True Fiction Project Reenita Hora

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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After experiencing a tragic bicycle accident, Mark Berridge spent a year getting his health back. He then decided to write a story to inspire others to keep pushing a little bit further, because they are stronger than they think. This week on the True Fiction Project, Mark Berridge joins Reenita to talk about his accident, and what led him to write his nonfiction book, A Fraction Stronger. Mark discusses future work that he hopes to accomplish, shifting from a nonfiction author to a fiction author, and hopefully one day to playwriting. We then hear an excerpt from the short story, Wondrous Experiences, where a man takes a trip and allows himself to experience it from a new perspective, seeing how the world is truly vibrant and full of possibility. 

IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:20] Mark talks about winning an award for his nonfiction book.[3:26] What is A Fraction Stronger about?[5:13] Mark discusses his physical therapist that was instrumental in his journey to be able to walk again[9:03] Does Mark hope to write more books?[15:57] Mark shares where people can learn more about him. [17:32] Mark shares an excerpt from the short story, Wondrous Experiences.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[4:43] We are all a fraction stronger than we realize, and if we find that inner strength and channel it and embrace the support around us, then we can achieve almost anything. [14:58] In a world where we are so interconnected in a way because of technology, there’s still nothing quite like going somewhere and really making connections and finding your tribe, or finding something that changes your life.[24:26] If you immerse yourself in the world’s range of potential experiences, you can feel truly alive. 
Fiction Credits:
Story written by: Mark Berridge
Story narrated by: Mark Berridge

BIO:
Mark Berridge has broad experience in negotiation, marketing, strategy and transformation. His most prominent corporate role was the Chief Negotiator for Rio Tinto Iron Ore from 2012 to 2015 where he led the pricing strategy for revenue worth USD20 billion.
Mark always enjoyed finding high value in complex situations. In March 2019 he became his own subject matter when a bicycle crash changed his life forever. Mark fractured 2 vertebrae and heard the devastating words spinal cord injury. He spent 7 weeks in hospital and 9 months in full time rehabilitation regaining the ability to walk. He will strive to maintain and improve his mobility all his remaining life.
Mark now writes and speaks about the impacts of disruption and how we can fight our way forward from almost any situation. His inspirational award-winning book A Fraction Stronger was released in the USA September 2022.

A Fraction Stronger Book
Mark Berridge's LinkedIn 
Mark Berridge's Personal Facebook Page 
Mark Berridge's Business Facebook Page 
Mark Berridge's Instagram Page 
Mark Berridge's Website 



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Learning about her adoption at age 21 was quite impactful for Priya Subberwal, along with the lack of conversation that her adoptive parents had with her afterwards regarding her biological family. Today, I am honored to have Priya join the True Fiction Project, she is a long time friend of mine, and is a wonderful storyteller. We start the episode discussing her business, Disha Limited, where she helps people set their homes up for the best energy through Feng Shui work. She talks about how to utilize the evergreen elements of Feng Shui as well as what to prioritize for 2024. We then get to hear the story of how Priya found out she was adopted, and what that was like to find out as an adult. Priya reads an excerpt from her story, Masala Movie, in the book, My Voice about what she uncovered through the process of trying to find her biological parents and how she brought closure to herself. 

IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:30] Priya explains what her business, Disha Limited, is. [5:10] How does it work if your home has bad energy?[6:10] What does Priya mean about good Feng Shui in Hong Kong and San Francisco?[7:50] How does Priya work with people who are on more flat land who don’t have natural Feng Shui?[8:37] How does Feng Shui change across the years?[9:10] What does the year of the wood dragon mean for Feng Shui?[10:52] Priya describes her short story, Masala Movie, in the book, My Voice.[20:05] Priya shares an excerpt from her story, Masala Movie, in the book, My Voice, when she learned about her adoption. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[6:13] Feng Shui is all about the wind and water, mountains play a very important role because they work as the antennas, it’s where the energy is stacked from the planets and then through wind it comes down and settles at the base of the water. [9:37] For 2024, the year of the dragon, the best ways to benefit from Feng Shui are to utilize the Southwest of your home and the East. The Southwest is for happiness, advancement, promotion, and happy events. The East is for networking, finding leads, any kind of business work that is done in the home.[18:47] Priya decided to write about her journey of finding out she was adopted as an adult as a way to find closure after her parents had passed away. Her story is fantastic for those who have been adopted or for people who are considering adoption. 
Fiction Credits:
Story written by: Priya Subberwal
Story narrated by: Priya Subberwal

BIO:
Priya Subberwal is a qualified Classical Feng Shui practitioner. A trained interior designer, her interest in Chinese Metaphysics was sparked by a chance look through at a coffee table book on the subject in 2000. After extensive reading on the subject, she formally started studying in 2007 and applying it to her daily life. Friends and family too gained from her knowledge and fascination. Priya aims to bring focus and stability to the lives of others. In 2016 she formed the company 'Disha' which comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Dishadhara’ meaning direction - something that she strives to give her clients.
Priya is a yoga enthusiast and an avid reader. She lives in Hong Kong with her banker husband and a dog. She is a mother of two adult daughters, who love giving her unsolicited fashion and make-up advice. Interestingly, she previously co-owned a cricket team “Kowloon Cantons” in Hong Kong and has co- authored an Amazon bestseller novel #my voice -A collective memoir by women of substance.

Dishas Consulting Website 
Priya Subberwal's Instagram 
Priya Subberwal's Facebook 
Priya Subberwal's LinkedIn 
My Voice Book


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