Inside Scoop Live!

CICERO JAMES, MIRACLE WORKER
My name is Cicero James, and I died last Thursday.I know how it sounds, and the rest of what I have to tell you is just going to make it worse. But it's true. I died, and I came back. And the rest of it—why it happened, what it means, and most importantly what we’re going to have to do about it—is what I need you to hear.I’m going to start at the beginning, and I’m going to tell all of this as faithfully as possible. I’m going to try to bring you along for the ride. It’s all coming out in a rush, so if I don’t tell it quite right, or if I muff a word or use bad grammar or something, try not to hold it against me.And if I don’t manage to convince you… I understand. No harm, no foul, no hard feelings. This is all insane to anyone who hasn't lived it. But if you're in, then you’re in, and here we go.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Overview of the Story and InspirationDiscussion of Cicero James, Miracle Worker's premise, including the protagonist's role as a modern miracle worker, and how the story was built around the opening line about dying multiple times.
World-Building and Magic SystemExploration of the parallel society of workers, the concept of “workings,” the nature of terrors, and how belief shapes reality in this urban fantasy world.
Character Development and VoiceFocus on Cicero’s personality, tattoos, sense of humor, relationships, and how these elements reveal different facets of his identity and emotional depth.
Themes of Mental Health and TraumaConversation around how childhood trauma opens the door to magical abilities, and how Cicero’s personal struggles influence his role as a protector of the “blissful” (non-magical people).
Series Continuation and Reader ReactionsTalk about feedback from readers, unexpected interpretations (including political ones), and what’s planned for the next book in the series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hal Emerson is the author of ten books, including the award-winning Exile Trilogy, beginning with The Prince of Ravens. He is a graduate of UCLA with a BA in theatre, where he studied Shakespeare, Chekhov, and the Greek and Roman Classics. He also has an MBA from UC Berkeley (Cal).
Some of his favorite books and series include East of Eden, The Brothers Karamazov, The Lord of the Rings, and The Wheel of Time. As a young reader he was particularly inspired by The Chronicles of Prydain, and he is an avid Harry Potter fan.
He still believes in the Oxford comma, and he has seen every Robin Williams movie.
CONNECT WITH HAL EMERSON!
https://www.halemerson.com
https://www.instagram.com/halemerson/
https://x.com/halemersonauth

Marketing is more than just strategies and sales—it's a means to connect, inspire, and create positive change. In Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection, Melissa Fors Shackelford draws from her 25 years of experience as a marketing executive to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven marketing. This insightful guide challenges business leaders and marketers to think beyond the bottom line, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal and organizational purposes. Melissa’s actionable advice reveals how authentic brands inspire loyalty, build deeper connections, and achieve long-term success. Key chapters cover essential topics, including finding professional purpose, fostering creativity, balancing work-life dynamics, embracing inclusive and ethical marketing, and crafting strategies that reflect a brand's core values. Melissa also delves into cause marketing, effective team collaboration, and building resilience in modern marketing challenges. Packed with inspiring real-world examples and practical advice, Harnessing Purpose is a roadmap for professionals seeking to make an impact through their work.
Whether you're launching a startup, managing a small business, or leading a marketing team, this book will equip you with the tools to unlock creativity, foster meaningful connections, and lead with authenticity. If you’re ready to transform your marketing approach and build a purpose-driven brand, Harnessing Purpose is the guide you’ve been waiting for.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
Aligning personal and brand purpose to create meaningful marketing.
Building authenticity and trust through values-driven branding.
Leading purpose-driven teams to foster collaboration and engagement.
Practicing inclusive, accessible, and ethical marketing.
Combating burnout and sustaining creativity through purposeful work.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Fors Shackelford is a trusted advisor to executives and emerging businesses, helping organizations build compelling brands, accelerate market growth, and navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry. With over 20 years of experience as a marketing executive, Melissa brings deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, brand positioning, and growth marketing to her consulting practice, Shackelford Strategies.
As a sought-after consultant and advisor, Melissa partners with C-Suite leaders, startups, and established healthcare brands to refine messaging, strengthen market positioning, and drive customer engagement. She provides hands-on guidance to help businesses launch new offerings, enter new markets, and scale sustainably. 
Melissa is a recognized thought leader in marketing and brand strategy. She is a frequent industry speaker, podcast guest, and contributor to leading publications, covering topics such as purpose-driven marketing, inclusive communications, and branding. Her expertise has earned her prestigious honors, including Nonprofit Marketer of the Year (American Marketing Association, 2019).
Melissa holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas and a BA from the University of Minnesota. She serves on multiple industry and corporate boards. 
CONNECT WITH MELISSA FORS SHACKELFORD!
Website: https://harnessingpurpose.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarnessingPurpose/# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harnessing_purpose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfors/

SWIPE: A TWISTY PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
Sonya's fed up with bad internet dates. But she never meant to kill anyone.
After a stressful day at work and a creepy first meetup, Sonya Romano goes on a mission: teach a lesson to the smarmy guys she's meeting on her dating app. But when one of them falls to his death as a result of her confrontation--a married man posing as a single guy--she realizes she's gone too far.
Meanwhile, Jake Parker, former Pulitzer nominee, has hit rock bottom. His boss gives him an assignment: go under cover and produce a click bait story about dating apps. Things start to look up when another married man on the app is murdered, and Jake suspects that there may be a serial killer targeting cheaters.
With Jake hot on her trail, Sonya races to cover her tracks, until they finally meet. Fighting a powerful mutual attraction but suspicious of each other, neither of them know that a deranged psychopath is closer than they think, and much more of a danger than either of them realizes.
Can they figure out what's going on, before one of them is next?
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
How Swipe Was Born – The story’s inspiration, how Bonnie Traymore and R.G. Belsky teamed up, and what made their co-writing process successful.
Crafting Complex Characters – Building emotionally rich, flawed protagonists (Sonya and Jake), and how their arcs were shaped through collaboration.
Modern Dating & Deception – Exploring the risks, absurdities, and emotional fallout of dating app culture, and how it mirrors broader social disconnection.
Blending Thriller with Dark Humor – Striking a balance between suspense and satire, and navigating how far is “too far” in both tone and theme.
Launch Buzz & What’s Next – Early reader reactions, the book’s success on NetGalley, and a peek at each author’s upcoming solo projects and thoughts on a sequel.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
R.G. Belsky is an award-winning author of crime fiction and a journalist in New York City. Belsky has published more than 20 novels—most of them set in the New York city media world where he has had a long career as a top editor at the New York Post, New York Daily News, Star magazine and NBC News. He also writes thrillers under the name Dana Perry. And he is a contributing writer for The Big Thrill magazine as well as BookTrib.
Learn more about RG Belsky at www.rgbelsky.com
 
Bonnie Traymore is the Amazon charts bestselling author of eight domestic/psychological thrillers. Her thrillers feature strong but relatable female protagonists who peel back the layers of suburban American life and give readers a peek inside. The plots explore difficult topics such as jealousy, infidelity, murder, and the impact of psychological disorders, but she also includes bits of romance and humor to lighten the mood from time to time. 
Bonnie loves Hitchcock movies, psychological thriller novels, coffee, and dark chocolate, not necessarily in that order and sometimes simultaneously. She has a doctorate in United States history and resides in Honolulu with her family. She’s an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America.
Learn more about Bonnie Traymore at www.bonnietraymore.com.

SHATTERED CHILD: I was born in Sri-Lanka in 1973. I was adopted and brought to Australia with my presumed biological sister in 1976. My story is one of strength, courage, and sadness, of a girl trying to fit in somewhere in this world.Adopted twice and then removed from a home twice, I was physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually abused. I was bullied as a child and attacked as a teenager. I had great things happen to me and I had the worst. I tried to be strong and sometimes I tried to give up. I was lost in my own world and at times could see no way out of it. I found support in very few people, and the ones who I thought should have supported me were the ones who hurt me the most. My trust in people vanished.When I no longer lived in the family home, I found people who supported me. I had to learn to trust that they wouldn't hurt me and that they in fact loved me, scars and all. I had to become a strong, independent woman and learn to live my life the way I wanted to, and understand that no one has the right to harm me in any shape or form.I wrote this memoir in anticipation of people reading it and seeing that there is hope for those who have struggled or are still struggling in their lives. Take each day as it comes, the good and the bad.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sumie Filmer is now in her early fifties, happily married to the man who changed her life. She and her husband live in Queensland, Australia, and together they have two adult children in their late twenties. Though her earlier years were marked by deep pain and sadness, and she continues to have difficult days, a diagnosis of complex PTSD and anxiety has given her clarity. It helped her understand that her thoughts and emotions are shaped by the trauma she experienced. Healing remains an ongoing process, but the unwavering support of her loving husband, close friends, and a dedicated therapist has played a significant role in her journey forward. “Shattered Child” is her writing debut.
LEARN MORE about Sumie Filmer and her work: https://sumiefilmerauthor.com/
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Childhood Trauma and Abuse – Adoption, abandonment, and prolonged abuse shaped Sumie’s early life and the core of her memoir.
Survival and Resilience – She describes coping through small acts like stretching food, singing, and dancing, which helped her endure extreme circumstances.
Healing and Mental Health – A suicide attempt, later therapy, and a complex PTSD diagnosis marked turning points in her emotional recovery.
Trust and Relationships – Gradually rebuilding trust through safe relationships, especially with her husband, while acknowledging her struggle with forgiveness.
Purpose and Impact of the Memoir – Written to give voice to survivors, call out systemic failures, and inspire hope; readers have reached out in gratitude.
 
CONNECT WITH SUMIE FILMER!
Website: https://sumiefilmerauthor.com/
 
Social Media Links:
Facebook, Shattered Child - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?
id=61570987663484
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shatteredchild/

TRAFFIC OF A LIE
Oppression, deceit, love and greed.  Adeline is devastated at the news that her beloved mother has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in its advanced stages. Discombobulated at her mother's refusal to receive any form of treatment, no matter how much her and her sister Penelope plead her to re-consider, the two girls are shattered when their mother takes her final breath. But this is just the beginning of Adeline's turmoil. The reading of the will sets in motion a thickly woven web of deceit and lies that will rock Adeline to her very core, forcing her to question the essence of her existence and the foundations of the basis of all that she has known throughout her life.Traversing different countries, spanning across two generations, patriarchal societal beliefs and the complexities of the human character, love may not always conquer, but ultimately the truth will.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angela Nagel lives in the picturesque Barossa Valley located in South Australia with her husband James and their cheeky and talkative Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Basil. Three adult children and their partners complete their family. Angela has enjoyed a fulfilling career spanning over four decades helping operate their family owned bakery business. She enjoys travelling, with a particular interest in experiencing different cultures and languages. An avid reader for as long as she can remember, Angela has always held an interest in writing. Traffic of a Lie is her debut novel.
Learn more about Angela and her work at https://angelanagelauthor.com/
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Overview and Inspiration Behind Traffic of a Lie
What the story is about, the inspiration behind it, and how the idea evolved into a novel.
Character Development and Emotional Themes
Deep dive into Adeline and Yasmina’s emotional journeys, the complexity of mother-daughter relationships, betrayal, grief, identity crisis, resilience, and how characters navigate societal pressures.
Generational Oppression, Patriarchal Systems, and Gender Inequality
How systemic control, traditions, and silence impact women across generations; drawing parallels between past and present struggles for women's autonomy and voice.
Structural and Storytelling Choices
Use of dual timelines, balancing emotional devastation with hope, the symbolism behind the book’s title, and decisions around what to reveal versus what to leave uncertain.
Reader Reactions and Future Projects
How readers have responded to the story, the kinds of conversations it sparks about family, silence, and healing, and Angela Nagel’s plans to write a psychological thriller as her next book.

SCAMS, HACKING AND CYBERSECURITY
The internet is a powerful tool connecting us in ways unimaginable just a few decades ago. However, it also harbors risks—cyber scams, cyber crimes, and hidden dangers lurking on the dark web. Hackers and cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities to steal data, commit identity theft, and manipulate systems using social engineering.
But how safe are we online? Should we avoid the digital world entirely? Not at all. Just like real-world dangers, we can navigate online security risks with the right tools and knowledge.
This cybersecurity bible is the ultimate guide to protecting yourself in the digital landscape. Whether you're looking for cybersecurity for beginners, insights into cyber hacking and the law, or best cybersecurity books to improve your internet safety, this book equips you with practical tools and strategies.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
May Brooks-Kempler is a cybersecurity expert whose career began in the 1990s, exploring the realms of game “cheats” and “hacks” on IRC chats. This early fascination led her through a distinguished journey in cybersecurity, from Penetration Testing to Security Architect and eventually a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Today, she is a highly sought-after strategic consultant, speaker, and mentor, known for her dynamic involvement in developing and promoting innovative cybersecurity initiatives and guiding startups.
May’s expertise and engaging delivery have made her a favorite at numerous speaking engagements, including a TEDx talk, keynotes, and commentator on critical cybersecurity issues. Her role as a podcaster further amplifies her reach, where she shares vital security insights with a global audience.
As a member of the ISC2 Board of Directors, an authorized CISSP and HCISPP instructor, and co-author, May’s dedication to advancing the cybersecurity profession is unmistakable. Her book, “Scams, Hacking and Cybersecurity – The Ultimate Guide to Online Safety and Privacy”, and her online courses, reflect her commitment to making the digital world a safer place for all, especially families, as underscored by her personal mission as a mother of three.
Through her extensive experience and influential voice in the field, May Brooks-Kempler continues to shape the future of online safety, making her a pivotal figure in the world of cybersecurity education and advocacy.
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Evolution of Threats: Online scams have evolved from obvious phishing emails to sophisticated ads, fake profiles, and AI-generated content.
Emotional Manipulation: Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and curiosity to trick people through social engineering.
Online Safety Habits: Good habits like thinking before sharing, using password managers wisely, and enabling two-factor authentication are essential.
Protecting Kids Online: Parents should teach children to think critically before posting and clicking to protect their privacy and safety.
Responding to Cyber Incidents: If you suspect a hack, stay calm, assess the damage, and act quickly based on the importance of the compromised asset.
 
LEARN MORE AND CONNECT WITH MAY BROOKS-KEMPLER: https://maybrooks.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/may-brooks-kemplerhttps://www.instagram.com/may.brooks.kemplerhttps://www.youtube.com/@CyberMAYniahttps://new-may.framepro.io/guidebooks-and-resources
 

THE SEVEN
Seven souls. One final chance for humanity.
In a divine test that will determine mankind's fate, seven individuals from across the globe are chosen to represent humanity. Their judges? Not God, not angels, but the creatures who have served mankind since the dawn of civilization - horses. These majestic beings have carried humans through history, and now they must decide if humanity deserves to continue its journey.
This profound tale explores the deep connection between humans and animals, the choices that define us, and the ultimate question: Has humanity strayed too far from its purpose to be saved? "The Seven" is a powerful story of redemption, second chances, and the extraordinary bond between humans and the creatures who know our hearts better than we know ourselves.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alison Gieschen is an award-winning author, lifelong sailor, and horsewoman whose life story is as epic as the novels she writes. A former schoolteacher and graduate of the University of North Carolina Charlotte, Alison spent 30 years running an internationally successful equestrian program on her family farm in New Jersey. After raising three children with her husband Dan—whom she met during a sailboat race—they sold everything they owned to pursue their shared dream of circumnavigating the globe aboard their 43-foot sailboat.
To date, Alison and Dan have traveled to 46 countries and recently crossed the Panama Canal, setting their course for the remote islands of French Polynesia. Her time at sea and her deep connection with both horses and people across cultures have inspired a powerful body of work spanning children’s literature, memoir, and adult fiction. Her books include the Rising Star Award-winning novel Blue Ridge, the magical children’s stories The Legend of Altor and Julia’s Vaulting Dream, and the nonfiction sailing memoir Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph—with a sequel on the way.
Her latest release, The Seven, is a sweeping and soul-stirring novel that blends fantasy with deeply rooted real-world experience. The story follows seven humans and seven horses in a tale that spans continents and cultures, asking one pivotal question: Can the hearts of a few determine the fate of all humanity?
Alison is also preparing to release her newest children’s fantasy, Seanna: A Mermaid’s Tale—a story especially close to her heart. As someone who has always felt a magical connection to the sea and its mythical creatures, Alison brings the underwater world to life in this early reader chapter book. The story is being brought to even greater life through the artwork of seven-time international award-winning illustrator Barbara Owczarek, whose stunning illustrations add an extra layer of magic and wonder.
Through it all, Alison remains deeply connected to the world around her—from the sea life off her bow to the ancient cultures in the world’s most remote places. Her journey is far from over, and with every mile sailed, a new story is waiting to be told.
Learn more at https://alisongieschen.com.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Origins of the Story – The Seven was inspired by a vivid dream involving horses that Alison couldn’t shake.
Role of Horses as Moral Judges – Horses serve as spiritual mirrors and judges because of their innate ability to sense authenticity and emotion.
Character Development and Diversity – Each character is based on real-life experiences and represents different cultures, showing humanity’s shared struggles.
Emotional and Ethical Complexity – The book explores gray areas of morality, where judgment isn't black and white, especially in the human-horse confrontations.
Themes of Disconnection and Hope – The story critiques modern disconnection while offering a message of hope, transformation, and reconnection with what truly matters.
CONNECT WITH ALISON GIESCHEN!
Author website: https://alisongieschen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sailmates.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailmates_on_equus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-gieschen-24455429/

Ai: Opening
Walt Walls wants nothing more than to graduate from Credence University, start a family, and live a simple life with the one he loves. He only has two semesters to go. He is unaware of the cabal that exists underground, controlling and influencing not only the island but also his small Christian college. Nor does he know that his great-grandfather was once a ranking member in that very same group, and they want Walt’s abilities and his DNA safely back in the fold.
An innocuous research project with the dean’s daughter and a cryptic 62 word chapel presentation brings the young man to a decision point. Has he heard and understood the boy’s cry for justice from below, or the two little girls in his technology-induced dream?
This novel will shake you to your core and cause you to rethink what you thought was reality. 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
George Saint Georges is a contemporary author known for exploring the intersections of identity, society, and the human psyche in his work. His passion is to challenge readers to think critically about the world around them.
Learn more and connect with George Saint Georges at https://GeorgeSaintGeorges.com.
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
Inspiration and Research Behind AI: OpeningHow Trance Formation of America by Cathy O’Brien and The Imagination Podcast by Emma Katherine inspired the story. Their work opened the author’s eyes to the reality of trauma, dissociation, and child exploitation, themes he wanted to explore through fiction.*Check out the Imagination podcast: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagination/id1526743863
Characters and Themes of DissociationThe novel follows six college students uncovering long-repressed trauma. Characters like Walt and Nacja were shaped by dissociative experiences, and the island’s cracked mountain serves as a powerful metaphor for fragmented identity and memory.
Writing Process and Emotional TollThe author speaks about the emotional difficulty of writing on such dark subjects, the loneliness of authorship, and the importance of early feedback from a longtime friend. His research-heavy process ultimately shaped the story’s emotional and philosophical depth.
Exploration of Hidden Power Structures and TheologyThe story investigates secret societies, the use of the King James Bible in ritualistic practices, and hidden meanings in scripture. The author challenges readers to reexamine long-held beliefs and invites reflection on uncomfortable truths.
Core Message and Reader ImpactAI: Opening ultimately encourages simple, healing human connections. The author hopes readers come away understanding that creating safe, loving spaces for others—especially trauma survivors—is a powerful way to make a difference.