Talking travel, robots, and Moscow marriages at the Rhode Island Author Expo

This December saw the return of the Rhode Island Author Expo, run by the Association of Rhode Island Authors. Along with emceeing the event, Citywide Blackout co-host Max Bowen sat down with some of the many talented writers to talk about their new releases, story inspirations, character development, and what we can expect down the road.

McLaughlin shares details of upcoming books
Heidi McLaughlin, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, joins me to talk about her two upcoming novels, “Sail Away With Me” (Dec. 31) and “The Art of Starting Over” (Feb. 1). Both are romance stories, and we go into the details of the potential couples, her character development process and how these fit into her over 60 previous works.

Getting married in 1979 Moscow
Joann and Jim Mead have an interesting story about how they met—in Moscow 1979. In their new book, “Married in Moscow: A Red-hot Memoir during Cold War Times,” the couple talk about what brought them to Moscow in the first place and their memorable moments there. Joann and Jim share their first impressions of each other and how they went from two strangers to a marriage that lasted the years.

From travel blogging to crime thriller
To say that C.B. Giesinger has had a wide-ranging writing career would be putting it mildly. From her travel blogging, where she shows readers some of the best places to check out across the globe, she’s also tried her hand at all sorts of genres of books. Most recently, she released “Where the Salt Water Ends” a thriller in which the mother of a missing child begins an investigation when other kids are taken, and the truth is not something she wants to learn.

C.B. and I talk about her different types of writing, portraying strong female characters, and future works.

YA author is back with second “Courage Kids” book
In 2023, I got to meet debut author Nishita Roy-Pope to talk about her first book. “Courage Kids: The Secret Soccer Ball.” Now, Nishita has continued the series with “Courage Kids-Robots, Sharks and the Missing Glow” and with a name like this, you just know it’s going to be a great story. Nishita talks about what inspired this book and how it continues the first one. We also go into this new role for Nishita and how she plans to grow it in the future.

Kelly Swan Taylor shares the newest story in teen mystery series
Kelly Swan Taylor is now in the fourth volume of her Wright Detective series, this time set amidst a new love for her protagonist, Tessa Wright. We explore the different ways that the series has progressed and how Tessa has changed since the first book. Kelly also shares the role that Tessa’s love interest Mason plays in the new book as well as the potential for new titles.

Final RIAE pre-show interview has us looking to the stars

Karyn Chabot Martino

In our final pre-show interview for the Rhode Island Author Expo, I’m getting a lesson in the 52-Star Code System from Karyn Chabot Martino. I’d need all day to expound on Karyn’s lengthy educational background, but suffice it to say, if it’s out there, odds are she’s studied it. 

Case in point—years ago she learned about the Star Code System and in this episode, we’re going to hear what that is, what inspired her to write about it and how her five-book series builds on what she’s already learned. 

The system is linked to the classic playing card deck and she talks about how the different suits and cards are a language all their own. These codes, according to Karyn’s web site, “unveil the probabilities of fate, the possibilities of destiny, and the concepts of free will, allowing humans to revolutionize the understanding of themselves, consciousness, and life itself.”

Solving mysteries with a 5-year-old detective in “The Tender Purdy Mysteries”

In the third installment of our pre-Rhode Island Author Expo interviews, Richard Harrington takes us on a tour of his “Tender Purdy Mysteries” series, now in its second volume. 

Tender Purdy has an IQ of 180, can solve complex cases….and is only 5 years old.

Richard talks about how he came up with the concept, and went from initial idea to completed book. 

He explains who Tender is, how she became a junior sleuth, and the challenges that await her in the books. We also get a sneak peek at what future stories have in store for the readers.

Heidi McLaughlin gives a new perspective in new book

In our second episode of the pre-Rhode Island Author Expo interviews, I’m joined by New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today-bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin. 

Heidi has a new book out on Dec. 3 called “Forever My Boy,” which provides a new angle on “Forever My Girl,” which was adapted to a movie in 2018.

Heidi and I talk about the book and the new direction it goes in, as well as how it fits into the Beaumont Series, which “Forever My Girl” kicks off. We talk about the characters and the different things we’re learning about them in the new book as well as revisiting “Forever My Girl” in the writing process.

We also go into her 60-plus books since 2012 and how she has made such a massive collection work.

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: NecronomiCon—the home of weird fiction literature

Ken Vaughn

Who here likes weird fiction? Wow, that’s a lot of hands. Ok then, listen up, because NecronomiCon Providence is the place for you!

In this episode of Citywide Bytes, Ken Vaughn, director of core programming for this bi-annual showcase, talks about the panels, guest speakers, special events and much more that await those eager to check out this weird and fun convention. We spotlight the guests of honor and Ken talks about the work to bring them all together.

We also look at how this event has grown over the years from its inception in the 90s to what it has become today. NeconomiCon takes place from August 15-18 in Providence, Rhode Island at the Omni Hotel.

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.

Rhode Island Author Expo: Political chaos and real-life adventures across the world

As the big day approaches, here’s the final of the two-part series previewing the Rhode Island Author Expo, which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It’s a free event with more than 100 writers, panels, raffles and more.

David Shoorens is up first and his book, “The Refuge,” may have that “ripped from the headlines” sound, but I assure you, it is a work of fiction….for now. The U.S. is a broken country, with a far-right president granted unprecedented power over their political opponents. We talk about the story and how it came to be, the characters that inhabit it, and his take on the world as it is now.

Closing this episode out is Thomas Brillat with his first book, “Ekaternia.” The main character Ekaternia is a relative of Tom’s and he talks about how he learned of her story, and how he turned these family tales into a completed book. He goes into the more memorable stories and how he wrote what was effectively a ‘practice book’ before writing this one.

Lessons from fish and lessons from life

It’s that time again—the return of the annual Rhode Island Author Expo, happening on Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. As part of our coverage, I’m once again previewing this event by speaking with a handful of the 100-plus writers that you can meet there.

Opening this episode is Brielle Lilygarten, who’s released two children’s books: “Fishy Fishy” and “Fishy Fishy Goes to School.” Brielle and I talk about how she’s made the pivot from middle school teacher and realtor to children’s writer. We look at the lessons she hopes that readers take from these books and what we can expect down the road.

After that, it’s Paul Mainville for his book, “Fifteen Miles: One Man’s Journey to Find Family and Self.” It’s based on Paul’s journey to meet his birth family years after learning that he was adopted. Paul talks about the process of writing his debut book and what he experienced reliving this part of his life. We go into the significance of the title and if we can look forward to another book in the future.

Jon Merz talks production studios and acting in “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”

My next guest is someone I’ve known for a long time, so it surprised me to realize he’d never been on the show before. Well, that just gives us a lot to cover, doesn’t it?

Actor/writer/model Jon Merz and I talk about opening the doors to Ten 21 Studios in Providence, Rhode Island. It’s a full-service company that does demo reel scenes, book trailers, script work and a lot more. We talk about the decision to launch his own company and some of the folks they’ve been working with. We touch briefly on his latest project, an adaptation to his successful vampire book series, and will do a deeper dive in a future episode.

Jon’s acted for many years and perhaps his biggest milestone to date was his role in the Whitney Houston biopic, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” We talk about being around some of the biggest names working today and how he prepared for his role. This May, he’ll be taking the stage in “Hunting Whitey” on May 16 at The Wilbur and shares the challenges of stage vs. screen and his techniques for this kind of performance.

Back at the Rhode Island Author Expo

Author Amanda Quay Blount

One of my favorite events to cover is the Rhode Island Author Expo. Held in early December, it’s a showcase of more than 100 members of the Association of Rhode Island Authors. This event is an amazing collection of local authors, and in this episode, we’ve got a collection of interviews with just a few of them.

First up is Alison O’Donnell, author of “Stupid Cupid: A Survivor's Guide to Online Dating” and “The Adventures of Gizmo,” and also longtime comedian. We talk about what led to both books and how her work in comedy ties into being a writer.

Next up is Amanda Quay Blount for her debut novel, “Meet Me At the Biltmore,” a deep dive into the history behind one of the most famous hotels in Rhode Island. She shares the different (and somewhat odd) stories she captures from the hotel’s 100-year history.

To wrap things up its Richard Rezendes, author of “A Haunting in Mattapoisett,” based in part on the town’s history as the epicenter of Bridgewater Triangle, an area known for its many supernatural occurrences.

Rhode Island Author Expo returns!

Me with Angelina Singer

A couple weeks ago, one of my favorite events, the Rhode Island Author Expo, saw its big return to an in-person format. Over 100 authors attended, and there were panels for book marketing, hybrid publishing, world-building and much more. I was there to emcee the show, as well as interview some of the great writers.

Opening this episode is Tim Jones, creator of the Sour Grapes comic. We go into the origins of the comic, its many characters, and how Tim's gotten it into so many newspapers over the years.

After that, Angelina Singer and I catch up after two years, and she has quite a bit to share. She's released her Rewind Duology and worked with Chelsea Kwoka to create the audiobook version.

To close out this episode, MC Madjoucoff and I talk about her book, “Fried Catfish,” a comedy/drama all about the world of catfishing.

Rhode Island Author Expo, Episode 2: Elizabeth Devlin and Apryl Scott

In this second collection of interviews previewing the annual Rhode Author Island Expo, I'm talking with Apryl Scott about here recently-released book of poetry, “The Book of Jade.” The book was written following a powerful spiritual moment in the author's life and we talk about what that was and the change it led to. We also get a few readings from the book, and also talk about Wrestless Communications, which she founded.

Following that, it's writer Elizabeth Devlin for her book, “Home Waters.” It's a blend of drama and science thriller when Becket Fallon learns of a toxic algae that could threaten the entire East Coast. Elizabeth talks all about the research she did for this novel and the amazing folks she worked with to develop the very realistic scientific threat.

How sweet is to be back at Rhode Island Comic-Con!

Well, the title says it all! On Nov. 5 and 6 I had the chance to reunite with the convention community at one of my favorite events—Rhode Island Comic-Con. I checked out the amazing cosplays, met cool creatives and bought some great merch over the weekend. And of course, many interviews were done.

To start, I met up with Author Coral Isabella Aurora to learn about her new book and the messages about bullying and treating others fairly.

Next, the writers from the comic Starside catch me up on a series I got into two years ago and give a few hints about the story's future.

Cosplayer Stevie Oaks shares his dead-on impersonation of Peter Griffin and what it's been like being at a convention for the first time as one of the guests.

On the convention's second day, I chatted with Wayward Raven founder Mark Frankel about the diverse stories they publish, a special request for submissions, and why in their comics, dead is dead.

Bringing this episode to a close is Khepera Cosplay, who shares how it feels to be back after two years and the various villains she's cosplayed as.

Rhode Island Author Expo, Part 2

Here's the second installment of my interviews from the Rhode Island Author Expo. Debbie Kaiman Tillinghast is up first to share her stories growing up on Prudence Island in her book, “The Ferry Home.” 

M.A. Guglielmo is up next to talk about her debut novel, “Summoned.” A jinn, an evil sorcerer, and vengeful fallen angel—this one's got it all!

The last interview for this episode is with S.M. Stevens for her book “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades,” a true-to-life tale for the #MeToo generation, in which two women reclaim their careers, romances and lives after suffering harassment and abuse.

Rhode Island Author Expo Pre-Show, Part 4

In the fourth and final episode in this series, Candace Breen talks about her autobiographical story, “After the Darkness.” This book chronicles her experiences with childhood incest, rape, abuse, and domestic violence and how she found a path to healing and a new life.

Candace holds nothing back, and we look at what led her to share this story and the reaction of family and friends, both good and bad. She talks about her husband and how he inspired her to write the book and stand by her side throughout the process. Candace has a lot of hope and wants others who have been through this kind of abuse to not feel ashamed and be willing to talk about it.

You are not alone. If you're the victim of rape or domestic violence, there are places you can go to seek help. The links below are just a handful of resources—there are hundreds of crisis centers, web sites, and phone hotlines you can reach out to, and of course the police are willing and able to help.


The Rape Crisis Center


Domestic Violence Crisis Center


National Domestic Violence Hotline


Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

Rhode Island Author Expo Pre-Show, Episode 2

In this next installment of my interviews with members of the Rhode Island Author Expo, I talk to R.K. Bentley about his debut novel, “Where Weavers Daire.” This book blends science and magic in a seamless way, with a tale of some unlikely characters coming together on the world of Stuk’s Hollow for the New Year celebrations.

Paul Magnan is up next, and his fantasy series Kyu, The Unknown. This series centers on The Territories, which have been unified for a thousand years, though it's tenuous at best. Surrounding the Territories is the Disian Curtain, a darkness filled with twisted horrors beyond imagination. Paul takes us on a tour of the Disian Curtain to explore just what evil lies within.

Rhode Island Comic-Con, Part 2

In the second installment of our Rhode Island Comic-Con coverage, I speak with cosplayer Zabracus about joining the vast community of convention-goers, some of her more challenging costumes, and being on the East Coast for the first time.

Writer Jenn Dugan and artist Ryan Butt share their comic series “Gnaw” and “Circadia”, stories of rodent apocalypses and love across worlds. We dive deep into the concepts and the work done to bring them to life.

Author Debra Zannelli has some great tales to talk about! Her books, “Dark Night of the Soul” and “Sister World I: The Arrival” offer deep, introspective characters, some amazing alternate histories, and ominous backdrops, and tells us all about them.

Cosplay Dad has been to a number of the conventions in New England, whether it's as Bruce Wayne from Batman Beyond or Mr. Rogers. He tells us about what got him into cosplay, experiences with the RICC, and what he has planned for future costumes.

Rhode Island Author Expo pre-show podcast, Episode 1

Max with Coral Isabella Aurora 

In this podcast series, I speak to several of the authors who will be part of the upcoming Rhode Island Author Expo. In this installment, Michael Squatrito talks about the fourth and final installment in his “The Overlords” series. 

After that, Coral Isabella Aurora and I chat about horror movies that we love, all of which ties into her new book, “The Teenager’s Guide to Surviving a Horror Film.”

The final interview in this episode is Pete O'Donnell, who has transformed a collection of short children's stories into a popular podcast series, “Ill-Advised Stories,” which features himself, his wife, and daughters in the cast.

Rhode Island Author Expo, Part 3

Part three of my podcast series from the 6th annual ARIA writer's expo.

Lisa Gardner talks about how to make great characters.

Rebecca Harrington shares tales of celebrity diets and social media faux pas.

Sharon Contillo tells us all about her book, “The Little Christmas Ornament.”ll about her book, “The Little Christmas Ornament.”