Podcasts about new novel

Author Maggie O'Farrell, who wrote the best-selling novel ‘Hamnet' has released her latest book ‘Land'.She speaks to Matt on The Last Word about the excitement of her novel being adapted to the big screen, her pride in her Irish roots and the focus on identity running through ‘Land'.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Writer Dave Eggers, who's been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, draws inspiration for the first time from his own art school experience and his classical training as a visual artist in his new novel, “Contrapposto.” The novel, which centers the working lives of artists, comes as Eggers opens a new center in San Francisco, Art + Water, that offers local artists free studio space and mentorship. Eggers joins us to talk about what it means to be an artist, in fiction and in practice, here in the Bay Area. Guests: Dave Eggers, founder, McSweeney's; co-founder, 826 Valencia; author of many books including "The Eyes and the Impossible" and "The Circle"; his new novel is "Contrapposto" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with bestselling author and creative legend Steven Pressfield in Santa Monica for a wide-ranging conversation centered on Pressfield's new historical fiction novel, The Arcadian. The two explore the novel's ancient mercenary protagonist Telamon, the philosophy of resistance, the role of vulnerability in transformation, and what it means to keep doing the work — even after losing everything in a wildfire. Episode Highlights: 9:55 — The Magical Horse and the Hope of ReleasePressfield unpacks the inciting incident of The Arcadian — Telamon spotting a horse he recognizes from the year 70 AD bearing the brand of the 10th Roman Legion. The horse, appearing 1,400 years later, becomes a symbol of potential redemption and drives the entire story forward. 10:35 — Westerns, Vulnerable Characters, and Human TransformationPressfield reveals that The Arcadian is structurally a Western — like Unforgiven or Shane — and explains why the genre's conventions (a man of violence, a lawless landscape, a vulnerable character) are the perfect vehicle for stories about overcoming emotional isolation and finding humanity. 28:38 — Resistance, the LA Fires, and the Work That Saves You Pressfield opens up about losing his home in the 2025 LA wildfires, including a 40-year-old handwritten copy of the Empedocles quote. He reflects on how devotion to the work — and an acorn from Thermopylae returned by a Special Forces friend — helped hold him together. Steven Pressfield is one of the most influential American authors of the past three decades. Best known for The War of Art, Gates of Fire, and The Legend of Bagger Vance, Pressfield has built a body of work that spans historical fiction, nonfiction on creativity, and screenwriting. A former Marine and advertising copywriter, he spent years living in a Chevy van before finally breaking through as a writer. His concept of "Resistance" — the internal force that blocks creative work — has become a touchstone for artists, entrepreneurs, and warriors worldwide. His newest novel, The Arcadian, was released May 26, 2025. He publishes a weekly blog, Writing Wednesdays, at StevenPressfield.com. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bestselling author of The Help, Kathryn Stockett tells us about her new novel which is set in 1930s Mississippi.

Celebrated author and bookstore owner Ann Patchett discusses her latest novel, Whistler, which tells the story of a woman and her old step-father who reconnect many years after the events that separated them.  Cover art courtesy of HarperCollins Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Irish-born New Zealand-based author Sharron Martin's latest novel, Cygnet River, is set amid the Troubles in Ireland and shines a light on the experiences of women during this time.

A love story involving a married woman and younger man, and a murder are at the heart of a new novel, with San Diego as the backdrop.Author Cassandra Neyenesch joined Midday Edition Monday to talk about the book and the role San Diego plays in it."I like the feeling that the bright sun is hiding darkness," she said.Guest:Cassandra Neyenesch, author, "A Little Bit Bad"Link:Cassandra Neyenesch at the Book Catapult on Tuesday June 2

Dave has Eddie Huang, author of 'Come Undone', co-host of Canal Street Dreams, and chef, on the show for a conversation that is funny, vulnerable, and illuminating. They talk about their friendship and its complicated beginnings, Eddie's move back to New York City, and the return of Eddie's restaurant, Baohaus. Dave and Eddie also run through some Baohaus dishes and talk about the dishes' inception, execution, and impact.  Pre-order Eddie's new novel 'Come Undone', out June 16th: https://amzn.to/3Q8pTAKLearn more about Baohaus: https://www.baohaus.nyc/Check out Canal Street Dreams: https://basedfob.substack.com/ With Vrbo, what you book is what you get. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode, Ross delves into the world of geopolitics and climate change with a fascinating conversation about the book "Twenty Eighty Four" by Admiral James Stavridis. This gripping novel explores a dystopian future where climate change has ravaged the planet, and the consequences are dire. The conversation starts with a discussion about the war in Iran, where Ross and Admiral Stavridis share their differing views on the conflict. The Admiral's insights on the Strait of Hormuz and the potential consequences of a negotiated settlement are particularly insightful. As the conversation unfolds, Ross and Admiral Stavridis discuss the Admiral's new book, which explores themes of artificial intelligence, climate change, and the future of humanity. The book explores the consequences of climate change and the impact on the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seán's guest has always been fascinated by the longest building in Ireland, the old Victorian Cork District Lunatic Asylum, on the bank of the River Lee. Now, her new novel ‘Said the Dead' is directly informed by the women whose stories she found in the archives.Poet and author Doireann Ní Ghríofa joins to discuss…

Seán's guest has always been fascinated by the longest building in Ireland, the old Victorian Cork District Lunatic Asylum, on the bank of the River Lee. Now, her new novel ‘Said the Dead' is directly informed by the women whose stories she found in the archives.Poet and author Doireann Ní Ghríofa joins to discuss…

On this episode of Marginalia, Beth Golay visits with author Ayelet Waldman about her new novel, "A Perfect Hand."

You have a story in you, I know you do. But where do you start? Does the thought of writing a whole novel give you anxiety and keep you from starting at all? Join published author Hank Garner from Dabble for a live brainstorming workshop on how to write a book when all you've got is a spark. We'll break down how to mine your creative well for character, setting, and plot ideas that will help you start your first novel (or your fifty-first). Whether you're staring at a blank page or sitting on a pile of half-baked ideas, this workshop will help you figure out what you actually have — and how to turn it into a book. WHAT WE'LL COVER -How to brainstorm character, setting, and plot from scratch -How to mine your own life, obsessions, and what-ifs for story fuel -How to tell if your idea is a novel, a short story, or something else -Hank's method for moving from spark to first chapter -Brainstorming for plotters, pantsers, and the "I don't know yet" crowd Download the Brainstorming Dabble template here: https://app.dabblewriter.com/?importTemplate=uFwqT2KkgZrcma8t&_gl=1*j974m6*_gcl_au*MTU0MzUyMDM5MS4xNzc1NTc0NjY2LjE2ODM5NTU0MDMuMTc3NTU3NDY2OC4xNzc1NTc0NjY3*_ga*MTI4MTEwMzkzNy4xNzc1NTc0NjY2*_ga_09N6VRHLQG*czE3Nzc5MDk0NzYkbzYyJGcwJHQxNzc3OTA5NDc2JGo2MCRsMCRoMTAyMjk1MjU1 ABOUT HANK Hank is a published author with one foot in traditional publishing and one in indie publishing. Between his name and his pen name, he's written over fifty books. (Mostly fiction, some non-fiction too.) He has also spent the last ten years hosting thousands of podcasts on writing, which means he's talked craft with more working authors than most people have read. ABOUT DABBLE WRITER Dabble is novel-writing software built by writers, for writers. Outline, draft, revise, and track your whole story in one place. Try Dabble free for 14 days. No credit card required. www.dabblewriter.com SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE Subscribe for more live events like author interviews, free writing workshops, and Fireside Chats. We're all about helping writers hone their craft with content that's actually useful. JOIN THE COMMUNITY Did you know Dabble Writer also sponsors the DabbleU Campus, our free online writing community? It's our hub for 2x weekly writing sprints, coffee hours, craft talk, and more. https://www.dabbleu.com Happy writing!

The young adult novel - A Flame in the Dark - follows the New Zealand-born Australian-raised World War 2 hero on her journey to Europe as a nurse and journalist turned secret agent.

Send us Fan MailGraham reports on the mellowing of controversial French author Michel Houllebecq as testified by his most recent novel, Annihilation.How the Eurovision Song Contest lost its place and gained a huge young audience instead, as shown by a new exhibition at Bradford's National Science and Media Museum.Graham and Charles are looking forward to new album and tour by Leeds band Yard Act.Charles reports on a new film and a new play: Mark Jenkin's film, Rose Of Nevada and The Psychic a play by Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson, receiving its world premiere at York Theatre Royal. One is definitely a ghost story; the other, a clash of spiritualists.Keep in touch with Two Big Egos in a Small Car:X@2big_egosFacebook@twobigegos

On this episode of Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with author Vanessa Hua about her new novel, "Coyoteland." Book critic Suzanne Perez reviews "Evil Genius" by Claire Oshetsky. And we have book recommendations from Camden Avery, co-owner and lead buyer at The Booksmith in San Francisco, CA.

He's been described as “the John le Carré of his generation” and a “megastar of the genre”. British spy writer Mick Herron has earned millions of fans around the world and delighted critics with his thrilling plots, rich characters, and dry humour. He's won dozens of awards for both his Slough House series, his stand alone works, and his short story collections, and ‘Slow Horses' and ‘Down Cemetery Road' have both been adapted to the screen. Herron's on our shores for the Auckland Writers Festival, in which he'll introduce the latest addition to his iconic series, ‘Clown Town', set during the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. ‘Slow Horses' was originally released in 2010, and wasn't particularly successful, especially when compared to the acclaim both the book, and Herron's work as a whole, now holds. Herron told Jack Tame things changed one day at a time, so it doesn't feel like that big of a difference. “It was a low slow process, and it's one in which, I mean, my part in it has been that every – well, most days, not every day, most days I just sit down and get on with the book that I happen to be writing.” “Everything else goes on around me really,” he told Tame. He attributes his success to his publishers, the people working in marketing, those who run festivals, and so on. “I just respond to invitations and very happily turn up.” Over four million copies of his books have sold around the world, but Herron isn't quite sure what it is about his work that people connect with so much. “I don't intend to investigate it too closely,” he said. “It's a feeling that if I did, I might break something without meaning to.” “I just carry on doing what I'm doing and hope I'm doing it right ... I just do what I've always done, which is write the novel that's inside me that I need to write.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Rees Brennan is an Irish author whose books have been published worldwide. Born and still living in Dublin, she was a New York Times bestselling author who wrote for streaming giant Netflix and superhero powerhouse Marvel.After surviving stage 4 cancer, she feared she would never write again…But, the anticipated release of her second adult fiction novel, ‘All Hail Chaos', out today, proves otherwise.She joins Ciara to discuss!

The bestselling novelist Maria Semple discusses her latest book, Go Gentle. The story follows a Stoic philosopher living on the Upper West Side whose life is upended when she meets a handsome stranger. Cover art Courtesy of Penguin Random House Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Author Sonya Walger—shortlisted for the Carroll Shields Prize for her first novel, Lion, talks her second novel, Wifehouse. Annie hosts a Christmas lunch. A year later, she is invited to the following Christmas lunch as a guest. One decision in the intervening months has changed her life, and the lives of those she loves, forever! Visit the author, Sonya Walger online at: https://www.instagram.com/sonyawalgerofficial/

Douglas Stuart won the coveted Booker Prize in 2020 for his debut novel, "Shuggie Bain," about a boy in 1980s working-class Glasgow caring for his mother as she struggled with alcoholism. Geoff Bennett spoke to Stuart about his latest book, "John of John," which follows a young man as he returns to his home in the islands off the coast of Scotland. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Douglas Stuart won the coveted Booker Prize in 2020 for his debut novel, "Shuggie Bain," about a boy in 1980s working-class Glasgow caring for his mother as she struggled with alcoholism. Geoff Bennett spoke to Stuart about his latest book, "John of John," which follows a young man as he returns to his home in the islands off the coast of Scotland. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Douglas Stuart won the coveted Booker Prize in 2020 for his debut novel, "Shuggie Bain," about a boy in 1980s working-class Glasgow caring for his mother as she struggled with alcoholism. Geoff Bennett spoke to Stuart about his latest book, "John of John," which follows a young man as he returns to his home in the islands off the coast of Scotland. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Douglas Stuart won the coveted Booker Prize in 2020 for his debut novel, "Shuggie Bain," about a boy in 1980s working-class Glasgow caring for his mother as she struggled with alcoholism. Geoff Bennett spoke to Stuart about his latest book, "John of John," which follows a young man as he returns to his home in the islands off the coast of Scotland. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Cheryl talks to Mali Cornish about her relationship with her own mother, her career in law, and how becoming a parent reshaped her perspective on life. They also explore the inspiration behind her new book, The Missing Mother, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The May "Get Lit with All Of It" book club selection is the new novel from bestselling author Tom Perrotta, Ghost Town. The story follows an eighth grader named Jimmy growing up in suburban New Jersey in the 1970s. Devastated by a tragic loss, he seeks comfort where he can get it... including with an older girl who happens to own a Ouija Board. Tom Perrotta discusses the novel ahead of our May 27th Get Lit event! Click here to find out more. Cover art courtesy of Simon and Schuster

Ever since Mark Frost saw his actor father prepare all day for work, having to leave every evening to jump on stage, he knew he wanted to get his work done early in the morning. A life as a writer came calling. He's worked on all sorts, writing on 'Hill Street Blues', the 'Fantastic Four' movies, sports books, thriller novels, and it's his work with David Lynch, as the co-creator of the cult series, 'Twin Peaks', that he's most loved for.'Twin Peaks' was a show like no-other. A surreal, ethereal, chilling couple of series, that was a ratings win, a critical hit, and now has a cult-following. We discuss how the show, and working with Lynch, has influenced his writing since.His new novel is, 'The Yankee Sphinx', inspired by his great-uncle's diaries, it tells the story of Will Hassett, a close confidence of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States.We talk about how this idea met his fine criteria for working on a project. Also you can hear why, inspired by script-writing, he splits an idea into 3 parts, how he knows when something is done, and we get stories of working with a literary super agent.Get a copy of the novel - uk.bookshop.com/shop/writersroutineThis week's episode is sponsored by IngramSpark. Get 15% off your first order of 15 or more books, with the code ROUTINE1 - get to ingramspark.com to make the most of the offer.Support us -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maria Semple's latest novel, 'Go Gentle,' draws on her own experiences with divorce, motherhood and starting over in Manhattan. In this episode, we hear a conversation between Charity Nebbe and the 'Where'd You Go Bernadette' author about fiction, reinvention and the unexpected turns life can take. Then, Cynthia Orozco, the national historian for the League of United Latin American Citizens, joins the program to discuss the organization's history, legacy and impact in Iowa and across the country.

Dana Perino, Co-Anchor of America's Newsroom and Co-Host of The Five, joins Kennedy for an extra special Happy Hour celebrating her fiction debut, Purple State.  The duo discusses the "quarter-life crisis" many young women face in New York, the surprising friendships that exist across the aisle in Washington D.C., and how a chance walk in New Jersey sparked the entire plot to her new novel.  Kennedy Now Available on YouTube: ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KennedySavestheWorld⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@kennedy_foxnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join Kennedy for Happy Hour on Fridays! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWlNiiSXX4BNUbXM5X8KkYbDepFgUIVZj⁠⁠⁠⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miss D sits down with Rob for an intimate, no-holds-barred conversation about his new novel It Started With a Whisper. From the inspiration behind the story to the secrets woven into every chapter, nothing is off-limits. All the questions. All the answers. And a few revelations you won’t see coming. Rob’s novel, It Started With A Whisper, is available nowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bound by chance and the intimacy of therapy, an old warrior and a fledgling psychiatrist test each other's true north. Miko, the precocious son of a Greek fisherman, has weathered an indecisive path to adulthood in medicine and psychiatry. . . or has he? Dormant in his soul is a muse for writing and a smoldering guilt of abandoning his father. His training trajectory finds him in Tulsa, USA, of all places, where a 2 a.m. hospital admission, the aging, drunk, and potentially violent Vietnam veteran AJ becomes the young physician's patient. A metaphysical quirk awaits them. Unwitting confidants in the quest to understand what each is missing, the two trade insights best borne from meeting the other where he is. AJ is a prisoner of the exhilarating echoes of a confusing war; Miko suppresses his own psychological turmoil while exposing that of others. A chance meeting of their wives leads to a bond kept hidden under norms of confidentiality. Each woman finds something of themselves in the other and the moxie to withstand battles in their own marriages, on their own terms. Why AJ was brought to the hospital by the police that night pits a sense of duty against self-destruction. Why was there but a single round in his Luger that night? In Passages, the author takes aim at our enigmatic humanity. Each of us is the hero in his or her own life, a contrast of magnificence and flaws, navigating the complexity of principles and barriers as best one can.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

A few years ago, author Emma Straub saw a story about New Kids on the Block hosting a tropical cruise for their fans. That planted the seed for Straub, whose new novel, American Fantasy, is about a fictional, aging boy band called Boy Talk that sets sail for five days of nostalgia. In today's episode, the author speaks with NPR's Justine Kenin about the 50-year-old female fan at the center of the novel. Straub also shares her experience receiving feedback on a draft from New Kids member Joey McIntyre.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedaySee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

HEADS UP: TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR OUR MAY 24 LIVE SHOW IN BROOKLYN, EXCLUSIVELY AT PATREON.COM/WORSTOFALL JP Brammer (¡Hola Papi!) and the lads throw on their raincoats, dance to Huey Lewis and the News, and commit some mild homicide as they cover both Bret Easton Ellis' original book and Mary Harron's film adaptation of the trials and tribulations of Patrick Bateman: American Psycho. Topics include Ellis' rage-bait politics, Christian Bale's hardbody, and what it means when a significant portion of a population aspires to be Patrick Bateman. JP Brammer: Substack // Bluesky // Instagram Media referenced in this episode: American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis. Vintage. 1991. American Psycho. Dir. Mary Harron. 2000. “An 'American Psycho' Drama : Books: The flap surrounding Bret Easton Ellis' third novel flares again. NOW is seeking a boycott of his new publisher. Other observers raise questions of censorship.” by Elizabeth Venant. Los Angeles Times. December 11th, 1990. “Bret Easton Ellis on American Psycho, Christian Bale, and His Problem with Women Directors”. Movieline. May 18th, 2010. "Bret Easton Ellis on Talking Porn With Kanye, a New Novel, and (Yes) Trump" by Corey Seymour. Vogue. April 16th, 2019. “On Adapting American Psycho” by Mary Harron. London Review of Books. February 28th, 2024. “Phil Collins webchat – your questions answered on prog rock, self-doubt and Miami Vice.” The Guardian. October 19th, 2016. Music/audio used in this episode: Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Dancing In The Street 緑茶：日本の伝統茶道 - Nhạc Jazz Không Lời Huey Lewis & The News - Hip To Be Square Phil Collins - Sussudio Genesis - In Too Deep Genesis - Mama Genesis - That's All Genesis - Home By The Sea LilMati - Air Conditioner Fan Hum.wav jzielke011 - Urban Rain 01.wav TWOAPW theme by Brendan Dalton: Patreon // brendan-dalton.com // brendandalton.bandcamp.com Interstitial: “Salve & Salve” // Written and Performed by A.J. Ditty

Tracy Borman joined Philippa on the British History channel to talk about her new novel ‘The House of Boleyn'.Get early access, BONUS content and ad-free viewing go to www.Patreon.com/BritishHistory and join for this and many other history lover benefits including discounts on events, exclusive talks, and to put your questions to future guests. This interview is out on 12th April on the British History Patreon.Tracy tells us about how she tackled the challenge of blending history and fiction, and the inspiration for setting her novel The House of Boleyn at Hever Castle and how it offers a fresh perspective on Tudor family life. We also talked about how she explores the human side of the historical figures, especially Thomas Boleyn and Anne Boleyn, challenging outdated stereotypes.Important to Tracy, and indeed her book, is the role of the servants at Hever Castle and she tells us how she used everyday household details to create authenticity—fireplaces, relationships with servants, and the sensory experience of Tudor life.The House of Boleyn is out 23rd April 2027. Pre/order now and get shipped for free worldwide from Blackwells - Click Here (this is an affiliate link which earns me a commission but adds no cost to you)Watch this episode on Youtube - Click HereI'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-surveyPhilippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Michelle Wright was 18 she signed up to be part of a prison theatre group putting on the play One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. 

Historian Ryan Gingeras has spent years tracing the hidden networks of power that operate just beneath the surface of modern states. A professor at the Naval Postgraduate School and a specialist in late Ottoman and modern Middle Eastern history, his work often explores crime, politics, and the blurred lines between them.His new book, 'Mafia: A Global History,' widens that lens, charting the evolution of organized crime across continents and centuries. It's a sweeping, deeply researched account of how mafias emerge, adapt, and endure—and what their stories reveal about the world we live in.

In this segment, Mark is joined by Alex Fees, a former KSDK Reporter and the Manager of Community Relations with Impact Life which provides lifesaving blood products all across the region. He discusses his new novel, "The Prayer Group".

In Sarvat Hasin's novel Strange Girls, a Pakistani woman and an American woman meet at a London-based university in the 2010s. There, they quickly become close, bonding over a shared dissatisfaction with the definition of femininity available to them. In today's episode, Hasin joins NPR's Juana Summers for a conversation about the intense relationship that forms between the two protagonists, the way friendships can be strained in the post-college years, and what makes this novel a kind of “period piece.”To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

A new young adult novel titled "The Secret Astronomers" captures a slice of life in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This debut novel by author Jessica Walter tells the story of a friendship between two high school students as they unravel a decades-old mystery. Inside Appalachia host Mason Adams spoke with Walker before the book was released a few months ago. The post A Look At New Novel ‘The Secret Astronomers' Set In Pocahontas County, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

SubtitleIn this Episode Christy Wilhelmy, founder of Garden Nerd and author of multiple gardening books, returns to discuss her upcoming novel Bolting to Seed. The book is the sequel to her debut garden novel Garden Variety and blends gardening education with a cozy mystery storyline set in a community garden. Christy shares how real-life community garden experiences inspired her fiction, how she structures a mystery novel, and why she chose to independently publish the sequel through Kickstarter. Along the way, she highlights how storytelling can inspire people to start gardening, even if they've never grown food before.Our Guest: Christy is the founder of Garden Nerd, the ultimate resource for garden nerds, where she publishes newsletters, her popular blog. Top ranked podcast and YouTube videos. She also specializes in small space, organic vegetable garden design, consulting, and classes. Between 50 and 70% of her family's produce comes from her garden of less than 300 square feet. She is the author of High Yield Small Space Organic Gardening, 400 plus Tips for Organic Gardening Success, Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden and her debut novel Garden variety.Key TopicsChristy WilhelmyGarden NerdBolting to Seed novelGarden Variety novelCommunity gardens as storytelling inspirationIndependent publishing and Kickstarter campaignsCozy mystery genreGardening education embedded in fictionSmall space organic vegetable gardeningScrivener writing softwareThrips damage on citrus and nectarinesBeneficial insects and insectary plantsLacewings and minute pirate bugsBiological pest control in gardensKey Questions AnsweredHow did Christy Wilhelmy move from gardening books into writing fiction?Christy spent more than 27 years gardening in a community garden and realized the setting was full of unique personalities and stories. She began collecting ideas over time and eventually turned those experiences into her debut novel Garden Variety, a rom-com set in a Los Angeles community garden.What is the new novel Bolting to Seed about?The sequel takes place a year after Garden Variety and focuses on late spring and summer in the same community garden. The story blends gardening lessons with a cozy mystery: a murder occurs, and the characters must solve the case while navigating community garden life.Why did Christy decide to self-publish the new book?After her agent shopped the manuscript to traditional publishers for nearly a year, she learned that publishers were hesitant to buy sequels unless the first book was a major bestseller. Rather than wait indefinitely, she chose independent publishing to maintain creative control and move the project forward.How does Christy structure a mystery novel?She approaches writing as a “planner.” She outlines the story in advance, maps out character arcs, and lists key scenes that must happen to move the plot forward. Using Scrivener, she writes scenes separately and rearranges them until the structure works, filling in gaps and transitions as the story develops.How are gardening lessons included in the novel?Christy intentionally makes a list of gardening topics she wants to teach—usually around ten lessons—and integrates them naturally into the storyline. At the end of the book, readers will also find a growing guide summarizing the key gardening takeaways.What is the Kickstarter campaign supporting?The Kickstarter helps cover the expenses of independent publishing, including editing, cover design, layout, printing, and marketing. Supporters can pledge at different levels to receive rewards like signed books, custom seed packets, tote bags, virtual launch party tickets, and even cameo appearances in future novels.How can beneficial insects help manage thrips damage?Thrips can scar citrus and other fruit during the flowering stage. Encouraging beneficial insects like lacewings and minute pirate bugs through insectary plantings can help control thrips populations naturally.Episode HighlightsChristy shares how decades in a community garden inspired her first novel.Bolting to Seed shifts genres from romantic comedy to a cozy mystery.The sequel introduces new characters and a detective investigating a garden-related murder.Readers can learn gardening techniques while following the story.Christy explains the difference between “planner” and “pantser” writing styles.Independent publishing allows her to design the book exactly how she wants.The Kickstarter campaign includes creative rewards such as appearing in a future novel.Beneficial insect habitats can naturally manage pests like thrips.ResourcesGarden Nerd — https://gardennerd.comKickstarter campaign for Bolting to Seed — https://gardennerd.comPodcast show notes — https://urbanfarm.org/BoltingTwoSeed Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

It's not a spoiler to say someone gets murdered in T Kira Madden's new book, "Whidbey." But what happens next? You'll have to read and find out. Whidbey is expansive, detailed and visceral. It makes readers wonder about questions of justice, forgiveness, belief and unconditional love. We talk with Madden about how the island inspired her new literary thriller. Guest T Kira Madden, author of "Whidbey"Related LinksSomebody Killed Her Assailant. Was Justice Served? - The New York Times T Kira Madden Casts a Spell - Elle Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes- Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tayari Jones, author of the 2018 novel An American Marriage, says her next book was supposed to be about gentrification in the American South. But while writing her draft, Jones says she realized the backstory of that project was actually the real story. That's how her new historical fiction novel Kin was born. The book follows two cradle friends who grow up without mothers in Honeysuckle, Louisiana and must navigate life in the Jim Crow South. In today's episode, Jones tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe about how she tapped into something “older than herself” in order to write this story.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The BBC has had exclusive access to the world's largest study scanning pregnant women's brains. The BeMOther project is based in Spain and has found that women's brains change significantly through pregnancy and beyond. We learn more about the changes and ask why Matrescence - and the transformations that can come with pregnancy, birth and raising a child - are only just starting to receive attention as a distinct life-stage. There's even a campaign to get the word in US dictionaries. Nuala McGovern talks to Smitha Mundasad, a BBC health and science reporter who visited the trial in Spain for her documentary, Baby Brain: What's Really Going On? and Lucy Jones, the journalist and author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood. Hester Musson's latest book is The Night Hag. It's a Victorian Gothic novel which takes place in 19th century Scotland. It delves into themes including the budding science of archaeology, spiritualism and folklore legends, but at its heart is the question of the role of women in Victorian society. A major global study says more than a quarter of healthy years lost to breast cancer could be prevented through lifestyle changes like cutting red meat, staying active and not smoking. The Lancet Oncology analysis shows cases worldwide are set to rise by a third, reaching over 3.5 million by 2050. We are joined by Professor Jayant Vaidya, Professor of Surgery and Oncology at University College Hospital, London, Dr Liz O'Riordan, a former breast cancer surgeon who herself has had breast cancer and is currently in remission, and Claire Rowney, Breast Cancer Now's chief executive, who has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Last week, news broke of the killing of one of Mexico's most dangerous men - known as El Mencho. He was killed by the Mexican military. He ran one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels, the Jalisco Cartel New Generation. In response, members of his cartel torched businesses and buses across the country. But among the burnt-out cars, a new wave of posters appeared, with the faces and names of some of Mexico's 130,000 people who are either missing or disappeared – a tactic used by criminal cartels. The people taping their faces to walls are often their mothers, part of groups fighting to find out what happened to their loved ones. They are known as 'madres buscadoras' or searching mothers. Journalist Andalusia Soloff joins us from Mexico City, she has been following stories like these for years.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

David Guterson's latest novel ‘Evelyn in Transit' is a spare luminous meditation on what it means to live an examined life. At its heart is Evelyn, a restless midwestern misfit, who hits the road hitchhiking across the American West in search of truth and purpose. Parallel to her journey is a story of a Tibetan boy raised as a Buddhist monk whose lives seem worlds apart but is mysteriously linked, especially when a trio of llamas arrives to proclaim Evelyn's young son the reincarnation of a great llama.

The new novel from acclaimed writer Tayari Jones follows two friends, bonded together in childhood by the absence of mothers in their lives. But as they get older, one woman goes to Spelman College and finds herself in a new world of Black intellectuals, while the other dedicates herself to searching for her mother. Jones discusses the novel, titled Kin. Jones will be speaking at Barnes & Noble Union Square on February 27 at 6 pm. Cover art courtesy of Knopf

In today's interview, author Nina McConigley tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe that she wanted to write a sister book. How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder is the author's dark debut novel about two Indian-American sisters growing up in rural Wyoming in the 1980s. There, they experience abuse that drives them to seek revenge. In today's episode, McGonigley and Rascoe discuss split identities and the complex feelings that arise from life under colonialism – and from surviving abuse.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

I recently sat down with runner and writer Devin Kelly to discuss his new novel, Pilgrims, and also talk about his process, his use of repetition throughout the book, and the parallels that exist between what he feels when he writes and what he feels when he runs. We also got into how he used the novel to explore his obsessions, the importance of committing to a daily practice, what's exciting him in running today, and a lot more.Longtime listeners may remember Devin's first appearance on the podcast in Episode 119, a wide-ranging and impactful conversation that touched on running, writing, exploration, masculinity, shame, self-worth, hope, and more. If you're new to the podcast, or simply missed it the first time around, you can give it a listen right here.Click here for complete show notes and sign up here to get the morning shakeout email newsletter delivered to your inbox every Tuesday.Music and editing for this episode of the morning shakeout podcast by John Summerford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm obsessed with this book. Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven is one of those can't-put-down stories about a family, a woman coming into her own, coping with the unexpected, all set in the 1950s and 1960s as women came into their own — with the backdrop of a TV sitcom. Just trust me. It's so good. Jennifer Niven and I did an event together at the Minnie Rose x Zibby's Bookshop pop-up and she couldn't have been more delightful. Listen in.Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby's Important People! As a Z.I.P., you'll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby's Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Saunders is one of America's most celebrated writers. His worlds and characters often live in a reality just beyond or behind our own, and his latest novel “Vigil,” is no exception. The novel opens with an angel falling to earth with the task of comforting an unrepentant oil tycoon in his final hours alive. What spills forth from this zany setup is a comic novel about climate change, personal responsibility, and the kind of honesty that matters most. Guests: George Saunders, author, "Vigil"; MacArthur Genius Grant Fellow; his previous books include "Lincoln in the Bardo," "Tenth of December" and "Liberation Day; English professor, Syracuse University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natalie Portman stops by to catch up and discuss her new animated film ‘Arco,' where she plays a droid protecting a young girl after a boy flies in from the future. Also, Jennette McCurdy joins to talk about her new book ‘Half His Age: A Novel,' about a teenage girl and her transformative affair with her high school English teacher. Plus, the story of a psychotherapist and dancer in Philadelphia changing lives and making a big impact on girls in her community. And, Jenna and Sheinelle dive into their Instagram comments for the funniest, juiciest, and most talked-about reactions of the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.