The Hope Prose Podcast

Send us a textIn today's episode, Alex and Tara have a thought-provoking and wisdom-filled discussion with John Kenney, author of three novels and four books of poetry, including LOVE POEMS FOR MARRIED PEOPLE. His first novel, TRUTH IN ADVERTISING, won the Thurber Prize for American humor. He is a long-time contributor to The New Yorker magazine's Shouts & Murmurs column and currently lives in Larchmont, NY. Listen as they discuss what it's like writing a darkly humorous book about death, the beauty and healing in confronting grief, the importance of writing realistic characters and stories, why he wanted to write fiction after being in advertising for years, who inspired the characters of I SEE YOU'VE CALLED IN DEAD, and how short fiction can help our long-form stories.  Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with applicable content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with John on his Instagram or visit his column on The New Yorker's website → Buy I SEE YOU'VE CALLED IN DEAD HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode, Alex talks with Ai Jiang, the author of multiple award-winning short fiction and the highly anticipated A PALACE NEAR THE WIND (releasing April 15th). Ai is a Chinese-Canadian writer, Ignyte, Bram Stoker, and Nebula Award winner, and Hugo, Astounding, Locus, Aurora, and BFSA Award finalist from Changle, Fujian, currently residing in Toronto, Ontario. She is the recipient of Odyssey Workshop's 2022 Fresh Voices Scholarship and the author of A Palace Near the Wind, Linghun, and I AM AI.Listen as they discuss who Ai's literary heroes are, her experimental storytelling inspiration and why A PALACE NEAR THE WIND utilizes a more traditional story structure, how she challenges herself as a writer to avoid getting stuck in old habits, and how to stay true to art in a literary landscape that is favoring the use of AI and fast-fashion esque publishing models. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with applicable content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Ai on her Instagram or visit her website → Pre-order or Buy A PALACE NEAR THE WIND  HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode, Tara and Alex chat with Megan Tady, author of award-winning SUPER BLOOM, published May 2023 via Zibby Books, and her most recent, BLUEBIRD DAY. She runs the freelance writing and editing company Word-Lift. Her writing has appeared in Woman's Day, Reader's Digest, The Huffington Post, and Ms. Magazine, among others.  Listen as they discuss where the idea for Bluebird Day came from, how she achieves the precarious balance between humor and heart, the effect of competitive sports on kids, and how being an editor has both helped and hindered her writing. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with applicable content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Megan on her Instagram or visit her website → Buy BLUEBIRD DAY HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode, Tara chats with author David A. Robertson, a two-time Governor General's Literary Award winner, the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award recipient, and received the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He is a podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate alongside many other accolades. He was honored with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba in 2023 for outstanding contributions to the arts and distinguished achievement and is a proud member of Norway House Cree Nation. Listen as they discuss his best-selling Misewa series, when he realized he wanted to be an author, his podcast Kiwew, what it's like writing so closely about family and weaving his familial history into his work, his newest memoir, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety, and what's next for him! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with applicable content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with David on his Instagram or visit his website → Buy All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode, Alex and Tara chat with prolific writer, Kasie West, author of YA books such as The Fill-In Boyfriend, P.S. I Like You, Listen to Your Heart, and her newest: Better Than Revenge. Her books have been named ALA-YALSA Quick Picks, Junior Library Guild selections, and ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults books. When not writing, Kasie loves binge-watching television shows, reading, and traveling.  Listen as they discuss everything about her new book, Better Than Revenge, how her teens help her write for teens, how she can craft such unique and interesting subplots, her biggest goals for the future, and her advice for aspiring writers. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with applicable content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Kasie on her Instagram or visit her website → Buy Better Than Revenge HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode, Alex sits down with Jennifer De Leon, award-winning author of the YA novels Borderless, featured on the TODAY show, and Don't Ask Me Where I'm From. She is also the author of White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing. She is an active speaker, presenter, and educator who loves to connect with readers of all ages. Jenn lives outside the Boston area with her husband and two sons.Listen as they discuss everything from the white spaces BIPOC authors find in the writing industry, what her time in Guatamala taught her, who Maya, her protag in Borderless, is based on, how teaching writing at a University has helped her writing, and her initiative The Story Bridge Project. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with applicable content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Jennifer on her Instagram or visit her website → Buy Borderless HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode, Alex and Tara sit down with Sarina Louise, an up-and-coming author from The Author Conservatory Program. As a teen, Sarina was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease, an illness that made her give up on her dream of being an author. Now, after walking a miraculous healing journey, she writes young adult stories that don't shy away from brokenness, but always promise that healing is coming. Listen as they discuss the launch of her first Anthology publication with the Conservatory, Voices of the Future: Stories of Adventure and Imagination, the challenges of writing historical fiction, how her writing program has helped her grow as a writer, how C.S. Lewis inspired the poem in her story within the anthology, and the ins-and-outs of writing books about brokenness but never without hope.Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with applicable content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Sarina on her Instagram or visit her website → Buy the Anthology Voices of the Future: Stories of Adventure & Imagination HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode, Alex and Tara sit down with the wisdom-filled talent Gayle Forman. An award-winning author and journalist, Gayle has written several bestselling novels, including those in the Just One Day series, Where She Went, and the #1 New York Times bestseller If I Stay, which has been translated into more than forty languages and was adapted into a major motion picture. Her first middle-grade novel, Frankie & Bug, was a New York Times best children's book of the year. Her second middle-grade novel Not Nothing has been hailed as a “masterpiece” and the “book we all need at the time we all need it.”Listen as they discuss her most recent Middle-Grade novel, NOT NOTHING, the importance of empathy in fiction, respect across generations, how she wrote a book for young readers from the POV of a 107-year-old Holocaust survivor, Jewish heritage, the real-life figures who inspired Josey and Olka's story, and social media and her relationship with it.Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Gayle on her Instagram or visit her website → Buy Not Nothing HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode, Tara talks with Mansi Shah about her novel, THE DIRECTION OF THE WIND. Born in Toronto to Indian immigrants, Mansi is also the author of A GOOD INDIAN GIRL and THE TASTE OF GINGER. Now based in Los Angeles, Mansi left her long-time career as an entertainment attorney in Hollywood to travel the world and write full-time. She loves to cook, and food often plays a prominent role in her books.Listen as they discuss why Mansi moved from law to fiction writing, how being a lawyer ignited her passion for highlighting certain themes within her work, the importance of food within culture and fiction, how to use the recipes on her website, and what's next for her!Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with potential content warnings for the books we talk about and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Mansi on her Instagram, TikTok, or visit her website → Buy The Direction of The Wind HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode, Alex and Tara sit down with the icon herself, Ann Liang. Ann is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of the critically acclaimed YA novels This Time It's Real, If You Could See the Sun, and I Hope This Doesn't Find You. Born in Beijing, she grew up traveling back and forth between China and Australia but somehow ended up with an American accent. She now lives in Melbourne, where she can be found making overambitious to‑do lists and having profound conversations with her pet labradoodle about who's a good dog.Listen as they discuss her debut adult historical romance, A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS, how she's able to write so many books, the switch from YA to Adult, balancing life while on deadline, and how C-dramas inspire her.Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Ann on her Instagram, TikTok, or visit her website → Buy A Song to Drown Rivers HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a textIn the first episode of season 5, Tara sits down with Kerryn Mayne. Kerryn is an author, former wedding photographer, and current police officer. When not at work attempting to solve crime, she writes about it or prepares an endless stream of snacks for her kids. Kerryn lives in the Melbourne suburbs with her husband, four children, and a highly suspect lovebird.Listen as they discuss her debut novel, LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER, her career pivot from wedding photographer to police officer, building tension within a story, the differences between the AU and the US publishing, and her latest book out in Australia Joy Moody is Out of Time. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→ Buy Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder HERE→  Connect with Kerryn on her Instagram or visit her website The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of Hope Prose, Alex and Tara sit down for their end-of-season wrap-up and chat about their hopes for the future and beyond. →  Connect with Alex on her Instagram or visit her TikTok to find out more about what she's working on and upcoming projects! → Connect with Tara on her Instagram, or website to find about more about her publications, interviews, and more! The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of Hope Prose, Alex and Tara are throwing it way back in time and chatting with debut historical romance author Hannah HoneggerHannah is an author, screenwriter, and actress who was destined to write a series about the American Revolutionary War when she was born on July 4th. Finding obscure stories in history is one of her passions and she never seems to be without a new book idea.. Listen as they discuss her debut A LADY, little-known spy stories, the research that goes into historical fiction, her love of acting and screenwriting, identity, and what kdramas can teach you about writing relationships. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Hannah on her Instagram or visit her website to find out more about her books and upcoming projects! → Pre-order & order A Lady HEREThe Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of Hope Prose, Alex sits down with literary agent extraordinaire Bethany Jett. Bethany is an associate literary agent with the C.Y.L.E. agency, as well as a multi-award-winning author, and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master's program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. Her motto is “Teach as you go,” which she lives out as the co-owner of Serious Writer, a company that teaches and empowers writers and authors.Listen as they discuss what Bethany is looking for when she reopens, what you should look for in a potential agent-author relationship, what she wishes authors would stop doing, and why celebrating the small things is important. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of Hope Prose, Tara Conklin sits down to chat with Tara and Alex to discuss her latest book Community Board. A lawyer turned novelist, her books have been New York Times bestsellers, selected for Read With Jenna (the Today Show book club), Target book club, Barnes & Noble book club, IndieNext Pick, and translated into 8 languages.Listen as they discuss the importance of community, why she switched from law to fiction, Community Board's unique format, the importance of stories featuring siblings, and how she writes a well-rounded cast of characters. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Tara on her Instagram or website!  → Buy Community Board HERE! The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In this episode of Hope Prose, Elle Evans sits down to chat with Tara to discuss the details of her debut novel Wedding Issues. Originally from Massachusetts, Elle now lives in Philadelphia, where she works in health care. She is recovering from a recent five-year stint in Nashville for graduate school, punctuated by sweet Southern hospitality and even sweeter iced tea.Listen as they chat about balancing writing while training to be a doctor, what experiences in her own life influenced this story and her characters, and what surprised her during her debut publication experience. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Elle on her Instagram or website!  → Buy Wedding Issues HERE! The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In this episode of Hope Prose, New York Times Bestselling author Tracey Garvis Graves sits down to chat with Tara and Alex about her latest release THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS. Listen as they chat about what jumpstarted her career into writing, geocaching, the struggle of writing a character-driven book rather than plot, and her love of using landscapes as a secondary character. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1→  Connect with Tracey on her Instagram or website!  → Buy The Trail of Lost Hearts HERE! The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Alex chat with debut Jenny Adams about her first book A Deadly Endeavor. She is a librarian turned novelist and holds degrees in Medieval Studies and Library Science from Ohio State University and Drexel University. She has studied fiction at Johns Hopkins University is an alumna of Blue Stoop's 2019 YA Novel Intensive and the 2021 Tin House YA Workshop, and was a 2021 PitchWars Mentor.Listen as Jenny walks us through her journey to publication, the trials of writing historical fiction, confidence as a new writer, and fun facts about the characters within A Deadly Endeavor. →  Connect with Jenny on her Instagram or website!  → Buy A Deadly Endeavor HERE! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah chat with Erica Bauermeister, the New York Times bestselling author of 5 novels, including The Scent Keeper, The School of Essential Ingredients, and her latest, No Two Persons.Listen as Erica showers them in wisdom about the craft of getting out of the way of your character, the art of the linked story, how to tell when you are ready to write your story idea, and the risks we take to share our work with others. →  Connect with Erica on her Instagram or website!  → Buy No Two Persons HERE! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah talk with Gillian Bronte Adams about the most recent installment in her epic YA fantasy. Gillian writes epic fantasy novels, including the award-winning Of Fire and Ash and The Songkeeper Chronicles. She loves strong coffee, desert hikes, and trying out new soup recipes on crisp fall nights. When she's not creating vibrant new worlds or dreaming up stories that ring with the echoes of eternity, she can be found off chasing sunsets with her horse, or her dog, Took.Listen as they chat about being a slow writer, the Lord of the Rings, writing epic fantasy for a YA audience, overcoming doubts as a creative, and the fictional characters that have shaped her over the years. →  Connect with Gillian on her Instagram or website!  → Buy Of Sea and Smoke HERE! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings  and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In this episode of Hope Prose, Rebekah sits down with Kyla Zhao to talk about her latest book “Valley Verified”, and perfect for fans of Legally Blonde. Born and raised in Singapore, Kyla Zhao graduated in 2021 from Stanford University with an MA in Communications and BA in Psychology. Right now, she works in marketing at a tech company in Silicon Valley, California.Besides novel writing, Kyla has an extensive magazine editorial portfolio. Previously, she was a fashion and lifestyle writer at Vogue Singapore. She has also written for the Singapore editions of Harper's Bazaar and Tatler, covered the Asian Television Awards, and interviewed personalities such as singer Nathan Sykes.Listen as they chat about imposter syndrome, finding your people, blending tech and fashion in her real life and within Valley Verified, plus her best advice for aspiring and established authors. →  Connect with Kyla on her Instagram or website!  → Buy Valley Verified HERE! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content warnings  and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In this episode of Hope Prose, Rebekah and Tara sit down for a vulnerable, heartfelt discussion on grief, love, and hope with author Emma Grey. Emma is a novelist, feature writer, photographer, professional speaker, and accountability coach. She wrote her first adult novel, The Last Love Note, in the wake of her husband's death. It's a fictional tribute to their love, an attempt to articulate the magnitude of her loss, and a life-affirming commitment to hope, which has gone on to win hearts around the world.Listen as they chat about how fiction can heal us, the importance of tackling hard topics like grief in fiction, and the hope that seeps through even the darkest moments in our lives. → Buy The Last Love Note HERE! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In this episode of Hope Prose, Rebekah and Tara chat with rom-com/Women's fiction extraordinaire, Annette Christie. Annette is the author of For Twice in My Life and The Rehearsals, and the author/narrator of Love Lessons. She has a BFA in Theatre and a history of very odd jobs. The back of her head is featured prominently in the film Mean Girls and she currently resides with her husband and two children in Alberta, CanadaListen as they chat about what prompted her career change from actress/playwright to author, how long it takes her to write a book, the struggles of the publishing industry, and why she loves writing. → Buy For Twice in My Life HERE! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In this episode of Hope Prose, Tara sits down with Charlene Carr to discuss her latest novel HOLD MY GIRL. Charlene studied literature at university, attaining both a BA and MA in English, including a study program at Oxford. She has independently published nine novels and her first agented novel, Hold My Girl, has sold to HarperCollins Canada, Sourcebooks Landmark (US), and is set for adaptation to TV by Blink49 Studios in partnership with Groundswell Productions. She lives in Nova Scotia with her husband and young daughter.Listen as they chat about motherhood, the inspiration behind the story, what she hopes to say to women experiencing IVF themselves, her new novel out January 30th, and her advice for writers looking to write in a similar vein. Due to character limitations, please see our website (https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1) for a full look at our show notes and content warnings. → Buy Hold My Girl HERE! The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In today's episode, Tara and Rebekah sit down with debut Adult fiction author Johanna Rojas Vann. With a background in journalism, Johanna is a big fan of words—speaking them, reading them, and (especially) writing them. She is passionate about stories that highlight the complexity and beauty of diverse families. But nothing brings her more joy than her role at home as a wife and mom of two toddlers. She lives and writes in Nashville, TN where the coffee is good and the people are even better. Listen as they discuss all things AN AMERICAN IMMIGRANT, how her mother inspired the book, family history and duty, the complexities of growing up diaspora, and the importance Columbian food plays in her novel. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In today's episode, Tara and Rebekah return to their YA roots and chat with fantasy author Moriah Chavis. She is the author of ‘HEART OF THE SEA' and various other short stories, and it's been said you can often find her perusing bookstores, attempting to persuade strangers to read her favorite books, and oscillating between watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy (her husband's favorite) or Harry Potter (hers). Listen as they discuss all things HEART OF THE SEA, her journey to publication, the secret to incredible banter and fast-paced stories, and how shorter-length projects have helped her learn to craft a more cohesive novel. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Prepare for joy in the latest episode of the podcast! Rebekah and Tara sit down with the “reigning queen of comfort reads” Katherine Center, New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, including How to Walk Away, Things You Save in a Fire, The Bodyguard, and her newest, Hello Stranger—an instant New York Times bestseller. Katherine writes laugh-and-cry books about how life knocks us down—and how we get back up. She's been compared to both Jane Austen and Nora Ephron, and Emily Henry said her books are like the perfect hug.Listen as they discuss her manifesto to read for joy, her lengthy journey to publication, her passion for romance, and the problem with the snobs against it. Plus! Hear her read a special essay about why she started writing romance novels. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Katherine's books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepod The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In our first episode of season 4, we sit down with powerhouse YA and now Adult author, Ally Carter. Ally Carter is the bestselling author of novels that have epitomized action-adventure YA romance for more than a decade. From the spy-centric humor of I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You to the globe-trotting glamour of Heist Society and Not If I Save You First, the name Ally Carter is synonymous with hilarious action and heart-pounding romance.Listen as they discuss her decision to break into the adult rom-com space, how she won't be able to please everyone as a creative, her tips for writing page-turning novels, and who her favorite author is. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Ally's books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepod The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Just like that, season three of the Hope Prose podcast is over! Join Tara and Rebekah as they reflect on the past season, tease their upcoming guests, update you on some exciting things happening in their lives, and ask YOU what you want their next season to sound like. Enjoy! The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Today's episode of Hope Prose showcases a first for the show! You've heard Tara and Bekah talk to authors before, but you've never heard them interview CO-AUTHORS. Well, today is the day they break that streak by having Ali Brady in the studio! Ali Brady is the pen name of writing BFFs Alison Hammer & Bradeigh Godfrey. Their debut novel, THE BEACH TRAP, was a ‘Best of Summer' pick for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Parade Magazine, and Katie Couric Media last year. Their second book, THE COMEBACK SUMMER, came out May 9, 2023, from Berkley (PRH).Listen as they discuss the BFF's “meet-cute” moment, the ins and outs of a writing partnership, how they resolve conflicts, sisterhood, breaking out of their comfort zones, and the most significant challenges they faced when writing The Comeback Summer/  Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Ali Brady's books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781728242651 The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Today's episode of Hope Prose is for those that love romantic comedies, K-pop, K-drama, or maybe even none of those things and just want something fun to listen to on a long commute. No matter where you fall into those categories, Lily Chu is sure to have you laughing and running out to buy her latest book “The Comeback”. Her debut novel “The Stand-In”, released through Audible, is performed by Phillipa Soo and spent multiple weeks at number one in Audible Top Plus Listens. In print, “The Stand-In” was named Target's Book Club Pick for May, an Amazon Book of the Month, and Apple Best Books of May. Her most recent novel “The Comeback” is available in print and as an Audible Original, also narrated by Phillipa Soo, and was named one of Audible's Best of 2023.Listen as they have a fun-filled discussion about all things The Comeback, her jump from steampunk romance to rom-com, how BTS and K-pop have helped her both creatively and emotionally, what it was like finding out THE Philipa Soo was going to narrate her novels, and her tricks to writing the most delicious slow-burn. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Lily's books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781728242651 The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

Karin Lin-Greenberg joins Rebekah and Tara to chat all things her debut novel You Are Here. Karin's first story collection, Faulty Predictions, won the 2013 Flannery O'Connor Award in Short Fiction from the University of Georgia Press. Her second story collection, Vanished, won the 2021 Prairie Schooner Raz-Shumaker Book Prize in Fiction and was published by the University of Nebraska Press in 2022. You Are Here was published by Counterpoint Press in May 2023.Listen for tips on finding magazines and journals to submit your short stories, what inspired You Are Here, writing interwoven narratives across multiple POVs, and so much more.Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes, resources, and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Karin's books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781534497719The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In today's episode of Hope Prose, Suzanne Park joins Rebekah and Tara to chat about her newest book The Do-Over.  Suzanne is a Korean American writer born and raised in Tennessee and in her former life as a stand-up comedian, she appeared on BET, was the winner of the Seattle Sierra Mist Comedy Competition, and was a semi-finalist in NBC's "Stand Up For Diversity" showcase. Her novels have been featured in “best of” lists in NPR, Popsugar, Real Simple, Country Living, Bustle, Buzzfeed, Marie Claire, Parade, Shondaland, and The Today Show. Listen for a vibrant discussion on imposter syndrome, what sparked the idea for The Do-Over's premise, how her comedy career helped her fiction writing, releasing books during the pandemic vs. after, and why she would eat an entire jar of mayonnaise. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Suzanne's books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781534497719The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramRebekah's Instagram Tara's Instagram

In today's episode of Hope Prose, Becky Dean drops by to chat about her newest book Picture-Perfect Boyfriend. Becky is the author of two young adult contemporary romances, Love & Other Great Expectations and (soon!) Picture-Perfect Boyfriend, plus the science fiction series Shades of Starlight written under the name B.L. Dean. She is a fan of adventures both real and fictional and when she's not writing or traveling, she can be found drinking tea, watching science fiction shows, or quoting The Lord of the Rings. Listen as they discuss the winding road that is getting from draft to publication, her numerous book ideas, how her time traveling has influenced her writing, and what it's been like getting ready to launch and launching four books in three months (!). Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Becky's books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781534497719

In today's episode of Hope Prose, author, podcaster, lawyer, and professor Jamie Chai Yun Liew sits down with Tara to discuss her debut novel Dandelion. Longlisted for the CBC Canada Reads 2023 and CBC's Best Canadian Fiction 2022 list, Dandelion is also the recipient of the Asian Canadian Writers' Workshop Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers Award, aka…she's a pretty big deal. With roots in South East Asia, Jamie lives with her family in Ottawa, Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. Listen as they discuss how her work as a lawyer specializing in immigration and stateless people helped spark the idea for Dandelion, the importance of food in her storytelling, and the decision to use Chinese characters as chapter titles within her work.Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Jamie's books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781534497719

In today's BONUS episode of Hope Prose, Emilie (AKA E.A. Hendryx) sits down with Rebekah to talk about her YA fantasy/sci-fi novel Suspended in the Stars and her experience crowdfunding it. When she's not reading, writing, or working in her Etsy shop, she loves long walks in the woods and listening to music. Listen as they discuss the pros and cons of crowdfunding a novel, the differences between self-publishing a novel and crowdfunding it, why she decided to write sci-fi with magical elements, and her experience as a ghostwriter and how it prepared her for her career.Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Guests books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781534497719→ To support Emilie's Kickstarter, check it out here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eahendryx/suspended-in-the-stars?ref=2ncraq

In today's episode of Hope Prose, acclaimed author Mary Adkins sits down with Tara and Rebekah to talk about her latest novel Palm Beach, and her book coaching program The Book Incubator. A former lawyer turned book coach and writer, Mary is a graduate of Duke University and Yale Law School. Her books have been published in 13 countries, and her essays and reporting have appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, and more.Listen as they have a robust discussion about why she left her corporate New York City law firm in order to dedicate her life to her secret dream of becoming a writer, the social-economical differences between the upper and lower class, moms being represented in fiction, and all about her Book Incubator course for beginning to advanced writers. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Mary's books can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781534497719

In today's episode, Candace Kade stops by the studio to talk about her debut novel Enhanced, a YA with a futuristic take on the traditional dystopian-eques plot. Candace is a recovering over-achiever who spends her time dreaming up stories typically involving tech, psychology, culture, and/or swords. Candace Kade is a certified Krav Maga assistant instructor and loves writing action-packed martial art scenes. A third culture kid, she considers Chengdu and Austin to be her homes. Listen in as we chat about how the first book in the Hybrid series came to be, how her Krav Maga training has helped her in writing action scenes, how a mugging gave her inspiration, and why family and belonging are themes throughout the book and close to her heart. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1Candace's book can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepod

In today's episode, Dallas Woodburn drops in to talk with Rebekah and Tara about her YA novel Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life, and her recent collection of short stories How to Make Paper When the World is Ending.Dallas Woodburn is an award-winning writer of fiction, nonfiction, and plays. She's an in-demand book coach; and host of the Thriving Authors Podcast. Her debut YA novel, The Best Week That Never Happened, was the Grand Prize Winner of the Dante Rossetti Book Award for Young Adult Fiction. Her short stories and essays have appeared in many publications, including more than two dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul series books.Listen in as they chat about the inspiration behind Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life, how short stories have helped shape her writing journey and her experience with writing in different genres. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1Dallas's books  can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepod

In today's episode, Daniel Aleman drops by to talk with Rebekah and Tara about his newest novel Brighter Than the Sun (releasing March, 21st, 2023) about a teen girl shouldering impossibly large responsibilities and ultimately learning that she doesn't have to do it alone. Daniel is the award-winning author of Indivisible, his debut novel. While born and raised in Mexico City, he currently makes the Toronto area home where he is passionate about books, dogs, and coffee. Listen as they chat about the important message of Brighter Than the Sun, racism, the need for community, and the ups and downs of his journey to becoming an award-winning author.  Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1Daniel's books  can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepod

In today's episode of Hope Prose, author Charity Alyse sits down with Tara and Rebekah to talk about her debut novel Other Side of the Tracks. Charity earned her bachelor's degree in English literature at Rowan University and when she's not writing, she is working toward a master's degree in clinical mental health therapy. Listen as they have a robust discussion about her debut, racism, the importance of fiction in conveying serious issues, her hopes for her readers, and fighting back against people who tell you to “quit” your daydream. Oh, and we can't forget the tears shed during the recording. This is an episode you won't want to miss! Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Charity's book Other Side of the Tracks can be pre-ordered from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781534497719

In today's episode, Carmen Schober joins Tara and Rebekah to talk about her newest novel Pretty Little Pieces (releasing Dec. 6th, 2022) about the next Joanna Gaines.  A mother of three, Rocky enthusiast, and perpetual project starter, Carmen writes clean, faith-based contemporary romance. Her MMA-themed debut After She Falls is available wherever you buy books. Listen in to hear what inspired her to write a story about a celebrity home designer, if a writing degree is necessary for being a successful writer, the redemption in brokenness, and her journey to publication. TRIGGER WARNING: the excerpt from Pretty Little Pieces read in the show contains mentions and brief descriptions of miscarriage. If you are sensitive to these themes, please protect your mental health and check out our previous episode with Patrice Gopo: https://open.spotify.com/episode/62rhja8XUzNJXdN9B5JUW5?si=0537126849d04acdEnjoy!  Carmen's books  can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepodDue to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

In today's episode, Patrice Gopo comes to the table with tender wisdom and advice for those looking to break into the creative non-fiction space. As an essayist, Patrice often returns to themes of race, immigration, identity formation, and belonging within her writing. Her essay collection, All the Colors We Will See, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection and her debut picture book, All the Places We Call Home, was inspired by one of the essays in her collection. Listen in to hear how she discovered the art of the personal essay, tips she has for aspiring personal essayists, the difference between a school essay and a creative non-fiction essay, the process of writing her children's book, and why sometimes it can feel like we're telling the same stories over and over again. Enjoy! Patrice's books  can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepodDue to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

In today's episode, Ashley Mays sits down with Tara and Bekah about her clean YA novel The Great Date Experiment. She is now a creativity connoisseur, nature nerd, and ardent fan of all things peanut butter. Ashley and her husband live in the Southeast United States where they enjoy stargazing, exploring local parks, and humidity. Listen as they discuss Ashley's heart for teens—specifically teen girls—her unique ability to taste(?) names, and her journey from being surrounded by books to writing them. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1Ashley's book can be ordered from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org storefront (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepod

In today's episode, Bekah and Tara sit down with bestselling author and Instagram powerhouse, Melissa Ferguson to chat about her latest novel Meet Me in the Margins. Currently, she makes Tennessee her home, where she enjoys chasing her children and writing romantic comedies full of humor and heart. Listen in as they chat about her humble beginnings, how the Twilight series inspired her to start writing, the key to building a successful social media presence as an author, and some of the true stories behind the story of Meet Me in the Margins. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

In today's episode of Hope Prose, debut author Zoulfa Katouh joins Rebekah and Tara to talk about all things AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW (forthcoming September 13th, 2022). Zoulfa is a Syrian-Canadian based in Switzerland and currently pursuing her master's in Drug Sciences. She finds Studio Ghibli inspiration in the mountains, lakes, and stars surrounding her and will tell anyone who will listen that BTS paved the way.Listen as they have a heartfelt discussion about her debut, PTSD representation in literature,  her journey from the draft on her computer to a published novel, and her Syrian culture. Oh, and tears. Lots of tears. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Zoulfa's book AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW can be pre-ordered from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9780316351379

Before our season four begins, here's part two of our interview with Ann Kroeker to tide you over until September! Ann Kroeker, a writing coach leveraging twenty-five years of publishing and editing experience, author, speaker, and host of the podcast, “Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach”.  Together with her Belgian-born husband, she has four adult children busy pursuing their own creative lives and be it at work or play, she strives to live a life full of wonder and curiosity…Oh, and drink lots of tea! Listen as she talks about her favorite aspects of being a writing coach, why she decided to become one, the difference between a writing coach and a book coach, marketing, and how to make connections as an introvert. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

Today on Hope Prose, Tara and Bekah sit down with the amazing Kristy Cambron, an award-winning, best-selling author turned literary agent. A self-proclaimed history nerd, she loves to chase all things research like going behind the scenes at a Ringling Bros. Sarasota mansion. She holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing and spent 15 yrs in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 corporation, partnering with such companies as the Disney Institute, before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling and championing her clients. Listen as she talks to us about the place where literature and art intersect, what inspired the idea for her latest book The Italian Ballerina, tackling dual timelines, what agenting has taught her about her own writing journey, and what she's looking to acquire. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

Today on Hope Prose, Tara and Bekah sit down with Ann Kroeker, a writing coach leveraging twenty-five years of publishing and editing experience, author, speaker, and host of the podcast, “Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach”.  Together with her Belgian-born husband, she has four adult children busy pursuing their own creative lives and be it at work or play, she strives to live a life full of wonder and curiosity…Oh, and drink lots of tea! Listen as she talks about her favorite aspects of being a writing coach, why she decided to become one, the difference between a writing coach and a book coach, marketing, and how to make connections as an introvert. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

Today on Hope Prose, Sara Ella stops by the show and enchants us with her wisdom and humble spirit…oh, and of course talk about her newest book, THE WONDERLAND TRIALS (releasing from Enclave Publishing July 12th)!When she was younger, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a Disney prince and live in a castle. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it's almost Christmas (even if it's only January). Listen as we talk about all things fairytales, the inspiration behind the games in THE WONDERLAND TRIALS, the importance of a writing community, and crafting life-like characters who have you rooting for them until the end. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

Today on Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah welcome author extraordinaire Christopher Paolini to the show. Christopher is the creator of the World of Eragon and the Fractalverse,  holder of the Guinness World Record for the youngest author of a bestselling series, and qualified for marksman in the Australian army. Listen as they chat about his foray into the adult side of fiction with his sci-fi novel, To Sleep In A Sea of Stars, the first book in the Fractalverse series, his journey from being a bestselling teen author to now, and the lessons he's learned along the way.This an episode you won't want to miss. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1