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2020 arrives as a leap year, gracing us with an extra day in February. It's always nice to have more time to read and write and speak with authors. This month it is my pleasure to introduce you to David Lee Garrison, an educator and a writer and a member of the celebrated and well-published group the Greenville Poets. The poetry of this retired Wright State University professor has appeared widely in journals and anthologies. Two poems from his book Sweeping the Cemetery were read [...]

A brand new year means a brand new look at authors from the area and beyond. This month I welcome a writer who makes it his business to tell romance stories from a male point of view and spice them up with mystery and suspense. Please say hello to Tim Smith, an award-winning, bestselling author and freelance writer. His books range from romantic mystery/thrillers to contemporary erotic romance. When not writing, he can often be found in the Florida Keys, indulging his passion for parasailing [...]

In this holiday time when we carve out a span of weeks to remind ourselves of myths and miracles, of solstice lights and winter sights, I offer this guest for your enjoyment. Cathryn Essinger is an extraordinary poet expresses our deepest revelations in and among the everyday rituals of our lives. One of my favorites is "A Blessing for Unholy Things" and these lines from the final three stanzas: I want a blessing for unholy things-- for the catbird that empties the sparrow's nest,   [...]

November is that month when we turn to the holidays, grateful for the good things in our lives and seeking opportunities to share that goodness with others. This day transcends race, color, religion, politics, and binds us together in thankfulness for the blessings we've been given. Speaking of the spiritual, this month's author offers a tantalizing twist on the paranormal romance genre. Instead of werewolves or vampires, Jeanne Oates Estridge offers us demons. I must admit I was fascinated by this unusual approach to what [...]

October is the orangest month! All those pumpkins and colorful leaves and, of course, the search for costumes in anticipation of Halloween. Who better to fill our author of the month slot than the 'spooky' John Kachuba, whose books about the eerie and the supernatural here in Ohio and beyond have garnered acclaim and a loyal audience. It is my distinct pleasure to share our conversation below. Janet Irvin: Welcome, John. It's great to have a chance to chat with you about your writing. How [...]

I love meeting authors, and every once in a while, I encounter one who has overcome obstacles that might destroy many of us. Nate Wilson is one of those young writers who inspires and astounds. His debut novel,  ZERO TO HERO, is an uncompromising look at the addictions that threatened to destroy him. That he has emerged and gone on to serve as a role model for others is a joyful thing. Please welcome Nate as my featured author of the month for September.                                  [...]

I am so very pleased to introduce you to the August Author of the Month T.J. Turner, the author of  the Lincoln's Bodyguard series of novels. Todd has served our country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. He has been active in the Dayton-area writing community as well, serving as president of the Antioch Writers Workshop. Welcome, TJ, to our August dialogue! Janet Irvin: It is always interesting to learn of a writer's journey to publication. What first inspired you to write? TJ [...]

Last month was a bit of a surprise -- lower than average temperatures and rain, rain, and more rain. Still, the wildflowers have grown tall and the potatoes are doing well. And, as all things do, the days pass swiftly. Now it's time for fireworks and picnic celebrations, and  another amazing authort. Allow me to introduce you to our celebrated and award-winning author for July -- Leslie Budewitz. Janet Irvin: Welcome, Leslie. You have become a real force in our writing community. Your novel series [...]