The Inside Flap: Recent Episodes
Dave Medicus, Laura Medicus, Andrew Dowd
A weekly literary podcast with author interviews, book recommendations, audiobook of the week, Young Adult shout-out, and entertaining anecdotes from the hosts.
A fun chat with Kendra Elliot all about her new book Her First Mistake, the trouble with analyzing books, and the right time to explode things. Plus – Dave and Laura attend the No Kings rally and Andrew is fascinated by submarine shows. We also recommend: Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura Lippman, The Tale … Continue reading Blowing Stuff Up With Kendra Elliot
We’re joined by Peter Swanson for a fun chat all about his new book Kill Your Darlings, backwards storytelling, the Exorcist steps, and the reason why halfway through writing his books it’s all he can do not to quit them. Plus – Dave and Andrew are Tom Sawyered and Laura hits up a swanky country … Continue reading Ep. 294 Peter Swanson Writes Backwards
A fun chat with Mark Stevens all about his new book No Lie Lasts Forever, classical music, baseball, and his fascinating connection to They Might Be Giants. Plus – Dave’s strange persona lends itself for some strange first impressions. ITUNES – SPOTIFY
We’re joined by Bradeigh Godfrey and Alison Hammer for a fun chat all about their new Ali Brady book Battle of the Bookstores, the genius of You’ve Got Mail, having fun with tropes, indie bookstores, and cannoli taste tests. Plus – Dave expounds on his running > cycling theory. ITUNES – SPOTIFY
A fun chat with Maggie Stiefvater all about her new book The Listeners, fancy hotels, capital letter conversations, and the (shockingly small) number of pages she gives a book before deciding whether or not to keep reading it. Plus – Dave & Laura move Sylvia into her first apartment, Dave has some end of the … Continue reading Ep. 293 The Page Sixteen Rule With Maggie Stiefvater
A fun chat with Chris Pavone all about his new novel The Doorman, an unforgettable doorman he once knew, why he was wearing a tuxedo on the subway, and his quest to visit every major league ballpark. Plus – The best place to get a snow cone. ITUNES – SPOTIFY
A fun chat with Linwood Barclay all about his new book Whistle, taking the leap into the supernatural, train derailments, fish guts, and why he will never wear tan khakis when he has to read in front of an audience again. Plus – Dave acts the fool on FOX45 in Baltimore, Laura is dog training, … Continue reading Ep. 292 Linwood Barclay And The Trouble With Khakis
A fun chat with Anthony Horowitz all about his new book Marble Hall Murders, Bond music, why he writes with pen and ink, and the creative manner in which he exacts revenge on his old teachers. Plus – Dave gets a MAJOR AWARD, Laura has a time of it moving Sylvia out of her dorm, … Continue reading Ep. 291 How To Exact Revenge On Your Teachers With Anthony Horowitz
A fun chat with Robert Bailey all about his new book The Boomerang, Julio Jones, the problems with Big Pharma, and the healing power of yellow legal pads. Plus- Dave is disciplined by his Principal (again), Laura recaps the African Dance Final at CU, and Andrew’s son is writing speeches. We also recommend: Arcane Artificer … Continue reading Ep. 290 Robert Bailey And His Soothing Legal Pads
A fun chat with Paulette Kennedy all about her new book The Artist of Blackberry Grange, speakeasies, time portals, and finding inspiration from portrait paintings. Plus – Dave gets screamed at in his school’s bathroom. ITUNES – SPOTIFY
A fun chat with Nat Cassiday all about his new book When the Wolf Comes Home, the importance of content warnings, shapeshifters, and his Lovecraftian one man show. Plus – Dave bungles PSAT proctoring, Laura has the best seat in the stadium (for once), and Andrew’s kid is the Easter Bunny. We also recommend: Dungeon … Continue reading Ep. 289 Dirtbag Facial Hair With Nat Cassidy
We’re joined by Abbi Waxman for a fun chat all about her new book One Death at a Time, unnecessary birthing scenes, crying at Instagram reels, and why she loves a good Irish goodbye. Plus – Dave is shocked at his fellow teachers’ attitudes concerning AI, Laura goes under the knife, and Andrew has concerns … Continue reading Ep. 288 Having A Good Cry With Abbi Waxman
We’re joined by Belinda Bauer for a fun chat all about her new book The Impossible Thing, her habit of wearing watches that don’t work, her Call of Duty skills (or lack thereof), and making sure the bird doesn’t talk. Plus – Dave and Laura share more horror stories from Greece including another student injury … Continue reading Ep. 287 Belinda Bauer Knows Why The Bird Shouldn’t Talk
We’re joined by Bryan Gruley for a fun chat all about his new book Bitterfrost, hockey fights, Zambonis, and how he turned a bad reader review into an amazing T-shirt. Plus: Dave and Laura recap their disastrous Greek cruise ship experience and Andrew takes his kids to the movies. We also recommend: Tilt by Emma … Continue reading Ep. 286 Hockey Fights and Plenty of Cursing With Bryan Gruley
We’re joined by Jesse Q Sutanto for a fun chat all about her new book Vera Wong’s Guide To Snooping (on a Dead Man), rage watching tradwife videos, village cooking, and how her mom getting scammed helped inspire the book. Plus – Dave & Laura take 64 students to Greece and have a LOT to … Continue reading Mom Scams & Tradwives With Jesse Q. Sutanto
A fun chat with Steve Cavanagh all about his book Witness 8, eccentric characters, New York City police gangs, and his fondness for the late great TV Guide. Plus – Dave and Laura prepare for their trip to Greece with 64 students. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
Susan Meissner joins us for a fun chat all about her book A Map To Paradise, the beginnings of the Cold War, McCarthyism, and the millions of people displaced by WWII. Plus: Dave misunderstands why he’s protesting, Laura raves about Sylvia’s African Dance class midterm, and Andrew is on vacation in Mexico. Again. We also … Continue reading Ep. 285 Trouble In Paradise With Susan Meissner
This week we recommend: Isola by Allegra Goodman, Stranded by A. K. Duboff, and Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morisson. Audiobook of the Week is What in the World by LeAnne Morgan. Plus – Dave’s students mistake wig glue for styling mousse, Laura spies Sylvia reading her Kindle while playing … Continue reading Ep. 284 Wig Glue Shenanigans
We have a best of episode from March 12, 2022. C. J. Box joins us to chat about Joe Pickett, why he doesn’t save plot points for future books, the reason he spent some time as a food critic, and the delicacy that is the Rocky Mountain oyster. Plus – Dave gets no respect from … Continue reading Best Of!
A fun chat with Gillian McAllister all about her new book Famous Last Words, negotiating with hostages and toddlers, Mars bars, writing at night, and the insane amount of words that end up in the trash while she’s writing. Plus – Dave is heckled by several comedians, Laura takes a tumble, and Andrew negotiates with … Continue reading Ep. 283 Mars Bars, Coca-Cola and Hostage Negotiations With Gillian McAllister
A fun chat with Charlotte Wood all about her new book Stone Yard Devotional, the appeal of escaping society, mice plagues, and learning to sit in silence. Plus – Dave’s music struggles, Laura’s puppy struggles, and Andrew is on holiday in Mexico. Woo. Hoo. We also recommend: The Mayors of New York by S. J. … Continue reading Ep. 282 Mice Plagues! With Charlotte Wood
We’re joined by Gregg Hurwitz for a fun chat all about his new book Nemesis, his favorite Orphan X commandment, how writing is like an illness, and the two things you can never do in your novel. Plus – Dave is shocked by what his doctor does in the examination room, Laura is getting knocked … Continue reading Ep. 281 Why You Can’t Kill A Cat With Gregg Hurwitz
We’re joined by Christopher Farnsworth for a fun chat all about his new book Robert B. Parker’s Buried Secrets, nicknames, hoarding, and what it was like discovering a dead body. Plus – Dave is almost run over by an officer on the go. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with Carter Wilson all about his new book Tell Me What You Did, creative uses of tuba cases, talk radio, and how to be anonymously famous. Plus – Dave has a shower incident, Laura receives some poorly timed scary news, and Andrew brings gold into his classroom. We also recommend: Tom Savage … Continue reading Ep. 280 How To Pack A Tuba Case With Carter Wilson
A fun chat with Joseph Finder all about his new book The Oligarch’s Daughter, survival techniques, axe throwing, hitchhiking, and the secret power of the space blanket. Plus – Dave recaps his travels to Spain, Laura is shocked by Dave’s reaction to her face, and Andrew has a new congressperson. We also recommend: Skin Deep … Continue reading Ep. 279 How To Use A Space Blanket With Joseph Finder
A fun chat with Brad Meltzer all about his new book The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy―and Why It Failed, JFK as war hero, Jacqueline Kennedy’s friendship with her secret service agent, and the monster who almost killed Kennedy. Plus – Dave’s students have to undo all the “work” the actors did, … Continue reading Ep. 278 How To Buy Dynamite In Bulk With Brad Meltzer
We’re joined by Heather O’Neill for a fun chat all about her new book The Capital of Dreams, why writers are dangerous, and the surprising reaction her daughter had to the mother character in the book. Plus – Dave takes multiple pies to the face, Laura’s father battles his Alexa, and Andrew is back and … Continue reading Ep. 277 What Makes A Writer Dangerous With Heather O’Neill
A fun chat with Barbara Nickless all about her new book The Drowning Game, Singapore slings, and why she was compelled to hire a fact checker. Plus – Dave & Laura battle their coffee pot and lose to vinegar. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
We unveil our favorite reads of 2024! Plus – Dave and Laura’s neighbors cut off their WiFi for a week, Dave fails in front of the Heisman, and Andrew’s on vacation with a ton of spiders. Laura’s picks: The Women by Kristin Hannah Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera The Bright Sword by Lev … Continue reading Ep. 276 Our Favorite Books of 2024
A fun chat with Jane Corry all about her new book I Died on a Tuesday, swimming in the sea, where the title came from, and her experiences teaching writing to prison inmates. Plus – Dave is rattled while getting observed while teaching, Laura has a slight case of road rage, and Andrew visits and … Continue reading Ep. 275 Giving Back With Jane Corry
A fun chat with Darby Kane all about her new book What the Wife Knew, writing in first person for the first time, and the surprising assist she got to start her career. Plus – Dave and Andrew recap their trip to Las Vegas and Laura’s dog brings her an unexpected “present.” We also recommend: … Continue reading Ep. 274 How To Use Titles To Scare Your Husband With Darby Kane
A fun chat with Victor Methos all about his new book The Silent Watcher, doing standup, Joseph Campbell, and his obsession with Batman. Plus – Laura has a bizarre encounter at the vet’s office. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
We’re joined by T. J. English for a fun chat all about his new book The Last Kilo: Willy Falcon and the Cocaine Empire That Seduced America, how the anti Castro movement started it all, and how he scored exclusive interviews with Willy Falcon. Plus – Dave watches his team get destroyed live, Laura recaps … Continue reading Ep. 273 It All Started With Castro With T. J. English
A fun chat with G. T. Karber all about his new book Murdle: The School of Mystery, being asked to solve puzzles by strangers, bingo daubers, the fallacy with constellations, and the ineptitude of the Hardy Boys. Plus – Dave & Laura recap their Big Noon experience. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with Graham Brown all about his new book Clive Cussler Desolation Code, merging human intelligence with machines, the Eagles, and the shark attack capital of the world. Plus – Dave & Laura take in a CU basketball game and Andrew is FED UP with Apple. We also recommend: A Deadly Education by … Continue reading Ep. 272 Fly Eagles Fly With Graham Brown
A fun chat with Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White all about their new book The Author’s Guide to Murder, pantaboots, prosecco, and why they will never divulge who wrote for which characters. Plus – Dave possibly commits election fraud while striking his set, Laura nurses their daughter, and Andrew is outraged at StubHub. … Continue reading Ep. 271 Fifty Shades Of Plaid With Lauren Willig, Beatriz Williams & Karen White
A fun conversation with Lou Berney all about his new book Double Barrel Bluff, short shorts, bats, and which actor is the king of sports movies. Plus – Dave’s production of Sweeney Todd gets interrupted by a fire alarm. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with Peter James all about his new book One of Us is Dead, hanging out with Queen Camilla, getting detained by police in Moscow while out for a run, and what it was like to get an idea from someone he could actually use. Plus – Dave recaps the misadventures of building … Continue reading Peter James Lunches With The Queen
We’re joined by CJ Leede for a fun chat all about her new book American Rapture, viruses and spending lots of time in church as a kid. Plus – Dave recaps his family’s visit, Laura encounters some unruly football fans, and Andrew is setting up a haunted house. We also recommend: Nothing But the Bones … Continue reading Ep. 270 Chatting In Church With CJ Leede
A fun chat with Jason Rekulak all about his new thriller The Last One at the Wedding, pestering his UPS driver, wasting fire extinguishers, and his propensity for watching people. Plus – Dave’s building engineer is snooping around his sets again…. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with Rose Carlyle all about her new book No One Will Know, whale songs, swimming with sharks, and last minute epilogues. Plus – Dave rails against cyclists, Laura can’t rely on painters, and Andrew is just very busy. We also recommend: The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl, The Artifact by David … Continue reading Ep. 269 How To Write A Last Minute Epilogue With Rose Carlyle
A fun chat with Alison Gaylin all about her new book Robert B. Parker’s Buzz Kill, energy drinks, and crashing David Hasselhoff’s wedding for Star Magazine. Plus – Dave is back on the picket line, Laura gets competitive at puppy kindergarten, and Andrew sinks even more money into his ill-fated clarinet collection. We also recommend: … Continue reading Ep. 268 How To Crash A Wedding With Alison Gaylin
A fun chat with Matt Murphy all about his book The Book of Murder, surfing, being there for the victims, and what it’s like having to work closely with serial killers in the courtroom. Plus – Dave’s late, Laura’s early, and Andrew keeps copious quantities of booze on his kitchen counter. We also recommend: The … Continue reading Ep. 267 Catchin’ Some Tasty Waves With Matt Murphy
A fun chat with Janice Hallet all about her new book The Examiner, the Arts, writing bios, grading, and getting hooked on ASMR. Plus – Dave’s students (basically) do the hokey pokey with his work keys. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with TJ Klune all about his new novel Somewhere Beyond the Sea, breaking stereotypes, the importance of learning Queer history, and who his favorite character in the book is. Plus – Dave turns musical auditions into a gambling game, Laura’s a dog walker extraordinaire, and Andrew’s learning the teaching ropes. We also … Continue reading Ep. 266 How To Take Over The Family Name With TJ Klune
We chat with David Daley all about his new book Antidemocratic: Inside the Far Right’s 50-Year Plot to Control American Elections, why we should care about the Courts, gerrymandering, and how a minority can win in a democracy. Plus – Dave & Laura recount a harrowing gameday experience as they attempt to get to the … Continue reading When The Minority Rules With David Daley
We’re joined by Fiona Barton for a fun chat all about her new book Talking to Strangers, the dangers of dating apps, victim blaming, and the reason why she uses multiple narrators. Plus – Dave is in over his head after just one week of school, Laura recaps puppy kindergarten, and Andrew throws away $3000 … Continue reading Ep. 265 Writing in Secret With Fiona Barton
We’re joined by Jesse Q Sutanto for a fun chat all about her new book You Will Never Be Me, momfluencers, her habit of bullying gamers, her insanely unique writing routine, and why she had to change her attitude while out and about in public. Plus – Dave is convinced his administration is spying on … Continue reading Ep. 264 How To Bully An Eight-Year-Old With Jesse Q. Sutanto
A fun chat with Karin Slaughter all about her new book This is Why We Lied, why she’ll never hike the Appalachian Trail, meeting Carol Burnett, and the reason her summer camp experience as a kid was traumatic. We also recommend: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, The Caretaker by Ron Rash, & Ascendant: A … Continue reading Ep. 263 Why You Should Never Meet Your Heroes With Karin Slaughter
We’re joined by Rick Jervis for a fun conversation all about his new book The Devil Behind the Badge: The Horrifying Twelve Days of the Border Patrol Serial Killer, putting the victim first, and understanding addiction. Plus- Dave recounts a bizarre story from the local year-round Halloween shop, Laura joins a new Facebook group and … Continue reading Ep. 262 No Badges Needed With Rick Jervis
We chat with Marc Guggenheim all about his new thriller In Any Lifetime, parallel universes, the Mets, and what it was like writing for David E. Kelley. Plus – Dave is most displeased with his gym and NBC’s Olympics coverage. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
We’re joined by Marian Keyes for a fun chat all about her new novel My Favorite Mistake, talking herself out of writing a much different book, and what it means to be a feathery stroker. Plus – Dave & Sylvia get matching trombone tattoos, Laura makes a massive mistake by eating the same breakfast for … Continue reading Ep. 261 How You Too Can Be A Feathery Stroker With Marian Keyes
A fun chat with Carol Goodman all about her new book Return to Wyldcliffe Heights, the trouble with naming characters, “refuges” for women, Gothic novels, and the influence of Dark Shadows. Plus – our thoughts on the Olympics. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with David Ellis all about his new novel The Best Lies, powdered wigs, the Jaws theme, and how he incorporates twists into his books. Plus- we find out how college freshman meet each other. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
We’re joined by one of our favorite guests Robert Justice for a fun chat all about his new novel A Dream in the Dark, Denver’s dark past, wrongful convictions, and the true story of a group of cops who investigate their own robberies. Plus – Dave has breaking news, Laura is obsessed with Love Island, … Continue reading Ep. 260 Staying Busy With Robert Justice
A fun chat with Lev Grossman all about his new book The Bright Sword, writing battle scenes, why the book took 10 years to write, and the problem with Merlin. Plus – Dave is on puppy duty, Laura recaps her visit to Maryland, and Andrew is cross country driving. We also recommend: Lenny Marks Gets … Continue reading The Problem With Merlin Featuring Lev Grossman
Kate Quinn joins us for a fun chat about her new novel The Briar Club, the 50s, her love for the Red Sox, and why she included recipes in her book. Plus – Dave & Laura are sleep deprived thanks to the new puppy and Andrew attempts to pass the Science teacher exam. We also … Continue reading Ep. 258 Recipes Included With Kate Quinn
Liz Moore joins us for a fun chat about her new novel The God of the Woods, the Adirondacks, snakehead fish, and why she hated summer camp as a kid. We also recommend: Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay, All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, and The Void Ripper by David Collins. Plus … Continue reading Ep. 257 Camping Out With Liz Moore
We’re joined by Ace Atkins for a fun chat all about his book Don’t Let the Devil Ride, old movies, Elvis, and why he quit on his mustache. Plus- Dave is busted by an old coot for trespassing, Laura is collecting ghost stories from clients, and Andrew is blinded by Science. We also recommend: Those … Continue reading Ep. 256 When To Give Up On A Mustache With Ace Atkins
Peter Swanson joins us for a fun chat about his new thriller A Talent For Murder, his love for dead authors, the Celtics, Lucky Jim, and why he could never be a teacher. Plus – Dave and Laura are puzzled by Canadian Fruit Loops and have a bear encounter. (Not at the same time.) ITUNES … Continue reading Peter Swanson Loves Dead Authors
A fun chat with John Vercher all about his new book Devil is Fine, the trouble with unboxing videos, being hypercritical of his own work, magical realism and the bathrobe that kept it all going. Plus – Dave is mocked by a pair of hiking Australians. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with Kirsten Miller all about her new book Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books, representing the real South, how nosy some people have become, and her obsession with mushrooms. We also recommend: In My Father’s Basement by T. J. Payne, The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong, and Mark of the Fool 7 … Continue reading Ep. 255 The Nosiness Of Strangers With Kirsten Miller
A fun chat with Kimberly Belle all about her new book The Paris Widow, blood antiquities, her love for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and finally getting to write a book set in Europe. Plus – Dave has a panic attack while swimming during a triathlon, Laura is a blubbering mess on the day of graduation, and … Continue reading Ep. 254 How To Write Off A European Vacation With Kimberly Belle
We chat with Frank Figliuzzi all about his book Long Haul: Hunting the Highway Serial Killers, frustrated investigators, and the rough showering situation he faced while researching the book. Plus – Dave jinxes several student led productions. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with Ruth Ware all about her new book One Perfect Couple, her obsession with The Traitors, and why a character burns a copy of a Ruth Ware book. Plus – Dave and Andrew play mini golf and eat snow cones, and Laura is amused by an audio snafu at an elementary school … Continue reading Ep. 253 Ruth Ware Burns Her Own Book
A fun chat with J.D. Barker all about his new book Behind a Closed Door, what he learned from working with James Patterson, the problem with chatGPT, and where all the flying cars we were promised are. Plus – an odd superstition plagues the crew at Laura’s job site. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with Linwood Barclay all about his new book I Will Ruin You, turning the screw on his characters, why trigger warnings should be eradicated, and the profession that makes for the most annoying car buyers. Plus – Dave spends hours working on the Wi-Fi and is MOST DISPLEASED! ITUNES – SPOTIFY – … Continue reading Linwood Barclay Doesn’t Need A Trigger Warning
We’re joined by Sarina Bowen for a fun chat all about her new novel The Five Year Lie, her experiences blowing glass, and the weird things we see through our security doorbell cams. Plus – Dave is verging on moral bankruptcy, Andrew joins a Zoom meeting without realizing the insulting name he’s signed in under, … Continue reading Ep. 252 Through The Looking Cam With Sarina Bowen
We’re joined by A. Ashley Hoff for a fun chat all about With Love, Mommie Dearest: The Making of an Unintentional Camp Classic,Faye Dunaway’s perfectionism, and the origins of the phrase “not my first rodeo.” Plus – Dave encounters a sloooooooow driver, Laura attends a football game in the freezing rain, and Andrew’s kid is … Continue reading A. Ashley Hoff Has No Wire Hangers
A fun chat with Elly Griffiths all about her new novel The Last Word, Wordle, writer’s retreats, and her cat’s posing problem. Plus – Dave botches a senior assassin assignment, Laura is ice cold at a banquet, and Andrew has a health care snafu. We also recommend: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, The Other Side … Continue reading Wordle Streaks & Writer’s Retreats With Elly Griffiths
A fun chat with Nick Medina all about his new book Indian Burial Ground, pow wows, rattlesnakes, and using horror to make change. Plus – Dave’s docent interaction at the Denver Botanic Gardens leaves him puzzled. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
We’re joined by Anthony Horowitz for a fun chat all about his novel Close to Death, maps in books, name dropping, and playing fair with the reader. Plus – Dave is dismantling stages, Laura is cord cutting and Andrew is looking for schools. We also recommend: The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman, How to Solve … Continue reading Ep. 249 Why Anthony Horowitz Won’t Drop Names
A fun chat with Charlie Huston all about his novel Catchpenny, how his depression changed the book, 80s nostalgia, and why he shudders when he remembers the way he used to dress. Plus – Laura and Dave recap a hectic visit to CU Boulder and Andrew’s finally trying to get rid of some of the … Continue reading Ep. 248 Post-traumatic Piercings With Charlie Huston
We’re joined by Earl Swift for a conversation about his new book Hell Put to Shame, the horrors of peonage, and forgotten history. Plus – Dave’s soundboard skills are put to the test at school and he fails. Yet again. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with Mary Kubica all about her book She’s Not Sorry, Chicago running, and how the twist came first. Plus – Laura slaps bold paint on an historic house and gets some unsolicited advice from the neighbors ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
A fun chat with Don Winslow all about his new book City in Ruins, learning how to gamble from his grandmother, directing Shakespeare, and junk food. Plus- Dave encounters a character of a repairman, Laura rails against cat sweaters in public, and Andrew has sticker shock. We also recommend: Listen for the Lie by Amy … Continue reading Ep. 247 Rating Fast Food With Don Winslow
A fun chat with Scott Carson all about his new book Lost Man’s Lane, Napster, characters that take over, and his favorite day as a writer. Plus – Dave and Laura recap their trip to San Diego and Andrew finds out the all inclusive resort is not exactly all inclusive. We also recommend: James by … Continue reading Ep. 246 SNAKES ON A LANE! With Scott Carson
A fun chat with Garrard Conley all about his book All the World Beside, humble pie, living the Puritan life, and why one might put flour on floorboards. Plus – Dave has an ice cream debacle. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
Katherine Reay joins us to talk about her book The Berlin Letters, the ciphers she created for it, Berlin Wall history, and East German punk rock. Plus- Dave’s Urinetown set is fraught with hazards, Laura makes the New York Times, and Andrew goes to yet another animatronic convention. We also recommend: Plastic by Scott Guild, … Continue reading Ep. 245 Cipher Crafting With Katherine Reay
A fun chat with Waubgeshig Rice all about his book Moon of the Turning Leaves, walking, getting lost down prepper YouTube rabbit holes, and why he couldn’t reveal all about Anishinaabe culture. Plus – Laura witnesses a strange new sport. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS
We’re joined by Amanda Jayatissa for a fun chat all about her new book Island Witch, Sri Lankan ghost stories, horror movies, and why she wasn’t allowed to read Archie comics growing up. Plus – Dave’s sub gets a little too cozy in his room, Laura makes a discovery while vintage clothes shopping, and Andrew’s … Continue reading Ep. 244 Laughing At Horror Movies With Amanda Jayatissa
We’re joined by Gregg Hurwitz for a fun chat all about his book Lone Wolf, not writing with the reader in mind, cults, and his prowess at lock picking. Plus – Dave’s stage combat students are too realistic with their “injuries” and Laura encounters a bizarre Cupid. We also recommend: Fever House by Keith Rosson, … Continue reading Ep. 243 Taking Falls & Picking Locks With Gregg Hurwitz
Dave is sweaty in class, Laura has a run-in with a nasty customer service agent, and Andrew gets a bizarre voice mail message from a telemarketer. Our recommendations are: Ask for Andrea by Noelle West Ihli, The Winter of Frankie Machine by Don Winslow, and From the Forest by L.E. Modesitt Jr. Audiobook of the … Continue reading Ep. 242 Sweatin’ To The Oldies
A fun chat with Allison Brennan all about her new book The Missing Witness, why it’s always best to interview people, and what’s wrong with her San Francisco Giants. Plus – Dave has a wacky ski adventure, Laura gets the skinny on her UPS driver, and Andrew witnesses a fracas in first class. We also … Continue reading Ep. 241 Always Go To The Source With Allison Brennan
A fun chat with Janice Hallett all about her new novel The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, how she makes her writing difficult on herself, letting her characters breathe, and tips on exfoliation. Plus – Dave is back (and bewildered) in Andrew’s basement, Laura is into winter gardening, and Andrew is on warning at … Continue reading Ep. 240 Crime & Exfoliation With Janice Hallett
We’re joined by Benjamin Stevenson for a fun chat all about his new book Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect, meta fiction, fair play mysteries, and wannabe author detectives. We also recommend: Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell, The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eger, and Asgards’ Fall by Robert Hinshaw. Audiobook of the … Continue reading Ep. 239 How To Play Fair With Benjamin Stevenson
Denver librarian Amy Delpo joins us again to share her favorite reads of the past year. Plus – Dave gets his first massage in 20 years, Laura’s gobsmacked by her daughter’s hopes, and Andrew’s kids just can’t make it to school. Our recs this week are: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman, Zoey … Continue reading Ep. 238 Librarians Just Wanna Have Fun
A fun chat with Amy Jo Burns all about her new novel Mercury, being a theater kid, small towns, and what it was like coming from a family of roofers. Plus – Dave doesn’t wanna share swimming lanes, Laura turns into a nurse over break, and Andrew takes the family to Vegas for that traditional … Continue reading Ep. 237 Up On The Housetop With Amy Jo Burns
Dave pinballs his way down a mountain dodging trees and hunters, Laura ditches a concert at intermission, and Andrew watches the FBI raid his neighbor’s house. Our recommendations this week are: Those We Thought We Knew by David Joy, Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks & Oprah Winfrey, A Healer’s Way by … Continue reading Ep. 236 FBI Raids & Pinballing Down Mountains
Our favorite books of the year! Plus – Dave joins a community band, Laura embarrasses herself again with a big ol’ rip in her jeans, and Andrew stands inside an NBA shower stall. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS Laura’s Favorites: No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton … Continue reading Ep. 235 Our Favorite Books of 2023
We chat with Tracy Clark all about her book Fall, never having a plan, corruption in Chicago, and taking delight in her characters’ misfortunes. Plus – Dave takes the heat, Laura is embarrassed in public, and Andrew can’t pose. We also recommend: Out There by Kate Folk, The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer, … Continue reading Ep. 234 How To Take Delight In Your Characters’ Misfortunes With Tracy Clark
A fun chat with Jillian Cantor all about her book The Fiction Writer, turning everything into a murder scene, her obsession with lists, and how no one really owns any story. Plus- Dave and Laura recap their New Orleans trip and Andrew gets a new electric truck. We also recommend: Let Us Descend by Jesmyn … Continue reading Ep. 233 How To Turn Any Place Into A Murder Scene With Jillian Cantor
We’re joined by Christina Henry for a fun chat all about her book Good Girls Don’t Die, playing with genres, her disdain for Brad Pitt, and why she prefers running alone. Plus – Dave has Freshmen shell shock, Laura is puzzled over mic technique, and Andrew gets a new truck. Again. We also recommend: Parting … Continue reading Ep. 232 Running Solo With Christina Henry
A fun chat with Gilly Macmillan all about her new thriller The Manor House, her grandmother’s journal, Goodfellas, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and the reason why people don’t recognize themselves in the characters she writes. Plus – Dave wraps up his play, Laura is bitten by her cat, and Andrew discovers AI image creation. We also … Continue reading Ep. 231 How To Write Anywhere With Gilly Macmillan
We’re joined by Edward Carey for a fun chat all about his book Edith Holler, living in a theater in Romania, English pantomimes, and why it’s okay to cut into his book with a pair of scissors. Plus – Dave can’t stop worrying about flooding the black box theater, Laura runs into some drunky drunks … Continue reading Ep. 230 Cutting Into Books With Edward Carey
We’re joined by Matt Singer for a fun chat all about his book Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel and Ebert Changed the Movies, Siskel and Ebert’s heated rivalry, Siskel’s pranks, and why Siskel had a hard time introducing Ebert. Plus – Dave and Laura recap their weekend trip to Maryland, and Andrew has enough animatronics to … Continue reading Ep. 229 Bickering At The Movies With Matt Singer
A fun chat with Hailey Piper all about her new book Cruel Angels Past Sundown, Splatter Westerns, angels, cannibals and swordplay. Plus – Dave’s students spy on him. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – STITCHER HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps … Continue reading Angels & Cannibals With Hailey Piper
A fun chat with Kasey Landsdale and Joe R. Lansdale all about their new comic series The Case of the Bleeding Wall, magical potions, Joe’s lifelong obsession with comic books, and how they had to rein in the goofiness while writing. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – STITCHER HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping … Continue reading Reining In The Goofy With Kasey & Joe R. Lansdale
A fun chat with Jean-Jacques Taylor all about his book Coach Prime: Deion Sanders and the Making of Men, how to talk to professional athletes, Deion’s relationship with his father, and Deion’s surprising frugality. Plus – Dave is sweaty and locked out of his classroom again. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – STITCHER HOW TO SUPPORT THE … Continue reading It’s Prime Time With Jean-Jacques Taylor
We chat with J. Reuben Appelman about his book While Idaho Slept, finding meaning in the true crime genre, the heroes that came out of the case, and the influence of social media. Plus – Dave is feeling disrespected at work, Laura discovers a new (renowned) country music singer, and Andrew pulls up the rear … Continue reading Ep. 228 – True Crime In Idaho With J. Reuben Appelman
A fun chat with Beth O’Leary about her book The Wake-Up Call, being an inefficient writer, poor Scrabble play, and why she loves reality TV. Plus – Dave is puzzled by a new teacher’s shady shenanigans, Nelson the dog gets sprayed by a skunk, and Andrew undergoes needle treatment. We also recommend: Half a Soul … Continue reading Ep. 227 Losing At Scrabble With Beth O’Leary
A fun chat with Cara Hunter all about her new book Murder in the Family, her obsession with true crime, the Easy Rider soundtrack, and why she put pictures of her friends in her book. Plus – Dave attends a Theatre teacher conference where it breaks bad in a hurry. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – STITCHER … Continue reading Once Upon A Crime With Cara Hunter
A fun chat with Lou Berney all about his new book Dark Ride, Linda Ronstadt posters, his favorite baseball movie, and the difficulties of tailing other cars. Plus – Dave does a triathlon relay, Laura has a fire alarm nightmare, and Andrew gets a shot in the neck. We also recommend: The Handyman Method by … Continue reading Ep. 226 How (Not) To Tail Someone With Lou Berney
A fun conversation with Meg Cabot all about her new book Enchanted To Meet You, her witchy relatives, running out of names, her winless trivia team, and how she wrote the book on her phone in the pool. Plus – Dave is a disaster in class, Laura’s cat sounds like an evil robot, and Andrew’s … Continue reading Ep. 225 Writing Novels In Pools On Phones With Meg Cabot
We’re joined by Yasmin Angoe for a fun chat about her new book It Ends With Knight, getting in character to write, the darker side of Charleston, and that time when she asked her daughter to hold her hostage. Plus – Dave and Laura recap their trip to Salida and Andrew’s up to his ghoulish … Continue reading Ep. 224 Pulling An All-Knighter With Yasmin Angoe
A fun chat with Samantha Young about her new book The Love Plot, line sitters, dressing her characters, and the delights of hot chocolate. Plus – Dave’s students think he looks like a crazed muppet, Laura has thoughts on Jagged Little Pill, and Andrew is busted playing possum. We also recommend: A Judgment in Stone … Continue reading Ep. 223 How To Sit In Line And Get Paid For It With Samantha Young
A fun chat with Isabel Cañas all about her new novel Vampires of El Norte, map study, book covers, and coming from a family of storytellers. Plus – Dave is in character for the first day of school, Laura has neighbor drama to report, and Andrew falls off a ladder. We also recommend: Louisiana Longshot … Continue reading Ep. 222 Vamping It Up With Isabel Cañas
We’re joined by James Byrne for a fun chat all about his book Deadlock, showtunes, writing fan letters to authors, picking locks, and why you should always cast your manuscript. Plus – Dave is back at school and has a bout of social anxiety, Laura is puzzled by the Ziggy Marley show, and Andrew needs … Continue reading Ep 221 How To Write A Fan Letter With James Byrne
A fun chat with Mhairi McFarlane all about her new rom-com Between Us, writing about writers, David Simon, her notes & jokes file, fake clairvoyants, sealioning, and how she’s always in harvesting mode. Plus- Dave goes running in Nashville and is most displeased, Laura is taken aback at Sylvia’s new school uniform, and Andrew’s kids … Continue reading Ep. 220 Notes & Jokes With Mhairi McFarlane
A fun chat with Tracey Lange all about her book The Connelys of County Down, video gaming, hoarding, and writing in the kitchen. Plus – Dave overreacts and Laura is not surprised. At all. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – STITCHER HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link It doesn’t … Continue reading Writing In The Kitchen With Tracey Lange
A fun chat with Gillian McAllister all about her book Just Another Missing Person, spending loads of time on baby name websites, twists, and the genius of Love Island. Plus – Dave watches a show on a cell phone, Laura’s trying to create a prairie meadow, and Andrew’s got a literal pain in the neck. … Continue reading Ep. 219 What’s In A Name With Gillian McAllister
A fun chat with Laura Lippman all about her novel Prom Mom, weather apps, the evils of golf courses, her Peleton addiction, and how she avoids jinxing the Orioles. Plus – Dave has a new goat slogan, Laura is freaked out by some strange neighbors, and Andrew’s appliances get misdelivered and resold. We also recommend: … Continue reading Ep. 218 Sand Traps & Weather Apps With Laura Lippman
Dave complains about people talking on top of mountains, Laura is living out a Harry Chapin song, and Andrew’s movin’ on up. We recommend: Secondhand Spirits by Juliett Blackwell, Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane, and Salt by EJ Lowell and Nathan Lowell. Audiobook of the Week is The Mad, Mad Murders of Marigold Way by … Continue reading Ep. 217 Rocky Mountain Chatterboxes
A fun chat with Annie Lyons all about her new novel The Air Raid Book Club, being a reader first and a writer second, #Tickety-Boo, the Kindertransport, and good solid dog names. Plus – Dave is scammed trying to sell a car, Laura goes fine dining , and Andrew has major hail damage. We also … Continue reading Putting the Boo in Tickety-Boo With Annie Lyons
A fun chat with Paul Tremblay all about his new collection The Beast You Are, writing in free verse, Eddie Murray, strikethroughs, and getting scared while writing. Plus – Laura & Dave can’t pay tolls in Spain and Andrew does NOT want a male masseuse. We also recommend: My Government Means To Kill Me by … Continue reading Ep. 215 Striking Through With Paul Tremblay
A fun chat with Stephen Kiernan about his new novel The Glass Chateau, Chagall’s stained glass windows, how to blow glass, talking to Veterans, and busking in Baltimore. Plus – We continue our European vacation recap in which we determine we’re too passive and Andrew shares his deep sea thoughts. We also recommend: Homecoming by … Continue reading Ep. 214 Busking In Baltimore With Stephen Kiernan
We’re joined by Anthony McCarten for a fun chat about his new novel Going Zero, never accepting cookies, why we’re so quick to give up our privacy online, and how Neil Diamond taught him to play “Sweet Caroline.” Plus – The Policía Municipal pull Dave over in Spain and Andrew is cat attacked. We also … Continue reading Ep. 213 Tossing Cookies With Anthony McCarten
A fun chat with Hazel Gaynor all about her new novel The Last Lifeboat, the seaevacuees of WWII, survival stories, and drawing on her own family history. Plus – Dave is a bad driver. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – STITCHER HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link It doesn’t … Continue reading Survival At Sea With Hazel Gaynor
We talk to Sidney Karger all about his book Best Men, procrastination tools, submitting jokes for Weekend Update, and his favorite Housewives. Plus – Dave orders the wrong grilled cheese and there’s a black widow spider on the loose. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – STITCHER HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use … Continue reading Slinging Jokes With Sidney Karger
We’re joined by Hugh Howey to talk about Wool & Silo, crying while writing, living on a sailboat, his obsession with stairs, being an extra on Silo, and why he felt guilty during the filming process. Plus – Dave is in Tucson staring at planes, Laura has an airline security story, and Andrew has some … Continue reading Going Up The Down Staircase With Hugh Howey
We chat with Lynne and Valerie Constantine (Liv Constantine) all about their latest thriller The Senator’s Wife, the Greek evil eye, how they collaborate, and the many consultants they have on standby. Plus – Dave’s student has the cops called on him. (But it’s not like that, see.) ITUNES – SPOTIFY – STITCHER HOW TO … Continue reading Staring Into The Evil Eye With Liv Constantine
We’re joined by Hannah Mary McKinnon for a fun chat about her new thriller The Revenge List, the aggressiveness of sun bears, always looking for the dark side, and shady Uber drivers. Plus – Dave gets an unpleasant surprise while fixing his backyard pond pump, Laura’s jobsite turns into The Money Pit, and Andrew is … Continue reading Ep. 211 To Uber Or Not To Uber With Hannah Mary McKinnon
A fun chat with Taylor Adams all about his new thriller The Last Word, the power that reader reviewers hold, using household objects as weapons, writing poorly on purpose, and why the dog always has to live. Plus – Dave averts disaster driving back from his school’s Performing Arts Gala, Laura averts disaster while helping … Continue reading Ep. 210 How To Write Poorly On Purpose With Taylor Adams
A fun chat with Juan Gabriel Vasquez all about his new novel Retrospective, the amazing life of Sergio Cabrera, the art of poetry reciting, and his favorite celebrity graves. Plus – Dave finds out why he shouldn’t be racing his students. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – STITCHER HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping … Continue reading The Best Celebrity Graves With Juan Gabriel Vasquez
We’re joined by Kara Thomas for a fun chat about her novel Out of the Ashes, her obsession with true crime shows, cases that received short shrift because of 9/11, the trouble with cold cases, and why her last YA book was so challenging to write. Plus – Dave deals craps, Laura’s stroll through Littleton … Continue reading Ep. 209 Cold Case Concerns With Kara Thomas
We’re joined by Brian Nelson for a fascinating chat about his book The Great Unmaking, how storytelling relates to education, chatgGBT hallucinations, the dangers of AI and short term thinking, and the fragility of democracies. Plus – Dave confronts a neighbor, Laura meets an overly dramatic waitress, and Andrew takes kids shopping for animatronics. We … Continue reading AI Is Coming For You With Brian Nelson
We’re joined by J Ryan Stradal for a fun chat about his new book Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club, battling prime rib platters, cribbage, blackened brats, and how his timeline in the book went from 3 months to 80 years. Plus – Dave is called upon to sing in front of a large … Continue reading Bratwurst Burning With J Ryan Stradal
We’re joined by Don Winslow for an entertaining chat about his new novel City of Dreams, Greek myths, losing kids in England, controversial chowder takes, and the reason why one of his books has short chapters. Plus – Dave ticks off his fellow runners during a marathon, Laura stumbles upon a weird underground gambling spot, … Continue reading Ep. 206 How To Write Short Chapters With Don Winslow
We’re joined by Dana Stabenow for an entertaining chat about her new book Not the Ones Dead, the best part of the animal to eat, Mutt the scene stealing dog, having her own personal mapmaker, her broken desk, and the drone that was watching her while she was weeding. Plus – we finish our recap … Continue reading Broken Desks & Drones With Dana Stabenow
A fun chat wit Dolen Perkins-Valez all about her book Take My Hand, reproductive justice, fish & grits, hooking the reader, and why she was scared to write this book. Plus – we continue to recap our trip to London with a tale of Day Five Tim. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all … Continue reading Fish & Grits For Breakfast With Dolen Perkins-Valdez
A fun chat with Lauren Thoman all about her novel I’ll Stop The World, time travel, being selected for Mindy’s Book Studio, and her stalkeresque Star Trek obsession. Plus – Dave recounts what it was like returning to work after the shooting at his school and we continue our recap of our London trip. … Continue reading How To Dial A Rotary Phone With Lauren Thoman
A fun chat with Harper Kincaid all about her new book A Midsummer Night’s Scheme, revenge driven writing, Henry Rollins, mafia movies, and the secret behind her website’s video. Plus – Part 3 of our London trip recap. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click … Continue reading Writing For Revenge With Harper Kincaid
A fun chat with Colleen Oakley all about her new book The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise, Salt-N-Pepa songs, video games, leg shakers, and why she makes her kids write letters. Plus – we continue our London trip recap. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound … Continue reading The Lost Art Of Writing Letters With Colleen Oakley
A fun chat with Robert Dugoni all about his new thriller Her Deadly Game, anxiety, why he acts out scenes that he’s written, Maximum Milt, golf, chess, and how he knows when he’s done with a book. Plus – we begin our recap of our trip to England with 73 Theater kids in which we … Continue reading Nicknaming Judges With Robert Dugoni
We’re joined by Dan Ahdoot for a hilarious chat all about his book Undercooked, Persian food delicacies, French for beginners, strength circles, returning fries at McDonald’s, and how the heart is the most delicious part of an animal. Plus- Dave shares a scary story about the recent shooting at his school, Laura is suffering from … Continue reading Ep. 204 How To Send Food Back With Dan Ahdoot
Our favorite guest returns! Alma Katsu is back to talk all about her new spy thriller Red London, Russian oligarchs, Billionaires Row, and getting rid of Putin. Plus – Dave’s students find him irresponsible, Laura is called to an accident scene by a cop and Andrew hits the slopes. We also recommend: Blood Relations by … Continue reading Ep. 203 How To Get Rid Of Putin With Alma Katsu
We’re joined by Peter Swanson for a fun chat about his new thriller The Kind Worth Saving, imagining people as kids, dirty limericks, and the reason he writes next to a real human skull. Plus – Dave’s school pulls out none of the stops for International Women’s Day. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For … Continue reading Writing Dirty Limericks With Peter Swanson
We’re joined by William Landay for a fun chat about his new novel All That Is Mine I Carry With Me, blurring the line between fact and fiction, Orioles baseball, reading the ebook and the physical book at the same time, and the surprising place he found the title for his novel. Plus – Dave … Continue reading Ep. 202 Blurring The Line With William Landay
We talk to Veronica G. Henry all about her new novel The Foreign Exchange, the misperceptions of Voodoo, the importance of opening paragraphs, and location scouting. Plus – Dave’s turning into the Music Man, Laura’s concerned about school counselors who are put off by tears, and Andrew finds old compromising pictures of himself. We also … Continue reading Ep. 201 A Tale Of Voodou With Veronica G. Henry
We chat with Mark Greaney about his new Gray Man thriller Burner, how he plans out and writes his action scenes, sailboat names, learning when to leave out the details, watching the Gray Man movie, and why he won’t approach someone if he spots them reading one of his books. Plus – Laura takes Sylvia to a … Continue reading How To Rescue A Porsche With Mark Greaney
A fun chat with J.T. Ellison all about her new novel It’s One of Us, the trouble with the sperm-donation industry, interior design, ghostwriters, and why she loves polling her readers. Plus – Dave builds a revolving stage, Laura’s car reeks of old yogurt, and Andrew spots a celebrity on his flight. We also recommend: … Continue reading Ep. 200 The Trouble With Sperm Donors With J.T. Ellison
Dave’s belt is too tight, Laura burns herself on a chocolate chip, and Andrew loses at Monopoly. Our book recommendations include: The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton, Meru by S.B. Divya, and Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino. Audiobook of the Week is The Devil Himself by Peter Farris. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all … Continue reading Burning On Chocolate
We’re joined by Deborah Crombie for a fun chat all about her new book A Killing of Innocents, the tricks to writing a long running series, and Jungle Red – her crime writers group. Plus – Dave can’t get over the guy at the car detailing shop. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your … Continue reading Running Long With Deborah Crombie
We chat with Deepti Kapoor all about her novel Age of Vice, getting comparisons to The Godfather, her time as a journalist, an insane bidding war, and how she can’t write without cats. Plus – Dave has a disastrous cold weather run, Laura spots a bizarre hat, and Andrew breaks down the library’s Meth situation. … Continue reading Ep. 198 Writing With Cats With Deepti Kapoor
We’re joined by Robert Justice for a fun chat all about his novel They Can’t Take Your Name, wrongful convictions, the historic Five Points neighborhood of Denver, Langston Hughes, podcasting, and a stinky corpse flower. Plus – Dave’s students get stuck in the school elevator and can’t stop screaming, Laura can’t keep the family together … Continue reading Ep. 197 How To Stop And Smell The Corpse Flowers With Robert Justice
A fun chat with Grady Hendrix about his new book How to Sell a Haunted House, his experiences with radical puppet collectives, not knowing if a book is working while writing, and the reason he hated The Velveteen Rabbit. Plus – Dave can’t escape his students. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping … Continue reading Puppetry Of The Panicked With Grady Hendrix
We’re joined by Michael Ledwidge for a fun chat about his new novel Hard To Break, working as a doorman, Star Trek, baseball, and how he got his start writing with James Patterson. Plus – Dave runs rehearsal with a very loose hand, Laura takes umbrage with the trash service, and Andrew gets a big … Continue reading Ep. 196 The Life Of A Doorman With Michael Ledwidge
We chat with New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz all about her new novel Sleep No More, the creative process, how we all have a core story, why she won’t read time travel books, why it’s just as bad to be ahead of the curve than it is to be behind it. HOW … Continue reading Jayne Ann Krentz Doesn’t Read Time Travel
We chat with Maureen Johnson about her new Truly Devious mystery Nine Liars, her love of classic mysteries, hide and seek, putting clues in maps, comedy troupes, and how she makes procrastination work for her. Plus- Dave battles the local King Soopers, Laura gets injured playing a card game, and Andrew’s pipes freeze. Merry Christmas! … Continue reading Ep. 195 How To Be A Productive Procrastinator With Maureen Johnson
We chat with Maureen Johnson about her new Truly Devious mystery Nine Liars, her love of classic mysteries, hide and seek, putting clues in maps, comedy troupes, and how she makes procrastination work for her. Plus- Dave battles the local King Soopers, Laura gets injured playing a card game, and Andrew’s pipes freeze. Merry Christmas! … Continue reading Ep. 195 How To Be A Productive Procrastinator With Maureen Johnson
We’re joined once again by Denver librarian Amy Delpo and we all share our favorite books of the year. Plus- Dave & Andrew have a mini high school reunion and Laura attends her first NFL game. KEN BRUEN Q&A Ken Bruen is a critically acclaimed Irish crime writer who has been called “Bukowski on crystal … Continue reading Ep. 194 Books Of The Year & A Ken Bruen Q&A
We chat with Nikki Payne all about her new novel Pride and Protest, riffing off of beloved works of art, DJ culture, bounce music, the intensely personal nature of gentrification, how being an anthropologist affects her writing, and what’s playing on her TV in the background as she writes. Plus – Dave gets screamed at … Continue reading Ep. 193 Watching TV & Writing Books With Nikki Payne
Today we’re joined by Samantha Vérant for a fun chat about her new novel The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique, being a foodie, her love of quirky characters, her green bean eating cat, spice dealers, and why her husband doesn’t like her taking pictures of him. Plus Dave marches in a parade as a waterboy, … Continue reading Gettin’ Spicy With Samantha Vérant
A fun chat with Kimberly Belle all about her new novel The Personal Assistant, the necessary evil of social media, hate follows, copycat posters, writing well with others, and how she plants Easter Eggs in her books. Plus – Dave gets a surprise while teaching Sylvia how to drive, Laura can’t do it alone, and … Continue reading Ep. 191 Writing Well With Others With Kimberly Belle
We’re joined again by Jeffery Deaver for a fun chat all about his new novel Hunting Time, taking Math for Writers in college, speeding, his ill-fated attempt at rock climbing to better understand Colter Shaw, and how all writers are basically nerds. Plus- Dave blows stuff up in front of his students, Laura is feeling … Continue reading Ep. 190 All Writers Are Nerds With Jeffery Deaver
We’re joined by Elly Griffiths for a fun chat all about her new mystery Bleeding Heart Yard, nicknames, the fragility of memory, Minnesotan librarians, the Scottish play, the layers of London, and how Starsky & Hutch begat her writing career. Plus – Dave learns why you don’t leave your phone on speaker. HOW TO SUPPORT … Continue reading Scottish Plays & Starsky & Hutch With Elly Griffiths
We’re joined by the hilarious Anthony Horowitz for a fun chat about his new book The Twist of a Knife, the mystery of Twiglets, meta acknowledgements, his love of books (and skulls) on shelves, his favorite musical of all time, and how he used to make his kids reposition his books on bookstore shelves to … Continue reading What The Hell Is A Twiglet With Anthony Horowitz
We’re joined by Louise Kennedy for a fun chat about her novel Trespasses, being inspired to write by a medical diagnosis, the urge to always finish reading a book, shed writing, and always leaving the tea bag in. Plus – a strange man crashes Dave’s play during a performance, Laura is clumsy, and Andrew gives … Continue reading Ep. 188 Leaving The Tea Bag In With Louise Kennedy
We have a fun chat with Robert Crais all about his new Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novel Racing the Light, his love of cooking, hiking the LA canyons, the best time to drive in Los Angeles, coyotes, and what his go to taco is. Plus – Dave has no time for smack talk, Laura … Continue reading Ep. 187 Mountain Lions & Coyotes & Robert Crais Oh My!
A fun chat with Samantha Young all about her new book A Cosmic Kind of Love, sweaters, the coolness of space, being a selective control freak, and having coffee taken away from her. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost … Continue reading No More Coffee With Samantha Young
We have a fun chat with Kamila Shamsie all about her new book Best of Friends, pirated 80’s movies, mixtapes, friendships, and the secrets that get revealed via party lines. Plus – Dave’s teaching job requires him to go shopping at a sex shop. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use … Continue reading How To Make A Mixtape With Kamila Shamsie
We chat with Joe Pompeo all about his new book Blood and Ink, old crimes, tabloid journalism history, fake seances, bumbling cops, and stone cold mysteries. Plus – Dave’s students hack into the Bluetooth sound system during an assembly and it ain’t pretty. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use … Continue reading Crafting A Fake Seance With Joe Pompeo
Today we have a fun chat with John Vercher about his new novel After the Lights Go Out, his experiences as an MMA fighter, his author photo, cutting weight, writing in sprints, and what his walkout song was. Plus – Dave is screamed at by a cyclist in a hallway. HOW TO SUPPORT THE … Continue reading Cutting Weight With John Vercher
We have a fun chat with Mimi Matthews all about her new novel The Belle of Belgrave Square, Victorian women, penny dreadfuls, bloodletting, and white noise on headphones. Plus – Dave’s dentist costs him and we have a lot of rodent talk. We also recommend: The Killing Hills by Chris Offutt, Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline … Continue reading Ep. 187 Bloodletting & White Noise With Mimi Matthews
We’re joined by Rachel Harrison for a fun chat all about her new novel Such Sharp Teeth, the lack of lady werewolves, rage rooms, and 7-11 hot dogs. Plus: Dave’s class is disrupted by the one chip challenge, Laura finds a dead mouse, and Andrew eats steak. We also recommend: Hostage by Clare Mackintosh, Glimmer … Continue reading Ep. 186 Werewolves, Rage & Hot Dogs With Rachel Harrison
We’re joined for a fun conversation with Adrienne Young all about her new book Spells For Forgetting, seeing her books play visually out in her head, map making, writing retreats in Scotland, tea leaf readings, and having deep feelings. Plus – Dave embarrasses himself in the hallways of his school. Again. HOW TO SUPPORT … Continue reading Deep Feelings With Adrienne Young
We have a fun chat with Richard Osman all about his new mystery The Bullet That Missed, why he doesn’t like to do author readings, how to get away with murder, Andre Agassi’s autobiography, movie snacks, and the unrelaxing facts about massages. Plus – we recap a big marching band weekend. We also recommend: Now … Continue reading Ep. 185 Snacks, Massages and Murder With Richard Osman
We’re joined by Bobby Finger for a fun chat about his debut novel The Old Place, Texas towns, new tats, old beans, “see me” teachers, and the puzzling existence of bay leaves. Plus – Dave shares a harrowing story from his school involving a police led evacuation. We also recommend: The Good Sister by Gillian … Continue reading Ep. 184 What’s The Deal With Bay Leaves With Bobby Finger
A.M. Homes joins us for a fun chat about her new novel The Unfolding, secret fast food menu items, how reality has eclipsed fiction, election day orange cruller donuts, regional candies, and the reason why she doesn’t keep a private notebook. Plus – Dave does shtick for back to school night, Laura equates parents to … Continue reading Ep. 183 Rubbernecking America With A.M. Homes
We’re joined by A.G. Riddle for a fun chat all about his new book Lost in Time, his battle against his disorganized nature, his use of old technology, cliffhangers, and his habit of madcap dictation whilst pacing. Plus – Dave embarrasses himself in front of his boss, Laura learns about “phrogging,” and Andrew believes all … Continue reading Ep. 182 Pacing Like A Madman With A.G. Riddle
We’re joined by Nobel Prize Winner Abdulrazak Gurnah for a fun conversation about his new novel Afterlives, the one question he’s tired of answering, the forgotten colonizations of Africa, and the incident that led to him being caned in school. Plus – Dave’s dentist says the wrong thing. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For … Continue reading How To Win The Nobel Prize With Abdulrazak Gurnah
We have a fun chat with Ali Hazelwood all about her new novel Love on the Brain, cackling while writing, the future of brain exploration, playing badminton poorly, and typing like Tom Hanks. Plus – Dave puts his foot in his mouth in front of his students. Again. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For … Continue reading Typing Like Tom Hanks With Ali Hazelwood
We are joined for a fun chat with Bianca Marais all about her new book The Witches of Moonshyne Manor, finding inspiration from The Golden Girls, ageism, podcasting, and the simplistic importance of “bum in chair.” Plus – Dave is dazed and confused returning to work after summer, Laura squirts water in band kids’ faces, … Continue reading Ep. 181 Golden Girls & Witches With Bianca Marais
A fun chat with Gill Paul all about her new book The Manhattan Girls, the Algonquin Round Table, the challenge of writing for Dorothy Parker, how to create a narrative arc from facts, and mobsters. Plus – Dave has a yogurt related incident while driving, Laura has issues with doors, and Andrew’s tripping over animatronic … Continue reading Ep. 180 How To Write For Dorothy Parker With Gill Paul
We chat with Dwyer Murphy all about his novel An Honest Living, running in New York City, auction house coffee, and his tremendous urge to curse. Plus – we share some cruddy retail stories. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. … Continue reading Fighting The Urge To Curse With Dwyer Murphy
A fun chat with Meg Gardiner all about her new book Heat 2, what it was like working with Michael Mann, her background as a mime, and why she makes her husband act out scenes from her books. Plus – Dave visits Andrew’s mountain home and is taken aback by some lifestyle choices, Laura has … Continue reading Ep. 179 The Heat Is On With Meg Gardiner
A fun chat with Meg Gardiner all about her new book Heat 2, what it was like working with Michael Mann, her background as a mime, and why she makes her husband act out scenes from her books. Plus – Dave visits Andrew’s mountain home and is taken aback by some lifestyle choices, Laura has … Continue reading Ep. 179 The Heat Is On With Meg Gardiner
A fun conversation with Mohsin Hamid all about his new novel The Last White Man, how everything changed for him after 9/11, the importance of trying new things, how fiction allows you to become a child again, his workout regimen, and the genius of A Fish Called Wanda. Plus – Dave receives the glass booth … Continue reading Ep. 178 Pumping Iron With Mohsin Hamid
We’re joined by Christina Dodd for a fun chat about her new thriller Point Last Seen, why she had to abandon her cruise ship book, the friendly Canadian airport security, her amazing fire pit, and the bad luck she’s had with some of her choices of novel settings. Plus – Dave orders the wrong sandwich, … Continue reading How To Doom A Novel With Christina Dodd
A fun conversation with Eve Chase all about her new novel The Birdcage, solar eclipses, chatting with a parrot over zoom, her very basic technology skills, and the time she interviewed the leather bed reclining Tina Turner. Plus – Dave and Laura are clueless in the gym. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all … Continue reading How To Interview A Parrot With Eve Chase
A fun chat with George Dawes Green all about his new book The Kingdoms of Savannah, the sordid history and evil soul of Savannah, the seances his mother would put on, the tunnels running underneath Savannah, and the complete inanity of ghost tours. Plus – Dave can’t believe what his Southwest seatmate was doing on … Continue reading Ghost Touring In Savannah With George Dawes Green
We’re joined again by the delightful Paula Munier for a fun chat about her new mystery The Wedding Plot, watching goat cams, writing what you love, baseball, and a surprise ending to when she was pulled over. Plus – Dave is attacked by a coffee grinder, Laura is mad at the tubas for drowning out … Continue reading Ep. 176 Watching Goat Cams With Paula Munier
A fun chat with the delightful Nadine Matheson about her new thriller The Binding Room, exorcisms, tortured cops, and her favorite jolly rancher flavor. Plus- Dave’s HVAC repairman is an odd talker, Laura almost ruins the Avett Brothers concert at Red Rocks, and Andrew’s Uber driver nearly wipes out a family. We also recommend: A … Continue reading Ep. 175 Jolly Ranchers & Sour Patch Kids With Nadine Matheson
We joined by Tess Gerritsen for a fun chat all about her new mystery Listen To Me, knowing she was a storyteller from the age of seven, the stress of not outlining, working with her son on movies, food taboos, and why she handwrites her first draft on unlined typing paper. Plus – Dave goes … Continue reading Food Taboos With Tess Gerritsen
Another fun chat with Will Dean! We talk about his latest thriller First Born, Bernie the wonder dog, forest mushrooms, how to take weapons on planes, twins, getting up on rooftops in New York City, and why he doesn’t sleep on planes. Plus: Dave believes Competitive Parade Following should be a sport, Laura walks into … Continue reading Ep. 174 Forest Mushrooms With Will Dean
We’re joined by Lucy Clarke for a fun conversation about her new book One of the Girls, writing on the beach, how she wrote the first draft in seventeen days, home schooling, and the one word she keeps posted at the top of her manuscript. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping … Continue reading Writing On The Beach With Lucy Clarke
We’re joined by Elly Griffiths for a fun chat about her latest Ruth Galloway mystery The Locked Room, plague pits, the time she used the same name for different characters, The Grey Lady Ghost, and why you should never wear the same outfit as the dust jacket photo of your book. Plus – Dave has … Continue reading Ep. 173 Plague Pits & Ghosts With Elly Griffiths
We’re joined by Fabian Nicieza for a fun chat about his new book The Self-Made Widow, how he had the ideas for his first two books 30 years ago, how comic books helped him learn English as a kid, the downside to being nominated for an Edgar Award, and why people think Deadpool is Canadian. … Continue reading Holding On To Good Ideas With Fabian Nicieza
We’re joined by Julie Clark for a fun chat about her new novel The Lies I Tell, the psychology of con artistry, real estate scams, being a self-taught author, graphic design, Joan Jett, and what makes June & July special. Plus – Dave pokes fun at his father-in-law, Laura pokes fun at Dave, and Andrew’s … Continue reading Ep. 173 How To Grift Your Friends With Julie Clark
We’re joined by Siena Sterling for a fun chat all about her debut novel Tell Us No Secrets, the impact of friendship, boarding schools, smoking rooms, and the time a teacher called her a witch. Plus – Dave goes from zero to hero at the beach and Andrew avoids near catastrophe while dropping off his … Continue reading Ep. 172 Secrets & Lies With Siena Sterling
A fun chat with Clare Pooley about her new book Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, giving nicknames to strangers, the impact of working from home all the time, and how she ended up singing backing vocals on an ABBA song. Plus – Dave and Andrew get VIP treatment at the Weird Al Yankovic concert, and … Continue reading Ep. 171 How To Talk To Strangers With Clare Pooley
This week: Dave doesn’t get his promised cake, Laura takes Sylvia in for an EEG, and Andrew goes car shopping. Again. Our recommendations are: The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward, A Bond Broken by J.T. Wright, and The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow. Audiobook of the week is … Continue reading Ep. 170 Cars, Cake & EEGs
A fun chat with Isabel Cañas about her debut novel The Hacienda, how she’s afraid of the dark, why she spend a lot of time in an unfinished basement as a kid, hot priests, and what it means to run barefoot through books. Plus – Dave goes to the track, Laura screams while falling and … Continue reading Ep. 169 Running Barefoot Through Books With Isabel Cañas
We chat with Seraphina Nova Glass about her new thriller On a Quiet Street, why she wouldn’t want to be in a book club, how she doesn’t know how to type, writing Hallmark Christmas movies, and the reason why a Brown Betty made it into her book. Plus – Dave, quite literally, hits the ground … Continue reading Discovering The Brown Betty With Seraphina Nova Glass
We’re joined once again by Linwood Barclay for a fun chat about his new novel Take Your Breath Away, the nightmares of home renovations, the delights of banana bread, why he builds model railway sets, and the anxiety he gets awaiting to hear back from his editor. We also recommend: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby … Continue reading Ep. 168 Banana Bread & Model Railway Sets With Linwood Barclay
We’re joined by Stephen Lloyd for a fun chat about his new book Friend of the Devil, the differences between novel writing and screenwriting, being an insufferable drama student, when football was REALLY violent and tackling the serious issue of Betamax vs. VHS. Plus – Dave’s students get some outsized reactions while performing in public. … Continue reading Remembering The Betamax With Stephen Lloyd
A fun chat with Dervla McTiernan about her new novel The Murder Rule, having to learn the idiosyncrasies of US law, The Innocence Project, Lucky Charms cereal, and the crazy circumstances surrounding the day she first heard back from a literary agent. Plus – Dave draws unwanted attention to himself, Laura drives a neighbor away, … Continue reading Ep. 167 Living To Write The Tale With Dervla McTiernan
We’re joined by Lydia Kang for a fun chat about her new historical fiction book The Half-Life of Ruby Fielding, the Manhattan project, New York City blackouts during WW2, and her obsession with poisons. Plus – heckling seems to run in Dave’s family. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use … Continue reading How To Pick Your Poison With Lydia Kang
A fun chat with Hernan Diaz about his new novel Trust, the dearth of novels about money, the American myth of the self made man, how narratives can shape reality, the value of fiction and its relation to truth, and pens. Plus – Dave’s classroom has mice, a busted radiator, and disappearing food. HOW … Continue reading Morphine & Violins With Hernan Diaz
We chat with Jennifer McMahon about her new novel The Children on the Hill, using her childhood and love of movie monsters as inspiration, how her first short story was about a haunted meatball, terrorizing her friends at slumber parties, writing what scares you, and her favorite movie snacks. Plus – Dave rants about trail … Continue reading How To Terrorize Your Friends With Jennifer McMahon
We talk to Alma Katsu about her new novel The Fervor, Japanese fire balloons, finding inspiration in civil unrest, and the inanity of the Japanese internment camps. Plus – Dave hides from the deans, Laura is forced to hop on yet another social media app, and Andrew forgets what grade his kids are in. We … Continue reading Ep. 166 History, Horror & Spiders With Alma Katsu
A fun chat with Sascha Rothchild about her new novel Blood Sugar, finding inspiration in the middle of the night, why she doesn’t care if you hate her book (you won’t), TV writing vs. novel writing, and why it’s okay to speak ill of the dead. Plus – Dave and his runny nose battle a … Continue reading Ep. 165 Speaking Ill Of The Dead With Sascha Rothchild
We’re joined by Ben Aaronovitch for a fun chat about his new novel Amongst Our Weapons, drinking coffee late into the evenings, marathon book events in Germany, jellied eels, why he hates mushy peas, the spell he wishes he could use, conspiracy theories, and the genius of grapefruit knives. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! … Continue reading Snarfing Jellied Eels With Ben Aaronovitch
We’re joined by Sarah Pinborough for a fun chat about her novel Insomnia, being petrified of everything growing up, why she finds the horror she writes amusing, watching TV in the afternoon in lieu of working, and what makes her a terrible collaborator. Plus – Dave sees the worst theatrical performance of his life, Laura … Continue reading Ep. 164 How To Be An Awful Collaborator With Sarah Pinborough
We’re joined by Kate Quinn for a fun conversation about her novel The Diamond Eye, the Ukranian sniper known as Lady Death, the timeliness of this book, her “method writing” experience, and how to know when to fictionalize. Plus – Laura needs business help, Dave can’t find the finish line, and Andrew dives deep into … Continue reading Ep. 163 Sharpshootin’ With Kate Quinn
We chat with the always fun Karen White about her new novel The Shop on Royal Street, staying in haunted hotels, her love for old houses, how nothing she writes is planned, and why she’s planning on chucking Barbie doll heads at the audience at her next book signing. Plus – Dave sucks at slots, … Continue reading Ep. 162 Giving Away Barbie Doll Heads With Karen White
A conversation with Sara Blaedel about her new novel A Harmless Lie, insect collecting, speaking in the voices of her characters, and the best foods to take when you’re picnicking in Denmark. Plus – Dave has a horrific half marathon tale. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound … Continue reading What To Pack For A Danish Picnic With Sara Blaedel
We chat with Ken Croke and Dave Wedge all about their riveting new book Riding With Evil: Taking Down The Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang. Ken talks to us about having the luck of the Irish, going undercover, how it affected his family, having to lie nonstop and remember those lies, and the fears of getting … Continue reading Going Undercover With Ken Croke And Dave Wedge
We’re joined by Peter Swason for a fun chat about his new novel Nine Lives, why he refuses to write bios for his characters, recycling lyrics, why he won’t write down his ideas, the tremendous demands authors place on their readers, the secret to a good lobster roll, and his NY Times crossword strategy. Plus … Continue reading Ep. 161 Writing When It Pays With Peter Swanson
We’re joined again by one of our favorite authors C. J. Box for a fun chat about his latest Joe Pickett novel Shadows Reel, his new favorite Denver Nugget player, incorporating the recent US civil unrest in his book, why he doesn’t save plot points for future books, the reason he spent some time as … Continue reading Ep. 160 Why You Should Be A Food Critic With C. J. Box
We’re joined by Erica Ferencik for an interesting conversation about her new novel Girl In Ice, sleeping behind an electric fence in Greenland, her relationship with fear, learning to be aware at all times, kayaking in the Iceberg Graveyard, and how she created her own Nordic language. Plus – Dave is the good cop, Laura … Continue reading Ep. 159 Sleeping Behind An Electric Fence With Erica Ferencik
On this Inside Chat episode we talk to Rob Hart all about his new novel The Paradox Hotel, making sense of time travel, how he wrote for the future, and writing with his mother in mind. Plus – we see a movie we wish we hadn’t. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your … Continue reading Quantum Physics & Dinosaurs With Rob Hart
Today we chat with Erica Katz all about her new novel Fake, why you might not know if you’re looking at a real work of art at a museum, private jets, the wealth disparity in New York, and the book she was reading that made her stop writing because of her insane book envy. We … Continue reading Ep. 158 Fakin’ It With Erica Katz
On this Inside Chat edition we have a fun conversation with Rebecca Ross all about her new novel A River Enchanted, listening to harp music, Scottish folklore, the Atlanta Falcons, the horrors of hanging wallpaper, and why she leaves glasses scattered around the house. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping … Continue reading Harp Music & Hanging Wallpaper With Rebecca Ross
On today’s Inside Chat edition we talk to the great Marlon James about his new novel Moon Witch, Spider King, turning yourself into a character, what’s holding him back as a reader at live events, the strange camaraderie of rugby matches, how he gets rid of his writing students, and the reason he was confused … Continue reading Getting Rid Of Your Students With Marlon James
Today we chat with Mark Greaney (operating on generator power) about his new novel Sierra Six, finally seeing The Gray Man come to the big screen, working with Tom Clancy, and holing up in hotels to make deadline. We also recommend: Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer, Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay, and The Last Sun … Continue reading Ep. 157 Holing Up In Hotels With Mark Greaney
A fun chat with Heather O’Neill about her new novel When We Lost Our Heads, Montreal Expos baseball, the sheer exhaustion of writing, the beauty of arsenic as a poison, the dark side, and cake eating. Plus – Dave can’t keep his students away from the concession food. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! … Continue reading Inside Chat: Arsenic & Old Baseball With Heather O’Neill
We’re joined by Wendy Corsi Staub for a fun chat about her new book The Other Family, how she stalks Martha Stewart, getting her best ideas from her sons, Victorian death rituals, where you can find her rum cake recipe, and who her Amazing Race partner would be. We also recommend: A History of Wild … Continue reading Ep. 156 Stalking Martha Stewart With Wendy Corsi Staub
We’re joined by Charmaine Wilkerson for a fun chat about her debut novel Black Cake, writing short fiction, cake (naturally), the search for plausibility, the zen of running and how it pertains to writing, and her love of crunchy foods. We also recommend: Five Decembers by James Kestrel, The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, and Prodigies … Continue reading Ep. 155 Flash Fiction & Running Zen With Charmaine Wilkerson
Today we chat with Heather Gudenkauf about her new thriller The Overnight Guest, being a true crime addict, how the seasons influenced her writing, putting a dog in every one of her books, and keeping a police chief on speed dial. We also recommend: These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant, Notes on an Execution … Continue reading Ep. 154 Heather Gudenkauf Is Hot & Cold
On the show today a conversation with Chris Herring all about his new book Blood In The Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks, rough and tumble old school basketball, and the madness and genius that was Pat Riley. Plus – Laura finds herself in the middle of a real life missing … Continue reading Inside Chat: Throwin’ It Down With Chris Herring
Today we talk to Elizabeth George all about her new Inspector Lynley novel Something To Hide, teaching the craft of writing, what happens to her books when screenwriters get hold of them, her adoration of Idris Elba, and that time her husband used her book as a tray. We also recommend: Klara and the Sun … Continue reading Ep. 153 When Books Become Trays With Elizabeth George
We’re joined once again by one of our favorite guests – Stephen Hunter. We chat all about his new book Targeted, his favorite Christmas snack, his aversion to new things, being a terrible short story writer, getting the names of his own characters wrong, and why he prefers old Raisinets. We also recommend: The Dry … Continue reading Ep. 152 Buttered Popcorn & Stale Raisinets With Stephen Hunter
A fun show today as we recap our trip to New York, Laura is witness to a Nair emegency, and Andrew hurts his back putting together Christmas presents. Our book recommendations are: Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy, How To Find Your Way in the Dark by Derek B. Miller, and Voyagers by Ben … Continue reading Ep. 151 Driving and Crying
Today Darby Kane joins us for a fun chat all about her new book The Replacement Wife, the voices in her head, why she switched genres, her experiences as a divorce lawyer, and her deep dark secret when it comes to reading a book. We also recommend: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, The Guide … Continue reading Ep. 150 How Not To Read A Book With Darby Kane
We’re joined by Chip Brewer for a fun chat about his debut novel Questions of Iron and Blood, fracturing his foot while running the Boston Marathon, thrillers based in reality, performing improv professionally, and the curse of having to finish reading a book no matter how bad it may be. We also recommend: The Anthropocene … Continue reading Ep. 149 The Fine Art Of The “Yes And” With Chip Brewer
We chat with Jeffery Deaver about his new novel The Midnight Lock, the joys of being back on a live book tour, the food in Italy, minibars, getting locked out of his house, scary dolls, his unique writing process, his attempt at picking a lock, and why he needs to keep buying new computers. We … Continue reading Ep. 148 Crushing Keboards And Minibars With Jeffery Deaver
A fun chat with Jodi Picoult about her new novel Wish You Were Here, why it was the book she never intended to write, not seeing her son for two years, the effect of COVID on the medical profession, the secret bond she learned from interviewing COVID patients with near death experiences, and that time … Continue reading Ep. 147 Writing Really Fast With Jodi Picoult
We chat with Erin Kodicek from Amazon Book Editors all about their list of the best books of 2021! Plus – Dave rails against an incompetent doctor. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent … Continue reading Inside Chat: Amazon Book Editors’ Best Books Of 2021
A fun conversation with Sherry Thomas about her new Lady Sherlock book Miss Moriarty, I Presume?, not using the character of Moriarty as an antagonist, what makes a good villain, and writing for Holmes despite not being very observant in real life. We also recommend: The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki, Shoot … Continue reading Ep. 146 Sherry Thomas Is The Unobservant Author
A fun chat with Alice Henderson about her new novel A Blizzard of Polar Bears, how she selects the species to write about for her books, how climate change is affecting polar bears, writing fight scenes, the best ways to fight climate change, learning Polish, and what its like living in a camper with a … Continue reading Ep. 145 Camping With Rabbits With Alice Henderson
We chat with Wanda M. Morris all about her new book All Her Little Secrets, incorporating social commentary without being preachy, why her book has been nearly two decades in the making, finding time to write, and what it was like being the youngest of seven kids. Plus – Dave has a run in with … Continue reading Inside Chat: Social Commentary With Wanda M. Morris
We have a very funny chat with the great Jeffrey Archer all about his new book Over My Dead Body, his love for and bafflement of Americans, being passed by a letter box while running a marathon, why it’s important to write what you know, how his favorite sports teams can’t win, his writing routine, … Continue reading Ep. 144 Silly Questions With Jeffrey Archer
We chat with Gabriella Saab all about her debut novel The Last Checkmate, the Polish resistance, chess, traveling for writing, and the PTSD that concentration camp survivors experience. We also recommend: The Locked Door by Freida McFadden, They Never Learn by Layne Fargo, and Backyard Starship by J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert. Audiobook of the … Continue reading Ep. 143 Check and Mate With Gabriella Saab
We chat with Josh Malerman all about his new novel Pearl, having to write with his keyboard at an angle, how he maintains tension in his books, outdoing himself, and why he drunkenly jumped in a pool with his clothes on. We also recommend: The Handyman by Bentley Little, The Quiet Ones by Brandon Massey, … Continue reading Ep. 142 Drunken Pool Diving With Josh Malerman
We chat with Lisa Unger all about her new novel Last Girl Ghosted, the differences between social media and real life, how technology changes the way we relate to each other, online dating, her Rilke and Jung obsession, waiting to hear her characters’ voices, and how she uses writing to metabolize darkness. We also recommend: … Continue reading Ep. 141 Metabolizing Darkness With Lisa Unger
We’re joined by C. J. Cooke for a chat about her new novel The Lighthouse Witches, the lost history of the forgotten Scottish Witch Trials, the beauty (and horror) of lighthouses, the friendliness of basking sharks, and getting a Tarot card reading from her daughter. We also recommend The Quiche of Death by M. C. … Continue reading Ep. 140 The Witching Hour Is Upon Us With C. J. Cooke
Today we’re joined by bestselling author Ruth Hogan for a fun conversation about her novel The Moon, The Stars, and Madame Burova, how reading Tarot cards turned into more than just research for her, why it’s important to hook the reader early on, and how she uses dogs in her books to inform the characters. … Continue reading Inside Chat: Reading The Cards With Ruth Hogan
Today we’re joined by bestselling author Robert Dugoni for a chat about his new novel The World Played Chess, his theater background, performing his own audiobook, Vietnam, the dangers of the Sawzall, and being a big baseball fan. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or … Continue reading Inside Chat: The Trouble With Sawzalls With Robert Dugoni
We’re joined by Kimberly McCreight for a chat about her new novel Friends Like These, how her psychology degree comes in handy, the unromantic grind of writing, listening to a single song on repeat, and what happens to her pulse rate while writing. We also recommend A Novel Way To Die by Tamra Baumann, The … Continue reading Ep. 139 Writing Ain’t Romantic With Kimberly McCreight
Big show with two big guests! First, author Freya Sampson joins us for a conversation about her novel The Last Chance Library, the strange things you find in library books, crappy first drafts, and the song she wanted to walk down the aisle to but was talked out of. Then, Denver public librarian Amy Delpo … Continue reading Inside Chat: Hushing Librarians With Freya Sampson
We’re joined by the hilarious Lemony Snicket for a fun chat about his new book Poison For Breakfast, stealing ideas from kids, the reality of being on set for filming, the reason he doesn’t want to narrate his books anymore, his hatred of PB&J sammies, the real reason he took up the accordion, creating first … Continue reading Ep. 138 Falling Down In Libraries With Lemony Snicket
Today we chat with Matthew Fitzsimmons about his new novel Constance, putting a spin on familiar tropes, middle of the night revelations, the closeness of cloning, the fun way he approaches research, whether or not he would clone himself, binging the Coen Brothers, and why the answer is always bacon. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! … Continue reading Inside Chat: The Future’s Not So Futuristic With Matthew Fitzsimmons
We’re joined by New York Times bestselling author William Kent Krueger about his new novel Lightning Strike, why he burned through editors early in his career, his four paper routes growing up, the Ojibwe people, writing in coffee shops, and his memories of the time he spent in the Boy Scouts. HOW TO … Continue reading Ep. 137 Writing In Coffee Shops With William Kent Krueger
Today we chat with Emily Spurr about her novel A Million Things, her struggles with mental health, finding the small things that bring joy, and how running can be both a boon and a hindrance to one’s writing. Plus – Dave starts at a new school and finds it incredibly hectic. HOW TO SUPPORT THE … Continue reading Inside Chat: Writing and Crying With Emily Spurr
We’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Zakiya Dalila Harris for a fun conversation about her debut novel The Other Black Girl, the multifaceted problems with the publishing industry, her affinity for the American Girl books growing up, and her obsession with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We also recommend In the Morning I’ll Be … Continue reading Ep. 136 Publish Or Perish With Zakiya Dalila Harris
We’re joined by Megan Abbott for a fun conversation about her new novel The Turnout, why she bought a pair of used ballet shoes from eBay, glamorous cigarette smoking, the exhaustive nature of showrunning, what it was like writing for The Deuce, and her multifaceted superstitions that affect the way she writes. We also recommend New … Continue reading Ep. 135 The Glamorous Art of Cigarette Smoking With Megan Abbott
Today we chat with Ashley Winstead all about her debut novel In My Dreams I Hold A Knife, how she spent years trying hard not to be a writer, writing for a sprawling cast of characters, her Type A personality, and getting booed off two separate karaoke stages. Plus – Dave & Laura witness a band … Continue reading Inside Chat: Knife Dreams With Ashley Winstead
We’re joined by Kate Reed Petty for a chat about her debut novel True Story, stoop sittin’, the off kilter structure of her book, how storytelling affects trauma, and why she’s gifting her mother a visit from a pet psychic. We also recommend Goldenrod: Poems by Maggie Smith, Palm Beach by Mary Adkins, and Phoenix … Continue reading Ep. 134 Stoop Sittin’ with Kate Reed Petty
We’re joined by novelist Andrea Bartz for a lively chat about her latest thriller We Were Never Here, her experiences traveling alone, Tokyo karaoke, coded messages, running gags, the benefits of therapy, and the spell candle she lights while writing. We also recommend: Size 12 is Not Fat by Meg Cabot, Animals by Will Staples, and Luck … Continue reading Ep. 133 Burning Spell Candles With Andrea Bartz
Today we chat with Samantha Downing all about her brilliant new thriller For Your Own Good, psychopathic teachers, the best poisons, and how she knows when it’s time to kill off a character. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It … Continue reading Inside Chat: The Best Poisons With Samantha Downing
We chat with Karin Slaughter about her new thriller False Witness, the human side of addiction, why she writes about violence towards women, being a cat person, the decision to include the pandemic in her book, the problem with Hall & Oates, and the trouble with Ted Danson. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all … Continue reading Inside Chat: How To Ruin Pop Music With Karin Slaughter
Today we chat with Jason Mott sans sport coat about his new book Hell of a Book, the genius of Nicolas Cage, why he felt obligated to write this book, the insane fan at a book signing who fixated on his teeth, the story behind the title, and the surprising background noise he puts on … Continue reading Inside Chat: Hell Of A Chat With Jason Mott
We’re joined by New York Times best-selling novelist Grady Hendrix for a lively chat about his latest horror novel The Final Girl Support Group, the final girl that inspired the book, his bitter memories of Ed Begley Jr., why (and how) he read 326 books over a 10 month period, his affinity for metalheads, and … Continue reading Ep. 132 Metalheads and Meathooks With Grady Hendrix
Today we chat with Connor Sullivan all about his new book Sleeping Bear, the mysterious Alaskan Triangle, Russian sharaskas, why he didn’t get any help from his father the novelist, and how his competitive skiing career helped him with his writing. Plus – small town parade tomfoolery in Forks, WA. HOW TO SUPPORT THE … Continue reading Inside Chat: Into The Alaskan Triangle With Connor Sullivan
Today we chat with David Bell all about his new thriller Kill All Your Darlings, the power imbalance between students and professors, why it’s just easier for him to over expound, the trouble with book readings, when it’s okay to eavesdrop, and the problem with students who compliment his writing. Plus – We discover why … Continue reading Inside Chat: Eavesdropping and Snooping With David Bell
Today we chat with Vanessa Riley all about her new historical fiction novel Island Queen, discovering her main character through a cartoon sketch, how her background in engineering helps her writing, and how chocolate keeps her writing. Plus – more tales from our vacation! HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use … Continue reading Inside Chat: Chocolate Rewards With Vanessa Riley
Today we chat with Stephanie Dray all about her new book The Women of Chateau Lafayette, the trouble with writing three separate timelines, America’s favorite fighting Frenchman the Marquis de Lafayette, discovering an old secret love affair while doing research and having to break it to the family, and much more! Plus – Dave hits the road … Continue reading Inside Chat: Uncovering Secret Love Affairs With Stephanie Dray
We’re joined by New York Times best-selling novelist Riley Sager for an enjoyable chat about his latest thriller Survive the Night, scaring women in airport bookstores, how his book was basically borne from sheer laziness, his obsession with Disney World, listening to the same Spotify techno playlist over and over and over again while writing, and being … Continue reading Ep. 131 Unhealthy Obsessions With Riley Sager
Today we chat with Christine Feehan all about her new book Murder At Sunrise Lake, trash talking her grandson, wearing a red Power Ranger onesie, writing two books at the same time, how she would force her siblings to tell her her stories were good growing up, teaching martial arts, and how she spent her first book … Continue reading Inside Chat: How To Write Two Books At Once With Christine Feehan
Today we chat with Emily Henry about her new rom-com People We Meet On Vacation, why saxophones have no place in pop songs, what it was like editing a book about vacations during COVID, her intense dislike of calzones and flip flops, and the benefits of wearing fuzzy socks. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! … Continue reading Inside Chat: Calzones & Saxophones With Emily Henry
We’re joined by Laura Lippman for an enjoyable chat about her new literary thriller Dream Girl, her Bawlmer accent impersonation, why she has to go solo to the movies to watch horror movies, how she’s the second funniest person in her house, being a genre writer, the difficulties of writing for all the different types … Continue reading Ep. 130 Speaking Bawlmerese With Laura Lippman
Today we chat with Keith Rosson all about his new novel Road Seven, growing up with comic books and GI Joe, cryptozoology, the problem with audiophiles, unicorn poop, and why it’s important to give yourself permission to write a shitty first draft. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs use our … Continue reading Inside Chat: How To Find A Unicorn With Keith Rosson
Today we’re joined by author Caitlin Wahrer for an enjoyable chat about her new thriller The Damage, how she managed to practice law and write at the same time, why the book doesn’t really reflect her views, how she found out Stephen King blurbed her book, why social media is not good for you if you’re … Continue reading Ep. 129 Collateral Damage With Caitlin Wahrer
Today we chat with Sarah Gelman from Amazon Books about the best books of 2021 thus far, the fights that go down amongst the editors to get their picks on the list, and the real reason she loves cookbooks. Check out the full list here – https://www.amazon.com/Best-Books-of-the-Year-So-Far/b?ie=UTF8&node=3003015011 HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all … Continue reading Inside Chat: The Best Books of 2021 So Far With Amazon’s Sarah Gelman
Today we’re joined by Carter Wilson for a fun chat about his new thriller The Dead Husband, how he hates to do research for his books, the comments he gets at book clubs, small towns, and how being bored in a real estate relicensing class led to him becoming a writer. We also recommend: A … Continue reading Ep. 128 Who Needs Research? With Carter Wilson
Today we’re joined by No Exit author Taylor Adams for a chat about his new thriller Hairpin Bridge, the trouble with writing for the bad guy, his pet snake, being inspired by a real life bridge, quitting his real job to write full time, and his insane writing process (it involves lots of typing). This week we also recommend: … Continue reading Ep. 126 Snakes, Trucks & Typing With Taylor Adams
Today we chat with Paul Rudnick all about his new book Playing the Palace, the character envy he felt for the Queen he created, our obsession with British royalty, the appeal of RBG, the best breakfast cereals, writing original pieces for the theater again, The Devil Wears Prada musical, the fear of socially embarrassing his … Continue reading Inside Chat: Cereals & Royalty With Paul Rudnick
Today we chat with Hannah Mary McKinnon all about her new thriller You Will Remember Me, the difficulties of writing for a character with amnesia, false memories, the influence of libraries, why she won’t sing in public, the book she’d read again for the first time if she lost her memory, and what she doesn’t … Continue reading Inside Chat: Creating False Memories With Hannah Mary McKinnon
Today we’re joined by Bird Box author Josh Malerman for a chat about his novella collection Goblin, putting off making an acceptance video for the Stokers, why Goblin>Rolling Hills, how he’s easily scared, why we should be buried standing up, playing music, what it means to get the janitors to tap their toes, and the success of Birdbox. This … Continue reading Ep. 125 Buried Standing Up With Josh Malerman
Today we’re joined by author Laura Hankin for a chat about her latest novel A Special Place for Women, the secret world of exclusive women’s clubs, why she downloaded an astrology app and went to a psychic, what it means to be a “girlboss,” and the reason why she had to hold a pillow over her stomach while recording … Continue reading Ep. 124 Seeing Psychics With Laura Hankin
Today we chat with L.R. Dorn (aka Matt Dorff and Suzanne Dunn) about their new thriller The Anatomy of Desire, social media influencers, writing a book like a docuseries, writing for an audio medium as well as the page, and the benefits of working together. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping … Continue reading Inside Chat: Catching Glitches with L.R. Dorn
Today we’re joined byThe Martian author Andy Weir for a chat about his latest book Project Hail Mary, cobbling the story together from pieces out of his “brain junkyard,” trying to get better at writing, defending Shemp, his hatred for flashbacks, and why he would never go into space. This week we also recommend: The Edge of Sadness by … Continue reading Ep. 123 Spacing Out With Andy Weir
Today we chat with Linwood Barclay all about his new thriller Find You First, writing like a magician, the impact Ross Macdonald had on him, what he likes about screenplay writing, his homage to Rear Window, writing a newspaper “humor” column, and the power of the Cheeto. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all … Continue reading Inside Chat: Sleight of Hand and Misdirection With Linwood Barclay
Today we chat with author Mark T. Sullivan about his latest novel The Last Green Valley, the surprising place he found the inspiration for his book, the fascinating history of ethnic Germans, the secret of beekeeping, and what to look for in a guide when you’re on the road researching. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all … Continue reading Inside Chat: War And Bees With Mark T. Sullivan
Today we’re joined by author Clare Whitfield for a chat about her book People of Abandoned Character, the truth about the Victorian era, the ongoing mystique of Jack the Ripper, slum tourism, why she’s not watching The Crown, and being taught at university how to breathe fire. We also welcome Denver Public Librarian Amy Delpo back to … Continue reading Ep. 122 How To Breathe Fire With Clare Whitfield
Today we’re joined by author Will Dean for a chat about his latest thriller The Last Thing to Burn, his visions, his overactive imagination, the effects of isolation, why it took him five years to write the book, getting blamed for sleepless nights, loathing his antagonist, growing up without books, and why he writes his first drafts … Continue reading Ep. 121 Vision Questing With Will Dean
Today we’re joined by Bryan Christy for a fun chat about his debut novel In The Company of Killers, his career as an investigative journalist, why he decided to switch over to fiction from journalism, how growing up in a mortician’s family affected him, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and the time he got arrested in Tanzania … Continue reading Ep. 120 Out Of Africa With Bryan Christy
Today we chat with author Joanne Tompkins about her latest novel What Comes After, spending time with Quakers, how working as a mediator for high trauma cases influenced her writing, writing into the mystery, how we never know what we’re dealing with, and the evil that lurks among us. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all … Continue reading Inside Chat: Joanne Tompkins
Today we chat with Jack Carr about his latest James Reece thriller The Devil’s Hand, the weaponization of infectious diseases, his eerie prescience, what the enemy has learned observing us for the last 20 years, how he uses dialogue to inform his characters, why he always starts with the title, his 9/11 experience, his thoughts … Continue reading Inside Chat: Starting At The Title With Jack Carr
Today we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson for a fun chat about her latest novel Mother May I, the reaction she got when she asked to audition to narrate her own book, what she learned from teaching incarcerated women, the similarities between writing and acting, being a hands on researcher, and … Continue reading Ep. 119 Method Writing With Joshilyn Jackson
Today we’re joined by USA Today Bestselling novelist Paula Munier for a fun chat about her latest Mercy Carr novel The Hiding Place, having the title before even beginning the book, how she doesn’t remember writing this book due to pandemic brain, the way PTSD affects dogs, what she learned from librarians growing up, terrifying snowmobile … Continue reading Ep. 118 Hounding Paula Munier
Today we chat with author Brian Nelson about his new thriller Five Tribes, the fine art of biohacking, technology as its own life form, the common bond between honeyguides and orcas, mirror neurons and thinking like an animal, Dungeons & Dragons, and how he gave his freshman English students the Unabomber Manifesto to read. … Continue reading Inside Chat: Thinking Like An Animal With Brian Nelson
Today we’re joined by the talented novelist Alma Katsu for a chat about her new novel Red Widow, women in the CIA, trust and mistrust in the agency, constantly being watched by counter intelligence, code names, and the automated hot dog machine in the bowels of the CIA building. We also recommend: The Slaughtered Lamb by Seana … Continue reading Ep. 117 Sussing Out Traitors With Alma Katsu
Today we chat with Peter Swanson about his new thriller Every Vow You Break, the horror of making a story up as you go along, how to activate your unconscious, his biggest pet peeve with the publishing industry, the problem with twists, the need for more mystery thriller novellas, poetry quoters, why Boston needs to … Continue reading Inside Chat: Obsessing Over Word Counts With Peter Swanson
Today we’re joined by the award-winning novelist Peter Robinson for a lively chat about his new novel Not Dark Yet, his desire to narrate an audiobook, creating playlists for his books, reading James Bond books too young, how he’s had trouble focusing during the Pandemic, the manner in which Banks has evolved over the years, his … Continue reading Ep. 116 Taking It To The Banks With Peter Robinson
Today we chat with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones about her new thriller The Poet, how her husband’s infatuation with serial killers helped inspire her to write the book, working out, her husband’s candy obsession, plotting with her husband, and finding resources for her novels in the strangest places. Snowpocalypse HOW TO … Continue reading Inside Chat: Working Out With Lisa Renee Jones
Today we’re joined by New York Times and USA Today best-selling novelist Kate Quinn for an entertaining chat about her new novel The Rose Code, breaking codes at Bletchley Park and the equality that was found there, the “insane” amount of research she did for the book, British morale campaigns during WW2, how the Enigma machine … Continue reading Ep. 115 Crackin’ Codes With Kate Quinn
Today we chat with Don Bentley about his new Matt Drake thriller The Inside Man, the two types of military pilots, the importance of communicating about PTSD, being the crazy guy who reads all of his Goodreads reviews, how he visualizes his big action set pieces, what it’s like getting pepper sprayed, why training is … Continue reading Inside Chat: Taking Pepper Spray To The Face With Don Bentley
Today we chat with the legendary New York Times bestselling author C.J. Box about his latest Joe Pickett novel Dark Sky, his daughters’ demands for elk meat, the truth about the original Marlboro Man, why his books resonate with readers, how the Pandemic has affected him differently from other authors, what his writing process is like, … Continue reading Inside Chat: Gone Fishin’ With C.J. Box
Today we’re joined by New York Times best-selling novelist Deanna Raybourn for a diverting chat about her new novel An Unexpected Peril, her obsession with Victorian female explorers, women mountaineers and climbing skirts, how Veronica’s personality rubs off on her, the reason why she wears bright red lipstick on the road, the fine art of blurbing, and … Continue reading Ep. 114 Not Giving A Sh!t With Deanna Raybourn
Today we chat with the delightful, New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh about her latest thriller Quiet in Her Bones, writing first drafts furiously fast, her love for Bollywood, how to quiet the “squirrels on the brain,” New Zealand noir, what inspired her to try a thriller after writing romances, and what happens when you … Continue reading Inside Chat: Squirrels On The Brain With Nalini Singh
Today we’re joined by USA Today best-selling novelist Susan Meissner for a delightful chat about her new novel The Nature of Fragile Things, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, hooking the reader early, thinking in an Irish brogue, writing genre bending books, and the joys of going down YouTube rabbit trails guilt free when you’re researching. … Continue reading Ep. 113 Shaking It Up With Susan Meissner
Today we chat with the legendary J.A. Jance about her latest book Missing and Endangered, how she got started on the Joanna Brady mysteries, the time she forgot she already killed off a character, how her characters still stay busy even when she’s not writing, and how her sister’s bra inspired a scene in her book … Continue reading Inside Chat: Killing Off Characters With J.A. Jance
Today we’re joined by Sam Tallent for a hilarious chat about his debut novel Running the Light, what it’s like being a road comic, getting mad at his editor, convincing comics to perform his audiobook only to find out they can’t really read, Norm MacDonald, which hotel chain is the best, and how he ended … Continue reading Ep. 112 Take My Book – Please – With Sam Tallent
Today we chat with the delightful Sharon Virts about her debut novel Masque of Honor, living in the house built by her main character, how an Oscar nominated screenwriter convinced her to write the book, the “ghost written” chapter she doesn’t remember writing, chinchilla stoles and period detail, strong female characters, calling cards, duels, and the joys … Continue reading Inside Chat: Dueling It Out With Sharon Virts
Today we’re joined by Sarah Pearse for a fun chat about her new book The Sanatorium, YouTube rabbit holes, cutting out magazine photos for mood boards, experimental sanatorium treatments, the Swiss Alps, the complications of writing a locked room mystery, and finally discovering Project Runway. We also recommend: Murder on a Girls’ Night Out by Anne … Continue reading Ep. 111 Late To The Party With Sarah Pearse
Today we chat with the delightful Abigail Dean about her Sunday Times best-selling debut novel Girl A, her love of true crime, being an only child, the truth about “unlikable” characters, the power of meaningful relationships against a bleak setting, and experiencing sleepless nights while writing. HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all your shopping needs … Continue reading Inside Chat: Sleepless Nights With Abigail Dean
Today we chat with the talented Alison Wisdom about her debut novel We Can Only Save Ourselves, how she’s always been interested in cults, growing up in the suburbs, why cult leaders are always men, neighborhood Moms, and why she had to cut back on “the Manson factor” for her book. Plus – Dave is taken … Continue reading Inside Chat: The Cult Of Personality With Alison Wisdom
Today we chat with the delightful Rosalind Miles about her new book The Women’s History of the Modern World, how every revolution in the history of the world has involved women, the meaning behind “hubby power,” why women have more equality in “primitive” societies, how society invents reasons why women are inferior to men as it … Continue reading Inside Chat: Vive La Revolution With Rosalind Miles
Today we chat with the fantastic Syed M. Masood about his new novel The Bad Muslim Discount, the reason why his literary hero is Ray Romano, the difference between writing for Young Adults vs Adults, writing comedy, and how his great-grandmother was a ruthless Checkers player and taught him how to play. HOW TO SUPPORT … Continue reading Inside Chat: Playing Checkers With Syed M. Masood
Today we’re joined by the award winning, best-selling writer Dana Stabenow for a fun chat about her new book Spoils of the Dead, the agony of writing during a pandemic, missing her deadline by two months, Alaskan bush pilots, her R2D2 ringtone, and that time she fell in a pit full of live salmon as … Continue reading Ep. 110 Pits Of Salmon With Dana Stabenow
Today we chat with the delightful Sarah Langan about her new literary noir Good Neighbors, her personal experience with sinkholes, suburbia, living in New York vs Los Angeles, Pam Anderson, and the time her 6th grade teacher took away her Stephen King book and replaced it with a Sweet Valley High tome. Plus – Dave’s students … Continue reading Inside Chat: Falling Into A Sinkhole With Sarah Langan
We’re joined by one of Europe’s most successful thriller writers, author Sebastian Fitzek for a chat about his book The Package, being afraid of getting kidnapped as a child, the fine art of watching people read his book in an old prison, the time an Italian translator added a chapter to the middle of his … Continue reading Ep. 109 Watching People Read With Sebastian Fitzek
We’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner for a fun chat about her new book Before She Disappeared, being inspired by a real life hero, Haitian baked goods, the cat that hates her, how she never meant for any of her books to be a series, and her daughter’s brilliant suggestion for the … Continue reading Ep. 108 Rickrolling With Lisa Gardner
Today we chat with the delightful Chris Hauty about his new Hayley Chill thriller Savage Road, using simple google searches for plot ideas, the terror of home grown threats, keeping his books apolitical, riding motorcycles, and being wholly unprepared to write a series. Plus – Laura can’t stop listening to the same songs over and … Continue reading Inside Chat: Hayley Chillin’ With Chris Hauty
We’re joined by Nick Petrie for a fun chat about his new book The Breaker, being the kind of person people tell secrets to, advocating for veterans, how stories can literally save lives, not using an outline, how PTSD is a part of all of us, and why he has to keep reminding himself he knows … Continue reading Ep. 107 Shutting Out The Noise With Nick Petrie
Today we chat with the delightful Faye Kellerman about her latest novel The Lost Boys, spiteful blue herons, how she finally wore out her bread machine, how Peter and Rina talk to her all the time, the terrifying time she couldn’t find her son, her love for weird docs, and why she calls herself “Betty … Continue reading Inside Chat: Hearing Voices With Faye Kellerman
Today we chat with Ashley Audrain about her debut novel The Push, motherhood fears, being vulnerable as a mother, visualizing her characters, the good old days of ABC’s TGIF lineup, why the book wasn’t as hard to write as it is to read, and the reason she was glad there wasn’t a big book launch … Continue reading Inside Chat: Motherhood Mania with Ashley Audrain
Today we are joined by the unstoppable Robert Jones, Jr. for an excellent conversation about his new novel The Prophets, being inspired by Toni Morrison, feeling the pain of his characters, watching horror movies to decompress, the reason he used Biblical names, why it’s important to know your flowers, and how dancing to Janet Jackson … Continue reading Inside Chat: Breaking Chairs with Robert Jones, Jr.
We’re joined by the fabulous Julia Claiborne Johnson for a fun chat about her new book Better Luck Next Time, how her father worked on a divorce ranch and helped inspire her book, her struggle to remember people’s names, being blinded by the light at the Emmys, changing the ending almost too late, dust cover … Continue reading Ep. 106 Divorce Ranches and Dust Covers with Julia Claiborne Johnson
This week we recommend: Long Bright River by Liz Moore, Hillbilly Hustle by Wesley Browne, and Starship Relic by Darcy Troy Paulin. Audiobook of the week is The Wrong Family by Tarryn Fisher. Plus- Dave is done with Secret Santa, Laura can’t start or stop “winding down,” Andrew is on a Mexican beach Andrew’s happy … Continue reading Ep. 105 Secret Santas & Mexican Beaches
Today we are joined by Marcus J Moore for a fun conversation about his new book The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America, what makes Kendrick stand out musically, Kendrick’s involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement, the meditational mantra of “Alright,” the importance of telling your own story, talking … Continue reading Inside Chat: Reading Between The Liner Notes With Marcus J Moore
Today we are joined by Kyle Mills for an exciting conversation about his new book in the Mitch Rapp series Total Power, asking the question – what if Mitch Rapp can’t save the day, the reality about how long we’d last without power (spoiler – not long at all), failing miserably at learning Spanish, the dark genius … Continue reading Inside Chat: Turning Off The Lights With Kyle Mills
Today we are joined by Pete Croatto for an entertaining conversation about his new book From Hang Time to Prime Time: Business, Entertainment and the Birth of the Modern-Day NBA. We also discuss how Marvin Gaye’s national anthem changed the NBA, the backstory behind the Spike Lee/Michael Jordan Nike ads, and why the Utah’s basketball franchise nickname is … Continue reading Inside Chat: Dropping Dimes With Pete Croatto
Today we’re joined by the fantastic KJ Dell’Antonia for a fun chat about her new novel The Chicken Sisters, what it was like being picked for Reese Weatherspoons’s book club, good fried chicken, being puzzled by reality TV contestants, small town life, and getting creative with the new deep quarantine deep fryer. We also recommend: Watch Over Me … Continue reading Ep. 104 Hitting The Deep Fryer With KJ Dell’Antonia
Today we are joined by Courtney Evan Tate aka Courtney Cole for a fun conversation about her new thriller The Last to See Her, a book signing “race” unlike any other, looking at everyone she meets askance, her affinity for bad boys, the unfair preconceptions about the romance genre, and how crying after reading Where … Continue reading Inside Chat: Down the Up Escalator With Courtney Evan Tate
Today we’re joined by the delightful Denise Williams for a fun chat about her new romance How to Fail at Flirting, having to do math again for her book, being a list person, going through 41 different titles, and the reason her husband might be looking to get into better shape. We also recommend: The Searcher by Tana … Continue reading Ep. 103 Getting Flirty With Denise Williams
Today we’re joined by the hilarious Jeff Lindsay for a waaaay too much fun chat about his excellent new thriller Fool Me Twice, how he loathes writing, his future one man show Off Book, writing plays for no audience, American archetypes, the lost meaning of Dexter, playing Scrooge in a department store window, and how … Continue reading Episode 102 Writing: A Loathe Story with Jeff Lindsay