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David is an acclaimed, award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, short stories, and poetry.. His work includes the novels A Well-Respected Man, The Islander, Night Radio, Sandman, and Rainbow Man, and the nonfiction books Accidental Lessons, Any Road Will Take You There, Walks with Sam, The Consequence of Stars, and Daylight Saving Time. He has won the Eric Hoffer Book Award, the NYC Big Book Award, the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors Award for Literary Fiction, and the Book of the Year Award from the Chicago Writers Association. He's also been recognized by the Paris Book Festival, the Hawthorne Prize, the Royal Dragonfly Awards, and the Readers' Choice Awards.. Get the book here https://www.amazon.com/dp/1803415118 For more about David, go to https://www.davidwberner.com/
The Writer Shed podcast has had a good run. More than 50 episodes, thousands of downloads, thousands of listeners, great discussions on writing, music, creativity, and the creative life. During the two years of its existence it has steadily grown listenership and we thank you for all your support. Like any good thing, and all things, The Writer Shed podcast must also come to end, Join host David W. Berner for the final goodbye. All episodes will remain available for as long as you wish to listen.
The novella, THE ISLANDER is now out in the world. Writer Shed Podcast host and author David W. Berner reads from his new novel. A project linked to Outpost19 Books' The Shortish Project, an initiative championing the tradition of the short novel. David wants to know: Would you like the audiobook to be available?
This is the fourth and final installment of THE SCHOOL OF JOYFUL WRITING, a podcast writing workshop series from THE WRITER SHED podcast that focuses on the joyful process of telling stories, how to find what it is your heart is telling you to write. The four-part series is conducted by Writer Shed host, David W. Berner who has taught writing and conducted workshops for more than 20 years. You can find more at www.davidwberner.com.In this installment: Committing to a practice and a process for writing.
This is the third installment of THE SCHOOL OF JOYFUL WRITING, a podcast writing workshop series that focuses on the joyful process of telling stories, how to find what it is your heart is telling you to write. The four-part series is conducted by Writer Shed host, David W. Berner who has taught writing and conducted workshops for more than 20 years. You can find more at www.davidwberner.com.In this installment: Finding out what you want to write.
This is the second installment of THE SCHOOL OF JOYFUL WRITING, a podcast writing workshop series that focuses on the joyful process of telling stories, how to find the way to a creative life, and how to meet your writing goals. The four-part series is conducted by Writer Shed host, David W. Berner who has taught writing and conducted workshops for more than 20 years. You can find more at www.davidwberner.com.In this installment: Discovering a writing practice.
This is the first installment of THE SCHOOL OF JOYFUL WRITING, a podcast writing workshop series that focuses on the joyful process of telling stories, how to find your way to a creative life, and how to meet your writing goals. The four-part series is conducted by Writer Shed host, David W. Berner who has taught writing and conducted workshops for more than 20 years. You can find more at www.davidwberner.com.
Writers and editors Rick Kaempfer, and Caroline Malloy, and writer and librarian Brian Johnston join Writer Shed Podcast host, David W. Berner to talk about writerly goals for 2023. Resolutions that all writers and creatives will find inspiring.
Writers Megan Wheless and Rick Reiss sit down with Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner to talk about the books they loved this past year and want to share with you.
After listeners asked about discussing his own works, Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner tells a little bit about each of his books and what might make for a great holiday gift this year.
Writer Barbara Monier has been writing since she picked up crayons as a kid. Her latest novel, The Reading is now available, a beautifully written story of the intertwining of an artistic life with a real life. Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner speaks with Barbara about her new book, her process, and her self-described "bad poetry."
Matthew talks with author and radio host David W. Berner (WBBM Radio). They talk about David's recent retirement, his work as an author, and old time radio. So pull up that cardigan and get near a radio.
Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner has written several memoirs, one named a Book of the Year by the Chicago Writers Association. Others have won numerous other awards. He also taught writing at the university level and currently teaches memoir classes at Gotham Writers of New York. In this podcast, by popular demand, listeners have asked David to give a short, simple introductory lesson on the ways of a memoir. Are you thinking about writing one? This is the podcast to listen to.
The Beat Museum in San Francisco has been on the road for several months carrying with it the spirit of The Beats into towns all over America on this 100th anniversary year of Jack Kerouac's birth. Jerry joins Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner from Kerouac's hometown.
Chicago has a Literary Hall of Fame. Why? What's its purpose? Why is this important? The founder of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, Donald Evans has the answers to these questions and they are far deeper than simply honoring great writers. He joins Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner to talk about it.
Can writing be an act of mindfulness? If you consider it as a process of mediative practice, it certainly can. But how do you do it? Where do you begin? Writer and educator Lauren Krauze is the author of an article in Tricycle about writing and mindfulness, and speaks with The Writer Shed host David W. Berner on how to use writing as a way to find your way.
We all know people who say, "I don't read." Are the numbers of readers dwindling? To better to know than the proprietor of an indy bookstore. The Writer Shed host David W. Berner checks in with Arlan Hess, the former educator and now owner of City Books in Pittsburgh, PA. She should have the answers, right?
Lisa Cordileone and Brian Plocharczyk are successful and talented voiceover artists who know more than a thing or two about producing and performing audiobooks. They join Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner to talk about how authors and small publishers can produce their work in audio.
When do you say, "That's not for me?" Writing coach and Medium writer Akshay Gajria thinks more would-be writers should know what they're really getting into when they take on the work of writing a manuscript. The writing process takes time, perseverance, and commitment beyond what most are willing to accept. And then, too, there's all that collateral damage. Akshay joins Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner on this edition.
Leland Cheuk has quite a story to tell. He has not only authored the collection LETTERS FROM DINOSAURS, and the novels THE MISADVENTURES OF SULLIVER PONG and NO GOOD VERY BAD ASIAN , he also runs the small indie press 7.13 BOOKS , a publishing entity that gets its name from one of the most difficult times in Leland's life. He has a lot to say about independent publishing, the literary world in America, and what makes for a good story. Leland joins Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner for a conversation about it all.
A fun and unique celebration of the famed Irish writer and author of Ulysses, James Joyce. June 16th, the novel the day takes place, is commemorated around the world and especially in Dublin as Bloomsday, named after the novel's protagonist, Leopold Bloom. And in Chicago, one of the world's most literary cities, a Bloomsday celebration can take on very special meaning. Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner speaks with J.B. Pariah and Jeff Helgeson — two of the men behind the 2022 Bloomsday in Chicago.
Christine Sneed knows how to write. She's accomplished, smart, and talented. But sometimes writing is hard, a struggle, and it doesn't pay much. Still, she couldn't imagine doing anything else. In fact, she's done again what she's done before—published another book, a unique and interesting story told through office memos. Please Be Advised is her fifth book and its brilliant, funny, and full of characters many of us will quickly recognize from all those many office emails flooding our inbox.. Christine Sneed joins WRITER SHED PODCAST host David W. Berner in episode 32.
Author and Substack publisher Jeremy Anderberg has a lot to say about today's reader, the books that matter, and finding online resources for readers and writers. Jeremy is the brains behind "Read More Books," a Substack site, newsletter, and the large group book club called The Big Read. He joins Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner to talk about what his newsletter and publication can do for you, and the book culture's move online.
Author and philosophy professor Richard Polt believes in the typewriter, its beauty, its mechanical genius, and its romantic image of a creative life. His book The Typewriter Revolution is an ode to a movement that returns us to the machine on which so many great words of literature and song have been formed. He speaks with Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner about why the typewriter remains a symbol of creativity and a tool of the imagination.
The indie bookstore had a big revival a few years ago. Then the pandemic. But there are signs the indie world is rebalancing, reshaping, and resurgent. Why? What is the state of the great American bookstore? Arlan Hess of City Books in Pittsburgh joins Writer Shed Podcast host, David W. Berner to talk about how the indie bookstore continues to stand tall and why the future still looks bright.
Narrative nonfiction is an enormously viable place for storytelling. And writer Arnie Bernstein knows this genre well. He has written acclaimed books on history's forgotten stories. Arnie joins Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner to talk about the keys to great nonfiction writing, his love of research, and his affinity for the typewriter.
Author and psychotherapist Martin Wells believes all of us can benefit from "letting go" of the ego. He writes about this in his three books, and especially so in the book No One Is Playing, The Essence of Mindfulness in Golf and in Life. Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner speaks with Martin about the game of golf, and how the practice of mindfulness fits into sport, life, and the creative process, especially writing.
New York-based recording artist Mike Errico knows a lot about songwriting. In fact, he teaches the process, and now he's written a book: Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter. It's been called a "deep dive" into this mysterious creative outlet. In this episode of The Writer Shed Podcast, Mike speaks with host David W. Berner about how songs take shape, how to mine your own emotions for ideas, and tries to answer the question: What's the best song ever written?
Writer Melanie Holmes is tired. She has put out three books in three years. She's working promotion for them all. And at the same time trying to create more work. The treadmill just keeps on rolling. But she's realized she has to give it all a rest. Why? And more importantly how? Melanie joins WRITER SHED PODCAST host, David W. Berner to talk about writer burnout and how to douse the flames that put us in harms way.
Serialized fiction online. Installment fiction is not a new idea, but it is available on new platforms, and Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner is jumping into the experiment with his new novel RAINBOW MAN. After plenty of research and a recent discussion on the podcast with novelist Elle Griffin (Dec. 1, 2021 edition), David is currently offering the novel in installments, a chapter each week on Substack, where many writers —Patti Smith, Salman Rushdie, and others—are finding readers. In this edition of the WSP, the audio versions of chapter 1 and 2 of RAINBOW MAN.
What did you read this past year that you will never forget? What book shook you to the core? What book was the most impactful, memorable? In this episode of The Writer Shed Podcast, three board members from the Chicago Writers Association offer their choices for "reads of the year," books they believe should be shared among all who love a good story. Randy Richardson, Samantha Hoffman and Sandra Colbert join host David W. Berner to discuss the 2021 reads that will linger long after 2022 arrives.
The fantasy genre is enormous, wildly popular, and growing. Fantasy or speculative fiction is not only being devoured by readers, it is a genre now filled with creative and imaginative writers. One of them is bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg. She joins WRITER SHED PODCAST host, David W. Berner to talk about her new book Star Mother, her creative process, and the future of fantasy.
Serializing a novel is not new. It's actually old. Charles Dickens did it. So did many others. What's different today is the platform we're using and the way readers discover and select the work. The one platform that's getting the most attention is SUBSTACK. Writers like Salman Rushdie and Chuck Palahniuk are on SUBSTACK with serialized fiction, and more are coming. Join Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner for a discuss with novelist Elle Griffin about her journey with serializing her American Gothic novel.
The memoir has taken many forms. Once seen as the genre of celebrities and statesman, written and shaped by ghostwriters, is now a vehicle for the stories of us all. What is the state of the modern memoir? Writer Shed Podcast host, David W. Berner speaks with three memoirists who have embraced the genre—somewhat reluctantly—but in unique and maybe unexpected ways. Links to their works are below. Listen in to what they have to say about the modern personal storyteller. Like a Dog by Vincent FranconeAll the Answers by Michael KuppermanCome Home, Indio by Jim Terry
One of the biggest book-buying seasons is upon us. And this year, unlike last, most bookstores will have the doors open to customers Good news! But who is buying and what? What is the reader looking for and why? Arlan Hess, the proprietor of City Books in Pittsburgh knows the reader like few others. She joins Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner with another of our occasional check-ins on the reader and the the health of the indie bookstore. City Book Pittsburgh on Instagram
Cafe society, legendary artist hangouts—these are the places for imagination, writing, contemplation, and conversation. They have inspired for centuries all over the world.. But what is it that makes a great literary café? Is it in the DNA? WRITER SHED PODCAST host, David W. Berner, speaks with the owners of two respected and legendary creative cafes — Chicago's Lula Cafe and New York City's Caffe Reggio—about the beauty of the artist's cafe where, as they say in Vienna, "time and space are consumed, but only coffee is on the bill."
Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is one of the biggest selling books in literary history. But reading his great fable of inner enlightenment is only part of the journey. Author Colm Holland delves into the real meaning of Coelho's story in the pages of his own bestselling book, The Secret of The Alchemist and joins Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner in conversation about his connection to Coelho, alchemy, and how you can learn from it all.
The final days of summer deserve the ultimate American road trip: Three road journeys to the best indie bookstores and literary sites in California, Texas, and New England. Award-winning travel writer Bill Fink talks about his recent travelogue in Drive magazine on a trio of literary road trips, the best quirky bookstores, and a book lover's treasures he discovered along the way. Join Bill and Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner for a fun discussion about taking to the open road to discover literary gems.
The reader is morphing all the time, shifting from genre to genre, sometimes directly in step with the mood of society. And sometimes to escape it. With a tumultuous 2020 election season, a global pandemic, and cultural strife, where has the reader been and where is he going? Arlan Hess, the proprietor of City Books in Pittsburgh knows the reader like few others. She joins Writer Shed Podcast host David W. Berner to talk about what people are reading now, why they are reading it, and the future of the bookstore and the book lover. City Book Pittsburgh on Instagram
Writing episodic television and telefilms? It must be . . . like Hollywood! Writer Shed Podcast host, David W. Berner speaks with Gary Goldstein, writer and author of the new novel The Last Birthday Party about writing movies and plays and how a television script writer takes those experiences to his desk to write a novel. Gary will be taking part in a free virtual book event at Chicago's The Book Cellar on August 18, 2021.
Is a book really only as good as its cover? Some might say so. A cover can pull a reader closer or turn them away. What makes a good cover? What goes into the process? Joining Writer Shed Podcast host, David W. Berner is Ian Koviak, one of the partners behind The Book Designers based in Oregon and California. Ian discusses the differences between working with indie authors and the big house publishers, he reveals the secrets of a good design, and waxes nostalgic about rock star book designers of the past.
Hail, hail the indie bookstore! We love them. We support them. And then Covid. What now? Can we save them? Writer Shed host David W. Berner speaks with Suzy Takacs, the owner of one the country's most-loved indie bookstores, The Book Cellar. From her perspective, what is the current health of the iconic American bookshop?
It's an age old question: What is good art? A question that leads to more questions: What is bad art? Is it art if it disgusts you? Upset you? Repulses you? Many say art should always provoke. Writer, podcaster, and author of the book Any Day You Can Die: The Medellin Story, Thommy Waite joins Writer Shed host David W. Berner to discuss the definition of art and how "place" in a story can define a work's personality, especially an edgy one. You can find more about Thommy Waite at www.thommywaite.com
Writer Shed Press is currently open to submissions of short prose and poetry to be considered for Writer Shed Stories Vol 3, a paperback and ebook journal. Read the submission guidelines.Buy Walks With Sam on Amazon.David W. Berner website.Follow David on Instagram.Follow David on Twitter.Thommy Waite is the host of the podcast Thommy Waite's Square Record and the author of Any Day You Can Die, a transgressive novel about digital nomad gringos going buck wild in Medellin, Colombia.Buy Any Day You Can Die on Amazon:USAustraliaCanadaUKGermanyFranceSpainItalyNetherlandsJapanBrazilMexicoIndiaAny Day You Can Die reviews:"A tell-all gringo adventure that makes you want to delete Facebook, drink mojitos, and hope your small crypto fortune someday turns to platinum gold." - FROTHTOWN"An explicit study of human behaviour disguised as an expatriate's unscrupulous capers in Medellín. Waite has created something unique and modern, carefully displaying the possibilities open to us in the world of technology and commodity, whilst exposing us for who we truly are when faced with immoral self-gratification." - BOOK ODYSSEY"Any Day You Can Die has the style and instant literary punch that reminds me of Chuck Palahniuk. Thommy Waite writes crisp clear cut storytelling that you find yourself getting addicted to." - TRAINWRECK TENDENCIES"It's been a while since I've read a transgressive novel as good as this, a proper good romp filled with sex, drugs, booze, a wee bit more sex and a pinch more drugs and a whole load of intrigue. Imagine the guys from Trainspotting with some crazy IT skills, picture the damage and chaos they could cause and that is the book you've got here." - GNOME APPRECIATION SOCIETY"This book is, in some ways, the reflection of humanity that you dare not see. It goes hand-in-hand (and dick-in-hand) with your dirty Jungian Shadow." - AHEAD OF THE CURVE"The story of an Australian gringo expat who's silly exploits splice out of the book like a broken condom full of bad ideas." - A THIN SLICE OF ANXIETYIf you enjoyed Any Day You Can Die please write a review Goodreads.Thommy Waite links:WebsiteNewsletterTwitterInstaYouTubeMediumGoodreadsBuy my 'DANNY DID A FLUFFY' short story on AmazonApple Podcasts SpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcher CastboxThommy Waite contact:If you wanna get in touch, send me a DM on Insta or drop me a line here.
What does it mean to live an artistic life? What draws us to paint, sculpt, write, play music, dance? THE WRITER SHED host David W. Berner speaks with singer/songwriter, poet, and photographer Jenny Bienemann, an artist in every aspect of the word. She offers insight into why being an artist at any level is about the art of becoming.
What could be better than to have time to yourself to write and create? That's what a writing residency or retreat is all about. THE WRITER SHED host David W. Berner speaks with Janna Benge of The Jack Kerouac Project on how residencies work and what they can do for you as a writer.
Writers Nick Young, Bill Mathis, and Veryan Williams-Wynn share their writing in audio, writings from Writer Shed Stories. This podcast is the first of a duo of podcasts highlighting the stories of writers who have given their work a new and fresh platform. THE WRITER SHED host David W. Berner shares the beauty of a good story, told through the speaking voice of the writer. You can find more stories at Writer Shed Stories.
Susanne Lakin is a novelist and writing coach who works with writers of all genres who want to get their stories out to the world. What's the one thing keeping them from reaching that goals? You may be surprised. THE WRITER SHED host David W. Berner speaks with Susanne about how to get your manuscript in the best shape it can be.
Courtney Symons is a writer and a poet. Her day job is write for Shopify, but she's discovered haiku and found a new way to express and to find the poetry in her words. THE WRITER SHED host David W. Berner explores how a simple poem can bring a new beauty to your prose.
Devin Arrigo is an athlete and a personal growth expert. Becoming a writer came unexpectedly. It happened when he decided to open up and tell the messy personal stories, the hardest ones to write. In this episode, THE WRITER SHED host David W. Berner explores how those of us in other disciplines can find our true voice in writing.
What began with daily walks with his dog, Sam, turned into a season of awakening. David W. Berner is the author of several books of memoir and fiction. His work has been honored by the Society of Midland Authors, the Chicago Writers Association, and the Eric Hoffer Book Awards. David has been the writer-in-residence at the Jack Kerouac Project in Orlando, Florida and at the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, Illinois. He lives outside Chicago with his wife and dog. Find David online at davidwberner.com. You can find Radiate Wellness at radiatewellnesscommunity.com. “Like” us on Facebook as Radiate Wellness, LLC, and follow us on Twitter @RadiateKC. Subscribe to our Premium Facebook group for additional content.
A man, his dog, and a long walk can lead to unexpected discoveries. In the tradition of many literary walkers, David W. Berner sets out on foot hoping to reexamine his life, look back and forward, and most importantly, through the help of his young dog, Sam, try to find harmony in new beginnings and the uncertainties of the present. In a series of chapters, each dedicated to one walk during a summer of hiking, the author finds that it is his beloved pet that allows him to awaken to a new spirit of mindfulness, finding beauty, wonder, and comfort in the ordinary, and to see life, a neighborhood, and even a country with brand new eyes. David W. Berner is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and teacher. He has books of fiction and memoir. David has more than forty years' experience in broadcast journalism. He has regularly contributes to the CBS Radio Network and has contributed to public radio stations around the country, including NPR’s Weekend edition. https://www.davidwberner.com -------------------------------------- Save the date! 11/11/2020 To kick off the start of Path 11 TV, we have invited Suzane Northrop to give a live gallery reading for free, to members who take advantage of our discounted annual membership. To take part in this event, head on over to Path11TV.com and sign up for the annual membership for $59. That's 40% off the regular price and this launch discount ends 11/12/2020. Once signed up, you will be emailed a Zoom virtual room link, where Suzane will be holding the live gallery reading. On 11/112020 at 11am Est, Suzane will first give a 30-45 minute talk live over our Facebook and YouTube channels, then around 12pm Est, we will meet up in the Zoom Room for the gallery reading. -------------------------------------- Check out our new podcast Mind Benders! mindbenderspodcast.com Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts Submit your mind bending story by emailing mindbenders@path11productions.com or by calling 1-323-713-1113 -------------------- Dr. Eric Pearl and Jillian Fleer https://www.thereconnection.com Be sure to use coupon code PATH2PORTAL on checkout, to take 25% of your purchase of the portal.
David W. Berner is a memoirist, essayist, fiction writer, and journalist. His memoirs reflect on our collective relationships and how those experiences link us to the world we share. David's stories are about fathers and sons, the redemptive power of road trips, travel, music, and the sage-like connections we share with pets. David was born in Pittsburgh, PA and now lives in the Chicago area. Along with his writing credentials, David has had a distinguished career as a broadcast journalist, reporting for the CBS Radio Network, WBBM Radio Chicago, and public radio outlets throughout America. In this episode we discuss: How this sweet story came to be. What was so special about this dog and how his relationship led to being more mindful. The lessons we can learn from paying attention (especially to our pets). How connections to our animals are often deeper and more profound then connections to other humans and why. How David’s “Walks with Sam” mirrored his spiritual journey. FOLLOW DAVID W. BERNER www.davidwberner.com https://www.facebook.com/david.w.berner FOLLOW DR. AMY ROBBINS www.dramyrobbins.com http://www.instagram.com/dramyrobbins dramyrobbins@gmail.com ldsbquestions@gmail.com
We really enjoyed having David W. Berner on our podcast! He is a wonderful writer, broadcaster, journalist, teacher and award winning author. He joined us to talk about his new book that releases on September 1st “Walks with Sam”. This book is about his beloved dog Sam and how walks with her opened him up to a spiritual awakening and mindfulness! Join David and bring along your four legged friend for his book launch Sept 13th...http://evite.me/d9nPQP8bnsLearn more about David and his new book at his “Walks with Sam “ blog,www.walkswithsam.com or at his main website www.davidwberner.comTo learn more about Sense of Soul check out our website and social media www.mysenseofsoul.com
Host Cyrus Webb welcomes author David W. Berner to #ConversationsLIVE to discuss what it's been like to share his love of words with the world and what led him to write his newest book OCTOBER SONG.
A middle-aged father finds himself compelled to get behind the wheel and set out on a 5,000-mile cross-country road trip, the trip he never had the guts to take as a young man. Needing to rekindle inspiration in his life, award-winning author, David W. Berner re-reads the book he cherished as a teenager, the iconic American road trip story: Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. He hopes to use Kerouac's journey as a road map to personal renewal. The trip turns into an unexpected examination of his role as a father. Every man eventually compares his life with the fathers that came before him, a reality David must confront if he's to find contentment and clarity in his most important life role, fatherhood. Join David Berner and me on Tuesday, August 6, 10-11 A.M. US as he shares his heartwarming journey to find one's self from his latest book, Any Road Will Take You There: A Journey of Fathers and Sons.
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