Inside Scoop Live!

Soulful Return: A Conversation with Author Fidelis Mkparu

FIdelis O. Mkparu is a Nigerian immigrant to the US, and in this novel, he sets out to speak to his experiences and those of his fellow immigrants.
He is a professor of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University and a senior attending cardiologist at Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio. Previously, he was a Spaulding fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School. His preceding novels include Love’s Affliction and Tears Before Exaltation (Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Awards Winner, Literary & Contemporary Fiction 2018). 
To learn more about Fidelis Mkparu and his work visit his website at https://fidelismkparu.com.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
About Soulful Return and the inspiration behind the story/
Writing a fictional accounting versus a memoir or biography
Reconnecting with his family, homeland and soul
The struggle of immigrants
Growth as a writer
What's next for Fidelis Mkparu?
SOULFUL RETURN
Amazon synopsis: "The hounding voice inside me would not let go."Thus begins the emotional journey of Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku a Harvard-trained medical doctor with a career most can only dream of, a loving wife, and supportive family. Then, after he receives a telephone call from his sister who lives in Nigeria that her life is being threatened.Left with no other fair choice, Afam leaves behind his family, throwing his marriage into turmoil and risking the life he has built in Boston. Instead of the Nigeria that he loves, that he needs, he finds a land and people he barely recognizes waiting for him. Afam decides to stay but realizes that his future in Nigeria is as murky as the River-Niger after a torrential tropical rainfall.As Afam sets out on a journey to reconnect with the family and heritage that he left behind, he must face new enemies in an increasingly corrupt Nigeria where many people see him as an American intruder. And through it all, he must fight to keep his family together—and alive.
CONNECT WITH FIDELIS MKPARU:
Website: https://fidelismkparu.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fidelis.mkparu
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fidelismkparu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fidelis-mkparu-md-facc-fase-fasnc-58545938/ 

”Unfair Discrimination” An Interview with Mark Shaiken

Mark Shaiken lives with his wife Loren and their dog Emily in Denver, CO. He schooled at Haverford College and Washburn University, and practiced commercial bankruptcy law for several decades before moving on in 2019 to write, volunteer and play music.
Mark has written three legal thrillers to date: Fresh Start, Automatic Stay and Unfair Discrimination. Before getting into fiction, he wrote And . . Just Like That - essays on a life before, during, and after the law. Mark is currently working on his next book in his legal mystery series, titled Cram Down.
You can learn more about mark and his work at markshaikenauthor.com
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About Unfair Discrimination and the inspiration behind the story
Protagonists 3J and Pascale and the dynamics of their relationship
Research around the Civil War and how it ties to the antagonist and his white nationalism ancestry
Balancing bankruptcy terminology with a captivating storyline
Mark's writing process and how he's grown as a novelist
What's next for the series?
UNFAIR DISCRIMINATION
Amazon Blurb: A committee of creditors hires 3J, one of whom is the leader of a White Nationalist organization on the government’s domestic terrorist list. When the member realizes he will not get paid back everything he is owed, he blames 3J, a black attorney, and opposing counsel, a Jewish attorney. How far will the hater go to get paid back and what steps will he take to do so in the name of White Nationalism?
CONNECT WITH MARK SHAIKEN!
Website: http://markshaikenauthor.com 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-shaiken-author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Shaiken-Author/100070831924501/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkShaiken 
Check out the trailer for Unfair Discrimination
https://youtu.be/TK0yh8f3eAE 
 

The American Outsider: A Conversation with the Author: Homa Pourasgari

MEET THE AUTHOR
Born in Tehran, Iran, Homa Pourasgari spent hours in her father’s home office, writing, reading and letting her imagination carry her to unseen worlds. She moved to Los Angeles, California at a young age. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in business, she went to Paris for a year to study literature at the Sorbonne. Before becoming a fulltime writer, she ran her own boutique, worked at a bank and a CPA firm, was a personal trainer and even taught spinning and cardio kickboxing. When she is not writing, she is stumbling, miming and pointing to find her way in a foreign country. Her latest novel, The American Outsider, is based on her travels in Japan.
Learn more about Homa Pourasgari and her work at https://www.homapourasgari.com/ and https://www.theamericanoutsider.com/ 
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Inspiration behind The American Outsider
The plight of the dolphin and advocating for the species
Japanese Culture and the research involved in writing the story
Elements of importance - reader take-aways about other cultures, human and non-human rights
Book launch mid-January 2023
THE AMERICAN OUTSIDER
Summary from the webite:​​​
“She had gone to Taiji to help save the dolphins; in the end, it was the dolphins who had saved her.”​
Tessa Walker is a veterinarian with a strong, emotional connection to animals. As a teen, she witnessed the brutal slaughter of dolphins, and as an adult, she decides to do something about it. She leaves her home in Los Angeles and travels to Japan to speak out for them, but little does she know that she is embarking on an adventure that will change her life forever. From the urban metropolis of Tokyo to the historic Kyoto to the culinary city of Osaka, and the seaside town of Taiji, Tessa is determined to help Japanese activists stand up for her beloved mammals.​
Along the way, the friendships and bonds that she builds with people in Japan, and the unconditional love of a stranger named Toshiro, open her eyes to a complicated society of conventions and traditions. Yet, her limited knowledge of the language and customs doesn’t deter her from taking on a dangerous mission that could land her in jail.
CONNECT WITH HOMA POURASGARI
Website: https://www.theamericanoutsider.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/homapourasgariFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/homa.pourasgari/
Read our review of The American Outsider

The Astrology of 2023: Traversing the Bridge - An Interview with Gahl Sasson

Gahl Sasson is an established author and has been teaching workshops on Storytelling, Kabbalah, Astrology, and Mysticism around the globe for over 20 years. His first book, A Wish Can Change Your Life, has been translated into over eight languages and is endorsed by HH the 14th Dalai Lama. His second work, Cosmic Navigator, is the essential reference guide to understanding your astrological makeup. Since 2018 Gahl has been publishing a yearly bestselling book on the astrology of the upcoming year.
He is a contributor to the Huffington Post, and Astrology.com, and has been named "Los Angeles' Best Astrologer" by W Magazine. He is a guest lecturer at USC, Tel Aviv University, and teaches at Esalen, Omega Institute, University of Judaism, and the Open Center in NYC. He has appeared on CNN, ABC News, KTLA-TV Los Angeles to name a few. His academic paper, Symbolic Meaning of Names in the Bible was published by the Journal of Storytelling, Self, & Society. He currently resides in Los Angeles but gives seminars and workshops regularly in over 13 countries.
His website is www.CosmicNavigator.com and has a podcast – the Cosmic Navigator Astrology Show.
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
His journey to becoming the Cosmic Navigator
About The Astrology of 2023 and the significance of Traversing the Bridge
Who will benefit from reading this book?
Basic knowledge points about Astrology for those interested in learning more
Key dates in 2023
How The Astrology of 2023: Traversing the Bridge stands apart from other books on Astrology
 
THE ASTROLOGY OF 2023: TRAVERSING THE BRIDGE
Prepare for and plan the next 12 months with this essential astrological guide written by The Cosmic Navigator, Gahl E. Sasson. The 2023 Manual combines Kabbalah, Astrology, Tarot, history, and Mythology. The first part of the book provides a list of important dates for each month. The second part details the major astrological trends of the year 2023, while the third section lays out a month to month forecast for each zodiac sign. What days are good for finance? Which dates are auspicious for love and relationships? When should you pay attention to your health or start a diet? When will Mercury retrograde? When are the eclipses and what do they mean for each sign? How to manifest your New Year's resolution? Why is the numerology of 2023 lucky 7? What does it mean that Pluto moves into Aquarius for the first time since the French Revolution? Get your guide to the stars to help you navigate the Astrology of 2023.
 
CONNECT WITH GAHL SASSON!
Website: https://cosmicnavigator.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmic_navigator/ 
Links to Webinars, Live Events and Free Goodies: https://linktr.ee/cosmic_navigator 

A Collection of Tiny Stories - An Interview with CK Sobey

CK Sobey (known as Kas to her friends) continues to live a life of curiosity. She considers herself to be a seeker, an explorer. Her many ventures in life attest to this. In her earlier years, she studied singing and theater. Kas is a trained mediator and worked in the San Diego dispute resolution department. She also worked in the corporate world for almost thirty years. As a once active spiritual practitioner, she later became a certified hypnotherapist, bringing a deeper understanding of the inner, subconscious mind to others. She has facilitated groups in a variety of subjects and a practice called SoulCollage® for years.
When CK is not writing or in her studio creating something that has caught her attention, we can find her in her kitchen cooking and savoring a dish with a blend of aromas wafting about or somewhere on one of her trails, waving.
A Collection of Tiny Stories, Diminutive Tales from the Tip of My Imagination is her third published book.
To learn more about Kas and her other works, visit https://innerharvesting.com/
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About A Collection of Tiny Stories 
Inspiration for writing the collection and her writing style
Writing short stories
Creativity that knows no bounds - from writing to art
The importance of a writing community
A reading from A Collection of Tiny Stories
A COLLECTION OF TINY STORIES, DIMINUITIVE TALES FROM THE TIP OF MY IMAGINATION
This collection of Tiny Stories is an assortment of tiny, brief stories that were born out of moments of whimsy, mystery, and longing. I believe in the indefatigable powers of imagination. I do my best to widen my imaginative lens of what I can create in any genre, recipe, or seeking a solution to a problem. The list goes on and on. It is what gets me out of bed in the morning. What will the day bring? Not every day is an explosive revelation, with my muses rambling around, whispering to me of some plan. I do my best to find peace and calm, even in moments. When I find these moments, they are the sweetness between the flow of found ideas. The quiet space is what I need to receive. I honor this time to allow the ideas to take shape, to grow. I love pictures as well. They have their own story to tell. As prompts I become turned on to a story, musing or something new coming all together. I hope you enjoy my visual stories as well. They were created for these stories.
 
CONNECT WITH CK (Kas) SOBEY!
Website: https://innerharvesting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnerHarvestKSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerharvesting/Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/C.K.-Sobey/e/B08174ZZKGGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13836875.CK_Sobey

Christmas Sunrise - An Interview with Calvin James

Calvin James was promoted to DAD in 2017. After the birth of his son he tried to thing of ways to educate him about life and the ever-changing world. Out of this desire his company, CALVIN JAMES CREATES was born.
The mission statement of CALVIN JAMES CREATES is to share children’s stories, novels, and music that promote the values of truth, kindness, friendship, love, and hope. 
His first book, The Colored Water Fountain was released in December 2021. The second book in his children’s book series, Christmas Sunrise will be released in December 2022.
To learn more about Calvin James and his work visit calvinjamescreates.com.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About Christmas Sunrise and writing a holiday book
Inspiration behind the stories in Christmas Sunrise
Working with illustrator Jordan Pizzuti to bring the story to life
A bit about Calvin's upcoming works
A reading from Christmas Sunrise
CHRISTMAS SUNRISE
As the holidays approach, a grandmother recalls her youth and all that she loves about the holidays. Hoping that it will snow for a White Christmas, the excitement she feels on Christmas Eve, and her favorite part, having her family and loved ones with her on Christmas Day.
 CONNECT WITH DR. CALVIN JAMES!
 Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CalvinJamesCreates
Twitter @CalJamesCreates
 YouTube Channel: Calvin James Creates
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvinjamescreates/

Ice Dance - An Interview with Author Vik Azeem

Vik Azeem grew up in the Northern Virginia area and currently resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He's been writing stories since the age of twelve and has a deep love for stories and movies in general. Ice Dance is his 4th novel. He's previously published the books Soul Half Empty, Algebra and Demons, and Quixotic.
When he's not writing, he's working on his movie review podcast, The Movie Fellas, which is also available on all podcast platforms.
For more information about Vik and his work visit his website at www.vikazeem.com
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
The author's journey
About Ice Dance and the inspiration behind the story
Writing Fantasy
Using humor and unique characters to drive his fantasy
Creative and other interests
What's next for Vik Azeem?
 
ICE DANCE
Hassan is a Pakistani-American conflicted between pursuing his creative passions and fitting in with his culture. He's also unemployed and days away from being evicted. Then he meets Yasmine, a mysterious bar-hopper with a keen interest in psychology. As enigmatic as she is, Hassan is enthralled with her.He soon learns Yasmine has a dark secret that will put both their lives at risk. As the night of New Year’s Eve unravels, he's introduced to a world of magic, portals, wise-cracking trolls, and dangerous enemies beyond his wildest fears. The only question is, will he survive to see the new year? Ice Dance is a comedic urban fantasy inspired by swashbuckling adventures of the past.
 
CONNECT WITH VIK AZEEM!
Website:  www.vikazeem.comTwitter: @vikazeemInstagram: thevikazeem
 

Perpetual Gloom: An Interview with Shelah Johnson and JR Santana

Shelah Johnson is the recipient of 9 awards from The Society for Technical Communication and is also a published photographer and has produced and directed more than 40 lifestyle broadcast segments focused on eco and small space living. She directed, produced, and is the co-creator of the documentary series, Where Small Business Grows (Amazon Prime). Shelah lives a life of voluntary simplicity, where she makes a mid-century modern Airstream her home on an island in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys kayaking and traveling across the country and around the world.
 
J R Santana is an award-winning Screenwriter and Producer. With over three decades of experience working in Hollywood and Europe, JR has been involved in productions ranging from $1m - $25m, all with an A-list cast. As a Screenwriter, he has won the Kodak Award for Outstanding Cinematic Achievement, the Turner Classic Movies Prize, Best Film at the Interfilm Berlin Film Festival as well as being nominated for two consecutive BAFTA Awards. He also holds a Master’s degree from Cambridge University. When not working, JR spends his free time riding his vintage British motorcycle, competing in International Long Range Match Rifle competitions and penning his debut novel.
For more information about Shelah Johnson, JR Santana and their work visit www.theboloneytrail.com 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
About The Boloney Trail Trilogy and the historical era
Parallels to Today's Society
Progression from a novel to the screen through their partnership
Marketability, casting hopefuls and the next steps
Audio book production
What's next with the project?
PERPETUAL GLOOM
Based on true events, Perpetual Gloom is the first installation of The Boloney Trail trilogy. The story begins in the eye of the Great Depression, which left thousands dead or destitute, one family, the Hornbecks, finds a way to survive the storm by serving both the Devil and the Lord in a nomadic life along a perilous trail leading them out of their beloved South and into the dank logging camps of the Pacific Northwest.
CONNECT WITH SHELAH JOHNSON AND JR SANTANA
WEBSITE: https://theboloneytrail.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoloneyTrail/ 
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theboloneytrailofficial/