Podcasts about Historical fiction

 What was it like to grow up American in 1968 Bangkok, living in the shadow of the Vietnam War? In this episode, I sit down with author Daria Sommers to discuss her debut historical fiction novel, Sawadika American Girl — a coming-of-age story set against one of history's most turbulent eras. Daria shares the little known story of the vast American expat community in Thailand during the Vietnam War, the experience of being a "third culture kid," and how storytelling and art can heal even the deepest historical wounds. A must-listen for fans of historical fiction, Vietnam War history, and the power of narrative to reclaim hidden stories.[3:44] Introduction to Sawadika American Girl — historical fiction set in 1968 Bangkok[4:36] The American expat community in Thailand during the Vietnam War[5:48] Piper's backstory — loss, family tension, and dislocation[8:59] The role of friendship and freedom in a coming-of-age story[14:56] Music, healing, and the Thai prince who anchored it all[17:45] First love during wartime — Jack's story and what they were up against[21:34] Daria's own background as a third culture kid in Bangkok[23:02] The burden of a childhood you couldn't talk about[32:16] Returning home — finding your people after a third culture childhood[39:06] From documentary filmmaker to veteran's advocate — the making of Lioness[44:36] Speaking at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial — when hidden stories finally matter[50:17] Where to find Sawadika American Girl and follow Daria's workDaria's websiteSupport the show

What happens when a fearless prosecutor and a notorious madam join forces to take down the most dangerous mob boss in 1930s New York? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray on their new novel A Pair of Aces. Moments with Marianne Radio Show airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.com/moments-with-marianneMarie Benedict is a graduate of Boston College and the Boston University School of Law. She is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and lives in Pittsburgh with her family. https://authormariebenedict.comVictoria Christopher Murray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels. She is an NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work for her novel Stand Your Ground, which was also a Library Journal Best Book of the Year. https://victoriachristophermurray.comOrder on Amazon: https://a.co/d/07Mb4djn To learn more about the show and interview opportunities contact us at: https://www.mariannepestana.com 

Are we ghosts? Find out with us as the Book Squad chats about Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker! We ask “What is gothic, anyway?” and discuss the dual timelines, genre mixing, why Lee was a white guy, and who was masterminding this whole thing. We would have then gotten into listener feedback but we DIDN'T HAVE ANY and that's on you. Do better next time. Speaking of next time, our next Othersode featuring Samantha Allen, author of Puck, will be dropping on June 23. We'll be talking about the Amanda Bynes classic She's the Man. Then read along with us for our next Bookpisode about The Body by Bethany C. Morrow on July 7! If you read this entire description, the least you can do is go over to Apple Podcasts and write us a lil review. Thanks bye!TOC:30 – Icebreaker – and Mary's not here womp womp8:30 – Book intro10:31 – Let's talk about genre16:56 – How did you feel about the scary imagery?27:15 – Pacing, things that were taken for granted38:30 – Our troubling Lee43:45 – Let's talk about Hina1:01:23 – The author's note1:10:00 – Ratings1:15:23 – What's up next??

This week we are joined by Catherine Kurtz! Catherine Kurtz is a painter and writer whose debut novel FEAST published in June 2026 (Hachette UK, Penguin USA). As a painter she is represented by The Redfern Gallery in London. She is a member of The Guild of Food Writers, Grand Jury Member of The International Chocolate Awards, and co-author of Sex & Drugs & Sausage Rolls. Her journalism has appeared in publications including The Spectator's Scoff, ckbk and Celebrated Living. In her fiction she explores the female experience, her mixed-race heritage, and the power of creativity. She has an MA in Creative Writing from West Dean College. In this episode, Catherine Kurtz shares her journey as a creative, discussing her experiences as a mixed-race individual and how it has shaped her identity. She delves into her passion for food, art, and writing, highlighting her unique perspective as a food writer and chocolate connoisseur. Give this episode a listen!   Recommendations From This Episode:  Both Not Half America's Culinary Cup Martyr!   Follow Catherine: @catherinekurtzart Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when a beloved actress becomes a storyteller of forgotten Black history? Karyn Parsons — yes, the Hilary Banks from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air — joins us to talk about her powerful historical fiction for young readers, her nonprofit Sweet Blackberry, and why books like hers matter more in 2026 than ever.In this episode, we dig into Blue Beach, a YA murder mystery set on a segregated Black beach in 1929 that is equal parts page-turning thriller and gut-punch history lesson. We also talk about Clouds Over California, Karyn's middle grade novel set in the 1970s that reframes the story of the Black Panthers. Whether you're a longtime reader of YA or someone who thinks "that's not for me" — this conversation will change your mind. Adults: these books are absolutely for you.Plus: Karyn shares what she's been reading lately, including a deeply unsettling thriller about smell, murder, and obsession, a darkly funny book that involves... cannibalism (?!), and why Kindred by Octavia Butler is a required read for every human.

It's 1940 and Gaby's parents and sister succumb to Typhus after staying in France to care for Gaby and Sabine's dying grandmother. The war is in full swing and Gaby can't get home to Poughkeepsie, NY. Her aunt lives in Ireland, which stayed neutral during WWII, so she heads there. But the aunt has just died, and 18-year-old Gaby makes her way to the remote manor of her aunt's husband's relatives, where she's hired as a servant. In a different reality, 17-year-old Sabine is the sister who survived. She also finds her way to Ireland, but Germany has invaded, so she's in hiding. Then Sabine gets to the same remote manor where for one hour at dusk, a mystical time according to Irish legend, she and Gaby meet and talk. We Meet Apart (Regal House Publishing, 2026) is about family, resilience, and survival in the face of war, death, and the world of ghosts. Martha Conway grew up in northern Ohio and earned her B.A. in English and History from Vassar College. She received a master's in English: Creative Writing, from San Francisco State University. Her previous novels include The Underground River, which was a New York Times Book Editor's Choice, and Thieving Forest, which won the North American Book Award for Historical Fiction. Her short fiction has been published in The Iowa Review, Carolina Quarterly, Missouri Review, Folio, and other journals. She is a recipient of a California Arts Council fellowship, and she teaches creative writing for Stanford University's Writing Certificate program. When Martha is not writing or reading, she's playing at being a flaneuse—a city stroller—or traveling to Italy to see Roman ruins with her husband, a former archeologist. 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

Paul Levine - Historical fiction (1) by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network

Paul Levine - Historical fiction (1) by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network

What happens when a dream refuses to let go?In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with award-winning author Sam Polakoff, a retired business executive who spent decades building a successful company while quietly holding onto a lifelong dream of becoming a novelist.That dream eventually became reality.Sam shares the fascinating story behind his first novel, Hiatus, inspired by recurring dreams about his grandfather, and discusses how curiosity led him to write Shaman, a thought-provoking thriller exploring reincarnation, Akashic Records, and spiritual healing. The conversation also dives deep into his acclaimed historical fiction series, The Diary of Essie Lassiter, set during the American Revolution.In this episode, you'll learn:• How Sam pursued a dream after nearly 40 years • The challenges and rewards of self-publishing • Why research is critical when writing historical fiction • How business principles can help authors succeed • The importance of staying curious and embracing lifelong learningLearn more about Sam and his books: sampolakoff.com If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow readers, writers, and dreamers.Send us Fan MailCelebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!https://bookfairatbelair.org/WHFC 91.1 FMIt's all about community. WHFC 91.1 FM, Harford Community College Radio, is the college radio staDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Miranda Armstadt is a third-generation journalist whose grandfather created the longest-running news program on television. Her mother wrote for the Washington Post. Miranda has also performed professionally as a singer and actress. Her new novel DEGREES OF INTELLIGENCE, won the 2025 Gold Medal Award for Historical Fiction from Military Writers Society of America. Visit her website: https://miranda-armstadt.com/ Spies, Lies and Private Eyes is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair#suspensebooks#authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip#writers#writersinspiration #books#bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted#bookaddiction #bibliophile #read#amreading #lovetoread #terrencemccauley#terrencemccauleybooks #bookouture #thrillers #thetwilighttown #MirandaArmstadt #DegreesofIntelligence

Miranda Armstadt is a third-generation journalist whose grandfather created the longest-running news program on television. Her mother wrote for the Washington Post. Miranda has also performed professionally as a singer and actress. Her new novel DEGREES OF INTELLIGENCE, won the 2025 Gold Medal Award for Historical Fiction from Military Writers Society of America. Visit her website: https://miranda-armstadt.com/ Spies, Lies and Private Eyes is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair#suspensebooks#authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip#writers#writersinspiration #books#bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted#bookaddiction #bibliophile #read#amreading #lovetoread #terrencemccauley#terrencemccauleybooks #bookouture #thrillers #thetwilighttown #MirandaArmstadt #DegreesofIntelligence

What happens when family stories become a powerful testament to courage, sacrifice, and survival during one of history's darkest moments? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Lola Katherine Giusti on her new book Time Pencils. Moments with Marianne Radio Show airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.comLola Katherine Giusti is a writer and educator whose debut work, Time Pencils, emerged from a profound connection to her family's history and the untold stories of wartime Crete. Drawing inspiration from the vivid narratives shared by her grandmother, Katina Kostakis Giannakakis, Lola brings to life the tales of courage and resilience from the village of Thrapsano Pediados during the tumultuous years of World War II. Her writing is deeply rooted in preserving historical memory and honoring the extraordinary sacrifices of ordinary people. Through meticulous research that included extensive interviews with family members, aunts, and cousins, as well as consultation with historians and experts on the Battle of Crete, Lola has crafted a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of the Cretan Resistance. Her work illuminates the bravery and humanity that flourished even in the darkest of times. https://www.timepencils.com Order on Amazon: https://a.co/d/00iUV9fC To learn more about the show and interview opportunities contact us at: https://www.mariannepestana.com 

The KPL Podcast is back with another great episode with historical fiction writer Donna Jones Alward.   Her latest novel, Ship of Dreams, is set aboard the Titanic  and follows two passengers as they navigate complicated relationships and dream of brighter futures. But when the Titanic strikes disaster, their lives and their plans are forever changed.  Author Reads and other books When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones AlwardTitanic Styles: dress and fashion on the voyage by Grace EvansThe Volunteers: How Halifax Women Won the Second World War by Leslie LowThe Fourth Princess: A Gothic Novel of Old Shanghai by Janie ChangThe Third Wife of Faraday House by BR MeyersA Widow's Charm by Caitlyn Paxson

He's one of the most successful historical fiction writers of his generation — the first author ever to top the UK fiction and non-fiction bestseller charts simultaneously, and the man behind sweeping epics on Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, and the Wars of the Roses. After a long time trying to get him on the show, Matthew and Justin finally sit down with the brilliant Conn Iggulden.In this wide-ranging conversation, Conn talks about what drew him to Nero as a subject — a figure loved by the Roman people despite his cruelties, shaped by one of history's most fascinating and ruthless women, Agrippina. He reflects on the challenges of working with unreliable ancient sources, the missing texts he'd give anything to read (Agrippina's autobiography, the lost end of Tacitus), and how he navigates the gaps that historical fiction always has to fill.The conversation takes in Roman slavery, suicide and honour, why visiting a battlefield in person changes everything (including a story about the six-foot-wide exit ramp at Sandal Castle that explains a medieval defeat), and his upcoming novel about the Battle of Arnhem — a project with a deeply personal dimension, since his own father was there.There's also a joyful digression into Dungeons & Dragons, David Gemmell, the famous photo with Bernard Cornwell and George MacDonald Fraser, why fantasy is actually harder to write than historical fiction, and the title dispute between Conn and his brother that's been going on for decades.If you love historical fiction, this one is essential listening.Email the show: rockpaperswordspodcast@gmail.com Support the show and unlock exclusive bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RockPaperSwordsPodcastFind us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords

Kate Lord Brown is a bestselling historical fiction author. She was a finalist in ITV's 'The People's Author Contest', has been shortlisted for Romantic Novel of the Year, and is read all over the world. Her books travel fantastically well, that could be because she has travelled far and wide too. She worked as an art consultant across Europe, and was part of the first book club in the Middle East for 2 years. 'The Golden Hour', 'The House of Dreams', 'The Perfume Garden', and many more, have all been loved by readers. Her new one is 'The Silver Thread', it's a globetrotting and history-travelling story.Here's the blurb...London, 1875. Bel has secured a design job at the newly opened Liberty store, where Japonisme is all the rage. When Hiro, a fellow designer, travels with her to Tokyo to source silks and inspiration, little does she know it will be the start of an unforgettable love story. Paris, 1985. Mira, a recently qualified art curator, is hired to catalogue the contents of an apartment which has been closed for decades. As she works through the treasures it reveals, she longs to discover whathappened to famed designer Isobel Bright – and why her apartment has been locked for so many years. . .We discuss writing out of order, how she steers clear of blind alleys and has learned what her characters want, and why its so easy to get lost in research.You can hear about Kate's civilised writing routine, about the online writing club that's changed everything, and how she deals with the battle between historical fact and fiction.Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.com/shop/writersroutineRead the newsletter at writersroutine.substack.comThis week's episode is sponsored by IngramSpark, get 15% off your first 15 books with the code ROUTINE15 at ingramspark.comSupport the show - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A love story, across timelines as one woman tries to reach the other through the words she left behind.In this episode, Tara sits down with Tarana Hussain Khan, writer and food historian, to talk about her novel The Courtesan, Her Lover and I, a book that moves between two women and their love stories separated by a century, bound together by letters that almost didn't survive.The conversation explores how Tarana first discovered Daag's letters to Hijab in archival material and why Hijab became such an enigma to her. Through Hijab's story, they get into the larger world of Tawaifs and the extraordinary dichotomy of women who were the most culturally significant of their time, yet whose writings were lost, romanticised, or dismissed. Through the parallel journeys of Hijab and Rukmini, a contemporary aspiring writer, they also unpack the realities of becoming a woman writer in India today, with Tarana reflecting her own insecurities of pursuing writing full-time and her relationships in Rukmini's world and the ways women now have more agency and opportunities than the generations before them. Tarana also opens up about her process in fiction and non-fiction, and the emotional toll of delving into these stories.They discuss Tarana's bold structural choice of writing Hijab's entire narrative in second person to let Rukmini speak directly to Hijab across centuries, questioning the silences left by history.Press play to be transported to a world of poetry, music and a love story of epic proportions. Books mentioned in this episode: Deg to Dastarkhan by Tarana HussainLast of the Earth by Deepa AnnaparaApplications for The Bound Publishing Course 2026 are now open.The Bound Publishing Course is a 3-month intensive course on book, magazine, and digital publishing. Through live sessions, workshops, and industry-facing projects, participants gain practical publishing skills and exposure to careers across the industry.Cohort size: 50 seatsFirst round of acceptances: 15th June 2026Applications are reviewed on a rolling bas‘Books and Beyond with Bound' is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D'costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India's finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms. 

With our nation's 250th anniversary right around the corner, bestselling historical fiction author Sharon Virts from Leesburg has a new book series ("Fields Of Honor") available that focuses on the second generation after the American Revolution. Sharon talks about her love of blending historical research with psychological suspense and immersive storytelling. www.sharonvirts.com 

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here What does it take to keep believing in a story through rejection, rewrites, and years of uncertainty?Middle grade author Shafaq Khan joins me to talk about her debut novel, Zaina: Lost and Found, a historical adventure inspired by the real-life Hippie Trail through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey in the 1970s. We discuss balancing research with fast-paced storytelling, writing about identity and belonging, and the emotional resilience required to survive the long road to publication.Shafaq also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of querying, revising after difficult feedback, finding community, and learning to trust her voice as a writer.If you're deep in the messy middle of your own writing journey, this conversation is a reminder that persistence matters—and sometimes the long road is part of becoming the writer you're meant to be.Timestamps 00:00 – Grounding Through Story 07:12 – The Premise of Zaina: Lost and Found 11:42 – Research vs. Storytelling 24:07 – Querying and Rejection 30:00 – Tough Feedback and Big Rewrites 35:12 – Learning to Trust Her Voice 41:59 – Advice for WritersLinks Mentioned:Shafaq Khan WebsiteInstagramTiktok SCBWIHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Fluent Fiction - French: Secrets of the Paris Bunker: A Historian's Battle and Triumph Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-05-22-07-38-20-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Dans le sous-sol secret de Paris, caché sous les rues illuminées, un bunker attendait.En: In the secret basement of Paris, hidden beneath the illuminated streets, a bunker lay waiting.Fr: L'air était imprégné de vieilles histoires, de papier jauni et de poussière.En: The air was filled with old stories, yellowed paper, and dust.Fr: Émilie, une historienne dévouée, passait ses journées ici, parmi les vestiges de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.En: Émilie, a dedicated historian, spent her days here, among the remnants of the Second World War.Fr: Elle restaurait un artefact rare, un vestige fragile du passé.En: She was restoring a rare artifact, a fragile relic of the past.Fr: Le printemps était arrivé, mais elle le remarquait à peine, enfermée dans l'obscurité rassurante du bunker.En: Spring had arrived, but she barely noticed, enclosed in the reassuring darkness of the bunker.Fr: Émilie était passionnée.En: Émilie was passionate.Fr: Elle aimait chaque détail, chaque parcelle de l'histoire qu'elle pouvait sauver.En: She loved every detail, every piece of history she could save.Fr: Mais elle était aussi sous pression.En: But she was also under pressure.Fr: Les délais approchaient.En: Deadlines were approaching.Fr: Les coupures de budget menaçaient.En: Budget cuts threatened.Fr: Elle savait que cet artefact devait être prêt pour l'exposition à venir, sinon, leur projet pourrait ne pas recevoir le financement nécessaire.En: She knew that this artifact had to be ready for the upcoming exhibition, or else their project might not receive the necessary funding.Fr: Jacques, son superviseur, était sceptique.En: Jacques, her supervisor, was skeptical.Fr: Assis derrière son bureau encombré, il fronçait les sourcils en examinant les documents.En: Sitting behind his cluttered desk, he furrowed his brows while examining the documents.Fr: "Émilie," disait-il souvent, "je ne suis pas sûr que cet artefact soit aussi important que tu le penses.En: "Émilie," he often said, "I'm not sure this artifact is as important as you think.Fr: Peut-être devrions-nous allouer nos ressources ailleurs?"En: Perhaps we should allocate our resources elsewhere?"Fr: Sophie, la nouvelle collègue, semblait aussi courir après les mêmes ressources précieuses.En: Sophie, the new colleague, also seemed to be chasing the same precious resources.Fr: Elle était compétente et ambitieuse.En: She was competent and ambitious.Fr: L'ambiance devenait tendue lorsque Jacques et Sophie discutaient.En: The atmosphere became tense when Jacques and Sophie discussed.Fr: Émilie avait deux choix.En: Émilie had two choices.Fr: Confronter Jacques, lui montrer l'importance de son travail, ou chercher une entente avec Sophie pour trouver une solution créative ensemble.En: Confront Jacques, show him the importance of her work, or seek an agreement with Sophie to find a creative solution together.Fr: Elle choisit finalement de parler à Jacques.En: She finally chose to speak to Jacques.Fr: Elle savait que sa détermination était cruciale.En: She knew that her determination was crucial.Fr: Un jour, alors qu'elle nettoyait délicatement l'artefact, Émilie fit une découverte étonnante : une inscription cachée, presque effacée par le temps.En: One day, as she carefully cleaned the artifact, Émilie made an astonishing discovery: a hidden inscription, almost erased by time.Fr: Elle savait que c'était sa chance.En: She knew this was her chance.Fr: Elle appela Jacques avec excitation.En: She called Jacques with excitement.Fr: "Regarde ça, Jacques.En: "Look at this, Jacques.Fr: C'est la preuve que cet artefact est précieux," dit-elle, le montrant soigneusement du bout des doigts.En: This is proof that this artifact is valuable," she said, showing it carefully with the tip of her fingers.Fr: Jacques approcha, les yeux plissés d'intérêt.En: Jacques approached, eyes narrowed with interest.Fr: Il lut l'inscription, réalisant soudainement la portée historique.En: He read the inscription, suddenly realizing the historical significance.Fr: "Eh bien, Émilie, tu m'as convaincu," admit-il avec un respect renouvelé.En: "Well, Émilie, you've convinced me," he admitted with renewed respect.Fr: Avec son soutien rétabli, le projet put avancer.En: With his support restored, the project could move forward.Fr: Émilie et Sophie décidèrent alors de collaborer.En: Émilie and Sophie then decided to collaborate.Fr: Ensemble, elles partagèrent des ressources, des idées, et des efforts.En: Together, they shared resources, ideas, and efforts.Fr: Finalement, le jour de l'exposition arriva.En: Finally, the day of the exhibition arrived.Fr: L'artefact, restauré avec soin, trônait fièrement au centre de la salle.En: The artifact, carefully restored, stood proudly in the center of the room.Fr: Les visiteurs étaient fascinés.En: The visitors were fascinated.Fr: Les investisseurs furent impressionnés, et l'avenir du projet fut assuré.En: The investors were impressed, and the project's future was secured.Fr: Émilie était satisfaite.En: Émilie was satisfied.Fr: Elle avait appris l'importance de se battre pour des convictions mais aussi la puissance de la collaboration.En: She had learned the importance of fighting for convictions but also the power of collaboration.Fr: Après tout, l'histoire, c'est avant tout un travail d'équipe.En: After all, history is, above all, a team effort.Fr: Dans le monde souterrain des archives, elle avait trouvé sa voix et sa force.En: In the underground world of archives, she had found her voice and her strength. Vocabulary Words:basement: le sous-solbunker: le bunkerhistorian: l'historienneartifact: l'artefactrelic: le vestigedarkness: l'obscuritépressure: la pressiondeadline: le délaibudget cuts: les coupures de budgetexhibition: l'expositionfunding: le financementsupervisor: le superviseurdesk: le bureaubrows: les sourcilsdocument: le documentresource: la ressourceinscription: l'inscriptioninvestor: l'investisseurambiance: l'ambiancecollaborate: collaborersolution: la solutiondetermination: la déterminationdiscovery: la découvertesupport: le soutienvisitor: le visiteurteam effort: le travail d'équipearchive: l'archiveastonishing: étonnantcompetent: compétentambitious: ambitieux

In this episode, Tamara and Casey critically analyze the second book in a duology, exploring its plot, character development, genre classification, and overall execution. They share candid opinions on what worked, what didn't, and how it could have been improved, providing valuable insights for readers and writers alike.Ep 570Pick up a copy of today's book! Find all the essential links in one spot and follow Tamara!Connect with Tamara:Instagram| https://www.instagram.com/shelfaddiction/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@shelfaddictionConnect with Casey:Instagram| https://www.instagram.com/Casey_heartfullofinkTikTok| https://www.tiktok.com/@heartfullofinkCheck out our sponsors and deals!

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Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Mystery at Fram-Museet: The Day Oslo's History Was Saved Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-05-15-22-34-02-no Story Transcript:No: Det var en solfylt vårdag i Oslo, og hele byen feiret nasjonaldagen med flagg og bunader.En: It was a sunny spring day in Oslo, and the entire city was celebrating National Day with flags and bunader.No: I skyggen av denne feststemningen, på Fram-museet, gikk Sindre rundt blant de historiske utstillingene.En: In the shadow of this festive atmosphere, at the Fram-museet, Sindre was walking around among the historical exhibits.No: Han var en ung historiker med en stor drøm om å gjøre sitt navn kjent.En: He was a young historian with a big dream of making his name known.No: Men dagen skulle ikke bli som alle andre.En: But the day was not going to be like any other.No: Midt blant de store skipene og de spennende historiene fra polarekspedisjoner, skjedde noe uventet.En: Amidst the large ships and the captivating stories of polar expeditions, something unexpected happened.No: En verdifull historisk gjenstand, som hadde ligget på utstilling i mange år, var forsvunnet.En: A valuable historical artifact, which had been on display for many years, had disappeared.No: Sindre hadde overhørt samtalen mellom vaktene og Astrid, museets kurator.En: Sindre had overheard a conversation between the guards and Astrid, the museum's curator.No: Astrid virket stresset, men også mystisk rolig.En: Astrid seemed stressed but also mysteriously calm.No: Noe var suspekt.En: Something was suspicious.No: Sindre bestemte seg for å finne sannheten.En: Sindre decided to uncover the truth.No: Hans første mistanke falt på Astrid.En: His first suspicion fell on Astrid.No: Hun var alltid så beskyttende overfor museets samlinger.En: She was always so protective of the museum's collections.No: Han merket at hun visste mer enn hun lot som om.En: He noticed that she knew more than she was letting on.No: Hennes hemmelighetsfulle blikk og unnvikende svar gjorde Sindre enda mer nysgjerrig.En: Her secretive glances and evasive answers made Sindre even more curious.No: Sindre ønsket å bryte museets regler for å avdekke mysteriet, men sikkerhetstiltakene var strenge.En: Sindre wanted to break the museum's rules to uncover the mystery, but the security measures were strict.No: Etter museets stengetid bestemte Sindre seg for å følge etter Astrid.En: After the museum's closing hours, Sindre decided to follow Astrid.No: Østrogen hennes kunne knapt høres da hun beveget seg gjennom gangen med de gamle skipene.En: Her footsteps could barely be heard as she moved through the hallway with the old ships.No: Han gjemte seg bak en stor og imponerende modell av Fram, mens han observerte hver bevegelse fra henne.En: He hid behind a large and impressive model of the Fram, while observing her every move.No: Til slutt konfronterte han Astrid.En: Finally, he confronted Astrid.No: De sto i en avsides del av museet, hvor dagslyset knapt rakk inn.En: They stood in a secluded part of the museum, where daylight barely reached.No: Astrid så overasket ut, men gav raskt etter.En: Astrid looked surprised but quickly gave in.No: Hun forklarte at gjenstanden hadde blitt fjernet for å beskytte den.En: She explained that the artifact had been removed to protect it.No: Det var interne trusler i museet, folk som ønsket å stjele og selge den for egen vinning.En: There were internal threats in the museum, people who wanted to steal and sell it for their own gain.No: Sindre forstod alvoret og innså at Astrid hadde et større ansvar å beskytte museets arv.En: Sindre understood the seriousness and realized that Astrid had a greater responsibility to protect the museum's heritage.No: Sammen diskuterte de en plan for å bringe den tilbake, trygt og i skjul.En: Together, they discussed a plan to bring it back safely and secretly.No: De måtte også avsløre de som ønsket å skade museet.En: They also had to expose those who wanted to harm the museum.No: Sindre overtalte Astrid til å stole på ham.En: Sindre persuaded Astrid to trust him.No: Han hadde bevist sin pålitelighet og sunne fornuft, mens Astrid hadde vist seg å være en trofast beskytter av kulturarven.En: He had proven his reliability and common sense, while Astrid had shown herself to be a loyal protector of cultural heritage.No: Da nasjonaldagen gikk mot slutten, gikk Sindre hjemmeover med en nyvunnet selvtillit.En: As National Day drew to a close, Sindre walked home with newfound confidence.No: Han forstod nå verdien av tillit og ærlighet i historien og fikk en dypere respekt for de som vokter vår fortid.En: He now understood the value of trust and honesty in history and gained a deeper respect for those who guard our past.No: Sammen hadde Sindre og Astrid sikret en trygg fremtid for museets dyrebare gjenstander.En: Together, Sindre and Astrid had secured a safe future for the museum's precious artifacts. Vocabulary Words:sunny: solfylthistorian: historikerexhibits: utstillingerartifact: gjenstandcurator: kuratorsuspicious: suspektprotective: beskyttendesecretive: hemmelighetsfulleevasive: unnvikendesecurity measures: sikkerhetstiltakfollow: følgeimpressive: imponerendesecluded: avsidesexplained: forklarteinternal threats: interne truslersteal: stjeleown gain: egen vinningseriousness: alvoretheritage: arvsecretly: i skjulpersuaded: overtaltereliability: pålitelighetcommon sense: sunn fornuftloyal: trofastprotector: beskytterconfidence: selvtillittrust: tillithonesty: ærlighetsecured: sikretprecious: dyrebare

The Ultimate Quest by Dr. Antonio Mataban is an epic historical fiction that spans five generations, beginning at the tail end of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. Dr. Mataban's narrative sweeps through time, immersing readers in the lives of characters whose personal journeys intertwine with the shifting tides of history, offering a rich tapestry of culture, struggle, and triumph.Set against the backdrop of a nation in transition, the novel masterfully captures the intricacies of Filipino identity, societal change, and the impact of historical events. From the waning days of Spanish rule to the complex, post-colonial era, Dr. Mataban deftly explores the personal and political conflicts that shaped the Philippines' evolution. His portrayal of the era is vivid, grounding the characters' experiences in real historical events, yet the author also crafts a compelling fictional narrative that keeps readers invested in the human side of history.The book's structure, spanning five generations, provides a panoramic view of the impact of time on individuals and families. Each character is deeply developed, their lives shaped not only by their personal desires but also by the political and social forces at play. This generational scope allows Dr. Mataban to explore the long-term effects of colonialism, revolution, and independence, showing how history is passed down through families and how the scars of the past continue to influence the future.One of the standout aspects of The Ultimate Quest is Dr. Mataban's ability to blend historical facts with compelling storytelling. The attention to historical detail is impressive, and the author's research shines through, adding depth to the plot without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary exposition. The book doesn't just recount events; it brings them to life, placing readers right in the middle of the action, whether it's a struggle for independence or a personal confrontation with the legacy of colonialism.While the historical context is rich and vital, the real strength of The Ultimate Quest lies in its characters. The author's skillful development of multi-generational storylines offers a nuanced understanding of how deeply the past shapes the future. Each generation faces its own unique challenges, but the echoes of the past resonate, highlighting the enduring pursuit of identity, justice, and belonging.Dr. Antonio AB Mataban, was Philippine born and had witnessed the events of World War II as he grew up in the farming area. After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he briefly practiced in the Island before migrating to the United States for further training in Urology. He soon practiced his art in Long Island, New York and after four years joined the Air Force from which he retired after 21 years, a colonel, as Urologist and Flight Surgeon. He further served our veterans for another 14 years before retiring with his family in California with his wife, Lourdes-Patria, of 63 years. Their three boys were all veterans and have independent professional responsibilities. One grand child is a pianist and is serving as a Musical Director in the suburbs of Long Island New York.AMAZONhttps://inkstartmedia.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/51426abmis.mp3   

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Mystery at Montserrat: Unveiling the Secrets of the Relic Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-05-10-07-38-19-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Al matí fresc de primavera, la llum suau del sol es filtrava entre les roques imposants de Montserrat.En: On the fresh spring morning, the soft sunlight filtered between the imposing rocks of Montserrat.Ca: El monestir, amb les seves parets antigues, semblava mantenir els secrets de segles passats.En: The monastery, with its ancient walls, seemed to hold the secrets of past centuries.Ca: En aquest lloc sagrat, Jordi, Marta i Núria es trobaven envoltats d'un silenci que prometia aventures imminents.En: In this sacred place, Jordi, Marta, and Núria found themselves surrounded by a silence that promised imminent adventures.Ca: Jordi, un apassionat de la història, es passejava sovint per Montserrat, buscant connexions amb el passat.En: Jordi, passionate about history, often strolled through Montserrat, seeking connections with the past.Ca: Avui, però, no era un dia normal.En: Today, however, was not a normal day.Ca: La relíquia més preuada del monestir havia desaparegut, i la seva absència era un pes insuportable.En: The monastery's most prized relic had disappeared, and its absence was an unbearable weight.Ca: Això representava més que un simple misteri; era una crida a l'acció per a Jordi, qui desitjava demostrar-se que podia fer una diferència.En: This was more than just a mystery; it was a call to action for Jordi, who wanted to prove to himself that he could make a difference.Ca: Marta, una investigadora pragmàtica i decidida, havia arribat per posar a prova les seves habilitats.En: Marta, a pragmatic and determined investigator, had arrived to test her skills.Ca: Sovint, els altres la subestimaven, però aquesta era la seva oportunitat per demostrar el contrari.En: Often, others underestimated her, but this was her chance to prove them wrong.Ca: Núria, historiadora d'art local, no podia evitar sentir el nerviosisme per com això afectaria la seva reputació.En: Núria, a local art historian, couldn't help but feel nervous about how this would affect her reputation.Ca: La pressió era palpable.En: The pressure was palpable.Ca: El vent suau portava amb ell el murmuri de les paraules sagrades que un cop van ressonar entre aquelles parets.En: The gentle wind carried with it the murmur of sacred words that once resonated within those walls.Ca: Jordi sabia que el temps era limitat.En: Jordi knew that time was limited.Ca: Al museu del monestir, la relíquia esperava per ser exposada en una mostra especial.En: At the monastery's museum, the relic awaited to be displayed in a special exhibition.Ca: La sospita de Jordi que algú de dins l'havia robada era desconcertant.En: Jordi's suspicion that someone from within had stolen it was disconcerting.Ca: Decidí confiar en el seu instint i unir-se a Marta i Núria.En: He decided to trust his instinct and join Marta and Núria.Ca: Tot i les seves diferències, sabia que només junts podrien resoldre el misteri.En: Despite their differences, he knew that only together could they solve the mystery.Ca: Explorant racons oblidats, van trobar una sala amagada darrere d'una biblioteca plena de pols.En: Exploring forgotten corners, they found a hidden room behind a library full of dust.Ca: A dins, pistes inadvertides pintaven la figura d'un traïdor inesperat dins del monestir.En: Inside, unnoticed clues painted the figure of an unexpected traitor within the monastery.Ca: Una confrontació era inevitable.En: A confrontation was inevitable.Ca: Marta, amb la seva determinació habitual, va encarar el sospitós amb preguntes clares i directes.En: Marta, with her usual determination, confronted the suspect with clear and direct questions.Ca: Núria, encara sacsejada per la revelació, es va esforçar per mantenir-se ferma.En: Núria, still shaken by the revelation, struggled to remain firm.Ca: El culpable va ser algú que mai haurien sospitat, algú proper als afers administratius del monestir.En: The culprit was someone they never would have suspected, someone close to the monastery's administrative affairs.Ca: La seva motivació? Una combinació de necessitats personals i un mal ús de confiança.En: Their motivation? A combination of personal needs and a misuse of trust.Ca: Amb la veritat a la llum, la relíquia fou finalment recuperada, intacta i segura.En: With the truth brought to light, the relic was finally recovered, intact and safe.Ca: Amb la mostra a punt per inaugurar-se, Jordi sentí que, per fi, havia conquerit la seva inseguretat.En: With the exhibition ready to open, Jordi felt that, at last, he had conquered his insecurity.Ca: Havia fet una contribució significativa.En: He had made a significant contribution.Ca: Montserrat seguia en peus, no només físicament, sinó també en esperit gràcies a ell i als seus amics.En: Montserrat stood not only physically but also in spirit thanks to him and his friends.Ca: La primavera portava nous començaments i així, aquest capítol de Montserrat acabava, però el seu llegat seguia viu en les accions d'aquells que l'estimaven.En: Spring brought new beginnings and thus, this chapter of Montserrat ended, but its legacy remained alive in the actions of those who loved it. Vocabulary Words:the morning: el matíthe sunlight: la llum del solto filter: filtrarthe rocks: les roquesthe monastery: el monestirancient: antiguesthe walls: les paretsthe secrets: els secretscenturies: seglesto hold: mantenirto promise: prometrethe adventures: les aventuresthe relic: la relíquiathe absence: l'absènciathe weight: el pesunbearable: insuportablethe investigator: la investigadorapragmatic: pragmàticadetermined: decididato underestimate: subestimarto demonstrate: demostrarto affect: afectarthe reputation: la reputacióthe pressure: la pressióthe murmur: el murmurithe museum: el museudisconcerting: desconcertantforgotten: oblidatsthe library: la bibliotecathe dust: la pols

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Uncovering Secrets: Luca's Journey Through Time and Letters Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-05-10-22-34-01-it Story Transcript:It: Nella piccola cabina immersa tra i fiori selvatici e gli alberi verdi rinati dalla stretta dell'inverno, Luca si rannicchiava con un taccuino in mano.En: In the small cabin nestled among wildflowers and green trees reborn from winter's grip, Luca curled up with a notebook in hand.It: Il sole filtrava attraverso le grandi finestre, disegnando figure di luce sui pavimenti in legno.En: The sun streamed through the large windows, casting figures of light on the wooden floors.It: Respirava l'aria fresca della primavera, sperando di trovare ispirazione per il suo romanzo.En: He breathed in the fresh spring air, hoping to find inspiration for his novel.It: Un giorno, mentre esplorava l'attico della cabina alla ricerca di una pausa dal lavoro, inciampò su una vecchia scatola di legno.En: One day, as he explored the attic of the cabin seeking a break from work, he stumbled upon an old wooden box.It: All'interno, c'erano lettere antiche, ingiallite dal tempo, con calligrafie che sembravano danzare sui fogli.En: Inside were ancient letters, yellowed with age, with calligraphy that seemed to dance across the pages.It: Luca, incuriosito, iniziò a leggere.En: Luca, intrigued, began to read.It: Ogni lettera raccontava una storia incompleta, parlava di un'antica famiglia legata alla cabina e di segreti mai del tutto svelati.En: Each letter told an incomplete story, spoke of an ancient family connected to the cabin, and of secrets never fully revealed.It: Luca non riusciva a staccarsi da quelle lettere, ignorando il suo romanzo.En: Luca couldn't tear himself away from those letters, ignoring his novel.It: Chiamò il suo amico Marco, nella speranza di condividere la scoperta.En: He called his friend Marco, hoping to share the discovery.It: Marco, scettico e pratico, scuoteva la testa.En: Marco, skeptical and practical, shook his head.It: "Sono solo vecchie carte, Luca.En: "They're just old papers, Luca.It: Sono inutili."En: They're useless."It: Ma la sua curiosità era ormai insaziabile.En: But his curiosity was now insatiable.It: Sentiva che c'era qualcosa di speciale in quelle parole.En: He felt there was something special in those words.It: Decise quindi di contattare Sophia, la storica del luogo, ben conosciuta nella zona per la sua conoscenza dei racconti passati.En: He decided to contact Sophia, the local historian, well-known in the area for her knowledge of past tales.It: Sophia accettò subito di aiutare.En: Sophia readily agreed to help.It: Insieme, esaminarono con attenzione le lettere.En: Together, they carefully examined the letters.It: Mancavano pezzi importanti e alcune parole erano indecifrabili.En: Important pieces were missing, and some words were indecipherable.It: Luca aveva poco tempo per il suo romanzo, ma la sete di conoscenza lo spingeva avanti.En: Luca had little time for his novel, but the thirst for knowledge drove him forward.It: Spulciando tra le travi del tetto, trovò un pezzo di carta incastrato tra le assi di legno.En: Rifling through the roof beams, he found a piece of paper wedged between the wooden planks.It: Era una parte mancante delle lettere, che parlava di una vecchia amicizia tra due famiglie del posto, una storia ricca di legami e conflitti.En: It was a missing part of the letters, speaking of an old friendship between two local families, a story rich with ties and conflicts.It: Con l'aiuto di Sophia, Luca scoprì che la famiglia menzionata nelle lettere aveva avuto un ruolo cruciale in un antico accordo tra villaggi vicini.En: With Sophia's help, Luca discovered that the family mentioned in the letters had played a crucial role in an ancient agreement between neighboring villages.It: L'importanza storica era sorprendente, e Sophia, con i suoi racconti dettagliati, arricchiva ogni scoperta fatta.En: The historical significance was surprising, and Sophia, with her detailed stories, enriched each discovery made.It: Luca decise di scrivere un articolo sui ritrovamenti, aggiungendolo al suo romanzo.En: Luca decided to write an article about the findings, adding it to his novel.It: Raccontò sia la sua storia che quella delle lettere.En: He recounted both his story and that of the letters.It: Così, unì il passato e il presente, avvolti da una sottile trama di curiosità e storia.En: Thus, he united the past and present, wrapped in a subtle web of curiosity and history.It: Alla fine, Marco ammise: "Avevi ragione, Luca.En: In the end, Marco admitted, "You were right, Luca.It: Era più interessante di quanto pensassi."En: It was more interesting than I thought."It: Tra un sorriso e una stretta di mano, gli amici si ritrovarono su un sentiero comune.En: With a smile and a handshake, the friends found themselves on a common path.It: Luca imparò a gestire la sua curiosità con le responsabilità.En: Luca learned to balance his curiosity with responsibilities.It: Trovò un equilibrio tra le sue passioni.En: He found equilibrium among his passions.It: E grazie alla sua scoperta, la cabina nel cuore della foresta non sembrò più un semplice rifugio, ma un luogo ricco di storia e di vita vissuta.En: And thanks to his discovery, the cabin in the heart of the forest no longer seemed just a simple refuge, but a place rich in history and lived experiences. Vocabulary Words:the cabin: la cabinawildflowers: fiori selvaticireborn: rinatigrip: strettathe attic: l'atticoto stumble upon: inciampare suyellowed: ingiallitecalligraphy: calligrafiathe historian: la storicato rifle through: spulciare traindecipherable: indecifrabilibeams: traviplanks: assiwedge: incastrarethe role: il ruoloancient agreement: antico accordosurprising: sorprendentedetailed: dettagliatito enrich: arricchirefindings: ritrovamentito unite: unirethe thirst: la setethe path: il sentieroequilibrium: equilibriocuriosity: curiositàresponsibilities: responsabilitàto manage: gestireexperiences: esperienzethe refuge: il rifugioto find inspiration: trovare ispirazione

Mariko Tatsumoto, author of "Blossoms on a Poisoned Sea", sits down with the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss her work of historical fiction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Douglas Wilson discusses Israel's promotion of a pride event near the Dead Sea, continues his hamartiology series with the Greek noun moichea and its biblical treatment of adultery as a matter of the heart, and reviews Georgette Heyer's These Old Shades as a well-plotted historical romance with suspense, action, and careful period detail. For more from Doug, subscribe to Canon+: https://canonplus.com/  

Lauren Keenan clearly paid little attention to advice she received to never set a novel in New Zealand. She's just published her fourth historical fiction novel, this one following the lives of two women - Keita and Catherine, as their lives intertwined in 19th century New Zealand. 

What if one of the most fascinating parts of American history was never taught in school?In this episode, Rich sits down with author Melora Fern to uncover the forgotten world of concert whistlers and the Chautauqua movement that once reached millions across the country.Melora shares how a simple box of her grandmother's mementos led her to write Whistling Women and Crowing Hens, a novel that shines a light on women's independence, creativity, and resilience during the 1920s.About the Guest: Melora Fern is a historical fiction author whose work brings overlooked stories of American history to life. Her debut novel is inspired by her grandmother's real experiences traveling and performing during the Chautauqua era.What You'll Learn: The truth about the Chautauqua movement  Why concert whistling was once a respected art  How women navigated independence in the 1920s  The power of research in storytelling  What it takes to reinvent yourself later in life Resources & Links:https://melorafern.comhttps://www.freedomfcu.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves history and great stories.Send us Fan MailFreedom Federal Credit UnionHELPING YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMSDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Bestselling author Steven Pressfield on what it means to have a creative calling, battling resistance, the role of faith in writing, and his memoir Govt Cheese. A remastered version of episode #058. You'll learn: Why a typewriter sat untouched in the back of a van for seven years before becoming a career. How self-sabotage shows up at the finish line, not just at the start. A rule of thumb for telling resistance apart from legitimate doubt. Why the more important a project is, the more terrifying it should feel. When you can finally write about pain, and why distance matters more than rawness. How an idea for a book might arrive as a single sentence and refuse to leave. A one-page method for outlining a novel, and why one page is enough. What John Keats's concept of negative capability can teach a writer in the dark middle of a draft. The metaphor that reframes writers as delivery drivers rather than creators. Why faith in the muse matters most when the writing feels too good to be your own. Resources & Links

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Mystery at Montserrat: Unearthing Secrets Under Sacred Stones Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-05-02-22-34-01-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El sol del matí brillava sobre les roques dentades de Montserrat quan Eudald, un monjo diligent, es desplaçava lentament pels passadissos del monestir.En: The morning sun shone on the jagged rocks of Montserrat as Eudald, a diligent monk, slowly moved through the corridors of the monastery.Ca: El perfum de l'espígol salvatge i els ametllers en flor omplia l'aire.En: The scent of wild lavender and blooming almond trees filled the air.Ca: Tot semblava tranquil, però una ombra pesava sobre el monestir.En: Everything seemed peaceful, but a shadow loomed over the monastery.Ca: Un valuós artefacte havia desaparegut de la col·lecció del monestir.En: A valuable artifact had disappeared from the monastery's collection.Ca: Eudald, amb el seu profund sentit del deure, es preocupava per la reputació del monestir i temia el possible enrenou entre la comunitat local.En: Eudald, with his deep sense of duty, was concerned about the monastery's reputation and feared the possible commotion among the local community.Ca: Mentrestant, Laia, una historiadora local curiosa, sovint visitava el monestir.En: Meanwhile, Laia, a curious local historian, often visited the monastery.Ca: Sempre dubtava de com es gestionaven els artefactes.En: She always doubted how the artifacts were managed.Ca: Quan va saber de la desaparició, va aixecar les celles amb escepticisme.En: When she learned of the disappearance, she raised her eyebrows skeptically.Ca: L'aire de primavera feia olor de misteri.En: The spring air smelled of mystery.Ca: Els rumors van començar a córrer entre els monjos i els visitants.En: Rumors began to spread among the monks and visitors.Ca: La tensió creixia, i la desconfiança entre Eudald i Laia era palpable, però l'amor per la història els unia.En: Tension was rising, and the distrust between Eudald and Laia was palpable, but their love for history united them.Ca: Eudald, movent-se amb decisió, va prendre una decisió valenta.En: Eudald, moving decisively, made a brave decision.Ca: Va proposar a Laia col·laborar en secret per trobar l'artefacte desaparegut.En: He proposed to Laia that they secretly collaborate to find the missing artifact.Ca: Van començar investigant els llocs habituals, preguntant als monjos i rastrejant cada racó del monestir.En: They started by investigating the usual places, questioning the monks and searching every corner of the monastery.Ca: Però l'artefacte seguia perdut.En: But the artifact remained lost.Ca: Un matí, mentre exploraven una de les capelles antigues, Eudald va observar un petit gravat ell havia passat per alt abans.En: One morning, while exploring one of the old chapels, Eudald noticed a small engraving he had previously overlooked.Ca: Movent una antiga pedra, vane descobrir una entrada a un passadís ocult.En: Moving an ancient stone, they discovered an entrance to a hidden passageway.Ca: El passadís era fosc i humit, baixant fins a un nivell inferior del monestir.En: The passage was dark and damp, descending to a lower level of the monastery.Ca: Amb determinació i el cor bategant ràpidament, van seguir endavant fins arribar a una petita cambra.En: With determination and their hearts beating rapidly, they pressed on until they reached a small chamber.Ca: Allà, sota una vella tela polsosa, van trobar una col·lecció d'objectes que un antic monjo havia amagat.En: There, under an old dusty cloth, they found a collection of objects that an ancient monk had hidden.Ca: Entre ells, l'artefacte perdut.En: Among them was the lost artifact.Ca: Amb l'artefacte recuperat, van retornar-lo a la seva vitrina.En: With the artifact recovered, they returned it to its display case.Ca: El relleu d'Eudald era clar, i Laia va oferir un somriure sincera.En: Eudald's relief was clear, and Laia offered a sincere smile.Ca: Malgrat les discrepàncies inicials, van reconèixer els punts forts de l'altre i la devoció comuna per la història.En: Despite their initial disagreements, they recognized each other's strengths and their shared devotion to history.Ca: Va sorgir una nova amistat entre ells.En: A new friendship emerged between them.Ca: Eudald va aprendre a confiar en els qui venien de fora i apreciar les seves perspectives.En: Eudald learned to trust those who came from outside and to appreciate their perspectives.Ca: Laia, per la seva banda, va guanyar un nou respecte per les tradicions del monestir i pels cuidadosos esforços de qui s'hi dedica.En: Laia, in turn, gained a new respect for the monastery's traditions and for the careful efforts of those who dedicate themselves to it.Ca: Amb el monestir il·luminat pel sol de primavera, Eudald i Laia van sortir junts al pati, sabent que havien preservat no només un artefacte, sinó també un important vincle amb el passat i el present.En: With the monastery illuminated by the spring sun, Eudald and Laia stepped out together into the courtyard, knowing they had preserved not just an artifact, but also an important link with the past and the present. Vocabulary Words:the monk: el monjothe corridor: el passadísthe scent: el perfumthe shadow: l'ombrathe artifact: l'artefactethe rumor: el rumorthe distrust: la desconfiançathe chapel: la capellathe engraving: el gravatthe entrance: l'entradathe passageway: el passadísthe chamber: la cambrathe cloth: la telathe effort: l'esforçthe link: el vinclediligent: diligentjagged: dentatloomed: pesavavaluable: valuósconcerned: preocupatcommotion: enrenoucurious: curiosaskeptically: amb escepticismetension: la tensiódecisively: amb decisióoverlooked: passat per altdamp: humitdetermination: la determinaciórecovered: recuperatsincere: sincer

I'm delighted to welcome historical novelist Caroline Montague to the castle, where we talk about how writing offers a refuge from everyday life and how she protects her creative time in her office with her dogs. Caroline shares the remarkable history of Burnt Norton, its links to T.S. Eliot's “Four Quartets,” and the dramatic tale of Sir William Kite, whose scandal, bankruptcy, and death by fire helped give the house its name, alongside stories of the “white lady” said to haunt the top floor. We discuss her path from law and interior design to writing, her planning process shaped by a firm agent, shifting titles and covers, and her current rewrite of a book about a famous royal swap. We also chat about spaniels, horses and the comfort animals bring.00:49 Writing Routine and Space01:35 Career Path to Author02:41 Burnt Norton and TS Eliot04:42 William Kite House Tragedy07:02 Ghost Stories White Lady09:51 House History and Hauntings11:25 Plotting Process and Ideas13:16 Deadlines Output and Titles15:18 Rewriting The Hook16:08 Jigsaw Writing Method17:17 Past Healing Present18:17 Woods And Creativity18:35 Spaniel Life And Social Media19:59 Dressage Highs And Loss21:09 New Horse Gio22:33 Italy And Spanish Stallions25:08 Books Animals And ImaginationYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month. 

This week, I talk with Priya Parmar about The Original, her fictionalized portrait of Katharine Hepburn's early life and Hollywood reinvention, diving into how academic rigor, obsessive research, and creative intuition shaped the book. We discuss: Priya's transition from academic and PhD research into fiction writing—and how scholarship still shapes her creative process The accidental Google rabbit hole that led her to Katharine Hepburn's hidden early struggles A fascinating look at 1930s Hollywood as a surprisingly progressive, image-conscious, and socially fluid ecosystem Fame, performed authenticity, grief, reinvention, and how public myths are intentionally built Behind-the-scenes insight into writing historical fiction about a real woman whose voice, image, and legacy are already iconic Check Out Author Social Media PackagesCheck out the Bookwild Community on PatreonCheck Out My Stories Are My Religion SubstackGet Bookwild MerchFollow @imbookwild on InstagramOther Co-hosts On Instagram:Gare Billings @gareindeedreadsSteph Lauer @books.in.badgerlandHalley Sutton @halleysutton25Brian Watson @readingwithbrianMacKenzie Green @missusa2mba

Fluent Fiction - French: Élodie's Quest: Unveiling a Family's Hidden Legacy Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-04-28-07-38-19-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Sous le ciel printanier de Lyon, Élodie se tenait à l'entrée d'un vieil entrepôt abandonné.En: Under the spring sky of Lyon, Élodie stood at the entrance of an old abandoned warehouse.Fr: Les murs de l'entrepôt, autrefois pleins de vie, étaient aujourd'hui couverts de poussière et de souvenirs oubliés.En: The walls of the warehouse, once full of life, were now covered in dust and forgotten memories.Fr: Son grand-père avait dirigé son affaire ici des décennies plus tôt.En: Her grandfather had run his business here decades earlier.Fr: Élodie s'était promis de retrouver un héritage familial caché, un trésor qui selon les rumeurs, pouvait restaurer l'honneur de sa famille.En: Élodie had promised to uncover a hidden family legacy, a treasure that, according to rumors, could restore her family's honor.Fr: À l'intérieur, l'air était lourd de poussière et sentait le bois vieilli.En: Inside, the air was heavy with dust and smelled of aged wood.Fr: Des faisceaux de lumière pénétraient par les fenêtres cassées, dessinant des ombres mystérieuses sur le sol.En: Beams of light penetrated through the broken windows, casting mysterious shadows on the floor.Fr: Elle avançait prudemment entre les vieilles machines rouillées, chaque pas réveillant d'anciens échos.En: She moved cautiously among the old rusted machines, each step awakening ancient echoes.Fr: Élodie était déterminée.En: Élodie was determined.Fr: Elle se rappelait des histoires de son grand-père, de ce qu'il avait construit ici.En: She remembered her grandfather's stories, of what he had built here.Fr: Mais parmi ces souvenirs venait aussi la crainte des secrets et des dangers potentiels.En: But among these memories also came the fear of secrets and potential dangers.Fr: L'entrepôt immense était un labyrinthe de structures instables et de caisses oubliées.En: The immense warehouse was a labyrinth of unstable structures and forgotten crates.Fr: Mais sous son calme apparent, Élodie sentait une urgence : elle devait prouver qu'elle en était capable.En: But beneath its apparent calm, Élodie felt an urgency: she had to prove she was capable.Fr: Au fil de sa progression, Élodie découvrit une porte masquée par un amas de planches et de tissus usés.En: As she progressed, Élodie discovered a door masked by a heap of planks and worn fabric.Fr: Derrière, elle trouva une pièce secrète, obscure et envahie par le temps.En: Behind it, she found a secret room, dark and invaded by time.Fr: Les rayons de lumière éclairaient à peine les coins.En: The rays of light barely illuminated the corners.Fr: En fouillant avec soin, elle tomba sur une boîte ancienne, couverte de toiles d'araignée.En: Searching carefully, she came across an old box, covered with cobwebs.Fr: Mais sa découverte fut rapidement tempérée par le constat qu'elle était verrouillée.En: But her discovery was quickly tempered by the realization that it was locked.Fr: Avec détermination, Élodie réfléchit.En: With determination, Élodie thought deeply.Fr: Dans ses souvenirs, elle repensa aux lettres de son grand-père.En: In her memories, she recalled her grandfather's letters.Fr: Il mentionnait souvent "là où le cœur repose."En: He often mentioned "where the heart rests."Fr: Elle se dirigea vers un vieil établi qu'elle avait remarqué en entrant.En: She headed to an old workbench she had noticed upon entering.Fr: Après avoir fouillé, sa main toucha une clé cachée sous une planche.En: After searching, her hand touched a key hidden under a plank.Fr: Avec des mains tremblantes, elle retourna à la boîte.En: With trembling hands, she returned to the box.Fr: La clé glissa dans la serrure avec un clic satisfaisant.En: The key slid into the lock with a satisfying click.Fr: À l'intérieur, elle découvrit l'héritage : un ancien médaillon et une lettre du passé.En: Inside, she discovered the legacy: an ancient medallion and a letter from the past.Fr: Les mots de son grand-père résonnaient comme une douce mélodie, remplis de tendresse et d'espoir.En: Her grandfather's words resonated like a sweet melody, filled with tenderness and hope.Fr: En sortant de l'entrepôt, Élodie sentit une paix nouvelle.En: As she left the warehouse, Élodie felt a new peace.Fr: Elle avait trouvé plus qu'un simple objet.En: She had found more than just an object.Fr: Elle avait découvert son lien avec une histoire familiale précieuse.En: She had discovered her connection to a precious family history.Fr: Ses doutes s'étaient dissipés, et elle savait maintenant qu'elle avait sa place dans cette lignée.En: Her doubts had dissipated, and she now knew she had her place in this lineage.Fr: Avec confiance, elle leva les yeux vers le ciel bleu de Lyon, prête à embrasser le futur avec un cœur allégé.En: With confidence, she looked up at the blue sky of Lyon, ready to embrace the future with a lighter heart. Vocabulary Words:spring: le printempsentrance: l'entréewarehouse: l'entrepôtdust: la poussièrelegacy: l'héritagebeam: le faisceaurusted: rouilléechoes: les échosdecades: les décenniesmemories: les souvenirsrumors: les rumeurshonor: l'honneurmachines: les machineslabyrinth: le labyrintheplanks: les planchesfabric: les tissusshadows: les ombrescrates: les caissesurgency: l'urgencedoor: la portebench: l'établicobwebs: les toiles d'araignéelock: la serrureclick: le clicmedallion: le médaillontenderness: la tendressepeace: la paixdoubts: les douteslineage: la lignéefuture: le futur

Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this thought-provoking episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with Melvin E. Edwards, the founder of Media Well Done and the voice behind the award-winning podcast *Stories from Real Life*. Melvin shares insights from his rich background as a former columnist and his journey into the literary world with his debut novel, *Nuremberg, Mississippi*. This compelling narrative draws parallels between the Nuremberg Trials of World War II and the domestic struggles faced during the civil rights era in the American South.Melvin discusses his unique perspective on history, treating it as an unfinished conversation that is deeply intertwined with the present. He delves into the motivations behind his novel, emphasizing the importance of understanding systemic injustices and the personal choices that shape our society. With a keen focus on the characters within his story, Melvin invites listeners to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in confronting injustice.We also explore his award-winning podcast, where Melvin interviews guests with remarkable stories of redemption and resilience. His passion for storytelling shines through as he emphasizes the power of creative questions to spark meaningful conversations. Join us for an enlightening discussion that encourages us all to engage with our history, challenge the status quo, and strive for a better future.What You'll Learn in This Episode:- The significance of viewing history as a living conversation- How *Nuremberg, Mississippi* addresses systemic injustice in America- The role of personal choices in the fight against discrimination- Insights into the creative process behind Melvin's debut novel- The impact of storytelling through the *Stories from Real Life* podcastFor more information on Melvin Edwards and his work, visit mediawelldone.com or podcastreallife.com.Support the showSupport the show

Send us Fan MailAl Capone Does My Shirts    By Gennifer CholdenkoMoose really doesn't want to leave his home in Santa Monica to move to Alcatraz Island.  His father takes a job as a guard so the family can get Natalie, Moose's sister, into a special school.  Even though Natalie is older than Moose she acts much younger, and the whole family has to make changes for her.  And this time, that change means Moose is living on an island with Al Capone.Recommended for grades 6 and up. Support the show

Kristin Hannah is the bestselling author of more than 20 novels, including The Nightingale, The Four Winds and The Women, and has built her career around telling the often overlooked stories of women in history. In this conversation from September 2025, Hannah sits down with Jenna to reflect on the books that shaped her, the path that led her from practicing law to becoming a novelist and the deep research behind her historical fiction. Plus, she opens up about why The Women took more than 20 years to write and what continues to draw her to stories of resilience, sacrifice and womanhood. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Looking for your next great historical fiction read? Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the Book Gang Podcast, to share standout historical fiction recommendations to add to your TBR.  From immersive, character-driven stories to sweeping narratives that bring the past to life, this episode highlights books that will stick with you long after the final page. Amy brings her expertise in discovering buzzy and noteworthy titles, while Joe adds a few picks of his own—including one unexpected curveball.  Whether you're a longtime historical fiction reader or just looking for a place to start, this episode is packed with compelling recommendations across time periods and styles.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations: Amy's Picks:  The Half Life - Rachel Beanland  Scandalous Women - Gill Paul  The Final Revival of Opal and Nev - Dawnie Walton  The Foursome - Christina Baker Kline  Happy Land - Dolen Perkins-Valdez  Joe's Picks:  Let's Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen  Disco Witches of Fire Island – Blair Fell  The Hounding – Xenobe Purvis  Dead Eleven – Jimmy Juliano  Silver Nitrate – Silvia Moreno-Garcia  Flung out of Space – Grace Ellis & Hannah Templer  Stage Dreams – Melanie Gillman  The Legend of Auntie Po – Shing Yin Khor  Parallel – Matthias Lehmann    Who's in this episode:   Amy Allen Clark, Book Gang Podcast – links  Articles referenced:   https://bookriot.com/what-makes-a-book-historical-fiction/   https://celadonbooks.com/what-is-historical-fiction/   https://historicalnovelsociety.org/defining-the-genre-2/  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:53 Hello to Amy!  00:01:30 What is Historical Fiction, and what defines it?  00:04:28 Amy's thoughts on Historical Fiction 00:12:11 Historical Fiction Recommendations 01:07:28 Outro   Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today's episode!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Mystery in Tuscany: The Tale of the Missing Sculpture Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-04-23-07-38-19-it Story Transcript:It: Il sole splendeva sopra la villa in Toscana.En: The sun shone above the villa in Toscana.It: Era primavera, e il giardino della villa era un tripudio di colori.En: It was spring, and the villa's garden was a riot of colors.It: Gigli bianchi, rose rosse, e gialle margherite decoravano i viali.En: White lilies, red roses, and yellow daisies decorated the paths.It: L'aria era piena del profumo dolce dei fiori, mentre il vento leggero muoveva le foglie degli alberi secolari.En: The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers, while a light breeze moved the leaves of the ancient trees.It: Luca, art historian curioso e appassionato di misteri, camminava lentamente tra le statue antiche.En: Luca, a curious art historian passionate about mysteries, walked slowly among the ancient statues.It: Oggi era il giorno della festa di San Giorgio e la villa era in fermento.En: Today was the day of the feast of San Giorgio and the villa was bustling.It: Tuttavia, un'ombra oscurava il suo umore: una scultura preziosa era scomparsa.En: However, a shadow darkened his mood: a precious sculpture had disappeared.It: Luca sentiva il bisogno di dimostrare a se stesso di essere più di un semplice studioso; voleva risolvere l'enigma.En: Luca felt the need to prove to himself that he was more than just a scholar; he wanted to solve the enigma.It: Alessia, la custode della villa, era preoccupata.En: Alessia, the custodian of the villa, was worried.It: Era fedele alla famiglia e proteggere l'eredità della villa era la sua missione.En: She was loyal to the family and protecting the villa's heritage was her mission.It: Sospettava di chiunque mostrasse interesse eccessivo per la collezione.En: She was suspicious of anyone showing excessive interest in the collection.It: E Giovanni, uno studioso in visita con un passato misterioso, era finito nel suo radar di sospetti.En: And Giovanni, a visiting scholar with a mysterious past, was on her radar of suspects.It: Nel pomeriggio, Luca osservò Giovanni da lontano.En: In the afternoon, Luca observed Giovanni from a distance.It: "Perché era così interessato alla scultura?"En: "Why was he so interested in the sculpture?"It: si chiese.En: he wondered.It: Decise di affrontarlo.En: He decided to confront him.It: "Giovanni," iniziò Luca con tono calmo, "ho notato che sei molto interessato alla scultura scomparsa.En: "Giovanni," Luca began calmly, "I've noticed you're very interested in the missing sculpture.It: Qual è il tuo interesse?"En: What is your interest?"It: Giovanni esitò un attimo, i suoi occhi tradivano un misto di sorpresa e imbarazzo.En: Giovanni hesitated for a moment, his eyes betraying a mix of surprise and embarrassment.It: "È solo una curiosità accademica," rispose, cercando di non mostrare emozioni.En: "It's just academic curiosity," he replied, trying not to show emotions.It: Luca non era convinto.En: Luca was not convinced.It: Aspettò il momento giusto per indagare più a fondo.En: He waited for the right moment to investigate further.It: Poco dopo, decise di perlustrare il giardino, sperando di trovare indizi sul destino della scultura.En: Shortly after, he decided to search the garden, hoping to find clues about the sculpture's fate.It: Accadde che Luca e Alessia, ormai alleati, scoprirono Giovanni nel recondito angolo del giardino.En: It happened that Luca and Alessia, now allies, discovered Giovanni in a secluded corner of the garden.It: Tentava di nascondere la scultura dietro un cespuglio fiorito.En: He was trying to hide the sculpture behind a blooming bush.It: "Giovanni!"En: "Giovanni!"It: esclamò Alessia, interdetta.En: exclaimed Alessia, taken aback.It: Giovanni alzò le mani in segno di pace.En: Giovanni raised his hands in a sign of peace.It: "Non volevo rubarla," spiegò in fretta.En: "I didn't want to steal it," he quickly explained.It: "Volevo assicurarmi che venisse preservata.En: "I wanted to ensure it was preserved.It: Volevo studiarla nella quiete, lontano da occhi indiscreti."En: I wanted to study it in peace, away from prying eyes."It: Luca e Alessia ascoltarono, sorpresi.En: Luca and Alessia listened, surprised.It: La verità veniva alla luce: le intenzioni di Giovanni non erano maliziose.En: The truth was revealed: Giovanni's intentions were not malicious.It: Insieme riportarono la scultura al suo posto nel giardino.En: Together they returned the sculpture to its place in the garden.It: Il proprietario della villa, informato dell'accaduto, accettò le scuse di Giovanni.En: The owner of the villa, informed of what had happened, accepted Giovanni's apologies.It: Capì che Giovanni cercava solo di proteggere e studiare l'arte.En: He understood that Giovanni only sought to protect and study the art.It: Per Luca, questo era un trionfo.En: For Luca, this was a triumph.It: Aveva risolto il mistero e guadagnato la fiducia di Alessia.En: He had solved the mystery and gained Alessia's trust.It: Si sentiva finalmente capace, non solo come storico dell'arte, ma come investigatore.En: He finally felt capable, not only as an art historian, but as an investigator.It: E una nuova amicizia era nata in quella villa toscana, dove la primavera portava non solo fiori, ma anche nuove speranze.En: And a new friendship was born in that Tuscan villa, where spring brought not only flowers, but also new hopes. Vocabulary Words:sun: il solespring: la primaveravilla: la villagarden: il giardinolilies: i gigliroses: le rosedaisies: le margheritepaths: i vialifragrance: il profumobreeze: il vento leggeroleaves: le foglietrees: gli alberishadow: l'ombrasculpture: la sculturaenigma: l'enigmacustodian: la custodeheritage: l'ereditàvisitor: lo studioso in visitasuspect: i sospettidistance: la distanzacuriosity: la curiositàemotions: le emozioniclues: gli indizicorner: l'angolobush: il cespugliopeace: la quietetruth: la veritàintentions: le intenzioniowner: il proprietarioapologies: le scuse

Welcome to another Friday night episode of The Writing Community Chat Show! In our growing archive of over 400 interviews, we've had the pleasure of sitting down with everyone from brilliant indie authors to household names—and today's guest is nothing short of spectacular.Join us as we welcome New York Times best-selling author Essie Fox for a deep dive into the shadowy, mesmerising world of Gothic historical fiction. Essie shares her incredible journey from a 20-year career as a home-based illustrator to taking a leap of faith on a three-month creative writing course that changed her life.We unpack her brilliant passion project, Katherine—an audacious and emotional retelling of Wuthering Heights from the perspective of a ghost—and discuss how to find the spaces between the pages of classic literature. We also delve into the wild history of Lord Byron, the literary origins of the vampire, and how to balance meticulous historical research with deeply human character arcs.Plus, we've got an exciting update on our upcoming 12-week novel-writing challenge where the community is teaming up to write 800 words a day. Whether you are a dedicated historical fiction writer or just love a twisting, atmospheric tale, this episode is packed with inspiration.Thank you for tuning in and helping make us one of the top writing podcasts in the UK! Grab a drink, settle in, and let's get into it.In this episode, we explore:The Path to Publication: Essie's transition from an illustrator to a bestselling author and the perseverance required to break into the industry.Finding the Story: The serendipity of historical research and uncovering a novel idea right under your own floorboards.Reimagining a Classic: Unpacking the complex, humanizing layers of Wuthering Heights and why Essie had to write her own version.Vampires & Lord Byron: How John Polidori's The Vampyre and the infamous "Summer of Darkness" inspired Essie's historical thriller.Gothic Recommendations: Essie's top three Gothic novel recommendations for every writer and reader.Links & Resources:Follow Essie Fox on Instagram: @essiefox_authorListen to Essie's podcast on Substack: Talking the GothicPick up a copy of Katherine and Essie's other novels at your local indie bookshop, or here.Join our community Discord and Substack to participate in the upcoming 12-Week Novel Writing Challenge!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community

Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb and Lauren Tarshis join Joe for a wide-ranging conversation on the enduring appeal of historical fiction and why readers keep coming back for stories rooted in the past.  From immersive research to emotional storytelling, they explore how historical fiction brings real moments to life while still leaving room for imagination. The conversation also dives into the challenges of writing in difficult time periods, how authors maintain hope when their subject matter gets heavy and what it means to responsibly shape narratives based on real events.  Plus, each author shares insight into their creative process and how they build vivid, unforgettable worlds across genres and age group.  Whether you're a lifelong historical fiction reader or just starting to explore the genre, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the stories that help us better understand where we've been and where we're going.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who's in this episode:   Christina Baker Kline  Website  The Foursome  Heather Webb  Website  The Hope Keeper  Lauren Tarshis  Website  I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935  I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018 Graphic Novel  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro to Historical Fiction 00:01:08 Hello from Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb & Lauren Tarshis 00:05:07 Diving into the conversation – why historical fiction?  00:49:26 How do you balance the heaviness of historical with maintaining light in your life? 00:58:44 Thank you and outro    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blending filmmaking and fiction: Neil Laird is a veteran documentary filmmaker and television executive who rediscovered a new creative spark in midlife through writing fiction. In this episode Neil shares his journey from a small steel town in Pennsylvania to directing documentaries for the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, and eventually finding the courage to self-publish his own novels at the age of 50.Inspired by the fearless reinvention of David Bowie, Neil discusses the transition from the 'tedious' corporate side of television back to the joy of making things up. He delves into his Prime Time Travelers series of novels, which blends his deep knowledge of ancient history with satirical takes on the chaos of TV production, and offers inspiring advice for adults looking to reignite their own passions: stop waiting for the stars to align, don't be afraid of the first 'rubbish' draft, and surround yourself with cheerleaders rather than naysayers.Finding Inspiration in the Unexpected: Neil recounts how a period of unemployment led him to the New York Public Library, where a chance encounter with a book on ancient history completely shifted his creative trajectory and led to his first documentary on the Great Sphinx.The Midlife Creative Shift: Turning 50 served as a catalyst for Neil to explore fiction. Inspired by the fearless innovation of David Bowie, he decided to move beyond the constraints of documentary filmmaking to imagine historical worlds with a fresh coat of paint.Blending Expertise with Satire: After struggling to find an agent for a traditional historical novel, Neil found his unique voice by blending his professional background with fiction in his Prime Time Travelers series – a satirical look at a film crew messing up history.The Power of Creative Independence: Neil discusses his decision to self-publish, allowing him to maintain creative control over his characters and storylines, including diverse and LGBTQ+ representation that might have been lost in traditional publishing.Advice for Aspiring Creatives: Neil emphasises the importance of starting now, surrounding yourself with cheerleaders rather than naysayers, and not being afraid of the inevitable first draft being a load of rubbish.I would love some financial support to help me to keep making this podcast. Visit buymeacoffee.com/creativityfoundSupport the showFollow @CreativityFoundPodcast on InstagramWant to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, herePodcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Send us Fan MailSoldier Boys by Dean Hughes Both Dieter and Spence have a few things in common - both have a desire to stand up for their country and do what they think is right. Both have families that care about them going to fight in the war, and both are totally unprepared for the things they will be asked to do and see as they fight in Europe during World War II. Support the show

Try not to catch the plague with us as we travel back to 1300s England to discuss George Falls Through Time by Ryan Collett! We talk about the author's YouTube career, George as a character, medieval times vs modernity, the mechanics of time travel, and of course, the romance. Hate-read along with us for our next Othersode on April 28th about The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden. Then join us for our next Bookpisode about Wreck by Catherine Newman on May 12th. Don't forget to leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and check out our Patreon to support us for just $3 a month!TOC:30 –Welcome! 7:15 – Book intro10:15 – Ryan Collett17:00 – George33:10 – Medieval times kind of sucks59:07 – Dragons1:02:56 – Time travel1:21:15 – Ratings1:29:47 – What's up next?

If you grew up with Dolly magazine, woke up with Today, or unwound with The Project, Lisa Wilkinson has likely been the voice in the room for most of your life. After one of the most turbulent chapters of her career and a high-profile legal battle, Lisa has stepped away from the cameras to uncover a story lost to time. We’re sitting down with the media veteran to discuss her new book, The Titanic Story of Evelyn, which follows the extraordinary life of Evelyn Marsden; the only Australian-born survivor of the Titanic. Lisa reveals how she pieced together this '10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle' to tell a tale of heroism through a female lens. Plus, Lisa opens up about her 'new chapter' after television, the reality of 'rowing against the tide' in the Australian media landscape, and whether she’s got another big story under her hat. You can order your copy of The Titanic Story of Evelyn here

Jennifer Chiaverini   is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-six novels, including critically acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. In addition to her novels, Jennifer has created six collections of quilt patterns inspired by her books. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, "In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years." Her latest novel is THE PATCHWORK PLAYERS. Learn more at jenniferchiaverini.com Special thanks to NetGalley for early previews. Jennifer Chiaverini has been combining two analog hobbies since 1999: Reading and Quilting. Chiaverini's bestselling series, Elm Creek Quilts, centers around Elm Creek Manor and the generations of quilters who practice their craft there. Through quilting, characters build beautiful relationships, face difficult truths, and learn more about themselves in the process.Intro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Outro RecordingFollow the Writing Table: @writingtablepodcastEmail questions or tell us who you'd like us to invite to the Writing Table: writingtablepodcast@gmail.com.

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Spice, Strategy, and Honor: The Easter Tale of Brugge Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-04-06-07-38-19-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De ochtendzon scheen fel over de levendige markt van Brugge.En: The morning sun shone brightly over the lively market of Brugge.Nl: Overal waar je keek, zag je kleurige vlaggen die vrolijk wapperden in de lente bries.En: Everywhere you looked, you saw colorful flags cheerfully fluttering in the spring breeze.Nl: De straten waren bedekt met keien en gevuld met het geroezemoes van marktlieden en nieuwsgierige bezoekers.En: The streets were paved with cobblestones and filled with the murmur of merchants and curious visitors.Nl: Het was Pasen, en de stad was gehuld in een sfeer van vernieuwing en verwachting.En: It was Easter, and the city was wrapped in an atmosphere of renewal and expectation.Nl: Midden op de markt waren Bram, Maartje en hun moeder Jorien druk in gesprek.En: In the middle of the market, Bram, Maartje, and their mother Jorien were deep in conversation.Nl: De familie had een goedlopende specerijenhandel, maar de laatste tijd ging het minder goed.En: The family had a thriving spice business, but lately, it had been struggling.Nl: De reden?En: The reason?Nl: Een zeldzame specerij waar ze op rekenden, was bijna helemaal uitverkocht.En: A rare spice they relied on was almost entirely sold out.Nl: Behalve bij hun grootste concurrent: heer Diederik.En: Except at their biggest competitor: Lord Diederik.Nl: "We moeten het koste wat het kost vinden," zei Bram, vastberaden.En: "We need to find it at all costs," said Bram, determined.Nl: Hij voelde de druk om zijn familiebedrijf te redden.En: He felt the pressure to save his family business.Nl: Maartje knikte instemmend.En: Maartje nodded in agreement.Nl: "Misschien kunnen we iets leren over Diederik.En: "Maybe we can learn something about Diederik.Nl: Iets dat ons kan helpen," stelde ze zacht voor.En: Something that could help us," she softly suggested.Nl: Jorien keek bezorgd, maar wist dat er weinig opties waren.En: Jorien looked concerned, but she knew there were few options.Nl: Die middag kleedde Bram zich eenvoudig, niet als de zoon van handelaren, maar als een gewone handelaar.En: That afternoon, Bram dressed simply, not like the son of traders, but as an ordinary merchant.Nl: Hij zou proberen vertrouwen te winnen.En: He would try to gain trust.Nl: Maartje mengde zich voorzichtig onder het volk, luisterend naar de gesprekken van andere kooplieden.En: Maartje cautiously mingled with the crowd, listening to the conversations of other merchants.Nl: Ze ontdekte dat heer Diederik van plan was een feest te houden voor Pasen.En: She discovered that Lord Diederik planned to hold a party for Easter.Nl: Die avond glipten Bram en Maartje naar binnen op het feest.En: That evening, Bram and Maartje slipped inside the party.Nl: Het klonk warm en levendig, met muziek en gelach.En: It sounded warm and lively, with music and laughter.Nl: Iedereen leek blij, een perfecte dekmantel voor hun eigen missie.En: Everyone seemed happy, a perfect cover for their own mission.Nl: Terwijl de gasten zich vermaakten, slopen broer en zus stilletjes naar een opslagruimte.En: While the guests enjoyed themselves, the brother and sister quietly sneaked into a storage room.Nl: Daar stond het.En: There it was.Nl: De zeldzame specerij, veilig opgeborgen.En: The rare spice, safely stored away.Nl: Met een kloppend hart ging Bram Diederik tegemoet.En: With a pounding heart, Bram approached Diederik.Nl: "Heer Diederik, ik ben hier met een aanbod.En: "Lord Diederik, I am here with an offer.Nl: U hebt iets wat ik nodig heb.En: You have something I need.Nl: Laten we eerlijk onderhandelen," zei hij, vol vertrouwen maar respectvol.En: Let's negotiate fairly," he said, confident yet respectful.Nl: Diederik keek hem aan, leek eerst verbaasd, maar zijn ogen verzachtten al snel.En: Diederik looked at him, seemed surprised at first, but his eyes soon softened.Nl: "Jullie hebben lef," zei hij uiteindelijk, grijnzend.En: "You've got guts," he eventually said, grinning.Nl: "En dat respecteer ik."En: "And I respect that."Nl: Bram en Diederik kwamen overeen.En: Bram and Diederik reached an agreement.Nl: Een eerlijke wissel van goederen.En: A fair exchange of goods.Nl: Bram had gekregen wat hij zocht: de specerij en iets veel belangrijker - de eer van de familie terug.En: Bram had gotten what he was looking for: the spice and something much more important - the family's honor restored.Nl: Toen ze terugkeerden naar hun moeder met het goede nieuws, blikten Bram en Maartje elkaar tevreden aan.En: When they returned to their mother with the good news, Bram and Maartje exchanged satisfied glances.Nl: Zij hadden het gedaan.En: They had done it.Nl: Ze hadden de markt heroverd, niet door sluwheid en bedrieg, maar door moed en eerlijke samenwerking.En: They had reclaimed the market, not through cunning and deceit, but through courage and honest cooperation.Nl: Bram realiseerde zich dat echte rijkdom in familie en eer ligt, niet alleen goud en goederen.En: Bram realized that true wealth lies in family and honor, not just gold and goods.Nl: En zo, met hun handel in ere hersteld, vierden ze samen Pasen.En: And so, with their trade restored, they celebrated Easter together.Nl: Terwijl de stadslantaarns zachtjes flikkerden in de nacht, wist de familie dat, door samen te werken, ze elke uitdaging konden overwinnen.En: As the city lanterns gently flickered in the night, the family knew that, by working together, they could overcome any challenge. Vocabulary Words:shone: scheenlively: levendigefluttering: wapperdenbreeze: briescobblestones: keienmurmur: geroezemoescurious: nieuwsgierigewrapped: gehuldrenewal: vernieuwingexpectation: verwachtingthriving: goedlopendespice: specerijstruggling: minder goedcompetitor: concurrentdetermined: vastberadensuggested: stelde voorconcerned: bezorgdoptions: optiesmingled: mengdesneaked: slopenstorage: opslagruimtepounding: kloppendnegotiate: onderhandelengrinning: grijnzendrespect: respecteerglances: bliktencunning: sluwheiddeceit: bedriegcourage: moedflickered: flikkerden

David sits down with bestselling author Lottie Moggach to discuss her fourth novel, Mrs Pearcey, a story rooted in a real Victorian murder that took place in her own grandmother's kitchen in Camden.Lottie shares how the case captured her imagination for years, from the shocking details of the crime to the way it was reported in the press at the time. Rather than stepping inside the mind of the killer, she chose to explore the world around her, shining a light on the birth of sensationalist journalism and the public's growing appetite for true crime.Lottie talks about the blurred lines between fact and fiction, the challenges of writing historical crime,  growing up in a family of writers, and how living with a story for years can shape the final novel. 

 I'm delighted to welcome the novelist Emily Howes to the castle to talk about her book The Painter's Daughters, inspired by Gainsborough's portraits of his two girls and the striking shift from their lively childhood images to a stiffer, unhappier adulthood. Emily shares how she researched 18th-century Bath, its muddy, smelly, party-like medical culture, through visits and sources such as James Hamilton's biography, Letters from Bath, and books on travel, while noting how little survives from the daughters' own voices. We discuss Molly's documented illness and Emily's discovery of a possible porphyria link to the Prince of Wales, as well as Gainsborough's finances, his wife's hidden savings, and the sisters' relationship, which Emily likens to Downton Abbey's sister dynamics. Emily also previews her next novel, Mrs Dickens, exploring Catherine Dickens's erasure after Dickens left her for Ellen Turner and the fate of their children.00:46 Why the Daughters03:20 Bath After Covid05:57 Money and Marriage08:18 Research and Sources09:27 Molly Illness Mystery12:21 Sisters and Downton16:05 Blue Boy and Imagination17:25 Gainsborough at Highclere22:23 Next Book Mrs Dickens24:35 Dickens Family Fallout27:53 Catherine After SeparationYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.