Tag

Love

Essays, Humor, Inspirational, Memoir, Non Fiction, Writers on Writing

Mar 05: Itching to Love with Award-winning Author Shelley Fraser Mickle

March 5, 2025

The Story of a Dog

Itching to Love with author Shelley Fraser Mickle

“[Shelley’s writing] warms us with the wisdom and perspective that come from a lifetime filled with animals, people, history, science, and literature. An absolutely unique memoir by one of the South’s great storytellers.”

— Danny Rubin, Screenwriter (Groundhog Day)

When you’re used to being needed and hearing someone shout “Mom” a hundred times a day, who are you, and what do you do when the kids leave home? Like millions of other moms, award-winning writer Shelley Fraser Mickle faced that same dilemma. Her solution found her.

Today Shelley shares why she wrote to author William Faulkner and how that worked out. We discuss the importance of storytelling and passing down family stories. How humor helps us physiologically; why we should laugh out loud and try to find the humor even during dark days. Shelley shares her love of horses, and the dog who saved her, Buddy. We also discuss the challenges and joys of writing a memoir, ITCHING TO LOVE: The Story of a Dog.

Meet Shelley Fraser Mickle

Shelley Fraser Mickle is a multiple award-winning author and beloved storyteller. Her readings delighted listeners on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition from 2000 to 2006.  Shelley’s second novel, REPLACING DAD, won a Friends of American Writers Award and was adapted into a Hallmark Channel movie. Currently, her 2023 narrative history WHITE HOUSE WILD CHILD: HOW ALICE ROOSEVELT BROKE ALL THE RULES AND WON THE HEART OF AMERICA is in development as a film series. ITCHING TO LOVE: The Story of a Dog is Shelley’s memoir.

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Memoir, Non Fiction, Women's Issues

Jan 08: Patricria Bonis Married Her Ideal Man – Or Did She?

January 8, 2025

JEDDAH BRIDE: A Testament to How Far a Mother Will Go to Protect Her Children

Jeddah Bride with author Patricia Bonis

When Patricia Bonis fell madly in love with Rahman Abbar, scion of a wealthy Saudi Arabian family, their wedding was the happiest day of her life. But her joy as a JEDDAH BRIDE soon evaporated into a life she was ill prepared for.

Patricia Bonis shares her journey from a smart, free-spirited student at Wellesley College, to living a life she found intolerable … a restricted life as a Saudi wife, viewing the world through curtains and veils and outdated rules. And, ultimately, to her final escape, painful sacrifices, and long-term triumphs.

Meet Patricia Bonis

PATRICIA BONIS is a renowned interior designer who has spent more than three decades designing the homes, offices, and embassies of some of the world’s most influential leaders, including top CEOs, ambassadors, and international financiers. She now splits her time between Palm Beach Florida, and Millbrook, New York, with her current husband. JEDDAH BRIDE is Patricia’s debut book.

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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 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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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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Inspirational, Memoir, Non Fiction

May 15: Tom Seeman – Animals I Want to See

May 15, 2024

A Memoir of Growing Up in the Projects & Defying the Odds

Animals I Want to See with author Tom Seeman

A coming of age story, Tom Seeman’s memoir shares his journey from child janitor to Ivy League success.

When you grow up with a disconnected, alcoholic father and 11 siblings, living on welfare and food stamps in the Projects of Toledo, what drives a young boy to work his way out? What’s the difference between someone who breaks away and someone who stays? What drove Tom to Yale, to Harvard. And what were some of the many challenges he faced?

Most importantly, Tom shares some of the lessons he learned along the way, the need for community and mentors. And why we must keep “wonder” and magic alive – even during our darkest days.

Meet Tom Seeman

As a businessman, Tom Seeman has owned and led several businesses. He grew up in a family of 14, on welfare and food stamps in the projects of Toledo, Ohio. He earned his B.A. in Economics from Yale, where he rowed on the crew team, and graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, before going on to earn his J.D. at Harvard. Animals I Want to See: A Memoir of Growing Up in the Projects and Defying the Odds is Tom Seeman’s debut book.

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Health & Wellness, Inspirational, Memoir, Non Fiction, Self-help

May 08: Can Love Survive the Onslaught of Chronic Illness? On My Way Back to You with Sarah Cart

May 8, 2024

One Couple’s Journey Through Catastrophic Illness to Healing & Hope

On My Way Back to You with author Sarah Cart

Suddenly becoming a caregiver for a loved often means massive life changes, steep learning curves, and long draining hours where normal life – let alone selfcare – seems impossible.

When Sarah Cart was thrown into the role of caregiver to her ailing husband, she assumed the life she loved was behind her.

Today we discuss life before and after her husband’s unexpected diagnosis. How Sarah and Ben coped with the news of life-threatening medical issues. Some of their biggest challenges, and how caregiving affected their relationship as husband and wife.

We also highlight key takeaways from Sarah and Ben’s journey, including the importance of finding new passions, new opportunities. The need to construct a plan for worst-case scenarios. Signs to pay attention to. How to embrace selfcare – and what that looks like. Sarah also shares one of the best questions that friends and family can ask the caregiver to provide support.

Meet Sarah Cart

Journalist Sarah Cart was raised and educated in New York and New England, and wrote for multiple local publications while she and her husband, Ben, raised four sons in northeastern Ohio. When they became empty-nesters, the Carts moved to the Florida Keys, returning every summer to the Pennsylvania Poconos, where each had lifelong family connections. On My Way Back to You is Sarah Cart’s debut book and was written with Glenn Paskin.

Glenn Plaskin: Celebrity Interviewer and columnist Glenn Plaskin is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five books, specializing in memoir, business, self-help, leadership, and inspiration. 

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Fiction, Nature, Writers on Writing

May 01: Bestselling Author of The Music of Bees Returns with a Story of Hope, Healing, & Unexpected Friendship

May 1, 2024

Crow Talk – A Novel Set in the Beautiful Pacific Northwest

Crow Talk with author Eileen Garvin

When three lost souls are thrown together in Eileen Garvin’s, Crow Talk, a journey begins for each protagonist in a story of love, grief, healing, and friendship. As each character struggles to reclaim their voice, they learn about the importance of family of choice, and the healing power of nature, in the darkest of times.

Eileen Garvin shares her inspiration for Crow Talk and her lead three key characters. Why she chose Mt Adams, Oregon, as the story location – and a baby crow as a catalyst to healing. We also discuss the writer’s-life, including the joys, challenges, and craft of writing. And why this author is now a committed bee-keeper.

Meet Eileen Garvin

Eileen Garvin is the national bestselling author of the Music of Bees, and has just released her second novel, Crow Talk. Born and raised in eastern Washington, Eileen lives in Hood River, Oregon. She and her husband share their home with a calico cat, a passionate Baja-mutt, four chickens, and about one hundred and twenty thousand honeybees.

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