Friends & Fiction

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry speak with Reyna Grande about her sweeping and powerful historical fiction novel, A Ballad of Love and Glory. This conversation delves into Reyna's beginnings as a writer and her path to becoming a a strong immigrant voice in literature.

Join us on Thanksgiving Eve as we welcome some of our favorite indie bookseller pals for a very special holiday episode of Friends & Fiction! The Fab Four are joined by Tim from Nantucket Book Partners in Nantucket, MA; Peter from Booktowne in Manasquan, NJ; Susan from Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, DE; Cathy & Serena from Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, FL; Rebecca from Macintosh Books on Sanibel Island, FL; and Laura from Oxford Exchange in Tampa, FL.We hear from each of them about their origin story as a bookseller, their holiday book recommendations, and trends they're seeing in their stores.All hosts and guests don their Friends & Fiction t-shirt for this Thanksgiving "Tee Party!" Join us by wearing yours—on sale now "Buy-One-Get-One-Free" in the F&F merch shop at Oxford Exchange!

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey talk with Tori Whitaker about her fascinating historical fiction novel that connects two women across decades. The 1920's and the present day come alive across generations with this story of strength, connection, and the power to find one's own path.

On this show, we welcome back our dear friend, award-winning author Lisa Unger! Lisa is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty novels, including THE STRANGER INSIDE, LAST GIRL GHOSTED, and CONFESSIONS ON THE 7:45 — now in development at Netflix, starring Jessica Alba. A co-President of the International Thriller Writers Organization with books published in thirty-two languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, Lisa is regarded as a master of suspense. She joins us to discuss her brand-new release, SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX (just published 11/8/22 by Park Row Books), which has gotten starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus has been named to most-anticipated lists by USA Today, the American Booksellers Association, Amazon, Goodreads, LibraryReads and Target, among others. The crew delve into Lisa's writing process, the inspiration for her latest novel, what prompted her interest in writing about crime and dysfunctional families, and news on her Netflix adaptation that's in the works.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block speaks with Jennifer Coburn about her thoroughly researched and fascinating first historical fiction novel, Cradles of the Reich and about her path to change genres in her writing.

On this episode we introduce you to one of the world's foremost historical novelists, Philippa Gregory! Philippa is the acclaimed author of many New York Times bestselling novels, including THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL (which was a 2008 major motion picture starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson) and THE WHITE QUEEN (which became a StarzOriginals 10-part series in 2013). Philippa has won numerous awards including Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction by the Historical Writers' Association, an Honorary Platinum Award by Nielsen for achieving significant lifetime sales of her books, and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature and charity. She joins us from the UK to discuss her brand-new novel, DAWNLANDS, the spellbinding new entry in her Fairmile series featuring palace intrigue, political upheaval, and life-changing secrets in seventeenth-century England. Join the fun as we discuss the origins of this series, her journailsm background, her research and writing process, and her charitable efforts.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry dive into How to Write A Novel in 20 Pies with author and teacher, Amy Wallen. Sure to be a delicious treat for writers and aspiring writers alike!

On this episode we spend some quality time with our friend Wanda Morris! The acclaimed author of 2021's #1 Library Reads Pick ALL HER LITTLE SECRETS (which is being adapted by Uzo Aduba as a limited series for Showtime!), joins us to talk about her brand-new gripping, suspenseful novel, ANYWHERE YOU RUN (just released on 10/25/22 by William Morrow Books). Wanda tells us about her gut-wrenching research into Jim Crow-era Mississippi, the difficult decision to keep the language of the time authentic in her writing, the food and music at play in her novel, and all about her writing process and path to publication.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry speak with literary superstar Bethanne Patrick about her hit Podcast, Missing Pages, her upcoming memoir and about keeping her finger on the pulse of the publshing industry!

On this episode we have FOUR amazing author guests! On the first half of the show, meet the author trio of Ariel Lawhon, Susan Meissner & Kristina McMorris who join us to discuss the historical novel they team-wrote together, WHEN WE HAD WINGS, about three WWII nurses who wage their own battle for freedom and survival in the South Pacific. We find out their inspiration for this book, their research and process for writing together, and which of them wrote which character. On the second half of the show we introduce #1 bestselling author, Santa Montefiore, who is a huge bestseller in England with more than 3-million copies sold across Europe and novels translated into 20 languages. We talk to Santa about her children's Royal Rabbits series she writes with her husband Simon Sebag Montefiore and discuss her spellbinding new novel set in war-torn Italy and the streets of New York, AN ITALIAN GIRL IN BROOKLYN, in which dark secrets and hidden sorrows abound.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry celebrate the release of Marple: Twelve New Stories with contributers Alyssa Cole and Jean Kwok, discussing their short stories, the enduring popularity of Agatha Christie and how the project came together.

On this episode we speak with Lisa Jewell, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels such as The Family Upstairs, Then She Was Gone, The Girls, and The Night She Disappeared whose work has been translated into 29 languages and has sold more than 10 million copies internationally. She joins us to discuss her standalone sequel, THE FAMILY REMAINS, published earlier this year. Listen in as the ladies discuss her career shift from rom-com to psychological thriller, her inspiration for her deeply troubled characters, how she veered into police procedural for the first time with this latest book, her inspiration and writing process. Stick around for a great “Ask Us Anything” segment on the after show.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristin Harmel speak with international and NYT Bestselling author Fredrik Backman about his latest, THE WINNERS which concludes his hugely popular BEARTOWN series.

Meet two incredible, mega-bestselling author guests on this show—Veronica Roth and Gabrielle Zevin. Veronica is the New York Times bestselling author of the phenomenally popular series of books and movies, Divergent, who has also penned The End and Other Beginnings, Chosen Ones, and the Carve the Mark duology. She joins us to discuss her brand-new dystopian mystery novel POSTER GIRL, pushing her boundaries as a writer, and exploring big themes through science fiction. Gabrielle Zevin is the internationally bestselling and critically acclaimed author of several novels, including Margarettown, Young Jane Young, and book-cub favorite The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry which spent several months on the New York Times Best Seller List and was just released as a major motion picture. She joins us to discuss her super buzzworthy tenth novel, TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW, which was published earlier this year and was a NYT bestseller and named a Book of the Month finalist for Book of the Year. We hear from Gabrielle about the role of gaming in her life and in this novel, seeing her work come alive on the big screen, and the friendship/love story at the heart of her new book.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block is joined by Friends and Fiction Founder Kristin Harmel to celebrate and discuss the 10th Anniversary Edition release of her International Bestselling Book, The Sweetness of Forgetting

The four Friends & Fiction host authors gather to catch up on what's going on with their writing and their lives, and to give you a sneak peek at what they each have coming out. Hear from Kristin Harmel all about the 10th anniversary re-packaged trade paperback edition of her novel, THE SWEETNESS OF FORGETTING (in stores October 4th from Gallery Books). Hear from Mary Kay Andrews about the forthcoming paperback release of THE SANTA SUIT (October 11th, St. Martin's Press). And each of the Fab Four will also talk a bit about their 2023 book releases. We will hear from Patti Callahan Henry about THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA (May 2nd, Atria Books), from Kristin about THE PARIS DAUGHTER (June 6th, Gallery), from Kristy Woodson Harvey about THE SUMMER OF SONGBIRDS (July 11th, Gallery), and from MKA about the Top Secret Book Project she's been toiling over and which St. Martin's will publish next fall.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristin Harmel have a conversation with thriller writer, Ruth Ware about her lastes book, The It Girl, and explore her writing process, life in England, and how she puts it all together!

On this very special episode of Friends & Fiction we gather with our good friend Jennifer Robson for a show all about the British monarchy. Jennifer is the USA Today bestselling author of seven novels, including THE GOWN and her forthcoming CORONATION YEAR (coming April 2023) which feature Queen Elizabeth II. If you love The Crown, are obsessed with the royals, and have been drawn to recent coverage of Queen Elizabeth's passing, you'll love this lively conversation and royal bookish chatter with Jennifer — who holds a doctorate in British history from the University of Oxford — as the crew take a deep dive into our shared fascination with the royal family and the rich history and traditions of the monarchy.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey talk with Pulitzer Prize winning author Andrew Sean Greer about his newest book, Less Is Lost which is a follow-up to his hugely popular Less.

The Fab Four sit down with Shelby Van Pelt, the author of the smash hit and much buzzed about debut novel REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES which was an instant New York Times bestseller, named one of Amazon's #1 Best Books of the Year, chosen as a Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick, and named a Best Book of Summer by the Chicago Tribune, The View, Southern Living, and USA Today. The gang have a fun and insightful conversation about Shelby's writing process, her path to publication, her inspiration for the caharacter of Marcellus the octopus, and what it's been like to have her very first book—the quirky story of a widow who befriends an aquarium-dwelling octopus—burst onto the literary scene in such grand fashion.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Meg Walker talk to bestselling novelist and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Tom Perrotta about his new sequel to ELECTION two decades in the making, TRACY FLICK CAN'T WIN.

On this episode, we talk to TWO amazing authors! Meet the New York Times bestselling author of seven novels (Garden Spells, First Frost), Sarah Addison Allen, a self-described master of "southern fried magical realism." She joins us to discuss her long-awaited seventh novel, OTHER BIRDS, which St.Martin's Press just released on August 30th, and which debuted at #3 on the New York Times bestseller list. The crew discuss character develpment, the craft of magical realism, the role that food and the theme of motherhood play in her books, and they go deep as they talk to Sarah about the tragic loss of her mother and how it effected her writing. On the second half of the show, the crew welcomes the USA TODAY bestselling author of six novels (The Hideaway, Hurricane Season), Lauren K. Denton who joins us to discuss her forthcoming sixth novel, A PLACE TO LAND (Harper Muse, October 4th). We hear all about the southern setting in her new novel, her strong female characters, sacrifice and sisterhood.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey speak with prolific author Brenda Novak about her latest book, Summer On The Island, and dive deep into her writing career and how she supports readers and writers.

We are joined by show regular Kristina McMorris for a night of bookish talk, lots of laughs, and even a magic trick! Kristina joins us to discuss her brand-new book, just released this week, THE WAYS WE HIDE. The crew chat about the pressures of following up Kristina's hugely successful million-copy bestseller, SOLD ON A MONDAY, her extensive research process into the mechanics of the magic, illusion, and spycraft of her main character, and are even treated to custom-made dossiers for each of the Fab Four and a magic trick! Kristina also briefly touches on her forthcoming collaboration with Ariel Lawhon & Susan Meissner, WHEN WE HAD WINGS. We round out the night with a writing tip, book recommendation, and a tip for how to raise your kids to be readers. On the after show, Patti joins us live from the streets of the New Orleans French Quarter where she was visiting for an indepdenent booksellers conference.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry explore storytelling through food and entrepeneurship with Carrie Morey, Chef, TV Star, Author and creator of Callie's Hot Little Biscuit Company

On this episode, the Fab Four are joined by FOUR fabulous authors! On the first half of the show, we meet Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White (affectionately known as “Team W”) about the most recent novel they team-wrote together, THE LOST SUMMERS OF NEWPORT. We hear all about their team-writing process, how their partnership came to be, the setting and inspiration for their latest bestseller, and are treated to some writing tips. On the second half of the show, we meet publishing veteran turned novelist, Miriam Parker. With an MFA in Creative Writing, two decades in the book biz, some short stories and a debut novel under her belt, Miriam is currently the VP, Associate Publisher of Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins. She joins us to discuss her new novel, ROOM AND BOARD. The crew talks about her path to publication, her unique perspective as both an author and a pubishing insider, and how she juggles it all.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Meg Walker are joined by Christine Pride & Jo Piazze about ther book, We are Not Like Them, a GMA Book Club Pick and out now in paperback.

On this episode, the Fab Four host broadcast journalist and Emmy Award-winning talk show host turned novelist, Tamron Hall to discuss her debut novel, the first in a thrilling new series, AS THE WICKED WATCH, recently released in paperback. The crew discusses why Tamron chose to venture into fiction, the challenges of tackling a difficult and timely subject like crime against communities of color, how her journalism work and own tragic life experiences inspired her fiction, and how she juggles it all. This episode is filled with intimate and revealing talk and, as always, a few laughs. It will leave you feeling both inspired and excited to meet Tamron's heroine Jordan Manning.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Mary Kay Andrews host author Clare Pooley, author of Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting in our ongoing series, Books You Should Know!

The Fall 2022 season premiere episode with Karin Slaughter and Chris Swann is a rip roaring good time filled with lots of laughs and insightful book talk. Hear from Karin all about her latest GIRL, FORGOTTEN. We talk to her about her research process into cults and the federal marshal service, what drew her to the 1980's time period, her work to raise money for libraries, and what's coming next. Then 2022 Georgia Author of the Year Chris Swann joins the Fab Four to chat about his latest novel NEVER GO HOME. We hear from Chris about blancing his career as English dept chair at a provate Atlanta high school with his career as a thriller writer, and he tells us how he devised his badasss female character Suzie Faulkner and the joys and challenges of setting his fiction in and around his home city of Atlanta. All this plus book recommedations and writing tips!

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Mary Kay Andrews are joined by Ellen Meister, author of the darkly comic new book, Take My Husband to talk about writing with humor.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block is joined by special guest Co-host Nancy Johnson, author of The Kindest Lie to speak with Dolen Perkins-Valdez about her powerful, poignant and timely newest work, Take My Hand.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block is joined by Mary Kay Andrews in conversation with NYT Bestselling Author Therese Anne Fowler to discuss It All Comes Down To This, her latest novel.

For the Spring/Summer 2022 season finale, the Fab Four are joined by bestselling authors Jamie Ford and Jason Mott. Jamie Ford discusses his research into epigenetics for his new novel THE MANY DAUGHTERS OF AFONG MOY, his own muti-cultural background, his inspriation for writing about a real historical figure, and the challenges of telling a tale that spans 250 years. Jason Mott discusses the phenomenal success of and the winding road to publication for his National Book Award winning novel HELL OF A BOOK. We hear about Jason's inspiration, his bravery in branching out into a different direction with his writing, the challenges of incorporating current events while still weaving in humor, and what he hopes "all the other mad kids, the outsiders, the weirdos, and the bullied" take away from the novel.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry talk with Laura McKowen about her astounding book, We Are The Luckiest, and her hugely popular podcast, Tell Me Something True!

The Fab Four are joined by blockbuster bestselling author and “the queen of fun, feisty summer reads” Jennifer Weiner. We hear about the origin story behind Jen's latest NYT bestselling novel THE SUMMER PLACE, the themes of motherhood and secrets in the book, and the Cape Cod setting. We also hear about how Jen found her own voice as a writer, her writing process, her activism on behald of body positivty and recognition for women authors, and her decision to travel her book tour by bicycle. On the after show we meet Mateo Askaripour who tells us all about his debut novel BLACK BUCK, his inspirations, the blend of fact and fiction in his work, how he devised the novel's structure, and what he's working on next.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block talks with Christina Geist about her newest book in her Growing with Buddy Series, Buddy's New Buddy- she shares how she created the characters and the importance of picture books in literary growth!

Get ready for a good time on this episode as we welcome two masters of heartwarming, feel-good fiction — Katherine Center and Linda Holmes! And we are treated to a visit from Leslie Hooton on the after show! The Fab Four discuss writing funny, crafting dialogue, and the meaning of home in Katherine's and Linda's novels. The group talks about their favorite masters and undiscovered gems in the rom-com genre—get ready to take notes with lots of reading recommendations. We get an inside look at Katherine's new novel THE BODYGUARD and Linda's new novel FLYING SOLO in a show that's laced with loads of super fun pop culture references and lots of laughs. On the after show we are joined by Leslie Hooton who tells the incredible story of learning she'd been born with a stroke and how she has overcome that in her life and writing career. And we hear all about her brand new book AFTER EVERYONE ELSE, a sequel to her 2020 deubt novel.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey talk with Brooke Lea Foster about her new book, On Gin Lane

Two rockstar authors of historical fiction join the show. Meet Alka Joshi author of the blockbuster bestseller THE HENNA ARTIST and Martha Hall Kelly, author of the 1.5-million copy bestseller LILAC GIRLS. As authors of historical fiction, of triliogies whose debuts exploded onto the literary scene, and as former advertising executives, Martha and Alka have so much in common. We talk to them all about their career shifts, their writing & research process, and the challenges of craftng their triliogies, particularly after each of their debuts were so successful. We hear all about Alka's latest, THE SECRET KEEPER OF JAIPUR, and Martha's latest, SUNFLOWER SISTERS, and even get a sneak pek at each of their forthcoming 2023 novels. Then on the after show we meet the charming and hilarious Canadian debut novelist Nita Prose whose #1 bestselling heartwarming whodunnit, THE MAID, has taken the world by storm.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block interivews Jacinda Townsend about her powerful new book, Mother Country

It's a star-studded episode as the gang welcomes #1 NYT blockbuster bestselling rockstar Elin Hilderbrand, nationally bestselling author and dear friend Jamie Brenner, and the 11-time #1 NYT bestselling author of more than 60 novels and the creator of the Virgin River series (now of Netflix fame) Robyn Carr. Join the fun as the ladies discuss themes of reinvention and chat about the challenges of setting books in familiar places. Hear all about Elin's brand new THE HOTEL NANTUCKET which debuted at #1 and her choice to dip her toe once again into the super natural, about Jamie's GILT and the fascinating world of a family jewelry empire, and about Robyn's latest work of womn's fiction A FAMIY AFFAIR for whcih she drew on her own family experiences. It's a great evening full of laughs and lots of heart.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block speaks with Thriller writer Kate White about her new book, The Second Husband as well as her former career as editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan Magazine.

It's edge-of-your-seat time! We're in for a thrilling episode as we talk to three female thriller writers—Julie Clark, Erica Ferencik, and Karen Cleveland.Julie Clark is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of The Last Flight, which has been translated into more than 20 languages, and the 2018 debut novel, The Ones We Choose, which has been optioned for television by Lionsgate. She joins us to discuss THE LIES I TELL, a twisted con-woman thriller about two women out for revenge―or is it justice? Called "riveting" by Laura Dave and "a knockout" by Mary Kubica, the book is hot off the presses and we can't wait to hear all about it. There is nowhere on earth award-winning author Erica Ferencik won't go to take you out of your head and into the great wild world. Her adventure novels feature women who brave not only internal struggles but face extreme challenges in their environment: remote forests, steaming jungles, and desolated icescapes. She joins us to talk about this spring's Arctic-set GIRL IN ICE, which was a New York Times Editors' Choice, an Indie Next Pick, and an Amazon Editors' Pick that got starred reviews in Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Book Page.On the after show, we will give a warm F&F welcome to returning guest, former CIA counterterrorism analyst, New York Times bestselling author, and sister of our own Kristin Harmel, Karen Cleveland. Karen joins us to preview her forthcoming domestic thriller, THE NEW NEIGHBOR, which Ballantine will publish on July 26th.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Meghan Walker are joined by author/comedian/actore Michael Ian Black to talk about his book, A Better Man in a special Father's Day episode.

The Fab Four have a blockbuster night with three rockstar guests. Meet two #1 bestselling athors Emily Giffin and Harlan Coben on the main show. The crew chats about Harlan's latest THE MATCH and how he researched it, and about Emily's latest MEANT TO BE and the challenges of writing about very real and ver well-known people. They also chat about writing process, writerly friendships, and developing work for the silver screen, with lots of laughs along the way. On the after show, Kate Quinn returns to F&F to tell us all about her latest THE DIAMOND EYE, with a surprise appearance from her husband!

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan explore the retelling of the Peter Pan story with Liz Michalski, author of Darling Girl

The Fab Four talk with THREE author pairs to learn all about what it takes to write as a team. Meet Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, co-authors of THE GOLDEN COUPLE; Ali Brady, the oen name for Alison Hammer & Bradiegh Godfrey who co-wrote their debut nobel THE BEACH TRAP; and Mary Alice Monroe & Angela May the writing team behind the middle grade series whose latest installment SEARCH FOR TREASURE is about to be released. All three pairs talk about their unique process for writing together, what they learn from one another, what makes them tick, and they tell us al about their latest releases.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Meg Walker talk with Carter Bays about his debut novel, The Mutual Friend, and jumping from co-creating How I Met Your Mother to writing novels.

The Fab Four welcome bestselling authors Sarah McCoy (MUSTIQUE ISLAND) and Chanel Cleeton (OUR LAST DAYS IN BARCELONA). The women discuss their research processes and how that was effected by Covid restrictions on travel, the challenges of writing about real historical figures in fiction, and how much of their actual family stories and histories were folded into their writing of their recent historical novels. On the After Show we welcome the writing duo of Christina Lauren to discuss their latest rom-com SOMETHING WILDER.

WRITERS' BLOCK Joy Callaway joins Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey to talk about her fascinating new book, The Grand Design