Podcasts about RITA Award

Join Samantha Tennant for an engaging episode of Fresh Fiction Video Book Club featuring special guest Asa Maria Bradley. Dive into the world of Viking romance, as Asa shares her journey from writing women's fiction to becoming a celebrated romance author, including nominations for the RWA's Rita Award and winning the Holt Medallion. Discover the creative process behind her immersive worlds filled with Vikings, shifters, and rich Norse mythology. Learn about her inspiration, character development, and upcoming projects set to enthrall readers. Plus, enjoy a fun segment with personal insights from Asa. Don't miss this insightful and entertaining conversation!   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Asa Maria Bradley's Writing Journey 01:49 Discovering Romance Writing 04:24 Viking Romance and Norse Mythology 08:36 World Building and Character Development 13:56 Characters and Their Stories 19:36 Fresh Fiction Facts 19:45 Swedish Influences and Childhood Favorites 21:37 Fresh Fiction Facts: Quickfire Questions 28:04 Favorite Books and Authors 30:59 Current and Upcoming Projects 34:10 Where to Follow and Final Thoughts Asa Maria Bradley: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=38481 Norse Warriors Protection: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=8178

Lauren Willig discusses co-writing and writing cross-genre plus gives us the scoop on her latest novel. Lauren is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five works of historical fiction, including Band of Sisters, The Summer Country, The English Wife, the RITA Award-winning Pink Carnation series, and five novels co-written with Beatriz Williams and Karen White. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages, picked for Book of the Month Club, awarded the RITA, Booksellers Best, and Golden Leaf awards, and chosen for the American Library Association's annual list of the best genre fiction. An alumna of Yale University, she has a graduate degree in history from Harvard and a JD from Harvard Law School. She lives in New York City with her husband, two young children, and vast quantities of coffee. Her latest novel is The Girl from Greenwich Street. Learn more at https://laurenwillig.comIntro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Outro RecordingFollow the Writing Table:On Twitter/X: @writingtablepcEverywhere else: @writingtablepodcastEmail questions or tell us who you'd like us to invite to the Writing Table: writingtablepodcast@gmail.com.

Join Ocean House owner and author Deborah Goodrich Royce as she moderates a conversation with featured authors. New York Times bestselling authors Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White will discuss their new novel, An Author's Guide To Murder. About An Author's Guide to Murder: Agatha Christie meets Murder, She Wrote in this witty locked room mystery and literary satire by New York Times bestselling team of novelists: Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White. There's been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead–under bizarre circumstances–in the castle tower's book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle's guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for literary Americans, finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists. The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book together, but the authors' stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don't quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious. Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death? A crafty locked-room mystery, a pointed satire about the literary world, and a tale of unexpected friendship and romance–this novel has it all, as only three bestselling authors can tell it! About Beatriz Williams: Beatriz Williams is the bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including Husbands and Lovers, The Summer Wives, and The Secret Life of Violet Grant, as well as four other novels cowritten with Lauren Willig and Karen White. A native of Seattle, she graduated from Stanford University and earned an MBA in finance from Columbia University. She lives with her husband and four children near the Connecticut shore, where she divides her time between writing and laundry. About Lauren Willig: Lauren Willig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five novels, including Band of Sisters and the RITA Award winning Pink Carnation series. An alumna of Yale University, she has a graduate degree in history from Harvard and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. She lives in New York City with her husband, two young children, and vast quantities of coffee. About Karen White: Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty-four novels, including The Last Night in London and The House on Prytania, as well as the Tradd Street mystery series. She currently writes what she refers to as “grit lit”—Southern women's fiction. She is a graduate of the American School in London and has a BS in management from Tulane University. When not writing, she spends her time reading, singing, and avoiding cooking. She has two grown children and currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and a spoiled Havanese dog. For more information about the authors on this panel, visit oceanhouseevents.com/events. For details on Deborah Goodrich Royce and the Ocean House Author Series, visit deborahgoodrichroyce.com

This is the fourth episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Olivea.  This episode is with special guest, best-selling author, Francine Rivers. In this episode Francine shares with Janell and Olivea about her life journey, how she hears from God, why trusting His character is so important, and how she knows He cares even when life can be full of disappointments or unexpected detours.    ABOUT FRANCINE RIVERS New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers had a successful writing career in the general market for several years becoming a born-again Christian; she then wrote "Redeeming Love" as her statement of faith. A retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush, Redeeming Love is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction and it continues to be one of the industry's top-selling titles year after year. Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous bestselling novels with Christian themes—including The Masterpiece, Bridge to Haven, and A Voice in the Wind —and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the world. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for Inspirational Fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Francine's novels have been translated into over 30 different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries. Francine and her husband live in Northern California and enjoy time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.  

Today, I chat with romance author Roni Loren, a two-time Rita Award winner and Gallup® Certified Strengths Coach with the Better Faster Academy.The discussion dives into the controversial advice about editing as you go and how each writer's process is unique. Roni shares her journey, her struggles with self-doubt, and how she overcame burnout. With a focus on character-driven writing and leveraging personal strengths, Ronnie offers valuable insights for her fellow writers.00:00 Introduction: Challenging Writing Norms01:30 Meet Romance Author Roni Lauren02:05 Roni's Writing Journey04:36 Discussing 'The Ones Who Got Away' Series and writing Rom Drama06:30 Exploring Romance and Character Development16:29 The Challenges of Writing and Burnout20:55 Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome28:08 Current Projects and Final ThoughtsGuest Bio & LinksRoni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven't improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. She holds a master's degree in social work and spent years as a mental health counselor, but now she writes full-time from her cozy office in North Texas where she puts her characters on the therapy couch instead. She is a two-time RITA Award winner, a HOLT Medallion winner, and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is also a Gallup® Certified Strengths Coach with the Better Faster Academy.Links:Website: http://www.roniloren.comNewsletter/Substack for readers: https://roniloren.substack.com/The Nourished Writer (a newsletter/Substack for writers) https://thenourishedwriter.substack.com/Instagram: @ronilorenSupport the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Deborah Raney's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb's writing career. Thirty years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. A RITA® Award winner and three-time Christy Award finalist, Deb is represented by Steve Laube of the Steve Laube Agency. She is a Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, time with their family, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Connect with Deborah Raney Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | BookBub --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thetriciagoyershow/support

Are you looking for a captivating Summer read? Tune in for a discussion with New York Times Bestselling author Laura Griffin, on her new thriller Liar's Point. Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! Laura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and novellas. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura is a two-time RITA® Award winner (for Scorched and Whisper of Warning) as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award (for Untraceable). Her book Desperate Girls was named one of the Best Books of 2018 by Publishers Weekly. https://lauragriffin.comFor more show information visit:   www.MariannePestana.com  #books #bookstagram #bookish #bookshelf #kmet1490am #LauraGriffin #thriller #mustread #summerreading #reading #readinglist 

Kendra Elliot has sold twelve million books, hit the Wall Street Journal top ten bestseller list more than a dozen times, and is a three time winner of the Daphne du Maurier award. She is an International Thriller Writers' finalist and a Romantic Times finalist. She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest but now spends most of her time on a warm beach wearing flip flops. You can learn more about her at: https://www.kendraelliot.com/ Melinda Leigh is a #1 Amazon Charts and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author and has sold over 14 million books. As a fully recovered banker and a life-long lover of books, she started writing as a way to preserve her sanity while raising her kids. Melinda's debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was an International Thriller Award finalist. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame.She lives near the beach with her family and two spoiled rescue dogs. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination. Find out more at: www.melindaleigh.com And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com Book Lights - shining a light on good books!  

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Gabrielle Meyer returns to the podcast this week, and I'm so excited to have her with us to talk about her latest book, In This Moment. It's one of my favorite reads of 2023. We chat about how she juggled three timelines in this novel, how the Mississippi River inspires her to write, and what it was like to research and include her own family history with the Salem Witch Trials in her next book. My patrons will get to hear the fascinating story behind why they just had some French people staying at their house. In This Moment by Gabrielle MeyerMaggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever. In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?Gabrielle Meyer's writing captivates with . . ."A page-turning journey through three riveting, interwoven historical timelines."--MIMI MATTHEWS,USA Today bestselling author"Wonderful settings that brim with ethical dilemmas, fabulous twists, and an engaging heroine."--ELIZABETH CAMDEN, Christy and RITA Award-winning author"A time-traveling adventure with timeless appeal."--JOCELYN GREEN, Christy Award-winning authorGet your copy of In This Moment.About Gabrielle Meyer:WIFE, MOM, WRITER, FRIEND...Gabrielle lives on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing historical and contemporary novels inspired by real people, places, and events. The river is a constant source of inspiration for Gabrielle, and if you look closely, you will find a river in each of her stories.When Gabrielle is not writing, you might find her homeschooling her children, cheering them on at sporting and theatrical events, or hosting a gathering at her home with family and friends.Visit Gabrielle Meyer's website.

In 2019, a well known romance writer began tweeting about other writers in her community and concerns about racism. It led to a huge reckoning within an organization called the Romance Writers of America, which is still unfolding. And although the online debate seemed to be isolated to a specific community of romance writers and their fans, it was really a microcosm of what's been happening all over the US. We learn all about romance novels and how newer writers are changing the norms of the genre, and giving it a political power it's never had before. And, we talk about what it means for organizations to change as they grapple with questions of race, including organizations such as ours, at Making Contact. This is an encore presentation of part two of a two-part series. Like this program? Please show us the love. Click here: http://bit.ly/3LYyl0R and support our non-profit journalism. Thanks! Featuring: Contance Grady Shana McDavis-Conway CJ Broderick Jayashree Kamble Jessica Partnow  Making Contact Team: Host: Salima Hamirani Producers: Salima Hamirani, Anita Johnson, Lucy Kang and Amy Gastelum Interim Senior Producer: Jessica Partnow Executive Director: Jina Chung Engineer: Jeff Emtman Music: Frequency Decree - Cenote Broke for Free- Washout Frequency Decree - Lithosphere Blue Dot Sessions - Boston Landing    Learn More: Constance Grady's Article for Vox The Romance Writers of America International Association for the Study of Popular Romance Making Meaning in Popular Romance Fiction: An Epistemología The Equity Project Smart Bitches, Trashy Books Recommended Reading list

J.T. Geissinger is a #1 international and Amazon Charts bestselling author of thirty novels. Ranging from funny, feisty romcoms to intense erotic thrillers, her books have sold over ten million copies worldwide and been translated into more than twenty languages. She is a three-time finalist in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.You can find J.T. online at jtgeissinger.com as well as on TikTok at @jtgeissingerauthor and Instagram at @jtgeissingerauthor.This episode of Book Talk for Book Tok was recorded on Riverside.fm, a cloud-based podcast recording platform.Support the show

In 2019 a well known romance writer began tweeting about other writers in her community and concerns about racism. It led to a huge reckoning within an organization called the Romance Writers of America, which is still unfolding. And although the online debate seemed to be isolated to a specific community of romance writers and their fans, it was really a microcosm of what's been happening all over the US. In this episode we learn all about romance novels and how newer writers are changing the norms of the genre, and giving it a political power it's never had before. And, we talk about what it means for organizations to change as they grapple with questions of race.   Like this program? Please show us the love. Click here: http://bit.ly/3LYyl0R and support our non-profit journalism. Thanks! Featuring Jayashree Kamble; professor of English Literature at La Guardia Community College Reagan Jackson; co-executive director, Young Women Empowered, also a romance reader and fan Contance Grady; Senior Culture Reporter for Vox Elise Staples, member of a romance reading book club through meetup.com  Making Contact Team Episode Host: Salima Hamirani Producers: Salima Hamirani, Anita Johnson, Lucy Kang, Amy Gastelum Executive Director: Jina Chung Interim Senior Producer: Jessica Partnow Engineer: Jeff Emtman Music: Johnny Ripper - Overout Johnny Ripper - Sfhk (mental breakdown) Johnny Ripper - Untitled (waking up) Johnny Ripper - In a Dream Dance of the Seahorse - Gideon Freudman Pictures of the Floating World - Waves Bio Unit - Subterannean Ketsa - you asked Learn More: Constance Grady's Article for Vox The Romance Writers of America International Association for the Study of Popular Romance Making Meaning in Popular Romance Fiction: An Epistemología Recommended Reading list Making Contact is a 29-minute weekly program committed to investigative journalism and in-depth critical analysis that goes beyond the breaking news. On the web at www.radioproject.org.

   Join Ocean House owner, actor, and bestselling author Deborah Goodrich Royce for a conversation with Two Wars and a Wedding author Lauren Willig. Lauren Willig is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty works of historical fiction, including Band of Sisters, The Summer Country, The English Wife, the RITA Award-winning Pink Carnation series, and four novels co-written with Beatriz Williams and Karen White. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages, picked for Book of the Month Club, awarded the RITA, Booksellers Best, and Golden Leaf awards, and chosen for the American Library Association's annual list of the best genre fiction. An alumna of Yale University, she has a graduate degree in history from Harvard and a JD from Harvard Law School. She lives in New York City with her husband, two young children, and vast quantities of coffee. For more information or to purchase her books visit laurenwillig.com. For more information on Deborah Goodrich Royce and the Ocean House Author Series visit deborahgoodrichroyce.com

Happy Wednesday! Thanks for joining us on the Finding Something REAL Podcast! Today, Janell and Leonie have a conversation with Francine Rivers the author of Redeeming Love. Francine shares about her faith journey and how it is reflected in her writing. She talks not only about the story of Redeeming Love, but also about the Redeeming Love Foundation and the recently released Redeeming Love movie. They also discuss topics such as how Christians can still be imperfect, pushback Francine has received from the Redeeming Love movie, the Christian publishing market, and more. We hope you enjoy! ** Please note that today's episode does cover topics such as sex and sex trafficking. **About FrancineNew York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers had a successful writing career in the general market for several years becoming a born-again Christian; she then wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. A retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush, Redeeming Love is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction and it continues to be one of the industry's top-selling titles year after year. Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous bestselling novels with Christian themes—including The Masterpiece, Bridge to Haven, and A Voice in the Wind —and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the world. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for Inspirational Fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Francine's novels have been translated into over 30 different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries. Francine and her husband live in Northern California and enjoy time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.___________________We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!FSR: Gaia's Intro FSR: Gaia & Dr. Erik ThoennesFSR Gaia & RobbyFSR: Gaia and ZachFSR s5e26 with LeonieFSR August 2022 with Leonie and Frank TurekFrancine's websiteRedeeming Love Foundation Redeeming Love (Book)Redeeming Love MovieThe Scarlett Thread (book)The Atonement ChildDan in Real Life (movie)The Chosen seriesExpository Preaching Hosea (BibleGateway)

Deepa Varadarajan lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children. She is a legal academic and a graduate of Yale Law School. She grew up in Texas and received her BA from the University of Texas at Austin. Her short fiction has appeared in The Georgia Review and Colorado Review, and her legal scholarship has appeared in The Yale Law Journal and many other publications. Late Bloomers is her first novel. In our second segment we welcome Christina Dodd Readers become writers, and Christina Dodd has always been a reader. She reads everything, but because she loves humor, she likes romance best. A woman wants things like world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants things like a Craftsman router with attachments, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will miraculously make his bald spot disappear. So when Christina's first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to quit work and write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be? Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before her first novel, CANDLE IN THE WINDOW, was published. In the thirty-two years since, her novels have been translated into 25 languages, won Romance Writers of America's prestigious Golden Heart and RITA Awards and been called the year's best by Library Journal and Booklist. Christina Dodd herself has been a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle (11/18/05, # 13 Down: Romance Novelist named Christina.) Her mother was thrilled! With more than 15 million of her books in print, Booklist praises her, “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd.”

Late Bloomers: A Novel Deepa Varadarajan lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children. She is a legal academic and a graduate of Yale Law School. She grew up in Texas and received her BA from the University of Texas at Austin. Her short fiction has appeared in The Georgia Review and Colorado Review, and her legal scholarship has appeared in The Yale Law Journal and many other publications. Late Bloomers is her first novel. In our second segment we welcome Christina Dodd Forget What You Know: A Novel Readers become writers, and Christina Dodd has always been a reader. She reads everything, but because she loves humor, she likes romance best. A woman wants things like world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants things like a Craftsman router with attachments, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will miraculously make his bald spot disappear. So when Christina's first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to quit work and write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be? Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before her first novel, CANDLE IN THE WINDOW, was published. In the thirty-two years since, her novels have been translated into 25 languages, won Romance Writers of America's prestigious Golden Heart and RITA Awards and been called the year's best by Library Journal and Booklist. Christina Dodd herself has been a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle (11/18/05, # 13 Down: Romance Novelist named Christina.) Her mother was thrilled! With more than 15 million of her books in print, Booklist praises her, “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd.” When you click a link on our site, it might just be a magical portal (aka an affiliate link). We're passionate about only sharing the treasures we truly believe in. Every purchase made from our links not only supports Dabble but also the marvelous authors and creators we showcase, at no additional cost to you.

Kait is a USA Today best selling, RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author of smart, sassy, small town Southern romance. She calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements.

Kait is a USA Today best selling, RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author of smart, sassy, small town Southern romance. She calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements.

Jeff Rasley is the author of thirteen books; the most recent is A Pickleball SoapOpera: Love, Murder, and Pickleball. He has published numerous articles in academicand mainstream periodicals, including Newsweek, Chicago Magazine, ABA Journal,Family Law Review, The Journal of Communal Societies, and Friends Journal. He is anaward-winning photographer and his pictures taken in the Himalayas and Caribbean andPacific islands have been published in several journals. He has appeared as a featuredguest on over 100 radio and podcast programs.Rasley has engaged in social activism and philanthropic efforts from an early age.In high school he co-founded the Goshen Walk for Hunger. In law school he was anadvocate for renters' rights as the leader of the first rent strike in Indiana, and he served asa lobbyist and president of the Indianapolis Tenants Association. As an attorney for LegalServices organization he was lead counsel on two class action suits on behalf of prisonerswhich resulted in judgments requiring the construction of two new jails in CentralIndiana. Jeff founded free legal clinics at two inner-city churches. He was the leadplaintiff in a class action requiring the clean-up of the White River after it was pollutedby an industrial chemical spill. He spent five days working for NOLA Habitat forHumanity post Katrina. Jeff is the founder and former president of the Basa VillageFoundation USA, which raises money for culturally sensitive development work in theBasa area of Nepal. He also served a term as president of Scientech, which promotesscience education. Jeff is a director of five other nonprofit organizations. In December,2020 the Rasleys founded the Jeff and Alicia Rasley Internship Program for the ACLU ofIndiana.Jeff is a partner in the eBook publishing company Midsummer Books andprovides writer-coaching services. He is U.S. liaison for the Nepal-based Himalayanexpedition company, Adventure GeoTreks Ltd. He has taught classes for IUPUIContinuing Ed. Program, Indiana Writers Center, and Butler and Marian Universities.Jeff is a graduate of the University of Chicago, A.B. magna cum laude, Phi BetaKappa, All-Academic All-State Football Team and letter winner in swimming andfootball; Indiana University School of Law, J.D. cum laude, Moot Court and Indiana LawReview; Christian Theological Seminary, M.Div. magna cum laude, co-valedictorian andFaculty Award Scholar. He has been admitted to the Indiana, U.S. District Court, andU.S. Supreme Court Bars.For chairing the Indiana-Tennessee Civic Memorial Commission Rasley and theCommission received Proclamations of Salutation from the Governors of Indiana, Ohio,Tennessee and Pennsylvania and he was made an honorary Lieutenant Colonel Aide-de-Camp of the Alabama State Militia, a Kentucky Colonel and honorary Citizen ofTennessee. He was given a Key to the City of Indianapolis for serving as an intern toMayor Hudnut and preparing a report on the safety conditions of all Indy Parks. Rasleyhas received the Man of the Year award from the Arthur Jordan YMCA and the AlumniService Award from the University of Chicago.Jeff is an avid outdoorsman and recreational athlete. He leads trekking-mountaineering expeditions in Nepal and has solo-kayaked around several Pacific islandgroups. He also loves to read and considers completing Marcel Proust's 3600 pageRemembrance of Things Past as great an adventure as climbing Himalayan peaks andsolo-kayaking Pacific islands.He is married to Alicia Rasley, an English professor and the author of historicalromances and writing craft books. Alicia is a RITA Award winner and her novel TheYear She Fell" was an Amazon-Kindle best-seller. Son James is an officer in theNational Guard, and Andrew is a tech supervisor with a film and TV production companyin LA.You can contact Jeff here:jrasley@juno.comwww.jeffreyrasley.comLike and subscribe and follow me on instagram @wakeupwithkcWebsite: https://www.wakeupwithkc.com/https://calendly.com/wakeupwithkcMakeup provide by: https://farmasius.com/kcgingerJewelry provided by: Pretty Bling Boutiquehttps://www.facebook.com/prettyblingboutique/Logo created by: Eden Fritz AguiarProducer & Marketing Dir, Clovercrest MediaOpener created by: Zachary LaPlantCMG | Social Media Manager| Chief Video Editor Just The Way It IsAdrian WaltherSX7PA8K4SYANWVLZ

Author and Podcaster Linda Kozar chats with guests who share the story of their life and how they got to the place they are now. Stories that are sad, touching, bittersweet, and often miraculous. Everyone has a story to tell before they leave this earth and we should hear the unique story of their life. www.lindakozar.com DEBORAH RANEY dreamed of writing a book since the summer she read Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books and discovered that a Kansas farm girl could, indeed, grow up to be a writer. Her almost forty books have garnered multiple industry awards including the RITA® Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Carol Award, and have three times been Christy Award finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, shed light on the ravages of Alzheimer's disease and inspired the highly acclaimed World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Deborah is on faculty for several national writers' conferences and served on the executive board of the 2500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for 18 years. She is a transplant to Southeast Missouri with her husband, Ken Raney, having moved from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

The book of the moment for today's episode is You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria. Just a forewarning for those of you listening, this is NOT a spoiler-free zone. We will be discussing this book in all of its glory, which of course includes revealing the ending. Alexis Daria is an award-winning and bestselling romance author. Her debut novel, Take the Lead, was a RITA Award winner for Best First Book, and You Had Me at Hola, the first book in her Primas of Power series, is an international bestseller. Alexis's books have been featured on several “Best of” lists from outlets like Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Buzzfeed, and the Washington Post, and have received starred reviews from trade publications like Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Library Journal. A former visual artist, Alexis is a lifelong New Yorker who loves Broadway musicals and pizza. If you enjoyed this episode, I encourage you to leave a review on whichever platform you are listening on, if applicable. If you have any further questions regarding topics discussed throughout the episode feel free to join our Hardcover Hoes Discord Server via the link in the show notes, or send us an email at hardcoverhoespod@gmail.com. Feel free to recommend books to cover in future episodes as well! Discord Server: https://discord.gg/zpvW4FyuPF TikTok, IG, Twitter: @HardcoverHoes Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/993967071461813/

Jeffe Kennedy is a multi-award-winning and best-selling author of romantic fantasy. She is the current President of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and is a member of Novelists, Inc. (NINC). She is best known for her RITA® Award-winning novel, The Pages of the Mind, the recent trilogy, The Forgotten Empires, and the wildly popular, Dark Wizard. Jeffe lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is represented by Sarah Younger of Nancy Yost Literary Agency.//Draft2Digital is where you start 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—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • 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.

THE Francine Rivers! New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers has published numerous novels—all bestsellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her novels have been awarded or nominated for many honors, and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Francine's novels have been translated into over 30 different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. TOPIC: REDEEMING LOVE (Universal Pictures) in theaters January 21, 2022 and PVOD on February 11, 2022 CAST: Directed by D.J. Caruso (xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE) Abigail Cowen (“Fate: The Winx Saga,” “Sabrina”) as Angel Tom Lewis (GENTLEMAN JACK) as Michael Hosea Logan Marshall Green (UPGRADE, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, PROMETHEUS) as Paul Famke Janssen (X-MEN, TAKEN) as Duchess Nina Dobrev (xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE, VAMPIRE DIARIES) as Mae LINKS: Website: https://redeeminglovemovie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeeminglovemovie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redeeminglovefilm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redeeminglovemovie Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedeemingMovie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdFHo3cwDtwuadjk6i-JkOQ Francine's Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrancineRivers Website: www.FrancineRivers.com

Author Colleen Thompson joins the show to discuss her newest book DANGER AT CLEARWATER CROSSING, as well as the creative process, what it takes to make it in publishing, and so much more.From the historical novels that began her writing journey (written as Gwyneth Atlee and Colleen Easton) to the riveting romantic suspense that has become her trademark, Colleen Thompson writes stories that show us that sometimes, love can kill.In 2004, Colleen Thompson's first  romantic thriller, Fatal Error, launched Dorchester Publishing's new line of fast-paced, steamy romantic suspense.  The book was nominated for the RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense and won the Texas Gold for Best Mainstream Fiction.  Other honors received by her books include a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, a Readers' Choice Awards, nominations from the Reviewers International Organization, Top Pick, KISS awards, and a reviewers' choice award nomination from Romantic Times Book Club Magazine, and a Perfect Ten from Romance Reviews Today.Now residing in the Houston area with her husband, Colleen works with children in addition to her writing and speaking. When she's not on deadline, she can often be found hiking with her family, playing with her pets, fiddling with her computer, or with her nose stuck in a good book.For more info about Colleen, or to check out her books, visit these websites.Buy books here. Colleen's website here.Visit Creative Peacemeal Podcast on social media, browse podcast swag, and continue the creative conversations via the blog!Website https://tstakaishi.wixsite.com/musicInstagram @creative_peacemeal_podcastFacebook https://www.facebook.com/creativepeacemealpod/***To make a donation to Dachshund Rescue of Houston click here!As always, THANK YOU for listening and if you have a moment, share an episode with a friend, or leave a review on Apple by clicking here and scrolling to "Ratings and Reviews" Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/creativepeacemeal)

The Bronx-native was juggling multiple jobs when she decided, at 30, that it was time to stop playing small. It paid off: her first romance novel was recognized with a prestigious RITA Award, and her newest solo project, A Lot Like Adios, is continuing to ask powerful questions about who gets to fall in love and what love really looks like.Follow Alexis on Instagram @alexisdaria. If you loved this episode, listen to Book Editor Michelle Herrera on Finding Your Voice By Not Fitting In and Author Carmen Maria Machado on the Myth of a Queer Love Utopia. Show your love and become a Latina to Latina Patreon supporter!

USA Today-bestselling author Sherry Thomas decided that her goal in life is to write every kind of book she enjoys reading. Thus far she has published romance, fantasy, mystery, and a wuxia-inspired duology. Her books regularly receive starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications, including such outlets as the New York Times and National Public Radio. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA® Award. Sherry immigrated from China at age 13 and English is her second language. --- Sign Up for Library U to hear about the latest Lit Chats and catch them live! — https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/library-u-enrollment  Sherry ThomasRead: Library Catalog Twitter: @sherrythomas Website: https://www.sherrythomas.com/  Jacksonville Public LibraryWebsite: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaxlibrary  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaxLibrary  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxlibrary/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jaxpubliclibraryfl  Contact Us: jplpromotions (at) coj.net

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers about her book and new movie Redeeming Love. Francine has published numerous novels—all bestsellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her novels have been awarded or nominated for many honors, and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Francine's novels have been translated into over 30 different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: Redeeming Love is based on the book of Hosea in which the Lord tells Hosea to marry a prostitute. Although she resists, he continues to pursue her. It's a picture of God's love for His people. The world thinks of love as a feeling, but feelings are fleeting. Love is action. God's love is constant and it never fails, but it's up to us to choose to accept it.  The main takeaway of Redeeming Love is God's unrelenting love for us.  Take your non-Christian friends to see this movie and use it as a conversation starter about Christ. And if you can, read the book before you see it.  Resources Mentioned: Redeeming Love book Redeeming Love movie Connect with Francine: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

What happens when you skip doing your chemistry homework so that you can read historical romance novels? You might not learn about the substances of which matter is composed, but if you are Jill Shalvis it just might set you up to become a bestselling romance novelist. What proof do I have (and man, I wish proofs were used in Chemistry and not just geometry so I could keep this comparison going)? Well, Jill is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written more than fifty acclaimed, award-winning romance novels. She is a three-time winner of the National Reader's Choice Award and has been nominated for the RITA Award and for Romantic Times' Career Achievement Award. Her latest novel, The Family You Make was released on Tuesday, January 11th.  How did she pivot from keeping track of debits and credits to being a bestselling novelist? What's so inspiring about living in a small town? What happened when her dog had a celebrity death match with a porcupine? What famous rock musician drops in from time to time to play at a bar in her small town in the Sierra Nevadas? Listen in to uncover the answers to all of these questions as well as learn which accomplishment Jill is most proud of (here's a hint, it has nothing to do with writing). Happy Listening!

HelenKay Dimon discusses her multi-genre writing career and her next novel, The Replacement Wife.  HelenKay Dimon is a former divorce lawyer turned bestselling author of more than 40 Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotic Romance books and novellas. Her books have been featured in various national and international venues and she has had two books named Red-Hot Reads in Cosmo magazine. She is a four-time RITA® Award finalist in romantic suspense (for Mr. and Mr. Smith, Facing Fire, Guarding Mr. Fine and The Fixer) and is 2018 RITA® Award winner for The Fixer. She's also a Reviewers' Choice Best Book Award winner in romantic suspense for The Fixer. In addition to writing, HelenKay is Chair of the Policy Advisory Committee of the Romance Writers of America and frequently teaches workshops and classes on fiction writing and romance writing. She lives in San Diego where she is (or should be) working on her next series but might be streaming a show on Netflix.Apricot Lane Peoria Women's clothing and accessories

Shelley Adina is the author of 24 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, and Hachette, and more than a dozen more published by Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk and contemporary romance as Shelley Adina; as Charlotte Henry, writes classic Regency romance; and as Adina Senft, writes Amish women's fiction.  She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, and is currently at work on a PhD in Creative Writing with Lancaster University in the UK. She won RWA's RITA Award® in 2005, and was a finalist in 2006. She appeared in the 2016 documentary film Love Between the Covers, is a popular speaker and convention panelist, and has been a guest on many podcasts, including Worldshapers and Realm of Books.  When she's not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens. Find out more about Shelley on her website, https://shelleyadina.com.

Nicole Burnham is the RITA Award-winning author of over twenty romance novels, including the popular Royal Scandals series. As an army brat, Nicole was raised moving around the world. She still travels abroad whenever she can score cheap airfare and loves that it feeds her writing. If Nicole isn't at her keyboard, she is happiest spending time at Fenway Park or trail running. www.nicoleburnham.com   Nicole's Readings (read by Hollis McCarthy): Scandal with a Prince (Megan Hears a Voice) – 12:32 Slow Tango with a Prince (Emily Finds Vittorio) – 26:02 To Kiss a King (Expert Advice) – 45:31 Michael's Beer Pairings:  Sofie, Goose Island Beer Company (paired to Scandal with a Prince) – 10:33 Tango, Wyerbacher Brewing Company (paired to Emily Finds Vittorio) – 23:28 Ola Dub Special Reserve 40, Harviestoun Brewery Ltd. (paired to Expert Advice) – 42:45 Interview Highlights:  Struck by a voice – 14:10 What drew you to royalty? – 18:48 A man's point of view vs. a woman's point of view in romance – 30:04 Identical twins – 33:28 Law degree and writing romance – 35:35 Emotional focus of romance novels – 50:25 Fictional kingdom vs. a real kingdom – 53:02 Growing up military and writing – 54:58 COMING NEXT MONTH: Christine Husom, mystery author UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel's Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.

Today I'm so excited to be speaking with one of my all-time favorite Christian romance authors! Please join me as I have a conversation about the writing process, character development and research with special guest Robin Le Hatcher. Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 85 novels and novellas with over six million copies of her books in print. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA® Award for Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, the Carol Award, the 2011 Idahope Writer of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Romance Writers of America® (2001) and American Christian Fiction Writers (2014). Catching Katie was named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal. Robin began her writing career in the general market, writing mass market romances for Leisure Books, HarperPaperbacks, Avon Books, and Silhouette. In 1997, Robin felt called to write stories of faith and hasn't looked back since. She has written both contemporary and historical women's fiction and romance for CBA publishers (Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, Revell, Steeple Hill, Tyndale House, Multnomah, and WaterBrook). When not writing, Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. She makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat. Connect with Robin at the following links: https://robinleehatcher.com https://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher.novelist https://www.instagram.com/robinleehatcher/ https://twitter.com/robinleehatcher To register for the WWJ conference, visit: https://linktr.ee/wwjs support this podcast with a monthly donation: https://anchorlfm/inspirational-journeys/support or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal at: https://paypal.me/annHarrisonBarnes?locale.x=en_US --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/message

In this episode of Tart Words, Linda Hengerer talks with Tara Lush. Tara Lush is a Rita Award finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow, and a George C. Polk Award-winning journalist. For the past decade, she's been a reporter with the Associated Press, covering crime, alligators, natural disasters, and politics. She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations. A fan of vintage pulp-fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, and 1980s fashion, she lives with her husband and two dogs on the Gulf coast.Sign up for a free cozy mystery here (email required): https://BookHip.com/ZLMSVVisit taralush.com to find out more about Tara and her latest books.Facebook: www.facebook.com/LushBooksInstagram: www.instagram.com/authortaralush/Here's a link to the coffee tour mentioned in the episode: stpetecoffeetour.com/Get to know Tara - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Plotter2.   Tea or Coffee? Coffee3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? I rarely drink, but when I do, it's champagne4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Savory5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Hybrid6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes 7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Strictly computer8.    Daily Goal: Yes 9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes 10.  Special Writing Spot? Sofa or coffee shop11.   Writer’s Block? No12.   File of Ideas: Yes 13.   Favorite Author(s)? Cleo Coyle, Carl Hiaasen, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Diane Mott Davidson

Welcome to A Time to Thrill. In this episode, I got to have a great conversation with author New York Times Bestselling Author Evelyn Adams. She’s one of my absolute favorite people. Over the last couple of years, her love and support have been invaluable. We should always be graced with friends like her. Here […]

Our most Jamaican episode yet because we barely reign in our accents. *air horns* In this episode, we discuss the controversy surrounding the RITA Awards which, before the epic fallout of 2020, had only had 2 black winners in its nearly 40-year history. Strange. We also talk about Jamaican aphrodisiacs, robot sex, and what books won the hellscape of 2020. Don’t forget to check the show notes on stacked.show for books mentioned and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @stackedshow. Of course, as always, listener discretion is advised.

Sam is reading the Outlander novels, Indy reviews a Mugison album, and we prepare to reunite with our favourite sisters in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2!   Mugison: http://www.mugison.com/ The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gWcI4MkR3A&ab_channel=MovieclipsClassicTrailers   Outlander (published in the United Kingdom as Cross Stitch) is the first in a series of eight multi-genre novels by Diana Gabaldon. Published in 1991, it focuses on the Second World War-era nurse Claire Randall, who travels through time to 18th century Scotland and finds adventure and romance with the dashing Jamie Fraser. A mix of several genres, the Outlander series has elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure and fantasy. With 25 million copies sold, Outlander is one of the best-selling book series of all time. Outlander won the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Romance of 1991. A television adaptation of the Outlander series premiered on Starz in the US on August 9, 2014.   Örn Elías Guðmundsson, aka Mugison, is one of Iceland's hippest musicians. His thundering voice and roaring blues guitar propel listeners to crank up the volume, as they fall in love with his no-nonsense attitude and experimental sound. 

Today Nic is joined by Melody Carlson, the award-winning author of over 200 books for all ages, across a wide variety of genres. She is the winner of many awards including a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, a RITA Award and a Carol Award for Young Adult Fiction. They take a look at her latest book, The Christmas Swap, and discuss her recent foray into adapting her fiction for television.

Tamera Alexander is the USA Today bestselling author of numerous books including Colors of Truth, With This Pledge, A Lasting Impression, A Note Yet Unsung, and To Whisper Her Name. Her richly drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her multiple industry awards including awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Bookseller's Best Award. Tamera was recently inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame for excellence in Christian Fiction, an honor bestowed to an author following four Christy Award wins, and is listed among Publishers Weekly and Library Journal's Top Inspirational Fiction authors.

Best selling author Teri Wilson is the Publishers Weekly bestselling author/creator of the Hallmark Channel Original Movies Unleashing Mr. Darcy, Marrying Mr. Darcy, The Art of Us, and Northern Lights of Christmas, based on her book Sleigh Bell Sweethearts. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA® Award for excellence in romantic fiction for her novel The Bachelor’s Baby Surprise.  Teri has a major weakness for cute animals, pretty dresses, Audrey Hepburn films, & following the British royal family.  Her newest release, Christmas Charms, is available now. Feel free to visit and connect with her on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Amazon.  

A native of south Louisiana, USA Today Bestselling author Farrah Rochon officially began her writing career while waiting in between classes in the student lounge at Xavier University of Louisiana. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier and a Masters of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University, Farrah decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a published novelist. She was named Shades of Romance Magazine's Best New Author of 2007. Her debut novel, Deliver Me, the first in her Holmes Brothers series, garnered rave reviews, earning Farrah several SORMAG Readers' Choice Awards.  Farrah is a two-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award and has been a Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Award nominee. In 2015, Farrah won the Emma Award for Author of the Year.  Website: www.farrahrochon.com  

We are thrilled to share our interview with Farrah Rochon, the USA Today Bestselling author of more than 35 novels, including her latest release, The Boyfriend Project. The two-time RITA Award finalist is a native of South Louisiana. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading, cooking, traveling the world, visiting Walt Disney World, and catching her favorite Broadway shows.   Bookish Check-in Ashley - Marie Lu's Wildcard Farrah - Sandra Kitt's Winner Takes All Sara - Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely's All American Boys Lia Louis's Dear Emmie Blue   Mentioned in Episode Farrah Rochon's The Boyfriend Project (check out Sara's review) and The Dating Playbook (book two in the series, coming out in 2021!) Marie Lu's Warcross and Rebel Helen Hoang's The Kiss Quotient Jasmine Guillory's The Wedding Date Alyssa Cole (An Extraordinary Union) Suzanne Brockman's SEALS series (Book 1, Prince Joe) Priscilla Oliveras (The Island Affair) K. M. Jackson / Kwana Jackson's Real Men Knit Denny S. Bryce's Wild Women and the Blues   Give Me One - Favorite Broadway Musicals Farrah - Hamilton, Aida, Dear Evan Hansen, Spring Awakening, Once Ashley - Rent Sara - Cabaret Jen - Hamilton, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Once   Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.     Want to support Unabridged? Check out our Merch Store! Become a patron on Patreon.​ Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram. Like and follow our Facebook Page. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our Teachers Pay Teachers store. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Twitter. Subscribe to our podcast and rate us on Apple Podcasts or on Stitcher. Check us out on Podbean.

The second good bit. This erotic excerpt of ‘His Billionaire Bride' by RUBY-Award Winning Author Madeline Ash shares a powerful woman opening up to a younger man, and the complicated power dynamics involved. From thegoodbits.com “Come here,” he said, reaching an arm behind him, circling her waist and sliding her bodily over his side. Suddenly, she was in front of him. Naked in front of him. Heat filled her face, her blood, as his grip shifted to caress her side. Voice thick, he murmured, “How could you hide this from me? And before you start thinking, don't.” He cupped a hand over her eyes until she closed them. “Just…” Feel. Erotic stories have been proven to inspire desire, and The Good Bits creates a new and distinct erotic world in each episode. From passionate sex to romantic encounters, from menage to masturbation and lesbian sex, these tales of audio erotica are designed to make you feel good.  The Good Bits is no ordinary audio porn. These free sex stories are written by bestselling authors, and each episode is produced to create a unique erotic soundscape. Erotic audio allows listeners to immerse themselves in a fantasy world, as it inspires desire in the real world. Enhance pleasure and improve your libido with the good bits from some of the world's best erotic literature. Madeline Ash is a contemporary romance author and two-time RITA® Award finalist. She has also won Australia's Romantic Book of the Year award (RUBY). She delves deep into the hearts and minds of her characters, creating flawed and compassionate leads—who are always rewarded with a happy ending. To read on, you can buy His Billionaire Bride here: https://amzn.to/3byo5Iv To read more good sex stories, sign up at The Good Bits and inspire your desire: https://www.thegoodbits.com/inspire-desire

My many varied and conflicted thoughts on prologues, RWA's Vivien Award rules, winning the RITA Award and how you know that book is The One. Also my travails trying to buy Windex.The blog post on needlework is here https://blog.jeffekennedy.com/2020/08/26/dear-writers-enough-with-dissing-needlework/ and the poem I reference is Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird by Wallace Stevens here https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45236/thirteen-ways-of-looking-at-a-blackbirdFirst Cup of Coffee is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts!Support the show (http://paypal.me/jeffekennedy)

Laura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five books and novellas. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura is a two-time RITA® Award winner (for Scorched and Whisper of Warning) as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award (for Untraceable). Her book Desperate Girls was named one of the Best Books of 2018 by Publishers Weekly. Laura lives in Austin, Texas, where she is working on her next novel. She is on the show talking about her latest book "Hidden" book one in her new Texas Murder Files Series. "Hidden": A riveting new thriller featuring an ambitious female investigative reporter in Austin, Texas by New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin. When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he's ever seen, and nothing adds up. Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn't who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands. As a ruthless hit man's mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.

Elizabeth Essex is the award-winning author of critically acclaimed historical romance, including Reckless Brides and her new Highland Brides series. Her books have been nominated for numerous awards, including the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and Seal of Excellence Award, and RWA's prestigious RITA Award. The Reckless Brides Series has also made Top-Ten lists from Romantic Times, The Romance Reviews and Affaire de Coeur Magazine, and Desert Isle Keeper status at All About Romance. Her fifth book, A BREATH OF SCANDAL, was awarded Best Historical in the Reader's Crown 2013. When not rereading Jane Austen, mucking about in her garden, walking her beloved dogs, Ghillie and Brogue, or simply messing about with boats, Elizabeth can be always be found with her laptop, making up stories about heroes and heroines who live far more exciting lives than she. It wasn't always so. Long before she ever set pen to paper, Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classics and Art History, and then earned her MA in Nautical Archaeology from Texas A&M University.  While she loved the life of an underwater archaeologist, she has found her true calling writing lush, lyrical historical romance full of passion, daring and adventure. Elizabeth lives in Texas with her husband, the indispensable Mr. Essex, and her active and exuberant family in an old house filled to the brim with books. Show notes: Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie Strauss Website/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Elizabeth Essex Website/Facebook/ Instagram/Pinterest Discussed in this episode: Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale Persuasion by Jane Austen The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems, Complete and Unabridged The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale From Cabin Boys to Captains: 250 Years of Women at Sea by Jo Stanley Most Secret and Confidential: Intelligence in the Age of Nelson by Steven E. Maffeo Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny (Loose Ends Book 1) by Rebekah Weatherspoon Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens Great Expectations by Charles Dickens After the Scandal by Elizabeth Essex Mad About the Marquess by Elizabeth Essex Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex A Scandal to Remember by Elizabeth Essex The Lady Sherlock Series by Sherry Thomas Book 1: A Study in Scarlet Women Book 2: A Conspiracy in Belgravia Book 3: The Hollow of Fear Book 4: The Art of Theft Book 5: Murder on Cold Street The Veronica Speedwell Series by Deanna Raybourn Book 1: A Curious Beginning Book 2: A Perilous Undertaking Book 3: A Treacherous Curse Book 4: A Dangerous Collaboration Book 5: A Murderous Relation Andrea Penrose: The Lady Arianna Hadley Mysteries (6 Book Series) and the Wrexford and Sloane Regency Mysteries (4 Book Series) During our conversation, we talked about a Jane Austen time travel book, but couldn't remember the title. Elizabeth suggested it might be The Austen Project: A Novel, by Kathleen A. Flynn. When I went to research it, I found the one that I read: Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, by Laurie Viera Rigler. But in case you were not aware of this, bookworms, Jane Austen time travel is a whole genre unto itself. I had no idea. But every month I send out a curated book list, and this month I'll dive into this previously undiscovered category of books.  Go here to subscribe to my Patreon for only $5 a month. Patrons also get to hear an exclusive clip, where we discussed the following: Jane Austen Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay Jacques Cousteau Remarkable Creatures: A Novel by Tracy Chevalier (this is the book I read about Mary Anning) A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare (a Romance novel suggested by Elizabeth; has a character based on Mary Anning.) We did not discuss the following books, but Mary Anning is such a fascinating person that I'd like to point you to the wealth of books about her, including the following: Fossil Hunter by Shelley Emling Jurassic Mary: Mary Anning and the Primeval Monsters by Patricia Pierce And, there are even more options in kids/Middle Grade books, in case you are interested in sharing Mary's story with a young person in your life. Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers and Marta Álvarez Miguéns (Gr. PreK-4) Stone Girl Bone Girl: The Story of Mary Anning of Lyme Regis by Laurence Anhold and Sheila Moxley (G.r K – 3) The Fossil Girl by Catherine Brighton (Gr. K-3) Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon by Jeannine Atkins (Gr. K-5) Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter by Sally M. Walker (Gr. 2-3) History VIPs: Mary Anning by Kay Barnham (Gr. 4-6) The Dragon in the Cliff: A Novel based on the Life of Mary Anning by Sheila Cole (Gr. 4-6) Mary Anning's Curiosity by Monica Kulling and Melissa Castrillon (Recommended for grades 4-7) Curious Bones: Mary Anning and the Birth of Paleontology by Thomas W. Goodhue (Gr. 5-6)

Elizabeth Essex is the award-winning author of critically acclaimed historical romance, including Reckless Brides and her new Highland Brides series. Her books have been nominated for numerous awards, including the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award and Seal of Excellence Award, and RWA’s prestigious RITA Award. The Reckless Brides Series has also made Top-Ten lists from Romantic Times, The Romance Reviews and Affaire de Coeur Magazine, and Desert Isle Keeper status at All About Romance. Her fifth book, A BREATH OF SCANDAL, was awarded Best Historical in the Reader’s Crown 2013. When not rereading Jane Austen, mucking about in her garden, walking her beloved dogs, Ghillie and Brogue, or simply messing about with boats, Elizabeth can be always be found with her laptop, making up stories about heroes and heroines who live far more exciting lives than she. It wasn’t always so. Long before she ever set pen to paper, Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classics and Art History, and then earned her MA in Nautical Archaeology from Texas A&M University.  While she loved the life of an underwater archaeologist, she has found her true calling writing lush, lyrical historical romance full of passion, daring and adventure. Elizabeth lives in Texas with her husband, the indispensable Mr. Essex, and her active and exuberant family in an old house filled to the brim with books. Show notes: Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie Strauss Website/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Elizabeth Essex Website/Facebook/ Instagram/Pinterest Discussed in this episode: Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale Persuasion by Jane Austen The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems, Complete and Unabridged The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale From Cabin Boys to Captains: 250 Years of Women at Sea by Jo Stanley Most Secret and Confidential: Intelligence in the Age of Nelson by Steven E. Maffeo Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny (Loose Ends Book 1) by Rebekah Weatherspoon Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens Great Expectations by Charles Dickens After the Scandal by Elizabeth Essex Mad About the Marquess by Elizabeth Essex Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex A Scandal to Remember by Elizabeth Essex The Lady Sherlock Series by Sherry Thomas Book 1: A Study in Scarlet Women Book 2: A Conspiracy in Belgravia Book 3: The Hollow of Fear Book 4: The Art of Theft Book 5: Murder on Cold Street The Veronica Speedwell Series by Deanna Raybourn Book 1: A Curious Beginning Book 2: A Perilous Undertaking Book 3: A Treacherous Curse Book 4: A Dangerous Collaboration Book 5: A Murderous Relation Andrea Penrose: The Lady Arianna Hadley Mysteries (6 Book Series) and the Wrexford and Sloane Regency Mysteries (4 Book Series) During our conversation, we talked about a Jane Austen time travel book, but couldn’t remember the title. Elizabeth suggested it might be The Austen Project: A Novel, by Kathleen A. Flynn. When I went to research it, I found the one that I read: Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, by Laurie Viera Rigler. But in case you were not aware of this, bookworms, Jane Austen time travel is a whole genre unto itself. I had no idea. But every month I send out a curated book list, and this month I’ll dive into this previously undiscovered category of books.  Go here to subscribe to my Patreon for only $5 a month. Patrons also get to hear an exclusive clip, where we discussed the following: Jane Austen Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay Jacques Cousteau Remarkable Creatures: A Novel by Tracy Chevalier (this is the book I read about Mary Anning) A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare (a Romance novel suggested by Elizabeth; has a character based on Mary Anning.) We did not discuss the following books, but Mary Anning is such a fascinating person that I’d like to point you to the wealth of books about her, including the following: Fossil Hunter by Shelley Emling Jurassic Mary: Mary Anning and the Primeval Monsters by Patricia Pierce And, there are even more options in kids/Middle Grade books, in case you are interested in sharing Mary’s story with a young person in your life. Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers and Marta Álvarez Miguéns (Gr. PreK-4) Stone Girl Bone Girl: The Story of Mary Anning of Lyme Regis by Laurence Anhold and Sheila Moxley (G.r K – 3) The Fossil Girl by Catherine Brighton (Gr. K-3) Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon by Jeannine Atkins (Gr. K-5) Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter by Sally M. Walker (Gr. 2-3) History VIPs: Mary Anning by Kay Barnham (Gr. 4-6) The Dragon in the Cliff: A Novel based on the Life of Mary Anning by Sheila Cole (Gr. 4-6) Mary Anning’s Curiosity by Monica Kulling and Melissa Castrillon (Recommended for grades 4-7) Curious Bones: Mary Anning and the Birth of Paleontology by Thomas W. Goodhue (Gr. 5-6)

A deluxe sample of Hell's Belle (Devilish Debutantes, Book 3), and interview with Annabelle Anders. Hosted, edited etc. by Tessa Candle: https://www.tessacandle.com/rrp/regencyromancepodcast.html Some of these links are paid affiliate links. Book author Annabelle Anders: https://www.annabelleanders.com Book narrator Mary Sarah: http://www.mary-sarah.com Get Hell's Belle on Amz.com: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FZP7N6H/&tag=tessacandle02-20 Get Hell's Belle on Audiobooks.com: https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/hells-belle/392596 Description: A Bespectacled Bluestocking, A Clueless Rake and a mad dash to Gretna Green Miss Emily Goodnight – who cannot see a thing without her blasted spectacles – is raising the art of meddling to new heights. Why leave her future in the hands of fate when she’s perfectly capable of managing it herself? The Earl of Blakely, London’s most unattainable bachelor, finds Miss Goodnight’s schemes nearly as intriguing as the curves hidden beneath her frumpy gowns. Secure in his independence, he's focussed on one thing only: evading this father's manipulating ways. Hell’s Bell Indeed – What with all the cheating at parlor games, trysts in dark closets, and cases of mistaken identity, complications arise. Because fate has limits. And when it comes to love and the secrets of the past, there’s only so much twisting one English Miss can get away with… Hell’s Bell is the third book in the Devil’s Debutantes Series but can also be read as a standalone novel. It has been nominated for Best Historical Short Novel as a finalist in RWA's Distinguished 2019 Rita © Awards.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the publishing world, offers writing tips, and interviews Damon Courtney of Book Funnel on how writers can maximize sales and find “superfans.”Chapter 1: IntroductionThe Early Bird registration fee for WriterCon 2020 (writercon.org) expires on June 15. You can attend in person or stream the conference online and even have private meetings with agents and editors by Skype.Chapter 2: News1)Lawsuits between authors writing in the fan fiction “Omegaverse” illuminate how copyright law can be “weaponized” and the impossibility of owning a world that you did not originate.2)Author sues major publisher claiming AI “text spinning” was used to plagiarize original work.3)Book sales improved in April.4)In the wake of racism claims, RWA retires the Rita Award and launches the Vivian.5)Draft2Digital partners with Vivlio to distribute books to European markets.6)Kindlepreneur adds a book description generator/formatter to its webpage.Chapter 3: InterviewBernhardt interviews Damon Courtney of BookFunnel about how to maximize sales with landing pages, freebies, newsletters, mailing lists, and other services designing to help writers acquire and keep “superfans.”Chapter 4: Parting WordsRegister for WriterCon 2020 today! www.writercon.org

Teri Wilson is the Publishers Weekly bestselling author/creator of the Hallmark Channel Original Movies Unleashing Mr. Darcy, Marrying Mr. Darcy, The Art of Us, & Northern Lights of Christmas, based on her book Sleigh Bell Sweethearts. She is the recipient of the prestigious RITA® Award for excellence in romantic fiction for her novel The Bachelor’s Baby Surprise.  Teri has a major weakness for cute animals, pretty dresses & Audrey Hepburn films. She loves following the British royal family.  Connect with her at her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Pinterest.  You can also add and share her books on BookBub and GoodReads. We proudly interview Teri Wilson!

Kathryn interviews NY Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs on her book “Family Tree”. The most touching journey is in coming home: and no one else can evoke all the uncertainty and joys of those life passages quite like Wiggs. Wiggs, a Harvard grad and winner of a RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, is the #1 NY Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels. Kathryn also interviews Jessica Joelle Alexander, author of “The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids”. Denmark has been voted the happiest country in the world for 40 consecutive years. What is the secret to this consistent success? Alexander attributes this happiness to their upbringing: happy kids grow up to make happy adults who raise happy kids and the cycle continues. They reveal a fresh take on cross-cultural parenting advice which will help parents from all walks of life raise the happiest, most well-adjusted kids in the world.