Behind The Stack

In this episode Brett sits down with Nicola Dinan to talk about her sophomore book, "Disappoint Me". They discuss identity and assimilation, what good fiction can do, food writing, and a serendipitous episode of "The White Lotus". Nicola's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoladinan/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never mi...

In this episode Brett is joined again by bookstagram favs Bernie Lombardi & Christopher Metts to discuss books that play with the idea of summer whether as a vibe, an escape, or something you just might not be able to put down.  Christopher's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christophermetts/ Bernie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernie.lombardi/ If you like what you&apos...

In this episode Brett sits down with Jemimah Wei to talk about her debut book, "The Original Daughter". They discuss the competitive Singapore educational system, the currency of self in social media, and the importance of telling your own stories.  Jemimah's website: https://jemmawei.com/ Jemimah's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jemmawei/ If you like what you're hea...

In this episode Brett sits down with Milo Todd to talk about his debut book, "The Lilac People". They discuss Berlin in the 30s before the ascension of Hitler, The Institute for Sexual Science, Hitler's enemy number one, and the explanation of what was known as a transvestite card.  Milo's website: https://www.milotodd.com Milo's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todd_m...

In this episode Brett sits down with Virginia Evans to talk about her new book, "The Correspondent". They discuss a trip that changed her life, the gift of correspondence, and the absolute perfect actress to play Sybil.  Virginia's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginia.l.evans/ Virginia's website: https://www.virginiaevansauthor.com/ If you like what you're hearing...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Jo Harkin for her novel, "The Pretender". They discuss her jump from speculative to historical fiction, bawdiness in the Tutor age, and the books that inspired her while writing this. If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@br...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Sarah Damoff for her debut novel, "The Bright Years" The discuss her work as a social worker, her unique path to publishing the book, the challenge of loving someone with an addiction, and finding grace in our children and the generosity of childhood. Sarah's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahdamoff/ Sarah's website: https://w...

In this episode Brett sits down with Denne Michele Norris to discuss her debut novel, "When The Harvest Comes". They discuss introverts vs extroverts, finding freedom within the form of writing, fathers and their queer children, and the perfect actor to cast for a key role in the book. Denne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedennemichele/ Denne's website: https://www.de...

In this episode Brett sits down with writer Seán Hewitt to talk about his debut fiction novel, "Open Heaven". They discuss the power of longing, the rite of passage of first crushes, and examine the relationship between gay and straight men.  Seán's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanehewitt/ Seáns website: https://www.seanehewitt.com/ If you like what you're hearing on t...

In this episode Brett sits down with writer Ray Nayler for his new book, "Where The Axe is Buried". They discuss what fiction does well, the success in getting a book to engage you and parallels with current events, and what helps him stay hopeful when the world can feel pessimistic.  Ray's website: https://www.raynayler.net/ Ray's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raynayler...

In this bonus episode Brett sits down with returning guest, Renee from ItsBookTalk where we discuss some of our first quarter favs as well as revisit books we spoke about at the beginning of the year we were looking forward to.  Renee's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/itsbookstalk Renee's substack: https://itsbooktalk.substack.com Other accounts mentioned:  Katie @: https://https://w...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Paul Rudnick to discuss his new book, "What Is Wrong With You?" They talk about the fun of writing a wide variety of characters, tech bros and technology, as well as the best junk food for the sweet tooth in your life. Paul's website: https://paulrudnick.com/about-paul-rudnick/ Paul's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulrudnick/...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Kristen Arnett to discuss her new book, "Stop Me If You've Heard This One". They talk about clowns of course, the great state of Florida, but also following a non traditional writing path that can still be as equally if not more rewarding than a traditional route. Kristen's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen__arnett/ Kristen...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Syed M. Masood to discuss his new book, The Last Man In Paradise. They talk about religious conservatism in current times, blending comedy and tragedy in writing, and take a nostalgic walk through sitcoms.  Syed's website: https://www.syed-masood.com/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!...

In this episode Brett sits down with Emily St. James to discuss her debut novel 'Woodworking' They talk about the title of the book and its relevance today, growing up in rural South Dakota, trans people in history, and why a sequel won't happen but what it could be. Emily's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilystjams/ https://www.assignedmedia.org/ If you like what you&ap...

In this episode Brett sits down with Charlotte McConaghy to discuss her new book, 'Wild Dark Shore'. They talk about the island that inspired the fictional one from the novel, the way she visualizes her characters, the far reaching effects of climate change, and what it all affects beyond us.  Charlotte's website: https://www.charlottemcconaghy.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac...

In this episode Brett sits down with Allison Epstein to discuss her new book, Fagin The Thief. They talk about the reimagining of literary characters, her inspiration for taking on Fagin, and agree on a pretty awful song from the musical Oliver. Allison's website:  https://allisonepstein.com/ Allison's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rapscallison/ If you like what you're hearin...

This week Brett sits down with author Alejandro Heredia to discuss his debut novel, 'Loca'. They talk about immigration, the book that made him a reader, creating characters not defined by race, gender or sexuality, and the importance of finding 'your people'. Alejandro Heredia is a writer from the Bronx. He has received fellowships from LAMBDA Literary, Dominican Studies Insti...

In this episode Brett sits down with Olivia Wolfgang-Smith to discuss her new novel, "Mutual Interest" which is an Indie Next Pick for February. We talk about the books third person narrative, gender roles, found families, capitalism, and finding queer joy in historical fiction. Olivia's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owolfgangsmith/ Olivia's website: http://wolfgangsmith...

In this episode Brett sits down with Kristin Koval to discuss her debut novel, “Penitence” which is the Barnes and Noble Discover pick for February.   She talks about her former career as a lawyer, her path to becoming a writer, empathy for characters, and the journey from tragedy to forgiveness.  Kristin's website: https://kristinkoval.com/ Kristin's instagram: https://www.instagram.com...

In this episode Brett sits down with Cynthia Weiner to discuss her debut novel, A Gorgeous Excitement. They talk about New York in the eighties, the shocking inspiration behind the book, and we learn if Cynthia is more an optimist or pessimist.  Cynthia's Website: www.cynthiaweiner.com Cynthia's instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaweiner If you like what you're hearing on t...

In this episode Brett sits down with writer Tom Lamont to discuss his debut novel, "Going Home". They talk about the all consuming challenges of raising kids, writing as a novelist vs journalist, fathers, faith and being Jewish.  Tom Lamont Website: http://tomlamontjournalist.com/ Tom Lamont instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_lamont_journalist/?hl=en If you like what you're he...

On this first ep of the new year Brett is joined once again by Renee of ItsBookTalk to discuss ten books we're looking forward to in the upcoming year. Join us for a wide range of choices that promise to make 2025 another fantastic year in publishing.  Renee substack: https://substack.com/@itsbooktalk Renee instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbooktalk/ If you like what you're hearing...

In this final episode of season one, Brett discusses his favorite books out of the 145 he read this year. All books discussed can be found on his bookshop.org page listed below. If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstack Bookshop.org page: https://www.bookshop.org/sh...

In this episode Brett sits down with Tina of TBR, etc to discuss five of our runner up choices for Best Books of 2024. Between us we cover a variety of genres from thrillers, to literary fiction, and a non fiction book we both think is fantastic!  Tina's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbretc/ Tina's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbretc Tina's podcast: https://www.booktalke...