Podcast appearances and mentions of Curtis Sittenfeld

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 54:46

In Episode 222, Sarah talks with authors Jennifer Marie Thorne and Lee Kelly about their latest co-written novel, The Midnight Show. Set in the world of 1980s late-night comedy, the book is told in a documentary / oral history format that traces the rise of a breakout star — and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. They talk about how they developed a cast of characters shaped by both real-life comedy figures and their own creative instincts, as well as the challenge of writing sketch comedy that actually lands on the page. They also get into the realities of writing as a duo and the novel's exploration of how women in comedy are perceived and defined. Plus, they share what they're working on next and their book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Books by Lee Kelly + Jennifer Thorne: The Antiquity Affair (2023), The Starlets (2024) and My Fair Frauds (2025) By Lee Kelly: With Regrets (2023), A Criminal Magic (2016), and City Of Savages (2015) By Jennifer Thorne: Diavola (2024), Lute (2022), and Newbourne Park(September 29, 2026) A brief, spoiler-free overview of The Midnight Show The inspiration behind the novel and how they created their characters using a mix of real-life performers and imagination Writing sketch comedy for the page — and how they created it organically for the story The evolution of their collaborative writing process How society views funny women — and how they're allowed to be defined What this author duo is working on next Lee's + Jennifer's Book Recommendations [38:42] Two OLD Books They Love Jennifer : The Wonder State by Sara Flannery Murphy (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:07] Lee : A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:24] Other Books Mentioned The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2009) [39:34] The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (2022) [43:08] Two NEW Books They Love Jennifer : Cruelty Free by Caroline Glenn (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:16] Lee : The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:28] Two NEW RELEASES They're Excited About Jennifer : Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel (September 15, 2026) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [48:02] Lee : Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh (June 16, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:22] Other Books Mentioned The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [49:36] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [50:04] The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) [51:53] Books From the Discussion Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [6:37] Live From New York by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller (2014) [6:41] The Chris Farley Show by Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby (2008) [6:45] Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [23:43] The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [25:47] Good People by Patmeena Sabit (2026) [38:20]

writing miracles favorites good people book recommendations great gatsby thorne scott fitzgerald lute daisy jones station eleven women in comedy live from new york taylor jenkins reid goon squad john mandel jennifer egan curtis sittenfeld lev grossman starlets james andrew miller ashley winstead midnight show karen thompson walker layne fargo tom shales tanner colby

Spring 2026 Book Preview with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 221

explore collection ukrainian short stories ames portions middle age curtis sittenfeld

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 45:40

Welcome to the Spring 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in April and May. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements A preview of changes to this year's Summer Reading Guide — now a team effort, with more info to come in a separate episode coming in early May. One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share 4 bonus books (2 each) we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big releases coming this spring that are not featured in our personal preview picks. Catherine's theme is spring, but Sarah's theme is summer. Looking for balance, Catherine chose books that are lighter and brighter, but not silly. Spring picks carry 4 debuts — 3 from Catherine and 1 from Sarah. Sarah's books cover 2 books about the world of comedy and 3 family dramas. Sarah has already read one of her picks — 4.5 stars! Plus, their #1 picks for spring. Big Spring Releases The Midnight Train (The Midnight World, 2) by Matt Haig (May 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:04] The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:06] London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:09] Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez (April 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:16] With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:22] Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:26] Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:29] Other Books Mentioned State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [3:59] Spring 2026 Book Preview [4:38] April Sarah's Picks The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:11] Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:49] Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (April 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:50] Catherine's Picks American Fantasy by Emma Straub (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:50] Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:10] Like This But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:19] Other Books Mentioned Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [8:26] Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [8:55] Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) [11:08] All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) [14:39] Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie (2021) [17:22] Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012) [17:38] Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [18:37] The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [18:40] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [18:46] The House of My Mother by Shari Franke (2025) [22:03] August Lane by Regina Black (2025) [22:56] Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [23:06] Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (2024) [25:07] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [25:09] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [25:10] May Sarah's Picks The Mediator (Max Ringo, 1) by Robert Bailey (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:36] The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:46] Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:30] Catherine's Picks The Liar's Playbook by Leslie Bradford-Scott (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:31] The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:11] The Tapestry of Fate (Amina al-Sirafi, 2) by Shannon Chakraborty (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:10] Other Books Mentioned The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [27:52] Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [31:20] Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) [31:22] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [32:57] State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny (2021) [36:07] The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker (2016) [38:02] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) [39:01] The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, 1) by Shannon Chakraborty (2023) [40:38]

family house state books spring songs adventures seek terror spies substack playbook hillary clinton vengeance favorites last night romantic comedies traitor gilmore animators tapestry exchanges returns normal people seven days my mother sally rooney yesteryear taylor jenkins reid evelyn hugo ann patchett barbara kingsolver shippers curtis sittenfeld ursa major louise penny jojo moyes me before you book preview demon copperhead tia williams robert bailey london falling sirafi coco mellors layne fargo shannon chakraborty emma brodie kayla rae whitaker jung yun

Hot Seat Coaching: Choosing to Write Big with Andrew Parella

#AmWriting

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 42:42

Producer Andrew Parrella Claims His Own Gothic WorldIn this follow-up session, Jennie Nash checks in with producer-turned-novelist Andrew Parrella, who returns to the “hot seat” with a major breakthrough. After a week of “staring at the screen and walking the dog,” Andrew realizes he has been “writing small” to keep the project manageable. By leaning too heavily on the existing framework of Bram Stoker's Dracula, he was inadvertently stifling his own creativity. He decides to “embrace the big,” shifting the story from a cautious tribute into a standalone Historical Gothic Mystery. This evolution includes a high-stakes world-building choice: making vampires a known, though unaccepted, part of the public consciousness in 1920s London, adding a layer of modern resonance and social tension to the atmosphere of dread.The duo also digs into the “glaring holes” that surface when a writer decides to expand their narrative scope. Andrew identifies a need for deeper research into the Suffragette movement to ensure his protagonist's familial history feels integrated rather than “tacked on.” By connecting the mystery of the protagonist's mother to historical activism, Andrew finds a way to ground the supernatural elements in a more 3D reality. As they grapple with the structural puzzle of Point of View—weighing the benefits of including voices from the past versus staying close to the present—Jennie challenges Andrew to choose the perspective that best amplifies the protagonist's transformation and the secrets hidden within a mysterious Gladstone bag.Visit Andrew on the web: https://www.andrewparrella.comListen to the first session with Andrew:#AmWriting is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.TranscriptJennie: [00:00:00] Hi, I'm Jennie Nash and you're listening to the hashtag am Writing podcast, the place where we help writers of all kinds play big in your writing life, love the process, and stick with it long enough to finish what matters most. This is a hot seat coaching episode where we work through a real writing challenge in real time.Today I'm talking again with Andrew Perella, the hashtag am writing podcast producer who stepped out from behind the mic to work on his novel. He completed our winter blueprint challenge and is now working on blueprint revisions, which is such an important stage in the writing process, digging into what you really want the book to be, what you really wanna say.And Andrew's told me he just had a revelation, which I'm dying to hear about. But um, before we get to that. Um, when we're talking here today, the first episode where we did hot seat coaching launched out into the world, and I wanted to ask how [00:01:00] you're feeling about that.Andrew: Um, it feels a little weird. Um, you know, I'm used to being behind the mic.I'm used to, um, helping obviously produce a lot of audio over the years and, and, and helped get a lot of podcast episodes out into the world. It's strange to. Kind of be featured in a podcast episode. Um, that is a new experience for me. Um, uh, you know, when we recorded it, it was just you and I talking, but now it's like out in the world and, uh, and, and people can listen, um, and, uh, and, and, and judge, um, which of course they're welcome to do.Uh, but uh, but yeah, so it's a little, it's a little weird, but it's fun. It's fun.Jennie: Yeah, that's, that's you, you hit the nail on the head, the, the judge part. As soon as you put anything into the world, you put yourself up for judgment. And what we're doing here in these sessions is, is really, in some ways so intimate because we're getting to watch [00:02:00] somebody's thinking as it's unfolding, as it's progressing before they know what they want it to be.And we're watching someone hopefully, um. You know, hone in on their, their voice, their story, their point, their whole thing. And it's, um, it's really special to get to see it unfold, I think. Um, so thank you for. Putting yourself out there.Andrew: I'm, I'm happy to do it. This is, this has been a really value, this is a really valuable exercise for me personally.So, uh, happy to, happy to share that with folks.Jennie: So what happened last time was you left with some, uh, homework, which you did. Mm-hmm. And what was interesting from my point of view was when I. Looked at what you did. My first thought was, well, he didn't do very much. And I, I sort of thought, uh, okay, that's funny.Andrew: I kind of felt the same way.Jennie: Oh, that's really funny. But then when I read it, it was like, oh no, you worked out a [00:03:00] lot of things that we had been circling around. And primarily the, um, I would say the. Personal familial history of abriana and her connection to this famous vampire hunter. So that all got really sorted.Um, but the, the one that really made me chuckle was you have this beautiful description of your ideal reader in the blueprint, and it, it's probably. I don't know, it might be 500 words. It's, it's like, you know, this ideal reader really well, and I can tell that you actually really love this ideal reader and want to I do, I do.Yeah. It's really sort of beautiful, um, the specificity of, of who she is, but you added like three lines to the end of that. That was part of what you, what you did. And, um, [00:04:00] one of those lines was. In response to something we talked about, which was, does your ideal reader, are they familiar with Dracula? And you said, now, no.So that was really interesting to me. Do you wanna talk a little bit how you landed on that? Because I, I do think it might impact the genre.Andrew: Uh, yeah, I agree. And I, I saw your note about the genre too, which, which, um, I'm, I'd be eager to talk more about, but yeah, I mean, as, as I was thinking about this, I say I feel like I didn't do much.I spend a lot of time staring at the screen, uh, over the last couple of weeks and like. Walking my dog and thinking about these questions that you were posing. I feel like I spent hours doing it and like it, like, and, and like the words on the page since we last spoke, don't, I don't know, have reflect like the number of, the number of new words on the page.Don't reflect that. But I spent, I spent a lot of time thinking about, about that question and [00:05:00] some of the other questions that, that you posed. And I think for a long time I wanted to presume a familiarity with Stoker's Dracula, um, because it made my job easier. And, and so I think I, I kind of had to come to terms with the fact that though it is a popular book, not everybody has read it.And while many people, because it's a popular book, many people have some. Passing knowledge about the structure, about the plot, about some of the characters maybe, but they won't know. They won't know the level of detail that I do having read it many times. And so I need to create, I need to expand the world.I need to create my own world. I can't just live in Stoker's world. I need to create my own world. These characters, while they have the same names as the characters in in Stoker's novel. They are, they become different characters in my world, the [00:06:00] world I'm creating. And so I need to, I need to kind of accept that.And so it doesn't matter if you've read Dracula before you pick up this book, and these, these characters have a rich backstory that I will allude to. And if you've read Dracula, you might pick up on some extra, some extra bits, but this is still going to be a cohesive, discreet novel that you'll be able to enjoy.Regardless of, uh, whether you've read the, the, the original or not.Jennie: Okay. That's huge. Is that the revelation or is there something else?Andrew: No, that is notJennie: theAndrew: revelation.Jennie: Okay. So we'll get, wow, okay. We'll get to that in a minute. But that, the reason I said it impacts the genre is that you said your ideal right reader wouldn't describe herself as a horror fan and that her.Most, she's, she loves this, um, period of time. She loves London. Um, you know, there's a lot of things that [00:07:00] connect her to this story, but not horror. And so my thought was, should, should it still be classified as horror? Uh, there are lots of other ways to classify it, you know, historic, um, a historic thriller, a historic mystery.You know, gothic could be in there, but what, what are your thoughts at this point about that?Andrew: Yeah, and I, I, I think we've, we've, we've used the term horror when we talk about it, but when I, when I, when I did the blueprint challenge, I think I did kind of identify more like historical gothic as the genre.And, and, and as, as you say in one of your notes, this is feeling more like a mystery, a murder mystery than it is horror. Like, I feel like the horror genre leans into the gore, and I don't know that that's where. My book lives, I think, I think the gothic kind of sense of imminent doom, pervading, you know, every page is definitely something I wanna lead into.So, so I think gothic is, is [00:08:00] relevant, historic, gothic, and ultimately it is a murder mystery. And so who, and so, and so solving that mystery is the protagonist's kind of ultimate mission.Jennie: Right. So the, the sort of moodiness of the world and, and something, yeah. The dread, uh, that's out there. Right. Um, which fits really nicely, uh, with what you're doing.Okay. So what's the revelation?Andrew: So it came from the question that you asked me last or two weeks ago now. Um, and one that I've been asking myself, which is. Are vampires part of the public consciousness in this world that I'm building. And for a long time I've been saying, no, no, no, no. They're not part, they're still, they're still a secret society.They're still a secret community. They're still a secret species. They're, they're, and nobody knows about them. And, and anyone who talks about vampires is seen as being a [00:09:00] lunatic. Um. And I was realizing, and, and as you probably saw in the, in, in the, in the document, I was, I, I was trying to explore both, both possibilities.There's a possibility where, where the public understands vampire exists and then there's a, a, a possibility where that it doesn't, where they don't understand they exist. And I've been leaning towards maintaining the secrecy of vampires among the public. And I think the reason I've been doing that, it ties back, ties into what we were just talking about in that I was, I saw that creating like a whole vampire society that, uh, that human, that human society has been interacting with for a number of years, it felt like a distraction from the primary.From the primary plot, but I've been struggling because it does offer some really nice motivation for my murderer.Jennie: Yeah. [00:10:00]Andrew: SoJennie: you've been flip flopping back and forth in your mind.Andrew: I've been flip flopping back and forth in my mind until last night. And I was, I was reading, I was reading some of your comments, uh, on my document and I was like, why am I stuck on this?Why am I hung up on this? Why can't I make a decision about this? Um, and it's because. I was writing small, I was trying to keep it, you know, this is something I could manage. Like I was trying to keep it, I was trying to keep it like manageable. I was trying to keep it, I, I don't know. I was trying to give my, I was trying to like pen myself in, I guess, and lean.More heavily on the work of Stoker. And it's like he's already done his work. He's already So the, so the, the, the, the revelation I said he's already done his work. He's already created his book. Mine is a different book. Mine is, is, uh, a different [00:11:00] world and like. As we have been saying, I need to write big, so I need to embrace the big.And so that gonna, that's gonna mean creating more characters. That's going to mean creating, uh, more exposition. That's going to mean creating, um, more interactions between these communities. Creating a lot more than I had initially been thinking about. I feel like my original idea was a nice idea. You know, I'm, and I'm using air quotes with a nice idea, but like, I feel like this is now.Becoming a novel by, by choosing to, by choosing to go big here.Jennie: Well, you're, you make me like actually wanna cry because of happiness, because you've obviously been listening to the right. Big episodes and Yes. That whole um, thing and winter blueprint, um, listening to me hammer away at. Uh, [00:12:00] that this is all we have.This is all a writer has, is what is in their heart and mind mm-hmm. And comes from their experiences and interests. And it is so crazy how we shy away from that. We tamp it down, we hide from it, all the things because it's, it's terrifying in many ways. And for you to just get that and in both. The conversations we've had this morning already, like, like the, um, you were afraid.Yeah. Afraid of your own creation, which is actually very sort of, I guess that's more, um, well, more Frankenstein, more Frankenstein than Dracula, but, but you know, it is like the monster of our own creation. Mm-hmm. You know, like, oh, I wanna write this book. There's a kind of dread in just even saying that.Yeah. And then, oh, I [00:13:00] wanna write this book andRight.Jennie: And that question of am I up to it? Am I capable of, it lies at the heart of. So many problems that we make for ourselves because, you know, we tell ourselves, no, I couldn't do that or that Yeah, that's too, I just, I, you know, that's for somebody else, or I, I'll keep it small, I'll keep it mm-hmm.Attached to this other, I'll keep it easy. That was what mm-hmm. You know, and, and what you're saying is, okay, now I'm gonna. I'm gonna write the book I wanna write.Andrew: Yeah.Jennie: Oh man, that's so big. So that,Andrew: yeah, that was my, that was my big revelation last night as I was, ‘cause I still didn't have an answer for you on that question as late as last night.And I was like, I don't know what to say. And then I was like, why is this heart so hard for me? And so that was, that was, that was really nice to kind of make that, find that understanding and that gave me peace and like. I started, I started just throwing words on the page [00:14:00] last night about what that meant.Um, what that will mean for the story, what that will mean for the, for the characters. So,Jennie: well, I'm gonna write down this question ‘cause I wanna, I wanna explore that more. Why is this so hard for me? That's such a good question because what I was doing last night after I wrote that note to you was I did a whole pro con thing.You know, pro, um, the vampires are here and present and known, or, you know, be, they're not like, you know? Mm-hmm. Or even c nobody knows if they're real or, you know, like I was trying to parse out what do I have to do to guide Andrew toward. A decision. So I was thinking more what's gonna prompt your brain to decide, and your question, why is this so hard for [00:15:00] me is really what the right question is instead of the pro con list.So that is brilliant. Um, I'm, I'm writing down so good. Um.Andrew: Well, thank you for pushing me.Jennie: Oh, well that's my job. So, um, it's fun. I mean, it's fun. And what's interesting, particularly with this project is as we know, I don't know Dracula, I don't read a lot of horror. And so I'm, I am, I am reacting to you more than this story, you know?So that was, that was why, how am I gonna get Andrew to. Figure this out. I have absolutely no, you know, opinion or, or you know, um, any reason why we choose one or the other. Uh, sure. You know, it's really what you want. So once you decide that, then does that help with. Other open questions? [00:16:00] Does it sort of have a domino effect in your mind on some of the other things?Andrew: I think it, yeah, it, yeah, I think it's gonna affect, I mean, it's gonna affect, so it's gonna affect the whole tenor of the book. Um, I think it, it's, it's going to change the motivations of so many other characters. It's going to change. The relationship between, um, uh, between all of the characters. Um, it's going to change the politics of the moment inside this world.Um, and it's going to kind of raise the stakes, uh, a little bit more. And I think in, in, in another way, it's going to make it resonate more with a modern audience. Um,Jennie: Ooh. Say more. Why do you think that?Andrew: Well, I think, uh, I think. Just because the vampires are no longer a secret, uh, society, just because they are, um, part of the public zeitgeist, that doesn't mean they are accepted by the public.Um, and so there's going to be [00:17:00] misunderstanding and fear, um, and uh, and violence all around this, uh, group of individuals, which I think. Again, as I, as I said, resonates with, with, with modern, with a modern audience.Jennie: Wow. That's, that's awesome. Um, so I'm also curious, one of the questions I had, you did some work around a Brianna's mother whomm-hmm.Jennie: Died in childbirth, giving birth to her. Mm-hmm. And, um. She was involved in this whole previous generation's relationship to the vampire hunting andmm-hmm.Jennie: Um, all of that. And it, it's been a little vague. Um, we've talked about it a little, but it sounds like that is becoming more of a connection for, for two things, both for a [00:18:00] Adrianna's motivation, um.To, to solve these murders, but also her connection to the suffragette movement, which prior to this draft, I kept feeling a little bit like it was shoehorned in there, likemm-hmm.Jennie: Oh, there's this vampire story and it's London and it's at this time, and there's this young woman in suffragette. You know, and, and now that small change really locks the, the suffragette movement into Aub Brianna's world and life.Um, so what do you now know about the mother that feels new or, um, that you've pinned down more because of these thoughts?Andrew: I'm still fleshing that out. But let me, let me say, one of the reasons I think that the suffragette movement element of the book feels a little tacked on is I have not [00:19:00] yet done my research there.And so it's like, that's a really, that's a, that's a glaring, that's a glaring hole right now that I need to fill with more research. I've been doing a lot of vampire research now. Um, and, but I need to switch. I need to switch tax and start and start doing more, uh, suffrage, uh, research. Um, but that said, yeah, I think.A Brianna's mother, Mina, um, was involved briefly in the suffrage movement because she dies or does she? And um, and, and I think she continues, she continues to play a role in the suffrage suffrage movement. What. What I've been grappling with now is how much of that does abriana know how much of that has her father told her?And I could see that being another point of contention between the two of them. If she discovers later that this was [00:20:00] another, another piece of information that was, that was hidden from her. And so,Jennie: Ooh, that's so good. It's so good. This, this young, yeah, this young woman. All these things stacked up against her that she, yeah.Sort of knows about or maybe suspects. Um, right. So you're right. The work is, there's always in any story who, the question of who knows what, when. Mm-hmm. I mean, particularly in a mystery or thriller, obviously.Andrew: Right.Jennie: Yeah. But who knows what, when, you know, can. Change who you choose to be your narrator. Who, who has right point of view, um, who gets point of view in the story.Uh, you know, do we go to a chapter in somebody's point of view? You know, all of those, all of those questions hang on. This idea of who knows what went. So, you as the author, are the first person that has to know. Everything. Right. And [00:21:00] then choose to, you know, how like, like putting little breadcrumbs or, you know, planting little seeds, ummm-hmm.Jennie: That you have to manage that material. Um, so that's a big question. And here's a question. Do you think you need those answers before you can pin the whole story down, or do you feel like. You can pin the plot down and that that is, gives more texture, more, more to a Adriana's motivation. Maybe it'll move certain scenes about her discovery of certain things, but do you, what do you feel about that research?Andrew: About the suffrage research they needJennie: to do? Yeah, yeah,Andrew: yeah. I think it's going to get, I think it's gonna open avenues for me. To identify what Mina's role was, what her mother, what, what breanna's mother's role was in the suffrage suffragette movement. [00:22:00] Who some of the players were, who some of the, some of the larger names, the, some of the larger, um, protesters and advocates for it were.Because the, you know, being a historical novel, I do want to incorporate some historical figures, which I, I think, um, is always a kind of a fun element of, of, of a novel. And so being able to incorporate some of that, I think will lay out a lot of avenues for a Brianna's story arc.Jennie: So I just wanna point out for our listeners that what is happening here, um, is that every question we ask or we pose.Is work, right? So some of it is, you know, work of walking the dog and thinking and saying, well, I don't know. Or Why don't I now? Or why is this hard for me? Or, uh, or, you know, all of that. And then now we're talking about. This question is work, um, figuring out research and, you know, at every turn it's, [00:23:00] when you do the thing that you wanna do, when you really lean into that, it, it gets harder.I mean, you're making it harder for yourself. So,yeah,Jennie: I just wanna point that out. ‘cause it, it's so interesting here as this is unfolding, um, that, that, that is just a, a truth. And the other thing I wanna point out is. Where this story started is where every story starts, which is you have this idea, it's a really cool idea.You have this sense of a plot. And, and in some ways, that very central idea of the plot is never gonna change. No matter what you do to this book, it's, it's a, mm-hmm. It's a murder, you know, there's murders and this young woman's gonna solve it, so. Mm-hmm. Like, that plot's not changing, but the, where it started was.These kind of card work cutout characters, kind of placeholder characters. And if you leave it at that, you can see where that would go, you know? Mm-hmm. It's like, [00:24:00] oh, mother died in childbirth. Of course child's motivated to, you know, something. Um, or Oh, distant and emotional dad, you know, you sort of start, start there.But now by understanding. The whole life that her mother lived and the whole role that she played, and is she even dead or not? You know, like huge, huge questions. Yeah. Make the mother a fully fleshed out 3D character. You know, that's where you're gonna go. And then you can see how that will make a Brianna.A more fully fleshed out 3D character. So instead of, instead of the tropes or the expected things, there's gonna be these nuances to it andmm-hmm.Jennie: Um, specific things. And then your question of what, how much does she know and, and what does she find out? [00:25:00] Um, there's gonna be plot points that come from that.Right. You know? Uh, do you have a sense. At this point, are there letters, are there diaries? Is there a friend who hasn't spoken? Like is there some source of information in your mind that Abriana might encounter?Andrew: Yes. And I think, and, and I think there are a couple of different sources. I think, I think her mother Mina will have had diaries, um, and potentially letters.I think also Van Helsing will also certainly have papers. Um. And letters. Um, and, uh, there's a, there's a, there's a prop. He, when he dies, he bequeaths to abriana his Gladstone bag. Um, and I think there's going to be some sort of revelatory piece of information in the Gladstone bag, and I haven't figured [00:26:00] out what that piece of information is.So,Jennie: is that black bag that doctors hadAndrew: that doctors carry around? Yeah. That the old time, that old, that old timey doctors carry?Jennie: Yeah. Why was it ca called that?Andrew: You know, that's a good, that's a good question. I don't know where, uh, what the etymology for, for, for the Gladstone bag is. I don't know why that is.Jennie: Interesting. So that's like a toolbox basically. Yeah. It's filled, filled with things and,Outro: yeah. Yeah.Jennie: Uh, that's cool. That's cool. Um, that, I love that. So this is a silly thing. I was so confused. And I know you told me this, um, but that there's a character, John Seward, who's a character from Dracula. Mm-hmm.And Abriana refers to him as her uncle, but he's not her uncle. Correct. But the reason I continue to be confused is that her dad's name is also JohnAndrew: Jonathan. Yeah.Jennie: Jonathan.Andrew: Yeah.Jennie: Does it have to [00:27:00] be or is that just like, oh, Jennie, come on. Surely the reader can handle a John and a Jonathan.Andrew: Well, I mean, no, that's a legitimate question because, um, can they, um, especially if we've got two characters named Abraham and Abriana, right?And so like, and so now I, I, I've been struggling with that too. I think I've been, I've been trying to carry forward some of, some of the characters from Dracula. I think I like the character of Seward because he is a protege of Van Helsing, but perhaps the protege bit is important and not the actual name of the person.So maybe it's another character that I've, that I'm introducing here who was a protege of Van Helsing.Jennie: Oh. But see, I think that's where you get into. So your ideal reader you've established may not know Dracula right. Inside and out. Right. But you will have a lot [00:28:00] of readers who do.Yes.Jennie: And there is a world of people who really love this stuff and who really.Right. You know, and if you were to change an actual charactermm-hmm.Jennie: And give it, give him a different name or a different whatever, people will come after you.Yeah. People will be obsessed.Jennie: And that's fine. Right. Butyeah.Jennie: Is, is that one of the things that could be in the book that those readers. That would delight those readers.Andrew: Right. I like, I feel like there are a lot of ways I can leave Easter eggs for Dracula fans.Jennie: Yeah.Andrew: Um, that aren't, that aren't germane to understanding the plot of the motivations of the characters, but that, like a Dracula fan will appreciate, oh, I see what you did there. That was a nice touch. Um,Jennie: and soAndrew: I,Jennie: oh, I think they, they're gonna love that andAndrew: Yeah.Yeah.Jennie: You know, there's also then. This is just where my brain goes in terms of marketing. There's also then a whole [00:29:00] thing of, you know, a connection to a literary, uh, to literature readers, which could potentially be students and scholars and, you know, that sort of thing. Yeah.Andrew: Yeah.Jennie: So I don't, I don't think you should so quickly dismiss.John Stewart, but it's a Adrianna's father being named Jonathan, I was wondering about.Andrew: Mm-hmm. Okay.Jennie: And, and you do not have to care that Jennie can't keep him straight. Uh, I'm, I'm 62. My brain doesn't work the same way it used to, but I can't tell you the number of times. I'm like, wait. Was that like I wasAndrew: right.Jennie: Really snagging on that. So, um, just a point of information.Andrew: Gotcha, gotcha. No, it's worth thinking about though. It's worth thinking about. But I, I had a, I had a question for you.Jennie: Yeah.Andrew: If now is an appropriate time to ask it.Jennie: Ask it. [00:30:00] Yeah.Andrew: I've been, I've been spending a lot of brain power on the question of POV.Jennie: Yeah,Andrew: and I've been go like, and going back and forth about whether this is going to be a single POV, uh, and Abriana is, Abriana is our narrator, or if it's more third person omniscient, or maybe this is a dual POV. And I think most recently I've been thinking this is a dual POV between Abriana and her namesake Van Helsing, and like.Which is also create some time traveling, uh, mechanisms because we'll be, we'll be talk, he'll be talking about his experiences, uh, before Abriana was born and as she, as she's a child, and she'll be talking about her experiences as a young woman. And so, but now as we're talking about a Adrianna's mother, I'm more, I'm wondering like, do I want the dual POV to between, between Abriana and her mother?Um. What question should I [00:31:00] be considering to help me make that decision?Jennie: Uh, well this is a huge question, Andrew. Um, there, I feel like you just named so many excellent structural ways forward, right? And the question of what do you ask yourself? You're asking such good questions, like what do you ask yourself to make that decision?And. I'm gonna, my answer's gonna be something really unsatisfying in many ways because it's, you gotta go back to your why, why are you writing the story? Mm-hmm. Okay. Why does it matter to you? Mm-hmm. What is your point? Who do you, who do you want to speak to? Uh, those fundamental questions are going to inform the POV because if you, well, I know you originally had an idea about the brother.Um, her brother being a narrator, and you didn't mention him this time, you mentioned No, [00:32:00] the mom. So a story in which the mom and daughter are narrating and the mom and they're never going to meet.Mm-hmm.Jennie: Those two people in, I don't think, well, no, that's not true. Uh, uh, an unden person could meet a, a human walking the earth, um, right.Andrew: And that may be, that may be part of the climax.Jennie: Yeah. SoAndrew: of the novel. ButJennie: that, um, that a mother daughter who, who don't think that they can, maybe the daughter doesn't think that they will ever meet, you know, that's a real particular. Kind of a story. Mm-hmm. So I do think, going back to your why, why do I care about this?Why, you know, I, I asked you in our, our initial conversation, you know, you're, you're a man. You're writing about [00:33:00] suffragettes, you're writing about a woman protagonist, a young woman, protagonist, and you talked a lot about your sister.Mm-hmm.Jennie: Understanding those motivations and interests and passions because that mother-daughter story will carry a certain kind of weight.The, if we think of the, the Van Haling being a narrator, that taps into what we were talking about before. How connected is your story to that lineage ofright,Jennie: of that one. ‘cause now you're. Not only having Bram Stoker's character, you're giving that character a POV voice. Mm-hmm. Which is another level of connection to that mm-hmm.Literary lineage. Mm-hmm. Um, so that would take it in a different, you can see how that would take it in a really different direction. So POV is, [00:34:00] you know, in some stories it's quite. Instant. Um, you just sort of know, um, in other stories it's not, and this one, it, it is not. Um mm-hmm. I think it's, it's clear Abriana is your protagonist.It's her our core following. Mm-hmm. It's her. Transformation. We're interested in her, uh, solving the murder, her understanding her legacy, her coming into her own power. Those are the things we want to see resolved. Um, so whether or not she is a POV though, because there's a, then there's, there's third person.Mm-hmm. I mean, third person has different, you know, there's different permutations of it. There's third person close mm-hmm. Which is sort of functions in some ways, like first person, because in third person close, you don't go into anybody else's head. Mm-hmm. Um, I, I sometimes don't understand why, [00:35:00] why that is even a choice.Then I read books that do it, that work beautifully, and it's like, oh, okay. You know? So, uh, you know, everything can be a choice, but, um, you know, so we know that she's at the center. So then the question I'm circling around to answering your question, how do you help yourself solve this? What other voices would amplify?Mm-hmm.Jennie: Her transformation, that's really what it is, is it's her story. You know, the, the mother, POV would take it in one direction. Van Helsing would take it in a different mm-hmm. Uh, third person where we're,I don't know, a third person narrator that goes back in time feels odd to me.Andrew: Okay.Jennie: I think if it's, and I'm just talking out loud here. I think if it's third person, it, it, we could go into all the heads of everybody. Walking the earth [00:36:00] right now. But I feel like if you go into someone you can see I'm betraying my not understanding Vampire vampires very well.They never die, right?Andrew: Yes. They're undead.Jennie: They never die. So. Okay, so I think, ignore what I just said, A third person, omniscient narrator, could go into their heads as well. Um, right. And go back in time as well. But your time travel, like, like actually having that, that's a really different story, so.Mm-hmm.Jennie: Um, how you're going to answer is you're gonna sit with that question of what is gonna make a adrianna's story resonate the most at that end, right? What, mm-hmm. What knowing is going to, to amplify that the most. And then the second thing to ask yourself, and you might need to do a little more work, uh, in order to answer [00:37:00] this once you get the inside outline done.Looking at the key scenes. Yeah, you may just see, oh, there is no way that this is gonna work in a certain POV, or I have to have this other POVI can't convey. I can't go to that scene. I have to go to that scene. Or alternatively a scene that you can't go to. Then you think, alright, how will I get this?Into How do I convey this? I'm thinking of that. Um. You know, there's so many, uh, there's so many, uh, what's the word I'm looking for? I'm thinking of JK Rowling and Harry Potter and all the things that she did, you know, the mirror Yeah. That shows Harry or his parents and the pen sea that, you know, gets the memories outta somebody's head.Like all these, um mm-hmm. Mechanical ways Yeah. Of show, showing us what happened.Yeah. [00:38:00]Jennie: Back, back in the day. You know, that's a particularly kind of story with particularly kind of magic. But there, there, you don't know. You might have this, they're devices.Yeah,Jennie: that's the word I was looking for. Devices, yes.That you might have one or two scenes, it's like, do I need a whole POV just to convey these scenes or is there another way I could get this information in? So it's two parts, it's both. Um, I would say heart a heart. A heart-centered thing. What, what do I want? What will amplify my why and my point the most?What, what I think would be interesting and fun to write the question of, um, then Helsing, do I want to embrace that? Mm-hmm. For some reason I'm thinking of that, um, novel, um, the Hillary Clinton alternative history novel. Um. Called Rodham, uh oh, by, [00:39:00] is it Curtis Sittenfeld, I think. Um, Rodham, but so courageous and daring.She, yeah, she imagines, um, what would have happened had, had Hillary not married Bill, and it follows the, their lives and their meeting and their love story and all this whole thing, which he just chooses not to marry him. And, you know, like. That's a certain kind of bravery as an author to, to take that sort of a character.And you'd be, you'd be doing that. So do you, do I wanna do that? So it's all those hard questions and then there's plot questions, so Right. I'm gonna say that for the next, your next bit of homework. Mm-hmm. Um. Is to, I would go to the inside outline and start trying to pin this plot down and noodling around with it.And we know that it's going to change based on your research. Mm-hmm. Based on the fact that it always changes. [00:40:00] Um, but just noodle around with it and try it from different POVs. See, see what happens. You know? Take, take the, um, this is the reason, by the way, listeners, why I insist that the insight outline at the beginning is only three pages because Andrew can do one that is a Briana's, POV only.What does that look like? Uh, AA and her mom, what does that look like? Abriana and um. Van health sink, what does that look like? Uh, third person, what does that look like? You could do four, three page outlines and it's not gonna kill you. Right. Right. You could just to sort of get a feel for it, and I promise you mm-hmm.That what's gonna happen is one of ‘em is gonna feel more alive.Andrew: Right.Jennie: So that's the sortAndrew: of, okay,Jennie: unsatisfying [00:41:00] answer is one of them is gonna feel more alive. So you're gonna start with your why. Start with your point. Try to sit with that, then try those things on. One of them's gonna feel more alive.Okay.Andrew: So you're not just gonna tell me which POVs to use then?Jennie: No, it'sAndrew: not. That's not how thisJennie: works. I know, it's such a bummer. Um. I mean, it's such a, such an important question and people often skim past it, butAndrew: mm-hmm.Jennie: You know, take, I think it's the time, like dig, dig into the outline with the intention mm-hmm.Of landing on POV. How about, how about that for your homework?Andrew: Okay. That sounds good. That sounds good. I can do that.Jennie: Okay. Well, I can't wait to hear how it goes. And for our listeners. Until next time, stop playing small and write like it matters.Outro: The hashtag am [00:42:00] Writing podcast is produced by Andrew Perilla. Our intro music aptly titled Unemployed Monday was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output because everyone deserves to be paid for their work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

personal change writing walking transformation putting write 3d harry potter afraid vampires mine figure passing frankenstein sort dracula hillary clinton instant aa correct devices pov mm jk rowling literary looked bram stoker mechanical attached van helsing stoker john stewart gladstone suffragettes seward povs helsing curtis sittenfeld rodham parella jennie nash hot seat coaching max cohen andrew you povi andrew yeah andrew so andrew well

Curtis Sittenfeld explores middle age in short story collection

Talk of Iowa

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 45:06

Curtis Sittenfeld's short story collection, 'Show Don't Tell,' captures both the mess and the gifts of aging. Then, Shalika Kindurangala, the owner of a Piece & Freedom Bakery, a Ukrainian bakery in Ames, is creating community amid war at home. (Portions of this episode were originally produced March. 6, 2025 and Jan. 29, 2025)

Prince-No-More Andrew Pays His Epstein Price

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 70:59

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the public figures being shamed and punished for their associations with Jeffrey Epstein while others remain unscathed, the insights and lessons revealed by a new oral history archive and interview with former President Obama, and the meaning of the Trump administration's efforts to whitewash history.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss this week's dust-up between Stephen Colbert and CBS amid FCC threats over an interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Kevin Bendis Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. @SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Gabfest - Prince-No-More Andrew Pays His Epstein Price

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 70:59

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the public figures being shamed and punished for their associations with Jeffrey Epstein while others remain unscathed, the insights and lessons revealed by a new oral history archive and interview with former President Obama, and the meaning of the Trump administration's efforts to whitewash history.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss this week's dust-up between Stephen Colbert and CBS amid FCC threats over an interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Kevin Bendis Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. @SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Gabfest - Prince-No-More Andrew Pays His Epstein Price

Büchermarkt - Deutschlandfunk

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 70:59

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the public figures being shamed and punished for their associations with Jeffrey Epstein while others remain unscathed, the insights and lessons revealed by a new oral history archive and interview with former President Obama, and the meaning of the Trump administration's efforts to whitewash history.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss this week's dust-up between Stephen Colbert and CBS amid FCC threats over an interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Kevin Bendis Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. @SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Curtis Sittenfeld and Erin O White

Book Off!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 53:06

Authors Curtis Sittenfeld and Erin White join Joe Haddow for a war of the words... Curtis and Erin are best mates - which makes for a very competitive Book Off! Erin talks about her debut novel 'Like Family' which has themes of desire in middle age, queer domestic love and life, navigating the world as a teenager - and much more. Curtis discusses her latest short story collection 'Show Don't Tell' which is a witty and tender collection of tales, featuring a cast of characters that feel like old friends. They also give some writing tips and recommend us some brilliant books too! THE BOOK OFF 'Colored Television' by Danzy SennaVS 'Unless' by Carol Shields Here's a little more on our guests' books! 'Like Family' by Erin White What if everything you wanted is no longer enough?Meeting for an autumnal swim in an idyllic pond, Caroline's friend Ruth tells her about a family secret that has recently been exposed. Caroline was looking forward to a celebration they'd been planning together with her sister-in-law, Tobi, but suddenly everything seems complicated.Tensions that have long been buried are bubbling to the surface. These three couples, who have so much to enjoy in their lives - growing children, affectionate marriages, work they love - must confront the truths they've never shared. More than that, they will have to reconcile the lives they've built with the ones they desire: the old dreams both fulfilled and denied, and the new ones that appeared right when they thought they had all they'd ever hoped for.'Show Don't Tell' by Curtis SittenfeldIn this compulsive collection of twelve witty stories, Sittenfeld shows why she's as beloved for her short fiction as she is for her novels, as she conjures up characters so real that they seem like old friends.In ‘The Patron Saints of Middle Age,' a woman visits two friends she hasn't seen since her divorce. In ‘A for Alone,' a married artist embarks on a project intended to disprove the so-called Mike Pence Rule, which suggests that women and men can't spend time alone together without lusting after each other. And in ‘Lost but Not Forgotten,' Sittenfeld gives readers of her novel Prep a new window into the world of her beloved character Lee Fiora, decades later, when Lee attends an awkward school reunion.Witty, confronting and full of tenderness, Sittenfeld peels back layer after layer of our inner lives, keeping us riveted to the page with her utterly distinctive voice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

lost prep acast tensions witty middle age curtis sittenfeld not forgotten sittenfeld erin white mike pence rule

Büchermarkt 18.02.2026: Lesung abgesagt, Ulrike Almut Sandig, Curtis Sittenfeld

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 20:19

Brinkmann, Sigrid www.deutschlandfunk.de, Büchermarkt

lesung brinkmann curtis sittenfeld

Curtis Sittenfeld: "Mittelalte Frauen. Erzählungen"

Büchermarkt - Deutschlandfunk

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 7:17

Reichart, Manuela www.deutschlandfunk.de, Büchermarkt

frauen manuela curtis sittenfeld reichart

LIVE from Washington, DC!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 69:15

This week, live from Sixth & I in Washington DC to celebrate 20 years of the Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing with AG Pam Bondi and the Trump administration's violations of constitutional rights with guest Rep. Jamie Raskin, how Trump's assaults on DC have radically transformed the city, and patriotism at the Olympics.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David answer questions from the live audience at Sixth & I in Washington, DC to celebrate 20 years of the Political Gabfest. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Gabfest - LIVE from Washington, DC!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 69:15

This week, live from Sixth & I in Washington DC to celebrate 20 years of the Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing with AG Pam Bondi and the Trump administration's violations of constitutional rights with guest Rep. Jamie Raskin, how Trump's assaults on DC have radically transformed the city, and patriotism at the Olympics.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David answer questions from the live audience at Sixth & I in Washington, DC to celebrate 20 years of the Political Gabfest. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Gabfest - LIVE from Washington, DC!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 69:15

This week, live from Sixth & I in Washington DC to celebrate 20 years of the Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing with AG Pam Bondi and the Trump administration's violations of constitutional rights with guest Rep. Jamie Raskin, how Trump's assaults on DC have radically transformed the city, and patriotism at the Olympics.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David answer questions from the live audience at Sixth & I in Washington, DC to celebrate 20 years of the Political Gabfest. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Melania Movie a Bribe?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 63:22

This week, Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and guest host Juliette Kayyem discuss the juxtaposition between the devastating layoffs at The Washington Post and the exorbitant price owner Jeff Bezos and Amazon paid for the Melania movie, this week's ominous foreshadowing of the Trump administration's real threats to the 2026 elections with election law expert Nate Persily, and why the Clintons are facing deposition in House Epstein investigations.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, David, and guest host Juliette Kayyem discuss a fascinating profile of anti-government militia leader Ammon Bundy, the contrast between Bundy's and his former allies' views on ICE tactics, and how messages about individual liberty and government intervention might be affecting the Trump administration's narratives about immigration enforcement. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Gabfest - Is the Melania Movie a Bribe?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 63:22

This week, Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and guest host Juliette Kayyem discuss the juxtaposition between the devastating layoffs at The Washington Post and the exorbitant price owner Jeff Bezos and Amazon paid for the Melania movie, this week's ominous foreshadowing of the Trump administration's real threats to the 2026 elections with election law expert Nate Persily, and why the Clintons are facing deposition in House Epstein investigations.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, David, and guest host Juliette Kayyem discuss a fascinating profile of anti-government militia leader Ammon Bundy, the contrast between Bundy's and his former allies' views on ICE tactics, and how messages about individual liberty and government intervention might be affecting the Trump administration's narratives about immigration enforcement. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Gabfest - Is the Melania Movie a Bribe?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 63:22

This week, Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and guest host Juliette Kayyem discuss the juxtaposition between the devastating layoffs at The Washington Post and the exorbitant price owner Jeff Bezos and Amazon paid for the Melania movie, this week's ominous foreshadowing of the Trump administration's real threats to the 2026 elections with election law expert Nate Persily, and why the Clintons are facing deposition in House Epstein investigations.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, David, and guest host Juliette Kayyem discuss a fascinating profile of anti-government militia leader Ammon Bundy, the contrast between Bundy's and his former allies' views on ICE tactics, and how messages about individual liberty and government intervention might be affecting the Trump administration's narratives about immigration enforcement. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

De-ICEing

spotify california donald trump civil war acast messages slate unraveling first amendment curtis sittenfeld show don john dickerson emily bazelon rock creek park slate plus david plotz political gabfest

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 75:33

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss how the shocking killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents could represent a real turning point for Trump's immigration enforcement policies, the cognitive dissonance about constitutional rights and conservative principles displayed by political leaders in the wake of Pretti's killing, and a new book by guest Jason Zengerle: Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss a landmark trial starting in California that aims to adjudicate between children and families who say that social media caused them immense harm because companies intentionally engineered addicting platforms, and social media giants like Meta who argue they're not responsible for content protected by the First Amendment. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Gabfest - De-ICEing

spotify california donald trump civil war acast messages slate unraveling first amendment curtis sittenfeld show don john dickerson emily bazelon rock creek park slate plus david plotz political gabfest

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 75:33

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss how the shocking killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents could represent a real turning point for Trump's immigration enforcement policies, the cognitive dissonance about constitutional rights and conservative principles displayed by political leaders in the wake of Pretti's killing, and a new book by guest Jason Zengerle: Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss a landmark trial starting in California that aims to adjudicate between children and families who say that social media caused them immense harm because companies intentionally engineered addicting platforms, and social media giants like Meta who argue they're not responsible for content protected by the First Amendment. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Gabfest - De-ICEing

spotify california donald trump civil war acast messages slate unraveling first amendment curtis sittenfeld show don john dickerson emily bazelon rock creek park slate plus david plotz political gabfest

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 75:33

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss how the shocking killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents could represent a real turning point for Trump's immigration enforcement policies, the cognitive dissonance about constitutional rights and conservative principles displayed by political leaders in the wake of Pretti's killing, and a new book by guest Jason Zengerle: Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss a landmark trial starting in California that aims to adjudicate between children and families who say that social media caused them immense harm because companies intentionally engineered addicting platforms, and social media giants like Meta who argue they're not responsible for content protected by the First Amendment. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greenland War Averted

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 69:19

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss whether Trump's lust for Greenland will break the world (or indeed, whether it already has), what this week's arguments at the Supreme Court suggest about the future of Fed independence, and how FBI sources say the Bureau is being turned into a weapon of the president.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss a new memoir from Pennsylvania governor and likely presidential candidate Josh Shapiro, and what it tells us about his views on the presidency, his relationship with former VP Kamala Harris, and how he might approach a campaign. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greenland War Averted

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 69:19

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss whether Trump's lust for Greenland will break the world (or indeed, whether it already has), what this week's arguments at the Supreme Court suggest about the future of Fed independence, and how FBI sources say the Bureau is being turned into a weapon of the president.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss a new memoir from Pennsylvania governor and likely presidential candidate Josh Shapiro, and what it tells us about his views on the presidency, his relationship with former VP Kamala Harris, and how he might approach a campaign. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greenland War Averted

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 69:19

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss whether Trump's lust for Greenland will break the world (or indeed, whether it already has), what this week's arguments at the Supreme Court suggest about the future of Fed independence, and how FBI sources say the Bureau is being turned into a weapon of the president.For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss a new memoir from Pennsylvania governor and likely presidential candidate Josh Shapiro, and what it tells us about his views on the presidency, his relationship with former VP Kamala Harris, and how he might approach a campaign. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabfest Reads | When Marriage Goes Stale and Middle Age Hits Hard

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 32:04

Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Nina Porzucki. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Gabfest Reads | When Marriage Goes Stale and Middle Age Hits Hard

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 32:04

Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Nina Porzucki. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

marriage hits acast messages reads stale middle age curtis sittenfeld show don emily bazelon gabfest nina porzucki slategabfest

Gabfest Reads | When Marriage Goes Stale and Middle Age Hits Hard

Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 32:04

Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don't Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Nina Porzucki. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

marriage hits acast messages reads stale middle age curtis sittenfeld show don emily bazelon gabfest nina porzucki slategabfest

Alejandro Puyana — Debut Author Series — Freedom is a Feast Rerelease

MFA Writers

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 50:42

Following Venezuela's disputed presidential election, debut author Alejandro Puyana returns to the show to discuss his novel, which explores the revolutionary lives of both ordinary and extraordinary Venezuelans over the span of fifty years. He also shares insights with Jared about the rewrites he made to his MFA thesis before publication, the experience of collaborating with an editor, and the journey of securing book blurbs.Alejandro Puyana is the author of the upcoming novel Freedom Is a Feast, available from Little, Brown on August 20th. Alejandro moved to the United States from Venezuela at the age of twenty-six. In 2022, he completed his MFA at the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas. His work has appeared in Tin House, American Short Fiction, The American Scholar, New England Review, and Idaho Review, among others, and his story “The Hands of Dirty Children” was selected by Curtis Sittenfeld for Best American Short Stories 2020. He lives with his wife and daughter in Austin, Texas. Learn more at alejandropuyana.com.MFA Writers is hosted by Jared McCormack and produced by Jared McCormack and Hanamori Skoblow. New episodes are released every two weeks. You can find more MFA Writers at MFAwriters.com.BE PART OF THE SHOWDonate to the show at Buy Me a Coffee.Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.Submit an episode request. If there's a program you'd like to learn more about, contact us and we'll do our very best to find a guest who can speak to their experience.Apply to be a guest on the show by filling out our application.STAY CONNECTEDTwitter: @MFAwriterspodInstagram: @MFAwriterspodcastFacebook: MFA WritersEmail: mfawriterspodcast@gmail.com

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The world of Jane Austen fanatics

Talk of Iowa

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 47:55

We talk all things Jane Austen in celebration of the 250th anniversary of her birth. First, Iowa City-based artist Sonja Strathearn began making Regency-era attire three years ago to attend The Jane Austen Fest and the obsession has only grown from there. Strathearn invites us into her closet to show off her Regency attire. Then, Nebbe speaks with author Curtis Sittenfeld, an Austen fan and the author of the 'Pride & Prejudice' reimagining, 'Eligible.' Finally, musicologist Marian Wilson Kimber talks about Austen's musical inclinations, the pieces in her playbook and the ways music influenced her books.

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Episode 310: Of Goose & Turkey

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 58:43

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 310 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair KAL News Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Dan's Birthday Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site Yarn: Yarnbaker DK ((75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Burnt Indigo Colorway (dusty navy blue with black Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I used 54g of yarn and have 52g left. It was living in my Stitched by Jessalu Rhinebeck bag which is, for now, my hat bag. Game Day Party Socks Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heels/toes from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page Yarn: Pigskin '25 Exclusive- 60 points 62g used Aila's Goose Bag Pattern: None. Using this Ravelry Project Page as a guide Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in the Aran colorway (~400g skein) Hooks: G (4.0 mm) & H (5.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Started at the bottom with smaller hook and holding yarn double. ch31 work both sides of that to create the base. increased up to 62 stitches. larger hook. SC around for sides. 7 sts for handle (smaller hook) with the goose head at end of handle which is attached to other side of the bag. Then I added feet at the bottom. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Kris' Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I knit pair of socks out of this same colorway for Mom in 2019- Ravelry Project Page here. That was my 100th pair of OMG Heel socks. Progress: I am almost to the toe of sock 1. Over the Rainbow Socks Yarn: Cashmere & Coconuts MCN Sock yarn in the Somewhere Over the Rainbow colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: Yarn was gift from Kris on Mom's 1st heavenly birthday. I decided these will be for Hattie (my niece who is Mom's birthday twin). Progress: I'm on the leg of sock 2. Zoe Hat Pattern: Zoe Hat by Alexandra Davidoff- $6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berrocco Vintage in a teal color Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Laura picked out this yarn at Knitty City in NY Progress: I am still on the ribbing. Elsa Pattern: Queen Elsa Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava (worsted weight acrylic yarn) Hook: D (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: just barely started the legs. From the Armchair Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Amazon Affiliate Link. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld. Amazon Affiliate Link. Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases. KAL News Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions- ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players. Updates In This Episode Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread. Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers Commentator Update (links in this section go to Ravelry) Like most of the knitting internet, our November huddle has had lots of chatter about the game of wool, including tips for how to watch it if you are in the US! This has spawned lots of conversations about: how long it really takes to knit something, how hard on your body it can be to knit for long periods of time, and whether crafting with time pressure is a fun challenge or just robs the joy out of our hobby. Several pigskin partiers have shared their experiences with times crafting challenges, such as the sheep to sweater challenges, sock madness, and the super sock world challenge. In other news, players are posting some amazing projects in the end zone dance thread! A few players have completed some really intricate projects lately. For example, Enchantingpastime recently completed an amazing C2C crochet blanket with a penguin wearing a Santa hat! It is so cute. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Enchantingpastime/larger-penguin-blanket Fgcreations completed some fabulous colorwork "spooky bogeyman mitts: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/fgcreations/spooky-bogeyman-mittens Adrie9 completed a lovely sunset silhouette hat https://www.ravelry.com/projects/adrie9/sunset-silhouette-hat What a talented group of players we have! Contest, News & Notes Check out this Gay Sheep Fashion Show article that I heard about on the 7 podcast from the Washington Post Life in Focus 25 in 2025 Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept) - done Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year Buy new ski boots- done Go camping (scheduled for June)- done Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days)- done Do at least 5 walks with others- done Take 2-5 yoga classes- will not complete Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly- will still try Spend a day at Raffa Life- done Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- I've fallen off. Read all of Simple Abundance- gave up. Got too religious for me. Read at least 60 books- - 58 books as 11/29 Get at least 2 massages at Oasis- done See 2-5 movies in the theater- done Knit 2-5 garments for me- done Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket- not happening this year. Crochet at least 5 toys- done Use my spinning wheel at least once a month- all but May & June! Calling this a win Have a crafty day with Emelie- done Knit a slouchy hat for myself- not yet but it could still happen. Try out 3 new to me podcasts- done Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara- its on the calendar Buy a firebox and put important papers inside- working with Dan on finding the right one. Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation- not done yet Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes- done Ask Me Anything Tune in to hear my answer to this question: Hi, I'm a newer listener to your podcast and really enjoy it. But just how fast do you knit? It seems you have a job (in addition to the podcast), have time to be in a musical, family,,...yet your projects seem to fly off the needles. How do you get it all done? Are you knitting constantly?? Slow at knitting, Cathleen On a Happy Note My cousin Jenny hosted a girls/cousins game night. We had a lot of fun! Dad, Jeff, Riley, Millie & I started decorating at Dad's and then had a big Wicked (part 1) watch party in the evening. Megg, Eme, Ois, Hattie, Kris, Aila, Riley, Millie, Kara and Emelie all came. Only 3 of them had seen it before. Laura's visit- our craft fair tradition, lots of laughter with Megg and some great second-hand finds to add to my winter wardrobe Seeing Cabaret with Megg and Terri A surprise 4 Sundays advent box delivery from Legacy Fiber Artz- thanks Sue & Chelsea!! Fiber Club at my local library Thanksgiving with the family! My cousin Joanie gifted Dad, Jeff and me each an ornament with flowers from mom's funeral made into beads and put together with crystals into a beautiful snowflake ornament Wicked For Good! Quote of the Week "Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." — Henry Van Dyke ------ Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

thanksgiving green focus dad mom santa record turkey exclusive finish wicked rainbow square contest oasis hook quarter thankfulness purge romantic comedies goose google docs kayak registered needles yarn knit nylon crochet saco aran emelie amazon associates pigskin coupon code ois c2c stitched kristin hannah curtis sittenfeld eme josh woodward ravelry amazon affiliate link megan williams megg fairy lights week thank jared flood sw merino down cellar studio podcast ravelry thread omg heel needles us

S13:Ep268 - Angel Down with Guest Daniel Kraus + Women in Politics Book Recs - 11/26/25

The Perks Of Being A Book Lover Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 72:59

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Daniel Kraus at his website danielkraus.com or on IG at @kraus_author. This week our episode features Daniel Kraus, a writer who has published over 20 books, but among moviegoers he may be best known as the co-author with Guillermo del Toro of The Shape of Water. The film of this story won four Oscars in 2018. Daniel's 2023 novel Whalefall is being turned into a 20th Century Fox motion picture, and I hope that at some point his latest novel, Angel Down, will also be on film. Both the premise and writing in Angel Down are unique. It is the story of a group of World War I soldiers told to go into No Man's Land to rescue what they think is a wounded soldier. What they find is an angel. If you enjoy war novels, and even if you don't, I recommend giving this book a read. Our book rec section of the show features books related to women in politics. If you are interested in politics yet hate the nuttery of American government at the moment, these books can provide a reprieve. We have contemporary fiction, biography, memoir, alternative history, and electoral nonfiction. Books Mentioned in this Episode: 1- Whalefall by Daniel Kraus 2- Angel Down by Daniel Kraus 3- The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus 4- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 5- The Leaphorn and Chee Series by Tony Hillerman 6- Hearts of the Missing by Carol Potenza 7- The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch by Daniel Kraus 8- Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp 9- From Under the Truck by Josh Brolin 10- Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali 11- The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue 12- A Five Star Read recommended by fellow Book Lover State Katz @all.da.bookish.things - The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan 13- Cleo McDougal Regrets Nothing by Alison Winn Scotch 14- Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza 15- The Partisan Gap: Why Democratic Women Get Elected But Republican Women Don't by Laurel Elder 16- Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld 17- Mrs. Lincoln: A Life by Catherine Clinton 18- A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Arden Media Mentioned: 1- Frankenstein (2025-Netflix) 2- Dark Winds (2022 - present, Netflix) 3- The Shape of Water (2017) 4- 1917 (2019) 5- Whalefall (Upcoming Fall 2026) 6- Michelle Obama Says US Not Ready for a Female President - https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/michelle-obama-says-us-not-ready-woman-president-rcna244136

american netflix power water land missing table oscars witches wolf shape trucks frankenstein toro no man different kind century fox orchard women in politics recs books mentioned fur coat curtis sittenfeld rodham dark winds daniel kraus catherine clinton whalefall from under adam rapp rachel incident angel down lincoln a life

Autumn bookshelf, with Kate & Laura • Episode #180

The Book Club Review

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2025 48:07

In this episode: Kate and Laura are catching up on their pre-Booker season reading. Did You Are Here by David Nicholls make Laura want to lace up her walking boots? How did Kate get on with A Waiter in Paris by Edward Chisholm, a page-turning account that explores a side of the city that tourists never see. We're also reporting back on book club reads Mouthing by Orla Mackey and The Pretender by Jo Harkin. Mix in the enjoyment of Curtis Sittenfeld's latest collection of short stories, and the all-too relevant classic Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, and that's our Autumn bookshelf. Books mentioned You Are Here and One Day by David Nicholls The Wedding People by Alison Espach A Waiter in Paris by Edward Chisholm Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky Your Life and Other Stories and Exhalations by Ted Chiang The Left-Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Mouthing by Orla Mackey Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout Every One Still Here by Liadan ní Chuinn The Pretender by Jo Harkin The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller Sky Daddy by Kate Folk The Rest of Our Lives by Benjamin Markovitz You Don't Have To Live Like This by Benjamin Markovitz Serious Readers Book Club Review listeners get £150 off any HD Essential Reading Light, plus free UK delivery. Go to SeriousReaders.com/bcr and use the code BCR at checkout. It's completely risk-free with a 30-day home trial. If you don't feel the difference, they'll collect it for free and fully refund you. Patreon Support the show on Patreon and get ad-free episodes, extra shows, chat groups, book clubs and readalongs. Head to patreon.com/thebookclubreview to find out all the benefits and how to sign up. Instagram @bookclubreviewpodcast

time head uk books darkness mix one day booker our lives ray bradbury waiters pretender other stories bookshelf curtis sittenfeld farenheit david nicholls bcr mouthing

Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld

Mean Book Club

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 77:01 Transcription Available

Sometimes in life, a special book comes along and embraces you with characters you relate to, a setting that you enjoy, and a plot that exists. This is unfortunately not that book. This week we read "Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld and good news, we hated it! Big thanks to our patron Saroj for making us read this stinker and congratulations to Curtis Sittenfeld for being our first ever three-peat author!Mean Book Club is four ladies (UCB, BuzzFeed, College Humor, Impractical Jokers) who read, discuss and whine about NYT bestselling books that have questionable literary merit. It's fun. It's cathartic. It's perfect for your commute. New podcast (almost) every Tuesday! Here's the Season 20 reading list:The Corrections by Jonathan FranzenPrep by Curtis SittenfeldWe Were Liars by E. LockhartThe Plot Against America by Philip RothWho Moved My Cheese by Spencer JonsonBeautiful Ugly byAlice FeeneyyWhere is Joe Merchant by Jimmy BuffetSkipping Christmas by John GrishhamSend any future book suggestions to meanbookclub@gmail.com! Follow us on the socials @meanbookclub! Rate, like, subscribe, and check out our Patreon page at patreon.com/meanbookclub to become a true patron of the mean arts. CREDITS: Hosted by Sarah Burton, Clara Morris, Johnna Scrabis, & Sabrina B. Jordan. This episode was produced and edited by Sarah Burton and Blake Opper. Special thanks to FSM Team for our theme song, "Parkour Introvert." You can get it here: https://www.free-stock-music.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mean-book-club--3199521/support.

club comedy prep buzzfeed nyt corrections ucb impractical jokers college humor curtis sittenfeld saroj sarah burton fsm team mean book club

Alejandro Puyana, "Freedom Is a Feast" (Little, Brown, 2024)

Burned By Books

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 54:06

In 1964, Stanislavo, a zealous young man devoted to his ideals, turns his back on his privilege to join the leftist movement in the jungles of Venezuela. There, as he trains, he meets Emiliana, a nurse and fellow revolutionary. Though their intense connection seems to be love at first sight, their romance is upended by a decision with consequences that will echo down through the generations.Almost forty years later, in a poor barrio of Caracas, María, a single mother, ekes out a precarious existence as a housekeeper, pouring her love into Eloy, her young son. Her devotion will not be enough, however, to keep them from disaster. On the eve of the attempted coup against President Chávez, Eloy is wounded by a stray bullet, fracturing her world. Amid the chaos at the hospital, María encounters Stanislavo, now a newspaper editor. Even as the country itself is convulsed by waves of unrest, this twist of fate forces a belated reckoning for Stanislavo, who may yet earn a chance to atone for old missteps before it's too late.With its epic scope, gripping narrative, and unflinching intimacy, Freedom Is a Feast announces a major new talent. Alejandro Puyana has delivered a wise and moving debut about sticking to one's beliefs at the expense of pain and chaos, about the way others can suffer for our misdeeds even when we have the best of intentions, and about the possibility for redemption when love persists across time. Alejandro Puyana moved to the United States from Venezuela at the age of twenty-six. In 2022, he completed his MFA at the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas. His work has appeared in Tin House, American Short Fiction, The American Scholar, New England Review, Idaho Review, among others, and his story “The Hands of Dirty Children” was selected by Curtis Sittenfeld for Best American Short Stories 2020. He lives with his wife and daughter in Austin, Texas. Recommended Books: John Hickey, Big Chief Ibrahim Nasrallah, Time of White Horses Julio Cortázar, Literature Class Chris Holmes is Chair of Literatures in English and Professor at Ithaca College. He writes criticism on contemporary global literatures. His book, Kazuo Ishiguro Against World Literature, is published with Bloomsbury Publishing. He is the co-director of The New Voices Festival, a celebration of work in poetry, prose, and playwriting by up-and-coming young writers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alejandro Puyana, "Freedom Is a Feast" (Little, Brown, 2024)

New Books Network

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 54:06

In 1964, Stanislavo, a zealous young man devoted to his ideals, turns his back on his privilege to join the leftist movement in the jungles of Venezuela. There, as he trains, he meets Emiliana, a nurse and fellow revolutionary. Though their intense connection seems to be love at first sight, their romance is upended by a decision with consequences that will echo down through the generations.Almost forty years later, in a poor barrio of Caracas, María, a single mother, ekes out a precarious existence as a housekeeper, pouring her love into Eloy, her young son. Her devotion will not be enough, however, to keep them from disaster. On the eve of the attempted coup against President Chávez, Eloy is wounded by a stray bullet, fracturing her world. Amid the chaos at the hospital, María encounters Stanislavo, now a newspaper editor. Even as the country itself is convulsed by waves of unrest, this twist of fate forces a belated reckoning for Stanislavo, who may yet earn a chance to atone for old missteps before it's too late.With its epic scope, gripping narrative, and unflinching intimacy, Freedom Is a Feast announces a major new talent. Alejandro Puyana has delivered a wise and moving debut about sticking to one's beliefs at the expense of pain and chaos, about the way others can suffer for our misdeeds even when we have the best of intentions, and about the possibility for redemption when love persists across time. Alejandro Puyana moved to the United States from Venezuela at the age of twenty-six. In 2022, he completed his MFA at the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas. His work has appeared in Tin House, American Short Fiction, The American Scholar, New England Review, Idaho Review, among others, and his story “The Hands of Dirty Children” was selected by Curtis Sittenfeld for Best American Short Stories 2020. He lives with his wife and daughter in Austin, Texas. Recommended Books: John Hickey, Big Chief Ibrahim Nasrallah, Time of White Horses Julio Cortázar, Literature Class Chris Holmes is Chair of Literatures in English and Professor at Ithaca College. He writes criticism on contemporary global literatures. His book, Kazuo Ishiguro Against World Literature, is published with Bloomsbury Publishing. He is the co-director of The New Voices Festival, a celebration of work in poetry, prose, and playwriting by up-and-coming young writers. 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

Alejandro Puyana, "Freedom Is a Feast" (Little, Brown, 2024)

New Books in Literary Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 54:06

In 1964, Stanislavo, a zealous young man devoted to his ideals, turns his back on his privilege to join the leftist movement in the jungles of Venezuela. There, as he trains, he meets Emiliana, a nurse and fellow revolutionary. Though their intense connection seems to be love at first sight, their romance is upended by a decision with consequences that will echo down through the generations.Almost forty years later, in a poor barrio of Caracas, María, a single mother, ekes out a precarious existence as a housekeeper, pouring her love into Eloy, her young son. Her devotion will not be enough, however, to keep them from disaster. On the eve of the attempted coup against President Chávez, Eloy is wounded by a stray bullet, fracturing her world. Amid the chaos at the hospital, María encounters Stanislavo, now a newspaper editor. Even as the country itself is convulsed by waves of unrest, this twist of fate forces a belated reckoning for Stanislavo, who may yet earn a chance to atone for old missteps before it's too late.With its epic scope, gripping narrative, and unflinching intimacy, Freedom Is a Feast announces a major new talent. Alejandro Puyana has delivered a wise and moving debut about sticking to one's beliefs at the expense of pain and chaos, about the way others can suffer for our misdeeds even when we have the best of intentions, and about the possibility for redemption when love persists across time. Alejandro Puyana moved to the United States from Venezuela at the age of twenty-six. In 2022, he completed his MFA at the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas. His work has appeared in Tin House, American Short Fiction, The American Scholar, New England Review, Idaho Review, among others, and his story “The Hands of Dirty Children” was selected by Curtis Sittenfeld for Best American Short Stories 2020. He lives with his wife and daughter in Austin, Texas. Recommended Books: John Hickey, Big Chief Ibrahim Nasrallah, Time of White Horses Julio Cortázar, Literature Class Chris Holmes is Chair of Literatures in English and Professor at Ithaca College. He writes criticism on contemporary global literatures. His book, Kazuo Ishiguro Against World Literature, is published with Bloomsbury Publishing. He is the co-director of The New Voices Festival, a celebration of work in poetry, prose, and playwriting by up-and-coming young writers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

Alejandro Puyana, "Freedom Is a Feast" (Little, Brown, 2024)

New Books in Literature

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 54:06

In 1964, Stanislavo, a zealous young man devoted to his ideals, turns his back on his privilege to join the leftist movement in the jungles of Venezuela. There, as he trains, he meets Emiliana, a nurse and fellow revolutionary. Though their intense connection seems to be love at first sight, their romance is upended by a decision with consequences that will echo down through the generations.Almost forty years later, in a poor barrio of Caracas, María, a single mother, ekes out a precarious existence as a housekeeper, pouring her love into Eloy, her young son. Her devotion will not be enough, however, to keep them from disaster. On the eve of the attempted coup against President Chávez, Eloy is wounded by a stray bullet, fracturing her world. Amid the chaos at the hospital, María encounters Stanislavo, now a newspaper editor. Even as the country itself is convulsed by waves of unrest, this twist of fate forces a belated reckoning for Stanislavo, who may yet earn a chance to atone for old missteps before it's too late.With its epic scope, gripping narrative, and unflinching intimacy, Freedom Is a Feast announces a major new talent. Alejandro Puyana has delivered a wise and moving debut about sticking to one's beliefs at the expense of pain and chaos, about the way others can suffer for our misdeeds even when we have the best of intentions, and about the possibility for redemption when love persists across time. Alejandro Puyana moved to the United States from Venezuela at the age of twenty-six. In 2022, he completed his MFA at the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas. His work has appeared in Tin House, American Short Fiction, The American Scholar, New England Review, Idaho Review, among others, and his story “The Hands of Dirty Children” was selected by Curtis Sittenfeld for Best American Short Stories 2020. He lives with his wife and daughter in Austin, Texas. Recommended Books: John Hickey, Big Chief Ibrahim Nasrallah, Time of White Horses Julio Cortázar, Literature Class Chris Holmes is Chair of Literatures in English and Professor at Ithaca College. He writes criticism on contemporary global literatures. His book, Kazuo Ishiguro Against World Literature, is published with Bloomsbury Publishing. He is the co-director of The New Voices Festival, a celebration of work in poetry, prose, and playwriting by up-and-coming young writers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

Ep. 202: 2025 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 52:35

In Episode 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they've loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category. With over 80 books mentioned, this is another year of niching down for some great book recommendations! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Books Told From the Perspective of the Person Left Behind (Sarah) [2:26] Sarah The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:39] Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:52] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:29] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:31] Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:42] Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:52] Z by Therese Ann Fowler (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:11] The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:19] An American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:26] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:35] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:59] A Mother's Reckoning by Sue Klebold (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:41] Susie Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:07] Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:35] The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:37] Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:52] We Begin at the End (Susie) [8:22] Sarah Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:46] Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:16] I'm That Girl by Jordan Chiles (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:20] Susie The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:20] What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:49] Victim by Andrew Boryga (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:48] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:21] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:28] Other Books Mentioned We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [8:33] A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (2025) [13:54] Big Business Women (Sarah) [14:34] Sarah Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:29] The Boys' Club by Erica Katz (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:46] Women Are the Fiercest Creatures by Andrea Dunlop (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:51] Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:55] Susie The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[16:30] The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:55] Other Books Mentioned Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) [15:34] Books By Irish Authors Telling Distinctly Irish Stories (Susie) [17:35] Sarah Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:30] Northern Spy by Flynn Berry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:43] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52] 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:39] Susie Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:39] The Coast Road by Alan Murrin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:07] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:54] Juno Loves Legs by Karl Geary (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:59] Home Stretch by Graham Norton (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:02] Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50] Trespasses by Louise Kennedy (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:07] Other Books Mentioned Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (1996) [19:20] Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [23:16] Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (2023) [24:07] Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent (2013) [24:09] The Collective “We” Narration (Sarah) [24:33] Sarah The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:59] We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:16] The Mothers by Britt Bennett (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:31] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:56] Susie The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:38] The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:58] Other Books Mentioned The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [25:09] The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [25:11] The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020) [27:39] Torn Between Two Lovers: The Women's Edition (Susie) [29:40] Sarah Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:05] Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:14] Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:35] Susie Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:18] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:38] One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:18] An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:44] Fiction Modeled on Real-Life Serial Killers or Crimes (Sarah) [33:50] Sarah The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:33] Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:39] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:42] We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52] The Girls by Emma Cline (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:00] Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:05] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:29] Monday, Monday by Elizabeth Crook (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:39] Susie Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:05] Books with Characters Struggling with Mental Health (Susie) [36:57] Sarah Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:24] Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:58] Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:13] Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:23] When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:28] The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:36] Susie Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:56] More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:06] Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:43] My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13] I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:58] Other Books Mentioned Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2023) [42:33] Dude Thrillers (Sarah) [42:45] Sarah Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:34] The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:40] Departure 37 by Scott Carson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:55] The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:10] Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:27] Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:28] Susie The Holdout by Graham Moore (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:57] The River by Peter Heller (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:24] Burn by Peter Heller (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:25] The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36] Other Books Mentioned Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [45:41] All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (2023) [45:33] Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [46:06] Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [46:13] Standalone Fantasy Set on Earth (Susie) [46:36] Susie The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:36] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39] The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:07] Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:08] Weyward by Emilia Hart (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:28] The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:32] Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:50] The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51] Other Books Mentioned A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) [47:03] Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [50:30]

mother dogs marriage books song phd club thinking boys heart stars girls table wealth wind sea miracles mothers burn shadows midnight library micro victim perspective roses diary ashes twilight wives sorrow reckoning atmosphere departure martian good morning thorns genres cosby nighttime attic bittersweet boomerang swimmers schwab swans normal people home stretch bridget jones andy weir strange cases ending things circe sally rooney fifth avenue that girl sarah j maas taylor jenkins reid graham norton madeline miller leigh bardugo stephenie meyer trespasses john mandel psych ward addie larue brit bennett patrick radden keefe vanishing half curious incident frank mccourt scott carson margaret mitchell jordan chiles curtis sittenfeld tayari jones john boyne american marriage penitence john carreyrou claire keegan heartwood emma cline helen fielding mark haddon jeffrey eugenides meg wolitzer small things like these kate fagan chris whitaker lisa genova dead money iain reid peter heller alma katsu graham moore liz nugent american wife jessica knoll emily austin angie kim robert bailey julie otsuka louise kennedy red widow razorblade tears dervla mctiernan sinners bleed andrea dunlop invisible furies my lovely wife miracle creek paper palace northern spy adam rapp miranda cowley heller rachel incident mount char scott hawkins abigail dean blacktop wasteland morgan talty emilia hart karen thompson walker sue klebold happiness falls annie hartnett lily brooks dalton bright young women amity gaige stars go dark unlikely animals only love can break your heart claire gibson meg howrey elizabeth crook mark lukach susie orman schnall karl geary christopher j yates

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

Pod and Prejudice

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 86:05

Today we're covering Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld! Aside from reading Austen, this is our first ever straight-up book review! Spoiler alert for Eligible. This adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is set in 2013 Cincinnati. The eldest Bennet sisters are approaching 40 and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are country club parents who don't care that they're deep in debt. Jane and Liz end up back in Cincinnati when Mr. Bennet has a heart attack.Topics discussed include our honest criticisms of the book, the success of the class commentary, the splitting of Wick/Ham, Darcy and Liz as fuck buddies, the Catherine de Bourgh-ification of Caroline Bingley, kissing your cousin, the charade of love and performance of courtship on reality TV, ace Mary, mortgages, and gender roles in the regency era vs. early 2010s.Funniest quote: Surely, if Liz had learned that anybody in her social circle in New York had eloped with somebody transgender, she'd have greeted the news with support. She might even have felt that self-congratulatory pride that heterosexual white people are known to experience due to proximate diversity.Questions: Do you agree with our criticisms? Have you read the other books in the Austen Project? How seriously did you take the book? Who wins the book? GO HAMGlossary of People, Places, and Things: The Austen Project, Romantic Comedy, Sarah Snook, Emily GilmoreNext Episode: In Defense of Persuasion (2022)Teepublic is now Dashery! Check out our new merch store at https://podandprejudice.dashery.com.Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at podandprejudice.com. Pod and Prejudice is transcribed by speechdocs.com. To support the show, check out our Patreon!Instagram: @podandprejudiceTwitter: @podandprejudiceFacebook: Pod and PrejudiceYoutube: Pod and PrejudiceMerch store: https://podandprejudice.dashery.com/

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Curtis Sittenfeld's new story collection is "Show Don't Tell"

The Roundtable

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 26:01

Curtis Sittenfeld is the best-selling author of novels “Romantic Comedy,” “Prep,” “The Man of my Dreams,” “American Wife,” and “Rodham.” In her second story collection “Show Don't Tell” she conjures up characters that are so real they seem like old friends laying bare the moments when their long-held beliefs are overturned.

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Our Summer Backlist Reading

Bad On Paper

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 71:12

Whether you're a library reader, a used bookstore connoisseur, or just buy books faster than you read ‘em, this episode is for you! We're chatting about the backlist books (AKA books released over 1 year ago) on our TBR. Olivia's List Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin (2020) Seawife by Amity Gaige (2020) Godshot by Chelsea Bieker (2020) The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler (1993) Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (1998) Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy (2020) Ghosts by Dolly Alderton (2020) Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid (2019) Becca's List Greenlights by Matthew McConaghey (2020) Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiney (2021) Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (2020) Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (2001) The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005) Happy All The Time by Laurie Colwin (1978) Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin (1956) American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) Summer of ‘69 by Elin Hilderbrand (2019) or Summer People (2003) Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors (2022) Listener Reccomendations The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) The Country Club Murders (Book 1 The Deep End by Julie Mulhern) The Cave Dwellers by Christina McDowell Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McCallister The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See Geek Love by Katherine Dunn The Good Part by Sophie Cousens Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano by Donna Freitas Obsessions Becca - Maybe Happy Ending musical Olivia - Walks + Merlin bird ID app What we read this week Becca - Maggie; Or A Man and a Woman Walk Into A Bar by Katie Yee (7/24) Olivia - She Used To Be Nice by Alexia LaFata (8/12), The Colony by Annika Norlin This Month's Book Club Pick - Audition by Katie Kitamura (have thoughts about this book you want to share? Call in at 843-405-3157 or email us a voice memo at badonpaperpodcast@gmail.com) Sponsors Quince - Go to Quince.com/bop for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns Wayfair - Shop a huge selection of outdoor furniture online at wayfair.com Join our Facebook group for amazing book recs & more! Buy our Merch! Join our Geneva! Order Olivia's Book, Such a Bad Influence! Subscribe to Olivia's Newsletter! Order Becca's Book, The Christmas Orphans Club! Subscribe to Becca's Newsletter! Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Olivia on Instagram @oliviamuenter and Becca @beccamfreeman.

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Ep. 195: 2025 Summer Reading Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)