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Authors Reading Books Dan Antion Knuckleheads Podcast TTT Season 4 Writing

Season 4 Episode 32: Dan Antion Reading “Knuckleheads: Book 1 in the Dreamer’s Alliance Series”

Welcome to Tea. Toast. and Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

Bookstores, libraries, and coffee shops are great places for book readings. There is something extraordinary about hearing the voice of an author reading their stories. Their voice and intonation are nuanced by the many hours of effort putting pen to paper.  They created the characters, structured the plot, and lived every twist and turn that creates bumps in the storyline. 

Public libraries and bookstores have expanded their reach into a global community. Book readings have gone virtual.  We are learning to embrace technology in new ways.  Welcome the podcast series, “Authors Reading their Books”, which brings authors and their books from across the world to your home. 

I invite you to put the kettle on and join the conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

I am delighted that Dan Antion has joined me from Hartford Connecticut as our guest author reading from his freshly published book, “Knuckleheads, the first book in the Dreamer’s Alliance Series. This story introduces the main characters in this series, in which the next two books will follow in late summer and early winter 2022.

Dan Antion was born outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up and attended college in the area around western Pennsylvania.   As many of you know, Dan has written and published the popular No Facilities blog since 2011. A lifelong interest in writing became a reality after he retired from a successful 42-year-long career in information management.

This promises to be an exciting event so put the kettle and add to the conversation.

Thank you for joining Dan Antion and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. Authors reading their Books.

And a special thank you, Dan, for taking us on an adventure through your book Knuckleheads.  I have enjoyed reading Knuckleheads – Book 1 and look forward to the next two books that will soon to be available.

Listeners, I invite you to meet up with Dan on his blog, No Facilities, Amazon and Goodreads.

Join in on the Knuckleheads’ Book Tour on Dan’s Blog

Until next time, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you.

Dan Antion Reading “Knuckleheads: Book 1 in the Dreamer’s Alliance Series – Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

By Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

86 replies on “Season 4 Episode 32: Dan Antion Reading “Knuckleheads: Book 1 in the Dreamer’s Alliance Series””

Thank you so much for this opportunity, Rebecca. I was nervous about reading my book, but I like how the podcast turned out (you guys do such a wonderful job). I was pleased that you wanted to know more about the father character. He has emerged as the favorite of quite a few readers. I enjoyed listening to the podcast, I hope others enjoy it.

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I am delighted that you listened in Holly. I love following Dan’s blog adventures and look forward to his Thursday Doors recap where I travel the world from my kitchen table. Many thanks for your comments and visit!!!

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I agree, Mandy. Something extraordinary happens when I listen to an author reading from his/her books. The story comes alive. I was fascinated by how the story evolved back to the past with Knuckleheads. Writers have the most interesting experiences. And we are the ones who benefit from their creative endeavors.

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I greatly enjoyed your discussion with Dan about Knuckleheads (fantastic title, by the way!), particularly the details about his relationship with his father. The reading reading itself seemed to go by very fast! The narrative voice is so engaging. (I love it when that happens.) I can see why the father is many readers’ favorite character. I like him already. All the best to Dan for the success of Knucklheads and its sequels!

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Sorry for the late response, Liz. As I mentioned before, back from a 3-day wedding in nature. I am delighted that you listened in on Dan’s reading of Knuckleheads. I agree – a fabulous title that engages a reader from the very first page.

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It’s great to listen to Dan’s reading of his book. Isn’t it wonderful that Dan’s dad was his mentor and that Dan learned so much by watching how his dad interacted with other adults. Thank you for this interview, Rebecca!

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Thank you for listening in, Miriam. When we met for the podcast recording, Dan told me how much he appreciated the writing community’s support in the launch of Knuckleheads. I loved following the Knuckleheads’s Book Tour. Like you, I was especially interested in the influence that Dan’s father had on the narrative.

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Thank you so much, Miriam, and since Rebecca mentioned enjoying the book tour, I should thank you for all the help you gave me to prepare that tour. Children can learn so much from the adults in their lives, if they are given the chance.

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I listened to this entire podcast and found it quite interesting. I don’t typically read reviews of books already on my Kindle because I want to form my own opinions instead of being influenced by others. In this case, I’m excited to dive into Knuckleheads soon as it works toward the top of my pile.

I always enjoy learning about any author’s process. It was fascinating to learn that Dan started with what became Book 2 in his series. That reminds me that writers must be open-minded and go where their muse takes them. Well done, Dan!

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Thank you for listening in, Pete and for adding to the conversation. I share your fascination about the writing process. Does a narrative begin as a single idea and then take on layers as the writing progresses? How do the characters come alive? As you said so well, “writers must be open-minders and go where their muse takes them.”

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Thanks Pete. “Go where their muse takes them.” I don’t think I could sum it up better. I look back at my notes and plans for what I wanted to write, and then I look at what I’ve written. A lot changed along the way. I hope you enjoy Knuckleheads when it bubbles to the top.

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Thank you, Dan and Rebecca. This was wonderful. I can see why the dad is the favorite character. Just listening to Dan talk about him, I could picture this dad being the picture of calm, absorbing everything but knowing his son’s best interest would always come first. Most enjoyable!

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This was so much fun, Lois. I was delighted that Rebecca wanted to hear about my dad and Zach’s dad. The interview was a blast. I really enjoyed talking to Rebecca and Don, and they made it so easy.

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A very enjoyable discussion and reading, Rebecca and Dan! The father-son interaction in Dan’s book is fascinating and really well-written. The parent-child relationship is so important — and can be warm, inspiring, dramatic, and/or fraught.

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Thank you Dave for listening in and for your comments about the parent-child relationship. I agree wholeheartedly. Children have vivid memories, which influence their adult years. I felt the father/son connection strengthen as the Knuckleheads narrative unfolded.

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Thanks for the reading, Rebecca and Dan. I am reading this book as we speak and enjoying it. I also love the dad in this book. I had a wonderful dad too who talked things out and always had my back. I love how each parent has a different way of dealing with things. I believe that is often the case and is handled well in this book. The other thing I love about this book (I’m about 35% into it) is that kids are so often misunderstood, even without special abilities. I’m looking forward to completing the book.

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Many thanks for listening in, Darlene and for your insightful comments. I agree wholeheartedly, that kids are often misunderstood. They are just learning to communicate and are in the process of navigating emotional nuances for the first time. It is fun to see how Dan’s characters evolve as the story unfolds.

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Thanks Darlene. I grew up with a great father. None of us know how to be a parent, but he managed everything well. Like you, I felt like he always had my back. I also grew up with some friends who were misunderstood. I think that was more common in the 60s, but I suppose it still goes on. I’m glad you’re enjoying the book.

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Thanks Robbie. I am glad you listened here. Rebecca does a wonderful job with these podcasts. It was hard choosing scenes with Zach’s father, without giving spoilers. I’m glad you enjoyed these. Thanks for your support.

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Fab interview Rebecca & Dan.
It sounds like a cool book.
Dan, you are so deeply invested in this work.
Are your books available on any other platform? ie.- KOBO?

I say this again and again: I have been boycotting Amazon for over 6 years now.
Still, I want to support authors here on WP.
I recently bought a book of poetry directly from the writer’s publisher. Also, besides KOBO, Redmund Pro is another platform I have purchased a book from.

Thank you for this wonderful interview! {{hugs}}

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Thank you, Resa for listening in and for your encouraging comments. Sorry for my late response. I just returned from a 3-day family wedding in nature and have been in and out of Wi-Fi. I did not find Dan’s Book on Kobo, but I did find the link that said that writers can publish with Kobo. https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/p/writinglife

I couldn’t find anything on Redmund Pro but I will keep looking.

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Hope you had a great time at the wedding!
I wonder if Redmund Peo is still in business? I bought a book of poetry there several years ago.
It was great listening to Dan speak. 👍

PS. Drawing RB Art Director as a Mermaid.

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Thank you Resa. I am planning to release these books on other platforms after the release of the second book on Amazon. I understand the Amazon thing, and I don’t blame you. Getting the books published on Amazon was a lot of work for a newbie. I am working on another publishing avenue, but right now, I need to focus on getting this next book out the door. Thanks!

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I enjoy your authors reading stories Rebecca. What’s better than listening to an author read their own work? It was lovely to hear Dan read and congratulations to Dan on his lovely book. ❤

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Sorry for my late response, Debby. I have just returned from a 3-day family wedding in nature and have been in and out of Wi-Fi. I am delighted that you listened in to Dan’s reading and for your heartwarming comments.

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Thank you, Dan and Rebecca, This is a fantastic new idea–Authors reading their own books! Who better to introduce the words that the author has written! ! Thank you for introducing the book, a unique way, certainly, by the author reading his own words that he has chosen! I enjoyed the story as related by the author, the introduction to his father and all the activities enjoyed by the author! I am looking forward to reading more that happens between the author and his father–and of course, more about his everyday life’s experiences! ! I cannot wait to buy the book so I can read every word! ! And, of course, as I read the words, I will remember the author’s voice!!

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Thank you so much. When writing about a child character, I couldn’t help but be influenced by my own childhood, and I think I had a wonderful father. I was very happy when Rebecca asked me to focus on my father and the father character in the story. I started following her podcasts, and the authors reading their books is one of my favorite versions.

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Great to hear Dan’s voice and learn a little about his dad and how he inspired the character in the book – which I thoroughly enjoyed, by the way. And yes, the father was my favorite character. Wonderful listening to Dan read. And I’m looking forward to his next release – right around the corner! Thanks, Rebecca and Dan, for the entertainment. 🙂

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Thank you for listening in, Diana! I enjoyed Knuckleheads and am looking forward to the next book in the series. I continue to inspired by writers who bring stories to life so that readers can enjoy the adventures. Looking forward to your release in a few days!!!!

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