An intro to the Rhode Island Author Expo and the work of Scott Jablonski

Scott Jablonski

On Dec. 7, the Rhode Island Author Expo returns, and we’re previewing this event by speaking to some of the writers who will be there. 

First up is Scott Jablonski, a writer, musician and teacher who has been encouraging kids to become their best version through his “Stand Out! Stand Out!” series.

In this interview, Scott talks about his work as a teacher and how it’s tied into his writing and music. 

He shares his hopes for the children that read his books and some of the messages he’s imparting through them.

Citywide Bytes-How a dog helped Anne Abel to heal

For this episode, we’re talking all about dogs, and how one dog named Milo and his owner overcame their difficult pasts.

After the untimely death of her beloved pet, Mattie, author Anne Abel rescued an initially aggressive dog named Milo. Anne's commitment to Milo's rehabilitation became a powerful metaphor for her resilience and growth. Amid many challenges and recovering from childhood trauma, Anne found strength, rediscovered her capacity to love and transformed both herself and Milo in the process.

Anne wrote about this in "Mattie, Milo and Me," and we talk all about those early days with Milo and how she helped to ease his aggressive tendencies. She talks about her own past trauma and how working with Milo changed that, as well as sharing the story multiple times as part of the Moth StorySLAMs.

A steampunk adventure with Nikola Tesla

To wrap up our Halloween coverage, we’re talking historical fiction, steampunk and Tesla….no not that Tesla. Joining us is author Matthew Donald to talk about his new book, “Teslamancer.”

The book is Donald’s second in this alternate history steampunk series, following “Teslanauts” in 2022. In the new book, protagonist Raymond Calvert is an experienced Teslanaut, completing missions across many countries, thwarting numerous underground factions using Tesla's cutting-edge volt-tech. In 1924, the world braces for the emergence of the Teslamancer, the ultimate wielder of Tesla's breakthrough science.

In this interview, Matthew talks about what inspired the series and how he changed history for the books. We go into Raymond’s character and how he’s changed over the two books and what lies in store over the next three titles. And of course, the interview wouldn’t be complete without talking about the tech to be found in this series.

Ink and Riffs: Life is Strange comic, Titanic history, and Samantha Marie’s new EP

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.


Life is Strange: Forget Me Not (comic)
I’m a big, big, BIG fan of the “Life is Strange” video games and eagerly read the comic series that was released through Titan Comics in 2020. In 2023, the company released a four-issue series that that follows “True Colors,” the most recent game in the series, which is what I’m writing about here. 

In the new series, “Forget Me Not,” Alex Chen and Steph Gingrich are on the road together, living their dream as a band, converting an old bus into their mobile home and playing gigs all over. But their plans change when they meet Lily, a girl with the ability to take people’s memories—and all she wants is to give them back and find her family.

Storytelling is definitely a core strength of the LiS series, and “Forget Me Not” carries this well, creating a world with depth, feeling and purpose. It was cool getting to see the artistic journey of Alex and Steph and the various challenges they encounter, such as dismal crowds and asshole label execs. The girl is more than a story element—we learn a lot about her and feel for her when we discover how her powers have devastated her life.

Art-wise, I really enjoyed the look of the comic. It has life to it, and the detail in the different scenes, such as Alex and Steph’s mobile home or the clubs they play at. The clothing designs are also well thought out and helps to show the personalities of the cast. In all, this series is a strong continuation to “True Colors” and definitely worth checking out.

A Night to Remember (book)

Regarded as a classic recounting of the final night of the Titanic and rightfully so, “A Night to Remember” combines exact details with powerful emotion to take readers to that fateful night in 1912.

Written by Walter Lord, the book opens the night of April 14, 1912, when the ship declared to be “Unsinkable,” struck an iceberg. Two hours later, the ship seen as the height of shipbuilding and luxury was at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

I’ve long had a fascination with the story of Titanic and this book provides a wealth of information that I was before now unaware of. Reading this, I’m transported back to that fateful night, amongst the passengers as they try to save themselves from the doomed ship. The book follows passengers in third, second and first class as they respond to the unthinkable and eventually come to terms with the reality filling the decks and halls of the great ship.

One thing about the book is that it’s the result of a lot of research and interviews with survivors to help set the scenes. We’re given precise details and scenes that really paint a picture of what is happening, from the moment of the iceberg to the survivors trying to determine their fate. The result is an accounting of this historic milestone and a book not to be missed.


Shapeshifting (music)
The second studio album from singer-songwriter Samantha Marie is a really amazing collection of music. I had previously heard the single “aphrodite,” which caught my attention immediately with its beautiful instrumentation and beautiful vocals, and learning the album was out on Oct. 18 was a good day.

The seven tracks are soothing, but carry a message of navigating the world of mental health. One of my favorites is “shinjuku,” which opens with an elegant piano melody and quickly but smoothly moves through different elements.

“Aphrodite” creates an atmosphere of sound that draws you right in and wanders through a great assortment of music, with a blend of folk and pop sounds.

The album features some collaborations, with bectopia on “aphrodite” and Covey on “shinjuku,” and the chemistry is apparent on both. The integration between their different sounds is seamless and really enhances what each brings to the table.

“Shapeshifting” really shows Samantha Marie’s range as an artist and I’m eager to see what’s next.

Citywide Bytes—Author kicks off new trilogy set in a magical San Fran

In “The Others” (September, SparkPress) author Evette Davis blends magic and realism, creating a “secret society of supernaturals who seek to slow the spread of facism.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Olivia Shepherd is a political consultant with a secret: She’s an empath, with the power to experience the emotions of those around her. Keen to keep her supernatural abilities hidden, Olivia's world is upended when Elsa, an ancient time-walker, appears in her kitchen, unveiling a destiny she never knew she had.

As Olivia delves deeper into the hidden world of the "Others" who lurk beneath San Francisco's foggy streets, she finds herself drawn into the clandestine organization of The Council–who seek to influence humanity from the shadows–and Gabriel Laurent, the enigmatic leader of a realm where vampires, witches, fairies and demons navigate a delicate balance of power.

In this episode, we go into Olivia’s character, her abilities, and how she finds herself amidst this conflict. Evette shares Olivia’s motivation and how she handles this new world that she finds herself a part of.

We talk about the fantasy aspect of the story and why she chose to place it in San Francisco, where she lives. We even go into what will be happening in her next two books, but no spoilers here!

New book sends us to a creepy island—with pie

Whatever you do, don’t eat the pie. That’s it. That’s all the warning you get.

In Monique Asher’s new book, “Don’t Eat the Pie,” we’re taken to Camillia Island, where Sam moves her family after her mother-in-law falls ill. All seems well and there’s even a pie competition, until Sam’s daughter Emma begins seeing ghosts who try to warn her of something.

Monique talks about the absolutely amazing cover art and introduces us to the artist who created it. We talk about what inspired the book and her writing process. Monique goes into Camillia Island, what makes it the way it is and the things Emma sees.

And speaking of hauntings , Monique is also the co-host of the “Stay The Night Podcast” and shares her experiences recording the episodes at some of the most haunted places around.

Catching up on old times and new with Three at Home

Curtis and I have been friends with the Boston-based Three at Home for many years, and shared many a show together. In this episode, we take some time to catch up with the rock/pop trio to see where they’ve been and what’s in their future.

Band members Dann Russo, Mary Casiello and Kari Paisley-Flango talk about some recent shows in Boston and the Steam Kettle Festival at Hale Reservation in Westwood. Kari joined the band in 2022, and talk about how they met with Dann and Mary and their experience being part of Three at Home.

Boston has been a big part of all our lives and we take some time to go into the changes we’ve seen in the city, its role as a place for the arts, and the challenges and opportunities that it’s created for the artistic community in recent years.

Opening this episode is an excerpt from "Mama Werewolf" a Brandi Carlie cover and which the band performed at the Steam Kettle Festival, featuring Kari on lead vocals. Closing the episode is "Just Like This" an original by the band and recorded before Kari joined the band.