A Literal Journey

Hardship didn't destroy George Washington...it forged him. In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Diederik Hoogstraten, the screenwriter behind Young Washington, and talk about the extraordinary journey that transformed an uncertain young man into one of history's greatest leaders. Throughout the interview, Diederik and I discuss Washington's failures, his moments of...

The BEST stories don't just entertain us... they remind us of what's TRUE. In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, award-winning author Emma C. Fox shares how an old copy of The Hobbit, a vivid dream, and a lifelong love of history and fairy tales have shaped her journey as an author. From the enchanted forests of medieval Germany, to the vast and varied landscapes of Siberia, Emma C. Fox...

The best stories don't have to be "perfect"—they just have to be honest... In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, author C.M. Cornwell shares the winding path that led to her novel, The Memory Spinner and the lessons she's learned about creativity, grief, perseverance, and most importantly—hope. From discovering her own creative spark, to rejection and eventual publication, and...

“There’s so much beauty in the world and in our lives if we have the eyes to see it.” -Emily Bain Murphy In this meaning-FILLED episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Emily Bain Murphy—author of The Disappearances, Enchanted Hill, The Ivory City,  Splinters of Scarlet, and The Lightseekers Series—for a conversation about hope, beauty, and the power of stories to shape our lives. During the...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Mary Averling, the award-winning author of The Curse of Eelgrass Bog, The Ghosts of Bitterfly Bay, and the The Burn Beast, for a conversation about scary stories, childhood memories, and the hope and heart in middle grade horror. During the interview, Mary shares part of her own literal journey—from living in England and Canada, to learning tha...

When the world feels dark, cruel, and dehumanizing, a good story can help us hold onto hope... In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Cristin Williams, author of the historical fantasy novel The Whisper of Stars. Cristin shares her own literal journey as a writer—including the years of "writing in obscurity" before her publishing her first novel. Along the way,...

“And remember that revisions is where the magic happens. That’s where you’re taking that … piece of coal and turning it into a diamond.” -Janette Rallison In this thoughtful and funny episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with author Janette Rallison (also known as C. J. Hill). Janette explains how her daughter's experience in school was one of her primary motivations to write books for te...

This episode is for people who struggle creating something meaningful *especially* when life feels chaotic and uncertain... In this delightful episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with award-winning author Joan Reardon to talk about her remarkable path to publication. Always a devoted reader, Joan resolved to write her own Middle Grade Novels *while simultaneously* navigating the COVID shutdow...

Most writers are told to “write what you know.” Stuart Gibbs encourages authors to write what fascinates them... In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with bestselling author Stuart Gibbs—the author behind Spy School, FunJungle, Charlie Thorne, Once Upon A Tim, and The Last Musketeer series. Stuart shares his incredible journey from writing stories as a child (showcasing his...

The best stories begin with a little bit of mystery... In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY (easily one of my favorites 🤫), I sit down with Ben Guterson, author of the bestselling Winterhouse trilogy, The World-Famous Nine, and The Einstein's of Vista Point. We talk about Ben's journey into writing, his interest in puzzles and wordplay, and his love of creating mystery-filled adventures...

How does a bestselling author turn history into unforgettable novels? In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore—a PROLIFIC, inspirational writer whose work spans several genres. Heather shares the story behind her writing career: from her lifelong love of reading, to her discovery that yes, even people from UTAH can become autho...

“Once you see how big the world is and all the options that are there, you stop feeling kind of doomed, right?” In this fascinating episode, J. W. Ocker pulls back the curtain on his unconventional (and very literal) writing journey, from blogging about odd roadside attractions on "Odd Things I’ve Seen" (OTIS) to winning the Edgar Award (I was trying so hard not to fan-girl)! Ocker has b...

“Scary stories give kids a chance to be brave without any risk to themselves.” -Wendy Parris In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Wendy Parris, the author of middle-grade novels Field of Screams and Stage Fright (side note: I just finished finished Field of Screams, it's fantastic!). During the interview, Wendy explains how scary stories are a great way for young readers to e...

When you feel like you stick out more than you fit in, a good story can remind you that belonging isn’t about blending in... it’s about embracing your voice and cranking up the volume so you can find your people! 🙌 In this heartfelt episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Erin Soderberg Downing, an author of more than 75 books for young readers (you read that right)! During the interview, E...

When we're tempted to feel discouraged, a good story can remind us that we're not powerless and that our most difficult chapters don’t have to be the final ones… In this delightful episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Julie Wright, the prolific author of more than 30 novels (across numerous genres). Julie opens up about her own literal journey as a writer—beginning with encourag...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Paul Tremblay (and do my absolute BEST to keep my inner fan in check). Paul Tremblay is the award-winning (and jaw-dropping) bestselling author of A Head Full of Ghosts, The Cabin at the End of the World, Another, and so much more! During the interview, Paul shares his unlikely path to becoming an author (he has a degree in mathematics, after a...

When the world gets dark, a good story can remind us that light will ALWAYS overcome darkness... In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I chat with Ryan James Black, a man who goes by all three names (respect!) and the author of the “unputdownable” book: The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham. (For real: I could NOT put this book down!) Set during the London Blitz, Nimble Nottingham blends real histor...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Lindsay Currie, a USA Today AND New York Times bestselling author. (And Sweet Moses, it was a WONDERFUL interview!) Lindsay talked about graveyards, history, and what it’s like to write and publish spooky stories for Middle Grade readers.  Along the way, Lindsay shares a bit of her background, what got her into reading and storytelling, and how...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with writing coach (and long-time friend) Kimberly Lauren, the voice behind the popular Instagram account @talkwordytome_—and chat about why stories matter, how writing can LITERALLY heal you, and what it really takes to finish a “meaningful” book. During the interview, Kimberly shares her journey from childhood journaling to working across publishi...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with author Rebecca Connolly and talk about the real path to becoming a writer: a path characterized by uncertainty, persistence and success though doing. Rebecca shares how just one creative writing class set her on the path to becoming a writer, how she continued writing without “formal training,” and how learning that sometimes the only way forwa...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I talk with award-winning author and educator McCall Hoyle. During the interview, McCall shares how her deep love for dogs, her years teaching at-risk youth, and her own experiences with grief shaped novels like Stella and her newest “heart book,” Forever Ripley. We talk about the power of writing from a dog’s perspective, helping kids navigate big emotions, a...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I chat with Frank L. Cole, author of The Legend of the Last Library (and so much more)! During the interview, Frank shares how a moment of impatience sparked an interesting idea for dystopian book, how a brutal rewrite made a story stronger, and how discovering a book could transform a person’s life. We also dive into Frank’s creative journey: the persistence...

What makes a good story—and what keeps a writer going after years of rejection? In this episode of "A Literal Journey," host Seth Adam Smith sits down with J.D. Peabody, author of "The Inkwell Chronicles," to explore the deeper themes behind his beloved series. Together, they discuss the influence of C.S. Lewis, the role of faith and belief in storytelling, and the long road to...

In this FUN and inspiring episode of "A Literal Journey," host Seth Adam Smith sits down with New York Times bestselling author Liesl Shurtliff, celebrated for her reimagined fairy tales: Rump, Jack, Red, and Grump. In this interview, Liesl shares the story behind her beloved books, the moment that sparked her writing journey, and her path to publication. Throughout the episode, Liesl ta...

In this episode of A Literal Journey , host Seth Adam Smith sits down with authors Chad Morris and Shelly Brown for a heartfelt and practical conversation about the power of stories, the literacy crisis in America, and what parents can do to inspire a lifelong love of reading in their children. From their own books and experiences as writers, educators, and parents, Chad and Shelly share wisdom on...