The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast
Welcome to The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, where we explore the world of books and the stories behind the authors who write them. Join us for fun and exciting interviews with writers, as they share their journey to publication, offer book recommendations, and provide writing tips for aspiring authors. Whether you're a book lover or a budding writer, I invite you to come along and we'll explore my bookshelves.
Life, the Universe, & Everything: Author Jenny Ahmed Explores Mars, Writing, and Living Life!
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In today's episode I interview Sci-Fi writer Jenny Ahmed. Her recent book "Utopia" is about "A handpicked team of elite scientists, each prepared to leave Earth behind forever. Their mission: to build a permanent colony and turn the barren red planet into humanity's next home. Mars holds secrets far older—and far stranger—than anyone could have imagined..."
We also talk about her writing journey, the craft of writing, reading for characters vs plot, and how a bad experience with Covid helped her embrace life and try new things. Her book is thr...
Summer Reading, Writing, and Cozies!
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It's always a fun time when Jessica Thompson stops by the podcast. Today, she and author Heidi O'Barr take a break from their writing retreat to chat with me about the Messy Manuscript Society's newest collection of fantasy short stories, "Beyond the Waves"! We chat about what we're reading, and talk about some of our favorite Cozy mysteries and all the tropes we enjoy. Take a listen today and get all kinds of great cozy recommendations to enhance your summer reading!
Jessica Thompson Online: https://jessicathompsonauthor.com/
Heidi O'Barr: ht...
Stories Give Them Something to Dream About: Interview with Author Jenna Maeson
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In today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I interview author Jenna Maeson about her writing journey, her books, and a topic that is a passion of ours - the importance of reading aloud to children (and adults!) Jenna and I share a bunch of books that are great to read aloud to children. Please feel free to add more to our list in the comments! Also find out all about her delightful cozy mystery series, Tails of Trouble: The Emerald Ridge Mysteries!
Find her online at: https://www.jennamaesonmysteries.com/
...The Mindful Scribe: Mental Health & Creativity | The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast
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Today I continue my conversation with author Stefanie Santone. We have a very open conversation about our struggles with mental wellness - and the important part that writing, reading, and stories have played in helping us in our journey. This is a topic that I have wanted to discuss for awhile, and I am grateful that Stefanie was willing to be open with her journey. We also talk about her nickname "The Mindful Scribe" - and how she came to claim it! I hope that you will be inspired to keep creating, to...
Magical Chaos: interview with author Stefanie Santone of "Tangled Magic"
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Hello bookworms! Today I have the privilege of sitting down with author Stefanie Santone. She's just published a book called "Tangled Magic" - and it's the first book in a new urban fantasy mystery series.
In Part 1 of my interview, the chaos runs strong: In this fun and wide-ranging episode, Stefanie shares her writing journey—from being inspired by Star Wars to crafting magical stories of her own. We talk about everything from reading and writing to our favorite shows like Star Wars and Star Trek. We explore how she handles bad...
"Liar Queen" Interview with author M T Solomon
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Today on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I sit down with fantasy author M.T. Solomon to discuss her latest release, "Liar Queen" – the exciting first book in an all-new fantasy trilogy! At the beginning of the episode I also give a quick update on my podcast, this channel, and life in general.
We then explore her writing journey—from her dreams of being a writer that began as a young child, to an adult making that dream a reality. She opens up about the joys and challenges of writing, finding inspiration from...
The Catalyst: an Interview with Nat Bickel
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In today's episode I speak with author Nat Bickel! She was just written and published a new YA novel called "The Catalyst". We discuss some favorite books, her writing journey, and the highs and lows of self publishing!
"Kelynn Sanders has a head full of dreams almost as overwhelming as the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. She can't contain it nor control it. The constant swimming of what ifs, wants, aspirations, and the possible failure of it all causes her to black out. She tries her best to push her...
A Graveyard of Secrets - an interview with authors Heidi O’Barr and Jessica Thompson!
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In today's episode, I sit and have a fun conversation with authors Heidi O'Barr and returning guest Jessica Thompson! Secrets will be revealed! They will shock you!... Ok maybe not, but I had a delightful time discusing the joys of reading and writing with two cozy mystery writers. They have a new collection of cozy mystery short stories out just in time for Halloween. Watch our conversation today and then run out and get their new collection: A Graveyard of Secrets!
Books Mentioned:
Drinker of Ink by Shannon Castleton
Lock...
Bottled Secrets, Haunted Houses, and Creative Inspiration: an Interview with Author Mary Kendall
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In today's story I interview Mary Kendall, the author of "Bottled Secrets of Rosewood", how her experiences inspire her creativity, and we discuss our favorite authors including Louise Penny, Alan Bradley, and more! If you need more books to add to your TBR, listen to this episode today!
Find Mary and her book online here: https://www.marykendallauthor.com/
"After an archeological dig at Rosewood, Miranda's historic house, unearths an ancient blue bottle of questionable origin, it seems to trigger the occurrence of inexplicable and mysterious events. While Brian...
Scotland, Witches, and Cozy Mysteries: an interview with author Felicity Green
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In today's episode, I interview author Felicity Green. She is the author of the Scottish Witches Cozy Mystery Series. Her books are an excellent choice if you want some witchy cozy mysteries to read this October! Not only do we also explore her author journey from actress to author, we also end up talking about a lot of great cozy mysteries! So get ready to add to your TBR list with this fun episode!
Find Felicity Green online: https://felicitygreenauthor.com/
Books Mentioned
Famous Five series a...
Talking Back to Stories: an interview with Author Jeanne Blasberg
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Hello Bookworms! Have you ever wondered what goes into writing a retelling of a classics story, legend, or myth? I discuss that topic and more with our guest today, author Jeanne Blasberg. She has written the book "Daughter of a Promise", and it is a modern day retelling of the Biblical story of David and Bathsheba. We talk about how different the story is seen in the modern "me too" movement, what goes into writing a retelling, and the powerful connection our myths and legends have to our stories today.
Find...
Confessions of a (Not So) Boring Reader: A Conversation with Author Anna A. Armstrong
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In this episode of "The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast" we celebrate being boring! I have the pleasure of interviewing cozy mystery writer Anna A. Armstrong - who is NOT a boring writer! We kick off our conversation by discussing our mutual love for Jane Austen, acknowledging that while it may seem basic to some, we find immense comfort in her timeless works like "Pride and Prejudice." Embracing our so-called "boring" tastes, we chat about the joy and comfort these classic stories bring us. Anna also shares her inspiring journey to becoming a writer, giving...
Charles Dickens: The Stories of His Life: with guest author Jesper Soerensen
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After an unplanned short hiatus from the podcast, I'm back behind the mic talking about my favorite author, Charles Dickens. My guest today is author Jesper Soerensen and he's just written a book about Dickens and his stories. In the episode we talk about his book, we share plenty of recommendations, and have a lot of discussion about the stories that Dickens wrote. We do not talk spoilers, so whether you're relatively new to Dickens or are a hardcore fan, there is something for everyone in today's interview!
Find Jesper online:
Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice... and Football? | Discussion with Jessica Thompason and J. R. Lancaster, Part 2
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In today's episode, I play part 2 of my interview with authors Jessica Thompson and J. R. Lancaster. We talk about Jane Austen, our experiences reading her books, and favorite adaptations. I also share some of my favorite Jane Austen memes that came up out of the Super Bowl, we discuss other favorite mystery writers, and more! Thanks for joining us on this hilarious discussion about one of the greatest authors to put pen to paper!
Pre-Order: The Luck of the Irish:
Jessica Thompson: https://jessicathompsonauthor.com/
J. R. La...
The Luck of the Irish: A New Cozy Mystery Anthology! with guests J. R. Lancaster and Jessica Thompson, Part 1
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Welcome to the first part of a two part conversation I have with mystery authors J. R. Lancaster and Jessica Thompson. Today, we're talking Murders, mysteries, and St. Patrick's Day... along with some "meet cute" stories!
These authors are here to talk about their new St. Patrick's Day-Themed Cozy Mystery Anthology, edited by Jessica Thompson and Kate Darroch. We also talk about St. Patrick's Day traditions, and of course we will give you a big list of Irish themed mysteries to read! And then near the end of the episode, I...
Boo Trundle: The Healing Power of Writing Your Truth
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My guest today is the author Boo Trundle, who has written one of the most interesting and captivating novels I've ever read. "The Daughter Ship", a very personal novel that tells of one woman's journey to find healing. The story focuses on Katherine, a wife and mother who is struggling on the brink of despair. Helping to tell her story are "Truitt, Star, and Smooshed Bug—her inner children, each with their particular strategy for coping with Katherine’s past at the hands of a hopeless mother and a terrifying, seductive father. Several of h...
Puerto Rican Stories: A Conversation with Author Margarita Barresi
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My guest today is Margarita Barresi, author of "A Delicate Marriage". Her novel is a personal one, a novel that "celebrates Puerto Rican culture while delving into themes of class, oppression, and the effects of colonialism through the lens of a marriage."
In our conversation, Margarita tells stories of her family that inspired her story, we talk about the importance of knowing your people's history, and of course there will be plenty of book recommendations and some writing advice!
I found "A Delicate Marriage" to be a powerful story...
In Which We Use Our Little Grey Cells: A Celebration of Agatha Christie, with author Jessica Thompson
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In today's episode, I have author Jessica Thompson back on the podcast. We talk about her new book coming out just in time for Valentines Day: A Caterer's Guide to Valentines and Violence. Then we get down to discussing one of our favorite mystery writers: Agatha Christie, the Grand Master of detective fiction! We chat about our history with reading Christie, some of our favorite novels, movie version, actors, and more!
Find Jessica Thompson Online here: https://jessicathompsonauthor.com/
Time Stamps:
00:00 Can you read a series out of or...
Bullet Through the Art: The Joyful Writing Journey of Author Anne Seidel
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My guest today is cozy mystery author Anne Seidel. She has a new book in a new series out called "Bullet Through the Art: A Sam Gordon Cozy Mystery."
In today's episode we talk about her writing journey from screenplays to mystery novels; We talk about her reading life and our mutual love for audio books; and she offers up a ton of writing tips that will be an inspiration to any writer - no matter where you are on your own journey. So take a listen today and find out...
Christmas Mugs and Other Magical Crockery: An Interview with Amey Zeigler
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Welcome to our Christmas episode! Today I talk to author Amey Zeigler. She's just written a new Christmas book called "The Christmas Mug" - It's book two in the Helping of Hope Series!
In the interview we talk about our favorite reads and authors (Brandon Sanderson is a must; Calvin & Hobbes is essential reading... ). Then we explore her writing journey and the power of "just keep going!" Then, we end our discussion talking about her tips for new writers. It's some excellent, must-listen to advice!
http://www.ameyzeigler.com/ <...
Shannon Symonds is Booked for Murder!
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My guest is cozy mystery writer Shannon Symonds. She's just published the first book in the brand new Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery Series! In this interview we get distracted talking about all the books we've enjoyed reading lately, but then dig into her story and talk about her writing journey. She also talks about her Christmas mystery "The Seaside Murder Before Christmas". Then we take some time to share Christmas memories, and more! This episode is absolutely stuffed full of book recommendations and writing tips.
Subscribe to The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast f...
Woman of Valor: an Interview with author Lynne Golodner
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Join us on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast as we embark on a captivating journey with acclaimed author Lynne Golodner. In this episode, Lynne shares her journey behind her novel, "Woman of Valor." This novel delves into the intricate layers of identity, infidelity, true love, and the liberating process of shedding the need to please others.
In our interview, Lynne shares with me the joys of being a voracious reader, the victories and challenges of writing, and offers some helpful tips for writers. We also dig deep into the story and message o...
Shoot, Shovel, and Shut Up: an Interview with author Jessica Thompson
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In today's episode, I talk to author Jessica Thompson. She has a new book out called "Shoot Shovel & Shut Up". We talk about her new book and discuss some writing tips. Jessica Thompson's website: https://jessicathompsonauthor.com/
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Katie Lumsden's Victorian Odyssey: an interview with an exciting new voice in historical fiction
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Hello! In today's episode I interview new author Katie Lumsden - she is a booktuber and we share a love of Victorian literature in general and Dickens in particular. We talk about her new book The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, her reading journey into Victorian literature, and discuss why it's important to read the classics, even if they can at times be problematic.
Find Katie on youtube at: @katiejlumsden
Book: The Secrets of Hartwood Hall (bookshop.org affiliate link)
Books mentioned:
The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni
Book Launch: "Someone's Always Watching": an interview with new author J. R. Lancaster
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In today's episode I get the privilege to sit down with J. R. Lancaster and talk about her new mystery, "Someone's Always Watching". We talk about some great books we've read lately, her writing journey, writing tips, and more!
Find J. R. Lancaster online - website, newsletter, and more: https://linktr.ee/jrlancaster
Books Mentioned:
Blood and Moonlight by Erin Beaty
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffner
One of Us is Lying series by Karen M...
You're Never Too Young (Or Too Old!) to Write Your Story: with guest Shanti Hershenson
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My guest today is an absolute inspiration - a young author who didn't wait to follow her dreams to become a writer! Shanti Hershenson is the author of The Bane of Angelfall Academy and the Biome Lock Saga - and many more, all at the age of 15 years old. My hope is the young people, and people young at heart!, will find inspiration from Shanti's journey and will follow their own dreams and tell your stories.
Find Shanti online:
https://www.shantihershenson.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@shantiwhowrites
<...
Educating Youth Through Literature: a Juneteenth Conversation with Author Tonya Duncan Ellis
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In today's episode, I sit down with children's author Tonya Duncan Ellis to delve into the world of literature that tells interesting stories but also educates. We talk about her immensely popular YA book series, Sophie Washington, and her journey to publication. We'll also get a sneak peak at her upcoming children's picture book, "They Built Me for Freedom," which explores the significance of Juneteenth. From heartfelt discussions about Juneteenth to the exploration of racism in literature, Tonya Duncan Ellis shares her passion for crafting stories that resonate with young readers, foster empathy...
This Summer, Write Your Own Story: Tips for Teenage Writers! Part 1 with special guest Raquel Drosos
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As school is out for the summer now, I'm going to have a couple of episodes that encourages teens - or anyone really - to pick up that pen or sit down in front of the computer, and write a story.
So today, my guest is author Raquel Drosos. I was inspired by her recent blog post "7 Tips for Teenage Writers" and found it to be good advice for kids of all ages. And Raquel has some experience in this as she was first published when she was a teenager. So...
From Bored to Bookworm: How to Turn Summer Break into a Book Bonanza! with guest Melanie Notaras
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In today's episode, I go to "the land down under" to speak with author Melanie Notaras. She wrote the children's book "The Art Show that Came to Life" and it stars Your School! Find out all about this custom made book can help your local school put the "FUN" in FUNdraising! Melanie and I also share some tips about how to encourage kids to read, especially during the summer break.
And stay tuned, because coming up in a few days, I'll have a two part episode where I'll talk about how...
Does Food Tell a Story? an Interview with Cozy Mystery Author Wendy Sand Eckel
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Have you ever wondered why food blogs and online recipes always seem to attach a lengthy story to their recipes? It turns out, there's a good reason for that...
My guest today is cozy mystery author Wendy Sand Eckel. She is the author of the "farm-to-table" Rosalie Hart Mystery Series. In today's episode we talk about her journey to publication, and how food tells a story. We give some book recommendations, talk about the writing craft, and what Wendy loves most about writing stories. We even manage to talk a little...
The Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing: A Conversation with Douglas Robbins
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My guest today is Douglas Robbins. He's the author of "Naricon: The Cloaked Deception", "Love in a Dying Town", and more. He's also the host of the podcast "Den of Discussion"! Today we talk about his writing journey, why he chose the self-publishing route, and why that might just be the route for you to take too! And of course, we have some writing tips and book recommendations.
https://douglasrobbinsauthor.com/
Books Mentioned:
“The Ministry for the Future” by Kim Stanley Robinson
“The Breakthrough Code” by Tom M...
The Music We Make: An Interview with author Michelle Rene DeBellis
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In today's episode I interviewed author Michelle Rene DeBellis, the author of the book "The Music We Make." We talk about her book, her writing journey, and how love, music, and family can guide us through pain.
"She is proud to be the recipient of the following awards and nominations: Literary Titan's Book Award, The Kirkus Star/as well as being included in their "Best Indie Books of 2022", a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and the Pen/Hemingway debut novel award."
"Surviving an accident that takes his mo...
Love What You Write, Write What You Love: an interview with screenwriter and novelist Matt Witten
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In today's episode I get the privilege to sit down and talk with screenwriter, novelist, (and playwright!) Matt Witten. He's had an Emmy nomination for his work on the TV-show "House" starring the brilliant Hugh Laurie, and has many television credits to his name.
Our conversation covers topics like what it's like to write for television and how that differs from writing a novel, we discuss his newest book Killer Story, and he offers up some wonderful writing tips and encourages us to never hesitate to write what you love!
How to Live Long and Prosper in the Zombie Apocalypse: with author A. M. Geever
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Star Trek. Romance. Zombies. What more do you need?
In today's episode we're diving into the wonderful world of Zombie Apocalypse literature. But first, author A. M. Geever and I share our love for all things Star Trek, our love for reading, and what's the first, best thing you can do to prepare for the Zombie apocalypse...
We then explore Anne's writing journey and why she took the self publication route. She gives some wonderful tips on how to write and shares what she's learned on her path to p...
The Power of Character-Driven Stories with author Kelly Vincent
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My guest today is author Kelly Vincent - their recent published works include the novel "Ugly". It tells the story of Nic Summers and her journey to find out who she is. Find out more about this book in today's episode, the book that Kirkus Review said was would "resonate with young adults going on their own difficult journeys and should help them feel less alone".
Also in today's episode we talk about Kelly's writing journey, how creating powerful character-driven stories helped them work through some of their own questions about id...
Inheriting Trauma: A Conversation with author Max Friedman on the Legacy of the Holocaust
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In this episode, I sit down with author Max Friedman to discuss his latest book, "Painful Joy." The book explores the experiences of Max's parents during the Jewish Holocaust, and the impact that this had on Max's life growing up. We delve into the history of the Holocaust and its effects on subsequent generations, as well as the process of writing such a personal and emotional book. Max shares with us his perspective on the importance of remembering and honoring the victims of the Holocaust, and why we need to continue to tell...
It's Now or Never: The Inspirational Writing Journey of Author Kate Darroch
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My guest today is cozy mystery writer Kate Darroch. After years of wanting to be a writer, she gave herself the ultimate challenge: It's now or never! Find out all about her journey on today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey. We also have a great time talking about our favorite books and authors who inspire us - it turns out we had a lot in common! Kate also shares her encouragement to writers, and she also tells us the incredible story of one of our favorite writers Connie Willis.
Find Kate on...
Reading the Classics with guest author Mimi Matthews
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Today we're talking about the classics, and I have a special guest to join with me: Mimi Matthews. She's the author of such works as "The Belle of Belgrave Square" and the gender swapped retelling mashup of Jane Eyre and another gothic horror classic, entitled "John Eyre". This was a wonderful interview that easily could have been a million hours long - we chat a little bit about our pets, give book recommendations, and writing tips, but the majority of the episode we talk about her books and the joy of reading the c...
A Life of Crime... Writing! Exploring the Many Lives of Author Laura Burke
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In today's episode I interview crime writer Laura Burke. And believe me, you won't want to miss this amazing story of her incredible journey to becoming a published writer. Laura has had many lives and adventures: she's worked as a police officer, a private investigator, a nurse, and now she spends her weekends killing people... only in her novels, of course.
In the interview I talk to her about one of the darkest moments in her life, and how that started her on her journey to becoming an award winning author. I...
There are No Stupid Questions in Science... Right? | Interview with Leah Elson
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Who says science has to be boring?
Hello, in today's episode of the Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I interview scientist and author Leah Elson. She is the writer of the forthcoming book "There are (No) Stupid Questions in Science". We have a fun conversation about her journey as a scientist and author, how she found her passion for explaining science in a fun way, and then we cover the really important questions like - how does the science hold up in films like "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania" vs. "Interstellar"; is time tr...
