Podcasts about Literary fiction

Lori Duff's journey began with strong academic success, which led her parents to steer her towards law school. Initially focused solely on her legal career, Lori truly discovered her love for creative writing after a challenging election loss in 2012. This moment of introspection prompted her to start blogging, humorously chronicling her husband's antics, which then evolved into a more public writing career. Lori is a lawyer, a judge, and an award winning writer.  She's a past president of the Georgia Council for Municipal  Court Judges, and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.  A two time winner of the Georgia Bar Journal's Annual Fiction Competition, she also won the Forward Indies Gold Medal for Humor,  and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists Annual Column Contest, and many other awards for her work.  Her new novel,  Devil's Defense, is a finalist in the American Book Fest Best Book Awards in General Fiction and Thriller Adventure categories and her novella, Broken Things, won the Georgia Independent Author of the Year Award for Literary Fiction.    What You Will Hear in This Episode:  01:46 Lori's Background 04:24 Journey to Writing 05:34 Balancing Law and Writing 15:20 Creative Inspirations 18:05 Character Development 30:46 Upcoming Projects   Quotes “People are complicated. Nobody thinks they're the bad guy.” “Don't let anyone else tell you no. There's enough people telling you no.”   Mentioned: loriduffwrites.com Substack @loriduffwrites Twitter: @loriduffwrites Facebook: Lori Duff Writes Instagram: @loriduffwrites LinkedIn: Lori Duff eConnect with Bonnie Substack Newsletter: Own Your Ambition Gendered Ageism Survey Results Forbes article 5 Tips to own the superpower of your age IAMMusicGroup   Purchase my book Not Done Yet on Amazon:    If you enjoyed this episode of Badass Women Podcast, then make sure to subscribe to the podcast and drop us a five-star review  

Writers beware of the TikTok publishing model, and we chat with Wendy Erskine about her exuberant, polyvocal novel, The Benefactors.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

Author Megan Hunter joins us  to talk about her new novel, Days of Light, that depicts fifty years in the life of a British woman who learns to find value and purpose within the deepest mysteries of her life.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

Mark Haddon, bestselling author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, A Spot of Bother, and The Red House on his process writing 18 books, succeeding and failing and writing without a map.We discuss:Why writing begins before you start writingCreating strong beginningsHow poetry can expand your creative rangeWriting without a mapOn self-doubt, impostor syndrome & trusting your instinctsThe value of conflict, myth, and compression in storytellingPublishing realities, artistic risk, and protecting your creative sparkAbout Mark HaddonMark Haddon is the author of the internationally bestselling novels The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, A Spot of Bother, and The Red House. His debut novel won the Whitbread Book of the Year Award and inspired a Tony Award–winning play. A multidisciplinary artist, Mark has also written award-winning poetry, radio dramas, children's books, and TV screenplays. He teaches creative writing for the Arvon Foundation and lives in Oxford, England.*Resources and Links:

Galley Beggar Press's own Mark Bowles is shortlisted for a first novel prize; Sam stays up too late celebrating. We talk to writer Seán Hewitt about his novel Open, Heaven, an exquisitely written, first love narrative set in the English countryside. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

Thoughts on taste, classism, wealth and how some books and authors are elevated by the social elite, deliberately creating an atmosphere of exclusivity. Also on why some books are phenoms and what is art.Buy LoveLitCon tickets here https://lovelit.com/ Be sure to use my author-specific code for a $10 discount! LOVE8368STRANGE FAMILIAR is live! https://www.jeffekennedy.com/strange-familiar You can preorder MAGIC REBORN at https://www.jeffekennedy.com/magic-rebornRELUCTANT WIZARD is out now and the audiobook is live!! https://www.jeffekennedy.com/reluctant-wizardThe posture-correcting sports bra I love almost more than life itself is here https://forme.therave.co/37FY6Z5MTJAUKQGAJoin my Patreon and Discord for mentoring, coaching, and conversation with me! Find it at https://www.patreon.com/JeffesClosetYou can always buy print copies of my books from my local indie, Beastly Books! https://www.beastlybooks.com/If you want to support me and the podcast, click on the little heart or follow this link (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jeffekennedy).Sign up for my newsletter here! (https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r2y4b9)You can watch this podcast on video via YouTube https://youtu.be/hAQznznAJ_cSupport the showContact Jeffe!Find me on Threads Visit my website https://jeffekennedy.comFollow me on Amazon or BookBubSign up for my Newsletter!Find me on Instagram and TikTok!Thanks for listening!

Award-winning and bestselling author Maggie O'Farrell Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait author takes us behind the scenes of her creative process—from the early struggles of starting out to the discipline and instinct that shape her acclaimed novels.We explore the irresistible drive to write, the role of characters in steering a story, and how she blends history with imagination. Maggie also shares her thoughts on revision, redrafting without ego, and what it really takes to endure in the writing life.We discuss:The insatiable urge to write and the challenges of beginning a novelLetting characters lead and reshaping a story mid-draftWeaving fact and fiction in historical narrativesWhy revision is where the real writing happensHonest feedback, creative resilience, and writing for the long haulABOUT MAGGIE O'FARRELLMaggie O'Farrell is the author of Hamnet (winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award) and I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death, both Sunday Times number 1 bestsellers. Her other works include The Marriage Portrait, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, After You'd Gone, The Hand That First Held Mine (winner of the Costa Novel Award), and Instructions for a Heatwave. Maggie's work is praised for its lyrical prose, emotional depth, and its ability to bring overlooked historical figures to life.*RESOURCES & LINKS

This movie looks like an innocent little story about seniors who want to make the most of their golden years, but the craft behind it will knock your socks off. It's a multiple POV, multiple plot film and believe me, this is NOT an easy format to pull off. So if you're writing a story with more than one protagonist and/or more than one plot line, do yourself a favour — listen to this episode and learn from these master storytellers. -V. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor

Have you ever wondered how childhood obsessions evolve into creative careers? Fiction writer Pemi Aguda takes us on her journey from creating mini-magazines as a six-year-old in Lagos, Nigeria to publishing internationally acclaimed fiction. In today's chat, Pemi reveals how her "lonesome" childhood with books transformed into a writing career that explores Nigerian women's experiences and the weight of ancestry. Stay for Pemi's tips on how to become a better writer and on how to find your artistic voice as a author. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide as part of a fictional narrative. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know you are not alone. Resources for support are listed below. Chapters 00:00 Introduction  02:56 Pemi Aguda's Journey from Lagos to Writing 05:50 The Evolution of Pemi's Writing Process 08:55 Understanding Creative Voice and Teaching 12:01 The Art of Revision and Storytelling 14:52 Exploring Themes in Pemi's Work 17:59 The Influence of Ancestry on Writing 21:12 Literary Influences and Inspirations 24:11 Writing Habits and Routines 27:06 Life Beyond Writing: Hobbies and Interests 29:55 Conclusion and Future Works Connect with Pemi Aguda Website: pemiaguda.com Instagram: @pemi.i Order "Ghost Roots" : Penguin Random House Connect with Your Host Website: martineseverin.com Instagram:Instagram Newsletter:Creative Matters This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinoza. Suicide Prevention Resources American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/ 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988lifeline.org If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Veterans, press 1 when calling. Crisis Text Line Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7

Are male literary writers underrepresented in today's publishing scene? And we talk to Vijay Khurana about his timely first novel, The Passenger Seat, which explores contemporary masculinity.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

What if the traditional publishing world says “no”? Eleanor Anstruther—acclaimed novelist and creator of The Literary Obsessive—shares her bold leap into indie publishing, serialising fiction and memoir on Substack, and why you need an Artist DNA to draw an audience.We discuss: Her aristocratic background and experience living in a communeNavigating rejection and the pivot to serialising work onlineThe realities (and surprises) of building a paid readership on SubstackAdvice for writers considering serialisation and indie publishingHow to build a creative communityPractical tips: drafting, book sales, pricing subscriptions, and more*ABOUT ELEANOR ANSTRUTHEREleanor Anstruther grew up in London, studied History of Art at Manchester, and spent twelve years travelling the world and starting a commune before turning to writing. Her debut novel, A Perfect Explanation, was longlisted for major prizes. Today, she serialises her fiction and memoir on Substack, where she's built a passionate readership and runs the celebrated interview series 8 Questions. Connect with her via The Literary Obsessive on Substack.*RESOURCES & LINKS

French author Laurent Binet joins us to talk about his latest novel Perspective(s), translated by Sam Taylor, a murder mystery set in the art world of Renaissance Florence.  Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

Georgina Godwin is joined by Jenny Mustard to discuss her upbringing in Sweden, new novel ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ and the challenges of writing literary fiction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tara talks to journalist and debut author Atharva Pandit, whose novel Hurda is inspired by a real-life case that briefly made headlines in 2013, and then vanished.What begins as a mystery about three missing girls from a village in Maharashtra becomes a statement on what gets remembered and what gets buried. Atharva shares how a two-page newspaper feature became the seed for a decade-long creative journey. He discusses the blurry boundaries between fact and fiction, and how he built an entire village of voices, each with their own secrets and silences. The episode also delves into the quiet power of clothing, especially that green top that became a symbol of much more. Tara and Atharva explore why rural women's lives so often go unheard, and how fiction can offer them space, dignity, and depth.‘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.

Writing your first novel is a rollercoaster—exciting, overwhelming, and, let's be honest, a little terrifying. But when you finally reach that finish line? It's incredible.In this episode of Write It Scared, I'm joined by debut author Alexandria Faulkenbury. Her debut novel, Somewhere Past the End, will be released in May 2025. Alexandria generously shares the highs, the lows, and all the messy moments in between on her journey from childhood storytelling dreams to becoming a published author.We dive into:Alexandria's personal path—from early passion, to academic detours, to rediscovering writing amidst life's busy chaos.Her experience navigating the notoriously challenging query trenches (the struggle is real!).What it's like working with a small press—and why that path can be rewarding.How she handled the complexity (and occasional panic!) of writing dual POVs.Practical advice on balancing writing with real-life responsibilities (spoiler alert: it's tough, but doable!).Why it's crucial to celebrate every small win along the way.Whether you're an aspiring writer, deep in the query trenches, or just dreaming about writing someday, Alexandria's story will inspire you and remind you that every step matters.Episode Breakdown00:00 – A quick personal epiphany (because those happen!)00:25 – Welcome back to Write It Scared!01:28 – Meet Alexandria Faulkenbury02:53 – Alexandria's writing journey: twists, turns, and surprises05:01 – Inside the story of Somewhere Past the End09:38 – Real talk: navigating the query process15:10 – What it's really like to work with a small press17:40 – The very real struggles of writing (it's okay—we all have them!)26:16 – Balancing writing with the chaos of everyday life30:30 – Alexandria's final words of wisdom and encouragementGuest info:Alexandria Faulkenbury holds an M.A. in multicultural and transnational literature and lives in South Carolina with her family. She is a part of the 2025 debutante ball, a collective that celebrates the journey of women writers as they publish their first book. Her work has been featured in The Maine Review and MER Literary, among others. Find her at alexandriafaulkenbury.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amfaulkenbury/Twitter/X: https://x.com/LexiBuryBluesky: Have 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.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ https://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

We are joined by the brilliant writer Jonathan Coe to discuss his latest novel, The Proof of My Innocence, a pastiche of genre fiction and insightful critique of contemporary politics.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

Steve speaks with ARX-Han, an anonymous writer, about his book "Incel."(00:00) - Introduction (02:09) - Discussing the Novel 'Incel' (06:08) - Character Analysis and Literary Influences (13:32) - Themes of Evolutionary Psychology and Nihilism (18:38) - Historical Context and Modern Inceldom (26:18) - Impact of Dating Apps on Modern Relationships (32:47) - Representation and Character Dynamics (40:21) - Literary Comparisons and Philosophical Depth (45:38) - Philosophical Underpinnings of Meaning (48:14) - The Hard Problem of Consciousness (50:38) - Free Will and Determinism (52:53) - Darwinian Nihilism and Nick Land (58:17) - Historical Perspectives on East Asian Civilization (01:03:11) - The State of Literary Fiction (01:16:45) - AI and Literature (01:19:44) - AI and Human Meaning Music used with permission from Blade Runner Blues Livestream improvisation by State Azure.–Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at MSU and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Science at the University of Oregon. Hsu is a startup founder (SuperFocus.ai, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram) and advisor to venture capital and other investment firms. He was educated at Caltech and Berkeley, was a Harvard Junior Fellow, and has held faculty positions at Yale, the University of Oregon, and MSU. Please send any questions or suggestions to manifold1podcast@gmail.com or Steve on X @hsu_steve.

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Welcome back to the What to Read Next Podcast! In today's episode, I'm joined once again by our resident literary fiction expert and middle grade author, Laura Bird. Laura is bringing us six stunning literary fiction reads that will break your heart—but leave you with hope. These are perfect picks for readers who want emotional depth, compelling characters, and a reminder of the beauty in human connection.Whether you're in a book club or simply want a novel to get lost in, this episode has a recommendation for you.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS & BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS00:00 – Welcome back Laura Bird! 01:00 – Why we love literary fiction with hopeful endings 02:45 – Books perfect for book clubs 04:05 –

Critically acclaimed literary fiction writer, Eleanor Anstruther tells us about how she has integrated Substack into her writing and publishing journey as well as her endeavours to figure out the best ways of being a hybrid author.

We brag about having poet, critic, and translator extraordinaire Michael Hofmann on the show, and then we talk to him about his latest work in translation, The Frog in the Throat by Markus Werner, out now from New York Review of Books Classics.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

We celebrate prize winners: Galley Beggar Short Story Prize and Republic of Consciousness Prize, US & Canada!! And translator Victor Meadowcroft joins us to talk about House of Fury by Evelio Rosero out now from New Directions.  Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

My guest this episode is Joshua S. Narins, a literary fiction author based in New England. Before turning to writing, he spent two decades as a cinematographer, specializing in aerial, underwater, and second-unit film work. Now, he brings that visual storytelling sensibility to his fiction, crafting character-driven narratives with a sharp, cinematic edge. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Joshua S. Narins is a New England-based literary fiction novelist, and his released titles include his debut novel, False Neutral and his follow-up, Clear-Cuts. Prior to embarking on a writing career, Joshua was a veteran Director of Photography and, in addition to principal unit production, specialized in all aspects of underwater, aerial, and second-unit cinematography. Joshua lensed work on projects ranging from studio features to independent films, foreign and cable films, national and international commercial campaigns, and special-venue projects. Joshua is currently at work on his next project.

Best-selling Author Tessa Hadley on getting published in her 40s and beyond, the craft of literary fiction, developing character and conflict, and the importance of conflict.*ABOUT TESSA HADLEY:Tessa Hadley is the author of eight highly acclaimed novels, including Clever Girl and Free Love, as well as four short story collections, most recently Bad Dreams and Other Stories, which won the Edge Hill Short Story Prize. Her latest book is the novella The Party. Her work regularly appears in The New Yorker and Granta, and she has won the Windham Campbell Prize and the Hawthornden Prize. After two decades of struggling to publish, she landed her first book deal at 46 and has since become one of the most respected literary fiction writers of our time.*RESOURCES & LINKS

It's prize shortlist season! And, we have a fascinating discussion with author Jón Kalman Stefánsson about Heaven and Hell, the first novel in his Icelandic trilogy, Heaven and Hell.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

Novelist Allegra Goodman found the name of a marooned French noblewoman in a history book decades ago when she was vacationing with her family off the coast of Canada. The woman’s name was mentioned in passing and Allegra got curious about her life. Years later, Allegra is out now with the brilliant new novel “Isola” based on the real life of a 16th-century noblewoman Marguerite de la Rocque — and it’s February’s pick for Reese’s Book Club. She joins us to talk about her first foray into historical fiction and the moment when she first heard Marguerite’s voice in her head.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest has a common readerly dilemma: what to do when reading tastes change? In her submission to join Anne on the show, Philadelphia dweller and avid book thrifter Phoebe Mellinger shared that she'd had pretty consistent reading tastes for her whole life, until last year when she noticed that her taste suddenly and vastly changed. Her go-to genres just were't working any more. This experience led Phoebe to embark on a year of discovery: she read a bunch of books in a range of genres, but she's not really sure where to go from here. While Phoebe is getting a better feel for what she enjoys and understanding how to talk about what she's looking for with more clarity, she's also picked up quite a few books based on enthusiastic recommendations, only to find they weren't her cup of tea. Today she's here to get Anne's help in figuring out how to discern the difference between what simply sounds good and what may actually be a good fit for her. Anne has ideas, of course! Please let us know if you have recommendations for Phoebe by leaving a comment over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/467, where we've also collected the list of all the titles mentioned today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Jean Kwok, a writer known for writing literary thrillers, which is the blending of literary writing and mystery, resulting in tension-filled books with exciting twists. Jean brings fantastic insights into complex literary structures and the importance of knowing what you're doing. A fun listen for anyone who loves their mysteries and thrillers wrapped up in a literary package. And this week's episode comes with a dose of Agatha Christie on the side, for reasons that will become clear when you listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa C. Taylor is the author of the novel, The Shape of What Remains, three poetry collections, most recently Interrogation of Morning (2022) and two short story collections, most recently Impossibly Small Spaces (2018). Her honors include the Hugo House New Fiction Award and Pushcart nominations in fiction and poetry and Best-of-the Net nominations in both categories. Her poetry collaboration with Irish writer Geraldine Mills, The Other Side of Longing received the Elizabeth Shanley Gerson Honor at University of Connecticut. Lisa holds an MFA in Creative Writing and she is the co-director of the Mesa Verde Writers Conference and Literary Festival. She is also a board member for Four Corners Writers and the Mancos Creative District. Lisa has received writing residencies from Vermont Studio Center, Willowtail Springs, and Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Ireland. She teaches writing online and offers workshops around the country.   More: https://www.lisactaylor.com/ Intro Music by Moby Gratis: https://mobygratis.com/ Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: https://danosongs.com/   Host Mark Stevens www.writermarkstevens.com   Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBP81nfbKnDRjs-Nar9LNe20138AiPyP8&si=yl_seG5S4soyk216

Author Steve Stern joins us for his second appearance on the pod to talk about his latest novel, A Fool's Kabbalah, about one man's quest to recover Judaic texts following the ravages of WWII.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

In season 4 episode 160, we discuss two articles about the Big 5 ruining literary fiction and literary fiction not being a real thing.Visit our website athttps://www.tbrlowdown.com to see our show notes, join our Discord, book club, and subscribe to our Substack newsletters.

Lin King is an award-winning writer in her own right. But it was her work on "Taiwan Travelogue" that snagged both her and author Yang Shuang-zi the highly coveted National Book Award 2024 for Translated Literature. Lin discusses her work and what's next. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Isabella Hammad, Norah Lofts, comfort reads – welcome to episode 135!   In the first half, we discuss whether or not literary fiction can be comfort reads – thank you for the suggestion, Marcy! In the second half, we compare

A new, indie friendly platform for buying e-books; we have a great discussion with the prolific and wonderous Ali Smith about her latest novel, Gliff! Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

Lavender Finch is just a girl on the edge of the rest of her life when trauma shows up by the name of Travis. But it isn't the trauma that almost ruins Lavender, it's the shame she swallows when she keeps it a secret that threatens to choke the life out of her. Loving Lavender Finch is a coming-of-age-tale that explores the intricate dance between truth and vulnerability through the eyes of a seventeen-year-old girl struggling to find herself amidst trauma, endured and inherited. Throughout this story, readers are invited to explore the complexities of self-identity and the courage it takes to share the deepest parts of our soul with another. Send us a textVisit www.kellybargabos.com to listen to all past episodes and/or connect with Kelly.

Welcome, dear listeners, to the finale of Season 6. Our literary journey has taken us through the works of novelists and poets, exploring the depths of Literary Fiction. And for our closing episode, we have a special guest - Chuck Rosenthal, acclaimed author of Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest. As we delve into the premise of his latest book, we are transported into a world of love, longing, and artistic passion. Through this enthralling conversation with Chuck, we not only unravel the complexities of his main character Beatriz but also gain insight into the lives of 19th century romantic literary giants. Get ready for an educational and fascinating finale that will leave you yearning for more. Tune in to our upcoming season, where I will recite my poetry from all of my published works. Season 7 is aptly named "Inspire Me," promising to ignite the soul and capture the imagination. Each episode will be a journey through words, painting pictures of raw emotion and thought-provoking ideas. So, sit back, relax, and let yourself be inspired by the power of language and the artistry of poetry. Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest. Deep within the hidden library of Los Angeles' iconic poetry venue, Beyond Baroque, all modern electronics mysteriously fail. There, 19-year-old Beatriz encounters Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley, who promises a magical adventure back to 19th-century Europe. There, Beatriz meets literary legends John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley, and Lord Byron, experiencing the romantic landscapes and dangerous exploits of their world. As she navigates this liminal space, Beatriz discovers the power of poetry and art, and the courage to find her own identity. Rosenthal, an acclaimed author, brings historical figures to life, offering a deeply intimate tale of passion, creativity, and self-discovery. Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest is perfect for anyone who has ever lost themselves in the magic of a hidden library.   Chuck Rosenthal was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended Allegheny College, Bowling Green State University, SUNY Buffalo, and the University of California, Davis, where he earned several advanced degrees in English, Sociological Theory and philosophy. He earned a Ph.D. in English and American literature with emphasis in creative writing and narrative theory from the University of Utah. Rosenthal is the author of fourteen novels: the Loop Trilogy: Loop's Progress, Experiments with Life and Deaf, and Loop's End; Elena of the Stars; Avatar Angel, the Last Novel of Jack Kerouac; My Mistress Humanity; The Heart of Mars; Coyote O'Donohughe's History of Texas; Ten Thousand Heavens; The Legend of La Diosa; You Can Fly, a Sequel to the Peter Pan Tales; The Hammer the Sickle and the Heart, Trotsky and Kahlo in Mexico; and Let's Face the Music and Dance a hybrid novel. He has published a memoir, Never Let Me Go, and a travel book, Are We Not There Yet? Travels in Nepal, North India, and Bhutan (Magic Journalism), as well as a second book of Magic Journalism, West of Eden: A Life in 21st Century Los Angeles. Rosenthal published two books of experimental poetry, Tomorrow you'll Be One of Us (sci-fi poems with Gil Wronsky and Gronk, illustrator) and The Shortest Farewells Are the Best (noir poems, also with Gail Wronsky). They also wrote and directed the sci-fi play, People of Earth, This Is Your Last Warning, performed at the Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles. Rosenthal has written a book of animal philosophy, How the Animals Around You Think, the Semiotics of Animal Cognition. He's published in numerous journals, and read and lectured at universities and on television and radio throughout the U.S. as well as in Mexico, Argentina, India and England. Please check out his website: https://chuckrosenthal.com/  

We talk about our 2025 literary projects, and writer Holly Pester joins us to discuss her novel on the precarity of temporary living spaces, The Lodgers, Assembly Press's submssion for the 2024 Republic of Consciousness Prize, US & Canada.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

Sam and Lori discuss Emily Brontë's classic novel of revenge on the moors--Wuthering Heights!  Does this novel live up to its reputation? We have a friendly difference of opinion.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

A Doestoevsky short story goes viral on Tik-Tok, and we talk to A Case of Matricide author Graeme Macrae Burnet about proxies, accomplices, and doppelgangers in the not-so-quiet French town of Saint Louis. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

We celebrate this, our 100th episode!  Thank you for listening!  And we chat with publisher and book store owner, Dan Wells, to mark the occassion of the 20th anniversary of his wonderful literary press, Biblioasis. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

The dying art of the honest book review; and Rita Bullwinkel is our guest to talk about her novel Headshot, which takes us into the lives and minds of eight young women competing at a boxing tournament in Reno, Nevada. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

Dive into the world of literary fiction books with Tina from Book Talk, etc. Discover her top 5 book recommendations for readers and why she loves the genre.I'm so excited to launch our new All-Star Book Influencer series with our first guest, Tina from Book Talk, etc., who joins the show to offer our listeners her top recommendations for the best literary fiction novels.What Can You Expect From the All-Star Book Influencer Series?The All-Star Book Influencers Series will spotlight conversations with influential figures in the book world, from bookstagrammers and booktubers to podcast hosts and reading community leaders. Each of our upcoming guests has chosen their dream topic to discuss on our show.Here's what you can come to expect in the months ahead:Diverse Perspectives: Each guest will bring their unique take on reading, from curating lists that challenge our norms to reviving under-the-radar titles that deserve a second glance.Fresh Recommendations: We'll cover everything from contemporary must-reads to cozy classics, ensuring our conversations remain as varied and engaging as your tastes.Actionable Inspiration: Get ready for book talk that goes beyond the pages—these episodes will help you consider why you read what you do and how to open new pathways to reading more, reading diversely, and making your reading life more intentional.Today, we define what we think makes a great literary fiction book, whether novels need satisfying endings to be favorites, and share Tina's top five recommendations for beginning a literary fiction reading journey.We also discover more of her behind-the-scenes content creation process, including her experiences in the podcasting world, her transition to BookTube, and what she has learned about the importance of authenticity in content creation.BONUS BOOK LIST: Don't miss this week's bonus book list featuring 15 literary fiction titles perfect for escaping this reading season. This curated list includes both Tina's favorites and mine to kickstart your new reading journey.Meet TinaTina Books is a bookish content creator and book podcaster. She is a self-proclaimed book pusher with a passion for new releases who focuses on mystery/thriller, literary fiction, horror, contemporary fiction, and memoir. Tina cohosts Book Talk, etc., a weekly book recommendation podcast. She can be found on Instagram and TikTok at TBR, etc. She is also finding her way on Booktube, also at TBR, etc.  Mentioned in this episode:NEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 15 Literary Fiction Books For Character-Driven AdventuresJoin the November Book Club Chat (This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel)Book Talk, etc. PodcastEvenityThe Nonfiction November Challenge You NeedNotionA Little Life by Hanya YanagiharaA24 FilmsDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverThe Safekeep by Yael Van Der WoudenIn Memoriam by Alice WinnThe Facemaker by Lindsey FitzharrisThe Nickel Boys by Colson WhiteheadThe Nickel Boys movieKanopyNever Let Me Go by Kazuo IshiguroNotes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka30 Fictional Serial Killer Books to Read NowThe Enchanted by Rene DenfeldThe Child Finder by Rene DenfeldAmy's Interview with Rene DenfeldBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Tina on the Book Talk, etc. Podcast, Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTubeConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

“I think kids are actually generally a better audience for literary fiction, for art, for ambitious storytelling that asks the reader to do work. And a lot of that is just based on how their brains work and their place in the world.” - Mac BarnettGrowing up, Mac Barnett's mom never took their picture books off their shelves. They remained a part of his reading world, even as he grew up and could read more mature books. Maybe that choice helped Mac's youthful spirit alight for longer. As he often notes, kids' minds are portals to the imaginary, to making believe. For them, everything is possible: superheroes, magic, ghosts. Mac believes that open-mindedness is crucial to fully understanding and appreciating fiction, which is why he makes the argument that kids are the best audience for fiction, and in particular, picture books. Mac Barnett is a best-selling, prolific children's author celebrated for his clever, imaginative storytelling and sharp sense of humor. He is known for books like “Extra Yarn,” “Sam and Dave Dig a Hole,” “The Terrible Two,” series and the “Mac B, Kid Spy” series. He has received numerous accolades, including two Caldecott Honors and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award. In this episode, Mac shares why he believes that most adults struggle to understand what makes a good children's book. He also unpacks “Frog and Toad” as a work of experimental fiction and reflects on the lessons he's learning from his three-year-old son. Given Mac's passion for picture books, it's fitting that his reading challenge centers around them. For his challenge, “The Possibilities of Picture Books,” he has curated a selection designed to help us see the capaciousness of the picture book format—just as his mother once did for him. Learn more and download Mac's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/mac-barnett***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Mari Martinez, an assistant manager and librarian at Broward County Library. She tells us why she sees the library as a secret buffet.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Show ChaptersChapter 1 - The Picture Book ProclamationChapter 2 - A Hall of ClocksChapter 3 - Smaller, Better, Faster, Smarter Chapter 4 - Writing for Five-Year-OldsChapter 5 - The Will to Make Believe (and believe it)Chapter 6 - Mac to Mac Chapter 7 - The Possibilities of Picture BooksChapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupMac BarnettMac Barnett: InstagramThe Picture Book ProclamationMac Barnett: Why a Good Book is a Secret DoorAre Five-Year-Olds Better at Reading than Adults?"Writing for Five-Year-Olds" by Margaret Wise BrownFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport  and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey