Brilliance Bits

Brilliance Bits - Episode 060

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

In Mistress Shakespeare, dark-haired and strong-willed, Elizabethan beauty Anne Whateley takes up her pen to divulge the intimate details of her daring life and her great love, William Shakespeare. From rural Stratford-Upon-the-Avon to teeming London, Anne and Will struggle to forge his career and remain safe from Elizabeth the First's campaign to hunt down secret Catholics. Persecution and plague, insurrection and inferno, friends and foes, even executions, all come to life in Anne's heart-rending story.

Karen Harper is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the Midwest and the Southeast, both locations she has used in her books."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 061

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Love Response, is the result of Dr. Selhub's years of research and clinical practice on how to reverse the destructive physical effects of fear and stress, and banish emotional wounds from the past. Through a simple-to-use plan of awareness, breathing, visualization, and verbal command exercises, you can reprogram your brain and change your biochemistry from negative to positive, putting you on a path to long-term wellness and happiness.

Eva M. Selhub, M.D., is the senior staff physician at the Benson Henry Institute for Mind/Body Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Selhub lives in Boston."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 059

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Author J. D. Trout discusses his background, the exploitation of consumers, and the experience of narrating an audiobook in this interview with Brilliance Audio.

In The Empathy Gap, Trout travels the leading edge of scientific research on empathy, free will, and decision making, to show how the same science of judgment that improves our decision making can create concrete, realistic, and often money-saving policies to improve human well-being. Decent people can vault the empathy gap, reinforcing cherished American ideals like equality, access to health care, decent education for all, and effective opportunity.

J.D. Trout is a Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago, and Adjunct Professor at the Parmly Sensory Sciences Institute. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 058

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Eve is the first novel by Elissa Elliott. Elissa is a former high school teacher, a contributing writer to Books & Culture, and has optioned her first screenplay. She and her husband, Daniel Elliott, live in Minnesota.

This is a re-imagining of one of the world's oldest tales, Eve and three of her daughters narrate the events of that fateful summer leading up to Cain's murder of Abel. Based on extensive historical, archaeological, and religious research, it's a work of literary fiction meant to provoke questions, encourage discussion and tell a worthy story."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 057

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Boys Are Dogs is the latest audiobook from Leslie Margolis. Leslie grew up in Los Angeles, California and now lives in Brooklyn, New York with Aunt Blanche, her six-toed genius dog.

In Boys Are Dogs, Birchwood Middle School is totally different from Annabelle's old all-girls elementary. Annabelle's new puppy came with a leash and a training manual - if only she could say the same for the boys at Birchwood...

This story/survival guide captures the joy - and agony - of junior high school. And it might just teach you how to tame the wildest beast of all: the teenage boy. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 056

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Jill Conner Browne, New York Times bestselling author and Boss Queen, talks about advice, her father, and spirituality in this interview with Brilliance Audio.

In her latest audiobook, American Thighs: The Sweet Potato Queen's Guide to Preserving your Assets, she discusses:

Why women have risked their lives just to get a little bit blonder
How the muumuu has been fashionably resurrected as the "patio dress"
Why it's important to always have a good photo of yourself on hand just in case
How, no matter what skin you're in, to make it last a lifetime
Why you can never trust anyone over eighty-five

The Queen currently reigns over Jackson, Mississippi."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 055

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Stuart Avery Gold's unique insights have become a blueprint of inspiration and motivation for entrepreneurs, team managers and business leaders on how to transform the way to work. His books have been translated into languages around the world and described by Newsweek as "a blend of business advice and spiritual teachings for the 21st century entrepreneur".

This is the mystical story of Ping, a frog with a proud heritage who has ignored the signs of his pond drying up around him, and is stuck in the mud. Forced to leave his home, he makes a leap into the unknown, unprepared for what lies ahead."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 054

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Steven Rinella is a correspondent for Outside magazine, where he's been a frequent contributor since 2000. His writing has appeared in many other publications as well, including the New York Times, the New Yorker, Mens Journal, and Field and Stream. Steven currently splits his time between New York City and Alaska.

In 2005, Steven Rinella won a lottery to hunt for a wild buffalo, or American bison, in the Alaskan wilderness. American Buffalo is a narrative tale of that hunt, but beyond that, it is the story of the many ways in which the buffalo has shaped our national identity. Rinella takes us across the continent in search of the buffalos past, present, and future: to the Bering Strait Land Bridge; to buffalo jumps, where Native Americans ran buffalo over cliffs by the hundreds; even to the Bronx Zoo, where legend has it a depressed buffalo served as the model for the American nickel. This story also tells us as much about ourselves as Americans as it does about the creature who perhaps best embodies the American ethos."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 053

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Nancy Werlin is an award-winning author who usually writes literary suspense thrillers for teens; Impossible is her first book to tackle the topic of romance. Nancy was born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. She received her bachelor's degree in English from Yale. Nancy and her husband live near Boston.

Impossible is the story of Lucy Scarborough. Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that the women of her family have been cursed through the generations, forced to attempt three seemingly impossible tasks. How can Lucy succeed when all of her ancestors have tried and failed? She is the first girl who won't be alone as she tries to solve the puzzle. Lucy has her fiercely protective foster parents beside her and she has Zach, whose strength amazes her more each day. Do they have enough love and resolve to overcome an age-old evil?

Brilliance Bits - Episode 052

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST

Author Mary Alice Monroe talk about fly fishing, inspiration, and conservation in this interview with Brilliance Audio. Mary Alice took her first steps as an author when her doctor confined her to bed for the final months of her pregnancy; her husband handed her a yellow notepad and pencil and urged her to write the novel she had always dreamed about. Knowing she might never again have that gift of time, she wrote and wrote. "I gave birth to a baby and a book," she says. Many books later, and as difficult and painful as the process can sometimes be, Mary Alice has found her voice in fiction. Time is a River is her latest audiobook."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 051

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Author Andrew Klavan discusses characters, recording, and his books-turned-movies in this interview with Brilliance Audio. Andrew has recently made appearances on the Glenn Beck show, written an op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal on "The Dark Knight" and was hailed by Stephen King as "the most original American novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich". Empire of Lies is Andrew Klavan's latest thriller."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 050

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

Jeff is a best-selling author who has been nominated for multiple Edgar Allen Poe and Anthony awards. Jeff was born in Texas and grew up in Austin and Dallas. He graduated from Rice University with a degree in History and English, and worked as a creative director at an advertising agency before turning his attention to writing. He lives in Austin with his wife and two sons.

Collision is the story of two men living very different lives - One, a successful corporate consultant named Ben who is mourning the murder of his new bride; the other, a former CIA agent known only as "Pilgrim". When they are thrown together in a violent, unexpected event, the two men realize that they've been framed in an elaborate setup. With everything at stake, Ben has no idea that Pilgrim is harboring some shocking secrets of his own - secrets that will soon force Ben to confront just how blurred the line has become between best friends and bitter enemies...

Brilliance Bits - Episode 049

Thu, 22 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

Dean Koontz is a New York Times best selling author, with books published in 38 languages. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where he began dating his wife, Gerda, during his senior year of high school. They married four years later; in a way, Dean owes his writing career to her. Dean was working for a year and a half as an English teacher outside Harrisburg when Gerda, made him an offer he couldn't refuse: "I'll support you for five years," she said, "and if you can't make it as a writer in that time, you'll never make it." Five years later, Gerda quit her job to run the business end of Dean's writing career. Dean and Gerda live in southern California.

In Odd Hours, Odd Thomas is haunted by dreams of an all-encompassing red tide. He is pulled inexorably to the sea, to a small California coastal town where nothing is as it seems. Now the forces against him have both official sanction and an infinitely more sinister authority...and in this dark night of the soul, dawn will come only after the most shattering revelations of all.

Brilliance Bits - Episode 048

Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

This episode is an excerpt from The Compound by S.A. Bodeen. Award-winning author, Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen was raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. After graduating from college, she joined the Peace Corps and traveled to Africa where she was inspired to write her first book, Elizabeti's Doll which received high praise for its unpretentiousness and its sensitivity to Tanzanian culture. Bodeen now lives in Washington state with her family.

The Compound is a compelling young adult novel in which Rex Yanakakis tells of his family's escape from nuclear holocaust into a vast and luxurious underground shelter to spend years in safety while nearly everyone else on the planet perishes. There is no contact with the outside world-or so they thought...

Brilliance Bits - Episode 047

Thu, 1 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

T. Jefferson Parker has lived his entire life in Southern California and his novels have appeared on many bestseller lists. Parker's first novel, Laguna Heat, was written on evenings and weekends while he worked as a journalist; it was originally published in 1986. When not working on his books, Parker spends his time with his family, hiking, hunting, fishing, and haunting the public tennis courts. He enjoys diving, snorkeling, and travel and escapes to the desert in the spring and fall to hike the country and avoid telephones.

In Laguna Heat, Tom Shephard, Laguna Beach's new homicide detective, is trying to rebuild a broken career, recover from an unwanted divorce, and rediscover himself back in his old hometown. Laguna Beach, Orange County's wealthy, tennis and sun-loving resort, is chic and nearly crime-free-until a crazed killer turns paradise into a Disneyland of depraved violence...

Brilliance Bits - Episode 046

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST

Ann Maxwell started her career in 1975 writing science-fiction but began publishing romances as Elizabeth Lowell in 1982. Under this name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America. Since July of 1992, she has had 30 novels on the New York Times Best-Seller list.

In Untamed, Dominic has returned from the Crusades in glory and triumph to claim his reward: the beautiful bride granted to him by the conqueror king. But Meg, beloved daughter of a sacred tribe of the Celtic mystics, fears an ancient curse that could bring further turmoil to her battle-scarred land...and sorrow to her marriage bed.

Brilliance Bits - Episode 045

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST

Karen Robards is the best-selling author of more than thirty romance novels. After first gaining recognition for her historical romances, Robards became one of the first historical romance novelists to successfully make the switch to contemporary romantic fiction. She says the most important thing to know about her is that, in addition to being a writer, she is a mother, a wife and an avid reader. Karen, her family, and their three dogs and three cats live in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

In Guilty we hear the story of Kat Kominski. One cold November night when she was fifteen years old, Kat and some friends held up a convenience store. In the heat of the moment, one of the others shot and killed an off-duty cop moonlighting as a security guard. Kat and her pals fled the scene in a panic, and no one was caught. Thirteen years later, Kat - now Kate White - has built a new life for herself as a new assistant DA. But that new life is put in great jeopardy when the courtroom explodes in a bloody shootout.

Brilliance Bits - Episode 044

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST

Harlan Coben was born in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Amherst College a political science major, Harlan worked in the travel industry. Now an international bestselling author, Coben has won the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award - and was the first author to win all three. Harlan Coben lives in New Jersey with his wife and their four children.

In Hold Tight, Tia and Mike Baye never imagined they'd become overprotective parents but their sixteen-year-old son Adam has been unusually distant lately; after the suicide of his classmate Spencer Hill, they can't help but worry. Spencer's mother, Betsy, spends most nights after his death browsing the many photos and comments on the internet memorial site Spencer's classmates had created for him. Then a photo catches her attention that she had never noticed before...

Brilliance Bits - Episode 043

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST

This episode is an excerpt from Bonk, The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach. Early in her career, Mary worked as a freelance copy editor, kept a half-time PR job at the San Francisco Zoo, and wrote freelance articles for the local newspaper's Sunday magazine. Ultimately she progressed to bigger and better things and was dubbed "the funniest science writer in the country" by Burkhard Bilger of The New Yorker. Roach has written two other books, Stiff and Spook, and reviews books for The New York Times.

Bonk is the study of sexual physiology - what happens, and why, and how to make it happen better. The research has taken place behind the closed doors of laboratories, brothels, MRI centers, pig farms, sex-toy R&D labs, and Alfred Kinsey's attic and Mary Roach has devoted the past two years to stepping behind those doors...

Brilliance Bits - Episode 042

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST

Author Andrea Kane discusses crime, inspiration, and her faith in "the good guys" in this interview with Brilliance Audio. Twisted is Andrea Kane's latest romantic thriller. Kane's foray into the genre, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller and her novels have been published in sixteen countries. Andrea lives in New Jersey with her family, where she is researching and writing the sequel to Twisted."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 041

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST

Author David Wood discusses inspiration, traveling lessons, and the highlights and pitfalls of his journey in this interview with Brilliance Audio. His book, Around the World in 80 Rounds, is an amusing chronicle of his golf-centric globetrotting. David is a speaker, humorist and former stand-up comedian who has appeared several times on television. He delivers keynote speeches and founded a company that produces entertaining employee instruction videos sold worldwide. David now resides in West Seattle, Washington."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 040

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST

Dan Fesperman's travels as a writer have taken him to 30 countries and three war zones, beginning with the Persian Gulf War in 1991. In the ensuing years he has drawn on the exotica and intrigue of similarly far flung locales for setting, character and plot. As a journalist he has worked at the Fayetteville (N.C.) Times, Durham Morning Herald, Charlotte News, Miami Herald, and The Sun and Evening Sun of Baltimore. Since 1988 he has been married to Liz Bowie, also a journalist. They live in Baltimore with their children Emma and Will.

The Amateur Spy introduces us to Freeman and Mila Lockhart. Burned out by years of humanitarian-aid work, they have retreated to an idyllic Greek island. Their peaceful new life is interrupted when they are surprised by three intruders who seem to know everything about Freeman- including a haunting secret he has long kept from Mila...

Brilliance Bits - Episode 039

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Day Freedom Died by Washington Post editorial writer, Charles Lane, is the story of the Colfax Massacre, the mass murder of more than sixty black men on Easter Sunday 1873 that propelled a small Louisiana town into the center of the nation's consciousness. Lane's journalism career has taken him from Washington to Tokyo, Berlin to Bosnia, Havana to Johannesburg. A former editor of The New Republic, Lane has written for Foreign Affairs, The New York Review of Books, and The Atlantic. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard and studied law at Yale. Charles Lane lives near Washington, D.C."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 038

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST

If Looks Could Kill is the latest audiobook from lecturer, crime pundit and noted journalist, M. William Phelps. He has published several best-selling history "Shorts" for Amazon.com, and has been profiled in such noted publications as Writer's Digest, NY Daily News and Newsday. Phelps lives in a small Connecticut farming community with his wife, children and labrador."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 036

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST

Author Kristin Hannah discusses choices, friendship, and her home life in this interview with Brilliance Audio. Kristin was a successful lawyer when she decided to use a bedridden pregnancy to nurture her dormant inner author.

Kristin's new book, Firefly Lane, is the poignant, powerful story of two women, Kate and Tully, and the friendship that becomes the mainstay of their lives. This book is for anyone who ever drank Boone's Farm while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac...for any woman who has ever dreamed of finding true love, or wanted a life too big to fit in an ordinary space. But mostly it's for every woman who knows what it means to stay true to your best friend, even when your heart seems to be breaking. Because what Kate and Tully say is absolutely true: careers change, men come and go, children grow up, but girlfriends are forever.

Brilliance Bits - Episode 035

Wed, 6 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST

Strangers in Death is the latest audiobook from Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb. Nora is a founding member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and one of the first inductees into its Hall of Fame. Every Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb title released in 2006 hit the New York Times bestseller list. Time Magazine named Roberts one of their 100 Most Influential People in 2007, saying she "has inspected, dissected, deconstructed, explored, explained and extolled the passions of the human heart." Nora and her husband, Bruce Wilder, live in Maryland. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 034

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST

Sizzle and Burn is the latest audiobook from Jayne Ann Krentz. She is author of a string of New York Times bestsellers. In addition to her fiction writing, Krentz is the editor of, and a contributor to, a non-fiction essay collection published by the University of Pennsylvania Press. She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Jayne Ann Krentz and her husband, Frank, live in Seattle, Washington."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 033

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST

In Double Your Income Doing What You Love: Raymond Aaron's Guide to Power Mentoring, Aaron breaks life down into six pathways and then sets out a simple but highly effective system for you to set goals in all six categories every month. He offers the tools to create a designed life, a strategically organized life, and a life that delivers what you want. This audiobook will help you achieve the success you desire. Raymond Aaron is the nation's #1 success and investment coach. Aaron created The Monthly Mentor, a home study mentoring program that now boasts thousands of members worldwide.

Sue Lacher graduated from a three-year Coach Training Program that is recognized by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Over her eleven years as a coach, she has accumulated extensive hands-on experience. Lacher has successfully coached over 1,000 clients worldwide and has worked directly with Raymond Aaron in creating the tools and concepts used within The Monthly Mentor™ Program, so that individuals can take control of their lives.

Brilliance Bits - Episode 032

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST

16 Lighthouse Road is the latest audiobook from Debbie Macomber. Debbie's work has appeared on every major bestseller list, won multiple awards and sold more than 60 million copies worldwide. Macomber is a volunteer mentor for young people and prisoners, and is active in fundraising for battered women's shelters and for literacy and medical research. For her good works, she was given the Woman of Distinction Award by Soroptimist International. Debbie and her husband, Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 031

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST

In her book, Death Was the Other Woman, Linda L. Richards introduces us to Dexter J. Theroux, a hard-drinking, tough-talking PI, and his secretary Kitty Pangborn a girl just struggling to make an honest living as the lawlessness of Prohibition pushes against the desperation of the Depression.

Linda is the editor and co-founder of January Magazine and a regular contributor to The Rap Sheet. Linda lives with her partner, the artist David Middleton, and their crazy dog, Jett, in the Gulf Islands off Canada's west coast.

Brilliance Bits - Episode 030

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST

In his book, Inheriting the Trade, A Northern Family Confronts Its Legacy as the Largest Slave-Trading Dynasty in U.S. History, Thomas Dewolf chronicles the events that transpired after his cousin, Katrina Browne, discovered their family's slave-trading past. Thomas discusses the "sordid history" of his family, the personal rewards he found in writing, and the difference between his book and Katrina's documentary film in this interview with Brilliance Audio. Thomas spent twenty years in public service focusing on the arts, literacy, children's issues, and restorative justice. He and his wife, Lindi, live in Oregon."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 029

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST

Jill Conner Browne, New York Times bestselling author and Boss Queen, talks about raising her own child, the experience of recording, and her upcoming promotional tour in this interview with Brilliance Audio. Her book, The Sweet Potato Queen's Guide to Raising Children for Fun and Profit, explores the wonders of pregnancy and parenthood with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Jill's approach to life is clever, fun-loving and fresh; her homegrown Southern voice draws us into her world. The Queen currently reigns over Jackson, Mississippi."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 028

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST

Author Jeff Yeager, the self-proclaimed "Titan of Tightwads", discusses his credentials, sense of humor and social responsibility in this interview with Brilliance Audio. His book The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches: A Practical (and Fun) Guide to Enjoying Life More by Spending Less tells us how to live well, happily, and within our means. Jeff worked with various non-profit organizations for 24 years before deciding to leave the rat race and use the financial freedom he had created to nurture his passion for writing. He grew up in rural Ohio, is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Bowling Green State University, was a Rhodes Scholar nominee, and was voted funniest student in his fourth grade class. Jeff currently lives just outside Washington, DC."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 027

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST

Authors Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant discuss writing, living, and audiobook narrating in this interview with Brilliance Audio. Their new book, Gotta' Keep on Tryin', a heartwarming tale of how true friendship can overcome life's obstacles, releases for sale in January 2008. Virginia and Donna first met while working as models. Virginia went on to become editor in chief for Maxima, a fashion and lifestyle magazine, and Donna was the magazine's managing editor. After their magazine collaboration ended, they felt it was natural to move on to writing novels together. Virginia lives in New Jersey. Donna and her husband live in Brooklyn."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 026

Mon, 2 Jul 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an interview with John Saul, author of The Devil's Labyrinth. A master psychological thriller novelist, John has hit the New York Times bestselling list more than 25 times. In addition to writing, John is also interested in theater. His hobbies include motor homing, traveling, golf, and cooking. He enjoys splitting his time between residences in the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 025

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents a conversation with Dirty Martini author, J.A. Konrath, and the narrators, Dick Hill and Susie Breck. Lieutenant "Jack" Daniels is back in the fourth installment of the the series which includes Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, and Rusty Nail. Narrator Dick Hill has been named a Golden Voice and a Voice of the Century by AudioFile Magazine. He has received several Audie Awards, which is the audiobook industry's top honor. Narrator Susie Breck's work has garnered awards both as narrator and director. She has also won an Audie Award, and enjoys working alongside her husband, Dick Hill. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 024

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents a message from Linda Lael Miller, author of A Wanted Man. Linda is an advocate for The Humane Society, and wishes to live in a world where every animal had a loving home. Linda has written over 70 novels throughout her career, and spends many hours a week working on her next story. As a result of being raised in a family of cowboys, she enjoys writing westerns because they capture the American spirit. In her free time, Linda enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, reading, and playing with her dogs and horses. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 023

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Barbara Delinsky's novel, Facets. Barbara has written over 70 novels, crediting both her love for words and her readers' enthusiasm as the best parts of being a writer. A lifelong New Englander, she uses the area as settings in most of her stories. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys kayaking, aerobics, and needlepoint; in addition to spending time with family and friends. She is also a breast cancer survivor, and strives to be a positive role model for other women facing the disease. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 022

Mon, 4 Jun 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an exclusive interview with Steven Callahan, author of the bestselling tale, Adrift. After being lost 76 days at sea, Steven's story about his quest for survival went on to become a bestseller. He has since created a device called "The Clam" which is designed to help sailors survive in the event they are stranded at sea. Steven is also a regular lecturer on marine safety and survival. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 021

Tue, 29 May 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Catherine Coulter's latest romantic suspense novel, Double Take. The consecutive bestseller spent most of her childhood growing up on a ranch in Texas, and attributes her genetics as a major reason for her writing talent. She confesses that if she could do one thing, it would be to bungee jump. In her spare Catherine enjoys reading, skiing, flowers, shopping, and spoiling her cats. She and her husband live in northern California. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 020

Mon, 21 May 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Dean Koontz's suspense novel, Lightning. Now known as one of the best suspense novelists of our time, Dean was first persuaded to become a writer by his high school English teacher. Dean attributes his success to perseverance, dedicating 60-70 hours a week writing his novels. He admits that writing is his favorite hobby, but others include architecture, collecting books, and antiques. Dean and his wife currently live in southern California. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 019

Mon, 14 May 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from William Martin's latest novel, The Lost Constitution. William descends from a long line of Irish storytellers, and decided to become one himself during his teenage years. He later graduated from Harvard University and moved to Hollywood to write screenplays. Since then he has become an accomplished novelist, even writing a PBS screenplay and a classic cult horror movie. William enjoys researching and traveling in order to accurately base his novels on historical events. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 018

Mon, 7 May 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Karen Kingsbury's latest novel, Sunrise. Karen knew she wanted to be a writer when she was just five years old, and believes that God gave her the ability to create with words. She started her career as a sports writer for the Los Angeles Times and LA Daily News. Her first book was based on a murder she covered in California, but she has gone on to become one of America's top inspirational novelists. When she has free time, Karen enjoys taking walks, bike riding, and spending time with her husband and six children. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 017

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Deepak Chopra's self-narrated story, Buddha. Since growing up in India and immigrating to the United States in 1970, Deepak Chopra is now known for being one of the world's greatest leaders in mind and body medicine. Chairman and Co-Founder of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, Dr. Chopra is the preeminent teacher of Eastern Philosophy to the Western World. He has sold millions of copies of his works that have appeared on every bestselling list in America. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 016

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an exclusive video of Scott Brick's narration of Harlan Coben's latest suspense novel, The Woods. After graduating from Amherst College, Harlan worked for his family's travel company before settling down as Mr. Mom and bestselling author. Harlan enjoys incorporating family themes and suburbia settings in his books because he feels that everyone can find some sort of happiness with the American dream. However, Harlan confesses that he enjoys twisting readers, remaining as unpredictable as possible. He currently resides with his wife and four young children in New Jersey."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 015

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents a note recorded by author Debbie Macomber about her new romance novel, Back on Blossom Street. Debbie, a dyslexic mother of four, began her writing career typing manuscripts on a rented typewriter in her kitchen. Since then, she has gone on to become a leading voice in women's fiction. Debbie enjoys volunteering as a mentor to young people and prisoners, as well as fundraising for battered women's shelters and literary and medical research. Debbie also enjoys her daily half-mile swim and credits The Bible for her writing influence. She and her husband currently reside in Florida."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 014

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Jill Kargman's latest novel, Momzillas. Jill grew up on the Upper East Side of New York City, making her an ideal chronicler of ultra-rich and ambitious women and their child-raising philosophies. Her freelance work includes over ten shows for MTV and more than 100 articles for magazines such as Vogue, GQ, and Elle. Jill currently resides in New York City along with her husband and two children, and isn't afraid to let the world know she is deathly afraid of clowns. Jill loves Halloween, is a Woody Allen fan, and is grateful for the inventors of DVR. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 013

Mon, 2 Apr 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Janet Evanovich's latest romance novel, Hot Stuff. Janet resides in New Hampshire with her husband. Their son manages her financial affairs while their daughter created and updates Janet's website. Her hobbies include shopping, eating Cheese Doodles, reading comic books, and watching happy movies. Co-author Leanne Banks lives with her husband and two children in Virginia. Leanne enjoys chocolate, music, and new adventures. Hot Stuff is a story set in the south side of Boston about good friends, stolen jewels, and falling in love. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 012

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents a note recorded by author Heather Graham regarding her new suspense novel, The Dead Room. After the birth of her third child, Heather chose to stay at home and began writing stories to fill her time. Since then, Heather has written over one hundred different novels and novellas and was recently presented with the Romance Writers Achievement Award. She also provides vocals for The Killer Thriller Band, along with authors David Morrell, John Lescroart, and Michael Palmer. Heather's hobbies include traveling, scuba diving, and spending time at home in Florida with her husband and five children. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 011

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an exclusive interview with The Assassin author Andrew Britton. Born in England, Andrew spent his early childhood growing up in Northern Ireland and later immigrated with his family to Western Michigan. Andrew's military knowledge stems from his time spent in the United States Army, during which he also served time stationed in Korea. When he is not writing, Andrew enjoys reading and traveling in addition to being a student at The University of North Carolina."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 010

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Matthew Klein's first novel, Con Ed. Matthew began his career working in Silicon Valley for almost a decade. During that time, he started several technology firms at the rise of the internet boom. Since then, he has decided to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a writer. Matthew and his wife currently live in New York City where he also runs a trading-related software company named Collective2, which helps traders analyze and use automated trading systems. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 009

Mon, 5 Mar 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an exclusive interview with Swimming Lessons author Mary Alice Monroe. Mary Alice's writing career took off after doctor's orders put her on bed rest during pregnancy. Since then, the inspiration for her books comes from her involvement with several environmental groups, including the South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey and The Island Turtle Team. Mary Alice's novels explore personal and environmental issues, which she hopes will inspire her readers. Mary Alice will always be a "turtle lady" where she lives on Isle of Palms. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 008

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an author's note for David Morrell's upcoming novel, Scavenger. David has written several bestselling novels, including the well-known First Blood series. David was a professor of American Literature at the University of Iowa for 16 years before retiring to write full time. In addition to researching information for his next novel, David enjoys playing tennis and working in his vegetable garden. At the Thrillerfest conference, David plays the keyboard in the Killer Thriller Band along with authors like John Lescroart and Heather Graham. David and his wife currently reside in Santa Fe, New Mexico. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 007

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Lisa Kleypas' first contemporary romance, Sugar Daddy. Growing up, Lisa wrote romance novels every summer of her high school and college years. She published her first story at the age of 21 and has gone on to write bestselling novels published in fourteen different languages. In 1985, Lisa was named Miss Massachusetts and participated in the Miss America Competition. She was a finalist in the talent competition by singing an original composition. Now in her free time Lisa enjoys playing the guitar, reading, and cooking. Lisa and her husband currently live in Texas with their two children. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 006

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Robert Crais' upcoming suspense novel, The Watchman. Robert began his career writing scripts for television series such as Cagney & Lacey, Miami Vice, and Hill Street Blues (for which he won an Emmy nomination). After the death of his father, Robert was inspired to create his most popular character Elvis Cole, whom can be found in The Watchman. When he isn't writing, Robert enjoys running and going to the gym. He and his wife currently reside in Santa Monica. The Watchman will be available on unabridged and abridged compact disc, MP3, and cassette through Brilliance Audio on 2/27/07."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 005

Mon, 5 Feb 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from Michael Palmer's latest medical thriller, The Fifth Vial. Michael's previous works include Fatal, The First Patient, and New York Times bestseller The Society. Author Catherine Coulter hails The Fifth Vial as "A nail-biting thriller that you won't want to miss." In addition to writing, Michael works part time for the Massachusetts Medical Society as an Associate Director for their physician health program. In his spare time, he enjoys lifting weights and playing bridge, but Michael notes the most important role in his life is being a father to his three boys. Michael and his family currently reside in Massachusetts. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 004

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from John Lescroart's newest thriller, The Suspect. John is a New York Times, USA Today, and Book Sense bestselling author. He wrote his first novel when he attended the University of California in the late 1960's, but didn't have it published until fourteen year later. Before becoming an accomplished writer, John worked as a bartender, computer programmer, legal secretary, and house painter. A believer in hard work and determination, John truly embraced his writing career after a near-fatal encounter with spinal meningitis. Besides writing, John's other passion is music. He is a member of Thriller Fest's Killer Thriller Band along with authors Heather Graham, Michael Palmer, and David Morrell. John and his wife Lisa currently reside in Northern California. "

Brilliance Bits - Episode 003

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an excerpt from W.E.B. Griffin's The Hunters. This is the third book in a new series by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today bestselling author. Mr. Griffin is a United States Army Veteran and is a member of several military associations; including honorary memberships in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter and Caribou Association. His war novels are recognized for their historical accuracy, captivating characters, and non-stop action. He currently splits his time between residences in Buenos Aires and the Gulf Coast."

Brilliance Bits - Episode 002

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an exclusive interview with author Jill Conner Browne of The Sweet Potato Queens' First Big-Ass Novel, Stuff We Didn't Actually Do, But Could Have, and May Yet. This is Jill's sixth book that blends humor, advice and inspiration. Jill exclaims, "I have no pride. I will tell anything." As Her Royal Highness, the Boss Queen of The Sweet Potato Queens has a legion of fans called "Wannabes". The Boss Queen loves to share her delectable secrets of living, loving, and eating (like a Queen). In her words, "More is more!""

Brilliance Bits - Episode 001

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 08:00:00 EST

Brilliance Audio presents an exclusive interview with The Book of Names authors Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori, friends and writing partners for over twenty years. Jill Gregory is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written over thirty romance novels, and Karen Tintori is the author of several non-fiction books, the most recent a family memoir about her grandfather. Critics hail The Book of Names as a thrilling mystery complete with fascinating historical and religious background."