Author Meet & Greet

All are welcome here.

Connect with authors through their social media links (if they choose to share them), learn about their writing process, and purchase their works.

The 4 most current interviews are posted here. Older ones may be found under the Archive: Author Meet & Greet on the main page of this blog by the author’s last name.

**Jack Ketchum’s Interview from December 2017 is PINNED at the bottom of this page**

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So, without further ado, let’s get to know

Meet & Greet Author:  #293

Jennifer Shaw

Your Name: Jennifer Shaw

Pseudonym (if you use one): J. M. Shaw

Genre(s) of your work: Fantasy Adventure

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Callum Walker Series:

1. The Ascension – 2021 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition)
2. The Convergence – 2022 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition Expected Release)
3. The Fractured Veil – 2023 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition Expected Release)
4. Forsaken Souls – 2025

Bio:

J. M. Shaw is a Canadian author of fantasy fiction who lives in Alberta with her husband and two young children. She’s been writing since childhood, building worlds from raw imagination and quiet observation, but it took years before she found the courage to share them. For Shaw, storytelling has always been more than a hobby; it’s a passion.

In 2019, Shaw was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, a turning point that brought clarity to a lifetime of feeling “too much” or “too different.” Her intense focus, emotional depth, and ability to live inside fictional worlds became not flaws but the superpowers of a neurodivergent mind. These qualities shape her stories, infusing them with realism, heart, and meaning, and giving her the courage to finally share her creative works. Her worlds may be fantastical, but her characters—flawed, searching, and deeply human—resonate on a personal level.

When she’s not writing, Shaw enjoys connecting with nature, curling up with a good book, and dreaming up new worlds. She also finds joy in encouraging young writers to pursue their own passions.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Growing up, I felt different, somehow out of place in the world, but I didn’t know why—my autism diagnosis later in life eventually gave me that clarity.

I have always gravitated toward superhero and fantasy stories, filled with characters whose abilities likewise set them apart. These early protagonists shared my challenges and insecurities, yet they found ways to navigate their differences and make something good of themselves, often while concealing their secrets and finding their place in the world.

What drew me to these stories was the suggestion that my neurodiversity might not be a flaw. They gave me hope that, if I could only discover my purpose, my personal disparity might become an asset rather than a hindrance.

Writing fantasy allows me to explore identity, power, and self-discovery. It is my sanctuary, where I can imagine a world in which differences aren’t flaws, but strengths waiting to be claimed, proving that I’m not broken, just a little lost.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

For the past thirty years, writing has been my constant. What began as an outlet for my thoughts and feelings, providing a platform to analyze the world, slowly became my passion. As I experience life with heightened intensity, unable to filter my senses, writing has become my grounding force. Writing gave me a point of focus through which to slow my thoughts, process my emotions, and turn my internal noise into meaning. It changed my life, giving me a means to understand myself and manage the stress of daily life, and I can’t imagine how I would have survived without it.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I enjoy the genre variability of Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, and Michael Crichton. Each author’s work reflects a fearless creative vision, inspiring me to embrace my own wild imagination.

More recently, I’ve discovered Brandon Sanderson, Joe Abercrombie, and Brent Weeks, whose fiction blends moral complexity, deep characters, high-stakes adventure, and honest insight—qualities I admire and strive to embrace in my own writing.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I recognize the appeal of audiobooks, and their convenience is undeniable for those who struggle to read, whether due to impairment or time constraints. As I recall, similar questions were raised when ebooks were first introduced, and they’ve not only persisted, but become a mainstream alternative to physical books. I therefore believe that, as audiobook accessibility continues to increase, they will find their niche and prevail, much like their digital predecessors.

That said, I don’t think audiobooks will replace physical or electronic books, because we all experience the world in different ways, and not every reader will enjoy exclusively listening to stories. Many, like me, enjoy holding something tangible and seeing the words with our own eyes.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

Though online media is vital, I’ve found my most meaningful success through more personal engagement—author talks, interviews, podcasts, and book signings. For me, the word “marketing” is intimidating and confusing, so I tend to think instead of simply showing the world that I exist—connecting face-to-face, answering questions, and speaking from the heart about my passion. Giving people that glimpse of the storytelling beyond the page fosters a deep connection between author and reader.

Aside from public appearances, word of mouth is another powerful way to reach a potential audience, driven organically by genuinely engaged readers who have fallen in love with your writing.

Conversely, paid advertising, whether through Amazon or social media, has proven far less effective—at least in my experience. While such methods increase visibility, that exposure rarely translates into sales or sustained readership. It is, therefore, an approach that should be considered carefully and with realistic expectations.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I do not believe that all writing should be censored, though there are some exceptions that I won’t go into here. Widespread restrictions not only inhibit creativity but are also an unrealistic expectation.

Society is constantly evolving, and what’s taboo today might be widely accepted a decade from now. Conversely, what is permissible today might be offensive within a few years. A universal standard of censorship is therefore untenable.

Just because one individual deems something inappropriate doesn’t mean that everyone will. There are countless differing beliefs, opinions, and comfort levels regarding what is considered acceptable. This multiplicity, the gift that gives us an endless variety of art and ideas, also gives rise to ongoing controversy within our society. This begs the question: if we can’t even agree on whether it is art or garbage, who among us is qualified to decide what should or shouldn’t be censored?

Even if we could agree upon a list of criteria, we would then need to apply those conventions to every written work across the ages. Think of all the historical works that would be lost to modern standards, and all the stories of today that would never have been published if our predecessors’ censorship standards from their time had continued to this day.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

In lieu of broad censorship, I absolutely agree with the use of trigger warnings. Stories are powerful, and emotional responses are expected. It makes sense that readers should have the opportunity to make informed decisions, as they would with film or television, before they become invested in a novel. This is an act of compassionate consideration for those navigating trauma, conservative boundaries, and differing levels of maturity, and I wholeheartedly agree.

That said, no one person’s trigger is the same, so, as with censorship, where is the line between thoughtful consideration and trying to accommodate every possible sensitivity?

Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?

I found that most of my sales happen in person, rather than online. During author events and book signings, the first book in my series is most frequently purchased, which is understandable since I’ve written a series, and readers want to start at the beginning. In the days and weeks after an event, however, I often find that subsequent books in my series are purchased afterward, either online or by readers returning to the store.

Those live conversations allow me to share my passion, creating a level of trust and enthusiasm beyond what is typically achieved through social media or advertisements. Such moments allow readers to ask questions and connect with the author. The benefit to this approach is that you are not just selling; you are bonding with potential readers, often leading to one of the most effective drivers of long-term readership—genuine, organic word-of-mouth.

Where can people find you and your work?

My books are available at select Indigo and Chapters locations across Alberta, as well as online through Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The descriptions and links to my books, social media, and Goodreads can be found on my website.

Website: www.jmshawauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmshaw_author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmshawauthor

Email: jmshawauthor1@gmail.com

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Greta Lynn Uehling

Your Name: Greta Lynn Uehling

Genre(s) of your work: Cultural anthropology

 

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Decolonizing Ukraine (2025)

Everyday War (2023)

Beyond Memory (2004)

 

Bio:

Greta Uehling is a cultural anthropologist whose research focuses on the subjective experience of war, conflict, and population displacement. As professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she teaches courses for the Program in International and Comparative Studies and is a Faculty Associate with the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. Based on her fieldwork in Ukraine that included over 150 interviews, Uehling is the author of three books: Beyond Memory (2004); Everyday War (2023) and Decolonizing Ukraine (2025) as well as two edited volumes International Studies: Perspectives on a Rapidly Changing World and Migration and the Ukraine Crisis: A Two Country Perspective. In 2025, she embarked on a new project in Tbilisi, Georgia that builds upon both her artistic experience and anthropological insights.

 

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Perhaps first I should explain my genre: I write ethnography, which is a qualitative approach that entails immersing oneself in the life of a community and using participant observation to understand it as deeply as possible. Throughout my career, I have been drawn to writing ethnography because it provides a way to generate the kind of thick description that readers need to supplement the more abstract knowledge on a topic they can gain from other sources. This approach makes it possible to develop theory from data, rather than testing a pre-existing hypothesis in a top-down manner. My career in anthropology has convinced me that people are not only wise but authoritative commentators on their own experience and there great value in listening. This way of writing becomes especially critical for the communities I study, such as refugees and other migrants, because they are often spoken about in ways that eclipse their authentic voices. Ethnography enables one to keep their words and perspective present. Especially in contexts of displacement, marginalization, or war, writing becomes a way to refuse erasure. It preserves testimonies, complicates simple narratives, and insists on the humanity of those whose lives are misrepresented.

 

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing has changed my life by providing me with a creative outlet. Like photography, it sharpens perception: moments that once seemed ordinary become the raw material for insight and I find myself noticing more. Writing also sharpens the mind. An idea that initially feels vague or inchoate becomes something I want to articulate, evoke, and refine. In this sense, writing brings the gift of agency because to write is also to decide what matters.

 

More than anything, writing has opened me to connection. In order to generate an ethnography, I speak with many people and being invited to inhabit someone else’s perspective – and to share my own – is a profound honor and privilege. It creates a kind of bridge between someone else’s inner world and my own. In a sense, like the displaced people I work with, I am continually trying to push back the limits of my understanding and imagination. There is always a new frontier of knowledge and creative expression that I want to find a way to cross.

This connection extends to my readers and listeners. Especially since the publication of my last two books, I have received many live speaking invitations and have appeared on many podcasts. I find it very gratifying to engage with readers and potential readers on the topic of my work. 

 

Who are your favorite authors and why?

The novelist Fiodor Dostoevesky is among my favorite authors because, through his masterful use of inner dialogue (unheard of at the time he was writing), he takes readers into the most intimate chambers of his characters’ inner lives. In his hands, they move between the sublime and the depraves, gripped at times by profound anxiety and existential insecurity. Yet they also discover, oftentimes against the odds, pathways that allow them to endure. Dostoevsky’s work lays bare the raw discomfort of being human while illuminating the forces that enable one to carry on.

Another favorite is Gabriel García Márquez. Where Dostoevsky descends into the tormented landscapes of the psyche, García Márquez moves outward, widening the frame to encompass the mythic, the historical, and the cosmological. His characters are shaped as much by the uncanny forces that swirl through places like Macondo as by their own inner lives. I especially appreciate the way he reveals how people are swept into cycles of memory, repetition, and collective destiny. He writes from an enchanted vision of the world, where the marvelous is somehow continually being woven into the fabric of everyday life.

 

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

Speaking as a professor at the University of Michigan, I would say I occupy the middle ground. A growing appreciation for different learning styles means that audiobooks have become an important and indeed highly encouraged way of making course content more accessible. Along with administrators and professors, students are also looking for ways to better absorb new ideas, and audiobooks can be a valuable aid in that process. At the same time, nothing can fully replace the experience of engaging in a close reading of a written text.

I say all of this with the full awareness that artificial intelligence is already transforming how people learn and interact. A year or two from now, I suspect many people will not only be reading even less but listening to fewer audiobooks as well. They may increasingly rely on summaries and, I am afraid, potentially miss out on the rush of pleasure that comes from discovering a text on one’s own.

 

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

To my own surprise, I have found social media to be an effective marketing tool. Over time, consistent posting and maintaining visibility appear to build both trust and recognition. Had you asked me this question even two years ago, my response would have been very different. For instance, I have received several generous invitations to travel and speak about my most recent book, Decolonizing Ukraine, from individuals I have never met but who follow my work on social media.

I would argue that there are no inherently “bad” marketing tools, though the effectiveness of specific strategies depends on the book and its intended audience. For my books on Ukraine, such as Everyday War and Decolonizing Ukraine, a significant portion of the readership cannot attend in-person bookstore events. In these cases, online engagement is essential for disseminating the book’s key insights. In this context, the role of a skilled book publicist is invaluable. Authors benefit from someone who can both develop a coherent strategy and manage its implementation effectively.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

I think trigger warnings are a gesture of respect that acknowledge that readers and viewers have varying capacities for coping with potentially disturbing content. Thinking about the number of conflicts, wars, and crises in the world today, it seems clear that we live in an era of perpetual emergency, in which the previously unthinkable is continually emerging. I think of trigger warnings as a way to stave off the desensitization that could potentially result from this and to limit the normalization of violence and injustice.

 

Where can people find you and your work?

The best place to find out more about me and my work is my website:

https://gretauehling.com/ Here, people will find clips and full versions of the interviews I have done.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greta-uehling-phd-b9154a2b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greta.uehling

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Joe Chianakas

Your Name: Joe Chianakas

Genre(s) of your work: Young Adult, LGBTQ+, Horror

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Singlets and Secrets (2023)
Pride and Persistence (2024)
Darkness Calls (2025)

Rabbit in Red (The Complete Trilogy, 2015-2018)

 

Bio:
Joe Chianakas is a queer author, professor, and LGBTQ+ advocate. His young adult novels Singlets and Secrets and Pride and Persistence reimagine the underdog martial arts story through a queer lens and have been celebrated for their authentic representation and emotional depth. His latest novel, Darkness Calls, is an atmospheric horror story inspired by childhood adventures and haunted nostalgia. Joe is a multi-time Teacher of the Year, a professor of communication as well as creative writing. Recently, he won the 2025 River City Pride Arts & Entertainment Award for his work that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. He lives in Peoria, IL with his husband Brian and the best dog in the world, Bailey.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I gravitate toward YA and horror because they’re both about transformation. YA is that raw, vulnerable time when you’re figuring out who you are and what you stand for. Horror, at its core, asks what we fear most and what we’ll do to survive. For me, combining them creates a space to explore identity and resilience. And as a queer author, I want to tell stories where LGBTQ+ characters aren’t just surviving but are saving the world.

How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing has helped me process grief, identity, and the messy, beautiful parts of being human. It’s also given me the gift of connection. When a student or reader tells me they saw themselves in my work, or that my books made them feel less alone, it reminds me exactly why I do this.

Who are your favorite authors and why?
Stephen King is the first author who kept me all night reading, and I will always love him for that. TJ Klune writes queer stories with so much heart, hope, and joy, and I just appreciate that so much. My classic fav is Ray Bradbury for the atmosphere and my modern fav is Erin Mortegensen for the most magical stories.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I think they’re here to stay. Audiobooks make stories more accessible, whether for people with different learning styles, busy lives, or disabilities. I’ve also found that when a book is narrated well, it adds a whole new dimension to the story. They’re not replacing print, but they’ve earned their place alongside it.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Authenticity has been the best tool. When I share honestly about my books, my teaching, or my life as a queer author and husband, that connection resonates far more than any flashy ad. A bad tool is any approach that screams “buy my book.” Give us a reason to buy your book.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No. Storytelling is one of the safest places to explore the darkest and most complex parts of humanity. Silence doesn’t protect anyone. Honest conversation saves lives. That doesn’t mean I want kids reading explicit content. Not wanting kids to read sex scenes—fine, of course. Not wanting kids to read a book about a person just because they are queer—absolutely not okay.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I think they’re a form of care, not censorship. A trigger warning gives readers the autonomy to choose when and how they engage. Especially in YA, where readers are often encountering certain topics for the first time, I see them as a sign of respect.

Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
In-person events are the best. There’s nothing like handing your book to someone and having a real conversation. That said, social media has allowed me to connect with readers I never would have met otherwise. The best success comes from balancing both.

Where can people find you and your work?
Website: www.joechianakas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joechianakas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chianakas
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joechianakas
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joe-Chianakas/author/B015UJP0GE

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Tara Hodgson

Your Name: Tara Hodgson

Genre(s) of your work: YA and Adult Contemporary Fiction

 

Titles/Year of Published Work(s): 

Chasing Through Time – 2024

At Least I’m Trying – Upcoming release October 15th, 2025

 

Bio:

Tara Hodgson has been teaching junior high for the past seventeen years. She spends her days surrounded by teens and has witnessed the changes that technology, especially social media, has had on the teenage experience which is what inspired her to write her first novel, Chasing Through Time. She lives on an acreage in Sturgeon County, Alberta with her husband, two children, and a crew of cats and dogs.

 

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I primarily write YA fiction because I teach junior high and spend most of my waking hours with teenagers! I’m passionate about bringing the issues that affect them to life.

 

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing a book has shown me what I’m truly passionate about. It lights me up so much! I’ve also learned so much and met an incredible community of people.

 

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Some of my favourite writers in the YA genre are Kathleen Glasgow, John Green, Laura Nowlin, and Jennifer Niven. If I have a portion of their talent, I can call myself lucky. All of them are able to deal with sensitive teen subjects in such a beautiful and relatable way which I also strive to do.

In other genres, I love Taylor Jenkins Reid, VE Schwab and Adrienne Young. I am a mood reader, for sure!

 

 

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

In person events are a great marketing tool; I’ve connected with so many readers through signings. I am also slowly learning the ropes of social media – it’s incredibly ironic that I’m promoting a book about the harms of social media through social media, but it’s a great tool to connect with readers and get myself out there.

 

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

This is such a timely question because the province I live in has just banned what they deem “sexually explicit” books in school libraries. Of course, everyone wants to protect kids; however, teenagers need to be exposed to content that’s relevant to their lives such as consent, healthy romantic relationships, the possible implications of sexual relationships and etcetera. Censorship is such a slippery slope and I think books are meant to expose us to a multitude of perspectives and worldviews in order to make us think and understand the world around us. Who decides what is to be censored or not?

 

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

I understand the importance of trigger warnings in order to be sensitive to others’ experiences. That being said, I am good with or without them.

 

Where can people find you and your work?

I am primarily on Instagram and Facebook @tarahodgsonauthor. Follow me and get updates on my upcoming release, At Least I’m Trying!

My debut book, Chasing Through Time, is available on Amazon, Indigo, and Barnes and Noble.

My website is http://www.tarahodgson.ca

www.tarahodgson.ca

 

 

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Jack Ketchum

(PINNED – Interviewed in December 2017)

 

Name: Dallas Mayr

Pseudonym (if you use one): Jack Ketchum

Genre(s) of your work: Horror and Suspense (and the occasional Black Comedy.)

 

 

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):  Writing professionally since 1970, first fiction 1976, first novel, OFF SEASON, 1981.

 

 

Bio: see my website http://www.jackketchum.net/and add to that, Most Recent Novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF SOULS, written with Lucky McKee and Most Recent Collection, GORILLA IN MY ROOM.

 

 

 

Why do you write in the genre that you do?  

I grew up loving fantasy, and horror is the dark side of fantasy.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

The usual perks of self-employment — no punching the time clock, no damn bosses hovering over your desk.  But in addition to that, writing mandates continual periods of self-examination.  You don’t easily get away with lying to yourself on the page.  It requires you to scour your history and your present for your deepest faults and pleasures, to reveal and revel in them, to find the strengths in your life and work from there, reaching outward.

 

 

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Far too many to list here.  I read all over the place and consequently my favorite writers come from all genres and backgrounds, from Henry Miller to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, from Raymond Chandler, Elmore Leonard and John D. MacDonald to Thomas Hardy, Philip Roth, Michael Chabon, Joyce Carol Oates, Peter Straub and Stephen King.  Why?  Because they’re smart, empathic, courageous.  Because they’re good!

 

 

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I wish we had a lot more mom-and-pop, brick-and-mortar bookstores.  I seriously miss browsing.

 

 

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

The need for empathy and tenderness in the world, that the souls of beasts and humans matter.  And a few hours of just plain fun.

 

 

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

Depends on the piece.  Some, like THE GIRL NEXT DOOR and RED, are highly personal, others…?  I don’t know where the hell they came from!

 

 

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?  

Finishing a piece is almost always easy.  It’s getting started that’s hard.  Getting all your ducks in a row and then having the balls and suspension of disbelief  to say to yourself, this is really going to work.

 

 

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

I give books a first paragraph test.  If it passes, then a first chapter test.  If it passes that, I’ll almost always finish the book — I can tell from there that I’m going to want to.   If it fails I scuttle it immediately.  Very occasionally, too much repetition will make me dump it.  I don’t want to waste reading-time.  Too much good stuff out there.

 

 

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Nothing should ever be censored.  Everything is worth discussing.  How long a discussion is another matter entirely.

 

 

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

 Life’s short.  I don’t bother with peeves.  If I’m bored, I just close the book.

 

 

Where can people find you and your work?

Website, see above. I have a list of published works there.   Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/jackketchumofficial/ Twitter, https://twitter.com/jackketchum Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Ketchum

 

What can I say?

I am honored to have received a bit of Jack Ketchum’s time, for him to share his thoughts and words with me (and my readers), and for his participation in a blog such as this one. Thank you so much – for the interview as well as your writing. It has and continues to be an inspiration.

Readers, I implore you to look into Jack Ketchum’s work, especially if you are a horror/suspense fan. From the mouth of Stephen King – “Who’s the scariest guy in America? Probably Jack Ketchum.”

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