

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION The inspiration behind "Veil of Secrecy" Researching her subject and the level of detail involved Margaret's writing journey - from poet to novelist Personal interests outside of writing A bit of insight into her next project Margaret's advice to emerging authors


Steve Bassett was born, raised and educated in New Jersey, and, although far removed during a career as a multiple award-winning journalist, he has always been proud of the sobriquet, Jersey Guy. He has written for several publications, including the Pulitzer Prize winning Salt Lake Tribune. He’s worked for the Associated Press, where his exposés gained national recognition, and CBS television news in Los Angeles, earning three Emmy Awards for his investigative documentaries. His book, “Golden Ghetto: How the Americans and French Fell In and Out of Love During the Cold War,” was published in 2013. “Father Divine’s Bikes,” Book One in his Passaic River Trilogy was published in 2018. “Payback: Tales of Love, Hate and Revenge,” is the second novel in the trilogy continuing the historical noir crime drama surrounding Newark, NJ in the post WWII era. For more information about Steve Bassett and his books, visit his website at http://www.stevebassettworld.com. Topics of Conversation: About “Payback – Tales of Love, Hate, and Revenge” and the Inspiration Behind the Story The German-American Bund and the Minutemen Redlining then and now – and other parallels in the story to current events Personal Interest – on owning a 600 year-old property in Central France and the differences between French and American Culture


Steve Bassett was born, raised and educated in New Jersey, and, although far removed during a career as a multiple award-winning journalist, he has always been proud of the sobriquet Jersey Guy. As a natural iconoclast, he joined the dwindling number of itinerant newsmen roaming the countryside in search of, well just about everything. He is an award-winning journalist and writer and has written for several publications including The Long Branch Daily in New Jersey, the Pekin Daily Times, and the Pulitzer Prize winning Salt Lake Tribune. He’s worked for the Associated Press, where his exposés gained national recognition, and CBS television news in Los Angeles, earning three Emmy Awards for his investigative documentaries. His book, “Golden Ghetto: How the Americans and French Fell In and Out of Love During the Cold War,” was published in 2013. “Father Divine’s Bikes,” is his first work of fiction, a historical, noir crime novel set in 1945 Newark. Bassett currently resides in Placitas, New Mexico with his wife Darlene Chandler Bassett.


Lucinda Clark is the Founder of P.R.A. Publishing and the Poetry Matters Project Ltd. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. now residing in Georgia. She has written and published a four-part poetry series titled View From the Middle of the Road with various emerging writers from many areas of the arts. She is currently a contributor to the Accentuated Reading Project. Her mission is to build community connections through collaborations based on literary arts. Topics of Conversation: History of the Poetry Matters Project Poetry Matters Project Literary Prize – 20 Year Anniversary Where are they now? Update on some of the past contest winners. Getting involved – as a contestant, judge or volunteer Poetry Diversified 2019 Anthology Poetry Readings by Lucinda Clark


Michael McCord, the former political editor and columnist for The Portsmouth (NH) Herald, is an award-winning journalist and writer. A U.S. Army veteran, he covered his first presidential primary campaign in 1980 and has written for dozens of publications – including the Boston Globe Magazine, Boston Globe, New Hampshire Business Review, Boston Herald, New Hampshire Magazine – and has won New England & New Hampshire press association awards for investigative reporting, political commentary, feature and historical writing, and business journalism. Among many adventures, he profiled James Dougherty, Marilyn Monroe’s mostly unknown unknown first husband, for Boston Globe Magazine. He also co-wrote the produced theatrical play “think twice before you think” about the life and writings of e e cummings. His essay on the history of the New Hampshire presidential primary was included in the 2008 analogy The American Presidency. His Real America saga includes The Execution Channel: A Political Fable (2013) & End Times: More Great Adventures in Real America (2019). Penelope will be the final book in the trilogy. He lives in Exeter, NH with his artist wife Anne and their cat Vito (the Twitter star of the family). Topics of Conversation: A vision of “Real America” How the Real America in the book compares to the current political climate in the U.S. Satire – a fun book to write How the Information Warfare plot plays out Promoting and Self-Publishing and more!


Topics of Conversation: Introducing a world of adventure through extraordinary animals and locations Encouraging outdoor adventures Characters who use their own skills and imagination to invent and solve problems Storytelling and instilling hope The Publishing Industry vs. The Gaming Industry


Topics of Conversation A young woman’s sexual awakening. America’s infatuation with the Kennedy’s Researching historical figures The power of language Susan’s current project – a mystery/thriller based on a true story! Advice for emerging authors


Topics of Conversation: Artemisia Gentileschi’s influence on the art world and her relevance to today’s women Italy – its history and beauty A common theme connecting all of her books Incorporating history into historical fiction Artistic expression Advice for emerging authors


Topics of Conversation: What is dirty science? Which areas of research are being targeted? The spiritual and the psychic How to recognize unscientific methods and educating the public Getting the word out - read the first chapter


Topics of Conversation Writing her memoir The different forms of abuse and how to recognize it Consequences of abuse Healing Helping Others Inspiration


Topics of Conversation: Writing Poetry Inspiration League of Canadian Poets Songwriting and Photography Poetry Readings from Vice and Virtue


Topics of Conversation: Story inspiration The process of writing and research about Syria and its people Worldly travels – 37 countries for business and pleasure Working in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, Yemen and Djibouti. Writing and upcoming projects Advice for emerging authors


Topics of Conversation: Writing to show kids they have a voice Relatable Characters Working with an illustrator About the publishing journey Writing and upcoming projects Advice for emerging picture book authors


Topics of Conversation: The art of writing Writing in different genres: Poetry, Memoir, Thriller, Children’s Books His experience as an Olympian Research and Russia Poetry readings from his new collection, Extinction


Topics of Conversation: Why it’s so important to take a 15 minute pause How can we re-energize? Life Energy Inventory The Meddler vs. The Player Feet on the Ground Challenge Personalogy Games


Topics of conversation: Writing Humor How to make even the most mundane topics funny Humor that's relatable and diverse Making people laugh out loud Who makes Don laugh? Evolving and growing as a writer Advice to aspiring authors


Topics of conversation: On becoming a writer and the writing process A company built on determination and excellence Marketing CAN Fund www.canadianathletesnow.ca Hobbies and Interests Endeavour Volunteer Consulting www.endeavourvolunteer.ca Advice to aspiring authors


Topics of conversation: Writing murder mysteries Cosmo – her African Grey Parrot – we’ll hear some of Cosmo’s thoughts as well! Hobbies and Interests Writing what you want to learn about


Topics of conversation: The Sino-US trade war: What will happen over the coming months? Is China running out of bullets? What should American companies do? Intellectual property theft The most difficult aspects about doing business in China Predictions about China Hobbies and Interests Personal story about travels to China


Topics of conversation: Writing and Illustrating Children's Books Research and Travel for the Perfect Setting Representation of Arab Women and Children in Literature Frida Khalo Hobbies and Interests Campaign of Giving


Topics of conversation: Writing Fiction vs. Memoir Eva Gunther Foundation (www.evafoundation.org) Personal Judaism Long Distance Bicycling and Other Interests Advice to Aspiring Authors


Topics of conversation: Writing Poetry Her Children's Books and Plays Travel Poetry Readings from "A Penny for Your Thoughts" Grandfather Clock I Think of You Winter's Nuptials Frozen Wasteland Teasers from "A Dime is a Sign" A Dime is a Sign Through Time When I Open My Eyes


Topics of conversation: Memoir writing as healing How becoming a parent enhanced her skills as a therapist Forgiveness - is it necessary to forgive in order to heal? Human Connectedness Narcissism in today’s world


Topics of conversation: How his sense of humor comes through in his writing style Humorous stories about some of the people he's met on and off the golf course Life in the Army and meeting interesting characters from all over the world Marketing, book promotion and his next projects Advice to aspiring authors


Topics of conversation: Writing from the Perspective of a Teen/YA Everything is a Field for Possible use in Writing Developing your Characters Using an Outline Hobbies – Building Ships in Bottles, Fixing and Building Things, etc.


Author of Tears Before Exaltation Topics of conversation: Passion for Writing Spirituality in Life and in Writing The Greatest Gift Upcoming Projects Advice to New Authors


Topics of conversation: Isabella de Medici Research for the book in Arezzo, Italy Giostra del Saracino - Annual Jousting Festival held in Arezzo Suppression of Artists and Hitler's Obsession during WWII Melissa's Writing Process Her Award Winning Italian Language Blog and Immersion Trips to Italy Most Rewarding Experience as an Author


Topics of conversation: Her inspiration to start writing Pediatrics as a career Finding balance in a busy world Learning about life from living in 3 different continents United Nations SDG Media Zone event Her writing process and publishing experience


Topics of conversation: Writing Mystery/Thrillers in Retirement Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Writing European Soccer Future Projects Publishing Experience and Advice to New Authors


Topics of conversation: Writing Across Different Genres Soulful Giving Foundation Annual Family Photo Upcoming Projects Her Unique Writing Process