verdict
Insightful, memorable, and engaging, authors “Produce Pete” Napolitano and Susan Bloom’s “They Call Me Produce Pete” is a must-read memoir and nonfiction book. An iconic member of the television community and a leading expert in the field of produce, the story of Produce Pete will have readers invested as the author’s life plays out on the pages of this book, and the relatability of the author’s life will have readers feeling connected to the author on a personal level. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
With over 70 years of experience in the produce industry, renowned fruit and vegetable expert, author, and TV personality “Produce Pete” Napolitano has appeared on a highly-popular segment on NBC’s Weekend Today in New York broadcastevery Saturday morning for 30 years. They Call Me Produce Pete is the long-awaited follow-up to his first book, Produce Pete’s Farmacopeia.
Susan Bloom is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in such New Jersey-based publications as The Star-Ledger, The Asbury Park Press, New Jersey Monthly Magazine, and Jersey’s Best Magazine as well as such national mediums as USA Today, The New York Daily News, and Natural Awakenings. She’s collaborated with Produce Pete on a broad range of articles and monthly columns for over a decade
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A mission for a young couple to find the man they need in order to complete the adoption of the woman’s younger brother leads to a journey of dangerous missions, the return of deadly enemies, and a harrowing exploration of family and love in author Chad Grayson’s “Between the Broken Stars”, the fourth book in the Broken Stars saga.
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The Synopsis
Journalist Will Corwin and Doctor Amelia Warren have been apart for a month while Will finishes building the school in honor of Father Morgan, the priest killed by hybrid alien terrorist Nod Corvus. But things get complicated when Amelia’s ex-boyfriend shows up out of the blue with an offer…he knows where Amelia’s father is—the man they need to find so that Will and Amelia can adopt Amelia’s younger brother, Jonah– but what does he want in exchange for the information? What will they be willing to give him?
Thus begins a star-spanning chapter for Will and Amelia. First, they must find Thomas Warren and serve him notice about the adoption. But what will he require in exchange for his consent? And when they return to Amara and to the village of Burden, a threat from the past reaches out to try and destroy Will once more and jeopardizes the entire building project.
There’s also the wedding of Will’s sister Natalie, and her longtime girlfriend, Jada. It’s the event of the year and will be Amelia and Jonah’s introduction to the life that awaits them as members of House Sinclair. But dark forces conspire to threaten the wedding and the lives of all who attend.
Can Will navigate the demands of his family and find a comfortable place for himself within it? Will Amelia be welcomed into the society of the Twelve Houses? Can their love survive the challenges that threaten to tear them apart? When the worst happens, who will be left standing?
Between the Sacred Stars is the book that changes everything. Life for Will and Amelia will never be the same.
The Review
This was a captivating sci-fi read. The world-building and mythos the author brings to life on the pages of this book were remarkable. While I am fairly new to the series, the author’s writing style did an amazing job of bringing galactic adventure to life, using imagery to help capture the settings of this universe with ease.
Yet to me, it was the character development and the relationships that were explored in this book that really made the story come to life. The bond that the protagonist share together and the depths that they dive into as they explore their pasts and their connections to their families made this story feel both compelling and relatable in a lot of ways. The LGBTQ characters and themes the story brings to life also made the world feel brighter and more well-rounded, making this a memorable read.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, captivating, and engaging, author Chad Grayson’s “Between the Broken Stars” is a stellar sci-fi and romance read and a great addition to the Broken Stars series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the rich character dynamics will keep readers eager to read more of this author’s incredible series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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Chad Grayson has a new space opera romance out, Broken Stars book 4: Between the Sacred Stars. And there’s a giveaway.
Everything Changes
Journalist Will Corwin and Doctor Amelia Warren have been apart for a month, while Will finishes building the school in honor of Father Morgan, the priest killed by hybrid alien terrorist Nod Corvus. But things get complicated when Amelia’s ex-boyfriend shows up out of the blue with an offer…he knows where Amelia’s father is—the man they need to find so that Will and Amelia can adopt Amelia’s younger brother, Jonah– but what does he want in exchange for the information? What will they be willing to give him?
Thus begins a star-spanning chapter for Will and Amelia. First, they must find Thomas Warren, and serve him notice about the adoption. But what will he require in exchange for his consent? And when they return to Amara, and to the village of Burden, a threat from the past reaches out to try and destroy Will once more and jeopardizes the entire building project. There’s also the wedding of Will’s sister Natalie, and her longtime girlfriend, Jada. It’s the event of the year and will be Amelia and Jonah’s introduction to the life that awaits them as members of House Sinclair. But dark forces conspire to threaten the wedding, and the lives of all who attend.
Can Will navigate the demands of his family, and find a comfortable place for himself within it? Will Amelia be welcomed into the society of the Twelve Houses? Can their love survive the challenges that threaten to tear them apart? When the worst happens, who will be left standing?
Between the Sacred Stars is the book that changes everything. Life for Will and Amelia will never be the same.
Will brought his cameras back from where they had been swooping over the chanting crowd and focused them on the line of police. If this was going to get out of hand, it would probably start with them. They were coming back down the steps now, approaching the crowd. At first, they seemed content to watch and wait. But even Will had to admit the crowd was getting to be too much to handle. Hundreds of people were approaching the CMPD, some shouting at them.
They tensed, forming their line, holding it. The crowd vented itself, then people started walking away. Elsewhere in the plaza, Will could hear shouting. Fights were breaking out, but Will had no sense of what the cause was or how many were involved. Probably just drunk people with no focused outlet, taking out their malfunctions on the passersby.
Will returned his attention to the police. They were standing, looking ready to pounce at the first sign of a threat. Someone, threw a bottle. It shattered against one of the police shields. The cops looked at each other, and apparently, this had been all the signal they needed. They pressed forward, into the crowd, pushing with their shields, batons out, smashing the heads of the people closest to them. Some in the crowd started to scream and run the other way, others surged forward. But the cops were angry now, and they were giving no quarter. Will filmed as they fought the crowd, spilling blood, knocking people to the ground and roughly stepping over them.
One of them suddenly saw Will standing there. Hal took a defensive position in front of him, but Will pushed him back. “Whatever you do,” Will said, “don’t draw your weapon. They will shoot both of us.”
Hal took his advice as the nearest police officer leaned into Will, pointing at his cameras.
“You filming this?” he snarled.
As calmly as he could, Will said, “I’m Will Corwin, with INA, and yes, I am filming this.”
“Turn your cameras off!” The police officer shouted into his face.
“Sorry, I don’t think I will,” Will said. Hal was getting in front of him now, sensing something was about to happen. The cop surged forward, around Hal, and grabbed Will by the arm, yanking him forward. Will dropped the compad in his hand, and the officer grabbed it, throwing it as hard as he could at the stone of the plaza, then finishing the work by bashing it into pieces with his baton.
Will didn’t tell him the footage had already been backed up on INA’s servers. But the cop wasn’t done. He threw Will to the ground, and a couple of his fellows joined him, kicking at Will, their batons raining blows down around his head and shoulders.
Hal threw himself on top of Will now, his arms up, taking the blows for him. But the officers did not let up; they kept hitting Hal and Will. As Hal brought his right arm up to block the blows, Will heard a sickening crack. Hal cried out and dropped his arm. The cops surrounded them now, four of them. They hauled Will to his feet, grabbed hold of Hal, and marched both of them out of the plaza. The pain in his head was so intense that Will thought he might lose consciousness. He tried to keep track of Hal, but his vision was blurry with pain and blood.
The demonstration had devolved into a full-on riot. Will stumbled as the cops led him and Hal away, tossing them in the back of a police wagon, along with several others. Hal’s face was white with pain, his breath coming in ragged pants.
“How badly are you hurt?” Will asked as the wagon filled with prisoners, pushing Will and Hal farther into the back.
“Not sure, but I’ve been better, got to admit,” Hal said, through gritted teeth.
As the wagon filled up, the doors closed behind them, submerging them in darkness. Will leaned close to Hal to whisper, “Sorry I got you into this.”
“You were doing your job,” Hal said. “I’m doing mine.”
“Well, I’m pretty sure we’re being arrested. You have your compad?”
“It’s busted.”
“So, we’ll have to hope they give us a phone call, so I can call Hana and get our lawyers on this.”
The police wagon was moving now, launching itself over the curbs to instead travel on the wide sidewalks. Will settled back in his seat, trying to concentrate on something besides the pain in his head and the sound of Hal’s ragged breathing in his ear.
Author Bio
Chad Grayson has worked as a phone service rep for various tech companies, a gas station attendant, a middle school language arts and history teacher, and even spent one night cutting the mold off the cheese at the cheese factory.
He currently works part time at the local library, and spends the rest of his time writing, reading, hiking, gaming, painting miniatures, and binge-watching Netflix. His superpowers are procrastination and dyscalculia.
He lives near his children in Cottonwood, California, with an assortment of pets including a very bossy cat. He is an associate member of SFWA. You can find him online at chadgrayson.com, on twitter as @chadgrayson, and on tumblr as @therandomavenger.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Eli Cohen and photographer O Zhang share an intimate look at the question of gender through a series of photos outlining an experiment on body hair in the book “A Body Hair Experiment”.
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The Synopsis
As an experiment, Eli Cohen removed the hair off the left side of his body and began to journal about the experience. The result is a luscious and intimate photo essay that invites us to challenge assumptions and unearth hidden beliefs around masculinity, femininity, and gender. These tenderly provocative photos and words create a powerful prompt and open a doorway to the vast potential of experiences within our human bodies.
Can our seemingly inconsequential decisions around body hair limit or expand our relationship to our own bodies, to desire and pleasure, and our range of emotions?
What paths toward personal and societal transformation lay upon our skin?
Does it make sense that most sweaty men never consider trimming their underarm hair?
How much meaning is braided into our body hair?
Is body hair a marker of masculinity, femininity, gender or genderqueer-ness?
How would society change if each of us had access and the ability to choose with ease and intention, smooth or hairy, for each and every body part?
The acclaimed O Zhang’s works have appeared at Guggenheim Museum and Miro Art Museum, as well as solo exhibitions in New York, Beijing, London, and Istanbul. In A Body Hair Experiment she works her magic again. These luscious black and white photos will have you going back for more.
A Body Hair Experiment is a gentle and delicious invitation. Eli Cohen presents his body in his vulnerability, showing and telling. His words weave through reflections both personal and societal, while inviting the reader to do the same.
The Review
This was a completely short yet powerful read. The author’s intimate and personal writing style allows readers to connect to the deeper themes of sexuality, gender identity, and gender norms as a whole as it relates to the human body and how we perceive it. The thoughtful atmosphere each passage invoked in the reader allowed for a more introspective reading experience that challenged the reader to fully grasp these themes.
For me, the power of this book came from a balance of the author’s moving words and the photographer’s stunning imagery. The themes speak to so many people and reflect on how our society forces certain roles and perspectives on different groups of people. From men not being able to feel comfortable being in touch with a more “feminine” ideal to the need to assign physical and material aspects of our daily life to a specific gender, and having these impact our perception of a person’s sexuality as a whole, really moved me, and to see this stem from something that seems so simple such as a body hair experiment and to see it blossom the way it does was powerful to read.
The Verdict
Heartwarming, thoughtful, and reflective, author Eli Cohen’s “A Body Hair Experiment” is a must-read photography book. Due to its release in January of 2023, the author and photographer both deliver a moving story of redefining our relationship with our bodies and separating society’s expectations from our own feelings and emotions. The passionate way the author shares his story and the deeper themes really will speak to many readers out there. Be sure to grab your copy early 2023.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Eli Cohen was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of fifty, he began to share his personal journey through the prevalence of arbitrary gender markers and his transgression of them. He is the founder of Spacious Human, a movement to create thoughtful awareness for human expression.
Cohen is a personal embodiment activist and a facilitator of events and experiences during which people can explore clothing and appearance norms with intention and feel in their bodies the corresponding freedom that alternate choices can provide. He uses the transformative powers of dress and expression to provide humans with the opportunity to excavate their own hidden emotions and beliefs relating to both masculinity and femininity.
Cohen is also a writer, dancer, and speaker, and has been featured on podcasts such as Late Night Health Radio, The Positive Head, and The Pleasure Report, among others. He has given talks at venues such as the Lightning Society and has appeared in the Gothamist.
He is a father, grandfather, and lives with his wife and daughter in Brooklyn, New York.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Mark James Murphy takes readers on a journey to find the means of leaving the rat race behind and living a life of travel and adventure in his book “Travel For As Long As You Wish: The Blueprint for Budget Travel, Backpacking, and Escaping the Rat Race.”
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The Synopsis
Learn how to escape the 9 to 5 and live your dream life, without delaying any longer!
What if you could say goodbye to the daily grind and fill every day with adventure and experiences, packed with true value and meaning right now?
From humble North-East roots, in the industrial city of Sunderland, U.K to becoming an artist, adventurer and teacher, Mark James Murphy did exactly that and wants to show how it’s possible for everyone.
This book gives you the ultimate tools and knowledge to get unstuck from the rut of the rat race once and for all and travel for as long as you wish. Whether you are young and inexperienced in travel or a seasoned globetrotter or you have retired and have more time on your hands to explore the world, this book will give you the very latest travel advice and explore the following topics:
How to prepare for your trip, what and how to pack
The latest digital devices for traveling and useful apps
Insightful personal experiences from my own adventures
Reasons why we want to travel and what meaningful travel is
Why you can travel with very little money
How to find your own value and generate finances from this as you travel
Avoid scams while in a new country
Great tips and discount information for senior travelers
Plus: Unique travel destinations for 2023 and beyond, some of which you may never of heard of before!
Escape your day job and travel the world now. Don’t wait until tomorrow, make this book a vital part of your collection and live your dreams today.
The Review
This was a truly well-researched and valuable guide to travel for newcomers and experts alike. The author’s honesty and hopeful tone in the book helped to elevate the information the author provided, and the imagery of the author’s own personal experiences and memories help to illustrate these lessons and themes the author imparts to the reader.
As someone who has always dreamed of traveling the world, the concept behind this book was definitely appealing. The thing that stuck out to me was the author’s emphasis that this was not a book you would read once and walk away from, but instead, return to over and over again as the need to fine-tune one’s road trip goals comes up in life. The exploration of the journey and self-exploration as being part of the travel experience was inspiring, and the way the author challenges the reader to confront our fears and shed the doubts that always prevent our goal of traveling and experiencing new cultures was both bold and inviting.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and insightful, author Mark James Murphy’s “Travel For As Long As You Wish: The Blueprint for Budget Travel, Backpacking, and Escaping the Rat Race” is a must-read nonfiction travel guide that you won’t be able to put down. The educational purpose of the book balances out the relatability and emotional connection readers make to the author and his experiences in travel, and the thought-provoking look into travel itself will keep readers invested in the author’s story as time goes on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Mark James Murphy is an artist, teacher, adventurer, and writer. He was born in Sunderland, North-East England in the early 1980s. He has solo traveled extensively throughout the world and in 2017 decided to leave behind his job and apartment in the UK to teach English in Vietnam, South East Asia, for almost five years, describing it as the best moment of his life so far. There he also continued developing his practice as an artist and printmaker, documenting his travels through the medium of linocut. In 2019 he fulfilled a childhood dream when he backpacked for two months throughout the whole of India, ending up in a remote village in the Himalayan foothills. He has played football with local kids in the Sahara desert, lived with Hmong people high in the mountains of North Vietnam, and worked as a farmhand in Southern Spain. Mark is currently based just outside of London.
