Tag: #writing

Jerry Zezima Humor Writer – The Good Humor Man…

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

On this episode, we are talking to humor writer, Jerry Zezima. We discuss Jerry’s latest book, ” The Good Humor Man: Tales of Life, Laughter and, for Dessert, Ice Cream,” which is a collection of humorous stories about family and everyday life. The interview emphasizes the importance of laughter and positivity, especially in the current divisive and difficult environment. Jerry believes that humor can provide perspective and help people cope with difficult situations.

Jerry’s writing style focuses on good-natured, self-deprecating humor, and he avoids writing about politics or world affairs. Instead, he writes about everyday life experiences that everyone can relate to. His family is a source of inspiration for his writing, and he often writes about them with warmth and love.

Jerry Zezima

Jerry’s book is a welcome respite from the negativity and bad news that is prevalent today. It is a convenient read for busy schedules, as readers can pick it up and read a few columns at a time. Jerry hopes that readers will find laughter and smiles in his book, providing a positive and harmless escape from the challenges of everyday life.

The podcast can be found on your favorite podcasting platform and below in the Spotify player. We also have the webcam version below on YouTube. You can find Jerry’s blog here.

Hollywood, Writing, and Spirituality with Marsha Scarbrough

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

Our guest on this episode is Marsha Scarbrough, an American journalist and former assistant director in Hollywood.

The interview was digitally conducted from Spain, where Marsha currently resides. Marsha shares her experiences working in the film industry, including her interactions with notable actors such as Dolly Parton, Mary Tyler Moore, Clint Eastwood, Pierce Brosnan, and John Travolta.

Marsha also delves into her interest in shamanism and healing, which began during a challenging period in her life at the age of 40. She recounts a transformative healing session with a Native American medicine man. Marsha highlights the interconnectedness of storytelling, the arts, and psychology, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of theater and the importance of self-reflection for actors.

She has written a book about her Hollywood experiences and is currently seeking a publisher. This interview provides insights into the film industry and the personal journey of a former assistant director. It also sheds light on the transformative power of healing and the connection between storytelling and psychological well-being.

Marsha Scarbrough

Marsha also discusses her experiences with shamanic healing and her books, “Medicine Dance” and “Honey in the River.” She explains how indigenous people view human existence as vibrations and how shamanic healing uses drumming, dancing, and chanting to realign these vibrations and bring harmony into our lives.

Marsha also mentions her work with Gabrielle Roth and ecstatic dance, which she believes contributes to joy and overall well-being.

The conversation concludes with a discussion of Marsha’s social media presence and where she can be found online. Here is her website MarshaScarbrough.com.

You can find the complete interview on your favorite podcasting platform and at the bottom of this post on Spotify.

Here is a sample:

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

“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