Welcome back to the interview segment of the show. Phyllis Dodge is our next interview subject. She is a novelist and her novel "Why" takes an unique view on military veterans and all they must contend with on and off duty. 

John and I discuss the timely subject of music concerts in the late 21st century. Are they worth going to anymore? The lip syncing, the expense, the age, the health, the sound, the half the band is dead or kicked out -- why is this experience still a draw?

In this first installment of the Peculiar Instruments Series -- Houses as Characters play a vital role for artists to create a compelling atmosphere, metaphoric setting or special voice that often is best done by a nonperson.

In this multi-faceted episode John and I discuss various transitions in writing that many writers begin to face when they decide to creatively stretch and try something new.

1. Style --- somber to humor, humor to nonfiction, etc.

2. Genre -- poetry to fiction, fiction to nonfiction, etc.

3. Theme -- how to prepare to submit to publications requiring a theme

In this episode we will revisit depression and the demons it can bring in the arts by speaking about various famous examples in Art, Music, Dance and Writing. From Edvard Munch to Anne Sexton depression has been a malady in creative endeavors for centuries.

For the first time I speak at length about my own writings as exampled by the recent print book "Question the Quiet" published by Whiskey City Press.  https://www.markantonyrossi.com

The basic arrangement of a book project is discussed as well as background information to the various pieces narrated for the show. It's a complete backview of how to put together a collection to benefit the audience and the author.

The first Classic Spotlight for the year 2020 focuses on the famous adventure writer Jack London (Call of the Wild, White Fang). We explore his outdoorsmen spirit, political viewpoints and dark side.