Tag

Conversations Live Vicki St. Clair

Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Nov 28: Preston & Child – The OGs of Collaborative Thriller Writing

November 27, 2024

Angel of Vengeance: 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

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

As well as discussing the storyline of Angel of Vengeance, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child share how they met and why they’ve written together for the past 40 years.

We explore character development throughout a series, story research, what’s next. They share what they’ve learned from each other – including an amusing tale about who owns bragging rights for writing the best (and dreaded) sex scenes. And how the authors break up their roles as they write collaboratively.

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.

Continue reading
Essays, Inspirational, Memoir, Non Fiction, Writers on Writing

Nov 20: Peter Himmelman with Suspended By No String

November 21, 2024

A Songwriter’s Reflections on Faith, Aliveness, and Wonder

Suspended By No String with author Peter Himmelman

From Emmy and Grammy-nominated musician, writer, and the creative force behind BIG MUSE, comes the timely and insightful book, Suspended by No String: A Songwriter’s Reflections on Faith, Aliveness, and Wonder.

Peter Himmelman shares thoughts and reflections on universal subjects from grief and meaninglessness, to struggles with the pain that surrounds us. Written as a way through his own struggles in life, Peter offers a view outside our myopic world, and the daily onslaught of social and news media surrounding us.

Focusing on what we can control, we discuss what Peter means by creativity, and share insights from his book, including some his own turning points in life, how Peter’s mentors impacted him, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Meet Songwriter and Author Peter Himmelman

With over 25 critically acclaimed recordings to his credit, this singer-songwriter has been inspiring fans across the globe with his spiritually tinged Americana rock and roll for more than 40 years. Peter Himmelman is the founder of Big Muse, a company that teaches creative thinking, leadership skills, and deeper levels of communication in all facets of life – from personal to professional. His clients include The Wharton School, UCLA, and The Ross School of Business, The United States Army War College, and international bra//nds such as McDonald’s, Adobe, and Gap Inc.

Continue reading
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.

Continue reading
Non Fiction, Science

Nov 06: The Possibility of Life in the Heavens with Jaime Green

November 6, 2024

Science, Imagination, and Our Quest for Kinship in the Cosmos

The Possibility of Life with author Jaime Green

It’s human nature to gaze up at the starry skies on a clear night and reflect on the frequently asked but as of yet unanswered question … Are we alone?

Author Jaime Green contends that rather than trying to find a definitive answer to “Is there life out there?”, the question we should be focusing on is “What if there is?”

Jaime explores how our history and culture has been influenced by science, both real and in the fictional worlds of science fiction — think Star Trek and Avatar. And in turn, how our values, fears, anxieties and enduring sense of hope are reflected in our interpretations of scientific evidence. Jaime also reveals if she’s answered the big question for herself … what does it mean to be human?

Meet Jaime Green: Award-winning Science Author

Jaime Green is a freelance writer, editor, and writing teacher. The Possibility of Life was an NPR Science Friday Book Club Pick, a Wired Book to Read for Spring, and a TODAY Show Summer Pick. The series editor for The Best American Science and Nature Writing, Jaime Green is a lecturer at Smith College and at the Johns Hopkins Science Writing Master’s Program.

Continue reading
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.

Continue reading
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.

Continue reading
Environment, Non Fiction, Science

Oct 09: The Age of Melt with Lisa Baril

October 9, 2024

What Glaciers, Ice Mummies, and Ancient Artifacts Teach Us about Climate, Culture, and a Future Without Ice.

Age of Melt with author Lisa Baril

Glaciers inspire art & literature. Spark fear & awe. Give & take life. A Story of Ice Patch Archaeology.

In The Age of Melt environmental journalist Lisa Baril unpacks why archaeologists are storytellers, and artifacts their muses.

She explores the deep-rooted, cultural connection between humans and ice, through time. Why hungry farmers migrated to the hills. What ice artifacts tell us about culture and wilderness. What we gain as we explore our relationship to the world. And how ice patch archaeology informs us about our present and future.

Meet Lisa Baril, Science Writer

Lisa Baril is a science writer who has written about national parks across the western United States. As a former traveling ornithologist, Lisa spent 15 years studying birds and their habitats. Half of those years, she spent surveying and monitoring golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and other birds in Yellowstone national Park. The Age of Melt: What Glaciers, Ice Mummies, and Ancient Artifacts Teach Us about Climate, Culture, and a Future Without Ice is Lisa’s debut book. She holds a master’s in ecology from Montana State University, and lives in Wyoming.

Continue reading
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.

Continue reading
Creativity, Health & Wellness, Non Fiction, Science, Self-help, Spirituality

Sep 18: Walk Your Way to More Creativity & Better Health with Michael Gelb

September 18, 2024

Walking Well: A new approach for comfort, vitality, and inspiration in every step.

Walking Well with coauthor Michael Gelb

Walking is one of the most scientifically researched human activities. We know it’s good for us, providing many benefits from improved physical and mental health, to spiritual and emotional wellbeing, to heightened creativity and increased productivity. We also know those benefits increase exponentially if we are outdoors in nature.

To prove a point, today’s guest, Michael Gelb walked as we talked about his new book coauthored with Bruce Fertman, WALKING WELL: A New Approach for Comfort, Vitality, and Inspiration in Every Step.

An expert in creative thinking, Michael Gelb joined forces with movement expert Bruce Fertman to create their new, whole-being approach to find an “easier, kinder, more natural way to walk.” And if you don’t like walking, their Walking Well practice also includes sitting, standing, and lying down.

Meet Coauthors Michael J. Gelb and Bruce Fertman

Michael J. Gelb is a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, executive coaching, and innovative leadership. He’s a fifth-degree black belt in aikido and a gifted teacher of tai chi and the Alexander Technique. He is the author of 17 books — including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci. Michael Gelb is also a professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones.

Bruce Fertman brings 60 years of study as a movement artist and educator to his work. His training includes gymnastics, modern dance, ballet, contact improvisation, the Alexander Technique, tai chi chuan, aikido, chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony), Argentine tango, and kyudo (Zen archery). For the past 30 years Fertman’s taught in Europe, Asia, and the Americas helping people experience the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual life.

Continue reading
Animals, Humor, Non Fiction, Science

Sep 11: Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice with Your Pets’ Secret Lives

September 11, 2024

The Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors

Your Pets’ Secret Lives with author Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice

Think your dog feels guilty? That your bird lives drama-free? Or that your cat hunts only mice and birds? Think again. While many of us see our pets as family members, our pets see the world in a very different way.

In Your Pets’ Secret Lives: The Truth Behind Your Pets Wildest Behaviors Eleanor Spicer Rice shakes your pets’ family trees, dives into their brains, and sometimes hitches a ride on their poops to discover the meaning behind some of our animal friends’ wildest behaviors.

Meet Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice

Eleanor Spicer Rice, PhD, is an entomologist and the author of many nonfiction books, including Your Hidden Life: Unseen Jungle and Dr. Eleanor’s Book of Common Spiders. ​Eleanor is also the senior science editor at Verdant Word, a science communication company she co-founded with Robin Sutton Anders. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, sons, dogs, hermit crabs, an assortment of spiders and insects, and a small, valiant flock of homing pigeons.

Your Pets’ Secret Lives was illustrated by Rob Wilson, an award-winning illustrator and graphic designer who has created work for the Washington Post, New York magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Mother Jones, and the covers of best-selling books. He is the illustrator of Your Hidden Life: Unseen Jungle and the creator of the icon for the popular podcast Welcome to Night Vale. Rob Wilson’s work has been featured in galleries in London and New York City.

Continue reading

  • Categories

  • Past Shows