If you know you know. Also expressed like this: IYKYK in text parlance. And if you live in Chicago? You KNEW the Magikist sign. But we never imagined reading a thriller of a mystery with big pouty lips as the centerpiece.
In the Chicago area, the Magikist Lips (in the form of huge signs on the Edens Expressway, Dan Ryan Expressway, Kennedy Expressway, and Eisenhower Expressway which lit up and flashed) were well-known landmarks. The signs were 75 feet wide and 40 feet high at the pucker. Travelers from the early 1960s through the late 1990s tended to use them as landmarks to figure out how much longer it would take to arrive at their destination. (Courtesy: Wikipedia)
Wynne and I chatted recently with author Mark Wukas about his fabulous book, “The Kiss of Night” and learned about Mark’s Chicago roots, the inspiration behind his book, that was years in the making. We can’t emphasize this enough: “The Kiss of Night” was hard to put down. And for me – a longtime Chicago transplant, I was drawn into the underbelly of Chicago, traversing streets Ithought I knew as a reader/ride along with police and gritty reporters looking for the scoop – while seeking salvation and a side order of justice.
Mark offers inspiration and insight galore and you’ll come away ready and revved to write your debut novel. My marked-up copy is evidence; notes scrawled throughout as I embraced Mark’s talent for phrasing and dialogue, drawing me in with tension and intrigue. And along the way? Wynne and I learned more than we ever expected about Greek philosophy, intertwined expertly into the world of protagonist, Will Moore.
Wukas succeeds in creating sympathetic characters that have exceptional depth; Will and Frank talk about the subjectivity of good and evil and how both police work and reporting are subject to biases. Additionally, the detailed descriptions of Chicago give the work a feeling of verisimilitude and paint a vivid picture of the city: “I quickly found sanctuary in the gray and green of the university neighborhood’s imposing limestone and ancient oaks on streets with wonderful names like Kimbark, Blackstone and Drexel.”
Vicki and Wynne 😊
Here’s a short clip of our podcast interview:
Due to recent technology changes, we learned that embedding the full YouTube video reduces listens and views. Here are some ways you can listen and watch:
Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with author Ilsa Rey about her book, Wish I Was Here that will be released on December 23, 2025. The conversation delves into the thrilling narrative where Anna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill and is kidnapped for it. In a desperate attempt to save him, Anna takes the pill herself, leading to a race against time to find him and secure the antidote before she remains invisible forever.Ilsa tells us about her 10 year journey of writing the book as well as all the ways she used rejection and feedback to grow. We talk about writing in the zone as well as the research that goes into great books like Wish I Was Here.TakeawaysAnna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill.Isaac is kidnapped for his invention.Anna takes the invisibility pill to save herself.She has one week to find Isaac and the antidote.Remaining invisible could lead to insanity and death.Anna must follow clues left by Isaac.The story explores themes of friendship and urgency.The narrative is filled with adventure and suspense.The invisibility pill serves as a catalyst for the plot.The stakes are high as Anna races against time.Links for this episode:For show notes and more great inspiration, please see https://sharingtheheartofthematter.comVideo Trailer for "Wish I Was Here": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Py-B0EbMMmEV3QBsxDHxVX4Pfr3d04wy/view?usp=sharingPurchase Wish I Was Here on Black Rose WritingIlsa's blog: Writing and Martial ArtsFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/
I popped over to listen and the interview was great. as someone who was born in Chicago., who loves crime stories, newspapers and is a retired teacher, as is your guest, this book sounds very intriguing. thanks! and I also thought of the billboard in gastby when he first talked about the lips on the billboards –
Thank you, Beth! You’ve captured all the elements — and I’d forgotten you were born in Chicago! I love that you enjoyed our chat with Mark. You will LOVE his book! 🥰
What a brilliant review! And I didn’t know embedding the full YouTube video reduces listens and views. Wow! I guess that’s why most are doing shorts now. Learn something everyday! Thanks ladies!
We are learning all the time, aren’t we? Spotify is doing video now so they are trying to compete with YouTube which changes the dynamic! Thanks, Sheila!
Oh, thank you, Wynne! I have been posting videos on Vimeo (for a few years) and Rumble most recently. We have songs on Spotify, but I didn’t know they were offering videos too. Sweet!
Gosh, I hadn’t thought of those highway Magikist lips in years! Thanks for the flashback. But seriously, Mark’s work at City News sounded absolutely fascinating and REAL (dead bodies in the water.) I love REAL, and then he layers in that experience and atmosphere into his book. Cool! Thanks for a great interview and another recommendation, Vicki and Wynne. 😊
I knew you’d enjoy this episode and meeting Mark…you with your journalism and newspaper background, my friend. You’ll need to read and then share what extra, extra (wink) insights you glean given your skills. “The Kiss of Night” was a terrific read…promise you’ll love it. And yes! Those lips! If you know…you know! 💋🥰💋
Mark tells of an interesting chronology of the long birth pains of “The Kiss of Night.” It sounds like it has a fascinating storyline. The jacket cover is not going to be something anyone can easily forget! Thank you, Vickie and Wynne. 🙂
Mark’s book sounds intriguing, Vicki, even though I’ve never been to Chicago. I’d love to visit the windy city sometime. I enjoyed listening, and thanks for the introduction to Mark! His book is on my TBR. Happy Mother’s Day to you and Wynne! 💞🤗🌷
Right back to you, Lauren! One day we’re gonna have a big “meet up” and you would love Chicago. Thanks for tuning in and for putting Mark’s book on your TBR list! And…Happy Mama’s Day! 🥰❤️🥰
A “meet up” would be awesome and so would visiting Chicago, Vicki! You’re so welcome and Congratulations to Mark for being featured. Enjoy your day! Hugs 🥰🌷💐
Great interview, Wynne and Vicki! Covering nightlife in the city, especially one that has its dark side, is such a fascinating prospect. And how fun to see it through Mark and his protagonist’s eyes.
Hearing about Mark’s journey through journalism and school brought back happy memories. I was a mostly disengaged student in my university years but the one Joy was writing for the campus paper.
I love stories with redemption in it and it sounds like Mark’s protagonist goes through quite a redemption, with a Sunnyside of Malice. 😉
Love your point, Vicki, around readers wanting a sequel because they want to hear more about the writer. What a lovely insight and compliment for Mark.
Wowza, Ab! Thank you SO much for your enthusiasm about this episode. Mark’s book is spectacular…unlike anything else I’ve read – for the reasons you mentioned!
I didn’t know you had a little journalism in your background. Cool!
Cheers to Sunnyside and Malice! 😉
The Heart of the Matter 
I popped over to listen and the interview was great. as someone who was born in Chicago., who loves crime stories, newspapers and is a retired teacher, as is your guest, this book sounds very intriguing. thanks! and I also thought of the billboard in gastby when he first talked about the lips on the billboards –
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Beth! You’ve captured all the elements — and I’d forgotten you were born in Chicago! I love that you enjoyed our chat with Mark. You will LOVE his book! 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a brilliant review! And I didn’t know embedding the full YouTube video reduces listens and views. Wow! I guess that’s why most are doing shorts now. Learn something everyday! Thanks ladies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sheila! 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re sooo welcome, Vicki. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xo! 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are learning all the time, aren’t we? Spotify is doing video now so they are trying to compete with YouTube which changes the dynamic! Thanks, Sheila!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, thank you, Wynne! I have been posting videos on Vimeo (for a few years) and Rumble most recently. We have songs on Spotify, but I didn’t know they were offering videos too. Sweet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gosh, I hadn’t thought of those highway Magikist lips in years! Thanks for the flashback. But seriously, Mark’s work at City News sounded absolutely fascinating and REAL (dead bodies in the water.) I love REAL, and then he layers in that experience and atmosphere into his book. Cool! Thanks for a great interview and another recommendation, Vicki and Wynne. 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
I knew you’d enjoy this episode and meeting Mark…you with your journalism and newspaper background, my friend. You’ll need to read and then share what extra, extra (wink) insights you glean given your skills. “The Kiss of Night” was a terrific read…promise you’ll love it. And yes! Those lips! If you know…you know! 💋🥰💋
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like there’s a ton of true Chicago references in here, it would be fun to “return” to the area! Sounds good! Thanks, Vicki. 🥰🥰
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Big hugs…my Chicago…Cleveland…Midwestern-rooted friend. xo! 🥰
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🥰🥰😎 Have a GREAT Mother’s Day!
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You, too! You, too! 🥰
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A great conversation with an interesting author about a fantastic book. What could be better?! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Not much! Thank you for being the best partner EVER, Wynne. I’m lucky to work with you and talk with inspiring creative folks. So good. 🥰
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That sounds like a great book! I used to make yearly trips to Chicago to visit a friend, and I fell in love with the city.
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It’s a great book, Todd! If you have a soft spot for Chicago it will really draw you in! Mark is such a storyteller! 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mark tells of an interesting chronology of the long birth pains of “The Kiss of Night.” It sounds like it has a fascinating storyline. The jacket cover is not going to be something anyone can easily forget! Thank you, Vickie and Wynne. 🙂
LikeLike
Mark’s book sounds intriguing, Vicki, even though I’ve never been to Chicago. I’d love to visit the windy city sometime. I enjoyed listening, and thanks for the introduction to Mark! His book is on my TBR. Happy Mother’s Day to you and Wynne! 💞🤗🌷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right back to you, Lauren! One day we’re gonna have a big “meet up” and you would love Chicago. Thanks for tuning in and for putting Mark’s book on your TBR list! And…Happy Mama’s Day! 🥰❤️🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
A “meet up” would be awesome and so would visiting Chicago, Vicki! You’re so welcome and Congratulations to Mark for being featured. Enjoy your day! Hugs 🥰🌷💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xo! 🥰❤️🥰
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Great interview, Wynne and Vicki! Covering nightlife in the city, especially one that has its dark side, is such a fascinating prospect. And how fun to see it through Mark and his protagonist’s eyes.
Hearing about Mark’s journey through journalism and school brought back happy memories. I was a mostly disengaged student in my university years but the one Joy was writing for the campus paper.
I love stories with redemption in it and it sounds like Mark’s protagonist goes through quite a redemption, with a Sunnyside of Malice. 😉
Love your point, Vicki, around readers wanting a sequel because they want to hear more about the writer. What a lovely insight and compliment for Mark.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wowza, Ab! Thank you SO much for your enthusiasm about this episode. Mark’s book is spectacular…unlike anything else I’ve read – for the reasons you mentioned!
I didn’t know you had a little journalism in your background. Cool!
Cheers to Sunnyside and Malice! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person