Books Cubed: Interviews, Raves, & Reads

Good Adventures, This week I welcome fantasy author Stephanie G. Olson. We chatted about her novel, Still Chosen, which is currently number 22 in humerous fantasy on Amazon, favorite bad horror movies, helpful husbands, and her writing process. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: https://www.stephaniegolson.com/ Buy books and chose an indie bookstore that will get full credit for the sale! https://bookshop.org/ The outline class she mentions is not available anymore but there are others listed here. https://litreactor.com/columns/online-writing-classes ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for watching. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, I welcomed Douglas Van Dyke to the show this week to talk RPG games and fantasy books. I discovered him at Rewind Book Fair and had a blast reading his book, MisAdventures of RPG Dice. Comment over on our Youtube channel.   Links: Douglas’s Website. Sign up for his newsletter, see his appearance schedule: https://dhealoral.com/ Buy his books direct from him with discounts on bundled series: https://dhea-loral.square.site/ Follow Douglas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063615218615 Find his books on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/761586.Douglas_Van_Dyke_Jr_ Rewind Book Fair: https://rewindbookfair.com/ ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Now go read a good book! Melissa #RPG #RPGDice #BooksToRead

Good Adventures, The name JP Rindfleisch might ring a bell because he's one of the hosts of Writers, Ink. Or mabye you discovered him on tiktok thanks to the perfect elevator pitch for his novel, Mandrake Manor. Either way, you'll really enjoy this week's show. I was thrilled to chat with JP about his work because Mandrake Manor has been one of my favorite reads this year. It's cozy, there are witches, and an evil HOA. Anyone who lives in one of those will love this book! Plus, if you visit his site, you can not only get signed books, but merch too! I love when authors do this. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: https://shop.jprindfleischix.com/ https://9thBooks.com ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This week I'm excited to share the first four chapters of my portal fantasy Amy of Earth Freefall as voice acted by Rebecca Brokaw-Sands. I hope you enjoy it. Book two, Fearless is out in paperback and Ebook and soon will be in audio as well. Comment on our Youtube channel.  Links: Amy of Earth Freefall Audiobook - https://payhip.com/b/xfhH1 Voice Acted by https://rebeccabrokawsands.net/ ~~~ What else do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Now go read a good book! Melissa    

Good Adventures, Today it’s writing prompt fun! Lisa and I are joined by author Ansley Ashe and we created a prompt from the Mystery edition of our Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts Series. If you would like to write with us on a future show, drop Melissa a note. https://melissabanczak.com/contact/. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts - direct from the authors at https://melissabanczak.com/ Ansley’s work -  Campfire Stories Amazon.com: Campfire Stories eBook : Ashe, Ansley, Marcotte, Jill, Jayne, Lucy, Gammons, Allison, Williamson, Kalen, Francisco, Melanie: Kindle Store Charlie's Holidays Universal Book Link https://books2read.com/u/bxwJ6l Amazon Link Charlie's Holidays (A Charlotte "Charlie" Snow Holiday Book 7) - Kindle edition by Ashe, Ansley. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Now go read a good book! Melissa  

Good Adventures, This week is the final part of my in-person show interviews. Today, I’m chatting with Jeremy James Smith, who just attended an event that expected 90 thousand people over four days. Let’s see how it went. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Jeremy’s Series on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3J1ZZ1X Jeremy’s Website (His new covers are really nice!): https://sites.google.com/view/jeremy-james-smith/ ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This is part two of my three part series on authors selling at in-person shows. Today, I’m chatting with Persian Fantasy author Amber Hansford. She has lot of great advice. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: https://www.printful.com Here's the battery - https://amzn.to/4rYg85Q Amber’s Website - https://amberhansford.com/ Linktr.ee https://linktr.ee/amberhansford Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amberhansfordauthor ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This week, I welcome multi award winning author Carol Van Den Hende to chat about interacting with readers at in person books shows. She has some excellent advice and an amazing story about a book club that welcomed her with a standout reception. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: https://carolvandenhende.com/dear-orchid/ https://militaryfamilybooks.com/ ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Now go read a good book! Melissa      

Good Adventures, This week, it’s murder and mayhem as we discuss the audio drama, Simply to Die for! My guests are writer CJ Corl and actress Kait McNeal. It’s a bump in the night good time! Comment over on our YouTube Channel.  Links: CJ Corl: found (infrequently) on most social media websites at @cjcorl Roving Rogue Pro: found on socials at @rovingroguepro https://rovingroguepro.weebly.com/#/ Simply to Die For https://rovingroguepro.weebly.com/simply-to-die-for-podcast.html PRIDE & PREJUDICE, DIRECTED BY JOE SORIANO  (Mar. 6-8 and 13-15)  https://ksutt.ludus.com/index.php ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, The Winter Olympics are my favorite time to veg in front of the tv at all hours so I'm thrilled to chat with author Joe Battaglia about his new book, Beneath the Rings, a thriller about kidnapped athletes at the 2040 Olympics and the reporter who must figure out why it happened. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: For more about Joe and to book him - https://prbythebook.com/experts/joe-battaglia/ Buy the book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/BENEATH-RINGS-Joe-Battaglia-ebook/dp/B0FTGJHVL4 He'll be appearing in the future at Raven Books in Bryan, TX, 1105 S Texas Ave Ste 100, Bryan, TX 77803 https://www.ravenbooksbcs.com Visit Joe's website to read more about the characters. https://booksbybattaglia.com ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for watching. Now go read a good book! Melissa    

Good Adventures, I was so happy to chat with Jeremy this week. He's in the middle of an eight book fantasy series and promises more to come! We talked about writing styles, making worlds your own, and the very cool way he sells in person at Renaissance fairs. You won't want to miss this one. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: March 5-8, 2026 Jeremy will be at https://www.emeraldcitycomiccon.com/en-us.html Booth #11308 Summer 2026: Washington Midsummer's Renaissance Faire: https://www.washingtonmidsummer.com/ The booth is Harkentale's Bookpub Jeremy James Smith on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3J1ZZ1X Or at https://harkentale.com https://vellum.pub ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, I'm excited to have book narrator, Rebecca Brokaw-Sands join me today. If you are an indie author, you'll want to check out her work. She's not just a narrator, she's a voice actor who will bring your book to life. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: https://www.quillandchord.com https://rebeccabrokawsands.net https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccaasands ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for watching. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This week I'm inviting you to tagalong on my trip to the Hemingway house in Key West. Comment over on our YouTube page. Links: https://www.hemingwayhome.com ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for watching. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This week, I'm chatting fantasy books, maps with author-illustrator H. Gorlitz Scott, who also offers advice on how authors can help their cover artists. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: The River Cleanup club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/reconcentralflorida/ [email protected] https://dragonira.wixsite.com/sivoa https://www.dragonmun.com/ https://ltd.onlysocial.io https://amzn.to/4qYWp5c ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for watching. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This week, I'm talking freak shows, book awards, and music festivals with award-winning Author, Mark Mustian. Comment over on our YouTube channel.  Links: https://markmustian.com/ https://wordofsouthfestival.com/ https://www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com/ ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for watching. Now go read a good book! Melissa  

Good Adventures, This week, Leokadia George joins me to talk wolves, howling, and writing a children's book series about Trumpet the miracle Wolf pup. Comment over on our YouTube page. Links: https://nywolf.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Trumpet-Miracle-Wolf-Leokadia-George/dp/1954819595/ ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for watching. Now go read a good book! Melissa      

Good adventures, If you celebrate, Merry Christmas 2025. I wanted to share some favorite books with you. You'll find links to them below. Happy reading! Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Salem Anthology - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09XRBYGDM https://www.tiktok.com/@jprindfleisch AE McKenna - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D67ZZ6Z4 KJ Gillenwater - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXTBQSPT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FCTWQXG ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. My cozy mysteries, fantasy, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts are available at melissabanczak.com Go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This week, I am chatting with science fiction author Christian Hurst about his award-winning novel, Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander. We talk books, marketing, and beagles. Comment over on YouTube channel.  Links: https://www.churstpublishing.com/ https://christianhurst.link/ ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for joining me today. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, I had a great time chatting with Nancy Christie about her Midlife Moxie Books Series with characters over 50! And you can read them in any order. Each is a standalone. Comment over on our Youtube page.  Links: https://www.nancychristie.com https://www.gotprint.com/home.html ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for watching. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This week I’m chatting with Neil Christiansen about his you tube audio book series. He reads one chapter a week from his new book followed by behind the scenes commentary in the form of an interview. It’s a really cool project. Comment over on our YouTube channel.  Links we discussed: Find Neil at: gavingayle.com The novel is Malcolm Karma: Cold Turkey Writer’s Ink Podcast (anywhere you find podcasts)  ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. My cozy mysteries, fantasy, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts are available at melissabanczak.com Go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This week, I'm chatting with the owner of a new bookstore in Lutz, Florida, Small Town Stories. She specializes in Indie authors! The grand opening is Nov 22, 2025. If you're an indie author who'd like to apply to be carried in her store, check out the links below. To comment on show, visit our youtube page.  Links: https://www.smalltownstoriesllc.com Contact Elizabeth: [email protected] ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts here: https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for watching. Now go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, Fantasy author AE McKenna returns for a Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts session. Today, we used the fantasy edition and rolled for an enchanted wolf, a mound of ash, and a corset. We set the timer for 30 minutes, wrote, and then read! It was a good time. Wanna play too? Try our prompt on your own and let us know how it went, or give us a video reply on Youtube. As always, we invite you to join us in a future session. Just leave an I-wanna-play-too comment. ~~~~~ Links: The Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts Series is available directly from us or retailers. If you write by hand, get the paperbacks. If you write electronically, get the ebooks. You'll find fantasy author AE McKenna here. Thanks for watching, and go write a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, This week, I'm talking cats, pizza, and magic with urban fantasy author AE McKenna. Comment over on our YouTube page so I see it! Links: Join her newsletter and buy books at https://aemckenna.com/ Donate to the kitties at https://ankenytnr.org/ ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. Cozy misadventure, portal fantasy, and dice games for authors. You'll find my novels at https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Go read a good book.  Melissa

Good Adventures, I'm back from another hiatus with thriller author W.A. Pepper. We dive deep into icy storms and the fight for survival in his latest novel, One Icy Night. Comment over on our YouTube page so I see it!  Links: DoGoodR: A Tanto Technothriller [A FREE ebook for your readers to see if they like my writing style or stories (link expires in 2026)] https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qbsg22i83g One Icy Night: A Rook Thriller [The link to the book we discussed] https://www.amazon.com/One-Icy-Night-Rook-Thriller/dp/B0D9WNT4G3/ How to Write a Mystery: A Handbook from Mystery Writers of America by Lee Child et al. [A Fantastic handbook comprising tips and stories from some of the best writers around] https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Mystery-Handbook-Writers/dp/B08RP89FLJ/ ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. Cozy misadventure, portal fantasy, and dice games for authors. You'll find my novels at https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Thanks for listening. Go read a good book.  Melissa

Good Adventures, Recently, I got to chat about one of my favorite subjects with romantasy author Nicole LaBrocca - libraries! Are you a fan? Leave us a comment on my youtube page (so I see it) and tell us about your local library.  Links:  https://nicolelabrocca.com/ https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/calendar.aspx?CID=22 https://www.dclibrary.org/using-the-library/maker-space-and-machinery-fabrication-lab What do I write? Thanks for asking. Cozy misadventure, portal fantasy, and dice games for authors.  Thanks for listening. Go read a good book.  Melissa

Good Adventures, In this episode, it's horror! Lisa and I are joined by author Lacey Gordon. Lisa picked a random page in our Horror Writing Jumpstarts edition and Lacie rolled for:  A Kleptomaniac, a canoe, and a window washer.  As usual, we wrote for 30 minutes and I begged for another ten. And I still wrote a tiny story! Comment over on our YouTube channel! Links:  Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts - 13 editions and counting!  Lacey Gordon's Blog - Crazdwriter Lacey's Publisher Rocky Road Publishing   Thanks for watching. Go write a good book, Melissa

Good Adventures, Today I'm chatting with a new favorite author, Gigi Lain. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut novel, Little but Fierce, and highly recommend it! Comment over on my Youtube channel.  Purchase Links: Amazon Google Books Kobo Gigi Lain Website  ~~~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You can listen to some of my audiobooks for free on my YouTube channel and find ebooks, audio, and paperbacks over on my website.   Thanks for watching. Go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures,  I found the funniest, weirdest, oddest, Vella serial story and you have to read it! Victoria Rocus, the author joins me for the chat. When you're done listening, drop down to the show notes and go read this story!  Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: Neil the Squeal on Kindle Vella  Victoria's Website  Victoria's Linktree ~~~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You can listen to my June Nash Misadventure audiobooks for free right here on this channel and find ebooks, audio, and paperbacks at my online store.  Thanks for listening. Go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, Feeling lost? Maybe you need a cuddle. Filmmaker and author Jason O’Brien dove into the world of cuddling and healed himself in the process. In our chat, he takes us through what led to his films, Cuddle and My Body is Not Obscene, and eventually his memoir Cuddle Me.  Comment over on our Youtube Channel.  Links: The films: http://www.flprods.com/ The book: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Cuddle-Me/dp/B0CFBYGT4W/ ~~~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You can listen to some of my audiobooks for free right here on this channel and find ebooks, audio, and paperbacks over on my website. https://melissabanczak.com/ Thanks for watching. Go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, Today I’m talking Butterfly Shifters and Guardian Angels with author TK Lawyer. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: Buy signed copies direct. Follow her on Instagram.  Enjoy her book trailers here.   Jan 20 and 21, 2024 she’ll be at the Central Florida Comic Con in Lakeland. ~~~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You can listen to some of my audiobooks for free right here on this channel and find ebooks, audio, and paperbacks here.  Thanks for listening. Go read a good book! Melissa Melissa

Good Adventures, Today I’m chatting with author Allison Spooner about her YA novel The Lost Girl. In a desperate attempt to save her dying daughter, a mother sends the thirteen year old off toward the second star to the right and straight on till morning. Want to watch this as a video? You'll find it on our Youtube channel.  Links: https://linktr.ee/allisonspooner https://www.allisonspoonerwriter.com/ ~~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You’ll find my June Nash Misadventures plus my co-authored Roll-A-Prompt Jumpstarts at https://melissabanczak.com/ Until next time, go read a good book,  Melissa

Good Adventures, Today I’m chatting with author/illustrator Amy Quig about her picture book, Good Night Squirrels, an adorable rhyming book that follows the antics of three young squirrels as they play with their forest friends and learn a few lessons along the way.  A portion of proceeds benefits Wisconsin Lions Camp. A worthy organization with camps for youth and adults with disabilities.  Comment over on our YouTube channel so I can see it and reply!  Links: https://quigbooks.com/ - buy the book or schedule a signing!  ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You’ll find my cozy mystery and writing prompt jumpstarts at https://melissabanczak.com/ That’s it for now, go read a good book, Melissa

Good Adventures,  Today I’m chatting with multi-award winning children’s author Sheryl Bass about her book, Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze. Comment over on the YouTube channel.  Links: Purchase Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze at Be-Kind Publishing  https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Souls-Inspiring-Stories-Chihuahuas-ebook/dp/B003CT39HW/ https://www.amazon.com/Second-Chance-Dogs-Callie-Smith-Grant/dp/0800727134/ Self Publishing Made Simple, April Cox  ~~~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. https://payhip.com/MelissaBanczak Go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, Today, I'm chatting with Santa about the children's book, Feisty Finds her Magic. For the next few weeks, you can join the Indigogo campaign and get your name or your business in the book! Get on the nice list. Put those family members, you know who they are, on that naughty list. Comment on this episode here.  Links: Hire Santa ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. The June Nash Mysteries are now in KU, 3 books with the fourth, How to Stroke Your Stray out in Dec but on pre-order now. Roll-A-Prompt Writing Series. Roll dice and Unleash Your Creativity. My fantasy serial, Amy of Earth, as Kelli Wieland is currently at 55 episodes (chapters). Until next time, go read a good book, Melissa

Good Adventures, I am chatting with authors KJ Gillenwater and Jean Alfieri about our recent experience at Wild Deadwood Reads Book Convention. The ladies have plenty of advice for authors and readers heading to book convention. Comment over on the Youtube channel so I see it and respond!  Links ~ Wild Deadwood Reads Facebook Group for Authors Stuffed Safari Jean Alfieri: Zuggy's website: www.zuggythepug.com You tube: https://www.youtube.com/@zuggypug720 Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jean-Marie-Alfieri/author/B0868ZQB2P KJ Gillenwater: Author's Webpage: http://www.kjgillenwater.com/ Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00D1X6KDE What do I write? Thanks for asking.  The June Nash Mysteries are now in KU, 3 books with the fourth, How to Stroke Your Stray out in Dec but on pre-order now.  I co-author the Roll-A-Prompt Writing Series with Lisa Mahoney Roll dice and Unleash Your Creativity.  Until next time, go read a good book, Melissa  

Good Adventures, Yes, I do realized that it's May the 5th. Ah well.  Thanks for joining me today. I thoroughly enjoyed this chat with Romance author Susan McEwan.  Comment over on the youtube channel.  Links: https://www.marywaterford.com Blessed Inlet Series is available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GBHC5YR?searchxofy=true&binding=kindle_edition [email protected] ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. I write a fantasy serial called Amy of Earth as Kelli Wieland. A lost human, a childlike shapeshifter, an angry cuegle, a crazed myrmidon, and a wine guzzling thicket. As Melissa Banczak And I write cozy mysteries. How to Sex Your Snake is the first in my June Nash Series. 4 Bullets and a Ghost is the first in my Jack You're Dead Series. With Lisa Mahoney, I write the Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal Series. You’ll find them all here - https://linktr.ee/melissabanczak Until next time, go read a good book, Melissa

Good Adventures, This week, I’m chatting with author Nikolai Wisekal about his weirdly wonderful serial Galaxy Waffles. It's waffle house in the sky but with robots, sushi thieves and politics. It's a must read that will keep you laughing.  Links: Galaxy Waffles - https://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-Waffles/dp/B097K7DBW2 Divine Counseling - https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Counseling/dp/B094N8HSWN/ Galaxy Waffles Merch Link - https://www.redbubble.com/people/WritingMerch305/shop Anthology Link for paperback - https://balance-of-seven.square.site/product/dragons-within-embracing-her-fire/149?cs=true&cst=custom Anthology Link for E-book - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KYJ4V95 ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. I write a fantasy serial called Amy of Earth as Kelli Wieland. A lost human, a childlike shapeshifter, an angry cuegle, a crazed myrmidon, and a wine guzzling thicket. As Melissa Banczak And I write cozy mysteries. How to Sex Your Snake is the first in my June Nash Series. 4 Bullets and a Ghost is the first in my Jack You're Dead Series. With Lisa Mahoney, I write the Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal Series. You’ll find them all here - https://linktr.ee/melissabanczak Until next time, go read a good book, Melissa

Good Adventures,  Today, I'm chatting with USA Today Best Selling author about her podcast All Things Tudor and her work as a historical fiction author.  Links:  All Things Tudor - https://allthingstudor.com All Things Tudor, the Magazine - https://www.amazon.com/All-Things-Tudor-Deb-Hunter-ebook/dp/B09V8Z25KW/ ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Banczak/e/B01N7UG4ZW/ Contact Melissa with future show ideas at [email protected] See you next time - Go read a good book, Melissa

Good Adventures, I'm chatting with developmental editor Kit Gulick today and we talk - editing, and of course, Kindle Vella.  Links:  https://www.kittygulick.com/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittygulick/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kittygulick Strunk and White Elements of Style - https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/dp/020530902X Vellas:  Amy of Earth, a children's book author falls through a portal to a world where human's don't exist - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09H3JXPRP 4 Bullets and a Ghost - A PI's mentor rejoins the firm 3 days after his death - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B095FS1W3K The Explorers, a man creates an app that lures adventurers to their doom - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B097W9TZCL The Genesis Machine -UFO's and time travel - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B092RMW9Z4 Mia's Journey - What's an astronaut to do if they can't go do space, https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09JMDWK2T Revenge Honeymoon- a jilted bride takes the cruise with her maid of honor and laughter ensues - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09JN5VQ6T The Reluctant Whistleblower - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09CN14KF8 Chew - Allison was a zombie. Now she's cured. And that's the just the beginning of her problems https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B098KPHB79 Last Sunrise - A woman hunts down the men who turned her and her brother into vampires - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B093YLG7VC White Moon - Eden and her partner are exposed but only he turns into a werewolf - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09CTCHHX9 And there are many more that are worth your time. On the desktop or kindle phone apps in the US for now. More countries to come. Go check out Vella today. https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/  And that's it. Thanks for joining us today. Go read a good book.  Melissa

Good Adventures, Lisa and I were joined recently on tiktok live by authors Collings MacCrae and EA Blackwell. We rolled dice, wrote, and had a blast.  Links: Collings MacCrae - Collings MacCrae | Linktree Author EA Blackwell - https://www.eablackwell.com Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal Series -  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FBHY82Q   Go Read a Good Book! Melissa  

Good Adventures, Kitty Gulick joins me for a wrap up of our favorite reads of 2021. Comment over on the youtube channel.  Kitty's list of Vellas:  The Selfie of Cala Ivory by Mae MacCallum (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09KWHBJTF) Millicent Miggles, the Yuletide Witch by Azrielle Lawless (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09MBLVSQY) Chew by Naomi Ault (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B098KPHB79) The Fox Argall Mysteries by Collings MacCrae. (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0976NYFMQ) Briardark by SA Harian (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0982G53XG)
 Club X: Vampire in the Closet by Somtow Sucharitkul (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B094496RK3) Space Slave by vella Kayla Knue (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09NB9BZV7) Under My Umbrella: A Mill Creek Romance by Erica Him (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09BW3443M) Ellie Sandoval’s Carnal Sanctuary Universe (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B099XVDSXR) Dinos of the Old West (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0973RN7MZ) by Jonathon Mast and Nathaniel J Peters Kingdom of Links by Sarah Shipley (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09B6RBNKZ) The Last Sunrise by Martin Shannon (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B093YLG7VC) The Selfie of Carla Ivory by Mae MacCallum https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09KWHBJTF And Kitty's Vella https://www.amazon.com/The-Explorers/dp/B097W9TZCL/   Melissa's list of paperback/audio: 5000 Words per hour by Chris Fox https://www.amazon.com/5000-Words-Per-Hour-Chris-Fox-audiobook/dp/B01BP96IW8/ Newsletter Ninja 2 - by Tammy Labrecque https://www.amazon.com/Newsletter-Ninja-Supercharge-Mailing-Perfect-ebook/dp/B09L9KPKY9/ Fast-Draft Your Memoir by Rachael Herron https://www.amazon.com/Fast-Draft-Your-Memoir-Write-Story/dp/B07B3PTCM6/ The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood https://www.amazon.com/The-Love-Hypothesis/dp/B08V4NYQ9D/ Smoke and Magic Series by AE McKenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MVMXPZK Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MHLR8NT Rusted Wasteland Series by Cameron Coral https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FCTWQXG Post Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors by https://www.amazon.com/Post-Apocalyptic-Nomadic-Warriors/dp/B07FJP26VC/ Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-River-Diane-Setterfield-audiobook/dp/B07FKSTRCJ/ Melissa's Vellas: Amy of Earth https://www.amazon.com/Amy-of-Earth/dp/B09H3JXPRP/ 4 Bullets and a Ghost https://www.amazon.com/4-Bullets-Ghost-Season-One/dp/B095FS1W3K/ And that's it! See you next time. Go read a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, Happy New Year! I'm so happy to be back with two Kindle Vella authors for a writing prompt show. Sadly, we're without my co-author Lisa Mahoney, we missed you Lisa. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal Series Gage Greenwood: Winter's Myths  Gage's other books on Amazon Gage on Youtube  Collings MacCrae: Ruin of the Watcher on Vella  Sweater Case and The Reluctant Whistleblower (cases 2 and 3)  Collings MacCrae on instagram @collings_Maccrae Melissa Banczak on Vella: 4 Bullets and A Ghost As Kelli Wieland, Amy of Earth:   How to Sex Your Snake and the June Nash Mysteries  Amazon Kindle Vella -   That's it for now. See you next time, go read (or write) a good book! Melissa

Good Adventures, I'm chatting with Collings MacCrae about her Kindle Vella serials, The Ruin of the Watcher, and The Sweater Case. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: Ruin of the Watcher The Sweater Case You can chat with Collings MacCrae on: Twitter @ collingsmaccrae Instagram @collings_maccrae Kindle Vella on Amazon ~~~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. My June Nash series in now in KU. First in the series is How to Sex Your snake.   I also have two Vellas - 4 Bullets and a Ghost - a PI's mentor rejoins the firm three days after his death. And under my pen name, Kelli Wieland, Amy of Earth an epic fantasy. Amy falls through a portal to a magical world full of mythological creatures. And no humans.  ~~~ And that's it for 2021. Stay tuned. We'll be back in January with new shows. Until then, go read, or write, a good book.  Melissa

Good Adventures, If you're a fan of shows like the X files, Manifest, and Lost, you will love the new serial Vella story Genesis Machine. Meet the author and then go read! Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: The Genesis Machine Learn more at her website  On the Kindle app, token start at 1.99 for 140 but on Amazon desktop, they start at 1.99 for 200. https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my mystery Vella, 4 Bullets and a Ghost here.   And my fantasy Vella, Amy of Earth as Kelli Wieland here.  See you next week. Until then, go read a good book. Melissa

Good Adventures, I'm back from my summer hiatus. Which I forgot to tell anyone about. Ah well. On this show this week, AE McKenna returns to chat about being part of the Amazon beta for hard cover books. You'll want to stick around for the whole show to hear how you could win a signed hard back cover of the second book in her Smoke and Magic Series. Comment over on our youtube channel.  The cut off date, which I forgot to mention will be Oct 14 at 11:59 EST. See a pattern here? Without notes, I completely fail at life. Links: Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Amazon , Bookbub   Listen to Amy's wonderful story from one of our Roll-A-Prompt Writing shows ~~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. If you like cozy novels, start with How to Sex Your Snake   Do you read on the new Kindle Vella? You'll want 4 Bullets and a Ghost. Never heard of Vella? It's from Amazon. They gives you the first 3 of each serial for free and then 200 additional free tokens to buy more episodes. Read on Amazon or Kindle iphone or ipad app. That's it for now. Go read a good book. Melissa

Good Adventures, I'm so excited to introduce you to author Elizabeth Engelman. Her novel, The Way of the Saints is one of the best I've read this year and won the Nilson prize for a first novel. I see many more awards in the book's future.  If you'd like to comment on today's show, head on over to our YouTube channel.  Pre-order The Way of the Saints now - https://lizzyengelman.com/home/ It will be out September 2021 You can also support your local book store by ordering from them directly or through https://bookshop.org If you only shop on Amazon, you'll find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Saints-Nilsen-Prize-First-Winner/dp/1733015337/ That's it for now. See you next time. Go read a good book.  Melissa  

Good Adventures, I'm so excited - it's writing prompt time. Today, I'm joined by my Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal Series co-author Lisa Mahoney and our good friend space opera author A.L. Bruno. We roll dice, write, and read, cutting out all that boring stuff while we write. Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: A new favorite singer/songerwriter is Jay Ingram. Check him his album on itunes. Want your own copy of a Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal? You'll find them on Barnes and Noble, Kobo and Amazon.  A.L Bruno's Space Opera Novel Stars Forever Black.  He was on ep 101 of the show and you can hear him read a section. If you are going to be near the Orlando area come see Lisa and I at the Orlando Books Reads con the last weekend of August. It's free to attend the book signing on Aug 28, 2021 from 3-6 pm eastern.   And that's it. I'll see you next time. Go read a good book. Melissa

Good Adventures, This week I'm chatting with frequent guest Tony Bruno. You know him from many of our Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal Shows. Today, we're chatting about his new space opera novel, Stars Forever Black. And he reads!  Comment over on our Youtube Channel.  Links: Stars Forever Black Tony's Website That's it for now. Until next time, go read a good book.  Melissa

Good Adventures,  I'm so excited to welcome back my sometimes co-host Terri M. Collica. We're chatting with cover designer Mariah Sinclair today. Lots of great info for cozy mystery authors. Including what you need for the new Amazon episodic serial service Vella.  Comment over on our Youtube channel.  Links: https://www.mariahsinclair.com https://www.thecovervault.com ~~~~ What do Terri and I write? Thanks for asking.  Terri pens the Sunny McBain YA Mystery Series. Fuzzy Visions and Family Visions. https://www.amazon.com/Terri-M-Collica/e/B00OUE3URW I write the June Nash Mysteries - How to Sex Your Snake, How to Square Your Grouper, How to Launch Your Lizard. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0887RNJDW That's it for now. Until next time, go read a good book. Melissa

Good Adventures, I'm excited to chat with author Shelly Snow Pordea about her time travel series, surviving a cult, and her work as a coach and ghost writer.  Comment over on our Youtube page.  Links: Shelly's website; (love the pictures) https://www.shellysnowpordea.com ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my June Nash Cozy series, about a reluctant adventurer here, starting with How to Sex Your Snake. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0887RNJDW See you next time. Go read a good book. Melissa