This week we welcome a spirtual powerhouse of an author and inspirational orator, Amukelani Makhuvela! She is the creative mind behind "Basket of Grief", a gripping tale that follows the lives of different indivuals which come together to forge a story that teaches us how to heal in the face of misery. Her works have been sold and featured in South African libraries since she was old enough to pick up a pen, so it was an absolute honor to speak with her.

Amukelani (outside of having an awesome accent--seriously, it makes everything she says that much more profound) is a government worker in South Africa when she's not crafting stories. She holds a degree in social science, obtained at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Born in Mbokota village, in the Limpopo Province, she later reloacted to Gauteng Province, where she now lives with her family in the city of Tshwane. She describes herself as "a slave to the curiosities of her state of mind, which makes her love for writing grow each day."

Her love of Fantasy & Thrillers have molded her into quite an imagnitive storyteller, but the way she blends together South African lore and takes inspiration from real-life events is what makes her writing stand out--it's no wonder she was an Honoree for the 2021 African Authors Award! Make sure to check out the links below and pick up a copy of "Basket of Grief" for yourself, its worth it.
 
Amukelani's Links:
INSTAGRAM - @amumakhuvela
TWITTER - @ThebookW

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Eps. #97 | 2021 African Authors Award Honoree - Amukelani Makhuvela - Talks South African Culture

This week we have a fellow Star Wars nerd in our midst, so bring your lightsabers and alien-to-English dictionaries, 'cause it's about to get weird! Our guest, Matthew Romeo, is a Science Fiction and Fantasy author with a knack for swordplay. His first trilogy, The Maven Knight, is a fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic world where nanite storms cover the lands and heroes must rise to conquer a rising evil. He is also the author of The Outrider Saga and co-author of the Seawyth Chronicles, so if you haven't added any of his works into your TBR, you should be!

Maybe it was the Star Wars references, maybe it was how we had a huge nerd-bond--who knows--but whatever the reason, this conversation was a genuine blast to have. Matthew's wit and imagination have allowed him to create some truly jaw-dropping sequences within his stories, I felt like I had front-row seats to a movie premiere as he described some of them throughout the chat. We had some deep discussions on the nature of Science Fiction, shared some laughs, and even got a few words of wisdom from the young talent--what more could you ask for?

Make sure to take a peek into Matthew's social media (links below), he has a lot of community engagement and if you are/become a fan of his it'll be great to see the behind-the-scenes action of it all. As always, do us a favor and find his Amazon authors page. When you do, slam that follow button and make sure to turn on notifications so you know everything this man has to offer the moment it releases. Support is one of the most important things an Indie Author can ask for (outside of money obviously), and every little bit counts so do your part!

Matthew's Links:
INSTAGRAM - @matthew.s.romeo
WEBSITE - themavenknight.wixsite.com

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Eps. #98 | SFF Author - Matthew Romeo - Talks Star Wars & How to Build a Community on Instagram

This week I have the pleasure of introducing the youngest author/writer/scribe to every grace the podcast - Wilsey Zahner. At 12 years old she released her first YA Action/Adventure book, and followed up with a sequel only months later (she plans on finishing the trilogy within the next year!). Her drive at such a young age is something to truly marvel and this seems to only  be the beginning in a very rich career for this young woman. You can hop on the bandwagon now, or wish you did earlier, 'cause soon enough this girl's name will be at the top of every bestsellers list.

Patient, poised, and passionate about her work--Wilsey knows what her dreams are is determined to strive for them. Her comprehension of the YA/Action & Adventure genre is allowing her to take beloved tropes and turn them on their heads for readers of both of new and matured generations to love/devour. 

As always, take a peek into Wilsey's social media (links below) and find her Amazon authors page, she has a lot of community engagement and if you are/become a fan of hers it'll be great to see the behind-the-scenes action of it all (make sure to turn on notifications so you know everything this man has to offer the moment it releases).

Wilsey's Links:
INSTAGRAM - @wilsey_zahner
YOUTUBE - Wilsey Vids

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Eps. #99 | YA Author - Wilsey Zahner - Talks Booktok & Being Published @ 12 Years Old!

We've finally done it folks...it's our 100th episode of the podcast, and we could not have a better guest to ring it in with--Keylee Hargis is back! She is the massively talented writer behind the Young Adult Fantasy "Royal Bond", "War Bond", & the rest of the Bond Series that's soon to follow. This amazing writer has garnered 30 MILLION reads across her work and has a rabid fan base to boot. Young Adult/ New Adult lovers out there will find a new author to binge on, and fellow authors out there can learn a thing or two about making it in this business (I know I did).

Just like last time, this chat was funny, informative, and raw (don't let the smile fool you, like her characters in Sacred Scars--this woman's an assassin with prose). We talk about her latest debut, "Sacred Scars", and the inspirations she had for making/while making this novel. For more Keylee, check her out on Wattpad and make sure to follow her on socials so you can stay up to date on everything this bestseller is up to--you won't regret it.
 
Keylee's Links
INSTAGRAM - @keyleehargis_author
TWITTER - @keyleehargis
WEBSITE - linktr.ee/Keyleehargis

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Eps. #100 | Bestselling Romantic Fantasy Author - Keylee Hargis - Returns to Talk New Book Debut

This week is for the youngins, Kid Lit Author - Jason R. Lady - visits the ART Podcast to chat about his first two books in the Magic Pen Series, "Monster Problems" & "Super Problems", (which follows a different child every book, each with a magical pen that make their drawings into reality) and the process it took to create them. Make sure to watch till the end, for we have a PODCAST EXCLUSIVE first look at his upcoming third book, "Time Problems" releasing August 18th.

Jason's energy, imagination, and humor made me immediately nostalgic to the types of books/comics I grew on. Works like Dogman, or Captain Underpants. Silly and fun stories with a deep emotional foundation to consider when you do a little dive in between the text. His work is something I think the world is sorely missing right now, some guilt-free laughs. 

To support this talented author, check out the links below and don't forget to follow his Amazon Author page/turn on notifications so you don't miss any of his future bestsellers!

Jason's Links
INSTAGRAM - @jasonrladyauthor
TWITTER - @jasonrlady
WEBSITE - www.jasonrlady.com

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Eps. #101 | Kid Lit Author - Jason Lady - Talks About The Fun & Challenges of Writing for Kids

This week we talk to a young woman with a purpose, a purpose for prose (sorry, I had to). Gabriella White joins us this week to talk about her Sci-Fi Romance trilogy THE CHOSEN ONES, and her journey as a romance author with a penchant for science fiction/fantasy. 

Gabby's trilogy, THE CHOSEN ONES, centers around a world blindsided by a deadly virus and the toll it takes on its denizens (something we can all empathize with now). She blends innate imagination with the experiences she's been through herself to create a dynamic and rich world that leaves the reader clawing for the next page--it's an art form.

If you're not already a fan, change that, 'cause this woman is on a mission--and she's not stopping till every bestseller's list has her name splattered on it. To learn more, follow her socials (links below, and in video's banner).
   
Gabriella's Links
INSTAGRAM - @author_gabriella_white
TWITTER - @Gabriella1White
WEBSITE - Gabriellawhite.net

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Eps. #102 | Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance Author - Gabriella White - Talks COVID Inspiration

STAY TUNED TILL THE END FOR AN EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK AT HER SOON TO BE RELEASED SEQUEL TO "ABYSS OF THE FALLEN"!

This week's episode has been long overdue, and it's not because it's being released half a day late (not the only reason anyway). Diana Estell finally joins us on the podcast to talk about her love/struggles of being an author, the writer's imposter syndrome that follows it, and being a "Goth Mom".

Like most of us, Diana draws inspiration for her books from the experiences she's been through in her life--the only difference being that there are not many people who can say they've lived/are living a life to the degree Diana does. She's an extreme cycling junkie, an avid traveler of the world, an obsessive fan of Rock & Roll/Punk music, and has a self-proclaimed "deep love of words". She has not been afraid to take life by the horns, and it shows in her craft. Her carefree imagination, mixed with the realities of life she's faced throughout her life, create a dynamite combination of creativity and wit. 

Her first published novel, ABYSS OF THE FALLEN, is available now through Amazon and through her website/social media pages (all links found in video banner & below). Please take a minute to follow her, buy her book, and show her some love because she truly deserves it. 

Diana's Links
INSTAGRAM - @DianaEstellAuthor
TWITTER - @Estell3Diana
WEBSITE - www.DianaEstell.com

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Eps. #103 | YA Fantasy Author & Anthropologist - Diana Estell - Talks Imposter Syndrome

This week we have another brother in arms (or I guess in this case quills), a true lover of Sci-Fi, and a film buff at that--Mikel Wisler! He has two standalone books out and available now (Sleepwalker & Unidentified), with a third one on the way, and has written/done the cinematography of a Sci-Fi Short Film currently playing in LONDON SCI-FI FILM FESTIVAL! 

Our chat was full of funny observations, and intriguing discussions about the route of current technology and its impact of current/future societies. We also discussed how these types of talks and conversations are the heart of science fiction as a genre, and how we use these discussions as inspiration for our work.

For more of Mikel, check out his socials via the links below. Make sure to give his film some love, it's coming out soon (after it finishes the film festival circuit) to a screen near you and if you're in the London area, go see it for yourself @ SCI-FI LONDON this weekend!

Mikel's Links:
INSTAGRAM - @mikelwisler
TWITTER - @mikelsiler
YOUTUBE -  @Mikel Wisler  
WEBSITE - doxanousmedia.com

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Eps. #107 | Sci-Fi Author & Filmmaker - Mikel Wisler - Talks Time Travel and #SCIFILONDON

We're kicking summer off with JAMES MUSGRAVE, the grandfather of the Indie Lit scene, and a familiar face to the podcast. He's won a myriad of awards for his writing pieces and his works have some of the most imaginative plots I've heard to date. 

His latest release, "Orkidedatter" (Orchid Daughter), is a Norse Erotic Fantasy revolving around the the viscous/promiscuous lives of the Nordic gods. It's release is in only a couple of weeks, and the sequel to it is currently being finalized now!

"The Dancing Murders", a high-octane murder mystery with twists you won't see coming! "The Valley of the Dogs: Dark Stories" is a story told from the eyes of an English Bulldog--Gustav, that happens to be Lady Gaga's therapy dog. Doggy-nappers, beach-side hiijinks, and lots of wit fill the pages of this tale! 

SIDENOTE: Neotino designed the covers for "Valley of the Dogs" (as well as Gustav). and "Orkidedatter"!

Lastly, his newest work is something completely on a leaf of his own. James has taken the "Choose Your Adventure" Fantasy Tales from our childhood and flipped it on its head, creating the first ever (that I'm aware of anyway) "Choose Your Suspect" Murder Mystery!

Jim's Links:
INSTAGRAM - @musgravejim
TWITTER - @englishmajorpub
WEBSITE - emrepublishing.com

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Eps. #108 | Award-winning Author - James Musgrave - Talks Norse Gods, Sex, and Childhood Trauma

HASHTAGS FTW! 

This week we have a very special guest joining the ranks of past content creators--Valcurix, also known as Luis Perea when he's not slaying monsters and making his horde of fans laugh along with him when he's streaming on Twitch. 

I've known this man for almost 5 years now, he's the first person to read the rough drafts of my book, was my roommate for a little over a year, AND he's the only other Dominican I ever met while I lived in California. Luis (Valcurix) is always in a good mood, and always ready to make you laugh, which is probably why so many are flocking to watch his streams.

It is not a request, it's a DEMAND--you need to check out his streams if you're at all interested in videogames or even if you just want a quick laugh, it'll be very much worth the time. Links to start your Valcurix Streams Binge are down below, make sure to drop him some love and mention that A.R. sent ya!

Valcurix's (aka Luis's) Links:
TWITCH - twitch.tv/Valcurix

For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services.

A.R.'s Links:
ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal
INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend
TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino
REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino
PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

New tracks tagged #neotino