Northwest Book Talk

Cartoonist and graphic novelist Jonno Heyne joins Northwest Book Talk to share his creative journey and love of visual storytelling. He talks about comics as a gateway to literacy and why meeting readers face-to-face at comic cons, book fairs, and community events is the most rewarding part of selling his books. This episode is part of the runway to the Northwest Book Fair .

For the past two years, Northwest Book Talk has shared conversations with authors and storytellers across the Pacific Northwest. In this solo episode, host Patty Grasher explains a thoughtful reset for the show—bringing a clearer focus to the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest and the community it serves. This episode reflects on what the show has been, what’s changing, and why this new directio...

Bestselling cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk to share how a simple idea blossomed into the beloved Ashland Mystery Fest , now attracting readers and writers from around the world. Ellie talks about balancing festival planning with her writing career, the power of community partnerships, and how immersive, reader-driven events deepen the connection betw...

Patty talks with mystery author Caren Hahn about what really works—and what doesn’t—when authors attend live book events. Caren shares insights from her first author conference, discovering that not all events attract readers, and the importance of clear pricing and presentation. Together, they explore how authors can build deeper reader relationships, manage event costs, and collaborate with othe...

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk , host Patty Grasher talks with Jordan Fitch , author of NoTown and The Cardinal Line , about how live events can transform the way authors connect with readers. Jordan shares his experiences of meeting new readers at live events, small, large and inbetween. The importance of making real connections, and why in-person events remains a powerful part of buildin...

An exciting episode on Northwest Book Talk that guides new authors to find joy in their writing with clear actionionable steps to avoid confusion and overwhelm.

Step back in time with Northwest Book Talk as author and historian Martin Middlewood shares stories from his new book, Hidden History of Pearson Field . Discover why Pearson Field in Vancouver, Washington is considered the nation’s oldest continuously operating airfield and how it shaped the aviation history of the Pacific Northwest . From the golden age of flight to daring pilots like Silas Chris...

Award-winning fantasy author Dawn Shipman joins us on Northwest Book Talk to explore her magical world of strong heroines, rich mythology, and heartfelt adventures. From her lifelong love of horses and storytelling to the epic journey behind The Lost Stones of Argonia , Dawn shares her creative process and inspirations. Tune in for a conversation full of imagination, wisdom, and a touch of Pacific...

Join us as Christian historical fiction author Kendy Pearson shares how her faith and love of history intertwine to shape powerful, redemptive stories. From strong female protagonists to richly researched settings, Kendy brings the past to life with heart and purpose. Discover her writing journey, creative insights, and the message of hope woven through every page.

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk , we’re divinginto the charming and twist-filled world of cozy mysteries with author Paula Charles . A fresh and engaging voice on the cozy mystery scene, Paula brings small-town charm, quirky characters, and page-turning puzzles to life in her HomeTown Hardware Mysteries . Writing also under the pen name Jana Rollins , she takes readers on a more meditative...

Some stories hook you with suspense. Others make you question everything you thought you knew. In The Cardinal Line and Name Town , author Jordan Fitch masterfully does both. A former U.S. Marine turned thriller writer, Jordan brings sharp precision, emotional depth, and a love for the Pacific Northwest into his novels. In our recent Northwest Book Talk interview, we explored the hidden layers of...

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk , host Patty Grasher speaks with Toni Woodard, author of I’m Fine: A Practical Guide for Living with Chronic Pain . With honesty, empathy, and hard-earned wisdom, Toni shares her personal journey through years of physical pain, unsuccessful spinal surgeries, and the emotional toll that often goes unspoken. We dive into the realities of living with chronic pai...

In this episode of NW Book Talk , host Patty Grasher interviews Aron Steinke , Eisner-nominated cartoonist and author of the popular Mr. Wolf’s Class series. Aron discusses his newest standalone graphic novel for kids, SPEECHLESS — a powerful, nearly wordless story about navigating middle school, communication, and self-expression. We explore the creative process behind SPEECHLESS , how Aron’s bac...

🎨 A Lifetime of Art: Gregory Gorham Shares His Story Behind the Strokes 🎨 In this inspiring episode of NW Book Talk , we sit down with renowned artist Gregory Gorham, whose book A Lifetime of Art chronicles over 50 years of creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic passion. Gregory takes us on a journey through his evolution as an artist—sharing stories behind his commercial success, personal proj...

Best-selling author Caren Hahn talks aboutdragons, suspense, and fantasy. This Northwest author started writing for fun and passion before becoming an increasingly in-demand author with 14 books and counting. In this episode, she shares her journey and how the joy of reading and writing helps her deal with life’s stresses.

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk , author Connie Morgan shares the heartfelt journey behind her book, More Than Luck Required . Through resilience, faith, and love, she navigated life’s challenges to find healing and hope. Listen in as she discusses her personal transformation, the power of perseverance, and the lessons she hopes to share with readers. Tune in now and be inspired! Available...

In this interview, artist and author Jessica Julian reveals her innovative technique of using her paintings to inspire her children's books. Learn how her unique approach blends visual art with storytelling, creating engaging narratives that captivate young readers. Discover the creative process behind her work and how her art enhances the world of children's literature.

Join PR expert Christy Caplan on this episode of NW Book Christy shared valuable tips on leveraging social media, engaging with bloggers, hosting events, and more to help authors boost their book visibility. Stay tuned for a conversation packed with actionable insights!”

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk , we sit down with Emily Cadiz, an accomplished author and Early Childhood Reading Specialist, to discuss her innovative approach to early literacy and cognitive development. Emily’s unique award-winning program is designed to help young readers build foundational skills that not only enhance their reading abilities but also foster creativity and critical thi...

Join Christy Caplan in this insightful podcast episode as she shares easy and effective PR strategies for independent authors. Learn practical tips on building your author brand, boosting book visibility, and engaging with readers to increase sales. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your PR efforts, Christy provides actionable advice to help indie authors succeed in a competiti...

In this episode, we chat with Deb Cushman, author of the middle-grade fantasy-adventure series Chronicles of Nadavir . Deb shares the inspiration behind her debut novel, Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar , and offers a sneak peek at the upcoming second book, Ping’s Mystery in Pixiandria (now available) . With roots in the Pacific Northwest, Deb’s love for magical worlds like Narnia and Middle Earth fuels...

Book Coach & Developmental Editor Abigail Raeke  is a highly respected book coach and developmental editor based in the Pacific Northwest. With over a decade of experience  in the publishing industry, Abigail has guided countless authors through the creative process, helping them shape their stories and refine their manuscripts for publication. Her expertise spans multiple genres,  from fictio...

Step into the imaginative world of Rebecca Rook, a hard of hearing author and tabletop game designer from the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, Rebecca reveals how she brings together magic, malice, and mystery in her young adult fantasy, thriller, and horror novels. A former Hugo House Fellow and participant in the Tin House YA Fiction Workshop, Rebecca shares her insights on storytelling, her...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ruby McConnell, a geologist, science writer, and advocate for the outdoors. Ruby shares her passion for exploring the human-landscape connection through her acclaimed books, including A Woman’s Guide to the Wild and Ground Truth . We dive into the themes of her upcoming works, Wilderness and the American Spirit and Dirty Secrets , which explore the import...

In this episode, we sit down with Dede Montgomery, a 6th generation Oregonian, memoirist, and fiction author, to explore the themes of forgiveness, courage, and resilience in her works. Dede shares insights into her writing journey, including her acclaimed memoirs My Music Man and her latest release, From First Breath to Last . We discuss how her family history and Oregon roots inspire her stories...