Meet author Mark Tedesco

Today I'm introducing Americana writer Mark Tedesco.

 

Mark Tedesco is a writer and educator residing in California. Having lived in Italy for eight years, he enjoys weaving stories connecting the present to the past and exploring how deep human longings are expressed in relationships, events, culture and history.

Mark has written in the genres of travel, historical fiction, memoir, self-help and childrens’ fiction. His titles include: That Undeniable Longing, I Am John I Am Paul, Lessons and Beliefs, The Dog on the Acropolis and Loving Hoping Believing. Mark’s Dixi Books title, She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome, brings to life Mark’s love for the magic of a city, in which he weaves history, personal stories and interviews into a tale that, little by little, also seduces the reader:

Mark:

Q: What prompted you to start writing?

A: My primary occupation is teaching history (social studies) to high school students and mentoring new teachers in Los Angeles. I write in my free time.

My writing journey began when I started to record my experiences in a Vatican seminary; I wrote a sort of "journal" to reflect on this time of my life and understand how the pieces of my life fit together. When I finished, I showed this manuscript to my sister, and she said, "This is good. You should get it published". I had my doubts but went ahead and sent it to a few publishers. The Chicago Review press picked it up and published it soon after. The book is called That Undeniable Longing: My Journey to and from the Priesthood.

Q: Describe the genre of your books.

A: I've written in the genres of travel, historical fiction, memoir, self-help, and children's fiction. I try not to confine myself to one genre though I am particularly drawn to historical fiction. It often happens that I find a story welling up within me; the genre then reveals itself.

Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What are your all-time favorite book and author?

A: I have a wide variety of books that I like to read, from historical fiction to travel, from classical literature to contemporary biography, from bestseller to unknown works. The common thread for me is that a story has to be based on experiences to interest me. If I pick up a book and it consists of the author's thoughts, I get bored. If it is the author's experience, I get interested.

In my adulthood, the first book that spoke to me on a deeper level was Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh. It was as if I felt the author reading the story personally, and each episode, each struggle, was my own. The author was able to weave personal experiences into a fictional story in a way that intrigued me. After this, I found myself drawn to historical fiction with authors such as Margaret George and Steven Saylor. Saylor's account of a private detective investigating cases in ancient Rome covered multiple genres that I could not get enough of! I have other favorite books, but the list would be too long!

I've always enjoyed reading because getting into a book makes my life feel bigger. Being able to explore someone else's world broadens my horizons and experiences.

In childhood, I liked fantasy and adventure books, such as Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland.

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?

A: My words of wisdom come from others:

"Who am I to judge?" -Pope Francis

"A friend to all is a friend to none." -Aristotle

"In the end, we will be judged by how much we have loved." -John of the Cross.

"When someone reveals who they are, believe them the first time." -Maya Angelou

Q: Do you ever suffer from writer's block? How do you handle it?

A: When I suffer from writer's block, it is simple: I stop writing. A story has to grow organically, and if the story is not there, it is not there. I do not try to force it. More often than not, after a few days, weeks, or after some new experiences, the story starts to flow again. If it doesn't, then I acknowledge it, file it away, and open myself to be inspired by another story. I don't stress over it.

Q: Every writer I know is also an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you're reading? Tell us about him or her.

A: Joy Norstrom, "Flying the Nest" and S.C. Farrow "This is Not a Lie". These are two of my favorite new authors whose stories are based on experiences that take on the grittiness, humor, and insight of real life. 

Joy Norstrom is a Canadian writer and social worker residing in Treaty 7 territory. She enjoys sharing stories about the human experience, exploring the outdoors with her family, and reading late into the night when she should be asleep. She has written several works about social issues, including the impact of poverty, loss, and grief on the individual experience. Whether Joy is meeting with friends, advocating for a socially just society, or discussing current events and eyeshadow tips with her teenagers, she can generally be found in conversation. Why? She believes human connection and laughter keep her grounded in a muddled world.

S. C. Farrow has been a writer and editor for over twenty years. She's worked on everything from educational texts to novels. She's also written and produced several films including a feature- length psychological drama. Based in Melbourne, Australia, she has a Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing. She occasionally teaches creative writing at various Melbourne institutions. 

Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours? 

A: Because my book "She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome" will transport you to that magical city for only 15 bucks! All the reviewers agree that the book takes the reader across the world, lets them experience aspects of the city that few know about, and then delivers them back home changed and grateful.

Q: What are you working on for your next release?

A: The working title of my new book is "Stories from Puglia," and it is a collection of stories from different places and times in southern Italy. From pirate invasions to coffee by the sea, the book will carry the reader back in time and to the present, gathering experiences.

S. C. Farrow has been a writer and editor for over twenty years. She's worked on everything from educational texts to novels. She's also written and produced several films including a feature- length psychological drama. Based in Melbourne, Australia, she has a Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing. She occasionally teaches creative writing at various Melbourne institutions.  Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours?  A: Because my book "She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome" will transport you to that magical city for only 15 bucks! All the reviewers agree that the book takes the reader across the world, lets them experience aspects of the city that few know about, and then delivers them back home changed and grateful. Q: What are you working on for your next release? A: The working title of my new book is "Stories from Puglia," and it is a collection of stories from different places and times in southern Italy. From pirate invasions to coffee by the sea, the book will carry the reader back in time and to the present, gathering experiences. For more on Mark Tedesco,  check his website or follow Mark on GoodReads or on AllAuthor. Today's Book Selection: Joshua Fields takes the same flights every week for work, his life a series of departures and arrivals, hotels and airports. During yet another layover, he meets Morgan, a beautiful stranger with whom he feels an immediate connection. When it’s time for their respective flights, Morgan kisses Joshua passionately, lamenting that they’ll never see each other again. As soon as Morgan disappears in the crowd, Joshua is shocked to see her face on a nearby TV. The reason: Morgan is a missing person. Contact: jeff.bailey4007@gmail.com

A Review of US: Volume One by M.P. Web

 

The first thing I noticed about US Volume One by M.P. Web was the writing style. It was reminiscent of the Mickey Spillane novels I read as a teenager, straight forward, ‘just the facts ma’am.’ I liked the reading of it and for this story it worked. In US Volume One, the main character, Fuller, is out on the Gulf of Mexico for a day of therapeutic fishing. The sea is perfect, the sky is perfect, even the air is perfect. Nothing could spoil this day. Fuller notices a glint of light at the edge of his peripheral vision. Then… he is alone… the last man on earth. Web crafted this story perfectly. Fuller witnessed many strange phenomena; few were immediately explained. But, by the end of the book some were Web tied just enough of them together to close the story-line of this book and left just enough of them open to lead into what I assume will be US Volume Two. Masterfully done. Today, I’m a casual reader, but I’m also a writer of novels and screenplays. I couldn’t help dropping into screenwriter mode while reading this book: visualizing this scene or that setting, how would I write this last description?  Now, for the purposes of this read, I may only be a casual reader, but for me, by the end of US Volume One, I had the feeling that I just read the first installment of the next block-buster Sci-Fi book/movie series. Jeff Bailey, author of Not On My Watch.

For more information on M.P. Web, follow him on GoodReads.

For more information on Jeff Bailey, go to his Home Page, or follow him on GoodReads and his LinkedIn Blog.

Contact: jeff.bailey4007@gmail.com

Welcome to my world.

An Interview Sci-Fi author C.J. Mckivvik

 

Today I'm introducing action/thriller writer C.J. McKivvik.

C.J. McKivvik writes action/thrillers that I find intriguing, a Dan Brown meets Indian Jones mashup. He lives in a small village in southwest Ontario, Canada with his partner, their three children and some cats and chickens. When he is not writing he is thinking about writing, and/or running, and/or swimming and/or walking in the fields and forests.

Like many Canadians, he is passionate about hockey and has a love-hate relationship with winter. If given the opportunity, he would live full-time on a tropical island, and would weave numerous visits to Canada and traveling the world into the island life. He likes coconuts, the ocean, tigers, the color blue, the number 10, science and Indie music.

Good morning CJ:

Q: What prompted you to start writing?

A: Good question! I think I’ve always been a writer, and wanted to be a sports journalist when I left high school. I did get a job offer, but I was in my first year of university and decided to stick that out instead. Years passed … and the writing that I did was more and more research kind of writing. I wrote several non-fiction books but my first novel was The Secret of Immortality, last year. When I look back, I think what prompted me at various times, was the enjoyment I get creating something from nothing. What I really enjoyed about my novel was I simply ‘made it up’. Sounds kind of dull, but I love the challenge of making something seem realistic – something plausible – that is entertaining and can make people think, and wonder, even just a little bit.

     

Q: Describe the genre of your books.

 A: The Secret of Immortality is the first of four books in that series, and I had always struggled to think of ‘The Genre’ as I was writing it, and soon after when I was asked exactly that question. Fortunately, the reviewers have done that job for me, and I’ve seen comments that the book reminds people of the adventure fiction of Clive Cussler, the adventures of Indiana Jones, and the mysteries of a Dan Brown novel, and it’s been labelled as ‘an incredibly paced action/ adventure tale’ and ‘reminiscent of ‘National Treasure,’ and the ‘The Mummy’ franchise. I wasn’t trying to write within any specific genre, however, and the story was simply ‘the story’ without any genre to call its home.  

 

I’m also writing another novel outside of the Immortality series, and I can’t think of the genre for that either. It’s quite different from anything I’ve read or seen, and I can’t even think of a comparable book.

 

Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What are your all-time favorite book and author?

A: That is a really tough question! I don’t actually read much fiction and tend to read more science-type books. So many great books. Right now, I’m into my third book of Frans de Waal’s, a researcher (zoologist and ethologist) who writes about primates and human behavior (e.g., Are We Smart Enough ot know How Smart Animals are?’). Fascinating subject and one of the best writers around. I enjoy reading Steven Pinker’s books, and if you want to laugh a lot it’s hard to do better than the late Pete McCarthy’s ‘McCarthy’s Bar.    

 

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?

A:

 

Read widely, and experience as much in life as you can. [Good words]

 

Q: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you handle it?

A: I’ve been fortunate as I’ve not known a writer’s block per se. But I find my best ideas happen when I’m walking, or swimming or running … basically when I’m getting exercise. So I always have a small notebook with me to scribble down the idea, because ideas ‘happen’ when you least expect them.

 

Q: Every writer I know is also, an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you’re reading? Tell us about him or her.

A: As above, Frans de Waal! A great writer and someone who has clearly given some great and extensive thought to animals and the human species. I enjoy books that make you think and provide new perspectives on life, the universe and everything. Which reminds me, Douglas Adams is one of my all-time favorite authors too, and I’ll read his books over and over again.    

 

 

Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours?

A: Ah … hmmmm … well, because you will not have read a book like it. I would like to say it is not predictable, the writing is somewhat different and I don’t think you’ll see the ending coming. It’s longer than your standard book but that’s because I’m setting the story up for the remaining 3 books – all of which will move along really quickly now the foundation has been set.   

 

 

Q: What are you working on for your next release?

A: My next book is the second in the series – its titled “The Search.” Plenty of intrigue and action and is a fast-paced romp through approx. 250-280 pages.

 

Meantime, there is another book in the works – titled “Enough”. It is very different to the series and ‘out there’ – but a fun book all the same. Well, at least I’m thinking & hoping it is.

 

 

For more information on CJ McKivvik, follow him on GoodReads.com.

For more information on Jeff Bailey, follow him on GoodReads.com and his LinkedIn Blog.

Today's Book Selection:

Tumble, The Andaman Event was a surprising find for me. Bob Triggs takes a fictional, global disaster, The Andaman Event and takes it epic. After reading the first in the series, I know its going to take at least six books to cover the story.  Triggs delves into the lives of the people who are directly involved in the event, not just the event itself.  Reminds me a bit of James Mitchener's development of a story. The geology, the history, the people's lives all blended into a uniquely readable story. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Try it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Contact: jeff.bailey4007@gmail.com

Revisit The Defect

 

There has been a recent uptick in the sales of my debut book, The Defect. I'm not sure 'why.' I've never been able to decipher the mysterious world of book marketing. However, I just thought I should revisit and repost an image or two.

The Defect is a fictionalized account of what really happened during the core meltdown at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Station in 1979 and why the government covered it up.

Welcome to my World

My LinkedIn Blog

A profile of author Wayne Edwards

 

Today, I'm introducing Americana writer Wayne Edwards, author of The Pacer Coulee Chroncles.

Wayne Edwards is a Montana native who completed his undergraduate studies at Montana State University and received a doctorate degree from the University of Washington in 1980. He is recently retired from a successful 30-year banking career and has used his long-time interest in writing to launch a second career as an aspiring author.

Edwards is also a children's author and the first of his Buster The Bridger Mountain Bear series will be released in March of 2021. His current project, A Stone's Throw, is a middle grade fiction novel and is expected to launch in the fall of 2021.

Wayne and his wife Lorinda have three grown daughters and eight grandchildren. They split the year between their Bozeman, Montana and Cave Creek, Arizona homes.

Good Morning Wayne:

Q: What prompted you to start writing?

Although I've always enjoyed dabbling with the pen over the years (mostly just exchanging humorous emails with friends and family) , I didn't seriously consider writing a book until I retired a few years ago and my three grown daughters got together and ganged up on me.... yet again! I figure the reason they approached me and suggested that I attempt a new career in writing was they were worried I was going to drive their mother nuts by hanging around the house during retirement!

Q: Describe the genre of your books?

I'm not sure exactly what genre moniker my first (and thus far my only one) published book Pacer Coulee Chronicles would fall under. In addition to the old standby of "Adult Fiction" that we used, I think one could more accurately describe the genre by throwing "Rural.... Small Town.... High School Sports" against the wall in hopes that something will stick! [My notes: I place Wayne's book, The Pacer Coulee Chronicles squarely in the Americana genre with stories like Fried Green Tomatoes and Little House On The Prairie.] 

I'm also dabbling in the "Children's Book" arena, as my first children's book (3-7 year old intended audience) Buster The Bridger Mountain Bear is scheduled to be released early this fall (2021). My current project, A Stone's Throw, is a "Middle Grade/Young Adult" genre that is intended for a 10-14 year old audience.

Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What are your alltime favorite book and author?

Blind Your Ponies..... by Stanley Gordon West

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?

I don't think I've been writing long or good enough to be so presumptuous to think I have any kind of impactful "Words of Wisdom" to bestow upon the readers, but if I were to toss something out there for the readers it would be....KEEP READING!! Whether you like the feel of a real book (like most of us old duffers do), or prefer to do your reading in the digital format (like most of the younger crowd), keep reading!

Q: Do you ever suffer from writer's block? How do you handle it?

Yes, all the time. And how do I handle it? Well.... I make myself sit in front of my computer and refuse to let myself leave until I have written a couple of paragraphs. I just keep doing that every day until my feeble brain neurons complete a synapse-or-two and the words start to flow again.

Q: Every writer I know is also an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you're reading? Tell us about him or her. 

Actually, one of my favorite authors that I just discovered is none other than the host of this blog, Jeff Bailey. I recently completed reading his new book Not On My Watch and found it to be a most enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more of his work.

Nellie Neeman is another new author that I have been following. Her action thriller, Spree, is a great read and I will be reading more of her work in the near future.

Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours? 

Because everyone, regardless of whether they may have grown up in a rural area or a small community—or whether they like sports or not, will fall in love with many of the wonderful characters in this story. Everyone, at least occasionally, loves a fun, humorous and heartwarming tale to read. "Pacer Coulee Chronicles" provides such a tale.

Q: What are you working on for your next release?

As mentioned above, my current project is for a middle grade/young adult audience.

For more on Wayne Edwards, follow him on Amazon and Goodreads.

For more on Jeff Bailey, check his Home Page or follow him on GoodReads or his LinkedIn Blog.

For more author profiles, key-word search 'jeff bailey books profile' .

Today's Featured book: Mercy River by Glen Erik Hamilton. 

Yet another Glen Erik Hamilton thriller. I can’t say enough good thinks about the story. A very rural town in the Pacific Northwest is hosting an Army Ranger week-long reunion. With white militias, corrupt local officials, country law enforcement, and a thriving illegal business, what could go wrong. What could go wrong, indeed? Great, simple great.

Contact: jeff.bailey4007@gmail.com

Welcome to my World