A Literal Journey

The BEST stories don't just entertain us... they remind us of what's TRUE.

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, award-winning author Emma C. Fox shares how an old copy of The Hobbit, a vivid dream, and a lifelong love of history and fairy tales have shaped her journey as an author.

From the enchanted forests of medieval Germany, to the vast and varied landscapes of Siberia, Emma C. Fox talks about why fairy tales endure, how historical fantasy can reveal timeless truth, and why themes like sacrificial love, hope, and redemption continue to inspire...

The best stories don't have to be "perfect"—they just have to be honest...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, author C.M. Cornwell shares the winding path that led to her novel, The Memory Spinner and the lessons she's learned about creativity, grief, perseverance, and most importantly—hope.

From discovering her own creative spark, to rejection and eventual publication, and then to hearing readers discuss her characters in a book club, Christina offers a refreshing and deeply human look at what it means to create meaningful (honest) art.

Whether you’re a read...

“There’s so much beauty in the world and in our lives if we have the eyes to see it.” -Emily Bain Murphy

In this meaning-FILLED episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Emily Bain Murphy—author of The Disappearances, Enchanted Hill, The Ivory City,  Splinters of Scarlet, and The Lightseekers Series—for a conversation about hope, beauty, and the power of stories to shape our lives.

During the interview, Emily shares some of the stories and themes behind her books, the long road to publishing, how stories can help us "zoom out" and see the...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Mary Averling, the award-winning author of The Curse of Eelgrass Bog, The Ghosts of Bitterfly Bay, and the The Burn Beast, for a conversation about scary stories, childhood memories, and the hope and heart in middle grade horror.

During the interview, Mary shares part of her own literal journey—from living in England and Canada, to learning that writers didn't have to be "old, crusty, and dead." (😂) We talk about Mary’s love for middle grade horror, the long road to publication, and how her books use sca...

When the world feels dark, cruel, and dehumanizing, a good story can help us hold onto hope...

In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Cristin Williams, author of the historical fantasy novel The Whisper of Stars.

Cristin shares her own literal journey as a writer—including the years of "writing in obscurity" before her publishing her first novel. Along the way, we discuss Russian history, Stalin’s witch (!!!), writing advice, and how kindness can have a profound ripple effect for good.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teache...

“And remember that revisions is where the magic happens. That’s where you’re taking that … piece of coal and turning it into a diamond.” -Janette Rallison

In this thoughtful and funny episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with author Janette Rallison (also known as C. J. Hill). Janette explains how her daughter's experience in school was one of her primary motivations to write books for teens.

During the interview, Janette talks about writer's block, getting published, facing rejection, and what success (really) looks like. We also dive into what Janette has learned from tradi...

This episode is for people who struggle creating something meaningful *especially* when life feels chaotic and uncertain...

In this delightful episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with award-winning author Joan Reardon to talk about her remarkable path to publication. Always a devoted reader, Joan resolved to write her own Middle Grade Novels *while simultaneously* navigating the COVID shutdowns, finishing school, moving, studying for the bar exam, getting married, and starting a career in law (holy crap!).

During the interview, Joan shares how The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters grew out of her love of...

Most writers are told to “write what you know.” Stuart Gibbs encourages authors to write what fascinates them...

In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with bestselling author Stuart Gibbs—the author behind Spy School, FunJungle, Charlie Thorne, Once Upon A Tim, and The Last Musketeer series. Stuart shares his incredible journey from writing stories as a child (showcasing his first, "homemade" book), to working in Hollywood (Anastasia, anyone??), to becoming an author of more than 40 books.

Along the way, we talk about his real-life adventures: cage diving with great white sharks...

The best stories begin with a little bit of mystery...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY (easily one of my favorites 🤫), I sit down with Ben Guterson, author of the bestselling Winterhouse trilogy, The World-Famous Nine, and The Einstein's of Vista Point. We talk about Ben's journey into writing, his interest in puzzles and wordplay, and his love of creating mystery-filled adventures for young readers.

Ben reflects on the books that shaped him growing up (from Roald Dahl to The House With A Clock In It's Walls), his departure from the corporate world and int...

How does a bestselling author turn history into unforgettable novels?

In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore—a PROLIFIC, inspirational writer whose work spans several genres.

Heather shares the story behind her writing career: from her lifelong love of reading, to her discovery that yes, even people from UTAH can become authors (!!!), and her subsequent journey of building a catalog of more than 90 publications. We also talk about "the war of art," the discipline required to write consistently, the ups and downs of re...

“Once you see how big the world is and all the options that are there, you stop feeling kind of doomed, right?”

In this fascinating episode, J. W. Ocker pulls back the curtain on his unconventional (and very literal) writing journey, from blogging about odd roadside attractions on "Odd Things I’ve Seen" (OTIS) to winning the Edgar Award (I was trying so hard not to fan-girl)!

Ocker has built a prolific career researching the strange and unusual: cryptids, cursed objects, haunted places, and the darker corners of history. Along the way, he makes a compel...

“Scary stories give kids a chance to be brave without any risk to themselves.” -Wendy Parris

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Wendy Parris, the author of middle-grade novels Field of Screams and Stage Fright (side note: I just finished finished Field of Screams, it's fantastic!). During the interview, Wendy explains how scary stories are a great way for young readers to explore big emotions like fear and grief, and come away feeling braver and stronger.

Along the way, Wendy opens up about her 12-year path to publication—a path marked...

When you feel like you stick out more than you fit in, a good story can remind you that belonging isn’t about blending in... it’s about embracing your voice and cranking up the volume so you can find your people! 🙌

In this heartfelt episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Erin Soderberg Downing, an author of more than 75 books for young readers (you read that right)! During the interview, Erin shares how she grew up feeling loud and being told she was "so weird" (and she didn't know whether or not people meant that as...

When we're tempted to feel discouraged, a good story can remind us that we're not powerless and that our most difficult chapters don’t have to be the final ones…

In this delightful episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Julie Wright, the prolific author of more than 30 novels (across numerous genres). Julie opens up about her own literal journey as a writer—beginning with encouragement from a seventh-grade teacher, DIScouragement from “a cranky, angry little man” (and CHOOSING to prove him wrong), enduring 187 rejection letters, and learning that success isn’t about accolades, but about persis...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Paul Tremblay (and do my absolute BEST to keep my inner fan in check). Paul Tremblay is the award-winning (and jaw-dropping) bestselling author of A Head Full of Ghosts, The Cabin at the End of the World, Another, and so much more!

During the interview, Paul shares his unlikely path to becoming an author (he has a degree in mathematics, after all), how the gift of a book by Stephen King was a turning point for him, and the the power of ambiguity in horror, and...

When the world gets dark, a good story can remind us that light will ALWAYS overcome darkness...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I chat with Ryan James Black, a man who goes by all three names (respect!) and the author of the “unputdownable” book: The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham. (For real: I could NOT put this book down!) Set during the London Blitz, Nimble Nottingham blends real history with a uniquely terrifying monster… while simultaneously, and brilliantly, delivering a message of hope.

Along the way, Ryan shares some of his own story: what a...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Lindsay Currie, a USA Today AND New York Times bestselling author. (And Sweet Moses, it was a WONDERFUL interview!) Lindsay talked about graveyards, history, and what it’s like to write and publish spooky stories for Middle Grade readers. 

Along the way, Lindsay shares a bit of her background, what got her into reading and storytelling, and how her love of walking through cemeteries (with a cup of coffee in hand, of course) shaped her path as an author.

During the interview, Lindsay gives som...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with writing coach (and long-time friend) Kimberly Lauren, the voice behind the popular Instagram account @talkwordytome_—and chat about why stories matter, how writing can LITERALLY heal you, and what it really takes to finish a “meaningful” book. During the interview, Kimberly shares her journey from childhood journaling to working across publishing and now helping writers turn their ideas into books that truly matter.

We talk about the therapeutic power of storytelling, the science behind expressive writing, why writer’s block may not be real, and the importan...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with author Rebecca Connolly and talk about the real path to becoming a writer: a path characterized by uncertainty, persistence and success though doing. Rebecca shares how just one creative writing class set her on the path to becoming a writer, how she continued writing without “formal training,” and how learning that sometimes the only way forward is simply to keep going. Throughout the interview, we talk about her books: An Arrangement of Sorts, A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice, Hidden Yellow Stars, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens, and...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I talk with award-winning author and educator McCall Hoyle. During the interview, McCall shares how her deep love for dogs, her years teaching at-risk youth, and her own experiences with grief shaped novels like Stella and her newest “heart book,” Forever Ripley. We talk about the power of writing from a dog’s perspective, helping kids navigate big emotions, and why one young reader described Forever Ripley this way: “Sad… but hopeful.”

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, animal lover, or lifelong reader, this conversation will leave you inspired to open a book an...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I chat with Frank L. Cole, author of The Legend of the Last Library (and so much more)! During the interview, Frank shares how a moment of impatience sparked an interesting idea for dystopian book, how a brutal rewrite made a story stronger, and how discovering a book could transform a person’s life.

We also dive into Frank’s creative journey: the persistence it took to survive hundreds of rejections, his messy but intuitive “pantser” process, and the role that loved ones play in helping kids fall in love with boo...

What makes a good story—and what keeps a writer going after years of rejection?

In this episode of "A Literal Journey," host Seth Adam Smith sits down with J.D. Peabody, author of "The Inkwell Chronicles," to explore the deeper themes behind his beloved series. Together, they discuss the influence of C.S. Lewis, the role of faith and belief in storytelling, and the long road to publication—one that took J.D. five years and many rejections to finally bring his manuscript to life.

Through humor, honesty, and heart, J.D. shares what he’s...

In this FUN and inspiring episode of "A Literal Journey," host Seth Adam Smith sits down with New York Times bestselling author Liesl Shurtliff, celebrated for her reimagined fairy tales: Rump, Jack, Red, and Grump. In this interview, Liesl shares the story behind her beloved books, the moment that sparked her writing journey, and her path to publication. Throughout the episode, Liesl talks about the power of storytelling to shape imagination, character, and family culture—and shares how parents can help their children fall in love with reading.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or book lover, this...

In this episode of A Literal Journey, host Seth Adam Smith sits down with authors Chad Morris and Shelly Brown for a heartfelt and practical conversation about the power of stories, the literacy crisis in America, and what parents can do to inspire a lifelong love of reading in their children.

From their own books and experiences as writers, educators, and parents, Chad and Shelly share wisdom on why stories matter, how books shape young minds, and practical strategies families can use at home to nurture readers. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or...

In this episode, Carolyn Leiloglou shares insights from her series The Restorationists, the journey of her unforgettable characters, and the deeper themes that run through the series. During the interview, Carolyn talks about the challenges and joys of writing for young readers, the role of art and creativity in her work, and what’s next on her literary horizon.

Don’t miss this exclusive interview filled with behind-the-scenes stories, writing advice, and a heartfelt look at what makes The Restorationists Series such a captivating read for readers of all ages!

📖 READ The Restorationists Series HERE: https...