Category: Books

J Herman Kleiger Author – “Tears Are Only Water”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

On this episode, I speak with Jim Kleiger, an author and mental health professional with extensive experience in psychology and psychoanalysis.

We discuss Jim’s new book, “Tears Are Only Water,” and how his professional interests influenced his creative writing. Jim shares his background growing up in Denver and his journey into psychology. We also talk about the stigma surrounding mental health, noting that it has improved but still persists.

Jim delves into his foray into creative writing, which began in 2019 and gained momentum during the pandemic. Jim’s novels explore themes of trauma, madness, psychological intrigue, healing, and transformation. “Tears Are Only Water” is described as a psychologically textured suspense and mystery with a hopeful ending.

J. Herman Kleiger

Jim shares a fair amount of light on his background, writing process, and the themes he explores in his books.

J Herman Kleiger, the author’s name otherwise going by Jim, discusses the plot of the book “Tears Are Only Water,” during the episode. The story revolves around characters coping with trauma and a crime investigation. Jim distinguishes his book as a psychological mystery and suspense rather than a typical thriller.

Jim mentions where readers can find his book and his upcoming audiobook release, which will feature multiple narrators and different character perspectives.

You can find the episode on your favorite podcast platform.

-Billy Dees

Chloe Klaus Author “The Treasure of the Reef”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast, Social Media

On this episode of the Billy Dees Podcast, we have Chloe Klaus, a first-time children’s book author and illustrator. Chloe discusses her book, “The Treasure of the Reef,” which she began writing in 2017 while in Australia. The book is inspired by Chloe’s love for mermaids and her passion for environmental education.

Chloe talks about her background in mental health and environmental studies, as well as her involvement with the nonprofit organization Green Allies. She explains how her book combines her passions for writing, art, mermaids, and environmental issues, using a simple story as a metaphor for her beliefs and values.

Chloe Klaus

The story revolves around a mermaid and a pirate who must find common ground to save the coral reef and their own survival. Chloe emphasizes the importance of finding good in others and overcoming polarization in today’s world.

The book is targeted towards children aged 8 to 9 but can be enjoyed by all ages. Chloe hopes that children who read her book will take away the message of finding common ground and seeing the good in others.

The podcast also discusses Chloe’s writing process, her use of social media platforms to market her book. The conversation provides insights into the writing process and the role of social media for authors.

You can find Chloe on X (Twitter) @ChloeLynnKlaus

Below is a sample of the conversation.

Peter King Author – “Gold Among the Trees”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

In this podcast episode, author Peter King joins hosts Billy Dees and Kristy Mickelsen to discuss his career, travels, and writing.

Peter has written several books including, “Gold Among The Trees” and “Life’s but a Poem,” and has traveled extensively due to his career and involvement in sports. He shares that his writing process involves postulating a problem and solving it, often with unpredictable endings. Peter draws inspiration from current events and historical occurrences. He also mentions his publisher, Lizzy Campbell from Elite Lizard Publishing Company, and expresses his satisfaction with her assistance.

Peter King

The conversation delves into Peter’s experience of self-publishing his books after facing rejections from agents and publishers. The hosts and Peter discuss his reluctance to do in-person events like book signings and his self-doubt as an author. They touch on topics such as imposter syndrome, the importance of discipline in writing, and the impact of feedback from beta readers.

The podcast was recorded December 6th 2023 and they mention celebrating Christmas in Holland. The conversation is light-hearted and entertaining, showcasing Peter’s wit and humor. This podcast is important as it provides insights into the challenges and experiences of a self-published author, exploring themes of self-doubt and the creative process.

You can find the video version on X (Twitter) Billy Dees Podcast and on Billy Dees Podcasts on Facebook.

Thanks to Elite Lizard Publishing.

ShamanIsis Author of “Memory Mansion”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

“Memory Mansion: How to Glow the Fu%k Up” By ShamanIsis

From ShamanIsis.com

“Cindy, you asked me to warn you if anyone ever came looking for you. Now might be a good time to get lost,” starts the astonishing new self-love memoir Memory Mansion: How To Glow The Fu%k Up by philosopher and mystic ShamanIsis, who pens a powerful and inspiring story of resilience, healing, and transformation.”

ShamanIsis

On this podcast episode, ShamanIsis shares how this book came together, both in terms of how it is a memoir built from a diary of a lifetime experiences and how she brought the entries from her diary together into a story.

You can find the Billy Dees Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. For your convenience there is a preview below along with the listing for the episode on Spotify and the video version on YouTube.

You can find ShamanIsis on X (Twitter) @ShamanIsis

Humor Writing with Gina Ramsey, Author – “Burnt Gloveboxes”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

Gina Ramsey author and humorist, is known for her on- demand singing impersonations of Ethel Merman and Tommy Boy tunes. She lives in Superior, Wisconsin, with her husband Paul, a former poultry whisperer a.k.a. King of the Flock. Together, they have become gurus of finding the funny while navigating life’s ongoing crazy mishaps and blunders.

Gina Ramsey

Gina is the author of, “Burnt Gloveboxes – Embracing Life When It Goes Up in Flames.”

During this interview, Gina talks about her background and how she balances writing/publishing while keeping a day job. We also discuss how humor can play a key role in wellness.

It is a fun and upbeat conversation. You can find out more about Gina at her website GinaRamseyAuthor.com.

The full interview is below – the streaming version on YouTube and the radio/podcast version Spotify.

HumorOutcasts Interview – Deborah Fezelle “The Time of Our Lives”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Podcast

“The Time of Our Lives”

by Deborah Fezelle

In this book, Deborah Fezelle takes the reader inside the famous Juilliard School, down the halls of the Drama Division, and into the classrooms with her classmates.

Set in New York City during the early ’70s, Deborah describes life both inside and outside of Juilliard. The backdrop is the Upper West Side, the Village, and the Times Square of that era.

During this interview Deborah Fezelle elaborates about her experiences described in the book. She expresses what it was like to experience New York for the first time as a young drama student during an incredible transformative period of her life.

Deborah Fezelle

For those who trained at Juilliard, this book is a trip down Memory Lane. For those who dream of becoming an actor, it’s a road map for what it takes to survive in a business where “rejection is the norm and stability is a dream.”

This interview is courtesy of HumorOutcasts.com and is available on your favorite podcasting platform listed under the Billy Dees Podcast. For your convenience, the episode is below on Spotify.

You can find Deborah Fezelle on

X (Twitter)

Special thanks to Donna Cavanagh and Shorehouse Books.

Sample audio:

The full podcast on Spotify:

“Growth : A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived” by Karen DeBonis

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

Can a woman who never learned to stand up for herself find the courage to speak up for her son?

Karen is a happily married, slightly frazzled mother of two when her eight-year-old son, Matthew, develops a strange eye-rolling tic. Matthew’s tics quickly multiply. He becomes clumsy and lethargic, a gifted program dropout.

Karen tries to get her husband and their pediatrician to acknowledge what’s happening, but they dismiss her concerns. As a people-pleaser, Karen lacks the skills to assert herself and stifles the growing dread in her heart. For three years, Matthew steadily deteriorates while Karen questions if she has the fortitude required of motherhood. Finally, desperation breaks through her fear of conflict, and she demands answers, only to be horrified by the truth.

Karen DeBonis

Matthew has a brain tumor.

A delicate surgery and promise of complete recovery convince Karen her battle is over. But she is wrong. The ensuing years launch her on a journey of perseverance and personal growth she never imagined, teaching Karen just how weak she is–and then exactly how strong.

On this episode Karen shares her journey with her son’s health battle and why she decided to chronicle the story in her book.

More about the author here at KarenDeBonis.com