Writer's Almanac West Radio Show, KCSB FM 91.9, University of California, Santa Barbara

In this third episode, Krishna announces the opening of her professional author's website, krishnaklaus.com. Additionally, we have an exceedingly lively discussion regarding submissions, which includes Krishna's reading of two query letters -- one not quite so ideal with less than stellar results, the second having an air of "Here I am and I'm ready to be heard!" Two great examples that will lead us to the upcoming fourth episode, revealing the results of Krishna's focused work on upgrading the format of her submission letter as well as her hard-won author's website. Our one-hour session covers much, much more than this, but it's necessary to hear Krishna speak with that characteristic flow than try to explain it.

In this second episode on the process of writing, preparing, and submitting a manuscript for traditional publishing -- as opposed to self-publishing -- Krishna considers, in her usual clear, humorous, and flowing speech, the very-real concept of timing -- or as she calls it, "divine timing"; in that conversation, we revisit the need for a professional website and some of the creative ways to maximize one's exposure, even during the writing process, to the potential audience. In every part of the podcast, Krishna's commentaries are as reality based and unrelenting as is her writing itself. She reflects on being a creative individual in a harsh and rather self-absorbed industry that reflects the world we presently live in.

In this podcast, Krishna Klaus speaks with great lucidity about the process of creating a written work of art. As she traverses this path herself while preparing to find an agent to publish, in a traditional format, her 300-plus page personal memoir, this program is the first of many to come as that process continues to unfold. In this episode, we discuss the "why" of the aspiring author, along with one particular definition of success that includes both the need to listen to others' input humbly with the view to learn and the willingness to do the unthinkable, known as "killing your darlings" and using social media. Krishna is also very much a comedian, and the interview is a joy to listen to over and over.

Taglito Atpay came into the studio today as the published author of his recent book "Omar Khayyam and Etta James Mooning Santa Barbara (and) Gertrude Tennyson, Your Protruding Colossal Bush Has Really Got Me Going!" We read from -- and had many laughs over the title of -- this super little hardback; additionally, Taglito has a book of poems titled "The Hungry One" and three screenplays, one of which is currently in the hands of its future director as a feature film. Mr. Atpay has spent most of his life in the theatre and film worlds of Los Angeles and Hollywood, California, where he studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute for several years in preparation for his roles as an actor, director, and producer. He currently resides in Santa Barbara.

Mr. Steve Gilbar came into the studio today to discuss "Library Book: Writers on Libraries." This anthology is literally a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Santa Barbara Central Library. The hour we spent together was filled with laughter and with stories not only about the book's editor himself but also about some of the 80 authors who contributed poignant essays (of all types) for this nonprofit book. The gathering of very diverse writers with a foreword by TC Boyle has, as its collective mission, to remind us -- in 80 unique ways -- of the meaning, nature, and importance of public libraries and specifically, of course, the historic and beautiful edifice of the Santa Barbara Central. The book is available throughout Santa Barbara as well as through Amazon.com for international readers.

Jacqueline and Michael came into the studio today to discuss their powerful book, "Return to Sex & Intimacy: For Cancer Survivors and Their Partners," and created a Huge splash with both their incredible speaking ability, including great vocal tonality that commands the listener's attention, and their strong and thought-provoking content. These two international speakers and thought leaders have a deep understanding of the nature of intimacy, resulting from their need to rewire -- both within themselves and together as a couple -- the definition of "intimate relationship," physically as well as emotionally. Michael is a survivor of two aggressive cancers that have rendered him clinically impotent and chemically castrated. This is a conversation not to be missed, in the opinion of the show's host.

Sherry Lynn Harris is an Alzheimer's specialist with a new second edition of her book, Adapting to Alzheimer's, that we discussed at length when she came into the studio. As the sole caregiver for her own mother for a period of 18 years, Sherry lived, breathed, and researched the world of an incurable disease that eventually claimed the life of her beloved mother. Her book includes invaluable information for caregivers of parents, along with new studies in the field of Alzheimer's research.

Dr. Perez Ferguson has a long history in politics and public policy. Her Latino roots and early life showed her quickly that generating a voice and bringing it in the most effective way possible to the world where our decisions are made is the way to make change. And she saw early on the need for change, specifically in the relationship between decision makers (governing bodies) and the working class, those who frequently do not have a voice. She has spent her passionate life helping others, especially women, to learn how to find and use their own voice to make the world a better and more loving place.

Today, Phil Mayes came into the studio to discuss some very important matters involving all human beings, as we are all defined by our relationships with others. Phil and Maude Mayes have written two books on relationships, the latest being "How Two: Have a Successful Relationship." The points that Phil made are grounded in his and Maude's lived experience of a completely different type of relationship than what might be assumed is even possible. Though we are taught that conflict is inevitable, Phil strives to reject that view as untrue and unnecessary. It is a very poignant and much appreciated discussion.

Author and retired orthopedic surgeon Alvin J. Harris and his wife and business partner, Yetta, came into the studio and had everyone in the studios laughing and smiling. What a treat. A.J. Harris has written seven novels, mainly in the murder mystery genre, and is preparing his eighth for publication in 2017. We discussed the couple's extensive (and romantic) past as well as the arc of his writing career in the context of his and Yetta's life.

Brendi is a poet and songwriter, as well as a visual artist. In this audio discussion, our goal is to find a solution to the problem most every writer has, that of representation. Her need is to secure an agent, a manager, a technological wizard, or all of the above to help set up the structure for completion of her lifelong artistic creations: both a live one-woman show for which she has a prepared script and music and also a book of poetry, songs, and renderings of her painting.

Bryan Snyder is a Santa Barbara local (native of upstate New York) who has traveled extensively in the wild, writing and publishing 3 books on his adventures over many years: Off the Map, Further Off the Map, and (coming June 2017) Falling Off the Map. In addition, he has provided the world with a guide for the itinerant traveler called Renegade Car Camping (2016). Bryan is on the board of the arts collective Fishbon in Santa Barbara, California. Co-hosting the show is Mr. Aj DeNecochea, a colleague and friend of Bryan and an author in his own right. It's a very high-energy one-hour conversation.

Jane is a poet and a professional in a very "linear" field. We discuss how she puts these two together to see into the fullness of life. It's a high-energy, fun conversation.

Karen Telleen-Lawton, the engineer, economist, financial planner, environmentalist, prolific writer, and many other people all at once, came in to discuss her book, "Canyon Voices: The Nature of Rattlesnake Canyon," for the 10th anniversary of its publishing. We contemplate botany, archaeology, environmentalism, art, fire, spirituality, hang-gliding, and much else in their relation to the book.

"Dr. D," aka Sunnyland Steve of the KCSB blues show "Views of the Blues" sits in the studio on the guest mic here to discuss blues music's vast history as well as the ins and outs of the genre from its beginnings as African slave music to its broad influence on contemporary music of all genres and subgenres.

Interview on story structure and other random thoughts.

KCSB FM interview of Dale, the author of "RenWomen: What Modern Renaissance Women Have to Teach Us About Living Rich, Fulfilling Lives."