Read And Write With Natasha

Join us as award-winning entrepreneur and author Veronica Kirin discusses the transformative power of paradigm shifts, drawing on her anthropology background. We talked about how crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can catalyze personal growth or pose significant challenges, sharing insights from her acclaimed projects, Stories of Elders and Stories of COVID. In this episode, we also covered the dis...

Andrea Emily Stumpf shares the extraordinary story of documenting the life of her great-great-grandmother, Sayyida Salma, the first Arab woman to publish memoirs.  We delve into her groundbreaking life, from defying cultural norms in the 19th century to her marriage to a German man, and her lasting impact on Arab and women's studies. Andrea also discusses her collaborative translation effort...

What happens when childhood memories collide with historical events? In this episode, I sit down with Rhonda Zimlich —author, writing teacher at American University, and storyteller. Rhonda shares the inspiration behind her novel, Raising Panic , a story rooted in her own experiences and the tragic PSA 182 crash in San Diego. Set in 1978 in rural Southern California, Raising Panic captures the res...

Imagine spending nearly a decade dreaming about writing your first book, only to finally break through with a 30-day writing challenge. That’s exactly what happened with our guest, Bradley Charbonneau, an author who has now penned 35 books. He opens up about his battle with procrastination and perfectionism, sharing how he transformed his creative process to produce work consistently for over seve...

What if pursuing your passions could redefine aging? Meet James Flaherty, 89, who’s added not just years but vitality to his life. Starting his writing journey later, Jim has authored four books, including his latest, Embrace Your Age , a reflection on aging with a purpose that challenges the idea of “feeling old.” In this episode, he shares his insights on staying active and positive through the...

Renowned dermatologist and author Dr. Steve Feldman shares the inspiring journey behind his book Bent Toward Justice , highlighting how diverse perspectives, including Holocaust survivor Murray Swartzman’s story, reshaped his worldview.  He discusses the emotional complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Yitzhak Rabin’s influence, and the challenges of advocating for peace. Dr. Feldman re...

Do you want to build a thriving writing career and monetize your content? Tune in as David Mcilroy breaks down the exact strategies he used to grow a massive audience on Medium and Substack.  From consistent posting to effective networking, he’s got the blueprint for success—and he’s planning to go full-time by year's end, thanks to his supportive subscriber base. We dive into the nitty-gritt...

Curious about how alcohol shaped American history and continues to influence our lives today? Join us for a compelling conversation with marketing expert and author Ella Parlor as we uncover the untold stories behind America’s relationship with alcohol.  From the Prohibition era to today’s complex regulatory landscape, we explore the fascinating history of the 18th and 21st Amendments and their en...

Award-winning children's author Neil Rosen, also known by his whimsical pen name Professor Stork , joins me to share his inspiring journey from a bookish childhood to rediscovering his passion for writing later in life. His latest graphic novel, Mila on Purpose , celebrates friendship and diversity and aims to help children build confidence. We also weigh the pros and cons of each publishing...

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Winter , a French Cajun author whose writing is deeply influenced by his rich cultural heritage and the vibrant history of South Louisiana. His historical fiction, Wake the Devil , is inspired by the notorious X-Men murders of 1918 in New Orleans. Join us as Ryan shares his journey to finding his unique voice, transitioning from imitating literary giants to cr...

What happens when war disrupts the creative minds of writers?   In this episode, I conversed with Franco-Moroccan-American writer Jordan Elgrably , editor-in-chief of The Markaz Review , where we delved into the intersection of literature and conflict. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation: Middle Eastern writers' anthology: We explore Jordan's latest anthology, Stories fro...

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is shaking up jobs and our creative landscape?  Join us as we unpack these changes with bestselling author Matt Witten. In this episode, Matt dives into the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in his latest novel , Killer Story. He shares insights into the evolving challenges of journalism and how AI might just be the next big disruptor. From securing an...

In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Kevin, founder and chief inspiration officer of Highlander Press .  We uncover surprising statistics about book sales, discuss the financial intricacies of advances and royalties, and reveal why independent publishers are outpacing traditional ones in today's fast-paced market. From self-publishing challenges to the nuances of hybrid models, Deborah an...

Ever wondered how a book goes from a manuscript to a bestseller? Join me in this episode as I sit down with Elizabeth Briggs , the editorial director at Saqi Books , who gives an exclusive look behind the scenes at one of Europe's most unique publishing houses.  Elizabeth shares the rich history of Saqi Books, which evolved from Europe's first Arabic language bookshop, and reveals how th...

 Jordanian author and gender activist Fadi Zaghmout is passionate about the transformative landscape of Arabic science fiction. His novel Heaven on Earth   and its sequel portray the prospects of a world free from the clutches of aging and invites reflection on the societal ripples such a future might create. In our conversation, we scrutinize how these boundary-pushing themes are received in the...

When Mark  Ryall coached his daughter Stephanie in competitive running, he forged a bond far beyond the track. Their story, Run Daughter, Run Father, i s not just a training manual – it's a testament to their shared triumphs and  a lifelong passion.  Inspired by my own journey back into running and writing, this episode celebrates the limitless potential for reinvention.  If you're lacin...

Can laughter be the best medicine for aging?  Humorist Neil Offen thinks so! He delivers a hilarious and insightful take on the trials and triumphs of boomer life in his book Building a Better Boomer. Join us as Neil shares his satirical wit and offers a refreshingly honest look at aging. We'll discuss the power of laughter, the evolution of book publishing, and even how to navigate the ever-...

Toby Dorr, is a former prison librarian who made headlines in 2006 for assisting convicted murderer John Manard in a daring escape from the Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas. Toby, who faced legal consequences for her role in the escape, shares her side of the story, shedding light on the events that captivated the nation in her new memoir Living with Conviction. Hear firsthand about the cho...

Kristen Van Nest , an author, actor, and comedian, joins us to recount the lessons learned while navigating this tumultuous yet exhilarating journey. From the conservative confines of her upbringing to globetrotting adventures, Kristen's story is a testament to the fearless pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment, detailed humorously in her memoir Where to Nest. In a world that often...

When a patient's desire for distraction developed into a realm of magic, fantasy author Danielle Orsino, who was working as a nurse, discovered her true passion.  Join us as Danielle recounts her extraordinary journey from nursing to becoming a novelist, revealing the unexpected turns life can take.  Her stories transcend tales of the mystical Fae and their cosmic conflicts and companionship....

In this episode, Becky Parker Geist , CEO of Pro Audio Voices , joins us to explore the booming audiobook industry.  We cover the technological advancements that have made audiobooks more accessible, their significant impact on multitaskers like myself, and the journey from tape to digital. We also discuss how platforms like Amplify Audio Books Create empower authors by offering a non-exclusive di...

In this episode, Shireen Sabanegh shares her journey from museum management in Jordan to creating children's stories in the UK.  She reveals the intricate process of traditional publishing, from the excitement of having two manuscripts accepted to collaborating with publishers and illustrators.  The discussion delves into  themes like representing disability in children's books through e...

Dr. Heather Davis, an expert book coach and advocate for diversity in literature, joins me to unravel the journey of an idea as it transforms into a compelling narrative. We discuss the nuances of authorship, from the birth of a concept to navigating the corridors of publishing, all while championing voices that reflect the true spectrum of humanity. In an industry that's evolving with the ti...

 In this episode, we dive into the creative world of Eman Quotah , the Arab American author of the novel Bride of the Sea. Drawing from the experience of a family friend's real-life ordeal and enriched by Eman's bicultural background, we uncover the depth of storytelling that defines her work. We also shed light on the evolving presence and impact of Arab American writers in the modern a...

With  16 books to her name, author Mary Carol Moore shares her journey from a distinguished food journalist to a fiction writer whose upcoming novel,  Last Bets , covers the high-stakes backgammon boardgame in a sultry Caribbean setting.  Throughout our conversation, Moore offers an insider's look at the intricacies of self-publishing and the marketing maze. As the publishing industry moves a...