Authors Talking Bookish

Joanna Monahan lives in North Carolina with her husband, children, and two distracting cats. Before she began writing, Joanna worked a variety of jobs, including marketing, professional organizing, and setting up book fairs. She enjoys theater, baseball, and bookmarking recipes she will never make. A child of the 80s, she regrets that she no longer receives pizza coupons in exchange for reading. Y...

The first page of a novel can make or break a reader’s attention. In this episode, we explore what goes into crafting an irresistible opening that hooks your audience from the very first line. From setting the tone and establishing stakes to introducing compelling characters and planting questions that beg to be answered, we’ll break down the techniques successful authors use to keep readers turni...

In this episode, Donna and Hope dive into the ever-evolving world of literary adaptations, exploring why so many novels are making their way to screens—both big and small. They break down the difference between loose and tight adaptations, share the essential qualities that make a novel ripe for adaptation, and examine the rising trend of limited series as the ideal format for complex storytelling...

Award-winning author, Gail Priest shares her passion for women’s fiction, inspired by her background in theatre and psychology. Her stories explore healing, family secrets, love, and second chances, set along the New Jersey and Maryland coast. When not writing, she enjoys reading, birdwatching, and beachcombing. She’s the author of Soul Dancing . SHOW NOTES: Soul Dancing themes Supernatural story...

In this episode, we explore how writers can effectively monetize their work on Substack by leveraging paid subscriptions, exclusive content, and additional products. We also discuss strategies for building an engaged audience and turning their passion for writing into a sustainable income. SHOW NOTES: Substack is an online platform that allows writers and creators to host subscription-based email...

Ready to finally conquer Scrivener without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish , we’re breaking down the basics of Scrivener and showing you how to set up your first project like a pro. From organizing chapters to using the powerful Corkboard and Compile tools, we’ll help you unlock the features that make writing easier—and way more fun. Whether you're a plotter or a pa...

In this episode, we sit down with James Arnett, acclaimed author of The Monmouth Manifesto and Bean Fate , two gripping works of historical fiction. Arnett opens up about the deeply personal inspirations behind his novels and how his legal career shaped the complex worlds he creates. From intense research to navigating the road to publication, Arnett shares the passion and process behind his writi...

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the editing process with two expert guests: Sarah Rexford, a seasoned editor from a Manhattan publisher and John DeDakis, author, freelance editor, book coach and former CNN editor. Whether you're prepping your manuscript for submission or self-publishing, this conversation offers invaluable insights into what editors really look for. You'll hear their...

For our 50th episode, we’re turning the mic inward! Join Hope and Donna as they interview each other in a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that dives deep into their lives as writers, readers, and creatives. From the highs and lows of the publishing journey to quirky habits and guilty pleasures, nothing is off-limits. You’ve heard their thoughts on craft and industry—now get ready to meet the...

Bio: Lisa Montanaro is the author of the debut novel, Everything We Thought Was True , which released in January 2025, by Red Adept Publishing, and won first place for LGBTQ Fiction in the International Firebird Book Awards and Honorable Mention from the Los Angeles Book Festival. At turns heartbreaking and hopeful, the novel explores not only the consequences of secrets—even secrets kept out of l...

In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish , we take a deep dive into The Handmaid’s Tale —not just as readers, but as writers. We explore Margaret Atwood’s masterful craft: her use of voice, world building, and the chilling plausibility that makes this dystopian classic so enduring. We also share our take on the most recent adaptation and how it expands (or shifts) the original narrative. Most im...

In this episode, we explore how a simple journal can become a novelist’s most powerful tool. From unlocking character secrets to breaking through writer’s block, journaling helps writers tap into their deepest creative instincts. You’ll learn five practical ways journaling can support your novel at every stage—and get inspired with fresh prompts to spark your next breakthrough. Whether you're stuc...

Author Jenn Bouchard is a member of Grub Street and the Women Fiction Writers' Association, as well as a board member for her local Dollars for Scholars chapter. She is an avid cook and is always planning her next adventure. FIRST COURSE was published in 2021 by TouchPoint Press and released as an audiobook in 2023 by Tantor Audio. It is now available in a second edition through Coastal Whisk. You...

In this episode, we dive deep into the best resources for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're plotting your first novel or preparing for a book launch, we've got you covered with expert recommendations and actionable advice. Tune in for a treasure trove of writing wisdom and get one step closer to achieving your publishing goals! SHOW NOTES: Books on Craft Master the art of str...

When writing a novel, it’s essential to develop complex, authentic characters that your readers come to care about in some way. In this episode, we’ll talk about ways in which you can create nuanced characters your readers can connect to, love or hate. And we’ll provide models of characters as examples and a FREE DOWNLOAD of exercises to help you achieve them in your work. SHOW NOTES: Develop Rich...

Join us as we interview author J.D .Barker, renowned for his thrilling novels, including Forsaken , The Fourth Monkey , and Dracul (co-authored with Bram Stoker’s family using Bram’s original notes and journals). With a reputation for pushing the boundaries of suspense and supernatural storytelling, his works have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide, and Dracul is currently in development for f...

Writers craft thousands of words to create a novel, so why is it so difficult to write a summary and pitch for books? We’ll delve into the difficulty of whittling down a novel into these necessary tasks which could make-or-break selling a novel. In addition, we’ll discuss the functions of a summary and pitch as well as how to write them. SHOW NOTES: Summary: a concise overview of a book with the p...

Each year some of the top industry publications predict trends in publishing for the upcoming year. In today’s episode, we’ll share some of these and give you our take on where we think the publishing industry is heading. SHOW NOTES: “Top Ten Publishing Trends of 2025,” Emma Boyer, Written Words Media, 2 JAN 2025 “Publishing Leaders Share Nine Bold Predictions for 2025 and Beyond,” Audrey DeRobert...

Sarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction—slice-of-life stories with heart and humor centered on friendships and family. She is the award-winning author of three novels: Light of the Fire (2024), Daytime Drama (2021), and Designer You (2018). When she’s not writing, Sarahlyn moonlights as a full-time writing and literature professor at a local community college. Originally from the San...

SUMMARY: In this episode, we dive deep into the world of book reviews and blurbs. These essential elements serve as crucial communication tools for authors, helping them convey the value of their work to potential readers. We explore how impactful reviews and compelling blurbs can significantly influence a book's success, while also sharing insights from notable authors about the key components to...

SUMMARY: To kick off the new year, we’re talking about our top reads of 2024 and what we’re most looking forward to in 2025. What’s on your TBR list? SHOW NOTES: Top 2024 Reads: Donna James , Percival Everett Echo of Old Books , Barbara Davis The Little Liar, Mitch Albom Mad Honey, Jodi Piccoult Hope The Housemaid , Freida McFadden It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me , Rex Chapman Of Lies and Honey ,...

This episode speaks to marketing techniques to help you make the most of the holidays as a vehicle to sell more books. Learn how to customize your sales pitch and graphics for optimal success whether you are running ads, sharing to social media, appearing at holiday-centric events, or working collaboratively with other authors to get the word out about your books. We’ll teach you how such “holiday...

Curious about how to get traction for your book before it’s released or after? Today, we are joined by three bookstagrammers who will talk to us about how they can be helpful with your book launch by getting eyes on your books and reviews to establish or sustain the momentum of your book marketing campaign. Suzanne Leopold, the founder of Suzy Approved Book Tours, helps to match readers to your bo...

In this episode, we'll dive into the fundamentals of advertising on Facebook and Amazon for authors. We’ll explore whether ads are the right choice for you, depending on your goals, budget, and readiness to invest in promotional strategies. You’ll learn about the benefits of each platform, what types of ads work best, and how to get started with your first campaign, including tips for optimizing r...

Blogs and newsletters are excellent ways for you to connect with readers. Have you ever wondered whether you should do one over the other or both? In this episode, we’ll provide you with the purposes and differences of blogs and newsletters, so you can make an informed decision about how you can best connect with readers. And, we’ll make suggestions for content for both. SHOW NOTES: Key difference...