Spreading the Magic of Historical Romance: Author Clyve Rose

Spreading the Magic of Historical Romance: Author Clyve Rose

There is a reason why historical romance can never lose its charm. Be it movies, Netflix series, or in this case, novels, it lives on. Author Clyve Rose explores the magic of romance from the good ol’ days that entices her and millions of readers into believing in happily-ever-afters.

What inspires you to write? 

People inspire me to write – every day, every feeling. I am deeply interested in the varied ways different people move through the world, causing life, love, tears, and joy. People leave large imprints on each other, and within themselves. This is powerful and often heroic.

Let’s talk love, why write love stories, specifically historical romances?

I write love stories for many reasons. It began when my own marriage failed I suppose, and I sought to create happy endings where I could. At the time, these were necessarily on paper. In terms of historical fiction, I have always been a history buff. I also find the history of how human beings relate to one another (or don’t), endlessly fascinating. I believe the reason people still fall in love with Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Bennet is because, after all this time, communication between lovers is still something we flawed creatures stumble our way awkwardly and sometimes disastrously.

What do you think of Bridgerton on Netflix? 

I truly think it’s wonderful. I love period pieces taken to screen. Anything with lace and corsets always makes me smile. The adaptation is clever and very well done. The clothes alone would be enough for me, but the entire production is gorgeous to watch.

What’s your favorite story you’ve written and why?

My favorite story is the sequel to Always a Princess, which is due out in 2022. I truly think it’s my best work to date. Growing the characters up over so long a timeframe gave me a lot of room to work.

If there is a movie adaptation of Always a Princess, who do you think would be perfect for the lead roles?

Hmm…Bradley James would look smashing in a red coat as Wil. I’d like a Roma actress to play Syeira. Someone like Salma Hayek – there are hundreds of talented Romani actresses in England and I’d love to see one in the role.

Is there a book you read over and over?  Or what is your go-to book to recommend to friends?

Austen’s Persuasion is my comfort read. I love the language Austen uses in her last, and arguably best, work.

Any ritual like a specific scented candle, preferred writing place, or drink that you kept through writing?

Green tea and focus music. I use instrumental soundscapes to assist my focus. I also need a blank wall in front of me – no windows. I am neurodivergent and I need to hold focus to write.

Are you ready for our rapid-fire questions? Let’s go.

Clyve Rose

Morning person or a night owl

Oh, night owl

Inspirations in the shower or on your walks

When I run, actually.

Classical or Jazz music

Classical for writing. Jazz for wine and chillouts.

Movie night at home or dining out with friends

This is hugely variable – depends on my moods and where I’m at in my writing process.

Your favorite writer of all time

Excellent question – this also varies because the authors I clung to when I was younger do not have the same effect on me now. I do still love sinking into Ondaatje’s In The Skin of a Lion and Austen’s Persuasion. I also love detective novels so Agatha Christie for plotting and Kerry Greenwood’s Miss Fisher for characterization. I like to read fantasy as well and enjoyed the translation of Andrek Sapkowski’s The Witcher novels.
Honestly though, the book I re-read the most is Homer’s Iliad. The language is lovely.

What’s your latest binge-watch obsession? 

The Irregulars on Netflix and I’m about to dive into Season 2 of The Witcher. I’ll also be on the lookout for Season 2 of Sweet Magnolias. Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger and I am on tenterhooks to know what comes next – laos, I am a total sucker for romantic dramas.

One word that best describes you?

Determined

Explore the Story of A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn

Explore the Story of A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn

What if we told you that an award-winning chef can help you make his finger-licking Italian recipes in your kitchen? “A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn” by David Ruggerio is all you need to recreate the magic and make each meal extra special. Here’s a candid chat with the renowned chef and author where he spills the beans about his latest cookbook and more.

What was the purpose of writing A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn

It was for a few reasons; first and foremost, I wanted to return to my roots and share with my grandchildren and future generations a taste of what it was to grow up in Brooklyn in a very different era. My generation was still recognizable to my parents and my grandparents–we have now entered a period that is extremely different than my childhood. My time was colorful and raw, a period when the family got together often to share great food, long-tenured traditions, and pass on our culture. Lastly, at a time when the Italian culture is under assault in this country, I wanted to stand tall and express my pride for being Italian.

Who is your inspiration?

The women of my family. I was orphaned when I was five, witnessing my pregnant mother’s death. I went to live with my grandmother and my great-grandmother. These were women who hailed from Sant’Angelo Dei Lombardi, a storied village outside of Naples. They epitomized being Italian in Brooklyn. Like Brooklyn itself, they were extraordinarily resilient while sharing their heritage, customs, and of course the food. At our kitchen table, fresh pasta was made, homegrown vegetables were preserved, and stories were told. From that table, I understood what it was to be Italian.

Will beginners find recipes they can cook from A Tomato Grows in Brooklyn?

These recipes are straightforward, home-grown dishes that any person who wants to experience the Italian American cuisine can enjoy and get a taste of what it was like in the neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

What’s your favorite recipe from the book? What makes it unique?

“Pasta’ Ncasciata,” which is a “Baked Pasta with Eggplant with Caciocavallo.”

I adore this recipe. This was brought to Brooklyn by Sicilians. It is traditionally made with annelli pasta, or ‘little rings,’ dressed in a meaty tomato ragu made with spare ribs (It can be made with beef, pork, or even sausage). My grandmother added tiny meatballs to the ragu with the spareribs-though I thought it a bit much for the recipe. It is emblematic of what made Italian American cuisine in Brooklyn so special—that Sicilians lived next door to Neapolitans, who lived next door to Calabrian’s, who lived next door to Abruzzese. Over years, they shared recipes and they progressively melted together to create our own cuisine.

Do you grow your own vegetables in your backyard in Brooklyn? What’s your tip for the readers?

I grow nearly all the vegetables that we eat during the year. My garden is alive and producing twelve months out of the year, with not only the holy trinity-tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants- but also figs, apples, pears, blueberries, lettuce, escarole, cardoons, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, onions, potatoes, and of course, garlic! My tip was best expressed by my great-grandmother, Antoinette Quagliarello Pesce. She taught me that we don’t grow vegetables, we grow soil. By enriching the soil with many long-held traditions and tricks developed by the Southern Italians, that marvelous land made extraordinarily tasty produce that fed us throughout the seasons.

You’ve won so much recognition for your work. What do you enjoy writing the most, horror or cookbooks?

I love them both and do them both nearly every day. I work till late into the night, and during those dark, late hours, my imagination wanders into dark, scary places that make writing horror quite easy. During the glorious days, wandering in my garden or hand making cavatelli pasta on a wooden board, or making pizza in my backyard brick oven with my grandchildren, my heart burns Italian, writing about food is easy and consoling. 

What has been the highlight of your cooking career? What about your writing career?

My professional career was spent in glorious French kitchens. There are two highlights in my career. The first was as a teen finding myself at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountain, where I found an elf-like chef, Michel Guerard who taught me how to spell magic. He was the greatest chef of the twentieth century who changed me as a person. The second, was when the famed fashion designer put me in charge of his restaurant; Maxim’s, and I garnered three stars. 

Time for our rapid-fire round. Here are your questions:

David Ruggerio

Pasta or pizza

Pasta! I can eat it every day

Cooking or writing

I was created to cook!

Jazz or classical music

Come on, I was raised in Brooklyn during the 70s! Disco!

Patio or Candlelight dinner

Outdoors on my patio, with my family

What’s your favorite cheese?

Pecorino Romano, I can put it on everything!

One dish you love

Linguini with Clams

One restaurant you frequent

I adore Di Fara’s in Brooklyn when Dominick, an old friend and the owner, is cooking. The best pizza in America

A Fun Encounter With a Stay at Home Dad and Author of Project Adventure

A Fun Encounter With a Stay at Home Dad and Author of Project Adventure

Taking parenting and writing to the next level is the “Project Adventure” series’ author, David Konrad. David is the author of adventure books for middle-graders and anyone who’s a kid at heart. His books are loved and adored by children worldwide. But how does he manage to juggle these hats and make time to enjoy an active outdoorsy lifestyle with his sons? Let’s find out.

Why did you decide you wanted to write children’s adventure books?

Because these type of books is what made me fall in love with reading and books in the first place. Besides, I started writing when my twin boys were 5 years old, so I hoped they would appreciate the stories and the adventure.

It looks like you draw inspiration from the expeditions you go on with your kids. What has been your favorite adventure together?

Being a stay home dad with twin boys is an adventure on its own. The three of us used to fly a lot together, ever since they were 3 years old, so that always made for some interesting adventures… Also, we always love to take a boat out on the Adriatic Sea to find cool and remote places. 

What are the strengths of each member of the Project Adventure kid-detective agency?

Ethan is a go-getter. He’s very curious, and that, paired with never endless energy, often gets him into trouble.

Matt is a thinker. He’s quiet and doesn’t talk much, but he’s always alert and acts as balance for Ethan,

Lisa is the glue that makes the trio tick. She’s a brilliant organizer, very pragmatic and able. 

Although it sounds like choosing your favorite child, we’d like to know which of the four books from the “Project Adventure” series is your favorite and why?

I would have to say the “Heart of the Island”. It was not just the first book of the series, but also my first book ever! As much as I like my other books, this one will always have a special place in my heart. 

What’s one of the most heartwarming messages you’ve received from your little fans? 

A mother once emailed me to tell me her daughter is completely hooked on my books, and can’t wait for the next one. That was after she’d read books 1 and 2, so safe to say she continued being a fan of mine… J

Growing up, what were some of your favorite books? 

I always loved this book about King Arthur and the knights of the round table, but I’d forgotten who the author was. But I still remember it clearly. And I loved Karl May’s Wild West stories, Winnetou and such.

What is your number 1 parenting tip for adventurous kids?

Pack light, but don’t go anywhere without water, snacks, and band-aids.

Let’s do a quick round of rapid-fire questions. Ready? 

David Konrad

Hikes or Swimming 

Hikes

Games or Movie night

Games

Laundry or Dishes?

Both. I’m a stay home dad, after all.

Coffee or Tea

Coffee during the day, tea in the evening. But coffee, if I have to pick one.

Your favorite board game? 

Risk

The theme of your next project? 

Art

One topic that you can talk about endlessly.

Basketball

An Exclusive Interview With the Author of Our African Unconscious

An Exclusive Interview With the Author of Our African Unconscious

Our African Unconscious by Dr. Edward Bruce Bynum uncovers all aspects of our human evolution. It sheds light on how the arts, sciences, philosophy, and religious roots originated in Africa. Author Edward Bruce Bynum, Ph.D., ABPP is an award-winning psychologist and former director of the behavioral medicine program at the University of Massachusetts Health Services. If you want to learn more about Dr. Edward and his fascinating work in the field, here’s your chance.

Hi Dr. Edward, how do we all share a common origin? How do we all come from Africa?

I sought to create a modern medically and scientifically sound understanding of our unity as a species that was also a complete vision absolutely undergirded by the great spiritual traditions of both East, West, and Africa. Thus a good deal of anthropology, m medical genetics, ancient history, and the living history of religions. 

Why did you decide to write Our African Unconscious: The Black Origins of Mysticism and Psychology?

It was a natural evolution from an earlier book called DARK LIGHT CONSCIOUSNESS: Melanin, Serpent Power and the Luminous Matrix of Reality. It dealt, as a clinical psychologist, with the effect of this deep hidden bodily and spiritual energy better known in classical literature and practices of meditation and yoga.

What’s the best way to truly appreciate our shared consciousness and identity as a species?

A meditative discipline you are drawn to plus a deep love for another person beyond what you can explain to yourself.

What are your thoughts on the varied different ethnicities that exist? How can we thrive in today’s world?

This is a complex question. However, as a species at war with itself, we have come to the point in our development as a species on this volatile planet of vast changes and rapid changes that we either learn to love each other despite our difference or we die !! It is that simple and uncomfortably true.

Would you say one of the predictions made by George Washington is yet to come?

Yes, 2 of them have already occurred. He predicted the American civil war and a great civil confrontation yet to come involving Africa and the notion that ‘all men are brethren”. Is that not where we are today in the USA?

Could you share one fascinating piece of information that you came across during your research for the book?

Yes. That America’s first war over slavery was not our civil war but about ‘white slavery,’ the war with the Barbary Coast pirates of north Africa that far arose soon after the founding of the republic. They were raiding ships at sea and stealing white women to sell to the harems of the sultans.

How do quantum mechanics, string theory, and relative physics weave into the book?

They are all part of the emerging new paradigm in science that takes us past Einstein.

Could you answer some of these rapid-fire questions for your readers?

Dr. Edward Bruce Bynum

The most peaceful place for you…

On the deck at home on a warm summer afternoon or in my meditation setting in the early morning at home.

A book that made a significant impact on you

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramansa Yogananda and also The Phenomenon of Man by Teilhard De Chardin

Dusk or dawn

Both actually, but perhaps dusk most

Jazz or country music

Jazz but I also like  classic country music by the greats like John Denver

Podcasts or documentaries

Documentaries

What’s your next project?

I am also a published poet with an equal number of texts in psychology/psychiatry as in poetry: I am finishing up a long poem that is 7,777 words in length titled “If I Trusted Poetry Completely”

Tell us one thing about yourself that we likely don’t know

I was an altar boy as a child.

A Chat With an Award-winning Author About Her Latest: A Plague of Flies

A Chat With an Award-winning Author About Her Latest: A Plague of Flies

Award-winning YA author, Laurel Anne Hill returns with her latest historical fantasy, A Plague of Flies: Revolt of the Spirits,1846. Needless to say, it’s going to be an unforgettable adventure you don’t want to miss out on. Laurel explores her family history and finds a fantasy-filled story of a brave sixteen-year-old, Catalina. Read more about her experience and your soon-to-be-favorite book, A Plague of Flies.

Hi Laurel, you released your latest historical fantasy last month, A Plague of Flies: Revolt of the Spirits, 1846. Could you tell us about it? 

Available on Amazon

In 1846 Alta California, Catalina Delgado daydreams about her future: roping cattle, marrying Angelo Ortega, and raising children. But now, invaders from the United States—the Bear Flaggers—have declared war against Mexico, her country. Bear Flaggers have imprisoned one close friend of her family and murdered others. What fate might befall her parents, grandfather, and younger brothers? And what about her best friend, a Costanoan servant girl? How can Catalina, only sixteen, help protect all those she loves?

The spirits provide Catalina with answers, but not the ones she wants. Plus she fears the strange spirit man who rides a black Andalusian stallion through the sky. For the sake of all she holds dear, Catalina must risk her reputation as a chaste young woman, her future with Angelo, her life, and her very soul. When hopes and dreams clash with cold reality, Catalina finds the fortitude to accomplish what only she can do.

Why did you choose to write about 1846 Alta California?

At the time I made the choice, I still believed my paternal great-grandmother, Hipólita, had lived there during the 1840s. I thought my Mexican family had lost their land to the United States as a result of the Bear Flag Rebellion in 1846. Then I discovered they’d not come to California until the late 1850s or early 1860s. Once in California, they’d been taken advantage of in some other manner, possibly by one of the US railroads.

What is the one thing about Catalina Delgado that your readers are instantly going to fall in love with?  

Catalina, a young mestiza, has ideas of her own about her personal future, including who she wants to marry. Without sisters, she competes with her four younger brothers for approval. She is not afraid to ride astride (instead of sidesaddle) and can rope longhorns almost as well as her father’s vaqueros do. Regardless, Catalina remains closer to being a sixteen-year-old woman of her time than to becoming some bigger-than-life kick-ass heroine. She wishes to honor members of her family—even when she doesn’t agree with them—and her Catholic faith. Yet she finds herself questioning aspects of both her faith and her family. 

What can you share about the Spirit Man that your potential readers don’t know yet?  

Spirit Man is a complicated being, far more than just a scary character. He has taken the shape of others in the past, and presumably, will do so in the future. Spirit Man has the capacity to serve as a loyal friend or become a terrifying opponent. 

Is there a heart-warming review or comment you received for A Plague of Flies that you’d like to share with us?

Kirkus Reviews, November 1, 2021: In her second YA novel that’s set in a magical-realist 19th-century California, Hill gives readers a wonderfully imaginative, unsettling view of events leading up to the 1849 gold rush. Many narratives emphasize the excitement of this time and California’s newfound wealth, population growth, and influence, but this book foreshadows the disasters—starvation, slaughter, dispossession—inflicted on Indigenous people. It’s a theme that could become heavy-handed, but Catalina’s passionate teenage energy gives propulsion to the dramatic plot.

At what point during the research of A Plague of Flies did you have the sequence of the story plotted? 

Not until I finished the first draft, over ten years after starting my project. Please understand, however, that the hiatus between finishing the first half of draft number one and starting the second half amounted to five of those ten years. I wrote the second half of the initial draft in three months. 

What do you enjoy writing the most – historical fantasy or science fiction? Why? 

Historical fantasy. I love to delve into the history of a setting, and fantasy gives me a fair amount of freedom in world-building. Besides, I worked most of my adult life in the field of science or science technology. Although I write occasional science fiction or science horror stories, doing fantasy returns me to a special place I loved as a child.

Rapid Fire time. Answer the following questions with the first thing that comes to your mind. 

Laurel Anne Hill

A preferred writing snack:  

Morning: Coffee with caramel-flavored creamer.
Evening: A glass of wine.

What was the last soundtrack you heard?  

The opera, “Mefistofele” (by Boito), with Luciano Pavarotti singing the role of Faust.  “Mefistofele” is my go-to inspiration when I need “big sound” to deal with one hell of a challenge.  

Countryside or the beach:

These days, the countryside. For most of my life, the beach.

Tea or coffee: 

Coffee with caramel-flavored creamer.

Kittens or puppies:

Puppies. I love kittens, but cats interfere with my ability to breathe. (Ah-choo!)

Your biggest pet peeve is…:

Spam telephone calls.

Your favorite movie of all times:

The original “Star Wars!” 

Dames Handsome Brings You the Fairy Knights

Dames Handsome Brings You the Fairy Knights

If you’re a parent or teacher of middle graders, you’d know how challenging it is to get them to read. Equally difficult is finding books that can entertain and inspire kids to grow into empathetic human beings. We met with an author who writes stories that kids love reading to not only have fun but to learn from. Dames Handsome is a father, teacher, and excellent author of the most-loved book series, the Fairy Knights. Here’s Dame’s story in his own words.

Hi Dames, how does one come up with such a cool name as Dames Handsome?

From my students! Here in Korea teachers are addressed by their last name and then the word teacher. My actual last name sounds a lot like Handsome so they started to call me Handsome Teacher. And then the Dames part is an old high school nickname so when it came to me making my pen name I found that really it had already been made and it was just waiting for me to pull out and dust off to be made official.

Why did you decide to write children’s books? 

I didn’t haha. All of this started when I sat down with my wife and son to play a role-playing game that I’d made. It was an awesome time and afterward, I realized that I wanted to remember it all forever. So I wrote it all down. And then after it was down I decided to make a story out of it for my son. I adjusted this and that to make it into a real kids’ story. One that I also torqued to teach him a lesson, as all good kids stories do. I read it to him and he loved it. Then it sat on my computer for months. I shared it with some people here and there and they loved it as well. So, finally, I decided that I should “make it real” and publish it. And so it all began.

How did Fairy Knights come to life? 

When I asked my friend Warwick, who teaches people how to be Kindergarten Teachers, to read it and how much it would cost me for him to make a cover for me. He read it and got back to me and asked if he could make pictures for the inside as well. I really can’t imagine the series without him. Our partnership really makes these books snap and I’m so happy to be working together.

What are the unique “superpowers” each of the Fairy Knights possess?

I’ll start with everyone’s favorite, Hamster Rick. He’s a hamster pet that my son named after one of his teddy animals. But rather than being all fat and round like most hamsters, he is super strong and he is incredibly chiseled. A handsome hunk of hamster.

The viewpoint of the series so far has come from Ching Goo and his school’s specialty is changing shapes. Depending on how much Magic Mana he uses, he can become about anything he can imagine. And he has a few more magic tricks up his sleeve as well. He can make himself travel very quickly, he can become super strong, he can make people believe that he is famous, and he can be very lucky. He has to be careful, though, because all of those spells cost mana and if he runs out he can’t cast any more magic for the rest of the day.

And of course, we have Oma Bell, the responsible voice of reason. She is an arcane spellcaster which means she can do powerful spells if given enough time to cast them. But more often she uses her fairy dust to create small but immediate magical effects. She can fly and she also has a mean right hook so you don’t want to mess with her. She has some more spells as well that are more specialized. Her super-smart spell makes her twice as intelligent and she can use magic to become about the cutest kid you’ve ever seen or talked to.

How have Ching Goo, Oma Bell, and Hamster Rick grown from one book to another?

At the very start of the series, Ching and Oma were just besties who liked to hang out, and Rick was Ching’s familiar, an animal pet that bonds with their owner to become something very special. But by the time the fourth book has come, we see that Rick has become a full-fledged hero in his own right and is even enrolled at Boogie Elementary School. Oma and Ching have gone through a lot together and Ching has become more mature, responsible, and kind. He has overcome the fear of being no-good, the complexities of jealousy in friendship, and he has more realistic expectations of himself and his friends. He is no longer quite so silly and headstrong. And Oma has let herself loosen up a bit. She has learned that while her ideas and plans may be brilliant, they are always better as a team. It is actually a lot of fun to chart out their lives as they go from book to book, and yet a little sad at the same time because they grow alongside my son, and each little success and every little bit of maturation means he himself is getting that much older and wiser, and that much less of my little baby boy. 

Could you share one heart-warming comment you received from a reader recently?

A father told me that his daughter was all excited about the series and kept talking about how she was going to be super good so she could level up and be a hero. That really made me laugh and smile.

What is the one lesson you’d like your little readers to learn from the Fairy Knights books?

That it is okay and natural to feel anxious, scared, and not as good as the others. And that everyone else feels that same sense of doubt and unworthiness. It is a natural part of growing up and it is okay to feel it and to talk to people about it.

Rapid Fire time! Answer the following questions with the first thing that comes to your mind. 

Dames Handsome

Morning person or night owl

Night owl

Kindle or audiobook

Kindle

Panda or koala

Panda

A preferred writing snack

Sour gummies

Your favorite movie of all times

Free Guy

Do you still have your favorite book from childhood? 

I don’t but that’s because it wore through!

What’s next?

Warwick has told me that the next one needs to be something special and different. So we are working on an anthology of 5 stories told by different characters within the series. But that won’t be out until at least January due to the Holidays.

What to Expect in Moonlighting: An Oral History by Scott Ryan

What to Expect in Moonlighting: An Oral History by Scott Ryan

If you’re someone who devours new television shows, are the go-to person for recommendations among your friends, and want to hold your fame, you’ve got to read this. You’re about to earn some serious brownie points by being the first to know all about the 80s iconic show, Moonlighting. Here’s a little chat with pop culture storyteller and television historian Scott Ryan.

Hi Scott, your latest book, “Moonlighting: An Oral History,” still holds its position on the top 50 Television History & Criticism books on Amazon since its release. Congratulations!

How’s the overall response so far? 

It has been incredible. I have been getting emails almost every other day from fans of the series. I always put my email in the back of all my books and say that if you have a kind email to send, send it. I do not have interest in the mean ones. Most bookstores have not been carrying the book, so we need more stores to jump on the eighties bandwagon.

Why did you choose to write about Moonlighting?

 I have always been amazed that no one had ever written a book about it.  I have wanted to write this book for years. Finally, two years ago, Glenn Caron gave me his blessing and I ran with it.

Would you say this book is mainly for those who are fans of the show?

Well, you are asking the author. No author would say his book is for less people. But I honestly believe this book should be read by all television lovers. This will really explain to viewers how hard it is to create a piece of art. And how much harder it is to make a quality piece of art. I have had many interviewers tell me that they never saw an episode of the series, but they loved the book.

What can you share about “Moonlighting: An Oral History” that will resonate with today’s television viewers and potential readers?

I think they will get a look at how Moonlighting changed the way TV was made and produced. It is also a great reminder at how viewers want TV that challenges them. That making average TV should be thought of as the greatest crime. There is a really amazing story in this book. I was lucky to get to tell it.

Can you share some of your fanboy moments from your time meeting and interviewing some of Moonlighting’s cast/crew members? 

Look, I got to watch an episode of Moonlighting with Cybill Shepherd. We watched over zoom together. I will never forget that my entire life. Jay Daniel produced Roseanne, Moonlighting, Cybill and he is now one of my dear friends. I have been blessed to talk to the very  people that inspired me to be a writer. I will never get over how my life and their lives  intersected. This entire process has been a dream for me.

What’s the one thing you learned about Moonlighting that bowled you over?

That the network just let them spend as much money as they wanted. There was no one on set telling them to finish an episode, or cut a scene or anything. They were just left alone because the ratings were so good. I also finally figured out exactly how they filmed Season 4. I have never understood why they didn’t have Cybill and Bruce in scenes together, but they are in every episode. It just didn’t make sense. It took lots of interviews to piece together the filming sequences. But I think readers will love the answer to that question. I am not telling you, though. You’ll have to read the book.

Aside from Moonlighting, what are some of your favorite binge-able shows of all time? 

Well Twin Peaks and thirtysomething have always been my favorite. I also love anything by David E. Kelley. Right now, I love Hacks on HBO, Good Fight on Paramount + and Ted Lasso on Apple +, but my goodness, who can afford to buy all those platforms. Just forget it and read my book.

Ready for some rapid-fire questions? Here we go:

Morning person or a night owl 

Morning person (that kills me to say that now)

Television shows or movies 

TV all the way

Movie theatre or streaming at home

 Streaming, I don’t need to hear a stranger’s comments on the film. I am fine.

Popcorn or Nachos

 Nachos and piled so high they are messy.

Night Court or Family Ties

 WOW. This is an amazing question and a stumper. It is basically even, but I was so in love with Mallory, that FT has to win. But great question.

A preferred writing snack

 Grapes. I know that sounds weird, but I love to stop and start when I am writing. I adore getting up and getting something. So I love for it to be grapes. You write a few paragraphs, then you go to the fridge, get a grape and go back and sit down and then rinse and repeat.

What was the last movie you watched?

 Jackie Brown. Which will give you a hint at what I want my next book to be about. The Movies of Tarantino.

Solving Mysteries in Real-Life and Fiction: T L Bequette

Solving Mysteries in Real-Life and Fiction: T L Bequette

Hi T L Bequette, congrats on your first novel, “Good Lookin’: A Joe Turner Mystery.” We’re so excited to hear more about you and the book. Let’s get to it.

As a criminal defense attorney, your practice involves defending accused murderers. How did you shift gears and decide to write fiction?

I’ve always loved to write creatively. As an attorney, I have plenty of opportunities to write, but creativity is generally frowned upon. You can’t make up the law, after all. So, when I finally stopped making excuses and started writing, it was a wonderful feeling—like seeing an old friend for the first time in years.

How did Joe Turner start to take shape in your mind? When did you know you had to get the story out there? 

I’ve practiced criminal defense for nearly thirty years, so my job has given me quite a trove of real-life tales that are often crazier than fiction. Also, a significant part of the book follows the exploits of twin boys. As a father of teenage twins, I’ve gained some insight there as well. They would disagree, by the way

Book cover of Good Lookin' by T L Bequette
Available on Amazon

In “Good Lookin’: A Joe Turner Mystery,” how much of it would you say is fiction and how much of it is derived from real life? 

The protagonist, Joe Turner is a criminal defense attorney like me. When faced with defending a client who is actually innocent, he stresses out and drinks too much. Also, a bit like me, I suppose. Joe is also a smartass and very witty—like I would be if I could magically stop conversations and take lots of time to think of great lines.

If you weren’t a criminal defense attorney, would you still write a crime mystery? Do you want to explore other genres?

That’s a great question. I’ve thought about other genres, but I have so much material and stories yet to tell, I think mysteries will keep me busy for a while.

If you have a chance to partner with Netflix, who would you like cast for as Joe Turner? 

Kyle Chandler, I think. He’s likeable.

Besides the real-life observations, where do you draw your inspiration from?

In my genre, Louise Penny is a wonderful writer. Also, you can’t beat John Grisham for storytelling.

Without giving much away, can you think of the one scene that made you go, “Ah, this is perfect!” 

Is it okay to have two? The first involves an abusive bully. Spoiler alert, I suppose, but let’s just say I enjoyed writing the resolution of that part of the story. Also, there is one final twist in the very last line of the book. I think it’s cool.

T. L. Bequette

Here are some rapid-fire questions for you. Answer with the first thought that comes to your mind. Ready? Let’s go. 

Tea or Coffee

Coffee

‘Rear Window’ or ‘L.A. Confidential’

Rear Window

Jazz or Country Music

Country

Prefer writing in the morning or late at night

Early am

Video Game or Movie

Movie

What’s the one thing you learned when writing the book? 

That organization — keeping plot lines and characters straight — is an underrated part of writing.

Tell us one thing about yourself that we likely don’t know. 

I once worked in the largest prune dehydrator in the world.

Explore the Immersive Dystopia of the Internet With Edgar Scott

Explore the Immersive Dystopia of the Internet With Edgar Scott

Technology and innovation drive our society towards a better tomorrow. But, what if someone misused the inventions? Edgar Scott presents a case of technology gone wrong in his upcoming dystopian sci-fi novel, “418: I Am a Teapot.” But is there light at the end of the tunnel? We’re about to find out.

Edgar Scott shares his technical insights, personal views, and scoops from 418 in a candid interview.

What does the title, “418: I am a Teapot” mean and how does it relate to theme of the book?

The title 418 actually refers to an HTTP response code.  While its introduction was originally an April Fool’s joke, the “418 I’m a Teapot” response is usually ignored by web browsers; unlike a “404 Not Found” response.  A crafty network admin may configure a server to issue a 418 response which allows the visitor to use the site while the 418 response is recorded in the server logs for programmers to analyze.  

In today’s internet, we often program web services to have different roles, authentication, handling tokens, access data sources in addition to rendering HTML.  Often what appears to be an entire web server is little more than a program written to respond to specific requests.  In the novel “418: I am a teapot” we have immersive internet, which implies programmability.  A practical aspect of 418’s world is that, to pay for being on the internet 24/7, we have to be programmed to carry out tasks.  Happily, if we are in the immersive internet, we won’t even be aware what we are doing; we don’t need any skill to do what we are programmed to do and are paid accordingly. 

In such a world, where you are not even aware of what we do, we might as well be a teapot. In fact, our protagonist, may have actually been a virtual teapot or a proverbial coffee maker, without even knowing it.

Why did you choose to write a dystopian sci-fi novel?

Edgar Scott

Having watched new technology, which normally improves our lives, think of all the truly mind shattering things that we can now do with computers, mobile devices, wearable tech.  I can tell if my heart is beating properly, I know exactly how long my morning run was or how to avoid getting stuck in traffic.  While I love new technology, coding, and toying with computers, I wanted to issue a warning that not always is everything as rosy as it appears at first blush.  I felt compelled to write this novel because technology can be abused.  It could be used to exploit or control us.  I felt an extreme example would be useful for everyone to consider.  

There is a second reason I wrote the novel: I had a lot of fun working with my characters and I wanted to use them to impart hope to anyone who feels that the onrush of technology is getting the better of them.

Without giving much away, what is your favorite scene from “418: I am a Teapot”? 

418: I Am a Teapot

My favorite scene is when 418 (who calls himself George) finally meets his wife Belinda (chapter 19), offline, for the first time.  Their entire relationship, even the fact that they had a family, had been conducted online.  He is surprised she does not look as she presented herself online.  He is revulsed by the way that she behaves when she is brought offline.  This is a major turning point for George in the novel he now starts to view himself as not belonging to the class of people who live online.  

This scene also underscores how ill-equipped people who have spent their lives online would be with the offline world.  They have not progressed, emotionally or intellectually, past childhood as they live in a world of make believe where, while they can be hurt, they can’t hurt themselves.  Belinda literally freaks out because she is offline.

The scene shows how George has grown since he became damaged.  He is shocked by her behavior, but it does not surprise him.  At this point, his marriage to Belinda is over, he begins to refer to her no longer as “she” but uses the more conventional “it” pronoun used for persons who live in the immersive internet.

Besides the hero of your story, which character did you enjoy building the most?

I really enjoyed building Brian’s character.  He manages George much the same way that one would manage a dump truck, a machine or any other piece of what economists would call capital equipment.  Brian is immobilized in his life by not knowing how to progress.  He is paralyzed by fear; if he stops doing what he is doing he could be forced to become like George.  He always maintains his detachment —which I have seen managers do in the IT world— but is keenly interested in how his employee acts as it might give him insight into how to break out of his own economic class.  

I particularly enjoyed that Brian asks everyone, including 418/George, to call him King.  This is Brian trying to project an image he would like onto himself, but no-one, except 418/George ever refers to him as King, and George, when he does finally learn Brian’s name, is uncomfortable not calling him King.

In order for a manager to progress, they must understand and dissolve the barriers between themselves and their staff, and Brian has to do the same.  The same insular thinking that keeps Brian away from George prevents Brian from finding a solution to his own problems, a delicious irony.

If your book is made into a Netfix movie, who do see playing the lead role? 

I always dreamed that Irrfan Kahn would play it, but sadly he was lost to the world last year.  But, I am certain there are a lot of excellent actors of South-Asian background who could pull off the deadpan humour that Brian Agarwal’s character requires.  

As far as 418/George’s character Cathel Pendred, though George is defiantly not fit and ripped like Cathel, so he will have to act soft and flabby, but his face is very close to what I’ve imagined George to look like.  It’s a bonus that Cathel is about the age that I imagine George to be (I only anticipate people living like George to live until 40-45) during the story, George should be in his early to mid-thirties.

If you could eliminate one piece of technology from your life, what would it be and why?

My cellphone.  It occupies a definite slice of my mind at any one time.  While it is stunningly convenient to be able to reach out to anyone at any time.  I do miss the naïve bliss that we used to enjoy of being, not at home, or not able to take your call / read your message.  I find the constant simulation of the cellphone to be tiring after a while. 

It should be noted, cellphones are amazing!  When I think of the processing power of the modern cellphone, the things you can do with it, it’s boggling if you stop and think about it.  A full list, while impressive is boring, it’s an amazing tool.  Being a good techie, I just have to have the latest tech and I never cease to be amazed.

Choose a movie title that best defines the story of your life.

Re-inventing Fate.

I love this concept as fate is immutable, but re-invention implies ultimate malleability.  I do believe in fate, but I do believe we get to choose our own and we can guide ourselves to our intended outcomes.  We can have whatever fate we want, it only takes a bit of re-invention.

Rapid Fire time. Answer the following questions with the first thing that comes to your mind. 

What was the last soundtrack you heard?

Mamma-Mia.

Your favourite day of the week

Friday, is there any other option? 

Computer Game or Netflix

Computer Game.

Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate.

A preferred writing snack

Coffee, black.

Your biggest pet peeve is…

Apathy.

Your favorite movie of all times

Julie & Julia 

Tips to Effective Crankiness By Steven Joseph

Tips to Effective Crankiness By Steven Joseph

Have you ever wondered why so many good self-help books render ineffective? The problem with those books is the narrative – telling you what’s wrong with you and your habits. You’ll occasionally find books that help you embrace who you are and guide you to become a better version of yourself. “A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness: The CrankaTsuris Method” by Steven Joseph is one such book.

Timely and effective, the easy-to-follow, fun narrative is what makes this book stand apart. It also led us to want to know more about the author.

Here’s the fascinating interview with Crankiness Expert and Author Steven Joseph:

Why did you choose to write your first two books about Crankiness? 

It started out when I arrived jetlagged with my even more jetlagged sleep deprived partner on a vacation in Rome at an AIRBnB during a heat wave and a power outage in a stuffy hot dark apartment. 

A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness

She was a bit cranky. Under the circumstances, I had no energy to consume someone else’s cranky when I had my own cranky. 

I finally blurted out to my partner out of sheer desperation and exhaustion that she was a TyrantoCrankaTsuris, and that was how all the other bigger dinosaurs disappeared.  It was when one tiny dinosaur would not stop cranking out her tsuris (Yiddish for “problems”), and all the bigger dinosaurs ran for the hills or the bottom of the ocean.  

The CrankaTsuris was born, and we used it as a signal to each other when we got a bit cranky. It became our container.  Because of its effectiveness, I knew that I had to start writing about it.

While writing “A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness: The CrankaTsuris Method” what was the one goal you had in mind?

Steven Joseph's Headshot
Steven Joseph

Do you know how they announce at the end of the year that the Merriam-Webster Dictionary announces to the world that they have accepted a new word in their exclusive dictionary club?  Imagine how people would look at crankiness if CrankaTsuris was adopted as a brand-new word. 

What is the one thing you do when you get cranky?

I stick the Cranky inside my CrankaTsuris Deposit Box! 

Can you give us three tips to manage crankiness when we’re stuck in traffic?

The most important tip is that if you anticipate traffic, make sure you do not drink lots of liquids beforehand. You do not want to be sitting in traffic and then you are stuck and have to pee really badly.  Because do you know what the only cure for “Have to Pee Really Badly CrankaTsuris” is. It is called “peeing.”  And relieving “Have to Pee Really Badly CrankaTsuris” is the one of two situations that every human on the planet, whether they believe in God or not, will say the same thing.  “Oh. Thank God!!”

The second most important tip is that if you anticipate traffic is to make sure you do not load your car with little screaming children before you go out.  You do not want to be stuck in traffic with screaming kids.

This is the second situation that you finally get home exhausted, and when the kids finally fall asleep, you again exhale, and say “Thank God.” 

The first two tips leads to the third tip because if you followed Tip One and Tip Two, you can now say the following thing when you get stuck in traffic:

“At least I do not have to pee, and also, at least I do not have screaming kids in the car.”  Just sit back and enjoy!

What is the coolest thing you heard from your friends and family about your new book?

It inspired them to write a book!  Three people wrote a book because I wrote a book.  My book is giving birth to babies!!

Since you like writing stories, do you write short stories in your spare time? Where can we find them? 

I run, and the stories appear to me during a run, and I go home and copy them off my brain. They can be found on my blog at www.StevenJosephAuthor.Com.

Here are some rapid-fire questions we’d like you answer as fast as you can. Pick one.

Fiction or Non-fiction? 

Fiction.

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee.

Panda or Koala?

Koala.

Sourdough or Wheat?

Wheat.

Road trip or Cruise ship?

Road Trip.

Movies or Books? 

Books.