Read And Write With Natasha

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...

In this episode, I chat with writer and scholar Ciahnan Darrell. We discuss the complexities of creating a feminine experience when you are a male author. In his novel, a Lifetime of Men, Ciahnan draws from his own upbringing amidst powerful women , as he intertwines personal stories with societal struggles on feminism and reproductive rights, inviting us to reflect on the intricate dance between...

📹 Watch the interview on YouTube . Author Paul Trammell lives aboard his sailboat, and has found a profound sense of freedom and self-discovery. When Paul is not steering his boat "Windflower" through tranquil waters or bracing against the unexpected, he's penning novels and self-publishing from his floating abode. In this podcast, we talked about the world of self-publishing at se...

Deema Alalami is an educator-turned-author and reading advocate. In this episode, we discuss the following: Transition to literary luminary: The transformation of Deema Al Alami from corporate life to a renowned author and reading advocate, along with the inception of her " Mother to Author" program. Embracing Arabic children's literature: An exploration of Deema's dedication t...

📹 You can watch the interview on YouTube here . Do you know what a book coach does? I sit down with Kathy Otten , a certified book coach and published author.  Kathy sheds light on the customized support that book coaching provides, from the germination of an idea to the pride of a completed manuscript and the various choices that the publishing world presents. For anyone in need of a nudge of en...

Pauls Toutonghi is the Pushcart Prize-winning author of the acclaimed novels Red Weather and Evel Knievel Days. He was born in Seattle, Washington, to an Egyptian father and a Latvian mother. His latest novel is The Refugee Ocean. In this episode, we explore various facets of writing, publishing, and the art of storytelling: Exploring The Refugee Ocean : A heartfelt tribute : Paul delves into how...

Ever wondered what happens when two authors team up to write a murder mystery? Join us for a thrilling episode with Landis Wade and Sarah Archer, the dynamic duo behind the novella Death by Podcasting . This light-hearted murder mystery has won over readers with its unique blend of their distinct writing styles.  They reveal the intricacies of their co-writing process, from Google Drive drafts to...

 📹 Watch the interview on YouTube Indie author Douglas Weissman shares his journey from penning his first novel to navigating the world of small independent presses. Listen in as Weissman shares his perspective on the challenges and rewards of this unique path in the literary world. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the heart of the writing process, exploring the intersection of passion, di...

Alexandra Wyman transformed her devastating loss into a beacon of hope for others becoming, a mental health advocate and public speaker. She penned down her experience of losing her husband to suicide in her memoir - " The Suicide Club: What to Do When Someone You Love Chooses Death." T hrough her story, she aims to change the narrative around suicide and provide support to those dealing...

Carrie Berk is a  social media influencer, author, and blogger with over 3 million followers on TikTok alone. In her YA book, My Real Life Romcom: How to Build Confidence and Write Your Own Relationship Rules, Berk shares her dating adventures (and misadventures) to help others discover more about themselves and the relationship they deserve. In this interview, we also delve into the struggle of s...

After battling a health crisis, Marjorie Turner-Hulman,   embarked on a remarkable journey, creating the "Easy Walks " guidebook series. These aren't just books; they are a beacon of hope and exploration that help people find local trails, and they are a testament to her resilience and passion. Not stopping at the guidebooks, Marjorie took a leap of faith, sharing her personal journ...

Dr. Zaid Brifkani is an American physician of Iraqi-Kurdish descent. He specializes in dialysis and kidney transplantation with a lifelong passion for writing. His debut novel, The Mountains We Carry, was released in November 2021. His latest novel, Waters Under Baghdad , was published in October 2023, Growing up in Iraq, Brifkani witnessed many traumatic experiences of war, migration, and politic...

Tina Erwin is a  "ghost helper" and author of eight ground-breaking books on metaphysics.  With a unique ability to communicate with the spiritual realm, Tina shares riveting stories of growing up with psychic abilities and recounts personal encounters with ghosts, such as her six-year-old niece's spirit after her sudden passing.  Questioning the world of reincarnation and premoniti...

Ready to get a firsthand look at the roller coaster of emotions that is life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Susan Landers, a seasoned neonatologist and author who takes us through her thrilling 34-year career. In her book  So Many Babies, My Life Balancing a Busy Medical Career & Motherhood, Dr. Landers delves into the pressure and teamwork intrinsic to thi...

In this episode, Egyptian children's author Miranda Beshara talks about her transition from finance to storytelling.  Miranda is the co-founder of Hadi Badi Children & YA Lit in Arabic . She also talks about her first children's book, Tata and Babcha , and how it's a vessel for preserving her family's culture and identity.  We also discussed tackling the labyrinth that is A...

Ever wondered what motivates women to step outside their marriages?   Susan Shapiro Barash , a seasoned author and gender studies educator known for her thought-provoking research on the taboo topic of female infidelity, sheds light on how these extramarital escapades often serve as a hidden path to empowerment, self-esteem, and unexpected love. Barash, who authored the book,  A Passion for More:...

Amanda Blackwood, opens up about her harrowing journey as a survivor of human trafficking, not once, but thrice, beginning at the tender age of 18. Amanda's tale is not just one of survival, but an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she transformed her traumatic experiences into a platform for advocacy and education. Amanda helps us navigate the murky waters of huma...

📹 Watch the interview on YouTube. Ever wondered how to seamlessly blend humor into a dark, suspense-filled narrative? Liz Alterman, the author of the riveting suburban thriller, The Perfect Neighborhood , joins us to shed light on this unique storytelling approach. We unravel the layers of her book, delving into her choice of an affluent suburban setting and the inspiration behind her novel'...