Written in the Stars

This episode explores the creative world of art, illustration, and book design with Lucy A. Sink, an experienced artist known for her work with publishers and convention exhibitions. Lucy shares behind-the-scenes insights into designing book covers, the creative challenges illustrators and authors sometimes face, and the inspiration behind her modern Americana series celebrating diversity and everyday American life.

Mentioned This Episode

Website: Lucy Synk Fantasy Art

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Lansing Community College Library

Takeaways:

This episode highlights the 2026 Michigan Notable Books, featuring works by Michigan authors or those that capture the spirit of The Great Lake State. Guests Adam Oster and Mindy Babarskis from the Library of Michigan share insights into the program, its selection process, and the diverse genres included. The conversation also previews the upcoming Night of Notables event, celebrating these authors and their contributions to Michigan’s literary community.

Mentioned This Episode:

Event Information: Night of Notables Celebration 2026

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Location: The Library of Michigan : 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48911.

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On this episode, hosts John Szilagyi and Robin Moore are joined in studio by Jimmy Coyer, to discuss the upcoming Lansing Independent Comics and Zine Fest. This homespun literary festival is open to the public and is free of charge, and will take place at Grewal Hall on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Mentioned This Episode

Event Info: Lansing Independent Comics & Zine Fest

Location: Grewal Hall at 224

Website: Fieldmouse Press

Website: ultramega.studio

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Lansing Community College Library

This episode highlights the upcoming 39th Rally of Writers on April 11th at Lansing Community College’s West Campus. Guests Stephen Mack Jones and Rob Edwards discuss the realities of being a writer and balancing creative work with the business side of publishing. From those starting out, to seasoned writers, everyone is invited to celebrate Michigan’s vibrant and growing literary community.

Event Informaton: A Rally of Writers

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Lansing Community College Library

Book bans and challenges have reached unprecedented levels, with the American Library Association reporting 2,452 unique titles challenged in 2024. In this episode, the hosts engage with Amber Sheeran from MI Right to Read, to dissect the nuances between book bans and challenges, and explore their implications for community access to literature. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse perspectives through literature and advocates for the right to read freely, while also touching on the legislative landscape surrounding book censorship.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: MI Right to Read

Website: American Library Association’s List of...

This episode features Cirea Strode, a program manager at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, who blends her professional work with her passion for supporting children’s emotional health. Her new book, Willow B: Big Feelings, Big Wins, helps children ages four to eight better understand and talk about their emotions. Throughout the conversation, parents are encouraged to support children as they learn to navigate their emotions, reminding us that every feeling, whether big or small, is an important part of growing up.

Mentioned This Episode:

Willow B: Big Feelings, Big Wins

On the next episode, hosts Ami and Robin welcome the multifaceted Kris Amos; a poet, writer, counselor, and father, who has navigated the realms of poetry and children's literature. With a background steeped in emotional expression through the written word, Kris shares his experiences that have shaped both his literary voice and his counseling approach. He discusses the profound impact of his personal life, including his transition from poetry to children's literature, exemplified by his self-published book, "Cause I'm a Baby," which draws inspiration from his parenting experiences. Additionally, Kris delves into the therapeutic nature of writing, illustrating how...

In this episode, our friend and LCC alumni Jesse Edwards returns to discuss his newest movie The Wildman of Shaggy Creek. We dive deep into adapting a book for the screen, the pressures of producing and directing, and the differences of producing a family friendly film and working with younger actors. Jesse shares with us how some of the film's themes mirrored his journey of creating the film and finding a balance between work and family. 

Jesse Edwards is an award-winning film Director, Writer, and Producer. His debut film, The Stolen Valley (2022), has won multiple awards including B...

Amy Piper, is a travel writer and blogger who has published two books: 100 Things to do in Lansing before you die and her most recent is Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. In this episode we spend time talking about all the great and fun places to visit in Michigan and dive into the intricacies of being a travel writer.

Learn more about Amy Piper on her website https://followthepiper.com/. 

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Lansing Community College Library

Robin Pizzo is a thought leader, content creator, writer, educator, and entrepreneur. She leads the education efforts of WKAR Public Media, the PBS and NPR affiliate serving Michigan's capital region and regional director of the Michigan Learning Channel. She is also the visionary and CEO of Polished Pages, LLC and Polished Pages Publishing, Inc. In each role, Robin is a compassionate advocate who uses storytelling to celebrate diversity, advance equity, and promote belonging.

Robin is also an award-winning writer and content creator with three films produced under her leadership. Right to Read was produced in 2021. And the...

This podcast episode delves into the Michigan Notable Books Program, a distinguished initiative by the Library of Michigan that celebrates noteworthy publications from the state. Guests, Adam Oster and Mindy Barbarski elucidate the intricacies of selecting the 20 notable titles each year, emphasizing the diverse genres and themes that reflect Michigan's rich literary landscape. They discuss the criteria for selection, which involves a committee of librarians and literary experts, and the challenges of comparing works from various genres. The episode further highlights the significance of oral histories and community engagement in preserving Michigan's unique narratives. We invite our listeners to...

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of the upcoming A Rally of Writers conference, a prominent literary event in Michigan, renowned for its extensive offerings aimed at both novice and seasoned writers. We engage with distinguished guests Rob Edwards and Erin Bartels, who illuminate the significance of this year's gathering, celebrating its 39th iteration, scheduled for April 12, 2025. The discussion traverses the evolution of the conference, highlighting its role as a bastion of support and education for writers of diverse backgrounds and aspirations. Attendees can anticipate an array of workshops, panels, and keynote speeches designed to enhance their craft...

The focal point of this podcast episode lies in our illuminating conversation with Rina "RiRi" Risper, who is not only a publisher but also a prominent advocate for underserved and marginalized communities. Throughout our dialogue, Rena explains the inception and mission of the New Citizens Press, emphasizing its commitment to providing vital information and fostering community engagement. She shares her profound experiences and the personal motivations that catalyzed her journey into publishing, which are intertwined with the historical and cultural narratives of her upbringing. Furthermore, we delve into the misconceptions surrounding the publishing industry, addressing the complexities involved in...

This episode features an enlightening discussion with Warren Petoskey, wherein we delve into the profound themes of identity, historical trauma, and the healing power of storytelling. Warren, an esteemed Odawa and Lakota elder, shares his personal journey and insights on the Indian boarding school system, which has left enduring scars on Indigenous communities. Throughout the conversation, we explore the significance of Warren's literary works, including his memoir "Dancing My Dream" and the poetry collection "Catcher's Dream," both of which serve as vehicles for cultural expression and healing. Furthermore, we examine the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the role of...

A Sparkle in Their Eyes: Raising Talented, Diverse Students in STEAM Careers by Dr. Veronica Wilkerson-Johnson, an insightful guide for parents aiming to help their children excel in STEAM fields. Through powerful personal narratives, Dr. Wilkerson-Johnson inspires parents, mentors, and communities to provide meaningful experiences for students and connect them with essential resources and networks to support both academic and career success.

Amazon - A Sparkle in Their Eyes: Raising Talented, Diverse Students in STEAM Careers

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Lansing Community College Library

Dedria Humphries Barker is a prolific writer, artist, and journalist who has written for many newspapers and magazines, most recently as a columnist for the local newspaper the Lansing City Pulse. Her book is titled “Mother of Orphans: The True and Curious Story of Irish Alice, A Colored Man’s Widow.” Check out her website to learn more.

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Lansing Community College Library

Jesse is a three-time Emmy award-winning Director, Producer, Writer and Cinematographer. His first feature film The Stolen Valley (2022) is now available through Apple TV / Amazon, and more.

Website: Jesse Edwards

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Lansing Community College Library

Learn about the Capital Area District Library and its Summer Reading Challenge on this episode of "Written in the Stars."

Our guest, Marisela Garza, has been a librarian with Capital Area District Libraries for almost 16 years. She enjoys reading graphic novels, middle grade fiction and finding the perfect picture books for story times.

Website: Capital Area District Library 2024 Summer Reading Challenge

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Lansing Community College Library

Local poet, Cruz Villarreal, sits down with co-hosts John Szilagyi and Robin Moore to share his poetry and process. Cruz is a writer with a wealth of life experience. He invites his audience to delve into the depth of poignancy and emotion through personal stories. Cruz returned to school at LCC at the age of 56, and his educational journey empowered him to weave his life’s narrative into poetic verses.

Website: Cruz Villarreal Poetry

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Lansing Community College Library

Mindy Babarskis and Adam Oster of the Library of Michigan join Abby and John to discuss this year's Michigan Notable Books list, an annual list of the top 20 books about Michigan, or written by a Michigan resident.

Website: Michigan Notable Books

Website: Night for Notables 

Website: 2024 Notables list 

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Lansing Community College Library

Melissa Ford-Lucken is a professor of creative writing and composition at Lansing Community College, where she serves as an editor of LCC's own literary journal, The Washington Square Review. She publishes fiction Isabelle Drake.

Blog: Adventures in MFALand, My Melissa Ford-Lucken Blog

Blog: Isabelle Drake, My Isabelle Drake Blog

Website: Isabelle Drake on Amazon

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Lansing Community College Library

Robin and Ami connect with fellow librarian, Jordan McIntyre who is a journal enthusiast and has been keeping her passion going since she was 7 years old.

To learn more about journaling and the benefits, check out these articles:

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Lansing Community College Library

Susan Serafin-Jess is a retired LCC writing instructor who recently authored Wild Horses: A Crime Revisited which is available at the LCC Library and is available for purchase through Amazon.

A special thank you to Jordan McIntyre for her help in creating this episode.

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Lansing Community College Library

Nyshell Lawrence is the owner of Socialight Society, an independent bookshop that specifically caters to Black women, who often lack representation in traditional bookstores. Recently featured in The New York Times, The Root, and Oprah's Book Club, Socialight Society curates classic, contemporary, and children's titles written for and by women of color.

Website: Socialight Society

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Lansing Community College Library

For this very first episode of Written in the Stars: Books & Beyond, co-hosts John Szilagyi and Robin Moore invite Dr. Jennifer Wimbish into the studio to talk about her book, Leadership Wisdom for ALL Generations. Wimbush recently released a second edition of the book which takes the reader on a journey connected to a faith based worldview from her childhood in the segregated South to presidency at a diverse community college and into retirement.

Leadership Wisdom for ALL Generations on Amazon

Leadership Wisdom for ALL Generations on Barnes & Noble

Leadership Wisdom for ALL...