Elin Gregory

My guest for today is Kathy Griffith, a new-to-me author of whom I’m sure we will be seeing a lot more.

Welcome, Kathy and thank you for answering my questions.

What led you to pick your source material for your story?

I always had a soft spot for the tragedies, so I had to select one that would allow me to switch things up a little and give it an HEA while staying as true to the source material as possible. I gave the play a quick readthrough, then struck some of the minor characters out and focused on the main points–asking myself “what if?” and “How can I switch this around?” Such as turning Portia into Porsche.

Shakespeare definitely has a way with words. What is your favourite insult/endearment/inspiring passage/? Which bit do you wish you had written?

Hmmm..my favorite passage. That’s hard 🙂 I’ll split it in between two plays. One is from Hamlet, where he finally tells Ophelia his true feelings, and completes her descent into madness, better known as the “Get thee to a nunnery” speech. Endearment on Ophelia’s part, Insult on Hamlet’s. The inspiring speech is also the one I wish I had written–the “Quality of mercy” speech from Merchant Of Venice. I had to deconstruct this and get down to its roots, and then update it for today while leaving the original meaning unchanged. It was one of the most enjoyable times writing I ever experienced.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m working on a sequel to my contemporary vampire LGBT romance, Talk Of The Town, entitled Sins Of The Sire, in which Carl, my Italian vampire, literally meets his maker while on a business trip to London.

Could we please have an excerpt?

For my excerpt, I’d like to include the abovementioned “Quality of Mercy” speech from The Merchant Of Venice Beach:

“Have you ever shown mercy, Mr. Palmer?”
“No, nobody ever deserved it, they never gave it to me.”
“It’s not hard to show mercy, though,” Porsche said, continuing his walkabout. “It’s there; it’s all around us all the time. It falls on the rich, the poor, the powerful; it suits that powerful man better than a ten-thousand dollar watch, and it’s cheaper. It’s free.” He turned, looking Sherlock right in the eyes, seeing with satisfaction that the man was sweating a little. He looked over at their audience, and they were quiet, attentive, maybe even mesmerized.
“Rich and powerful men might think they have everyone cowed, beaten, and under their thumbs, but do you know what, sir?” he asked. “The ones who have that quality of mercy are far and above your level of power, because they carry it in here,” putting his hand on his chest, “and they carry it around everywhere they go, even after they die. So consider this,” he said, “all of us seek justice here, but only those of us who are truly human pray for mercy.”

Bio:

Kathy Griffith is a sixty-something young at heart person who has a sense of humor, is irreverent, and who loves to poke at windmills. She hails from Denver, Colorado, and has three children and six grandchildren who love to roll their eyes at their mom and granny’s antics. She enjoys crafting paranormal romances about sexy male vampires and the men who love them.

Links:
Amazon Author page:

Blog: https://kathyg2016.wordpress.com

FB author page:
https://www.facebook.com/Kathy-Griffith-342207395976469/

Release Date: 12th of August

Cover Art: Jay Aheer Simply Defined Art

Genre: MM Mixed*

We have modern retelling of some plays, interpretations of others and one of the sonnets, and delightful referencing of anything Shakespeare.

There is gentle YA romance next to very hot 18+ stories and all kinds of relationships – first love, May/December, interracial, second chances, happy endings and even a tragic one.

We’re travelling from Ancient Rome through Renaissance England to modern day UK, Venice Beach and other places in USA, Vancouver and Havana.

There’s fun, drama, tears, angst, joy and, above all, lots of true love.

Note: All proceeds of this collection go to the It Gets Better Project™.

Buy Links:
amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-Twist-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
amazon.co.uk:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-Twist-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
amazon.de: https://www.amazon.de/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-English-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
amazon.com.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-Twist-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-Twist-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/655310

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Author interview number three for the A Summer’s Day anthology, shakespearean stories with a twist, which will be available very soon. Please don’t forget that all proceeds will go to the It Gets Better project!

My guest today is a very old friend – well not old in herself but one of the first authors I met when dipping my toe into the balmy waters of LGBTTQ fiction – and a very lovely person.

Hi Dianne!

Thank you Elin for hosting me today!

Hi everyone. I’m Dianne Hartsock, one of the authors in A Summer’s Day Anthology. Ah, Shakespeare! With his tragically romantic comedies and dramas, full of characters we either love or hate. My story, Two Guys from Vancouver, is based on the play Two Gentlemen of Verona. If you haven’t read this play yet, you should. Speed’s wit and sharp tongue steels the scene every time!

What led you to pick your source material for your story?

Like most of you, I have my favorite plays, and when I was invited to be part of this anthology I had no trouble picking the one I’d use. Two Gentlemen of Verona came instantly to mind. It was perfect! Two best friends vying for the same woman. A woman who dresses as a man to be near the one she loves. Danger and intrigue, betrayal and even an outlaw gang who makes Valentine their leader.
It was so much fun turning this story into a contemporary m/m romance! Since Shakespeare offered me this excellent plot, the first thing I needed was modern names for my characters. I confess I Googled ‘most popular boy names for 2016’ for inspiration. I was looking for names that sounded like or were similar to the ones Shakespeare used.
Once I had my names, I turned to the plot itself. I wanted my story set in modern times, so instead of Valentine going out into the world for experience, my Val goes off to college, leaving behind his best friend Preston, the one he’s been pining after but can’t have. He rents a room in an old Victorian style house with other college students where he meets the lovely and tragic Silver.
Then, like in Shakespeare’s play, his friend Preston follows him and becomes instantly enamored of the beautiful Silver as well. But what of his boyfriend Julian, left behind and forgotten? In Shakespeare’s play, Julia disguises herself as a paige boy and follows Proteus. In my story, Julian dresses in drag and he and a friend and goes to Portland for a night on the town to forget his heartache. Of course, Val and Preston end up at the same night club where absurdities ensue. But unlike most of Shakespeare’s plays, my story has a happy ending.

Shakespeare definitely has a way with words. What is your favourite insult/endearment/inspiring passage/? Which bit do you wish you had written?

Of all Shakespeare’s characters, I love Speed the most! He’s Valentine’s sharp tongued, sarcastic servant in Two Gentlemen of Verona and kept me laughing throughout the whole play. Here’s a sample:

Speed. If you love her, you cannot see her.
Val. Why?
Speed. Because Love is blind. O! that you had mine eyes; or your own eyes had the lights they were wont to have, when you chid at Sir Proteus for going ungartered!
Val. What should I see then?
Speed. Your own present folly, and her passing deformity; for he, being in love, could not see to garter his hose; and you, being in love, cannot see to put on your hose.
Val. Belike, boy, then you are in love; for last morning you could not see to wipe my shoes.
Speed. True, sir; I was in love with my bed. I thank you, you swinged me for my love, which makes me the bolder to chide you for yours.

But more than that, my favorite Shakespearean quote is:
“At first I did adore a twinkling star. But now I worship a celestial sun” spoken by Proteus to Silvia, infatuation compared to true love. I find it a very romantic and think of it when writing love scenes. In my story, I have…
No, I think I’ll leave it to you to guess which one of my characters says it to the other!

What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m doing my final read through for a story I’m submitting to another charity anthology called Turn the Page. The specific focus of this project is suicide prevention and awareness. The planned beneficiaries (at this point, subject to change) are: The Trevor Project (local chapter), Prevent Suicide Wisconsin, HOPES – Helping Others Prevent and Educate about Suicide, and Suicide Prevention Resource Center – UWM (Milwaukee), with a tentative release date of October 8, 2016
My story, Robin’s Confession, is about a young man, sweet and pretty, who sometimes dresses like a boy and other times wishes to wear dresses and eye shadow, with ringlets in his hair and scars on his arms from years of cutting. In this story, Robin faces his self-doubt and loathing and finds a way to be true to himself and to face the world bravely.

Could we please have an excerpt?
Sure! This excerpt is from Two Guys from Vancouver
Valentine has been watching Preston date man after man with never more than a brotherly hug for him. Finally, despairing that Preston will ever love him in return, Val moves away to college, where he meets the glorious Silver, a man with problems of his own, who just might be his answer. Torn between his attraction to Preston and his growing desire for Silver, Val wonders if he’ll ever find love or will his life become as tragic as any of the Shakespearean plays he loves so well.
Excerpt

Val took a long drink from the thermos, enjoying the cool bite of lemon and vodka on his tongue, the alcohol content exactly enough to send a pleasant tingle along limbs already lethargic from hours in the sun and sea air.
“Hey, share.”
“Sure.” Val handed over the bottle, his gaze lingering on his best friend, his heart rushing. Preston’s skin was bronzed from months in the summer sun, his board shorts hugging muscular thighs and the large cock Val knew lay hidden under the bright fabric. He wanted to lick a path down Preston’s glistening chest, knowing he’d taste of sweat and sea salt.
Preston swallowed a mouthful of the Lemon Drop and sputtered, laughing as he licked the stray drops from his lips. “Shit! That stuff’s potent.”
A shiver ran through Val. If he moved only a few inches he could be kissing the mouth that had been driving him wild all summer. And by the gleam in Preston’s brown eyes, he wouldn’t object, either. A shout on the still air shattered Val’s dream and he pulled away, scowling at the bottle Preston handed back to him. Julian approached them up the beach; Preston’s latest boyfriend, lithesome, lightly tanned, with gorgeous blond hair cascading to his shoulders.
Val hated him. Problem was, Julian was great, always laughing, genuinely kind. If it wasn’t for the fact he was fucking Preston, they would most likely be good friends. Julian plopped down beside Preston and Val sighed. Probably for the best he was moving from Vancouver to Portland in the morning. The two cities were only nine miles apart, but it would take him out of Preston’s orbit.
A wave crashed with force on the shore and Val turned his attention to the ocean, shining golden with the setting sun. A hot guy jogged by, seagulls cried on the still air. Still not enough to distract him from the couple chatting beside him. When they began to kiss, he’d had enough. Climbing to his feet, he strolled down to the water’s edge. A wave broke and he watched the foaming water climb the beach, shivered when it reached his toes. It had been a fantastic day; warm and lazy, hours spend in idle conversation or contented silence with his best friend while the sun crossed the sky. Now he felt tired and achy, with a two hour drive home ahead of him.
“They do not love that do not show their love,” he murmured, and scowled at the lowering sun.

Author Bio

Dianne is the author of paranormal/suspense, fantasy adventure, m/m romance, and anything else that comes to mind. Oh, and a floral designer, which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dianne-Hartsock/e/B005106SYQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1361897239&sr=8-1

Release Date: 12th of August

Cover Art: Jay Aheer Simply Defined Art

Genre: MM Mixed*

We have modern retelling of some plays, interpretations of others and one of the sonnets, and delightful referencing of anything Shakespeare.

There is gentle YA romance next to very hot 18+ stories and all kinds of relationships – first love, May/December, interracial, second chances, happy endings and even a tragic one.

We’re travelling from Ancient Rome through Renaissance England to modern day UK, Venice Beach and other places in USA, Vancouver and Havana.

There’s fun, drama, tears, angst, joy and, above all, lots of true love.

Note: All proceeds of this collection go to the It Gets Better Project™.

Buy Links:
amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-Twist-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
amazon.co.uk:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-Twist-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
amazon.de: https://www.amazon.de/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-English-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
amazon.com.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-Twist-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Summers-Day-Shakespearean-Anthology-Twist-ebook/dp/B01JH97LVA
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/655310

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This book has taken so long to write, abandon, come back to, fiddle with, abandon again, then finally finish, polish, submit and then, with a final buff up, it’s ready to go!

My goodness it feels weird to be promoting one of my books instead of someone else!

Blurb:
Borrowed from the Secret Intelligence Service cipher department to assist Briers Allerdale – a field agent returning to 1920s London with news of a dangerous anarchist plot – Miles Siward moves into a ‘couples only’ boarding house, posing as Allerdale’s ‘wife’. Miles relishes the opportunity to allow his alter ego, Millie, to spread her wings but if Miles wants the other agent’s respect he can never betray how much he enjoys being Millie nor how attractive he finds Allerdale.

Pursuing a ruthless enemy who wants to throw Europe back into the horrors of the Great War, Briers and Miles are helped and hindered by nosy landladies, water board officials, suave gentlemen representing foreign powers and their own increasing attraction to each other.

Will they catch their quarry? Will they find love? Could they hope for both?

The clock is ticking.

68,000 words/ 248 pages
$5.95

Publication 1 August 2016

It’s preorderable from Amazon US, Amazon UK and Smashwords

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A new release from Dreamspinner.

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Author Name:  Renee Cronin

Book Name: Fistful of Love

Release Date: April 4, 2016

Pages or Words: 46,323

Categories: Lesbian Fiction, Domestic Violence

Publisher: Renee Cronin

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Blurb:

At the age of 23, social worker, Jeya Wellington was pretty much on her own. The devastating loss of her parents left her bereft and alone. Her best friend, Roman and his family have been like surrogates, but they could never replace what she lost. She needed a different connection. Shortly after losing her parents, she finds love and comfort in the arms of Rayne Watson, a correctional officer.

Rayne was exactly what she needed at the time, but now, two years later, Jeya wants out. She never expected love to come with bruises. She didn’t anticipate losing friends and living in fear. This was not her idea of true love. With the support of Roman, Jeya finds a way to leave. But Rayne isn’t letting go that easily. They made a commitment to each, and she has the tattoo to prove it – ‘Til Death Do Us Part.

Torn between the love she has for Rayne and the instinct to protect herself, is Jeya’s will stronger than her vow?

Excerpt:

It’s over.

Two simple words, intended to signify the end, were instead just the beginning. Jeya took a deep breath, and the pain that pierced her side served as the reminder she needed. She hit the send button. Unexpected relief instantly washed over her. “I did it. Step one. Now for step two.” Jeya placed her phone on the bed and stood up to double-check her suitcase. Going over the checklist in her mind, she felt confident that she had the essentials. A week away from home required more than she’d anticipated, but she had no intention of returning until the rainstorm had passed. Jeya took a second to acknowledge the double entendre of the word. Her girlfriend, Rayne, was definitely a hurricane. Her temper was unpredictable and left damage in its wake similar to that which Hurricane Gloria had. She knew she’d be safer at Roman’s house for the next several days.

The lyrics to “Dangerously in Love” cursed the air. The perfect ringtone to describe her relationship. She braced herself as she walked to the bed and picked up the phone. Jeya anticipated nothing less than an explosive response from her short-tempered girlfriend.

Buy the book:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2512nUS

Meet the author:

Renee Cronin is a self-professed devour of knowledge, and a voracious reader. She began writing in earnest in 2005, when the characters in her head became so loud she was forced to tell their stories, or risk getting swept away into the abyss of her imagination. Renee has since used writing as a personal outlet to express her feelings, ideas, views, thoughts, and opinions about the world and the issues that impact her on a deep personal and societal level. (And of course writing also quiets the voices in her head of the many characters that are yearning to have their stories told.) Renee’s inspiration to publish is in large part due to the overwhelming display of encouragement, and support from family and friends, who believe she has a gift with words that need to be shared with world. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she works in the social work field avidly advocating and supporting the varied needs of the people in her community. Renee is a bibliophile with a transcendent love for words. Her soul yearns for the acoustic stylings from a plethora of musical genres. As she continues on this journey of published author she hopes to keep her readers captivated and pining for more.

We asked Renee for a picture that really meant something to her:

This is a picture of my fiancé and I at a WNBA game on Pride Night. It was a little over a month after we became engaged. We are huge WNBA fans and it awesome that they have Pride Night.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/reneecronin78

Twitter: @reneecronin78

Website: www.renee-cronin.com

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29505751-fistful-of-love

Publisher: Renee Cronin

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Tour Dates & Stops:

4-Apr: Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Full Moon Dreaming

11-Apr: Molly Lolly, Charley Descoteaux

18-Apr: Unquietly Me, Velvet Panic, Bayou Book Junkie

25-Apr: Happily Ever Chapter, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

2-May: TTC Books and More, BFD Book Blog

9-May: Prism Book Alliance, Love Bytes

15-May: Inked Rainbow Reads, MM Good Book Reviews, My Fiction Nook

23-May: A.M. Leibowitz, Oh My Shelves, Rednecks and Romance, Dawn’s Reading Nook

Visit any of the sites above for a chance to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $15 gift card to Amazon and an  e-copy of book 

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Title: First Swallow of Spring

Blurb:

The first swallow of spring draws Seanán back to the fae circle each year. There he dances with the handsome fae lord, Iorweth. He knows the rules he must follow if he wishes to be free to leave at the end of the night; however, Iorweth is growing ever more inventive in his attempts to trick Seanán into breaking them.

Audio Excerpt: https://soundcloud.com/nickijmarkus/first-swallow-of-spring-mm-short-story-excerpt-by-asta-idonea

Torquere Press Pre-Order Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4637

Excerpt

“Seanán will be dancing with none but me.” The words were softly spoken, yet the tone brooked no argument, and at this utterance, the others scurried away and a new figure stepped into view.
A wave of contentment flooded through Seanán. “Iorweth.” He accepted Iorweth’s proffered hand, and Iorweth pulled him to his feet as if he weighed nothing. He gazed up at the regal figure. “I have missed you.”
“And I you. Shall we dance?”
Iorweth swept Seanán into his arms and they spun toward the edge of the clearing. The others made room for them and they joined the chain, circling the stone in a dance of pure delight. The music came from no discernible source, but it filled the air, bright and bell-like, and between its magical refrains, the fae laughed, clapped, and cavorted in the moonlight.
Seanán followed Iorweth’s lead. The rest of the world melted away as he lost himself in the fae lord’s glimmering, emerald eyes. This was the time of year he felt most alive. In the long months between these meetings he survived on memories and dreams. They kept him going, but nothing compared to being here in Iorweth’s arms. The press of his hand on Seanán’s back—that was the brilliant reality. The rest of his life was colorless.
Iorweth pulled him closer until their bodies met. Warmth spread through Seanán and he sighed and rested his head against Iorweth’s chest. Surely they had danced for long enough. Surely Iorweth would soon take him to the stone. Yet, on and on they danced. They twirled and dipped and swayed, never breaking from the circle. Seanán should have felt dizzy. At the very least he should have grown weary. But when he was with Iorweth, he always had boundless energy. So long as their hands touched, Seanán believed he could go on dancing without pause, forever.

Author Bio & Links

Asta Idonea (aka Nicki J Markus) was born in England, but now lives in Adelaide, South Australia. She has loved both reading and writing from a young age and is also a keen linguist, having studied several foreign languages.

Asta launched her writing career in 2011 and divides her efforts not only between MM and mainstream works but also between traditional and indie publishing. Her works span the genres, from paranormal to historical and from contemporary to fantasy. It just depends what story and which characters spring into her mind!

As a day job, Asta works as a freelance editor and proofreader, and in her spare time she enjoys music, theatre, cinema, photography, and sketching. She also loves history, folklore and mythology, pen-palling, and travel; all of which have provided plenty of inspiration for her writing.

Blog: http://www.nickijmarkus.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NickiJMarkus
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickiJMarkus
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4567057.Nicki_J_Markus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamarkus
Amazon Author US: http://www.amazon.com/Asta-Idonea/e/B00RMGGVYO
Amazon Author UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asta-Idonea/e/B00RMGGVYO

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Trembling on the floor, pressed beneath a row of seats in a dark theater, college freshman Jason Tripp listens to the terrifying sound of gunshots, as an unknown shooter moves methodically through the theater, randomly murdering men, women, and children attending a student performance of Hamlet.

Junior Liam Norcross drapes his massive body on top of Jason, sheltering the younger man from the deathly hail of bullets, risking his life willingly, and maybe even eagerly.

As a result of the shared horror, an extraordinary bond forms between the two young men, which causes
discomfort for family and friends, as well as for Jason and Liam, themselves.

And added to the challenge of two previously “straight” men falling into a same-sex love, are the complications that arise from the abundance of secrets Liam holds with regard to a past family tragedy.

The fledgling passion between the men seems bound to fade away into the darkness from which it emerged.

Jason, however, is inexplicably called to rescue his hero in return, by delving into Liam’s shady
past and uncovering the mystery that compels the older man to act as the college town’s selfless savior.

The Art of Hero Worship takes the reader on a voyage from the dark and chilling chaos that accompanies a mass shooting to the thrill of an unexpected and sensual romance.

Excerpt:

Pop-pop-pop….

At this point he’s in the back of the theater, and the shooting hasn’t slowed down at all. Gunshots ring out steadily in the shadowy darkness… always in sets of three, letting me know where he is. I’m scared… so fucking scared… but not too scared to wonder what I did to deserve this special little slice of hell.

And I’m frozen… I can’t even move enough to swallow my spit. I know what I have to do—I have to look for Ginny, but I can’t since I’m frozen solid, like a leg of lamb in a walk-in freezer.

Pop-pop-pop…

pop-pop-pop….

“I’ve been shot! Oh, sweet Jesus, I’ve been shot!”

Earsplitting blasts of sound—one, two, three. The gunshots have a life and a plan—no, a mission—all their own, to maim and kill by ripping through the flesh of everyone in this theater. I’m panting and sweating and wishing to God I knew how to pray because I’d so pray right now.

And as suddenly as it started, the shooting stops. Is it over? With the utmost caution, I exhale the breath I’ve been hanging onto so jealously… as if part of me fears I’ll never get the chance to take another. But one more wary breath moves in and out, and I know I have to get hold of myself so I can find her. Because it’s over now…. yes, I think maybe it’s ov—

Pop-pop-pop…

Life-sucking and blood-spattering and gurgle-inducing, evenly spaced sets of three that are becoming so horribly predictable. I brace myself for the impact because I just know the next pop is going to come with excruciating pain that explodes in my head or my back or, if I’m lucky, my ass.
Or, if I’m not so lucky, in all three places, one right after another.

This isn’t happening. It can’t be happening.

Is nineteen too old to want my mommy?

“Get down! Get on the floor!” Somebody yells. Too late for that. I’m already flat on the floor in the narrow space between the rows of seats; my head is bleeding all over the arm it’s resting on…. My left arm? My right arm? Somebody else’s arm? Not so sure. Not so sure it matters.

“Don’t shoot me—please don’t—”

Pop-pop-pop….

Bio:

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