Inside Scoop Live!

Susan Braudy is the bestselling author of six books. Her writing has also appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Ms. Magazine, New York Magazine, Jezebel, The Week, and the New Journal at Yale. The Men’s Issue she created and edited for Ms. Magazine was the highest selling in the magazine’s history. She’s a recipient of the Dick Goldensohn Fund Award for investigative reporting and was a judge for the J. Anthony Lukas Prize at Columbia University. Alfred A. Knopf nominated her last book for the Pulitzer Prize. Her blogs are Writers Celebrate Writers and Manhattan Voyeur.                                                       
For more information on Susan Braudy and her book – visit her website at www.susanbraudy.com.
Topics of Conversation
A young woman’s sexual awakening.
America’s infatuation with the Kennedy’s
Researching historical figures
The power of language
Susan’s current project – a mystery/thriller based on a true story!
Advice for emerging authors

Melissa Muldoon is the author of three novels set in Italy: “Dreaming Sophia,” “Waking Isabella,” and “Eternally Artemisia.” All three books tell the stories of American women and their journeys of self-discovery to find love, uncover hidden truths, and follow their destinies to shape a better future in Italy.
Melissa is also the author of the Studentessa Matta website, where she promotes the study of Italian language and culture through her dual-language blog written in Italian and English (studentessamatta.com). Studentessa Matta means the “crazy linguist” and has grown to include a podcast, Tutti Matti per l’Italiano and the Studentessa Matta YouTube channel, Facebook page and Instagram feed. Melissa also created Matta Italian Language Immersion Programs, which she co-leads with Italian schools in Italy to learn Italian in Italy. Through her website, she also offers the opportunities to live and study in Italy through Homestay programs.
Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history and European history from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a master’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She has also studied painting and art history in Florence. She is an artist, designer, and illustrated the cover art for all three of her books. Melissa is also the managing director of Matta Press.
Melissa designed and illustrated the cover art for Eternally Artemisia, Waking Isabella, and Dreaming Sophia. She also curates the Dreaming Sophia Art History blog site and Pinterest site: The Art of Loving Italy, where you will find companion pictures for all three books. Visit MelissaMuldoon.com for more information about immersion trips to learn the language with Melissa in Italy, as well as the Studentessa Matta blog for practice and tips to learn the Italian language.
To learn more about Melissa Muldoon visit her website at melissamuldoon.com.
Topics of Conversation:
Artemisia Gentileschi’s influence on the art world and her relevance to today’s women
Italy – its history and beauty
A common theme connecting all of her books
Incorporating history into historical fiction
Artistic expression
Advice for emerging authors
 
 

Bob Gebelein graduated from Harvard with a BA in Mathematics in 1956, and then went on to have a legendary career as a computer programmer and creator of software systems.
But the main focus of his adult life has been to create a new civilization, because of the threat of nuclear annihilation and other cultural problems. His methods were psychotherapy, withdrawal from the culture, and dream analysis. He succeeded in his quest by discovering how “human nature” itself can be changed, to compassion and altruism, to create a new kind of human being, who will then create a new civilization. He is a new civilization with a population of one.
His book, RE-EDUCATING MYSELF, describes his search and the answers that he found. THE MENTAL ENVIRONMENT describes the network of lies from which he extricated himself. His original songs, on “Uncle Bobby’s Record,” now have an international following.
Because he is writing from a new civilization, he can view the scientific establishment with some perspective, especially because he is not controlled by it. Also he brings to DIRTY SCIENCE original concepts such as “the mental senses,” “mental warfare,” and “psychological age,” which make this work a step ahead of the present culture.
To learn more about Dirty Science – visit dirtyscience.net. To learn more about Bob Gebelein and his other works visit bobgebelein.com.
Topics of Conversation:
What is dirty science?
Which areas of research are being targeted?
The spiritual and the psychic
How to recognize unscientific methods and educating the public
Getting the word out – read the first chapter

Aimee Cabo Nikolov is a Cuban American who has lived most of her life in Miami. She is a trained nurse and the president and owner of IMIC, Inc, a medical research company in Palmetto Bay, Florida.  She lives with her husband, Dr. Boris Nikolov, and her three children, Danielle, Sean and Michelle.  Love is the Answer, God is the Cure is her first book.
To learn more about Aimee Cabo Nikolov and her book, Love is the Answer, God is the Cure, visit her website at www.godisthecure.com.
Topics of Conversation:
Writing her memoir
The different forms of abuse and how to recognize it
Consequences of abuse
Healing
Helping Others
Inspiration

Paul Kloschinsky was born in Saskatchewan in 1963. He received a BSc in Computer Science and an MD from the University of British Columbia in the 1980’s. He is now an avid photographer, songwriter and poet.
Paul lives in Delta, BC, Canada. He won the 2007 MusicAid Award for Best Canadian Songwriter for his original song “Wearin’ Blue.” In 2010, he was accepted as a full member of the League of Canadian Poets. He has since won multiple awards for his songwriting, poetry and photography.He has published four volumes of poetry and has released five musical CDs of his original songs.
For more information about Paul Kloschinsky and his book, “Vice and Virtue” visit his website at https://kloschinsky.com.
Topics of Conversation:
Writing Poetry
Inspiration
League of Canadian Poets
Songwriting and Photography
Poetry Readings from Vice and Virtue

Michelle Peach worked in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the 1990s, serving in London in the News Department and the Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe’s Private Office. She spent three years as the radio communications officer and visa assistant in the British Embassy in Sana’a, in the former Yemen Arab Republic. During those three years, she witnessed the beginning of the Iraq/Kuwait War in a country which supported Saddam Hussein with popular, violent demonstrations.
She obtained her B.A. (Hons) degree in Arabic with Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Durham University where her second year was spent studying in Damascus, Syria.
She freelanced as an Arabic translator for a UN research report in Beirut, Lebanon.
She worked as an executive secretary for the British president and CEO of a large oil shipping company in Dubai, U.A.E.. Later, becoming the Business Development Director of an investment company in Dubai.
Michelle met her husband in Dubai and moved to America. Last year, they celebrated 20 years of marriage at a renewal of their vows in the same chapel in Las Vegas with their children in attendance.
Currently, Michelle is working on her second novel.  In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, gardening and reading.
For more information about Michelle Peach and her book, “Gazelle in the Shadows” visit her website at https://michellepeach.com/
Topics of Conversation:
Story inspiration
The process of writing and research about Syria and its people
Worldly travels – 37 countries for business and pleasure
Working in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, Yemen and Djibouti.
Writing and upcoming projects
Advice for emerging authors

Britta Stromeyer Esmail is a writer and a mom passionate about raising resilient girls to find their own voice. The mother of two girls lives in Northern California. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, horseback riding and reading with her daughters Maya and Anya.To learn more about Britta Stromeyer Esmail and her book, “Raina’s (Un)happy Birthday, visit www.rainasunhappybirthday.com.
Topics of Conversation:
Writing to show kids they have a voice
Relatable Characters
Working with an illustrator
About the publishing journey
Writing and upcoming projects
Advice for emerging picture book authors

Geza Tatrallyay is the author of ten published books in the genres of thrillers, memoirs, poetry and children’s books.
Born in Budapest, Hungary, Geza escaped with his family in 1956 during the Hungarian Revolution, immigrating to Canada the same year. He grew up in Toronto, attending the University of Toronto Schools, where he was school captain and graduated from Harvard University with a BA in Human Ecology. Geza was selected as a Rhodes Scholar from Ontario, attending Oxford University and graduating with a BA/MA in Human Sciences. He completed his studies with a MSc in Economics from London School of Economics and Politics. Geza represented Canada as an epée fencer in the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
Geza’s professional experience has included stints in government, international organizations, finance and environmental entrepreneurship. Since 2004, he has been semi-retired, managing a few investments mainly in the clean energy sector and devoting himself to his family and his writing. Geza is a citizen of Canada and Hungary, and currently divides his time between Vermont and San Francisco.
To learn more about Geza Tatrallyay and his books visit his website: www.gezatatrallyay.com
Topics of Conversation:
The art of writing
Writing in different genres: Poetry, Memoir, Thriller, Children’s Books
His experience as an Olympian
Research and Russia
Poetry readings from his new collection, Extinction

Michelle Burke is a highly respected and sought-after Communication, Team and leadership Coach, Consultant, and Speaker. She is Founder and President of Energy Catalyst Group, a consulting, training and coaching company for well-being. Burke has devoted her 20-year career to helping leaders, their teams and organizations thrive by increasing self-awareness, accountability and shifting negative attitudes and behaviors that get in the way of an energized life and workplace. Her deep experience and knowledge consulting with Fortune 100 and 500 companies established her as a leading expert in bridging communication, team and gender gaps. Burke developed hundreds of team, leadership and energy boosting training programs which continually garner rave reviews from clients. As a coach, she works with executives and managers to adapt a mindfulness approach to their leadership capabilities and achieved great success in empowering women into leadership roles. Her work consistently results in higher productivity, stronger employee engagement, and more energized and inclusive workplaces. Some clients include Microsoft, Visa, Ernst & Young, Intel, Hewlett Packard, McDonald’s, Cobra Golf, Cisco Systems, Blue Shield, Disney, Sony Electronics, HTC, Genentech, Snap Inc., Stanford University and Sony PlayStation.
Michelle is also author of the highly acclaimed book, The Valuable Office Professional, endorsed by Ken Blanchard and was featured in Business Week, LA Times, SF Chronicle, and Wall Street Journal. Her articles appeared in Training, HR, and Chief Learning Officer, Huffington Post. She is a member of Forbes Coaches Council and participated in UCLA’s MARC intensive year-long mindfulness Program. Admired for her positive spirit, empathy, warmth and creativity, Michelle finds joy by giving back, fun adventures, reading, cooking, is a sports enthusiast and practices pausing every day.
For more information about Michelle Burke, Lilamani de Silva, and “15 Minute Pause” visit www.15minutepause.com or www.energycatalystgroup.com.
Topics of Conversation
Why it’s so important to take a 15 minute pause
How can we re-energize?
Life Energy Inventory
The Meddler vs. The Player
Feet on the Ground Challenge
Personalogy Games

Don Ake is a funny guy. His humor writing is clever, witty, and totally entertaining. Instead of telling jokes, he paints funny pictures inside your head. You will smile, then snicker, and finally laugh out loud. Often you will laugh with him, sometimes you will laugh at him, but you will laugh and laugh a lot.
Don takes simple everyday things and situations and makes them hilarious. His perspective on life is unique, sometimes even bizarre.  His humor writing has been compared to the television show “Seinfeld” because the topics are so basic, but the humor so funny.
He started writing humor columns in college and began writing his popular Ake’s Pains blog in 2011. He released his first humor book, “Just Make Me A Sammich” in 2015 and followed it up with “Will There Be Free Appetizers” in 2018.
Don works as an analyst/economist in the trucking industry and has an MBA degree from the University of Akron. He resides in Northeast Ohio.
To learn more about Don Ake and his books visit his website at www.donake.net.
Topics of conversation:
 
Writing Humor
How to make even the most mundane topics funny
Humor that’s relatable and diverse
Making people laugh out loud
Who makes Don laugh?
Evolving and growing as a writer
Advice to aspiring authors

Anna Dopico never imaged herself as a writer but felt compelled to write the story of Phil White and Gerard Vroomen, co-founders of Cervélo Cycles. Married to Phil, she had an insider’s view of their story from when Phil and Gerard met to when they sold their company. Anna was not only Phil’s wife but a business person, as well, with financing experience that proved useful after Phil and Gerard started their company. She provided a home for Cervélo in the early years, became a business advisor to the company, and in the later years, went to work for the company. She spent three years writing the Cervélo story and released the book in May 2018.
To learn more about Anna Dopico and her book visit her website at www.tomakeridersfaster.com.
Topics of conversation:
On becoming a writer and the writing process
A company built on determination and excellence
Marketing
CAN Fund www.canadianathletesnow.ca
Hobbies and Interests
Endeavour Volunteer Consulting www.endeavourvolunteer.ca
Advice to aspiring authors

Betty Jean Craige retired from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia in 2011, after thirty-eight happy years. During this time, she published books in the fields of literature, poetry translation (from Spanish), history of ideas, ecology, and art. She curated two museum exhibitions of the art of Alvar Suñol and produced a documentary about him titled Alvar: His Vision and His Art, which won first place in its category in the Indie Gathering Film Festival. Her non-academic books are Conversations with Cosmo: At Home with an African Grey Parrot (2010); three Witherston Murder Mysteries: Downstream (2014), Fairfield’s Auction (2016), and Dam Witherston (2017), published by Black Opal Books; and Aldo (2018), a thriller, also published by Black Opal Books. Fairfield’s Auction won first place in the category of Murder and Mayhem in the 2018 Chanticleer International Book Awards. Dam Witherston received Honorable Mention in the Mysteries category of the 2017 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and Distinguished Favorite in Mystery in the 2018 Independent Press Awards.
To learn more about Betty Jean Craige and her books visit her website at www.bettyjeancraigebooks.weebly.com.
 
Topics of conversation:
Writing murder mysteries
Cosmo – her African Grey Parrot  – we’ll hear some of Cosmo’s thoughts as well!
Hobbies and Interests
Writing what you want to learn about

A Chinese American and son of Chinese immigrants who escaped from the Communist takeover of China in 1949, Stanley Chao grew up in California in a very traditional Chinese family: living with three generations under one roof, speaking only Chinese until grade school, and learning that anything less than an A grade was unacceptable, and that working hard was the only way to get ahead in life. Chao holds a BSEE degree from Columbia University, an MSEE from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Business. His professional career includes stints at Philips Lighting in California, and China; Kingston Technology in California and Japan; SoftBank in Japan; and Merrill Lynch in New York and Japan. He speaks fluent English, Mandarin, and Japanese and currently resides in Los Angeles. Chao is the Managing Director of All In Consulting, a Los Angeles based consulting firm assisting Western companies in their Asia and China business developments. Chao’s clients include: Intel, Emerson Electric, SPX, Kingston Technology, Baxter Healthcare, and dozens of small and medium-sized companies. Chao and his team have conducted over 200 projects in China covering more than 12 different vertical markets including the aviation, automotive, medical, information technology, manufacturing and environmental engineering industries.
To learn more about Stanley Chao and his book, “Selling to China” visit his website at www.allinconsult.com.
Topics of conversation:
The Sino-US trade war
What will happen over the coming months?
Is China running out of bullets?
What should American companies do?
Intellectual property theft
The most difficult aspects about doing business in China
Predictions about China
Hobbies and Interests
Personal story about travels to China

Desirée Calderón de Fawaz is a writer and illustrator specializing in stories about children from different cultural and religious backgrounds; stories that have universal appeal and hidden wisdom. Born and raised in Mexico City, Desirée’s earliest memories are of painting with oils and writing poems, both natural activities in a family where writers like Jose Vasconcelos and painters like Frida Kahlo flourished. In 2015, Desirée traveled to Lebanon in search of the perfect town that would set the stage for her new story and found that the cities of Saida and Biblos epitomized the diverse and vibrant Mediterranean culture she was looking for. Two years and many teas later, Tata’s Earrings was ready to launch with the hope that it would sow a small seed of love, compassion, and understanding. Desirée lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and three children. When not writing, she practices yoga, learns herbology, and enjoys cuddling up on her couch with a good book.
To learn more about Desiree and her books visit her website at www.desireecalderondefawaz.com.
Topics of conversation:
Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books
Research and Travel for the Perfect Setting
Representation of Arab Women and Children in Literature
Frida Khalo
Hobbies and Interests
Campaign of Giving

Mark Gunther has been many things in his life— student, hippie, cook, husband, carpenter, father, dancer, administrator, musician, entrepreneur, athlete. He has worked in staff or board roles in small businesses and nonprofit organizations for forty years.
After his daughter Eva was killed by a drunk driver in 1997, he and his wife started the Eva Gunther Foundation (www.evafoundation.org), to “fuel hope in the heart of a girl.”
Mark received an MFA in Creative Writing in December of 2015 and since then has been published in several literary journals and other publications. Without Jenny is his first novel.
To learn more about Mark Gunther and his debut novel, “Without Jenny” visit his website at www.markgunther.net.
Topics of conversation:
Writing Fiction vs. Memoir
Eva Gunther Foundation (www.evafoundation.org)
Personal Judaism
Long Distance Bicycling and Other Interests
Advice to Aspiring Authors

Sherrill S. Cannon is a former teacher and grandmother of ten and the author of nine published rhymed children’s stories in addition to this newest book of poetry. Her books have received fifty-eight National and International awards. “A Penny for Your Thoughts” is a collection of poetry she has written through the years.
As a teacher, she used poetry to help counsel many troubled teens and friends and has continued this pattern throughout the years.   She is also a playwright with seven published plays for elementary school children, which have been performed internationally in 24 countries. She has also been a professional newspaper sports writer and photographer, a dinner theatre stage manager, and a business administrator.
Sherrill and her husband just celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this June. They are now retired and travel in their RV from coast to coast each year to spend time with their children and grandchildren.
For more information on Sherrill Cannon and her books, visit her website at www.sherrillcannon.com.
Topics of conversation:
Writing Poetry
Her Children’s Books and Plays
Travel
Poetry Readings from “A Penny for Your Thoughts” Grandfather Clock I Think of You Winter’s Nuptials Frozen Wasteland
Teasers from “A Dime is a Sign” A Dime is a Sign Through Time When I Open My Eyes

Dr. Diane Pomerantz is a clinical psychologist who has been in practice working with children, adolescents, and adults in the Baltimore, Maryland area for over thirty-five years. She has done extensive work in the area of trauma and child abuse, and research in the area of personality development of abused children. She currently runs Healing Through Writing groups in her practice. She is a breast cancer survivor and has two wonderful grown children. She and her shaggy dog, Rug, live amidst tall trees on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland.
For more information on Diane and her book “Lost in the Reflecting Pool” visit her websites at www.dianepomerantz.com and www.drdianepomerantz.com. 
Topics of conversation:
Memoir writing as healing
How becoming a parent enhanced her skills as a therapist
Forgiveness – is it necessary to forgive in order to heal?
Human Connectedness
Narcissism in today’s world

J. Peter (Pete) Hoyer was born and raised in New York State, about 40 miles north of NYC.  He graduated from the Citadel, Military College of SC, then served a 22-year career with the Army. He traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and South Korea. After retiring from the Army, he worked 20 more years as a civilian instructor with the Department of Defense, teaching logistics, transportation, and military tactics.
He has received many military and civilian awards and decorations but is most proud of being awarded the U.S. Army Transportation Corps Distinguished Member of the Regiment award.
Pete holds 2 Masters Degrees from Webster University and Troy State University in the study of Human Relations and Human Resource Management.
Pete is married, with 2 children and 2 grandchildren, and lives in Calabash, NC.  “Characters on the Green” is his first published book.
For more information on Peter Hoyer and his book, “Characters on the Green” visit his website at www.charactersonthegreen.com. 
Topics of conversation:
How his sense of humor comes through in his writing style
Humorous stories about some of the people he’s met on and off the golf course
Life in the Army and meeting interesting characters from all over the world
Marketing, book promotion and his next projects
Advice to aspiring authors

Since childhood, Thomas J. Brodeur has been telling stories. Early efforts included drawing his own comics, a skill he honed from grade school through college. In high school, he composed three graphic novels and wrote his first short story. His first published novel, Regina Silsby’s Secret War (2004), was nominated for the Scott O’Dell award for historical fiction.
Besides writing, Mr. Brodeur managed to graduate college and divert some attention to a multi-faceted career. His corporate experience spans several continents and includes motion picture production, computer-aided design, information technology, management, and customer service.
He spends his spare time building ships-in-bottles and dabbling in calligraphy, cartooning and fine art. Additional activities include laundry, dishwashing, lawn mowing, painting, plumbing, and electrical work as required. He enjoys fixing things, anything from bikes to broken furniture.
Home is Florida, with his bride of several decades.
Faces Behind the Masks was recently honored with two top awards in the 2017-2018 Reader Views Literary Awards, taking home First Place in the Teen Category for Kids ages 12-16 and the Reader Views Kids Award for Best Teen/YA Book of the Year.
For more information on Thomas J. Brodeur and his books visit his website at http://thomasjbrodeur.org.
Topics of conversation:
Writing from the perspective of a Teen/YA
Everything is a field for possible use in writing
Developing your Characters
Using an Outline
Hobbies – Building Ships in Bottles, Fixing and Building Things, etc.

Fidelis O. Mkparu was born in Onitsha Nigeria. He is a Harvard-trained cardiologist who has written medical articles for both scientific and lay audiences. His previous novel, Love’s Affliction, was a 2016 Nautilus Book Awards Silver Winner for Fiction, a Reader Views Literary Award Winner for 2015/2016, and a finalist for the 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award for Multicultural Fiction. He lives in Canton, Ohio USA.
For more information about Fidelis Mkparu and his books visit his website at www.fidelismkparu.com.
Topics of conversation:
Passion for Writing
Spirituality in Life and in Writing
The Greatest Gift
Upcoming Projects
Advice to New Authors