I am thrilled to host the February RRBC Spotlight Author today, Lisa Kirazian!

AN ODE TO RRBC
It’s an honor to write this guest post — and to be RRBC’s Spotlight Author for February!
My membership in RRBC began when I published Bravura six years ago, so I feel its journey and my own are forever connected. I am in no way a great member, like so many of you are. But I am proud to be a member and participate as much as I can. Along the way many of you have inspired me too.
The model of an international, online book club is pretty unusual — I do not know of any other like it. I know of casual book clubs online, sure. But none with the array of memberships benefits (and requirements), submission opportunities, conferences, workshops and radio shows like RRBC has! Whew!
Now with the COVID-inspired demand for Zoom meetings and online performances/readings from authors, theaters, and musicians alike, the RRBC model seems even more ahead of its time. We as members of RRBC have been fortunate to already have been doing all the online gatherings that people around the world had to get used to this past year, many for the first time.
For those not familiar with RRBC, there are many ways to get involved: reading others’ work, reviewing others work, supporting other writers on social media, being inspired by the accomplishments of others, participating in the workshops and conferences, listening to the radio shows. There are also many ways membership is extremely helpful too: getting your work read, reviewed, marketed; pursuing educational growth; being eligible for award and contest opportunities; getting published in anthologies; and drum roll, improving as a writer!
More than anything, I’ve realized that RRBC’s requirement to review others’ work is essential. We are often self-absorbed as writers — but getting out of ourselves long enough to immerse ourselves in the writing worlds of others only helps us as writers — and people. It helps us see how other writers deal with the same challenges we face, and how their approach differs from ours. It also reminds us we are not alone! Although I am sometimes late in posting my reviews because of my life’s craziness, the desire to engage with others through their work has grown since being with RRBC, and I am very grateful for that and have learned much from the experience.
To borrow from JFK: Ask not what RRBC can do for you — ask what you can do for RRBC. Why? Because when you give, you receive and grow and are encouraged so, so, so much more!
If you aren’t a member of RRBC, I encourage you to consider it today. For more on RRBC, click here: https://ravereviewsbookclub.wordpress.com/
Thank you, RRBC, Nonnie and the entire team, for all the ways you have encouraged me — and especially for this honor to be the Spotlight Author this month!
Onward!
—-

Author Bio
Lisa Kirazian writes fiction, plays, screenplays, and also directs for stage and screen. Her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Performing Arts Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune and many other publications. She is in demand as a speaker and has been a guest on KPBS Public Radio and at various conferences. Lisa is a graduate of Stanford University.
Several of her screenplays have placed in major competitions and festivals. Twelve of her stage plays have been produced across the U.S. and have won numerous awards, including a few publications. She also directed and wrote the adapted screenplay of the short film, “Reflection Day.”
Her novels include BRAVURA, APPASSIONATO, and now CADENZA, the three books of “The Music We Made” series, following three generations in the Driscoll family of musicians and inspired by her experience as a violinist. The series is also being developed for television.
Lisa lives in San Diego with her husband and two daughters and is involved in the Armenian community locally, nationally and abroad.

Book Summary:
In CADENZA, the final book of “The Music We Made” series, the young tenor Brian Martin finds himself on the cusp of superstardom and marriage, until he is compelled to leave behind his distinguished musical family, and his fiancé, in London, to visit the U.S. to see where his famous late grandmother, Maggie Crawford, the only other opera singer in the family, grew up. His journey takes him to Marshall, Minnesota, and Maggie’s hometown high school, where he meets the music teacher, Laura Jones, who helps him with his family history in more ways than he could have imagined.
Twitter: @kirazian and @TheMusicWeMade
Facebook: TheMusicWeMade
Website: https://www.lisakirazian.com
Blog: https://lisakirazian.wordpress.com/
Instagram: @lisakirazian
Cadenza on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QDLVSKL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0RSS8DZMN3R1SYCXG1TQ
This really is such a lovely post, Jan. There isn’t another book/writing club like RRBC. Like Lisa, I also do my best to be involved but am limited by work demands and the time difference with the USA.
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You are fabulously supportive, Robbie!! I appreciate you!
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Thanks, Lisa, RRBC sure is a wonderful community!
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I agree, Wendy, and Lisa expressed it so well! Thank you for stopping by to support her!
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You are so right, Wendy – and you are a great example of a fantastic supporter and encourager! You too, Jan! Thanks again.
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I hope you enjoy your month in the spotlight, Lisa!
Thanks for hosting, Jan 🙂
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My pleasure, Denise! Thanks for stopping by!
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Thank you so much, Denise! I appreciate your support! And Jan hosting too!
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It’s wonderful meeting you, Lisa Kirazian and learned about your experience of RRBC. This is a wonderful and supportive family. Thank you for hosting Lisa on your Spotlight, Jan.
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Thank you for stopping by to support Lisa, Miriam! It’s so wonderful to be a part of that amazingly supportive family!
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I agree with you that this is a supportive family, Jan!
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Thank you so much, Mariam!
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Wow, Lisa, your testament to RRBC should be published on all social media…it sums up everything we can collectively think about. I also enjoyed your appearance on the spotlight show Thursday, it was great to see your mom and dad there to support you. Good luck on your new book and enjoy the rest of your tour.
TY, Jan, for hosting. It’s a wonder you get anything done with EVERYTHING you are involved with. Have a great weekend!
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Thank you for stopping by today to support Lisa, John. I agree with you. Lisa’s testimony should be published on all social media! Believe me, most days I feel like I”m chasing my tail, but I am doing what I love, so that brings me joy. I appreciate your support!
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Thank you so much, John! I appreciate all your support!
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Thank you for hosting today, Jan – and for all your forms of support! I appreciate it.
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My pleasure, Lisa! I loved everything you said about RRBC!!
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Wow! Lisa, this was an amazing ode to RRBC! Thank you for sharing some of our many, Many, MANY benefits of membership! So glad to see you in that bright “Spotlight!” I wish for you tons of book sales! Well done!
Thanks for hosting, Jan!
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Hi, Nonnie. Lisa said everything I’ve ever felt about RRBC and she did it in such an honest and heartfelt way! Thank you for stopping by support her today!
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Thank YOU, Nonnie, for all you do for all of us!
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Thanks, Lisa! I enjoy every moment of it (most days) LOL
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Hi Lisa, Hi Jan,
Lisa, so true. It is important to review. This is one of the fundamental stones that makes RRBC a treasure for its members. And I agree, we are ahead of our time with Zoom and using the internet to its maximum capacity. I find that fabulous.
Jan, thank you for hosting Lisa.
Wishing to two the very best in all that you undertake to do.
Shalom aleichem
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Hi, Pat. Thank you for your thoughtful comment! And thank you for helping to support Lisa!
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Thank you Pat! I so appreciate the support!
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Congratulations on being RRBC’s SpotLight Author this month, Lisa. A very thoughtful and well crafted post. Thanks, Jan, for demonstrating, as you always do, the values of RRBC and hosting Lisa!
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My pleasure, Mark. Thank you for stopping by to support Lisa!
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Thank you, Mark! I appreciate your support.
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You are most welcome, Lisa. 🙂
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Thank you Mark, for the support!
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What a great post from Lisa! This shows one of the core values embodied in RRBC – selflessness. This week is an opportunity for Lisa to promote her books and share her stories, and she takes time to highlight the RRBC family. I commend her and agree with everything she has written. RRBC is phenomenal, and I’m so happy Lisa is a part of it. Thanks for hosting, Jan. 🙂
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I totally agree, Yvette! It shows the strength and bond the RRBC family has. Thank you for stopping by and supporting Lisa today! Hugs!
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I agree, Yvette! It was awesome of her to give up one of her post days to spotlight our amazing RRBC/RWISA family! What a pleasant surprise! What would we do and where would we be without our precious RRBC?
Thanks for supporting Lisa, today!
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Thank you, Yvette, for the kind words and support!
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