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Writers on Writing

Biography, History, Memoir, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Relationships, Travelogue, Writers on Writing

Nov 13: Eric Weiner In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life

November 13, 2024

Ben & Me

Ben and Me with author Eric Weiner

When Eric Weiner followed Benjamin Franklin’s journey from Philadelphia to Paris, and Boston to London, in addition to discovering Ben’s life lessons, this self-described philosophical traveler discovered many of his own.

BEN & ME is a wonderful combination of Franklin’s biography, Weiner’s memoir, and a travelogue. It’s a guide to thinking well. Living a useful life. It’s about curiosity, diligence, constant learning. And – most of all – the elusive goal of self-improvement.

Eric Weiner shares how asking someone to do you a favor could improve your relationship – a psychological phenomenon known as The Ben Franklin Effect. We discuss Franklin’s seemingly conflicting views, his biggest strengths, human flaws, and what Eric found most disappointing about Ben. Eric also shares what he discovered about himself on this literal and metaphorical journey.

Meer Eric Weiner – Author, Speaker, Philosophical Traveler

Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and speaker, Eric Weiner‘s latest book is Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life. Weiner’s other books include The Geography of Bliss, The Geography of Genius, Man Seeks God and The Socrates Express. Eric Weiner is a former foreign correspondent for NPR, and reporter for The New York Times. He is a regular contributor to The Washington Post, BBC Travel, and AFAR, among other publications. He lives in the Washington, D.C. area.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing

Oct 30: Familiaris with International Bestseller David Wroblewski

October 30, 2024

15 years in the making sequel to instant classic The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Familiaris with author David Wroblewski

Over a decade after David Wroblewski‘s modern classic and debut novel The Story of Edgar Sawtelle comes Familiaris, the follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller. The new novel explores the origins of the Sawtelle family, and David discusses why, after 15 years, he felt compelled to return to their farm in Wisconsin to give John and his new bride Mary (and their three dogs) their own book.

David dives into how his creative process helped shape this new excursion into the trials and events of the Sawtelle’s lives. How his childhood influences, the evolution of his characters as he develops them, and sense of environment determines the direction of his storytelling.

Meet Award-winning, Bestselling Author David Wroblewski

David Wroblewski is the author of the internationally bestselling novel The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, an Oprah Book Club pick Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, winner of the Colorado Book Award, and numerous other awards. David Wroblewski received an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson M.F.A. Program for Writers, and a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin. He lives in Colorado with the writer Kimberly McClintock and their dogs, Pie and Luci.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing

Oct 23: Lost in Thought with Deborah Serra

October 23, 2024

A Novel About the Illusion of Free Will & Unconscious Decision-making.

Lost in Thought with author Deborah Serra

Deborah Serra shares her journey from successful screenwriter and playwright, to novelist.

We discuss why, at the start of her 20-year career, Deborah Serra wrote as D.A. Serra. How she felt restricted writing for the big screen, TV, and even as a playwright – and why she transitioned into books.

Deborah shares the challenges of switching genres; her fears and anxieties around releasing her creative work into the world – even as a well established writer.

We also discuss Lost in Thought, from story concept and character development, to the research she delved into around neuroscience. And we learn why Deborah enjoys traveling alone … and recommends others try it too!

Meet Deborah Serra: Award Winning Screenwriter, Playwright, Novelist

Deborah Serra is a double Hawthorn den Literary Fellow who’s worked in all genres and mediums for more than 20 years. Her career includes: Screenwriting – as a produced original screenwriter and also as an assignment writer on TV movies, TV series, and NBC staff writer. She’s written three books – two fiction, one nonfiction – and three award winning plays. She’s worked with Showtime, CBS, Sony, Fox, and Lifetime. Her essays and short stories have appeared in several literary magazines, and she was nominated for the O. Henry Award. Deborah Serra is currently an editor at After Dinner Conversation- Philosophy/Ethics Short Story Magazine.

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Fiction, Mystery, Writers on Writing

Oct 02: #1 NYT Bestselling Author J.A. Jance with Den of Iniquity

October 2, 2024

J.P. Beaumont’s investigation of a seemingly accidental death reveals a complex web of evil

Den of Iniquity with author J.A. Jance

J.A. Jance has been writing about J.P. Beaumont – former Seattle homicide cop turned private investigator – for 41 years. “It’s like coming home to spend time with family and friends” says Jance. Den of Iniquity is the 26th story in the J.P. Beaumont series, and it does not disappoint.

Today we touch on some of the themes in Den of Iniquity, from family dynamics and generational gaps, to pursuing a cold case, a fentanyl overdose, and the devastation that drug use creates.

We discuss the evolution of Beaumont’s character, and why J.A. Jance placed him in a real location, Ashland, Washington, versus a fictional town. And how this busy author manages the whirlwind challenges of promoting Den of Iniquity, while simultaneously completing another Joanna Brady book, and editing a third novel. It might have something to do with walking 10,000 steps a day in nature. Just saying.

Meet #1 NYT Bestseller J. A. Jance

With a writing career spanning more than 40 years, J.A. Jance is the New York Times bestselling mystery author of more than 60 novels in four separate series:  J.P. Beaumont, Joanna Brady, Ali Reynolds, and the Walker Family.  She resides in the Seattle area with her husband, Bill, and two dachshunds, Mary and JoJo. More at J.A. Jance.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Sep 25: #1 NYT Thriller Authors Preston & Child with Angel of Vengeance

September 25, 2024

A desperate bargain is broken. A clever trap set. And a vengeful angel will not be deterred.

Angel of Vengeance with authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Thrilled to have The OG of fiction collaborators join Conversations Live with Vicki St. Clair today: Preston & Child, with their new thriller, Angel of Vengeance.

In Angel of Vengeance, Preston & Child continue their #1 bestselling series featuring FBI Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene, as they take a final stand against New York’s deadliest serial killer.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child share how they met, why they write together, and who does what in their collaborative writing partnership. We discuss what they’ve learned from each other – including an amusing tale about writing dreaded sex scenes. We also explore character development, story research, and what’s next.

Meet Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (Preston & Child)

Preston and Child’s Relic and The Cabinet of Curiosities were chosen by readers in a National Public Radio poll as being among the 100 greatest thrillers ever written, and Relic was made into a number‑one box office hit movie. They’ve collaborated together for 40 years and in addition to coauthoring the famed Pendergast series, their recent novels include The Cabinet of Dr. Leng, Diablo Mesa, Bloodless, The Scorpion’s Tail, and Crooked River. Douglas Preston is also the author of the award-winning nonfiction book The Lost City of the Monkey God.  And Lincoln Child has published eight novels of his own, including bestsellers, Chrysalis and Deep Storm.

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Suspense, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Aug 28: #1 NYT Bestselling Thriller Writer Lisa Gardner

August 28, 2024

Still See You Everywhere – A Novel 

Still See You Everywhere with author Lisa Gardner

The Beautiful Butcher serial killer faces execution in three weeks. She calls herself Death. They call her the Devil.

Following a year-long sabbatical, Lisa Gardner joins us to discuss her latest Frankie Elkin thriller. We explore character development, and how Lisa evolves her protagonist throughout a series. Lisa shares how the story sparked for her, and how as a thriller writer, she climbs into the minds of serial killers; the difference between male and female serial killers; and the research that surprised her. And, of course, we talk craft, storytelling, and some of the challenges presented in writing Still See You Everywhere.

Meet Lisa Gardner: Bestselling Thriller Novelist

A self-described research junkie, Lisa Gardner has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. Four of Lisa’s books are TV movies (At the Midnight Hour; The Perfect Husband; The Survivors Club; Hide) and she’s made personal appearances on TruTV and CNN. Lisa’s books have received awards from across the globe. Her novel, The Neighbor, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers, and the Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle in France. More about Lisa Gardner.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing

Aug 21: Internationally Bestselling Author David Wroblewski Discusses Familiaris

August 21, 2024

Follow up to the modern classic The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Familiaris with author David Wroblewski

Familiaris hits bookshelves 15 years after David Wroblewski‘s debut novel The Story of Edgar Sawtelle became a #1 New York Times bestseller, Oprah Book Club pick, Indie Choice Best Author Discovery, and recipient of many other accolades.

We discuss why it took 15 years to produce Familiaris, a life-span saga of the origin of the Sawtelle family – John Sawtelle, his new bride Mary, their three dogs, and friends – as they set off on a series of quests to find meaning, purpose, and adventure.

David also shares why John Sawtelle needed his own book. How the author develops his characters, sense of location (farm, Wisconsin), and how his childhood influences his storytelling.

Meet Award-winning, Bestselling Author David Wroblewski

David Wroblewski is the author of the internationally bestselling novel The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, an Oprah Book Club pick Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, winner of the Colorado Book Award, and numerous other awards. David Wroblewski received an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson M.F.A. Program for Writers, and a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin. He lives in Colorado with the writer Kimberly McClintock and their dogs, Pie and Luci.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing

Aug 14: The Waw with Novelist Jacqueline Gay Walley

August 14, 2024

The WAW with author Jacqueline Gay Walley

“There are people who do not settle in one place, but are like the nomadic tribes of the desert, longing for the Waw, the ultimate oasis, where they will finally be home.” 

So begins Jacqueline Gay Walley’s novel, THE WAW, where a woman leaves behind everything she knows in her New York life to follow the dream of living in a small English town by the sea and finding her tribe.

Jacqueline Gay Walley shares a peek into her writing process and the inspiration for THE WAW. She discusses why she chose to keep her narrator anonymous. The challenges her protagonist faces. How Jacqueline selects her projects, her favorite scenes to write, and why she says always write from the heart.

Meet Author Jaqueline Gay Walley

Jacqueline Gay Walley has published eight novels. She has written plays (shown in New York and London) and has released two films based on her books. Her film The Erotic Fire of the Unattainable was selected by six international film festivals and now plays on Amazon Prime. Born in London and raised in Montreal, Jacqueline lives in New York where she coaches writing, edits, and ghostwrites.

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History, Journalism, Non Fiction, Writers on Writing

Aug 07: Michael Castleman Shares The Untold Story of Books

August 7, 2024

A Writer’s History of Book Publishing

The Untold Story of Books with author Michael Castleman

Are physical books here to stay? The answer might surprise you. There are so many interesting stories and trails and fun facts in Michael Castleman‘s The Untold Story of Books: A Writer’s History of Book Publishing that we couldn’t put it down. Whether you’re a writer, reader, bibliophile, librarian, publisher, or just interested in how it started and where it’s at stories, we think you’ll enjoy it too.

Michael shares insights into Bestseller Lists; why they don’t tell the whole story and how they can be manipulated. We explore when and why book dedications began. How a machine designed for pressing olive oil changed the publishing industry, and what that meant for scribes and authors. We also peek into traditional versus independent (indi) and self publishing. How the digital revolution and AI impacted the industry – and where Michael sees it all going.

Meet Author Michael Castleman

Michael Castleman is a journalist and author of bestselling books on sexuality, health, and the history of book publishing. He also writes fiction. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan, Michael Castleman earned an M.A. in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism. He has lived in San Francisco since 1975.

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Creativity, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Uncategorized, Writers on Writing

Jul 31: Matthew Dicks – Strategies from a Master Storyteller

July 31, 2024

Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Your Brand

Stories Sell with author Matthew Dicks

Today’s guest has many talents and accolades. But regardless of what Matthew Dicks is doing – teaching high school students, writing books or Moth GrandSLAM talks, giving keynote speeches, consulting with Fortune 500 clients, even hosting as a wedding DJ – he says ” … the heart of it revolves around story.”

That’s what we discuss in Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Your Brand.

Matthew shares how to differentiate between a romp and a story. Why you should keep a story bank, and how Matthew builds his. Why most companies, salespeople, and marketers get storytelling wrong, and why you should focus first on story, then purpose. What makes a 5-second Moment. How to avoid death by PowerPoint. Why But and However help to transition story scenes, but And doesn’t. When to risk introducing humor and why … and much more.

Meet Matthew Dicks – Bestselling Author, Moth StorySLAM & GrandSLAM Champion

Matthew Dicks is the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, and Something Missing. His nonfiction titles include books we’ve discussed on the show before: Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling. Someday is Today:  22 Simple Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life. And his latest, Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and our Brand. Matthew Dicks is a 56-time Moth StorySLAM Champion, and a 9-time GrandSLAM Champion, whose stories have been featured on the nationally syndicated Moth Radio Hour. His stories have also appeared on PBS’ Stories From the Stage.

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