Game of Books

Christie and Cathi talk with Kris Calvin about her new book All That Fall. They discuss Kris's writing process and use of dictation as they sip Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc. Kris also talks about an international thriller series that she can't get enough of.

Christie and Cathi discuss Factor-7 by J.D. May while sipping La Crema Chardonnay. They also give their post-vaccination hopes and plans.

Christie and Cathi get a lesson on beginnings from writer, editor, teacher, and agent Paula Munier. This episode’s lesson is focused on Paula’s top 10 reasons why a story opening doesn’t work. Paula’s books include The Writer’s Guide To Beginnings and her mystery book The Hiding Place.

Christie and Cathi are joined by the author of the Hester Thursby series, Edwin Hill. He talks about his process and inspiration for his latest book Watch Her. The wine of the week is Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.

Christie and Cathi talk to Libby Klein, author of "Wine Tastings Are Murder." They discuss the cozy genre and Libby's use of food in her books. Libby also talks about her writing process and how she first got published.

Cathi and Christie talk to Saralyn Richard the author of A Murder of Principal. The conversation focuses on Saralyn's background as an educator and how it influenced her writing. She also tells us the one food she'll never try. The wine this week is Belposto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.

Christie and Cathi get a lesson from author and writing coach Mary Adkins. She presents the theory behind "The Big Question" and the qualities that it has as well as how it can inform the creative process. She also discusses the value of hiring an editor. To join Mary's classes and find her books, check out her website: maryadkinswriter.com

Christie and Cathi talk to Al Pessin in our first C&C with a repeat guest. They discuss Al's second book to be published since the pandemic began, Blowback. They chat about what the past year has been like as a writer and the process of getting feedback from readers. The wine of the week is Al's favorite easy drinking wine: Casal Garcia Vinho Verde.

 Cathi and Christie chat with Dana Stabenow, author of Spoils of the Dead. The conversation covers Dana's most important part of writing: setting. They talk about Alaska, the Coast Guard, and writer's retreats. The wine this week is Delheim Pinotage Rose. Also, welcome to any Danamaniac listeners! 

Christie and Cathi chat across time zones with Berlin author Sebastian Fitzek about his new book The Package. The conversation covers his writing process and where he finds inspiration and motivation. The drink of the week is gin and tonic.

Christie and Cathi are joined by Elizabeth Breck to talk about her debut novel Anonymous. She tells stories from her job as a PI and discusses how it inspires her writing. The conversation also covers San Diego, surfing, and Elizabeth's writing process. The wine for the episode is Leaping Horse Chardonnay.

In this redux episode from Season 2, Cathi and Christie spoke with Jess Lourey about her book Unspeakable Things. Jess discussed writing retreats and gave querying advice. Her latest book is Bloodline.

Christie and Cathi have a conversation with Halley Sutton about her debut book The Lady Upstairs. They discuss the noir genre and how it can be used in an empowering way for female characters. Halley talks about the importance of revisions and how that ties to her involvement with Pitch Wars. The wine of the week is Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel.

While Cathi and Christie prepare for the exciting rest of this season, here is an old favorite interview with best selling author Brad Parks. The conversation included hilarious discussion ranging from writing at Hardee's to a naked Lebron James. Brad's latest book is Interference.  

Christie and Cathi enjoy a Friexenet Brut Cava as they discuss the book To Tell You The Truth by Gilly Macmillan. The conversation covers the difference between bolognese and ragu, gaslighting, and name changes.

Cathi and Christie talk about their New Year's Eve plans and traditions and setting goals for 2021. They also discuss HBO Max, new movies, Biden's cabinet appointments, and more!

Merry Christmas from Cathi and Christie! This week, they talk about Christmas themed cozy mysteries: Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton and Holiday Hostage by Kathi Daley. They also talk about some holiday movie favorites. The wine is Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet.

Author and speaker Steven James joins the episode to explain how status relates to characters in writing. He answers all of Cathi and Christies questions and explains how status can be used to create multidimensional characters and to develop the story. His most recent book is Synapse, and he has written helpful guides for writer's called Troubleshooting Your Novel and Story Trumps Structure.

Christie and Cathi have a conversation with Frank Zafiro, crime fiction author and host of the Wrong Place, Write Crime podcast. Over a bottle of Erath Pinot Noir, they discuss Frank's newest book Code Four from the Charlie 316 series that he writes with Colin Conway. They also ask him about writing police characters and action scenes, and what it's like to co-write.

Cathi and Christie bring on David Albertyn, author of Undercard, for this week's virtual book club. Guest listeners Gordon and Amber join as well to ask David questions about his book. The wine and food are Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon and BBQ sliders.

Cathi and Christie give their top gift ideas for the holidays in 2020 just in time for black Friday. Find the perfect gifts for the writers, readers, and cooks in your life!

Cathi and Christie discuss Pretty Things by Janelle Brown. They discuss the appearance of gaslighting as a theme in books and how social media influences how people can reinvent themselves. Also, they drink Jadot Pinot Noir Bourgogne and talk about cooking coq au vin.

Christie and Cathi have a conversation with author Stacy Green, writer of The Girls in the Snow. They drink Pinot Grigio as they discuss midwestern small towns, dream trips to the beach, and Stacy’s journey in indie publishing.

Christie and Cathi get a lesson on the differences between resolution and denouement from Elena Taylor. This episode covers the structure of a climax and how a story can build to its resolution. Elena provides a few exercises for writers to apply to their own stories.

Christie and Cathi dress up for this Halloween themed episode and have a conversation with Doug Murano, editor of the horror anthology Miscreations: Gods, Monstrosities & Other Horrors. They discuss Dougs viral tweet, his obsession with IT, and his desire to share a meal with Hannibal Lecter. The wine this week is Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel.