We kick off this episode of the Connecticut Book Festival Podcast by welcoming author Mary Keating to discuss her powerful memoir in verse, "Recalibrating Gravity." As a lifelong Connecticut resident, Mary's story is a true testament to the vibrant literary community in the state.
From the very beginning, it's clear that Mary's life has been anything but ordinary. As a New Year's baby, her entrance into the world was nothing short of miraculous. But as Mary shares, her life has been filled with both unexpected challenges and profound moments of grace.
After a devastating car accident left Mary paralyzed as a teenager, she found herself facing a world that wasn't always accessible or accommodating. Yet, rather than let this setback define her, Mary channeled her determination into becoming a fierce advocate for disability rights. Her efforts to make her high school and later, Yale Law School, more inclusive are truly inspiring.
Throughout our conversation, Mary eloquently explains how she chose to tell her story through poetry, as it allows her to connect with readers on an emotional level. She reads a poignant poem from her book, "How to Survive in a Wheelchair," that beautifully captures the realities of navigating the world with a disability - from the need to always be vigilant to the importance of maintaining one's sense of humor.
Whether you're a lifelong Connecticut resident or simply someone who loves discovering great books, this episode is a must-listen. Mary's story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, the human spirit can prevail. So get ready to be inspired and uplifted by this remarkable author and disability rights pioneer.

In this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with romance author Diana Rock to discuss her latest book, Chelsea's Flame, the steamy third installment in her Colby County Veterinary series. As a self-proclaimed "modern woman's romance author," Diana shares how she crafts her stories around strong, independent heroines who aren't afraid to go after what they want - both in life and in love. Chelsea's Flame follows the romance between veterinarian Tulsi Anthony and the charming Lucas Campbell, whose multicultural backgrounds (she's Indian-American, he's Scottish-Latino) add an extra layer of complexity to their relationship. "Love is love, and it doesn't matter what your ancestry is," Diana explains. "If the love is true and pure, that's what matters most." She delves into the real-world research she conducted to authentically portray Tulsi's adoptive Indian family and Lucas' traditional Latino family, and how those cultural clashes create conflict and drama for the couple. As a longtime romance reader herself, Diana knows what makes a great love story tick. Compelling characters, a well-developed plot, and steamy, but not overly graphic, intimate scenes are all key ingredients. And for Diana, it's important that her heroines have agency and independence, rather than playing the traditional "damsel in distress" role. Listeners also get a sneak peek at Diana's next project - a crime fiction series with romantic elements, drawing on her 40+ years of experience working in laboratories. With a diverse cast of characters and a forensic twist, it's sure to be another captivating read from this talented Connecticut author. Whether you're a lifelong romance fan or just discovering the genre, this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast is a must-listen for anyone who loves stories of love, passion, and finding happily ever after.

Get ready to uncover the secrets behind bestselling author Neil P Randle's captivating spy thriller trilogy on the latest episode of the CT Book Festivals Podcast. Host Jed Doherty welcomes Randle to discuss his journey from a 60-year-old first-time writer to a celebrated author of page-turning espionage tales.
Randle shares how his lifelong love of spy movies and novels inspired him to put pen to paper, creating a heroine named Stephanie who is the polar opposite of his own introverted personality. Listeners will be fascinated to learn how Randle carefully crafted his characters, taking advice from thriller masters like Dan Brown to ensure each player brought a unique dynamic to the story.
But Randle's creative process didn't stop there. With the help of his insightful editor, he was able to overcome writer's block and reimagine the trilogy's central hero, turning an eccentric scientist into the main protagonist for the final book. Randle's willingness to evolve his vision resulted in a captivating alternate history that seamlessly blends fact and fiction around pivotal moments like the fall of the Berlin Wall and Nelson Mandela's rise to power.
As Randle bids farewell to his beloved characters, he shares the bittersweet experience of letting them go, especially the complex villains that readers love to hate. Listeners will be inspired by Randle's charitable approach, with all proceeds from his books benefiting cancer research in honor of loved ones.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of spy thrillers or simply enjoy discovering new literary talents, this episode of the CT Book Festivals Podcast is a must-listen for anyone who loves being transported into the high-stakes world of international espionage.