Storied Account with Jen Jumba

In this conversation, bestselling author Allison Brennan, explores her journey as a writer, the evolution of her characters, and the intricate balance of emotion and logic in storytelling. She discusses the importance of research, the role of setting, and the psychological aspects of crime fiction, all while highlighting the relatable nature of Brennan's characters.

Deborah J. Ledford discusses Havoc , the second novel in her Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran series, offering readers a deeper look into the inspirations behind the story. She talks about her decision to incorporate emerging 3-D technology into the central case and how it collides with the traditions and values of the Taos Pueblo tribe woven throughout the novel. Ledford also shares personal insight i...

Kelli Stanley, is a multifaceted writer known for her crime fiction. Kelli talks about the creation of her main character Renata Drake, the themes of justice and accountability in her work, and the unique dynamics of small-town life. We discuss the ripple effects of crime, the role of youth in solving mysteries, and the complexities of law and morality.

Award-winning author Lori Rader-Day to talk about her latest novel, Wreck Your Heart . Lori dives into the creation of Dahlia, a character shaped by love, loss, and resilience, and reflects on the sheer joy of writing.  Lori talks about how personal experiences influence creative work, the power of humor in storytelling, and the deep emotional connections music can create.

In this conversation, Tom Ryan, an internationally bestselling author, talks about his latest novel We Had a Hunch. They explore the intricacies of storytelling, character development, and the importance of representation in literature. Tom shares insights into his writing process, the challenges of adapting books for screen, and the nostalgic elements woven into his narratives.

Mark discusses his debut novel, To Catch a Spy , the estate-approved sequel to David Dodge’s To Catch a Thief . Set on the French Riviera one year later, the story reunites readers with Francie Stevens—now a model amid the glamour of Fashion Week—and John Robie, whose life is disrupted as he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of Russian espionage.

Cara talks about her latest book featuring the character Huguette, a 17-year-old orphan navigating post-war France. The discussion delves into the complexities of survival, moral dilemmas, and the gritty realities of life after the war, as well as the creative process behind Cara's writing.

Emma Strenner about her debut novel 'My Other Heart', exploring themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. We discuss the intricate character dynamics between Kit and Sabrina, the influence of journalism on her writing, and the cultural nuances that shape the characters' experiences. Emma shares the importance of love languages, the power of hope in adversity, and the journey of self-discovery...

This conversation delves into the gripping story of Fiona, a woman whose life was forever altered by the abduction and murder of her mother by a serial killer when she was just a child. As an adult, Fiona embarks on a journey back to her hometown to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance, especially after learning that the killer confessed to not being responsible for her mother's deat...

In this episode, Heather Aimee O'Neill discusses the title of her book, 'The Irish Goodbye,' and full of poignant scenes involving family dynamics and the concept of moving forward in the face of grief. Heather talks about the how the characters explore the balance between reflecting on the past and embracing the present.

This episode of Storied Account Jen Jumba engages in a deep conversation with debut author Danie Shokoohi about her novel Glass Girls. Danie talks about themes of trauma, identity, and the significance of storytelling. Danie shares insights into her characters, the symbolism of fairy tales, and the complexities of hope and family dynamics.

Multiple award winning writer, Hank Phillippi Ryan, talks about her latest psychological thriller, All This Could Be Yours.  She shares the intricacies of writing, the challenge of book tours and the importance of relatable characters.  Hank shares insights into her writing process, the balance of fame and privacy and the power of choices in storytelling.  

In this episode of Storied Account, I talk with bestselling author Marissa Stapley about her journey to becoming a writer, how the idea of her character, Lucky, sat next to her on a bus and the themes of fame and forgiveness.  Marissa talks about the impact of childhood experiences on who we become as adults. We also talk about how music plays a significant role in The Lightning Bottles.