Indie Reads Aloud: A Storytelling Podcast

About The Author: Andrew Allen Smith is a West Michigan Author with a passion for life. As an author he has explored multiple genres and feels at home with each of them. His first book was a collection of poetry which has recently become more popular while his Action/Adventure series,  “The Masterson Files” has achieved a positive success, having earned five star Reader’s Favorite awards.

In 2021 Andrew released his first non-fiction book that was not a textbook or validation document with “What NOT to Say to People who are Grieving,” with his sister. That book reached number 47 on Amazon in the Death and Grief category.

Andrew continues to write and is currently focused on multiple projects including his continuation of the “Masterson Files”, a new series called “The Eternal Forever” and a series of anthologies including the recently released “Yet Another Slice of Fear”.  Andrew has also had multiple short stories and flash fiction entries included in several other publications.

LISTENER ADVISORY: MILD VIOLENCE

About The Author: D.A. Reed (Deborah Reed) writes young adult novels—from page-turning thrillers to stories based on challenges children and adults face every day.

D.A. Reed’s books have received acclaim, notably: Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in the category of Young Adult Fiction for All The Things We Didn’t See (2021) and Dare Accepted (2020); Best Indie Book Award (BIBA) in the category of Young Adult Drama for All The Things We Didn’t See (2021) and  Nothin’ But Gutters And Pocket Change (2020); and Independent Press Award “Distinguished Favorite 2022” for All The Things We Didn’t See.

She also writes Suspense/Thriller fiction for adults, including Three Thrilling Tales, One Killer Book!, The Caitlin O’Reitly Mystery Series, and Web of Decieit; as well as a collection of humorous essays, Chicken Butthair: Tales of an Over-Caffeinated Human.

You may also find Deborah’s short horror stories published in Share Your Scare: A Lulu Anthology, and annual literary and visual arts magazine The Garfield Lake Review.

Deborah lives with her husband and family in Western Michigan.

Book Title: When Darkness Killed Her (Book 1 of the Caitlin O’Reilly Series)

Genre: Mystery

Book Synopsis: Caitlin O’Reilly has felt the touch of death…

A respected officer on the Healey Police Department, Caitlin finds her position on the force in sudden jeopardy as she ditches her partner to provide assistance for her father, a respected private investigator.

Shocked and shaken when the incident ends in tragedy, Caitlin is desperate to solve the case that resulted in her father’s death. Leaving the HPD, she takes over her father’s investigative firm with the intent of finding justice.

Listener Advisory: Strong Language; Violence; Mature Situations

About The Author: J.A. Bullen was born 1988 in Mason, Michigan and has remained a local with his wife and children. He first became interested in writing at the age of 8 but never pursued it passionately until explaining to his daughter, the importance of having dreams and pursuing them.

J. A. Bullen mostly delves into Epic Fantasy Fictions, Thrillers, Horrors or Science Fiction (Lord of the Rings, The Last Apprentice, Inheritance Cycle, anything by Rick Riordan or Stephen King.) He is most passionate about his family and often leaves secret references to his wife and daughter in his work.

A polygamous author, he is currently penning several novels in different genres while working to finish his established series.

Title: Initmations of Death

Genre: Supernatural Thriller

Book Synopsis: My name is Olivia Belladonna Lux, former police officer and investigator of the paranormal. The following report is a full account of my experiences over the past several months, and of my death. Despite what you believe, I have learned there is something beyond death, and it's terrifying. Believe me or not, please know that I am of sound mind and that the reports contained within are a telling of events that have long been at play. As the bodies continue to pile up around those involved, I only hope someone takes this seriously, and helps uncover the truth.

About The Author: Lisa Jacovsky currently lives in her hometown of North Brunswick, NJ. She works as a Child Development Specialist with Early Intervention. In her job she is able to help children under the age of three with cognitive and developmental delays, sometimes with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis for eight years and this is where she had inspiration for writing her very first series, Lets Talk!. Her hopes for this series are to simply inspire families and their children to be open to anyone no matter their differences. There will be six books in the series. Lisa has always loved writing and hopes to use this way of expression to show the beauty that is in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Title: Rascal Cat Brothers

Genre: Children’s

Book Synopsis: Sometimes we all have to make room for new additions to our family. It can be hard but it also can be fun. That is exactly what happened to Midnight one day when his mommy brought home a new little brother named Snowball to be his best friend. Little did he know how silly and fun this new little brother can be. This story follows the silly shenanigans of two cats who are learning to get along and become family.  $2 from every book are donated to a different special needs cat rescue every month.

About The Author: D.A. Reed (Deborah Reed) writes young adult novels—from page-turning thrillers to stories based on challenges children and adults face every day.

D.A. Reed’s books have received acclaim, notably: Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in the category of Young Adult Fiction for All The Things We Didn’t See (2021) and Dare Accepted (2020); Best Indie Book Award (BIBA) in the category of Young Adult Drama for All The Things We Didn’t See (2021) and  Nothin’ But Gutters And Pocket Change (2020); and Independent Press Award “Distinguished Favorite 2022” for All The Things We Didn’t See.

She also writes Suspense/Thriller fiction for adults, including Three Thrilling Tales, One Killer Book!, The Caitlin O’Reilly Mystery Series, and Web of Deceit; as well as a collection of humorous essays, Chicken Butthair: Tales of an Over-Caffeinated Human.

You may also find Deborah’s short horror stories published in Share Your Scare: A Lulu Anthology, and annual literary and visual arts magazine The Garfield Lake Review.

Deborah lives with her husband and family in Western Michigan.

Book Title: The Wonderland Code

Genre: Thriller

Book Synopsis: Family secrets and a national scandal... Journalist David Caldwell never thought an estranged uncle and a trip across the country would change his life...or influence the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. David's arrival in California exposes family secrets and plunges him into the corrupt world of national politics as it quickly becomes clear that David's uncle had a hidden agenda that was derailed by his sudden death. David suddenly finds himself in a struggle to stay alive while determined to stop the biggest case of election fraud the country has ever seen. And he must decide if protecting a fundamental freedom of his country is worth losing his life....

About The Author: Jennifer Willcock grew up telling herself stories in the middle of the night to keep away the monsters that lurked in the dark. Once she realized there weren’t any real monsters, she kept telling stories.

A voracious reader, Jennifer reads many different genres, but she never outgrew young adult fiction. A degree in English Literature enabled her to keep her love affair with reading and writing alive.

Jennifer studied ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance during her teen years and into adulthood. She has taught in private and community settings and choreographed productions for her church over the years.

In 2017, Jennifer decided she was brave enough to try and write fiction, and joined NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in November. She “won” it, writing fifty thousand words in thirty days. The result of that effort was her novel, Exit Stage Right, a dream she thought was impossible to achieve. In 2019, the novel made the short list of the Word Alive Press fiction writing contest.

Besides being a mom to two sons, she is married to Mark, a pastor. She works part-time in the local library, where she’s inspired every day to write a book that will one day be on the shelves. The family’s pet dwarf rabbit, Whiskers, is her muse as he sits at her feet while she writes.

Title: Into The Forest

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Synopsis: What if the Wolf fell in love with Red Riding Hood?

Prince Teowulf, Crown Prince of the Wolf Kingdom, believes the lessons of superiority he’s learned from childhood until a chance encounter with a despised Forester, Jenna “Rider” Hood. Rider is the daughter of Dr. Hood, the premiere pharmacist of Wolf Kingdom, and she turns Prince Teo’s world upside down, making him question everything he’s ever believed about the Foresters. When sickness strikes the Wolf clan, Rider and Prince Teo must work together to save lives. But can they get past their own hate and prejudice to help others? Will the sparks between Rider and Teo fizzle or burst into flame?

About The Author: Lisa Jacovsky currently lives in her hometown of North Brunswick, NJ. She works as a Child Development Specialist with Early Intervention. In her job she is able to help children under the age of three with cognitive and developmental delays, sometimes with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis for eight years and this is where she had inspiration for writing her very first series, Lets Talk!. Her hopes for this series are to simply inspire families and their children to be open to anyone no matter their differences. There will be six books in the series. Lisa has always loved writing and hopes to use this way of expression to show the beauty that is in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Title: Let’s Talk! Learning To Bowl

Genre: Children’s

Book Synopsis: Two best friends go bowling for the first time during the time of the pandemic when everyone needs to wear a mask. This is difficult for one friend who happens to have autism and sensory processing issues. Her best friend helps her to understand why she needs to wear a mask. Then she helps the teenage coach, who is helping them to learn to bowl, understand Autism, and how to communicate with her best friend. Come along on a fun journey of friendship, bowling, and learning!

Listener Advisory: Strong Language; Violence; Mature Situations

Title: The Last Angel To Fall

Genre: Supernatural, Inter-Agency Urban Fantasy Thriller

Book Synopsis: After 12 Federal Agents are murdered, Black Ops Special Agent Jubal Stone, still grieving over the death of his wife, is pulled from a desk assignment and plunged into a nightmare pursuit of a Fallen Angel who was imprisoned inside a meteorite that struck south-central Michigan – a rebel angel who possesses information that could help Lucifer win his war against God.

As he hunts the last angel to fall, Jubal learns about a shocking conspiracy between Lucifer and the State Department – and the treaty they were forced to sign to avoid an attack from Hell.

A rogue CIA agent is also in pursuit, and he has very different plans for the Fallen Angel.

Jubal's long-held beliefs are shattered when he learns the other side of the story of the war between Good and Evil from an 'Angel Expert' his mentor believes was sent to lead Jubal astray. Asheba Rain was born in Hell and she is keeping secrets that could get them all killed.

Ignoring his mentor's warnings, Jubal is slowly seduced into a taboo affair with this beautiful, mysterious woman – an affair that is condemned by Heaven and Hell alike.

With the Apocalypse approaching and the end of the world imminent, the State Department has been forced to make peace with the Devil – because God has stopped answering prayers.

The Short Story Experience...
​...with Andrew Allen Smith

We will start with an overview of short stories, novellas, and novels and the differences between each.  Once establishing a baseline, we will talk about approaches and use several short stories as examples that will show tactics for engaging the reader and keeping them enthralled in your writing, as well as common ideas to make you memorable.

Then, we will have a common item or idea as a central point to a new short story that will be crafted during portions of the workshop or your free time.  Participants will be given the opportunity to read their short stories and discuss their views on the particular item or idea.

Title: Vanishing Act (Book 2 of the Jamie Richmond Mystery Series)

Genre: Mystery/Romance

Book Synopsis: A new year marks new beginnings for Jamie Richmond. Not only has she moved into a cozy new house, but she’s brought Malone along with her to fan the flames of their growing romance. When Jamie’s best friend, Linda Davis, enters the picture, she thinks everything is right with the world.

Linda begins a May-September romance with Vincent Schulte, Jamie’s doctor and good friend. But while Vince is sweeping Linda off her feet, she unknowingly has captured the attention of a stalker. Their idyllic life suddenly takes a very bad turn when Linda disappears without a trace on a cold and snowy day. The police are scrambling to find a clue that will lead them to Linda. Malone does his best to comfort Jamie and encourages her to let the professionals do their job. But if there’s one thing he’s learned in their time together, it’s that nothing will stop this stubborn redhead from solving this mystery.

Jamie turns all of her attention to figuring out who took Linda and where she might be, regardless of the dangers she may face. Her efforts once again put her in harm’s way. But will she find her best friend?

Creating Book Cover Designs in PhotoShop
...with Jules Nelson

Welcome to a special edition of the Indie Reads Aloud podcast.

Today, we’re going to be talking about the upcoming Story Scribblers Writer’s Retreat.  If you’ve ever imagined spending luxurious time focusing on your writing, learning about your craft, and becoming immersed in storytelling… THIS might be the Writer’s Retreat for you!

The retreat takes place Thursday, August 24 through Sunday, August 27 in Clarkston, Michigan.  Everything is included… Workshops taught by expert Indie Authors, meals, lodging, critique sessions, lots of concentrated writing time, nightly campfires with more s’mores than you can consume, and so much more!  Whether you’re a new writer, or an established author, you’ll find strong support and tremendous fun at Story Scribblers.  Keep listening to hear more about this exciting event.

In this episode, we'll talk with Mandy Jo, and the two workshops she's facilitating for the retreat, Greet The Morning Yoga, and The Writer's Dashboard.

LISTENER ADVISORY: STRONG LANGUAGE, MATURE SITUATIONS

About The Author: Lisa Wilkes has spent 13 years as a flight attendant, jetting across the globe and collecting inspiration for her writings. She wrote her first book at age eight. Full disclosure: it was 68 pages about a lost kitty cat, handwritten in a spiral notebook...and it was not exactly a literary masterpiece! It did, however, inspire a lifelong passion; she’s been creating deeply emotional, wildly empowering stories ever since then.  Lisa’s writing is provocative and timely, with a focus on societal issues and powerful internal conflict. Her readers appreciate the emphasis on hope and redemption in her books, and many are drawn to the power of her storytelling.  Lisa also supports local animal shelters with an etsy shop to help reduce the euthanasia rates in her home state of Florida.

Title: Mid-Flight

Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction Romance

Book Synopsis: She failed to save her brother and her best friend from destructive forces. Could she topple the most sinister villain of all time? 2037 was a really bad year. Lexi Brennan’s best friend was killed in a plane crash. Two weeks later, an intergalactic crisis threatened the fate of humanity. Authorities responded by launching a genocide. Lexi opposed this vicious attack. Then again, what could she do? An eccentric flight attendant drawn to glamorous trysts, she felt powerless to incite change.

Until tragedy struck close to home. Suddenly, Lexi was forced to acknowledge the widespread atrocities. She uncovered a network of lies along with an opportunity to restore basic human rights. To protect others, Lexi would have to launch a movement that could destroy everything important to her, including her promising new romance.

The Indie Author community again proved that we know how to have a good  time!  

In this final episode of the 2023 Virtual Book Festival, we gave away MANY Books and other prizes, Recapped the Mystery, Revealed the  Murderer, and even heard from a Spirit in Purgatory.    

If you're looking for a little fun with a band of creative souls, we invite you to join the rabble-rousing and indulge in a few giggles with a  tremendously entertaining group of people.  

And if you want to have even more fun... binge-watch all the episodes from day one!  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting, some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library, disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered, and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting, some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library, disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered, and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting, some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library, disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered, and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting, some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library, disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered, and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting, some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library, disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered, and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting, some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library, disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered, and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.  The mystery deepens as the contents of the  manuscript are discovered, and it's quickly realized that the library is  full of people with various motives for stealing the ancient text.Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now?What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the genealogy section as though it had no importance?You'll  need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had the  Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.  The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each night... and perhaps more.This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people  read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting,  some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient  manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library,  disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a  small origami fox.    The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered,  and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with  various motives for stealing the ancient text. Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now? What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the  genealogy section as though it had no importance?  You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had  the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.  Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a  Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.    The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each  night... and perhaps more.  This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.  

Inside a regular, ordinary library on a seemingly ordinary day, people read, research, and enjoy the peace the library offers.  While visiting, some take breaks and visit the adjoined cafe.  But when an ancient manuscript, hidden in a rarely-used back corner of the library, disappears, the patrons are alarmed.  In place of the book... sits a small origami horse.  

The mystery deepens as the contents of the manuscript are discovered, and it's quickly realized that the library is full of people with various motives for stealing the ancient text.

Who took the book?  Why?  AND... Where is it now?

What was such an important historical text doing shelved in the genealogy section as though it had no importance?

You'll need to question all of the suspects to find the person who had the Motive, Means, and Opportunity to steal the manuscript.

Meanwhile, you'll also need to collect clues each night to solve a Scavenger Hunt Riddle on the last night of the event.  

The Spinny Wheel of Happiness will give away a free each book each night... and perhaps more.

This is a family-friendly event.  You must be present to win.

About The Author: Libby Kay lives in a city in the heart of Midwest Ohio with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby is a librarian, and loves reading romance novels of any kind. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after -- she’s in love!

When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow.

Title: Snow In Love

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Christmas is Sienna Markum’s favorite time of year. From the tinsel and traditions to the down time with family, all Sienna wants is a break from training. The Paralympics are months away, and she’s set on winning Alpine gold.

LISTENER ADVISORY: STRONG LANGUAGE

About The Author: Julie Navickas is an award-winning author of contemporary romance. She has a keen ability to weave heart-wrenching, second-chance love stories through relatable characters with humility, humor, and heroism. She has quickly become a much-anticipated new author with Inkspell Publishing. When not writing, she spends her time serving as the executive director of The Writing Champions Project, a global writing community. She is also the public relations manager with Burning Soul Press and is an award-winning instructor in the School of Communication at Illinois State University where she teaches coursework in writing for public relations, magazine production and design, and public speaking. She is a mom to three children: Lillian, Colton, and Brady and has been happily married to her high school sweetheart, Tommy for ten years.

Title: I Loved You Today

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Because when you least expect it… and when you’re least ready for it… love happens.

Casey McDaniels lacked direction, spending the better part of her youth, boyfriend hopping, partying, and bartending – her dreams, career ambitions, and education put on the backburner in favor of a social life and a steady paycheck… that is, until a new lawyer moves into town.

When sexy, smart, and broken-hearted Austin Templeton relocates from Los Angeles to Chicago, Casey can’t help but put her former lifestyle aside in favor of the sweet romance that erupts between them. Finding more than just her heart set ablaze, Austin’s own professional ambition ignites a fire beneath her – pushing her forward into uncharted territory.

But one thing’s for sure… his career will always come first. When an unexpected promotion threatens to take him back to California, Casey reels, forced to choose between the man who captured her heart and the newfound path to success he led her down.

With her heart torn down the middle, Casey leaves the choice in Austin’s hands. After all, what’s more important? A job… or love?

Pages Promotions Creative Light Writer’s Guild Community Service Projects

We believe a more harmonious and supportive society begins with literacy.  We believe that a successful life begins with, and is enhanced by, the written word.  We believe that not everyone is able or inclined to pick up trash by the side of the road, or give blood, or donate financially in order to contribute to the well-being of their community.  We know there must be an alternative.  We believe that alternative is the Power of The Pen!  We offer novice and experienced writers alike, the opportunity to join together to create a force to be reckoned with... shared experience through the written word. 

Several times per year, we offer enticing prompts that, when multiple authors contribute, result in stunning books, created from our combined creative energies.  To date, we have published short story collections including, Simple Things, The Portrait of Herbert Losh, Monster Hunter Intern, and The Gift… as well as two collaborative novels, By The Seat Of Our Pants: Madness and the soon to be released, By The Seat of Our Pants: Chaos.

Tonight, we’ll be sharing stories from our latest project: a horror, suspense, and thriller collection called: The Drifter and Other Unusual Tales.

But first, Andrew Allen Smith will talk a little bit about the charity that we support, The Haley Sue Foundation.
Tonight, we have a wonderful group of authors who will read for you.  Each will share a story that they wrote for the anthology. 

LISTENER ADVISORY: MATURE CONTENT

About The Author: Mark H. McCraw has spent more than a decade in education, working with children and students of all ages, from infants through college students. His career as a military father was important to him and to his family. He is a father of four adult children and a grandfather of nine grandchildren. He currently lives in Oklahoma. This is his first book with more to come.

Title: Did You Come Home For Lunch?

Genre: Children’s Fiction

Book Synopsis: A little boy who is three years old knows that his daddy is in the Air Force. Sometimes, his daddy goes away for a long time while traveling to faraway places. The little boy is proud of him but also misses him when he is gone.

On one trip, the boy gets to see his daddy get on a military plane and fly away. Days later, when he returns, the boy does not realize how long he has been gone and says something that makes both of his parents laugh. But the boy is so happy to have his family reunited and does not mind that they are laughing.

In this children's book, a young boy whose father is in the military gives his dad a surprise laugh when his dad arrives home unexpectedly.

A Special Book Launch Episode with Gabriel Mero and Witch’d

About The Author: Gabriel Mero has been writing for as long as he can remember, getting his start in fan fiction. He’s always dreamed of writing his own original material, and finally it's happened! He draws inspiration from his life and fictionalizes it to make what he hopes will be an interesting, engaging story with realistic, humanistic characters. He’s always loved the supernatural -- witches in particular -- and cats are his life. He’s the male equivalent of a crazy cat lady: He lives in a small town in Michigan with his five cats Valerie, Clara, Alistair, Romana, and Cersei.

Title: Witch’d

Genre: New Adult LGBT Paranormal Romance

Book Synopsis: Twenty-year-old Graham Norris relocates to the small town of Willows Crest, with his mother and Autistic brother, to escape his abusive stepfather. His grandmother, Ginevra, is happy to take them in, but is harboring a secret of her own. When Graham meets the enigmatic Erasmus, a door is opened up to a world that he never knew existed, a world in which he can excel. Love, magic, and fantasy ensue.

About The Author: Michael Samerdyke was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a graduate of the Odyssey Writers Workshop and he has won the Lonesome Pine Short Story Contest twice, for Snowman and The Rest of the Way Home, and the Appalachian Heritage Writers Symposium contest for The Frankenstein Doll. He currently lives and writes in southwestern Virginia.

Title: Exit, Laughing Maniacally

Genre: Fantasy

Book Synopsis: You've read the comic books about how the Night Avenger keeps the citizens of Noir City safe from the supervillains that plague that Midwestern metropolis. But you've never heard the story told from the villains' point of view.

Until now.

In Exit, Laughing Maniacally, the Maniac, Night Avenger's most notorious foe, sets the record straight about the twilight struggle between good and evil that the comic books won't tell. Learn about audacious heists and bitter backstabbing. Find out which supervillains are self-important jerks, and how a certain campy TV show ruined crime in Noir City.

About The Author: R.L. Fink grew up in Topanga, California as the eldest of three. An avid listener, then reader of detective stories, the only thing better than writing detective novels would have been to become a character in one. But since that never happened, R.L. Fink chose to write a detective series based on a middle school experience that never happened, but would've been fun if it did, with friends that never existed, but would've been fun if they had.

Ruby studied Film Production at Chapman University’s Dodge College, with a minor in Narrative and Dramatic Literature. She has enjoyed producing many audiobooks over the last several years, and manages a small staff of freelance illustrators, audio engineers and voice actors, who make up the close-knit group that is Faux Fiction Audio.

Title: Mickie McKinney: Boy Detective, Connections in Chemistry

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Book Synopsis: After a week of nothing, things are going seriously weird at Maple Ridge Middle School. First, Jamie “Burners” Burns, is asked to be the substitute teacher for the chemistry class, then the class experiments go horribly wrong...and it isn't Mickie's fault. The new man in charge, Principal Morgan, wants to pin the blame on the school's girl genius but Mickie is certain that someone else is behind the whole thing. With only a couple mysterious substances left behind as clues, a strange school-wide computer problem and an alliance with the school's reporter, AJ Harris, do Mickie and Sam have enough to clear Burners once and for all? Can Maple Ridge Middle School's detecting duo prove that there is a different culprit behind the accidents? And catch the real wrong-doer before it's too late?

Discover The Entries and Winners from the Hero Art Contest HERE!

About The Author: Michael Samerdyke was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a graduate of the Odyssey Writers Workshop and has won the Lonesome Pine Short Story Contest twice, for "Snowman" and "The Rest of the Way Home," and the Appalachian Heritage Writers Symposium contest for "The Frankenstein Doll." He currently lives and writes in southwestern Virginia.

Title: Invasion of The President Snatchers

Genre: Science Fiction Short Stories

Book Synopsis: Attempts to reshape the past, recapture the past, prevent a nightmarish future, and find hidden meanings abound in the seven science fiction stories in "Invasion of the President Snatchers." Besides the title story, this book includes "The First World War Shall Not Take Place," "Zoo Days," "Where's the Rest of Me?" "Keep Watching the Skies," "The Man Who Could Read Between the Lines," and "Has-Been."

LISTENER ADVISORY: Strong Language

About The Author: Tucked away in a cozy corner of Maine, Connie spends her days writing, talking to her plants, strumming her guitar, balancing her kids' schoolwork, now that they're home all the time, and generally trying to keep up with wherever life takes her.

Happily married to the romantic hero of her dreams, Connie is passionate about bringing a great story to those who enjoy escaping into a book and love a happy ending.

She is a member of Romance Writers of Maine and the Central Maine Country Music Association.

Title: Wild Country Hearts

Genre: Romance

Book Synopsis: Kristina is content hiding from the world after her mother's death a year ago. Then Peter rocks her world off its axis when he crashes his sports car into her fence during a snowstorm. He claims to be the lead singer of a famous country band, and she's sure he's delusional. When the storm ends, she sends him out of her life for good. She's got a world class horse stable to run.

The screaming crowds have never made him feel more lonely, and Peter can't forget the feisty brunette who brought his head out of the clouds. She didn't know who he was and didn't care, which only makes him crave her more. When he learns she's in danger, he drops everything to return and protect her.

Now, they need to figure out who killed her mom and stop them before Kristina is next.

About The Author: 

About The Author: Andrew has led an interesting life. He has experienced a myriad of events and dreamed vividly each night about adventure, excitement and more. He quickly found that it was fun to record those experiences, to write and remember in both poetry and story. Using that writing became second nature and he began to tell the stories that had happened or had been dreamed; and enjoy a moment with someone only to create another story with them… and so on.

Andrew is the author of eleven books in various genres, including The Masterson Files, a five book action/adventure series; A Slice of Passion, a poetry collection; The Slice of Fear series, a collection of suspenseful short stories; The Theft, a collection of action & adventure short stories; What Not To Say To People Who Are Grieving, a supportive resource for people experiencing grief; and Adam, a romantic thriller, and the first book in the Eternal Forever series. He has also contributed to several anthologies of poetry and short stories to benefit charity.

Title: Another Slice of Fear: Monster

Genre: Suspenseful Short Stories

Book Synopsis: Fear is at the core of who we are. Join Andrew Allen Smith as he once again writes his way inside your mind to seek those innermost thoughts that you try to hide.

A man finds the secret to immortality, or does he? A selfish woman gets eternal servitude, for a price. A monster awakens and has to decide who is the monster? A family fortune is saved by unlikely allies. A scene unfolds from three different perspectives and creates a problem for Kate with exciting results. A man wins a special vacation for the newly almost divorced.

All this plus a new installment of the story from A Slice of Fear, "The Edge".

Are you ready to see how deep the rabbit hole can go? Another Slice of Fear contains 16 original short stories from the mind of Andrew Allen Smith that may help you get there!

What was your favorite part of writing this book?

About The Author: D.A. Reed (Deborah Reed) writes young adult novels—from page-turning thrillers to stories based on challenges children and adults face every day.

Her stories have garnered the attention of readers and fellow authors alike. Since 2016, author Johnathan Rand has invited her to be a writing instructor at his Author Quest writing camp for young writers. She was also asked to present at several writer and educator conferences including the North of 45 Retreat for Writers; Delta Kappa Gamma Women’s Educator Conference; and regional district libraries. Deborah also offers writing workshops at various venues. Deborah’s international travels include leading creative writing workshops to children—most notably at the Sharjah International Book Fair in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

D.A. Reed’s books have received acclaim, notably: Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in the category of Young Adult Fiction for All The Things We Didn’t See (2021) and Dare Accepted (2020); Best Indie Book Award (BIBA) in the category of Young Adult Drama for All The Things We Didn’t See (2021) and  Nothin’ But Gutters And Pocket Change (2020); and Independent Press Award “Distinguished Favorite 2022” for All The Things We Didn’t See.

She also writes Suspense/Thriller fiction for adults, including Three Thrilling Tales, One Killer Book!, The Caitlin O’Reitly Mystery Series, and Web of Decieit; as well as a collection of humorous essays, Chicken Butthair: Tales of an Over-Caffeinated Human.

You may also find Deborah’s short horror stories published in Share Your Scare: A Lulu Anthology, and annual literary and visual arts magazine The Garfield Lake Review.

Deborah lives with her husband and family in Western Michigan.

Book Title: Three Thrilling Tales, One Killer Book!

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Book Synopsis:
Truth or Die: A match made in heaven…or hell? Romance conceals an evil that refuses to remain hidden for long …
The Killing Game: Two friends head to a remote cabin for a quiet vacation. But terror lurks in the shadows …
Toxic Love: A woman who has it all faces an impossible decision. But nothing could prepare her for what happens next …

Indie Reads Aloud Radio: Conversation Frenzy, The First

I love hearing stories read aloud… and I also enjoy talking with authors and illustrators about their craft. I’m interested to learn where they get their ideas, how they go about their process, and what they think about current industry trends.

Indie Reads Aloud Conversations is my opportunity to indulge in those discussions. I get to learn more about our writing community while having a bit of fun… and I invite you to join us.

​The program is mostly unscripted... and we try to keep it all family-friendly.

Once a month, I host a Targeted Conversation, where we'll discuss something specific (yet still mostly unscripted)... and once a month, it'll be a Conversation Frenzy, where we'll talk about whatever the group suggests.

So, grab a cup of cocoa, tea, coffee… whatever… and a snack, and come join the Conversation!

Authors In The Room Include: