Inside Scoop Live!

Elysia Stevens is a big fan of rom-coms, which will not be a surprise after you read Smelling Daisies. Most would describe her as eccentric in her personality, which really stands out in her choice of attire. She loves to wear fun socks, and every Friday she celebrates "Fabio Friday" by wearing a Fabio T-shirt for all to enjoy (she loves Fabio!).💛
Thankfully, her husband, Mark Stevens, has a lot of patience because she can't sit still for more than five minutes at a time and always has her head in the clouds. He has been her partner in life for over eighteen years, and there is nothing they can't and don't tackle together. Her husband's taste generally ranges from Stephen King to classic literature, but being the great guy he is, he not only read her rom-com novel but also co-authored it with her! Unfortunately, he still doesn't understand the appeal of a good naughty scene in a book, but she won't hold that against him.
You can learn more about Elysia, Mark and their work at https://elysiamarkstevensbooks.ca 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About "Smelling Daisies" and the inspiration for the story.
Co-authoring a book with your spouse
Discussion about Daisy and some other key characters
Exploring different themes in time travel/romance/historical fiction and more
What about the kilts?
What's next for Elysia and Mark Stevens?
SMELLING DAISIES
Whenever things seem to fall apart around Daisy, romance novels are her way of escaping. When immersed in a novel, she can imagine herself in the story as the lead female character. Still, the difference between her and the typical female character in her novels is that she is not your average damsel in distress.Daisy was raised by a military father who ensured his daughter knew survival skills and how to protect herself. Following in her beloved father's footsteps, Daisy joined the army and met Justin. Eventually, Daisy's dreams would come true. While on a decompression stop after a deployment overseas, she finds herself at the Lachlan Castle in Scotland. There, she is thrown back in time to the era she loves to read about, but things are nothing like she imagined.When Daisy befriends a bonnie Scottish lass, she finds herself in a haven under the roof of the girl's brother, a laird named Alick. It becomes clear that the laird is constantly challenged by the many nuances of Daisy's status as a modern-day female soldier as she attempts to navigate the dangerous life in medieval Scotland. While trying her best to fit in, Daisy stumbles upon a psychotic baron named Thomas, who loves to torture women and is fascinated with her.Both Laird Alick and Baron Thomas want to tame the lioness in Daisy but for different reasons. But Daisy is ill-prepared for medieval love or warfare and must train her heart and head to face what's coming next.

Janet R. Macreery is the author of the multi-award-winning historical fiction adventures A Little Wicked and A Little Noble as well as her new release The Falls. She explores the United States and Europe for inspiration and research as well as her quest to find the ultimate hot chocolate.
You can learn more about Janet and her work at https://janetmacreery.wordpress.com/
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About "The Falls" and the inspiration behind the story
Life as the only child in a remote fishing camp
Writing for a Middle Grade audience
Research and the Alaskan Wilderness
What's next for Janet Macreery?
THE FALLS
In 1953, 11-year-old Monty and her widowed father move to an Alaskan fishing camp. As the only child there, Monty navigates friendships, bullies, and the dangers of the wilderness. She learns about the beauty and peril of nature from various adults, while one fishing guide believes children don't belong at the camp. Through her experiences, Monty and her father confront themes of risk, loss, and survival in the Alaskan wilderness.
CONNECT WITH JANET MACREERY!
Janet R. Macreery (wordpress.com)
Janet Macreery 🦋 (@JanetMacreery) / X
Janet Macreery | LinkedIn
https://www.facebook.com/JanetMacreery
https://www.instagram.com/janetmacreery/
Link to the Reader Views review: https://www.readerviewskids.com/the-falls-macreery/ 

Celia Straus is an Emmy-nominated writer with extensive experience in television and film, including the creation of award-winning shows and documentaries for major networks and organizations. Her work spans a variety of genres, from children's content to military topics and environmental issues. Straus has authored several books, including a poetry trilogy for middle school girls and works on PTSD in soldiers. She also writes children's picture books about endangered species, donating the royalties to related non-profit organizations. With a background in English from the University of Virginia and Georgetown University, Straus continues to produce content for television, live performances, and literature while residing in Washington, D.C.
You can learn more about Celia Straus at https://www.celiastraus.com/
Linda Chambers is a versatile creative professional with extensive experience in theatre, film, and writing. Her career spans acting, directing, producing, and teaching, but her primary focus has been writing across various mediums, including plays, screenplays, and novels. Chambers has published an epic fantasy novel, award-winning short stories, and children's plays. She is currently working on several projects, including a one-woman production about union organizer Mother Jones and a reimagining of "The Emperor's New Clothes." Her interests also extend to photography, particularly of butterflies, which led to her creating a series of artworks called "Fancy Butters."
You can learn more about Linda Chambers at https://lindachamberswriter.com/
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
About "Sophie the Monarch Butterfly: Mission to Mexico" and the inspiration behind the story.
The marvelous Monarch butterfly, an endangered species
Instilling themes of self-belief, leadership, care, kindness and environmental issues into an engaging story for kids (of all ages)!
Bringing Sophie and her butterfly world to life through illustrations
Inspiring children to become involved in conservation efforts - in and outside the classroom.
What's next for Celia Straus and Linda Chambers?
SOPHIE THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY: MISSION TO MEXICO
Sophie is a small Monarch Butterfly with a magical eye in her wing that acts as a compass. When the Monarch Butterflies make their annual migration from North America to the mountains of Mexico, where they spend the winter, they become lost. Against all odds, from predators, destruction of habitat and poisoning by herbicides, Sophie leads them to safety demonstrating her perseverance, courage and determination to believe in herself.
For children of all ages, Sophie Monarch Butterfly, Mission to Mexico explores what it takes to believe in yourself and take the lead when the welfare of others is at stake. It is also a story of one of our most endangered species, Monarch Butterflies, and their inspiring and courageous annual migration from North America to Mexico and back again.

Florence Wetzel was born 1962 in Brooklyn, NY. Her latest book, “Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss,” was released in July 2024. Florence’s novels include “The Woman Who Went Overboard: A Thriller” and “The Grand Man: A Swedish Mystery.” She has also authored a horror short story collection, a book of poems and memoirs, and co-authored jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson’s autobiography.
You can learn more about Florence Wetzel and her work on Link Tree at: https://linktr.ee/FlorenceWetzel
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About "Sara My Sara" and the inspiration for writing the book.
Writing a memoir/biography in lyric prose.
Balancing grief with levity.
The grief process and change of perspective.
Writing to assist the healing process.
Unexpected insights, realizations, and gifts.
What's next for Florence Wetzel?
SARA MY SARA
An intimate and moving exploration of friendship, unexpected loss, and the gifts revealed in grief’s aftermath.Author Florence Wetzel is delighted when her elderly mother Marion develops a close bond with Sara, her new housekeeper. When Marion falls ill, Florence and Sara work together to take care of her, forging their own warm friendship in the process.Eighteen months after Marion’s death, Sara is diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma, with no more than two years left to live. Florence does her best to enjoy the remaining months with Sara, while at the same time watching helplessly as her beloved friend disappears.When Sara dies, Florence finds herself mute with grief. Amid the chaos of the global pandemic, she embarks on a journey throughout Europe, trying to find a place in the world after her many losses.Laced with humor and filled with beloved dogs, strong coffee, and even a touch of Botox, Sara My Sara is an honest exploration of a warm friendship, the devastation wrought by cancer, and the unexpected gifts in the middle of grief.

When T.G. Brown is not writing books, he is a martial arts practitioner and a competitive CrossFit athlete.  He practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Boxing and Muay Thai.​
He competed in the sport of Crossfit in 2019 and placed in the top 1 percent of the world.  Prior to injuring his knee, in 2021, he competed in the occupational games and placed as the 29th fittest cop in the world.​
T.G. Brown is also a certified Defensive tactics instructor for police officers in the state of Oregon.  When he is not doing his own training, he works with police officers or civilians who want to learn how to stay alive in verbal, physical, or deadly use-of-force conflicts.
You can learn more about TG Brown and his work at https://www.tgbrownbooks.comTOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About Jericho Burning and the Warren Lawson series
Creating the world of the Jericho Nation Reservation
Building a story around real-world wildfire crisis
A bit about the characters...
Authenticity in telling great stories
What next for TG Brown?
JERICHO BURNING
Seven months after a deadly shootout on the Jericho Nation Reservation, it's the 4th of July weekend, and wildfires threaten to engulf the entire state. As if battling a living inferno isn't enough, a new menace emerges from the ashes, one that no one saw coming.Carl Jamison has a spotless record and a charming demeanor, but a cauldron of vengeance simmers beneath the surface. Pushed to his breaking point, Carl embarks on a twisted crusade, transforming from a mild-mannered neighbor into a relentless force of chaos. His wrath ignites the reservation, and his vendetta spares no one.As bodies pile up, Warren finds himself in a desperate race against time. The community's survival hangs in the balance, and Warren must outwit a man who knows every inch of the land and every shadow to hide in.Can Warren delve into the mind of a man driven by a lifetime of pain and stop his deadly rampage? Or will Carl Jamison's fury consume everything in its path?
CONNECT WITH TG BROWN!
Website: www.tgbrownbooks.com
Facebook: TG Brown
Instagram: tgbrownbooks

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.
You can learn more about Mark Shaiken and his work at markshaikenauthor.com
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About "It's What Makes Me... Me" and the inspiration behind the book
Intimacy/vulnerability when writing about personal topics
On aging and more...
Writing fiction vs. non-fiction
Handling feeback
How different creative outlets influence writing
What's next for Mark Shaiken?
IT'S WHAT MAKES ME... ME
It's What Makes Me... Me is an extraordinarily candid journey through what it means to be human. Amazon's bestselling and award-winning author Mark Shaiken unlocks his most personal thoughts, observations, and introspections through the highs and lows, youth and aging, and beauty and messiness of life. Laugh, reflect, and take in all the ins and outs that have uniquely combined to make Mark... Mark.
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 

E. William Podojil is an international business executive and novelist. He has traveled extensively and visited over sixty countries while based in Europe and the USA. Podojil works as an executive business advisor, strategist and coach while also pursuing his love of storytelling and writing. Podojil's first novel, The Tenth Man, was published in 2004. His second novel, The Poseidon Project, will be published in August, 2024 by The Wild Rose Press, and is the first in The Herb Society Mysteries, a series of adventure thrillers. Besides showcasing his published work, Podojil writes personal, humorous stories of his life and travels with his husband and three sons.
Learn more about Bill Podojil and his work at www.ewpodojil.com.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
About "The Poseidon Project" and the inspiration behind the new Herb Society Mysteries series.
The characters and relationship dynamics
Locales and the significance to the story
Balancing family drama and international intrigue
Technological thrillers - writing about a threat that could impact billions of people
What's next in the series and for E. William Podojil
THE POSEIDON PROJECT
Molly Halloran and her friends have a secret past. Their bucolic retirement is suddenly upended when Molly’s husband is abducted and held for a steep ransom. Now she, her friends, her tech executive son, Lukas and his Air Force pilot boyfriend must race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet the kidnappers’ demands. But when they learn why her husband has been abducted, they realize how high the stakes truly are. Molly and her friends now must face their past in order to save the future. But not only their futures; the world’s.
 

An Education Consultant for over a decade, Monika Ferenczy helps students and parents make decisions regarding learning and education. Her
practice focuses on finding the best solution to meet the needs of students, young or mature, to help them reach their full potential, providing relevant and timely information for sound decision-making.
Considered an expert in the education sector, with certificates in Education Law and Human Rights for Education Professionals from Osgoode Hall, York University, principal’s qualifications, a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Ottawa and over 25 years of educator experience in elementary and secondary special education positions, Monika effectively supports families with special needs children and youth. 
She served as an elected member of the governing Council of the Ontario College of Teachers (the regulatory body of the teaching profession in Ontario) as Vice-Chair of the Discipline Committee, and the Editorial Board for the publication Professionally Speaking. She has also served on panels of the Fitness to Practice and Teacher Program Accreditation Committees.
Monika offers education expertise in separation and divorce proceedings, presents workshops for parents and advocates for improved educational practices, policies and legislation. Through an analysis of systemic gaps in the students’ best interest and recommendations to government, her contributions to advocacy and social justice initiatives are growing.
Monika is often invited to comment in print, radio and television media about education related trends and issues in Ontario and across Canada, and she was commissioned to write a comprehensive report on rural education in 2021.
As an author, she has published four books:
• How to Advocate for your Child in Public Education (May, 2024)• The Guide to Hosting International Students in Canada (2020) • 12 Tips for International Students Living and Studying in Canada (2019) • Lillian and Noah’s Great Moving Adventure (2018) 
Learn more about Monika Ferenczy and her work at https://horizoned.ca/ 
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
About "How to Advocate for Your Child in Public Education" and the inspiration for writing the book.
What everyday advocacy might look like for a parent within the school system
Barriers often encounted by parents and ways to work through them
Debunking myths in Education
Fostering a collaborative relationship amont students, parents and educators.
Services offered
What's next for Monika Ferenczy
 
HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD IN PUBLIC EDUCATION
What you need to know as a parent. Master the art and science of advocating for your child or youth, and model and teach advocacy to them as a lifelong skill. Learn about positive phrasing and neutral language, why you should not say "please" but always say "thank you," and why you should never address emails and letters "to whom it may concern." Reading this guide will enlighten and empower parents to know what to ask, and who to ask to ensure concerns are addressed quickly and resolved.