Five by Five: ‘Unruly Human Hearts’ explores the unheard voice in the Beecher-Tilton scandal

By Max Bowen 

In her new book, “Unruly Human Hearts,” [She Writes Press, Jan. 28] Barbara Southard explores the Beecher-Tilton scandal, but through a new perspective—that of Elizabeth Tilton.

In this Five by Five interview, Barbara talks about how this historical tale caught her interest and how she came to choose this viewpoint, as well as the lengthy research done for the book. She also shares how this scandal resonates with the current times.


How did you become aware of Elizabeth Tilton and what inspired you to write a book about her?
A question raised by a student in a graduate seminar on US history that I taught at the University of Puerto Rico challenged me to focus on Elizabeth. We were discussing the 1875 trial of Henry Ward Beecher, the most famous preacher of his time, for adultery with Elizabeth Tilton, wife of the journalist Theodore Tilton. I pointed out that public fascination with the Beecher-Tilton scandal was comparable to the reaction to Bill Clinton’s impeachment for the alleged cover-up of sexual intimacies with Monica Lewinsky. A young man said that both President Clinton and Reverend Beecher survived the scandal. Yeah, said a young woman, but what about Monica and Elizabeth? Her question reverberated in my mind. If Monica had a rough time with cyberbullying, what did a woman named as correspondent in a famous adultery trial in the 19th century have to endure?

I began to dig into historical sources and found that Elizabeth’s beliefs, feelings and motivations were more difficult to fathom than those of her two lovers, who both had public platforms and testified at the trial. I felt challenged to unravel the mystery of this deeply religious and seemingly conventional woman who was accused of holding beliefs and engaging in conduct that challenged the core values of Victorian society.

You refer to Elizabeth as the “unheard voice” in this story. What does her voice add?
Many historical studies of the Beecher-Tilton scandal picture Elizabeth as a weak personality, a woman who gave in to both her husband and her lover and couldn’t keep her story straight. As I read more about the Victorian code of conduct for women, I suspected that this interpretation was simplistic. Women of her time were truly the “second sex,” excluded from the circles of power and decision-making. Looking at the scandal from Elizabeth’s perspective meant being sensitive to her efforts to influence the decisions of the key men in her life that could ruin them all. Was she a passive victim, or a heroine who courageously tried to protect the careers of both her husband and her lover as well as defend herself against public condemnation and possible loss of everything meaningful in her life, including her children?

Elizabeth’s perspective made me sensitive not only to the complexity of her own emotions but also those of her two lovers. The role of Henry in the scandal can be dismissed as a minister seducing a parishioner. Theodore can be labeled a hypocrite who championed women’s rights in public, but not in private. Elizabeth had a more nuanced view of the motivations of her two lovers, which comes through in her letters, sources that would never have surfaced if her husband hadn’t given them to newspapers to print against her will. Her appreciation for the good in both men adds new dimensions to the story, making it a tale of love and loyalty as well as betrayal.

Tell me about the research you did and what was learned in the process.
After the interesting discussion with my students of the Beecher-Tilton scandal, I began to explore historical studies of the scandal as well as primary sources. The most helpful primary sources were personal letters and the records of the church investigation and the public trial. The sources revealed that there was deep affection among all three participants in the love triangle. Personal ties were strengthened by their involvement, in varying degrees, with reform movements to promote suffrage for women and freed slaves as well as the reinterpretation of the Calvinist heritage.

Elizabeth was inspired by the gospel of love preached by Henry, whose sermons spoke of God’s love and mercy rather than the Calvinist emphasis on punishing sins. The reverend’s comparison of God’s love with the tender care of a mother inspired Elizabeth and helped her see the feminine role as crucial not only with the family unit but in building a better society. Both Henry and Elizabeth saw the concept of free love as an extension of the gospel of love.

In addition to their beliefs, I also strove to understand practical issues that affected the main characters. Did Elizabeth’s financial dependency make it difficult for her to insist that her husband keep his promises to protect her? Did concerns about male honor and reputation, as well as jeopardizing their careers, influenced the decisions of Henry and Theodore to either maintain or abandon a united front in denying scandalous rumors?

What was the concept of “free love” in the 19th century and how does it compare to modern polyamory?
The basic idea of free love in the Reconstruction era was the freedom to choose whom to love and to express true love in a sexual relationship outside of marriage. Those who espoused free love believed that government should not interfere in matters of the heart, because the question of who loves whom cannot be legislated. Some radical feminist leaders supported free love because they believed that marriage and divorce laws were unfavorable to women and often imprisoned them in injurious relationships. Supporters of free love did not express support for promiscuity; they couched their beliefs in terms of individual freedom to express true love outside of marriage.

Polyamory has similarities with free love doctrines of the 19th century and the concept of open marriage put forward in the second half of the 20th century, but it is a more inclusive philosophy, a more open-ended version of free love. Polyamorous individuals may have multiple romantic relationships with the consent of all involved without necessarily viewing one person as primary partner. Elizabeth viewed her husband Theodore as her primary partner, and Reverend Beecher as another love that enriched her life and deepened her love for her husband.

Is there a message from this historical controversy that resonates today?
The story of Elizabeth is relevant to concerns about individual freedom and social ethics in more recent times. The emergence of creeds of sexual liberation and open marriage in the second half of the 20th century raised questions about whether free love is liberating for women. Many women were still economically dependent on men, which made it difficult for them to insist that men grant their partners the same sexual freedom that they claimed for themselves. The MeToo movement that emerged in the early 21st century points to the problems implicit in a sexual relationship in which one partner enjoys the advantage of power and position. Elizabeth insisted that her tie with Reverend Beecher was based on true love, but her husband saw it as a pastor taking advantage of a deeply loyal member of his flock. On the other hand, Theodore was oblivious of the power dynamic in his marriage to Elizabeth. If our society continues to make progress toward gender equality, we can hope that women involved in polyamorous relationships do not undergo the same heartbreak that Elizabeth experienced.

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.

Ink and Riffs: Love, family and country tunes

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. 

“Hannah: A Soldier’s Diary” (audiobook)
This recently-released musical audiobook tells the story of Hannah, a young woman who falls for Jack, a soldier who’s about to be deployed to Afghanistan. Their love is brief, but powerful, and determined to survive months of being apart—no matter what.

Written by veteran playwright and author Steve Wallis and voiced by actress/musician Zoe Wright, this audiobook, which tracks at around one hour and 40 minutes, is absolutely stunning and kept me hooked from the first chapter. The story is beautifully told by Wright, who takes on Hannah’s role as if it’s her own life she’s recalling. The emotional ups and downs, the feelings of love from a random encounter, it all comes through so naturally.

One unique aspect of this story is that each chapter has a song paired with it. The songs really capture the feel of the chapters and add a great element to an already superb audiobook.

“Brownstone” (comic)
Written by Samuel Teer, with art by Mar Julia, “Brownstone” (Harper Alley) follows Almudena as she meets her biological father for the first time at the age of 14.

Normally a challenging situation, this meeting is made far more so that Almudena, who is half-Guatemalan, doesn’t speak any Spanish (her father also speaks almost no English) and knows nothing of her heritage and feels like an alien among her own people. The journey is one of discovery, not only of a father and daughter learning about each other, but of Almudena learning just who she is.

The story is paced well, with many hurdles before Almudena begins to feel at home. As she learns about her father and why he left right after she was born, she also becomes more in tune with the culture that she never knew, little by little. She also sees how gentrification by white landowners is forcing many of her people to leave, breaking apart friends and families, and sees the intolerance of those coming into the neighborhood.

The art is equally detailed, with vibrant portrayals of the community and its people. I loved taking the time to really explore scenes of the neighborhood, homes and businesses. There’s a lot to take in and it’s worth pausing on a page to do so.

“Brownstone” is describe by one reviewer as “with a scrappy heart of gold,” and I wholeheartedly agree. There’s real heart in this story and getting to the end had me hoping there will be a volume two someday.



“Wanted Man” (music)

This August release by country artist Trey Calloway is big reason that I got into the genre. The music is skillfully done, with a lot of heart, a layered sound and one of the best voices I have heard. Not a surprise that he’s been doing this since 15 and racked up a number of awards in that time.

Trey’s music covers a lot of ground. Some of the nine songs on this album deal with love, but from different angles. “You Don’t Need a Woman” speaks to how you don’t always need love until you really do, while “Miss Gone By Morning” is about that one lady that never stays put for anyone.

“That Was Us” is one of my favorites, a look to the past and the good times they remind us of. “Forgotten Man” is a look at the working man who does so much that is never seen, while “Horses in Heaven” really got to me in a personal way.

One aspect of Trey’s career is that he’s lived in a number of places, from his hometown of Lucia, North Carolina, to Nashville, Tennessee, where he lives today. This leads to the notion that he has a “traveling man” sound to his music, the voice of someone who’s seen a lot and wants to share the story.

Trey is an exceptional artist, and still in the early years of his career (his first release was “One Tough Job” in 2020). This album really speaks to his skill and I look forward to what comes next.

“Hannah: The Soldier Diaries” blends love, music and a gripping story

Welcome to our final episode of Citywide Bytes for the 2024 season. We’re taking a break to recharge and come back in 2025 and believe me, we have a lot planned.

Capping off this season I am very excited to be talking about the musical audiobook “Hannah: The Soldier Diaries” and joining me is the story’s creator — theater writer, producer and author Steve Wallis.

Here’s a look at the plot:

When the gorgeous Hannah meets Lance Corporal Jack Webb in summer 2012, she is quickly smitten. However, Hannah has to decide quickly whether to embark on a whirlwind affair or walk away, as the couple only has four weeks together before Jack has to return to the army to fight in the Afghan War. Hannah follows her heart and spends the most amazing four weeks of her life with Jack before he has to leave. Then, over two months later, Jack is missing, and Hannah — who is three months’ pregnant — is beside herself with worry. Out of nowhere, a face she knows only too well appears at her door. Are all Hannah's worries over? Or is this the beginning of the end for Hannah and Jack?

Steve and I go into the origins of the project and how his own grandparents’ relationship amidst World War II inspired the story. Steve talks about the main characters, Hannah and Jack, how they were created and how they grow over the course of the story. We also talk about the stage version that’s been done and learn some big news about a new project!

Zoe Wright provided the narration, voices and singing and we learn how she and Steve met and the collaboration process as they brought this story to life. “Hannah” has a second part dropping in December and we talk a bit [just a bit!] about the cliffhanger ending and what lies in store.

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.

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!

Five By Five: Debut novel honors a grandmother’s love of nature

By Max Bowen

In her debut book, writer Adrianna Schuh blends some magic and romance in “Magic is in the Air.” The story follows Olivia Ayala, a fiercely independent Latina witch with cerebral palsy. In her small-town bakery in Addersfield, Rhode Island, Olivia crafts magical confections while raising her son and navigating life's challenges. Enter Draven James, a charming and mysterious man who stirs both the town's magic and Olivia's heart. As Olivia falls for Draven, she uncovers secrets threatening their haven and her dreams.

In this interview, Adrianna talks about what inspired her to write this book and how she created Olivia and the real-life story behind it.


I read that this is your first published novel. What inspired you to write this and how did “Magic Is In the Air” come to be your story?

I love witches. My grandma was a practicing witch and I grew up visiting Wiccan camps with her. She instilled in me a love of nature and the moon. And she taught me to believe in magic. The story is a bit of a love letter to her.

I’d like to know more about your main character, Olivia Ayala. What went into creating her?

Honestly, she's a mix of myself, my grandma, and my mom. I gave her my disability because I wanted to see more disability representation in romance. I was raised by a single mom, so Olivia has that strength and resilience. And she believes wholeheartedly in herself and the power of family. That's my grandma. I looked at all the powerhouse Mexican women in my life and channeled them into Olivia.

What do you hope readers learn or experience with Olivia’s story?

A sense of belonging. I hope they see this strong and beautiful witch and catch a glimpse of themselves. I hope she inspires readers to trust their guts and believe in themselves.

I’m a lifelong New Englander, and was intrigued that Rhode Island is the setting. Why, and how does this shape the story?

I was born and raised in the Midwest. But New England has always fascinated me. The history, the landscape, it just has this magical quality. And witches are a part of that. So it just felt so natural. To have the story set during fall in New England just made sense.

What is the magic that Olivia does? Do her abilities play a big role in the story?

She has the ability to cast spells with her words. She speaks a spell, and poof, magic. There's really a spell for almost everything. It just has to be vocalized. And it is the same for the other witches in the book. Her and her friends abilities play a very big role. It's really the centerpoint of the whole story. It was incredibly fun to write.

Citywide Bytes—In her new book, Donna Levin explores a romanticized past

In author Donna Levin’s new book, “The Talking Stick,” we meet Hunter, who has lost…..well, just about everything. Her husband has left her for her former friend, now best enemy Angelica. She has no job, no prospects, and is unsure of what comes next.

That “next” happens while exploring a San Francisco flea market. Here, she’s sent on a journey with three other women who join her journey to reexamine pasts, explore grief, addictions, parenting, and marriages, and discover that some of their most-cherished memories are romanticized versions of the truth.

In this interview, we look at what inspired this book and introduced to Hunter and Angelica. Donna talks about the element of a Talking Stick and why it was included in the book. She shares a look at the journey Hunter’s on and the people she’ll be sharing it with and just where it’s all going.

Five by Five: From the library stacks to published author

Bonnie Jo Pierson

By Max Bowen 

Bonnie Jo Pierson’s journey to writing her first book began, where else, at her local library.

There, she read countless books before penning her first novel, “What Happens in Idaho,” through Rising Action Publishing.

Trauma surgeon Dr. Liliana Chase, still grieving her husband and daughter's deaths, reluctantly returns to Clear Springs, Idaho, after seven years. Her short visit extends unexpectedly when she crashes her car to avoid a cow. Local mechanic and single dad, Blake Richardson, helps her, despite his own vow against new relationships after a painful divorce. As Lili's car repairs delay her, she grows close to Blake, whose warm, genuine nature tempts her to believe in love again. However, a dark secret linking Blake to her family's death threatens their budding relationship.

In this Five by Five interview, Pierson talks about the choice to write her first book and how her many association helped shape the final story. She also goes into the lessons learned during the writing process.

I read that your own life helped to inspire the book. How so?
One of the things that drew me to my husband was his love of classic cars. When we were first married, we owned a 66 Mustang named Blue Beauty. Renee’s Mustang is based on our lovely car. We had to sell it to help pay for medical school. And our adventure began in the medical field. I am definitely not a doctor, or a nurse (thankfully!). I get a little woozy at the sight of blood. But being married to a medical student, I learned a ton about the process. Watching normal people enter med school and come out as doctors was inspirational. Hence the reason Lili is a trauma surgeon.

This is your debut novel — what inspired you write a book?
When my first baby was 14 days old, we moved away from family, and anything familiar, across the country to St. Louis where my husband entered the realm of medical school, leaving me at home to care for this infant. I was blessed with a daughter who slept a lot, like six hours a day, 12 hours at night, a lot. To pass the time, I went to the library and read stacks and stacks of books. Until one fall day I told my husband, I wanted to make one of these magical things that transported me to different worlds. His response was, “why don’t you?” So I opened my laptop and started writing.

What was your process to create Liliana and Blake?
As I mentioned earlier my husband is good with classic cars, and he’s now a doctor. So basically, I split him in two, and then made him fall in love with himself. Haha.

You’re a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Storymakers Guild, Idaho Sisters in Crime, Idaho Writers Guild, and Manuscript Academy. How has this helped you grow as a writer?
Community is everything in writing. These organizations connected me with people who didn’t think of writing as a hobby, but as a career. They also see things I don’t in my manuscript. Throughout the years, I connected with beta readers who improved my book one sentence at a time. Eventually, through Manuscript Academy, I met a group who not only kept me sane through the query trenches, but also made the connections which led to my publishing deal. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my writing friends, and professional communities, who have lifted me up through all these years.

According to your web site, it seems that you’re always learning something new. What lessons did writing “What Happens in Idaho” have to teach you and how will they help you with future projects?
Well, first I learned how to write a messy manuscript. And then through years of trial and error, I found out what I did right instinctively and what needed to be reworked. Though it took me years to complete this book, I now have a streamlined writing process that helps me draft tighter stories. This novel gave me the gift of perseverance. It taught me that I can do hard things, like never giving up. This will help me weather the storms of negative reviews, the ups and downs of publishing, and keep me in this game for years to come. Which means my future projects won’t remain trapped in my head. They will actually get written, edited, and sent out into the world. 

Richard Farren Barber’s new book gives a fresh take on the dead

Richard Farren Barber is the author of dozens of books, novellas and short stories over 30 years, and in this episode, we see his creative spirit at work in “One of the Dead,” released through Crystal Lake Entertainment.

In this episode, Curtis and Max talk with Richard about what inspired a story wherein the undead look just like us and spread, not through devouring the living, but by stealing their life force by touch. We meet Nick, the protagonist and learn how he must fight the living dead when they go after his girlfriend Abby, a task that he is wholly unprepared for.

Richard shares the inspiration for the creepy-as-hell cover for “One of the Dead,” which features a figure in yellow wandering through a graveyard. Speaking of settings, the locations for the book came from Nottingham, where Richard has lived for many years and he talks about how they influence the story.

 

Five By Five—Author follows her dream as her new book take readers on a romantic journey

By Max Bowen

Before we get into the book, you’re probably wondering what “Five By Five” is. This is the new name for our series of written Q&A interviews with writers and musicians.

The name actually refers to audio signals, which ties in with our regular podcast. Five By Five is another way to say “good signal strength” or “loud and clear,” but can also mean “exceptional quality,” which certainly lines up with the artists we speak with. Now with that out of the way, on to the book!

Set to be released on April 30, Norah Woodsey’s book “The States” follows a young woman who enters a sleep-study that allows her to lucidly dream of summers in Ireland, and the boy she was forced to leave behind. Here’s a look at the plot:

“Tildy Sullivan is the middle child in an elite family who amassed their wealth with a cosmetics company. Despite the comforts of life, all Tildy cares about are the summers she spent in Galway, Ireland and the boy she was forced to let go. After her mother’s death eight years ago, she was persuaded to leave Ireland and Aidan behind. Now, as her family’s fortune dwindles and concerns about her future arise, she signs up for a sleep study where she lucidly dreams about her past, hoping to reconcile with the boy she can’t let go. With the dream of being with Aidan again, Tildy embarks on a journey back to Ireland hoping that her dreams can soon become a reality.”

The book is a reimagine of Jane Austen’s classic “Persuasion” and in this interview, we talk about the book inspired Noorah’s, Tildy’s relationship with Austin and the original version being written during NaNoWRiMo.


For those not familiar, what is Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” and how did it inspire this book?
“Persuasion” is Jane Austen’s final completed novel, published in 1817 soon after her death. Unlike Austen’s other novels, we meet Anne Elliot not before her youthful love story begins, but after it has ended. The reader learns that 8 years prior to the events of the novel, Anne chose her aristocratic family over herself, over her love, Captain Wentworth, and broke his heart. She kept it all a secret from nearly everyone. Then, her father, a vain and careless baronet, stands to lose everything and suddenly, Anne’s former love returns to her life. He is now wealthy and still handsome, and she must endure his anger while loving him still, all on the sidelines. Until things begin to shift, and… I’ll leave it there!

I have loved this book since I first read it in college. I had read Austen’s other works well before then, but I didn’t read “Persuasion” until a snowy day when I had nothing else to do. I’m glad I waited. I love “Pride and Prejudice,” I respect “Emma” and “Northanger Abbey,” but “Persuasion” beautifully describes living with regret and overcoming it to find happiness. It explores loving, mourning that love, and learning to love as a new person who has experienced that pain. It also shows the contrast between the gentry and those who work, with exquisitely written adult friendships that exist beyond aristocratic connections and money.

How does your story interpret Austen’s?
Much of “Persuasion” explores loyalty and regret, in addition to Austen’s more consistent themes of class hierarchy, family drama, romantic love, and a woman finding her place in the world. I directly discuss these elements in “The States,” but I chose to give Tildy a more direct hand in her isolation. In “Persuasion,” Anne refuses to fight for herself for much of the story, but you do get the sense she and Wentworth had a lot to lose by chasing their love. His career, her place in society and her inheritance were at stake. However, modern society gives women more freedom. A modern-day Anne could have pursued Wentworth, and his career wouldn’t have suffered. When I wrote “The States,” I had to decide – why didn’t Tildy pursue Aidan? It had to be a cage of her own making. From there, I added in my science-fiction element of the dream experiment as a way for her to create a dream world to shun the real one.

I also expanded the story to discuss her mother. I think Austen deliberately made Lady Elliot a distant, beloved figure. We learn very little about her and that makes her compelling. In “The States,” I wanted to explore Tildy’s maternal side. Her mother, her nana, her mother’s origins. I always felt, maybe incorrectly, that many of the negative events in Persuasion wouldn’t have happened had Lady Elliot lived. I couldn’t resist bringing a character with that power more forward in my retelling. 

What was Tildy’s relationship with Aidan and why did it have to end?
Tildy and Aidan met as teenagers. Over summers together, when Tildy would visit her nana in the Galway Gaeltacht, an Irish speaking area just beyond Galway City. Their friendship quickly turned to love. Tildy promised to come back and stay, and build a life with him. But her life fell apart. Out of familial obligation, she left Aidan behind and stayed in Manhattan with her father, sisters, and the family cosmetics empire. 8 years later, Aidan is wealthy. A famous chef, handsome, and beloved by his friends. Tildy is the black sheep of her family, though she feels obligated to support them. Her father’s business is failing, her family is oblivious to imminent ruin, and Tildy dreams of returning to before her fateful choice. When they meet again, he resents her for the heartbreak but knows her better than any person in the world, as well as she knows him.


I read that this was first written during NaNoWriMo. How did it grow to the finished product?
It started out as a fun little distraction from my much darker novel, “The Control Problem.” I wrote about longing for Ireland, for my grandmother, in the guise of a love story between an Irish man and a first-generation Irish-American. By the end of the month, I hit the word count and set it aside, promising myself to turn it into something someday. “The Control Problem” was released at the end of 2021, so I switched back to my Irish-American love story with fresh eyes. And I realized what was best about it really made it a rough draft of a “Persuasion” retelling. I gave it a few days, primarily to feel sorry for myself that I can’t write an original love story! Then, I decided to do the hard work of making it an honest retelling. I spent a month re-reading “Persuasion,” marking up a paperback copy I bought for the purpose, as well as listening to the audiobook and watching (most) of the movies and miniseries adaptations.

I had a lot of fun weaving in details from “Persuasion” into “The States,” particularly during the scenes with Tildy’s father and sisters. With the additional material of Tildy’s mother and nana, I think it grew into a novel that stands on its own, while still being a faithful retelling.


Why did you choose a sleep study to be used in the story?
I’m fascinated by our relationships and dependencies on technology, whether from the perspective of a scientist, a user, or a research subject. I had a dream machine idea earlier in my career, but it wasn’t strong enough to support a full story. When I realized this was going to be a novel about Tildy’s internal desires versus her lived reality, I decided to use that dream machine idea now.

When I had made that decision, I got in touch with the brilliant cognitive neuroscientist Delphine Oudiette from Northwestern University. She graciously helped me understand how lucid dreaming could be initiated by an external device, the flaws in existent technology, and I tried to incorporate as much of that information into the novel as I could.

It’s an unlikely love story with Maria Guglielmo’s new book

Author Maria Guglielmo was last on the show some years back for her debut book, “Summoned,” and since then, she’s been up to quite a bit, including debuting her new “Riftworld” series with “Witch City Rift” and “Rifted Hearts,” which drops on March 19.

Curtis and I talk with Maria about this new series and what went into building the world behind it. We do a deep dive into her main character, Remi Gatti, a con man who seems to find himself in over his head in both stories. 

We look at his power to manipulate sexual desire and the role this plays in the story, as well as the mystical realm that extends into Boston and Salem.

There’s a mysterious figure called The Matchmaker in both books and we talk about just who this person is and how they’re influencing the tale.

Being in front of and behind the camera with Tonya Todd

For my next guest, between all she does on set, behind the camera and behind the mic, I’m glad she found the time to talk with me. This episode features Las Vegas-based actress, podcaster and writer Tonya Todd.

Tonya and I dive into her various projects, starting with her work on the series “Dark Ops,” which is on Knight TV+. Dark Ops follows the inner workings of the FBI's Behavior Analysis Unit 2 whose mission is to hunt down and dismantle ransomware crime syndicates global and we take a close look at Tonya’s character Senator Anne. This is a part she had little time to prepare for, and we talk about how she got into character, as well as the ways that she made Senator Anne her own.

Tonya is also working on the short film “Mourning Sacrifice,” wherein a detective helps a woman find her missing husband. This film is Tonya’s directorial debut, and it’s also based on a short story she wrote. She shares the casting process, how the characters changed the story, as well as being in the big chair for the first time.

Citywide Comic Spotlight: Reveal Out!

Creator: Treasure

Assisted By: Hinahina Gray and Caribo

Publisher: Webtoon

Ever wish you could go back and live those milestone years of your youth all over again? This amazing Webtoon series gives the main character Eeden the chance to do just that, and the results are a blend of hilarious and deeply emotional.

Eeden is living a life with a fair amount of regret—her art career is going nowhere, she’s been evicted from her apartment, and the woman she loves doesn’t even know it. Eeden is clearly hurting, and along with her choices, it seem a lot of that stems from her father, who never accepted that his daughter is gay. Long story short—nothing is going right.

All that changes when Eeden wakes up one morning to find herself years in the past—all the way to her first days of college. All of a sudden, she has the perfect chance to do things all over again, and do them right! But can things work out, even knowing how it all goes?

It’s the story that really captured my interest. When I found this series, it was five episodes in, and before I knew it I had read them all. That’s how much I was drawn in. Eeden’s character really captures that desire for a ‘do-over.’ I think we’ve all been there, and I found myself reflected in her desire for a second chance.

Art-wise, I really dig the style. Given that Eeden is an artist herself, I saw the technique as someone inspired by the greats, but eager to put their own twist on things. Above all else, the method of conveying emotion is really on point.

This story brings a lot of depth, emotion, and the twists keep you waiting for the new episode. Highly recommended.

The heroic (and steamy) world of Ryder O’Malley

You’ve toured the world of superheroes in author Ryder O’Malley’s Heroes of Vanguard series. Now, it’s time for something a little bit darker.

This writer (whom I have never spoken to before, honest!) used his love of comics to craft a M/M romance series, now four books long. On Sept. 14, Ryder debuts the Villains of Vanguard with the first installment, “Corrupted Desire.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:

The world is going to burn, and I’m the one holding the match.

Prison hardens a man. Even worse, my ex testified against me in court. Ten years into my sentence and the inmates of Cold Iron fear me. It’s lonely, but it’s the price of survival. This isn’t the place to think about friends, let alone a relationship.

When Vanguard needs a criminal with my fiery skills, my time in the slammer is cut short. To keep my freedom, I only have to put down a Southland’s newest king pin. It’d be easy if the local do-gooder stopped interfering. Gallant won’t be the reason I get locked up again. If he wasn’t smoking hot, I’d crush him. On second thought, maybe he needs a pounding.

The heroes are playing with fire, but I’m not the one about to get burned.

Ryder and I dive right in, starting with the origins for this series and the climactic battle of shifting from his previous work to the world of romance. He takes us on a journey through the process of how romances are written (and Hallmark movies too, apparently) and the unique style he’s going for. We even get treated to a brief excerpt from the writer himself!

Buckle up folks, this one’s gonna be epic.

“Plus 1s” has its big debut before a sold-out crowd!

The crew from the romantic comedy “Plus 1s” is back on the show, but this time it’s a few new faces. Producers Kimmie Johnson, Emily Baeza and Aries Fung join me to talk about the film’s debut as part of the recent Roxbury International Film Festival before a sold-out audience. The producers and I talk about the experience and what the fans wanted to know.

Kimmie, Emily and Aries’ roles went well beyond being producers and we talk about the different challenges they took on during the filming. Trust me when I say they had a lot to deal with, but took it on with their diverse film backgrounds. They also share what about the movie made them say “I want in.”

“Let’s Play” jumps into the videogame world with “Everdate”

I’ve been a longtime fan of the webcomic “Let’s Play,” so when I heard that it was being adapted into a dating game called “Everdate,” I had to learn more. 

Series creator Mongie (Leeanne Krecic) and I talk about how the goal of getting into gaming and working with Always Imagine to make it happen. We dive into how the game will be played and the creative approach they’ve taken.

Players will be able to play as one of 12 canonical characters and interact with other characters throughout the world. 

This game mode will be handled like most popular dating simulation games, with information shared between characters that may be vital in contributing to a successful date. Fans of the series will love getting to spend more time with their favorite characters, and we look at how their different personalities come through.

There’s a Kickstarter going on until March 16, and Mongie shares the different tiers, how it feels to well exceed the original goal and how this success will impact the final product.

  

Citywide Comic Spotlight: Night Owls and Summer Skies

Author: Rebecca Sullivan (Twitter/Instagram)

Illustrator: TIKKLIL  (Twitter/Instagram)

Publisher: WEBTOON


Based on a book of the same name, I was quickly drawn in through main character Emma Jane, who’s left at Camp Mapplewood for the summer by her mom. Determined to get kicked out (through some hilarious plans), things change when she meets Assistant Camp Counselor Vivian Black, with whom she forms an unexpected bond.

The story, written by Rebecca Sullivan, has a mellow pace, which ties in well with the summer season. At the same time, there’s a lot to unpack and I found myself relating to some of the challenges. Emma, Vivian, and the rest of the cast all have a role, whether it’s goofy counselor, unexpected friend, or camp bully. It’s all realistic and I find myself choosing favorites pretty quickly. There’s some great hints as to different aspects of the characters’ lives and I hope we learn more as the story continues.

The artwork of TIKKLIL is really beautiful. Like the story, it’s got a chill vibe and the coloring is on point. Scenes are skillfully set, and the diversity of thought comes through with the characters.

This webcomic came up as a recommendation and I’m glad I decided to check it out. It’s a great read for those looking for an exciting, at times intense, love story.

Jarreau Williams shares a chance encounter in his new single

Ever had a random meeting with someone that stuck with you long after it was done? Jarreau Williams has, and it was such an inspirational moment that it wound up being the subject of his new single, “Cherry.”

This high-energy dance-able song shares the story of how he was approached by a woman in the bar of a Baltimore restaurant. She was waiting for some friends, and the two struck up a conversation, but she left before he could even get her name. See, “Cherry” isn’t just the song’s title, it’s a sort of code for this interesting person.

We talk all about the story behind the song, plus working with Virginia-based producer Austin Bello, whom Jarreau collaborated last year for “All The Cards.” Jarreau has a great show lined up for the single release, and we give you all necessary details if you happen to be in the D.C. area.

Plus after we’re done, give the new track a listen—and maybe you’ll have your own memorable meetup.

Bri Oglu explores the slow side of love in debut single

 Pop artist Bri Oglu's debut single “Slowly” is set to drop on Thursday, Aug. 25. The first off of her upcoming EP “Somewhere Else,” the song explores the moments following a confession of romance to a long-time friend with themes of love, potential loss, and facing the unknown.

To fine the new song on Spotify or Apple, click here.


Your new single “Slowly” is based on what happens after a confession of romance to a longtime friend. What's the reason for this theme?
“Slowly” was very much based on personal experience. I had just professed my feelings to a close friend and was in the period of (torturous) suspense before his response. I remember feeling like I was free-falling but finding a strange comfort in it because I was still living in the possibility of him feeling the same way. It was a unique blend of emotions that I hadn’t quite experienced before and it inspired me to write.

What happens to the people that the song is about?
I ended up getting exactly what I asked for in my lyrics: he responded slowly. A year later in fact. We got together, the song found its voice and he ended up producing the track written about him (and killing it). It was a wild full circle experience.

Is there a message you hope people take from listening to “Slowly”?
Yes! Take more risks. “Slowly” is ultimately about facing the anxieties that come up when we choose to brave the unknown.

Can you tell us more about the upcoming EP?
My EP “Somewhere Else” is set to be released at the end of the year. It’s a collection of 6 tracks—3 originals and 3 covers. It was co-written and produced by artist/producer Will Snyder, mixed by Ben Burget and Tim Latham, and mastered by Sterling Sound. It’s my debut as an artist.

What led you to pursue music as a career?
I was lucky in that I always knew I was a performer and that I wanted to pursue it in some capacity. I joined theatre as a kid and ended up moving to LA to act initially but ended up booking way more as a musician and went with it.

Given that you're just starting as a musician, do you plan to explore different styles or genres?
Yes, definitely. I love pop, but I also sing jazz, rock and soul. I plan on implementing elements of all three on my next project.


Artist info
Website: www.brioglu.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brioglu/