True Fiction Project Reenita Hora

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. During this special episode, we are mashing up two fantasy fiction author interviews and true fiction pieces from season 4! These episodes include Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity and New Rock, New Role. Both stories have unique plots and are sure to make you laugh! Tune in today to hear interview snippets and full story stories from each episode! Find the link to the full episode in the notes below.

IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:37]  Interview snippet of Daniel Finkel discussing his life on the other side of Hollywood.[3:04] Short story Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity by Daniel Finkel. [13:34] Interview snippet of Richard Sparks discussing how he entered into fantasy writing. [15:42] Short story New Rock, New Role by Richard Sparks.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Sometimes your fun projects that seem crazy can actually turn into something big! You never know what will change your life, one second you could walk out on a stage and be unknown, and the next you could be a star walking off the stage.
Fiction Credits:
Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity
A short story written and read by: Daniel Finkel
Daniel Finkel's Personal Facebook Page | Daniel Finkel's Instagram | Trailer for the Audiobook 
New Rock, New Role
A short story written and read by: Richard Sparks
Richard Spark's Website | Richard Spark's Facebook | Richard Spark's Instagram | Buy New Rock New Role Fantasy Novel Today!
RESOURCES
Season 4 - Episode 8: Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity
Season 4 - Episode 5: New Rock, New Role  



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In this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast, actor, writer, and stand up comedian Shenuque Tissera shares his story of how he went from a Doctor of Geography to a Stand Up Comedian. He talks about the expectations his parents had of him after immigrating to the US, and his fear of disappointing them as he faked his graduation and dropped out of graduate school. We hear all about the Art of Killin' It and the other projects he is currently working on. The episode ends with the short story titled, Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik. In this story we follow an aspiring stand up comedian who officially drops out from becoming a Doctor of Geography but still shows up at his graduation to receive a fake diploma to appease his unaware parents. 
 
IN THIS EPISODE: 
[1:57] What is Shenuque’s primary career? [2:50] Shenuque walks through his college education path. [11:38] How did Shenuque fake his graduation? [13:10] Shenuque talks about his start as a stand up comedian. [14:53] We hear about the Art of Killin' It. [16:43] How is Quidditch (quadball) actually played? [22:37] What do Shenuque’s parents think of the decisions he has made with his career? [23:50] Shenuque tells us about the Twenty Sided Podcast and his character. [26:36] A short story Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik. KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
Follow your heart. Shenuque knew that he wasn’t destined for the graduate school path. Once he followed his heart he was able to find a career that he absolutely loves and is wildly successful at.  Quidditch is a real game that was played at the college level! You can be more than one thing in life! You don’t have to silo yourself into one career, follow your passions and see where you end up.  
Fiction Credits: 
Excerpt written by: Michael Kobsik 
Excerpt narrated by:  
 
BIO: 
Shenuque is an actor, writer, and stand-up comedian. He portrays 'Jaylen' in the theatrical production of the Art of Killin' It. He's been featured on HBO Max's Human By Orientation. He is also the voice of Yaksha Rah on the Twenty Sided Podcast. You can find him @shenuque on Instagram or @fakeshenuque on TikTok. 
Shenuque Tissera Website  
The Twenty Sided Podcast  
Shenuque Tissera's Twitter  
Shenuque Tissera's Instagram  
Shenuque Tissera's TikTok  


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In this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast, Traci DeForge, Founder and CEO of Produce Your Podcast, is back on the podcast as we talk about Reenita’s book, Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man. Reenita’s publisher, Dr. Morissa Schwartz joins the conversation as well. Dr. Schwartz is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Rissy’s Writing & Marketing and GenZ Publishing, LLC and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list. They talk about current trends in publishing and how Dr. Schwartz is making strides to increase diversity and representation among writers. They discuss the power of strong female characters and cultural representation in modern fiction and later in the episode, Reenita shares a short excerpt from her book, Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man. 
   
IN THIS EPISODE: 
[03:55] Dr. Schwartz’s journey into publishing from a career in BioSciences [08:52] Operation Mom and GenZ Publishing’s partnership and how Operation Mom connects with American young adult audiences [12:58] Representation of strong female characters and diverse cultural backgrounds [20:25] Diversity in publishing and GenZ’s commitment to storytelling for young adults [26:10] Future plans and dreams for Operation Mom  [32:51] Book excerpt: Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man written and read by Reenita Hora  
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
Podcast listenership for comedy podcasts and narrative fiction podcasts grew exponentially during and since the pandemic. Over 60% of books are still published by men over the age of 45 – and most publishers are white men. GenZ Publishing is making strides to change this statistic by publishing more diverse writers.  Representation and cultural diversity is so important in modern fiction. Not only does Operation Mom give readers a strong female lead, it also represents a cultural experience located outside of the U.S.  
Fiction Credits:  
An excerpt from Operation Mom - My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man written and read by: Reenita Hora 
https://www.facebook.com/ReenitaMalhotraHora 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenita/ 
 
BIO: 
Morissa is one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in Media for 2022. Dr. Morissa Schwartz is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Rissy’s Writing & Marketing and GenZ Publishing, LLC. 
Dr.RissysWriting.com is a marketing and writing company ranked #1 in PR and in the top ten in Social Media and SEO for New York and New Jersey on Thumbtack. GenZ Publishing is a publishing company that has produced 15 Amazon bestsellers. 
Dr. Rissy has been featured on Forbes, MTV, and is a bestselling author herself. She speaks professionally about inspiring others through words and entrepreneurship and was named the “Voice of Generation Z” by Community magazine. Dr. Rissy is a contributor for Entrepreneur magazine. 
She holds a doctorate in Literature from Drew University and has a Master’s in Communications. 
 
Dr. Morissa Schwartz on Facebook 
 
Dr. Morissa Schwartz on LinkedIn 


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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast. This week we are revisiting an episode that was recorded October 12, 2023 to mark the October 2023 events between Israel and Hamas, marking the most significant escalation of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict in several decades. 
 
With the heaviness in the world still today and the events playing out in Israel and the Gaza strip, I introduce a story brought to audiences through playwright, poet and screenwriter, Simone Yehuda. Simone discusses her screenplay, Jerusalem Road, which has wild synchronicity between the storyline and what is happening between the Israelis and Palestinians right now. Simone talks about why it is so important to release her screenplay right now. She shares the history of both the Israelis and Palestinians feeling that home is the same place, and the barriers that are at stake. We then hear a scene from Simone’s screenplay, Jerusalem Road. The scene compares and contrasts the years of suffering the two character groups, Palestinians and Jews, have faced and how both groups were forced into exile. 
 
IN THIS EPISODE: 
[2:47] Simone discusses her background and where her story Jerusalem Road came from. [5:01] Is it true that all of her screenplays focus on the reconciliation of opposites divided by major barriers where survival and identities are at stake? Why did she choose this path?  [6:33] Why is Jerusalem Road so important and why release it right now with the events happening in the world? [9:02] Who are some of the characters and what is the context of the characters? [12:26] What is the history of both Israelis and Palestinians feeling that home is the same place? [15:24] Has the significance of the screenplay expanded given what is happening this week?  [16:36] Can we bring about change through storytelling? [17:52] Will Simone’s screenplay go beyond a screenplay into something more? [22:00 A scene from the screenplay, Jerusalem Road, written by Simone Yehuda. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
We’re all a human family. We have to try to put an end to the inhumane treatment that is happening. If we keep defending “our own” and not stepping out to right against the things that are going wrong in the world then they will continue to happen.  If we can’t talk to each other and listen to each other then disaster will follow. Each person’s story is valuable and a way to get to know each other’s lives, cultures, and history. Take the time to listen to stories as much as you tell them.  There is so much loss happening right now, so much inhumane activity happening all across the world with racism, ageism, prejudice behavior. Take the time in your day to spread kindness and empathy. Do what you can to make the world a better place.  
Fiction Credits: 
Excerpt written by: Simone Yehuda 
 
BIO: 
Simone Naomi Yehuda was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to a German Jewish Holocaust survivor and French Catholic mother whose own mother was a leader of the French Resistance. Writing became her cure for massive psychic trauma. She began as a published poet (two books: THAW and LIFTING WATER) and multi-produced playwright (including a play, WILLING, Off Broadway). While in New York, she played the flute with the New York Symphony and was a member of the Mass Transit Dance Company. Simone began writing screenplays full-time ten years ago hoping to reach a wider audience. She now writes feature screenplays that include JERUSALEM ROAD, THE NEW EVE, LOVE AND HOMICIDE, THE THIRD MOTHER, THE SIG OF A FREE MAN and  MATADORA! Her scripts focus on the reconciliation of opposites divided by insurmountable barriers where survival and identity are at stake. Simone’s adult twin daughters, physician Valerie Gabriella Press and psychologist/artist Corinna Nicole Press, live in Chicago and San Francisco respectively. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her historian husband Barry Michael Shapiro. 
Simone Yehuda's W

In the last episode of season 4 of the True Fiction Project, I am honored to welcome the amazing Anand Thakore. I’ve known Anand since we were in school together, and it has been incredible to see his journey and learn of his success as an Anglophone Poet and Hindustani Classical Musician. During this episode we reminisce on some of our school experiences and share stories. Then we dive in to learn what Anand is up to now, while he shares his latest projects. We hear an excerpt of music and a poem from Deepankar Khiwani, titled Cathedral. Anand shares his experience working with Deepankar and how their work together inspired him to start writing poetry again. The episode goes on to include three original pieces by Anand Thakore titled Sea Link, My Place and Mughal Sequence. Tune in for this entertaining episode!  

IN THIS EPISODE: 
[2:28] Anand shares about his journey with Sanskrit.  [4:03] What was Anand’s journey with music and poetry?  [9:49] What is the style of contemporary Indian writing?  [10:50] Anand shares his story about the creation of the Mughal Sequence.  [13:50] What is the backstory behind some of his latest pieces? [16:30] How do poets utilize characters in their poetry?  [18:42] Anand talks about the work he’s done with Deepankar Khivani.  [21:23] Anand shares the song and poem Cathedral by Deepankar Khivani.  [22:51] We hear the poem Sea Link, by Anand Thakore.  [25:09] We hear the poem My Place, by Anand Thakore [26:24] Why was Anand feeling like a sock puppet?  [29:01] Anand shares more about the poem Mughal Sequence and then we hear an excerpt from it. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
[12:51] Anand wants the American audience to understand that they are a trans culture, multicultural, multilingual people. Their themes are Indian, their language is English, their music can be Indian, they can also experience Western music in great depth. [14:49] Anand feels that poetry really has to embrace the moment and be very short and brief and make its statement in a short space.  [16:32] Sometimes poets reveal themselves when they are pretending to be someone else.    
Fiction Credits: 
 Poems below written and narrated by: Anand Thakore
Sea Link My PlaceMughal Sequence
Cathedral Poem: Written by Deepankar Khiwani and narrated by Anand Thakore 

The Cathedral & John Connon School 

Anand’s song at end of episode: 
Pt. Anand Thakore - Kabir Bhajan-Kuan thagva nagariya lutal ho (Juhu Hamara Festival Kaifi Azmi Park 2019)
Anand's other works and information:
De Kooning's Smile: Collected Poems
In Praise of Bone
Elephant Bathing
Seven Deaths and Four Scrolls
Selected Poems-1992-2012
youtube interview and reading at book launch
Anand Thakore introduces you to 'In Praise of Bone' ( video)
_THE-KOH-I-NOOR, Poetry International , Anand Thakore

BIO: 
Born in Mumbai in 1971, Anand Thakore grew up in India and in the United Kingdom. He has spent most of his life in Mumbai. His published collections of poetry include In Praise of Bone (2023), Waking In December (2001), Elephant Bathing (2012), Mughal Sequence (2012), and Seven Deaths and Four Scrolls (2017). A Hindustani classical vocalist by training, he has devoted much of his life to the study, performance, composition and teaching of Hindustani vocal music. He received musical instruction for many years from Ustad Aslam Khan, Pandit Baban Haldankar and Pandit Satyasheel Deshpande. He is the founder of Harbour Line, a publishing collective, and of Kshitij, an interactive forum for musicians. He holds an MA in English Literature and is the recipient of grants from The Ministry of Human Resource Development and The Charles Wallace India Trust. He lives in Mumbai and divides his time between writing, performances, and teaching music. His fourth collection of verse, entitled Seven Deaths and Four Scrolls, was recently shortlisted for The Jayadeva National Poetry Award. 
Anand Thakore's Facebook  
Anand Thakore's Website  
Poetry In

Music is a way for everyone to connect, no matter where they come from or what their beliefs are. Today’s guest Pablo Sáinz-Villegas is on the True Fiction Project Podcast to talk about why music and Spanish guitar is the perfect vehicle for storytelling. He discusses the difference between the guitar and Spanish guitar, and how even though they all may have the same six strings, and the same tuning, they all offer something different. He shares his stories of working with other musicians and how storytelling comes out of each piece, whether working alone or collaborating with others. Tune in and close your eyes to enjoy the piece Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Memories of Alhambra in English) by the Spanish composer Franciso Tarrega at the end of the episode.  

IN THIS EPISODE: 
[2:45] What does Pablo mean by the statement “music and Spanish guitar is the perfect vehicle for storytelling?” [5:25] Is there a difference between a guitar and a Spanish guitar? [7:26] Does Pablo always have the opportunity to explore storytelling even when collaborating and playing with other artists? [10:05] How is Pablo providing children with the opportunity to explore the magic of music? [13:07] Pablo gives an example of what he means by storytelling through music.  [16:00] Close your eyes and enjoy hearing the piece Recuerdos de la Alhambra by the Spanish composer Franciso Tarrega.  [19:17] Enjoy another piece played by Pablo titled Asturias (Leyenda) 
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
[3:25] Music is an experience that we cannot touch, we cannot see, but we feel, and those are the experiences in life that are most transcendental, most profound to us.  [5:25] While all guitars have six strings and the same tuning, each instrument is related to a different kind of music because they have different features.  [15:07] Music is a way for people to come together and share stories, share about life, and connect on a deep level that connects to our hearts.   
Fiction Credits: 
First song: Recuerdos de la Alhambra by the Spanish composer Franciso Tarrega 
Second song: Asturias (Leyenda) - Isaac Albéniz. Pablo Sainz-Villegas. LIVE at Teatro Mayor, Colombia 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EowSRVAp8rM 
 
BIO: 
Sainz-Villegas is the "global ambassador of the Spanish guitar" (Billboard Magazine), a star who has brought classical music to millions of people from the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to a floating stage on the Amazon River or Carnegie Hall in New York. He has been the first guitarist in 38 years to perform at the Philharmonie with the Berlin Philharmonic under Kirill Petrenko. In addition, he has collaborated with artists such as John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma and played for world leaders as the Dalai Lama. Thanks to his charity work Pablo Sainz-Villegas has also been able to bring access to classical music to tens of thousands of children in Spain, Mexico and the United States. 

Pablo Sainz Villegas' Website  
Pablo Saniz Villegas' Personal Facebook  
Pablo Saniz Villegas' Twitter  
Pablo Saniz Villegas' Instagram  


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