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Bestselling novelist Marti Leimbach on the art of writing a novel, surviving early success and the long career that follows, and turning lived experience into fiction — a remastered version of episode #016.You'll learnWhy your relationship to the page has to outrank every other voice in writing and publishing.How to tell apart the voice that says you're no good and the voice that says you're not finished.The case for admitting you're not up to the task before you sit down to write.What a genuinely good writing day looks like, and why a single sentence can count as one.Why no novel is ever perfect, and what Picasso understood about original work.How enormous early success actually lands on a writer, and what the morning after looks like.A way of finding the real story inside a draft that has grown far too big.When self-doubt is a sign of talent rather than a lack of it.Why some books have to be written as fiction rather than memoir.The trick of convincing yourself you have unlimited time when you clearly don't.Resources & LinksMarti's Books on AmazonMarti's websiteMarti's InstagramGreat On The Page — Marti's SubstackOriginal episode: #016: Marti Leimbach — The Art of Writing a NovelAbout Marti LeimbachMarti Leimbach is known for her bestsellers, Dying Young, made into a film starring Julia Roberts, and Daniel Isn't Talking. She is interested in neurodiversity and has shared the stage with young inventors at the Human Genome Project (Toronto), the National Autistic Society, and the University of Oxford. Her interest in science influenced her YA thriller, Dragonfly Girl.She teaches on the Masters Programme in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford. Dragonfly Girl is her eighth novel, but her first for young adults. For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com.For free writing sessions, join free Writers' Hours: writershour.com.*FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS' SALONTwitter: twitter.com/WritersSalonInstagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalonFacebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalonIf you're enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!
"Writing is such a lonely job, and I feel bad for people who don't have a crew. I think you really have to have a crew. I had a college crew my first couple years at ESPN. There was a bunch of us who were young writers and very ambitious. That was a crew. And then we have our group now of people who are on various text threads, you need a band to always know where your head is at any given time, so they can help you tap into those things when you're doing your work," says Seth Wickersham, author of three books, including his anthology of his best ESPN work Be On That Hill.Today we welcome back Seth Wickersham, his third trip to the podcast. He has achieved anthology status. His best work over 26 years at ESPN is in 480 tidy pages titled Be On That Hill: Stories from the Summits of Sport, with a forward by his buddy and colleague and master in his own right, Wright Thompson. It's published by Hyperion Avenue.I should add right off the top that I should have in the coming week or two a Nieman Storyboard annotation of Seth's mammoth profile on Sean Payton. It's a 15,000-word feature that is a stunning piece of work. In any case, pay attention to this space for news on that.But, yes, Seth is the author It's Better to Be Feared and American Kings and let me be the one to tell you that he is one of the good ones, just a great person on top of being a tremendous writer and reporter. I think that comes across in how he speaks, his generosity of spirit and willingness to share his vast experience with you. I mean, take these blurbs for instance: from Jonthan Eig: "Wickersham stands with Plimpton and Halberstam among the finest sports chroniclers." And Peter King: "Wickersham's terrific prose and storytelling are buttressed by his tireless and insightful reporting.”Damn.What a treat, what a ride you're in for. Seth's work can be found at espn.com and you can visit his website sethwickersham.com and follow him on IG @seth.wickersham. In this episode, we talk about: Getting beyond access porn for his Payton profile Having an idea of where you want to end a story The messy creative process Each time you're starting over Shades of grayness Not being dissuaded by lack of access Lucky that people were invested in his success Breaking through creative plateaus The benefit of being a young writer Everything in a story is a reflection of you Needing a crew How your writing voice can adapt And the notes he has taped to his computerYou might want to pair this episode with Pamela Colloff, Tony Rehagen and Justin Heckert.
On September 24, 2021, Rachel Eliza Griffiths married her husband, the novelist Salman Rushdie. On the same day, hundreds of miles away, Griffiths' closest friend and chosen sister, the poet Kamilah Aisha Moon, who was expected to speak at the wedding, died suddenly. Eleven months later, as Griffiths attempted to piece together her life as a newlywed with heartbreak in one hand and immense love in the other, a brutal attack nearly killed her husband. As trauma compounded trauma, Griffiths realized that in order to survive her grief, she would need to mourn not only her friend, but the woman she had been on her wedding day, a woman who had also died that day.In the process of rebuilding a self, Griffiths chronicles her friendship with Moon, the seventeen years since their meeting at Sarah Lawrence College. Together, they embraced their literary foremothers—Lucille Clifton, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, to name a few—and fought to embrace themselves as poets, artists, and Black women. Alongside this unbreakable bond, Griffiths weaves the story of her relationship with Rushdie, of the challenges they have faced and the unshakeable devotion that endures.In The Flower Bearers (Random House, 2026), Griffiths inscribes the trajectories of two transformational relationships with grace and honesty, chronicling the beauty and pain that comes with opening oneself fully to love. This is a conversation not to be missed.Rachel Eliza Griffiths is a multi-media artist, poet, and novelist. She received the MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and is the recipient of numerous fellowships including Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center, Kimbilio, Cave Canem Foundation, Civitella Ranieri Foundation, and Yaddo. Her literary and visual work has been widely published in journals, magazines, anthologies, and periodicals including The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The New York Times, Virginia Quarterly Review, The Progressive, The Georgia Review, Gulf Coast, Callaloo, Poets & Writers, American Poetry Review, Los Angeles Review of Books, Guernica, The Writer's Chronicle, Transition, American Poet, Mosaic, Indiana Review, Ecotone, Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry, Best American Poetry (2020, 2021), The New York Review of Books, BOMB! Magazine, and many others. You can find Rachel on Instagram.Learn more about the Torch 20th Anniversary celebration here.Subscribe, like, follow, and rate Additions to the Archive with Sullivan Summer on Instagram, Substack, and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with award-winning author Rod Carley about The Great Catsby by Hilton, published by Canadian publisher Smart House (September 1, 2026). The Great Catsby by Hilton (Smart House Books, 2026) is the unforgettable and wildly entertaining new YA book by Rod Carley and his cat, Hilton. Yes, you read that right! The Great Catsby by Hilton adds some much-needed whimsy to the world. In these uncertain times, we could all use a few more cats and a little more catnip in our nine lives.The copyright on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby expired on the first stroke of 2021 and the literary classic entered the public domain.Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby as an indictment of the reckless wealth of post-World War I America. The selfish and careless “fat cats” of The Great Catsby by Hilton similarly ring true.Part of the charm of the novella is that Hilton, a seven-year-old rescue tabby adopted by Rod, “writes” it. He is the first-person voice of Nick Cattaway who serves as narrator. Reimagining the story through the eyes of a domestic housecat has allowed Hilton to breathe mew life into the story. Hilton also writes the Preface. The Great Catsby by Hilton also features twenty full-page colour illustrations in addition to an assortment of black and white drawings by Quebec-based writer-illustrator Juliette Miron (who loves both cats and dogs).Hilton was abandoned as a kitten. All-Heart Pet Rescue in Powassan, ON, found him in a ditch and nursed him back to health. At the age of six months, he was adopted into a loving home filled with books, pillows and cat-sized windowsills. In addition to writing, Hilton enjoys chicken paté, bird watching, and long afternoon naps. The Great Catsby is his first Catification. Rod Carley is the award-winning author of RUFF (2024 national bestseller), GRIN REAPING (2022), KINMOUNT (2020), and A Matter of Will (2017). He's been long listed for the Leacock Medal for Humour three times and has twice received the Silver Medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards in addition to the Bronze Medal for Humour from Foreword Review INDIES. He was a Finalist for 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Award for Humor, the 2021 Carter V. Cooper Short Fiction Prize, the 2023 ReLit Award for Best Short Fiction, and the Northern Lit Award for Fiction. His short stories and creative non-fiction have appeared in numerous Canadian literary magazines. He was the Toronto Reference Library's Spring 2025 Writer in Residence and is a co-founder and curator for the St. Lawrence Writers Festival. He learned to speak Tabby while minoring in Creative Writing at York University. Rod is a proud alumnus of the Humber School for Writers. www.rodcarley.ca Hollay Ghadery is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024 and was longlisted for the Toronto Book Award. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, was released with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is a host on The New Books Network, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Founder of River Street, and the co-chair of the League of Canadian Poets BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. She is also a member of The National Book Critics Circle, The Creative Nonfiction Collective, and The Writers Union of Canada. Hollay was also featured on the cover of issue 10 of The Ampersand Review. Learn more about Hollay here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Acclaimed poet and essayist Claudia Rankine's new book, “Triage,” follows the turbulent, decades long friendship between a Black woman and a nonbinary Palestinian who meet in college and invent a ritual of collapsing to the ground whenever they see each other. Over time, that act of collapse comes to hold new meaning as they reckon with wounded histories, political violence and the strain of loving someone who can also unsettle you. Blending memoir, criticism, essay and visual art, “Triage” is Rankine's first book after her celebrated American trilogy and some of her most personal writing yet. Rankine joins us to talk about friendship, grieving, and what it means to keep acting – and relating – in a time of relentless personal and global loss. Guests: Claudia Rankine, poet, playwright and author, her new book is "Triage", professor of Creative Writing at NYU; a MacArthur "Genius" grant recipient Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with award-winning author and journalist Ian Brown about his memoir, 70: A Diary of My Seventy-First Year (Penguin Random House, 2026). Ian Brown, award-winning author of The Boy in the Moon and the memoir Sixty, now recounts his daily reckoning with the milestone age of seventy. Fearlessly candid, often funny and relentlessly real, Brown asks the terrifying questions we all have about growing old, even when he doesn't want to know the answers. An acclaimed journalist and chronicler of contemporary life, seventy-year-old Ian Brown is not going gently into his eighth decade. The outlook is more perilous than it was at age sixty, but Brown is determined (however hopelessly) not to let time get the better of him. During the course of his seventy-first year, Brown writes incessantly, travelling on assignment for the Globe and Mail across the United States in the months leading to the shocking 2024 election; holidays with family and friends, always aware he might not see them again; skis and rows and exercises like a madman while turning a wary eye on the live-forever movement; takes up pickleball and talks books; and in general tries (and frequently fails) to show some human courage in the face of the march of his dwindling years. Along the way he encounters the lists that have suddenly become essential to daily life (what to take when leaving the house, what to pack for a trip, what to pick up at the drugstore); the indignities of medical tests and the shock of financing a retirement; the terrors and pleasures of growing older with one's spouse of four decades; the now-suspenseful drama of sex; the thrilling spectacle of watching adult children inhabit new roles of familial responsibility; and the shocking new lessons of life as an older person (accept compliments with grace, remember to smile, stand up straighter). As the percentage of the Canadian population over eighty-five will triple in the next twenty-five years, Brown contemplates his mortality and that of his contemporaries for readers of all ages. Growing old—anything after seventy—is a grave challenge, but also enormously liberating: if there is something you want to say or do, now is your chance to say it or do it. “I have to keep taking chances,” Brown reckons. “I don't want to give in too soon.” IAN BROWN is an author and a feature writer for the Globe and Mail whose work has won many National Magazine and National Newspaper Awards. His most recent book, Sixty: The Beginning of the End, or the End of the Beginning?, was shortlisted for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction as well as a finalist for the RBC Taylor Prize. He is also the author of The Boy in the Moon: A Father's Search for His Disabled Son, which was a national bestseller and a New York Times and Globe and Mail Best Book, as well as a New York Times top ten book of the year; it also won the Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction, the BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction and the Trillium Book Award. His previous books include Freewheeling, which won the National Business Book Award, and the provocative examination of modern masculinity, Man Overboard. He lives in Toronto. Hollay Ghadery is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024 and was longlisted for the Toronto Book Award. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, was released with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is a host on The New Books Network, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Founder of River Street, and the co-chair of the League of Canadian Poets BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. She is also a member of The National Book Critics Circle, The Creative Nonfiction Collective, and The Writers Union of Canada. Hollay was also featured on the cover of issue 10 of The Ampersand Review. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What separates a brand people remember from one that sounds like everyone else? In a world overflowing with AI-generated content, corporate jargon, sales pitches, and interchangeable marketing language, authentic storytelling has become a competitive advantage. On this episode of Let's Have This Conversation, I sit down with Jillian (Jill) Ivey, communications strategist, writer, editor, journalist, and founder of Jilletante Creative, a story-first content consultancy helping founders, executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations discover what makes their stories worth telling. Jillian has built her practice around a simple but powerful philosophy: tell, don't sell. Rather than helping businesses produce more noise, she helps them communicate like humans. Her work focuses on uncovering an organization's authentic voice, developing compelling narratives, clarifying key messages, understanding audiences, and transforming expertise into content that creates genuine connections. With a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Pennsylvania and an MFA in Creative Writing from Rutgers University–Camden, along with years of journalism, editing, writing, and media relations experience, Jillian brings a storyteller's eye to business communication. She has been quoted by Law360 on storytelling for lawyers and has appeared on Peter Shankman's Faster Than Normal podcast. Through Jilletante Creative, Jillian works with clients across the entire content lifecycle—from high-level content strategy to day-to-day copywriting and editing. Her work includes developing brand narratives, executive and organizational voices, key messaging, website copy, professional bios, editorial calendars, thought leadership articles, white papers, speeches, and social media content. She also offers the Jilletante Creative Story Audit, a 45-minute live examination of a business's messaging and content designed to identify what is resonating, what is missing, and where the organization's story can become stronger. During our conversation, Jillian and I explore why so much business communication sounds the same, what authentic storytelling actually looks like, and why organizations should focus on telling their stories rather than constantly trying to sell something. We also discuss how founders and executives can discover their unique voices, why thought leadership requires a genuine point of view, the relationship between storytelling and trust, and how organizations can create content strategies that remain consistent without sacrificing creativity or humanity. At its core, this conversation asks an important question: In an age when virtually everyone can create content, what will make people care about yours? The answer may have less to do with producing more content—and much more to do with telling a better, more human story. Join us for a conversation about authentic storytelling, brand voice, communications strategy, thought leadership, content marketing, executive communication, and the power of telling—not selling. For more information: jilletante.com Follow: @JillianIvey Email: hello@jilletante.com book a story audit on my website for $50 off using code MCSHAN. Instagram: @jilletante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, NBN host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Kirby about their joyful and powerful new book, Fairy (Palimpsest Press, 2026). In Fairy, Kirby continues to mine their riches and fan the flames lit in their instant classic, Poetry is Queer. Their essays are an act of liberation they call “tending to each other's freedom,” and are written with signature Kirby directness and panache, from early AIDS-activist monologues, to launching a counter city-wide “safe-sex” campaign that includes the public depiction of an affectionate gay couple, to leaving the States in a love that made them “the most beautiful boy in the world,” to becoming a Canadian queer poetry icon. Like countless fairies before them, Kirby scouts desire paths beyond mere survival for new queer voices to continue to amaze, flourish, and thrive. Or as Fairy says, “This way >>>” Kirby is the author of She (KFB, 2025), Poetry is Queer (Palimpsest Press, 2021), This Is Where I Get Off (Permanent Sleep Press, 2019), featured columnist at Send My Love to Anyone and publisher at Knife | Fork | Book. kirbyfairy.ca Hollay Ghadery is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024 and was longlisted for the Toronto Book Award. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, was released with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is a host on The New Books Network, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Founder of River Street, and the co-chair of the League of Canadian Poets BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. She is also a member of The National Book Critics Circle, The Creative Nonfiction Collective, and The Writers Union of Canada. Learn more about Hollay here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
In this episode, NBN host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Kirby about their joyful and powerful new book, Fairy (Palimpsest Press, 2026). In Fairy, Kirby continues to mine their riches and fan the flames lit in their instant classic, Poetry is Queer. Their essays are an act of liberation they call “tending to each other's freedom,” and are written with signature Kirby directness and panache, from early AIDS-activist monologues, to launching a counter city-wide “safe-sex” campaign that includes the public depiction of an affectionate gay couple, to leaving the States in a love that made them “the most beautiful boy in the world,” to becoming a Canadian queer poetry icon. Like countless fairies before them, Kirby scouts desire paths beyond mere survival for new queer voices to continue to amaze, flourish, and thrive. Or as Fairy says, “This way >>>” Kirby is the author of She (KFB, 2025), Poetry is Queer (Palimpsest Press, 2021), This Is Where I Get Off (Permanent Sleep Press, 2019), featured columnist at Send My Love to Anyone and publisher at Knife | Fork | Book. kirbyfairy.ca Hollay Ghadery is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024 and was longlisted for the Toronto Book Award. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, was released with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is a host on The New Books Network, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Founder of River Street, and the co-chair of the League of Canadian Poets BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. She is also a member of The National Book Critics Circle, The Creative Nonfiction Collective, and The Writers Union of Canada. Learn more about Hollay here.Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, NBN host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Kirby about their joyful and powerful new book, Fairy (Palimpsest Press, 2026). In Fairy, Kirby continues to mine their riches and fan the flames lit in their instant classic, Poetry is Queer. Their essays are an act of liberation they call “tending to each other's freedom,” and are written with signature Kirby directness and panache, from early AIDS-activist monologues, to launching a counter city-wide “safe-sex” campaign that includes the public depiction of an affectionate gay couple, to leaving the States in a love that made them “the most beautiful boy in the world,” to becoming a Canadian queer poetry icon. Like countless fairies before them, Kirby scouts desire paths beyond mere survival for new queer voices to continue to amaze, flourish, and thrive. Or as Fairy says, “This way >>>” Kirby is the author of She (KFB, 2025), Poetry is Queer (Palimpsest Press, 2021), This Is Where I Get Off (Permanent Sleep Press, 2019), featured columnist at Send My Love to Anyone and publisher at Knife | Fork | Book. kirbyfairy.ca Hollay Ghadery is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024 and was longlisted for the Toronto Book Award. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, was released with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is a host on The New Books Network, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Founder of River Street, and the co-chair of the League of Canadian Poets BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. She is also a member of The National Book Critics Circle, The Creative Nonfiction Collective, and The Writers Union of Canada. Learn more about Hollay here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/poetry
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Leah Kim about her powerful book, Mom, Unfiltered: Maternal Mental Health and Finding Freedom Through Motherhood (Bloomsbury, 2026). A deeply personal examination of the dire state of our maternal and postpartum care for mothers.For expecting and new parents, too often the care is so focused on a healthy baby that the mother's physical and mental needs are overlooked. Mothers face intense pressure to have the perfect birth plan, breastfeed with ease, and immediately bond with their baby. Unfortunately, these expectations can lead to anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. But it doesn't have to be that way. In Mom, Unfiltered: Maternal Mental Health and Finding Freedom Through Motherhood, Leah Kim explores her own pregnancy and early motherhood experience as a person of the global majority, the ways society fails new mothers, the mental health struggles of expecting and new mothers, the systemic neglect in care for mothers with marginalized identities, and how motherhood can be the inspiration for getting help and healing. Her story, enhanced with expert interviews, valuable resources, and the testimonies of other mothers, not only illuminates the impact of insufficient maternal care but also shows readers what can be done to improve care for mothers.Mom, Unfilteredis profoundly personal and brutally honest, yet it is ultimately deeply hopeful. It is about survival and growth, an invitation to move beyond our current social, cultural, and familial realities to support mothers in a meaningful way-physically, mentally, and spiritually. Leah 수진 Kim is a storyteller, author, consultant, podcaster, and community organizer. She is a recovering yoga teacher and spent 10 years as Nike's Global Yoga Ambassador. Her first book "Mom, Unfiltered" will be published in April 2026. About the host: Hollay Ghadery is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024 and was longlisted for the Toronto Book Award. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, was released with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is a host on The New Books Network, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Founder of River Street, and the co-chair of the League of Canadian Poets BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. She is also a member of The National Book Critics Circle, The Creative Nonfiction Collective, and The Writers Union of Canada. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Leah Kim about her powerful book, Mom, Unfiltered: Maternal Mental Health and Finding Freedom Through Motherhood (Bloomsbury, 2026). A deeply personal examination of the dire state of our maternal and postpartum care for mothers.For expecting and new parents, too often the care is so focused on a healthy baby that the mother's physical and mental needs are overlooked. Mothers face intense pressure to have the perfect birth plan, breastfeed with ease, and immediately bond with their baby. Unfortunately, these expectations can lead to anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. But it doesn't have to be that way. In Mom, Unfiltered: Maternal Mental Health and Finding Freedom Through Motherhood, Leah Kim explores her own pregnancy and early motherhood experience as a person of the global majority, the ways society fails new mothers, the mental health struggles of expecting and new mothers, the systemic neglect in care for mothers with marginalized identities, and how motherhood can be the inspiration for getting help and healing. Her story, enhanced with expert interviews, valuable resources, and the testimonies of other mothers, not only illuminates the impact of insufficient maternal care but also shows readers what can be done to improve care for mothers.Mom, Unfilteredis profoundly personal and brutally honest, yet it is ultimately deeply hopeful. It is about survival and growth, an invitation to move beyond our current social, cultural, and familial realities to support mothers in a meaningful way-physically, mentally, and spiritually. Leah 수진 Kim is a storyteller, author, consultant, podcaster, and community organizer. She is a recovering yoga teacher and spent 10 years as Nike's Global Yoga Ambassador. Her first book "Mom, Unfiltered" will be published in April 2026. About the host: Hollay Ghadery is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024 and was longlisted for the Toronto Book Award. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, was released with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is a host on The New Books Network, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Founder of River Street, and the co-chair of the League of Canadian Poets BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. She is also a member of The National Book Critics Circle, The Creative Nonfiction Collective, and The Writers Union of Canada. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com.Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Leah Kim about her powerful book, Mom, Unfiltered: Maternal Mental Health and Finding Freedom Through Motherhood (Bloomsbury, 2026). A deeply personal examination of the dire state of our maternal and postpartum care for mothers.For expecting and new parents, too often the care is so focused on a healthy baby that the mother's physical and mental needs are overlooked. Mothers face intense pressure to have the perfect birth plan, breastfeed with ease, and immediately bond with their baby. Unfortunately, these expectations can lead to anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. But it doesn't have to be that way. In Mom, Unfiltered: Maternal Mental Health and Finding Freedom Through Motherhood, Leah Kim explores her own pregnancy and early motherhood experience as a person of the global majority, the ways society fails new mothers, the mental health struggles of expecting and new mothers, the systemic neglect in care for mothers with marginalized identities, and how motherhood can be the inspiration for getting help and healing. Her story, enhanced with expert interviews, valuable resources, and the testimonies of other mothers, not only illuminates the impact of insufficient maternal care but also shows readers what can be done to improve care for mothers.Mom, Unfilteredis profoundly personal and brutally honest, yet it is ultimately deeply hopeful. It is about survival and growth, an invitation to move beyond our current social, cultural, and familial realities to support mothers in a meaningful way-physically, mentally, and spiritually. Leah 수진 Kim is a storyteller, author, consultant, podcaster, and community organizer. She is a recovering yoga teacher and spent 10 years as Nike's Global Yoga Ambassador. Her first book "Mom, Unfiltered" will be published in April 2026. About the host: Hollay Ghadery is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024 and was longlisted for the Toronto Book Award. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, was released with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is a host on The New Books Network, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Founder of River Street, and the co-chair of the League of Canadian Poets BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. She is also a member of The National Book Critics Circle, The Creative Nonfiction Collective, and The Writers Union of Canada. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com.Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bonus Episode from Spoken Label, featuring the return of our friend Craig Snelgrove with a exciting new project 'Cooper Lee' Press'.Bridging the gap between craft development and published work, Cooper Lee is an independent press and school of writing and theory founded in 2025 by Dr Craig Snelgrove.(Dr) Craig Snelgrove is a writer from Manchester and PhD in Creative Writing. Author of the short story cycle Young Mancunians, Craig also specialises in editorial services, assisting people from a variety of backgrounds in writing fiction and non-fiction, ranging from memoir to therapy, full length books to professional papers. Cooper is a five-year-old Sprocker Spaniel from Stoke. Born on a farm, Cooper has lived with Craig and his partner, Jess, since he was six months old. He is a homely fellow, accompanying Craig in his work, though is often found sleeping on the job.More details about Cooper Lee Press can be found here:https://cooperleepress.co.uk/
Melissa Fraterrigo talks about journaling as a judgement-free zone, about writing never being static, and how writing about ourselves can be the finest kind of self-care. Melissa Fraterrigo's memoir, The Perils of Girlhood was published by the University of Nebraska Press in Fall 2025, and named by Literary Hub as one of “100 Notable Small Press Books of 2025.” She is also the author of the novel Glory Days (University of Nebraska Press), which was named one of “The Best Fiction Books of 2017” by the Chicago Review of Books as well as the short story collection The Longest Pregnancy (Livingston Press). Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies from storySouth and Shenandoah to Notre Dame Review, Sou'wester and The Millions. She teaches creative writing at Purdue University, in the Butler University MFA in Creative Writing program, and is also the founder and executive director of the Lafayette Writers' Studio in Lafayette, Indiana, where she offers classes on the art and craft of writing. She lives with her husband and two daughters in West Lafayette, Indiana and can be found at melissafraterrigo.com. ⏰ DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING SLOTS AVAILABLE (limited): http://rachaelherron.com/edit
Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this inspiring episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with Kyle Kolber, a talented author who has turned his struggles with dyslexia into a powerful narrative of resilience and creativity. Kyle shares his journey from a young boy battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome to a published author of multiple books. He emphasizes that our greatest limitations can often become our greatest strengths.Kyle recounts his early experiences with dyslexia, explaining how it affected his reading and writing abilities until a dedicated teacher helped him unlock his potential. He reflects on the challenges he faced while writing his first book during the COVID lockdown and how that creative outlet became a saving grace. Throughout the conversation, Kyle offers valuable insights into:- The impact of dyslexia on his life and writing journey- Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding confidence in his craft- The importance of accessibility in literature and writing for diverse audiences- His upcoming projects, including the final books in his Universe series and a new tale about the Connecticut melon heads.Join us for an uplifting discussion that encourages listeners to pursue their creative dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face. For more information about Kyle and his work, visit his website or follow him on social media.Support the show
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Awais Khan is here! It's been a minute since we've had some culture talk on the ITBR, so who better than Awais! Awais is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and Durham University and has studied Creative Writing at Faber Academy in London.As a Pakistani man, he's seen and faced prejudice (especially from the western world) first-hand whether it be about Pakistani cities or their people-and used those experiences as inspiration as a creative person and educator. Check out the link below to get his novels In the Company of Strangers and In the Shadows of Love!https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2347896/awais-khan/-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomTo subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Editor)
Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this thrilling episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we dive deep into the mind of Maria Denison, an accomplished author and entrepreneur, known for her captivating *Reflex* series. With a career that has spanned 50 states and 40 countries, Maria draws upon her rich experiences to craft suspenseful tales that challenge readers to question their beliefs and perceptions.Join us as Maria shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a self-published author, revealing how her keen observation of human behavior and powerful use of language have shaped her storytelling. She discusses the unique characteristics of her protagonists, the importance of emotional depth in her characters, and her approach to weaving realism with a touch of the preternatural.In this episode, you will learn:- The significance of crafting dialogue and communication in both business and storytelling- How travel and immersion in different cultures enhance her narrative style- The difference between preternatural and paranormal themes in literature- The challenges of genre-blending and marketing unique stories- Insights into her upcoming projects, including a standalone romance that promises to showcase her signature style in a new light.Maria's perspective on manipulation in relationships and the complexities of human interactions adds an intriguing layer to her narratives. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to explore your own storytelling potential and appreciate the art of words. For more information on Maria and her work, visit www.mariadenison.comSupport the show
Matthew Olzmann joins Timothy Green on The Rattlecast for a conversation about contemporary poetry, humor, love poems, imagination, and what makes a poem connect with readers. The author of Mezzanines, Contradictions in the Design, and Constellation Route, Olzmann is an assistant professor of English and Creative Writing at Dartmouth College and the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, MacDowell, and Kundiman. His fourth collection, An Oral History of the Flat Earth, is forthcoming from Alice James Books in 2027. Olzmann has appeared several times in Rattle, most famously with “Mountain Dew Commercial Disguised as a Love Poem,” one of the most-read poems in Rattle's history and a love poem that has continued to find new audiences online. In this episode, we discuss humor and surprise in poetry, love poems, memorable images, the strange places poems can begin, and how poetry can move between the absurd and the profound. We'll also talk about “Mountain Dew Commercial Disguised as a Love Poem,” Olzmann's other work and books, and the craft of writing poems that readers want to return to and share. As always, we'll open the lines for this week's prompt-based poetry reading. Find more about Matthew Olzmann here: https://matthewolzmann.com/ This Week's Prompt: Write a hot haibun. Next Week's Prompt: Write a poem that's a page or longer, and then edit it down to a maximum of 14 lines. Include both versions of your poem in the submission, with the shorter poem first. Submit your poem through Submittable by midnight Sunday for a chance to be invited on the show: https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/269309/rattlecast-prompt-poems-online The Rattlecast livestreams every Monday on YouTube, Facebook, and X, then becomes available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.
“We're all salespeople at the end of the day.”Whether you're pitching a movie, an idea, or yourself, persuasion is about more than the story you're telling—it's also about the story your audience sees for themselves. For Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriter Rhett Reese, that means keeping communication concise, compelling, and centered on what your audience needs. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Reese joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from screenwriting that apply far beyond Hollywood. From cutting unnecessary words to crafting pitches that make your audience the protagonist, he explores how storytelling, collaboration, and clarity can make any message more persuasive.Takeaways:Every pitch tells two stories. You're selling the idea itself, but you're also showing your audience how saying yes can solve their problem, reduce their risk, and lead to their success.Brevity makes your message stronger. Cutting unnecessary words and choosing them carefully helps your ideas land with greater clarity, impact, and memorability.Activity:Tell the second story. Take a pitch you're currently working on and write one sentence describing the idea you're selling. Then write a second sentence from your audience's perspective: “If I say yes, what becomes possible for me?” Use that second story to reshape your pitch around their success, not just your idea.Printable Expanded Takeaways & ActivitiesEpisode Reference Links:Rhett ReeseEp.167 Hollywood Lessons For Successful Communication Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - Make Every Word Count (03:09) - How to Pitch an Idea (07:38) - Creatively Collaborating (10:35) - Creating Space for Feedback (12:49) - AI & the Future of Hollywood (16:44) - The Final Three Questions (23:15) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
Jeff Kopstein, Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Irvine, talks with us about putting together a compelling application for academic jobs. We talk not only about assistant professorship applications, but about the shift in tone and content for associate and full professorship applications. Don't forget to rate and review our show and follow us on all social media platforms here: https://linktr.ee/writingitpodcast Contact us with questions, possible future topics/guests, or comments here: https://writingit.fireside.fm/contact
America has a crisis of young men—and Tony Woodlief believes fatherhood, faith, and stronger communities could be part of the answer. On The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with writer, political scientist, and author Tony Woodlief for a wide-ranging conversation about fatherhood, masculinity, parenting, faith, politics, education, artificial intelligence, and finding purpose in an increasingly disconnected culture. Woodlief explains why he believes too many young men have been left without meaningful friendships, employment, education, or connections to institutions and communities. He discusses the difference between simply being a parent and intentionally being a father, why modern portrayals of masculinity often miss the mark, and what can be done to help men searching for direction and purpose. Karol and Tony also explore his unconventional approach to politics and federalism, including why he believes massive school districts have weakened parents’ control over their children's education and why breaking them into smaller, locally accountable districts could produce better results. Plus, Tony offers his provocative prediction about artificial intelligence and the future of writing and art, explains why AI may expose rather than destroy bad creative work, and shares the simple daily practice he believes can dramatically improve your life: intentional gratitude. It’s a thoughtful conversation about raising children, becoming better men, strengthening families, reclaiming local control, and finding meaning in a rapidly changing America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Watch as a full video interview on YouTubeLudo Cinelli is an Agent and the Managing Director at Eve White Literary Agency. He joined the company in 2017 and has an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London. He represents fiction, non-fiction and children's authors across genres and was shortlisted as British Book Awards Literary Agent of the Year in 2022 and 2026.We had an interesting chat with Ludo about how he got into agenting (and chat about the variety of paths people can take to become an agent), and what catches his attention in queries. We also chat about some bad habits in queries, and discuss why the market is difficult at the moment. Plus, Ludo offers his advice to writers out there who are looking to query soon.Links:Submit to Eve White nowFollow Ludo on InstagramSupport us on Patreon and get the podcast early and ad-free, along with other great benefits, including a bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/ukpageoneListen to authors telling stories together on our sister show, Narrative DamagePage One - The Writer's Podcast is brought to you by Write Gear, creators of Page One - the Writer's Notebook. Learn more and order yours now: https://www.writegear.co.uk/page-oneFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramFollow us on BlueskyFollow us on ThreadsPage One - The Writer's Podcast is part of STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing and publishing podcast needs! Follow STET Podcasts on Instagram and Bluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rosie Wollums is about to start her Junior year as an Environmental Studies and Creative Writing major at Coe College. Being in the Northwoods for the first time as a Summer Naturalist Intern at the Museum, Rosie was excited to explore and visit Lake Superior. There she met a snapping turtle with mystery and empathy.
Jeremy Szal was raised by wild dingoes, which should explain a lot. He writes epic fantasy and dark space opera of a character-driven, morally grey nature. He sold The Common trilogy to Gollancz/Orion when he was 23, which includes STORMBLOOD, BLINDSPACE, and WOLFSKIN, about a drug harvested from alien DNA that makes users permanently addicted to adrenaline and aggression. He's the author of over fifty short stories, translated into seventeen languages, many of which appear in his short fiction collection BROKEN STARS. He was the editor for the Hugo-winning StarShipSofa until 2020 and has a BA in Film Studies and Creative Writing from UNSW. He carves out a living in Sydney, Australia with his family, where he loves watching weird movies, eating Japanese food, exploring cities, learning languages, cold weather and dark humour. Find him at https://jeremyszal.substack.com/ or @jeremyszalNarration by: Doni NicollDoni Nicoll-Duir (nickel-dar) is originally from the Western Slope of Colorado. He has lived in and out of Arizona his whole life and now finds himself settling down in Tucson, AZ. Doni works in the renewable energy sector as a design engineer and permitting specialist. When Doni isn't working on saving the planet, one rooftop at a time, or trying to keep up with his teenage daughter, he can be found cooking, hiking or playing board games with his friends at one of the local breweries.Fact: Looking Back At Genre History by Amy H SturgisSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/starshipsofa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Greetings, Slushies! In this, our final encore episode for the summer, we revisit two poems from Glenn Shaheen. We hope you enjoy the conversation. We'll be back in your feeds with a brand new episode on September 9. Thanks, as always for listening. Our first order of business was debating lifestyle choices in NY vs. Philly, after which we dug into two wonderfully different poems by Glenn Shaheen. “Imago” plunged us into an elegaic interrogation of modern life, identity, and poetics framed by both the real world and open world gaming. With Glenn's poem as our guide we roamed wide, touching on gaming terminology, Bey's “Single Ladies” and 2008 as the last year of optimism, Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions, Shakespeare's “filthy” Sonnet 135, and the ageless concern over the shelf life of language in poems and artistic works. The circular format of short, interlinked stanzas in the second poem, “Power and Punish”, introduced a real change in tone in the discussion. Frankly, we wondered if the poem's format and approach would allow us to discuss it. We were delighted to discover it was possible, if different – but hey, you be the judge! Some links we think you'll like: NPC (Non Player Character) on WikiHow Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) Michel Foucault on the Panopticon Effect, Farnham Street blog At the table: Marion Wrenn, Kathleen Volk Miller, Jason Schneiderman, Dagne Forrest, Isabel Petry Glenn Shaheen received his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston and his PhD in English Literature & Creative Writing from Western Michigan University. He was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and currently lives in Houston, Texas where he is an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Prairie View A&M University. His book of poems, Predatory, won the Agnes Lynch Starrett Prize and was the finalist for the Norma Farber First Book Award. It is available from the University of Pittsburgh Press. He is also the author of the chapbook of flash fiction, Unchecked Savagery, available from Ricochet Editions. His second collection of poetry, Energy Corridor, is available from the University of Pittsburgh Press, and was published in 2016. Carnivalia, his full-length collection of flash fiction, was published by Gold Wake Press in February of 2018. Website: https://glennshaheen.com/ IMAGO DROSOPHILA MUTANTE
Arthur Pede Hollist is an award-winning Sierra Leonean writer and Professor of English at the University of Tampa. He teaches courses in African literature and creative writing. His publications include So the Path Does Not Die, which was named the 2014 African Literature Association Creative Book of the Year; “Foreign Aid,” which was shortlisted for the 2013 Caine Prize and published in A Memory This Size and Other Stories; and “The Tale of the Three Water Carriers,” which was longlisted for the 2015 Short Story Day competition and anthologized in Water: New Short Fiction From Africa. His research interests and scholarly publications encompass African trauma fiction, Afrodiasporic literatures, and Sierra Leonean literature. He was a 2017 Fulbright scholar and received the Louise Loy Hunter Award in 2014-2015.This episode features an interview with Professor Hollist, focusing on his writing inspirations, teaching philosophy, and perspectives on the future of the Sierra Leonean literary scene, informed by his extensive experience as both a writer and professor.
Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Inspiration in Motion: A Journey Through Norway's Wonders Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-08-17-07-38-20-no Story Transcript:No: Toget svevde langsomt gjennom det naturskjønne landskapet.En: The train glided slowly through the scenic landscape.No: Flåmsbanen, kjent for sine spektakulære utsikter, var i dag et vakkert skue.En: The Flåmsbanen, known for its spectacular views, was a beautiful sight today.No: Blant fjorder og fossefall, satt Sigrid ved vinduet.En: Among fjords and waterfalls, Sigrid sat by the window.No: Kameraet hang rundt halsen hennes, klart til å fange magiske øyeblikk.En: The camera hung around her neck, ready to capture magical moments.No: Hun var en fotograf på jakt etter inspirasjon, men hun følte seg ofte lost i mengden, litt avskåret fra verden rundt seg.En: She was a photographer in search of inspiration, but she often felt lost in the crowd, a bit cut off from the world around her.No: På setet ved siden av satt Henrik.En: In the seat next to her sat Henrik.No: Han hadde en notatbok på fanget, men pennen hvilte, ubrukt.En: He had a notebook on his lap, but the pen lay idle, unused.No: Henrik var en forfatter som slet med skrivesperre.En: Henrik was a writer struggling with writer's block.No: Han hadde mistet den gnisten som en gang drev ham til å skrive historier som fanget hjertet.En: He had lost the spark that once drove him to write stories that captured the heart.No: Han håpet denne reisen ville gi ham den inspirasjonen han så desperat trengte.En: He hoped this journey would give him the inspiration he so desperately needed.No: De satt der, tause, hver for seg, men begge med et dypt ønske om å finne tilbake til sin kreative lidenskap.En: They sat there, silent, each to themselves, but both with a deep desire to rediscover their creative passion.No: Toget bremset opp og stoppet ved en utsiktspunkt.En: The train slowed and stopped at a viewpoint.No: Bak den store, blanke vindusruten åpenbarte det seg et panorama med skarpe fjell og glitrende elver.En: Behind the large, shiny window pane unfolded a panorama of sharp mountains and glittering rivers.No: Sigrid løftet kameraet, men klarte ikke fange øyeblikket slik hun ønsket.En: Sigrid lifted her camera but couldn't capture the moment as she wanted.No: Hun sukket stille.En: She sighed quietly.No: "Det er virkelig vakkert her," sa Henrik, og brøt stillheten.En: "It really is beautiful here," Henrik said, breaking the silence.No: Stemmen hans var lav og varsom.En: His voice was low and cautious.No: "Ja, så mye skjønnhet," svarte Sigrid, og smilte forsiktig.En: "Yes, so much beauty," Sigrid replied, smiling gently.No: "Jeg prøver å fange det, men det er som om bildet aldri blir helt riktig.En: "I'm trying to capture it, but it's as if the picture never turns out quite right."No: ""Det er slik med ord også," svarte Henrik.En: "It's the same with words," Henrik replied.No: "De treffer ikke alltid der vi ønsker.En: "They don't always hit where we want."No: "De så på hverandre, og noe udefinerbart passerte mellom dem, et lite gnist av gjenkjennelse.En: They looked at each other, and something indefinable passed between them, a small spark of recognition.No: "Hva gjør du her?En: "What are you doing here?"No: " spurte Sigrid, nysgjerrig.En: Sigrid asked, curious.No: "Jeg prøver å finne inspirasjon," innrømmet han.En: "I'm trying to find inspiration," he admitted.No: "Jeg skriver, eller prøver å skrive en roman.En: "I write, or attempt to write a novel."No: ""Og jeg prøver å ta bilder som sier noe ekte," sa Sigrid, lettet over å dele.En: "And I'm trying to take pictures that say something real," Sigrid said, relieved to share.No: De snakket videre mens toget begynte å rulle igjen.En: They talked further as the train began to roll again.No: Henrik delte sine frustrasjoner og håp om å finne tilbake til skrivegleden.En: Henrik shared his frustrations and hopes of regaining his joy of writing.No: Sigrid fortalte om sin reise for å finne den perfekte fotoseansen som fanget Norges sjel.En: Sigrid spoke of her journey to find the perfect photo session that captured the soul of Norway.No: De lo, delte historier og oppdaget en felles trang til å uttrykke noe større enn seg selv.En: They laughed, shared stories, and discovered a shared urge to express something greater than themselves.No: Da toget nærmet seg endestasjonen, følte både Sigrid og Henrik at noe nytt var på gang.En: As the train approached the final station, both Sigrid and Henrik felt that something new was happening.No: En form for kreativ oppvåkning begynte å ta form.En: A form of creative awakening was beginning to take shape.No: Fjellene og elvenes kraft hadde vekket noe inni dem, men det var samtalen deres som virkelig hadde blåst liv i den.En: The power of the mountains and rivers had awakened something inside them, but it was their conversation that truly had breathed life into it.No: Før de skiltes, byttet de telefonnumre.En: Before they parted, they exchanged phone numbers.No: De visste ikke hva fremtiden ville holde, men de følte seg begge lettere, mer levende, som om de hadde funnet en alliert i jakten på fortapte drømmer.En: They didn't know what the future would hold, but they both felt lighter, more alive, as if they had found an ally in the quest for lost dreams.No: Da Sigrid gikk av toget, følte hun seg både inspirert og håpefull.En: When Sigrid got off the train, she felt both inspired and hopeful.No: Henrik satte seg på toget tilbake, men denne gangen med pennen klar til å skrive.En: Henrik sat down on the train back, but this time with the pen ready to write.No: De hadde kanskje reist alene, men de forlot toget med hjertene fulle av muligheter og en ny venn i hverandre.En: They might have traveled alone, but they left the train with hearts full of possibilities and a new friend in each other. Vocabulary Words:glided: svevdescenic: naturskjønnespectacular: spektakulærecapture: fangeinspiration: inspirasjondesperately: desperatviewpoint: utsiktspunktpane: vindusrutenpanorama: panoramaspark: gnistrediscover: finne tilbakeidle: ubrukteunfolded: åpenbartesharp: skarpeglittering: glitrendecautious: varsomrecognition: gjenkjennelsecurious: nysgjerrigattempt: prøverrelieved: lettetfrustrations: frustrasjonerurge: trangapproached: nærmetawakening: oppvåkningbreathed: blåstparted: skiltesally: alliertquest: jaktenlost dreams: fortapte drømmerfull of possibilities: fulle av muligheter
John Kachuba is an award-winning author of twelve books as well as numerous articles, short stories, and poems. Holding advanced degrees in Creative Writing, John has taught through Ohio University and the Gotham Writers Workshop and is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Horror Writers Association. His expertise has also taken him around the world, working with writers and students in Cambodia, Malta, Portugal, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Beyond writing, John has developed a deep fascination with the paranormal, folklore, supernatural traditions, and the strange stories cultures have told for generations.A popular speaker on paranormal and metaphysical subjects, John has appeared at universities, libraries, paranormal conferences, and across radio, television, and podcasts. One of the most fascinating areas of John's research is the centuries-old belief in shapeshifters—humans, spirits, witches, and mysterious entities said to transform from one form into another. From ancient legends to modern encounters, John explores the question: Are shapeshifters simply folklore, or could something very real be hiding behind these incredible stories?Spaced Out Radio is your nightly source for alternative information, starting at 9pm Pacific, 12am Eastern. We broadcast LIVE every night. #UFO #UAP #AlienDisclosure #UFOSightings #UFOCoverUp #Aliens #SpacedOutRadio #Paranormal #UFOCommunity #disclosure -------------------------------------------------------You can now join the Space Traveler's Club;Join us at https://www.patreon.com/sor_space_travelers_club --------------------------------------------------------Grab Our Latest Spaced Out Radio Gear At:http://spacedoutradio.com/shop It's a great way to support our show!--------------------------------------------------------OUR LINKS:TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/spacedoutradio FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/spacedoutradioshow SPACED OUT RADIO - INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/spacedoutradioshow DAVE SCOTT - INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/davescottsor TWITCH: https://www.twitch.com/spacedoutradioshow WEBSITE: http://www.spacedoutradio.comGUEST IDEAS OR QUESTIONS FOR SOR?Contact Klaus at bookings@spacedoutradio.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spaced-out-radio--1657874/support.
Ten years ago, I quit my last traditional job and jumped into full-time self-employment with almost no safety net. Earlier this month, that moment officially became a decade of doing just that: running this business as a solopreneur. I could've made this episode a highlight reel, but instead I spent the first two weeks of this month figuring out what was actually worth sharing with you.In this episode, I'm walking through 10 takeaways from a decade of running my business: what I've learned about pricing, strategy, consistency, redefining success, and the perfectionism that's slowed me down more times than I'd like to admit. Some of these are lessons I learned once. Others I'm still relearning. All of them got me where I am today. And for that, I am grateful_____________________________________________ EPISODE 192.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: Coming soon!______________________________________________Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about my intensive options or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit my website to learn more about my business, services, and products
Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this enlightening episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we are joined by H. A. Callum, a multifaceted writer, poet, and former legal professional with 25 years of experience in the field. H. A. shares his unique journey from the legal world to the realm of storytelling, discussing the significant moments that have shaped his career and his passion for writing.H. A. opens up about his advocacy for child protection laws, revealing how personal circumstances have propelled him into activism. His experiences working alongside renowned legal professionals on high-stakes environmental and pharmaceutical cases have provided him with a wealth of stories that inform his writing. He reflects on the profound impact of these cases on the lives of everyday people and how they inspire his narrative craft.Listeners will gain insight into H. A.'s teaching philosophy at Delaware Valley University, where he encourages aspiring writers to persevere in the face of rejection and to embrace the joy of writing. He emphasizes the importance of separating one's identity from their work and finding constructive feedback to grow as a writer.H. A. also discusses his upcoming novel, *Red, White and Buttercup*, which combines magical realism with timely social themes, showcasing his commitment to storytelling that resonates with young readers. As a devoted family man, H. A. shares how his family influences his writing and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of law, writing, and advocacy, and discover how H. A. Callum continues to make a difference through his words and actions.What You'll Learn in This Episode:- The transition from legal professional to writer and storyteller- Insights into advocacy for child protection laws and community involvement- The importance of resilience in the writing journey- Tips for aspiring writers on handling rejection and seeking feedback- A sneak peek into H. A.'s upcoming novel and its themesFor more information on H. A. Callum and his work, visit hacallumwrites.com and follow him on social media for updates on his writing journey.Support the show
The Page One Podcast, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books. About the guest author: Margrét Ann Thors is an Icelandic-American writer based in Reykjavík, Iceland. She received her MFA from Columbia University and teaches at the University of Iceland. Her writing has appeared in Glamour, Creative Nonfiction, Ós Pressan, Storychord, and other outlets. Freyja is her debut novel. About the host: Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup that built an AI book discovery platform with a grant from the National Science Foundation. She is an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. Her latest book, Rose Girl: A Story of Resilience and Rumi, a medieval, mystical thriller was awarded a Kirkus (starred) review and named Editors Choice from the Historical Novel Society. Holly lives on a houseboat near the Golden Gate Bridge with her daughter and Labrador retriever, and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, swimming and pretending to surf. To learn more about her books and writing coaching services, please visit her at hollylynnpayne.com and subscribe to her FREE weekly mini-masterclass, Power of Page One, a FREE newsletter on Substack, offering insights on becoming a better storyteller and tips on hooking readers from page one! (And bonus: discover some great new books!) Tune in and reach out: If you're an aspiring writer or a book lover, this episode of Page One offers a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. I offer these conversations as a testament to the magic that happens when master storytellers share their secrets and experiences. We hope you are inspired to tune into the full episode for more insights. Keep writing, keep reading, and remember—the world needs your stories. If I can help you tell your own story, or help improve your first page, please reach out @hollylynnpayne or visithollylynnpayne.com. You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players. Hear past episodes. If you're interested in getting writing tips and the latest podcast episode updates with the world's beloved master storytellers, please sign up for my very short monthly newsletter at hollylynnpayne.com and follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. Your email address is always private and you can always unsubscribe anytime. The Page One Podcast is created near the Golden Gate Bridge, California, as a labor of love in service to writers and book lovers. My intention is to inspire, educate and celebrate. Thank you for being a part of my creative community! Be well and keep reading, Holly @hollylynnpayne on IG Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast! I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I loved hosting, producing, and editing it. If you liked it too, here are three ways to share the love:Please share it on social and tag @hollylynnpayne.Leave a review on your favorite podcast players. Tell your friends. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my Substack newsletter with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. You can contact me at @hollylynnpayne on IG or send me a message on my website, hollylynnpayne.com.For the love of books and writers,Holly Lynn Payne@hollylynnpaynehost, author, writing coachwww.hollylynnpayne.com
“My writing often comes to me that way–something that interests me in the real life world, something kind of political and thorny, something I don't entirely totally know how I think about it, something I'm interested in exploring.” These words from short story writer and novelist Claire Boyles are at the heart of this episode on the relationship between fiction and real life. How might having personal experience in a certain arena both help and hinder our ability to use it as material for fiction? How can characters drive the way opinions are explored in a book? How do we create more compelling characters? What must be let go as we create a fictional realm? How can fiction help us explore “thorny” political themes? And how might our past lives help us in practical ways as we move forward in our creative lives?Claire Boyles (she/her) is a writer and former farmer. Her debut novel, Appraisals, is forthcoming in August 2026. A 2022 Whiting Award winner in fiction, she is the author of Site Fidelity, which won the High Plains Book Award and was longlisted for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Award, the Colorado Book Award, and the Reading the West Award. Her nonfiction has appeared in Sierra Magazine and Virginia Quarterly Review, among other journals, and she is a screenwriter with multiple credits on the Hallmark Channel. She splits time between Loveland, Colorado and Ames, Iowa, where she is an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing and the Environment at Iowa State University.Claire will be a speaker at the Grand Mesa Writer's Symposium in Cedaredge on September 12. Details here: https://www.grandmesawriters.org/schedule This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emergingform.substack.com/subscribe
Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson is an executive communication strategist, keynote speaker, conference designer, and founder of the Heartwood Leadership Institute. She helps leaders, founders, and organizations transform powerful ideas into unforgettable messages that inspire action through the power of story. The belief that stories can change lives has shaped her work from the very beginning. Jacque has coached executives and advised leaders at Fortune 100 companies and global brands including Amazon, Accenture, General Mills, Salesforce, Stripe, Target, Visa, Walmart, and more. She's the host of the Ideas Love Community podcast, creator of the Gateway Gathering & Pitch Fest, and the author of 14 books. She's trained thousands of professionals in communication, executive presence, and thought leadership. When she's not launching voices, you'll likely find her paddling with her gold medal-winning dragon boat team of all breast cancer survivors. Episode Summary: In this episode of Heartbeat for Hire, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Jaquelyn Fletcher Johnson — communication strategist, conference designer, 14-time author, and founder of the Heartwood Leadership Institute. Jaquelyn traces her lifelong obsession with storytelling back to a childhood prank on her younger brothers, then walks through a career that wound from freelance writing and magazine editing into pioneering "Creative Writing at the Bedside" and an on-set interview show at Mayo Clinic, and eventually into executive coaching and leadership development. Key Takeaways: - Stories shape how people feel long after they're told. - "Trail angels" are the people who show up right when you need them. - A meandering career can still add up to a clear pattern. - Starting something of your own means giving up full control. - Executive presence isn't about polish — it's about being grounded. - A health scare can clarify your legacy. - You don't have to act on every calling — but it won't disappear. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Cold open: three things you'll learn from this episode 00:43 Welcome to Heartbeat for Hire + guest introduction 01:36 Jaquelyn joins the show 02:08 Origin story: the Jolly Green Giant and the power of story 04:58 Career path: freelance writer to magazine editor to Mayo Clinic storytelling programs 08:33 What is a "trail angel"? 10:06 The tough reality of the conference and speaking world 10:43 Why Jaquelyn decided to build her own conference 14:25 Lessons learned building the Gateway Gathering and Pitch Fest 17:53 Listener thank-you and sponsor spotlight (Cozy Earth) 18:34 Redefining executive presence 21:19 What inspires Jaquelyn 22:01 Legacy, breast cancer, and dragon boat racing 23:18 What's next: Gateway Gathering, Pitch Fest, and family milestones 24:04 Where to find Jaquelyn 24:09 Final takeaway for listeners
After serving his country as a U.S. Army veteran and spending more than three decades in federal law enforcement, BJ Spaulding is finally living the dream he first imagined as a teenager—becoming a published author.In this thoughtful conversation, BJ discusses the inspiration behind his science fiction military adventure Dark Star, how decades of military service and law enforcement shaped his storytelling, and why it's never too late to pursue the passion that's been quietly waiting inside you.More than a discussion about science fiction, this episode explores perseverance, reinvention, leadership, imagination, and the courage to begin a new chapter at any stage of life.Whether you're an aspiring writer, a lifelong reader, or someone wondering if your biggest dream has passed you by, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that purpose has no expiration date.https://a.co/d/0eVxi33LBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/vigilantes-radio-live--2166168/support.Vigilantes Radio Live! by The Only One Media Group ℗©2025Episode Credits:Produced, edited, mixed, and written by Demetrius "Whodini Blak" Reynolds, Sr.Artwork designed by Demetrius "Whodini Blak" Reynolds, Sr.Show Introduction by KateSegment jingles composed & produced by Demetrius "Whodini Blak" Reynolds, Sr.Additional music licensed through 7th Sign RecordingsLinks:onlyonemediagroup.comhttps://www.instagram.com/vigilantesradio/https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-vigilantes-radio-live-29999229/https://www.instagram.com/whodiniblakin3d/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26009230/To support our show, please leave reviews, ratings, or you can help fuel the passion over at buymeacoffee.com/vigilantesradioEmail us at onlyonemgt@gmail.com or vradio@onlyonemediagroup.com
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
New York Times bestselling author Laura Moriarty spoke with us about her teaching philosophy as a creative writing professor, the craft of historical fiction, and the research process behind her latest novel, SUNLIGHT FINDS YOU. Laura Moriarty is the New York Times bestselling author of The Chaperone, The Center of Everything, The Rest of Her Life, While I'm Falling, and a Creative Writing Professor at the University of Kansas. Her latest novel is Sunlight Finds You, described as a book that “explores the fervor of young love, the shock of parental betrayal, and the long-term consequences of adolescent choices.” A Kirkus starred review wrote of the work, “Moriarty has an unusual gift for voice, a spark that can turn a novel about ordinary events into something compelling…A rich, rewarding slice of history that should remind us how important it is for women to have choices of all kinds.” Laura Moriarty received her master's degree from the University of Kansas and was awarded the George Bennett Fellowship for Creative Writing at Phillips Exeter Academy. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you're a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Laura Moriarty, Milena, and I discussed: Her early career in social work and how she almost became a doctor Why she loves working with graduate students on their WIPs The research process that went into Sunlight Finds You What changing the POV can do for your narrative How incorporating psychological authenticity over modern values can improve historical fiction And a lot more! Show Notes: ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web english.ku.edu/people/laura-moriarty Sunlight Finds You: A Novel by Laura Moriarty (Amazon) Laura Moriarty Amazon Author Page Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Englewood Review of Books Podcast, Lindsey Cornett, the Managing Editor of Englewood Press and Assistant Editor of The ERB, is joined by children's book authors, Dana VanderLugt and Karina Yan Glaser. They address the role of storytelling and imagination in a life of faith and the sometimes surprising ways faith and spirituality show up in children's literature, with a particular emphasis on life in community and the challenge of loving our enemies. They talk about the tension between marketing books for children when they can, in fact, be enjoyed and appreciated by all readers. Finally, Lindsey, Dana, and Karina discuss some of their favorite contemporary middle grade readers and offer recommendations for anyone needing stories of hope, faith, and love.Dana VanderLugt is a writer and teacher who descends from a family of Michigan apple growers and storytellers. Her first book, Enemies in the Orchard: A World War 2 Novel in Verse was published by Zonderkidz in September 2023. The middle grades novel is based on the stories of German POWs who came to work on her grandfather's orchard during the 1940s. Dana's work has been published in Longridge Review, Relief: A Journal of Art & Faith, the Michigan Reading Journal, and The Reformed Journal, where she is also a frequent contributor on its daily blog. A former middle school English teacher, Dana now works as a literacy consultant and has an MFA in Creative Writing from The Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing at Spalding University. She lives in Michigan with her husband, three sons, and a spoiled Golden Retriever. And yes, she makes a mean apple pie.Karina Yan Glaser is a Newbery Honoree and a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator. Originally from California, Karina came to New York City for college and has stuck around for nearly thirty years. She has had a varied career teaching and implementing literacy programs in family homeless shelters and recruiting healthcare professionals to volunteer in under resourced areas around the world. One of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can't go anywhere without a book. She lives in Harlem with her husband, two teenagers, two dogs, three cats, and a fish named Gustav. Books Mentioned in this EpisodeIf you'd like to order any of the following books, we encourage you to do so from Hearts and Minds Books (An independent bookstore in Dallastown, PA, run by Byron and Beth Borger) By Dana VanderLugt:Enemies in the Orchard: A WW2 Novel in VerseBy Karina Yan Glaser:The Vanderbeekers of 141st StreetThe Vanderbeekers Ever After (Book #7 in The Vanderbeekers Series)The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli Other Books Mentioned: The Wednesday Wars by Gary SchmidtOkay for Now by Gary SchmidtOrbiting Jupiter by Gary SchmidtThe Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary SchmidtThe Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel NayeriHome of the Brave by Katherine Applegate Birdie by Eileen SpinelliBrown Girl Dreaming by Jaqueline WoodsonThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth BrowerThe Life by Carrie FountainSpiritual Direction for Writers: Everyday Rituals for Your Writing Life by Charlotte DonlonThe Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey HartmanBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererThe Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer Owls and Other Fantasies by Mary Oliver
New York Times Bestselling Authors, Ellery Lloyd, discuss their new release, TIME TO BURN. Time travel has been invented by a billionaire who provides his wealthy clients with sightseeing adventures into the past. During a visit to London during the blitz, one tour member goes missing. Documentary film maker Phoebe Hunt is the only person who knows the missing woman is not who she seems. Can Phoebe figure out what's going on before changes in the past erase the most important parts of the present? “…twists and turns galore, a true delight to the last page!"—Kate Quinin, New York Times bestselling author Listen in as we chat about the how they designed their amazing time travel device, the cool places they visited for research, and the importance of balancing ethics with scientific advances! https://www.mariesutro.com/twisted-passages-podcast https://www.ellerylloyd.com ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Ellery Lloyd is the writing pseudonym of married writing duo Collette Lyons & Paul Vlitos. Collette Lyons is a journalist and editor, the former content director of Elle (UK) and editorial director at Soho House. She has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, and the Sunday Times. Paul Vlitos is the author of two previous novels, Welcome to the Working Week and Every Day is Like Sunday. He is the Professor of English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Greenwich. They live in East London with their daughter.
Who is J.T. Welsch? J. T. Welsch is a writer and academic born in the US andbased in the UK, where he teaches at the University of York. He is the author of several books of and about poetry, including Orchids (2010), The Hell Creek Anthology (2015) and The Selling and Self-Regulation of Contemporary Poetry (2020). He also edited the anthology of migrant poetry Wretched Strangers (2018) with Ágnes Lehóczky. His writing has appeared in Poetry Review, Boston Review and the Guardian. In this episode hear about his new book on The Poetry of Suicide: Lessons in grief from the lives and deaths of poets. In the episode introduction, you heard from: Joshua Hurtado Hurtado, PhD, University of Helsinki and Jason Glynos, Professor at the Department of Government, University of Essex about their new article, "Thanabots, fantasy, and theethics of mourning", published in AI & Society. You can find ithere: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00146-026-03200-9 And then Dr. Mórna O'Connor on her and Dr Dorthe Refslund Christensen's new collection, Creative and Aesthetic Ways of Grief: "All Things Reimagined".How do I cite the episode in my research and reading lists?To cite this episode, you can use the following citation: Welsch, J.T. (2026) Interview on The Death Studies Podcast hosted by Michael-Fox, B. and Visser, R. Published 1 August 2026. Available at: www.thedeathstudiespodcast.com, DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.33129308What next?Check out more episodes or find out more about the hosts! Gota question? Get in touch.
Ian McMillan and poets Vona Groake, Jardel Rodrigues, Mira Rosenthal and Malgorzata Lebda bring poetry that helps us navigate storms, rivers and seas - real and metaphorical, and sound artist and musician SHHE (Su Shaw) immerses us in surprising sounds of the sea. Vona Groake's latest collection Infinity Pool was shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize this year. She's writer in residence at St John's College Cambridge and the Ireland Professor of Poetry at Trinity College in Dublin. Vona chooses a 'neon line' to explore and reads her own work.Su Shaw, who works as SHHE, is a sound artist and composer, whose music has been shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year. Su is based in Dundee – and has always been intimate with that city's river - the River Tay. Her new album ‘THALASSA' was produced sustainably, in keeping with her ecologically minded projects - and is is a six-part ambient work giving voice to the Mediterranean Sea.Jardel Rodrigues is from Old Trafford in Manchester – he's won the BBC Words First Spoken Word Poetry Competition, and he's a titan of Manchester's shining spoken word institution 'Young Identity'. He brings us a new commission on the theme 'How to get through'.We hear the voice and the work of Malgorzata Lebda, a Polish poet who writes poems that reveal what flows between people and landscape. Malgorzata ran the length of the longest river in Poland, the Vischula – driven by her sense of how threatened our rivers are, a kind of poetry activism. Malgorzata's translator, Mira Rosenthal joins us to explain how she managed to convey Malgorzata's innovative way of writing about the body in her collection 'Mer de Glace' (Fitzcarraldo). Mira is a poet, and a Professor of Creative Writing based in California.Produced by Faith Lawrence
What if healing from trauma isn't just about surviving—but about rediscovering joy, intimacy, and the freedom to truly feel alive again? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Dr. Vanessa Carlisle on the Nautilus award-winning book Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma.Moments with Marianne Radio Show airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate! https://www.kmet1490am.com Dr. Vanessa Carlisle (they/them) holds an MFA from Emerson College, a PhD in Creative Writing, Literature, and Gender Studies from the University of Southern California, and a black belt in Danzan Ryu jujitsu. Vanessa's writing has appeared in literary magazines including n+1, PRISM, Juked, NinthLetter, Other Weapons, and WordRiot, and their work has been anthologized in collections including #WeToo: Essays on Sex Work and Survival (Feminist Press 2021), a special issue of South Atlantic Quarterly (July 2021), and Whorephobia (Seven Stories, 2022). Vanessa authored the award winning novel Take Me With You (Running Wild, 2022) and co-authored Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Intimacy and Connection after Addiction and Trauma (recipient of a Kirkus star, Gold Winner in the Nautilus Book Awards and Gold Medalist in the Independent Publishing Book Awards) and the Awaken Your Sexuality Workbook with Dr. Stephanie Covington (Hazelden, 2025). Vanessa lives in LA, where they teach survivor-centered self defense and provide death doula services in their community. https://www.vanessacarlisle.comOrder on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0chSvP8aDiscover inspiring conversations with today's leading authors, celebrities, thought leaders, and changemakers. To learn more about the Moments with Marianne Radio Show, explore guest interview opportunities, connect with Marianne, and follow her on social media, visit https://www.mariannepestana.com Explore the Moments with Marianne Book Club and find your next great read: https://www.mariannepestana.com/book-club/ Listen to the Moments with Marianne Radio Show on KMET 1490AM & 98.1FM, an ABC News Radio Affiliate, weekdays at 8:06 AM PT / 11:06 AM ET and Sundays at 10:06 AM PT / 1:06 PM ET. Learn more at: https://www.kmet1490am.com/moments-with-marianne
Christmas Poems by Suzanne W. Guinn https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Poems-Suzanne-W-Guinn-ebook/dp/B0GD8VNRSD Suzannewguinn.com A small, easy to read set of poems. These Christmas poems go back as far as 1966, when Suzanne was a Senior in High School and took a class in Creative Writing, with her favorite English teacher, Mrs. Agnus Smith.
Every website redesign starts the same way: you get excited, you start looking at colors and fonts and templates, and in that excitement, you think you're finally ready to hire someone. But here's the thing—if you skip the prep work, you're setting yourself (and whoever you hire) up for a project that's unclear on scope, potentially not very strategic, and basically...a site you'll want to redo again in a year.Today I'm talking with Carolyn Leasure, a website redesign expert, about what actually needs to happen before you bring in a designer or a copywriter. We get into the five foundational things every business owner needs to nail down first, why "what do I want my site to look like" is the wrong starting question, and how the prep you do now saves you money, time, and a whole lot of back-and-forth later.______________________________________________EPISODE 191.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: https://erinollila.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-website-update-carolyn-leasure/______________________________________________Get to know our guest expert, Carolyn LeasureCarolyn Leasure, Website Redesign Expert, turns frustrating starter sites into sexy systems that work better for everyone. At Maypop Creative Studio, she creates beautiful, seamless sites that do the heavy lifting. Because she believes that your brand, design + tech should work for you – not the other way around.Carolyn calls the mountain town of Charlottesville, VA home. When not constructing website automations or copy-driven design for clients, she can be found playing Himalayan Sound Bowls for a meditation shortcut, or splashing and whooping down the Rivanna River in an inner tube alongside her husband and two kids.Click here to join Get Your Site Together, Carolyn's free 5-day website challenge that starts on August 3, 2026. Learn more about Carolyn's DWY program, Website Wayfinder. The next cohort starts in August 2026!Learn more about Carolyn and Maypop Creative on her websiteHere's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about working with Erin or just book a strategy session to get started • Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and products
Matty Dalrymple talks with Mark Leslie Lefebvre about BUILDING AN AUTHENTIC AUTHOR BRAND, including how your brand already exists whether or not you have consciously shaped it, using reader feedback and comparable authors to identify your strongest brand signals, balancing consistency with experimentation, and connecting authentically with readers without sharing more of your personal life than feels comfortable. Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA346YT Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content and benefits) If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Mark Leslie Lefebvre's first short story was published in 1992, the same year he started working in the book industry. He has published over thirty-five books under the name Mark Leslie that include thrillers and fiction, paranormal non-fiction and anthologies. Under his full name, Mark Leslie Lefebvre, he writes books to help authors navigate publishing. His industry experience includes President of the Canadian Booksellers Association, Director of Author Relations and Self-Publishing for Rakuten Kobo, Director of Business Development for Draft2Digital, and Professional Advisor for Sheridan College's Creative Writing and Publishing Honours Program. Mark lives in Waterloo, Ontario. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.
A conversation with Passager's editor in chief, Rosanne Singer. Plus, an excerpt by Sara Winslow.Support the show
In Episode #755, it's the return of one of the favorites here at the podcast, and that's Sam Johnson, a popular and acclaimed comics writer/editor. He's got an already successful crowdfunding campaign now underway for "Geek-Girl – New and all previous issues!" Sam has a Master's in Creative Writing for Film & TV and has also created Geek-Girl and Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman. Here's this Kickstarter's description: "Super-heroes meet mean girls plus weirdness in the Geek-Girl ongoing series!" We talk about how this book and series came to be, discuss and catch up on who the various characters are, and find out what else is keeping Sam busy these days! Be sure to back this excellent series today once you have finished listening to our fun interview! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts Wayne's Comics Podcast Archive Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patreon member. It will help ensure Wayne's Comics Podcast continues far into the future! At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today. Share
In this episode, ERB Podcast producer Julie L. Moore speaks with acclaimed writers Robert Cording and Marjorie Maddox about their most recent books: In the Unwalled City and What's Possible: New and Selected Poems by Cording and Seeing Things and Hover Here by Maddox. Humble and gracious, Cording and Maddox share how they write about their own deep questions, intense challenges, and heart-breaking losses in their vulnerable, relatable poetry and prose. Both retired college professors, Cording and Maddox also address contemporary Americans' hesitance regarding and anxiety about reading poetry as they likewise discuss how their craft enables readers to feel welcome when encountering their poetry. They each read one of their poems to illustrate how accessible and moving their poetry can be. Robert Cording is professor emeritus at College of the Holy Cross where he taught for 38 years and served as the Barrett Chair of English and Creative Writing. After his retirement, he worked for five years as a poetry mentor in the Seattle Pacific University low residency MFA program. He has published ten collections of poems, and three of his books were finalists for the Connecticut Book Award. Walking with Ruskin (CavanKerry Press) was also a runner-up for the Poet's Prize. A book on poetry, the Bible, and metaphor, Finding the World's Fullness, was published by Slant. He has received two NEA Fellowships in poetry, two poetry fellowships from the state of Connecticut, and has won three Pushcart Prizes in poetry. His poems have appeared in such notable publications as Best American Poetry, 2018; Best Spiritual Writing (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2010); Poetry Magazine Anthology; Godine: Poets of the New Century; and Milkweed: Urban Nature. Cording has also served as director of From the Fishouse and was poet-in-residence at the Frost Place.Marjorie Maddox is Professor Emerita of English and Creative Writing at the Lock Haven campus of Commonwealth University, 2023 Monson Arts Fellow, a poetry editor of Presence, and radio host of WPSU-FM's Poetry Moment. Maddox has published seventeen collections of poetry and won many awards, including the Yellowglen Prize and the Philip H. McMath Post-Publication Award for Transplant, Transport, Transubstantiation; the Sandstone Book Award for Perpendicular As I; the Redgreene Press Chapbook Award for When the Wood Clacks Out Your Name: Baseball Poems; the Painted Bride Chapbook Award for How to Fit God into a Poem; and the Amelia Chapbook Winner for Nightrider to Edinburgh. Her poem, “Arise,” about the Thailand cave rescue, won the 2019 Foley Poetry Prize by America Magazine. She is co-editor, with Jerry Wemple, of Common Wealth: Contemporary Poets on Pennsylvania (Penn State University Press, 2005) and Keystone: Contemporary Poets on Pennsylvania (Penn State University Press, 2025).If you'd like to order any of the following books, we encourage you to do so from Hearts and Minds Books(an independent bookstore in Dallastown, PA, run by Byron and Beth Borger)Robert Cording's Recent Books, both by Slant Books: In the Unwalled City (2022) What's Possible: New and Selected Poems (2026) Marjorie Maddox's Recent Books: Seeing Things (Wildhouse Publishing, 2025)Hover Here (Broadstone Books, 2026)Other Books Discussed: Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of NorwichThe Awful Rowing Toward God by Anne SextonWalking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L'EngleThe Accidental Pilgrim: Finding God and His Mother in Tuscany by Judith SornbergerSorority of Stillness: A Gallery of Women in Art by Judith SornbergerLove Song with Dying Fish by Marci Rae Johnson Devil's Backbone by Julie L. MooreThe Countess by Rebecca JohnsPoems Mentioned: "Satire III" by John Donne"Lord" by George HerbertInfluential Authors Mentioned & Recommended: Gerard Manley Hopkins, William Wenthe, Sydney Lea, Baron Wormser, Ada Limón, Laura Reece Hogan, and Marie Howe
You know that feeling when you finally get clarity on something you've been struggling with or ruminating on for a long time? It feels amazing for about five minutes.And then you realize clarity doesn't actually end the hard part. It just starts a new one: figuring out what comes next—specifically what changes, what stays, and what gets cut.This week, I'm working through what my rethought business actually looks like in practice (listen to episode 189 first if you want to hear the origin story!). This episode picks up where last week left off, digging into my done-for-you services and my DIY products. I'm covering a what's getting an overhaul, what I'm ready to let go of, and how just a simple reframe changes my offers. I'm also briefly talking about where AI fits into all of this (though I think there's a longer episode coming out on this topic!), and why the thing my clients are really paying for was never the words on the page._____________________________________________ EPISODE 190.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: Coming soon!______________________________________________Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about my intensive options or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit my website to learn more about my business, services, and products
The future is already here – it's just not evenly distributed. William Gibson We need to talk about Big Tech, and particularly AI - it's ubiquitous, it's powerful, and currently, it's unconstrained and this is not an ideal combination if we live in the real world of mass extinction where human and more-than-human communities are being destroyed to serve the death cult of predatory capitalism at its most rapacious. The question is - how do we shift the dial on the future when so many of those whose fortunes are sunk into Tech, and AI in particular, seem to be steeped in the Dark Triad of psychopathy, sadism and narcissism? Is there any sign of hope amidst all the chaos and the frozen despair that narratives of inevitability foster in us?We turn this week to long-time friend of the podcast, Nathalie Nahai. Nathalie is a celebrated author, keynote speaker and host of the glorious Nathalie Nahai in Conversation podcast which enquires into our relationship with one another, with technology and with the living world. She's author of the international best-seller Webs Of Influence: The Psychology of Online Persuasion and, more recently, Business Unusual: Values, Uncertainty and the Psychology of Brand Resilience which has been described as “One of the defining business books of our times”. She's a consultant, artist and the founder of Flourishing Futures Salon, a project that offers curated gastronomical gatherings that explore how we can thrive in times of turbulence and change.LinksNathalie's website Nathalie's podcast BooksBusiness UnusualWebs of Influence Papal Encyclical on AINathalie's Resources of wonderful people already in this space PEOPLECarole Cadwalladr - https://broligarchy.substack.com/ Timnit Gebru - https://dair-institute.org/team/timnit-gebru/ Cory Doctorow - https://craphound.com/Gary Marcus - https://garymarcus.substack.com/ Carl Miller - DEMOS - https://demos.co.uk/people/carl-miller/ Karen Hao - https://karendhao.com/Dr Joy Buolamwini - https://www.poetofcode.com/Wakanyi Hoffman - https://hoffmanwakanyi.wixsite.com/wakanyihoffmanZak Stein - https://www.zakstein.org/ Tristan Harris & Ezra Raskin - https://www.humanetech.com/ EVENTSUN's AI for Good: Global Summit: https://aiforgood.itu.int/ BOOKSHyperscalers - Paris Marx End Times Fascism: And the Fight for the Living World - Naomi Klein & Astra TaylorArtificial Intimacy: Who We Become When We Talk to Machines - Sherry TurkleEmpire of AI - Karen HaoCareless People - Sarah Wynn WilliamsStories of Your Life and Others - Ted ChiangThe Future - Naomi AldermanEnshittification - Cory DoctorowORGANISATIONShttps://dair-institute.org/https://www.thenerve.news/https://rslmedia.org/https://airesistlist.org/https://www.lumiera.ai/ —About Accidental Gods—We offer three strands all rooted in the same soil, drawing from the same river: Accidental Gods, Dreaming Awake and the Thrutopia Writing Masterclass Our next Open Gathering offered as part of our Accidental Gods Programme is 'BECOMING A GOOD ANCESTOR' which will run on Sunday 13th September 2026 from 16:00 - 20:00 GMT - details are here. You don't have to be a member of Accidental Gods to come along, but if you are, all Gatherings are half price.If you'd like to join us at Accidental Gods, this is the membership where we endeavour to help you to connect fully with the living web of life. If you'd like to train more deeply in the contemporary shamanic work at Dreaming Awake, you'll find us here. If you'd like to explore the recordings from our last Thrutopia Writing Masterclass, the details are hereManda and Louise both offer one-to-one Mentoring Calls. Manda is writing a book just now, but if you'd like to contact Louise, details are here.
Unraveling the history of the Jim Crow South, personal stories are interwoven with humor and heartbreak. Tayari Jones is an author and C.H. Candler Professor of English and Creative Writing at Emory University. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss her new novel, which follows two young Black women – both motherless and as close as sisters – navigating the era with different trajectories. The book is called “Kin.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices