M.P. Powers discusses his book 'The Initiate,' which explores the inner life of Richard Doran, a tool rental shop owner who moves from Florida to Berlin. The narrative delves into Doran's personal struggles and poetic expressions. Powers shares insights into his writing process, which varies between his residences in Florida and Berlin, and reflects on the influence of alcohol on creativity. He admires writers whose works endure over time, such as the ancient Greeks, Romans, and notable figures like Hemingway and Bukowski. Powers emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a means of self-discovery and obfuscation.

Lauren D. Woods discusses her upcoming book, 'The Great Grownup Game of Make-Believe,' a collection of short stories exploring themes of escape and transformation. She shares her writing process, emphasizing the importance of passion over routine, and reflects on winning the Autumn House Fiction Prize for 2024. Woods also reveals her ongoing projects, including a dystopian political novel and a hybrid collection on war and foreign policy, drawing from her two decades of experience in the field.

Colleen Alles discusses her debut poetry collection, 'After the 8-Ball,' published by Cornerstone Press. The book explores themes of love, loss, and motherhood, structured around the concept of a Magic 8-Ball. Alles shares her writing journey, emphasizing the importance of carving out time for writing amidst daily life. She appreciates the support from the University of Wisconsin's student-led press, which provided valuable editorial feedback. The collection has received positive feedback, particularly for its personal tributes to loved ones. Alles writes poetry to express intense emotions, contrasting with her more expansive approach to fiction.

Kevin Hibshman discusses his latest book 'Cease To Destroy', which continues the style and themes of his previous work 'Just Another Small Town Story'. He shares insights into his writing process, which is spontaneous and unpressured, and credits his brother John Patrick Robbins for encouraging him to publish. Hibshman cites influences from rock and punk poets, as well as French Symbolists and the Beats. The interview highlights his literary journey and the personal significance of his work.

Scott Mitchel May discusses his latest book, 'Awful People,' which explores the complexities of human behavior and relationships. The novel, described as a mix of John Barth and Stephen King, reflects on the ghosts of past selves and the context of personal decisions. May shares his journey of writing the book during disrupted routines and the challenges faced in publishing, including the closure of Bear Creek Press and eventual publication by Malarkey Books. He highlights the importance of context in understanding actions and expresses satisfaction with the editorial work by Axel Kolcow. Currently, May is taking a break from writing to focus on family and personal interests.

Yael Valencia Aldana discusses her forthcoming poetry collection 'Black Mestiza,' which explores her complex ethnic origins and serves as an elegy to her mother. The collection took about thirty years to come together, with significant work done during her MFA program. Aldana, who teaches creative writing at Florida International University, emphasizes the importance of embracing multiple identities and the influence of her teaching on her writing. She shares her journey to publication, culminating in an offer from the University Press of Kentucky. Aldana is also working on a memoir, a new poetry collection, and a mystery novel, showcasing her versatility as a multi-genre writer.

Nancy Illman, an artist and hypnotherapist, discusses her memoir 'Instigator of Joy,' which chronicles her personal growth and journey back to joy and personal power. The book aims to inspire others to heal and connect with their highest selves. Illman shares her writing process, which involved solitary writing retreats and a structured daily routine. She self-published the book, hiring professionals for editing and design. Illman is currently working on a new project, 'Astral Playdates; Messages Received During Spiritual Hypnosis,' in collaboration with a colleague.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among children, due to increased unemployment and disrupted food supply chains. Dr. Francesco Branca from the World Health Organization highlighted the vulnerability of food systems and the insufficiency of social protection mechanisms. He emphasized the need for continuous access to nutritious food and investment in maternal and child nutrition. Ethiopia was cited as a success story in reducing stunting through government intervention. Will Moore from the Eleanor Crook Foundation noted that malnutrition remains the leading cause of child deaths worldwide. The article underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics behind poverty and malnutrition.

Scott Ferry discusses his latest book 'Fill Me With Birds,' a collaboration with Daniel McGinn, exploring themes of death, God, and hope. The book emerged from a dynamic exchange of poems, reflecting an organic and synergistic process. Ferry highlights the ease of working with McGinn and the valuable input from McGinn's daughter. The book was published by Meat For Tea Press, with whom Ferry had a positive prior experience. Ferry's passion for writing stems from a desire to communicate deeper meanings, contrasting with his work as a nurse, which he finds less fulfilling. He continues to find inspiration in making unique connections through poetry.

Stephen Harrison discusses his upcoming novel 'The Editors,' a thriller inspired by Wikipedia, highlighting the platform's influence and the challenges of misinformation. He emphasizes the importance of Wikipedia's editorial process and its growing academic respect. Harrison shares insights into his writing routine, the journey of publishing his book through Inkshares, and his ongoing projects, including a new novel featuring an economist. The interview also touches on the evolving perception of Wikipedia and the limited number of active contributors to the site.