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Frankinschool 2: The Cupsnake Escape ELMHURST–Long-time Elmhurst resident Caryn Rivadeneira has worked in the writing industry as an editor since she graduated from college. Alongside editing, she writes books. The majority of her 25 published books are stories written for children, including the Helper Hounds series and Edward and Annie: A Penguin Adventure, a picture book she wrote in conjunction with the Shedd Aquarium.  Her most current book, Frankinschool 2: The Cupsnake Escape, is the second (of four) in the Frankinschool Mystery Series.  The inspiration for the Frankinschool series came one day when a visiting author signed a book to her son “To Frank” (not his name).  “He was little then and quite upset,” says Caryn, “so we made up a funny story about why the author may have written that, and it grew into Frankinschool!” The series is about a boy named Fred, who taps into the “power of pretend” by writing What If poems, and same as her son, has an author accidentally sign his book “To Frank” which leads him into writing his first poem: What if I am Frank in School? The poem unleashes all sorts of mayhem and leads Fred and his friend, Luisa, to the mysterious school attic where they meet Frank the ghost.  In The Cupsnake Escape, Fred’s power of pretend turns cupcakes into cupsnakes at a school baking competition, and once again, they put their creativity to the test to try to save the school from the snakes. Caryn’s Frankinschool Mystery Series can be found anywhere books are sold as well as all online book retailers.  The third book in the series, Frankinschool 3: Gone to the Dogs is set to be released this August. KNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR?  editorial@glancermagazine.com

LITERARY LOCAL | Caryn Rivadeneira of Elmhurst

Frankinschool 2: The Cupsnake Escape

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THE ANGEL MEDIUM® SHARES HER INSPIRATION FOR WRITING HER RECENT RELEASE Angels and Awakening: How to Raise Your Vibration and Hear your Angels WHEATON–Follow your intuition.  Listen to your gut.  Have you ever done the opposite and found yourself saying, “Ugh.  I should have listened to my gut?”  Wheaton resident Julie Jancius explains this intuition as the voice of your soul guided by your spirit team on the Other Side.  She is known as The Angel Medium® and regularly works with celebrities and CEO’s giving readings and personally teaching them to fine tune their intuition. In her podcast, Angels and Awakening , she interviews top spiritual teachers and thought leaders from around the world.  It is ranked #5 of the top spiritual podcasts worldwide and has received up to 65,000 downloads a week.  Besides Julie’s successful podcast, which is now being turned into a radio show, her multi-faceted business includes her Angel Reiki school, 1:1 readings, running retreats and currently a free 3-day angel fest available to anyone. Julie’s book, Angels and Awakening: How to Raise Your Vibration and Hear your Angels , was written to help teach anyone who is interested in knowing more about raising their vibration, connecting with their angels and following their soul’s life plan.  “Your vibration is like a radio,” says Julie. “When you’re not on the right station, all you hear is static, but as soon as you fine tune it to the right station, you can hear the DJ clearly. In this case, you are able to clearly hear your angels and loved ones on the other side.”  She has given over 7,000 readings and when working with a large number of people, has seen what information the majority is missing.  “I wanted this book to fill in those missing pieces for them to help them connect to their angels.” Angels and Awakening is available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  If you would like more information about Julie, the Angel Reiki School, or the free 3-day online Angel Fest, visit www.theangelmedium.com . KNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR?  editorial@glancermagazine.com

LITERARY LOCAL | Julie Jancius of Wheaton

Introducing the Author of Angels and Awakening: How to Raise Your Vibration and Hear your Angels

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Introducing the Author of A Mark in the Road NAPERVILLE–Every time Naperville resident and English teacher Angelique Burrell  saw skid marks on the road, she would try to imagine what could have caused them.  “When my family started taking cross-country road trips for vacation each summer, my thoughts shifted to wondering what it would be like if someone really could see the stories behind the marks,” says Angelique. Angelique’s first young adult novel, A Mark in the Road i ntroduces Mason, an 18-year-old boy who has the ability to see the cause of every skid mark in his mind like a silent movie.  When his on-again-off-again crush Addie begs him to drive her cross-country to help her move, he must face his greatest fear – the open road.  Until he learns that a woman driving on The Loneliest Road in America is missing and the skid marks near her car might hold the clue to what happened. On their long road trips to and from Tahoe, Angelique’s family would stop in small towns and at various attractions along the way.  “On our second trip west, we discovered the Loneliest Road in America,” says Angelique.  “As we traveled, I took notes on my phone, and that became my research. It was the best kind of research.” A Mark in the Road , winner of this year’s Illinois Author Project competition, can be found at Anderson’s Book Shop in Naperville and the store’s website.  It is also available for sale online, wherever books are sold. KNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR?  editorial@glancermagazine.com

LITERARY LOCAL | Angelique Burrell of Naperville

Introducing the Author of A Mark in the Road

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The Extraordinary Imagination of Jenny Figment SUGAR GROVE–Former Oswego elementary teacher and Sugar Grove resident Jennifer Hayes has stepped into the arena of her favorite reading genre – children’s books.  With her first published book The Extraordinary Imagination of Jenny Figment hitting the market this month, she is already booking grade school visits to introduce Jenny, her imagination and her many adventures.  “I was inspired to write the book when my grandpa passed,” says Jennifer.  “I had a door in my house that would randomly close on its own, and I thought what if that was my grandpa playing tricks on me.”  The idea for a book about a little girl with trickster ghost friends was born.  The Extraordinary Imagination of Jenny Figment follows Jenny as she explores a magical world with these clever ghost friends.  Whether she is riding her noble steed or shrinking to spider-size, her world has no limits.  When her town faces trouble, it’s her imagination and a cast of remarkable characters that come to the rescue. While currently writing the second book in the Jenny Figment series, Jennifer is also following a second passion taking classes to earn her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate.  “There’s a lot of fun foods in the book, and I include the recipe at the end for Jenny’s favorite pinkerdoodle cookies.” After January 5, you will be able to find The Extraordinary Imagination of Jenny Figment at Town House Books in St. Charles, online at major booksellers, and at www.jennyfigment.com . KNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR?  editorial@glancermagazine.com

LITERARY LOCAL | Jennifer Hayes of Sugar Grove

Introducing The Extraordinary Imagination of Jenny Figment, the Author's First Published Book

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Author of Creatively Christmas Kindle Edition WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO–If you’re looking for a creative outlet for your Christmastime craftiness, look no further!  This yuletide guide was written and designed by lifestyle blogger and all- around crafty girl, Jennifer Rizzo.Sparkly doily banners, snowball jingle bells, and burlap gift bags are just some of the 35 hands-on projects featured in this holiday how-to, which will take your home to new levels of merry and bright.  Readers will also find a pictorial tour of Illinois homes decorated for the holiday season, as well as some simple but inspiring decorating tips for your most festive holiday home.  THE perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer for your bff.  And oh heck, buy one for yourself while you’re at it! Jennifer Rizzo is the owner of Jennifer Rizzo Design Company and has produced projects for Country Living magazine, Romantic Homes magazine, and Oprah.com. She also teaches in-person and on-line classes. Jennifer creates content at JenniferRizzo.com and shares her creative spirit all year long- not just throughout the holidays. She shares, “I believe there is an inspiration that is inside of all of us, and that we were meant to share it as a gift. I love making unique home decor and I love writing. I retail my handmade home décor on-line and in boutiques and retail stores across the United States.  I teach creative hands-on workshops, in person and online. I love watching people's creativity bloom. My 30+ house online holiday house walk at Jenniferrizzo.com is still going strong, and I love seeing the different ways people decorate their homes.  Jennifer lives just outside of Chicago with her husband and three children and lots of ideas waiting to be worked on! You can find her working on her current projects at www.JenniferRizzo.com. Download Creatively Christmas on Kindle at amazon.com

LITERARY LOCAL | Jennifer Rizzo of West Suburban Chicago

Author of Creatively Christmas Kindle Edition

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Meet the Author of The Memories Between Us: Love Across Parallel Universes NAPERVILLE–K.V. Peck is the author of The Memories Between Us, a speculative fiction romance set in contemporary New York City with a twist on time travel. A Bronx, New York native, K.V. Peck lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her husband. Peck loves traveling in their camper to see friends, family, and her adult children across the U.S. and Canada. Formerly a marketing executive, she holds a Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing from North Central College in Naperville. K.V. Peck is a lifelong lover of science fiction and has a soft spot for romantic stories. ABOUT THE BOOK Joshua is haunted by the memories of all he lost and what he doesn’t know—who took his wife, crashed her car, killed her, and what their lives could have been. Joshua knows a mere moment can change everything, and he is determined to unbind time to give him and Viv another chance at a life together. So he designs a portal—an Ouroboros—to return to the past. Perception and illusion veil the reality of his discoveries until the truth leads him to despair. When a dangerous and unpredictable time traveler implores him that together they can return to their beloveds, Joshua must decide if he can trust this man who would do anything to find the women they love—somewhere in time. The Memories Between Us takes readers on a wild ride through multiple timelines and parallel universes, crossing the line between perception and reality and holding onto faith in the transcendence of love. Available at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville  & on Amazon

LITERARY LOCAL | K.V. Peck of Naperville

Meet the Author of The Memories Between Us: Love Across Parallel Universes

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Author of The Doxxing of Clearwater High NAPERVILLE–For the past twenty years, Michael Rossi has taught English, coached cross country, and directed theatre productions for Neuqua Valley High School.  Being part of the education community was great fodder for his newest book, The Doxxing of Clearwater High. “This book is entirely a work of fiction,” says Michael.  “None of the characters are based on current or past co-workers or students.”  Our current world of social media and prolific instant video availability spurred Michael’s imagination to explore what would be the most interesting stories involving digital secrets.  “We spend so much time creeping on one another’s profiles and private information, it is messing with how we see ourselves and others.  It was fun coming up with all kinds of wacky secrets.” Clearwater is a town that has forgotten that every great teacher is first a good liar.  All of that changes one day when a mysterious hacker uploads 119 private files stolen from Clearwater’s teachers. The Doxxing of Clearwater High tells the stories of the teachers and students exposed by the suburban Wikileaks.  The science teacher with the shocking search history.  The math teacher who made a sex tape. The English teacher concealing a hidden punk rock past.  The community is forced to acknowledge that those charged with teaching the humanities are often the most fallibly human themselves. The Doxxing of Clearwater High is available at Anderson’s Bookstore in downtown Naperville.  Michael would love for you to buy the book there.  “If they are all sold out, write a letter to the mayor and demand they get more copies!  That’s why we have a mayor!”

LITERARY LOCAL | Michael Rossi of Naperville

Author of The Doxxing of Clearwater High

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PUTTING FIRST RESPONDERS FIRST, JADA HUDSON OF HUDSON CLINICAL COUNSELING WHEATON-Jada Hudson, M.S., LCPC, CADC, RYT-200, TIYT, is a clinically trained therapist and the owner of Hudson Clinical Counseling . With over 20 years of experience, Jada specializes in counseling first responders. Her practice is now located in Wheaton, serving west suburban Chicagoland and beyond. 
 
 Published in Fire Engineering Magazine  and Fire Rescue Magazine, Jada is the author of Firefighter Emotional Wellness: How to Connect with Yourself and Others  – a training exercise for the first responder's heart and mind. ​ Firefighter Emotional Wellness: Reconnecting with Yourself and Others  is a boots-on-the-ground self-help book showcasing interviews and wisdom from firefighters and first responder wellness expert Jada Hudson, M.S., LCPC, CADC, RYT-200, TIYT. ​ Her Book is written specifically for firefighters and those who love them, covering topics like:​ What It Means to Be Emotionally Well Firefighters: Heroes and Humans What If I Do Not Want to Sort Through My Thoughts? The Overwhelming Experience of Facing Trauma On and Off the Job Needing To Be Needed and Loneliness Becoming Amazing Firefighters Substance Abuse and Addiction When Suicide Hit My Family Practicing Self-Harm First Responder Personality Type and Risk Pediatric Death What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? The Difference Between Coping and Resiliency If It Does Not Kill You, Does It Make You Stronger? Nutrition for Mental Health Intentional Actions for Happiness Yoga and Meditation for Trauma and PTSD Accelerated Resolution Therapy Making Personal Breakthroughs Using Firefighting Tactics Using Your Unique Strengths in the Brotherhood Healthy Relationships—Premarital and Marriage The First Responder Family The Connection Between Sex and the Emergency Response First Responder Emotional Dangers The Importance of Self-Care for First Responders How the Spouse Can Help The Secret to Better Relationships Is Not What You Think Keys to Emotional Wellness in the Face of a Cancer Diagnosis A Premortem for Life Late-Onset Stress Symptomatology (LOSS) Why Retirees Need to Focus on Emotional Wellness Planning for Your Ideal Retirement The Five Cs of Successful Aging . . . and much more. 
  ABOUT JADA 
 Trained specifically to counsel firefighters, police officers, dispatch, emergency medical personnel, and other law enforcement officers, Jada also works with ER doctors, nurses, EMTs, prosecutors, teachers and first responder substance abuse programs. 
 Serving departments of all sizes, Jada supplies mental health check-ins for law enforcement officers and designs wellness programs tailored for first responders. 
 
 Jada helps people deal with the demands of their uniquely challenging jobs and transition into retirement when the time is right. Clients take an active role in strategies for healing in the safe, non-judgmental, and open experiences Jada creates to guide clients to resolution or adaptation to life's challenges. Jada speaks at national events for firefighters and law enforcement, teaching ways first responders can become emotionally well in an emotionally demanding job. She served on the emotional wellness advisory committee and is a subject matter expert for the Illinois Fire Service Institute in Champaign, Illinois. She presented at The National Fire Academy and is a frequent speaker at FDIC International. Clinical Areas of Interest for First Responders : Anxiety Depression (Situational And Chronic) Substance Abuse Relapse Prevention Suicidal Ideation Trauma Resolution Occupational Stress PTSD​ Grief & Loss Relationships & Marriages Pre-Marital Counseling Oncology Counseling Divorce Adjustment Retirement Planning Career Transitions Resili Hudson Clinical Counseling proudly serves the following communities: 
 Wheaton 
 Glen Ellyn 
 Naperville 
 Downers Grove 
 Bolingbrook 
 Lombard 
 Carol Stream 
 Elmhurst 
 Chicago 
 Hinsdale 
 La Grange LEARN MORE   -Lindy Kleivo

LITERARY LOCAL | Wheaton Counselor, Jada Hudson Publishes Book, Firefighter Emotional Wellness

Putting First Responders First, Jada Hudson of Hudson Clinical Counseling

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Introducing the Author of Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life HINSDALE–During the Covid-19 pandemic, Hinsdale resident and personal growth strategist Florence Ann Romano felt the loss of her support systems, like so many others did.  Our communities were ripped away from us. Once it was time for the world to reconnect, she noticed people seemed to be having a very hard time doing so.  “I wanted everyone to know that no matter what type of village they were born into, they had the power to choose their people for a support community,” says Florence Ann.  “Everyone has heard the phrase ‘It takes a village,’ but how exactly do we find our village, and who is in it?” In her most recent book, Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life, Florence Ann answers these questions, helping you to build an effective personal community.  From identifying the six types of villagers needed to complete a fully functional village to what to do when you have lost your community, this book serves as a step-by-step guide complete with quizzes, gut-check questions, and action steps to find meaningful connections. A copy of Build Your Village can be found locally at the Bookstore of Glen Ellyn or Barnes and Noble Oakbrook.  It is also available online at Amazon and all major retailers.

LITERARY LOCAL | Florence Ann Romano of Hinsdale

Introducing the Author of Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life

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CELEBRATING THE AUTHOR OF The Miracle at Assisi Hill LEMONT–As Vice President of the Board of the Lemont Public Library District and archivist for the Lemont Area Historical Society, Pat Camalliere has an inside track on where to research for her historical mystery book series.  “All my books are set in Lemont,” says Pat.  “People love to learn new things about the places near where they live.”  Her current novel, The Miracle at Assisi Hill, is her fourth, but all four can be read as stand-alones. The series features Cora Tozzi and friends in present day, who team up to solve mysteries from various periods in the historic past.  The Miracle at Assisi Hill finds retired historian, Cora Tozzi checking into a nearby convent to research and write about its history.  She finds herself wrapped up in a mystery from the life of a woman from Heaven, a woman based on the Venerable Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik, a real person who is only steps away from being canonized as a saint. “I decided to set the story in a religious setting because of my interest in the large number of religious communities in and near Lemont,” says Pat.  “I wanted to base my book on a real person, and when I learned about Mother Theresa Dudzik, I believed that she and her story should be better known.” The Mystery at Assisi Hill along with her other books in the series, can be found on Amazon and in Anderson’s Bookshop in Downers Grove, and at Smokey Row Antiques in Lemont.

LITERARY LOCAL | Pat Camalliere of Lemont

Celebrating the Author of The Miracle at Assisi Hill

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LOCAL AUTHOR SHARES HER INSPIRATION FOR WRITING THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN OAK PARK–Former longtime Oak Park resident and historical novelist Nancy Horan was inspired to write her new novel, The House of Lincoln , back in 2014 when there was talk among public figures about how polarized the nation had become and even spoke of the U.S. being close to a civil war.  “I thought it might be enlightening to explore the 1850’s and 60’s in Illinois to understand how the Civil War developed and how our state became central in the debate leading to that conflict,” says Nancy. Following her previous New York Times Bestsellers,  Loving Frank  and Under the Wide and Starry Sky , The House of Lincoln is rich in historical detail and an insightful account of Lincoln’s transformative vision for democracy. “Illinois was a free state but had legislated the most constrictive Black Laws in the North,” says Nancy.  “The state was a complex mix of political leanings.  In their debates regarding the future of slavery, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas argued out the question of slavery for the whole nation.”  The story is told through the eyes of three people in Springfield – a young immigrant girl working in the Lincoln household, a free African American man and Mary Lincoln who observe the buildup to Lincoln’s presidency, the duration of the Civil War in Illinois, and the aftermath of that conflict.  The House of Lincoln  will be available at bookstores nationwide.  Join Anderson’s Bookshop  in Naperville for an in-person event and signing line on June 15 at 7pm. LITERARY LOCALS

LITERARY LOCAL | Nancy Horan, Formerly of Oak Park

Local Author Shares Her Inspiration for Writing The House of Lincoln

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PERFECT DAY CHICAGO: GRAB-AND-GO ITINERARIES FOR EVERYONE CHICAGO–As a Chicago-based seasoned professional travel and adventure writer, Wendy Altschuler has covered destinations across the globe for several high-profile publications. She has appeared on WGN and WLS as a travel expert, discussing fun and interesting things to do in Chicago and beyond. When asked to write a book about her hometown, she jumped at the chance. “I’ve been writing about Chicago for years,” says Wendy. “It’s a real treat to have a tangible book to share with others that includes my favorite places in the city.” While it is easy to create a day of visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel and Millennium Park, Perfect Day Chicago: Grab-and-Go Itineraries for Everyone also highlights the many hidden treasures to be found throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods, like Oz Park, the Chicago Cultural Center’s Tiffany dome, or the Violet Hour Speakeasy.  Grab an itinerary to build a day of sight-seeing or string them together for a week away in the Windy City. “I really had a boots on the ground approach and visited businesses and locales in person,” says Wendy. “All of the photographs in the book are mine or are sourced by me, and I did my best to learn as much as possible before writing the book.” Perfect Day Chicago is sold everywhere books are sold, including fun places like the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.  -Mindy Kyle KNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR?  We’d Love to Meet Them! Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.com

LITERARY LOCAL | Wendy Altschuler of Chicago

Perfect Day Chicago: Grab-and-Go Itineraries for Everyone

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March 2024

Glancer Magazine March 2024

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