Writers on Writing

Fiction, Writers on Writing, Young Adult Fiction

Mar 08: Sabaa Tahir with deeply personal novel – All My Rage

March 9, 2022

#1 NYT bestselling author of the Ember in the Ashes series

Sabaa Tahir describes All My Rage as the book of her heart. It’s a story that was 15 years in the making, and we find out why during our conversation.

Beginning in Lahore Pakistan, and moving to Juniper California, All My Rage is inspired by Sabba’s childhood growing up in California’s Mojave Desert at her family’s 18-room motel.

Sabaa shares what she means by being an honest writer and how that informs her work. Why she writes young adult fiction. How a playground friendship saved her. What challenges her most as writer. Why hope is important and failure is part of the journey. And why her new novel is called All My Rage.

About Sabaa Tahir

Sabaa Tahir has been an author since 2015 . Before that, she was a journalist, and wrote her first book while working nights as a a copyeditor. All My Rage has received great reviews from writers such as Jodi Picoult and Nicola Yoon, and a TV adaptation of the story is currently in the works with Picturestart.

Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Feb 09: Brad Taylor with End of Days

February 9, 2022

Book 16 in the NYT Bestselling Pike Logan Series

Listener favorite Brad Taylor returns with his latest Pike Logan thriller, End of Days. While working to solve a brutal murder, taskforce operators Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill stumble upon the trail of a serial killer loose on the streets of Rome, and follow evidence leading to the exalted Knights of Malta.

We discuss Brad’s biggest challenge in writing End of Days. How – known for his active boots on the ground approach to research – Brad gathered details for End of Days during a pandemic. Why he included Covid. Where and why he took creative license. How Brad’s daughter inspired one of the scenes … and more.

About Brad Taylor

Brad Taylor retired as a Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel after serving 21 years, including including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – popularly known as Delta Force. He’s the author of 16 New York Times bestselling books including American Traitor, Hunter Killer, and his latest, End of Days.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

Jan 19: #1 NYT Bestselling Author Jacquelyn Mitchard with The Good Son

January 19, 2022

Her very first novel was also Oprah’s very first book pick!

Since then, Jacquelyn Mitchard has become one of America’s iconic storytellers. Today we talk about her amazing journey from newspaper reporter to bestselling author.

Jacquelyn shares how a dropped book in a coffee line inspired the story for The Good Son. She shares why she keeps her characters “on a short leash”; how she created sympathetic characters even though they are heavily flawed. And why, after all her success, she still has a hard time introducing herself as an author.

About Jacquelyn Mitchard

Jacquelyn Mitchard is the New York Times bestselling author of 22 novels for adults and teenagers, and the recipient of Great Britain’s Talkabout prize, The Bram Stoker, and Shirley Jackson awards. Her first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean — the inaugural selection of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club — was later adapted into a feature film starring Michelle Pfeiffer.

Fiction, Suspense, Writers on Writing

Dec 16: Last Girl Ghosted with NYT Bestselling Author Lisa Unger

December 15, 2021

Think Twice Before You Swipe

Whether or not you’ve already dated online, Lisa Unger‘s Last Girl Ghosted will definitely make you think twice before you swipe. As well as the dangers of online dating, this suspense story touches on mental health, family abuse, and a survivalist lifestyle.

Today we talk about why Lisa says love is not an algorithm. How she crafted her protagonist, flaws and all. The most challenging parts of writing … or not. What Lisa’s mom asked her to change in the book. And … did she change it?

About Lisa Unger

Lisa Unger is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author. With books published in 30 languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is widely regarded as a master of suspense. Her latest novel is LAST GIRL GHOSTED.

Fiction, History, Writers on Writing

DEC 08: Love, Theodosia with Lori Anne Goldstein

December 8, 2021

Historical love story inspired by Hamilton

LOVE, THEODOSIA takes place during the post-American Revolution era. After seeing the hit musical, Hamilton, author Lori Anne Goldstein started questioning “what if?” That led her to conjure a tale of Philip Hamilton and Theodosia Burr–a vibrant feminist, ahead of her time, who was lost at sea.

We discuss how Lori captured the essence of real life characters that she fictionalizes in Love, Theodosia. What went into her research. Some of the challenges her characters faced. And how Lori went from YA author to writing historical fiction.

About Lori Anne Goldstein

A creative writing instructor, Lori Anne Goldstein is the author of four young adult novels. She credits her journalism background with giving her the skills and desire to conduct the extensive research at the core of her adult historical debut, LOVE, THEODOSIA.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

OCT 20: Juliette Fay with Catch Us When We Fall

October 20, 2021

Catch Us When We Fall delivers a character who seems beyond help — but is anybody ever beyond reach?

Her characters first appeared in a dream, and today we learn how Juliette Fay always knew she’d write a story about an alcoholic.

Juliette shares her research into AA, recovery, and the fears addicts often have about getting sober. How childhood trauma can shape our lives. The development of protagonists, Cass and Scott. And what’s coming next for this bestselling author.

About Juliette Fay

Juliette Fay is the bestselling author of five previous novels including City of Flickering Light and The Tumbling Turner Sisters, a USA Today bestseller. Her book awards include: Library Journal’s Top 5 Best Books of 2012-Women’s Fiction, a Massachusetts Book Award Must-Read Book, and Indie Next pick. Juliette is a graduate of Harvard University.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

AUG 19: NYT Bestselling Novelist Heather Gudenkauf Shares Summer Reads

August 19, 2021

5 books to read & authors to look out for

Heather Gudenkauf takes a break from her busy schedule to share four of her summer reading recommendations with us — from laugh-out-loud funny to darker suspense, crime, and mystery.

And to complete the list we’re adding Heather’s most recent thriller, This is How I Lied.

Grab a pen and notepad, and listen up!

About Heather Gudenkauf

Heather Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Silence, These Things Hidden, Not A Sound, and This is How I Lied. Heather has worked with students of all ages during her career and continues to work in education as a Title I Reading Coordinator.

Fiction, Poetry, Writers on Writing

AUG 11: Summer Reads & Celebrations with Susan Wiggs & Maggie Smith

August 11, 2021

One novelist. One poet. A whole lot of good reading!

“Even sitting closed on a shelf, a book had a life of its own.”
― Susan Wiggs

Today #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs shares some of her favorite books for summer reading, authors to follow, and her best summer cocktail recipe.

Susan joined us last year with her latest novel, The Lost and Found Bookshop. Now she celebrates the premium edition, which includes special features, including book club resources. But Susan’s favorite feature of the new edition is the recipe in the back of the book. It’s ” … the best banana bread in the world!” she says. Find earlier conversations with Susan Wiggs here .

Long-celebrated in the poetry community for her lyricism and style, Pushcart Prizewinning poet Maggie Smith gained star status in 2016 with her viral poem Good Bones.

Today, Maggie shares her latest collection, Goldenrod. Celebrating “the contours of daily life”, Goldenrod explores the space between thought and experience – reminding us that we decide what is beautiful. Maggie reads and discusses a couple of her poems with us. And shares her writing journey, and why poetry is her chosen form.

About Susan Wiggs

Susan Wiggs’ novels have appeared in the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller List, and have been translated into more than 20 languages, and read in over 30 countries. A former Harvard graduate, Susan Wiggs has been featured in the national media, including NPR, PRI, and USA Today.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith is the bestselling author of Good Bones, The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, Lamp of the Body, and the national bestseller Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change. A 2011 recipient of a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, Smith has received several awards including a Pushcart Prize.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

JUL 21: Alka Joshi’s New Novel – The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

July 21, 2021

NYT Bestselling of Author of The Henna Artist

Set in India, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur is a tale of loyalty, ambition, and love that plunges readers back into the world of The Henna Artist – a world of power, money, and secrets.

Today, returning guest ALKA JOSHI shares detailed insight into the culture and traditions of India, that richly permeate her novels. We discuss creativity and how she approaches her work. Why, unlike many authors, she doesn’t consider a writing routine important. And – as a marketing and PR expert – Alka shares her best advice to authors and creatives about getting your work into the world.

About Alka Joshi

Born in Jodhpur, India, ALKA JOSHI has lived in the U.S. since she was nine-years-old. A Stanford University graduate, Alka worked in advertising and PR before starting her own marketing consultancy. In 2011, she earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the California College of Arts in San Francisco, California. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur is Alka Joshi’s second novel.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

JUL 14: Eileen Patricia Curran with Hungry Hill

July 14, 2021

How The World’s Oldest Virgin inspired Hungry Hill

Degrees in finance, marketing, and design can go a long way to helping you independently publish your work. Today Eileen Patricia Curran discusses her journey from inspiration, to writing, and publishing her debut novel Hungry Hill.

Eileen shares some of the challenges of writing her first novel — including being a slow writer. We also explore why she chose to publish independently. How she plays with humor in a story of love, loss, and healing. And why, sometimes, we have to lose ourselves to find ourselves.

About Eileen Patricia Curran

EILEEN PATRICIA CURRAN was born in Massachusetts and spent much of her childhood in Connecticut. She has degrees in Economics and Finance, Marketing, and Interior Design. Hungry Hill is her first book.

Mar 08: Sabaa Tahir with deeply personal novel – All My Rage

#1 NYT bestselling author of the Ember in the Ashes series

Feb 09: Brad Taylor with End of Days