Fantasy, children’s lit and more at the Rhode Island Author Expo

The weekend of Dec. 2 saw the return of the annual Rhode Island Author Expo. Citywide host Max Bowen was there to not only emcee the event, but interview some of the great writers who were there.

Kicking off this episode is Nishita Roy-Pope to talk about her new book, “Courage Kids: The Magic Soccer Ball.” It’s her debut book and we talk about how her background in business and as a diversity leader helped prepare her for this new role. Nishita talks about the different characters, how her kids helped with the ideas and what she hopes people take away from the story.

Up next, Ann Watt channels her 30 years as a critical care nurse into a memoir, “When Being a Nurse was Fun.” She shares a few stories from her time as a nurse and what inspired the book. We go into what nursing was like pre-COVID and how the pandemic changed everything.

Keith Carreiro is no stranger to the show, having been on before to talk about his nine-book series, “The Immortality Wars.” This blend of science fiction and fantasy centers on Pall Warren, a 16th-century warrior who wakes up to find himself in the far future. He’s now four books into the series with the release of “The Pilgrim” and we look at how the story has advanced.

Kelly Swan Taylor brings a little mystery to the show with her series “The Wright Detective,” now three books long. Tessa Wright is a seventh-grade student who solve mysteries with her friends. We talk about the main character’s creation, along with how her friends and father—also a detective—factor into the books. Kelly has a new book, “Frozen in Time,” and we talk about the intense plot that awaits.

Maggie Kozel brings things to a close with her book, “My Legs are Crying.” Like Ann, this book is centered on real-life experience in the medical world. Maggie’s book is based on her work with emotional-based illnesses, and we go into what they are and how her work impacted medicine.

A chance meeting leads to an amazing musical duo with The A.M.s

In 2019 on Piano Day, Adrian happened to tune Mariko’s piano. He asked if she wanted to play together; she said maybe. Realizing she might be able to return to her long-lost passion, music, they connected and started rehearsing with the hopes of playing out.

And then the pandemic happened.

But that didn’t stop Adrian and Mariko. They kept playing and sending ideas and soon after had a catalog of 50+ songs, which led to their first album, “Ignite the Sky.” In this episode, we talk about the origin of the A.M.s and how the experience has allowed them to grow as artists. We examine the story of “Ignite the Sky,” which chronicles Mariko’s journey of finding her birth parents during COVID, while processing the events and struggles of 2021 in quarantine. We also see how the two—despite living several hundred miles apart, have been able to play out now and again.

Following this, enjoy the single, “Ignite the Sky.” I really enjoyed this entire album, and hope that you check it out.

A bit of the city and the country in this novel double-header

Interested in a gripping murder mystery with all kinds of cool twists? How about a story of a family home with a web of secrets? Either way, this episode has you covered!

Up first is Priscilla Paton to talk about her new book, “When the House Burns,” third in the Twin Cities Mystery series. A murder case with a commentary on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on housing, this book brings us back to Detectives Erik Jansson and Deb Metzger as they search for the killer of an adulterous real estate agent. Priscilla and I look at where the series is now and why she decided to set amidst the backdrop of current events. We also talk about the detectives, their relationship and how its evolved throughout the series.

Following this is Julia Brewer Daily for her new book, “The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch.” The story focuses on Emma Rosales, heiress of the largest ranch in Texas—The Thorn. Running the ranch is something Emma could handle with her eyes closed…if The Thorn were any ordinary property. Julia and I look at the real-life inspiration among the ranches of Texas, how her upbringing leant itself to the writing process and the secret of The Thorn.

It's a double dose of Boston music with Linda Marks and Daniel Promotes

Linda Marks

As the title says, it's dual Boston artists in this episode. Kicking things off is singer-songwriter Linda Marks, who has a brand new album out called “Monuments of Love.” Inspired by and written during the pandemic, the album touches on a lot of the last year, from the health risks we were all faced with to separation anxiety to lost moments with loved ones.

Linda and I talk about how she stayed creative during this difficult time, even hosting a regular livestream music series. We also look at how she completed two other albums, “The Piano” and “Songs at the Heart of Life” during COVID. Linda also has a big triple album release show planned for Aug. 1 at The Burren in Somerville.

After Linda's interview, enjoy one of the tracks for the new album, “Prayers,” written for a musician friend who battled a hellish case of COVID but is now on the mend and singing once more.

Following this, I'm back with Daniel Promotes, and we also find ourselves chatting about the last 15 months and what it's been like for him. Daniel's also been hard at work joining Ambitious Writerz, and it looks like there's going to be touring in the near future. We look at the Boston rap scene and how it weather the pandemic, focusing on some artists who really made their mark with new releases during this time.

Tara Kelly talks about career changes made during the pandemic

A few months ago, I interviewed Tara Kelly to talk about her newest music video. This time, we cover a lot more ground as we look at her decision to move to Los Angeles, what it's been like, and how her music has flourished.

Tara's folk-infused style has changed a lot over the last year. We look at the new direction she's gone in during the pandemic, when shows and touring came to a halt. We also talk about her personal style and how it reflects her music.


Tara's music career is still in its early stages, and we look at her 

goals, both in the short-term and down the road.


Following this, enjoy Tara's new single “Play With Fire.”

Pearl Cutten wants everyone to know that they are beautiful

I welcome back Denmark-based artist Pearl Cutten to talk about her new single, “You Are Beautiful,” part of her forthcoming project “Fragments of My Soul.” Pearl also has a music video for the single in the works, and we do a deep dive into what fans can expect. Pearl talks about what has filled her time during the pandemic and some of her goals for 2021.

After the song, sit back and enjoy “You Are Beautiful.”

Clare Cunningham talks new singles, virtual shows, and life in Nashville

From Ireland to Nashville, solo artist Clare Cunningham talks about the journey that brought her to the US and some of her favorite places to play. Clare’s latest project has been recorded at RCA studios in Nashville. The first single off the project “Heart Of Mine” is to be released July 3, and we talk about releasing new work in the pandemic age and her plans for the rest of the year.

Following this, I've got two songs from Clare, “Carry Me” followed by “Grey Lady.”

The secret origin of Dragonflyman Day

I go live on the Citywide Blackout Instagram page with Tom Peyer, Editor-in-Chief of Ahoy Comics, to talk about the unprecedented announcement that June 16 will be hereafter known as Dragonflyman Day. This is in recognition of the bookstore publication date of the upcoming trade paperback release of DRAGONFLY & DRAGONFLYMAN—the prequel to THE WRONG EARTH—by writer Tom Peyer, artist Peter Krause, colorist Andy Troy, and letterer Rob Steen.

Along with this, we see how Ahoy has weathered the pandemic, which along with most other businesses, shuttered countless comic book stores. We also look at the numerous cancellations of comic-cons across the country this year.

Sabrina Maria talks new music and past shows

Originally from the UK and now living in Italy, singer/songwriter Sabrina Maria has a new album out, “Life Is A Journey, Not a Destination.” We talk about her own journey as a musician from her days gigging and how she's evolved to the point where she is now.

Her new album takes the listener on a journey of positivity and hope with upbeat, motivating songs and she talks about the stories behind them.

Following this, enjoy the tune “Go Out There and Get It,” from the new album.