ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
In this episode, host Megan Cole talks to Julie Lawson. Julie is the author of Out of the Dark, which is a finalist for the 2024 Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize. In their conversation Julie talks why we need historical fiction to understand the present. She also talks about how she rights on instinct and impulse, not plans and outlines.

Visit BC and Yukon Book Prizes: https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/

About Out of the Dark: https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/project/out-of-the-dark/

ABOUT JULIE LAWSON:
Julie Lawson is the award-winning author of many books for young people. Her three novels for Dear Canada have been acclaimed by readers of all ages. No Safe Harbour, also about the Halifax Explosion, won the Hackmatack Award. Julie has a personal connection with the tragic event and writing this novel allowed Julie to delve into the history behind many of the stories she’d heard as a child. Julie lives in Victoria, BC.

ABOUT MEGAN COLE:
Megan Cole the Director of Programming and Communications for the BC and Yukon Book Prizes. She is also a writer based on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. Megan writes creative nonfiction and has had essays published in Chatelaine, This Magazine, The Puritan, Untethered,  and more. She has her MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of King's College and is working her first book. Find out more about Megan at megancolewriter.com

ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Writing the Coast is recorded and produced on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. As a settler on these lands, Megan Cole finds opportunities to learn and listen to the stories from those whose land was stolen.

Writing the Coast is a recorded series of conversations, readings, and insights into the work of the writers, illustrators, and creators whose books are nominated for the annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. We'll also check in on people in the writing community who are supporting books, writers and readers every day. The podcast is produced and hosted by Megan Cole.

Season 6 Episode 5: Julie Lawson talks about the family stories that have inspired her books

Wicked Dames, a 10-episode audio drama, arrives everywhere you listen to podcasts on September 10th.

Synopsis:
When Violette and Elisabeth Fischer’s mother mysteriously disappears in 1942 Berlin, Germany, the teens are faced with an unthinkable decision; kill a Nazi, or risk their mother’s true identity falling into enemy hands…
The sisters make a deal with a serial killer moonlighting as a lounge singer, a Jewish girl in hiding, and the privileged daughter of a Nazi sympathizer to take down a Nazi General and save their mother. 
But little do they know, they’ve waded into a thick web of lies, betrayal, and power plays amongst the resistance groups within the greater landscape of WW2 Germany. 

Learn More: ⁠https://www.alisonhaselden.com/wicked-dames⁠
Follow on Social Media:
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alison_haselden⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@alison_haselden?lang=en⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alison_haselden⁠


Trailer: Wicked Dames

Audioclip from Fortune's Wheel, book #1 in the Meonbridge Chronicles series by Carolyn Hughes, on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Fortune's Wheel - ’Eleanor’ by Carolyn Hughes

Audio clip from Fortune's Wheel, book #1 in the Meonbridge Chronicles series by Carolyn Hughes, on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Fortune's Wheel - ’Margaret’ by Carolyn Hughes

Fortune's Wheel audiobook sample by Carolyn Hughes

You can get your copy here https://zxasqw.com/products/ministry-of-ungentlemanly-warfare-the-desperadoes-who-plotted-hitler-s-downfall-giving-birth-to-modern-day-black-ops

Discover the incredible true story of Winston Churchill’s secret WWII combat organization in "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" by Damien Lewis. This gripping book reveals how a group of eccentric warriors used unconventional tactics to fight the Nazis and redefine warfare.

Join us as we dive deep into the brotherhood, bravery, and behind-the-scenes action that made these missions legendary. Don’t miss out on this thrilling read. Check the link in the description to get your copy with free shipping available. For more information, visit me at https://ZXASQW.com. Don’t forget to say hi.

00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:01 The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
00:00:10 The Beginning
00:00:23 The Original Black Ops
00:00:30 Missions Behind Enemy Lines
00:00:40 Damien Lewis’ Storytelling
00:00:51 A Poignant Moment
00:01:01 Reviews and Ratings
00:01:22 Critics’ Opinions
00:01:29 Conclusion
00:01:37 Your Turn

Be sure to visit https://zxasqw.com to see all that I have in stock with free shipping available. ~ Pilot Steve

#WWII #HistoryBooks #DamienLewis #WinstonChurchill #BlackOps #Espionage #WarStories #MilitaryHistory #GuyRitchie #SecretWarriors #BookReview #WarTactics #SpyThriller #TrueStory #CovertMissions #NaziSabotage #FreeShipping #PilotSteve #BookLovers #ReadingCommunity #HistoricalFiction #AdventureBooks #Nonfiction #BooksToRead #MilitaryStrategy #WorldWarTwo #SecretMissions #ActionPacked #HeroicTales #BookRecommendations #WarHeroes #Bookstagram #BookTube #BookAddict #ReadingGoals #MustRead #Bestseller #BookChat #EpicReads #HistoryNerd #LiteraryReview #PageTurner #BookCommunity #Bookish #BookLoversUnite #Bookshelf #BookBlogger

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: WWII’s Secret Warriors - Book Review

Bullied by his brother and disregarded by his father, young prince Amenhotep seeks to belong.

Not expected to live as a babe, Amenhotep beats the odds only to find a life always in his brother's shadow and cast out from his father's glory. 

Does Amenhotep succumb to the shadows of his father's great palace or does he rise above the ridicule to forge his own path? ​Find out in this heartwarming tale of two royal brothers and their journey to love one another despite past wrongs and shortcomings.

Perfect for fans of Michelle Moran, Amy Tan, and Stephanie Dray.

Anyone who loves inspirational stories and Ancient Egyptian historical retellings, this Lost Pharaoh Chronicles prequel offers a compelling and imaginative take on the early life of the prince would become known as the heretic king.

With its richly detailed world-building and complex characters, Egypt's Second Born is a must-read for anyone who loves tales of brotherly love, forgiveness, and endurance.

Grab this gripping historical drama today.

Egypt's Second Born Sample of Chapter 1

Frances Walsingham is the only surviving child of Queen Elizabeth’s ‘spymaster’ Sir Francis Walsingham. Better educated than most men, her father arranges her marriage to warrior poet Sir Philip Sidney.

After Philip Sidney is killed in battle, Frances becomes Countess of Essex, and is banished from court after her husband Sir Robert Devereaux’s rebellion against the queen.

Can she marry for love, if it means turning her back on her faith and all she knows?

Based on extensive historical research, this is the story of Frances, Countess of Essex and Clanricarde.

FRANCES - Tudor Countess (Audiobook Sample)

"Washington Crosses The Rubicon" is a playful and imaginative twist on history, blending courage and humor. The song follows George Washington, who checks out a book from the library before crossing the Delaware—then forgets to return it. Fast forward two centuries, and a modern-day prankster named Mikey discovers the overdue book, leading to a hilarious showdown with a massive fine. This folk-rock storytelling song offers a quirky take on a founding father's adventure with a dash of comedy.

Washington Crosses The Rubicon

Justin Fox on the pathway to his first novel, 'Quietly Waiting'

Tanya is a strong, independent young woman living in England. Surrounded by limitless possibilities, her biggest fear is not being able to find her true place in the world. Never usually driven by emotions, her world is turned upside down when she meets Evan. Evan is instantly her soulmate connection and he feels the same way about her. When Evan is deployed to Afghanistan, to fight a war he does not understand, Tanya must wait at home, feeling helpless to the cruel events beyond her control. As she waits, Tanya delves into the history of her family and discovers a connection with an ancestor who also found strength in her time of need. Tanya draws strength from an unexpected source, as she is visited in her dreams by others who have travelled the same path. These women become her safety net as she encounters troubling times.

In this episode Gregory Dobbs chats to Justin Fox about the inspiration for his debut novel, the experience of love in the shadow of war, and what connecting stories across history reveals about human nature.

Justin Fox on the pathway to his first novel, 'Quietly Waiting'

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
In this episode, host Megan Cole talks to Janis Bridger and Lara Jean Okihiro. Janis and Lara are the authors of Obaasan’s Boots, which was a finalist for the 2024 Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize. In their conversation, Lara and Janis talk about their relationship and how that evolved through the writing of the book. We also talked about why Canadians don’t talk about Japanese internment and the role that books play in humanizing it.

Visit BC and Yukon Book Prizes: bcyukonbookprizes.com/

About Obaasan's Boots: https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/project/obaasans-boots/

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: 
Lara Jean Okihiro is a writer, researcher, and educator of mixed Japanese Canadian heritage living in Toronto. Intrigued by the power and magic of stories, she earned a Master’s (Goldsmiths College) and a Doctorate (University of Toronto) in English. Living abroad inspired her to learn about her family’s experience of internment. Lara writes about dispossession, hoarding, social justice, and carrying the important lessons of the past into the future.

Janis Bridger is an educator and writer who has many creative outlets and a love for the outdoors. She lives in Vancouver, Canada, close to where her Japanese Canadian grandparents lived before being interned. Janis earned a diploma in Professional Photography (Langara College), a Bachelor of Education and General Studies (Simon Fraser University) and a Master of Education (University of Alberta), specializing in teacher-librarianship. Social justice, diversity, and kindness are paramount in her life and embedded in her everyday teaching.

ABOUT MEGAN COLE:
Megan Cole the Director of Programming and Communications for the BC and Yukon Book Prizes. She is also a writer based on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. Megan writes creative nonfiction and has had essays published in Chatelaine, This Magazine, The Puritan, Untethered, and more. She has her MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of King's College and is working her first book. Find out more about Megan at megancolewriter.com

ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Writing the Coast is recorded and produced on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. As a settler on these lands, Megan Cole finds opportunities to learn and listen to the stories from those whose land was stolen.

Writing the Coast is a recorded series of conversations, readings, and insights into the work of the writers, illustrators, and creators whose books are nominated for the annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. We'll also check in on people in the writing community who are supporting books, writers and readers every day. The podcast is produced and hosted by Megan Cole.

Season 6 Episode 22: Janis Bridger & Lara Jean Okihiro on talking about Japanese Internment

“Imagine a cross between Chinua Achebe’s masterpiece Things Fall Apart and the first Black Panther movie – that’s how good this novel is.” – JJ Amaworo Wilson, author of Nazaré

Princess Chibuike “Chi” of the Queendom of Kana encounters a pale man for the first time. Ten dry seasons later, in 1619, nearby villagers disappear en masse. Chi, now a warrior in the Kanaian army, vows to find her missing landspeople and bring them home, no matter where they are.

Narrated by A'rese Emokpae.

About the Author:
Julie L. Brown is the author of the alternative-history novel, No One Will Save Us, and the creator, under the pen name J. L. Brown, of the Jade Harrington series, political thrillers which include the novels, Don’t Speak, Rule of Law, and The Divide, and the short story, “Few Are Chosen.”

She can be found on: linktr.ee/julielbrown

Available on:
Audible  https://adbl.co/4hQxJIb
Amazon https://amzn.to/3YIggsK
Apple https://apple.co/3Cjid7E

No One Will Save US Sample by Julie L. Brown. Narrated by A'rese Emokpae

Jessica reviews Rose Sutherland's historical novel, A Sweet Sting of Salt. 

Once a young woman uncovers a dark secret about her neighbour and his mysterious new wife, she’ll have to fight to keep herself — and the woman she loves — safe in this stunning queer reimagining of the classic folktale The Selkie Wife.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1926057

A Sweet Sting of Salt

In today's podcast, Charlotte shares a fantastic read for kids ages 8 and up: The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson. 

Lucy, a spirited French-Ojibwe orphan, is sent to the stormy waters of Lake Superior to live with a mysterious family of lighthouse-keepers-and, she hopes, to find the legendary necklace her father spent his life seeking.

Find the title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1921211 

The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry

Celebrated by book clubs and inspired by true events, Song of Redemption unveils a devastating mystery. In 1932, a media frenzy erupted when the body of Danielle, a gifted and enslaved songstress, was discovered hidden within the walls of an abandoned mansion on the Soileau Plantation. Through her sister, who returns to the English and French-speaking parish to identify the remains, reporters uncover the complexities of Danielle's life on and off the sugar plantation, where she was the former child companion of the master's daughter. Known for her beauty, proficiency in herbal remedies, and her likeness featured on the Soileau & Sons rum and sugar product art, Danielle is flawed yet favored by her lascivious master, Demetre Soileau, and despised by his wife, Etiennette.

Exposed to the society of Louisiana Creoles and free Blacks regarded as "les noirs libres," Danielle catches the tender eye of a free mariner and businessman, Alphonse Santee, who is instrumental in her thirst for freedom, love, and the struggle to mend her broken family torn apart by turmoil and Demetre. Captured between love and obligation, Danielle soon becomes pregnant as rumors fly about the baby’s paternity, and agonizing secrets between Etiennette and Danielle begin to unravel.

Song of Redemption masterfully evokes the cultural richness of the multi-parish region west of the Mississippi. Malika J. Stevely artfully pries open a window to rarely told aspects of pre-Civil War life for communities of color and beautifully highlights the language of Louisiana Creole. This powerful saga of suspense, romance, and family devotion invites readers into an unforgettable journey through history that will captivate hearts and minds across generations.

The full audiobook is available on Spotify, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and more!

Song of Redemption by Malika J Stevely: Retail Sample

Pip Fioretti discusses her new book, Skull River. 

Colin Hesse talks with Pip Fioretti about her new book, Skull River 28/3/25

Chap 45 Apollos Raven: Escape

AWARD-WINNING APOLLO'S RAVEN sweeps you into an epic Celtic tale of forbidden love, mythological adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia.

Universal Purchase Link: books2read.com/Apollos-Raven

Chap 45 Apollo's Raven Audiobook: Catrin Helps Marcellus to Escape

Chap 46 Apollo's Raven Audiobook: Catrin and Marcellus Caught in Mudslide

AWARD-WINNING APOLLO'S RAVEN sweeps you into an epic Celtic tale of forbidden love, mythological adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. 

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/Apollos-Raven

Chap 46 Apollo's Raven: Catrin and Marcellus Caught in Mudslide

Single: "Let Us Survive This" – Rap Variation (Hinter uns das Land / Behind Us The Land)

Dark Industrial Trap Rap Version

This rap distills the novel’s most brutal chapter – the 1945 flight across the frozen Vistula Lagoon – into a suffocating audio nightmare. Glitching 808s mimic cracking ice, while sparse piano strikes echo like distant artillery. Inge Feyerabend’s whispered pleas ("Wir dürfen nicht aufgeben") dissolve into machine-gun hi-hats.

Why It Stands Apart:

Where other war raps scream, "Let Us Survive This" freezes. The beat’s hollow spaces force you to hear what’s unsaid: the crunch of charred bones underfoot, the muffled sobs of children. The chorus ("Sun glares on the snow / war’s breath, cold as stone") isn’t sung – it’s exhaled like a dying breath.

---

Single: "Let Us Survive This" – Rap-Variation (Hinter uns das Land)

Dark Industrial Trap Rap Version

Diese Rap-Adaption übersetzt die Flucht über das Haff (Januar 1945) in ein beklemmendes Hörbild. Zerberstende 808-Bässe = brechendes Eis, verzerrte Frauenstimmen = letzte Funken Menschlichkeit. Inge Feyerabends Worte ("Ich will leben") werden vom Beat verschluckt – als stolpere sie durch den Schnee.

Warum sie heraussticht:

Während andere Kriegs-Raps explodieren, erfriert dieser. Die Pausen zwischen den Beats sind so kalt wie das Haff selbst. Der Refrain ("Hinter uns das Land / vor uns die Nacht") wirkt nicht wie ein Rap, sondern wie ein Fundstück aus einem Massengrab.


Let Us Survive This

Award-winning Historical Fiction & Fantasy Author

UNEARTH LEGENDS RESURRECT WORLDS
Historical Fiction & Fantasy Sagas Steeped in Ancient Mythologies

Writer. Book blogger. Promoter of Historical Fiction.

Mayday, mayday! This is Pilot Steve, coming in hot with today's Quick Picks Reviews! Feeling lost in the turbulent skies of endless books and DVDs? I've traded my rescue bird for a new mission: saving you from crash-landing into mediocre media and burning your hard-earned cash!

In less time than it takes to taxi a Cessna, I'll give you the cockpit view on what's cleared for takeoff and what's grounded indefinitely. I've made split-second decisions at 1,000 feet, and now I'm using that eagle-eye focus to spot only the high-flyers in the media world.

So, strap in tight, rookies! Whether you're a book barnstormer or a film fanatic, I've got your six. Prepare for reviews so punchy, they'll break the sound barrier! You'll be diving into your next adventure before my landing gear's even up.

Ready to soar past the duds and land on pure gold? Let's fly!

Hey, I’m Louis Katz, a musician inspired by the timeless sounds of 60s rock, the poetic depth of Bob Dylan, the raw authenticity of Tom Petty, and the vibrant energy of surf guitar. I’ve always been drawn to the kind of music that tells a story, sparks emotion, and invites the listener to experience something bigger than just a catchy tune.

Though I haven’t performed at any venues or had the chance to work in a studio yet, my passion for music runs deep. Every day, I strive to push my creativity further, and I’m excited to take the next steps in my musical journey. My goal is to collaborate with like-minded artists and musicians—kindred spirits who share a love for authentic, soul-driven music. Together, I believe we can elevate our sound to the highest level imaginable, creating tracks that not only resonate with audiences but leave a lasting impact.

I’m just getting started, and I’m looking for fellow creatives who want to be part of that journey. Whether it’s jamming on new ideas, writing songs, or eventually recording and performing, I’m ready to take things to the next level. Thanks for stopping by my SoundCloud, and I hope we can create something incredible together!

Julie L. Brown is the author of the alternative-history novel, No One Will Save Us, and the creator, under the pen name J. L. Brown, of the Jade Harrington series, political thrillers which include the novels, Don’t Speak, Rule of Law, and The Divide, and the short story, “Few Are Chosen.”

Julie earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the Stonecoast program at the University of Southern Maine. She resides with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where she is working on her next novel.

You can find her on:
Website: julielbrown.com
Instagram: @julielbrownwrites

Beyond & Before Music presents: Music from the World of "Hinter uns das Land" / "Behind Us The Land"

Welcome to our SoundCloud profile! Here you'll find a unique collection of songs inspired by the novel "Hinter uns das Land" / "Behind Us The Land" by Frank Talmon l'Armée. This epic story follows the Feyerabend family through the tumultuous years of World War II and its aftermath in East Prussia.

Immerse yourself in a musical journey through time, from the 1930s to the present day. The music reflects the diverse experiences of the characters, capturing the emotions, atmospheres, and locations of the book. Experience a wide range of genres, from post-rock and industrial to folk, pop, and rock, with touches of chanson, musical elements, and even club sounds. Each song is a unique interpretation of a scene or theme from the novel, creating a rich and evocative soundscape.

We, Beyond & Before Music, bring a deep understanding of music and its impact, drawing on a background as a former DJ and organizer of rock concerts. To bring this ambitious project to life, we embraced modern technologies, including AI-assisted music generation, and refined the results with professional audio software. The lyrics, inspired by the content and moods of the novel, were developed and adapted by Frank Talmon l'Armée.

While we utilize AI as a creative tool, our focus remains on the emotional core of the story and the power of music to connect with listeners. We believe in transparency and want to acknowledge the role of AI in this project.

Explore the musical soul of "Hinter uns das Land" / "Behind Us The Land" and accompany the Feyerabend family on their journey through hardship, hope, and resilience.

© 2024 Beyond and Before Music

#HinterUnsDasLand #BehindUsTheLand #BookSoundtrack #Soundtrack #Indie #PostRock #AIMusic #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Musicproduction
#DarkAmbient #Industrial #IndustrialMusic #AlternativeRock #Folk #AcousticFolk #FolkPop #FolkRock #Pop #Rock #RockBallad #PowerBallad #Metal #GothicPopRock #Chanson #Musical #Oper #ClassicalMusic #NeoClassical #ModernClassical #Orchestral #Cinematic #Filmmusik #Experimental #Electronic #Ambient #Melodic #Dance #ClubSounds #Remix #Swing #Jazz #BritPop #RocknRoll #PunkRock #HipHop #Trap #Rap #GermanRap #Deutschrap #808 #Synth #WorldMusic #Seafaring #CatchyJingle #IndiePop #ChamberPop #Ballad #RomanticBallad #SadPiano #SpiritualHipHop #Sacred #WeddingMarch
#Music #Musik #NewMusic #OriginalMusic #IndependentArtist #Composer #Songwriter #Musician #InstaMusic #MusicLover #Sounds
#ComposedWithAI #MadeWithAI #Displacement #Emotional #Melancholic #Atmospheric #Dark #Haunting #Intense #Powerful #Epic #Dramatic #Sad #Depressing #Reflective #Poignant #Inspirational #Resilience #Survival

Are you looking for something good to read? Or watch? Or listen to? Tune in to Fraser Valley Regional Library’s ReadRadio podcast for some great recommendations. In each episode we will highlight some of the library’s books, movies and TV shows that you might not know about. All reviewed materials are available for loan in the FVRL catalogue. 

Fraser Valley Regional Library is the largest public library system in British Columbia, with 25 community libraries serving nearly 680,000 people in its service area.

Historical Fiction author living in Pembrokeshire

Book talk and author interviews aimed at helping you discover your next favourite read, presented by Good Reading Magazine.

Welcome to Writing the Coast! This is the weekly podcast where we chat with the authors and illustrators of the books who make up the shortlist of the annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. On the episodes you'll hear host and podcast coordinator Megan Cole chat with the folks who are creating some of BC and Yukon's best books. We'll also check in with the literary community in our region. For more information about the BC and Yukon Book Prizes visit: https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/

New tracks tagged #historicalfiction