Join host Edith on the Book Lover‘s Companion podcast as she welcomes writer and journalist David Finkle. In this riveting episode, Edith and David delve into his books 'Humpty Trump and the Second First Hundred Days' and 'Humpty Trumpy Hit a Brick Wall,' which present the tumultuous presidencies of Donald Trump through verse. David shares inspirations, challenges, and candid thoughts on the political landscape. The conversation also touches upon David's mystery novel, 'The Great Gatsby Murder Case,' and the upcoming 'Oliver Twist Murder Case.' Don't miss out on this compelling dialogue about writing, history, and societal upheaval.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:32 Discussing Trump's First 200 Days

01:59 Writing Humpty Trumpy

03:16 Trump's Second Term and Healthcare Act

05:39 Zelensky's Visit and Global Reactions

07:45 Reflections on Trump's Administration

15:14 Marjorie Taylor Greene and Political Shifts

31:02 David's Writing Process and Inspirations

31:25 The Great Gatsby Murder Case

48:47 Teaching and Encouraging New Writers

51:07 Holiday Parody and Final Thoughts

53:36 The Changing Dynamics of US-Europe Relations

54:31 The Impact of Leadership on International Relations

59:26 The Influence of Media and Fictional Characters

01:04:53 Exploring Literary Inspirations and Travel

01:11:40 The Reality of Historical and Political Tensions

01:16:51 The Role of Fear in Politics and Society

01:32:04 Upcoming Works and Reflections on Writing

01:37:19 Conclusion and Farewell

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Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

In this episode of Book Lover‘s Companion, host Edith interviews healthcare expert and fiction author David Shactman about his book 'Mortal Choice: A Medical Mystery.' The conversation delves into the harrowing realities of the illegal kidney trade, the ethical dilemmas faced by parents with critically ill children, and the real-life inspiration drawn from David's experience researching medical tourism. They also discuss the development of the book's protagonists - an FBI agent and a Boston detective - and the challenges David faced in writing fiction, particularly from diverse perspectives. The episode also touches on broader healthcare issues, the complexities of organ donation laws, and the socio-political landscape affecting these issues today.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:40 Discussing 'Mortal Choice': A Medical Mystery

01:42 The Reality of Kidney Trade

02:49 International Black Market for Kidneys

04:41 Organ Donation Systems: US vs. Austria

07:27 Introducing the Protagonists

10:02 Character Backgrounds and Dynamics

13:12 Moral Dilemmas in the Story

15:19 Inspiration Behind the Book

15:26 Medical Tourism and Its Implications

20:00 Fiction vs. Nonfiction: Conveying Truths

21:53 Ethical Questions on Organ Trade

26:42 Blood Donation Program

27:28 Challenges in Policing Black Market Organs

28:33 International Organ Trade and Legal Loopholes

34:13 Writing Fiction vs. Nonfiction

36:10 Navigating First Person Narration

42:36 Addressing Misogyny in the FBI

43:51 Reflections on Social Progress and Prejudices

46:50 Advice for Aspiring Authors

47:37 Upcoming Books and Future Plans

49:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Join host Edith in this episode of Book Lover’s Companion with special guest Dakota Jackson. They discuss Dakota's new fantasy book, 'The Construction of Shadows,' which is the first in a planned five-book series. Discover the fascinating world Dakota has created, where the 16 Divinities of the Sun and Moon have reshaped the earth, and dive deep into the lives of two best friends from divergent backgrounds. Dakota shares insights about the inspirations behind the book, the challenges of making a complex character arc for a 'golden child', and the joys and hurdles of being an indie author. Stay tuned for upcoming releases and Dakota's journey in bringing compelling fantasy stories to life.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:45 Discussing the New Book: The Construction of Shadows

01:28 Exploring the Book's Universe and Characters

02:39 Politics and World-Building in Fantasy

08:58 The Lunar Eclipse Massacre

14:26 Influences and Inspirations from Mythology

16:21 Writing Process and Character Development

17:59 Target Audience and Series Growth

21:01 Challenges of World-Building in Fantasy

26:01 Character Development and Redemption Arcs

26:59 Gender Double Standards in Fiction

27:41 Complexity and Representation in Female Characters

30:20 Fantasy and Sci-Fi as Tools for Broader Perspectives

35:08 Challenges and Community in Indie Publishing

38:55 Editing and Cover Design Insights

43:09 Advice for Aspiring Authors

47:30 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.

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Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E