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We often say it's important for a person to be "authentic," but what does that mean? Why is that necessarily a good thing? In this episode, Jacke talks to author Hadley Suter (Becoming Stendhal: The Performance of Authenticity and the Making of a Novelist) about the French novelist Stendhal (1783-1842) and his classic realist novels The Charterhouse of Parma and The Red and the Black. Writing in the aftermath of the French Revolution, when individuals suddenly found themselves with the opportunity to become someone new, Stendhal was acutely aware of the blurred lines between performance and authencity. How did he and his characters figure out who they wanted to be - and what happened when they tried to achieve it? What can their efforts tell us about our own understanding of identity and self-actualization? PLUS Jacke provides a literary tribute to singer-songwriter, actress, celebrity, and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026. On Sale Now! For more information and to order Great Detective! An Adventure for Two People [2-Book Boxed Set] by Jacke Wilson, visit press.historyofliterature.com. SPECIAL OFFER! For a limited time, enter promotion code LOVE26 to get 20% off! And if you help us get the word out by posting two people enjoying the book on social media (plus a link to our website), we will refund money to your account. Learn more at press.historyofliterature.com! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
18114 NAPOLEANLiterary Legacy Of Novelist George SandFiona Sampson, author of Becoming George, Part Two: Sampson discusses French author George Sand (Aurore Dupin), examining her distinct appearance, unconventional attire, and public identity in 19th-century Paris. Sand broke social taboos through her independent lifestyle, extramarital affairs, and progressive writings on women, ecology, and working-class lives. Sampson outlines Sand's complex personal relationships, including her tense dynamic with her daughter Solange, her supportive role for her son Maurice, and her nine-year relationship with composer Frédéric Chopin, whose artistic output she enabled. Additionally, Sampson highlights Sand's deep literary friendship and correspondence with Gustave Flaubert and her enduring influence on modern literature. (6)
1874 MONETLiterary Evolution Of Novelist George SandFiona Sampson, author of Becoming George, explores the life and literary legacy of Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, who became the pioneering nineteenth-century French author George Sand. Sampson traces Sand's upbringing at Nohant, marked by childhood grief, an aristocratic paternal lineage blended with working-class maternal roots, and a formative convent education in Paris. After escaping a brief, unhappy marriage to Casimir Dudevant, Sand established independence in Paris, initially collaborating with Jules Sandeau before achieving immediate solo acclaim with her debut novels Indiana and Lélia. Her writings broke ground by depicting female interiority, challenging traditional marriage institutions, and infusing progressive political idealism into intimate social narratives amidst turbulent French political eras. (6)
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
Critically acclaimed debut novelist Jessica Goldstein spoke with us about her career path from teen mag intern to freelance culture writer, time travel, and her nostalgic debut, RETRO. Jessica M. Goldstein is a journalist, humorist, and longtime contributor to Vulture, where she has recapped ‘Emily in Paris,' ‘Hacks,' ‘Wednesday,' and ‘The White Lotus.' Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Marie Claire, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, and more. Her highly anticipated debut, Retro, is described as “Party Down meets one of those great George Saunders short stories about how weird and dystopian work is. A little White Lotus, a little Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” In a starred review, Kirkus declared the book “a nuanced, biting cautionary tale about how not staying present can erase our very selves.” Jessica also publishes a weekly Substack newsletter, The Retro Report, where she shares vintage mood-based recommendations for what to read, watch, listen to, meditate on, and obsess over. [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 Jessica Goldstein, Milena, and I discussed: The origins of her debut novel and how she snagged an agent Getting long-listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize Her intense nostalgia for the "Before" times Why you need to opt out of the imagined timeline of becoming an author And a lot more! Show Notes: ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web jessicamgoldstein.com retrotheagency.com Retro: A Novel By Jessica Goldstein (Amazon) The Retro Report on Substack Jessica Goldstein on Twitter Jessica Goldstein on Facebook Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Musical Novels. Entertainment of the Future? |Rick NorrisAuthor and Composer of Musical Novels Rick Norris is the award-winning creator, writer, and composer of a new type of reading experience, the musical novel. His Christian Fantasy musical novel series, Angelic Wars, has brought a new dimension of entertainment to the reader with audio tracks of angel characters singing when QR codes or hyperlinks are activated in the stories. He joins us here today to tell us what a musical novel is and why it plunges the reader deeper into his stories.Links:https://www.angelicwars.com/https://www.instagram.com/angelicwarsbook/Tags:podcast for creatives,creative podcast,podcast creator interviews,professional podcast,creative podcasts,podcast host interviews,creative podcast ideas,Author,Christian Fiction,Composer,Musician,Novelist,Songwriter,Support PEG by checking out our Sponsors:Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription.The best tool for getting podcast guests:https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghostSubscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content:https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/Subscribe to our YouTube https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRprRSShttps://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rssSubstackhttps://substack.com/@phantomelectricghost?utm_source=edit-profile-page
Bookwaves/Artwaves is produced and hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Links to assorted local theater & book venues Kate Christensen: Novelist, Essayist, “Good Company,” 2026 Kate Christensen, whose latest novel is titled “Good Company,” in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Kate Christensen is the author of ten novels, including “The Great Man,” which won the PEN/Faulker Award for fiction, Trouble, and Welcom Home, Stranger. She's also written two memoirs along with essays published in a wide variety of publications and anthologies. She has also written a mystery under a pseudonym.. A graduate of the Iowa Writers Workshop, her books focus on contemporary issues such as homophobia, climate change, and specifically in “Good Company,” on misogyny. In thjis interview, she focuses on her writing process, on political issues that find their way into the novel, and on specifics inside the novel. Kate Crhistensen was interviewed on “Bookwaves” in 2009 and this interview picks up where that one left off. This interview was recorded in August, 2026. Review of “The White Chip”, at Marin Theatre through September 20, 2026. The post Bookwaves/Artwaves – Sept. 10, 2026: Kate Christensen, Novelist, Essayist, Memoirist, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.
Kestral Gaian is a novelist, playwright and poet. They tell stories that bend time, break rules, and reach under the surface of things. Two of their six books have been released in the past year, with another young adult novel scheduled to hit shelves soon. Their work explores systems, survival, and the strange beauty of being human. The characters are often outsiders, observers, or soft disruptors. The sort who change the world not through force but through persistence, wit and quiet resistance. Recent publications include: - Tubelines: The Poetry of Motion was written in the tunnels, carriages and platforms of the London Underground. - The Boy from Elsewhere is the first book in their young adult ‘Reality Quake' science fiction series. It includes LGBTQ characters who are strong and unique, is written from multiple perspectives, and takes place in parallel worlds across multiple timelines. On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Kestral about balancing creative experimentation with building creative habits, their focus on writing stories that help the reader feel seen, and the role of purpose in creativity and art. Say hi to Kestral: Website - kestr.al Instagram - @kes.tr.al Mastadon - @kestral----Creative Pulse Podcast socials: Instagram: @creativepulsepodcastMusic credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
What happens when an accomplished creative deliberately becomes a beginner again?On this episode of YOUR WORLD OF CREATIVITY, Mark talks with Seth Panitch, an award-winning actor, playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, director, and theatre educator who has added a new creative identity to his 30-year career: novelist.Seth's WebsiteSeth on YouTube@sethpanitchauthor on InstagramSeth's Facebook pagehttps://www.amazon.com/Antique-Novel-Seth-Panitch-ebook/dp/B0FBLVCVPDSeth's debut novel, Antique, published by Grand Central Publishing in February 2026, follows Grace Schaffer, a once-celebrated antique appraiser whose career, marriage, and sense of identity have fallen apart. When she encounters a mysterious necklace that appears to give her an uncanny ability to predict the value of objects, her journey raises a deeper question: What's the difference between what something is worth—and what we are worth?In this conversation, Mark and Seth explore:Becoming a beginner again — What writing a novel offered Seth that acting, theatre, screenwriting, and filmmaking couldn't, and what he had to learn—or unlearn—to embrace a new creative form.Finding the story behind Antique — How antiques, appraisal, mystery, and magic became the setting for a larger exploration of value, identity, and self-worth.Balancing magic with emotional truth — How Seth uses mystery and the unexplained without losing sight of the very human story at the center of the novel.From stage and screen to the page — How decades of experience with dialogue, pacing, character, and performance shaped Seth's approach to fiction.The artist and the teacher — How leading the MFA Acting Program at the University of Alabama influences Seth's creative practice—and how remaining an active artist shapes the way he teaches.Feedback, rejection, and creative risk — Knowing when outside feedback strengthens the work and when an artist needs to trust their own instincts.Appraising our own creative worth — Separating reviews, sales, awards, rankings, and other external measures from our deeper sense of value as creative people.Seth's journey is a reminder that a creative career doesn't have to be defined by a single medium. Sometimes the next chapter requires stepping away from what we already know, embracing uncertainty, and giving ourselves permission to become beginners again.And perhaps Antique offers a question every creative person can consider: Who gets to determine what our work—and ultimately we ourselves—are worth?Connect with SethLearn more about Seth Panitch and Antique at sethpanitch.com. Antique is available from Grand Central Publishing and wherever books are sold.If you enjoyed this conversation, follow YOUR WORLD OF CREATIVITY on your favorite podcast app, and please rate and review the show. It helps more creative professionals discover these conversations.Until next time, keep unlocking YOUR WORLD OF CREATIVITY.
Today Rachel is joined by 2 authors Rebecca Connolly and Esther Hatch to talk about their new books Pick up the latest swoony read from Esther Hatch, A Most Unfortunate Happenstance https://amzn.to/4gjBl71 (ad) For A Most Enticing Enigma by Rebecca Connolly https://amzn.to/4qVKBC5 More about Esther Hatch https://estherhatch.com/ More about Rebecca Connolly https://www.rebeccaconnolly.com/ Our last interview with Esther https://youtu.be/35T64EEGpKo To hear Esther and Rachel rank PERSUASION movies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YRIpoavJ-Q For another interview with Esther https://youtu.be/-bX7TPTrmYQ All of our book author interviews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj20DGG6Z70&list=PLXv4sBF3mPUDQ54OYA58SSnTBpoc6slo7 Join us over on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Check out our merch: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies Send us your feedback at feedback@hallmarkiespodcast.com Or call +1 (801) 855-6407 Follow Rachel on twitter twitter.com/rachel_reviews Follow Rachel's blog at http://rachelsreviews.net Follow Rachel's Reviews on youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/rachelsreviews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Earlier this summer, I had Tess Chakkalakal, professor of Africana Studies and English at Bowdoin College and author of A Matter of Complexion, a wonderful biography of the writer Charles Chesnutt, on the livestream. That stream was for full subscribers here on the Substack, but today I'm releasing this fascinating conversation for all to enjoy. […]
Kate Christensen, whose latest novel is titled “Good Company,” in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Kate Christensen is the author of ten novels, including “The Great Man,” which won the PEN/Faulker Award for fiction, Trouble, and Welcom Home, Stranger. She's also written two memoirs along with essays published in a wide variety of publications and anthologies. She has also written a mystery under a pseudonym.. A graduate of the Iowa Writers Workshop, her books focus on contemporary issues such as homophobia, climate change, and specifically in “Good Company,” on misogyny. In thjis interview, she focuses on her writing process, on political issues that find their way into the novel, and on specifics inside the novel. Kate Crhistensen was interviewed on “Bookwaves” in 2009 and this interview picks up where that one left off. This interview was recorded in August, 2026. The post Kate Christensen, Novelist, Essayist, Memoirist, “Good Company,” 2026 appeared first on KPFA.
On today's show, international bestselling author Isabel Allende chats with Host Jeneé Darden about her latest book “Story Telling: A Writing Life,” her writing process and why she wrote a book that include advice for writers. Then, Oakland horror author Cynthia Gómez transports readers back to 1968 in her story about an Oakland Latina witch, whose caretaking for a rich, Orinda woman that has been cursed to be immobile and silent like a doll. Oh and the two have romantic feelings for each other.
This episode originally aired on Sept. 12, 2023. Novelist, screenwriter, producer and publisher Lee Goldberg knows what it is to work in collaboration. He has helped to write and produce a number of television shows, including "seaQuest" and "Monk," and he also served as a supervising producer and executive producer of the long-running series "Diagnosis Murder," starring Dick Van Dyke. While working on "Monk" and "Diagnosis Murder," he wrote several original tie-in novels based on those series. Lee is also an accomplished storyteller in his own right—the author of nearly 40 novels, including Lost Hills, True Fiction, and the first five books in the Fox & O'Hare series, written with best-selling mystery novelist Janet Evanovich. His book Malibu Burning, tells the story of an elaborate heist staged in the middle of a raging California wildfire, including two additional books, Calico and Dream Town. Since this interview kicked off our third season, Lee has released a number of books, including Fallen Star and the just-published thriller Murder by Design. His forthcoming novel Split Screen, the seventh novel in his popular Eve Ronin series, is now available for preorder. Note: during our conversation, talked turned to one of Daniel Paisner's long ago book projects, in which our As Told To host chronicled the making (and unmaking) of a CBS sitcom pilot. Lee, a student of all things television who just happened to have his own publishing imprint, was intrigued, and subsequently rescued the book, originally entitled Horizontal Hold, from the scrap-heap of out-of-print books. Under his Cutting Edge Books imprint, he reissued the book with a new title—Show—and a new introduction, and we humbly suggest you check it out. Join us for a fun and informative conversation on what it means to work in and around television, and how it is that one writer has been able to capture the imagination of audiences in a variety of mediums. Please support the sponsors who support our show: Ritani Jewelers Daniel Paisner's Balloon Dog Daniel Paisner's SHOW: The Making and Unmaking of a Network Television Pilot Heaven Help Us by John Kasich Unforgiving: Lessons from the Fall by Lindsey Jacobellis Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Libro.fm (ASTOLDTO) | 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 when you start your membership Film Freaks Forever! podcast, hosted by Mark Jordan Legan and Phoef Sutton Everyday Shakespeare podcast A Mighty Blaze podcast The Writer's Bone Podcast Network Misfits Market (WRITERSBONE) | $15 off your first order Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Wizard Pins (WRITERSBONE) | 20% discount
John Vorhaus is making his third appearance on StoryBeat. John is best known for his classic comedy-writing book, The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny Even if You're Not.At last count, he's taught and trained writers in 40 countries on six continents, and created TV shows of his own in Nicaragua, Romania and elsewhere. His writing credits include dozens of teleplays and screenplays, plus seven novels and more than two dozen works of non-fiction.John's latest books are The Book of Practice: How to do Better What You Want to do Well and The Comedy Writer's Companion. I've read all three of these books and can highly recommend them to anyone who is thinking about writing comedy or in the middle of doing so. We'll chat more today about The Comedy Writers Companion, which I find to be highly helpful when working on funny stories and scripts.
Simon and Rachel speak to the novelist and non-fiction writer Matt Haig. Matt's work includes the novels "The Humans", "How to Stop Time" and "The Midnight Library", the last of which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and spent 52 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. He has also written several children's books including "A Boy Called Christmas", which became a feature film starring Maggie Smith, Sally Hawkins and Jim Broadbent. Matt's non-fiction works include the memoir "Reasons to Stay Alive", which spent 46 weeks in the British top ten, and "The Comfort Book". His work has been translated into over 50 languages. We spoke to Matt about his early struggles as a literary novelist, writing about depression in "Reasons to Stay Alive", and his new novel, "The Midnight Train". In addition to the standard audio format, the podcast is now available in video. You can check us out on YouTube under Always Take Notes. We've also made (yet) another update for those who support the podcast on the crowdfunding site Patreon. We've added a further 70 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 Yorker, Bloomberg Businessweek, and the Guardian Long Read. The whole compendium now runs to a magisterial 230 pages. For Patreons who contribute $10/month we're now also releasing bonus mini-episodes. Other Patreon rewards include signed copies of the podcast book and the opportunity to take part in a 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Australian bestselling author Kandy Shepherd joins Samantha Tennant for a wide-ranging conversation on writing, life, and what it means to stay in love with your characters for twenty-five books. Kandy — a former editor in chief who once ran a magazine with three million readers — talks about the career pivot that brought her to Harlequin Mills & Boon, the craft lessons journalism never let her forget, and the philosophy behind her fiction: characters aren't characters, they're people. She also dives into her latest release, Stuck With Her Impossible Ex (Book Three of the Outback Kings series), the magic of reunion romance, and why she will never, ever end a book on a cliffhanger.
John Maytham speaks to Krystle Zara Appiah, author of Half Lives, about her novel exploring sisterhood, motherhood, grief and the consequences of an impossible decision, set against the backdrop of 1970s Ghana and America. 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.
Beth Pinsker and L. Annette Binder explore caring for aging parents, from the financial realities of elder care to Alzheimer's, memory, love and loss.
1 Jittered sparkles-Filaments 2 Hey! This is Brad - Leave the Trumpet Alone! 3 Loopcrashing - In My Bound 4 Cellardore - Power To The People 5 Chromatic-Bowser 6 Good_Morning_Breakbeat-Digital Base and Andy Vibes 7 K5 - Passion (ANUSCHKA & DJ WAVS Remix) 8 Crispy, Mc.Crus - All You Need 9 Vital Drums - Bass Flow 10 Ctrl-Z - Watt A Key 11 SubKillers - Ticking Clock 12 Ctrl-Z, Jackson Mathod - Bullet to My Heart Ft Jackson Mathod 13 Afghan Headspin - Need To Believe 14 Ctrl-Z - Temporary Situation 15 KMK, FM-Bonfire 16 WelderB - Radar 17 Etienne-de-Crecy---Scratched--DJ-Hype--Kill-the-Purists--remix 18 Loopcrashing - You Want Jungle 19 Aspect One - 4am 20 GunLock - Cut Sharp 21 Novelist, SKALAH - South of the Thames
Novelist and filmmaker Jack Jewers on Georges Simenon's Maigret novels and why they still define detective fiction and Seething Lane, his new Samuel Pepys mystery. Jack's new novel, Seething Lane, is out September from Moonflower Books. You can preorder in the UK from Waterstones or Blackwells (for Canadian listeners, Blackwells ships to Canada for free!). You can follow Jack on social media (Instagram: @jackjewers) and check out his website www.jackjewers.com for more about his writing and filmmaking.Follow me on Instagram @mwboyce , Threads @mwboyce and Bluesky @mwboyce. And you can always check out the show on Instagram @geek4podIf you liked the show, consider leaving a 5 star review on your podcatcher of choice. The more reviews we have, the more we show up in searches. Somehow. Magic I think. Follow me on social media and spread the word!Or, tell a friend. Word of mouth is still an effective advertising tool. I respectfully acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Host Diana Korte speaks with England-based writer Lia Louis, author of 6 books. In her newest rom com, THE PHONE SWAP, an accidental phone swap finds a celebrity heartthrob falling in love with an ordinary girl. But falling in love in private is not as simple as falling in love in reality. Especially if the world is somehow still watching. As two very different worlds collide, is the chance for true love even possible? After all, you can't escape reality forever. Right?
In this special episode we go behind the scenes with memoirist Deepa Paul, essayist, cookbook author Gina Beach, and novelist Daisy Buchanan and talk about the two things that keep them going: the passion behind the work, and the practice that makes the work possible. From an essay that no editor wanted to a Women's Prize-longlisted memoir, a personal research rabbit hole that became a four-year book project, and the journey from idea to novel, this is a personal conversation with three writers about about why they write the things they write — and what kept them going. You'll learn Why an essay no editor wanted a decade ago turned out not to be an essay at all. How to break a book into tasks small enough to finish inside a single hour. The case for treating your own interior life as seriously as any grand subject. How a rabbit hole of personal research turned into a four-year book project. Why the hardest part of self-publishing has nothing to do with production. When procrastination is doing useful work, and when it's just filling the gaps. What changes in your writing once you stop trying to get it right. A reason to stop measuring a writing session by its word count. How sitting alongside other writers quietly rearranges your sense of your own work. The tidal metaphor that makes a bad writing day easier to let go of. Resources & Links Writers' Hour Ask Me: A Memoir of Daring to Love Differently by Deepa Paul Deepa Paul 'The power of an hour' — Deepa Paul interviewed by the Women's Prize Nurture: Oil-Free, Plant-Based Cooking for Health by Regina Beach Regina Beach All Grown Up: A hilarious and heartwarming new novel inspired by Little Women by Daisy Buchanan Daisy Buchanan — Creative Confidence Clinic About the Guests Deepa Paul is a Filipina-Indian author living in Amsterdam. Her writing explores the balance between being a mother, wife, girlfriend, daughter, adventurer, and herself – all at the same time. Her debut, Ask Me: A Memoir of Daring to Love Differently, was longlisted for the Women's Prize. Regina Beach is a disabled poet and essayist. Originally from the American midwest, she now calls the Welsh Valleys home. Her writing has appeared in Global Poemic, Boldly Mental, The Rail, Haiku by You, Five Minutes, Visual Verse, The Horror Tree, and Disoriented among others. She is the founder of the literary magazine Lesions | Art + Words, which features the work of people living with chronic health conditions. Her book is Nurture: Oil-Free, Plant-Based Cooking for Health. Daisy Buchanan is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author of Insatiable (longlisted for the CWIP prize), Careering (as heard on BBC Sounds), Limelight and Pity Party, and the non-fiction titles How to Be A Grown Up, The Sisterhood and Read Yourself Happy. She writes for major newspapers and magazines from the Guardian to Grazia, and is host of the chart-topping podcast You're Booked. Her latest book is All Grown Up: A hilarious and heartwarming new novel inspired by Little Women. For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com.For free writing sessions, join free Writers' Hours: writershour.com.*FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS' SALONTwitter: twitter.com/WritersSalonInstagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalonFacebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalonIf you're enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!
Ursula Hegi (1946-2026), who died at the age of eighty on July 27, 2026, best known for her novel “Stones from a River,” about life in a small town in Germany in the days leading up to World War II, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded November 6, 2001 while on tour for her short story collection, “Hotel of the Saints.” Ursula Hegi was a German born novelist and short story writer whose work focused on life in Germany before, during and after World War II along with German and German-American identity, and the nature of moral complicity. She was best known for her novel, Stones from a River, published in 1994, which formed part of a series of novels and stories which came to be known as the Burgdorf cycle, taking place in the fictional small town of Burgdorf, Germany during the middle of the twentieth century. This interview was recorded on November 6, 2001. less than two months after the events of 9/11 while she was on tour for her collection, Hotel of the Saints. I spoke with Ursula Hegi twice, first in November 6, 2001, less than two months after the events of 9/11. There would be a second interview, recorded January 8, 2004 while she was on tour for her novel Sacred Time. At the time of her death from complications from a stroke, there were nine novels, two short story collections, a children's book, and one non-fiction work from 1998, Tearing the Silence: On Being German in America. Her last novel, The Patron Saint of Pregnant Girls, was published in 2020. This interview, one of the last Bookwaves interviews recorded on analog tape, was digitized, remastered and edited August 14-16, 2026. The interview was originally edited for a half hour broadcast and never heard in its entirety. It has not aired in over twenty years. The post Ursula Hegi (1946-2026), Acclaimed Novelist and Short Story Author, 1991 appeared first on KPFA.
The Dog Stars, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Josh Brolin and Jacob Elordi, is about two men who become unlikely compatriots when a pandemic wipes out much of the country's population. Adventure writer Peter Heller spoke with Dave Davies in 2012 about the book, which draws on his own survival skills. Also, we remember pioneering rock critic Dave Marsh. He was an early champion and biographer of Bruce Springsteen, and helped launch the rock magazine Creem before winding up at Rolling Stone. He died August 14 at age 79. Justin Chang reviews the new film Dreams in Nightmares. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to our YouTube channel Check out the Fresh Air ArchivesSee 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 culinary school was thrown into chaos when a chef was found shot to death in the kitchen where he taught. Daniel Brophy's students discovered his body just before class. His wife, Nancy Brophy, played the grieving widow, but years earlier she wrote a novel titled “How to Murder Your Husband.” Investigators soon learned Brophy's work of fiction may have turned into reality. Get the full story on this episode of Crimes of Passion with Sierra Gillespie, presented by Law&Crime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Novelist, essayist and co-founder of Storylīz, an app developed to help improve literacy and critical thinkingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Liz Tran, author of the transformative book AQ: A New Kind of Intelligence for a World That's Always Changing. Liz, a leadership coach and founder of Inner Genius, dives into the concept of AQ (Agility Quotient) and its critical role in navigating the ever-changing landscape of today's world. With her extensive experience working with high-growth companies like Facebook and Instagram, Liz shares insights on how understanding and developing our AQ can help us respond to change, uncertainty, and disappointment more effectively. Listeners will learn about the four archetypes of AQ: the Astronaut, the Neurosurgeon, the Firefighter, and the Novelist, each representing different ways individuals handle churn and change. Liz breaks down her CHURN framework, which categorizes disruptions into manageable components, allowing us to navigate through them with greater ease. She also introduces the ABCD method for enhancing our AQ, emphasizing the importance of anchors, bets, classrooms, and embracing discomfort as essential steps for growth. This episode is packed with actionable strategies and frameworks that will empower you to increase your agility quotient, better manage change, and cultivate resilience in both your personal and professional life. Whether you're a leader looking to inspire your team or an individual seeking to navigate life's uncertainties, Liz's insights will provide valuable guidance. In this episode: Discover what AQ is and why it matters in today's fast-paced world. Learn about the four AQ archetypes and how they respond to change. Explore the CHURN framework to categorize and manage disruptions effectively. Understand the ABCD method for enhancing your AQ. Gain insights on how to embrace discomfort and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/591. Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further? Learn With Us on our website. Subscribe to Melina's Newsletter Brainy Bites. Let's connect: Send Us a Message Follow Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube The Brainy Business on Instagram
Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time. But her biggest mystery unfolded outside the pages of her books. In this episode, Dana examines the 11 days in 1926 when the beloved author went missing, and the rollicking media circus inspired by her disappearance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time. But her biggest mystery unfolded outside the pages of her books. In this episode, Dana examines the 11 days in 1926 when the beloved author went missing, and the rollicking media circus inspired by her disappearance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Elif Shafak and Robert Macfarlane are two of the most dreamy and articulate writers I know. Elif has written 21 books, 13 of which are novels, and she's the president of the Royal Society of Literature. Robert writes about the natural world, and he does so in such a poetic and enchanted way. His writing is infused with wonder. I've had both of them on the show individually, but I said, “Hey, I know you're really good friends. Let's all get together for one conversation. What I want to do is hear the kind of conversation you would have over a cup of coffee or over lunch.” And so here I'm like you, a fly on the wall for a conversation between two really interesting writers. About the host Hey! I'm David Perell and I'm a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. Follow me Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time. But her biggest mystery unfolded outside the pages of her books. In this episode, Dana examines the 11 days in 1926 when the beloved author went missing, and the rollicking media circus inspired by her disappearance. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Joe PompeoProduced by Josh FisherStory Editor is Marisa BrownEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan Washington and Josh FisherMixing and Mastering by Baheed FrazierVoice Actors are Brittany Joyner and Steve BradfordOriginal Music by Elise McCoyResearch and Fact Checking by Joe Pompeo and Austin ThompsonShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the spotlight is Mark Farrington, who recently retired after nearly 40 years of teaching writing, the past 25 of them teaching writing programs at Johns Hopkins University. Consider his accolades: His short fiction has won the Editor's Choice Award in the Raymond Carver Fiction Contest He was awarded an Individual Artists Grant from the Virginia Commission on the Arts Four times he was awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award in the Johns Hopkins MA in Writing Program He won the Outstanding Service Award from the Northern Virginia Writing Project And the Outstanding Alumni Award from the English department at George Mason University Farrington has just published his first novel, titled Loss of Life. The novel tells the story of 41-year-old Matthew Winton who awakens in a Virginia hospital after a car accident and has no memory of his life after the age of thirteen. Learn more about Mark Farrington and his writing instruction here: https://www.markfarrington.netNovelist Spotlight is produced and hosted by Mike Consol. Check out his novels here: https://snip.ly/yz18noWrite to Mike Consol at novelistspotlight@gmail.com
Today's a smorgasbord of topics. I share something very important I learned from Martha Wells at a Q&A recently. I talk about how awesome Silo and The Vampire Lestat (aka Interview with the Vampire Season 3) are. I also share why I think Interview with the Vampire did the whole adapting a book to the screen right and The Wheel of Time did it wrong. Finally, Strange New Worlds is awesome, and Starfleet Academy's a good show too. Come at me! I also give an update on my progress on the second draft of Citizen Zero.LinksCheck out my novel, Critical Balance.Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.Support the show on Patreon.Donate to the show.Follow me on Bluesky.Join my Discord server.Email me.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391Check out my YouTube channel.Join my Book Club, now on Discord.I'm looking for alpha & beta readers for my next novel.A Few Notes on the Culture by Iain M. BanksStart The Culture series with Excession.Check out episode 98 for my discussion of Martha Wells's lecture on AI characters in stories.
Historian Joseph Kelly traces the prehistory of American fascism and the lie that white supremacy gives one group the right to dominate another.
The bestselling novelist behind works like Amy and Isabelle and Olive Kitteridge discusses her excitement about turning 70, her reserved New England upbringing, and how death figures into her latest novel, The Things We Never Say. She also talks about her later start in publishing, her experience taking a stand-up comedy class, and her fascination with New York City's loud, emotional straight talk. Get more Death, Sex & Money with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of DSM and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Death, Sex & Money show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/dsmplus to get access wherever you listen.If you're new to the show, welcome. We're so glad you're here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna's newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com.Need to set up your Slate Plus feed? If you subscribed through Slate.com, check out our FAQ at slate.com/podcastfaqs for easy instructions. Members subscribed via Apple Podcasts get automatic access—no setup required. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The bestselling novelist behind works like Amy and Isabelle and Olive Kitteridge discusses her excitement about turning 70, her reserved New England upbringing, and how death figures into her latest novel, The Things We Never Say. She also talks about her later start in publishing, her experience taking a stand-up comedy class, and her fascination with New York City's loud, emotional straight talk. Get more Death, Sex & Money with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of DSM and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Death, Sex & Money show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/dsmplus to get access wherever you listen.If you're new to the show, welcome. We're so glad you're here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna's newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The bestselling novelist behind works like Amy and Isabelle and Olive Kitteridge discusses her excitement about turning 70, her reserved New England upbringing, and how death figures into her latest novel, The Things We Never Say. She also talks about her later start in publishing, her experience taking a stand-up comedy class, and her fascination with New York City's loud, emotional straight talk. Get more Death, Sex & Money with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of DSM and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Death, Sex & Money show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/dsmplus to get access wherever you listen.If you're new to the show, welcome. We're so glad you're here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna's newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to break box office records, after having the biggest U.S. opening weekend in history. Tonya Mosley talks with the film's director, Destin Daniel Cretton. Long before Marvel, he worked in a group home for at-risk teens. He says it's an experience that shaped everything he's made since then, and became the movie Short Term 12.Also, we hear from Harriet Clark. She was a baby when her mother was a getaway driver of a robbery of a Brink's truck in 1981. The robbers were members of a radical offshoot of the Weather Underground and the Black Panthers. For 37 years, Clark spent Saturdays visiting her mother in prison. “She figured out how to mother me in some of the most difficult conditions possible,” Clark tells Terry Gross. Her novel, The Hill, draws on her experience visiting her mother in prison. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to our YouTube channel Check out the Fresh Air ArchivesSupport public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show's perks include bonus episodes and curated playlists of archive interviews. Learn more at plus.npr.org.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
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
Novelist, veteran screenwriter, and longtime Blue Bloods showrunner Kevin Wade spoke with us about the challenges of transitioning across writing mediums, storytelling principles, and book two of his debut crime series, ONE GOOD EYE. Kevin Wade is the Golden Globe and the Writers Guild of America nominated screenwriter of movies including the seven-time Oscar nominated comedy Working Girl (1988), True Colors (1991) starring John Cusack and James Spader, the Tom Selleck comedy Mr. Baseball (1992), Ivan Reitman's Junior (1994), the epic romance Meet Joe Black (1998), and the rom-com Maid in Manhattan (2002). In 2010, he joined the rookie CBS drama Blue Bloods as a writer, and in 2011 he became its showrunner and executive producer for the entire 14-year run. His latest release is the follow-up to his debut crime novel Johnny Careless, a book author John Sanford called a “fast-moving classic crime novel,” and that was shortlisted for the Edgar Best First Novel Award. One Good Eye is the second in the Police Chief Jeep Mullane series and Library Journal said of the author, “Wade delivers another compelling literary mystery. His characters feel intimately real...and Jeep remains a deeply engaging protagonist...With sharp prose and a vivid sense of place on Long Island's Gold Coast, Wade's second…book will have readers eager to read more stories about Jeep and his community." [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 Kevin Wade, Milena, and I discussed: What his early aspirations as an actor in NYC taught him about playwriting How he had his first screenplay turned into a hit movie by a legendary director Why he wrote his debut novel during the Writers Guild strike The biggest challenges of moving from TV writing to the novel His favorite advice from Elmore Leonard's Ten Rules for Writers How to write relatable characters Classic advice from literary lions And a lot more! Show Notes: ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web One Good Eye: A Jeep Mullane Novel (The Jeep Mullane Series, 2) by Kevin Wade (Amazon) Kevin Wade Amazon Author Page Kevin Wade on IMDb Kevin Wade on Instagram Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sometimes discovery writing leads to dead ends, character inconsistency, or stories that wander off track. USA TODAY Bestselling Author Paul Austin Ardoin joins us with tips to help pantsers looking for practical tools to strengthen their stories without losing what makes them discovery writers. //Draft2Digital is where you grow your Indie Author Career// Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way. • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/ • Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.
What happens when someone who spent decades behind the scenes in Hollywood decides to become a novelist?In Episode 15 of Beyond the Page, I sit down with award-winning author Kay A. Oliver to talk about her journey from a nearly 30-year career in the entertainment industry to writing fiction and building an impressive catalog of 18 novels.Kay shares how her experiences in Hollywood influenced her storytelling, why she gravitates toward writing strong and intelligent female protagonists, and what she's learned about finding—and trusting—her own creative voice.We also discuss the realities of the entertainment industry, her writing process, working with editors, resilience, artificial intelligence and creativity, and the importance of continuing to pursue the work that matters to you.Kay also talks about her Kutter Murder Mystery series, including Fear Struck, and what continues to motivate her after publishing so many books.It's a conversation about writing, reinvention, persistence, and following your own path—even when that path takes you somewhere you never expected.Find Kay: https://kayaoliver.com/Page Chewing BlogPage Chewing ForumJoin Captivate.fmJoin PodMatchWant to be a guest on Page Chewing? Send Steve a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17812034246205083f1bfa4f1Send a message via SpeakPipePodcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links):Rodecaster DuoRode PSA1+ Professional Studio ArmRode Procaster Microphone
Longtime editor and first-time novelist Candace Johnson joins The Writing Coach Podcast to share insider insights on traditional publishing, what copy editors really do, how to know when your manuscript is ready for editing, and how to build a strong author–editor relationship without losing your voice.
Returning guest Jess Wright returns to talk about his new book "Dance In A Madhouse," a about a young doctor in the early 1900s committed to an asylum, and engrossed in a murder mystery. Dr Wright is a renowned expert in psychiatry, and is the author of award winning books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He is also a Novelist, applying his background in medicine & psychology into fiction. This is his second novel. Follow Jess' work and upcoming books at www.jesswrightMD.com Tune in on Monday 8/31 for The Broken Brain's 5th annual live stream for International Overdose Awareness Day! Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live for details.
Claire Vaye Watkins' new novel, 'Yellow Pine,' is about a group of misfits and activists in the Mojave desert, fighting a corporate solar development. Living in the desert is "not for everybody," she tells Terry Gross. Her home, near Death Valley, is staggeringly beautiful and brutal. She talks about growing up around environmental activism, solitude, and her father's escape from the Manson Family.Also, TV critic David Bianculli reviews the new thriller series ‘Furious,' starring Emmy Rossum, by ‘New Girl' creator Elizabeth Meriwether. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to our YouTube channel Check out the Fresh Air ArchivesSee 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
Practicing the art of reinvention is a simple way to improve your brand's image. In this episode, celebrity guest Rolonda Watts discusses the importance of redefining interviews and developing a personality that is appropriate for you and your audience. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Struggles you need to avoid as a podcaster Ways to handle affiliations Protecting your brand (Having integrity to your brand) Best way to engage with guests Importance of timing Art of reinvention RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED The Art Of The Interview by Larry King (Can't find) Destiny Lingers Book by Rolonda Watts 04:51 Clubhouse ABOUT ROLONDA WATTS (No Bio provided) Rolonda Watts is a Voice Actor, Actor, Coach, Podcaster, Talk Show Host, Stand Up Comedian, Novelist, Producer, Speaker, and CEO. For almost four decades now, her name, face, and distinctive voice have been known by audiences everywhere, thanks to her many award-winning works in television, radio, film, digital media, voice acting, stand up comedy, and her award-winning romance suspense novel, DESTINY LINGERS, endorsed by Dr. Maya Angelou. Most know her by one name, Rolonda, under which she launched her own internationally syndicated talk show (1994-1998), produced by King World Productions and her company, Watts Works. CONNECT WITH ROLONDA Website: Rolonda.com Podcast: Rolonda On Demand Podcast in Apple CONNECT WITH US Thinking about creating and growing your own podcast but not sure where to start? Visit GrowYourShow.com and Schedule a call with Adam A. Adams!
This week Andrew talks with international bestselling author Natalie Sue. In this conversation, Natalie shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she pivoted her career to chase her dream of becoming an author. You'll hear how Natalie developed her creative process, overcame hundreds of rejections, & ultimately broke through with her debut novel, I Hope This Finds You Well, which became an international bestseller. Natalie also opens up about the range of emotions she's feeling in the lead-up to the release of her latest novel, You'll Love It Here, which releases later this month. The ideas Natalie shares apply far beyond writing — and this episode is a great way to kickoff Season 16. ** Follow Andrew **Instagram: @AndrewMoses123X: @andrewhmosesSign up for e-mails to keep up with the podcast at everybodypullsthetarp.com/newsletterDISCLAIMER: This podcast is solely for educational & entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.
George Pelecanos is maybe the greatest Washington novelist — and he never writes about the Senate. Over the years, his crime stories have doubled as a kind of history of our city. And his most recent novel, The Blue Flame, drops today. I talked with Pelecanos about growing up in the city, working on The Wire, and where he finds his stories. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 4th episode: DC Department of Behavioral Health Library of Congress
Episode 66 - Award-winning novelist JJ Flowers joins Janine Lowe to explore the spiritual bond between humans and dogs, revealing the unconditional love, healing and wisdom our canine companions bring into our lives.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only. The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees. We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.
In this warm, funny, and deeply inspiring episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with Leslie Rasmussen — award-winning novelist, former TV comedy writer, and author of three books exploring the messy, beautiful complexity of women's lives. Leslie shares her remarkable journey from Hollywood writers' rooms to debut novelist in her 50s, and why she believes midlife should always be a choice, not a crisis. With honesty, humor, and heart, Leslie and Wendy explore what it truly means to give yourself permission to change your mind, how writing can unlock your deepest truth, why community is the antidote to going it alone, and why the mistakes you've made are actually the dots connecting you to exactly where you're supposed to be.✨ What You'll Learn• Why Leslie believes midlife should be a choice, not a crisis — and how to start living it that way• How she reinvented herself as a novelist in her 50s by taking baby steps and giving herself permission to begin• The unexpected community that forms when women gather around stories — and why vulnerability is the gateway to connection• How humor can be a powerful tool for processing grief, loss, and life's most challenging chapters• Why the mistakes you've made are actually the dots connecting you to exactly where you're supposed to be