Inside Scoop Live!

Warwick Wood was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. From a very early age he developed an interest in all things creative. From age five, he would spend hours drawing and making up stories.
Warwick left school in year 10 to pursue a career in art. After graduating from college, he was employed as a commercial artist before joining an advertising agency where he became an art director. A decade later he began his own graphic design and marketing agency where, apart from being the owner, he was responsible for concept and copywriting. He began writing novels in 2014.
Warwick is married with two daughters and still lives in Sydney.
You can learn more about Warwick Wood and his work at: www.warwickwoodauthor.com.  
Instagram: @warwickwood_author Instagram: @warwickwood_art
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About "Your Move: The Girl in the Park" and the inspiration behind the story
Blending genres and letting the story unfold organically
Writing in two different time periods authentically
Capturing the reader with visually rich and descriptive prose
Character development
Storytelling approach to incorporating different themes.
What's next for Warwick Wood?
YOUR MOVE: THE GIRL IN THE PARK
A game of chess. The sacrifice of a queen.
In London, 1973, two strangers sit across from each other in a park playing a game that will change both their lives forever.
One simple gambit will draw both Evelyn Copeland, a researcher, and Krystyna Zygalska, daughter of a Polish diplomat, into a labyrinth of secrets, betrayal and death, as conflicting realities lead to the uncovering of an event that occurred twenty-eight years earlier in 1945. An event that one person will go to any lengths to keep buried forever.

Lauren Gouin is a Canadian poet, screenwriter/director for TV and film, script editor, and storytelling consultant. Her poetry uses rhythm and rhyme to narrate her inner-most contemplations.
You can learn more about Lauren Gouin and her work at https://laurengouin.com.
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
About "Chasing Shadows" and the inspiration behind the collection
Imagery and Shadows
Vulnerability, expression/crafting and going from raw emotions to polished verse
Life and relationships. Introspection and social reflection
Poetry Reading
What's next for Lauren Gouin
 
CHASING SHADOWS
This book spans five chapters, walking through the cloudy and uncertain terrain of various forms of heartache and repair. When the ground beneath you cracks, it can crumble even harder; when the next step feels like a mountain, your path can seem never ending. And that is just it: it is and it isn't. Keep going.

Sofia Pires Baquedano is a Brazilian-Spanish writer and filmmaker. She currently is a film student in university in Brazil, and holds a certificate from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. She is passionate about the importance of imagery and beauty in a scene, both on-screen and on-paper. She grew up between Brazil and Spain. "This is My Worst Nightmare: Please Be Nice to Me" is her first novel.
To learn more about Sofia and her work visit: https://sofiabaquedano.com
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
About "This is My Worst Nightmare: Please Be Nice to Me" and the inspiration for the story
Writing a non-linear plot
The dynamics of a Trio in relationships
How the author's filmmaking career complements her storytelling
Research, writing, challenges and triumphs in the creative process
What's next for Sofia Bacquedano?
THIS IS MY WORST NIGHTMARE: PLEASE BE NICE TO ME
"We have the dire need to love. To make our lives gorgeous and fulfilling, to love and live and be happy in spite of the absurdness of it all."Sunny is a high school teacher in her late twenties navigating the hospitalization of her best friend Charlie. As a narrator who feels like an observer in her own life, Sunny examines what her life without Charlie might have been like and what life with him has meant for her. The story moves through time non-linearly, exploring Charlie’s family, his and Sunny’s mutual friend Louis, and Sunny’s past and present.Mourning for someone who is still alive and a past that has been left unresolved, Sunny tells her story, straying away from the darkest aspects of the past with witty comic relief. this is my worst nightmare, please be nice to me is a tale of love, its pains and joys, belonging, and finding trouble in one’s brain, whether literally or figuratively.

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