Baseball, Books, and Banter: A Podcast by Nicole Asselin

Welcome to the Urban Swashbuckler TJ Glenn! A real jack of all trades, he has had careers as a stuntman, actor, artist, and author! His newest book, Call Down the Lightning, is a thriller touching on aspects of PTSD. We discuss writing as a way to let people be seen and understood, plus the fun of writing fantasy! Also, stay tuned for later this year when his first Jack Silence collection of stories is released by Level Best Books!

Find Teel: https://theurbanswashbuckler.com/

Find me!

Buy all recommended books here! h...

This is why I do my podcast. Finding authors (or authors finding me) and learning so much about their history and writing process. I was lucky enough to read Christi's book, LAFITTE LIVES, before it's release date. If you like historical fiction, pirates/privateers, New Orleans, and family love, this book is for you! Enjoy the discussion on how a historical book comes together and how personal the story is for the author!

Find Christi: https://christisumich.com/

Find me:

Buy all recommended books here! https://bookshop.org/shop/nicoleasselin

www...

Welcome Kellie Murphy (author name KL Murphy) to the BBB podcast family! A fellow Level Bestie, we talk about how writing short stories can refine a writer's voice, the importance of research, the struggle of small publishing, and so much more! We also talk about how much we love the crime writing community!

Find Kellie:  https://kellielarsenmurphy.com/

Plus, my most viral Instagram video is also my most annoying (inspired by @camlovessports), USA Olympics,  Red Sox Spring Training, and books I recommend!

Books include:

The Starseekers by Nicole Glover 

The...

So excited to welcome back my friend Darlene Dziomba to the podcast for the third time! She's the first member of the three-timer club and then she starts a baseball rumor that is so explosive I want to make sure we get credit if it actually happens.

Come for the book talk, stay for the piping hot trade rumors (between the Phillies and Red Sox anyway). We talk about her newest book, the 5th (!) in her Lily Dreyfus series out on February 24. 

Find Darlene:  www.readdarlene.com

Plus, things I'm obsessed with, Author Tr...

It's the return of Dale T. Phillips. This guy literally does EVERYTHING. Writes, teaches, competes on Jeopardy, and gives Super Bowl predictions. Spoiler alert: both NE residents pick NE to win.

Plus, things I'm obsessed with: Annie's Book Stop in Raynham, Olympic Curling (the best!), and of course, Diet Coke.

Book recommendations can be found on my Bookshop.com link! https://bookshop.org/shop/nicoleasselin

Find Dale T Phillips: https://www.daletphillips.com/

Tewksbury Writers Group next event: https://tewksburypl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-tewksbury-writing-group-advice-from-sci-fi-author-james-patrick-kelly/

Find me:

Buy...

Happy finally end of January! Sandy and Jim Manning are two authors that I've had the pleasure of meeting at the NE Crime Bake every year. Not only are they authors in their own right, they are also collaborating on a new joint venture! They join me from sunny Florida to discuss all things writing!

Sandy (S. Lee): https://www.sleemanning.com/

Jim (JB): https://www.jamesbmanning.com/

Together: https://www.akillingcouple.com/

Plus, book recs! Including:

Daniel SIlva

Simone St. James

Julie Mulhern

Happy 2026! The world is on fire! But at least there are still books (for now). My first episode of the new season is the awesome Carmela Dutra! Her debut cozy mystery, A MURDER MOST FOWL, is laugh out loud funny, and hits all the right cozy points with a clever twist. Plus, the writers journey, always shooting your shot, and the process of creating these worlds!

Find Carmela: https://carmeladutra.com/

Plus, things I'm obsessed with including:

This is the best. Olivia Blacke is one my favorite people in the mystery world, and I was so glad she decided to come back on the podcast! She was my first ever guest when I started this journey in 2023.  Now she's my final guest of 2025!

Since we last spoke, she released a new series that I'm OBSESSED with. Go get those books now to get ready for number 3. We also talk our obsession with Malice Domestic, Mia P. Manasala books, and Hank Phillipi Ryan. Plus, my every episode appeal to Diet Coke.  Happy Holidays All!

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Apparently your girl is now on the list of places to go when you have a new baseball book! I was so happy that Dennis Gaub reached out to me to chat about his newest book. The story of an pitcher from Montana who ended up part of the group that changed baseball free agency forever. Before we even got to talking baseball we talked about orgins of names and how Montana became home to some German/Russians. His newest book, Dave McNally: The Montanan Who Revolutionized Baseball is available now!

Plus, baseball. Obviously.

Find...

Bonjour! Come meet friend and fellow Level Best Book author Elle Jauffret!

We talk about a bunch of things, including how to not limit yourself when writing, benefits of a military lifestyle, food, and even a little cosplay!

Find Elle https://ellejauffret.com/ Plus, if you're in Southern California go to her book launch on Dec 6 at Mysterious Galaxy!

Plus, my weekly reminder to Diet Coke that I'm here for them. Whenever they want to send me some diet coke I'm ready. Also, a wrap up of the NE Crime Bake.

...

Welcome back to thriller writer Nannette Potter! The second book in her "Blade" Broussard series is out now. We talk research, writing a thriller, travel, and how to caputre the essence of a closed society (North Korea). A little bit of everything!

Check out the amazing animated book cover on her website:  https://www.nannettepotter.com/

Plus, my episodic reminder to Diet Coke to sponsor me, the state of Boston sports, the World Series, and of course book recommendations! Plus, shout out to WBZ radio for the pub at the Boston Book Festival!

F...

Well, the Red Sox season ended, but hockey season has started with bang!

Join me as I discuss Opera, theatre, and the politics of a backstage life with author Erica Miner. So much good information in this discussion. Also, things I'm obsessed with...Diet Coke, my diet coke ghost shirt, 7th Inning Candles on Etsy, and the hopefully Mariners vs. Brewers WS!

Find Erica:  https://www.ericaminer.com/

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://w...

Meet the newest cozy myster writer on the block! Adrian Andover's debut cozy, WHISKEY BUSINESS, is out this month. We talk the coziness of it all, family, community, author routines, and even give the people a Pennsylvania geography lesson.

Plus, book recommendations, things I'm obsessed with, and some good natured Pirates/Red Sox smack talk (not really).

Find Adrian:  https://www.adrianandover.com/

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Welcome local author and Plymouth resident Denise Latham to the podcast! So many great tips on writing while busy and how she keeps her ideas fresh!

Also, my obsession with Diet Coke, the Red Sox, and historical mysteries!

Find Denise: https://www.deniselatham.com/

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Lineup:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/705169159907300/

Support Me!

www.ko-fi...

Join me as I chat with local celebrity Michael Carini about his YA adult series featuring historical objects. If you like National Treasure and Indiana Jones this series is for you! Book two is coming, but you can pick up book one now! Also, he shows some super cool baseball cards from his collection and we talk presidential history!

Also, things I'm obsessed with including my new hat from BeltaPrint, Tiktok Shop, and book recommendations!

Find Michael at https://us.amazon.com/stores/M-Carini/author/B0D2ZDR546?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true...

Welcome back to favorite Elise Hart Kipness! Her Kate Green series is one of my favorites, and the newest one is set to be released Aug 19, set in the dramatic world of US Open Tennis! We talk about everything from thriller writing, found writing family, book tours, and even labradoodles. Also, her first two books are on KU right now!

Also, things I'm obsesssed with including the Tour de France, BBC's Bargain Hunt, and Sour Patch Kid Watermelon candies.

Find Elise here (and see her on her book tour!): https://elisehartkipness.com/

Returning guest Sharon Healy-Yang discusses re-releasing her series, editing old stories, the freedom of writing with age, and of course the love of witty, snappy dialogue!

Plus, things I'm obsessed with. Mainly my Svaha.com dresses. Always. Come for the book recommendations, stay for the publishing advice! (With special shout outs to Jenny Adams and Kelly Oliver).

Find Sharon: https://sharonhealyyang.com/

Find me:

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

...

I love talking baseball. I love talking with people who love talking baseball. John and Leroy from "The Baseball Book Club" podcast are two such individuals. A wide-ranging discussion that includes ownership woes, rivalries, nostalgia, history, and baseball cards. Hot takes allowed, but cold takes are also allowed.

Find their podcast here: The Baseball Book Club Podcast

Facebook: The Baseball Book Club

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com...

Returning guest Mary Seifert joins me to talk about the 10th (!) book in her series. AIRPLANES, ATLANTA, AND AN ASSASSIAN is the next in the Katie and Maverick mystery series. We talk series, publishing, baseball, and research. Plus, book recommendations, upcoming events, and the furture of the series!

Find Mary: https://maryseifertauthor.com/

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Lineup:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/705169159907300/

Today's special guest is the amazing Jule Selbo. Author of the Dee Rommel mysteries, she is a former script writer in Hollywood, current playwright, professor, and novelist! She is also one of my earliest publishing siblings. We talk about her journey, the differences between the skills, and the future of Dee! 

Also, my Raffy Devers thoughts/feelings, things I'm obsessed with, and book recommendations! Plus, my summer book sale is live! Books 1 & 2 for $25, email me for info!

Find Jule: https://www.juleselbo.com/

Find me:

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

...

Welcome back to the podcast! Starting season 4 off with a great interview with relatively new author Kate Michaelson! Her debut novel, HIDDEN ROOMS, was released in April 2024 with a sequel coming soon (also possible standalone!)! We talk the importance of having supportive family, great beta readers, and why technical writers make the best mystery writers!

Find her:  https://katemichaelsonwriter.com/

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Li...

Welcome to the Season 3 season finale! 

Sometimes Facebook uses it's forces for good. A friend posted about a book event with Zak Ford, who recently published a book on getting called up to the Major Leagues. Fittingly titled, "Called Up"

Full of stories about MLB lifers, players who stopped for a cup of coffee in the bigs, and some who may have only been called up a few times without impact. We talk all things divided loyalty in baseball, favorite moments, and harmless pranks.

Plus, Malice Domestic roundup, my sadness at the Casas i...

Take a listen to the latest podcast with guest George Cramer! We discuss his journey, the Navy, life as a private investigator, and interviewing/interrogation. Stay tuned for the end of the interview for a special treat!

With a guest appearance by FERN!

Also, Things I'm obsessed with including the #CrimeWritersforTransRights results, Have I Got News for You on CNN, and the newest bookstore on the South Shore, Mother Crewe Books, Bake-house, and Brews

Find George: https://gdcramer.com/

Find Me:

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://b...

Join me as I chat with "triple threat" Debra Goldstein about writing novels, writing short stories, and the transition from law to writing! Plus, an adorable story about how she met her husband and became a southern lady!  Also, things I'm obsessed with including S Beauty Spa in Braintree, a new bookstore in Norwood (Books and Bulldogs), and the Crime Writers for Trans Rights auction I'm taking part in! Bid from now until April 1st at https://www.32auctions.com/writers4transrights?r=1&t=all

Find Debra:  https://www.debrahgoldstein.com/

Find me:

Since reading Elizabeth DeWolfe's upcoming book Alias Agnes, I'm obsessed with these women forgotten by history. Join us as we talk how to find these stories, writing while working as a full time professor, the importance of Dairy Queen napkins, and our mutual friend/author Edith Maxwell!

Find Elizabeth DeWolfe:  https://www.elizabethdewolfe.com/

Find me:

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Lineup:

https://www...

This was such a fun discussion!

Elizabeth Crowen's newest book is out now! Join us as we talk about panels, conventions, learning new things, and honoring old friends. Also, book recommendations, things I'm obsessed with, and my super hot sports takes! All while I'm hopped up on cold medicine! You don't want to miss it!

Find Elizabeth:  https://www.elizabethcrowens.com/

Find me:

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's S...

Lucky number 13!

Join me as I chat with the awesome Connie Berry. Author of the Kate Hamilton mysteries, president of the GUPPIES, and traveller. The links between history and writing, character, and setting all topics that we discuss. Plus, things I'm obsessed with and book recommendations! 

Find Connie Berry https://connieberry.com/

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Lineup:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/705169159907300/

Su...

Come meet fellow South Shore author Christine Knapp. We talk about a lot of things including, nursing/midwifery, writing groups, publishing, and even a little hit of 2004 Red Sox memories. I did forget to talk about my book recommendations this week, but just know I'm reading a lot!

Find Christine at https://www.thoughtfulmidwife.com/

Find me:

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Lineup:

https://www.facebook.com...

Back with a fresh episode featuring the delightful (and Left Coast Crime nominee) Jennifer Chow!

We talk about her journey, the differences between indie and traditional publishing, and family. Plus, so much more! And buy her newest release in the Magical Fortune Cookie Mysteries, STAR CROSSED EGG TARTS!

Plus, things I'm obsessed with...Modern Millie dress store in Salem, Alex Warren's new song, and the PEM's clarvoiant exhibit (through 2/2)

Find Jennifer here:  https://jenniferjchow.com/

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com (Order signed copies of the Ballpark Mysteries!)

Join my guest Lynn Slaughter to discuss writing for Young Adults, Sociolgy, and dance! I loved learning about how dance influenced her life and her new career as an author!

Also, we dive into short stories, writing for adults vs. teens, and how football is sort of a performing art.

Find Lynn on socials and at her website:  https://lynnslaughter.com/

also, if you have orders for minature book art, shoot me an email or see my Kofi!

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/n...

I love talking baseball. I love learning about baseball. And this podcast was so fun where I got to do both! Kevin Hurd is the author of FROM RANDY JOHNSON TO DALLAS BRADEN: NO HITTERS BEYOND THE BOX SCORE VOL I & II. Filled with stories, stats, and interviews, this discussion went all over the place.

Also, book recommendations and things I'm obsessed with (hint, it's a department store). Happy Holidays!

Find Kevin's books here:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kevin-Hurd/author/B0DHWGWVKV?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1734377728&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Welcome Marilyn Levinson/Allison Brook to the podcast! She writes under both names, but all her marketing is from one person, Marilyn!

This discussion was so fun about ghosts, cats (of course), and a mini-foray into classic baseball talk/stupid boy discussions. Find her:  https://www.marilynlevinson.com/

Also, things I'm obsessed with (which includes a certain Disney elf all over TikTok).

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Li...

From a sunny spot in Nova Scotia, the incredible Donalee Moulton. We barely scratch the surface of her writing/journalism career, her new focus on mysteries, and her time as a yogi.

Find her:  https://donaleemoulton.com/

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Lineup:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/705169159907300/

Support Me!

www.ko-fi.com/baseballbooksandbanter

 <...

Come meet my new friend (and muscian) William "Bill" F. Carter! His debut crime thriller "Fire and Wrath" is out now. We became fast friends at a B&N local author event, and I brought him into the world of the NE Crime Bake. Now, he's on his way!  Also, he will be playing Bob Crachit in a production of "A Christmas Carol" this year! 

Note: I'm no longer on Twitter/X. My Blue Sky profile is linked below!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

https://bsky.app/profile/nicoleasselin.bsky.social

I was so excited to chat with Jenny Adams, historical mystery author, that we ran out of time! The first ever actual cut off of the podcast!

Jenny was amazing and I loved learning about her process, how her publishing journey came about, and also about Mister the dog. Plus, how does research of monsters in 14th century french literature translate in to research of Jazz Age Philly.

Find her at:  https://jenny-adams.com/ (and see her live Nov 9 at the grand opening of the new B&N in Georgetown!)

Find me...

These guys are great! Two out of the three Bobblehead George (David and Eric) creators (plus their amazing videographer Alex) join me to talk about what they do, how they do it, and what to expect at their fundraiser on November 14 (hint, it includes a silent auction prize donated by me!).

Get your tickets and check out their videos here:

https://www.bobbleheadgeorge.org/

Find me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

www.twitter.com/nanazlyn

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

I love learning about other writers and their journey to publication! Judy is a wealth of great information and her latest helps to dispel some of the mystery and myths of publishing.

Find her at https://www.judypenzsheluk.com/ (and enjoy her blog!)

Find me:

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

www.twitter.com/nanazlyn

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Lineup:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/705169159907300/

Support Me!

www.ko-fi.com/baseballbooksandbanter

Now you can watch on YouTube as well! https://youtu.be/2iTfWIXKDvQ

Join Sharon and I in a wide-ranging discussion featuring talk of France, history, and second-chance romance! Plus, appearances by Caroline Bingley. AND! I remembered to do some books at the end.

Shout outs to my new obsessions: The Boston Bruins, GBBO, and kindle back inserts inspired by @shireshelf on TikTok and items from @claudiabookclub

Find Sharon at https://www.coffeeandeclairs.com/

Find Me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

www.twitter.com/nanazlyn

www.i...

Welcome back!

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Millicent Eidson, author of the Dr. Maya Maquire mystery series. We talk about animal diseases, the plague in New Mexico, a smattering of baseball. Come for the conversation between GUPPIES, stay for my thoughts on the mid Red Sox season.

Find Dr. Eidson at https://drmayamaguire.com/home

Find Me!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

www.twitter.com/nanazlyn

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleasselin38

Nicole's Starting Lineup:

https://w...

Sharon Healy-Yang, retired professor, full-time old movie savant! Come learn about how she puts her love of classic movies into her books, how she creates her world, and also her upcoming 4th book in the series (featuring a seance!). Also, learn where Bette Davis is originally from!

https://sharonhealyyang.com/

This is also the end of season 2. I hope you enjoyed and hope you come back in the fall for more author fun!

www.nicoleasselinwriter.com

www.twitter.com/nanazlyn

www.instagram.com/nanazlyn

...