
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Heather Flaherty, Robert Jolles, Maryland Writers' Association
Many believe that authors effortlessly stumble upon the inspiration for their books, when in truth, it's often the inspiration that discovers them. Tune in each week as authors from various genres share the stories behind their creative sparks and the journeys they undertook to bring those ideas to life.
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Dr. Kleiger reveals that the inspiration for "Pareidolia" came from his deep understanding of human psychology, and how our perceptions can often deceive us. The term "pareidolia" itself refers to the phenomenon where people see meaningful patterns in random stimuli, such as faces in clouds or shapes in inkblots. This concept serves as a metaphor throughout the novel, highlighting the mysteries that often reside within our own minds.The episode takes listeners on a journey through Dr. Kleiger's writing process, discussing how characters can haunt authors until their stories are told. He shares his struggles and triumphs in bringing Nicola Kitts to life, emphasizing the importance of character development and the emotional depth that can resonate with readers.To connect with Dr. Jim Kleiger and learn more about his work, visit his website at https://jhermankleiger.com/ or reach out via email at james.kleiger@gmail.com. To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member.Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Lyons, a passionate author whose latest book, A Bastard's Mind: Thoughts on Anger, Survival, and Becoming Someone Worth Living With, delves into the complexities of human behavior and personal responsibility. Tom, a veteran with a master's degree in legal studies, shares his inspiring journey through military service, fatherhood, and business coaching, all while confronting the shadows of his past. He candidly discusses the challenges of writing, the importance of self-care, and how embracing failure can lead to personal growth. Join us for an enlightening conversation that encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the value of self-discovery. To learn more about Tom and his work, you can connect with him on Facebook as Thomas Lyons or find him on YouTube where he shares readings from his new book. For direct inquiries, reach out via email at tlyons31@gmail.com. To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member.Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA
In this episode, we talk with Robert M. Tobias, an 82-year-old debut poet with an extraordinary life story. From working on an automotive assembly line and suing Presidents Nixon and Reagan to teaching federal leadership, Tobias has lived many lives. However, his latest voyage is his most vulnerable yet: publishing his debut poetry collection, What Lives in Me. Tobias discusses how he pivoted from prose to poetry to capture the deep emotional weight of his past. He opens up about his blue-collar childhood, his complicated relationship with his tough father, and the lifelong fear of failure he hid behind professional success. Tune in for a powerful conversation about vulnerability, discipline, and why it is never too late to share your secrets with the world. To learn more about what Robert is working on, please visit his Substack: https://everydaypoet.substack.com/p/what-lives-in-me He is also on Facebook and LinkedIn. To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member.Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA
Gregory Tague shares his long road of research and writing that led him to write, Forest Sovereignty (2025). Gregory discusses the long arduous experiences of researching, writing, and seeking out publication for his academic manuscripts, providing a glimpse into what it takes to become a published academic writer. This first-time interview with an academic writer will give aspiring academic writers a peek into what the process could look like for publishing their work, and how self-marketing even after publication, could help increase your bottom line. You don't want to miss this first-time academic author interview! To learn more about Gregory and what he's currently working on visit his website at https://gftague.wordpress.com/ To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member.Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA
In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Patricia Vido, a debut author whose journey to writing her first novel, 'For Love of Billy,' is both inspiring and relatable. Patricia, a retired journalist, shares how her background in storytelling helped shape her writing process and ultimately led to the creation of a heartfelt narrative that explores love and the complexities of human relationships. To learn more about Patricia and what she's currently working on visit https://patriciavido.com/ If you liked this episode, please share it with someone who would love to hear about Patricia's experience as a writer! To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member.Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA
In this episode, we explore the intriguing concept of influence through the eyes of author David Sloan. What if an ordinary person suddenly had the power to sway everyone around them? David's latest novel, featuring a shy high school freshman named Trent, tackles this question head-on. Join us as we discuss the writing journey, the challenges of self-publishing, and the importance of finding your voice in a noisy world. David shares his insights on balancing a writing career with a day job, and the unique experiences that shape his storytelling. Don't miss this engaging conversation! Visit David Sloan's website at https://www.tanglemapledawn.com/ for more information on his work. Bluesky - @tanglemapledawn.bsky.social To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member.Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA
In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Pat Valdata, a prize-winning author whose latest novel, Everyday Courage, shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women during World War II. Pat's journey as a writer is not only inspiring but also a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving history. Pat's book is divided into three parts, each focusing on different aspects of the war effort. The first two parts highlight the experiences of the Rosie the Riveter and the WASP pilots, while the third part delves into the lives of air crews. Through her characters, Pat captures the essence of courage and sacrifice, reminding us that even ordinary people can rise to extraordinary challenges. During our conversation, Pat shared her initial inspiration for writing this book, which came from attending a meeting of the Rosie the Riveter Association. She was struck by the stories of these women and the realization that their contributions were at risk of being forgotten. This sparked her desire to tell their stories in a way that had not been done before, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past. To learn more about Pat and what she's working on, visit her website https://www.patvaldata.com/ Rosie the Riveter Associationhttps://www.rosietheriveter.net WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots)https://waspmuseum.org/ To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member.Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA
In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with bestselling author Sarah Goodman Confino, who has captivated readers with her unique blend of humor, suspense, and historical intrigue. Sarah's journey into the world of writing is both inspiring and relatable, especially for those who are aspiring to pen their own stories. Sarah's latest novel is set in 1962 Washington, a time when the dynamics of journalism were shifting and women's voices were often overlooked. Drawing from her experiences as a journalism teacher for over two decades, Sarah brings authenticity to her characters and their struggles. She shares how the landscape of news reporting in that era inspired her to create a story where a determined young woman breaks through the barriers placed before her. If you’re looking for motivation and practical tips on writing, Sarah's journey is a treasure trove of wisdom. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, her experiences remind us that every writer has a unique path, and the key is to embrace the journey, learn from it, and keep writing. Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how Sarah Goodman Confino navigates the world of writing, journalism, and life as a bestselling author. To learn more about Sara and see what she's working on visit her website https://saraconfino.com/ To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member.Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA
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Many believe that authors effortlessly stumble upon the inspiration for their books, when in truth, it's often the inspiration that discovers them. Tune in each week as authors from various genres share the stories behind their creative sparks and the journeys they undertook to bring those ideas to life.
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