Every writer remembers the first time they brought a world to life. In Part 2 of our "Four Voices: One Debut" series on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts" channel, we explore the intricate balance between secrets and the transformative power of travel.

This episode features four authors who successfully navigate the worlds of criminology, journalism, and education while weaving music and the grit of travel-based storytelling into their compelling fiction. We follow the physical and emotional maps of their debut novels—from an emotionally charged cross-country RV trek and a musician’s life-changing Greek island odyssey, to the gritty forensic trails of a criminologist hunting a predator and a journalist uncovering a military conspiracy. Join us as we discuss the "first-born" novels that launched these literary journeys and the destinations that shaped them.

FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS * Susan Magestro – "Priscilla Breen, Criminologist: The Capture" https://www.susanmagestro.com/

* Steve Piacente – "Bella" https://www.stevepiacente.com/

* Annie McCormick – "Runaway Kane: Book 1, Let's Be Frank Series" https://anniemccormickwriter.com/

* D.R. Ransdell – "Amirosian Nights: Campanello Travels" https://www.dr-ransdell.com/

CATCH UP ON PART 1: THE LEADING LADIES https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/the-leading-ladies

LISTEN TO THE TOAST TO THE ARTS PODCAST: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/