Podcasts about novelists

In this episode of Writer's Voice, Francesca Rheannon speaks with bestselling author Jung Chang about her memoir Fly, Wild Swans: My Mother, Myself, and China, the long-awaited sequel to her landmark book Wild Swans.

George Saunders' latest novel takes readers into a journey of the soul—this time quite literally. The Booker Prize-winning author talks with host Krys Boyd about his latest work, which takes on greed, capitalism, and questions of good and evil from the perspective of a being that must transport a soul to the afterlife—but this time encounters questions that define our modern age; Saunders also talks about how his own personal spirituality shapes his writing process. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Novelist and critic Emily Gould joined NY1's Errol Louis to talk about building a writing career and sustaining a creative life in New York City. Gould recounted moving to New York in 2001 at 19 years old, starting in book publishing and being recruited as editor for the Gawker blog. She also discussed the economics of book advances and how child care and market rent make savings difficult despite steady work, and how Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to help change that. 

The Tale of Genji is often listed as the world's first novel, but there are naysayers. Is it a novel? Is it the first? That's highly contentious, but whatever you decide, Lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote this classic a very long time ago, and it is a masterpiece. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ (herhalfofhistory.com) for sources, transcripts, and pictures. It's Women's History Month! I'm running bonus episodes all month, plus a prize drawing for free Her Half of History merch. To get in the drawing, you can Sign up as a supporter on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon page⁠⁠ (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=83998235). If you're already a supporter on Patreon, bump up your membership. Her Highness level members get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and polls. Make a one-time donation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Me a Coffee⁠. Leave me a rating or review on your favorite podcast app and email me a screenshot of it. (I need the email for this method because it doesn't send me any contact info.) No matter which method you choose, your support helps me keep bring the stories of past women into the present. Join ⁠⁠Into History⁠⁠ for a community of ad-free history podcasts plus bonus content. Visit ⁠⁠Evergreen Podcasts⁠⁠ to listen to more great shows. Follow me on ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠ as Her Half of History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Novelist and middle school teacher Brian Platzer discusses the real teacher who inspired his book, a stroke that stole the man's ability to communicate, and Platzer's own baffling neurological disorder. In the Spiel: when deeply unserious rhetoric collides with the deadly serious business of war, and whether Donald Trump's approach to conflict ever moves beyond slogans. Plus,  the cheap-drone revolution in warfare. Produced by Corey Wara Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠ For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/ Follow us on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/ X https://x.com/pescami TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagist To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist  

Tim Shipman sits down with thriller author James Wolff who worked as a British intelligence officer for over ten years. They unpack his latest spy novel Spies and Other Gods. Wolff shares how a single line in a UK parliamentary oversight report (the Intelligence and Security Committee) sparked the novel's core idea. An anonymous whistleblower sends British Intelligence into a frenzy, threatening to reveal secrets that could bring the establishment to its knees. Wolff also reveals why it took government censors 16 months to approve his book—and shares some of the truly absurd references they insisted he remove. He then turns the tables on Shipman, asking whether he uses spy-like tradecraft in his own work as a political journalist who relies on sources, assets and insiders to uncover stories. If you love le Carré-style moral tension, Slough House office politics, and spy fiction that feels real, Spies and Other Gods is for you.     So what is Spies And Other Gods by James Wolff all about, Shane? In this cat-and-mouse spy thriller, an anonymous whistleblower sends British Intelligence into a frenzy, threatening to reveal secrets that could bring the establishment to its knees. The Head of British Intelligence is having a bad day. Only six months off retirement and Sir William Rentoul is wondering if he'll make it that far, what with the sudden descent of a brain fog dense enough to turn every day into a series of small humiliations. To make matters worse, when parliamentary researcher Aphra McQueen is brought in to investigate an internal complaint, she discovers something horrifying: the murder of nine Iranian dissidents. The elusive assassin, nicknamed CASPIAN, kills across borders, forcing intelligence services throughout Europe into an alliance. Their only lead? An unsuspecting dentist in the UK. Aphra McQueen seems to know more about the operation than she is letting on. What will she uncover? What is she really up to? And can she survive the unexpected events that will bounce her from London to Birmingham to Paris to Lausanne? In the exhilarating chase that follows, Spies and Other Gods offers a vibrant, fresh and darkly funny take on the spy thriller that lays bare the human cost of secrecy.  

Watch the Novel Transcript. Reading: https://youtu.be/v-DA3OuQ9XA Mindy and Tracey have to find a way to pay tribute to both their father's in a way that feels appropriate to them. Performed by Val Cole Submit your work via Submittable: https://wildsoundwritingfestival.submittable.com/submit —— Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

In the spotlight is repeat guest Tyson Cornell, the founder and publisher of Rare Bird Books, an independent press committed to bold, boundary-pushing storytelling. He has more than two decades of experience in publishing, bookselling and author advocacy, and has championed hundreds of acclaimed titles across fiction, nonfiction and music.  Learn more about Rare Bird Books here: https://rarebirdlit.com/about-rare-bird  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 

James Kahn is responsible for writing some of the biggest film novels of our time - Star Wars Return Of The Jedi, Poltergeist, The Goonies & Indiana Jones to name a few. He is here to talk about his memoir, his life as an ER Doctor as well as his time as a Novelist & Writer. His book 'A Jedi Memoir: My Double Life' is out now.Find all of his links to his Social Media, Substack and Memoir here:https://linktr.ee/thatjameskahn

March 2, 2026 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 Monday, March 2, 2026, and this is episode #5 in Series 2026. This episode is titled, “How to Endure to the End.” Before we get into this week’s message, I’m excited to tell you that my featured book for this week is my popular historical novel set in Italy, The Madonna of Pisano. The Madonna of Pisano is Book 1 in my popular trilogy, The Italian Chronicles. If you’re a fan of Hallmark romance and epic stories set in beautiful, exotic Italy, then you will love The Madonna of Pisano. It is the story of a courageous, single mom fighting for her son in the midst of betrayal, treachery, and deceit. You won’t want to miss this powerful, heart-wrenching story of forgiveness and hope. Get your copy of The Madonna of Pisano at the link below. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0930037227 And now let’s dive into this week’s message.The Importance of Enduring to the End Have you been feeling weary lately? As though you can’t go on another day? Have you been troubled by what’s going on in the world and, worse yet, even in your own family? If so, my friend, you are not alone. You may be wondering what is going on. Life isn’t the way it used to be. Something is different. Something has changed, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. All you know is that, lately, you’ve been feeling more anxious than usual, as though the world is falling apart, and you can’t do anything about it. If this describes you, you are at the right place at the right time. Let me shed some light on exactly what is happening and why you feel the way you do. First of all, you have good reason to feel these emotions. In fact, my friend, caring people everywhere are feeling them. Responsible, thoughtful people are feeling them. And for good reason. Let’s look at some of those reasons: 1. The world’s thinking has turned upside down. Good is now called evil, and evil is called good. The Bible warned us of this in Isaiah 5: 20: In that verse, the Lord warns those who no longer think straight. Here is what He says: “What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.” While these upside-down thinkers may think they’re in good shape with their false thinking, they have a rude awakening coming. If you grew up before the 21st century, you still have some idea of the difference between right and wrong. Why? Because you were taught according to a Judeo-Christian consensus. Moreover, the society in which you grew up more or less still espoused a Judeo-Christian value system. But that is not the case today. Judeo-Christian values are blatantly and brazenly opposed with vehemence and, in many cases, with brutal violence. Christians are being persecuted like never before. Even here in America, we are witnessing increasing opposition to Christians and Jews who believe that the Holy Bible is God’s manual for life. 2. A second reason you are feeling anxious is that the world is being invaded by demonic forces that have been unleashed because of humanity’s increasing love for and obsession with sin. Never in my 80 years on this earth have I witnessed sin without shame as I am witnessing it today. Never have I seen sin celebrated as it is today. I grew up in the fifties and early sixties. Yes, there was sin, but there was also a stigma of shame attached to sin. People did not openly flaunt their sin but hid it because the culture disapproved of sin, and deep down, people knew they were sinning. Today, people proudly flaunt their sin and encourage others to sin with them. Listen to what the Bible predicted about this very behavior thousands of years ago. I’m going to read a passage from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 1, in the New Living Translation: “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.” So, my friend, in the midst of all of this spiritual, mental, physical, and cultural turmoil, how can we endure to the end—that moment in time when Jesus comes to remove us from this sinful world to take us to Heaven? STEPS TO ENDURE TO THE END Let me suggest a few proven tools to help you: 1. Stay n the Word. Read your Bible every day and throughout the day. Keep it open on your desk or on a table so that you can refer to it frequently. 2. Pray. Keep in constant communication with God for wisdom, direction, and the grace to endure. Scripture commands us to “pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5: 17.” In other words, keep a running conversation going with the Lord all day long. 3. Fast. When we fast, we subdue the voice of the flesh so that we can better hear the voice of the Spirit. It is the voice of the Holy Spirit that leads us into all truth. 4. Fellowship with other believers. Scripture commands us not to forsake the habit of gathering in person with fellow Christians. We draw strength from one another and need to be with one another regularly. Together, we are the Body of Christ, not isolated individuals who can make it on our own. We cannot. To think we can is foolish and dangerous. 5. Embrace suffering. One of the greatest privileges of being a Christ-Follower is to walk in His footsteps. Sometimes we do this through suffering. Romans 8: 17 says this: “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Suffering refines and purifies us. It removes the dross to allow the beauty of our true nature to shine forth. 6. Expect persecution. Persecution may come through betrayal, through lies spoken against us, through legal injustice. We may not know how it will come, but we can be sure that it will, indeed, come. Hatred against Christians is growing. The Bible tells us so in Mark 13: 13: “And you will be hated by all for My Name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” 7. Finally, trust in the Lord in the midst of every trial. Trusting in God while we are undergoing suffering builds endurance. And this message is all about endurance. To help you endure, I’ve written a little book titled The Iron Saint: Preparing the Church for Persecution. Based on the principles employed in preparing for the Iron Man Triathlon, The Iron Saint applies those principles to enduring in Christ. You will find a link to The Iron Saint in the show notes. As we approach the end of human history, the days will grow darker. Already, believers are reporting an increase in demonic attacks, not only in frequency but also in intensity. Satan knows his time is short, and he wants to wreak all the havoc he can before our Lord Jesus Christ returns to remove us from this wicked world in the astounding event called the Rapture. My friend, I urge you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Pay attention to what is happening in Israel, for Israel is God’s timepiece. Bible prophecy is unfolding in Israel as we watch the creation of the Board of Peace and the rise of the AntiChrist’s beast system. Most important of all, if you do not yet have a relationship with Jesus Christ, establish one right now. Do not wait another moment. Only a relationship with Jesus Christ will qualify you to be taken up at the Rapture. Without a relationship with Christ, you will be left behind to suffer the horrors of the Tribulation under the brutal dictatorship of the AntiChrist. Worse than that, without a relationship with Jesus Christ, you will spend eternity in Hell. Jesus alone can save you from that unspeakably horrific fate. If you do not yet know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, pray this simple prayer with me now: Lord Jesus, I want to establish a relationship with you. I want to get to know You. So I invite You into my life and receive You now as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for dying for me and rising from the dead so that I can live forever in Heaven with You. In Your Name I pray. Amen. In closing, don’t forget to get your copy of The Madonna of Pisano at the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y If you would like to donate to this ministry, please send your donation to PayPal.me/drmaryanndiorio. Your donation goes far in helping to keep this ministry afloat. Thank you! 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 you to stay there. As you walk with Him, He will help you to keep on winning with the Word.________________________________ Copyright 2026 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.  CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO WINNING WITH THE WORD. ________________________________ This week’s featured book isThe Madonna of Pisano, Book 1 in The Italian Chronicles Trilogy. Follow the heart-wrenching saga of Maria Landro as she navigates the uncharted emotional waters of betrayal, hatred, and revenge against the exotic backdrop of late 19th century Sicily. Get your copy at the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0930037227 « Older Entries Latest Posts PRAYER: The Place of Power The Demon Invasion The Great Deception Have You Lost All Hope? How to Live Forever Archives View the Winning with the Word Archives Other Blogs Winning with the Word Before we get fully into our message, however, I want to tell you about my featured book for this week. It is titled Prayer Power: A Simple Manual on Prayer and is available for only $4.99 at the link below or in the show notes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y The Relationship Road Prayer Power will teach you powerful principles of prayer that will get results every single time. If you've been neglecting your prayer life because you haven't gotten the results you've expected from prayer, then this book is for you. If you don't pray but would like to learn how, this book is for you. Get your copy now and learn how to pray with power. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y Now, on to this week's message. What is prayer? Prayer in its simplest definition is a conversation with God. Just as any human relationship requires communication to sustain it, so does a relationship with God. Prayer is the means of communicating with God.Why should I pray? There are many reasons to pray, but here are five of the most important ones: 1. We need help. If you haven't figured it out yet, we cannot navigate this life alone. If we try to, we will eventually discover that there are some problems too big for us to solve. 2) We need the help of Someone more powerful than we who can do the impossible.Some problems in life have no human solutions. It takes God to solve them.  3) We need direction. Prayer helps us to hear from God regarding the big decisions we have to make in life.  4) We need hope. Sometimes life can become overwhelming, filling us with discouragement and despair. It is at such times that prayer is balm to our souls. When we pray, we are looking to God to meet our needs. We are not depending on ourselves. God has an endless supply of whatever we need. Prayer helps us to tap into that supply. 5) We need wisdom. Life is full of choices, and choices have consequences. When we pray, we receive God's wisdom to make wise choices that result in happy consequences.  The Privilege of Prayer Prayer is a privilege. It is the opportunity to talk with the God who made you and who knows everything about you. Just think about that. In prayer, we get to talk with the God who created the universe. This is a mind-blowing truth. So, my friend, are you ready to learn more about prayer? Are you ready to embark on the most exciting journey of communicating with God in the most amazing relationship you will ever have?  You might be thinking, “Dr. MaryAnn, where do I start?” You start by establishing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If you have not yet established this relationship, you can do so right now by inviting Jesus Christ into your life. Pray this simple prayer with me now: Lord Jesus, I want to know You. I want to establish a relationship with You so that I can talk with You every day and have You talk to me. I invite You into my life and receive You now as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for sending Jesus so that I could be reconnected with You. In His Name I pray. Amen. In closing, I want to remind you that my featured book for this week is titled Prayer Power: A Simple Manual on Prayer. Get your copy now and begin a powerful prayer life that gets results. Just click on the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y 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 you to stay there. As you walk with Him, He will help you to keep on winning with the Word.________________________________ Copyright 2026 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO WINNING WITH THE WORD. ________________________________ Featured Book for This Week: Prayer Power: A Simple Manual on Prayer Get your copy here: PRAYER POWER « Older Entries Latest Posts PRAYER: The Place of Power The Demon Invasion The Great Deception Have You Lost All Hope? How to Live Forever Archives View the Winning with the Word Archives Other Blogs Winning with the Word The Relationship Road

New York Times Notable author and journalist, Emily Listfield, spoke with us about quitting her waitressing job after her first advance, the true value of beta readers, and the rich people behaving badly in her latest thriller REASONS TO LIE.  Emily Listfield is the author of seven previous novels, including a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, It Was Gonna Be Like Paris. She is the former editor-in-chief of Fitness magazine and executive editor of Parade's HealthyStyle. Her writing appears frequently in Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Allure, the New York Times, and numerous other national publications. Her latest novel, Reasons to Lie (Thomas & Mercer; February 24, 2026)—described as “Gossip Girl meets Law and Order SVU,”—is a propulsive mystery set in the rarefied world of NYC's elite and shaped by the bonds of female friendship. Oprah Daily included Reasons to Lie among their Most Anticipated Books of 2026. New York Times bestselling author Kate White called the book,“Taut, riveting, and laced with stunning and unsettling revelations…,” and author Elinor Lipman wrote, “REASONS TO LIE is set at the kind of snobby Manhattan school I love to hate. Highly enjoyable, flawlessly written, and highly recommended!” [This episode is sponsored by Ulysses. Go to ⁠ulys.app/writeabook⁠ to download Ulysses, and use the code FILES at checkout to get 25% off the first year of your yearly subscription."] [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 Emily Listfield, Milena and I discussed: Why some big ideas are best left to marinate The difference between writing short form journalism and the novel How female friendships are at the core to her life and so many other women Why she chose to skewer the world of an elite NY private school How the demands of caregiving pulled her unexpectedly away from her work  Some helpful writerly slogans you can jot down to stick on your laptop And a lot more!  Show Notes: emilylistfield.com  Reasons to Lie – February 24, 2026 By Emily Listfield (Amazon) Emily Listfield Amazon Author Page Emily Listfield on Facebook Emily Listfield 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

Political philosopher Lea Ypi reflects on dignity, archives, and the manipulation of history in Indignity. Then Eleanor Shearer brings us into the world of the Jamaican Maroons exiled to Nova Scotia in Fireflies in Winter — a novel about freedom, queer love, and the moral cost of survival.

Are we in a News Media Golden Age, or a fragmented era? In this “Generational Divides” episode, Reason editor-at-large Nick Gillespie brings together Baby Boomer, Millennial, and Gen Z voices to debate how our media landscape is changing. Are more platforms expanding truth, or blurring the line between news and entertainment? Are journalists accountable to funders, audiences, or the truth? As industry shakeups like recent Washington Post layoffs signal change, what does the future of news media look like?  For Baby Boomers: Kurt Andersen, Novelist, and Former Host of NPR's "Studio 360"; Co-founder of Spy magazine  For Millennials: Nellie Bowles, Journalist & Co-Founder of The Free Press   For Gen Z: Rachel Janfaza, Journalist & Founder of The Up and Up Substack; Contributor to The Bulwark  Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large at Reason, is the guest moderator.  Join the conversation on Substack—share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff.  Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Novelist, essayist, and educator Brian Platzer joins co-hosts Whitney Terrell and V.V. Ganeshananthan to discuss his new novel, The Optimists, which follows private school teacher Mr. Keating over three decades. Platzer reflects on the real-life inspiration for the book, his own mentor, Rod Keating, and the fleeting intensity of teacher-student relationships that nevertheless turn out to be formative. He explains how he came to decide that the fictional Keating, struggling to tell the story of his own life, would narrate the story of a remarkable student, Clara, alongside his own. Platzer also talks about the novel's other central relationships, including Keating's marriage to his wife, Caroline, and his connection to his ex's son, Jacob. Platzer, himself a private school teacher, considers the novel's private school setting, as well as the high cost of elite education and small classroom sizes in New York City, the competitive pressures placed on young people, and the broader impact of the gap between private institutions and public schools. Platzer reads from The Optimists. To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app (include the forward slashes when searching). You can also listen by streaming from the player below. Check out video versions of our interviews on the Fiction/Non/Fiction Instagram account, the Fiction/Non/Fiction YouTube Channel, and our show website: https://www.fnfpodcast.net/This podcast is produced by V.V. Ganeshananthan and Whitney Terrell.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Storytelling is more than entertainment — it's a moral act. In this episode of The Storyteller's Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explores the danger of stories replacing standards — and what that means for writers. When trust collapses and authority becomes unaccountable, storytellers are often asked to shape meaning and moral judgment. But assigning verdicts before exploring truth turns story into propaganda, even with the best intentions.Learn how to:Recognize the difference between moral clarity vs. moral coercionAvoid letting your story pre-judge or manipulate the audiencePreserve complexity, nuance, and consequences in fictionTrust your audience to wrestle with truth rather than forcing conclusionsWhether you write drama, historical fiction, or speculative worlds, this episode is a must-watch for writers committed to truthful, morally responsible storytelling.Watch this episode on YouTube Free Resources for Writers:Free Video Tutorial for ScreenwritingSign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

KOSMIC! Novelist, comics writer, and historian Stuart Moore joins the podcast to discuss his new book for the Marvel Age of Comics critical series from Bloomsbury and Marvel, Doctor Strange: A Decade of Dark Magic. As the title promises, Moore's book looks at the first ten years of the character - from its start as a supporting feature in Strange Tales from artist Steve Ditko and writer Stan Lee through multiple reimaginings and adjustments in the hands of writers and artists like Roy Thomas, Gene Colan, and Steve Englehart. In this discussion with bookseller Justin Remer, Moore talks about the dialogue Doctor Strange created with the '60s counterculture, the tumultuous publishing history of the title, and his own prior interactions with the late Ditko and Lee. If you stick around, there's some Toxic Avenger talk near the end as well.  Pick up a copy of the book at Skylight or order the audiobook version from Libro.fm. Hosted and produced by Justin Remer.  Recorded remotely via Zencastr.  Opening music: "Optimism (Instrumental)" by Duck the Piano Wire.  Closing music: "Rule of 3s (Solemnity Child)" by Elastic No-No Band. 

Jennifer Bray, Political Editor Of The Sunday Times, talks to Matt about her debut novel, The Lies Between Us.Centering on the warring Brown sisters, the book deals with the fall out from the disappearance of Susannah Brown. Jennifer also talks about a life-altering attack that happened to her as a young journalist at the beginning of her career. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Steve Younis, host of the Superman Homepage and author of a new book, Man of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: A Calendar of Significant Birthdays, Premieres, and Milestones in Superman's History.0:00 Opening ThoughtsWe chat about hockey romances and why they are having their moment.6:44 News1) BookSpot Offers Unique Reading Challenge2) Spotify Offers PodMatch for Audiobooks13:35 Craft CornerTamara Grantham, author of many fantasy novels, including Never Call Me Vampire, explains the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing and the advantages and disdvantages of both.17:36 Interview with Steve Younis37:56 Parting WordsMake plans now to attend the WriterCon Retreat (July 15-19) and the WriterCon Conference (Sept 4-7). Take your writing to the next level!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

In this episode, we explore a new dimension of intelligence for navigating our rapidly-changing world. We start with the story of Hiroo Onoda, a soldier whose unwavering commitment to a mission long after its context had vanished becomes a powerful metaphor for how rigidity can keep us stuck. We dive deep into "AQ"—Agility Quotient—with Liz Tran, founder of AQ Learning Lab and author of AQ: A New Kind of Intelligence for a World That's Always Changing.Liz breaks down why AQ matters now more than ever, as change, disappointment, and uncertainty become the hallmarks of modern life, exceeding the rates of just decades ago. We unpack the origins and limitations of IQ and EQ, and highlight how AQ is the urgent intelligence we all need to cultivate. Liz shares the four archetypes for handling change—Astronaut, Neurosurgeon, Novelist, and Firefighter—each representing different strengths and pitfalls. We discuss practical strategies for creative leaders to grow their AQ, especially those ahead of the curve who struggle to bring others with them.This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to staying agile, relevant, and creative as the world evolves beneath our feet.Key Learnings:AQ – Agility Quotient: AQ is our capacity to handle change, disappointment, and uncertainty. It's the essential intelligence for today's world, complementing IQ and EQ.Rigidity vs. Agility: Sticking to obsolete missions or skillsets—like Hiroo Onoda—illustrates how lack of agility can prevent us from recalibrating when reality shifts. Agility is a mindset, not just a skill.Four Change Archetypes: We all respond to change as either Astronauts, Neurosurgeons, Novelists, or Firefighters, each with unique strengths and blindspots. Awareness of your archetype can help you adapt more skillfully.Durable vs. Technical Skills: Technical skills lose value quickly; it's our durable, transferrable skills—like communication, problem-solving, and reflection—that build true agility and staying power.Bringing Others Along: Especially for creative “astronauts,” practical tools like “giving turn signals” in communication and learning to value the insights of other archetypes are essential for inspiring and leading change.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:Apply for Creative Leader Roundtable Leading creative people is rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. That's why I've started Creative Leader Roundtable, a private community where leaders like you connect monthly to get practical insights, honest feedback, and real encouragement. You'll leave every round table with fresh perspective and tactical ideas. You can apply right away. So if you lead a team of talented people, go check us out at CreativeLeader.net, because creative work deserves brave leadership. The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.

Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. In this episode, we welcome John Gaspard to share his tips and tricks learned from film directors and the movies that apply to novels and novel writing. This is a great episode for anyone looking to improve their writing skills with the aid of different mediums! In this episode, we spoke with John Gaspard, author of The Popcorn Principles: A Novelist's Guide to Learning from the Movies, an indispensable guide to implementing tips and tricks learned from film directors and film in general into your fiction writing. John is also the author of several mystery novels across two series, and multiple standalone novels and non-fiction titles. He also hosts two podcasts and has directed six low-budget feature films! He had so much advice to offer this episode, and we had an elucidating and interesting conversation. We chatted with John about his new non-fiction title, his filmmaking experience, the times he spent interviewing well-known film directors, crafting a compelling mystery, what writers can learn from filmmakers, and so much more. Be sure to check out the "sequel" to The Popcorn Principles; John's latest, More Popcorn Principles: Further Cinematic Storytelling Strategies for Novelists is out now! To learn more, visit John's website. 

Novelist, biographer, journalist and writer Justine Picardie joins the Country Life Podcast to talk about her life in fashion and journalism, her writing, and her close encounters with the Royal Family — including the day she found herself in a remote Scottish bothy, helping the late Queen Elizabeth II clean up after lunch.Subscribe to the Country Life podcast on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the Country Life podcast on SpotifySubscribe to the Country Life podcast on AudibleJustine's also talks about her latest book, Fashioning The Crown (Faber, £25), which is published on February 26, 2026 — you can order a copy here.In the research and writing, she was afforded extraordinary access to the Royal Archives, including the Queen's wardrobe itself — and Justine shares with James some of the most extraordinary insights, including her timeless style, her practicality, and her savvy adoption of bright colours as colour television became widespread. Many of the outfits she wore 'would have looked as perfect today as they would have 100 years ago,' Justine says.It's a fascinating episode — we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it.Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Justine PicardieEditor and producer: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with watch collector and author Mitch Katz to explore how a lifelong passion for horology turned into a surprising second career as a novelist. Mitch shares the journey from documenting his personal collection to writing Time Eternal, a murder mystery rooted in real watch history, including the fascinating story of an experimental self winding movement that inspired the plot. They discuss Mitch's creative process, building believable characters, and weaving watch knowledge into fiction in a way that remains accessible even to readers who know nothing about timepieces.The conversation also dives deep into watch collecting itself, from why stories matter more than price tags to how community shapes curiosity, learning, and personal taste. Mitch explains his philosophy of buying what brings you joy, resisting status driven choices, and embracing the long learning curve of the hobby. Along the way, Ariel and Mitch unpack the realities of the Swiss watch industry, collector culture, and why asking better questions matters more than chasing trends.Follow Mitch and Check Out His New Book “Time Eternal”:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uniquelyprototype/ - Time Eternal - https://a.co/d/02nf9tpz SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

February 23, 2026 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 Monday, February 23, 2026, and this is episode #4 in Series 2026. This episode is titled, “Prayer: The Place of Power.” If I were to take a poll of how many people pray daily, the results would be disheartening. Even among believers, which is a very sad commentary on the state of the Church. Before we get fully into our message, however, I want to tell you about my featured book for this week. It is titled Prayer Power: A Simple Manual on Prayer and is available for only $4.99 at the link below or in the show notes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y Prayer Power will teach you powerful principles of prayer that will get results every single time. If you’ve been neglecting your prayer life because you haven’t gotten the results you’ve expected from prayer, then this book is for you. If you don’t pray but would like to learn how, this book is for you. Get your copy now and learn how to pray with power. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y Now, on to this week’s message. What is prayer? Prayer in its simplest definition is a conversation with God. Just as any human relationship requires communication to sustain it, so does a relationship with God. Prayer is the means of communicating with God.Why should I pray? There are many reasons to pray, but here are five of the most important ones: 1. We need help. If you haven’t figured it out yet, we cannot navigate this life alone. If we try to, we will eventually discover that there are some problems too big for us to solve. 2) We need the help of Someone more powerful than we who can do the impossible.Some problems in life have no human solutions. It takes God to solve them. 3) We need direction. Prayer helps us to hear from God regarding the big decisions we have to make in life. 4) We need hope. Sometimes life can become overwhelming, filling us with discouragement and despair. It is at such times that prayer is balm to our souls. When we pray, we are looking to God to meet our needs. We are not depending on ourselves. God has an endless supply of whatever we need. Prayer helps us to tap into that supply. 5) We need wisdom. Life is full of choices, and choices have consequences. When we pray, we receive God’s wisdom to make wise choices that result in happy consequences.  The Privilege of Prayer Prayer is a privilege. It is the opportunity to talk with the God who made you and who knows everything about you. Just think about that. In prayer, we get to talk with the God who created the universe. This is a mind-blowing truth. So, my friend, are you ready to learn more about prayer? Are you ready to embark on the most exciting journey of communicating with God in the most amazing relationship you will ever have? You might be thinking, “Dr. MaryAnn, where do I start?” You start by establishing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If you have not yet established this relationship, you can do so right now by inviting Jesus Christ into your life. Pray this simple prayer with me now: Lord Jesus, I want to know You. I want to establish a relationship with You so that I can talk with You every day and have You talk to me. I invite You into my life and receive You now as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for sending Jesus so that I could be reconnected with You. In His Name I pray. Amen. In closing, I want to remind you that my featured book for this week is titled Prayer Power: A Simple Manual on Prayer. Get your copy now and begin a powerful prayer life that gets results. Just click on the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y 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 you to stay there. As you walk with Him, He will help you to keep on winning with the Word.________________________________ Copyright 2026 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO WINNING WITH THE WORD. ________________________________ Featured Book for This Week: Prayer Power: A Simple Manual on Prayer Get your copy here: PRAYER POWER

Writer, film curator, and leading Hong Sang-soo scholar Dennis Lim brings a personal favorite from Hong's oeuvre–– 2022's The Novelist's Film–– to Deep Cut. As the DC trio and their esteemed guest enjoy the luxuriate in Hong's complex, joyous depiction of collaborating artists-in-exile, Dennis shares his background with Hong, this film's shape, and the model Hong sets for young, independent filmmakers.Film your novel at our FREE patreon, discord server, and our socials @ www.deepcutpod.com Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:08 Introducing guest03:47 Lim's background with Hong11:15 DC trio's current thoughts on Hong15:41 Why the Novelist's Film / general reactions26:13 Hong's regular actors28:04 Formal discussion38:33 Shapes41:16 Lee Hye-young46:25 Ha song-guk47:06 Waste, exile, potential50:19 Hong's business, life, and art model (good for young filmmakers)55:53 Outro

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Calvin Schwartz—an award-winning author, novelist, journalist, college lecturer, and podcaster—on The Brand Called You. Hosted by Ashutosh Garg, this episode dives deep into Calvin Schwartz's unique journey from pharmacy to storytelling, the spiritual roots behind his acclaimed novel, There's a Tortoise in My Hair: A Journey to Spirit, and his lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy.Discover how Calvin navigated significant career shifts, overcame limiting beliefs, and found purpose in writing and environmentalism. Gain fresh perspectives on leadership, climate optimism, the power of dark humor in literature, and spiritual awakening—especially when it intersects with mental health.Whether you're passionate about personal growth, spirituality, environmental change, or storytelling, this episode will leave you inspired and reflective. Don't miss Calvin Schwartz's compelling insights, life lessons, and his advice on embracing the slow and steady path—much like the tortoise in his hair.

Romance novelist and filmmaker Alys Murray joins us to unpack Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation, and (perhaps unsurprisingly) opinions are varied! What does the movie have in common with Grease 2? Listen and learn! Plus, we have a Hotline call all about movie characters that need family or couples counseling. What's Good Alonso - Nathan Rabin's The Fractured Mirror Drea - Talking Spindle Cove on Reading Smut Alys - The Artful Dodger TV series Kevin - Valentine's Day romance, courtesy of Avengers: Endgame ITIDIC Bad Bunny Sets First Lead Movie Role in ‘Porto Rico' With Norton, Bardem Remembering a Trio of of Hollywood Greats We Lost this Week (Tom Noonan • Frederick Wiseman • Robert Duvall) - Alonso recommends The Store as a Wiseman entry point. - Tom Noonan's The Wife is an adaptation of his play, Wifey. Staff Picks Drea - Emily Alonso - A Useful Ghost Alys - Dangerous Beauty Kevin - Sliding Doors Alys Murray's new book is A Little Buzzed Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Slavery was never passively endured. Sudhir Hazareesingh on the vast, global resistance of the enslaved — from Africa to Haiti. Plus: Jacqueline Sheehan on Sojourner Truth's extraordinary moral courage.

Join us as Ocean House owner and award-winning author Deborah Goodrich Royce moderates a conversation with thriller authors Christa Carmen, Karen Dukess, Vanessa Lillie, Kristin Offiler, and Tessa Wegert. About the Authors: Christa Carmen lives in Rhode Island. She is the author of The Daughters of Block Island, winner of the Bram Stoker Award and a Shirley Jackson Award finalist, the Indie Horror Book Award-winning Something Borrowed, Something Blood-Soaked, and the Bram Stoker Award-nominated "Through the Looking Glass and Straight into Hell" (Orphans of Bliss: Tales of Addiction Horror). She has a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA from Boston College, and an MFA from the University of Southern Maine. Karen Dukess is the USAToday bestselling author of  Welcome to Murder Week and The Last Book Party and is a contributor to the upcoming anthology (November 2025) Ladies in Waiting: Jane Austen's Unsung Characters. She is also the host of The Castle Hill Author Talks, a series of virtual and in-person interviews with some of today's most exciting authors. Karen has been a tour guide in the former Soviet Union, a newspaper reporter in Florida, a magazine publisher in Russia and a speechwriter on gender equality for the United Nations. She has a degree in Russian Studies from Brown University and a Master's in Journalism from Columbia University. She lives with her family near New York City and spends as much time as possible in Truro on Cape Cod. Vanessa Lillie is the author of the USA Today bestselling suspense novel, Blood Sisters, which was a Target Book Club pick and GMA Book Club Buzz Pick as well as named one of the best mystery novel in 2023 by the Washington Post and Amazon. The sequel, The Bone Thief, was recently released, landing a spot on the USA Today Bestseller List. Her other bestselling thrillers are Little Voices, For the Best and she's the coauthor of the Young Rich Widows series. Originally from Oklahoma, Vanessa is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. She has fifteen years of marketing and communications experience and enjoys organizing book events in and around Providence, RI where she lives now. She loves connecting with readers and hosts an Instagram Live show with crime fiction authors! Kristin Offiler is represented by Tia Ikemoto at Creative Artists Agency, and her fiction has been published in the Waccamaw Journal of Contemporary Literature, the Bookends Review, and The Raleigh Review. She has an MFA from Lesley University, but most of what she's learned about writing has come from reading and taking classes with some of her favorite authors. And, of course, through a lot of trial and error with her work. She writes novels and short fiction and also loves teaching creative writing. She's a big fan of summertime, clean sheets, and reading good books on the porch of my 130-year-old house. New England features prominently in most of her work. There's something special and magical about the region, and she is forever attempting to capture it in her stories. Tessa Wegert is the critically acclaimed author of the Shana Merchant mysteries, as well as the North Country series, beginning with In the Bones. Her books have received numerous starred reviews and have been featured on PBS and NPR Radio. A former journalist and copywriter, Tessa grew up in Quebec and now lives with her husband and children in Connecticut, where she co-founded Sisters in Crime CT and serves on the board of International Thriller Writers (ITW).  For details on Deborah Goodrich Royce and the Ocean House Author Series, visit deborahgoodrichroyce.com  

Novelist and weekly author of The Wrap Geoff Parkes joins Brett McKay for a look back at first round of Super Rugby Pacific and all the surprises that came with it, on the latest episode of a brand new offering from 8/9 Rugby: the AUS Rugby scene. And it wasn't without blemish, with the powers that be declaring on Monday morning a try should not have been awarded that was. In Round 2 this weekend, there is bounce-back factor in several games, while the teams that did win now have to back that performance up. Also, Brett and Geoff run you through what to expect on 8/9 Rugby on Substack, the new publishing venture they set up over the Australian summer. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific #89RugbyonSubstack Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and we're doing more on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“There is a reason why I'm writing her story. So, I gave myself permission to write her story to get all these feelings out of me. And once I gave myself permission to do that, I did not stop writing.” – Laura Frost Today's featured award-winning author is a wife, mom, wildlife biologist, amateur baker, and adventure seeker, Laura Frost. Laura and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “Seeking Sasha”, how personal experiences shaped her storytelling, baking metaphors, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Laura to write and publish her first novelWhy a strong support system is important for someone pursuing a challenging creative careerThe importance of being open to inspiration from anywhere as a writerHow she balances life and writing. As well as her rituals for getting into the zone for creativityLaura's Site: https://laurafrostwrites.com/Laura's Book: https://a.co/d/0emfoImVThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…963 – Navigating Creative Doubt to Reach the Publishing Promised Land with J.F. Monroe: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-963-navigating-creative-doubt-to-reach-the-publishing-promised-land-with-jf-monroe/939 – Empathy, Hope, and the Power of Animal Connection with Melody Horrill: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-939-empathy-hope-and-the-power-of-animal-connection-with-melody-horrill/714 – Drink Wine and Be Beautiful with Kimberly Noel Sullivan (@KimberlyinRome): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-714-drink-wine-and-be-beautiful-with-kimberly-noel-sullivan-kimberlyinrome/847 – That Summer She Found Her Voice with Jean Burgess, PhD: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-847-that-summer-she-found-her-voice-with-jean-burgess-phd/332 – Her Perfect Life with Hank Phillippi Ryan (@HankPRyan): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-332-her-perfect-life-with-hank-phillippi-ryan-hankpryan/593 – The Perfect Neighborhood with Liz Alterman (@LizAlterman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-593-the-perfect-neighborhood-with-liz-alterman-lizalterman/744 – How to Write a Novel in 20 Pies with Amy Wallen (@amylizwrites): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-744-how-to-write-a-novel-in-20-pies-with-amy-wallen-amylizwrites/#Holiday Bonus Ep. – Bird of Paradise with Emily Johnson (@elhughes01): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/holiday-bonus-ep-bird-of-paradise-with-emily-johnson-elhughes01/351 – The Gift Legacy with JP McLean (@jpmcleanauthor): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-351-the-gift-legacy-with-jp-mclean-jpmcleanauthor/949 – The Singer Sisters with Sarah Marian Seltzer (@sarahmseltzer): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-949-the-singer-sisters-with-sarah-marian-seltzer-sarahmseltzer/864 – From Ignoring Heart's Call to Embracing a New Life Chapter with Susan Glenney: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-864-from-ignoring-hearts-call-to-embracing-a-new-life-chapter-with-susan-glenney/992 – Why It's Never Too Late To Thrive & Write A Novel with Margie Zable Fisher (@mzfisher): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-992-why-its-never-too-late-to-thrive-write-a-novel-with-margie-zable-fisher-mzfisher/903 – Somewhere in Minnesota with Jayna Locke (@jaynalocke | @jaynatweets): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-903-somewhere-in-minnesota-with-jayna-locke-jaynalocke-jaynatweets/

https://media.blubrry.com/winning_with_the_word/content.blubrry.com/winning_with_the_word/2026_02_16_WWW_Demon_Invasion.m4a February 16, 2026 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 Monday, February 16, 2026, and this is episode #3 in Series 2026. This episode is titled, “The Demon Invasion.” Talk about demons elicits various types of responses, from “You’re crazy” to “You’re right.” In this week’s message, we’re going to explore briefly the topic of the current demon invasion and how the Christ-Follower should deal with it. We are going to focus only on what the Bible says because the Bible is Truth. But first, I want to tell you that my featured book for this week, THE ITALIAN CHRONICLES Trilogy, is on sale for only $21.00. This offer includes all three novels of the trilogy—The Madonna of Pisano, A Sicilian Farewell, and Return to Bella Terra. That’s a 42% discount off the regular price. This sale will last only until the end of February. So, get your copy now and follow the page-turning saga of Maria Landro as she faces losing her fortune, her family, and her faith. Click on the link below or in the show notes to get your copy. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HFJC4RM And now, on to this week’s message. For centuries in the Western world, the topic of demons was considered not only taboo but ridiculous and off limits. After all, we were far enough advanced on the civilization scale that we no longer needed the foolishness of believing in demons. Science had taken over the western mind, and science was king. Moreover, science, being observable and concrete, saw no indication of demons in the natural, material realm. And, if we couldn’t prove something scientifically, then it did not exist. If we could not see it, it wasn’t there. Anyone who still believed in demons, therefore, was considered backward, uneducated, and downright silly. But things have changed here in the West. Over the past half century, with the rising interest in Eastern mysticism and a renewed interest in paganism, the spiritual realm has become a topic of major focus and exploration. Why? Because science has failed to address the inner part of us that is intangible. In other words, the human heart. When God created you, He breathed into you a soul and you became a living being. Scripture says this in Genesis 2: 7: “The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” In other words, God breathed into you His own breath, and this is what distinguishes you from every other creature. Your soul is what gives you life, what enables you to breathe and walk around and act. Your soul is what enables you to think and choose, to love and experience emotions. Your soul embodies your personality and is what makes you uniquely YOU. God also gave you a spirit. Your spirit is the core of who you truly are. It is the real you, your essence, and the only part of you that can connect to God because God is Spirit (John 4: 24). Now, what does all of this have to do with demons? Plenty. WHAT ARE DEMONS? Demons also are spirits, but they are the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim. The Nephilim were the offspring in human form of the union between fallen angels and human women. The purpose of this unholy union was to corrupt human DNA in order to prevent the Messiah from being born. These hybrid creatures called Nephilim were eventually destroyed in the great Flood of Noah. But their spirits still exist and are called demons. Moreover, there is much evidence today that the Nephilim have reappeared because fallen angels have re-entered the earthly sphere. You may be thinking, “Dr. MaryAnn, you’ve really lost it this time! Fallen angels impregnating women? Come on! You expect me to believe that?” If this is what you’re thinking, then I refer you to Genesis 6: 4: “Back then, and later, there were giants on the earth, who were born as a result of the unholy union of heavenly beings with the human daughters.” These “heavenly beings” were the fallen angels who had rebelled, together with Satan, against God and were evicted from Heaven. Now stay with me because it gets even more interesting. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DEMONS AND MENTAL ILLNESS The LORD God became so angry at sin and at this unholy union between fallen angels and earthly women that He destroyed the earth in Noah’s flood. In that flood, every single person on earth died except Noah and his family. Only Noah and his family still had pure DNA from which the future Messiah could be born. After the Nephilim died, along with the rest of sinful humanity, their spirits continued to exist, and these spirits are what we now call demons. Since demons are disembodied spirits—in other words spirits without a body—they are continually looking for a body to inhabit, whether a human body or an animal body. When a person, through sin, allows a demon access to his life, that demon will encroach upon that person to the degree that the person allows it, even to the point of total possession of the person. Today, because of blatant, brazen sin, we are witnessing an increasing invasion of demonic spirits into people’s lives. The results of this invasion are catastrophic, first to the person who has allowed the demons entrance, and second to society in general. One such very serious result of demon invasion is the increase in mental illness. While there are cases of mental illness rooted in physical causes such as brain chemistry issues or brain trauma, a good deal of mental illness is rooted in demonic oppression. Sadly, this fact is rarely, if ever, considered by mental health professionals. Patients are given all kinds of medication that may alleviate the symptoms but never cure the root cause of the problem because the root cause is spiritual, not physical. The incidence of mental illness in our culture has increased exponentially and continues to increase. Suicide is on the rise, especially among young teens. Nervous breakdowns, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression have become commonplace. Incidents of random shootings are growing at alarming rates. Has anyone asked why? I posit that much of mental illness today is the result of demonic invasion of the human soul. Statistics gathered in 2022 from the National Institute of Mental Health show that approximately 23.1% of the United States population suffers from mental health issues. This calculates to almost 60 million people in the United States with a mental illness of any type. Why such a high number? THE NEFARIOUS EFFECTS OF SIN A chief reason is that the incidence of sin has increased. Sin, my friend, opens the door to Satan. I’m going to say that again. Sin opens the door to Satan. Our culture today openly condones sin and even celebrates it. Evil is promoted as good and good as evil. In choosing evil, people have actually invited disembodied, demonic spirits to use their bodies as dwelling places. And when a demon attaches to your body or, worse yet, lives inside your body through demonic possession, it wreaks havoc to your entire life, especially your mental life. If you yourself have been suffering from mental illness and are having great difficulty getting better despite counseling and medication, consider the possibility that demons may be involved and that you need to deal with your problem spiritually and not just physically or mentally. If you don’t know where to turn, seek the counsel of a pastor who is experienced in dealing with demons. If you still need help, email me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com and I will direct you to a deliverance ministry that can help you. You see, my friend, the goal of Satan and his demons is to steal, kill, and destroy you. Always. His goal never changes, nor do his tactics. Most of the world is oblivious to what is really happening out there. Hordes of demons have invaded our earth through what are called portals, or openings, between the natural realm of earth and the spirit realm above the earth where fallen angels reside. The Bible calls this area “the Second Heaven.” It is the headquarters from which Satan plans and strategizes his attacks on humanity. Above the Second Heaven is the Third Heaven where God dwells with the good angels and the saints of God, those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord and lived for him while on the earth. Directly above the earth is the First Heaven, the heaven we know as current residents of this earth. This First Heaven is now witnessing the invasion of demonic spirits from the Second Heaven. They are coming in the form of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena or UAPs, formerly called UFOs. The media is telling us that these sightings are aliens from other planets. In a way, the media is right. But what they are not telling you because they do not know is that these sightings are not aliens from other planets but fallen angels from the Second Heaven invading the earth to prepare the world for the rise of the AntiChrist, the personification of Satan himself. I have much more to say on the topic, but I will end here for this week. Please subscribe to this podcast for upcoming messages on the truth about what is happening in our world today. It is all prophesied and explained in the Holy Bible. We are living in a time of great deception. (Listen to my podcast for February 9th titled The Great Deception for more information.) The world needs truth. Truth is a person, and His name is Jesus Christ. If you have not yet met Jesus Christ, I invite you to meet Him now. Pray this simple prayer with me: Lord Jesus, I want to know You because I want to know Truth. I've been living a lie, and it has gotten me to places where I don't want to be. So I choose now to turn away from the lie and to embrace You Who are Truth. I invite You into my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for revealing to me that You are Truth. In Your Name I pray. Amen. If you sincerely prayed this prayer from your heart, you are now a born-again child of God. Welcome to the Family of God! Write to me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com, and I will send you a free PDF e-booklet titled After You're Born Again. In closing, I want to remind you that my featured book for this week is my popular trilogy titled THE ITALIAN CHRONICLES. See what happens to a soul who allows Satan to invade him. All three novels are on sale in a single ebook volume for only $21.00. That’s a 42% discount off the regular price. This sale will last only until the end of February. So, get your copy now and follow the page-turning saga of Maria Landro as she faces losing her fortune, her family, and her faith. Click on the link below or in the show notes to purchase. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HFJC4RM 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 you to stay there. As you walk with Him, He will help you to keep on winning with the Word. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO WINNING WITH THE WORD.________________________________ Copyright 2026 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved. Featured Book for This Week: Get your copy now at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HFJC4RM Visit my bookstore for a complete list of books at maryanndiorio.com/bookstore.

Send a textCalling all budding espionage writers…In this solo episode, James sits down with one of the most respected names in modern spy writing, Charles Cumming, author of the critically acclaimed Box 88 series - novels celebrated for their psychological depth, moral tension and razor-sharp realism.But this isn't just a conversation about spy stories. It's about beginnings.How does a spy novelist actually get started? What sparks the first book? How do you land an agent, secure a publishing deal and sustain momentum in a fiercely competitive creative world? And why does it often take years - often decades - for stories to make it to the screen?James also explores Charles' extraordinary real-life brush with the intelligence services, including being approached by MI6 - and how that encounter reshaped his understanding of secrecy, power and responsibility.This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the craft of espionage writing — and a masterclass in longevity, discipline and producing work that stands the test of time.If you've ever wanted to write… or simply love the shadowy world of spies and secrets… this one's for you.https://charlescumming.co.uk/IBIZA RETREAT: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/ Support the showPlease remember, if you find the show helpful or it makes you laugh, motivates and inspires you - please do like, share and rate us. We don't run ads on the podcast or for the show, because we want to keep it as enjoyable for you to listen as possible. So if you can help us spread the word, we'd be incredibly grateful.For more information about The Midlife Mentors, click the below link:https://linktr.ee/themidlifementors.comTik Tok: @themidlifementorsIG: @midlifementors

In this episode of Writer's Voice, Francesca speaks with D. Graham Burnett, Alyssa Loh, and Peter Schmidt about Attensity!, a manifesto for what they call the Attention Liberation Movement.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Mark McCraw, acclaimed author of twelve children's books.0:00 Opening ThoughtsThere's still time to file a claim in the Anthorpic lawsuit.3:48 News1) Substack is Coming to Television2) "Autofiction" takes off in Scandinavia14:00 Craft CornerJD Caine, co-author of the Manifest Destiny series, explains how to scare your readers.17:58 Interview with Mark McCraw33:57 Parting WordsFINAL CALL for the WriterCon Cruise, March 7-15, Eastern Caribbena itinerary leaving from Ft. Lauderdale. Over twenty hours of writing instruction specifically tailored to the needs of the particpants. You'll have opporunities to interact, make friends, and meet individually with all the writers plus a top literary agent. Seas the Day!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

In the spotlight is Melissa Fraterrigo, the author of the memoir-in-essays titled “The Perils of Girlhood.” She has also written the novel “Glory Days,” as well as the short story collection “The Longest Pregnancy.” Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies from Shenandoah and The Massachusetts Review to  storySouth and Notre Dame Review. She has been a finalist for awards from Glimmer Train on multiple occasions, twice nominated for Pushcart Awards, and was the winner of the Sam Adams/Zoetrope: All Story Short Fiction Contest.  She teaches creative writing at Purdue University and in the MFA program in creative writing at Butler University in Indianapolis and also offers instruction on the art and craft of writing at the Lafayette Writers' Studio in Lafayette, Indiana. Learn more about Melissa Fraterrigo here: https://www.melissafraterrigo.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 

Haris Orkin is a prolific novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and game writer.  His play Dada premiered at The La Jolla Playhouse. His feature film, A Saintly Switch, was produced by Disney and directed by the great Peter Bogdanovich. Haris has written screenplays for Universal, Sony, Fox, and Paramount.  He's also has written numerous video games, many of which have been nominated for the WGA and BAFTA Film Awards. Games he's worked on include Call of Juarez, Red Alerts, Shadow Warrior, Black Hawk Down, and many others.Haris recently released the sixth book in his James Flynn Escapade series, called From Lompoc With Love. I've read the first book of the series, You Only Live Once, which is one of the cleverest, wittiest, and most fun takes on the superspy genre I've had the pleasure to read. I'm a huge James Bond fan, and I was thoroughly caught up in James Flynn's hilariously delusional and unexpected exploits. The book series has been optioned by producer Sherry Marsh and Will Arnett's company and is currently being shopped to streaming studios.  

A riotious comic novel of ideas, Seven tells the story of an unnamed philosopher plunged into the strange world of Theodoros Apostalakis: dentist, poet, pursuer of lost things, and obsessive player of 'Seven', a revered board game whose champions struggle to hold onto what is most valuable in human life in the face of Artificial Intelligence. Blending academic satire, travel writing, farce, and philosophy into a singular, intoxicating brew, Seven is a literary novel that stretches the boundaries of the form and cannot be adequately explained in a bilateral podcast interview with the author: nevertheless, we attempt to do so in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For decades, we were sold a lie: get good grades, be smart, keep climbing—and success will magically follow. But in a world of nonstop disruption, AI, political chaos, and careers that don't come with ladders anymore, IQ and EQ alone aren't cutting it. In this episode of This Is Woman's Work, Nicole Kalil sits down with Liz Tran, executive coach, former venture capitalist, and author of AQ: A New Kind of Intelligence for a World That's Always Changing, to unpack the intelligence that actually determines who thrives when everything keeps shifting: AQ (Agility Quotient). AQ isn't about being perfect, flexible to the point of burnout, or endlessly accommodating. It's about how well you adapt to change, uncertainty, and the unknown—without losing yourself in the process. Liz breaks down the four AQ archetypes (Firefighter, Novelist, Astronaut, Neurosurgeon), how proactive vs. reactive change impacts your life and career, and why adaptability is no longer optional—it's survival. This conversation will change how you think about intelligence, leadership, confidence, and what it really takes to succeed when the rules keep changing mid-game. Bottom line: Intelligence isn't just what you know—it's how you respond when what you know stops working. Thank you to our sponsors! Sex is a skill. Beducated is where you learn it. Visit https://beducate.me/bg2602-womanswork and use code womanswork for 50% off the annual pass. Connect with Liz Website: https://liz-tran.com/   Book: https://liz-tran.com/#aq  IG: https://www.instagram.com/liztranwrites/ Quiz: https://liz-tran.com/#quiz LI: linkedin.com/in/liztran1  Related Podcast Episodes: Unlocking Your Hidden Genius: How to Harness Your Innate Talents with Betsy Wills & Alex Ellison | Ep. 289 129 / 4 Truths of Radiant Change with Kristen Lisanti Diversity Isn't a Strategy - It's a Leadership Result with Aiko Bethea | 378 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Today I sit down with my incredible friend Del James. Del is a man of man hats in the art world Song Writer, Tour Manager and now a graphic Novelist. He has just released a brand new Graphic Novel called Consensual Violence that is available on Amazon. This man loves Rock n Roll, Wrestling and Horror Films and we dive into all of it. Tune in and enjoy my friends. thank you  DDR Follow Del on Instagram @deljamesgang  My tour dates can be found here - https://www.deandelray.com/tourdates  My Stand Up Special is here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbeaApu4OP0  Join My Patreon here - https://www.deandelray.com/patreon 

Acclaimed debut novelist Rosie Storey spoke with us about her rejection advice for writers, chasing personal authenticity, and the "accidental catfishing" at the heart of DANDELION IS DEAD. Rosie Storey left her corporate career to finish her hotly anticipated debut novel, Dandelion Is Dead. The book received significant buzz in early 2026, including a January 2026 Indie Next selection, an exclusive excerpt on Today.com, an NPR interview, coverage from Reader's Digest, being long listed for the Bath Novel Award, and optioned for TV, among many others. Described as a “... witty, heart-wrenching debut that follows a woman who starts dating under her late sister's online profile,” and a “... ‘messy millennial' story that's Fleabag meets P.S. I Love You.”  Booklist said of the book, “Storey's debut novel is striking, with staggeringly complex characters and messy situations reminiscent of real life…. filled with intimacy and kindness….Fast-paced but never hurried.” #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune called it “... the perfect book club book.” Rosie Storey holds a master's in creative writing, and lives in East London, where she works as a writing coach. She is working on her second book. [This episode is sponsored by Ulysses. Go to ⁠ulys.app/writeabook⁠ to download Ulysses, and use the code FILES at checkout to get 25% off the first year of your yearly subscription."] [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 Rosie Storey, Milena and I discussed: How it feels to be compared to your heroes The many opportunities she had to give up the writing life Getting support and much-needed advice from her editors early on The importance of pacing for the novel Writing about grief and the societal pressures on men and women Dancing at Studio 54 with Miranda July And a lot more! Show Notes: Rosie Storey on Instagram Dandelion Is Dead: A Novel About Life by Rosie Storey (Amazon) Rosie Storey's Rejection Advice for Writers TheNovelry.com 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

UK writer Zadie Smith became a world-wide sensation with the publication of her first novel White Teeth when she was 24. Now aged 50, she's bringing her trademark intelligence and wit to the subject of midlife.Her latest work is Dead and Alive, a new book of essays, where she writes about black British history, paintings, politics, our online lives and getting older.She also talks about up growing in North West London and where she's returned to live with her own family.Zadie will be in Australia next month as part of the All About Women festival at the Sydney Opera House on March 8th and at The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne on March 10th.Further InformationAll About Women at Sydney Opera HouseZadie Smith at The Wheeler CentreThis episode explores growing up in North West London, immigrants, black British history, the internet, smart phones, social media, the technology of the book, mid life, being 50, free university, Cambridge, diversity, academia, tap dancing, painting, politics, being a writer, non-fiction, young novelists, find success at young age.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

HT2522 - When the Image Takes Charge Over the years I've noticed a curiosity that pops up from time to time. I'll have in my mind's eye an idea of what I want an image to look like, but when I start processing it imposes an alternative I'd never thought about. Novelists will talk about their fictional character taking on a momentum of its own. I think the same thing can happen with photographs. Show your appreciation for our free weekly Podcast and our free daily Here's a Thought… with a donation Thanks!

Liz Moore's bestselling book, ‘Long Bright River,' was set in a troubled Philadelphia neighborhood where she'd worked on a photo essay. “My own family has a long history of addiction. I was kind of emotionally drawn back to the neighborhood over and over again because of that,” she tells Dave Davies. The resulting thriller about a policewoman searching for her missing sister was made into a series on Peacock. Moore's latest book, ‘The God of the Woods,' where a child goes missing from a remote children's camp, will be adapted to a Netflix series.Also, we hear from one of England's most acclaimed writers, Julian Barnes. He has a new book, which he says will be his last. It's called ‘Departures.' He spoke with Terry Gross. Maureen Corrigan reviews George Saunders' new novel, ‘Vigil.'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Ark Prof. Albert Cheng and Great Hearts Academies' Dr. Helen Baxendale speak with Jay Tolson, editor of The Hedgehog Review and author of Pilgrim in the Ruins: A Life of Walker Percy. Tolson delves into the literary legacy of Walker Percy, the celebrated 20th-century Southern Catholic novelist. He […]

The Man Booker Prize-winning writer says his new book, ‘Departure(s),' will be his last. He spoke with Terry Gross about blending genres, moving through grief after his wife died, and the fallibility of memory. TV critic David Bianculli reviews the new series ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.' Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The present American political moment is defined by one word: Disillusion. All over the country, ordinary people have realized that the bureaucrats, professors, and other elites who dominated their lives were never acting in good faith and declined long ago. Novelist and thinker Walter Kirn examines the great turning point in American life in the 21st century, and ponders — what's next? Trump’s 2024 win, Kirn argues, wasn’t just political, but a reckoning for every institution in American life. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.