Podcasts about writer's studio

Charlie chats with Canadian mystery writer Shari Lapena about her new novel Not a Nice Family. They discuss managing information in a mystery, family dynamics, the art of crafting chapter endings, and much more about the murder, dysfunction, and suspicion within the family at the center of this page-turner.

Charlie talks with Matt Haig all the way from England about his bestselling novel The Midnight Library and his more recent non-fiction The Comfort Book. They discuss connections between the two books, the importance of hope, the ways in which depression and mental illness bubble up in Matt's work, the general fabulousness of libraries, and much more.

Charlie talks with journalist, essayist, and columnist Steven Petrow about his book Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old and about what it means to be a Civilist and a Perennial. They discuss humor, aging, voice in personal essays, structure, a writer's relationship with readers, and the stuff they both plan on not doping as they get older (which is happening fast!).

Charlie talks with Paul Rudnick, screenwriter for Sister Act and In and Out, about his new novel Playing the Palace, a gay romance with a happy ending. They discuss the progress made on queer issues since In and Out, the cult of celebrity, writing humor, and the sheer fun of writing some of the scenes in this delightful novel.

Charlie talks with bestselling novelist Christine Mangan about her new novel Palace of the Drowned. They discuss setting a novel in Venice, using detail to create character and setting, the author/editor relationship, what authors think of reviews and much more.

Shelley and Charlie discuss her debut novel The Vines, much of which is set on North Brother Island—a spot that also features in Charlie's Escaping Dreamland. They explore the overlaps between their respective novels; discuss themes of ethics, isolation, and identity; explore the history of North Brother and the appeal of island literature; and generally have a good time comparing novels.

Charlie talks with best-selling mystery writer Elizabeth George about her book on writing, Mastering the Process. They discuss their mutual affection for writing books set in Britain and take a close look at the development of setting and character in writing a novel.

Charlie talks with former National Geographic investigative reporter Bryan Christy about his debut novel, the international thriller In the Company of Killers. They discuss Bryan's long journey to novel writing, how investigative journalism can make a difference in the world, the criminal underworld, the classic image of American toxic masculinity, and more.

Charlie and Lisa discuss her historical novel Eternal, set in Rome during the rise and fall of Italian fascism. Lisa shares background about the history of the Italian Holocaust and talks about story telling, setting, historical research, family dynamics, and the torn loyalties that can be brought about in an authoritarian state.  We basically have a lot of fun talking about this terrific novel.

Charlie and Jill discuss here new novel Everything After touching on a wide range of topics from marriage to intimacy, pregnancy and miscarriage to the decisions we have made in our past and how we see those choices when we look back on them. Jill's thoughtful exploration of love, music, and the paths of our lives leads to a great conversation.

Charlie talks with NYT bestselling author Carol Edgarian about her latest novel, Vera, set before, during, and after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake—an event that also shows up in Charlie's novel Escaping Dreamland. They discuss not just earthquakes but racism, powerful women, the way disasters shape us and challenge us, how we learn from our characters, Enrico Caruso, and what Carol calls "the wrong rightness of characters."

Charlie talks with historical novelist and longtime friend Erika Robuck about her new novel The Invisible Woman, which follows the exploits of Virginia Hall, an Allied operative who, despite having lost a leg, worked behind enemy lines during World War II. They discuss research, bravery, and the fine line between fiction and non-fiction along with many other topics.

John talks with thriller writer and fellow Davidson College graduate John Hart about his new novel The Unwilling. They discuss the craft of the crime thriller, building characters, recreating a recent historical time period, what makes a memorable villain, family dynamics and more.

Back from the holidays, Charlie talks with historical novelist and NYT bestseller Melanie Benjamin about her new book The Children's Blizzard. They discuss historical research, cultural portrayal, connecting historical characters to contemporary issues, and just how cold it can get on the Great Plains.

Charlie talks with international best selling author Alexander McCall Smith about Africa, Scotland, The Number 1 Ladies Detective Angency, the latest book in that series How to Raise an Elephant, and the perennial popular heroine Precious Ramotswe and her philosophy of life.

Charlie chats with audiobook reader Mike Lenz about how Mike made the move from running a pharmacy and being a mayor to having a career as a voice over artist. Mike recorded Charlie's novel Escaping Dreamland, and they discuss the process of recording an audiobook, the relationship between author and reader, and all the elements of writing—from punctuation to pacing—that a good audiobook narrator is tuned into.

Debut novelist Bryan Washington stops by (via Zoom) to chat with Charlie about Bryan's new novel Memorial. They discuss racism, cultural diversity, the city of Houston, queer literature, and more.

Charlie talks with internationally bestselling author Dean Koontz about his new thriller, Elsewhere. They discuss science, parallel universes, imagination, the discipline of the writer. character development, and more.

Charlie talks with debut author Rudy Ruiz about his novel The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez. They discuss the bi-cultural nature of the US/Mexico border, magical realism, the Spanish language, Fulgencio as tragic hero, and much more.

Anne Bogel (a.k.a. The Modern Mrs. Darcy) guest hosts to interview Charlie about his new novel Escaping Dreamland. They discuss the power of stories, the truth behind The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, researching historical New York City and much more. And, for the first time, Charlie himself is subjected to the "ten questions"!

Charlie talks with film and television actor Henry Winkler about his enormously successful books for children, including the Hank Zipzer series. Winkler, though his books and personal appearances, is an advocate for children with dyslexia and learning differences and he and Charle discuss the challenges of living with dyslexia, the importance of education and parent support, and Charlie's alma mater Summit School, which has had special programs for students with learning differences since the 1950s.

Charlie talks with the Crazy Rich Asians author about his new book, Sex and Vanity. They discuss the influences of islands like Capri, Manhattan, and Long Island; the world of the super-rich; the relationship between wealth, art, and beauty; the novels of E. M. Forster as a precursor to Kwan's work, and the joy of Italian food.

Charlie talks with Steven Wright about his book The Coyotes of Carthage, a novel of American political scheming. They discuss not just politics and voting rights and collateral damage wrought by the criminal justice system but also race and writing. How does a novel written more than a year ago take on new relevance in the current political climate, the pandemic, and the wake of the BLM movement? Tune in to find out.

Charlie talks with Steven Rowley, author of The Editor, a novel in which a young man sells his first novel and discovers that his editor of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. They discuss writing historical figures as characters, researching an intensely private person, autobiographical fiction, the challenges of recent historical fiction, and of course much about the former first lady herself.

Charlie talks with Ben Taylor, author of the deeply personal and meditative Here We Are: My Friendship with Philip Roth. Taylor talks of his relationship with one of the great American novelist of the past half century and the conversation covers the nature of memoirs and novels, the place of humor in Roth's life and works, the heyday of the celebrity author, the manipulation of "reality" to create art, and more. IWS also launches its new affiliation with audiobook platform Libro.fm. For a special 3 for 1 offer and to support Bookmarks or your local indie with you audiobook purchases click here.

Charlie talks with Sue about her new book The Book of Longings in which the main character, Ana, is married to Jesus. They discuss religion, Galilean art and architecture, writing technology of the first century, and the place of women in the time of Christ—and how that position echoes across the centuries to today.

Charlie visits with Emily St. John Mandel, author of Station Eleven and the recently published The Glass Hotel about looking back on a book about a global flu pandemic, how novels get started, the art of coincidence, international shipping, Ponzi schemes, and much more.

We hung out with Brian Palmer (aka B.C. Palmer) for the first time in Hybrid Pub Scout Episode 14, when he came on to talk with Emily and Marie Robinson about managing ghostwriters and writing fantasy and romance. This time, he talks about something he'd already referred to in his first appearance: freeing us all from the iron grip of Microsoft Office with his new book writing app—Scribi Writer's Studio. With his new software, Brian plans to create an all-in-one book writing, collaborating, and discovery program to help authors stay on target. We talk about how the app functions, all the things he's envisioning for its future, and how every person working in the indie-publishing chain can get in on it together. Our website: hybridpubscout.com/40-brian-palmer-book-writing-app Facebook: www.facebook.com/hybridpubscout/ Twitter: twitter.com/hybridpubscout Instagram: www.instagram.com/hybridpubscoutpod/ Our newsletter: eepurl.com/gfajR9

Charlie talks with NYT bestselling nonfiction author Tom Clavin about his new book Tombstone: The Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday, and the Vendetta Ride from Hell. They discuss the enduring mythos (and reality) of the American western frontier as well as how to create nonfiction characters, the influence of Hollywood, and even a little bit about another pillar of American mythology—baseball.

Charlie and Chris discuss The Red Lotus, a thriller that has taken on unexpected relevance because it deals with a potential pandemic in New York City. They discuss Chris's research (from emergency rooms to Vietnam), how to choose a great title, what sort of books make good films, the role of the publicist in the life of a writer, and much more.

Charlie talks with science writer Neil Shubin about the history of genetic science as revealed in Neil's new book Some Assembly Required. From Darwin to DNA with lots of fascinating stories in between Neil helps us not understand not only where we came from as a species but the stories of the men and women who discovered, and continue to discover, the secrets of our evolutionary journey.

Charlie talks with the author of The Devil and the White City and Dead Wake about his brilliant new non-fiction book The Splendid and the Vile, which details the first year of Winston Churchill's prime ministry. They discuss not just Churchill, leadership, and the blitz but the similarities between fiction and non-fiction, how Erik picks a topic, how he found new materials on such a frequently researched topic, and how to bring history alive through the eyes of the real people who experienced it.

If you’re an Indie Writer looking for marketing ideas, if you’re thinking about trying your hand at poetry or children’s books, or if you’re interested in making that crime novel realistic, look no further!   The Writers Studio has these and other classes and events for you in March. Listen here as author and Writers Studio Steering Committee member Amelia Ramsey gives us the scoop on these upcoming events and workshops: Marketing for Indie Writers with A.C. Fuller on March 14; Third Thursday with children’s author Bonny Becker on March 19; Dipping Your Toes In for New Poets with Lauren   Davis; and Partners in Crime: Police Culture, Characters, and Anecdotes with Sandy Terhune-Bickler and Steve Bickler. To register for these and other events, and to learn more about what’s coming up at the BARN Writers Studio, visit BainbridgeBARN.org/studios/writers/ Credits: BCB host: Sandy Schubach; audio editor: Chris Walker; publisher: Diane Walker.

Charlie talks with novelist and screenwriter Timothy Reinhardt, author of the novel Jesus's Brother James, about writing for the page and for the screen. They discuss putting yourself in a character's shoes, writing humor, the influence of Tim's growing up near a monastery, and Tim's unique way of drafting a novel.

Charlie talks with New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott author of The Returned, which was adapted as the television series Resurrection. They discuss Jason's latest book The Crossing and topics range from the appeal of dystopian literature to drawing inspiration from classical mythology to writing about twins.

Charlie talks with debut novelist Amy K. Green about her murder thriller The Prized Girl. They discuss pacing, dysfunctional families, secrets, multiple points of view and more as they talk about this novel of two half-sisters—one murdered before the first page and one determined to find the killer of the sister she never really knew.

Charlie talks with his old friend Michael Huie about Michael's debut spy thriller Spitfire. They discuss the French Resistance, the genre of the espionage novel, and the creative life that actor, playwright, journalist, teacher, and father Huie has pursued. Michael will appear at the Bookmarks Moveable Feast in Winston-Salem on February 8 & 9, 2020.

Charlie talks with the creator of Dexter, the basis for the hit TV series, about his newest novel, Just Watch Me, which launches a new series and a new hero, master thief Riley Wolfe. They discuss anti-heroes, planning a heist, how current events can shape readers' view of a novel, and much more. 

For a special 50th episode, Charlie talks with internationally bestselling author Robin Cook, who created the genre of the medical thriller with his 1977 novel Coma. Thirty-six novels later, Robin has written Genesis, a novel that uses the thriller format to explore the use of DNA in crime fighting. The discussion covers medicine, character development, plotting, why the thriller is a great medium to discuss public policy, and much more.

On Wednesday, November 6, this fall's Big Read program culminated in an on-stage reading and interview with Julia Alvarez and Kali Fajardo-Anstine for Inside the Writer's Studio, co-presented by the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Preceded by a performance by Colorado Poet Laureate Bobby LeFebre, the two authors read from their award-winning works, discussed their artistic processes, and answered audience questions live on-stage. *Note: Due to copyright restrictions, the podcast does not include Julia Alvarez reading from "In the Time of the Butterflies."

Charlie chats with Chandler Baker, New York Times bestselling author of The Whisper Network—a work place thriller set against the background of #MeToo—about making the transition from YA to adult novels, the hidden (and no so hidden) secrets of women in the corporate world, and the challenges of balancing a age turning thriller with a true life behind the curtain look at workplace politics.

Anne Bogel, aka The Modern Mrs. Darcy, chose Charlie's novel The Bookman's Tale for her October Book Club read. Anne came to Winston-Salem to interview Charlie live at Bookmarks in front of an audience of about 150 and her interview makes up this special episode of the podcast. 

Charlie talks with recent Bookmarks Festival presenter and Hugo Award winning science fiction author Becky Chambers about (you guessed it) both science and fiction. They look at how sci-fi can explore the human condition and how humans might explore the universe, all through a discussion of Becky's lovely novella To Be Taught if Fortunate. Trust us, you don't have to like science fiction to love Becky, this book, and this episode!

At the Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors in Winston-Salem, Charlie talks with Orange Prize winner Téa Obreht, author of The Tiger's Wife, about her acclaimed new novel, Inland. Charlie and Téa talk about the immigrant experience (both in real life and in fiction), the Arizona Territory, magical realism, and Téa's beautiful style of writing. 

Charlie talks with Dave Cullen, author of Columbine, about his latest book, Parkland: Birth of a Movement. They discuss the student activism based in Parkland, Florida that grew up following a school shooting there in 2018. They also touch on the place of a journalist, theatre as therapy, and Dave's book in progress about two gay men in the US Army.

Casey joins Charlie to discuss her new book, Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee. Casey talks about this fascinating excursion first into a bizarre and forgotten multiple murder case in Alabama and second into the story of how Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird, almost made this case her own version of In Cold Blood. Southern history, racial justice, writer's block, and literary legacies combine for a great discussion and a great read.

On Friday, August 9, Lighthouse hosted acclaimed memoirists and novelists Michelle Tea (author of over a dozen books, including "Against Memoir") and Esmé Weijun Wang (author of "The Collected Schizophrenias") at the Ricketson Auditorium at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for Inside the Writer's Studio. The two authors read from their award-winning works, discussed their artistic processes, and answered audience questions live on-stage.

Charlie talks with the New York Times bestselling author of The Postmistress about her sweeping new family saga of a novel, The Guest Book. In discussing this tale of a wealthy American family across several generations, they encounter topics such as how the past speaks to us and through us, how one generation can be complicit in the actions of another, how racism and anti-semitism have shaped the American experiment, and how gorgeous it is on the coast of Maine.

Charlie talks with novelist and bookseller Lisa Howorth about independent bookstores (including Lisa's famous Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi) and her new novel The Summerlings. They discuss childhood in the 1950s, the tradition of the child protagonist in Southern literature, the Cold War, and more as they talk about this funny, moving, thought-provoking, and downright fun novel of childhood.

Charlie is in England and Julie is in Israel as they discuss her recent novel in stories, The Book of Jeremiah. They talk about writing linked short stories, the immigrant experience in the United States and Israel, contemporary Judaism, and why a central character who is sometimes cantankerous can be so delightful to read about.

Charlie talks with international best selling novelist Louise Penny about her beloved hero Armand Gamache, the residents of Three Pines, the sound of writing, what it's like to write a series, and much more. The conversation also delves into Penny's forthcoming fifteenth book, A Better Man and of course mentions food, weather, and Canada!

In front of a live audience at Bookmarks, Charlie talks with bestselling author Gwendolyn Womack about her new novel The Time Collector. Listen in as they discuss psychometry, antiques, New Orleans, and the power of memory.

In the creepy confines of the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, England, Charlie talks with best selling crime novelist Cara Hunter about her latest novel featuring Detective Inspector Adam Fawley, No Way Out. Charlie & Cara discuss Oxford, detective fiction, the secrets of writing a good mystery, and more.

On March 19, we hosted Kevin Young, author of "Bunk: The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts," at the Mary Harris Auditorium at Rocky Mountain School of Art + Design for Inside the Writer's Studio. Young read from his work and then joined journalist Tina Griego on stage for a conversation about the intersection of fact, fiction, and art, followed by an audience Q&A.

Charlie talks old Hollywood, new Hollywood, movies, gossip, and scandal with Shawn Levy, film critic and historian and author of the fascinating new book The Castle on Sunset, a history of the Chateau Marmont, one of LA's most famous and infamous buildings,.

Charlie talks ethics, morality, justice, and artificial intelligence with Ian McEwan, author of Atonement, Amsterdam, and his latest novel Machines Like Me—a throughly enjoyable and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human in which Alan Turing, the Beatles, and a robot named Adam all take a part.

The author of the popular Miss Julia books sits down to talk with Charlie about the creation of the Southern town of Abbottsville, listening to her characters, learning from literature, and much more—including a discussion fo her latest installment, Miss Julia Takes the Wheel.

Before adjourning for food and wine, Charlie and Frances Mayes discuss all things Italian, from her runaway bestseller Under the Tuscan Sun to her latest book, the Italian travel adventure See You in the Piazza. Pour a glass of Chianti, serve out a bowl of pasta, and get ready to plan your own trip to Italy as Mayes discusses what she knows (and loves) best.

Ariel Lawhon joins Charlie to discuss her novel I Was Anastasia, an exploration of two lives—Anastasia Romanov, youngest daughter of the last Tsar of Russia, and Anna Anderson, who for 50 years claimed to be Anastasia. Ariel talks about filling in the gaps in the historical record with her imagination, researching historical fiction, and the all important "Author's Note."

Charlie talks with journalist Tommy Tomlinson about his moving and insightful book The Elephant in the Room—One Man's Quest to Get Smaller in a Growing America. They talk about living in a world that was not designed for you, the culture of southern food, developing empathy, and much more.

Charlie talks with Liam Callanan, author of Paris by the Book, about, what else—Paris and Bookshops! But also about strong women, The Red Balloon, Madeline, and some crazy journeys around Wisconsin. Liam was in town for Bookmarks Movable Feast and as two novelists who write about bookshops, we had a great time together.

"It's very important that every individual sees in some way he or she is special." -Phillip Schultz   Check out the Writer's Studio here. 

Charlie talks with novelist Wil Medearis about his debut novel Restoration Heights, set in present day New York City. They discuss living in and writing about New York and many of the issues the novel grapples with from race and class to gentrification, personal vs. societal ethics, and even, to borrow a phrase, la vie boheme. Recorded live at Charlie's hotel room in NYC—you might even hear a little traffic in the background!

Charlie talks with the delightfully witty Roshani Chokshi about her new novel The Gilded Wolves with digressions into the place of mythology in fiction, how to own your own diversity, what's so great about the Eiffel Tower, and how to sneak into a St. Tropez night club. Roshani was at Bookmarks to launch her new novel, the first in a trilogy, which she calls "National Treasure" with more attractive people and a colonialism agenda. 

Inside The Writer's Studio with Adam Johnson by Lighthouse Writers

In a special Christmas episode Charlie speaks to a live audience about his Christmas book The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge and then calls upon his long-ago theatrical training to provide a reading of the first chapter of Scrooge's new adventures.

Charlie talks with children's and young adult author Megan Bryant about living in Winston-Salem, writing picture books, and her most recent young adult novel Glow, based on the story of young women who supported the war effort in WWI by painting watch dials with radium. Megan tells us about her research and shares some of the amazing story of this novel.

Charlie talks with award-winning author Virginia Pye about her newest collection of short stories Shelf Life of Happiness. They delve into the nature of short stories and of storytelling, inhabiting characters across differences, setting as character, and even how the weather can effect the mood of a story. If you've ever tried to write a short story, you'll want to listen in!

Charlie talks with Lisa Gabriele about her new novel The Winters, inspired by Daphne Du Maurier's immortal thriller, Rebecca. Charlie and Lisa discuss foreshadowing, women's relationships, MeToo, reader expectations and much more. 

Charlie talks with New Yorker staff writer and author of The Lost City of Z about his new book The White Darkness, the story of Antarctic explorer Henry Worsley. Ever wondered what it would be like to trek across hundreds of miles of Antarctica all by yourself? Of course you have, so listen in!

Charlie talks with his neighbor and friend New York Times bestseller Sarah McCoy about her new novel Marilla of Green Gables, set in the Anne of Green Gables universe. Their discussion ranges from visits to Prince Edward Island, to writing the story of an already beloved character, to the evolving definition of a feminist.

Charlie talks with Newberry Medal winner Kelly Barnhill about life as a mother and writer, baking pie, winning awards, and her 2018 collection Dreadful Young Ladies and Other Stories. The discussion ranges from magical realism and fairy tales to hiking and telling stories to our children.

Charlie chats with Greensboro novelist Lee Zacharias about her new novel Across the Great Lake, wich he calls a "lyrical novel full of indelible imagery." They discuss how the novel, set on a frozen Lake Michigan in 1932, deals with retrospective point of view, non-linear narration, magical realism, and recreating a unique moment in time and space.

At the Bookmarks Festival, Charlie chats with the Modern Mrs. Darcy herself, Anne Bogel about the reading life, its joys, and its pitfalls. Anne's new book I'd Rather Be Reading provides a jumping off point for a broad ranging discussion of new and classic literature, reading habits, book clubs, and reading culture. In adition to her blog, The Modern Mrs. Darcy, Anne is the host of the podcast What Should I Read Next?

Charlie Lovett and his nine-year-old nephew Will talk with Dav Pilkey at B.B. & T. Baseball Park in Winston-Salem just after Dave spoke to over 2500 school children. They discuss Captain Underpants, Dogman, and inspiring children to read through graphic novels as well as delving into Dav's own background and the inspiration for some of his characters.

On July 28, we hosted Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties, at the Holiday Theater at Highlands Church for Inside the Writer's Studio. The Shirley Jackson Award-winning author read from her work and then joined Alexander Lumans on stage for a conversation about writing, followed by an audience Q&A.

Charlie Lovett talks with Craig Johnson about his new Longmire Mystery Depth of Winter. Charlie and Craig discuss the balancing act involved in creating a series, the developement of character over time, and why Craig chose to set this novel in the remote desert of Northern Mexico. Plus, they have a few laughs and Craig's dog even makes a guest appearance.

Chelene Knight joins co-hosts Kevin Spenst and Pamela Bentley to read poems from her books Dear Current Occupant and Braided Skin, as well as discussing memoir in poetry and prose. Originally recorded June 4, 2018. Aired August 1, 2018.

Charlie Lovett interviews Ginger Hendricks and Jamie Rogers Southern, both of Bookmarks, about the 14th annual Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors in Wnston-Salem, NC on September 6–9. We discuss authors such as Dav Pilkey, Rebecca Makkai, Rick Bragg, Beth Macy, Zinzi Clemmons, and many others.

Charlie Lovett talks with Chris Nashawaty, film critic for Entertainment Weekly, about his new non-fiction book Caddyshack: The Making of a Hollywood Cinderella Story. Chris tells stories about Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and Ted Knight and gives us a glimpse behind the scenes at the making of a classic comedy movie and the book that explores its genesis.

Charlie Lovett talks with author Rebecca Makkai about her new novel The Great Believers. Partly set at the height of the AIDS crisis in Chicago in the 1980s, Rebecca's new novel is beautifully written and has earned critical praise from the New York Times Book Review, NPR, and more. She and Charlie discuss their personal experience with the AIDS crisis, researching marginalized communities, and how art, Paris, and thirty years of history combine to make one great read.

Charlie Lovett talks with debut novelist Amy Meyerson about her newly published novel The Bookshop of Yesterdays. Partly set in a bookstore in Los Angeles, the book is a natural for Charlie, whose own books feature bookstores, libraries, and book collectors. Amy's heroine inherits the bookshop of the title from her uncle, and he leaves her one last treasure hunt which will help who discover who she is as family secrets bubble up from the past.

Charlie Lovett talks with fellow North Carolina writer Elaine Neill Orr about her new novel Swimming Between Worlds, set in Charlie's home town of Winston-Salem, NC. Our discussion covers local history, race relations (the book is set in the early 1960s), and Elaine's own experience growing up in two worlds—in Nigeria with her missionary parents, and in the American South, when the family came back every three years.

Charlie Lovett talks with Ben Guterson about his middle grades novel Winterhouse, an Indie Next pick. Winterhouse features a young girl sent away alone to a mysterious hotel in the snowy mountains. Our discussion ranged from working with an illustrator to the use of first person narrative to the inspirations for Winterhouse itself—from the Grove Park Inn to The Shining.

Charlie Lovett talks with former Summit School colleague Frank Morelli about his debut Young Adult novel No Sad Songs, a moving story about a high school senior who has to care for his ailing grandfather suffering from dementia. From family dynamics to care for the elderly to music to Philadelphia sports teams—our conversation was wide ranging and enjoyable, just like Frank's book.

In our first episode that is a monologue rather than a conversation, Charlie Lovett talks about his new novel The Lost Book of the Grail, out in paperback from Penguin Books. Charlie talks about his research into English cathedrals, medieval manuscripts, and a host of other topics as he reveals secrets about his novel that spans 1500 years in the history of an English city and one very fusty protagonist.

Charlie Lovett talks to international best selling author Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked and After Alice about his latest novel Hiddensee, inspired by the legend of the Nutcracker. Gregory talks about the influence of Grimm and other traditional fairy tales, his travels in Europe researching the book, and this dark, moving take on old European legends.

Charlie Lovett talks with old family friend Emily Herring Wilson about her new book on Eleanor Roosevelt, The Three Graces of Val-Kill. The two compare notes on trips to Roosevelt houses in Hyde Park, and Emily tells stories about her conversations with Roosevelt descendents in this candid conversation about a little explored aspect of the life of the first lady.

Charlie Lovett talks with Samantha Silva about her new novel, Mr. Dickens and his Carol, in which she presents a delightful fictional version of the creation of Charles Dickens's beloved A Christmas Carol. Charlie's own novella, The Further Adventure of Ebenezer Scrooge give the two plenty of common ground to discuss the novelist, Victorian London, and the traditions of Christmas.

In a twist on our usual format, John Grisham talks with Charlie Lovett about the world of books, writing, and bookselling. Recorded live at the newly opened Bookmarks gathering space and non-profit independent bookstore in downtown Winston-Salem. Charlie helped John with background research for his recent novel about a rare manuscript heist, Camino Island, and John wrote  of Charlie's novel The Lost Book of the Grail, "I enjoyed it immensely."

Charlie Lovett talks with Holly Goddard Jones about her dystopian novel The Salt Line. Set in a future in which safe zones are surrounded by walls and a tick-borne disease can mean instant and painful death for those who venture into the "wilderness," the book has great relevance for today's America.

Charlie Lovett talks with fellow New York Times bestseller Robin Sloan about his new novel Sourdough—a combination of high tech and old fashioned baking set in San Francisco. Recorded at the Bookmarks Festival Books and Authors in Winston-Salem, NC, the conversation delves into issues of writing, family, society, and how to enjoy a nice loaf of sourdough.

Charlie Lovett talks with Emily Colin about her new novel The Dreamkeeper's Daughter. Set in the American South and the Carribean, the novel features time travel, a spit narrative, and some beautiful writing. Emily and Charlie find lots of common ground in the mutual interest in exploring how the past can be present in our lives.

In a live discussion from Bookmarks in downtown Winston-Salem, Charlie Lovett talks with Christopher Swan about his debut novel Shadow of the Lions. Set in a fictional version of the boarding school which both Chris and Charlie attended, the book looks at coming of age in a community of boys. As fellow Woodberry Forest School alums, Chris and Charlie had a lot to talk about—from favorite teachers to the students who inspired some of the names in the nvoel.

Inside the Writer's Studio: On Stage Interview and Reading with Kazuo Ishiguro by Lighthouse Writers

Inside the Writer's Studio with Jennifer Egan by Lighthouse Writers

Lorrie Moore Inside the Writer's Studio - 10/24/2009 by Lighthouse Writers

Inside the Writer's Studio with Mark Doty by Lighthouse Writers

Inside the Writer's Studio with Michael Ondaatje by Lighthouse Writers

Inside the Writer's Studio: On-stage Interview and Reading with George Saunders by Lighthouse Writers