My guest today, Jason Powell, is one of the up and coming authors out there in the mystery genre. His debut novel No Man’s Ghost introduces us to Charles Davids, a probationary NYC firefighter whose first week on the job coincides with that of a mentally disturbed man going through a divorce who moves from calling in fake fires to acting on the real thing. It is a gripping and fast moving story that not only is a crime tale, but gives us a really insightful look into the lives of the brotherhood of firefighters.

My guest today came to me via a recommendation from another writer and friend of the show, A.J. Devlin. We were talking at Left Coast Crime in March and he said he had a friend with a new book coming out that I really should know about. He even had a signed copy for me! I know A.J. is a great writer, so I of course said I would check it out. I am so glad I did. That book, CALL OF THE VOID by J.T. Siemens is one of the best crime fiction novels I’ve read in years – compelling at every turn, very gripping, fast-paced and true edge of your seat entertainment. SO I’m very happy today to have J.T. Siemens here with me to talk about that book and his other work and all things writing.

My guest today, Mary Keliioka, has authored two notable mystery series: the PI Kelly Pruett mysteries, which features the title protagonist, and the Misty Pines series, featuring Sheriff Jax Turner. She also has a brand new book out, her first domestic thriller, DON’T ASK, DON’T FOLLOW, featuring a new lead character, paralegal Beth Ralston. The book has been called “a pulse-pounding read about truth, justice and the unexpected secrets families keep.” I’m reading it right now and so far I have to agree.

Sagit Schwartz’s debut novel SINCE SHE’S BEEN GONE is a dual-timeline thriller that has been called a nuanced roller-coaster ride, gripping, pulse-pounding, emotional and a non-stop ride of twists and turns. Sagit is a licensed psychotherapist, so perhaps it’s not surprising that her character is also a mental health professional and that the story deals with several mental health themes to add to the suspense of the story. She’s here today to talk to me about the book and to share some insights into her journey to publication.

My guest today has had an illustrious career writing so many things, from screenplays and game designs to novels and poetry. She has authored numerous novels and short stories and won multiple Bram Stoker awards, which for the uninitiated are the major award for those writing in the horror genre. You might ask why I, a crime fiction devotee, has a horror author on my show. Well, the answer is we recently met at Left Coast Crime – sitting in the bar of course – and I thought she was just awesome and had interesting things to say to writers in any genre. So here she is!

Maria Alexander, welcome to the Open Mic.

I was going to introduce my guest today as a debut author, but that’s not quite true. She has in fact ghost- or co-written fourteen books, including five NYT bestsellers. She is the author of the father-daughter memoir GOOD GIRL and a longstanding music journalist and critic whose work has appeared in major publications all over the country. I had the pleasure of making her acquaintance at Left Coast Crime this year and I’m really excited to have her here today to talk about her debut novel, THE LAST DAYS OF THE MIDNIGHT RAMBLERS, described as a gripping tale about the complicated legacy of a legendary rock band – like, oh, I don’t know, The Rolling Stones – and the ghostwriter telling their story. Sarah Tomlinson, welcome to the Open Mic!

My guest today, Dale Phillips, has a very eclectic creative resume that includes novels, short stories, plays, poetry, craft books and even acting. Away from the keyboard he has supported his writing habit as a technical writer and his food and shelter habit as a farm laborer, bartender and holiday Santa among many, many other things. As you might imagine from that history, he has learned a thing or two about marketing himself and his books, and he is here today to talk about that and to share some insights into helping other writers – from indies to Big 5 folks – sell more of their work. You can also catch the show on the Open Mic YouTube channel here.

My guest today can legitimately be called one of the true legends of the Los Angeles writing scene. Gary Phillips has written almost 20 crime fiction novels, a baker’s dozen of graphic novels, numerous short stories and edited or co-edited scores of other anthologies. His latest novel, ASH DARK AS NIGHT, came out in April, the second in the Harry Ingram series. I’m reading it right now and it is of course fantastic. He’s here with me today to talk about the new book as well as his other work and all things writing and beyond.