Inside Scoop Live!

Hollis Frances has fifteen years experience in Technical Writing from his career as a Technical Support Engineer on medical equipment at a major manufacturer/service company.  He retired after thirty years in 2020.
That is when he decided to start a new career as an author of short stories based actual events although he does have a novel or two inside his heart that needs to come out in the future. and published his first short story, Willy’s Accident, in 2021.  
He is a military veteran who served first in the US Navy for four years from 1975-1979.  Then, in 1983, enlisted into the US Marines and served until 1987. Hollis Frances has Degree in Electronic Communications Technology. He is married with two adult children and three grandchildren.
You can learn more about Hollis Frances and his work at HollisFrances AOF.com
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About "Alter Called Witness" and the inspiration for the project
What are Pregnant Years and what is the Mazzaroth?
Correlation between the Hebrew and Modern Zodiac
Dwarf Planets and the significance in the context of this work
Much, Much more!
Up Next for Hollis Frances:
Special Editions: Bethlehem Star and Passover
Next Quarterly Journal featuring Christopher Columbus
ALTER CALLED WITNESS
The Hebrews tradition speaks of a annual cycle of events that reoccur in their "season". The author brings the reader along his journey involving the gathering and analysis of the data to determine if this tradition is fact or fiction. And, is there any information "written" in the stars, Mazzaroth, that confirm these events?In this first issue of the Alter Called Witness, the author delves into events such as; The Binding of Isaac, Expulsion of the Hebrews from Spain, Destruction of the second temple and the conception of Jesus!
 
CONNECT WITH HOLLIS FRANCES:
https://hollisfrancesaof.com/https://store.bookbaby.com/profile/HollisFranceshttps://www.writing.com/main/forums/item_id/2301430-Hebrew-Calendar-and-Mazzaroth-Revisitedhttps://www.writing.com/main/profile/biography/hollisfrances
 
OTHER INTERESTING LINKS:
The Torah Calendar- https://torahcalendar.com/
Astronomy software, Starry Night 8 -  https://starrynight.com/starry-night-8-professional-astronomy-telescope-control-software.html

Lisa Towles is an Amazon bestselling, award-winning crime novelist and a passionate speaker on the topics of fiction writing, creativity, and self care. She has ten crime thrillers in print and is the recipient of the Readers Choice, Readers Favorite, BookFest, Literary Titan, and Pencraft literary awards.  Lisa is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers and is deeply committed to supporting other writers. She is Board President of a Bay Area nonprofit and speaks frequently to groups of business leaders and writers. 
Learn more at www.lisatowles.com or follow Lisa on social media: linktr.ee/authortowles. 
 
Topics of Conversation
About Terror Bay and the inspiration behind the story
Writing psychological thrillers
Secrets - the mystery behind them and the people that hold them
Research, writing, plotting and pantsing
The release of Terror Bay
What's next for Lisa Towles?
 
TERROR BAY
"A woman. A ghostly summons.In a coma, no one can hear you scream.Detective Kurt Farin, shot in the line of duty, is haunted by a woman he sees in a coma. Come, she says. I'll show you things. Like the missing piece of your soul.Kurt's unshakable quest to find her leads him to northern Canada, where he discovers a shipwreck and a shocking family secret that can't possibly be true. As he digs deeper, he realizes his fate is inextricably tied to the enigmatic woman...and a long-lost treasure that's been submerged for centuries.His shooter, his nemesis, knows what he found and is coming to finish the job he started. Alone and exposed, Kurt's the only one who can bring down this notorious killer and expose an international scandal. But is the cost of justice - to him and everyone he loves, too high?Terror Bay is filled with intrigue and action, with surprises at every turn. Fans of John Sandford and Christine Kling will love Lisa Towles' new psychological thriller. With a heart-pounding plot, complex characters, and a shocking twist, "Terror Bay" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction."

Gary D. McGugan loves to tell stories and is the author of “Three Weeks Less a Day,” “The Multima Scheme,” “Unrelenting Peril,” “Pernicious Pursuit,” and award-winning novels “A Web of Deceit” and “A Slippery Shadow.” After a forty-year career at senior levels of multinational corporations, Gary’s writing uses artful suspense to entertain and inform. His launch of a new writing career—at an age most people retire—reveals an ongoing zest for new challenges and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Home is near Toronto, but Gary thinks of himself as a true citizen of the world. His passion for travel and his broad experience are evident in every chapter.
 
Learn more about Gary D. McGugan and his work at https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/
 
Topics of Conversation
About Contention and the inspiration for the story
What the characters are up to in Contention - Crime Boss, Fidelia Morales, Suzanne Simpson - CEO of Multima Corporation and Howard Knight - Financial Wizard 
Weaving social, legal and ethical issues into the plot - Corporate Espionage
The role of the Caribbean setting
Writing and marketing as an Indie Author
What's next for Gary D. McGugan?
CONTENTION
Fidelia Morales is supreme mobster in the world of organized crime, with international interests in prostitution, illicit drugs, gambling, payday loans, and money laundering. She also rules her outfit with an iron fist. How will she react when her sometime lover and top financial genius wants out?Howard Knight has lived under Fidelia’s rigid control while he invested, scammed, or stole hundreds of millions in cyber currency for her and her criminal outfit, The Organization. But he craves freedom.Will she let him wade into a new corporate espionage venture from a Caribbean Island? Can the notorious crime boss manipulate her on-and-off lover’s ambitions and still realize a long-held dream of controlling one of the world’s largest publicly traded businesses?Contention pits the aspirations of one against the unimaginable power and reach of the other, setting Multima Corporation’s CEO—Suzanne Simpson—squarely in their criminal crosshairs. Will the high-powered executive recognize signals of impending danger soon enough to defend the massive company she inherited?
CONNECT WITH GARY MCGUGAN!
Website:  https://www.garydmcguganbooks.comMonthly Blog: https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/rendezvous-blogFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/gary.d.mcgugan.booksTwitter:  https://twitter.com/GaryDMcGuganInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authorgarydmcgugan
 

Dr. Randy Overbeck, a retired educator with over four decades of experience, is an award-winning author known for crafting suspenseful, heroic, and mysterious tales set in school environments. His books have received numerous awards and national recognition. His Haunted Shores Mysteries series has achieved bestseller status on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Dr. Overbeck is also the host of the podcast "Great Stories about Great Storytellers," where he uncovers the unique backgrounds of famous authors, directors, and poets. He frequently speaks to audiences nationwide, offering multimedia presentations on various topics.
You can learn more about Randy Overbeck and his work at https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/
 
Topics of Conversation
About Cruel Lessons and his new Lessons in Peril series
Research - going to jail for research!
Creating a suspensful whodunit wrapped around the social issue of drug abuse
How a small town and school system handle the drug issue in schools
Sharing Truths with Entertainment
What's next for Randy Overbeck- and more!
 
CRUEL LESSONS
On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous threat: if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption?
 
CONNECT WITH RANDY OVERBECK!
Website: https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/
Tik Tok @authorrandyo
Visit Randy Overbeck's Podcast: Great Stories about Great Storytellers

Mark Shaiken lives with his wife Loren and their dog Emily in Denver Colorado. He schooled at Haverford College and Washburn University, and practiced commercial bankruptcy law for almost 4 decades before moving on to writing, board service, and his photography and music.
He is the author of 4 novels in his 3J Legal Thrillers series, including Fresh Start, Automatic Stay, Unfair Discrimination, and Cram Down, the book we are going to visit with Mark about today. He also has a non-fiction title available called: And Just Like That: Essays on a Life Before During and After the Law
You can learn more about Mark Shaiken and his work at markshaikenauthor.com
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About Cram Down and the inspiraton behind the story
Cram Down in the legal world
Debuted on Amazon's 100 best seller list for financial thrillers in its first week!
Character Discussion - AMAZING characters!
Rich Kansas City history: incorporating historical elements into a fictional story
Elements of ethical complexities, history, bankruptcy, jazz and music
Creating the audiobook
What's next for Mark Shaiken?
CRAM DOWN
Kansas City attorney Josephina Jillian Jones, 3J to her friends, has dealt with people perpetrating online disinformation, white supremacists, and clients hiding assets, so when a couple who heads up a company that builds inner city housing for marginalized communities comes to her for legal help because their longtime banking partner has shut off their funding, the case appears at first blush to be tame by comparison. But when the bank president disappears and his greed-driven brother seems the likely culprit, things heat up. And when it appears the Kansas City mob is involved, the race is on to save both the company and the bank president. Lives are at stake and the clock is ticking. 3J has a reputation for being fierce and determined, but she’s going to need both help and a little luck to save the day this time.
 
CONNECT WITH MARK SHAIKEN!
Website: htttp://markshaikenauthor.com 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-shaiken-author
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dp4M6P7Kvvg?si=lzDB3BXd1Q1P5tmy 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Shaiken-Author/100070831924501/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkShaiken    

Dan McMillan is a therapist and psychologist in Alberta, Canada, and the father of two young children. This story was originally created to help highlight a common, hurtful pattern in couples’ relationships. One day he told the story to his daughters and found they really enjoyed it as well. So, a kid-friendly version was born in hopes of both entertaining children, and sharing important information for parents to be aware of.
Websites: https://danmcmillanbooks.com/ https://assuredpsychology.com/
Topics of Conversation:
About Badger and Turtle Face the Storm and the inspiration behind the story
Storytelling with Metaphors
Using a storm as the central challenge
Emotional Behaviors - Badger or Turtle - which one are you?
Writing an engaging book for kids that speaks to adults
What's next for Daniel McMillan?
Badger and Turtle Face the Storm
Written by a therapist, Badger and Turtle Face the Storm follows a pair of friends who learn to work together under stress. This book is meant for not only children to enjoy, but as a tool for families to better understand a common, hurtful pattern that can occur, particularly between parents.
 
CONNECT WITH DANIEL MCMILLAN!
Websites: https://danmcmillanbooks.com/ https://assuredpsychology.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assuredpsychology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assuredpsychLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assured-psychology/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/assuredpsychology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@assuredpsychology
 

Homa Pourasgari is an activist, entrepreneur, and author.  Her writings dive deep into themes of love, integrity, compassion, and justice. Fluent in multiple languages, Homa has journeyed across the world, immersing herself in diverse cultures and embracing a variety of viewpoints. While she sometimes finds herself lost in the depths of her writing room, perfecting every scene, Homa equally cherishes moments spent with friends and family, laughing and sharing stories.
You can learn more about Homa Pourasgari and Lemon Curd at https://lemoncurdbook.com.
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION: 
About Lemon Curd and the inspiration behind the story
Releasing a new edition
The marketing world as a backdrop for the story
Relationships!
Advice for new and up and coming authors
What's next for Homa Pourasgari?
 
LEMON CURD
After years of working long hours in the hopes of becoming a partner at a leading marketing firm, the last thing Anna Lisa Gibson expects is to be forced to share her important client with a Brit from their London office. She finds him rude, arrogant and disagreeable.
With high profile clients to his credit, Neil Scott Whitaker never had any difficulties getting along with women until he meets Anna Lisa. He finds her uptight, unpleasant, and impossible to work with. But as the two get to know each other, they start to become friends. Except that Neil has a lot more than friendship in mind. Although he and Anna Lisa had a bad start, he can't control his attraction toward her, and he wonders what it would feel like to spend one night with his officemate.
 
CONNECT WITH HOMA POURASGARI
Book Website: https://www.lemoncurdbook.com/Website:  https://www.homapourasgari.com/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HomaPourasgariFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088472221231

Jeffrey Marshall is a writer, novelist and poet from Scottsdale, AZ. He's the author of five books, including the novels Squeeze Plays, Little Miss Sure Shot and Undetected; Undetected and Squeeze Plays were named ShelfUnbound Notable 100 Indie books in 2020 and 2022, respectively, and Squeeze Plays also was named a Book Excellence Award winner in 2023.
A retired journalist and the former editor of two national business magazines, Marshall has freelanced to more than 30 publications as varied as The New York Times, High Country News and Tail Fly-Fishing Magazine, and his short fiction has appeared in online magazines like Bright Flash Literary Review, Ariel Chart and Vocal.com, among others. A short story he wrote took first place in the 2022 Arizona Authors competition.
You can learn more about Jeffrey Marshall and his work at https://jmarshbks.com
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About Squeeze Plays and the inspiration behind the story
Setting this psychological thriller in the financial hubs of New York and London
The Characters! A bank CEO, a New York tabloic publisher and a Russian oligarch - developing their dynamics and conflicting interests
The financial reporter who plays a pivotal role in uncovering the deeper story
Strong principled female characters
Serious insights into wealth and power with some humorous, satirical elements
What's next for Jeffrey Marshall?
 
SQUEEZE PLAYS
A modern tableau about money and power set in New York and London - Two powerful men, a bank chief executive and a New York tabloid publisher, are at odds over a loan that would keep the publisher afloat. Enter a ruthless Russian oligarch with an offer of a financial life raft to the publisher – a gambit uncovered by a dogged financial reporter who senses a big story.In Squeeze Plays, Jeffrey Marshall whisks us into the paneled boardrooms and lavish penthouses of the New York elite and shows us their lifestyle, their desires and their foibles. Using his background as a financial journalist, he carefully details the reporter’s story, which ties the central characters together in what becomes a stunning front-page expose. Along the way, the reader visits New York, London, Nantucket and the English countryside and sees not just financial skullduggery but sexual blackmail, strong and principled female characters, and a brisk and often satirical take on the corrupting influences of wealth and power.
 

Dr. Jaya Viswanathan is a neuroscientist and artist born and raised in India. She earned an engineering degree, a Master's in neuroscience, and a Doctorate in cognitive neuroscience. She then worked as a postdoctoral fellow before joining the Division of Neuroscience at the National Institute on Aging [C]. Her research was focused on understanding how brains interpret the world through vision and audition. She was invited to write a Neuronline article about Baby Senses as an educational resource and nominated for the Science Educator Award by the Society for Neuroscience. She loves art and is a part of Tuesday Night Group in DC. Her Neuroscience art has been featured in several art shows and she has been featured in several podcasts.
You can learn more about Dr. Viswanathan and Baby Senses at https://babysensesbook.com/
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
About Baby Senses and the inspiration behind the creation of the book
An innovative, accessible approach to presenting a broad spectrum of sensory systems.
How animals sense electric vibes and see light!
Using the Glossary; a friendly learning guide for inquisitive minds of all ages
Introducing the younger generation to neuroscience
SO MUCH MORE!
Baby Senses: A Sensory Neuroscience Primer for All Ages
Animals, from ants to whales, rely on evolved sensory systems to navigate their environments. "Baby Senses" delves into this rich tapestry, exploring beyond the familiar five senses to include incredible abilities like detecting electric fields. Paired with detailed neuroscience artwork, this book offers a vivid glimpse into a usually microscopic realm, captivating both children and adults.
 

Jason Jackson is the author of "My Life Inspiring Journal," His book portrays his personal struggle to transcend his disabilities and find solace in the shared human experience of adversity.
Highlighting the prevalence of autism (affecting 1 in 44 children) and bipolar disorder (4.4% of the population), Jason navigates the complexities of these conditions. Inspired by conversations with his late father, he intertwines both disabilities into a heartfelt narrative that captures his journey into adulthood.
Jason is currently working on his second book, which will explore the inner thoughts of individuals
Visit Jason’s website, https://perseveracycle.com/ to learn more about him and his work.
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
Jason's writing journey.
About My Life Inspiring Journal.
Inspiration for writing the book and how it all came together.
Emphasis on abilities over limitations.
Was dad planting the seed for a future author?
What's next for Jason?
MY LIFE INSPIRING JOURNAL
Travel through this author's journey with feelings, thoughts, and desires as a Autistic man living with Bipolar. Learn how he interacts with characters in everyday life. This book is a collage of episodes modeled, and based on the author's true experiences.
Jason Jackson has managed in the few pages of this "journal" to convey both the challenges and insights of someone with autism. The need for validation, love and acceptance are the hidden drivers that direct his perceptions of the world. Told in a way that mirrors the discontinuities of his own mind and his thinking process, Jason is able to inform the readers that stories of life abound and intersect as much as they interact. There is no need to "pity" the person with autism; more important is the ability to see it as a perceptual way of dealing with daily life. In this journal, Jason has accomplished this. --Harriette H, friend and former basketball coach/Sunday School teacher