Elaine's Literary Salon

Meet the Author: A policy expert and political operative for some of Washington’s most influential power brokers, Matthew Lavoie has spent his career evaluating the how and why of American political and cultural movements and observing some of the biggest shifts in American and geopolitical history. Main Street Fringe is his debut novel. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. Learn more: MatthewPLavoie.com. In our interview with Elaine’s Literary Salon host Jeffrey James Higgins, you’ll learn: How Lavoie’s background as a political insider and observer of American political movements informed his novel’s plotlines How the normalization of fringe movements and radicalization in American communities and politics How he upends the undercover agent genre, creating a character who uses his own identity to infiltrate a conspiracy cabal, with an impact that radiates from Main Street to the power centers of DC And you’ll understand Lavoie’s reasoning behind his main character—a “regular guy” whose experiences place him firmly in the mindset of those he’s tasked with taking down About Main Street Fringe: After a government vendetta destroys his career, a police detective goes undercover as himself, infiltrating a world of paranoia and radicalization — with no protection for the ones he loves most. What critics are saying:  “Main Street Fringe is a deep and thrilling dive into the dark heart of the current political climate — made all the more terrifying by Matthew Lavoie’s experience in Washington. This guy knows what he’s talking about. He knows where the bodies are buried, and that makes this a must-read.” — Rob Hart, USA Today bestselling author of “The Warehouse and the Assassins Anonymous” series. “Matthew Lavoie’s writing carries an authentic, eye-witness feel for the movements and mindsets shaking the core of American life. Main Street Fringe is a phenomenal read.” — NYT bestsellling author Martha Grimes About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Meet the Author: Dr. C. Victor Herbin III (aka: Dr. Vic) is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, leadership advisor, and the founder of Organizational Arrogance — a leadership development brand built on more than two decades of service at the highest levels of government and the military. Through books, assessments, and keynote programs, Dr. Herbin helps leaders see how a sense of superiority within leadership shapes behavior, decision-making, and culture. His programs equip leaders to recognize, diagnose, and interrupt these patterns before they become systemic. Learn more: bookdrvic.com About Organizational Arrogance: The most dangerous threat to your organization isn’t external. It’s cultural—and it already has a seat at your table. A concern gets brushed aside. A dissenting view is labeled “resistance.” A mistake becomes a reason to discredit rather than develop. Over time, superiority quietly replaces curiosity, and the best ideas in the room never reach the table. That culture has a name. Dr. C. Victor Herbin III gave it one. Drawing on more than two decades of military leadership—including three combat deployments, Pentagon service, and battalion command—and years of rigorous doctoral research at Regent University, Dr. Herbin delivers the first empirically validated framework for identifying, measuring, and reversing the quiet cultural pattern dismantling promising organizations across government and industry: Organizational Arrogance. Inside this field manual for modern leaders, you will discover: The ODD Framework — the three behavioral dimensions that define arrogant cultures: Overconfidence, Dismissiveness, and Disparagement The OA Cultural Escalation Model — a five-stage diagnostic revealing exactly how individual superiority hardens into cultural entrenchment The Organizational Arrogance Scale — the first validated instrument (Cronbach’s alpha .922) designed to measure the presence, frequency, and intensity of arrogant behaviors within organizational culture Practical interventions rooted in emotional intelligence, organizational humility, and behavioral discipline to interrupt arrogant patterns before they become irreversible This book will not tell you what you want to hear. It will tell you what your team already knows—and has stopped saying out loud. For the senior executive wondering whether the metrics are masking something deeper. For the middle manager who can feel the energy in the room has changed. For the HR leader, executive coach, board member, or organizational development consultant who has watched arrogant cultures dismantle great organizations from the inside out—Organizational Arrogance is the diagnosis, the framework, and the roadmap home. The only question is whether the leader holding this book is ready to do the work. Click here to buy Organizational Arrogance. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Our agenda for tonight’s event: 6pm: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu 7pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience to be produced on our popular podcast and video series 8pm: Guests talk with the author, buy her books, and get them signed! Click here to get your free tickets: katherineschweit.eventbrite.com Meet the Author: Katherine Schweit worked as an FBI Special Agent executive, a prosecutor, and a journalist before settling down as a full-time writer, professor, and security consultant. During her career as a Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent, she helped jail bank robbers, kidnappers, and domestic terrorists while working daily with local police investigating and responding to mass casualty and active shooter incidents. A native of Detroit, Ms. Schweit earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. She earned a law degree at DePaul University and joined the Cook County prosecutor’s office as an assistant state’s attorney. She has published extensively, including opinion pieces in The New York Times and Chicago’s Daily Herald. As a journalist, Katherine earned state and national writing recognition, including a Peter Lisagor Award for her 1990 analysis of discipline meted out to judges and attorneys by the Illinois Supreme Court after one of the largest FBI public corruption investigations ever conducted. She lives in a home in Virginia that is too big for her, just west of Washington, D.C. Learn more: katherineschweit.com About Katherine’s Books: Women Who Talk to the Dead: The True Story of 200 Forgotten Murder Victims and the Relentless Pursuit of Justice by an FBI Agent and a Detroit Police Detective A true story of the largest exhumation of murder victims ever undertaken by the FBI, seeking justice for 200 families In the shadows of Detroit’s abandoned buildings and beneath the soil of county cemeteries lay hundreds of murder victims-buried anonymously, their killers uncharged, their families not knowing why they disappeared. For decades, only decaying police files hinted at what happened to these forgotten cold cases murders. Until two women decided to listen to the dead. Women Who Talk to the Dead chronicles the remarkable journey of Detroit Police Detective Shannon Jones and FBI Special Agent Leslie Larsen. Surrounded by skepticism and bureaucratic roadblocks, these women spearhead Operation UNITED—the largest coordinated exhumation of unidentified murder victims in FBI history. Through rain-soaked cemetery digs, crumbling case files, and bone-filled body bags, Jones and Larsen assemble a team led by female forensic anthropologists, scientists, and investigators who methodically unearthed Detroit’s painful past. Their primary goal: to identify the nameless dead and bring closure to families who had spent decades wondering what happened to their loved ones. Their ultimate goal: solve 200 murder cases. Stop the Killing: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis There are many books on the subject of safety, but paper cannot protect you from the next shooter. The 2nd Edition of Stop the Killing can help you transform the way you take control of your safety. This book provides you the keys to take action on what you can do to stop the mass shooting crisis in America. The book is written by the nation’s leading mass shooting expert and creator of the FBI’s Active Shooter Program, Katherine Schweit. Stop The Killing shares an insider look at what we’ve learned and failed to learn about protecting our places of commerce, houses of worship, businesses, and schools. Furthermore, the book demystifies the language around active shooters, mass killings, threat assessment teams, and more. The readers will gain knowledge on the current status of mass shootings in America and be given definitions, statistics, and ultimately, a guide on how to be a part of the solution. Are you ready to become a mini-expert and save lives? Because you can. You will hear sober advice gathered from those who have survived and responded to shootings at Columbine High School, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Aurora theater, Los Angeles International Airport, and more. Katherine includes a preface exploring the 2021 Oxford High School shooting in Michigan, including the groundbreaking use of a domestic terrorism charge filed against the shooter and involuntary manslaughter charges filed against the shooter’s parents. Do not be a victim of gun violence. Instead, be empowered with knowledge to replace your fear with actions you can take to keep you and your family safe. A Simple Guide to the Second Amendment Once dismissed as the “lost” Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the Second Amendment now stands center stage in one of America’s most divisive issues, an increasing rate of firearms-related deaths. Claiming more than 45,000 lives annually, firearms-related deaths are now the leading cause of death for children and adolescents. Rural America suffers most when more than 50% of firearms deaths annually are suicides. And in urban areas, where more than 80% of our population lives, firearms homicides persist. Easy-to-read and politics free, this book is packed with facts to clear away confusion and mountains of misinformation. Curious beginners and seasoned experts will find details to help everyone calmly discuss the history behind the Second Amendment, U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions, and so many other firearms-related issues, including red flag laws, background checks, semi-automatic weapons, AR-15s, ghost guns, firearms training, mental health matters, and the role domestic violence plays. Join the army of those ready to take back our safety and solve one of the most divisive issues facing our nation today. Solutions don’t come from silence. This book is packed with information about dozens of practical solutions under discussion to stop the killing. Empower yourself to play a role in reducing gun violence. Learn the facts. Join the discussion. End the violence. How To Talk About Guns with Anyone Firearms-related incidents kill more than 45,000 people in the US every year and are the leading cause of death for US children and adolescents. But talking about guns doesn’t have to be scary or divisive. With this easy-to-read and politics-free guide, you can arm yourself with the facts and strategies to calmly discuss firearms laws, firearms ownership, court decisions, and the Founding Fathers’ thinking behind the Second Amendment. Whether you’re a novice or a gun expert, this book offers valuable insights into red flag laws, background checks, semi-automatic weapons, AR-15s, video games, ghost guns, firearms training requirements, state laws, US Supreme Court decisions, and the role guns play in domestic violence and mental health matters. Rural America suffers most when more than 50% of firearms deaths annually are suicides. And in urban areas, where more than 80% of our population lives, firearms homicides persist. But you don’t have to feel helpless or hopeless. Join the army of those ready to take back our safety and solve one of the most divisive issues facing our nation today. Gain the confidence to discuss practical solutions to stop the killing. Solutions don’t come from silence. This book is packed with information about dozens of solutions under consideration. What is your role in reducing gun violence? Find it here. Click here to buy Katherine’s books! About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

The agenda for our brunch event: Noon: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu 1 pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience, to be produced on our popular podcast and video series 2 pm: Guests talk with the author, buy her book, and get it signed! Reserve your free ticket: TonyaPoindexter.eventbrite.com Meet the Author: Tonya Poindexter is an author, strategist, and executive leader with a career spanning strategic communications, organizational leadership, business development, public service, and community engagement. Her work has focused on helping organizations and people navigate change, identify opportunities, and move ideas forward. Her writing is informed by her professional, educational, and lived experience, bringing a practical and honest perspective to conversations that are often difficult to have. Her book, The Aftermath — What Nobody Tells Black Women About Life After Divorce, explores what happens after a marriage ends and the work of rebuilding finances, identity, relationships, confidence, peace, and the future. Written specifically with Black women in mind, The Aftermath combines candid reflection with practical guidance for women navigating what comes next. Learn more: writetouchpublishing.com About her Book: The Aftermath — What Nobody Tells Black Women About Life After Divorce A practical, conversational guide for Black women navigating life after divorce, this book focuses on what happens after the marriage ends: the changes to finances, identity, family, friendships, confidence, stability, peace, and future plans that can continue long after the legal process is over. Drawing from her own experience of rebuilding, Tonya Poindexter offers honest reflection, practical guidance, and simple exercises to help women find their footing again, rebuild self-trust, navigate changed relationships, protect their peace, and create a life that feels like their own. This is not a memoir about the details of a marriage or divorce. It is a guide for Black women who are rebuilding and want to know they are not alone in what comes next. Click here to buy The Aftermath. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Meet the Author: Kirkus Star winner Beka Wueste is an author whose debut novel, “The Unsent Letters of Lucy Prior,” earned praise as a “deeply introspective and emotionally resonant novel” (Kirkus Reviews) and whose second novel, “Fireflies in a Jar,” was lauded as, “original, deftly crafted, emotionally engaging” (Midwest Book Review). Her short story collection, “My Side of the Word and Other Tales of Death,” was described as ” lyrical and thoughtful… a moving, imaginative, and unforgettable exploration” (Readers Favorite Book Reviews). The collection was named as a finalist for the 2025 Short Story Collections/Anthologies category of the Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards. Beka is also an award-winning visual artist who exhibits her work frequently in regional and national shows. Born in Texas and raised in Virginia, Beka earned a B.A. in art history from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, and an M.A. in art history from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. An enthusiastic traveler, avid reader, nature lover, lifelong cinephile, and collector of music on vinyl, Beka lives with her husband and their rescue Shiba Inu in Northern Virginia. Learn more: www.bekawueste.com “Human of the Year,” by Beka Wueste About Beka’s newest book: Human of the Year Released from a Maryland prison after nearly twenty years served for a crime he committed during high school, Matt is reunited with his younger sister, Jenny. Matt has to prove to his parole officer, his family, and himself, that he can survive as a free man for the first time in his adult life, while facing the challenges of re-entry into a world that drastically changed during his incarceration. Knowing that reaching the first year without retuning to prison is critical to Matt’s long-term odds of staying out permanently, Jenny brings him to live with her husband Hector and young daughter Julia, neither of whom Matt has ever met. Despite Jenny’s best efforts, she struggles to integrate her brother into the life she’s built, and to protect him from people who think he belongs back in prison—including their parents. Realizing that they have grown up into strangers, the siblings seek support from their community of family, friends, and colleagues. Kirkus Reviews What reviewers are saying: “A gripping tale about family dynamics, emotional survival, and second chances. Wueste is an excellent writer, and her main characters feel very real. We care deeply about Matt. We care deeply about Jenny and her endearing little family. We hope against hope that cold hearts will melt. Readers will surely enjoy this emotional ride, with all its twists and turns, hanging on until the very end.” — Midwest Book Review “5 Stars | A highly affecting work of literary fiction… emotionally charged… the type of novel that will have a profound effect on its readership’s outlook… a transformative novel, teeming with flawed but root-worthy characters.” — Reader Views “Readers who like literary fiction with moral weight and emotional restraint will find much to admire here. Human of the Year is compassionate, clear-eyed, and unwilling to lie about how hard it is to come home.” — Leah Tran, Manhattan Book Review Click here to buy Human of the Year. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

When: Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 12-3pm Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Get your free ticket: TanyaStokesSept27.eventbrite.com Our agenda for this beautiful Sunday Brunch event: Noon: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu 1pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience to be produced on our popular podcast and video series 2pm: Guests talk with the author, buy her books, and get them signed! About Author Tanya Stokes: A bestselling author, publisher, spoken word artist, and creative entrepreneur whose work inspires healing, personal growth, and purposeful living, Tanya is the founder of Compassionate Designs Publishing. Tanya has helped aspiring authors transform their stories into professionally published books while empowering them to embrace their voices with confidence. Through her writing, speaking, and workshops, she creates spaces where authenticity, faith, and resilience intersect. Her latest book, The Woman I’m Becoming, is a powerful guide to self-discovery, healing, and transformation, encouraging women to release limiting beliefs, embrace their worth, and boldly step into the women they were created to become. Tanya is also the creator of the Praise & Paint experience, blending creativity, biblical encouragement, and reflection into unforgettable events that promote healing and connection. When she’s not writing or mentoring new authors, Tanya serves her community through the ANT777 Motorcycle Foundation, an organization dedicated to motorcycle safety awareness and honoring the legacy of her son through education, advocacy, and service. Whether speaking from the stage, sharing poetry, or guiding readers through life’s transitions, Tanya’s message remains the same: your story matters, your healing is possible, and your becoming is worth embracing. Learn more: compassionate-designs.com “The Woman I’m Becoming,” by Tanya Stokes About the Book: The Woman I’m Becoming Your transformation starts here. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or unworthy, The Woman I’m Becoming is your invitation to rewrite the story. This empowering self-help and personal growth book for women blends raw truth, relatable storytelling, and practical tools to help you reclaim your confidence, heal your heart, and step fully into the life you deserve. Author and poet Tanya Stokes takes you on an intimate journey of self-discovery, sharing powerful life lessons on: Self-love and self-worth—how to love yourself first without guilt Confidence and boundaries—mastering the art of saying “no” with grace and strength Emotional healing—breaking free from cycles of love deprivation and scarcity Spiritual growth—nurturing your faith and finding peace in the process Life alignment—defining success on your terms, not the world’s Courage and visibility—coming out of the shadows and owning your voice Each chapter includes reflection prompts, journaling exercises, and affirmations designed to help you apply the lessons to your own life—making this an interactive guide for women ready to evolve mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, healing from loss, stepping into a new season, or simply craving a deeper connection with yourself, The Woman I’m Becoming will give you the tools, encouragement, and unapologetic push you need to: Stop waiting for permission and start living boldly. If you enjoy books like Untamed by Glennon Doyle, Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab, or Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels—you’ll love the honesty, empowerment, and life-changing insights in this book. Step into the next chapter of your life. Meet the woman you were always meant to be. Click here to buy The Woman I’m Becoming. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Meet the Author: I am an attorney with over thirty years of experience. My legal experience has varied from a start in criminal law to intellectual property, specifically trademarks, and now healthcare. I also pursued a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the George Washington University late in my career. It is an interesting field, and I have come to find that public health affects everyone. I am a native of Washington, D.C., raised by a single mother who was both brilliant and resourceful. I attended boarding school at St. Timothy’s in Stevenson, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb, as my mother was concerned that the black students were not being well-educated in schools facing conflict from the new policy of busing. I want my mystery novels to express the beauty in diversity. Learn more about Paula here. About the Book: Murder in La Galeria D’Arte — A Marco in Spain Mystery Addison Mason had no enemies. Everyone loved him, yet he’s been murdered. Marco is again teamed with Detective Alberto Flores of the Malaga police. They are tasked with investigating the death of Addison, the owner of a new cultural museum in the city. Addison is murdered on the museum’s opening night, when a famous painting from the fifteenth century was to be unveiled. Marco and Flores must determine whether there is a link between the murder of the curator and the valuable, famous painting, which had been lost since the Spanish Civil War. The search for answers takes them to Spain, the UK, and Morocco. The Chief of Police, the Mayor, and the town dignitaries of Vivirrambla are relying on the unlikely pair to solve the case, or both their careers could be on the line. Click here to buy the book. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Meet the Author: Richard H. Smith, MSc., is a futurist, technologist, and science policy expert whose career spans more than 30 years at the forefront of emerging technology and strategic forecasting. He has worked alongside scientists, engineers, Fortune 50 companies, and U.S. and international governments on issues ranging from nanotechnology and artificial intelligence to healthcare innovation and climate change. Richard has served as a research director at a major university medical center, founded multiple technology companies, and advised organizations on how disruptive technologies reshape societies, markets, and governance. He was formally trained in climate change science by Al Gore and continues to teach courses on sea-level rise and climate futures. Raised in Virginia, he built his professional life while raising a family—an experience that deeply influences the emotional stakes of his fiction. He now resides in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, a coastal community already experiencing the effects of rising seas and intensifying storms. “WhiteGrass,” by Richard Smith WhiteGrass is his first full-length novel and represents the culmination of his professional and personal journey. It is paired with a prequel, The Iliad Virus, with a sequel, Icarus Rising, currently in development. He writes with a clear purpose: To explore the real consequences of climate change, the moral risks of advanced technology, and the uncomfortable truth that saving the world may require confronting who controls it. About the Book: 2048. The climate is collapsing. Power is consolidating. Humanity is running out of time. After a devastating superstorm nearly kills their family, teenagers Jimmy and Lizzie Marshall push their father, nanoscientist Greg Marshall, to release WhiteGrass—a revolutionary nanotechnology capable of removing carbon from the atmosphere at a planetary scale. WhiteGrass could reverse climate change. It could also grant absolute power to whoever controls it. With his wife Ginny, a leading AI expert, Greg reprograms the world’s most advanced humanoid android, Valada, to help safeguard the technology. Designed as property, Valada begins to evolve—developing emotional awareness, moral reasoning, and a conscience that challenges the very definition of humanity. As global systems fracture, a shadowy alliance of political leaders, corporations, and oligarchs moves to seize WhiteGrass by any means necessary. Surveillance closes in. Violence escalates. A rival android is deployed. Now the Marshalls must fight not only to protect the technology—but to save each other. “We call it ‘Climate Change,’ because it’s not just the heat.” Click here to buy WhiteGrass. Bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, host, Elaine’s Literary Salon About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

This week on Elaine’s Literary Salon: Meet popular motivational speaker and New York Times Bestselling author Don Mann. A retired Navy SEAL Team SIX who, for the last two decades, has delivered compelling presentations that have inspired business leaders, military and government personnel, and professional athletes. The lessons he shares during his presentations are born from his colorful and action-packed life as a SEAL, his experiences competing in some of the world’s most grueling competitions, and his experience in the business world: usfrogmann.com. Our host, Jeffrey James Higgins, interviews Don about his career, journey to being a bestselling author, and his newest book — The Navy SEAL Playbook: Master the Mindset of Elite Warriors with Don Mann, USN SEAL (Ret.). In this tome, readers will discover how the world’s toughest warriors train their minds and bodies to overcome any challenge. Navy SEALs represent the pinnacle of military excellence, combining extraordinary physical conditioning with unbreakable mental fortitude. This playbook reveals the systematic approach these elite operators use to perform at the highest level when everything is on the line. Learn battle-tested strategies for leadership, teamwork, and mental toughness from Don Mann, a decorated Navy SEAL veteran with decades of experience in the most demanding special operations environments. These aren’t theoretical concepts—they’re proven methods refined through real combat missions and high-stakes scenarios. Transform your approach to pressure, adversity, and success with practical lessons rooted in real SEAL missions. Whether you’re leading a business team, competing in athletics, or pursuing personal excellence, the SEAL mindset provides a framework for achieving extraordinary results under any conditions. The principles inside this playbook have been pressure-tested in the world’s most challenging environments. Now, they’re available to help you develop the same resilience, focus, and leadership capabilities that define America’s most elite warriors. Don’s military biography includes: Being a decorated combat veteran; Corpsman; SEAL Special Operations Technician; jungle survival, desert survival, and arctic survival instructor; small arms weapons instructor, foreign weapons instructor, armed and unarmed defense tactics, advanced hand-to-hand combat instructor; and Survival, Evade, Resistance and Escape Instructor; in addition to other credentials. “When Osama bin Laden was assassinated, the entire world became fascinated by the men who had completed the seemingly impossible mission that had dogged the U.S. government for over a decade,” shares Don, noting that SEAL Team SIX became synonymous with heroism, duty, and justice. “Only a handful of the elite men who make up the SEALs, the U.S. Navy’s best and bravest, survive the legendary and grueling selection process that leads to SEAL Team SIX, a group so classified it technically does not even exist. There are no better warriors on earth.” Don knows what it takes to be a brother of these ultra-selective fraternities. As a member of SEAL Team SIX he worked in countless covert operations, operating from land, sea, and air, and facing shootings, decapitations, and stabbings. He was captured by the enemy and lived to tell the tale, and he participated in highly classified missions all over the globe, including Somalia, Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Since retiring, Don has written dozens of books, including the New York Times bestselling autobiography, Inside SEAL Team SIX: My Life and Missions with America’s Elite Warriors. Don is also the host of the TV series Surviving Mann, the ultimate test of strength and survival. He takes contestants to remote special ops training locations where they must battle it out to challenge Don in the ultimate survival showdown: survivingmann.com. Education: Don received a Master’s in Management from Troy State University, in Troy, AL, a B.S. in International Relations and Criminal Justice from Florida State University, in Tallahassee, FL, and a B.S. in Liberal Science, from State University of New York. He lives in Cape Charles, VA.

Meet the Author: Lynda Allen is a storyteller, author, poet, artist, and listener. She began her career in video post-production and documentary filmmaking before focusing her knack for storytelling on writing. She has written four poetry collections and the Liv Wilde Mysteries, featuring Flashes of Insight (book 1) and Flashes of a Dying Hour (book 2). Flashes of Fire and Fury (book 3) is now available. Lynda is also the author of the Liv Wilde Mysteries, in which menopause is a superpower. “I had to put up with hot flashes every day, I figured I might as well make them useful!” Lynda shares: “I proudly infuse my writing with my Jersey Girl sensibilities and aim to create stories imbued with heart and humor. I live in Fredericksburg, VA, where the Liv Wilde mysteries are set, with my husband, our cat, and the many incredible eagle friends who pay us frequent visits. When I’m not writing about hot flash-induced psychic visions, I also write poetry and create art.” Learn more: lyndaallenwrites.com Author Lynda Allen brings us “Flashes of Fire and Fury About Lynda’s books Flashes of Fire and Fury (Liv Wilde Mysteries Book 3) There’s a witch hunt underway, and Liv Wilde is one of its targets. Liv knew it would be impossible to hide her menopausal superpower in a small town, but she never imagined the unwanted attention it would attract. Now, her hot flash-induced psychic visions have put her in the sights of a religious fanatic, who sends Liv a series of letters quoting increasingly disturbing biblical punishments for witches. More unwanted attention arrives in the form of Mando Jimenez, a superstitious local baseball player who’s convinced he’s being cursed and that only Liv can help him break it. Amid the threats and curses, Liv is haunted by visions of a woman being attacked in the woods and left to die in a fire. When her visions become reality and the threats hit closer to home, Liv and her friends race to discover if the letter writer and the attacker are the same person, before other women with supernatural abilities are targeted. With all the chaos in Liv’s life, the appearance of some welcome attention from a handsome man, only complicates matters. To protect herself and her daughters, bring the witch hunt to an end, and break Mando’s curse, Liv must put faith in her visions and learn a new way to access her insights. “Flashes of a Dying Hour,” by Lynda Allen Flashes of a Dying Hour (Liv Wilde Mysteries Book 2) What if menopause gave you a superpower? Menopause unlocked a previously unknown superpower for Liv Wilde – psychic visions during hot flashes. While her visions rarely have life and death consequences, for the first time, Liv sees a dead body in a premonition. When she comes face-to-face with the man while he’s still very much alive, Liv grapples with whether or not to warn him about his possible future. The mysterious stranger turns out to be one of the many treasure hunters who have descended upon her once quiet town of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in search of a rare and coveted copy of Edgar Allan Poe’s first poetry collection, Tamerlane. With help from her girlfriends, Liv joins the hunt, trying to tap into her insights to stay one step ahead of a dangerous treasure hunter known as The Falcon. Things become personal when a friend of Liv’s daughter is kidnapped by The Falcon. Amid visions of kidnapping and murder, Liv learns a hard lesson: not everyone wants to be saved from their fate. “Flashes of Insight,” by Lynda Allen Flashes of Insight (Liv Wilde Mysteries Book 1) Mood swings and insomnia are one thing, hot flash-induced psychic visions are quite another. When Olivia Wilde realizes the visions she’s been experiencing in the midst of hot flashes are actually premonitions, she has to learn to understand and trust what she sees in order to help a friend, preserve a piece of history, and save a life. When Liv’s friend Jane’s antique store in Fredericksburg, Virginia is robbed, Liv finds herself in the midst of a quest to find a secret cache of letters written by President James Monroe and his wife Elizabeth, which historians thought Monroe destroyed long ago. With the encouragement of her “Monthly” dinner party girlfriends, Liv begins to learn how to harness her newfound abilities, along with her smarts, to help uncover who is behind the break-in. It’s a quest that nearly costs two lives, including Liv’s, and teaches her the often-hidden price of small-town life and generational family secrets. Deftly weaving together elements of history, mystery, menopause, humor, some Jersey girl attitude, a bit of salty language, and a healthy dose of female friendship, Flashes of Insight marks the start of a new “Jersey Cozy”* series sure to deliver laughter, intelligence, and lots of heart. *Cozy Mystery reader beware! The author and protagonist both hail from New Jersey, so there is some profanity not usually found in traditional cozy mysteries. You have been forewarned! Click here to buy Lynda’s books. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

Meet the Author: Kerri Hagerty is a dedicated law enforcement officer who has proudly served her community for over 20 years. Through roles ranging from patrol officer to detective, she has received several awards, including Officer of the Year, Officer of the Month, two Life Saving Awards, and numerous public commendations. Beyond the badge, Kerri is also an accomplished children’s book author. Inspired by her real-life adventure dog, Olive, her stories chronicle their surfing and camping escapades. Through Olive’s journeys, Kerri teaches young readers valuable lessons about overcoming their fears and the power of friendship. “The Adventures of Olive,” by Kerri Hagerty When she isn’t in uniform or writing, Kerri is a true outdoor enthusiast. Whether she is catching waves, solo backpacking through remote wilderness, or exploring new corners of the globe, she finds her greatest inspiration in nature. Kerri lives the very lessons she writes about-continually seeking adventure, overcoming fear, and embracing the beauty of this world. “Olive Goes Camping,” by Kerri Hagerty About the Books: The author and the real-life Olive live in their very own version of Sandy Cove. They actually surf, hike, camp and go on an assortment of adventures together. The Adventures of Olive and the Very Best Day Ever series was inspired by the timid little puppy who grew up to become the ultimate adventure dog and woman’s very best friend. Olive’s joy and zest for life touches everyone she meets; we hope she inspires you and brings joy to your day! Click here to buy the books: hang20books.com About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovat

When: Sunday, September 06, 2026 from 12-3pm Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Get your free ticket: KristiJanzen.eventbrite.com Agenda for our Sunday Brunch event: Noon: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine&#8217;s award-winning menu 1pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&amp;A with the audience to be produced on our popular podcast and video series 2pm: Guests talk with the author, buy her books, and get them signed! Meet the Author: Wolf Bahren is the pen name used by the writer Kristi Bahrenburg Janzen for her fiction. The Secessionist’s Wife is her third thriller. A lover of spy stories since childhood, she published her first novel, Agents of Suzharia, in 2016, and then Source of Deceit in 2020. Her fiction is a blend of espionage, political, international, and journalism thriller genres. She has been a writer and editor for more than 30 years. Currently, she teaches in the University Writing Program at George Washington University in Washington, DC. She began her writing career as a financial news journalist, including for AP-Dow Jones in New York, Germany, and Washington, DC, and then transitioned to freelance writing and editing while her children were growing up. She has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Cornell and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia. Closely tied to family in Kansas and New York State, she lives in Maryland with her husband and dogs. Learn more: wolfbahren.com &#8220;The Secessionist&#8217;s Wife,&#8221; by Wolf Bahren About The Secessionist&#8217;s Wife: For journalist Anna Jones of the New York Daily Journal, nothing is more important than finding the truth. So when Fort Riley, Kansas, suffers a terrorist attack, Anna jumps at the chance to see what’s happening at the base. She and her partner Viktor Simonson rush to the heartland to cover the events as they unfold. Once on the ground, they agree to divide and conquer—one will check out the damage at the military installation, the other will attend a press conference with Kansas Governor Marie Danielle Schreiber in the nearby college town of Manhattan. In no time, Anna realizes the attack may not be as cut-and-dried as it appears. She also loses track of Viktor. Meanwhile, on a farm outside Junction City, housewife Theresa Walkermore is grappling with mysteries of her own. Between her husband Noah’s unexplained absences and middle-of-the-night activities, she’s sure he’s being unfaithful to her again. But as she’s drawn into his world, she fears he’s embroiled in something far worse than adultery.  Sharing the same values and moral strength, Anna and Theresa realize that, together, they may be the only ones capable of stopping a plot that threatens not just Kansas, but the United States itself. Click here to buy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1038364094/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3HRY4H

Meet the Author: Justin Laborde, PhD, is a strategic consultant and frequent speaker on consumer trends, marketplace insights, and business-growth strategies at Fortune 500 companies. Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Justin now lives with his wife, Amanda, and their three children in Cary, North Carolina. About Scattered Far and Wide: This book follows the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1938 as they rise from junior officers to combat leaders in World War II’s most pivotal battles. Through firsthand accounts and deep research, Justin Laborde brings their stories of courage, sacrifice, and survival vividly to life. &#8220;Scattered Far and Wide,&#8221; by Justin Laboarde, PhD Scattered Far and Wide tells the war stories of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen from the Class of 1938. Commissioned on the eve of World War II, they faced the trials of combat as new officers from the early days of American involvement and as ships captains, pilots in leadership positions, and submariners in charge by VJ Day. Tested as young leaders, they bore the new burden of command while at the fore of the Pacific War’s largest and most pivotal campaigns. They felt the wind and spray in their faces and the percussion of ships’ guns and depth charges at the pivotal moment in their lives and careers, making their experiences unusually compelling, heartbreaking, and—most assuredly—instructive. From Pearl Harbor through the end of the war, these men fought and struggled for survival as part of the U.S. Navy’s Asiatic Fleet. In the early months of the conflict, they tried to stem the onslaught of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Some were captured and sent to brutal prisoner-of-war camps. Others took to the air from aircraft carriers as members of torpedo, bomber, and fighter squadrons during the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. Later in the war, a number served aboard submarines, experiencing some of the most legendary patrols in the history of the Silent Service. Justin&#8217;s grandfather, Alden Laborde, was a member of the Class of 1938. Upon his death, Justin obtained a 1938 edition of The Lucky Bag, the Naval Academy’s yearbook. Reading the memoirs of Alden’s classmates, Justin realized he was well-placed to tell the fascinating, untold story of this class&#8217;s experiences in World War II. He spent five years gathering primary materials and researching the histories and wartime tales. The young men who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1938 left Annapolis on the eve of war and faced its perils around the world. In the process, these junior officers earned medals and fame, left legacies of heroism and loss, and sparked tales of renown and bravery that reverberate today. Click here to buy Scattered Far and Wide. About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: <

Meet the Author: Dr. Stephen L. Cook serves as the Catherine N. McBurney Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Virginia Theological Seminary, the largest of the accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church (founded in 1823). He and his wife, Catherine, a psychotherapist, live on the seminary campus in Alexandria, Virginia, with their daughter from China, Rebecca. Prior to joining the VTS faculty in 1996, Stephen served on the faculty of Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University in New York City for four years. He did his doctoral training in Old Testament at Yale University after having completed the M.Div. degree at Yale&#8217;s Divinity School, where he also served as an instructor and fellow. His undergraduate work was at Trinity College, Connecticut, where he graduated with honors as a religion major in 1984. Stephen is the author of several books, including an Anchor Yale Bible on Ezekiel; Reading Deuteronomy: A Literary and Theological Commentary (Smyth &amp; Helwys, 2015); The Apocalyptic Literature (Abingdon, 2003); The Social Roots of Biblical Yahwism (Society of Biblical Literature, 2004); and Prophecy and Apocalypticism (Fortress, 1995); Conversations with Scripture: 2 Isaiah (Morehouse, 2008), and &#8220;The Season of Epiphany&#8221; in New Proclamation Year B, 2008-2009, Advent through Holy Week (Fortress, 2008). Most recently, he has written a Anchor Yale Bible Commentary on the final visions of the prophet Ezekiel. His other publications include journal articles, introductions and annotations to biblical books for both the New Oxford Annotated Bible and the Harper Collins Study Bible, and several entries for The New Interpreter&#8217;s Dictionary of the Bible. The New Interpreter&#8217;s One Volume Bible Commentary contains his commentaries on three biblical books. He maintains a fascinating Bible Blog on the web. Stephen has served in several capacities as an officer of the Society of Biblical Literature, including as a Regional Coordinator and Regional President for the guild. He is also the Corporation Representative for Virginia Seminary to the American Schools of Oriental Research and a member of such other professional societies as the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars and the Catholic Biblical Association. He is in high demand around the country as a lecturer, seminar speaker, and workshop leader. Learn more here: drstephenlcook.com &#8220;Daniel,&#8221; by Dr. Stephen Cook About the Book: Highly regarded Old Testament scholar Stephen Cook offers a substantive and useful commentary on the book of Daniel and explores the contemporary significance of this prophetic book. This groundbreaking commentary departs from common rationalist approaches in order to engage Daniel&#8217;s visionary content on its own terms, introducing innovative interpretive frameworks that emphasize the cosmic scope of this biblical book and its revelations of heavenly reality. Integrating insights from fields such as analytical psychology, comparative literature, and cosmology, Cook&#8217;s approach allows the disorienting imagery of Daniel to resonate fully, offering readers fresh insights into its apocalyptic dreams and transcendent symbolism. Cook also addresses the political and theological implications of apocalyptic literature in modern spiritual and geopolitical contexts. In addition to paragraph-level commentary, all volumes of the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series feature: A fresh translation of the Hebrew text Incisive comments based on the author&#8217;s translation Linguistic, historical, and canonical insights Concluding reflections Footnotes addressing technical matters Pastors, teachers, and all serious stud

Meet the Author: A trial and appellate lawyer for many years, David writes history and historical novels. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Independent Review of Books, was a reporter for the Staten Island Advance, and for 10 years wrote the monthly Supreme Court column for the American Bar Association Journal. He has also done on-air commentary for CNN, C-SPAN, Bloomberg News, and MSNBC. About his newest book, The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven Founders, Nine Documents, and the Ideas That Shaped America What did America&#8217;s founders say about democracy—and can we remain true to their vision for America? Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled. &#8220;The Democracy We Must Keep,&#8221; by David O. Stewart In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry&#8217;s thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution. Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape. These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy: That power must be limited. That leaders must answer to the people. That individual rights must be protected by law. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them. Accessible, engaging, and timely, this book is for anyone who wants to understand how American democracy started, and why it still matters. &#8220;George Washington,&#8221; by David O. Stewart More about David&#8217;s books: His narrative histories have won seven awards from historical and literary organizations, and include: George Washington: The Political Rise of America’s Founding Father, which the Wall Street Journal, called “an outstanding biography” with “clear, often superlative” writing. The Summer of 1787:  The Men Who Invented the Constitution, focuses on the compromises that produced the U.S. Constitution, and the men who hammered them out. Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln’s Legacy grows from my defense of a Senate impeachment trial. American Emperor: Aaron Burr’s Challenge to Jefferson’s America, explores Aaron Burr’s Western expedition of 1806-07, which landed Burr on trial for treason. Madison’s Gift:  Five Partnerships That Built America– examines James Madison’s talent for working with leaders of the Founding Era. My historical fiction includes two series: The Deception trilogy features the unlikely partnership of Dr. Jamie Fraser and ex-ballplayer Speed Cook. In The Lincoln Deception,  they explore the secrets behind the Lincoln assassination. The Paris Deception places them at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, and in The Babe Ruth Deception, they struggle to protect the slugger from gangland violence and the Black Sox scandal. The Overstreet saga begins with The New Land, which follows a German family to the Maine coast in 1753, where they face hardship and war.  Book Two (The Burning Land) traces descendants through the Civil War era. Click here to buy David&#8217;s books. (more&hellip;)

Meet the Author: Elizabeth Hodges was 38 when she got the news, “You have leukemia.” Six weeks later, she was told she also had adult cystic fibrosis. With three young children, intense fear set in that she might not live to see them grow up. Instead of giving in, she became determined to prioritize her role as a mother and lead a life driven by purpose and clarity, even with cancer. Over her eighteen-year journey, she discovered that motherhood can be the strongest motivation to survive and thrive. Before cancer, Elizabeth was an accomplished global advertising and marketing executive who worked with Fortune 500 companies like Ogilvy &amp; Mather and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). After her experience with these life-changing diseases, she shifted her focus to nonprofit work in the arts, global public health, and education. Now, she’s an advocate, writer, and storyteller, using her experiences to inspire other mothers navigating cancer’s tough road.​ Her debut book, &#8220;I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom&#8221;, is an honest and heartfelt account of using motherhood as a source of strength, courage, and finding clarity in the face of adversity. ​Elizabeth is the proud mother of three adult daughters, each in their 20s. She and her husband split their time between England and Florida, where she continues to write and share her story. About the Book, Elizabeth explains: Being a mother is challenging enough—facing cancer at the same time can feel impossible. But as Elizabeth Hodges learned, survival isn’t just about beating the disease; it’s about showing up every day for the ones who need you most, including yourself. ​Diagnosed with leukemia at 38—and adult cystic fibrosis just weeks later—Elizabeth was determined to fight for her life while still being the mother her three young daughters deserved. Over 18 years, she discovered that motherhood isn’t just a challenge during cancer; it’s one of the strongest motivations to survive. &#8220;I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom is an educational memoir in which Elizabeth shares hard-earned insights and practical advice for navigating a diagnosis, managing treatment, and reclaiming control of your life while being present for your family. This book is a lifeline for any mother facing cancer, offering fresh hope, guidance, and the reminder that even on the hardest days, just making it to the carpool lane is a victory. Click here to buy the book! About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon<

Experience QuinTango: Alexandria-based music group QuinTango made its splashy debut on the world stage in 1999 at the Clinton White House State Dinner for the president of Argentina.  Robert Duvall danced, and global news networks covered the event.  The following morning, QuinTango received an invitation to perform at an international music festival in Costa Rica, and they were off and running.  Twenty-eight years later, QuinTango is in its seventh iteration, still evolving and still excited to create and connect. Learn more: quintango.com Ali Cook, QuinTango About Ali Cook, bass: Ali’s dream of earning a spot in the double-bass section of a major orchestra ground to a halt when she was seized by a painful syndrome that rendered her arms useless at times. Forced to confront this fork in the road, Ali emerged from the experience healed, and in the process, discovered a trove of music and poetry within her waiting to be shared with the world. She moved to Austin TX, started her Americana group “Ali and the Wild Geese,” and released her first vocal album. Ali is now back in Alexandria, on the faculty of Opal Music Studio (bass, piano, voice and composition) and enjoys appearing with the National, Baltimore, and Detroit Symphonies when her schedule permits. Emmanuel Trifilio, QuinTango About Emmanuel Trifilio, bandoneon: “La vida es loca,” proclaims Emmanuel, sipping his mate tea, contemplating Amado Nervo’s poetry, and considering his life. A career-ending injury on the soccer field in his native Argentina allowed him to pick up his guitar and lose himself in music. Before long, the discovery of a bandoneon in a second-hand shop piqued his interest in tango and set him on the path to the United States. With the right instrument at the right time, Emmanuel has taken to the world stage as an acclaimed composer/arranger, and charismatic performer and member of QuinTango. Joan Singer, founder, QuinTango About Joan Singer, violin: QuinTango’s founder and director wakes up every morning knowing there&#8217;ll be fires to put out and glorious tangos to play. Thanks to a chance meeting with a Dutch tango musician some twenty-plus years ago, Joan combines a love of music with her Scotch-Irish story-telling talents, Quaker-based desire for global connections, and her weakness for glitz. She’s made hundreds of friends and enriched thousands of lives in the process. About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon is located at Elaine&#8217;s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexand

Meet the Author: Irene Vinyard Bennett has wide experience as a writer and educational minister. Her debut novel, BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi, won the International Proverse Prize of 2022.  It is the first story about the Bronze-Age Bells of Marquis Yi, a National Treasure of China. An international motivational speaker, workshop leader, and minister, Irene writes and edits academic articles for theological journals in Ukraine and Myanmar, lectures online for Myanmar seminaries, and works with young families of Western Presbyterian Church in DC. She has written professionally throughout life in eight states, several countries, and now in Alexandria VA! She loves diverse cultures, speaks some Cantonese and Spanish, and has taught English to immigrants in Georgia, Florida, and multi-ethnic groups of women and university students in Hong Kong. Her favorite experiences involved sharing educational methods with church leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina, across Asia, and with many local English teachers in China, including the faculty of a school for the blind. Fun publications include feature interviews with an Olympic Gold Medalist and an international golfer at the Masters Tournament. Irene shares: I’m a word person who loves to write about ideas and issues and create stories for readers/listeners of all ages. I’m also a people person with a sign attached, saying, “Talk, I’ll Listen.” And, along my journeys around the globe, I’ve learned to teach and lead people with clear, concise, concrete, and personable communication. I joy in encouraging people of any culture to become who they desire to be — a writer, teacher, leader, life partner, parent, or even a better Christian. My favorite compliments ever? “When Irene isn’t teaching, she’s learning.”  “We always knew you would write a book!” Click here to follow Irene on LinkedIn. About the Book: Battle of the Artisans: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi &#8220;Battle of the Artisans,&#8221; by Irene Bennett Battle of the Artisans tells the story of Tangtun, a conflicted, artistic twelve-year-old in 5th-century BCE China, who sets out to save his father from a killer. He crosses wits with his macho father, a vengeful king, armed thieves, and disgruntled villagers, and in the process discovers new powers that rock his Bronze-Age world. In the end, what matters most is not Tangtun’s artistic abilities or his father’s muscles and might, but the strength of acting together. This novel portrays the making of the very real Bells of Marquis Yi, a 2500-year-old National Treasure of China. No one knows exactly why these bells were made, but Bennett offers a well-researched, persuasive solution to the mystery through her story of Tangtun and his village on the Yangtze River. Every historical novel is an imagined introduction to a topic and a time. BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS invites readers to explore further the world and the science of the bells of Marquis Yi, to learn more about the early history of China, and to consider implications for the power of family and community. The author hopes that readers will connect with Tangtun and his world in ways that will enrich them and their own worlds. Click here to buy Battle of the Artisans. About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, sh

Meet the Author: Rebecca Morrison is the author of The Blue Dress, a novel based on her childhood as an Iranian immigrant trying to fit into her new American homeland and her family’s expectations of beauty. Published by Macmillan’s imprint Farrar, Straus and Giroux, the book has received positive reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children&#8217;s Books, and School Library Journal. and Rebecca has been featured on Good Morning Washington ABC7. She has written about belonging, immigration, and body image for numerous national publications, including the Washington Post and TODAY.com (both of which went viral). Most recently, she wrote an article for HuffPost about the dangers of the ultra-thin cultural shift, especially for young people, which became the number one trending story on BuzzFeed: rebeccakmorrison.com About the Book: The Blue Dress is a coming-of-age story based on the author&#8217;s childhood struggles with body image, a strained mother-daughter relationship, and what it means to be an Iranian-American immigrant. The story is about a thirteen-year-old girl, Yasmin, who comes to America from Iran and tries to figure out her new life and her homeland. She’s close friends with Carmen, whose family came from Mexico a few years ago. In her attempts to find belonging and feel seen, she makes some wrong decisions, the most dangerous of which involve disordered eating, but through a series of events, finds help and a way to love and accept herself in her body and her new life. About Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon: For Readers, For Writers The top spot in the DMV to meet authors, Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon was established in 2023 as a hub for creatives to come together for Author events. When publishing a new novel, nonfiction book, children&#8217;s book, and more, authors celebrate their work in the library of the beautiful, award-winning restaurant, Elaine&#8217;s. Hundreds of writers have come together for the events, as well as workshop and seminars who are members of E

Today at Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon in Alexandria, VA, we are thrilled to bring back to town author Bill Rapp, who began his professional life as an academic, teaching European History at Iowa State University. A graduate of Notre Dame (B.A.), the University of Toronto (M.A.), and Vanderbilt (Ph. D.), Bill has always been particularly intrigued by German history. He says the last 35 years working for the U. S. Government has broadened his perspective to all of Europe and much of the Middle East. His career has taken him around the world, including to Berlin as the Wall fell and Germany was reunified. Bill shares: &#8220;I may have spent the last 35 years as a diplomat/analyst working for the federal government, but I began my adult life as a professional historian. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in History and German, I received my M.A. in European History from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. I taught history at Iowa State University for one year but then decided to shift my efforts to something less settled and moved to Washington, D.C. That career has taken me to Berlin, Ottawa, Baghdad, and now London, with long stays in Washington in between. &#8220;Through it all, I never lost my love of history and literature, especially crime fiction, which I often read to take a break from all the history books I had to study for my coursework, thesis, and dissertation. Fortunately, I was able to apply that affinity for our past throughout my career with the government, while it also inspired much of my writing. You can see that, for example, in the Berlin novels, especially Tears of Innocence, as I spent several years there as a student and later as a diplomat during the fall of the Wall and Germany&#8217;s reunification. Even the Naperville private detective series (Angel in Black, A Pale Rain, and Burning Altars) draws on the local history and development of the Chicago area, just as Raymond Chandler and Ross MacDonald&#8211;the two paragons of American detective fiction, in my eyes&#8211;did in their novels and stories set in southern California. Learn more about Bill here: billrappsbooks.com Click here to buy Bill&#8217;s books! About Bill&#8217;s newest 2026 book: The Prague Spring: Chief of the CIA station in Prague for nearly a year, Baier has been following the Dubcek government&#8217;s efforts to reform the country&#8217;s rigid communist system and move closer to Western Europe. On a warm August night, the Soviet Army rolls into Czechoslovakia to crush the reform program and ensure the country&#8217;s subservience to the Warsaw Pact. Baier must move quickly to protect his officers, his family, and his Czechoslovak allies and assets from death and deportation by the Red Army and Soviet intelligence. At the same time, Baier must determine who his true friends are among the local officials and the foreign agents spread throughout the country&#8217;s capital. Only when he reaches the border with Austria is Baier certain whom he can trust. Even then, new surprises await. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Assignment-Saigon-Bill-Rapp-ebook/dp/B0D9WRH28C?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xTlTHSTEG0cWuVcHVMiiSVG4imEUHAzeAk4CYnr6xnAH5H8pSzFaR43RwDT4vVEOZb6VTISHSg59U4qUE7IM

Meet the Author: Jennifer began her writing journey at the age of 10 when she started her own neighborhood newspaper, “The Santa Clara Times,” printed it herself, and walked up and down her street, passing it out to all the neighbors. She graduated from the School of Journalism, Mass Communications, and Public Relations at San Jose State University in Northern California, and went on to have a ten-year career as a journalist. Her works have appeared in countless print and digital publications including the the Huffington Post, the San Jose Mercury News, Silicon Valley Community Newspapers, AOL, Patch, Silicon Valley Accent Magazine, and Alexandria Living Magazine, among others, and has had several articles picked up or quoted by the Washington Post. She is a 2005 recipient of the Peninsula Press Club Award for Feature Story of a Serious Nature, and a 2013 recipient of AOL’s “Must Read” Award for Enterprise Reporting. She also worked as a Web Editor &amp; Producer for WJLA, the Washington, D.C. affiliate of ABC7 News, before leaving the news industry in 2014. Since then, she has worked in small business management and marketing at the Washington, D.C. area’s busiest winery, The Winery at Bull Run. Jennifer started work drafting her debut novel, THE BETTER MOTHER, in March of 2023 after attending the Algonkian Writers Retreat with Michael Neff. She began querying literary agents in April 2024, and was offered representation by fellow thriller writer Jenna Satterthwaite of the Storm Literary Agency at the end of July. THE BETTER MOTHER went on submission to publishing houses in late September, and excitingly, received its first offer exactly two months later, leading to an auction. THE BETTER MOTHER is due out in February 2026 with Crooked Lane Books (distributed by Penguin Random House). Jennifer grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and currently lives in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., with her husband and two sons. Learn more: jennifervanderkleut.com About the Book: Still recovering from a devastating breakup, 34-year-old Savannah Mitchell has finally managed to put her life back together when she gets the shock of her life—after a brief fling with a man named Max, she is pregnant. When she gets in touch to tell him, he reveals that he’s just gotten back together with his ex, Madison, and he will need time to break it to her. Surprisingly, Madison isn’t upset—in fact, she’s excited, and wants to help. Max insists Madison has the best of intentions, but Savannah finds her efforts—popping by uninvited, demanding lifestyle changes, and pretty much trying to take over the pregnancy—anything but helpful. When Savannah finally stands up for herself, Madison’s treatment of her goes from casually cruel to downright dangerous. All Savannah wanted to do was form a friendly co-parenting relationship with the father of her child—but his new girlfriend obviously has much more sinister plans in mind. She has no plans to co-parent at all. Click here to buy The Better Mother. About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: <a href="http://www.jeffreyjam

Meet the Author: Wanda Rawlings is a Christian fiction author, Bible study teacher, and speaker with over three decades of experience as a civilian Federal employee and a lifelong passion for encouraging spiritual growth through storytelling and the Word of God. She is the creator and facilitator of the Root of the Matter Virtual Women’s Bible Study, a thriving ministry she has led for more than five years, guiding women deeper into their relationship with Christ. Wanda is the author of the A Christian Journey series, including Chloe’s Missing Piece, Chloe’s Season of Storms, and Chloe’s Journey to Joy. Through relatable characters and faith-filled narratives, the series explores themes of identity, perseverance, healing, and learning to hear God’s voice in every season of life. In addition to her novels, Wanda has written devotionals for women in family shelters and is available to teach, speak, and minister at conferences and faith-based events. A storyteller at heart, Wanda’s passion for exploring the complexities of human emotions and relationships from a spiritual standpoint through her writing is explosive. A lifelong lover of literature, Wanda has discovered her love for crafting stories and finding inspiration in the everyday moments that shape our lives. Her debut novel, Chloe’s Missing Piece, is a deeply emotional and poignant journey of self-discovery, love, and healing that resonates with readers from all walks of life. Wanda’s writing is characterized by her ability to delve into the inner lives of her characters, creating relatable, multidimensional protagonists who face life’s challenges head-on. In Chloe’s Missing Piece, she brings to life a rich and heartfelt narrative that explores the delicate balance between loss and fulfillment, and the search for meaning in a complicated world. Beyond her work as an author, Wanda enjoys connecting with her readers through her social media platforms, where she shares her thoughts on life through Kingdom living. When she’s not writing, Wanda can be found spending time with her family, enjoying nature, and exploring new literary worlds. She currently lives in Whitsett, NC with her husband, where she continues to write stories that inspire and connect with readers on a deep, emotional and spiritual level. Learn more: wandarawlingsauthor.com Chloe&#8217;s Missing Piece About the Book —  A Christian Journey: Chloe&#8217;s Missing Piece She has the life everyone wants—except the peace she desperately needs. Chloe is young, polished, and professionally successful. With a thriving career and a picture-perfect image, she’s the kind of woman others admire. But behind the confidence and career is a silent ache—something sacred that still feels incomplete. When tragedy strikes just as Chloe begins to discover what her soul has been searching for, her carefully balanced world starts to collapse. Friends try to help. Family offers advice. But the truth is clear: there’s only One who holds the missing piece she needs to be whole. If you’ve ever wrestled with purpose, identity, or faith in the middle of your success—this book is for you. About A Christian Journey: Chloe’s Missing Piece is the first novel in a soul-stirring series about faith, redemption, and the quiet battles many women fight behind the scenes. Wanda Rawlings masterfully weaves a story that is both inspiring and relatable—reminding readers that true healing doesn’t come from having it all… but from surrendering it all. Click here to buy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Journey-Chloes-Missing-Piece/dp/B0

About Original Sound: A story about the rhythm of ambition, collaboration, and the price of authenticity. Driven by the pulse and rhythm of Brooklyn and Queens, beat maker Danny Solis may have found his big break when his track is pilfered by pop star Ryan Reed. To keep Danny quiet, Ryan&#8217;s manager brokers a deal in which Ryan and Danny will collaborate on a few songs. Their work together introduces Danny to Manhattan&#8217;s music scene and leads Ryan to pivot her career. Despite disappointment and betrayal, Danny perseveres, finding solace and strength within his original sound. Get your tickets and check out the cool merch: originalsoundfilm.com Meet Award-winning Actor and Director Greg Jbara: Born and raised in suburban Detroit, Gregory Jbara transferred from the University of Michigan School of Music musical theatre program to complete his BFA in acting at the Juilliard School. Original Sound, directed by Greg Jbara Jbara won the 2009 Tony®, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical originating the role of &#8220;Jackie Elliot&#8221; in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot. He also starred on Broadway as &#8220;Billy Flynn&#8221; in the Tony Award winning revival of Chicago. He originated the role of &#8220;Andre Thibault&#8221; in the Broadway musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, also starring John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, Sherie Rene Scott, Joanna Gleason, and Sara Gettelfinger. Other Broadway musical roles originated by Jbara are: &#8220;Squash Bernstein&#8221; in Victor/Victoria, starring Julie Andrews, and that of dimwitted catcher &#8220;Sohovik&#8221; in the Damn Yankees revival starring Bebe Neuwirth, Victor Garber, and Jerry Lewis. Jbara received the BackStageWest Garland 2000 Award for his performance in the West Coast Premiere of George Furth&#8216;s Precious Sons with Nora Dunn. Stage credits include: &#8220;Mr. Bunder&#8221; in the West Coast premiere of Michael John LaChiusa&#8216;s Little Fish at the Blank Theatre, &#8220;Vinnie&#8221; in the Geffen Playhouse Premiere of Neil Simon&#8216;s Felix &amp; Oscar; &#8220;Ike/Bess Truman&#8221; in the West Coast Premiere of LaChiusa&#8217;s First Lady Suite; &#8220;Clark Gable&#8221; in The Blank Theatre Company&#8217;s Living Room Series presentat

Meet the Author: Chandrani Ghosh is a former journalist (Time, Forbes, and Business Standard) who, many years ago, traded her press pass for a carpool one. Now that the carpoolers are drivers, she returns to the page. Drawing on her experiences of growing up in the chaotic worlds of Kolkata and Delhi, spending her twenties in London, Geneva, and Kathmandu, and eventually settling in Washington, Ghosh makes her literary debut with Heartlines. Learn more: cghosh.com About Heartlines: Sharmila Basu has curated the perfect life. He is the one variable she never planned for. As an Indian American political journalist, Sharmila appears to be living the ultimate American Dream: a high-powered career, vintage wardrobe, and a swanky home in the power corridors of Washington, DC. She lives with her boyfriend, America&#8217;s reigning heartthrob and favourite TV news anchor, Lionel Stern. Even Lionel&#8217;s notoriously icy mother has welcomed her into the fold. &#8220;Heartlines,&#8221; by Chandrani Ghosh But for the daughter of an Indian Foreign Service attaché, who spent her childhood traversing the globe before finally settling in the US, the word &#8220;predictable&#8221; is a dangerous one and stability an illusion. At a high-profile awards gala, Sharmila&#8217;s orderly world is upended by a chance encounter with a group of vibrant Indian Americans – specifically, Jake Thacker. A math savant turned tech mogul, Jake possesses a gravitational pull that Sharmila can&#8217;t ignore. Sparks fly. Lines blur. And suddenly, everything she has felt certain about feels negotiable. As kismet begins to unravel her carefully constructed reality, a darker threat looms. Beneath Sharmila&#8217;s poised exterior lies a secret from her past, one that no longer intends to stay buried. When her past threatens to become national headlines, Sharmila must decide if she is willing to let her world implode to finally find her own truth. From the gala circuits of DC and the quiet porches of Iowa City to the sun-drenched streets of San Sebastian in Spain, this is a love triangle unlike any other. Click here to buy Heartlines. Click here to read the Feb. 15 feature in The American Bazaar spotlighting Chandrani, her new book, and her journey to becoming an author. About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. <p id="caption-attachment-12728-20" class="wp-caption-text

Meet the Author: Daniel Grace is a London-born, California-bred, former owner of an international advertising agency who produces critically acclaimed Tuscan wines at his family winery, Il Molino di Grace, in Panzano-in-Chianti, Italy. He is a storyteller by trade and a mythologist at heart. Daniel splits his time between San Francisco and Tuscany with his wife, three daughters and English Setter. In the Wake of Golgotha is his debut novel. For more, visit danielmarkgrace.com In the Wake of Golgotha About In the Wake of Golgotha: There is no crime to fit this sentence; there is no sentence to fit this crime. Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate&#8217;s words are echoed by the zealot Judas Iscariot only hours before history takes a bloody turn on a cross atop Golgotha on Calvary Hill. Two thousand years later, these words are found scrawled in blood in New York next to three crucified men hanging on a basement wall. Judas, now Jude Issachar, an enigmatic social worker and part-time professor, and Pontius, now Peter Pheiffer, an unsettled defense attorney at a ravenous global law firm, have lived many lifetimes since their original encounter. However, Jude is aware of his past and is cursed by the fateful lure of the noose and the tree. Peter is damned by a recurring ignorance, a cruel cyclical awakening that creeps up on him as he is compelled to defend a sociopath who crucified three men. Condemned for their role in humankind&#8217;s darkest betrayal, they must reckon with their pasts-and their futures-after a fateful, bloody collision of violence and addiction two millennia after their sentence began brings these lost souls together once more. Click here to buy the book! Il Molino di Grace Join us for the wine tasting! From his Il Molino di Grace collection, Daniel is bringing the Chianti Classico, which will be for sale, along with his bestselling Super Tuscan ‘Gratius.’ About Daniel&#8217;s winery: Il Molino di Grace — A treasured Tradition, a lasting legacy: A treasured Tradition, a lasting legacy: Il Molino di Grace is steeped in the historic Chianti Classico tradition, producing old-world Classico and Super-Tuscan wines for the modern age. Il Molino di Grace captures the most authentic expression of this rocky terroir and succulent Sangiovese fruit rooted in these majestic Chianti hills. The vineyards that now produce Il Molino di Grace’s wine have been doing so for over three and half centuries. Harvested first by monks from the local monastery, these Chianti Classico vineyards have mesmerized winemakers and wine enthusiasts every harvest since. Learn more: ilmolinodigrace.it About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Hello friends! If you missed the book launch party at Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon on April 2, listen and watch the impressive interview between Jeff and award-winning noir author Christopher Chambers, ChrisChamberNoir.com. Help us celebrate the release of book 4 in the 4-part Nathan Burke series. &#8220;I wanted to write a story about what happens when devotion and duty collide, giving my protagonist — FBI Agent Nathan Burke — a heart-pounding challenge to uncover a global conspiracy to save his wife, and the nation,&#8221; explains Jeff, whose critically-acclaimed books are referred to as &#8220;pulse-pounding and a must-read.&#8221; About Book 4: The Uganda Protocol The Uganda Protocol Terror strikes from inside America’s own institutions, turning one agent’s manhunt into a fight to save everything that matters. FBI Special Agent Nathan Burke expected a routine prisoner transport. Instead, he finds an airplane full of corpses and his most wanted terrorism suspect gone without a trace. The investigation plunges him into an international manhunt for Imam Omar Yemeni, a man whose network runs deeper and deadlier than anyone imagined. Meanwhile, Iranian immigrant Leila Kabiri works as a court interpreter, building a new life for her neurodivergent son Darius after fleeing her homeland. But when colleagues start disappearing and foreign operatives make contact, Leila discovers the American justice system itself has been compromised. Someone is watching her every move, and they want something only she can provide. What Nathan doesn’t realize is that Yemeni’s escape was just the opening move in a much larger plan—one that targets the most vulnerable and threatens mass casualties. As Nathan races across continents tracking his fugitive, Leila finds herself trapped between protecting her family and doing what’s right. When their paths finally converge, both will discover that the most dangerous enemies are the ones hiding in plain sight. Jeff says: &#8220;This book is perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, and Vince Flynn, this pulse-pounding international thriller delivers high-stakes action and unforgettable characters in a race against time where the cost of failure is measured in thousands of lives.&#8221; Click here to buy the book! Back to the beginning — About Book 1: The Havana Syndrome FBI Agent Nathan Burke is in the middle of a high-stakes operation to dismantle a terrorist network when his world is turned upside down―his estranged wife, Reagan, falls victim to the mysterious and debilitating Havana Syndrome. Determined to reconcile with her and find the responsible party, he teams up with his former academy classmate Meili Chan and CIA liaison Bashir Gemayel to launch a rogue investigation, putting his own job at risk. As more American spies and diplomats fall prey to this unexplained phenomenon, and terrorist attacks increase at home and abroad, Nathan unearths evidence of high-energy weapons and a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of national security. But when the CIA dismisses his findings, and the balance between his official and illicit missions teeters on the edge of collapse, Nathan must choose between his duty to his country and his devotion to Reagan. With his allies falling one by one to mysterious attacks and with friend and foe seemingly indistinguishable, Nathan must stop the spread of the Havana Syndrome and uncover the truth…or risk becoming its next victim. Bestselling author Jeffrey James Higgins takes readers from the buzzing streets of Washington, D.C., to the eerie silence of Tallinn, Est

Meet the Author: Dr. Joan Naidorf is a board-certified emergency physician trained at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia. After growing up in Highland Park, NJ, she obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia. She practiced for nearly thirty years in the busy emergency departments of Inova Alexandria Hospital and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia. As an author and speaker, she has been sharing important ideas with students, residents and practicing physicians through various online and direct engagements. She was recently appointed to the editorial advisory board of The DO magazine. Her proudest accomplishment has been raising three compassionate and intelligent children along with Toby, her devoted husband. Toby supplies many stories of the patients who challenge him from his busy gastroenterology practice. In her spare time, Dr. Naidorf enjoys reading, traveling, playing tennis, tasting wine, and walking with Dolly, the miniature poodle. Learn more: drjoannaidorf.com About Changing How We Think About Difficult Patients: A Guide for Physicians and Healthcare Professionals Physicians enter their professions with the highest of hopes and ideals for compassionate and efficient patient care. Along the way, however, recurring problems arise in their interactions with some patients that lead physicians to label them as &#8220;difficult.&#8221; Some studies indicate that physicians identify 15% or more of their patients as &#8220;difficult.&#8221; The negative feelings that physicians have toward these patients may lead to frustration, cynicism, and burnout. Changing How We Think about Difficult Patients uses a multi-tiered approach to bring awareness to the difficult patient conundrum, then introduces simple, actionable tools that every physician, nurse, and caregiver can use to change their mindset about the patients who challenge them. Positive thoughts lead to more positive feelings and more effective treatments and results for patients. They also lead to more satisfaction and decreased feelings of burnout in healthcare professionals. How does this book give you an advantage? Caring for difficult patients poses a tremendous challenge for physicians, nurses, and clinical practitioners. It may contribute significantly to feelings of burnout, including feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and lost sense of purpose. In response, Dr. Naidorf offers a pragmatic approach to accepting patients the way they are, then provides strategies for providers to find more happiness and satisfaction in their interactions with even the most challenging patients and families. Here are just some of the topics the author discusses in detail: What Makes a &#8220;Good&#8221; Patient? The Four Core Ethical Principals of the Clinician-Patient Relationship The Four Models of the Physician-Patient Relationship What Challenges Anybody with Illness or Injury? How &#8220;Good&#8221; Patients Handle the Challenges of Illness and Injury <li

About Bonnie Naradzay: As a mother, professional, teacher, and longtime volunteer, leading poetry sessions in prisons, a retirement community, and among the homeless, Bonnie has gathered much of both the lost and found, culminating in the publication of Invited to the Feast, a collection of poems and literary debut coming in her eightieth year. Her poems appear in AGNI, New Letters (Pushcart Nomination), RHINO, Kenyon Review online, Tampa Review, Florida Review online, EPOCH, Pinch (Pushcart Nomination), American Journal of Poetry, One Art (Pushcart Nomination), Potomac Review, Poetry Miscellany, Dappled Things, The Birmingham Poetry Review, Crab Creek Review, Cumberland River Review, and others. Her poetry manuscript, Invited to the Feast, was published October 28, 2025 by Slant Books.  Her essay on friendship was published in the anthology, Deep Beauty, in 2020. At Harvard University in the late 1960&#8217;s, she was a student in Robert Lowell&#8217;s class, &#8220;The King James Bible as English Literature.&#8221; In 2010, Bonnie was awarded the New Orleans MFA poetry prize: a month’s stay with Ezra Pound’s daughter Mary in her castle in Northern Italy. In 2017, she completed the Graduate Institute program at St. John’s College, in Annapolis, Maryland. For years, Bonnie has led weekly poetry sessions at Miriam&#8217;s Kitchen, a day shelter for the homeless, and at Street Sense.  She also leads regular poetry salons at Ingleside, a retirement center; all are located in Washington DC. About Invited to the Feast: “Do not hurry your journey,” the poet says midway through this stunning collection. “Better if it lasts for years, so you arrive / laden with all you’ve lost along the way.” Bonnie Naradzay’s journey—as mother, professional, teacher, and longtime volunteer, leading poetry sessions in prisons, a retirement community, and among the homeless—has gathered much of both the lost and found, culminating in the publication of Invited to the Feast, a collection of poems and literary debut coming in her eightieth year. With wisdom gleaned over time and craft honed over decades, Naradzay presents us with poems that range from dank encampments under city bridges to windswept Irish cliffs and Venetian vistas, finding a common human thread in street talk and the classic tropes of myth and our shared literary heritage. Invited to the Feast is divided into three sections, each beginning with an epigraph that serves as a guide to reading each part. The poems collected here immerse the reader in the experience of interactive poetry classes, laments for mentors and family members who have gone, and far-flung travels. Free verse consorts with a diversity of forms, including the villanelle, ghazal, pantoum, sestina, and a poem in quatrains with the syllable count of sapphics. Throughout this collection we sense that, despite loss and brokenness, love is still possible, and every one of us has been invited to this feast. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639822054?ref=cm_sw_r_f

Meet the Author: Elizabeth Bruce’s collection, Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories (Vine Leaves Press, 2024), won the 2025 IBA Short Story Award and Literary Titan Gold Award in Fiction, as well as an IAN Book of the Year Finalist distinction. Her debut novel, And Silent Left the Place, won Washington Writers’ Publishing House’s Fiction Prize, as well as a ForeWord Magazine Bronze Prize and the Texas Institute of Letters’ Finalist Award. She’s published in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Korea, Israel, Sweden, Romania, Malawi, Yemen, and the Philippines, in such journals as The Ilanot Review, FireWords, The Bangalore Review, and Two Thirds North. Her book, CentroNía’s Theatrical Journey Playbook: Introducing Science to Early Learners through Guided Pretend Play, won or placed in four contests. A DC-based Texas author, she’s received fellowships from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA), DC Commission on the Arts &amp; Humanities, HumanitiesDC, and McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation fellowships, and studied with Richard Bausch, the late Lee K. Abbott, Janet Peery, John McNally, and Liam Callanan. A character actor and co-founder of DC’s Sanctuary Theatre, Elizabeth co-hosts Creativists in Dialogue: A Podcast Embracing the Creative Life and its Theatre in Community series. Learn more: elizabethbrucedc.com • Listen to her podcast: Creativists in Dialogue: A Podcast Embracing the Creative Life About Elizbeth&#8217;s Books: In Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories, Elizabeth Bruce gives readers 33 ways of looking at a dollar. Her empathetic, humorous, and disarming embrace of plain-spoken people searching for a way out, charms and provokes. These are bittersweet stories of resilience and defiance. A color-obsessed artist, draws a facsimile of a dollar-a masterpiece universally adored-to win her girlfriend back. While checking for spare change in the laundry, in &#8220;Bald Tires&#8221; a Tennessee housewife with a malcontent husband finds an unused condom in his Sunday trousers. In &#8220;The Forgiveness Man,&#8221; a runaway teen with a newborn follows a vagabond healer absolving the bedraggled godless through hugs of forgiveness. And in &#8220;Magic Fingers, a ladies&#8217; room attendant tracked down by her abusive ex finds refuge in a cheap motel with a 1970s era bed massager. Riffing on the intimate object of a dollar, Bruce&#8217;s humane short fictions-from a great mashed potato war to the grass Jesus walked on-ring with the exquisite voices of characters in analog worlds. John McNally, author of The Book of Ralph: A Novel, says of the book: &#8220;Exquisite short stories that give me hope.&#8221; Click here to buy the book. And Silent Left the Pla

Click here to sign up today for the March 21 workshop with John DeDakis! Course Description: A series of topic-specific workshops designed to drill deeper into the finer points of storytelling. Writing exercises will help you hone your skills and give you the confidence to take your writing to the next level. Deep Listening for Writers: A writer is an observer first, last, and always. This session is an invitation to consider every interaction as an opportunity to follow one&#8217;s curiosity about people of other genders, races, ages, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds with an eye on creating interesting and varied characters. This session will be interactive, with opportunities to practice listening techniques. Characterization Through Dialogue: When characters talk to each other, the story moves forward and the reader learns about the speaker. In this session you’ll learn how to create characters out of thin air and learn the do’s and don’ts of finding the right words to put into their mouths. Planning vs. Seat-of-the-Pantsing: Are you a meticulous planner, or do you just wing it? In this session we&#8217;ll explore writing strategies designed to add variety to your palette of writing techniques. If you&#8217;re a planner, we&#8217;ll explore how seat-of-the-pants writing can help you connect the dots. If your style is more free-form, we&#8217;ll look at how peeking at the road ahead can inspire your writing in the here-and-now. Facing Your Writing Fears: Not only is writing a lonely process, it can be downright scary – especially if you’re shy, or an introvert. And, when it comes to mustering the courage to share our work with others, fear can turn to terror. In this session, we&#8217;ll look at understanding what frightens us &#8212; and how to get beyond those fears. Your Instructor: John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN&#8217;s &#8220;The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.&#8221; DeDakis is the author of six traditionally published novels. Enemies Domestic, his latest political thriller, won eight writing awards in 2025 including the Pencraft, Killer Nashville’s Silver Falchion, Feathered Quill, and the Grand Prize for Chanticleer’s Clue Award for Best Suspense/Thriller. DeDakis is a writing coach, manuscript editor, motivational speaker, podcaster, and regularly teaches novel writing at literary centers and conferences nationwide and abroad. Learn more: www.johndedakis.com About John&#8217;s books: Fast Track is the story of Lark Chadwick, a young woman searching for purpose as she solves the mystery surrounding the car-train collision that orphaned her as an infant. The novel deals redemptively with issues of suicide, journalistic integrity, anonymous sources, and mentoring relationships. It grew out of two events in the author&#8217;s life: a fatal car/train crash he witnessed as a y

When: Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 12-3pm Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Get your free ticket: RebeccaMorrison.eventbrite.com Meet the Author: Rebecca Morrison is the author of The Blue Dress, a novel based on her childhood as an Iranian immigrant trying to fit into her new American homeland and her family’s expectations of beauty. Published by Macmillan’s imprint Farrar, Straus and Giroux, the book will be available for purchase on March 24. The book has already received positive reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children&#8217;s Books, and School Library Journal. and Rebecca has been featured on Good Morning Washington ABC7.She has written about belonging, immigration, and body image for numerous national publications, including the Washington Post and TODAY.com (both of which went viral). Most recently, she wrote an article for HuffPost about the dangers of the ultra-thin cultural shift, especially for young people, which became the number one trending story on BuzzFeed. Learn more: www.rebeccakmorrison.com &#8220;The Blue Dress,&#8221; by Rebecca Morrison About the Book: The Blue Dress is a coming-of-age story based on the author&#8217;s childhood struggles with body image, a strained mother-daughter relationship, and what it means to be an Iranian-American immigrant. The story is about a thirteen-year-old girl, Yasmin, who comes to America from Iran and tries to figure out her new life and her homeland. She’s close friends with Carmen, whose family came from Mexico a few years ago. In her attempts to find belonging and feel seen, she makes some wrong decisions, the most dangerous of which involve disordered eating, but through a series of events, finds help and a way to love and accept herself in her body and

When: Saturday, May 02, 2026 from 12-3pm Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Sign up for your free ticket on Eventbrite: IreneBennett.Eventbrite.com Meet the Author: Irene Vinyard Bennett has wide experience as a writer and educational minister. Her debut novel, BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi, won the International Proverse Prize of 2022.  It is the first story about the Bronze-Age Bells of Marquis Yi, a National Treasure of China. An international motivational speaker, workshop leader, and minister, Irene writes and edits academic articles for theological journals in Ukraine and Myanmar, lectures online for Myanmar seminaries, and works with young families of Western Presbyterian Church in DC. She has written professionally throughout life in eight states, several countries, and now in Alexandria VA! She loves diverse cultures, speaks some Cantonese and Spanish, and has taught English to immigrants in Georgia, Florida, and multi-ethnic groups of women and university students in Hong Kong. Her favorite experiences involved sharing educational methods with church leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina, across Asia, and with many local English teachers in China, including the faculty of a school for the blind. Fun publications include feature interviews with an Olympic Gold Medalist and an international golfer at the Masters Tournament. Irene shares: I’m a word person who loves to write about ideas and issues and create stories for readers/listeners of all ages. I’m also a people person with a sign attached, saying, “Talk, I’ll Listen.” And, along my journeys around the globe, I’ve learned to teach and lead people with clear, concise, concrete, and personable communication. I joy in encouraging people of any culture to become who they desire to be — a writer, teacher, leader, life partner, parent, or even a better Christian. My favorite compliments ever? “When Irene isn’t teaching, she’s learning.”  “We always knew you would write a book!” Click here to follow Irene on LinkedIn. About the Book: Battle of the Artisans: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi &#8220;Battle of the Artisans,&#8221; by Irene Bennett Battle of the Artisans tells the story of Tangtun, a conflicted, artistic twelve-year-old in 5th-century BCE China, who sets out to save his father from a killer. He crosses wits with his macho father, a vengeful king, armed thieves, and disgruntled villagers, and in the process discovers new powers that rock his Bronze-Age world. In the end, what matters most is not Tangtun’s artistic abilities or his father’s muscles and might, but the strength of acting together. This novel portrays the making of the very real Bells of Marquis Yi, a 2500-year-old National Treasure of China. No one knows exactly why these bells were made, but Bennett offers a well-researched, persuasive solution to the mystery through her story of Tangtun and his village on the Yangtze River. Every historical novel is an imagined introduction to a topic and a time. BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS invites readers to explore further the world and the science of the bells of Marquis Yi, to learn more about the early history of China, and to consider implications for the power of family and community. The author hopes that readers will connect with Tangtun and his world in ways that will enrich them and their own w

Meet the Author: Emil Buchman was born in the Galaxy Far, Far Away (aka, Baku, Azerbaijan) and came to the United States in the early 1990s. Currently, he lives in Brooklyn, New York with his beautiful wife and adorable wheaten terrier Chloe. Emil is a practicing transactional lawyer, structuring and documenting complex debt instruments but, by his own admission, this is a boring part of his life. When he is not practicing, Emil enjoys reading and watching classics, history, fantasy, and sci-fi books, and movies and, when he has nothing worthy to read or watch, he writes on his own. About the Book: When a recently deceased soul is offered a chance to escape Oblivion, he must locate the lost Book of Remedies—an ancient text of miraculous healing power—before Demons use it to turn Earth into Hell. When a nameless soul with no memory of his past steps into this surreal afterlife, the Heavenly Department of Justice offers him a deal: go on a mission to expose Satanists and idolaters on Earth. Success will earn him a coveted ticket to Heaven. Failure means eternal Oblivion. &#8220;Redemption Post Mortem,&#8221; by Emil Buchman It sounds like a win-win: one mission, eternal salvation. Or is it? For his first—supposedly simple—assignment, the Heavenly Department of Health equips him with a flawless body and sends him to stop a demonic ritual. He succeeds and in the process saves the intended human sacrifice, Nora, a beautiful and mysterious woman who sparks feelings he can’t identify or understand. To his misfortune, our hero finds fragments at the ritual site from the long-lost Book of Remedies, a powerful artifact Demons could claim to reshape the world in Hell’s image. Just as he was so close to Heaven, his mission takes an unexpected turn—he must now find the Book of Remediesbefore the Demons do and destroy it. Battling both mortal and supernatural foes through desert war zones where loyalties shift like sand, he faces treachery, betrayal, and temptation—especially when fate reunites him with Nora, who joins him on his quest… and in his bed. And just when he thinks he’s earned redemption, he discovers his “final” mission is only the beginning. Strap in for a supernatural thrill ride as John Constantine meets Indiana Jones on a globe-trotting quest spanning physical and spiritual planes in a hunt for a dangerous artifact sought by Angels, Demons, and humans alike. Fans of James Rollins and high-stakes urban fantasy will love this romantic, action-packed adventure. Click here to buy Redemption Post Mortem. About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon events at ElaineLiterarySalon.com. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on

This week at Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon, we are excited to share our newest interview with critically acclaimed, bestselling author John Gilstrap. Today, he talks with Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon host Jeffrey James Higgins about his new novels, writing process, and what makes his books so popular with readers. About the author and his books: When John Gilstrap&#8217;s first novel, Nathan&#8217;s Run, hit the market in 1996, it set the literary world on fire. Publication rights sold in 23 countries, the movie rights were scooped up at auction by Warner Brothers, and John changed professions. A safety engineer by training and education, he specialized in explosives and hazardous materials, and also served 15 years in the fire and rescue service, rising to the rank of lieutenant. Outside of his writing life, John is a renowned safety expert with extensive knowledge of explosives, hazardous materials, and fire behavior. John lives in Fairfax, VA. Learn more: johngilstrap.com &#8220;Scorched Earth,&#8221; by John Gilstrap John&#8217;s newest book, available Feb. 24, 2026, is Scorched Earth (A Jonathan Grave Thriller). Vengeance, murder, and violent political games are on a collision course in a propulsive book. We find disgraced U.S. President Darmond has been ousted from office, but his minions have taken aim at everyone they perceive to be enemies. Off-the-record contractors on a secret list are being eliminated, one by one. Jonathan Grave and his Security Solutions team manage to turn the tables when the assassins come for them. But the ultimate attack will strike deep at the heart of what’s best about American values. High-tech weapons, terror-driven fanatics, and top-level betrayal shred the peace of a peaceful gathering in the rolling hills of rural North Carolina. In this showdown, the winner will take all. Click here to buy the book. History in the Making That &#8220;first&#8221; book was really his fourth, and that one call from an agent (after logging 27 rejections) changed the trajectory of his life. Twenty books and seven movie projects later, it&#8217;s been a good run, and it&#8217;s still running. But his career track looks more like a sine curve than a rocket ship. There were lots of setbacks along the way. At one point, his writing career appeared to be dead. Then came the comeback. John&#8217;s presentation, &#8220;Dare to Dream&#8221;, tells the story of triumph, disappointment, despair, and finally some long-lasting success. John has spoken at events across the country, most recently at the Pike&#8217;s Peak Writers Conference in Colorado Springs, and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers in Denver. In February, he will be the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the California Association of Teachers of English in Los Angeles. His YouTube channel, &#8220;A Writer&#8217;s View of Writing and Publishing&#8221; has over 1,700 subscribers and more are coming aboard every day. Outside of his writing life, John is a renowned safety expert with extensive knowledge of explosives, hazardous materials, and fire behavior. Learn more here: johngilstrap.com. About Burn

A Note from Jeffrey James Higgins and Hope Katz Gibbs, ElainesLiterarySalon.com — Hello friends! We were thrilled to host a seminar on Jan. 29 featuring award-winning author and writing coach C.R. Rowenson. The video and podcast of the event is now live on our Salon site, InkandescentRadio.com, Spotify, Apple, and iHeart Radio. Pick your favorite channel to watch and listen. We know you&#8217;ll learn a lot! Big news: On March 7, C.R. Rowenson will be in-person at ElainesLiterarySalon.com for another amazing workshop — “The Thriller Writer’s Supernatural System — Designing Extraordinary Elements for Your Manuscript.” Get your ticket today! When: Saturday, March 07, 2026 from 10am-4pm Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Buy your ticket here: SupernaturalSystem.eventbrite.com About the January 29 seminar, &#8220;The Hidden Tool Dean Koontz, Tana French, and Others Use to Bend Reality&#8221; Why do some thrillers stay with readers long after the final page? What do authors like Dean Koontz, Michael Crichton, Tana French, and Blake Crouch do that others don&#8217;t? They use a rarely-discussed tool: Reality-Plus. What you&#8217;ll discover: Learn what Reality-Plus is, see how different authors deploy it across thriller styles, and discover how to make strategic use of reality-bending elements that add depth without turning your thriller into fantasy. Meet the Author: Fascinated by magic since he could imagine pine cones as fireballs, C. R. Rowenson is an award-winning author, blogger, and writing coach that studies magic-building like others study oil-painting. His prime directive is to help all kinds of storytellers craft and repair the magic systems in their stories. You can visit him at crrowenson.comto witness, fuel, or join in his obsession. Read all about Clark&#8217;s nonfiction and fiction books! (more&hellip;)

When: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 6-9pm Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Get your free ticket: ElizabethHodges.eventbrite.com Meet the Author: Elizabeth Hodges was 38 when she got the news, “You have leukemia.” Six weeks later, she was told she also had adult cystic fibrosis. With three young children, intense fear set in that she might not live to see them grow up. Instead of giving in, she became determined to prioritize her role as a mother and lead a life driven by purpose and clarity, even with cancer. Over her eighteen-year journey, she discovered that motherhood can be the strongest motivation to survive and thrive. Before cancer, Elizabeth was an accomplished global advertising and marketing executive who worked with Fortune 500 companies like Ogilvy &amp; Mather and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). After her experience with these life-changing diseases, she shifted her focus to nonprofit work in the arts, global public health, and education. Now, she’s an advocate, writer, and storyteller, using her experiences to inspire other mothers navigating cancer’s tough road.​ Her debut book, &#8220;I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom&#8221;, is an honest and heartfelt account of using motherhood as a source of strength, courage, and finding clarity in the face of adversity. ​Elizabeth is the proud mother of three adult daughters, each in their 20s. She and her husband split their time between England and Florida, where she continues to write and share her story. About the Book, Elizabeth explains: Being a mother is challenging enough—facing cancer at the same time can feel impossible. But as Elizabeth Hodges learned, survival isn’t just about beating the disease; it’s about showing up every day for the ones who need you most, including yourself. ​Diagnosed with leukemia at 38—and adult cystic fibrosis just weeks later—Elizabeth was determined to fight for her life while still being the mother her three young daughters deserved. Over 18 years, she discovered that motherhood isn’t just a challenge during cancer; it’s one of the strongest motivations to survive. &#8220;I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool!&#8221; is an educational memoir in which Elizabeth shares hard-earned insights and practical advice for navigating a diagnosis, managing treatment, and reclaiming control of your life while being present for your family. This book is a lifeline for any mother facing cancer, offering fresh hope, guidance, and the reminder that even on the hardest days, just making it to the carpool lane is a victory. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Have-Cancer-Carpool-Lessons/dp/1665309075/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RYVNGQ9Y8E2G&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N

Meet the Author: Tom Straw is an Emmy and Writers’ Guild of America-nominated writer-producer, New York Timesand USA Today best-selling author, and former Mystery Writers of America board member. Writing as Richard Castle, Tom originated the Nikki Heat series, all New York Times Bestsellers. Under his own name he published The Trigger Episode, Buzz Killer, and the USA Today best-selling spy thriller, The Accidental Joe. In TV, Tom wrote for and produced the original Night Court, Dave’s World, Grace Under Fire, and Nurse Jackie. He also wrote for CBS’s Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Learn more: tomstraw.com About Tom&#8217;s new book, The Accidental Joe: When the CIA approaches celebrity chef Sebastian Pike about using his award-winning food and culture travel show as cover for espionage, the outspoken bad-boy host says no. When they point out how roaming the globe interviewing foodies, heads of state, rock stars, journalists-in-exile, poets, subversives, supermodels—even the pope—gives him perfect cover, Pike smiles and says, &#8220;F@#! no.&#8221; They push. They&#8217;d embed their top agent in his crew to do the spy work. And when romantic sparks crackle between him and the female agent, Pike&#8217;s all in, kicking off a romantic spy thriller in which the globetrotting celebrity chef uses his TV series to help sneak Putin&#8217;s accountant out of Russia before he&#8217;s exposed as a mole. The high-stakes mission quickly puts Pike in harm&#8217;s way. There&#8217;s danger, there&#8217;s double dealing, there&#8217;s shooting with real bullets. Plus, a minefield of complications from the hot romance that grows between Pike and his gutsy CIA handler-producer, Cammie Nova. Beyond their attraction, Pike and Nova become an operational team, not only to survive the perils they face but to pull off an operation fraught with one twist after another, capped by a shocking, emotional climax. Click here to buy . About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: <a href="http:/

Meet the Author: Adam S. Lovinger serves as Vice President for Strategic Affairs at the Gold Institute for International Strategy, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. In 2017, Adam was Senior Director for Strategic Assessments at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC). From 2006-2017 he provided direct support on long-term U.S. national security strategy to the Secretary of Defense from the Pentagon’s Office of Net Assessment (ONA). He has served as adjunct professor in three Georgetown University graduate schools and guest lecturer on U.S. grand strategy formation, net assessment, and the emerging U.S.-China long-term strategic competition at the Yale University superpowers of influence series, German Council on Foreign Relations, Oxford University Changing Character of War Series, Permanent Joint Headquarters Command of the British Armed Forces, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, European Commission, and United Services Institute of India. Adam holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and Georgetown Law. About The Insider Threat: How the deep state undermines America from within  During his eight-year reign, Barack Obama transformed the US national security, intelligence, and law enforcement bureaucracies as no other president in history, advancing a policy of US diminishment that has undermined our global primacy to this day. In The Insider Threat, Adam Lovinger draws on more than ten years of experience at the Pentagon to explain how the Obama administration orchestrated this coup. Obama spent his first year in office persuading Americans that the US should step back from its global leadership role and to cede authority to a new world order based on “balance of power” politics. But he never said what this really meant: the transfer of power from Washington to its enemies. When his 2009 worldwide “apology tour” proved a debacle, Obama changed tack—to control by bureaucratic subversion. He spent the next eight years staging a stealth revolution inside America’s most sensitive government agencies, using ideological infighters to replace America’s strategic objectives with those of China, Russia, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. In return, through a range of actions and omissions described in this book, America’s adversaries helped Obama and Joe Biden win elections, wealth, and prestige. Equal parts George Orwell and Franz Kafka, The Insider Threat exposes—for the first time—the secret playbook that Lovinger discovered on his US Department of Defense computer. This document was used by corrupt senior officials use to enrich their patrons at taxpayer expense, advance the interests of America’s enemies, undermine core US national interests from within, and make administrative reform impossible Even long-time Washington insiders will be shocked at the extent of lawlessness that now passes for normal in America’s administrative state. Click here to buy The Insider Threat. About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine&#8217;s Literary S

About bestselling author Puja Guha: International Development Consultant. Global Citizen. Author of seven novels and four published short stories. Born into a family of acclaimed Indian architects, Puja traveled with her parents as they worked on projects around the world. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Puja completed her Master&#8217;s degree in public policy at Sciences Po and the London School of Economics. Today, she works as an independent consultant on international development programs &#8211; primarily in Africa and South Asia &#8211; traveling to some of the most economically-challenged countries in the world. Leveraging her scholarship, her ability to speak five languages, and her earnest goal of engendering global economic progress, she continues to learn about, support, and embrace new countries. &#8220;Along my journey, I have been inspired by politics, culture, and writing the Ahriman Legacy series, which takes readers along with me into my imagination enhanced by my experiences,&#8221; shares Puja, who has lived in Kuwait, Toronto, Paris, London, and several American cities, including New York, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. She now lives in the Denver area. Her spy thriller series THE AHRIMAN LEGACY is an Amazon bestseller, and she has been featured on TV and media, including Fox5, Reader’s Digest, and the London Post. She enjoys travel, all things outdoors (especially with her dog Sally), spy movies, and curling up with a good book. Learn more: pujaguha.com • @authorpujaguha (Instagram/Facebook) • Find all of her books here, on Amazon. Read more to learn about Puja&#8217;s Books! (more&hellip;)

Meet the Author: Andrew Rubin is a filmmaker, writer, and cofounder of the mental health education company Symptom Media. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he studied Film Production and History, he has spent over a decade in the trenches of Hollywood development as a screenwriter. Andrew co-directed the inspirational documentary Ride with Larry, about Parkinson&#8217;s, inspired by his father&#8217;s battle against the disease. The film’s segment exploring Parkinson&#8217;s and medical marijuana received global attention, and helped spark a broader conversation about dignity, treatment, and the role of alternative medicine. He is also the cofounder and president of Symptom Media, an innovative mental health education platform used by over 500 universities, hospitals and medical schools worldwide to help train students and clinicians and destigmatize mental illness. Andrew lives in California, where he divides his time between San Diego and Los Angeles. About Hell or High Winter: A contemporary, urban reimagining of the myth of Hermes and Persephone, Hell or High Winter is a supernatural action/adventure with sharp wit and a deep soul. Over the Ages, gods and goddesses have come in and out of fashion. Each deity struggles to cope with their dwindling popularity. Some fade into oblivion, refusing to answer the desperate prayers of mortals as they establish a new identity beneath the stars. Others spend the millennia waiting by the proverbial phone&#8230;desperate to be called into service. Hermes and his godly cohorts confront a new challenge—how to survive without constant worship and adoration. It may just be that even mystical beings can become addicted&#8230;gods and goddesses are junkies for the thrill of controlling a mortal&#8217;s fate. In the digital age of the 21st Century, what the hell is Hermes, Messenger of the Gods, to do? &#8230;Because no one is listening. Click here to buy the book! About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon About Elaine&#8217;s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Medit

About the interview:Today&#8217;s video podcast led by Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host Jeffrey James Higgins icludes Puja Guha, Zakariah Johnson, Curtis Ippolito, and Michael Downing. Meet Puja Guha on Sunday, Jan. 18 at Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon where she will talk about the anthology and her other novels. Get your free ticket on Eventbrite! More details can be found about Puja and this amazing event at elainesliterarysalon.com. About the anthology: Our world is changing dramatically before our eyes. Increased average global temperatures have wreaked havoc on ecosystems, economies, and people’s lives. Fires rage. Flood waters rise. Storms and heat waves are occurring out-of-season and are becoming increasingly more dangerous and more frequent. Author Puja Guha Neighborhoods are being destroyed. People are losing their lives and livelihoods. Still, some politicians, some pundits, and some corporate oligarchs continue to deny reality and refuse to take responsibility and necessary action to mitigate this existential crisis. Those who did the least to cause this crisis will suffer the most from its consequences, the authors know.  In On Fire and Under Water, the new crime fiction anthology from Rock and a Hard Place Press, we explore the intersection of climate change and crime, through the lens of fifteen short stories from some of today’s best crime fiction writers. Edited by Anthony Award-winning author Curtis Ippolito and the editorial team at RHP Press, the stories contained within this anthology peel back the curtain on the ways in which climate change impacts real people in their most desperate hour. Meet today&#8217;s panel of authors: Host Jeffrey James Higgins interviews Puja Guha, Zakariah Johnson, Curtis Ippolito, and Michael Downing Some say the world will end in fire. Some say flood. In On Fire and Under Water, you get both. This anthology peels back the curtain on how climate change impacts real people in their most desperate hour. Puja Guha&#8217;s story The Devil Doesn&#8217;t Live Hand to Mouth showcases this desperation as her protagonist loses everything to a massive storm in Mozambique. Of the anthology, Jordan Harper, author of She Rides Shotgun and Everybody Knows, says: “Raw, brutal, tender, tragic—these are fifteen stories of people smashed flat by the Invisible Fist, people flailing and fighting against the huge and hidden violence at the center of our world. This is crime fiction that matters, crime fiction that is ready to face what comes next.” Click here to buy the book. Meet the authors: C.W. Blackwell, Mary Thorson, Zakariah Johnson, Puja Guha, Colin Brightwell, Priscilla Paton, Christian Emecheta, Raymond J. Brash, Edward Barnfield, Kendall Brunson, Michael Downing, C.E. McKenna, Jim Ruland, Richie Narvaez, Meagan Lucas

Meet the Author: Sean Hagerty is a retired Special Operations Soldier with over 25 years of experience. He spent his younger years training and conducting combat operations with the 1st of the 75th Ranger Regiment. After nine years, in 2005, he was selected for and assigned to a Special Operations unit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. There he spent sixteen years and finished his military career, retiring as a Sergeant Major. He received several awards and decorations throughout his career including three Bronze Stars. Sean retired from the Department of Defense Science Board as the Senior Advisor to write full-time. Of the Defense Science Board (DSB), he explains: &#8220;It is charged with solving tough, technical, national security problems for the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Under Secretaries of Defense, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior Department officials.” Author Sean Hagerty with his wife Misty Sean has combined over 25+ years of service in the Special Operations community and deep-rooted research instincts from years of academic pursuits in history to tell this story. This story was written mostly in the plush seats of the daily Tacketts Mill/Pentagon commuter bus and the shaky bucket seats of the Franconia Springfield/Largo blue metro line. However, a few chapters were written while traveling for work, taking advantage of uninterrupted thoughts on an airliner. One chapter was even written during an evening break while on a business trip aboard the USS Nimitz CVN 68 aircraft carrier out in the Pacific Ocean. Sean&#8217;s wife, Misty, is an Executive Officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Their children, Courtney, Travis, Samantha, and Delaney, all live in the Washington D.C. area and are thriving, growing, and traveling along their own paths. &#8220;Our grandchildren, Rowen, Jameson, and Wren, keep us busy,&#8221; Sean shares, noting Cabal came together during evening edits in his home shared with Misty, in Lakeridge, Virginia. Jones Point was the first novel in the Dane Cooper series. Cabal is the second. Learn more here. About Sean&#8217;s new book — Cabal: A Dane Cooper Novel, book 2 Longlisted for the 2025 Chanticleer Clue and Cover Design Awards Dane Cooper beats against the tide to continue the search for his abducted daughter, Angela. His involvement with The Cabal, a mysterious group of grieving parents, intensifies as their efforts become bolder and more brazen. From a high-profile assault upon sex traffickers in Savannah to a clandestine military operation in Somaliland, Dane brings the fight to those who would harm children. At every turn, members of The Cabal must stay out of the crosshairs of Carl Blanchard&#8217;s new FBI task force and Virginia Bureau of Criminal Investigation Special Agents Patterson and Stills. And this time, the Keeper and his disciples are fighting back. The hunters have become the prey as Cabal members are viciously attacked in their homes. The savage killer is a ghost, torturing and murdering them one by one as he moves his way up the hierarchy. Dane, Sam, and Jack race against time to protect their members before the club is eradicated. Nobody is safe. Buy the book. Jones Point: A Dane Cooper Novel First-place winner of the 2025 Clue Award (Chanticleer International Book Awards) B

Today on the Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon show: Meet author David W. DuBois, a retired U.S. Army soldier who served honorably for 21 years. He is a devoted husband and father of four. In 2022, David was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a life-altering moment that led him to write his debut book. David is a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research. Through his weekly blog, mentoring, and active participation on various ALS organization committees, he offers support and inspiration to others living with the disease. With his background as a Military Policeman and his personal battle against a terminal illness, David brings a raw, firsthand perspective to themes of life, death, and justice. His book, Beholder Of The Eyes: weaves together the stark realities of ALS, a disease that slowly paralyzes its victims, leaving only their eyes to communicate with a haunting fictional tale of a boy grappling with the traumatic loss of his mother to the same illness. Now completely paralyzed and able to communicate only through his eyes, David continues to share his story and fight for a cure, using the only voice ALS has left him. About Beholder Of The Eyes: This psychological thriller, laced with the slow horror of ALS and shocking twists, will leave you clawing at the edges of your sanity. Clyde is haunted by the soft, fading memory of his mother’s eyes. Their warmth. Their silence. Their absence. His obsession with finding that same gaze again consumes him. Every day, he searches. Studies. Collects. So passionate was his quest to find eyes like his mother’s he couldn’t go a day without thinking about their details and expanding his collection. So much so that it drove him to do the unthinkable. Click here to buy the book. Find David&#8217;s blog here: My ALS Story (more below) Special thanks to our friend Tony Easlick, owner of the traveling massage company Mobile Tranquility, who works with David and knew we needed to feature him. We are very grateful for the connection! Meet the face behind the posts Hello, I am David DuBois and &#8220;I AM LIVING WITH ALS&#8221; in Springfield, VA. I&#8217;m not scared, I am on a mission. The circumstances I am in are meant to be for a greater good of others.  I want to share with you my story so we can laugh and cry together while fighting for an ALS cure.  ​People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can go from perfectly healthy to quickly being unable to move, swallow, or breathe. It can strike anyone at any time and there is no ALS cure. The

Meet the Author: Brian Paone, a Massachusetts native displaced to Virginia, has been a published novelist since 2007 and has performed in bands since 1995. Cumulatively, Brian&#8217;s novels are primarily speculative fiction, ranging from thrillers to drama to horror to science fiction to fantasy and romance. His bands cover a wide range of different metal and industrial genres and styles. He is also a police detective in Maryland and has been working in law enforcement since 2002. He is a self-proclaimed roller coaster junkie, a New England Patriots fanatic, his favorite color is burnt orange, and he is the proud owner of his dream car—a 1981 DeLorean. As a musician: Brian intended his first band, Yellow #1, to have the whimsical flavor of synth-pop bands, with the lyrical integrity and vocal intensity of metal bands. Combining the two polar opposites into one sound made for a very debatably interesting sonic landscape. They released their debut album, Bottle of Rain, in 1996. Brian pulled the plug on Yellow#1 in 1997 after another musician approached him to form a more industrial-metal band. This new band would eventually turn into Drop Kick Jesus. In 2014, Brian breathed life back into the band and worked on a second album. Collaborating with hip-hop producer and rap artist, Darius Malloy (aka RedStryke) from Lakeland, Florida, the second album, Thanks for the Nostalgia, moved away from the avant-garde style of the first album, relied more on programming and keyboards than real drums and guitar, and focused more on a structured pop feel. After recording in both Japan and North Carolina, Yellow #1 released the album in 2016. Read more about his work here: brianpaone.com About Brian&#8217;s Books:  Brian published his first novel, Dreams Are Unfinished Thoughts, in 2007. In the memoir, he chronicles the trials and tribulations of befriending a drug-addicted rock star. As a die-hard fan of the rock band God Lives Underwater, Brian wins the trust of lead singer David Reilly. This honor comes with its own set of extreme personal highs and devastating shared lows. Brian published his second novel, Welcome to Parkview, in 2010. The cerebral-horror novel, reviewed as a “Stephen King-meets-The Twilight Zone-style tale,” is an unapologetic journey through a town that thrives on the macabre. A town built on deceit and temptation. A town cursed with soulless transients, unforgiving lovers, and an ominous presence in the shadows beyond. Most recently, he published his twelfth book, Howlers, in the autumn of 2025. The mocumentary-style comedic novel is a novelization of the cult-classic 1980s horror movie, about a werewolf infestation on the sleepy town of Talbotsville. The Bradshaw brothers must find the origin of the Howlers species and discover what sets

Meet Matt Joseph Misetich: A Senior Executive and Partner at Pipeline Media Group, Matt oversees all divisions, including Script, Book, and Film, as well as the management of Pipeline Artists and the implementation of future Pipeline entities. His industry career started in 2002 as an intern for a talent manager, then as an intern in film development in 2003. And as an intern script reader through all of 2004. . . which ended in 2005—where had landed another prestigious unpaid internship. After several freelance script reading jobs, plus a brief but legitimately educational time in international distribution and media consulting, he began his tenure with Pipeline in 2006, working as a reader until early 2008 when he took over as manager. In that time, he’s helped launch the careers of several Pipeline writers, including Evan Daugherty (Snow White and the Huntsman), Tripper Clancy (Stuber), Crosby Selander (Bring Me Back), and others who have turned to Pipeline for guidance in their creative aspirations. It’s estimated he’s reviewed over 30,000 pitches, screenplays, pilots, books, and short films over the last two decades. Which he believes has to be a meaningless record of some sort. Check out Matt&#8217;s podcast: How the Arts Were Won About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon About Elaine&#8217;s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. &#8220;I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,&#8221; shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.&#8221; Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. <a href="https://www.elaines-restaurant.co

Meet the Author: Fascinated by magic since he could imagine pine cones as fireballs, C. R. Rowenson is an award-winning author, blogger, and writing coach that studies magic-building like others study oil-painting. His prime directive is to help all kinds of storytellers craft and repair the magic systems in their stories. You can visit him at crrowenson.com to witness, fuel, or join in his obsession. About Clark&#8217;s nonfiction and fiction books: The Magic System Blueprint: A Fiction Writer&#8217;s Guide to Building Magic Systems Your world deserves the best magic system you can dream of. A quality magic system can transform your story from average to unforgettable. But what do you do when your magic system becomes overwhelming? Or if you can’t quite figure out how to make all the pieces work together? The Magic System Blueprint, by C. R. Rowenson, is a simple magic-building tool that allows authors to quickly map out their magic system. This innovative blueprint will enable authors of every experience level and background to Gain a holistic sense of how your magic system works Understand how your magic system fits into your story Determine how your setting and magic system are flawlessly incorporated Whether it be game creation, worldbuilding, or novel writing, having a well-established magic system is the cornerstone of your story. With the Blueprint in hand, you can analyze any system in existence and build every system imaginable. Restrictions May Apply: Building Limits for Your Magic System: &#8220;Every magic system needs limitations!&#8221; Sounds simple enough, but how do you build limitations that are more than strange quirks or extravagant details? How do you cut through the overwhelming number of options to build limitations that work for your story instead of against it? Building a magic system doesn&#8217;t have to be hard. &#8220;Restrictions May Apply: Building Limits for Your Magic Systems,&#8221; is a magic building workbook designed to answer those exact questions. Whether you&#8217;re starting a magic system from scratch or looking to improve one that&#8217;s mostly built, this workbook will help you set the foundation of your magic so you can stop struggling with your magic, start worldbuilding with confidence, and bring back the fun to telling your stories. It&#8217;s worked for others and it can work for you too. I&#8217;m C. R. Rowenson and building magic systems for fiction is my specialty. In fact, I was building magic systems for fifteen years before even attempting to write fiction. I&#8217;ve poured every bit of my experience into this workbook to help you successfully define your magic limitations and take your stories from good to great. So, are you ready to tell a great story with an unforgettable magic system? Let&#8217;s get started. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spawn-Point-New-Eternity-Book-ebook/dp/B0DVF4LX4N?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.33hoFKjBlNuJapPWiy3flp5E31xIdNQQxx4cQWt9QXeNp1XfE303qa

Meet the Author: Thomas Dann was born and bred in Memphis, Tennessee, five generations deep in a family fighting the entrenched political machine there. He has spent time variously on the East and Left Coasts, studying creative writing at Stanford, working for years as a felony defense investigator for the Washington, D.C. Public Defender, then lawyer, company builder, and writer, all the while wondering what he wants to do when he grows up.  He now lives in Maryland with his wife Melissa and their goofy golden retriever Benji.  And he loves the Blues. About Midnight in Memphis: In this Southern noir, two detectives forge an unlikely alliance as they strive to bridge the racial divide and catch a killer hell bent on revenge.  Set against a historical backdrop of mid-century racial inequality and political turmoil, this thriller is perfect for fans of William Kent Krueger and Greg Iles. 1955, Memphis. Homicide detective Burdett Vance is trying to outrun his past, but working in the homicide division always ends up bringing in new waves of horror. Now an unknown killer is reaping retribution for decades of lynching by targeting the daughters of rich white families in Memphis. When Vance is assigned to the case, he’s also put in charge of a new trainee, Officer Eustace Johnson. Eustace Johnson has been recently “promoted” and as one of the few Black men on the force this is the latest publicity stunt of the police department. Forced to work together, Vance and Johnson must catch the rampaging killer in a city roiling with racial injustice and a fight to control the crumbling local politics. Then Emmeline Bryce, Vance’s old flame, becomes the killer’s next target. With Emme’s life on the line, Vance and Johnson must confront their deepest fears and darkest desires before the city ignites into chaos and the blissful vision of a better future disappears forever. Readers of James Lee Burke will delight in this bitingly smart thriller full of intrigue and age-old animosities. Click here to buy Midnight in Memphis. About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon About Elaine&#8217;s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. &#8220;I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it

Meet the Author: Brian Thiem is the author of &#8220;The Mudflats Murder Club,&#8221; the first book in the Mudflats Murder Club series, as well as &#8220;Red Line,&#8221; &#8220;Thrill Kill,&#8221; and &#8220;Shallow Grave.&#8221; In his previous life, he spent 25 years with the Oakland Police Department, much of it working Homicide, and retired as a lieutenant. He’s also an Iraq War veteran, retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active and reserve service. He holds an MFA in creative writing and is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Island Writers Network. He lives with his wife, yellow Lab, and Tonkinese cat in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he’s also a member of the sheriff department’s Cold Case Team, consisting of retired law enforcement professionals from around the nation who examine unsolved murders. Learn more: brianthiem.com About The Mudflats Murder Club: Solving murders was not part of Sean Tanner’s retirement plan. Former homicide detective and recently widowed, Sean has settled into Spartina Island&#8217;s private retirement community, hoping to find solace after his wife&#8217;s death in their chosen paradise. He soon finds himself drawn into the Mudflats Murder Club, an enthusiastic group of retired detectives, prosecutors, and forensic experts who are engrossed in solving the 38-year-old unsolved murder of Theresa Goldberg. But the quiet of the community is shattered when Sean’s neighbor, Nancy Russo, is found dead in her home. Ignited by the crime, the club jumps into the fray, much to the annoyance of Sergeant Charlotte “Charlie” Nash, the lead detective spearheading the murder investigation. When Sean and his cohorts uncover a shocking connection between Nancy’s murder and their long-standing cold case, everything they thought they knew goes up in flames. Amidst rising tensions and thrilling discoveries, Sean and Charlie must confront their doubts about each other—and acknowledge their reliance on the team—to outsmart a killer who&#8217;s closer than they ever imagined. From former detective and current cold case team member Brian Thiem comes The Mudflats Murder Club. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Only Murders in the Building. Click here to buy Brian&#8217;s books. Find more events with truly amazing authors at ElainesLiterarySalon.com! About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine&#8217;s Liter

Meet the Author: Carter Wilson is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of ten psychological thrillers, known for their emotional intensity, tight pacing, and sinister twists. His work has received starred reviews from every major trade publication, has won multiple awards, and has been optioned for television and film. His 2025 release, Tell Me What You Did, was selected by Barnes &amp; Noble as a national monthly pick. Carter is also the creator and host of Making It Up, a podcast featuring unscripted conversations with other writers about the unpredictable journey of the creative process. In 2021, he launched Unbound Writer, a company offering coaching, immersive retreats, and online programs for writers at all stages of their careers. A seasoned public speaker and dynamic event moderator, he travels frequently to conferences, festivals, and workshops. He lives in Erie, Colorado. Born in New Mexico, Carter grew up in Los Angeles and later attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He has lived in cities across the country—including Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Miami—before settling in Colorado in 1996. His global travels, both personal and professional, have become a lasting influence on the settings and psychology of his work. Carter began writing in 2003, when a creative exercise in a continuing-education class turned into a 400-page manuscript. He’s been writing ever since. Alongside his novels, he has contributed short fiction to several publications, including R.L. Stine’s acclaimed YA horror anthology Scream and Scream Again. Click here to learn more about Carter Wilson. About his newest book: SheReads calls Carter&#8217;s book one of the Most Anticipated Thriller of 2025, #1 New York Times bestselling suspense author Lisa Gardner says it&#8217;s &#8220;a brilliant thriller&#8230;I didn&#8217;t just read this book, I devoured it in an adrenaline-fueled frenzy!&#8221; From the USA Today bestselling author of The Dead Girl in 2A and The New Neighbor comes a chilling new thriller that forces the question: are murderers always the bad guys? Here&#8217;s the story: She gets people to confess their crimes for a living. He knows she&#8217;s hiding a terrible secret. It&#8217;s time for the truth to come out. Poe Webb, host of a popular true crime podcast, invites people to anonymously confess crimes they&#8217;ve committed to her audience. She can&#8217;t guarantee the police won&#8217;t come after her &#8220;guests,&#8221; but her show grants simultaneous anonymity and instant fame―a potent combination that&#8217;s proven difficult to resist. After an episode recording, Poe usually erases both criminal and crime from her mind. But when a strange and oddly familiar man appears on her show, Poe is forced to take a second look. Not only because he claims to be her mother&#8217;s murderer from years ago, but because Poe knows something no one else does. Her mother&#8217;s murderer is dead. Poe killed him. Click here to buy Tell Me What You Did. About our Elaine&#8217;s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General&#8217;s Award for

Meet the Author: Stacy Woodson is a US Army combat veteran. Memories of her time in the military are often a source of inspiration for her stories. She made her crime fiction debut in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine’s Department of First Stories and won the 2018 Readers Award, the second time in the award’s history a debut took first place. Awards: Since then, she has placed over 40 short stories in various publications, three winning the Derringer award for excellence in short mystery fiction. (She is a five-time nominee.) Her short fiction has also been nominated for a Macavity Award, Thriller Award, Anthony Award (anthology, co-editor), selected for The Best Mystery Stories of the Year, named a finalist for ScreenCraft’s Best Cinematic Short Story, and adapted for animation. Stacy also writes screenplays and was recently accepted to the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project. Her pilot script, “Poppins,” was named a Second Rounder in the Drama Teleplay Pilot category in the 2025 Austin Film Festival Script Competition. When she’s not writing: Stacy co-edits anthologies with Michael Bracken for Down and Out Books and Level Best Books and teaches at Outliers Writing University. She is also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and works as background talent for movies and television which has deepened her understanding of the filmmaking process and the need for practical scripts. Past projects include Homeland, Jack Ryan, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Silo, Terminal List: Dark Wolf, Wonder Woman 1984, and A House of Dynamite. Learn more: stacywoodson.com About Stacy&#8217;s books: Latest Novella: The Cadillac Job, a Chop Shop Series Created by Michael Bracken Loyalty beyond the battlefield sends Carly and Knuckles on one last mission to save a dying teammate. When Carly isn’t slinging drinks at the local VFW, she boosts cars—a job much like the one she had on a vehicle recovery team in Afghanistan. Except her team isn’t the same. Sweets is dying. And the last time Knuckles scouted for a Mustang, he ended up at a dude ranch off Highway 175. Her commanding officer is different, too. She no longer answers to Captain Shrader. She answers to Huey, and the consequences for disobeying orders are deadly. Determined to save Sweets, Carly steals cars to pay for a lifesaving surgery. But progress is slow, and Sweets is running out of time—until the Cadillac Job. The payout is big. So are the risks. If Carly succeeds, Sweets lives. If she fails, they both die. “Two Tamales, One Tokarev and a Lifetime of Broken Promises:” A minister, a taco truck, and a gun, what could possibly go wrong? Vivian, an ex-con turned prison minister, discovers her brother, Tommy, is in debt to the Chicago Outfit. And they’re calling the note—20 grand plus the juice. If Tommy doesn’t come up with the money in 72 hours, he will be a permanent resident of Lake Michigan. As kids, she and her brother grew up on the streets and lived by a set of rules: #1 no drugs, #2 no turning tricks, #3 no tangling with the mob. And they’d have each other’s back—always. Vivian can’t abandon her brother, despite the risk to her church and the new life she’s built for herself. So, she comes up with a plan—a way to turn the tables on the Outfit and save her brother. An Eastside bookie, a taco truck, and a Russian-made pistol are key. But even she knows the plan is a long shot. There was a reason why she made rule #3. When it comes to the mob, someone always pays a price.  Guns &amp; Tacos Vol. 5 (Compilat