Five by Five: Tragedy leads to expose of aviation industry

By Max Bowen 

When Rossana D’Antonio’s brother was killed in the 2008 TACA 390 plane crash, that loss led to a lengthy research effort that incorporated her experience as an engineer and strategic communicator to expose the shortcomings in the aviation industry, captured in her book, “26 Seconds.” 

In this article, Rossana talks about what was learned and her take on the aviation industry, as well as the call to action embedded in the story.


What inspired you to write this book?
“26 Seconds” was borne out of a personal tragedy. Fueled by heartbreak and driven by my expertise in civil infrastructure, I set out on a quest for answers. The loss of my brother in the TACA 390 plane crash wasn’t just personal—it exposed systemic gaps in aviation safety that demand accountability. As an engineer and public advocate, I wrote this book to challenge assumptions, question industry practices, and empower readers to think critically. Part memoir, part exposé—it’s a wake-up call wrapped in a deeply human story. I want people to see how one life lost can lead to broader change.

How did you go about trying to learn what happened?
As an engineer and a strategic communicator, I leveraged every tool in my arsenal to uncover what really happened, not only with TACA 390 but with other parallel aviation accidents here in the US and abroad. I pored over public records, interviewed aviation insiders, analyzed technical reports, and asked the hard questions the industry doesn’t want us to ask. Interestingly, the TACA 390 accident investigation report was never made public which, to me, screamed of a cover up. As if living a true crime story, I managed to get a copy of the report through indirect means which ultimately exposed the smoking gun.

What did you find out?
In my search for the truth, I discovered the crash wasn’t simply a tragic accident—it was the result of systemic failures that were predictable and preventable. My investigation uncovered flawed engineering, regulatory blind spots, and a pattern of corporate avoidance. I discovered an aviation industry that experiences systemic weaknesses, chooses profits over safety, withholds the truth from its customers, and is willing to risk lives to get its planes back up in the sky. “26 Seconds” reveals that what happened to my brother wasn't an outlier event but part of a troubling pattern that affects each one of us as consumers.

What’s your take on the aviation industry? Is it safe?
It depends on how you define “safe.” Statistically, flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation. But beneath the surface, “26 Seconds” reveals cracks in the aviation system. It seems that not a day goes by when the news isn’t reporting on unattended risks, overlooked warnings, and a regulatory system that too often prioritizes profit over prevention. My purpose is to spotlight the human stories, the accountability gaps, and the urgent need for reform. The real question isn’t whether the system is safe—it’s whether those in power are doing enough to keep it that way. That’s my call to action embedded in my book.

What do you hope people take from this book?
“26 Seconds,” at its core, is a challenge to look at deficiencies more deeply, question the status quo, and recognize the power of our voice. I hope readers walk away not just moved by my story but awakened to the vulnerabilities in systems we’ve always trusted. It’s a call to action—for change, for oversight, for justice. I want people to realize that every life lost in a plane crash is more than a statistic but represents a human story. And that story could be theirs. If this book sparks conversations, drives reforms, and empowers others to speak truth to power, then I’ve accomplished my mission.

Five by Five—Take a ‘Chance’ with this legal thriller

Richard Danzig

By Max Bowen

Meet Chance Cormac, a litigator, boxer and lapsed Catholic who confronts hard facts about the law and himself. There’s a lot to learn about Chance and the cases he takes on over the three book series by Richard Danzig, with a fourth to be released next year.

In the newest book in the series, “The Collectors,” Chance is retained by a client who believes that he has been the victim of fraud when he purchased a valuable abstract painting that may be a forgery. Chance soon learns that both the painting and his client, might not be what they seem.

In this interview, Richard talks about the character and the cases he takes on, as well as some big news regarding the series.

For those new to the Chance Cormac series, what is this all about?
There are three Chance Cormac legal thriller books; “Facts Are Stubborn Things,” “Punch Line” and “The Collectors.” Chance is a trial attorney who practices out of a brownstone, where he lives, in Brooklyn, New York.

Who is Chance Cormac and how did you create the character?
Chance is a former boxer, lapsed Catholic and zealous advocate for his clients. He represents the best lawyers I have met.

What inspired this newest part of the series?
“The Collectors” is based upon cases involving art fraud in the sale of fine art. It also involves the black market sale of human organs. Recently there have been articles about the removal of transplant organs before a patient has died.

I read that there is a potential TV adaptation. What can you tell us about this?
There is a pilot script for a TV show based upon the Chance Cormac books titled “Brooklyn Law.” It is presently being considered by various producers.

Will there be more books in this series?
Yes. The fourth book in the series, “Against All Odds,” will be published in 2026.

Five by Five—The harsh impacts of phone obsession

By Max Bowen

It’s no surprise that our phone fixation has some dangers associated with it.

Whether it’s ignoring the people around us or spending hours focused on the latest drama, society’s obsession with what’s on our screens can have both emotional and physical impacts and in her new book, “Stuck in our Screens,” Kathleen Allen does a deep dive into those effects.

In this article, Allen talks about what inspired the book, those it applies to, and her takeaways for the readers.

As someone who remembers a time before social media, this book is really appealing. What inspired you to write this?
It began with my own research on adolescent social drama… the kind of interaction characterized by overreaction to something trivial, that gets blown out of proportion and causes a flurry of outrageous behaviors played out in grand fashion over social media. Adolescents who “do drama” are often trying to find themselves and create an identity that fits them. While I thought I would be writing a book about teens, it became clear that there are many adults, influential and powerful ones, who are behaving worse than adolescents and are doing social drama au extraordinaire. For example, recall the June 5, 2025, public X posts between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. It was a perfect example of what I write about in the book, and really a quite terrifying one.

Is this geared more to the current generation, or does it apply to the previous ones?
This is for everyone who spends too much of their life living it through a screen. Everywhere I go, I see people ignoring those who are physically around them while they escape into a screen… couples at dinner, families at a social gathering, students in classrooms. Screens have taken a huge toll on our social communication skills, and hence, on our humanity. Our relationships are falling apart. Our civil society is unhealthy.

What kind of research was done and what were the paths it took you down?
As I mentioned, my research was on adolescent social drama, and I thought that was what the book was going to be about, but in the end, I had to write about adult social drama. I began with my work on teens but then expanded it to research on adult behavior. I am a human developmentalist by training, so the transfer was smooth, but I ended up being very concerned about a society where too many powerful adults are failing to mature beyond the social drama of the teen world. What seems relatively normal for adolescents is not healthy for adults. The world is not a reality TV show, but many people behave as if it is.

How has social media changed our social interactions?
We’ve lost our sense of where to draw the line. In our quest for connections with one another, we put our thoughts on display for consumption by the masses. Yet, the more we live through our screens, the lonelier and more isolated we have become. We tell our online “friends” all kinds of intimate information about ourselves and our families, but hardly look at our neighbors as we pass them on the street because our faces are buried in a screen.

What’s your hope for the impact that this book will have?
I hope my book helps people see that it is time for a social and relational reset. Our needs for human connection are not being met. Our political discourse is hostile. Our fixation on the absurdities that play out on social media are making it harder for us to understand what is real and what is not. We need to get out of the screen and reengage with each other in the real world. My hope is that we could begin an honest conversation about how to restore the humanity that we lose when we live through screens.

Five by Five—Sarah May begins a new life in “She Journeys”

By Max Bowen

In “She Journeys,” (Sept. 9) author Sarah May embarks on a profound journey to reconcile the wounds of her young marriage: infidelity, abuse, and assault. Personal transformation meets adventure, spirituality, and love in this inspirational testament to rebuilding after ruin. Eventually selling everything to live in a van, Sarah is now one half of the Authors on Wheels duo.

In this Five by Five interview, Sarah talks about the choice to publish this decision, the relationship she left behind, and the journey that followed.

What led you to share your story in this way?
I’ve kept a daily journal since I was a teenager, so writing has long been my way of processing, reflecting and making meaning. The desire to write a whole book was approached as an act of self-love to heal more deeply. But writing required me to ask the hardest questions I’ve ever asked myself, to get vulnerable, messy and brave as I came face to face with my own shadows. The process was radically transformative, rage inducing and ultimately, revolutionary.

How were you able to get out of this relationship?
Leaving was one of the hardest things I’d ever done. I was only 23, but I thought my life was over. I stayed too long in a marriage that was poison. The longer I stayed, the more I harmed myself. I have so much compassion for that girl who thought that was love. I tolerated betrayal, lies and abuse all culminating in a night that could have ended with one or both of us dead. After that, even though I was devastated, I realized leaving was my only option. I saved my own life when I left that one behind.

What’s your advice for others in your situation?
What I would tell my younger self: I’m so sorry for your pain and heartbreak. To love so much is a sign of your big heart. But darling, love shouldn’t hurt like this, shouldn’t render you hollow from the inside out. Leaving is not betrayal, it’s the first step of honoring yourself. This pain won’t last forever, a life can be rebuilt, often more wonderful than you can imagine. To see the situation with clear eyes you have to stop lying to yourself. If you had a daughter and she was in your position, what would you want for her?

What was your healing journey, and how are you today?
My journey has been long, winding, challenging, and glorious. I buried the trauma and pain for years only to realize it was critical to revisit. There was spirituality, therapy, breath-work, ancestral unpacking, a plant medicine ceremony, a divorce ritual, and finally writing the book. I fell in love again with a man of incredible integrity. Together, we bought a van, sold our belongings, and hit the road. Life has turned out so much more achingly beautiful than that girl who had her heart shattered could have imagined. Every step, every act of reclamation, it was all so, so worth it.

Looking back, do you have a different perspective on what you went through?
Of course, healing does that. It gave me so much more compassion and understanding of why things fell apart the way they did, of my own faults, of my ex’s wounds that drove his behavior. In so many ways we were just children playing adults, thinking we could “fix” one another, be “enough” for one another when we weren’t even enough for ourselves. While what unfolded was traumatic and painful and devastating, ultimately I’ve chosen to make the experience one of my greatest teachers. It made the life that I am living now, a life I absolutely love, all possible.

Ink and Riffs: Daydreams and doomsday scenarios

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

Jadelyn, “Daydream Diaries” (music)
I first heard Los Angeles-based Jadelyn’s music when she released “Throw it Back,” and was immediately hooked. When I came across her recent LP, “Daydream Diaries,” I immediately gave it a listen.

The five tracks cover a lot of ground, from “Throw it Back,” a tribute to the best times of yesterday and “Halfway Out the Door,” which touches on love lost that is made all the more painful for all the memories made.

The album title really encompasses the different tales—a musical journal remembering what came before, the things from the past we sometimes think about when something from the present reminds us.

The sound of the album is a slick pop style that shifts around from song to song. The core sound remains in the same lane, but weaves around with a mellow sound to one song and into a real foot-tapper in the next.

I really enjoyed Jadelyn’s vocals—a skillful, melodic voice that’s easy to enjoy. Looking at her discography, she’s been very active since releasing “Hard” in 2020, and her vocals have an essence of experience and passion for the music.

The Sacrificers (comic)
Imagine a world where the sun, moon, water, and more are all kept going by a pantheon of god-like beings. But these are not meant to be immortal dietitians. No, they’re meant to bond, have children, and die, leaving the next generation to take over.

Now imagine how these beings could throw off the shackles of mortality, and what—or who—it would take to make this happen, and what transpires when one supposed sacrifice says “No.”

That’s the world of “The Sacrificers,” an ongoing series from Image Comics, by New York Times-bestselling writer Rick Remender (LOW, DEADLY CLASS, Uncanny X-Force) and artist Max Fiumara (Amazing Spider-Man, FOUR EYES, Lucifer).

I was immediately drawn into this comic by Fiumara’s engaging artwork. The world he creates is powerfully emotional and diverse in its design. From the different forms of the pantheon that we’re introduced to, to the many races of the world, each page has something new and interesting to offer.

But let’s not forget the imaginative story that Remender has given us. The protagonist Pigeon is broken by the world, but still determined to keep moving to protect those most precious to him. The twists and turns are organic and keep the story moving at a strong pace.

Give this one a read—you won’t be disappointed.

Burn to Shine (audiobook)
The latest chapter in the Joe Ledger series by Jonathan Maberry continues in his unique nail-biter of a writing style. I’ve been a fan since the beginning and was eagerly awaiting the new release. Here’s a look at the story that awaits:

A covert group is infiltrating the world’s most secure bio-weapons research sites. All across the country, people are acting as human ‘disease bombs’ by infecting themselves and walking into public places. And heavily-armed groups of illegal private soldiers are massing for some unknown strike.

Joe Ledger and the members of Rogue Team International, still reeling from the devastation and heartbreaking losses of their last mission, are forced into relentless action to try and save the country, if not the entire world.

Old enemies are rising and joining forces to hit Joe and his team with one devastating blow after another. What is the end game for all of this madness and terror? Outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and outgunned, Joe Ledger has to find a way back from the fires of grief in order to make a stand between these enemies and millions of potential innocent lives. But Joe has allies, too. His team, the vicious fighters of Arklight, and friends who may or may not be entirely human.

I opted for the audiobook, though the physical book was also purchased, because Ray Porter is an absolute legend in the world of voice acting. He captures the complex emotions of the story, from the more lighthearted moments to when all seems lost and the darkness is closing in.

One things I’ve loved about Porter’s work is how he does the different voices, which range in tone, race, and gender. He does it all well and it’s clear he spends a lot of time crafting the real-life sound of each character. Check out the entire series, it’s an amazing listen.

Five by Five: Children’s book gets the big screen treatment

By Max Bowen 

When debut author, director and screenwriter B.R. Duray first wrote “The Mood Swing,” the idea was for it to be an animated film, but instead it came to be a children’s illustrated book. Now, the tale has made the move to animation and honored at the San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival.

In this Five by Five, B.R. Talks about the jump to the big screen, which he did himself, and the different form the story it took in the process. He talks about the illustrator for the book, how it honors his late father, and the message he hopes to impart.

Let’s begin with the news about the book’s film premiere. How did this come about?
“The Mood Swing” actually began as a short animated film idea before it became a book. I’ve worked as a screenwriter and director for years, so adapting it back to film felt like a full-circle moment—seven years in the making. The picture book became the emotional heart of a live-action/animated hybrid film, which recently won the Jury Prize at the San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival and will premiere in Los Angeles this summer at LA Shorts Fest.*

How does it feel to see your book adapted into a film?
It’s been surreal—in the best way. I wrote the book under the pen name B.R. Duray, as a tribute to my dad, who passed away when I was 10. Then I adapted and directed the film as Matthew Thompson. In a way, it allowed me to step into both parts of myself: the child who needed this story, and the adult creator helping bring it to life. It’s rare to be able to honor something so personal through both literature and film, and this project let me do exactly that.

I love the cover! Who did the work?
Momo Enokida—aka Momes! She’s an incredible illustrator who created every image in the book by hand on her iPad using ProCreate and Photoshop. Her art is filled with emotion and subtle detail, and she brought the heart of the story to life visually. Every page feels like its own portal. Kids are smart—they can feel when something was made with intention, and I think they’ll feel the love she poured into each drawing.

How would you say this book can help people?
“The Mood Swing” is a love letter to families, especially those experiencing loss. It helps kids see that grief comes in waves—but balance does return. The story centers on a mother and son navigating big emotions together, reminding us that we’re not alone, even when someone we love is no longer here. I hope the book brings comfort, connection, and maybe even a little magic to those going through something heavy. If it helps one child feel seen or supported, then I’ve done my job.

I read that the book was inspired by the passing of your father. How did this shape the story?
My dad was a decorated Special Forces veteran—Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts—and he used the pen name B.R. Duray when he began writing about his life, though he never got the chance to publish. I adopted that name as a way to carry his spirit forward. He died when I was 10, and I remember the sadness, the fear, the anxiety that came in waves. I wrote “The Mood Swing” as the story I wish I’d had back then—a gentle guide through grief, and a reminder that love can take new forms, even after loss.

Oni Press Declares “FIGHT CENSORSHIP, READ COMICS” with Exclusive GENDER QUEER Merchandise from Creator Maia Kobabe

In advance of this summer’s American Library Association(ALA) Conference in Philadelphia, PA, Oni Press is proud to unveil its next Pre-Order Exclusive Merch Collection celebrating the best-selling graphic novel GENDER QUEER and the work of cartoonist Maia Kobabe as part of the publisher’s ongoing FIGHT CENSORSHIP, READ COMICS initiative. 

With a portion of all proceeds benefiting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) and the Florida Freedom to Read Project (FFTRP), Oni’s new collection of more than 15 items features multiple all-new, never-before-seen pieces, including a brand-new GENDER QUEER t-shirt design by Kobabe, available in three distinct colorways curated by the artist (available in sizes in XS – XXXL) – each hand silkscreened in the United States on super-soft Comfort Colors shirts. The FIGHT CENSORSHIP, READ COMICS Pre-Order Exclusive Merch Collection also features GENDER QUEER patches, enamel pins, and keychains, alongside limited-edition signed and numbered editions of the GENDER QUEER: DELUXE EDITION hardcover bearing signatures by Kobabe and high-quality, 18x24” giclee prints featuring the artist’s powerful “Fight Censorship, Read Comics” artwork (available in both signed and unsigned editions).

Available exclusively online at OniPress.com, ardent fans and readers can place pre-orders beginning today through Friday, August 20th with fulfillment to begin in September. Oni will also be making select, advance editions for some items available for early sale at San Diego Comic-Con in July.

“The freedom to read, the freedom to access information, and the freedom to learn are some of the most vital rights in this country,” said Maia Kobabe. “Removing books from schools and public libraries cuts off people's access to knowledge about the wider world and about their own lives within it. This is especially true when the books being removed are about minority identities, or topics less commonly portrayed in popular culture. A book that might seem pointless to one reader might be life-saving to another. Removing a book because its themes offend one reader is censorship, and must be combated at every turn. Please stand up for the freedom to read and the freedom to write!”

"For nearly a century, comics as an art form have played a critical role in championing the all-American ideals of free speech, equality, and anti-authoritarianism," said Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson. "Although Maia's work is one of the first and prominent examples of impactful and important work to be singled out by pro-censorship forces, we can guarantee that it will not be the last. It is the responsibility of creative institutions like Oni Press and our fellow publishers to protect the free expression of cartoonists and our medium as a whole, and we are proud to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and Florida Freedom to Read Project with our ongoing 'Fight Censorship, Read Comics' initiatives."

Since its original publication in 2019, Maia Kobabe’s GENDER QUEER – the cartoonist’s earnest, heartfelt, and intensely cathartic graphic memoir chronicling eir personal journey of self-identity – has been widely heralded as one of the most important and influential graphic novels of the 21st Century, earning near-universal critical acclaim as a seminal work of LGBTQIA+ non-fiction and ALA Alex and Stonewall Book Awards in the process. Simultaneously, Kobabe’s memoir has also been caught in the conflagration of unprecedented legal challenges to graphic novels and other forms of comic art across more than a dozen states. Kobabe’s work has repeatedly placed at the epicenter of many of these challenges at the state and local level and was previously the subject of a Virginia obscenity lawsuit, which was successfully defended by the CBLDF and ruled to be unconstitutional in 2022. Since that time, the Los Angeles Times has dubbed GENDER QUEER “the most banned book in American schools,” and in 2025, it was named by the American Library Association as the #2 most challenged title in library systems nationwide. 

Kobabe and Oni Press are both proud to reciprocate the CBLDF and FFTRP’s support at this critical time in the history of free speech for the comics medium. Later this month, Kobabe will be appearing as a Special Guest of Oni Press at the annual American Library Association (ALA) Conference in Philadelphia, PA from June 26–30, 2025, alongside half a dozen fellow writers and illustrators from Oni’s stable of award-winning creators.

For more updates on Oni Press, visit them on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram,

Five by Five: Sharing the life of Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor

By Max Bowen

The story of Marshall “Major” Taylor is well-known in cycling circles, but what else can be told? As it turns out, quire a bit, in John Kennedy Howard and Rene Maurer’s biography, “The Black Cyclone, Major Taylor: A Hero the World Forgot.”

“Fifty years before Jackie Robinson, a decade before the ascendance of heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, there was one young man who was the highest paid athlete in the world. His name was Marshall Taylor and he was a worldwide bicycle racing superstar, a sensation in America, Europe and Australia, setting world record after record. He was also Black…and now long lost to history.”

In this Five by Five, John shares his own knowledge of Major and what inspired him to write thisbook. He shares the research, which included interviews with Major’s daughter and friends, what he learned a lot from other biographies, and the new facts gleaned in the writing process.


How did you become aware of Marshall’s story and why did you want to make them the subject of your book?
Major Taylor was my boyhood hero, it was not hard to find him. But, I knew I had to finish what I started writing soon after I read his original autobiography. Ironically, I also had a stellar career in cycling and it happened that we were both inducted into the USA Cycling Hall of Fame in `89. I had met his daughter, Sydney Taylor Brown, in about 1986 when she was in her mid-80’s, still a quick-witted women with a very good memory. We became friends and I interviewed her in her Pittsburgh home several times to better understand her memories and her relationship with her father.

What did you know about Marshal and how much research was needed for the book?
Cycling history is well documented and mainstream in the day. Today, cycling could best be described as almost subculture compared to the ball sports. My research was ongoing and lasted an embarrassingly long time, 40 years when I do the math!

Because of my patience, I had the benefit of reading all five of the excellent Major Taylor biographies, all of which revealed new information about the man, his family and his associates. I traveled to Europe and mined the microfiche labs in libraries from Paris to Sydney, Australia. The information was vast and allowed me to get a better view of Taylor, both his well-documented strengths and also his never discussed vulnerabilities.

Any particularly interesting facts uncovered through the research?
The facts of Major’s life are well written about, most—cycling enthusiasts-- who know of him can recite his life story fairly well, but it was the information gleaned from Sydney and a few of his contemporaries, some of who I caught in the closing months of life that revealed to me how complicated and conflicted this man was, and that is the lifeblood of my story.

The depth of my research gives substance to the choice of a different genre—biographical novel—whereby we give Major and his contemporaries voices. My book tells the story from the perspective of his childhood friend, Josh, who became a reporter for the Chicago Tribune and actually traveled with Taylor to quite a few of his races. They grew up together in Indy and received a tutored education, courtesy of the Southard family, a wealthy railroad executive.

How did you know when the book was “done”?
Unlike the speculation loosely described in the biographies, I wrote of his little-known failures after retirement, his difficult relationship with his wife and daughter and her memories of his disappointments, his heroics, his humor and then shifted the story back to Josh who describes his treatment of his former trainer and how that played out. Josh and Major had a disagreement about who should ultimately tell his story. Josh very much wanted to document Major’s life in his own biography which he called “Requiem For a Wheelman.” My coauthor and I gave the ending a twist, so ultimately it was Major’s slightly ponderous “world of I” version that you can read today.

What’s your takeaway from Taylor’s story?
In spite of the intense racism that defined his life, he believed in humanity and held no grudges. The man was a staunch Christian and while that cost him dearly after retirement when revenue was shirking during the Depression years, his work as a civil rights advocate — before the term existed — his exemplary.

His relationships with Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Dubois and heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson are all discussed and elaborated. Although he ultimately ended up in a pauper’s grave with no family at his internment, he was later recognized by Frank Schwinn, who had his body placed in a prominent location in a Chicago cemetery. Today his legacy lives on with hundreds of clubs and a social network of perhaps millions of followers.

Five by Five—Author’s work in firefighting inspires mystery debut

Wendy Gee

By Max Bowen

As an admin volunteer at the Charleston Fire Department, Wendy Gee had a front row seat to the hustle and the intrigue common in firefighters’ line of work and has turned her stories from the station into her debut novel, the first in the Carolina Crossfire series.

In “Fleet Landing” (June 10, 2025), ATF Special Agent Cooper “Coop” Bellamy is forced to work with tenacious TV reporter Sydney Quinn as fires ravage the city. Quinn, whose pursuit of justice puts her on a collision course with a sinister figure known only as the Falcon, uncovers a decades-old conspiracy.

In this interview, Gee talks about how her work in firefighting inspired the story, and the blend of reality and fiction that comprises it. She talks about being a debut author and gives us a peek at her future books.


What inspired you to turn what you saw at your volunteer job into a book?
Simply put, the people. Professional firefighters with all of their specialties: fighting fires, driving the big rigs, investigating fires, safety and planning, educating the public, smoke alarm installation, EMTs, responding to traffic accidents, and so forth. Their job is exciting, dangerous, and an unequivocal public service. I wanted to honor them.

How much does the book reflect your work and how much is fiction?
“Fleet Landing” is largely based on several real-world events which provide a foundation for the fictionalized amalgam. Sort of a “What If” storyline that has enough realism to meet the reader’s expectations. Yet a tangle of truths to protect privacy and legal considerations.

What went into creating the mystery in this story?
I wanted to write from the heads and hearts of my three co-protagonists, and my personal/education/work background was void of any of that knowledge (firefighting, TV journalism, and police operations and investigations). I love researching and had a blast learning from many professionals who were willing to teach me in those key areas. I continue to workshop with the pros so my work remains relevant.

This is your debut novel. How does it feel to have this book out there?
Over the moon! (Yes, an exclamation point, to my editor’s chagrin). I’m bursting with gratitude and excitement.

Will there be another book?
Yes (please). The pandemic put a big hurt on my (then) publisher. They couldn’t move forward with my debut, but recommend my current publisher. In that interim, I crafted four more manuscripts which are in various stages of editing for future publication in the Carolina Crossfire mystery series. Book 2 (Side Hustle) features Sydney on a hunt for a prolific cybercriminal. Book 3 (The Pineapple) features Dino with a look back at his first felony arrest and how that influenced his law enforcement career. Books 4 and 5 (Smell Test and Yard Dog) are nearing final drafts. 

Five by Five—The perils of artistic ambition

By Max Bowen

What begins with a well-meant deception spirals out of control in Diane Wald’s new book, “The Bayrose Files” (Regal House, May 27). The story follows ambitious journalist Violet Maris, who is determined to write a captivating exposé on a prestigious writers’ colony in 1980s Provincetown. She even fakes her application using her friend’s short stories. Violet's promising start at the colony takes a dark turn when her friend, the true author of the stories, dies while she’s in the middle of her residency.

In this interview, Diane talks about the inspiration behind the story, developing Violet’s character and how writing this novella compares to her work in poetry.

What went into crafting this story?
“The Bayrose Files” is the result of many years of pondering how I could write about my years in Provincetown (two in an artists’ colony, and one as a motel manager) without making it autobiographical or judgmental or quaint or hackneyed. After all, the place often evokes automatic reactions from people, especially if they’ve never been there. One day it finally came to me that a completely fictional story filled with interesting characters and a touch of suspense (will the main character be able to pull off her “terrible thing?”) was the way to go. Then the fun began!

The character of Violet Maris is really interesting. How did she come to be?
Oh, Violet, how I love her, that crazy girl! I’ve always been intrigued by people who have a hard time with life challenges that other easily manage. At 26, Violet somehow hadn’t yet learned how to imagine what her actions might mean in the future for herself and others. She was focused and energized, but not contemplative. Violet possesses the unusual ability to sense when something important is about to happen through the temperature of objects she touches, but she struggles to realize what those events might be. The lessons she learns are hard.

How does the loss of Violet’s friend affect her, especially as she’s using their stories to get into this writer’s colony?
Violet and Spencer shared a very deep friendship, and his well-meaning suggestion that she pass off his stories as her own allows her to rush forward without thinking things through. His death shocks her so profoundly that she instantly spills the secret she’s kept so diligently through several months of her fellowship. The loss of her dear confidant is crushing and, in a single instant, her world of illusion disintegrates, forcing her to face several significant situations that she’d rushed recklessly into before.

What inspired the story?
In addition to what I described in my first answer regarding Provincetown, I’ve always wanted to write about the conundrum of artistic ambition. Are there any “pure” artists, really, and, if so, what makes them that way? I also wanted to explore the idea of forgiveness. Who, if anyone, will forgive Violet’s deception, and will she forgive herself?

Do you find any parallels between poetry and novel-writing?
Absolutely. First of all, you have to be true to yourself and your own style. For me, that means putting things down plainly on the page, the way they naturally come out of me. I like Emily Dickinson and Henry James, but it would be folly for me to copy their styles. What brings any kind of writing alive for me is the marriage of imagery and emotion. And I try to bring the same appreciation for language into my fiction that I do with my poetry. A beautiful sentence can be poetic and still be easy to digest.

Five by Five—New book offers a deep dive into the story of Mary Magdalene

By Max Bowen 

Just how much is known about the story behind Mary Magdalene?

It’s a question that inspired Ursula Werner to find out for herself, which led to her new book, “Magda Revealed” (She Writes Press).

In this book, “Magda leads readers through tales of miracles and murder, jealousy and acceptance, misogyny, and female empowerment. She uncovers her relationship with Jesus, clarifying centuries of speculation about whether or not they were in love.” In this interview, Werner talks about the research done and what was available, how it sheds new light on the story of Mary Magdalene and ‘sets the record straight.’

What research was done for your book and did this change the direction of the story?
I started my research by reading everything I could find – which was woefully little – on the historical Mary Magdalene. I was surprised at how sparse the historical record was, though maybe I shouldn’t have been, given that she was a woman from the first century. By contrast, there were many books written on Mary Magdalene as an icon or mythological figure, but I wanted, as much as possible, to stick to history, not myth.

I was much more successful in finding books about the historical Jesus, by which I mean Jesus of Nazareth, the man who lived on Earth from about 4-6 B.C. to 31-33 A.D. (The exact dates of his birth and death are not known.) Interestingly, all my biographies of Jesus sit on a bookshelf in my living room, right above the shelf that contains my biographies of Hitler (because my first novel was a World War II saga that featured a Führer-like character).

I also did research, mostly in academic publications, to get a better understanding of life in first century Judea. Topics included everything from Jewish marriage law to women in the synagogues to common vegetation around the Sea of Galilee.

The biggest change in direction of the story came not from my research, but from an insight I had while running in Rock Creek Park one day. (I like to mull my writing issues around in my brain while I’m running.) Out of the blue, I had the idea that provides a plot twist at the end of the novel. That plot twist definitely changed the focus of the story.

How did this change your perception of Magda?
I wouldn’t say that my perception of Magda changed much due to my research, because I knew she wasn’t a prostitute – a slander invented and perpetuated by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century. What did come across from my research was that Mary Magdalene must have been a strong woman, to leave her home and family in order to follow a penniless itinerant preacher, with a group of unknown men and women. I channeled that strength and conviction into my Magda character, and also gave her a spiritual dimension that I’m sure the real Mary Magdalene had.

My Magda’s skill in anointment came from a book I read by Professor Bruce Chilton, who wrote one of the few biographies of Mary Magdalene that exist. Professor Chilton pointed out that anointment was a common female skill in the first century, practiced by the women of every household on a daily basis. It wasn’t just a rite practiced by priests during the coronation of kings and princes. That particular insight helped me direct the focus of the story from Jesus’s healing skills to Magda’s own spiritual gifts.

What light does this shed on the story of Mary Magdalene?
My research on Mary Magdalene and Jesus made clear to me how much more important Mary Magdalene was to Jesus’s ministry than the Catholic Church has acknowledged. Not only was she not a prostitute, she was perhaps the closest disciple to Jesus among his followers. And because of that intimacy, according to the Gospel of Mary Magdalene and the Gospel of Philip, he gave her special knowledge that he did not give his other disciples. Thus, she truly was the “disciple of the disciples,” as the Catholic Church has recently, albeit very belatedly, acknowledged.

What I also found, in comparing the history of Jesus’s life with that of the Roman empire, was a fascinating possible connection between what happened in Rome in October of AD 31 and the Passover holiday in Jerusalem five months later (most likely the occasion of Jesus’ crucifixion). This nexus is fleshed out fully in the novel, but it centers on Lucius Aelius Sejanus, head of the palace guard for the Roman Emperor Tiberius. In October of 31 AD, Sejanus was executed for sedition in Rome. Enraged at Sejanus’ betrayal, Tiberius killed everyone who was perceived to be the traitor’s friend or ally. Because Sejanus had appointed Pontius Pilate to his position in Judea years earlier, it’s unlikely that Pilate, upon hearing the news five months later, would have done anything to antagonize the Emperor. (Tiberius had a standing decree that religions in occupied provinces should be given the greatest deference.) This history made me believe that Pilate would not willingly have ordered the execution of Jesus, a beloved and popular rabbi, during the most holy week in the Jewish calendar.

How does this story “set the record straight” on Magda?
First and foremost, I hope the story convinces people that Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute. That remains a wide-held misconception to this day, and it makes me angry on her behalf whenever there’s any reference to the falsehood. I’m constantly tempted to write letters to the editor of offending journals or newspapers saying, “You know, of course, that Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute.”

I tried to make my character Magda breathe some life into a figure that has become largely mythological in our culture. I don’t think you have to turn Mary Magdalene into a whore, as Pope Gregory I did, to make her accessible as a human being with real flaws and real strengths. To the degree my characterization of her does bring Mary Magdalene to life, I hope that people might relate to her spiritual journey and her calling – the establishment of true connection with another human being.

What do you hope readers take from the book?
At best, the book will plant a seed in readers’ minds, a seed of hope and connection for the human race. We are now living in such a divisive time, I would love the message of the book to challenge our discord and help us see our similarities instead of our differences. Jesus’s message in the first century – that everyone is equal, that no one should consider themselves above anyone else – is as compelling and necessary today as it was back then. I believe that message and our understanding of it to be critical to our survival as a species, both in terms of our interactions with each other, and our interactions with the planet that holds us.

‘Violet is Blue’ continues the journey into the town of Poulson

By Max Bowen

Our latest Five by Five continues the The Women of Paradise County Series with “Violet is Blue,” (June 2025, Speaking Volumes) by Anne Shaw Heinrich.

Small town life isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be for the women of Paradise County. Heinrich, shares how the small town can make a huge impact in her dark yet hopeful companion to her first book, which dives into the world of “have” and “have-nots” where Violet befriends Jules, a boy from the other side of town and learns about the indignities and injustices given to the less fortunate side of the tracks.

In this interview, Anne explores how the new book continues the story of “God Bless the Child” and talks about the relationship between Violet and Jules. We learn some of the lessons shared through the book and get a few details on the next title in the series.


How does this expand on “God Bless the Child?”
My second novel, “Violet is Blue,” unfolds in the same town as “God Bless the Child,” the first novel in The Women of Paradise County Series. Poulson is a fictional midwestern small town where everyone knows your business and you have an assigned seat. A few of the characters from the first novel are also featured in the second book, namely the Rev. James Pullman. He has messes from his younger, less reverent days, in need of tending. His younger cousin, Violet Sellers and her newfound friend, Jules Marks, know all about his deeds. As the truth unravels, there are tremendous changes in store for them both, as well as the whole new cast of characters who called Poulson their home.

What is the relationship between Violet and Jules?
Classmates Violet and Jules have little in common. Violet has never done without, and Jules lives with his five little sisters in Shakey’s Half, a dusty cluster of shacks on the outskirts of town. It’s a place most people in Poulson try not to think about too much. Vi and Jules have more history than they realize, but as their unlikely friendship grows, they discover a shared penchant for harming themselves. Violet one-ups tough Jules with a sinister tattoo designed to protect her from her cousin, James Pullman. Jules takes one look and knows the artist. What he does next leads to an unraveling that changes the lives of everyone within their sphere.

How does the fact they’re from different sides of town influence their relationship?
In the beginning, their differences are stark. Violet is protected by her privilege. She wants for nothing. Jules wants for everything and then some. Both want to be seen, comforted and safe. Their trust grows and they come to need one another in ways neither of them imagine. As their friendship deepens, what divides them is still there, but not as noticeable or powerful as what connects them.

What are some of the lessons shared through the story?
“Violet is Blue” delves deeply into what happens when people living together in small spaces must reckon with how they are different, yet connected, whether they like it or not. Some have everything. Some have nothing. But most live in that space between everything and nothing. The story also allows readers to explore the capricious nature of circumstance, a universal desire to be loved and protected, and the lasting impacts of action and inaction. The characters in the book are forced to reckon with their own notions of generosity and grace. What motivates us to give, and where does that fine line between enough and too much land? How closely do our wants dance next to our needs?

Will there be more stories that continue this?
Yes. There is one more novel in The Women of Paradise County Series, “House of Teeth.” I’m knee-deep in the writing of it and really enjoying the process of “putting a bow” on the story arch. There is some unfinished business for nearly all of the characters in the series that must be tended to in a way that will satisfy readers, but also lean into the reality that we face, even outside the fictional world: the decisions we make or let others make for us, have lasting consequences that are difficult to quantify, but nonetheless powerful.

Ink and Riffs: Deep sea horrors and fantastic worlds

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

“Into the Drowning Deep” (Audiobook)
The audiobook version of this deep-sea horror, written by Mira Grant, had me hooked (no pun intended), right from the beginning as we’re introduced to a found-footage style recording of an attack by mermaids. Yep, that’s what’s happening here.

The story follows Tory Stewart, a sonar specialist who becomes obsessed with mermaids after her sister's disappearance. Tory's sister Anne worked as a reporter for Imagine Entertainment. While filming a mockumentary about mermaids, the crew of Imagine's ship Atargatis vanished. Tory vows to discover the truth about what happened to her sister, and when a second scientific expedition is commissioned to discover what happened, she joins up without hesitation.

Needless to say, things will not go as planned.

The delivery of the story by Christine Lakin is absolutely perfect. Lakin does the different voices effortlessly and really captures the feelings of the story, whether that’s love, sorrow, or bone-cutting fear—especially that last one. I’ve been turned off by lackluster narrations in the past, and this one had the opposite effect. A solid listen to a truly terrifying tale.

“The Hunger and the Dusk” (comic)
I’ve been a fan of fantasy for years, so when I saw the cover of this IDW title, I had to read it. So before I get into G. Willow Wilson’s awesome story, let’s talk about the amazing artwork by Chris Wildgoose.

The art is so damn good, with every color on the palette, laid out to create beautiful, detailed scenes that always capture the attention. I especially liked the diverse character designs, from the clothes to the creatures to the weapons. You can tell Chris is a fantasy aficionado.

Now, onto the story. In a dying world, only humans and orcs remain—mortal enemies battling for territory and political advantage. But when a group of ancient humanoids known as the Vangol arrive from across the sea, the two struggling civilizations are forced into a fragile alliance to protect what they have built.

The tension is high in this series, as humans and orcs fight not only the Vangol, but each other, as they strive to maintain the uneasy peace. This is shown in the relationship between Callum Battlechild, who leads The Last Men Standing, and orcish healer Tara, who both have to speak for their respective races and make this alliance work—because the fate of all rests in the balance.

I recently finished the first volume of the series, and cannot wait to see what happens next.

“Ben Huchenson” (music)
After hearing singer-songwriter Ben Hucheson’s new single “Almost There,” I decided to check out his self-titled 2022 album. Trust me, this one is worth listening to.

Ben’s got an amazing voice, and delivers a lot of stories over the 12 tracks, from a treasured relationship in “Thinking About You” to “Poison,” an upbeat, high-energy tune that warns of someone to watch out for. “Faith” is a really powerful song and my favorite off the album.

The music is really catchy, an easy-listening folk sound that puts one at ease in some tracks and gets the feet tapping in others. I can easily see Ben on a stage, the audience singing along with each song.

Ben’s been singing for some years now, and described as “wise beyond his years” by Julianne Regan (All About Eve). I think that sums it up perfectly. Ben sings with the voice of a seasoned traveler, but with the energy of someone in the early stages of their journey. The stories in the songs are instantly relatable and delivered in a way that you can’t ignore—and you really shouldn’t, because this is one musician to keep an eye on.