2008 National Book Festival Podcast

Crime novelist Peter Robinson talks about how his character Inspector Banks has evolved over 21 years; shares writing tips that he teaches in his classes; and reminiscences about the writers who influenced him, including his tutor who became a world renowned author.

"Credit is evil," says author and financial expert Michelle Singletary. She explains why credit has been abused by individuals, corporations and the federal government; tells how Americans can survive the current economic crisis; and highlights the spending differences between men and women.

After garnering international fame as a singer, five Grammy Awards and nearly 60 charted hits, music legend Dionne Warwick says she is still reaching for her dream. She reveals why she wrote a children’s book instead of an autobiography of her life; discusses her global humanitarian efforts; and explains the genesis of her mantra: If you can think it, you can do it.

Emmy Award-winning journalist Cokie Roberts has become an expert on the nation’s founding mothers. She dispels some of the misconceptions about them and shares insight into her early years spent in the halls of Congress.

"Every novel is just a big, fat lie trying to masquerade as the truth," says novelist Brad Meltzer. He talks about the genesis of his new book, the real story behind the creation of the comic book character Superman, and why the biblical interpretation of Cain and Abel is wrong.

"I have always been word obsessed," says Marisa de los Santos. She talks about the music of language; shares little-known details about her third book; and reveals why learning about the human side of Clara Barton, Joan of Arc and Helen Keller inspired her.

Journalist and author Walter Isaacson discusses what made Albert Einstein unique; reveals the lesson that he always includes in his biographies; and explains how the Aspen Institute is helping to create a middle-class in the West Bank of the Palestinian territories.

Broadcast news legend Bob Schieffer shares his extraordinary experience covering John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963; describes how the Web has become the "unfettered Wild West" for news; and explains why some of the best news stories come out of the Pentagon.

Louis Bayard says that writing is its own insanity and feels compelled to do it. He discusses the craft of writing detective fiction and how he rides the line between staying true to facts and allowing his imagination to shape his stories.

Award-winning British author Philippa Gregory talks about her latest book "The Other Queen" (Simon & Schuster, September 2008); weaves a thrilling tale of royal intrigue among the Tudors; and explains why she will confine her passion for history to England.

Injured by a car bomb while covering the war in Iraq, award-winning journalist Kimberly Dozier talks about how she survived the act of terrorism that killed her colleagues; explains her reasons for writing "Breathing the Fire" (Meredith, 2008) about her experiences in Iraq; and shares some advice to budding journalists.

R. L. Stine dishes up writing secrets, ghoulish fun and other things that go bump in the night.

Joseph Bruchac talks about the genesis of his latest book, the art of storytelling and his dual heritage.

Sharon M. Draper talks about her experiences as a writer and teacher and explains why hope and redemption describe her latest book.

Jan Brett discusses how she creates her popular illustrations and gives insight into the symbolism in her artwork.

Kay Ryan talks about her appointment as the nation’s new Poet Laureate; reads several of her poems; and provides a glimpse into the hidden depths of her poetry.

Jon Scieszka shares writing tips; tells parents how to inspire their children to read more; and discusses his job as the nation’s ambassador for young readers.

Warren Brown talks about his latest book, reveals his secrets to making delicious treats and shares some of his most sought-after recipes.

Arthur Frommer and his daughter Pauline provide advice on how to beat the high gas prices during summer vacation and the latest travel hot spots.

Geraldine Brooks explains why she must first find the voice in her stories and talks about her latest book, "People of the Book."