Author, Can I Ask You?: Recent Episodes
Joni B. Cole
Hi there from Joni B. Cole, author of "Good Naked: Reflections on How to Write More, Write Better, and Be Happier." This podcast gives me the chance to ask notable authors about what they write, how they write, and why they write. Plus, I throw in the odd question or two to help us get to know each author a little bit better as a person. Eavesdrop along with a new episode every Thursday.
Visit Joni B. Cole at jonibcole.com
Producer: Helmut Baer
Music credit: "Upbeat Forever" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
In this topsy turvy episode, guest host Tracy Wood interviews Joni B. Cole about her new essay collection, Party Like It's 2044. For more info about Joni and her books: www.jonibcole.com
Mike talks about how his books "found" him, what authors need to do to drum up publicity, and the importance of making fun (of yourself). https://www.mikemorinmedia.com/
In this topsy turvy episode, host Joni B. Cole finds herself on the other side of the interview, as her friend and fellow writer Drew Rockwell asks her about her acclaimed book for writers, Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive. www.jonibcole.com
Lauren talks about writing her first rom-com, authors who aren't who they say they are, and what happens when writers hit that 80 percent mark when drafting their manuscripts. http://laurenkatebooks.net/
Camille talks about her hilarious and heartbreaking poems from a woman in midlife on the edge. A ribald collection that is “all too relatable and unputdownable.” camilleguthrie.me
From promising actor to corporate con man/spy, Kerbeck's story is a fascinating "you can't make this stuff up" tale of two lives.
Eliza talks about her "Most Anticipated" new novel and the haves and have nots who people it. Follow her on Twitter @EJaneBrazier
Toufah shares the inspiring story of how she found the courage to publicly accuse the former president of her country of rape, and how she established the Toufah Foundation to support other victims of sexual assault. https://twitter.com/Homeofsurvivors
Kevin talks about his sixth acclaimed book of poetry, inspired by his days as an elite firefighter for the National Forest Service. He also explains why he shies away from the "P" word. https://kevingoodan.com/
Leslie discusses America's (and her own) obsession with this much-nicknamed body part. Plus, she shares what it's like to have her personal boob story serve as fodder for a potential HBO comedy series. www.leslielehr.com
Wanda (a 2021 "Writer to Watch," according to Publisher's Weekly) discusses her much-touted debut thriller, plus she shares her journey from the "black hole" of querying agents to having her novel go to auction. https://wandamorriswrites.com/
Amy cracks the story of brilliant code breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman, and talks about the life event that changed the course of her writing. https://www.amybutlergreenfield.com/
Teri discusses her new essay collection One Heart with Courage, plus her role as the director of the world's best (and friendliest) humor-writing conference. To purchase a copy of Teri's book (all proceeds go to the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop Endowment Fund), visit: https://store.braughlerbooks.com/
Jasmin talks about how the legendary photographer Dorothea Lange inspired her acclaimed new novel, and her own " unconventional" path to becoming a writer.
Short story author (and NPR fav!) Tim Horvath talks about imaginative possibilities, his collaboration with a cellist, and the perks of being obsessive.
Dewaine talks about writing as a bridge from Mogadishu to Montpelier, and why he thinks Tobias Wolfe loves his novel. https://www.dewainefarria.com/
With thirteen books to his credit, Joe explains why the founding era is "the big bang in the American political universe." https://josephellishistorian.com/
Na talks about writing for young adults, non-traditional story structures, and a welcome diversity of voices in the world of publishing.
Acclaimed mystery novelist Sarah Stewart Taylor talks about her newest police procedural, on-ramping her crime-writing career, and what she learned from cartoonists
K.J. talks about her book being picked up by Reese's Book Club, her career path from NYTimes editor to novelist, and the best writing advice she ever got. https://kjdellantonia.com/
Lee discusses her much-acclaimed debut novel, lessons learned from working with literary luminaries, and how she knows when a short story is done.
Gretchen shares stories of growing up with a Pulitzer-Prize-winning father, a houseful of famous poets, and coming to terms with a parent's betrayal. gretchencherington.com
Mary takes readers on a funny, poignant ride through the South, plus the author shares how you can have it all (just not all at once).
Ed Ting shares what it's like to talk telescopes to over half a million YouTube viewers, and the relationship between riding and writing.
Edwin talks about what ifs, what brought him back to writing after giving up, and what he considers his biggest success. https://www.edwin-hill.com/
James shares his thoughts on the power of poetry to restore hope, joy, and "lost" moments. http://jamescrews.net/
Stephen talks about moral dilemmas, writing from a woman's POV, and with whom he wants to go dancing. https://www.stephenpkiernan.com/
Gary talks hard-boiled P.Is, comic-book heroes, hit TV shows, and how he manages to mix entertainment with social commentary, no matter the medium. https://gdphillips.com/
Jodi talks about the job of an artist, mom-daughter collaborations, and how some stories "sing" to her. https://www.jodipicoult.com/
Melanie talks life and literature, from the remotest regions of Africa to the raw, rural landscape of northern Vermont. https://www.melaniefinn.com/
Marilyn shares how romance, constructive feedback, and snacks feed her writing life https://marilynbrant.com/
Alexia unravels the mystery of why her cozy series is a charmer for readers and reviewers (hint: a dogged sleuth and a good-looking ghost) https://alexiagordon.net/
Kim shares how being Oregon's Poet Laureate fed his own work, and why writing is good medicine for the writer and reader. https://www.kimstaffordpoet.com/
JoAnne talks about grace, finding an agent, and four-legged enlightened beings.
https://www.joannetompkins.com/
Jervey talks motivation, vindication, and desperation, plus the gory details behind one of California's biggest literary festivals. http://litfestpasadena.org/
Jane shares how the protagonist of her 14-book series can still surprise her, and how to avoid one big plotting pitfall. https://janecleland.com/
Jeff explains how a publisher's bad day led to his first book, and why he calls New Jersey home sweet home. http://www.jeffcohenbooks.com/wp/
Susan tells why she can so relate to her teenage protagonists, and the communal power of clacking keys. https://susankaplancarlton.com/