Show is postponed.
June 13, 2022, CBW Second Monday Radio Show, 8:05 a.m.
Ted Hale interview with Neal Steele on 99.1 FM on his series, Carronia Incursion.
Ted Hale interview with Neal Steele on 99.1 FM on his series, Carronia Incursion.
Radio Interview Requirements for CBW Members
Neal Steele interviews a CBW author for his XTRA 99.1 FM CBW Second Monday Radio Show at about 8:05 a.m. All bookings must be made through CBW's coordinator, Patti Procopi.
Scroll down to listen to interviews that have already taken place.
CBW Members have priority for upcoming shows, but published VWC members statewide, past speakers at CBW meetings, and non-member authors living within CBW's Service area are also eligible.
Generally, Authors should book their interview three months in advance of the broadcast, but CBW members are encouraged strongly to reserve dates more than three months ahead to ensure that they have priority for available dates.
Scroll down to listen to interviews that have already taken place.
CBW Members have priority for upcoming shows, but published VWC members statewide, past speakers at CBW meetings, and non-member authors living within CBW's Service area are also eligible.
Generally, Authors should book their interview three months in advance of the broadcast, but CBW members are encouraged strongly to reserve dates more than three months ahead to ensure that they have priority for available dates.
Interview Checklist
1. Email Patti Procopi to express interest in booking an interview. Provide your name, email, phone number, book title, and first choice for interview month.
2. Send Patti a blurb about your book, a one-page bio, a high-resolution photo, and an image of the book cover for the website spotlight.
3. Provide Neal with a physical copy of your book two weeks in advance. (After the interview, the book will be donated to a library.) Do not send too early, but allow time for first mail delivery to:
WXGM, ATTN: NEAL STEELE
P. O. Box 634
Gloucester, VA 23061
Or you may hand-deliver it to the station.
4. When you send the book, Include:
a. a one-page bio describing your experience and what got you into writing
b. any reviews or endorsements of your book
This material will give Neal talking points and help make it a great interview.
4. If you live within one hour's commute of Gloucester, your interview will be in person at the station.
5. If you live further away, or have a job situation or physical impairment that prevents an in-person interview, special arrangements will be made for a remote telephone interview.
6. Arrive at the station by 7:50 a.m. for your interview.
7. Your interview will begin about 8:05 a.m. right after the weather and stock market report. It will last from 10-25 minutes.
8. Relax! Neal is a skilled interviewer and easy to talk to.
9. Don't use one-word answers. Elaborate when answering a question.
10. Be prepared to give simple instructions where listeners can buy a copy of your book, website, bookstore, or another store.
11. Schedule book signings in the area if possible following the date of the interview Let Neal know before the interview and follow his instructions on whether to mention them or not. (Because of the station's contractual arrangements with its advertisers, certain bookstore venues
may, on occasion, be barred from mention!)
12. If you want a CD of the interview, request it before the interview begins. CBW will normally record the on-air interview and place a podcast of it on the CBW website.
Any questions: contact Patti Procopi
2. Send Patti a blurb about your book, a one-page bio, a high-resolution photo, and an image of the book cover for the website spotlight.
3. Provide Neal with a physical copy of your book two weeks in advance. (After the interview, the book will be donated to a library.) Do not send too early, but allow time for first mail delivery to:
WXGM, ATTN: NEAL STEELE
P. O. Box 634
Gloucester, VA 23061
Or you may hand-deliver it to the station.
4. When you send the book, Include:
a. a one-page bio describing your experience and what got you into writing
b. any reviews or endorsements of your book
This material will give Neal talking points and help make it a great interview.
4. If you live within one hour's commute of Gloucester, your interview will be in person at the station.
5. If you live further away, or have a job situation or physical impairment that prevents an in-person interview, special arrangements will be made for a remote telephone interview.
6. Arrive at the station by 7:50 a.m. for your interview.
7. Your interview will begin about 8:05 a.m. right after the weather and stock market report. It will last from 10-25 minutes.
8. Relax! Neal is a skilled interviewer and easy to talk to.
9. Don't use one-word answers. Elaborate when answering a question.
10. Be prepared to give simple instructions where listeners can buy a copy of your book, website, bookstore, or another store.
11. Schedule book signings in the area if possible following the date of the interview Let Neal know before the interview and follow his instructions on whether to mention them or not. (Because of the station's contractual arrangements with its advertisers, certain bookstore venues
may, on occasion, be barred from mention!)
12. If you want a CD of the interview, request it before the interview begins. CBW will normally record the on-air interview and place a podcast of it on the CBW website.
Any questions: contact Patti Procopi
CBW Members are "On The Air"
Here are some of the members and the books they shared on Neal's radio program.
Jeff Schnader on Neal Steele Show
July 11, 2022
Jeff Schnader interview with Neal Steele on 99.1 FM on The Serpent Papers.
Ted Hale on Neal Steele Show (Postponed)
June 13, 2022, CBW Second Monday Radio Show, 8:05 a.m.
Ted Hale interview with Neal Steele on 99.1 FM on his series, Carronia Incursion.
Ted Hale interview with Neal Steele on 99.1 FM on his series, Carronia Incursion.
May 9, 2022, Christian Pascale on 99.1 FM
May 9, 2022, Christian Pascale on 99.1 FM
Neal steel interviews about his new book, The Windows of Heaven.
The year is 2050, and earth does not look the same. Surge Saturday, the day the tsunamis hit, devastated thousands of cities. Governments were toppled and lives were lost. For siblings Tom and Helene, everything changed. They didn’t have the luxury of staying in their family home and learning to navigate this strange new world. A vile group has taken hold of the government, and people are being forced into intellectual subservience. Anyone who disagrees with the new leadership is sent to their death.
Tom and Helene know they have to run, but where can they go? There aren’t many safe places left, and even those are at risk.
They decide to find their way to Blacksburg, Virginia, and are soon befriended by others who are on a mission to make things right within the world again. But can this ragtag group of philosophers and healers and everyday people actually save the world, or will the newly formed dark forces triumph?
Neal steel interviews about his new book, The Windows of Heaven.
The year is 2050, and earth does not look the same. Surge Saturday, the day the tsunamis hit, devastated thousands of cities. Governments were toppled and lives were lost. For siblings Tom and Helene, everything changed. They didn’t have the luxury of staying in their family home and learning to navigate this strange new world. A vile group has taken hold of the government, and people are being forced into intellectual subservience. Anyone who disagrees with the new leadership is sent to their death.
Tom and Helene know they have to run, but where can they go? There aren’t many safe places left, and even those are at risk.
They decide to find their way to Blacksburg, Virginia, and are soon befriended by others who are on a mission to make things right within the world again. But can this ragtag group of philosophers and healers and everyday people actually save the world, or will the newly formed dark forces triumph?
April 11, 2022, Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda on 99.1 FM
Neal steel interviews Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda about her book,
Catena Poetica: An International Collaboration
If technology means any set of skills, methods and processes that help humans carry out their goals, then it should also be possible for us to think of poetry as a form of technology. How else to explain how the words of those who lived and wrote hundreds of years ago still offer their potent magic and understanding to us today? An amazement: that we can enter into this bright chain of conversation, ranging back to when our "[a]ncient ancestors wondered who/ carried the sun" and "called it forth/ from the darkness of its hiding place." This is exactly what poets Flor Aguilera, Joyce Brinkman, Gabriele Glang, and Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda do in this international poetic collaboration called Catena Poetica. Following in the tradition of collaborative poetry such as renku or renga, they add their own distinctive shapes and sounds. Back and forth, between Mexico, the US Midwest and East Coast, and Germany- in these poems they circulate the warmth of color and spice, the mysteries of music, water, and clouds. What comes to us is more than the well-made thing: it's alchemy.
Catena Poetica: An International Collaboration
If technology means any set of skills, methods and processes that help humans carry out their goals, then it should also be possible for us to think of poetry as a form of technology. How else to explain how the words of those who lived and wrote hundreds of years ago still offer their potent magic and understanding to us today? An amazement: that we can enter into this bright chain of conversation, ranging back to when our "[a]ncient ancestors wondered who/ carried the sun" and "called it forth/ from the darkness of its hiding place." This is exactly what poets Flor Aguilera, Joyce Brinkman, Gabriele Glang, and Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda do in this international poetic collaboration called Catena Poetica. Following in the tradition of collaborative poetry such as renku or renga, they add their own distinctive shapes and sounds. Back and forth, between Mexico, the US Midwest and East Coast, and Germany- in these poems they circulate the warmth of color and spice, the mysteries of music, water, and clouds. What comes to us is more than the well-made thing: it's alchemy.
March 14, 2022 Carol J. Bova on
99.1 FM
99.1 FM
Neal Steel interviews Carol J. Bova about her latest book:
Breaking the Eighth.
Sheriff Jim Holt's involvement with Brenda is heating up, but romance has to wait. An audit at the Church of Chestnut Springs reveals years of embezzlement by a trusted former employee, and the close-knit town reels in shock. Jim confronts the media swarming the site of the arrest, and they retaliate with lurid front-page headlines targeting him and Brenda.
The Mayor is furious about the negative publicity, but Jim pushes back. The mayor’s up for reelection; if he wants Jim's support, he'd better stand up for the sheriff and his deputies.
Events escalate when the case reaches court, and the embezzler reveals a shameful secret and an old wrong with no solution.
Amidst all the turmoil, can Chestnut Springs uphold its reputation as a place for life, love and second chances?
Breaking the Eighth.
Sheriff Jim Holt's involvement with Brenda is heating up, but romance has to wait. An audit at the Church of Chestnut Springs reveals years of embezzlement by a trusted former employee, and the close-knit town reels in shock. Jim confronts the media swarming the site of the arrest, and they retaliate with lurid front-page headlines targeting him and Brenda.
The Mayor is furious about the negative publicity, but Jim pushes back. The mayor’s up for reelection; if he wants Jim's support, he'd better stand up for the sheriff and his deputies.
Events escalate when the case reaches court, and the embezzler reveals a shameful secret and an old wrong with no solution.
Amidst all the turmoil, can Chestnut Springs uphold its reputation as a place for life, love and second chances?
Neal Steel interviews Peggy Newcomb about her latest book:
I Used to Wear Shoes Like That: Family - Friends - Love - and A Naked Man in an Elevator
"I Used To Wear Shoes Like That is warm walk down memory lane with an author, Peggy Newcomb, who loves her family, appreciates life, and finds humor in every-day situations. Her colorful stories about growing up in the country are reminders of a less-complicated time. Her love story with husband, John, and their three adopted daughters, is filled with the usual joys and challenges we all experience, spiced with the humor of a woman who is at peace with herself and her life but also, always ready for a new adventure. Her travel stories make us wish we’d been there for all the fun. So, pour a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy this lovely ride!" Sharon Canfield Dorsey,
Book is available on Amazon
I Used to Wear Shoes Like That: Family - Friends - Love - and A Naked Man in an Elevator
"I Used To Wear Shoes Like That is warm walk down memory lane with an author, Peggy Newcomb, who loves her family, appreciates life, and finds humor in every-day situations. Her colorful stories about growing up in the country are reminders of a less-complicated time. Her love story with husband, John, and their three adopted daughters, is filled with the usual joys and challenges we all experience, spiced with the humor of a woman who is at peace with herself and her life but also, always ready for a new adventure. Her travel stories make us wish we’d been there for all the fun. So, pour a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy this lovely ride!" Sharon Canfield Dorsey,
Book is available on Amazon
January 10, 2022 Nan Harvey
Neal Steele interviews Nan Harvey about her latest book "A History Not Past."
Nan Harvey, an architect, renovated many houses before finding her dream home in Northumberland County in the Northern Neck of Virginia.
After settlement, her father presented her with the genealogical data he had gathered on their ancestor Robert Lindsay, “the immigrant,” the founding member of the Lindsay clan in the colony.
She continued her father’s research as she settled into her new home, then traveled to The Mount in Fife, Scotland to become familiar with the Lindsays’ origins. Using court records and historical accounts, she was able to recreate this common man’s life weaving in her experiences of sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and hands-on barn construction during a Northern Neck summer.
Nan is a regular with our Rappatomac Writers Critique Group. See more at https://www.nanharvey.com/.
A History Not Past is available in paperback on Amazon
Nan Harvey, an architect, renovated many houses before finding her dream home in Northumberland County in the Northern Neck of Virginia.
After settlement, her father presented her with the genealogical data he had gathered on their ancestor Robert Lindsay, “the immigrant,” the founding member of the Lindsay clan in the colony.
She continued her father’s research as she settled into her new home, then traveled to The Mount in Fife, Scotland to become familiar with the Lindsays’ origins. Using court records and historical accounts, she was able to recreate this common man’s life weaving in her experiences of sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and hands-on barn construction during a Northern Neck summer.
Nan is a regular with our Rappatomac Writers Critique Group. See more at https://www.nanharvey.com/.
A History Not Past is available in paperback on Amazon
2021 Guests
Dec 13, 2021 Sonja McGiboney
Neal Steele interviews Sonja McGiboney about her new book, Jazzy's Twelve Days of Christmas.
Listen Now.
The Twelve Days of Christmas have gone to the dogs. That's right! Jazzy is a cute, brown and white dog who sings her version of the traditional holiday song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." She starts by getting the biggest bone. Each verse, like in the original song, adds something new and more of them until Jazzy reaches the number twelve. Jazzy loves everything, including the cookies!
The illustrations are colorful and the text is easy to read. Children will learn numbers and sequences. The repetitive verses make it a great tool for reading. Though it is forty-two pages long, it will go by quickly. Be prepared to sing your way to the end over and over again. Try singing it softly. Perhaps have a singing match. Can you sing it from memory? There are so many ways to have fun with this book.
The illustrations are created from photos, or photo composites, taken by the author. Jazzy is a Boxer-Labrador-Pit-bull mix breed dog. All she ever wants to do is sit in Sonja's lap or work for treats. She loves being the star.
Email Sonja via her website and ask for some coloring pages to go with the book. She will send you a PDF of pictures to color. https: //www.jazzysbooks.com/
Listen Now.
The Twelve Days of Christmas have gone to the dogs. That's right! Jazzy is a cute, brown and white dog who sings her version of the traditional holiday song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." She starts by getting the biggest bone. Each verse, like in the original song, adds something new and more of them until Jazzy reaches the number twelve. Jazzy loves everything, including the cookies!
The illustrations are colorful and the text is easy to read. Children will learn numbers and sequences. The repetitive verses make it a great tool for reading. Though it is forty-two pages long, it will go by quickly. Be prepared to sing your way to the end over and over again. Try singing it softly. Perhaps have a singing match. Can you sing it from memory? There are so many ways to have fun with this book.
The illustrations are created from photos, or photo composites, taken by the author. Jazzy is a Boxer-Labrador-Pit-bull mix breed dog. All she ever wants to do is sit in Sonja's lap or work for treats. She loves being the star.
Email Sonja via her website and ask for some coloring pages to go with the book. She will send you a PDF of pictures to color. https: //www.jazzysbooks.com/
Nov 8 2021 Denise DeVries
Neal Steele interviews Denise DeVries about Steamboats and Ghost Crabs.
As long as she has plenty to read, nine-year-old Olivia Brown doesn’t mind spending the summer at Aunt Lila’s rural home. An hour into the drive from Arlington, though, she’s already tired of hearing complaints from her brother Aiden, who’s 11 and easily bored. She’s also concerned about getting along with her twelve-year-old cousin Virginia Temple and her brother Jacob, age 10, who will be joining them from Florida.
Shortly after their arrival at the old house on the Rappahannock River, Aunt Lila gives Olivia a key that will lead the four cousins to adventure, making their visit to Hull Crossing and the nearby Northern Neck much more interesting.
As long as she has plenty to read, nine-year-old Olivia Brown doesn’t mind spending the summer at Aunt Lila’s rural home. An hour into the drive from Arlington, though, she’s already tired of hearing complaints from her brother Aiden, who’s 11 and easily bored. She’s also concerned about getting along with her twelve-year-old cousin Virginia Temple and her brother Jacob, age 10, who will be joining them from Florida.
Shortly after their arrival at the old house on the Rappahannock River, Aunt Lila gives Olivia a key that will lead the four cousins to adventure, making their visit to Hull Crossing and the nearby Northern Neck much more interesting.
Sept 13, 2021 Janice Hoffman
Neal Steele interviews Janice Hoffman about Azaleas in October: Surviving the Loss of a Child to Suicide which chronicles her journey after losing her 35-year-old son Brian to suicide. Now 10 years later, she released this small chapbook, a collection of 18 free verse poems. Going beyond her own loss, however, the author dedicates these pages to the families and friends who have lost loved ones to suicide and to parents who have lost children by any means.
With poems born out of deep sorrow, the early ones are rather raw and contain trigger warnings, but the later ones change in tone to encourage those still in the midst of their pain that, one day, they can smile again. Jan makes a point to leave the reader with a sense of hope. This work’s purpose is to educate those who are still untouched by tragedy, to empathize with those still in the throes of anguish, and to encourage those who wonder if they will ever smile again.
Azaleas in October is available at Amazon.com
With poems born out of deep sorrow, the early ones are rather raw and contain trigger warnings, but the later ones change in tone to encourage those still in the midst of their pain that, one day, they can smile again. Jan makes a point to leave the reader with a sense of hope. This work’s purpose is to educate those who are still untouched by tragedy, to empathize with those still in the throes of anguish, and to encourage those who wonder if they will ever smile again.
Azaleas in October is available at Amazon.com
July 2021 Dr. Christian Pascale
Neal Steele interviews Christian Pascale about Memories are the Stories We Tell Ourselves.
Nineteen stories of a life. Stories of events such as a first dance, reluctantly, between friends. Of Elliott, a good friend who lost his way. Travel through Paris and experience the sights and sounds of the city of love before journeying to a foreign land where crime is rampant and safety is tenuous.
Nineteen stories of a life. Stories of events such as a first dance, reluctantly, between friends. Of Elliott, a good friend who lost his way. Travel through Paris and experience the sights and sounds of the city of love before journeying to a foreign land where crime is rampant and safety is tenuous.
April 2021 Susan Williamson
Neal Steele interviews Susan Williamson about Dead in the Loft
Molly likes her job at the new farm… for the most part. But finding a dead man in the loft could change everything. Who is this man, and how did he die? Then the discovery of yet another body makes everything more complicated, and Molly can’t stop herself from looking into things as the body count piles up.
With the delivery of horses that may or may not be legal and the appearance of animal rights activists intent on doing damage, Molly has her hands full. Clearly, though, her first priority is stopping a killer, as Molly has become the next targets. With lives on the line, including her own, Molly holds onto the reins as she chases down a murderer determined to destroy everything she has.
Amazon
Molly likes her job at the new farm… for the most part. But finding a dead man in the loft could change everything. Who is this man, and how did he die? Then the discovery of yet another body makes everything more complicated, and Molly can’t stop herself from looking into things as the body count piles up.
With the delivery of horses that may or may not be legal and the appearance of animal rights activists intent on doing damage, Molly has her hands full. Clearly, though, her first priority is stopping a killer, as Molly has become the next targets. With lives on the line, including her own, Molly holds onto the reins as she chases down a murderer determined to destroy everything she has.
Amazon
Feb 8, 2021 Patti Procopi
Neal Steele interviews Patti Procopi about her debut novel - Please Tell Me More.
This heartfelt story about sisters, family and the tenuous connections we forge in life will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Rose was a child when the worst possible thing happened-her sister Lily drowned. While Rose was supposed to be watching her. From that moment, Rose knew it was all her fault. After all, that's what her mother told her. But life must go on, no matter what, and Rose and her sister, Ivy, grow up in a family without their little sister. In a family where alcoholism and arguing defines their parents. In a family that personifies dysfunction. In a family where anger forces their brother away. Was it any wonder that Rose was so excited to get to college? Was it any wonder she sometimes had a date with Mr. Merlot, the wine bottle she hid to help her get through life's tougher moments?
At times whimsical, always genuine, this story looks at the bonds of sisters and how family can become our foundation even when we don't expect it.
2020 Guests
Anne Eichenmuller
Anne Eichenmuller interview with Neal Steele about her new book, Drowning in Lies, the fourth book in the Sandi Beck murder mystery series.
Sandi Beck’s sail down the Intracoastal Waterway is thrown into chaos when a deadly explosion rocks Riviera Beach, nearly killing her fiancé. Sandi’s attempt to help a grieving daughter leads her to the dark underside of the Palm Beach elite, where everyone has a secret, and the truth kills. With a community torn and her own relationship in jeopardy, she races to expose the shadowy force behind the evil. If she fails, another girl will die, drowned forever in a sea of lies.
The fourth Sandi Beck murder-mystery, Drowning in Lies delivers a unique flesh-and-blood heroine and a fast-paced plot with heart-stopping twists. With action that stretches from the little town of Irvington, Virginia, to Florida’s Gold Coast, this latest novel is sure to satisfy new listeners and dedicated fans alike.
Sandi Beck’s sail down the Intracoastal Waterway is thrown into chaos when a deadly explosion rocks Riviera Beach, nearly killing her fiancé. Sandi’s attempt to help a grieving daughter leads her to the dark underside of the Palm Beach elite, where everyone has a secret, and the truth kills. With a community torn and her own relationship in jeopardy, she races to expose the shadowy force behind the evil. If she fails, another girl will die, drowned forever in a sea of lies.
The fourth Sandi Beck murder-mystery, Drowning in Lies delivers a unique flesh-and-blood heroine and a fast-paced plot with heart-stopping twists. With action that stretches from the little town of Irvington, Virginia, to Florida’s Gold Coast, this latest novel is sure to satisfy new listeners and dedicated fans alike.
April 13, 2020 Gail Wilson Kenna
Neal interviews Gail about her new book, Here to There and Back Again.
n a prologue the author explains how her fact-fiction book is based on her great-great grandfather's 1849 Gold Rush letters.
Against his parents' wishes, Eugene Chase makes plans with boyhood friend Leal to leave Vermont and seek their fortunes in California. Eugene's sister Hortense understands her oldest brother's desire; and she makes him promise to write letters home, addressed to her.
In March 1849, at nineteen, Eugene leaves home for New York City. Leal is to meet him in St. Louis. Eugene's Uncle Lucien, who left Derby Line eight years earlier, lends his nephew the money for his adventure. "The fruits of your journey will reveal themselves in time," he tells Eugene.
In a epilogue, the author recounts that her great-great grandfather earned enough money to pay his passage home by sea, to net a clear one thousand dollars, and to build a fine house in Derby Line, Vermont.
n a prologue the author explains how her fact-fiction book is based on her great-great grandfather's 1849 Gold Rush letters.
Against his parents' wishes, Eugene Chase makes plans with boyhood friend Leal to leave Vermont and seek their fortunes in California. Eugene's sister Hortense understands her oldest brother's desire; and she makes him promise to write letters home, addressed to her.
In March 1849, at nineteen, Eugene leaves home for New York City. Leal is to meet him in St. Louis. Eugene's Uncle Lucien, who left Derby Line eight years earlier, lends his nephew the money for his adventure. "The fruits of your journey will reveal themselves in time," he tells Eugene.
In a epilogue, the author recounts that her great-great grandfather earned enough money to pay his passage home by sea, to net a clear one thousand dollars, and to build a fine house in Derby Line, Vermont.
March 9, 2020 Jan Hoffman
Neal Steele interviewed Janice (Jan) Hoffman about her children’s book, Four Fairy Friends.
Four Fairy Friends live in a magical forest. Join them as they frolic from sunrise to sunset.
Four Fairy Friends live in a magical forest. Join them as they frolic from sunrise to sunset.
Feb 10, 2020 Sonja McGiboney
Neal Steele interviewed Sonja McGiboney on her Jazzy Color series of children's books.
After the interview, Sonja said, "I just completed my radio interview with Neal Steele. I have performed piano recitals in the past and was never as nervous as I was this morning. However, the minute I started speaking to Neal, my worries dripped away. If you haven't done it yet, sign up and give it a try."
Sonja described how she got started on the Jazzy books. "On March 7, 2015, we adopted Jazzy at 8 weeks old. I wanted to capture the changes in her as she grew. After her first birthday, I put together a little album of these pictures. I added some descriptive words and gave it to Dale as a gift. I revised it to be a poem and sent it to my great nieces as a gift. They loved it and asked for more.
It is now January, 2020 and I have published ten books. The first 7 books are for younger children who are still learning concepts. The last three books, have a bit more 'substance.'”
Tune in to learn more about Sonja and her books!
After the interview, Sonja said, "I just completed my radio interview with Neal Steele. I have performed piano recitals in the past and was never as nervous as I was this morning. However, the minute I started speaking to Neal, my worries dripped away. If you haven't done it yet, sign up and give it a try."
Sonja described how she got started on the Jazzy books. "On March 7, 2015, we adopted Jazzy at 8 weeks old. I wanted to capture the changes in her as she grew. After her first birthday, I put together a little album of these pictures. I added some descriptive words and gave it to Dale as a gift. I revised it to be a poem and sent it to my great nieces as a gift. They loved it and asked for more.
It is now January, 2020 and I have published ten books. The first 7 books are for younger children who are still learning concepts. The last three books, have a bit more 'substance.'”
Tune in to learn more about Sonja and her books!
Jan 13, 2020 Dawn Brotherton
Neal Steele interviewed Dawn Brotherton about her book, The Road to Publishing.
Dawn said, "It’s a long, twisting road to publishing—don’t let anyone tell you differently. There’s no one path, and results are as varied as the methods to get there.” The Road to Publishing describes options available from self- to traditional publishing, providing helpful hints along the way.
Dawn said, "It’s a long, twisting road to publishing—don’t let anyone tell you differently. There’s no one path, and results are as varied as the methods to get there.” The Road to Publishing describes options available from self- to traditional publishing, providing helpful hints along the way.
Prior to 2020
Dec 9, 2019 Brad Harper
Neal discusses Bradley Harpers new book, The Queen's Gambit
Margaret Harkness, now in her early 40s, must leave England for her health but lacks the funds. A letter arrives from her old friend Professor Bell, her old comrade in the hunt for Jack the Ripper and the real-life inspiration for Sherlock Homes. Bell invites her to join him in Germany on a mysterious mission for the German government involving the loss of state secrets to Anarchists. The resolution of this commission leads to her being stalked through the streets of London by a vengeful man armed with a powerful and nearly silent air rifle who has both Margaret and Queen Victoria in his sights. Margaret finds allies in Inspector James Ethington of Scotland Yard and his 15-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who aspires to follow in Margaret's cross-dressing footsteps.
The hunt is on, but who is the hunter, and who the hunted as the day approaches for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee when the aged empress will sit in her open carriage at the steps of St Paul's Cathedral? The entire British Empire holds its breath as the assassin, Margaret, and the Queen herself play for the highest of stakes with the Queen's Gambit.
Margaret Harkness, now in her early 40s, must leave England for her health but lacks the funds. A letter arrives from her old friend Professor Bell, her old comrade in the hunt for Jack the Ripper and the real-life inspiration for Sherlock Homes. Bell invites her to join him in Germany on a mysterious mission for the German government involving the loss of state secrets to Anarchists. The resolution of this commission leads to her being stalked through the streets of London by a vengeful man armed with a powerful and nearly silent air rifle who has both Margaret and Queen Victoria in his sights. Margaret finds allies in Inspector James Ethington of Scotland Yard and his 15-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who aspires to follow in Margaret's cross-dressing footsteps.
The hunt is on, but who is the hunter, and who the hunted as the day approaches for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee when the aged empress will sit in her open carriage at the steps of St Paul's Cathedral? The entire British Empire holds its breath as the assassin, Margaret, and the Queen herself play for the highest of stakes with the Queen's Gambit.
May 13, 2019 Mary Montague Sikes
Neal Steele interviewed Mary Montague Sikes on her novel, Hearts Across Forever.
Kathryn Calder is dedicated to her NY city career until an unexpected assisgnment to Jamaica changes the path of her life. From the moment she arrives on the exotic island, she is haunted by odd memories from a distant past. Is Flynt Kincade, the stranger she meets in an art gallery, part of that past? Kathryn senses he is, especially when dreams connecting her with Flynt grow more vivid. A visit to Rose Hall Great Plantation draws Kathryn into a scene from long ago when evil reigned in Jamaica and the white witch of Rose Hall was a part of the danger. Can a love affair from old Jamaica reach across forever and bring Kathryn and Flynt together?
When artist/writer Mary Montague Sikes first visited Jamaica, she has no thoughts of writing a book set there. But the bright tropical colors and the sweet, perfumed scents inspired her. Somewhere along the way, she visited Rose Hall Plantation and grew fascinated with the tale of Annie Palmer, the white witch of Rose Hall. That excursion started her thinking, “What if?”. What if a love lost over 200 years ago could be revived in the present day? Would that love be lost again, or were lessons learned long ago enough to create love found?Sikes’ fascination with a simple love story and her desire to study more about reincarnation in the works of University of Virginia scientist, the late Dr. Ian Stevenson, led to the writing of her first novel, Hearts Across Forever. The award-winning book was re-released, April 18, 2019 by High Tide Publications.
Kathryn Calder is dedicated to her NY city career until an unexpected assisgnment to Jamaica changes the path of her life. From the moment she arrives on the exotic island, she is haunted by odd memories from a distant past. Is Flynt Kincade, the stranger she meets in an art gallery, part of that past? Kathryn senses he is, especially when dreams connecting her with Flynt grow more vivid. A visit to Rose Hall Great Plantation draws Kathryn into a scene from long ago when evil reigned in Jamaica and the white witch of Rose Hall was a part of the danger. Can a love affair from old Jamaica reach across forever and bring Kathryn and Flynt together?
When artist/writer Mary Montague Sikes first visited Jamaica, she has no thoughts of writing a book set there. But the bright tropical colors and the sweet, perfumed scents inspired her. Somewhere along the way, she visited Rose Hall Plantation and grew fascinated with the tale of Annie Palmer, the white witch of Rose Hall. That excursion started her thinking, “What if?”. What if a love lost over 200 years ago could be revived in the present day? Would that love be lost again, or were lessons learned long ago enough to create love found?Sikes’ fascination with a simple love story and her desire to study more about reincarnation in the works of University of Virginia scientist, the late Dr. Ian Stevenson, led to the writing of her first novel, Hearts Across Forever. The award-winning book was re-released, April 18, 2019 by High Tide Publications.
June 11, 2018 Sharon Dillon
Sharon Dillon will be interviewed by Neal Steele on June 11th about her new work, Gemstones and Dimes, a compendium of several writing genres.
She includes humorous stories, other fiction, and thoughtful, serious essays varying in length from short one-pagers to several pages. Her stories derive from her life experiences and topics that she considers worthy of discussion or that may provide a few laughs.
Her book is available at Amazon.
She includes humorous stories, other fiction, and thoughtful, serious essays varying in length from short one-pagers to several pages. Her stories derive from her life experiences and topics that she considers worthy of discussion or that may provide a few laughs.
Her book is available at Amazon.
April 9, 2018 Ashley Brotherton
On April 9th, Neal Steele will interview Paige Ashley Brotherton, student memberof CBW and daughter of member
Dawn Brotherton, about her debut middle grade book, Avery Appreciates True Friendship. Currently a high school sophomore, Paige is interested
in everything, but she always comes back to writing. Her book is to be published April first and has already won a LitPick Award, so the interview is sure to be interesting!
Dawn Brotherton, about her debut middle grade book, Avery Appreciates True Friendship. Currently a high school sophomore, Paige is interested
in everything, but she always comes back to writing. Her book is to be published April first and has already won a LitPick Award, so the interview is sure to be interesting!
May 14, 2017 Carol J Bova
Neal Steele interviewed Carol J. Bova about her novel, Chestnut Springs, on the CBW Second Monday Radio Show on Xtra 99.1 FM WXGM, Monday May 14. Chestnut Springs is about a business woman who loses her job at 55 and moves from Los Angeles to a modern off-the-grid cabin in West Virginia while she job hunts online. Instead of another job in a big city, she finds a place for life, love and second chances. It's an upbeat story of small town life and friendships. The interview will be posted soon on our CBW podcast page.
Carol found a new lifestyle as a writer in 2004 after moving from California to Mathews. In 2014, she wrote a nonfiction book, Drowning a County. to unmask the urban myths the Virginia Department of Transportation created to explain decades of inadequate state road ditch maintenance. Carol is a columnist for Chesapeake Style magazine and a past president of the Chesapeake Bay Writers. She has three works in progress--a new novel also set in Chestnut Springs and two nonfiction books.
Carol found a new lifestyle as a writer in 2004 after moving from California to Mathews. In 2014, she wrote a nonfiction book, Drowning a County. to unmask the urban myths the Virginia Department of Transportation created to explain decades of inadequate state road ditch maintenance. Carol is a columnist for Chesapeake Style magazine and a past president of the Chesapeake Bay Writers. She has three works in progress--a new novel also set in Chestnut Springs and two nonfiction books.
January 16, 2017 Gail Priest Radio
On January 16th, host Neal Steele discussed Gail Priest's new release, Annie Crow Knoll: Moonrise, a story about the power to reinvent life after surviving loss and trauma.
Breezy and Jemma, are world-class cyclists until violence at a race leaves Breezy with permanent physical disabilities and kills the man she loved. With her Olympic dream shattered, guilt and shame threaten to destroy her future happiness. Her sister Jemma escapes with only minor injuries, but the psychological damage she experiences shakes her self-worth, her Olympic potential, and her capacity to accept love.
The young women return to Annie Crow Knoll, their childhood home on the Chesapeake Bay, to heal and reclaim their lives, and with their parents and grandparents, struggle to make sense of life after this tragic and irrational incident
Her third novel in this fiction series, Annie Crow Knoll: Moonrise, can also be read as a stand alone. It is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks.
Breezy and Jemma, are world-class cyclists until violence at a race leaves Breezy with permanent physical disabilities and kills the man she loved. With her Olympic dream shattered, guilt and shame threaten to destroy her future happiness. Her sister Jemma escapes with only minor injuries, but the psychological damage she experiences shakes her self-worth, her Olympic potential, and her capacity to accept love.
The young women return to Annie Crow Knoll, their childhood home on the Chesapeake Bay, to heal and reclaim their lives, and with their parents and grandparents, struggle to make sense of life after this tragic and irrational incident
Her third novel in this fiction series, Annie Crow Knoll: Moonrise, can also be read as a stand alone. It is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks.
October 10, 2016 Sharon Dillon
Neal Steele interviewed Sharon Dillon about her new book, Echoes of Your Choices, on Monday, October 10th.
Echoes of Your Choices guides readers to find peace, joy and laughter in their stressful lives. Compiled from “Thoughts to Ponder” (Sharon’s acclaimed blog of many years), the short lessons in this book mark a steady journey through the turbulence and vicissitudes of ordinary life.
Compassion and forgiveness of self and others are themes underlying this journey. The author demonstrates that life must be fun as well as serious and spiritual as well as practical. Her lessons utilize a wide-angle lens to view the world and the people who inhabit it.
Quoting Maya Angelou, Rev. Angela Peregoff, Albert Einstein, Martha Beck, Oprah Winfrey and an eclectic assortment of historical, literary and contemporary figures, Sharon applies their teachings and philosophies to the life she has known. This is a life guaranteed to look familiar to the reader!
Echoes of Your Choices guides readers to find peace, joy and laughter in their stressful lives. Compiled from “Thoughts to Ponder” (Sharon’s acclaimed blog of many years), the short lessons in this book mark a steady journey through the turbulence and vicissitudes of ordinary life.
Compassion and forgiveness of self and others are themes underlying this journey. The author demonstrates that life must be fun as well as serious and spiritual as well as practical. Her lessons utilize a wide-angle lens to view the world and the people who inhabit it.
Quoting Maya Angelou, Rev. Angela Peregoff, Albert Einstein, Martha Beck, Oprah Winfrey and an eclectic assortment of historical, literary and contemporary figures, Sharon applies their teachings and philosophies to the life she has known. This is a life guaranteed to look familiar to the reader!
Sept 12, 2016 Feather Schwartz Foster
On September 12th, Neal Steele interviewed Feather Schwartz Foster as the Chesapeake Bay Writers featured guest on the CBW Second Monday Show on Xtra 99.1 FM (xtra99.com).
They discussed Feather’s new book, Mary Lincoln’s Flannel Pajamas and other Stories from the First Ladies’ Closet. Feather describes it as “lively assortment of real stories about the ‘old’ First Ladies, via an article of their clothing - a gown or hat, a piece of jewelry or shoes.”
The podcast will be online soon!
They discussed Feather’s new book, Mary Lincoln’s Flannel Pajamas and other Stories from the First Ladies’ Closet. Feather describes it as “lively assortment of real stories about the ‘old’ First Ladies, via an article of their clothing - a gown or hat, a piece of jewelry or shoes.”
The podcast will be online soon!
August 8, Crystal C. Coombes
Neal interviewed Crystal about her new book, All Things Equal, on the August 8th show on XTRA 99.1 FM at 8:05 a.m.
In the Chesapeake Bay town of Guineaport, the local watermen keep to themselves and call anyone without deep roots on the bay "Come-Heres." Recently, forcibly, retired FBI Agent Lu Garcia arrives to recover, but finds herself waist deep in a local murder.
One less Come-Here, and no one is talking. When the sheriff stops his investigation with the young girl adopted by the victim, Lu recognizes a set up and wades in the murky waters of the town's legends, rumors, deceits, and betrayals.
Tides turn. Murders amass. Boats scuttle. Lu summons her intellect, intuition, and judgment to untangle the duality of small town charm and danger.
All things equal, murder is personal.
Click here for Prologue, order and review information.
In the Chesapeake Bay town of Guineaport, the local watermen keep to themselves and call anyone without deep roots on the bay "Come-Heres." Recently, forcibly, retired FBI Agent Lu Garcia arrives to recover, but finds herself waist deep in a local murder.
One less Come-Here, and no one is talking. When the sheriff stops his investigation with the young girl adopted by the victim, Lu recognizes a set up and wades in the murky waters of the town's legends, rumors, deceits, and betrayals.
Tides turn. Murders amass. Boats scuttle. Lu summons her intellect, intuition, and judgment to untangle the duality of small town charm and danger.
All things equal, murder is personal.
Click here for Prologue, order and review information.
July 11 M. J. Scott
Neal interviewed M. J. Scott about her new book, Power Steering on the July show on XTRA 99.1 FM. (Watch for the podcast--to be posted soon!)
Power Steering is a series of vignette experiences where the intuitive inspiration has been recorded. A touch of Higher Power has been sensed in bringing these refreshing insights into our visual and conceptual awareness. These real, live experiences delve into the humanity of people who have a need and the intuitive has directed the author to respond. There's a mysterious thread of questioning if this is the right time and place to become involved. The sensitivity of the vignettes is shared for lifting everyday life into awareness that we all can be connected. Recording these episodes as otherwise would be lost to our busy lives and to the author.
This purpose is exciting and meeting so many walks of life on our planet earth. Touches of psychology, sociology and philosophy blend into Power Steering.
Power Steering is a series of vignette experiences where the intuitive inspiration has been recorded. A touch of Higher Power has been sensed in bringing these refreshing insights into our visual and conceptual awareness. These real, live experiences delve into the humanity of people who have a need and the intuitive has directed the author to respond. There's a mysterious thread of questioning if this is the right time and place to become involved. The sensitivity of the vignettes is shared for lifting everyday life into awareness that we all can be connected. Recording these episodes as otherwise would be lost to our busy lives and to the author.
This purpose is exciting and meeting so many walks of life on our planet earth. Touches of psychology, sociology and philosophy blend into Power Steering.
May, 2016 David Cariens
David Cariens
Author of The America We All Want: Protecting Your Community from Gun Violence
Tune in to XTRA 99.1FM to hear the Author interviewed by Neal Steele on CBW's Second Monday monthly broadcast, May 9th at about 8:05AM. If you miss the live broadcast, click here.
About the Book
Mass slaughter on school grounds, in theaters, in churches, and in shopping malls may be the most serious and complex problem in this nation’s history. Solving the problem will take careful and deliberate thought, but thinking is hard work and there are no easy solutions. Those few who do propose ways to reduce the epidemic of gun violence are met with a fusillade of emotions on why their ideas won’t work.
Retired CIA analyst Dave Cariens gives the reader hands-on suggestions and strategies to curb gun violence. He presents evidence showing where practical application of these strategies has worked in communities all over the country.
Recognizing the stalemate in Washington, this is a guide to action at the local level.
Author of The America We All Want: Protecting Your Community from Gun Violence
Tune in to XTRA 99.1FM to hear the Author interviewed by Neal Steele on CBW's Second Monday monthly broadcast, May 9th at about 8:05AM. If you miss the live broadcast, click here.
About the Book
Mass slaughter on school grounds, in theaters, in churches, and in shopping malls may be the most serious and complex problem in this nation’s history. Solving the problem will take careful and deliberate thought, but thinking is hard work and there are no easy solutions. Those few who do propose ways to reduce the epidemic of gun violence are met with a fusillade of emotions on why their ideas won’t work.
Retired CIA analyst Dave Cariens gives the reader hands-on suggestions and strategies to curb gun violence. He presents evidence showing where practical application of these strategies has worked in communities all over the country.
Recognizing the stalemate in Washington, this is a guide to action at the local level.
April 8 Bob Kunzinger
Bob Kunzinger interview on
Blessed Twilight: The Life of Vincent van Gogh
In it, Vincent van Gogh tells his own life story, and rather than focusing on the art, it focuses on his love of God, of art, of life, and his thoughts about death and family.
Bob's family moved to Virginia Beach from New York in 1975. At 14, he wandered up to a radio broadcast for a new Radio Shack opening near his home, and the DJ for FM 99 asked him a few questions about what it was like to move from New York to Virgina. That DJ was Neal Steele!
Bob Kunzinger is a writer and professor who lives near Deltaville in Middlesex County. His non-fiction essays have appeared in many publications, including the Washington Post, World War Two History Illustrated, and St Anthony Messenger. He has published eight collections of essays, and his book A Third Place: Notes from Nature, which mostly takes place around Middlesex, comes out in August. Several of his essays have been noted by Best American Essays.