Inspire the Muse

Author: Fred Van Lente Where to find him: Twitter Published: 2018 Publisher: Quirk Press Where to purchase:  $14.99: Amazon; Books-A-Million; Barnes & Noble;

I picked up a copy of The Con Artist by Fred Van Lente while at BookExpo 2018. It was one of my first ARCs of the event this year; where I was intrigued by the cover art, and later by the premise. While reading in between data uploads and downloads during my work week, I was pulled into the exciting melodrama that is murder within a convention atmosphere. The pacing was as electric as a full-scale convention is. And the who-dun-it twists of just who-dun-what were a pleasant change from where I thought the storyline was going.

The Con Artist is an engaging thrill ride through comic-con, with life-altering stakes, and some very satisfying punches. Well worth a read if you’re a con-goer, artist, or general appreciator of who-dun-its.

Courtesy of the back cover: Comic book artist Mike Mason arrives at San Diego comic-Con, seeking sanctuary with other fans and creators–and maybe a chance to reunite with his ex–but when his romantic rival is found murdered, Mike becomes the prime suspect. To clear his name, he’ll have to navigate every corner of the con, from zombie obstacle courses and cosplay flash mobs to intrusive fans and obsessive collectors, as he unravels a dark secret behind one of the industry’s most legendary creators. Along the way he’s sketching everything he sees…This illustrated mystery will appeal to comic book fans and anyone who appreciates an unconventional whodunit.

Charles sits down with author and filmmaker Miranda Spigener-Sapon and talk about her upcoming book and television series, and the creative process and history behind them.

Charles speaks with author and psychologist Gunter Swoboda about his upcoming books and the creative process behind them.

In Episode 51 of the Sparks to Life Podcast, we talk to several authors about their respective creative processes. Join us as Inspire the Muse talks to Gena Ervin, Molly Burton, and Maureen Sangiorgio.

Author: Gena Ervin Book: The Legend of the Originators Summary: 

Discover an exciting new fantasy adventure that’s sure to captivate readers around the world. All Hadrien wanted was to grow up in a happy home life, but what he got was abuse and fear. When he runs away from home, he’s discovered and taken in by Arnolis, a powerful warrior with a magic of his own. Hadrien can feel the magic all around him, a power that can destroy them all, and he’s losing control. Darkness looms over the land of Niifinder, a darkness that’s been on the rise for years.

It’s a world where magic is both desired and feared, a world where magical creatures are hunted for their abilities. There are some who are willing to kill for such magic, a power like the one Hadrien possesses. A captivating coming of age story of a boy and his incredibly large dog will take readers on an amazing journey that lovers of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones will thoroughly enjoy. Readers will be entranced by Hadrien’s character as they watch his story unfold in fun and sometimes terrifying ways.

Published: August 15, 2018 Publisher: Waldorf Publishing Where to purchase: Waldorf

Author: Molly Burton Book: The Miracles of the Human Touch Summary: 

This little book celebrates some of the millions of ways we touch each other’s souls through the five senses of our physical bodies, and that special something, sometimes called the sixth sense, or intuition. Touch is essential to our lives from before birth to beyond our physical life span. Without it, we fail to thrive, and if we fail to thrive, our physical bodies die, and our souls ache for possibilities never realized. Although the messages are presented chronologically through a human’s life span, opening any page will reveal at least one of the miracles of Human Touch. Enjoy!

Published: July 1, 2018 Publisher: Waldorf Publishing Where to purchase: Waldorf

Author: Maureen Sangiorgio Book: Little Book of Laughter Summary: 

The Little Book of Laughter contains a wide range of jokes, riddles, and rhymes such as blond jokes, married couple jokes, mother-in-law jokes, office jokes, sports jokes, riddles, rhymes, limericks, and funny one-liners. Appropriate for all ages, the book includes jokes the whole family can read. The compact size makes it easy to tuck in to your handbag, beach bag, or luggage so you can pass the time while traveling, or sitting on the beach.

Published: July 1, 2018 Publisher: Waldorf Publishing Where to purchase: Waldorf

In Episode 50 of the Sparks to Life Podcast, we talk to several authors about their respective creative processes. Join us as Inspire the Muse talks to Sam Mitani, Tom Morrison, Michael Merle Thomas, Wendy Plumb, and Tammy Brown.

Author: Sam Mitani Book:  The Prototype Summary:

The Prototype offers a detailed look into the automotive industry from a journalist’s point of view. Often considered the dream job of car lovers everywhere, an A-list automotive writer often travels to glamorous destinations, dines on fancy meals prepared by world-renown chefs, and, of course, drives the most exciting and luxurious cars months before they are released.

Published: August 1, 2018 Publisher: Waldorf Publishing Where to purchase: Waldorf

Author: Tom Morrison Book: The Dash – Making Sure Your Obituary Doesn’t Suck Summary: 

In life, we are never given a manual on how to turn our dreams into reality. For many, their goals and quality of life they desire will be just dreams because they have never been taught how to achieve them.

Published: August 1, 2018 Publisher: Waldorf Publishing Where to purchase: Waldorf

Author: Michael Merle Thomas Book: Manson’s Last Disciple Summary: 

You will enjoy a riveting mystery, while taking a ride through history. This story begins as one of the most unsettling decades that America has ever known comes to a disturbing end.

A pair of eyeglasses that have never been linked to anyone are traced to a fifth Manson disciple that disappeared immediately after the 1969 Sharon Tate murders. Did Manson’s last disciple come out of hiding to murder again?

Published: September 15, 2018 Publisher: Waldorf Publishing Where to purchase: Waldorf

Author: Wendy Plumb Book: ZZ Black Summary: 

All-American love story between a girl and her horse. The bond between a widower father and his only daughter. The magical farm where animals can and often do speak their mind. The mystery of why one horse won’t speak. The, simple, pure rural childhood of a strong-willed, passionate and fiercely smart young teenage girl who must overcome fear of the future, learning to let go of the ones she loves the most in life. Witness the exciting conclusion to this rare relationship between two free spirits on a farm where the impossible is every day.

Published: November 15, 2018 Publisher: Waldorf Publishing Where to purchase: Waldorf

Author: Tammy Brown Book: Alex and Amy’s Great Adventures Summary: 

Come along with Alex and Amy the brother and sister duo, while they experience adventures both great and small. Join them as they play their favorite games, swim at the local pool, and play in the creek. Explore along the way as they visit Grandma and Grandpa on the farm and learn to milk a cow, climb the bluff, and feed the chickens. The adventures never end when Alex and Amy are together and looking for fun!

Published: November 15, 2018 Publisher: Waldorf Publishing Where to purchase: Waldorf

Charles speaks with author Tom Morrison about his upcoming book and the creative process behind it.

Charles speaks with author Michael Merle Thomas about his upcoming book and the creative process behind it.

Charles speaks with author Anne Wheaton about her upcoming book and the creative process behind it.

Charles speaks with author Sam Mitani about his upcoming book and the creative process behind it.

Sharon and Charles from Inspire the Muse discuss their adventures at the Reimagined BookExpo 2018. Tune in to see just what we enjoyed and what we’d love to see next year.