But this conversation goes far deeper than the creative process.

Jeffrey opens up about the devastating loss of his son Justin to drug overdose, and how he and his family channeled their grief into powerful action through The Justin Veatch Fund—a nonprofit that has awarded nearly 80 music scholarships and impacted thousands of students across the U.S. through school talks, performances, and a moving documentary, Whispering Spirits.

You’ll hear about:

• The real island that inspired The Dyer Island Boys
• Designing a book with heart: buoys, compasses, and custom graphics
• Creating the first Volossal audiobook—narrated by Jeffrey himself
• The story of Justin Veatch: music, loss, and legacy
• How one family turned tragedy into a mission of service, awareness, and hope
• The power of showing up: school talks, book readings, and meeting readers face to face

Whether you're a reader, a parent, an educator, or someone who believes in the power of turning pain into purpose, this is a conversation you won’t forget.

The Dyer Island Boys is available in print, ebook, and audio formats.

Learn more about The Justin Veatch Fund and listen to Peregrine: The Music of Justin Veatch & Friends at: thejustinveatchfund.org

The conversation dives into writing through grief, navigating interracial marriage and cultural blending, and the emotional complexity of showing up for someone you love during loss. Colgan discusses how his wife’s Pakistani and Muslim background influenced both his life and his storytelling, and how shared trauma, family dynamics, and cultural differences shape relationships in powerful, universal ways.

Kyle also opens up about his creative process, the discipline of revision, learning when to “kill your darlings,” and knowing when a book is truly finished. The episode explores the importance of collaboration, feedback, pacing, and craft—and why taking your time matters in a world obsessed with speed and output.

Whether you’re an aspiring author, a literary fiction reader, or interested in stories about grief, identity, interracial relationships, and emotional honesty, this episode offers a rare, behind‑the‑scenes look at how meaningful novels are built—line by line, draft by draft.

In this heartfelt episode of the Ready to Be Published Podcast, host Vinnie Corbo of Volossal Publishing sits down with acclaimed author Catherine Gigante-Brown to explore the inspiration, structure, and impact of her latest novel, Immigrant Hearts.

Rooted in her own family’s Italian American immigrant history, Immigrant Hearts weaves a multigenerational tale of love, resilience, and community during pre-WWII America. Catherine opens up about how this novel, based on her maternal grandparents’ lives, came together—complete with vintage photos, restored archival images, and a compelling cast of characters inspired by real people.

Together, Vinnie and Catherine discuss:

• How anti-immigrant sentiment past and present shaped the story
• Why Immigrant Hearts might be her most successful book yet
• Her evolving writing style and unique chapter structures
• The importance of authentic dialogue and character development
• Easter eggs, reader feedback, and honoring family legacies through fiction
• How she built a grassroots promotional network through local bookstores, podcasts, museums, and virtual readings
• Her entire body of work, from Different Drummer to Cry of Silence, Paul & Carol Go to Guatemala, and more

Whether you’re an aspiring author, a lover of immigrant stories, or a fan of contemporary historical fiction, this conversation offers rich insights into the writing life, publishing process, and the timeless importance of telling personal stories that resonate universally.

We talk about adventure vs. expectations, leaving a small town where everyone knows your family, working for the ultra-wealthy in the Hamptons, finding balance in yoga and spirituality, discovering veganism (ahimsa), and why honest memoirs matter—even if they’re not written to please everyone.

In this conversation:

• Growing up in Poland & why she left
• Identity beyond family reputation
• NYC culture shock & class divides
• What Sex and Yoga is (and isn’t)
• Spiritual awakening & nature/animal connection
• Becoming vegan and teaching plant-based cooking
• How personal stories help readers find their own path

Books by Maggie:

Behind My American Dream – memoir of immigration, reinvention, and compassion

Sex and Yoga – creativity vs. discipline, and finding balance through practice

About the guest:

Maggie is an author, chef/instructor, and vegan advocate based in California. She teaches hands-on classes (gnocchi, fresh pasta, tacos, more) that surprise non-vegans and inspire curious cooks.

About the host:

This interview is part of Volossal Publishing’s author series with Vinnie—spotlighting bold, personal stories that spark conversation.

Chuck shares how his background in law and his passion for animal rights shaped his storytelling—and how his transition into acting helped refine his approach to dialogue. Vinnie and Chuck also dive into Chuck’s creative process, his earlier novel A Cottonwood Stand, and why Low Worm Diet is unlike anything you've read before.

This book isn’t just smart—it’s funny, biting, and refreshingly original. All royalties go to All For Love Animal Rescue, making this a feel-good listen in more ways than one.

A must-hear for:

• Writers looking to develop believable, witty dialogue
• Fans of literary satire and smart humor
• Readers who love books that challenge, entertain, and inspire
• Supporters of animal rescue causes

Connect with Volossal Publishing and discover more stories worth telling.

Join Vinnie Corbo, publisher at Volossal Publishing, in this in-depth and heartfelt conversation with acclaimed author Catherine Gigante-Brown—the powerhouse behind The EL Trilogy. From unexpected beginnings to building a beloved fictional family across three decades of storytelling, Cathy shares her writing process, the evolution of her Brooklyn-based characters, and the power of staying creative on your own terms.

They explore what it really takes to publish multiple novels, build an author brand, work with a boutique press, and why it sometimes pays to be a “small press” author. You'll hear candid advice for aspiring writers, behind-the-scenes moments from designing book covers, a peek into upcoming projects, and how storytelling can preserve memory, culture, and emotion for generations.

Whether you're an emerging writer, indie publishing fan, or longtime reader of The EL, this episode delivers creative inspiration, laughs, and lots of insight into the world of modern storytelling.

Topics include:

• How The EL became The Bells of Brooklyn… then Brooklyn Roses
• Writing family sagas that span decades (and still feel intimate)
• Creating “Easter eggs” for devoted readers
• Working with a small press vs. traditional publishing
• Book cover design as homage (Elvis, The Clash, 70s nostalgia)
• Why poetry still matters (even if it doesn’t sell)
• What makes publishing worth it

More than just a lighthearted story, this episode explores how two retired respiratory therapists—who worked on the front lines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—used their lifelong friendship and creative talents to bring Molly’s adventures to life. Claire penned the story, inspired by her real-life beagle’s daring escapes, and Judy returned to her artistic roots to illustrate the book—using an iPad, a new skillset, and lots of determination.

They discuss:

• Their 20+ year friendship and bond forged in healthcare
• How Molly inspired a story of adventure, curiosity, and second chances
• Judy’s journey from graphic artist and professional clown to digital illustrator
• How Volossal Publishing gave them creative freedom, including post-publication revisions
• Claire’s emotional dedication to her late son, a dog lover who helped adopt Molly
• Tips for new authors, promoting children’s books locally, and donating to libraries and hospitals

From laughter over pandemic mask mishaps to unexpected connections with other “Molly” owners, this episode celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to honor loved ones and uplift children.

Perfect For Listeners Who Love:

• Uplifting origin stories behind children’s books
• Rescue dog stories
• Author and illustrator collaborations
• Women creatives and post-retirement reinventions
• Emotional legacy and healing through art
• Independent publishing and creative control

A.R. shares candid stories of growing up with a charismatic, hard-edged father, reflects on past relationships that mirror her fictional detective, and explores how she weaves herself—flaws and all—into Nick's voice. From dark addictions to secret codes of honor, Nick Noelle is more than a character; he's the man you know, the man you loved, or the man you once were.

If you’re curious about character-driven storytelling, writing flawed heroes, or building a series with emotional depth and streetwise grit, this is the episode for you.

Known for her Brooklyn-based literary fiction (The El, Brooklyn Roses, Better Than Sisters, and more), Catherine reveals how she’s built her audience through grassroots tactics like bookstore readings with homemade cookies, niche community engagement, strategic media outreach, and tapping into cultural connections to create buzz. Her warm, authentic approach to author promotion makes her a standout in the indie publishing world.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to land readings at local bookstores, museums, and niche venues
• Why bringing cookies might be your best marketing tool
• How to pitch your book to local newspapers, blogs, and online communities
• The power of connecting your book to cultural or geographic themes
• Tips for writing compelling media pitches and finding “back door” publicity opportunities
• Why every author—indie or not—needs to take control of their own promotion

If you’ve written a book and want it to actually reach readers, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and real-world advice from an author who’s done it all herself.

Adopted from Romania at age two, Yael shares how her parents always kept the story of her adoption open and honest. But it wasn’t until her 30th birthday that a sudden spark of curiosity, triggered by old documents and life transitions, led her on a quest for answers. With luck, courage, and persistence, she reconnected with her past, uncovered truths about her heritage, and experienced a life-changing reunion — all before the world shut down during the pandemic.

The conversation touches on:

• Growing up adopted and knowing from an early age
• How family support shaped her experience
• The emotional complexity of birth family searches
• Trauma, timing, and how the body holds memory
• Cultural differences and revelations in Romania
• Talking to her adoptive mother about the journey
• What it means to leave behind a legacy for her own children

Yael also opens up about writing her book while pregnant with her third child — and how telling her story helped bring clarity, healing, and connection.

This episode is perfect for listeners who are interested in:

• Real-life adoption stories
• Memoirs of identity, culture, and healing
• Birth family search journeys
• Writing personal narratives and publishing your story
• Adoptee perspectives and intergenerational legacy

Bob, a former Westchester County police officer and EMT, shares firsthand experiences from his 10 years in law enforcement during the 1970s and early 1980s—including emotionally charged arrests, medical emergencies, and the long‑term psychological impact of the job. Together, they explore complex topics such as police training, use of force, public perception, mental health, and why “a bad cop is worse than a bad guy.”

The conversation also touches on modern policing challenges, media narratives, community relations, and the importance of humanizing both officers and civilians. Bob reflects on trauma, burnout, and how leaving the force ultimately led him to rediscover himself through creative work and writing.

The episode concludes with a discussion of Bob Buchanan’s books published with Volossal Publishing, including The Lunch, They Speak Through Me, and his latest release, I Can’t Find You a Boyfriend… or Your Keys—a blend of humor, insight, and lived experience.

This episode is ideal for listeners interested in:

• True stories from former police officers
• Law enforcement and mental health
• Trauma, public trust, and accountability
• Author interviews and the publishing journey
• Thoughtful conversations on complex social issues