Podcasts about novelists

Deep Reading lists for each episode can be found at phoebe.substack.com - Today I'm joined by New York-based novelist Angela Flournoy, whose highly anticipated second book The Wilderness explores the evolving friendships of four Black women over the span of two decades. In our conversation, Angela and I discuss what it means to come of age in uncertain times, how friendship can serve as a strategy for survival, and why Los Angeles and New York — the twin backdrops of her novel — carry such symbolic weight. We also talk about writing through motherhood, the shifting markers of adulthood, and the influence of writers like Toni Morrison and Mike Davis on Angela's work.

Novelist and journalist Tom Piazza struck up a friendship with the irreplaceable John Prine in the last years of his life. This relationship, which began as a profile for a magazine, almost blossomed into an autobiography and involved a road trip in an inadvisable vehicle, has resulted in a new book “Living In The Present With John Prine”. Which involves:•⁠ ⁠setting off in a 1977 Coupe De Ville and driving “until the engine burns up”.•⁠ ⁠sitting up all night playing old country songs.•⁠ ⁠remembering how he came to write some of the greatest songs of the last fifty years•⁠ ⁠an evening's swapping stories with Elvis Costello which ends with the alarming word “the jukebox is on fire!”•⁠ ⁠what Prine's last album “The Tree Of Forgiveness” has in common with Beethoven's late quartetsBuy Living In The Present With John Prine: https://amzn.eu/d/9vWv9rgFind out more about how to help us to keep the conversation going: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novelist and journalist Tom Piazza struck up a friendship with the irreplaceable John Prine in the last years of his life. This relationship, which began as a profile for a magazine, almost blossomed into an autobiography and involved a road trip in an inadvisable vehicle, has resulted in a new book “Living In The Present With John Prine”. Which involves:•⁠ ⁠setting off in a 1977 Coupe De Ville and driving “until the engine burns up”.•⁠ ⁠sitting up all night playing old country songs.•⁠ ⁠remembering how he came to write some of the greatest songs of the last fifty years•⁠ ⁠an evening's swapping stories with Elvis Costello which ends with the alarming word “the jukebox is on fire!”•⁠ ⁠what Prine's last album “The Tree Of Forgiveness” has in common with Beethoven's late quartetsBuy Living In The Present With John Prine: https://amzn.eu/d/9vWv9rgFind out more about how to help us to keep the conversation going: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer's Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. Episode Summary This week on Writer's Voice, two stories from the planet's frontlines: the Amazon rainforest and the Arctic ice. Two urgent stories from Earth's frontlines — and why they matter for us all. Journalist Andrew Fishman joins us to talk about completing the … Continue reading HOW TO SAVE THE AMAZON & ARCTIC PASSAGES: Andrew Fishman on Dom Phillips' Legacy & Kieran Mulvaney on Climate and Power in the Far North →

Novelist, essayist, and publishing coach Leigh Stein returns to the show to discuss her new gothic-inspired novel, If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You. Set in a Los Angeles “hype house,” the book follows a 39-year-old woman managing a mansion full of TikTok influencers—and confronting the realities of aging out of digital media. Leigh talks about the inspirations behind the novel, from a Frank Lloyd Wright house to parasocial relationships to the controversies around Joan Didion's private papers. We also explore bigger questions: the future of Substack, fandom as a cultural force, the blurred line between art and content, and how young writers can navigate the creator economy. Along the way we get into Coldplay-Gate, public shaming as a modern scarlet letter, and what it really means to make a living while making art. About the Guest: Leigh Stein is the author of six books, including the satirical novel Self Care and her latest gothic novel, If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker online, Airmail, Allure, ELLE, BuzzFeed, The Cut, Salon, and Slate.

Alretha Thomas has found career success in the second half of her life as an award-winning novelist, playwright, and actress. A resilient survivor of childhood trauma, Alretha is a former model who, as an actress, has appeared in numerous films, TV series, and commercials. She also appeared on two iconic soap operas, Days of Our Lives and General Hospital. Currently, she's a series regular, playing Anastasia Devereaux, on Tyler Perry's Assisted Living, which is in its fifth season on BET.As a playwright, Alretha has won accolades and awards for her plays Civil Rites, A Shrine to Junior, Mommie and Clyde, Sacrificing Simone, and Grandpa's Truth.  She also wrote One Woman, Two Lives, that starred Kellita Smith (of The Bernie Mac Show), and was directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse.Alretha, who holds a degree in journalism from USC, has written 15 novels, over a half-million of which have been sold and downloaded, receiving glowing reviews from readers, book clubs, and critics.  Her first novel, Daughter Denied, was launched in 2008. A four-book series, Cass & Nick, spawned from her novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing. And she was awarded the Jessie Redman Fauset Literary Award for her Indie Novel, For Ladies Only. Her latest book, The Daughter Between Them, was recognized by Kirkus Reviews as one of the top thriller indie books of 2024. I've read The Daughter Between Them and was completely drawn in by the wonderfully complex, unfolding mystery thriller as told through Alretha's masterful storytelling and her deeply compelling characters.She's had several videos go viral, including three that have received more than 2 million views.  www.alrethathomas.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athomasforreal/

Rachel and Simon speak with the novelist Eimear McBride. Born in Liverpool to Irish parents, Eimear studied acting before pursuing writing. Her debut novel, "A Girl is a Half-formed Thing", was published in 2013 after almost a decade of rejections; it went on to win the Women's Prize for Fiction, the Goldsmiths Prize, the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year, the Desmond Elliott Prize and the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize. Eimear published her second novel, "The Lesser Bohemians", in 2016, followed by "Strange Hotel" in 2020 and "The City Changes Its Face" in 2025. She also brought out a work of non-fiction, ⁠"Something Out of Place: Women & Disgust"⁠, in 2021. We spoke to Eimear about her early interest in acting, experimenting with style and "The City Changes Its Face". We've made another update for those ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠who support the podcast on the crowdfunding site Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We've added 40 pages of new material to the package of successful article pitches that goes to anyone who supports the show with $5 per month or more, including new pitches to the New York Times, the Washington Post and the BBC. The whole compendium now runs to a whopping 160 pages. For Patreons who contribute $10/month we're now also releasing bonus mini-episodes. Thanks to our sponsor, Scrivener, the first ten new signs-ups at $10/month will receive a lifelong license to Scrivener worth £55/$59.99 (seven are left). This specialist word-processing software helps you organise long writing projects such as novels, academic papers and even scripts. Other Patreon rewards include signed copies of the podcast book and the opportunity to take part in a monthly call with Simon and Rachel.A new edition of “Always Take Notes: Advice From Some Of The World's Greatest Writers” - a book drawing on our podcast interviews - is available now. The updated version now includes insights from over 100 past guests on the podcast, with new contributions from Harlan Coben, Victoria Hislop, Lee Child, Megan Nolan, Jhumpa Lahiri, Philippa Gregory, Jo Nesbø, Paul Theroux, Hisham Matar and Bettany Hughes. You can order it via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waterstones⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.You can find us online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alwaystakenotes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on Twitter @takenotesalways and on Instagram @alwaystakenotes. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Artemis Irvine. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.

The book is about Chinese literary exiles in California. There's a scandal and a roadtrip as they investigate and look for a mysterious woman who was involved in a murder of one of their friends.

To help us explore the inspiration behind this heartfelt new novel, and what readers can take away from Pip’s journey, John Maytham speaks to Cecelia Ahern, acclaimed Irish novelist. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are you willing to sacrifice for security? Author Cleyvis Natera invites readers to explore this question and more on a breathless seven-day trip to The Grand Paloma Resort, a Dominican Republic luxury resort where White Lotus-esque thriller meets sharp social commentary. As two local girls go missing and a hurricane approaches, sisters Laura and Elena live and work amidst stark class distinctions. The resort siphons water for lush gardens while local communities face drought, tourists operate under systems of private justice, and staff navigate knotty power dynamics for survival. Join host Katie Fogarty and Natera as they wander The Grand Paloma and explore the complexities of midlife: are we obligated to take responsibility for others, what is the moral cost of compromises for security, and how to thread the delicate balance between protecting those we love and allowing them autonomy. Bonus! We also crack open Natera's critically acclaimed debut Neruda on the Park, uncover how aspiring authors can get the most out of writing workshops, and discover why Natera credits "getting lost" as essential to building a creative, values-driven midlife. FOLLOW A CERTAIN AGE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET INBOX INSPO: Sign up for our newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AGE BOLDLY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We share new episodes, giveaways, links we love, and midlife resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik speaks with Joni Marie Iraci—a registered nurse turned award-winning novelist—about late-life reinvention, earning an MFA in her 60s, and the craft behind her thriller Vatican Daughter. Joni breaks down how life experience fuels better storytelling, why continuing education can restart a creative career, and how rigorous research (including miles of walking Rome) elevates fiction. We also discuss mindset shifts from “victim” to “survivor,” practical marketing realities for authors, and how to keep your brain—and courage—active at any age. This is a direct, no-fluff playbook for midlife career change, creative discipline, and purpose.   About the guest:   Joni Marie Iraci is an author and former registered nurse who returned to college later in life, graduated from Sarah Lawrence, and earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. She writes page-turning, research-rich fiction centered on resilient women, including Vatican Daughter.   Key takeaways: It's not “too late”: returning to school and embracing new work in your 50s–60s can accelerate creative growth. Leverage lived experience—humor, perspective, and resilience—to write more authentic stories. Practical path: continuing-education programs, steady writing practice, and peer feedback (younger peers can also help with tech). Research that breathes: site walks in Rome/Venice and primary-source study make settings feel real. Fact in fiction: historical events (e.g., 19th-century papal kidnappings) can inform compelling plots when handled responsibly. Craft note: give readers “reprieve scenes” (food, place, texture) to balance thriller intensity. Marketing is work: social media, endorsements, and reader outreach are part of an author's job. Mindset shift: write women who survive, not women defined by victimhood. Community matters: mentorship for emerging writers and asking boldly (blurbs, intros) opens doors. Cognitive wellness: keep learning, reading, and creating to sustain a sharp, purposeful mind.   How to connect with Joni   Website/contact form: Joni mentioned listeners can reach her via the contact page on her official author website - https://www.jonimarieiraci.com/  (search “Joni Marie Iraci” to find it). Books: Look up Vatican Daughter by Joni Marie Iraci on your preferred retailer.   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik   Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.   Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on: • Mental Health & Emotional Well-being• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.

Join debut novelist Carrie Birde author of A Small Tale of Uncommon Grace  (Blydyn Square Books) as she discusses her creative process, her road to publication, and the unique spiritual and artistic practices that help her transmute suffering—her own and the world's—into daily acts of beauty. A literary fairy tale, her novel explores themes of community, connection, and communication. Carrie shares her personal rituals, including yoga, Qigong, and creating paper cranes, which help her manage anxiety and connect with her environment. She offers advice for aspiring writers to stay true to their heart and maintain a sense of aliveness in their creativity.Carrie is a poet, fiction writer, artist, and amateur photographer. Like many characters in those stories, she has personal friendships with wild animals, especially birds, who know her by face. I also interviewed Carrie in written format on Substack where she further explored these topics. I hope you enjoy this heartfelt interview about things ordinary and extraordinary. Attend Carrie's virtual book launch Friday, September 19, 2025, 7:00pm via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84707033106. Attend her live event at the Boonton Coffee House Saturday, Octboer 11, 2025 at 7pm. Learn more about her work at CarrieBirde.com. Follow her on Instagram.Support the showHost: Tess CallahanSubstack: Writers at the WellInterview Podcast: Writers at the WellMeditations on Insight TimerMeditations on YouTubeTess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd ClarkAudio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening!DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

John Dedakis spent 45 years in journalism—including 25 years at CNN, where he interviewed presidents, covered the White House, and even got tear-gassed during a riot. But behind the headlines is a personal journey marked by profound loss—losing a sister to suicide and a son to a heroin overdose.Out of those experiences, Dedakis has written six acclaimed political thrillers featuring his strong-willed protagonist, Lark Chadwick. His novels weave together the grit of journalism and the raw reality of grief, offering stories that are as powerful as they are personal.In this conversation, John opens up about:How journalism shaped his fiction writingThe role grief plays in creativity and healingThe decade-long grind to land his first publishing dealHis second career as a writing coach and mentorIf you've ever wondered how personal pain can fuel purposeful storytelling, this episode is a must-watch.https://johndedakis.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don't miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

PREVIEW: Jim McTague, former Washington editor of Barron's and now a Lancaster novelist, investigates signs of an economic slowdown. Despite national press reports, he hasn't found significant evidence locally. Interviewing "Phil the painter," McTague learned his workload remained consistently busy for five years. While some Lancaster business segments experience moderated foot traffic, potentially seasonal, the only clear slowdown sign McTague observes is in housing, where prices are being cut for the first time since 2021, suggesting a localized or nascent shift. 1913 GETTYSBURGH REUNION.

Episode #99 – John DeDakis: From White House Press Room to Novels & Edits In this episode, I talk with John DeDakis — former White House correspondent, longtime journalist, editor at CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, now novelist, writing coach, and editor. We unpack what it means to tell stories in news versus fiction, the hard lessons behind writing & rewriting, and how editing makes (or breaks) everything. We cover: ·         What it was like being a White House correspondent (including covering presidents, handling fast-breaking political stories) ·         Working in newsrooms, particularly editing for CNN's The Situation Room and what senior copy editing taught him about clarity, deadlines, and truth in storytelling ·         How John made the jump from journalism to fiction: his first novel, the process, revisions, the rejections, and ultimately getting published ·         The importance of editing: in journalism, in novels, in shaping story structure, voice, pacing — how a good editor or self-editing can elevate a work significantly  About John DeDakis ·         Former White House correspondent (during Reagan administration) ·         Senior Copy Editor on CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer ·         Author of six mystery/suspense/thriller novels in the Lark Chadwick series, including Fast Track, Bluff, Troubled Water, Bullet in the Chamber, Fake, Enemies Domestic. ·         Writing coach and manuscript editor; leads workshops; teaches novel writing at literary centers/conferences. What you'll get out of this episode ·         Insights into how journalism and fiction intersect — what lessons from news help with writing novels ·         Real talk about rejection, rewriting, and patience in creative work ·         A picture of how editing isn't just polishing, but deeply structural: voice, pace, truth, character, etc. ·         Inspiration if you're a writer in transition, or thinking about how to build authenticity and ethical foundations into your work https://johndedakis.com/ The podcast I am trying to remember the name of is Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell

Writer's Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. Episode Summary This episode of Writer's Voice explores two inspiring approaches to building a more just and compassionate world. It’s part of September’s WV programming in honor of Climate Week. Two nationwide mobilizations are happening for Climate Week: Make Billionaires Pay and Sun Day. … Continue reading HOLY GROUND & A YEAR OF COMPASSION: Catherine Coleman Flowers and Colleen Patrick-Goudreau on Justice, Hope, and Living Kindly →

For decades thousands of pregnant women across the UK were prescribed the drug Diethlystilbestrol or DES, a synthetic hormone that was meant to help prevent miscarriage. But the drug left a legacy of life-altering health problems for some of their children, including infertility and rare cancers. Anita Rani speaks to ITV Social Affairs Correspondent Sarah Corker who has investigated what they are calling a medical scandal that continues to devastate lives, talking to the women who say more must be done to help those exposed to the drug as new concerns emerge over the impact of DES on a third generation.   Author Heather Morris wrote The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which went on to become one of the bestselling books of the 21st century. Her new novel, The Wish, follows Jesse, a 15-year-old with terminal leukaemia who wants to have a digital 3D recreation of her life for her family and friends. To accomplish this, she connects with Alex, a lonely CGI designer. The book explores their unlikely friendship and its impact on both of their lives. Heather joins Anita to talk about mortality, family, healing through connection and what it means to be remembered.Last week we heard from three women who have had a loved one take their own life. They spoke honestly and movingly about what happened to them in the immediate and long term aftermath of such a loss. Today we are taking a look at the historical context of suicide. Anita speaks to BBC New Generation thinker Dr Stephanie Brown, who is Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Hull and doing research in this area. In 2023 Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder on the Dancefloor went viral on TikTok after Emerald Fennell used it in a key scene in the film, Saltburn. That resurgence, along with her popular Kitchen Discos that got lots of us through the lockdown set the scene for her bravely titled new album, Perimenopop, which is released tomorrow, a celebration of womanhood in middle age. Sophie joins Anita in the Woman's Hour studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Andrew Jedlicka is the Founder of The Andrew Frank Group, LLC, in which he has been a booking agent and marketing business manager for celebrities and influencers since 2019. Before the Andrew Frank Group, Andrew worked on Wall Street in the financial services sector for companies like Citigroup. Andrew is on an advisory committee at Mercy University in New York City, and is an adjunct professor at New York University for graduate-level business courses. Andrew has an MBA in International Business and a BBA in Business Management from Hofstra University-Frank G. Zarb School of Business. James McCusker is an award-winning author from the Atlantic City area of New Jersey. His first book, Atlantic City Nights, an epic crime drama, was published in 2013 by Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing. Since then, he has published 3 other novels (Left in the Sand, Black McCool and The Edge) in addition to 5 children's stories in a 10-year span. His latest work, The Edge, a mystery thriller, won the PenCraft Authors award in 2023 in the Fiction-Drama category. James is a 2009 graduate of Delaware Valley University. In addition to being a full-time writer, James is a top-performing and award-winning sales executive in the IT staffing industry, working with mid-market and enterprise-level companies in the Philadelphia and New York City metro areas.

Novelist and poet, Ocean Vuong, traces his family's path from Vietnam to a refugee camp in the Philippines to a new life in Connecticut. He reflects on the beauty and the brutality of American fast food, and how long days on a tobacco farm shaped both his writing and his sense of self. Plus, he shares his family's recipe for canh chua—a delicious Vietnamese soup that's less time-intensive than pho! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nancy Sheed, host of HAYVN Hubcast talks with author Betsy Lerner, and she takes us from blue pencils and slush piles to BookTok and bestsellers. She shares how she moved from editorial roles at major houses to agenting for the flexibility publishing didn't offer at the time, and how that entrepreneurial leap paid off.  We get her “discoverability” playbook (from magazine racks on the streets of New York to TikTok), candid advice on today's path to publication, the backstory of Shred Sisters, and her refreshingly practical mindset on rejection: don't dwell on no, keep looking for the yes. Nancy's conversation with Betsy covers:  Breaking into publishing (then vs. now): The traditional path runs through a literary agent, and today, platform, credentials, or media access often matter (especially in nonfiction). Fiction still benefits from strong pedigree and publication credits. From editor to agent: Betsy left editorial for agenting to gain flexibility while raising a child. She brought authors she'd developed as an editor, pairing editorial instincts with a builder's mindset. Talent discovery, old-school and new: Pre-internet, she scoured magazine racks to spot compelling voices, famously writing to “Merlin” (Neil deGrasse Tyson) after seeing his cosmos cartoons. Today, she finds serious experts on TikTok and checks longer-form writing (e.g., Substack) to validate voice. TikTok is not just “kids dancing”: BookTok (and STEM talk) hosts passionate, informed communities that genuinely move book sales these days. Consistency and a clear “lane” matter; think of it as your own channel. Creating Shred Sisters: After an intensive nonfiction collaboration with Temple Grandin, Betsy unexpectedly drafted her novel over seven months during COVID, then spent two years revising. The story was fueled by profound personal losses and deepened bonds with her sisters. Thick skin required: Even as a well-known agent, Betsy got rejections on her novel and emphasizes not getting mired in the “no.” You only need the right “yes.” Connect with Betsy The Forest for the Trees: An Editors Advice to Writers Website TikTok Connect with Nancy LinkedIn  Instagram Website

Writer's Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. Episode Summary In this episode of Writer's Voice, we explore the lives and legacies of two giants—Charles Dickens and Plato—through the eyes of authors who reveal new dimensions of their work. Cultural historian Peter Conrad tells us about his biography, Dickens the Enchanter: Dickens … Continue reading Dickens the Enchanter & Plato and the Tyrant: Peter Conrad and James Romm on Imagination, Power, and Authoritarianism →

September 4, 2025 Hello and Happy Day! This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, Novelist and Life Coach, welcoming you to another episode of Winning with the Word. Today is Thursday, September 4, 2025, and this is episode #16 in Series 2025. This episode is titled, "The Time of Jacob's Trouble Is Near." Before we get into our message for this week, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers around the world. By the grace of God, Winning with the Word now reaches 85 countries all over the globe! Praise the Lord and glory to God!I want you to know how much I appreciate your support, and I trust that Winning with the Word blesses you and encourages you during these difficult end times. Please share this podcast and blog with your family and friends. I would love to bless them and encourage them as well.Now on to our message for this week, which, by the way is especially for all of my Jewish friends out there. If you are not Jewish, please pass this podcast on to your Jewish friends and acquaintances. Thank you!So, what is the time of Jacob's trouble? This phrase first appears in the Book of Jeremiah, an Old Covenant (or Old Testament) prophet who lived from about 650 BC to 570 BC. He was a prophet during the latter decades of the Kingdom of Judah, and his ministry continued until after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.Referring to the time of Jacob's trouble, Jeremiah wrote the following in chapter 30, verse 7, of his prophetic book: "In all history there has never been such a time of terror. It will be a time of trouble for my people Israel. Yet in the end they will be saved." The time of Jacob's trouble is a seven-year period of intense suffering and torture under the brutal dictatorship of the AntiChrist. It is also called "the 70th week of Daniel" in the prophetic Old Testament book written by the prophet Daniel. I say this with all due respect, but the time of Jacob's Trouble will make the Holocaust look like a picnic."Jacob" in the phrase "the time of Jacob's trouble" includes the entire nation of Israel, comprising both the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel. When Jeremiah wrote his prophecy, Israel was in a time of great turmoil. The northern kingdom had already been captured by the Assyrians, and the southern kingdom of Judah was on the verge of being sent into captivity to Babylon because of their disobedience to the Lord's commands. Two Levels of InterpretationBut Jeremiah's prophecy had not only an immediate meaning for the Jewish people living during his time; it also has a prophetic meaning for the Jewish people of our day. This dual level of interpretation means that the Babylonian captivity and other horrendous persecutions of the Jews, such as the Holocaust, served as types of the ultimate pouring out of God's wrath on His people for their continual rebellion in not recognizing Jesus Christ as their Messiah.Jesus Himself also referred to the time of Jacob's trouble in Matthew 24: 21 BLB: "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, and never shall be."The purpose of the seven-year tribulation is to punish the Jews and all non-believers for rejecting Jesus Christ as the true Messiah. In the end, one-third of the Jews will finally acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah and will be saved.Whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, there is only one way to be saved. And that way is by acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died to take the punishment for our sin upon His shoulders, and that He rose from the dead. There is no other way. Buddha cannot save you. Mohammed cannot save you. Hare Krishna cannot save you. No false god or false belief system can save you. Only Jesus Christ can save you.He Himself said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Won't you hear His call to you now? Won't You receive Him as Your Savior and Lord before it is too l...

A new thriller follows Lottie Jones, a retired serial killer, thought she left her life of crime behind but is forced to revisit her actions after details of her past resurface. Novelist Samantha Downing joins us to discuss her latest book, titled Too Old for This.

Most writers dream of quitting their jobs to write full-time. But here's the twist: many of the greatest authors did their best work while juggling day jobs.In this episode, we'll dive into the stories of famous writers who turned paychecks into pages, and how you can, too. Episode Web PageNot sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple steps. You'll walk away with a one-sentence premise you can build your entire book on, and the clarity and confidence to keep going.Download Your Quick Guide HereWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Irish Novelist Naoise Dolan is among those taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla setting sail this week in an attempt to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and deliver aid. Naoise explained to why she is taking part to Ciara this morning.

Michelle Shocklee is the author of several historical novels, including All We Thought We Knew; Count the Nights by Stars, a Christianity Today fiction book award winner; and Under the Tulip Tree, a Christy and Selah Awards finalist. Her work has been featured in numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books, magazines, and blogs. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of two grown sons, she makes her home in Tennessee, not far from the historical sites she writes about.Make sure to connect on Instagram with @michelleshocklee

Writer's Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. Episode Summary This episode of Writer's Voice brings you two powerful stories of women adventurers who forged their paths in male-dominated outdoor sports. Bridget Crocker's memoir River's Daughter is a story of trauma and healing, rooted in her lifelong connection to rivers. From childhood … Continue reading Breaking Barriers in the Wild: Bridget Crocker on RIVER'S DAUGHTER & Cassidy Randall on THIRTY BELOW →

Egyptian Diplomat turned prize winning Novelist, Ezzedine Fishere offers his path out of the "Israel-estine" nightmare. https://youtu.be/vJDDmZ7j4xA

[REBROADCAST FROM May 5, 2025] Chilean novelist Isabel Allende discusses her latest novel, My Name is Emilia del Valle. The story follows a young journalist who becomes caught up in the Chilean Civil War.

In the spotlight is Vauhini Vara — writer, journalist, editor, fiction writer, essayist and playwright. Her debut novel, The Immortal King Rao, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Her story collection, This is Salvaged, was longlisted for The Story Prize and the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award. A nonfiction book, Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age, was published earlier this year.She began her journalism career as a technology reporter at the Wall Street Journal and later launched, edited and wrote for the business section of the New Yorker's website. Since then, her writing has also appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, Wired, and elsewhere. She is a Businessweek contributing writer and can sometimes be found working as a story editor at the New York Times Magazine.   Learn more about Vauhini Vara here: https://www.vauhinivara.com/ Novelist Spotlight is produced and hosted by Mike Consol. Check out his novels here: https://snip.ly/yz18no       Write to Mike Consol at novelistspotlight@gmail.com 

August 28, 2025Hello and Happy Day! This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, Novelist and Life Coach, welcoming you to another episode of Winning with the Word. Today is Thursday, August 28, 2025, and this is episode #15 in Series 2025. This episode is titled, “A Discussion on Daniel 9: 27" with Dr. Dom Diorio. Before we get into our message for this week, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers around the world. By the grace of God, Winning with the Word now reaches 85 countries all over the globe! Praise the Lord and glory to God!I want you to know how much I appreciate your support, and I trust that Winning with the Word blesses you and encourages you during these difficult end times. Please share this podcast and blog with your family and friends. I would love to bless them and encourage them as well.Now on to our message for this week.You will be delighted to know that my wonderful husband is back as a podcast guest. Many of you heard him in former podcasts as he spoke on the end times, and today we're going to focus in on Daniel 9: 27.So help me give a warm welcome to Dr. Dom Diorio. Welcome, honey!OK, let's get started. Please tell us, Dr. Dom, why Daniel 9: 27 is so important, especially today? CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE END: If you sincerely prayed this prayer from your heart, you are now a born-again child of God. You have been given an inheritance by God Himself that includes hope, peace, and joy. Write to me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com, and I will send you a free PDF e-booklet titled After You're Born Again. In case you are not aware, I write heart-mending fiction that deals with the deepest issues of life. In my stories you will find characters just like you who struggle with what look like impossible problems and situations. Check out my books at my online bookstore at shop.maryanndiorio.com. That's shop.maryanndiorio.com. My featured book for this week is titled The Rabbi and Mrs. Goldstein. This powerfully moving novel recounts the story of a 19th-century rabbi's wife who accepts Yeshua as the Messiah and faces her husband's wrath in the form of divorce, destruction, and death. You can get your copy at the link provided HERE.I also invite you to visit me on my other blog, The Relationship Road. There you will find valuable information on creating and cultivating healthful relationships based on God's Word.Winning with the Word is available on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast venues as well as on YouTube. Check out my YouTube channel at youtube.com/drmaryanndiorio.Until next time, remember that God loves you just as you are and just where you are. Yet He doesn't want to keep you there. As you live in Him, He will help you to keep on winning with the Word.________________________________________________________________Copyright 2025 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved. I also invite you to visit me on my other blog, The Relationship Road. There you will find valuable information on creating and cultivating healthful relationships based on God's Word.Winning with the Word is available on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast venues as well as on YouTube. Check out my YouTube channel at youtube.com/drmaryanndiorio.Until next time, remember that God loves you just as you are and just where you are. Yet He doesn't want to keep you there. As you live in Him, He will help you to keep on winning with the Word. SUBSCRIBE HERE to Winning with the WordSUBSCRIBE HERE to The Relationship RoadVISIT MARYANN'S BOOKSHOP ________________________________________Copyright 2025 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved.

Novelist and short story writer Marian Thurm joins Zibby to discuss I DON'T KNOW HOW TO TELL YOU THIS, a touching and quirkily humorous book about a family court judge navigating complex cases in the courtroom and the heartbreaking decline of her brilliant husband. Marian shares the deeply personal inspiration for the book, including her parents' struggles with dementia, and opens up about the two decades it took to bring this novel to life. She also reflects on her early career, her first publication in The New Yorker, and the surprising role persistence, luck, and motherhood have played in shaping her journey.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45AXw1KShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (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.

The great Egyptian writer Sonallah Ibrahim passed away earlier this month. Several years ago, we discussed his novel Warda – the story of a female fighter in the 1960s and 70s Dhofar rebellion in Oman, and of the Egyptian intellectual who, decades later, tries to solve the mystery of what happened to her. We discuss the vibrant and mysterious female character at the heart of one of Ibrahim's most ambitious literary projects with scholar, editor and translator Hosam Aboul-ela. As Aboul-ela writes in his introduction to his new translation, Warda is someone who “somehow manages to embody both the historical and the unimaginable.” Show Notes: Hosam Aboul-ela is a professor of English at the University of Houston and the editor of the Arabic list at Seagull Books, an award-winning Kolkata-based publisher. Ibrahim's first novel, That Smell, and his prison diaries, have been published in a single volume, trans. Robyn Creswell, from New Directions. Warda is available, in Hosam Abou-ela's translation, from Yale University Press.Hosam's translation of Sonallah Ibrahim's Stealth is available from New Directions.Sonallah Ibrahim's Zaat, in Tony Calderbank's translation, is, unfortunately, out of print. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten child protection organisations have written an urgent letter to the home secretary expressing concern over the omission of child sexual abuse from the upcoming government strategy on violence against women and girls. A draft version of the strategy, due to be published in September, was leaked to Sky News's Mollie Malone, who first broke the story. She joins Nuala McGovern, along with Anna Edmundson from the NSPCC, one of the organisations that signed the letter.Miriam Robinson's debut novel And Notre Dame is Burning tells how Esther, a mother, tries to pick up the pieces of her life after a miscarriage - while her marriage falls apart. It is written in short bursts, in fragments of notes and letters. Miriam joins Nuala to talk about the female experience of losing a baby, betrayal, break-ups and moving on.It's a love story, Taylor just said yes! Pop superstar Taylor Swift is engaged to her American footballer boyfriend Travis Kelce. In photos, which have been liked more than 18 million times, the pair are surrounded by roses, delphiniums and hydrangeas. Taylor's love life has been the inspiration for a huge amount of her music, and the subject of tabloid speculation for years. What does this moment mean and how could it impact her music? Joining Nuala to discuss is freelance journalist and author Olivia Petter and Guardian Deputy Music Editor Laura Barton. With maternity services stretched across the UK, a new startup called Kove aims to address some of the problems in midwifery by providing a pay-as-you-go service at £180 per hour. But why are women opting for private care, and is it a good idea? Nuala talks to Kove co-founder Alakina Mann and NHS midwife and author Leah Hazard. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Join novelist Paula Saunders as she discusses her moving autobiographical novel Starting from Here, just out from Penguin Random House. A stand-alone sequel to The Distance Home, the novel follows 15-year old René through the challenges of adolescence within the pressure cooker of cultural and socioeconomic stressors. Saunders draws from her own experiences as a ballet dancer. A long-time practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, she shares how a Catholic nun introduced her to the work of Thich Nhat Hanh. Paula describes how writing has helped her integrate the past, and instilled in her a more compassionate relationship to her younger self and her family of origin.Paula grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota. She is a graduate of the Syracuse University creative writing program and was awarded a postgraduate Albert Schweitzer Fellowship at SUNY Albany, under Schweitzer chair Toni Morrison. Her first book, The Distance Home, was longlisted for The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and named one of the best books of the year by Real Simple. She lives in California with her husband. They have two grown daughters.Learn more about her work at paulasaundersbooks.com. Support the showHost: Tess CallahanSubstack: Writers at the WellInterview Podcast: Writers at the WellMeditations on Insight TimerMeditations on YouTubeTess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd ClarkAudio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening!DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

In honor of 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments from her conversations with some of the most celebrated voices in graphic storytelling—Chris Ware, Alison Bechdel, Roz Chast, Seth, and Lynda Barry. This special retrospective highlights the artistry, humor, and humanity of five groundbreaking creators whose work has transformed the world of comics and beyond.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Renee Blodgett, author of the book Magdalene's Journey. Novelist, curator, humanitarian, conscious business leader and modern mystic Renee Blodgett has lived multiple lives in one. Having traveled around the world, she has plenty of stories to share, from riding elephants in the Indian jungle and photographing polar bears in northern Canada to teaching English in Kenya, exploring glaciers in Iceland and selling kilims in Turkey. She has lived in eleven countries, including South Africa during Apartheid and the Gaza Strip.   Her multicultural background and years of experience as a communications strategist have led to a career of uplifting others through content, speaking, coaching and leading. Known as a master of storytelling, she has written for several magazines, blog networks, the Huffington Post, and her own award-winning online travel magazine, We Blog the World, which reaches over a half million reach globally. Her love of diversity and the visual arts has resulted in five photo books, her serving as a Travel & Leisure judge and spearheading content for TEDxUN, the only TEDx event held at the United Nations (UN).  She has also been the curator and producer of TEDxBerkeley for the last 12 years, one of the largest TEDx events in the United States.   CEO World Magazine voted her one of the most powerful women in social media, she was listed as a top social media influencer by both Forbes and the UN, and her blog has won numerous industry awards. She was selected as a top 10 Social Media Mentor by Women Online Magazine, an AlwaysOn Top 150 Business Journalist and a Shorty Awards Business Influencer finalist. A passionate photographer, she has published six photo books on nature, culture and travel. She has shot top names in the technology and entertainment industries, such as Steve Jobs, Freeman Dyson, Tony Robbins, Robin Williams, John Legend, Elvis Costello, Lionel Ritchie, John Perry Barlow, and dozens more.   Renee also co-founded Blue Soul Earth with her partner, where they help others through books, digital content, retreats and membership programs that focus on heart-centered living, universal consciousness, masculine and feminine balance, and connecting to the inherent beauty and power of our human existence. Their bestselling book Magdalene's Journey, which blends science and spirituality, invites people to re-think our patriarchal-dictated history through a pivotal woman's eyes.   In Carole's book review, she stated:   Whatever stories and teachings you've heard of Early Christianity, Magdalene's Journey by Renee Blodgett and Anthony Compagnone, a historical fiction, will make you wonder if there isn't another truth. The authors introduce us to Angelo and Rochelle, an unsuspecting married couple who loved to explore ancient and esoteric wisdom across all cultures. Little did they know they would meet two ancient souls, who would turn their lives upside down. It all began one night when the words, “My name is Miriam of Magdala,” came out of the mouth of Angelo. His voice had changed, and Rochelle responded with, “Mary Magdalene!”   Magdalene's Journey channels people who once lived and walked the planet, along with real settings in terms of time and place. This well-written narrative moves from one story to the next with accounts of the lives of Jesus of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene. It guides us through how she taught alongside Jesus, their marriage, and the water birth of their daughter Sarah.   It chronicles how the seven female apostles who travelled with Mary by sea to the north after the death and resurrection of Jesus. We learn how they dealt with finding food, clothing, and shelter, and their part in the water birth of Mary's daughter.   This page turner is like a blueprint worth studying.   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Renee Blodgett Website: www.bluesoulmedia.com FB: @bluesoulearth IG: @magdalenesjourney X: @bluesoulearth LinkedIn: @Renee Blodgett   Purchase Magdalene's Journey on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/44WN0TH Ebook: https://amzn.to/473Kzju   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors   #reneeblodgett #magdalenesjourney #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Crime novelist and former Columbus Dispatch reporter Robin Yocum joins us to discuss his book The Last Hitman. Plus host Christopher Purdy and guests as they discuss books and offer their recommendations for your next book club selection or nightstand read.

[REBROADCAST FROM May 14, 2025] Celebrated poet and author Ocean Vuong discusses his new novel, The Emperor of Gladness. It follows the relationship between a young man and an elderly woman who meet after the man's suicide attempt. 

This week, we're joined by graphic novelist Orpheus Collar to discuss his work adapting the Riordanverse! Discussion topics may include: the design process, illustrating Tartarus, creating detailed environments, archeology, favorite scenes, the act of adaptation, and looking to the fans.You can find Orpheus on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/orpheuscollar/Check us out on Patreon to submit questions for future interviews, and to get early episodes, cut material, art previews, and more! https://www.patreon.com/MonsterDonutPodcastHave a question? Want to contribute your own analysis? Feel like arguing? Email monsterdonutpodcast@gmail.com.Come say hi and check out the sketches Phoebe made this episode on Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok! @PJOPod on all platforms.Find our new Monster Donut merch here!: https://www.redbubble.com/people/monsterdonut/explore.More information on the show can be found at https://monsterdonut.wixsite.com/podcast.THEME SONG:"The Mask of Sorokin," music and arrangement by Dan CordeGuitars - Dan CordeBass - Quinten MetkeDrums - Todd CummingsRecorded, mixed, & mastered by Todd CummingsOUTRO MUSIC:"Shadow Run," music and arrangement by Dan CordeGuitars - Dan CordeBass - Quinten MetkeDrums - Todd CummingsRecorded, mixed, & mastered by Todd Cummings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside the mind of a firefighter-turned-author who survived 9/11 and now writes to heal, remember, and educate.   We're honored to welcome Andrew Serra, retired FDNY captain and the powerful voice behind Hell's Hundred Acres and Finding John, to the Tactical Living Podcast.   After 25 years on the front lines of New York City's Fire Department—including his time as a responder and recovery worker during 9/11—Andrew turned to the written word as a means of processing pain, honoring the past, and shedding light on forgotten chapters of American history.  

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Sydney Pruett, a therapist who helps authors make their characters (fiction and nonfiction) psychologically compelling and consistent.00:00 Opening ThoughtsWriterCon is almost here! Come join the best writers conference in the Southwest. Over 60 speakers, over 100 breakout sessions covering every aspect of the writing life, craft, agents, publishers, marketing, and more. Pitching, consults, manuscript reviews, and much more. It is NOT too late to register. For more info, visit: www.writercon.com03:41 News1) Audiobook Walking Clubs Gain Popularity2) Fan Fiction Leads to Controversial Online Chatter13:07 Craft CornerJon Meyers talks about the vaue of writers conferences—and his upcoming MasterClass on memoir.18:18 Interview with Sydney Pruett30:25 Parting WordsHave I said this already? Come join us at WriterCon! www.writercon.com

The world watches as President Trump meets with Russian President Vladmir Putin in a high stakes summit in Alaska to discuss the future of the Ukraine War. Michael Savage speaks with Jeff Rovin, a renowned novelist behind some of the top selling Tom Clancy novels. Savage and Rovin speculate on how the war will come to an end. They discuss Rovin's 2017 novel 'The Dark Zone,' which eerily predicted the invasion of Ukraine. The conversation delves into historical comparisons, including Vladimir Putin's desire to reassemble the Soviet Union and the impacts of political moves, as seen in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Additionally, the discussion touches on misinformation, the difficulty of separating propaganda from reality, and the influence of media narratives. They also reflect on the societal and psychological effects of continuous global crises, including the parallels with past fears during the Cold War era.

Acclaimed debut novelist and English Professor Priscilla Morris spoke to me about finding her voice, and the germ of an idea that became her labor of love, acclaimed debut novel BLACK BUTTERFLIES. Priscilla Morris is a British author and lecturer whose debut novel, Black Butterflies, was shortlisted for a number of major awards. Critics described Black Butterflies as “a story of strife and hope set during the conflict in the Balkans in the early '90s,” and it was shortlisted in 2023 for: the Women's Prize for Fiction, the RSL Ondaatje Prize, among others, and chosen as an Indie Fiction Book of the Month. Black Butterflies is a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize 2025 (winners to be announced in September). Priscilla teaches creative writing in Ireland and studied Spanish, Italian and social anthropology at Cambridge University and creative writing at the University of East Anglia, where she earned her PhD. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you're a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Priscilla Morris and I discussed: How her Grandfather's funeral planted the seed that became her novel Why art helps overcome the tragedies of war Writing a love letter to the place she spent a part of her formative childhood How to cultivate a balanced disposition toward your work over time Why writing is a long game And a lot more! Show Notes: priscillamorris.org Black Butterflies: A Novel by Priscilla Morris (Amazon) Priscilla Morris on Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Novelist Jordan Harper discusses his favorite film adaptations with Josh Olson and Joe Dante. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices