The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode we are exploring the world of dating - and food! My guest today is author Julie Seyler, and we sit down and have a chat about writing the story of who you are - why it matters, and why someone would want to read it! If you’ve ever thought about writing your memoirs, this is the episode to hear! Julie brings a lot of joy and laughs as we discuss her dating life,...

Send us Fan Mail Two friends of the show, Jessica Thompson and JR Lancaster, come on the show to talk about what their experience was like co-writing a new cozy mystery novel, Murder Under Construction! In today's episode, we'll find out how these two friends and their vastly different writing approaches were able to work together to make a new cozy mystery. We also share some of what we...

Send us Fan Mail Once upon a time, J.D. Barker took a chance, risked it all, and pursued a dream. In today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, find out how author J.D. Barker became a NYT Best-selling writer, ended up working with James Patterson, writing a prequel to Dracula with Dacre Stoker, and many more unbelievable accomplishments. We also dig into self publishing vs trad publis...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I talk with mystery writer Kwei Quartey. In our conversation, find out how a well-stocked library and a deep love for Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle led him into a career of medicine and writing. We'll also discover his heritage - growing up in Ghana, working in the US, and now living in Spain. Of course we&apo...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I am so excited to bring you an interview with one of my favorite cozy mystery writers, Jennifer J. Chow! She is the author of the Sassy Cat Mystery Series, LA Night Market Series, and the recent Magical Fortune Cookies Series. In the interview we talk about her writing journey, books and authors who have helped and inspired her to write, and the importanc...

Send us Fan Mail Today on the podcast, I speak with author John Holley about one of our favorite writers, Ray Bradbury, and the power of stories. We discuss John's writing as well, but then dive deep into some of our favorite short stories written by the master story teller. Take a listen and find out why Bradbury's stories are still just as relevant today!  John's Website: https://...

Send us Fan Mail Do you have a dream that both scares and delights you? Something you've always wanted to try but haven’t taken the leap yet? My guest today is YA author Evan Kidwell, and that question lies at the heart of his writing journey. Ever since he was young, his mind has been filled with dreams, characters, and stories. One day, someone challenged him to do what scared and delighted...

Send us Fan Mail Today I have another mystery writer on the podcast. Her name is Melanie Anagnos, and she is the author of Nightswimming, the first book in the Jamie Palmieri mystery series. Set in the late 1970's in Paterson, New Jersey, it is a "classic police procedural charged with the social turbulence of the 1970s."  In our conversation we talk about her writing journey, and d...

Send us Fan Mail This is a cluckin' good mystery! Today on the podcast I am interviewing Carmela Dutra, who is the author of A Murder Most Fowl, book 1 in the new Food Truck cozy mystery series.  In our conversation, Carmela and I talk about some of our favorite mystery reads, and some of the authors who have encouraged her on her journey. We talk about her book and how she found her way to w...

Send us Fan Mail Fate vs. Destiny, and Creating Sympathetic Villains | A Conversation with Author H. R. Cole  Welcome back to the new season of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast! Today I interview H. R. Cole, author of the epic fantasy Daughter of the Void. We discuss her novel and how it explores fate vs. destiny; we dive into what makes for a fascinating and sympathetic villain (with some side track...

Send us Fan Mail  In today's episode, I interview romance author Kay Parquet about her delightful series, Blossom Street. Each story explores a different life and love of the people who populate her cozy town. We discuss some of our favorite stories, talk about her writing journey, and how ADHD affects writing and reading. If you're looking for clean romance stories that feature realisti...

Send us Fan Mail Today's interview is with the cozy mystery author Shannon Symonds! She returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, Murder by the Book, we catch up on all the exciting changes that have to her life this past year, and we then reflect on the year and express gratitude for all that has happened.  Just a note: This episode was intended to come out on Thanksgiving weekend,...

Send us Fan Mail Today on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, we’re talking about dragons! My guest is YA author Mari Mancusi, a versatile writer who has created stories for readers of all ages. Recently, she’s turned her talents toward crafting a thrilling trilogy about the dragon apocalypse. As we explore her writing journey, you’ll hear how a Disney superfan ended up writing books for Disney, why it...

Send us Fan Mail I’m excited to share today’s episode—our 100th episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey! To celebrate this milestone, I’m joined by author Leokadia George for a conversation about a topic that’s close to my heart: animal conservation. Leokadia has partnered with the New York Wolf Conservation Center to create a delightful series of children’s books about Trumpet, a real Mexican Gray Wolf...

Send us Fan Mail Can someone accidentally become a writer?  Today, my interview takes us over to beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland as I interview mystery author Val Penny! She writes crime mysteries set in Edinburgh - The DI Hunter Wilson Crime Series and the new spinoff series The Jane Renwick Thrillers. In today’s episode we talk about what we’re currently reading and the joy of rereading books thro...

Send us Fan Mail Today on the podcast, I’m joined by the talented Michele Pariza Wacek — author of an incredible range of mysteries, thrillers, and cozies, all set within a shared universe. We kick things off chatting about our pets (naturally!), share some great reading recommendations, and gush over one of my favorite series — The Dresden Files. Then we dive into Michele’s writing journey, explo...

Send us Fan Mail This week on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I interview author Kimberley Webb, who has just written a wonderful book called Jillian’s Island. I’m excited to introduce you to this talented new author! How does she find time to write and publish her own book while also being a full-time mom and wife? It’s all about balance and making time for the things that matter. We talk about th...

Send us Fan Mail Is reading a form of self-care? In today’s episode, I’m joined by author Ciara Blume for a cozy and thought-provoking chat about how books can bring comfort, healing, and inspiration. We talk about reading as self-care, writing as a path to emotional wellness, and how fiction helps us better understand ourselves and others. Along the way, Ciara shares her reading journey, favorite...

Send us Fan Mail  ✨ In today’s episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I sit down with urban fantasy author Trisha A. Thacker to talk about her writing journey, love of reading, and passion for adult literacy. We also dive into the world of Doctor Who, the joys and challenges of storytelling, and the magic of books that shape our lives.  📚 Whether you’re a fan of urban fantasy, a reader lookin...

Send us Fan Mail  In today's episode I interview Sci-Fi writer Jenny Ahmed. Her recent book "Utopia" is about "A handpicked team of elite scientists, each prepared to leave Earth behind forever. Their mission: to build a permanent colony and turn the barren red planet into humanity's next home. Mars holds secrets far older—and far stranger—than anyone could have imagined.....

Send us Fan Mail It's always a fun time when Jessica Thompson stops by the podcast. Today, she and author Heidi O'Barr take a break from their writing retreat to chat with me about the Messy Manuscript Society's newest collection of fantasy short stories, "Beyond the Waves"! We chat about what we're reading, and talk about some of our favorite Cozy mysteries and all t...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I interview author Jenna Maeson about her writing journey, her books, and a topic that is a passion of ours - the importance of reading aloud to children (and adults!) Jenna and I share a bunch of books that are great to read aloud to children. Please feel free to add more to our list in the comments! Also find out all abou...

Send us Fan Mail Today I continue my conversation with author Stefanie Santone. We have a very open conversation about our struggles with mental wellness - and the important part that writing, reading, and stories have played in helping us in our journey. This is a topic that I have wanted to discuss for awhile, and I am grateful that Stefanie was willing to be open with her journey. We also talk...

Send us Fan Mail Hello bookworms! Today I have the privilege of sitting down with author Stefanie Santone. She's just published a book called "Tangled Magic" - and it's the first book in a new urban fantasy mystery series.  In Part 1 of my interview, the chaos runs strong: In this fun and wide-ranging episode, Stefanie shares her writing journey—from being inspired by Star Wars...

Send us Fan Mail Today on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I sit down with fantasy author M.T. Solomon to discuss her latest release, "Liar Queen" – the exciting first book in an all-new fantasy trilogy! At the beginning of the episode I also give a quick update on my podcast, this channel, and life in general.  We then explore her writing journey—from her dreams of being a writer that beg...