Book Folk

Graeme Pitman is a nice guy. The lighthearted attitude he brings is enriched with vulnerability and topped off with self-deprecating laughs. His love of snacks does nothing but endear you to him. He has a big smile. Graeme would be the first to describe himself as “just a guy.” After all, that’s all he is. Just a guy who did professional photography for a decade. Just a guy who creatively directs...

At first glance, Jesse will make you think he’s your average pop-culture junkie. It’s easy to see little else beyond the trademark mountains of novels and armies of collectibles he boasts. You might label him a common geek for his passions. No one would blame you. But there is more to Jesse than meets the eye. The inquisitive listener might just discover a man of nuance, of wit, and—dare I say—cha...

More than an illustrator, Zach Stuef is a storyteller. He creates images that encapsulate and embellish complex ideas, and he does it in a style that is winsome and free. How does he do it? While we discuss his inspiration and process, I think his real secret is his dual approach to making art: discipline and fun. While he clearly maintains a serious, intentional approach to his craft, you can tel...

Our conversation with Seth Holmes reflects his artistic style: flowing and free, yet rooted by a kind of sacred joy. In the course of our discussion, we cover a lot of ground: the complexity of simplicity, developing one’s artistic style, and the power of words. Seth shares his artistic origin story, his passion for locality, his love for film, and his inexplicable preference for Garfield over Cal...

I’m a little rusty from a nearly 2-year hiatus, but thrilled to have a conversation with a s h e r l e h m a n. Asher is a writer and artist, and is joining me as my co-host in this season of BookFolk. We’re both excited for all of the conversations we’ve got scheduled with bookish creatives! In today’s interview, we discuss story, books (especially fantasy books), art, world building, and film ad...

In this final episode of Season I, we chat to Ned Bustard, the illustrator and designer behind the Every Moment Holy Series , written by Douglas McKelvey. We talk about the differences and similarities between fine art and graphic design, art as seeing and communication, how good design is loving our neighbor, and the importance of creating in community. In addition to the Every Moment Holy series...

Today, we’re talking with Robin Smit. Robin has authored 4 books, and she is also the publisher of a hybrid publishing company called The Writer’s Society. Robin offers insights on outlining, repurposing content, and setting manageable goals. But she really shines when it comes to building a community around her core message. Robin Smit: robinsmit.com Join the Humble Books community on Substack: h...

Today we’re joined by my friend, author and pastor, Davis Moore. In this interview, we talk about Davis’ writing journey—how he overcomes the stumbling block that perfectionism can often be to art, how he navigates the tricky overlap between the Memoir and Christian Living genres, and his experience in being his own sales rep, even to big box stores like Barnes and Noble. Davis Moore: davismooreau...

Today, we’re chatting with my good friend, David McIver. David is the executive director of Praise Live radio and the former chaplain for the Minnesota Twins. He is also the author of a beautiful book entitled, Looking for the One: Stories of Seeing the Lost, Lonely, and Broken Through the Eyes of Jesus . Davis offers wisdom on writing from the posture of worship—how to not merely communicate effe...

Today, I am so thrilled to welcome Emily Kimbell to the show. Emily is an accomplished artist. She’s illustrated children’s books for Penguin Random House and Oxford University Press. She is also the co-creator of Thingamajigs , a weekly comic strip for The Phoenix, a UK kids magazine. Emily is also the illustrator of The Travelling Piano Man of Port Whettershire written by Victoria Murgante, publ...

Today, we’re talking with pastor and author, Ken Kytle. To date, Ken has self-published two eloquently-written devotionals, entitled, Biblical Meditation and Like a Tree Planted . Although English is his native language, Ken is the pastor a Spanish-speaking church, and releases his books in both Spanish and English. One of the most fascinating parts of this interview is Ken’s process for transform...

Over the decades that Brad Herman has been in the industry, he’s worked in nearly every aspect of books. He’s consulted countless authors, helping them write better books and negotiate better contracts. Brad offers some fantastic insight on tightening up your non-fiction writing, the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, how to assess a contract, what to look for in an editor, and so m...

In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Victoria Murgante. Victoria is the author of the charming middle-grade novel entitled, The Travelling Piano Man of Port Whettershire, published by Humble Books and releasing in October 2024. In addition to writing, Victoria has the distinction of being doubly bookish: she is also a librarian! We chat about her work in the library and how thi...

Today’s guest, Jen Hawking, laughingly calls herself a “Jen of All Trades,” but among her many skills, Jen is a talented ghostwriter. In today’s interview, we discuss the role of a ghostwriter, as well as her process for taking on the message—and voice—of a client. If you’ve worked as a ghostwriter or co-writer at all, you’ll find Jen’s thoughts helpful. She also has some great insights on how to...

Among his many talents, Jason Clark is an accomplished memoir writer. In the course of our discussion, he offers some clues on how to achieve his captivating,  conversational tone, and how to navigate the bewildering process of writing a memoir. We also discuss throughlines, building trust with your readers, and the power of brevity. Jason Clark: www.afamilystory.org Join the Humble Books communit...

Today, we talk with Eugene Luning. Eugene is an author, speaker, and spiritual director who has written many books over the years including The Moments with Jesus Encounter Bible . We cover the importance of reading thoughtfully, the art of capturing a moment, writing in the first person, writing for children, and working with illustrators. Eugene’s Most Recent Book: Moments with Jesus Encounter B...

Welcome to Book Folk, a podcast where we chat with the gifted minds behind good books. Here, you’ll find tips and encouragement from your fellow bookish creatives, including writers, illustrators, and other folks in the book world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit humblebooks.substack.com