Podcasts about los angeles times festival

What do YOU really know about Climate Science? What if your kids could explain it to you in an easy-to-understand way? That's the premise of Ruth Spiro's latest book 'How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up" and her entire 'how to explain' series! Ruth stops by the show this week to discuss her latest books and how we can empower kids and use their love of knowledge to help explain things to us, grown-ups, which we typically might not be able to wrap our mind around. It's a great conversation and I can't wait for you to hear it, enjoy! About Ruth Spiro Ruth Spiro is the author of more than 30 children's books, with over one million copies in print worldwide. Her bestselling Baby Loves Science board books are the groundbreaking originals that introduce big ideas to the littlest listeners in an age-appropriate and engaging style. The series has been praised by the Los Angeles Times, NPR, TODAY, Popular Science, Working Mother, and more. Fans who have publicly shared their love of her books include former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, Chelsea Clinton, and Chance the Rapper. The enthusiastic response to the Baby Loves Science books inspired a new picture book series perfect for early elementary readers, How to Explain Science to a Grown-Up. In addition, Ruth is the author of picture books including Made by Maxine, Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever, Love Grows, and One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story, which received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus. Ruth graduated with a B.S. in Communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and earned an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago. She worked for advertising agencies in both account management and broadcast production, and coordinated a large-scale research grant at DePaul University funded by the National Institutes of Health. Her articles and essays have been published in FamilyFun, The Writer, CHILD, and Chicago Parent. Ruth's stories have also been included in popular anthologies, notably The Right Words at the Right Time, edited by Marlo Thomas, and several Chicken Soup for the Soul titles. Ruth's work has won awards and recognition from the National Science Teaching Association, the Mathical Book Prize, Junior Library Guild, Science Friday, Bank Street College of Education, Illinois Reads, Purdue Engineering, Willamette Writers, and Writer's Digest. A frequent speaker at schools and conferences, Ruth's previous appearances include Windy City Live on ABC-TV, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, World Science Festival, Chicago Tribune Printer's Row LitFest, Children's Festival of Stories, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She hopes her books inspire kids to observe the world, ask questions, and when it comes to their futures, DREAM BIG!   About 'How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up' Do you want to know a secret? Sometimes grown-ups need YOU to explain things to THEM. Like climate science! In this tongue-in-cheek guide, an in-the-know narrator instructs kid readers in the fine art of explaining climate science to a grown-up. Both children and their adults learn: The difference between weather and climate. How climate scientists collect data. What causes climate change. What we can do to reverse course and repair the planet. Fun and fact-filled, the How to Explain Science to a Grown-Up series will empower kid experts to explore complex scientific concepts with any grown-up who will listen. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.   With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)   Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life!    At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care.    Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com

Walter Mosley is the author of 60 critically-acclaimed books, translated into 25 languages. He has had several of his books adapted for film and tv including Devil in a Blue Dress, Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned, and The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey starring Samuel Jackson. He was a writer and an executive producer on the John Singleton FX show, “Snowfall” and filming has just completed on his “Man in My Basement,” starring Willem Dafoe and Corey Hawkins.He is the winner of an O. Henry Award, The Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award, a Grammy®, several NAACP Image awards, PEN America's Lifetime Achievement Award. the Robert Kirsch Award from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and the Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award from the National Book Foundation.In 1998, Mosley and the City University of New York created The Publishing Certificate Program. Created to address the critical issue of diversity in the book publishing industry, the program brings together the rich variety of racial, ethnic and cultural experiences of the students of CCNY with professionals in the industry who provide courses in core principles and skills needed to begin careers in the book industry.Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WalterMosleyAuthor/Website: https://www.waltermosley.com/Mentioned in the Podcast:Crime Writers of Color: https://www.crimewritersofcolor.com/City College of New York Publishing Certificate Program: https://english.ccny.cuny.edu/publishing-certificate-program/Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Emerging Crime Writers of Color: https://www.sistersincrime.org/page/EleanorTaylorBland*****************About SinCSisters in Crime (SinC) was founded in 1986 to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers. Through advocacy, programming and leadership, SinC empowers and supports all crime writers regardless of genre or place on their career trajectory.www.SistersinCrime.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincnational/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sincnational.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@sincnationalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sistersincrimeTikTok:: https://www.tiktok.com/@sincnationalThe SinC Writers' Podcast is produced by Julian Crocamo https://www.juliancrocamo.com/

Looking to take your writing career to the next level? In this video, we highlight 7 must-attend writing conferences for authors in California. Whether you're a new writer or an established author, these events are perfect for networking, learning from industry experts, and improving your craft. From workshops to panel discussions, discover which California author conferences are right for you! #authortubechannel #authorconference #authortips #californiaauthors #selfpublishing ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition- https://alaannual.org. (This one travels so it may not be in Cali at the time you watch this video) Bay Area Book Festival- https://www.baybookfest.org/ Black Writers On Tour- https://www.blackwritersontour.com/ Los Angeles Times Festival of Books- https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/ WonderCon- https://www.comic-con.org/ San Francisco Writers Conference- https://www.sfwriters.org/ Rancho Mirage Writers Festival- https://www.rmwritersfest.org/ Subscribe and ring the bell to get weekly tips that will help you write your book and get published! ======================================= GOT QUESTIONS? GET ANSWERS, CONTACT ME! ======================================= ▶ EMAIL: hello@ashleymking.com ▶ SCHEDULE A TIME TO TALK WITH ME: ASHLEYMKING.AS.ME ================================================= SUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA Interact with me Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishwithashleymking Instagram - http://instagram.com/publishwithashleymking/ Pinterest- http://pinterest.com/theashleymking Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/theashleymking/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/theashleymking Fanbase- https://www.fanbase.app/theashleymking TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@theashleymking?_t=8V59WfiQUpC&_r=1 ===================================================== Affiliate Disclaimer: While we receive affiliate compensation for reviews / promotions on this page, we always offer honest opinion, relevant experiences and genuine views related to the product or service itself. Our goal is to help you make the best purchasing decisions, however, the views and opinions expressed are ours only. As always you should do your own due diligence to verify any claims, results and statistics before making any kind of purchase. Clicking links or purchasing products recommended on this page may generate income for this website from affiliate commissions and you should assume we are compensated for any purchases you make. This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Earnings Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no guarantee that you will earn any money using the techniques and ideas mentioned in this video. This is not financial advice. Your level of success in attaining the results claimed in this video will require hard-work, experience, and knowledge. We have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the information on this video is accurate, but we cannot represent that the website(s) mentioned in this video are free from errors. You expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this video. ==================================================================Subscribe to Get It Done Podcast- Books, Business, and Branding on Soundwise

City Lights and Akashic Books celebrate the publication of "Joyce Carol Oates: Letters to a Biographer," edited by Greg Johnson, published by Akashic Books. Purchase here: https://citylights.com/new-nonfiction-in-hardcover/joyce-carol-oates-letters-to-a-biograp/ This rich compilation of Joyce Carol Oates's letters across four decades displays her warmth and generosity, her droll and sometimes wicked sense of humor, her phenomenal energy, and most of all, her mastery of the lost art of letter writing. In this generous selection of Joyce Carol Oates's letters to her biographer and friend Greg Johnson, readers will discover a never-before-seen dimension of her phenomenal talent. Whereas her academic essays and book reviews are eloquent in a formal way, in these letters she is wholly relaxed, even when she is serious in her concerns. Like Johnson, she was always engaged in work, whether a long novel or a brief essay, and the letters give a fascinating glimpse into Oates's writing practice. Joyce Carol Oates is the celebrated author of a number of works of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. She is the editor of "New Jersey Noir," "Prison Noir," and "Cutting Edge: New Stories of Mystery and Crime by Women Writers;" and a recipient of the National Book Award, the PEN America Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Humanities Medal, and a World Fantasy Award for Short Fiction. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey. "A Darker Shade of Noir: New Stories of Body Horror by Women Writers" is her latest work. Steve Wasserman is the publisher of Heyday Books. He is a former editor-at-large for Yale University Press and editorial director of Times Books/Random House and publisher of Hill & Wang and The Noonday Press at Farrar, Straus and Giroux. A founder of the Los Angeles Institute for the Humanities at the University of Southern California, Wasserman was a principal architect of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books during the nine years he served as editor of the Los Angeles Times Book Review (1996–2005). He has written for many publications, including "The Village Voice," "Threepenny Review," "The Nation," "The New Republic," "The American Conservative," "The Progressive," "Columbia Journalism Review," "Los Angeles Times," and the "(London) Times Literary Supplement." Originally broadcast via Zoom on Thursday, March 18, 2024. Hosted by Peter Maravelis. Made possible by support from the City Lights Foundation. citylights.com/foundation

#270: Today, we're coming to you once again from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, where we had the chance to speak with some local authors about their work. In this episode: Michael Arceneaux, the New York Times-bestselling author of “I Can't Date Jesus,” “I Don't Want To Die Poor,” and his latest book, “I Finally Bought Some Jordans"; and Amy Price, former general manager of the Cecil Hotel in downtown L.A., and author of "Behind the Door: The Dark Truths and Untold Stories of the Cecil Hotel."  

#269: Today, we're coming to you from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, where we had the chance to speak with some dope local authors about their work, about Los Angeles, and how it all connects for them. In this episode, my conversation with Héctor Tobar, the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and novelist.

Chef Keith Corbin is the two-time James Beard Award nominated executive chef and co-owner of Alta Adams, The Los Angeles Times bestselling author of “California Soul”, and a sought-after public speaker. During his youth growing up in the Jordan Downs housing projects in Watts, Corbin was involved with gangs and drug dealing, which eventually lead to his incarceration. It was in prison when he first started cooking and working in kitchens, which eventually led to a job with the LocoL restaurant group run by celebrity chefs Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson. From there, Corbin partnered with Patterson on Alta Adams, a "California Soul" food restaurant utilizing local produce and healthier ingredients to put Corbin's own spin on the food he grew up cooking and eating with his grandmother. Alta was named one of the best restaurants in the country by Esquire, Thrillist, and the Los Angeles Times, and called "Black Hollywood's top restaurant" by The Hollywood Reporter. Corbin's bestselling memoir, “California Soul: An American Epic of Cooking and Survival" was published in 2022 by Random House, named the LA Times Book Club pick of the month for August, and quickly optioned by a major studio to be made into a television series. Since the book's release, Corbin has appeared on Dr. Phil, The CBS Morning Show, and many other national programs to share more about his incredible story and inspire others. His words have been featured across multiple media outlets including KCRW, The Grio, ABC7, Salon, Shondaland and Thrillist. In 2023, the book was nominated for a James Beard Media Award in the Literary Writing category.Consistently giving back, Corbin regularly mentors youth from underserved communities and speaks at colleges and educational programs across the nation. Corbin has been invited to share his story from coast to coast with readers and food-fanatics alike on book tours, festivals and other inspirational events including the 2023 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Philly Chef's Conference, Tucson Book Festival, San Diego Writer's Festival and The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/unimpressedpodcast. https://plus.acast.com/s/unimpressedpodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First, a huge congratulations to Alex Segura for winning the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Prize for the Mystery/Thriller category for SECRET IDENTITY.As for this interview, it's a companion piece to my interview with Cliff Chiang, in which I get to talk with a former editor and see how their days as an editor influenced their creative process today as a writer. Also, of course, we talk about SECRET IDENTITY, and Alex provides hints about his next novel's storyline.  

First, a huge congratulations to Alex Segura for winning the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Prize for the Mystery/Thriller category for SECRET IDENTITY.As for this interview, it's a companion piece to my interview with Cliff Chiang, in which I get to talk with a former editor and see how their days as an editor influenced their creative process today as a writer. Also, of course, we talk about SECRET IDENTITY, and Alex provides hints about his next novel's storyline.  

This week, I celebrate my 100th podcast episode! Want more book recommendations? Sign up for my newsletter here. Win Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson here. Books RecommendedWe All Want Impossible Things by Catherine NewmanThe Dog of the North by Elizabeth McKenzieThe Soulmate by Sally HepworthAmerican Mermaid: a novel by Julia LangbeinThe Fake by Zoe WhittallUp Next For Me:For You and Only You by Caroline KepnesSoThis Bookclub linkCome say hello to me at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Check here for a forthcoming post about where I will be and when! Support the showI hope you all have a wonderfully bookish week!

Los Angeles Times Book Festival organizer Ann Binney discussed the planning, organization, and author selection process for the 2023 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. About Books also reported on the latest publishing industry news and current non-fiction books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

M. L. WILLIAMS is author of the chapbook Other Medicines and co-editor of How Much Earth: The Fresno Poets, and he served as editor or co-editor of Quarterly West for five years. His work is in many journals and anthologies, including Plume, Hubbub, Salt, Western Humanities Review, Miramar, The Journal of Florida Studies, The Cortland Review, Live Encounters Poetry, and Stone, River, Sky, and has been nominated for several Pushcart Prizes. He co-emcees the Poetry Stage at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and he teaches creative writing and contemporary literature at Valdosta State University.

On June 7, voters in Los Angeles will elect their preferred candidates in the primary. A couple of races — the mayor's seat, L.A. County Sheriff, a possible recall of Dist. Atty. George Gascón — are earning national attention against a backdrop of voters angry with what they think is out-of-control crime and homelessness.Today, we air a live panel on all this and more, originally held during the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times columnist Erika D. Smith, L.A. Times mayor's race reporter Julia Wick, and L.A. Times sheriff's department reporter Alene Tchekmedyian.More reading:Rick Caruso's campaign spending tops $23 million in L.A. mayor's raceColumn: Sheriff Villanueva acts like he's above the law in L.A. County. What if he's right?First eyewitness account of Sheriff Villanueva lying in a cover-up revealed in filing 

The Los Angeles Festival of Books, scheduled for April 23 and 24 on the University of Southern California campus, is the nation's largest literary event. With over 550 participants, including an exciting lineup of authors, poets, artists, chefs, celebrities, musicians, and a diverse group of exhibitors, this event promises to be a literary smorgasbord.Ann Binney has worked in publishing in various capacities for many years. She started in New York working for Putnam and then moved through various positions at Price Stern Sloan, Penguin and Knopf before working as a freelance publicist and media escort in Los Angeles. She joined the L. A. Times as a contractor working on the Festival of Books and Book Prizes in 2006. As Associate Director, Events for the Times, she is the lead for the Festival of Books and Book Prizes and works with the L.A. Times editorial team on various other events, including the monthly Book Club and Ideas Exchange series.Los Angeles Times Festival of BooksScheduleParticipants ExhibitorsThe Lincoln Highway, Amor Towles  Support the show (https://paypal.me/TheBookshopPodcast?locale.x=en_US)

  About Rocky Lang Rocky Lang has been involved in the motion picture and television business all his life. He has produced, written and directed motion pictures, documentaries, television shows, movies-of-the-week and mini-series. Mr. Lang recently executive produced Girl Fight for Lifetime Television and Racing For Time starring Charles Dutton, which received a Best Picture nomination for the Image Awards. Lang is currently developing The Patty Hearst Story at CBS and a two-hour untitled movie for Lifetime Television. Mr. Lang has just completed a book for Abrams Books, titled Letters From Hollywood that will be published in September of 2019. He is the author of eight other books, including How I Broke Into Hollywood, which was published by Judith Regan and Regan Books/Harper-Collins, Confessions of Emergency Room Doctors (Andrews McMeel), The Big Nasty (Cable), and Growing Up Hollywood, Differences Differences, Lara Takes Charge and If You Thought Your Divorce Was Bad, Wait Until You Read This Book (HLPI Publishing). Mr. Lang has been published in The Huffington Post and other papers and magazines and has appeared at Book Expo America, Publishers University, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the San Francisco Writers Conference and other conventions across the country.

Today I'm chatting with Betsy Amster, literary agent and founder of Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises, a full-service literary agency located in Los Angeles, California.Before opening the agency, Betsy spent ten years as an editor at Pantheon and Vintage and two years as editorial director of the Globe Pequot Press. She has been described in the Los Angeles Times as “a dogged prospector of…literary talent” and celebrated in a profile in the American Society of Journalists and Authors newsletter for her “no-nonsense style and whimsical sense of humor.” She frequently teaches classes on publishing at UCLA Extension's Writers Program and participates in panels at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.Enjoy! Here are the links for this episode:Betsy Amster Literary enterprisesSubmission GuidelinesStation Eleven, Emily St. John MandelL. A. Weather, Maria Amparo EscandónA Taste of Sugar, Marisol Vera Support the show (https://paypal.me/TheBookshopPodcast?locale.x=en_US)

Reese Ryan is the author of twenty published works of romantic fiction and counting. Her stories feature a cast of flawed, complex characters. She presents her characters with family and career drama, challenging love interests, and life-changing secrets while treating readers to an emotional love story with unexpected twists. Reese, an advocate for the romance genre and diversity in fiction, is the past president of her local Romance Writers of America chapter, a panelist at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and the 2018 Donna Hill Breakout Author. For the latest news, a peek behind the scenes and cool contests, join her newsletter here. You can find out more at her website here: https://www.reeseryan.com/ And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Walter Mosley, the author of more than 60 critically acclaimed books, is one of the most admired writers in America. The Commonwealth Club is pleased to welcome Mosley for the first time for a discussion on this new book, Blood Grove, and his long career in writing and the arts. just as America continues its reckoning on race relations. Last year marked the 30th anniversary of Mosley's legendary Easy Rawlins series, as well as Mosley’s three decade-long exploration of racial inequality, political corruption and the pursuit of justice. In early February, Mosley's infamous detective, Rawlins, is back in Blood Grove, the 15th entry in the mystery series. Readers around the world have followed Easy Rawlins, an unlicensed private investigator turned detective always willing to do what it takes to get things done, in books translated into more than 25 different languages. Mosley's1990 debut novel, Devil in a Blue Dress, was the first in the bestselling mystery series featuring Rawlins and launched Mosley into literary prominence. Mosley, who was just awarded the National Book Foundation's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, and the first Black man to win the honor in its 32-year history, has been astutely and profoundly engaging with the politics of race, the realities of being Black in America, and elegantly pushing the boundaries of genre fiction throughout his storied career. Mosley’s books have won numerous awards, including, but not limited to, an Edgar Award for Down the River Unto the Sea, an O. Henry Award, The Mystery Writers of America’s Grand Master Award, a Grammy, several NAACP Image awards, and PEN America’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2020, he was named the recipient of the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. This program contains EXPLICIT language SPEAKERS Walter Mosley Author, Blood Grove Brian Watt News Anchor, KQED—Moderator

Walter Mosley, the author of more than 60 critically acclaimed books, is one of the most admired writers in America. The Commonwealth Club is pleased to welcome Mosley for the first time for a discussion on this new book, Blood Grove, and his long career in writing and the arts. just as America continues its reckoning on race relations. Last year marked the 30th anniversary of Mosley's legendary Easy Rawlins series, as well as Mosley's three decade-long exploration of racial inequality, political corruption and the pursuit of justice. In early February, Mosley's infamous detective, Rawlins, is back in Blood Grove, the 15th entry in the mystery series. Readers around the world have followed Easy Rawlins, an unlicensed private investigator turned detective always willing to do what it takes to get things done, in books translated into more than 25 different languages. Mosley's1990 debut novel, Devil in a Blue Dress, was the first in the bestselling mystery series featuring Rawlins and launched Mosley into literary prominence. Mosley, who was just awarded the National Book Foundation's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, and the first Black man to win the honor in its 32-year history, has been astutely and profoundly engaging with the politics of race, the realities of being Black in America, and elegantly pushing the boundaries of genre fiction throughout his storied career. Mosley's books have won numerous awards, including, but not limited to, an Edgar Award for Down the River Unto the Sea, an O. Henry Award, The Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award, a Grammy, several NAACP Image awards, and PEN America's Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2020, he was named the recipient of the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. This program contains EXPLICIT language SPEAKERS Walter Mosley Author, Blood Grove Brian Watt News Anchor, KQED—Moderator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had the pleasure of interviewing Roger Day over Zoom video! Now more than ever, kids need to find the power to deal with life’s challenges. We may all be looking for a super hero to save the day, but Roger Day (www.rogerday.com) reminds us that our true power lies within. Day, the (normally) nationally touring and multiple award-winning Nashville-based singer-songwriter, recently released an album to help youngsters “solve the problem” and “save the day” using their own imagination and skills – no imaginary super heroes needed. Featuring 10 original songs, Invincible! is available from RogerDay.com, Spotify and your favorite music store.From the rousing beat of the title track, we know we’ll be ready to fend off any evil foes. “No need to wait for super heroes anymore. I can save the day through the turning of the page.” As Roger says, “every puzzle is solve-able” through creative brainpower and by consulting “the pages of a book.” Any kid can discover that they are capable of working through a problem, like “No Ordinary Super Hero.” They may even find them-selves declaring to their parents: “I’ll Be Your Super Hero” as they soar confidently in their cape and boots. Day explains the unbridled optimism of these songs and how they fit the times. “Life is full of problems. The trick is to open your mind to discover the answers. Humans are clever, and little humans are all too often underestimated. We can help kids recognize that they can be active in finding solutions even in the most difficult situations.”New York Times best-selling author Susan Verde co-wrote the rocker “Big Picture” with Day, in which a “citizen scientist” questions, investigates, solves for “x” and looks around to discover the universe, which starts in one’s own backyard. The rockin’ beat continues with the advice to super heroes to “Get a Robot First” and the shifting perspectives of “Little Ants,” and the rousing “Me and My Jet Pack,” which has been a hit with the kids at Roger’s concerts. Of course, not all heroes fly around in capes and fight bad guys. “The Everyday Super Hero Song” celebrates the ordinary people who keep us educated, safe and healthy. The album ends sweetly with the soft-rock, Beatles-inflected ballad “Love Is My Super Power,” in which the whole world can “shine like new.” Roger Day is based near Nashville. His appearances have included the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor NY, The Charlotte Chil-dren’s Theater and many schools, libraries and festivals. Roger Day’s songs have been featured on Radio Disney, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and public television. His five studio albums – Rock ‘n’ Roll Rodeo, Ready To Fly, Dream Big!,Why Does Gray Matter? and the CD/DVD release, Marsh Mud Madness– along with two Greatest Hits albums – have all won Parents’ Choice Awards and critical acclaim nationwide. During spring 2020, he launched a virtual “Dream Big” and “Virtual Zoo” concert series, draw-ing thousands of fans. Roger and his wife Jodie are proud of their three adult kids who are super heroes to them: Thomas, a soon-to-be pediatrician at Vanderbilt University Medical School (who co-wrote the track “I’ll Be Your Super Hero”); Marjory, currently completing two masters in both Business and Engineering at the University of Tennessee; and Jacob, a rising college senior at W&L University who spent last summer in Argentina mastering his Spanish and playing lots of soccer while working with kids at a non-profit in Buenos Aires.Now, as Roger releases a new album called Invincible! and reflects on his role as a children’s entertainer, educator and father, he is even more convinced of the power of music in young people’s lives. “My favorite line on the entire album is “Life is full of problems. But it’s full of answers too.” That’s a message I’d love for every kid to take to heart.”We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com.www.BringinitBackwards.com#podcast #interview #bringinbackpod  #foryou #foryoupage #stayhome #togetherathome #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetworkListen & Subscribe to BiBFollow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! 

Top Take-a-ways: Story is powerful. Use your voice to lift others by sharing their story! When women support each other, we change the world. It’s never too late to revive the untold stories of the past.   The power of social media is undeniable because of the way it allows us all to tell our story. Even though we have always had story, in the past stories were only written down by those with power. Consequently, many stories were never written, shared, or remembered, and many people’s voices were silenced or lost. Today’s episode bridges the gap between the stories of the past and the power of storytelling and social media today. Today’s guest, Leslie Zemeckis, is a master of both storytelling and the power of social media. She tells the stories of women in American pop culture from the early part of the 20th century who were dismissed, ignored, or never asked for their point of view. As Kathleen McGowan, author of The Magdalene Line series said, “History is not what happened but what is written down” Leslie Zemeckis is literally changing history, by writing down the stories of powerful, unique women whose stories otherwise may have been lost to history Additionally, Leslie is also using her power and passion to elevate the stories being told on social media. To combat the onslaught of negativity on social media today, she created an EMPOWERMENT CHALLENGE to spread love and positivity. Her challenge is to post something once a week about someone else, an artist, friend, philanthropist, whomever, who is making the world better (in big ways and small) who needs a light shone on them. Why? So together we can empower others and rise higher and so we can start telling and sharing the stories that really matter.Who will take me and Leslie up on this challenge? You can view her glamorous video regarding her challenge here: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.zemeckis.5/videos/1211577185849875/ and you can join me in the Flaunt Flock on Facebook for continued support, sparkly-pink love, and for a daily dose of empowerment: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flauntflock/ Leslie Zemeckis is a best-selling author, actress, writer and award-winning documentarian. Leslie’s critically acclaimed films include Behind the Burly Q, the true story of old-time burlesque in America which ran on Showtime. The film was championed by such publications as USA Today and The New Yorker reveals the never-before told stories of the men and women who worked in burlesque during its Golden Age; Bound by Flesh about Siamese twin superstars Daisy and Violet Hilton which debuted at number 5 on Netflix, and Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer chronicling the extraordinary story of the world’s first female tiger trainer, Mabel Stark, in the early part of the 20th century. She the author of three best-sellers,Behind the Burly Q, the definitive oral history of burlesque,Goddess of Love Incarnate; the Life of Stripteuse Lili St. Cyr and Feuding Fan Dancers,about Sally Rand, Faith Bacon and the golden age of the showgirl. She is currently working on her fourth book. As an actress she has worked in films alongside Tom Hanks, Steve Carell, and Jim Carrey. She currently co-stars in the film From Zero to I Love You opposite Richard Lawson. Zemeckis continues to specialize in women in American pop culture from the early part of the 20th century Zemeckis is a frequent contributor to Huffington Post, Medium, Talkhouse and has written for W Magazine and Stork Magazine.  She has presented her work and spoken at panels and Universities including Santa Barbara City College, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, The Chicago Club, Chicago History Museum, MoMa, Burlesque Hall of Fame, Burly Con.www.lesliezemeckis.com Feeling worn down and dull? Hoping for a little more sparkle, joy and enthusiasm in your day? Then sashay on over to www.NakedSelfWorth.com and download The Top 20 Things That Block Your Sparkle And What to Do About Them today! Still want more? Of course, you do! Purchase Lora’s book, FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy & Spiritual Self wherever books are sold.  

Empowering Others Through Story - with Bestselling Author and Award-Winning Documentarian Leslie ZemeckisSeptember’s Theme is Education & LearningTraditionally September has signaled going back to school and the start of fall. Although this year is different due to COVID 19, many of us – whether we have kids in school or not – still think of September as a time for learning. Since most of are spending more time at home due to the Coronavirus pandemic, why not us that time for some learning and education? What interests you? What do you wish you knew more about? Since FLAUNT! stands for Find your Fetish, Laugh out Loud, Accept Unconditionally, Navigate the Negative and Trust in Your Truth, what if you began by learning something fun, then learned something that makes you laugh? What might you learn that you would have never had the chance to learn if the pandemic not happened? What an incredible git! Let’s open that gift now! Bonus points for reaching out and sharing with me what you’d most love to learn.Top Take-a-ways:Story is powerful. Use your voice to lift others by sharing their story!When women support each other, we change the world.It’s never too late to revive the untold stories of the past.The power of social media is undeniable because of the way it allows us all to tell our story. Even though we have always had story, in the past stories were only written down by those with power. Consequently, many stories were never written, shared, or remembered, and many people’s voices were silenced or lost. Today’s episode bridges the gap between the stories of the past and the power of storytelling and social media today. Today’s guest, Leslie Zemeckis, is a master of both storytelling and the power of social media. She tells the stories of women in American pop culture from the early part of the 20th century who were dismissed, ignored, or never asked for their point of view. As Kathleen McGowan, author of The Magdalene Line series said, “History is not what happened but what is written down” Leslie Zemeckis is literally changing history, by writing down the stories of powerful, unique women whose stories otherwise may have been lost to historyAdditionally, Leslie is also using her power and passion to elevate the stories being told on social media. To combat the onslaught of negativity on social media today, she created an EMPOWERMENT CHALLENGE to spread love and positivity.Her challenge is to post something once a week about someone else, an artist, friend, philanthropist, whomever, who is making the world better (in big ways and small) who needs a light shone on them.Why? So together we can empower others and rise higher and so we can start telling and sharing the stories that really matter.Who will take me and Leslie up on this challenge? You can view her glamorous video regarding her challenge here: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.zemeckis.5/videos/1211577185849875/ and you can join me in the Flaunt Flock on Facebook for continued support, sparkly-pink love, and for a daily dose of empowerment: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flauntflock/Leslie Zemeckis is a best-selling author, actress, writer and award-winning documentarian. Leslie’s critically acclaimed films include Behind the Burly Q, the true story of old-time burlesque in America which ran on Showtime. The film was championed by such publications as USA Today and The New Yorker reveals the never-before told stories of the men and women who worked in burlesque during its Golden Age; Bound by Flesh about Siamese twin superstars Daisy and Violet Hilton which debuted at number 5 on Netflix, and Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer chronicling the extraordinary story of the world’s first female tiger trainer, Mabel Stark, in the early part of the 20th century.She the author of three best-sellers,Behind the Burly Q, the definitive oral history of burlesque,Goddess of Love Incarnate; the Life of Stripteuse Lili St. Cyr and Feuding Fan Dancers,about Sally Rand, Faith Bacon and the golden age of the showgirl. She is currently working on her fourth book.As an actress she has worked in films alongside Tom Hanks, Steve Carell, and Jim Carrey. She currently co-stars in the film From Zero to I Love You opposite Richard Lawson.Zemeckis continues to specialize in women in American pop culture from the early part of the 20th century Zemeckis is a frequent contributor to Huffington Post, Medium, Talkhouse and has written for W Magazine and Stork Magazine.  She has presented her work and spoken at panels and Universities including Santa Barbara City College, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, The Chicago Club, Chicago History Museum, MoMa, Burlesque Hall of Fame, Burly www.lesliezemeckis.comFeeling worn down and dull? Hoping for a little more sparkle, joy and enthusiasm in your day? Then sashay on over to www.NakedSelfWorth.com and download The Top 20 Things That Block Your Sparkle And What to Do About Them today!Still want more? Of course, you do! Purchase Lora’s book, FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy & Spiritual Self wherever books are sold.Learn more about Lora here: www.loracheadle.com

"Los Angeles Times Bestselling Author Stephen Jay Schwartz spent a number of years as the Director of Development for Wolfgang Petersen (Das Boot, In the Line of Fire, Air Force One, Troy, The Perfect Storm) where he worked to develop screenplays for production. His two novels, Boulevard and Beat,  follow the journey of sex-addicted LAPD detective Hayden Glass. Stephen  was a judge for the 2012 Edgar and ITW Awards. His work was included in  the short story collection The Los Angeles Fiction Anthology alongside T.C. Boyle, published by Red Hen Press, as well as the short story collection Jewish Noir, published by PM Press. Stephen is a regular moderator at the Los Angeles Times Festival of  Books and judged the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the  mystery/thriller category in 2015 and 2016. His film work has been  exhibited in the A.F.I. Los Angeles International Film Festival and the  Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC. He is currently editing a compilation  of short, non-fiction stories called Hollywood versus the Author for Rare Bird Books as well as writing his third novel, a standalone  mystery/thriller. Stephen received his MFA in Creative Writing from UC  Riverside and is currently on faculty at Emerson College Los Angeles." (http://www.stephenjayschwartz.com/) SLDirt Podcast Credits:  Host: Kyler Bingham Music: Open Licensed Music Podcast - Ralph Wacksworth; Free Salt Lake by Politically Erect. Intro/Outro Spoken Word: Paul "Mousie" Garner

Patricia A. Saunders' work has been featured on a Coast to Coast Book Tour at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Toronto Word On The Street, Sacramento Black Book Fair, Tucson Book Festival, Miami International Festival of Books and AARP Life@50+ Spring Convention. Recently she was chosen among 100 authors from around the United States to participate in the Author’s Pavilion at the 2018 Congressional Black Caucus Convention in Washington, DC. Her latest book, Four Seasons of Love, covers all aspect of love broken into four chapters relate to the four seasons. Patricia, a Supervisor in Silicon Valley, in her spare time she enjoys to travel, wine tasting, and spending time cooking for friends.   Crown Holders Transmedia is the parent company of EDC Creations Media Group, the Sankofa Literary Society, the Black Authors Network Radio Show and Black Pearls Magazine.  The popular Black Authors Network radio program offers new authors a chance to showcase their books to thousands of international readers weekly. Black Pearls Magazine, is an online literary destination for thousands bookclubs and social network fans around the globe.   TONIGHT'S FEATURED SPEAKERS * Four Seasons of Love: Anthology of Poetry by Patricia A. Saunders * Josephine Baker's Last Dance by Sherry Jones * Rhythm Bay Love by Patricia A. Bridewell * Basketball & Ballet by Suzette Harrison * King, Duke, and Prince by Sheryl Grace * Amazing Grace: A Tribute to You, The Story of Us by D. Michele Jackson   READ MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTS AT: http://crownholderstransmedia.com

Reese Ryan is the author of fifteen published works of romantic fiction and counting. Her stories feature complex, deliciously-flawed characters. She presents her characters with family and career drama, challenging love interests, and life-changing secrets while treating readers to an emotional love story with unexpected twists. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides in Central North Carolina. She treads the line carefully between being a Northerner and a damned Yankee, despite her insistence on calling soda pop. She gauges her progress by the number of “bless your lil’ hearts” she receives each week. She is currently down to two. Reese, an advocate for the romance genre and diversity in fiction, is the past president of her local Romance Writers of America chapter, a panelist at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and the 2018 Donna Hill Breakout Author. Her latest booksA Reunion of Rivals and Candidly Yours are available now.  You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Book Bub, and her website.  

Book festivals are the highlights of the year for book lovers around the world. In Los Angeles there is the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which is the largest book fest in the country. It often draws more than 150,000 book lovers, book industry professionals, organizations, journalists, businesses, speakers and thought leaders. There is also the annual Beach Bound Book Bash, of which Books That Make You helps present each year. It is an annual literary tea that features authors reading from their books as well as snacks, prizes and other festivities. Unfortunately, that even isn’t happening in 2020, which would have been the 5th annual BBBB. In New York there is BookExpo and BookCon which draw thousands of fans and literary professionals. Across the United States, as well as around the world, ComicCons, pop culture conventions, writers conferences and other expos and fairs that feature books are either cancelled or postponed because of Covid-19 and social distancing rules. There is a solution for people who crave this bookish community. For those who want to come together in unity, there is an option. The LA BookFest is that event. On Saturday May 9th the event will live stream and feature panel discussions, conversations with authors, publishing industry experts, thought-leaders, activists, creatives, journalists and more. Plus, there will be author AMAs, videos of authors reading from their books, a huge bookish giveaway presented by Books That Make You, a music-infused after party, and of course, lots and lots of books. The guests in this episode join host Desireé Duffy to talk about the LA BookFest. KJ Matthews is an award-winning media and entertainment journalist and regular contributor to BBC News, DW News, and previously was with Extra News and CNN for more than a decade. She is also the founder of Traveler Confidential--an eco-luxury website for travelers. Deborah Kobylt is an award-winning journalist as well. She is best known for her work on CNN, Fox11 LA, KCAL9 News, Turner Entertainment and her successful podcast Deborah Kobylt Live and president of Kobylt Media. KJ and Deborah have joined forces to bring together a panel of journalists for the LA BookFest. It is about Integrity in Journalism during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond. Find out more on LABookFest.com and check out this and other exciting panels.

Authors Erica Jong and Susan Choi joins co-hosts Eric Newman, Medaya Ocher, and Kate Wolf in our third and final installment from the 2019 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on USC Campus. First, Erica Jong talks about her new collection of poems, “The World Began with Yes,” as well how she sees the present moment from the long view of her engagement with feminist and other political causes. Then, exploring the trials and tribulations of life in high school, Susan Choi's talks about the ethics of storytelling and how her novel “Trust Exercise” emerges from questions about how we work through our ideas about power, identity and values in the turbulent years of high school and, much later, after we've become adults.

Authors Erica Jong and Susan Choi joins co-hosts Eric Newman, Medaya Ocher, and Kate Wolf in our third and final installment from the 2019 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on USC Campus. First, Erica Jong talks about her new collection of poems, “The World Began with Yes,” as well how she sees the present moment from the long view of her engagement with feminist and other political causes. Then, exploring the trials and tribulations of life in high school, Susan Choi’s talks about the ethics of storytelling and how her novel “Trust Exercise” emerges from questions about how we work through our ideas about power, identity and values in the turbulent years of high school and, much later, after we've become adults.

It's our second show from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC; and this installment features two of the Festival's award winners, as hosts Eric Newman, Medaya Ocher, and Kate Wolf speak with Nafissa Thompson-Spires and Carl Phillips. Nafissa won the Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction for her short story collection Heads of the Colored People; while Carl took home the LA Times Book Prize in Poetry for Wild is the Wind.

It's our second show from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC; and this installment features two of the Festival's award winners, as hosts Eric Newman, Medaya Ocher, and Kate Wolf speak with Nafissa Thompson-Spires and Carl Phillips. Nafissa won the Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction for her short story collection Heads of the Colored People; while Carl took home the LA Times Book Prize in Poetry for Wild is the Wind.

KCRW's Michael Silverblatt, the host of the literary talk show Bookworm, speaks with Jenny Attiyeh at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Silverblatt is the real thing -- an authentic, genuinely interested interviewer who reads not only the latest book his guest has come to discuss, but the writer's entire body of work. The post KCRW’s Michael Silverblatt at the LA Times Book Festival appeared first on ThoughtCast®.

Doug Cooper is the author of the award-winning novels 'Outside In' and 'The Investment Club'. Always searching, he has traveled to over twenty-five countries on five continents, exploring the contradictions between what we believe and how we act in the pursuit of truth, beauty, and love. Originally from Port Clinton, Ohio, he has also called Cleveland, St. Louis, Detroit, New York, Las Vegas, and Oslo, Norway home. 'Focus Lost' is his third novel. Los Angeles Times Bestselling Author Stephen Jay Schwartz spent a number of years as the Director of Development for Wolfgang Petersen (Das Boot, In the Line of Fire, Air Force One, Troy, The Perfect Storm) where he worked to develop screenplays for production. He also worked as a freelance screenwriter before writing his two novels, Boulevard and Beat, which follow the journey of sex-addicted LAPD detective Hayden Glass. The Hayden Glass series was optioned by producer Ben Silverman (Ugly Betty, The Office, The Tudors) for development as a TV series. Stephen’s short fiction was most recently included in the collection The Los Angeles Fiction Anthology alongside T.C. Boyle, published by Red Hen Press, as well as the short story collection Jewish Noir, published by PM Press. He recently edited a collection called “Hollywood Versus the Author,” published by Rare Bird Books in 2018, featuring essays from Michael Connelly, Jonathan Kellerman, Lawrence Block, T. Jefferson Parker, Tess Gerritsen, Lee Goldberg and more. He is a regular moderator at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and has judged and been the panel chair for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the mystery/thriller category since 2015. His film work has been exhibited in the A.F.I. Los Angeles International Film Festival and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC. Stephen received his MFA in Creative Writing from UC Riverside and is currently on faculty at Emerson College Los Angeles. You can learn more about him at his website, www.stephenjayschwartz.com.

New movie and TV deals are discussed with both Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue coming to Amazon and a Love, Simon series to the Disney+ streaming service. Jeff talks about seeing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. New patrons Rhonda and Regi are welcomed. Will reviews the Netflix original Special. Jeff reviews Jay Bell’s Straight Boy. Jeff & Will discuss their trip to the LA Times Festival of Books. They also share the interviews they did at the festival with Julian Winters, Kim Fielding & Venona Keyes and S.A. Stovall. Julian talks about his upcoming book How to Be Remy Cameron. Kim discusses her Stars in Peril series and Venona also tells Jeff about her co-writing with Kim. S.A. gives the origin story of her Vice City series and how she uses caricature to encourage people to read the first chapter (she also did a super cute caricature of Jeff & Will). Complete shownotes for episode 185 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Here’s the text of this week’s book review: Straight Boy by Jay Bell, narrated by Kirt Graves. Reviewed by Jeff. I went into Straight Boy without knowing much about it other than it was a young adult story involving Andrew, a gay high school student, who develops a crush on Carter, a straight (or maybe not-so-straight) boy. What made me buy the audiobook was the fact I’m a huge Jay Bell fan because of Something Like Summer and also for Kirt Graves’s narration. I knew these two together would give me a great read. And they did. With Something Like Summer and its sequels, Jay proved a master of telling a story with many characters and many plot lines that involve an array of emotions. He’s upped his game with Straight Boy. Two things happen right away–Andrew, a recent transplant to Chicago, discovers a boy who lives down the street having an argument with his parents and saying things like “I was born this way.” Andrew thinks he’s found a gay friend. The next day–his first day at his new school–Andrew comes out as he introduces himself in class. This makes him a target of the school bully, Bobby. Andrew goes off on Bobby, despite the bully’s threats and ends up getting sent to the guidance office. Here he meets Carter and discovers that’s the boy he heard arguing. Both of them end up in a special program at the school where learning happens outside a traditional classroom Andrew’s year is now set. Everyone–gay, straight or otherwise–inevitably has that phase where you want a romantic relationship that you can’t have. Andrew longs for Carter but also doesn’t want to wreck their friendship, which seems to grow stronger by the minute. The thing is, Carter seems to be a little experimental too and that only makes things more confusing for them both. In the hands of a lesser writer, this would end up a disaster on the page, but Jay deftly weaves the emotions and circumstances for both guys as they figure out the place they’ve got in each other’s lives as it evolves through the school year. I cheered for the good and wanted to protect them through the bad since my fifty-year-old self could vividly recall how confusing seventeen was. Bobby’s integrated deeply into their year too. He’s a friend of Carter’s and that mean’s Andrew is around Bobby far more than he likes–and he ends up putting up with more crap that he should. Andrew accepts dealing with that because he doesn’t want to lose Carter. It’s made even harder when Carter starts dating Bobby’s ex, Olivia. Along the way another of Bobby’s friends, Jackson, becomes tight with Andrew too, creating more bonds in the group. The evolution of Andrew and Jackson’s friendship is as interesting as Andrew and Carter’s. Things get rough in the last quarter of the book. Bobby doesn’t like the changes happening to his group and he plots revenge. I have to warn here that not only does bullying happen throughout the story at varying levels but as we get into the last act there’s also off-page sexual assault and a pretty epic final battle where Andrew, Carter and the group are in way over their heads. Again, Jay does an excellent job of telling the story, ratcheting tensions and putting characters–and readers–through the wringer. The epilogue was the icing on top of this cake. Jumping twenty years into the future, we find out where everyone ended up. There were some surprises here that made me go “awwww.” It provided the perfect ending. What this book excelled at was showing friendships up close–what makes them grow, what rips them apart, and most importantly, what can make a true friend for life. It also shows, perhaps too intensely for some readers, the lengths people can go to in order to protect a relationship even if it’s toxic. I can’t commend Jay enough for how well he did all of this. Kudos to Kirt Graves too. I know well from TJ Klune’s Green Creek series that Kirt can handle a large cast of characters and high emotional impact. Kirt is perfection here handling the emotional rollercoaster without sending it over the top. His performance adds perfectly to what Jay had on the page. I highly recommend Straight Boy by Jay Bell, just make sure you’re ready for the ride. Interview Transcript - Julian Winters, Kim Fielding & Venona Keyes, S.A. Stovall This transcript was made possible by our community on Patreon. You can get information on how to join them at patreon.com/biggayfictionpodcast. Interview with Julian Winters Jeff: We are at the LA Times Festival of Books with Julian Winters. Julian: Hi. Jeff: Who I’ve just had a major fanboy moment over. Julian: I had fanboy moments. Jeff: Okay. We kinda both had the fanboy moment. Julian: Yes, yes. It is equal. Jeff: Because I had to get him to sign my “Running with Lions.” Podcast listeners know that was one of my favorite books of last year. Julian: Thank you. Jeff: And you’ve got a little sneak peek… Julian: I do. Jeff: Right now of “How To Be Remy Cameron,” which comes out September 10th. Julian: Yes, yes. September 10th, yes. Jeff: Tell us what this is about. Julian: Remy is a very personal book. It’s about an out and proud teen in high school, who has always felt like he’s known himself until he has this AP lit course. And one of the final grades he has to write an essay about who am I and it’s like the make or break essay. He’s trying to get into Emory University, and he needs this course in order to get there. And so, he has this kind of panic mode of, “Okay, but who am I?” Because he’s always been defined by, “Oh, he’s the gay kid who came out at 14,” or, “Oh, he’s one of five black students that go to our school,” or “Oh, he’s the big brother to this character,” and he’s just all these labels he wears all the time. He’s, “This is who I am.” But then he starts to realize, “Is that all I am and do these labels really define exactly who Remy Cameron is?” So, it’s kinda an exploration of what labels mean to us, but it also has a great family dynamic. A couple of secret mystery parts I can’t tell you about but there’s a lot of guessing games going on in it. And of course, it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have like a dorky romance in there. So, that’s in there too. Jeff: A dorky romance? I like that because that’s… Julian: Yes, that’s exactly what I promise you. It’s so geeky, it’s so dorky. Jeff: That’s kind of what “Lions” was as well for sure. That’s a good label for it. How would you say that your writing has evolved from first book to second? Julian: Oh, it’s a lot. A lot. With the first book, I just kinda wanted to write the feel-good story, and that was my goal, and touching on certain issues throughout the book. And it also was written in third person and “Remy’s” written in first person. I’ve never, not even when I was like a small child, wrote in first person. I love reading books like that, but I thought, I just can’t do that, it’s just too personal. And so, it was a challenge doing that, but it was a lot of fun. And “Remy,” like I said, it’s very personal, so exploring parts of myself and things that I see throughout, you know, our community and things like that. It really helped me grow as a writer to really say, Okay, you can challenge yourself and you can fail at it, but you can also improve. And that was great. So, to fail, I struggled so much in the beginning, but to have that under my belt now, it’s I think I could write a lot of different stories. Jeff: So, you think you’ll visit first again sometimes? Julian: Oh, yeah, yes, yes. The next book I’m working on, first might be where I’m stuck now. I think this might be my calling. I don’t know. Jeff: Okay. I could tell you, first is a nice place to be. Julian: Yeah, it is. Jeff: What are some elements of this book that are so personal to you? Julian: Growing up. So, I grew up in Upstate New York where I was one of five black students at my school. And then when we moved to Georgia, I was one of 400 that went to my school. So, it’s very personal in the sense of, I went through a lot of phases of am I too gay? Am I black enough? Am I too perfect as a friend? Am I good enough friend? A lot of things that I went through, Remy goes through in the book. It also explores my love for a lot of geeky things and how for a while I wouldn’t let that define me because I thought, “Oh, no, this is bad, people are gonna make fun of me.” And Remy goes through that because he had a lot of geeky moments, but it’s almost like he’s scared to show them now that he knows that these are the things that I’m defined by. Jeff: I love that you point out the geeky thing because I saw on your Instagram earlier today of the comic books that you read into here at the Festival. Julian: Listen, I almost had to leave, you know, our booth just to go, you know, bow down at the comic book booth and just say, “Listen, thank you. I love it.” Jeff: Now, let’s talk about “Lions” for a second because you’ve had an amazing year. I mean, you started out of the gate that the book was blurbed by Becky Albertalli. Julian: Yeah. Jeff: And now, just within the last week or two, you’ve won an award for it. So, tell us a little bit about that. Julian: It’s been a wild journey because, first of all, like, I never thought I’d meet Becky Albertalli, I never thought I’d talk to her, I never thought, you know, I would become friends with her. And then just meeting all the other people along the way that I’ve met and growing in that area… I always felt like I was the kid sitting at the table in the corner where I peek over at all the cool kids and say, “Yeah, I’m never sitting at that table,” but it’s been kinda really awesome being taken in by so many different people and I never thought I’d be an award-winning author. Like, I wanted to write the book for queer kids to enjoy, to see themselves and know that, you know, you’re not some other subcategory, you’re just a normal person. It’s just that…this is just a part of you, it doesn’t define you. And to win an award, I broke down crying. It wasn’t something I was expecting going into this because my journey has always been about the reader but to have something for myself was amazing. It still is amazing. I’m not over it. I guess I won’t be over it until I actually hold the award in my hands and say, “This happened.” Jeff: This actually happened. And the cover too, which was a stunning cover, also won. Julian: Yes, the cover won for best cover. And that was so great for me in the sense that I love our cover designer, C.B. Messer. She’s amazing. She reads all the books cover to cover. And so, she knows these characters, she knows their stories, and what she did with that cover just blew me away. What she did with the “Remy” cover, I’m still in complete awe of just how well she knows these characters. Jeff: When we talked back last year, the book had hardly been out. Julian: Yeah. Jeff: How’s the reader response been to it? Julian: It’s been amazing. Today just alone, just so many people will walk by and say, “Oh my gosh, ‘Running with Lions,’ I’ve heard of that book.” And I’m just like, “What? Of all the books that came out in 2018, you heard of that book?” The response has been amazing. Going to the events and having people walk up to me and say, “Thank you for writing this book because I played soccer all my life, but there was never a queer soccer book.” Or, “Thank you for writing this because there weren’t a lot of books with bisexual main characters, or characters that were gay and Muslim, or black characters, or whatever.” It’s been amazing, the response I get. I get teary-eyed every time. I’m like, “I’m not strong enough for this, we can’t talk about this.” But it’s also been so cool to know that I’m helping someone see themselves because I didn’t always get that opportunity growing up. So, to know I’m getting to be a part of their journey, it’s just been amazing. Jeff: Fantastic. And what have you thought of the fair, of the festival? Because it’s your first time up here. Julian: Yes, this is my first time here for the festival. And I was talking to another friend about it because I went to YALLWEST last year. YALLWEST is this…it’s nice little corner and then this is like a whole city. Like, I get lost every time I go either to the bathroom or get something to drink. But it’s amazing because it brings so many different publishers, so many different books together, so many different genres, so many different kinds of authors are here. And that’s the amazing part to me, just to know how influential books are because there are people everywhere all the time, stacks of books in their arms. And you don’t really get to see that in, like, media, like how impactful books are, how much people really enjoy the art that we put out there. So, this has just been amazing to watch how excited people get when they see the books. Jeff: Yeah, it’s been very cool here. So, thank you so much for hanging out with us. Julian: Thank you. You know, I love you guys. Jeff: Best of luck on “How To Be Remy Cameron,” coming out September 10th. Interview with Kim Fielding and Venona Keyes Jeff: We are at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books with Kim Fielding and Venona Keyes. Thanks for being here. Kim: Thanks so much. Venona: Thanks for asking. Jeff: We’re excited to have you both here. And now, Kim, of course, within the past couple of weeks, we’ve raved about the “The Spy’s Love Song” and the new “Dreamspun Desires.” Where did the inspiration for this book come from? Because it was so good. Kim: I think a big part of the inspiration came from my travels in Eastern Europe. So, you know, thinking about the way things used to be in Eastern Europe and how things are changing, plus politics as they’re happening right now. And so, yeah, I think that was the main thing. Jeff: What kind of research did you have to do to develop your spy and your rock star who becomes kind of…along on this mission without even knowing he’s on it? Kim: I didn’t have to do too much research on the spy part or on the travel part, but rock stars and music is not something I know anything or have any talent or anything else about, so that was where I had to do most of my research because I don’t know what it’s like. I don’t know what it’s like to be a rock star. I can’t even sing. Jeff: Does that mean you what it’s like to be a spy? Kim: Hmm, I’m not…I can’t divulge. Venona: You have kids. Kim: Yeah, I have kids. Jeff: And you wrote song lyrics too? Kim: I did. Yeah, I know. And it was really fun. And then in the audio version, my narrator Drew Bacca sang them, which was so cool. And it’s like, this is the closest I’m ever gonna get to being a songwriter. And it’s so much fun to listen to. And I can pretend, you know, like, I’m the next thing. Jeff: Which actually raises the question, did you give him an idea of what the melody for it was or did he just kind of make that up? Kim: I had no melody in mind. I didn’t know he was gonna sing. When I write a book, I’m sorry narrators, I don’t think about what I’m doing to my narrators. And so, sometimes I torture them, and I wasn’t even thinking about a narrator singing it. So, that was his idea and I was so pleased. Jeff: And this is a little different in “Dreamspuns” as well and I noted it in my review that you are a single point of view here. Did you go into it deliberately that way or just kind of organically discovered it was the way to go? Kim: It made more sense for this book because there’s some surprises about our spy character and I think it’s a lot more fun if we kinda discover the surprises along with the other character rather than knowing right from the start. So, you know, for some books, the dual point of view works really well, but for this one, I think this works well. Jeff: Yeah, I totally agree on that. Now, this is part of a bigger series that’s happening within the “Dreamspuns.” Kim: It is. Jeff: Tell us a little bit about the series overall. Kim: Sure. So, this series is called “Stars from Peril” and this is the first book in it. The second book comes out next month, and that’s “Redesigning Landry Bishop.” And the third book, I just finished the first round of edits on. It’ll be out in October and that one is “Drawing the Prince.” We went over several titles on that one. And so, what all three of them have in common is the main characters are from the same small town in Nebraska called Peril, Nebraska. And all three main characters have made it big in some way. So, our first guy is a rock star, our second guy is kind of a Martha Stewart type, and the third guy is an artist. And so, they’ve made it big in the world and they meet someone. And so, you can read each of them as a standalone and in any order you want to, but you’ll kind of see the characters appearing a little bit in one another’s story. Jeff: It didn’t even click for me that it was the name of the town too because peril plays into their own peril. Kim: Exactly. And I honestly cheated a little bit on that. There is a real town, a tiny little town, I think there’s like 60 people in it, in Nebraska called Hazard, Nebraska. So, Peril. Jeff: Peril, Hazard, it works. Kim: And it’s a great name. Jeff: Now, people may be wondering, why do we have both of them here together? Well, Venona and Kim also co-write. Tell us about that book. Venona: “Running Blind.” I will tell you this came about some years ago in Portland at our Dreamspinner meetup and she pulls me aside. Now, you have to understand that I was such a fan of Kim. I love “Brute”, I loved all of her stuff. And then she’s talking to me and I’m like, “You sure you’re talking to me because, you know, I don’t, like, co-write. I’m really bad at, you know, doing it by myself.” And she goes, “Oh, yeah, I heard on NPR…” And that’s how it started. Because Peter Sagal who’s out of Chicago hosts, “Wait, wait, Don’t Tell Me.” He is a running guide for blind people for marathons.” So, she had the idea and we came up with “Running Blind.” Kim: And the reason why Venona was such a perfect choice is because, unlike me, she does triathlons. So, I didn’t have to do the research on marathon running. Venona: No, or running guides either. Stuff like, “Yeah. That’s your department,” I’m like, “All right, we can do this.” And it’s a wonderful book and we decided that we wanted to have a second story because in the beginning, and it’s not giving a spoiler away, is Kyle and Matt who have been friends, who went to college together, were friends, became lovers, and now they’re in a comfortable pattern, and they really love each other but as brothers rather than lovers. So, when something happens to Kyle, Kyle breaks it off and he goes, “You gotta go do stuff.” And Matt’s reluctant, but this story is about Kyle and how he deals with the things that have happened in his life. So, the next book that we’re writing, the working title is “Playing,” is Matt’s story about how he finds romance after the breakup. Jeff: And when do we get to see that one come out? TBD. Venona: TBD. Kim: Well, that one is still in progress. Venona: It’s still in progress. It’s now in my hands. And so, we switch back and forth when we write, and I need to get it back to Kim. So, hopefully soon. Jeff: And you’ve got some other co-writing coming too? You’re working with Shira Anthony as well. Venona: Shira Anthony, it is another story. It’s actually about a farmer and a city boy. So, that one is coming up soon and that’s an honor of a friend of ours from GRL. So, we’re writing a story about a farmer which he is and who’s not out and a city boy who is. So, it’s a lot of fun. We already have the outline and we’re just getting started on writing that as well too. Jeff: Very cool. Anything else coming up we should know about? Venona: Yes. “How to Become a K-pop Idol,” I am writing that one by myself. We might get a co-writer on that one, you never know. But that one is, if people aren’t familiar with this, I love Korean culture, a lot of Asian culture, Japanese, Korean. I’m learning Korean. I’ve been a K-pop fan since 2009 proudly with the Big Bang. Jeff: Before it was cool. Venona: Before it was cool. And my bias is right now, because Big Bang, if you don’t know in Korea, you have to go in for military service mandatory by the time you’re 30. So, a lot of the K-pop idols are going in. So, new ones are coming up. So, the third gens right now is BTS, if you’ve not heard of Bangtan Sonyeondan, BTS, they’re really big. They’re the band that I’m following right now. Jeff: Very cool. Anything coming up for you, Kim, a part from the Peril series? Kim: Yes, start of the Peril series at the end of this month, so April 30th. I’ve got a new novella coming out. So, if people who are following my “Bureau” series, there’ll be a new novella in that. And I wanna push that because I give all my royalties for that to Doctors Without Borders. So, this is the fourth story in that series, but you can read them as standalones too. Venona: And they’re awesome stories too, I love those. Kim: Thanks. Jeff: And what have you guys thought of the festival? Venona: You know, this is the first time I’ve been here, and it is awesome. There’s just so many people here, there’s so many different books, and you get to browse them all at the same time instead of in a little bookstore somewhere. So, yeah. Kim: And it’s been a lot of fun just kinda hanging out with everybody, LA is fun. So, it’s been a lot of fun. Jeff: Very cool. Well, thanks for hanging out with us for a few minutes. Kim: Thanks so much. Venona: Thanks for asking us. Interview with S.A. Stovall Jeff: And we’re at the LA Times Festival of Books with S.A. Stovall. Thanks so much for being here with us. S.A.: Well, thank you for having me. It’s super exciting. Jeff: Now, you’re the author of “Vice City,” it’s currently two books in the series. Tell us a little bit about what the series is? S.A.: It’s a crime thriller like a noir style. Ironically, if you’ve ever read “Sin City,” which is a graphic novel, it’s kind of similar to that. I used to work at a courthouse and I got a lot of green, was an attorney and all that. I don’t do that anymore because it’s a little depressing, but I used some of my experience in that to write the series. And I really like redemption stories and like criminals turning it around. That’s what I did in the courts is I helped a lot of drug addicts get to rehab and turn their life around. And so, I’m really into that kind of story. So, the series follows an ex-mobster who like, you know, leaves the mob and then becomes a private detective, and then, you know, shenanigans ensue. Jeff: Shenanigans ensue? S.A.: Yeah. Jeff: And he’s consistent through the series? S.A.: He’s the main viewpoint. There’s a romance a subplot in which he falls in love with like a police academy cadet, and obviously, that’s his in to the police and you know, again, more shenanigans ensue that way. In the sequel book that just came out, one of the subplots is that a police officer suspects the main character’s actual identity, that he had connections to the mob and used to be a mob enforcer. And so, he’s out to prove that it’s him. And so, you know, it’s a thriller story so it’s got lots of thrills. Jeff: Mystery, suspense, thrills, it’s all there. S.A.: Yes, exactly. Jeff: What got you into starting to write these books? S.A.: So, I had a friend who really likes Dreamspinner Press and I used to write just books like short stories for my D&D group, because they really liked, you know, fantasy, all that kind of stuff. So, I wrote short story fantasies and she was like, “My God, you should write me a Dreamspinner-style novel, like, that’s what you should write for me.” And I was like, “Okay, I don’t know if I can do it as good as all these other people, but I’ll try.” And I wrote “Vice City” for her specifically. I even put that in the dedication. I’m like, “It’s just for you.” I didn’t think that it would go anywhere because, you know, I was just like, “Okay.” But I got an agent after I wrote this and then the agent sold it to Dreamspinner and then they published it for the DSP line because that’s where they do genre stuff. Jeff: It doesn’t necessarily have the romance in it, right? S.A.: Yeah. Well, mine does but it’s not the focal point. The focal point is the, you know, mystery and the mobster story. So, I was very surprised. I didn’t think it would go anywhere but it totally went somewhere. So, every time somebody is like, “Oh, I don’t know if I should write a novel,” there’s a piece of me that’s like, “Man, I just wrote that novel willy-nilly. So, you should try, you should do it. You should try.” Now admittedly, you know, I was writing before I wrote this because I wrote other stories and short stories, but still, if you’re thinking about it, you should just do it, you know. Don’t even think to yourself, “Oh, nobody will read this,” because I kinda thought, “Nobody’s gonna read a crime noir.” You know what I’m saying? Like, I was like, “That’s old school, nobody reads that kind of stuff anymore.” But no, people do, and people like it. So, I was really happy. Jeff: And you noted that the second book just came out. Do you have plans for third? S.A.: Yeah. Jeff: What is yet to come? S.A.: I’m about halfway through the third book and it’s a true series in the sense that it could go for as long as I want it or, you know, that kind of thing. It’s not like a trilogy or a set thing like, “Oh, something needs to happen.” But, you know, as a private investigator, anything can happen, you know, all sorts of shenanigans can ensue. Jeff: Very true, very true. S.A.: But there is a connecting theme. The whole reason that it’s the vice enforcer is that the mob that he used to work for was the vice family, and they’re still around by book three so you can kinda see the, like, he’s trying to take them down one by one. And so, I guess I could be limited to and then it got the whole vice family and then the series is over. But, you know, there’s that connecting thread too. Jeff: Now, that you’ve been writing in this genre, do you wanna expand out to other genres or is noir thriller kind of your sweet spot? S.A.: Well, it’s just a thing that I like a lot, that I thought, you know, nobody likes this anymore, but I like it. I wrote “Modern Gladiator” which is just a pure romance for Dreamspinner. It was a sports romance with UFC fighter. Jeff: Oh, cool. S.A.: I, a few years back, was dating a guy who was in the UFC. And so, I just used all of that experience to write a sports romance. And I know a lot about, you know, wrestling and all that kind of stuff just from him. And I put a lot of that kind of information in the book and it literally just came out about two weeks ago. Yeah, “Modern Gladiator” came out. And then I do a lot of fantasy and science fiction on the side as well. So, I mean, all sorts of things, all crazy things. Jeff: Very cool. Now you’re also an artist? S.A.: Yes, that’s true. Jeff: While she’s been here doing her signings and such, she’s also been doing caricatures of people who get their book signed. And so, we had this one done of us. It is so freaking adorable. How did this get started for you? S.A.: I’ve just always drawn things. I like doodling. I was really into comic books at a point in my life. I mean, so many comic books and manga. I mean, anything that was drawn and kind of that like storybook style with the panel, super loved. But I didn’t really intend for it to go anywhere. I went and got my history degree, I got a law degree. I wasn’t like, “Man, I need to study art.” But I did at least doodle enough that I was like, “I’m mildly good, you know.” And when I went to my first ever book fair, I thought, “I can’t just be the schmoe who’s standing in a booth trying to peddle their book, because I’m gonna be like 50 other people in the road doing the exact same thing. I should try and do something that’s at least enticing or to get people to read my stuff.” And I figured, “Hey, I could try a little caricature, and while I’m drawing them, they can read my book. And if it’s enticing enough, you know, they’ll buy the book, or they’ll feel guilty enough to buy the book, you know, I don’t know, whatever gets them to buy the book.” And a lot of people usually give me comments right away. Like, the first line in “Vice City,” everybody always comments, well, not everybody but like 80% of people. The first line is, “Getting hit with a wrench hurts.” And, so many people either laugh or comment like, “Oh my God, what a good line,” and I’m like, “Yeah.” And the first chapter in “Vice City” is an interrogation of that police cadet. So, Pierce, the mobster, is interrogating this guy who he thinks is a police mole. So, it’s really intense, you know, high stakes going on. I really like that first chapter and it usually hooks people. So, they read that first chapter while I’m drawing them and, bam, that’s my sales strategy. Don’t steal it. I’m joking, everybody can use it. Jeff: It’s all her’s. S.A.: Anybody can do it. Jeff: But the key is, like, I could never draw. There’s no way I’d do this, I’d have to find another hook. S.A.: I’ve been successful with it. People typically like that. And the caricatures are free. I just give them to people. So, even if they don’t buy the book, you know, it’s fine. Jeff: And it’s awesome watching her do them. We watched as she did ours. It’s like, “Oh my God, there we are just manifesting on the page.” It was very cool. Well, thank you so much for hanging out with us a little bit. One last question, what have you thought of the fair? S.A.: It’s good. There are a lot of people here though. I mean, just thousands of people all over the place. Going to the food trucks was fun, although not during lunchtime. There’s like a mile-long line from here to the sun and back. Nobody wants to do that. But the food trucks are good, the people seem to be really nice, and I don’t know, it’s just a good time. Jeff: Excellent. Well, thank you so much for spending a little bit of time with us. S.A.: Thank you for having me again, like, super awesome.

This week, your faithful hosts went on a field trip to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes and came back with ALL THE GOSSIP. So listen in as Maggie & Tod take you behind the scenes of America's largest book festival.

Discussing the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. What I wish I had done differently and what went well. Slowly reintroducing jiujitsu, feeling good after a practice and open mat. 15:30 Chapter 19 of the Brightside audiobook, the final chapter.

This week on Bibliocracy I share my interview with novelist Nina Revoyr, taped at last weekend’s Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on the campus of U.S.C. Revoyr has in five previous novels found new ways to examine, illustrate, dramatize and critique class, race, social and anti-social life in Southern California. In her newest, with […]

This is a special episode of Two Writers Slinging Yang, in honor of the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. I roamed the event (held on the campus of USC), seeking out interesting people. I found Daynabelle Anderson, who lost her 19-year-old son three years ago—and decided to speak to him via daily letters. She pieced the notes together into a book, then self-published. Remarkable woman whose story deserves to be told.

The California Politics Podcast remains on hiatus while we determine its long-term fate (we're working on it). In the meantime, a special episode as we discussed Gov. Gavin Newsom and California politics 2019 from the stage of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. With John Myers and Melanie Mason of the Los Angeles Times.

An update on the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books - I'll be at Booth 910. Beyond Brightside is only six chapters away from a finished rough draft and already one of the most brutal stories I've written. Open mat jiujitsu session doesn't go as planned because my fail as a partner. Results of the stem cell therapy on my shoulder and why I recommend it. 10:45 Brightside Chapter 18

Chace Infinite is multi-talented: rapper as the face of Self Scientific, manager of A$AP Rocky, marketer, entrepreneur.He takes us through the twists and turns of a career that's taken him around the world, on-stage and backstage, for over two decades. And gives us some insight into how he's approaching his new venture, Harun Coffee. ALSO, if you're in LA on April 14th, join us for Rebel Radio LIVE at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on the USC Campus Los Angeles. Our guest on-stage will be the award-winning global DJ and Producer, DJ Z-Trip. Schedule and ticket info here: https://sched.co/M5Ji EDM.com Track of the Week: https://soundcloud.com/hip-hop/born-i-music-sloth-syndrome-hooray

A quick rundown on the last two weeks: How wrecked my body is after one session of jiujitsu. Mention of the Try Not to Die contest that kicks off April 13 along with the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books where I will have a booth (#910) 8:30 Chapter 14 of the Brightside audiobook

This week's podcast is another Doubleheader, featuring interviews with Carmen Maria Machado and Jenny Zhang recorded at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. First up, co-hosts Eric Newman, Kate Wolf, and Medaya Ocher speak with Carmen Maria Machado about her heralded collection, Her Body and Other Parties, an eclectic set of fictions that both revels in, and challenges, the standard tropes of a wide variety of genres. Carmen also drops hints about what to expect from her upcoming memoir. Then poet, essayist, and storyteller Jenny Zhang stops by to talk about her approach to writing Sour Heart, a collection of coming-of-age stories about the children of recent Chinese immigrants, which also won numerous prestigious awards this past year.

Ijeoma Oluo, author of So You Want to Talk About Race, joined co-hosts Eric Newman and Medaya Ocher for a discussion on race in America at The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Ijeoma begins with the tale of how she became a social media superstar when she bravely highlighted a set of racist posts targeting her, and then exposed Facebook's shameful response (the company temporarily banned Ijeoma). The episode confirmed her status as a prominent truth-telling voice on the digital battlefield that is the national dialogue in the Age of Trump. Few of us ever engage in public exchanges with such high stakes; Ijeoma shares how it has impacted her as a mother, a writer, and a human being. Throughout the interview, her reflections on race, and how best to combat racism, show why she is such a brilliant champion for our time. Also, Hanif Abdurraqib, author of They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us, returns to recommend the writings of one of his heroes and predecessors, Lester Bangs, collected in Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung.

Join host Christine Blackburn and expert judges Kelly Carlin, Matt Oswalt and Peter Mehlman for a fast and funny game of Story Smash The Storytelling Gameshow! Contestants spin the Wheel of Stories and tell a true, 1, 2 or 3 minute story on whatever topic they land on. Contestants include master storytellers- Paul Shirley, Melanie Maras, Margot Leitman, Christopher Rivas and Christina Anthony! Recorded on April 22nd 2018. And here's a few links to help you get the most out of Story Worthy- if you're listening on an iPhone, all you need to do is tap the cover art while the show is playing, and you'll see the episode notes, including the links. If you're using an Android, just hit Google Podcasts. You can also listen on Stitcher or Spotify. Please subscribe and join the Story Worthy Facebook page! We'd love to hear from you on our survey at wondery.com/survey. Plus, when you go to the website storyworthypodcast.com you'll also find special deals courtesy of our sponsors like Warby Parker, Dagne Dover, Nectar Sleep Mattress, FabFitFun, ZipRecruiter, Sustain Natural, Hello Fresh, ThirdLove, Casper Mattress, LeTote, and Audible (promo code STORYWORTHY). It's good karma guys! Oh, and make it a Story Worthy Day!Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

Join host Christine Blackburn and expert judges Kelly Carlin, Matt Oswalt and Peter Mehlman for a fast and funny game of Story Smash The Storytelling Gameshow! Contestants spin the Wheel of Stories and tell a true, 1, 2 or 3 minute story on whatever topic they land on. Contestants include master storytellers- Paul Shirley, Melanie Maras, Margot Leitman, Christopher Rivas and Christina Anthony! Recorded on April 22nd 2018. And here’s a few links to help you get the most out of Story Worthy- if you’re listening on an iPhone, all you need to do is tap the cover art while the show is playing, and you’ll see the episode notes, including the links. If you're using an Android, just hit Google Podcasts. You can also listen on Stitcher or Spotify. Please subscribe and join the Story Worthy Facebook page! We’d love to hear from you on our survey at wondery.com/survey. Plus, when you go to the website storyworthypodcast.com you’ll also find special deals courtesy of our sponsors like Warby Parker, Dagne Dover, Nectar Sleep Mattress, FabFitFun, ZipRecruiter, Sustain Natural, Hello Fresh, ThirdLove, Casper Mattress, LeTote, and Audible (promo code STORYWORTHY). It’s good karma guys! Oh, and make it a Story Worthy Day!

It has been a long and useful couple of days at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Really this will be more of a check-in as a fan and a writer. Please like this page and visit http://devingalaudet.com/dad for more about my upcoming memoir, 10,000 Miles with my Dead Father's Ashes.

Leslie S. Klinger is considered to be one of the world’s foremost authorities on Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, H. P. Lovecraft, Frankenstein, and 19th-century genre fiction. Klinger is a long-time member of the Baker Street Irregulars, and served as the Series Editor for the Manuscript Series of The Baker Street Irregulars; he is currently the Series Editor for the BSI’s Biography Series. He served three terms as Chapter President of the SoCal Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and on its National Board. He is also the Treasurer of the Horror Writers Association. He lectures frequently on Holmes, Dracula, Lovecraft, Frankenstein and their worlds, including frequent panels at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Bouchercon, NecronomiCon, StokerCon, World Horror Convention, World Fantasy Convention, VampireCon, Comicpalooza, WonderCon, and San Diego Comic-Con, and he frequently teaches courses on Holmes and Dracula at UCLA Extension. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Maret Orliss, Associate Director of Events Programming for the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, talks about how authors can stand out to festival programmers, what the L.A. Times is doing in response to sexual harassment accusations in the book world, and the best Margaret Atwood festival story.   Maret Orliss Show Notes Cecil Castellucci Lisa Yee The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman Reading Aloud, Nate Corddry’s books podcast Brandy Colbert Amy Spalding John Scalzi Roxane Gay Jacqueline Woodson Far From the Tree by Robin Benway Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo Not the Girls You’re Looking For by Aminah Mae Safi Grace and the Fever by Zan Romanoff I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara Patton Oswalt The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory Her new book, The Proposal Sophia of Silicon Valley by Anna Yen Stealing the Show: How Women Are Revolutionizing Television by Joy Press Murphy Brown (TV show) You Play the Girl by Carina Chocano, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) Amerca by Morgan Jerkins Queer Eye (TV show)

Sandhya Menon, debut author of WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI (out May 30 and available for pre-order now!) talks up libraries that run on guilt, candy bar scenes, and what to do when you hit a major slump.   Sandhya Menon Show Notes Lilliam Rivera (listen to her First Draft interview here, and get the transcript here) The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Ruebén Martinez, winner of the LA Times Festival of Books' 2017 Innovator Award  "Candy Bar Scenes" idea by Holly Lisle Jenny Han (listen to her First Draft interview here, and get the transcript here) Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sofie Kinsella Morgan Matson (listen to her First Draft interview here, and get the transcript here) Stephanie Perkins

If the first thing you think of when you think of Los Angeles is movie stars, palm trees, and traffic, there's nothing wrong with that. But what about all the great writers who call L.A. home? In this special L.A. episode recorded during the recent Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, we talk with Hollywood Reporter features editor Stephen Galloway about his new bio of Sherry Lansing; comedian Carl Reiner; novelist Edan Lepucki; and bestselling YA writer Melissa de la Cruz. Join us on this all-things-L.A. episode!

This week, a special episode from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. A panel of Times political writers discusses the view from California in the era of Trump. With John Myers, Melanie Mason, Mark Barabak, Seema Mehta and Liam Dillon.

Otto is best known for his passionate and precise approach to exploring and developing hidden brilliance and suppressed intelligence as creative assets in individuals and organizations. He is a nationally known expert on genius and innovation who has transformed the lives of his clients as a coach, speaker and co-author of “Yes, You Are a Genius – Whether You Know it or Not”. Mr. Lang is the author of eight books, including How I Broke Into Hollywood, which was published by Judith Regan and Regan Books/Harper-Collins. His other books include Confessions of Emergency Room Doctors(Andrews McMeel), The Big Nasty (Cable), and Growing Up Hollywood, Differences Differences, Lara Takes Charge and If You Thought Your Divorce Was Bad, Wait Until You Read This Book (HLPI Publishing). Mr. Lang has been published in The Huffington Post and other papers and magazines and has appeared at Book Expo America, Publishers University, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the San Francisco Writers Conference and other conventions across the country.

This week's show features our final interviews from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. We talk with Sarah Bakewell, author of At the Existentialist Cafe: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails. Tony Tulathimutte joins us to discuss his novel Private Citizens and how he overcame his fear of writing comedy. We also talk with Andrea Kleine about her deeply personal novel Calf, a story about a love affair between John Hinckley, Jr. (the failed Reagan assassin) and Leslie DeVeau, a woman who murdered her own daughter. This episode is sponsored by Otherppl with Brad Listi, a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading authors, poets, and screenwriters. Electric Literature calls it “one of the best podcasts on the web,” and Buzzfeed calls it “the perfect way to get the story behind your stories.” There are now more than 400 episodes available — and counting. Hear conversations with writers like George Saunders, Cheryl Strayed, Roxane Gay, Leslie Jamison, Hanya Yanagihara, Jonathan Lethem, Sheila Heti, Eileen Myles, and many more. Otherppl with Brad Listi has its own official app, available for free at your favorite app store. The show is also available for free at iTunes and Stitcher, and on the web at otherppl.com.

This week's show features more interviews from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. We talk with actor Rainn Wilson, author of a new memoir, The Bassoon King, and with Malaysian Chinese writer Mei Fong, a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and the author of One Child: The Story of China's Most Radical Experiment. We also talk with LARB Senior Humanities Editor Sarah Mesle about the upcoming season of Game of Thrones. Featuring Tom Lutz, Laurie Winer, and Seth Greenland. Produced by Jerry Gorin. The LARB Radio Hour airs Thursdays at 2:30pm on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles.

Lightning round questions with some of the fantastic authors I came across at the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, including Susan Dennard, Ransom Riggs, M.A. Larson, Tahereh Mafi, Maggie Hall, Danielle Paige, Victoria Aveyard, Kara Thomas, Maurene Goo, and Julie Buxbaum! Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Roundup Show Notes   Susan Dennard, author of the SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY series and TRUTHWITCH Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica (TV show) Mal from Firefly (TV show) BLOOD RED ROAD by Moira Young THE CATHEDRAL OF THE WILD by Boyd Varty Ransom Riggs author of MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE by Gabriel Garcia Marquez M.A. Larson author of THE PENNYROYAL ACADEMY Tahereh Mafi SHATTER ME series and FURTHERMORE RainyMood.com Maggie Hall author of THE CONSPIRACY OF US and MAP OF FATES   Cassandra Clare Danielle Paige author of the DOROTHY MUST DIE series and STEALING SNOW Mary Shelley FRANKENSTEIN Crimson Peak (film) Guiding Light (soap opera) Margaret Stohl Melissa de la Cruz Kami Garcia Anne M. Martin Victoria Aveyard author of RED QUEEN Kara Thomas THE DARKEST CORNERS and PREP SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL Maurene Goo author of  SINCE YOU ASKED and forthcoming K-Drama romcom! Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (film) Last of the Mohicans (movie) Wonder Woman theme from Batman and Superman (movie) Julie Buxbaum (SP) author of TELL ME THREE THINGS  

This week's show is the first of several to feature interviews conducted at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. We talk with attorney and author Marcia Clark about her portrayal in American Crime Story and her latest crime novel, Blood Defense. We also talk with graphic novelist Sonny Liew about The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, and Steve Wasserman, one of the co-founders of the festival, talks about his career and his new stint as publisher of Heyday Books in Berkeley, California. This episode is sponsored by Otherppl with Brad Listi, a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading authors, poets, and screenwriters. Electric Literature calls it “one of the best podcasts on the web,” and Buzzfeed calls it “the perfect way to get the story behind your stories.” There are now more than 400 episodes available — and counting. Hear conversations with writers like George Saunders, Cheryl Strayed, Roxane Gay, Leslie Jamison, Hanya Yanagihara, Jonathan Lethem, Sheila Heti, Eileen Myles, and many more. Otherppl with Brad Listi has its own official app, available for free at your favorite app store. The show is also available for free at iTunes and Stitcher, and on the web at otherppl.com.

Arianna Huffington, the author, journalist and founder of The Huffington Post, spoke with Jenny Attiyeh at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. The post Arianna Huffington on Picasso and the Clinton White House appeared first on ThoughtCast®.

The comedian, writer and performer Sandra Tsing Loh speaks with Jenny Attiyeh at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books about If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home By Now, her first novel. The post Sandra Tsing Loh at the LA Times Book Festival appeared first on ThoughtCast®.

In this episode, I have the honor of chatting with producer/development executive/digital media guru/filmmaker Josh Feldman. What happens when someone is equally passionate about both technology and storytelling? You get 2-time Streamys winner Josh Feldman. Josh's credits include: "Halo 4, Forward Unto Dawn," "Electric City," "Larry Crowne," and "Koreatown." His work on the web series "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn," was viewed over 50 million times. We talk about everything from shooting on 16mm film at Ithaca College to working with Tom Hanks to bringing the Master Chief to a live action format. JOSH FELDMAN'S BIO Josh Feldman has consistently been at the intersection of storytelling and technology. Most recently, he served as Executive Producer on HALO 4: FORWARD UNTO DAWN, helping to package and manage creative development on a five-part live-action digital series for Microsoft and 343 Industries. FORWARD UNTO DAWN represents the most ambitious live-action incarnation of the hugely popular Halo franchise. Josh creatively managed a custom-designed pre-release viral campaign. To-date, FORWARD UNTO DAWN has amassed over 50 million views. Prior to his association with Microsoft, Josh spent five years at Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman’s film/TV company, Playtone. Josh worked in a variety of development and production capacities for the company's diverse slate of films, HBO miniseries and on-going series. Josh formed the first digital media strategy for Playtone, resulting in original YouTube content from Tom Hanks, a 16 episode talk show parody in partnership with Lexus, and ELECTRIC CITY, a 20 episode animated series in partnership with Reliance Entertainment and Yahoo. Josh developed and co-wrote ELECTRIC CITY with Tom Hanks. In addition, Josh project-managed and co-wrote a companion digital graphic novel and episode viewer app for iOS and Android devices. During his time at Playtone, Josh worked as a production executive on LARRY CROWNE, written and directed by Tom Hanks, starring Hanks, Julia Roberts and Bryan Cranston. He was also involved in the design and construction of a new state-of-the art editorial facility for the companies' projects. Previously, Josh worked in several positions at DreamWorks SKG including marketing of live-action and animated films. Upon the conversion to an all CGI infrastructure, Josh segued to feature animation production for DreamWorks Animation. Beginning his career in live theater, Josh spent three seasons in audio/media design for the Lincoln Center Festival in New York City. Josh worked on dozens of theatrical productions, including the multi-venue, multi-format THE ANGEL PROJECT for director Deborah Warner. Josh wrote and directed the short film KOREATOWN, which won the 2010 audience award at the DancesWithFilms Festival in Los Angeles. He has written and performed live storytelling monologues at an assortment of venues, including the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Josh has taught classes, written about digital media for The Hollywood Reporter, spoken on industry panels and sits on the advisory board of RX Laughter, a non-profit organization which studies and utilizes humor and media to treat seriously ill patients. He has master’s degree in writing from USC. Josh is currently working on a new, confidential intellectual property for Microsoft Studios.

Join Lian, Sheila, Liz and Julie today for: Sheila's first time ever renting a car.  (How is that possible?)  And then she finds her way to Bruckner Blvd somehow. Lian rediscovers an old TV friend with her teenage son. They have so many hours of viewing enjoyment to look forward to this spring! She's also very happy to see the change in Matt Lauer's fortunes.  Finally. Julie discovers a brand new subculture at the Brooklyn Marriott.  You'll need to hear her tell it. And Liz wants to know: what would you do with 20,000 pounds of hot cheese? Not hot as in fondue. The other kind of hot. Keep up with Lian's plans for the launch of her new novel Elizbeth The First Wife. She'll be making a "sneak signing appearance" at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC on April 20. Don't forget to LIKE her author page on Facebook.  Just search on Lian Dolan Author.  While you are at, be sure to join the Satellite Sisters Facebook Group.

                          Greg Niemann graduated with a degree in journalism from California State University, Los Angeles, and is an accredited business communicator. He was a communications manager and publications editor with United Parcel Service for over 34 years before he retired in January 1995. Niemann was president of both the Los Angeles and Orange County chapters of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and was named Communicator of the Year by that organization. He has also served on the board of directors of the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC). He worked for UPS as a teenager in 1957-58, and then served in the U.S. Army in Germany where he earned the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) with the highest score in the battalion. He returned to UPS as a Hollywood center delivery driver, and was promoted into management where he edited the company magazine, the Big Idea, in Southern California. Later he coordinated the editing of numerous company publications throughout the West Coast, and often helped organize visits of key UPS executives. He has personally known every UPS CEO from founder Jim Casey to the recent Mike Eskew.  Since retirement, he has been a newspaper columnist and still contributes regularly to several publications. Presently, Niemann is on staff of the San Clemente Journal, writing the award-winning South of the Border column and a travel column featuring Palm Springs and other desert destinations. Most of his articles are travel- or Baja-related, including a series on the Baja missions along with numerous fishing and off-road racing articles.  Niemann’s books include Baja Fever, Baja Legends, Palm Springs Legends, Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS and Las Vegas Legends. The memoirs brought out in Baja Fever created a loyal following of Baja fans. Baja Legends, which focuses on the characters, events, and locations that put Baja California on the map, won an award from the Outdoor Writers Association of California, and is in its third printing. Palm Springs Legends has been one of the top sellers in all Coachella Valley bookstores since its release, and is now also in its third printing. Big Brown is in several languages world-wide, and Las Vegas Legends is being released by Sunbelt Publications in mid-2011.  A popular speaker, Niemann has presented numerous slide shows and/or book signings at venues including: Barnes & Noble, Borders, Costco, Discover Baja Travel Club; Distant Lands Travel Club, Book Expo America, and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. He is a member of the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, the Palm Springs Historical Society, the Las Vegas/Clark County Library District Foundation, and the Friends of Classic Las Vegas. He enjoys big game ocean fishing, fresh water fishing, and other outdoor activities, like hiking, bicycling, and rafting.  Niemann is a fourth generation Californian whose great grandfather at one time published the Pomona Progress and Independent. He and his wife reside in southern California. They travel as much as possible and also have a weekend home in Baja California, Mexico.   

This Thursday, April 14th, 2011, will be the one-year anniversary of The Hermetic Hour, produced by Soror Zandria and hosted by Frater Thabion (Poke Runyon). We will review our previous programs, hitting the highlights, and discussing the concept and intention of our show. We will try to have our featured guests call in and recall their particular contributions. Some of you chat-room regulars can call in too. We'll describe and explain our Associate Member Program, and we'll also give an idea of what else we have to offer in the way of videos, books, journals, and up-coming projects and events; this Saturday we are showing Beyond Lemuria at a Masonic Lodge in Culver City. This is for Masons and their guests---so, those of you in the L.A. area who would like to attend (we provide free popcorn), contact me and I'll see if I can invite you as a guest. We'll also have a booth at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC on April 30 - May 1, 2011. Come on down and join us and get in the spirit of things.