Bookish Introverts Podcast: Christian/Clean Fiction Book Talks

Brett and author Sara Brunsvold discuss her latest novel, 'The Atlas of Untold Stories,' which explores the dynamics of a mother and her two daughters on a literary road trip across the American heartland. Sara shares her journey to becoming a novelist, the lessons learned in writing and publishing, and the importance of finding the right literary agent. She emphasizes the value of connecting with...

Hosts Brett and Melanie welcome USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author Dana Mentink to discuss her latest book 'Fire Mountain.' They explore Dana's writing journey, her various book series, and the themes of survival, family dynamics, and forgiveness present in her work. The conversation also touches on the balance between suspense and romance in storytelling.

Author and host Brett Nelson and co-host Charity Middleton explore the themes of escapism through literature in Jenny Hale's clean, secular book, "The Magic of Sea Glass." They discuss the allure of summer reading and the complexities of love, all while weaving in personal anecdotes and reflections on their own reading experiences. The conversation also touches on the narrative technique of dual t...

Host and author Brett Nelson talks with New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, who shares her journey to becoming a prolific writer of Amish fiction. They discuss the balance of romance and suspense in her upcoming novel 'Unshaken.' Shelley reflects on her experiences with the Amish community, the challenges of the writing process, and the evolving landscape of Christian fiction.

If you enjoy behind the scenes looks of the novel-writing process, this episode is for you! Author and host Brett Nelson brings back author Heidi Grey McGill and beta reader Stephanie Brank Leupp to discuss the intricacies of the writing process, focusing on the vital role of beta readers as well as other interesting discussions. They explore how beta readers provide essential feedback, the commit...

In EPISODE 5 of the Baker Publishing Author Event, author and host Brett Nelson talks with authors Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse about their collaborative work in Christian historical fiction, particularly focusing on their latest book, 'An Unexpected Grace.' They discuss their individual journeys as authors, the co-writing process, and the themes explored in their books.  

In episode FOUR of the Baker Publishing Author Summer Event, host and author Brett Nelson interviews Jane Kirkpatrick, a New York Times bestselling author known for her historical fiction. They discuss her upcoming novel, "Across the Crying Sands," Jane's journey as a writer, her numerous awards, and the importance of storytelling in connecting cultures. Jane shares insights from her background in...

In the third episode of the Baker Publishing Summer Event, host and author Brett Nelson and co-host Charity Middleton talk to Liz Johnson about her upcoming Christian Fiction novel "Sometimes You Stay".  They explore the intricacies of the writing process, the emotional highs and lows of being an author, and the importance of community and support among writers. Liz shares her personal experiences...

In the second installment of the Baker Publishing Group Summer series event, Brett Nelson talks with author Anne Gabhart, who shares her journey in writing historical fiction, her experiences with community and church, and insights into the publishing industry. They discuss her latest book, 'The Pursuit of Alina Bradford,' and explore themes of family loyalty, personal growth, and the importance o...

Host Brett Nelson and Christian Fiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher discuss her journey as an author, her new book 'Capture the Moment', and the importance of exploring diverse themes in writing. She shares insights on the publishing industry, the significance of the Plain people, and the allure of national parks. The discussion highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a writer, the impact...

Brett Nelson and Heidi Gray McGill discuss her historical fiction novel, "Written on my Heart." Discussion includes the importance of weaving faith into stories and the challenges of writing in a historical context. In this engaging conversation, Heidi and Brett explore the intricacies of character development in fiction, the lessons embedded in storytelling, and the profound impact of words. As t...

Brett Nelson and Christian Fiction author Kelly Whitehead discuss the themes of spiritual warfare as explored in her book, 'Darkness Trembles.' They delve into the journey of writing, the influence of authors like Frank Peretti, and the challenges faced by first-time authors. The discussion also touches on the importance of discipleship and the public perception of spiritual warfare. The conversat...

In PART THREE of this three-part episode, Brett and Charity delve into a profound book that intertwines themes of love, loss, and the medical profession. The hosts discuss the journey of Reese, a doctor, as he navigates the complexities of his career while dealing with personal tragedies. The narrative explores the emotional weight of medical decisions, the importance of friendship and family supp...

In PART TWO of this three-part episode, Brett and Charity delve into the themes and character dynamics of 'When Crickets Cry' by Charles Martin. They explore the intricacies of relationships, the impact of grief and love, and the spiritual reflections tied to the human heart. The discussion highlights the significance of nature in connecting with spirituality and the author's skill in weaving comp...

In PART ONE of this three-part episode, Brett and Charity discuss 'When Crickets Cry' by Charles Martin, exploring its themes of faith, friendship, and the complexities of life through the lens of its characters. They delve into the author's background, the narrative structure, and the emotional impact of the story, while also reflecting on their personal experiences and insights related to the bo...

In PART TWO of this two-part episode, Brett and guest co-host Jessica discuss "Vanishing Point" a Christian fiction suspense novel by USA Today best-selling author Lisa Harris. They explore character development, the impact of time jumps in stories, and the dynamics of romantic tension between the main characters. The discussion also veers into the societal expectations regarding relationships and...

In PART ONE of this two-part episode, Brett and guest co-host Jessica delve into the Christian Fiction suspense novel 'Vanishing Point' by USA Today best-selling author Lisa Harris. They explore themes of suspense and the complexities of forgiveness in the face of tragedy. The conversation touches on the role of God in difficult situations and the importance of faith amidst life's challenges.  

In PART 3, Brett and guest co-host Charity discuss Cynthia Ruchti's novel "Facing the Dawn," that explores themes of grief, healing, and the importance of faith and friendship.  The discussion emphasizes the significance of spiritual nourishment, the role of community support, and the necessity of addressing mental health in the context of faith. Through their reflections, they highlight the resil...

Brett and guest co-host Charity delve into Cynthia Ruchti's book 'Facing the Dawn,' exploring its themes of grief, parenting, and the importance of friendship. They reflect on the relatable experiences of the protagonist, Mara, as she navigates the challenges of motherhood and loss, while also highlighting the humor that permeates the narrative. The conversation emphasizes the significance of supp...

Brett and guest co-host Charity Middleton discuss their experiences with reading, favorite authors, and the dynamics of podcasting. They explore the impact of literature on their lives, the role of Christian fiction, and how to navigate family dynamics through books. The conversation also touches on the challenges of finding time to read in a busy life and the unique experience of reading for a po...

In Part 2, the conversation delves into the complex themes of trauma, identity, and relationships as the characters navigate their emotional struggles and confront their pasts. The discussion highlights the importance of acceptance, love, and the journey towards healing, as well as the sacrifices made for the sake of others' happiness as depicted in Francine Rivers' 'Redeeming Love'  

Brett and Melanie, along with guest reader Jessica Riggins, discuss the profound themes of Francine Rivers' novel 'Redeeming Love.' The conversation delves into the heavy themes of love and redemption in the book, and the historical context that shapes the characters' experiences. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the past while navigating sensitive topics in literature. In th...

In PART TWO of this two-part episode, Brett Nelson and guest host Lexie Nicholas delve into the themes and character dynamics of her book 'Christmas Blizzard.' They explore the intricacies of small-town life, the challenges faced by the protagonist Cassie, and the romantic tensions that arise amidst personal struggles. The conversation also touches on the writing process, the impact of storms on t...

In PART 1 of this two-part episode, Brett Nelson and guest host sweet and wholesome author Lexie Nicholas discuss Lexie's journey as an author, her fascination with weather and storms, and the unique challenges of writing under pen names. They explore the importance of editing, the balance between writing what you know and following trends, and the significance of reader expectations in romance no...

In episode 17, Brett and Melanie discuss Richard Paul Evans' book 'A Winter Dream,' a modern retelling of the biblical story of Joseph. They explore the author's background, the themes of family dynamics, favoritism, and forgiveness. The conversation also touches on holiday traditions and favorite Christmas movies, creating a warm and festive atmosphere as they delve into the book's narrative and...