Behind The Stack

In this episode Brett sits down with author Sam Sussman to talk about his debut novel, 'Boy From the North Country'. They discuss audio books and narrating his own story, fiction vs non fiction and the way we view both, transforming life experiences into art, and discovering your parent even after their death.  Sam's website: https://www.samevansussman.org/ Sam's instagram: htt...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Alejandro Varela for his book, 'Middle Spoon'. They discuss polyamory, the universality of heartbreak, humor that comes from anxiety, unnamed narrators, playing with biases, and a singer who will be your father figure.  Alejandro's website: https://alejandrovarela.work/ Alejandro's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drovarela/ If yo...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Joanne Harris to discuss her latest book, Vianne. They talk about her decision to return the world of Chocolat, her writing shed, the ritual and communion around mealtime and food, and creating art for joy. Joanne's website:  https://www.joanne-harris.co.uk/ Joanne's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannechocolat/  Joanne's bluesky: h...

In this episode Brett sits down with Patrick Ryan to discuss his novel Buckeye. They talk about writing character vs plot, the road to publishing this book, the hardest character to write, and find a common bond over similar childhood book lists.  Patrick's website: https://patrickryanbooks.com/ Patrick's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickryannyc/ If you like what you're h...

In this summer bonus episode Brett sits down with author Leigh Dunlap to discuss her debut thriller, "Bless Your Heart". They talk about her move from Hollywood assistant, to screenwriter, to now author, the three unforgettable scripts she read before they were movies, the Atlanta Buckhead Betties, kids game culture, and which Betty was the only one she had an actress in mind.  Leigh&apo...

In this bonus episode Brett sits down with author Joe Pan to discuss his debut novel, "Florida Palms". They talk about the Florida of the novel, and what real life events precipitated his needing to leave it, his process of leading with character before plot, a confession to his father that led to a surprising response, and the discovery of a genre of animation that will certainly change...

In this Summer bonus episode Brett is joined with returning guest Renee from @itsbooktalk to discuss some of our favs from quarter two, and we only had one cross over! This episode is avail at the link in my bio or from your podcast platform of choice! Renee's instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/itsbooktalk/ Renee's substack: https://substack.com/@itsbooktalk?utm_source=global-search I...

In this episode Brett sits down with Honorée Fanonne Jeffers to discuss her new book, "Misbehaving At The Crossroads". They talk selling a book, University teaching, Obama and 45, the challenge and vulnerability of writing memoir, Mamas, and Fathers, and being a survivor.  Honorée's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honoree_jeffers/ Honorée's website: https://honoreejeffers....

In this episode Brett sits down with writer/producer Chris Chibnall to discuss his debut mystery, 'Death At The White Hart'. They talk around the story, avoiding spoilers, dive into his career as a successful producer on such shows as Dr Who and Broadchurch, and find a mutual admiration for the same bestselling author.  Chris' instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrischibnall/ If y...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Jess Walter to discuss his new book, "So Far Gone". They talk about which character he's written he relates to the most, the backdrop of Spokane Washington, and the eternal battle we all currently face. Jess Walter's website: https://www.jesswalter.com Jess Walter's instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jesswalterbooks/ If you li...

In this episode Brett sits down with Rob Franklin to discuss his debut novel, "Great Black Hope". They talk about  the intersection of race, class and queerness, Black respectability politics, blending fact and fiction to create a vibrant New York City, and his non for profit initiative Art for Black Lives . Rob's website: https://www.robert-michael-franklin.com Rob's instagram...

In this episode Brett sits down with author V.E. Schwab to discuss her latest book, Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil. They talk about when heroes disappoint, tackling multiple projects at once, generosity to fans, and paying homage to Anne Rice and her world of vampires.  V.E.'s website:  https://www.veschwab.com/ V.E.'s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veschwab/ If you like what...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Jonathan Parks-Ramage for his novel, "It's Not The End of he World". They discuss the incident that inspired this, children in the story and in life, and the central question he asked himself while writing the book. Jonathan's website: https://www.jonathan-p-r.com Jonathan's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jprampage/ If you...

In this episode Brett sits down with Lucas Shaeffer to discuss his debut novel,'The Slip'. They talk about the wide range of characters inhabiting the story's boxing gym, the town of Austin, the many facets of identity, and a possible fascination with clowns.  Lucas Shaeffer's website: https://www.lucasschaefer.com Lucas' instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucaseschaefer...

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...