Interview with Vanessa Riley - SISTER MOTHER WARRIOR
In this interview, Vanessa and I discuss Sister Mother Warrior, providing the historical context for her book. which character was the hardest to write, having 2 books publishing so close in time to each other, the lasting implications from the Haitian Revolution, and much more.
Vanessa's recomme...
Interview with Piper Huguley - BY HER OWN DESIGN
In this interview, Piper and I discuss By Her Own Design, telling Ann Lowe's little-known story, how she went about filling in the gaps of Ann's life, writing biographical historical fiction, why Jackie Kennedy Onassis remains so popular, how historical fiction teaches while also telling a story,...
Interview with Chanel Cleeton - OUR LAST DAYS IN BARCELONA
In this interview, Chanel and I discuss Our Last Days in Barcelona, writing a dual timeline story, how readers wanted to learn Isabel's story, why writing historical fiction starts with research, the connection between all of her book titles, and much more.
Chanel's recommended reads are:
The Wi...
Interview with Reyna Grande - A BALLAD OF LOVE AND GLORY
In this interview, Reyna and I discuss A Ballad of Love and Glory, shedding a light on a lesser-known time period, writing in a variety of genres and how they compare, her favorite character to write in this book, what she wants her readers to take away from the novel, and much more.
Reyna's reco...
Tony Birch - THE WHITE GIRL
Tony and I discuss The White Girl, crafting strong female characters, the two sections of the book that were the hardest for him to write, why he created the fictional town of Deane, the strong sense of place in his writing, the importance of the bath tub on the cover, and much more.
Tony's recom...
Kerri Maher- THE PARIS BOOKSELLER
Kerri and I discuss The Paris Bookseller, writing about the iconic Shakespeare and Company in Paris, the fabulous book club kit created for this book, Princeton's Shakespeare and Company Project, the magic of 1920's Paris, the 5 authors she would choose to host at her (imaginary) bookstore, her 5...
Samantha Specks - DOVETAILS IN TALL GRASS
Samantha and I discuss Dovetails in Tall Grass, the U.S./Dakota War of 1862, how she decided on her format, bringing a forgotten event to life, translating history into a compelling story that will appeal to readers, the most surprising part of her publishing journey, and much more.
Samantha’s re...
Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray - THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN
We discuss their new book The Personal Librarian, bringing Belle de Costa Greene to life, portraying Belle’s internal struggle, using the first person POV to tell a more personal story, writing partnerships, their July GMA book club selection, and much more.
Victoria’s recommended read is:
Yello...
Vanessa Riley - ISLAND QUEEN
Vanessa and I discuss Island Queen, bringing Dorothy Kirwan Thomas to life, why she created her fabulous Author’s Note, how the stunning cover came about, the importance of uncovering stories hidden to history, and much more.
Vanessa’s recommended reads are:
How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her H...
Chanel Cleeton - THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA
Chanel and I discuss her latest book The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, how this is the first time she has written about a real life heroine, the incredible amount of research she conducted for this novel, which book of hers holds a special place in her heart, bringing Cuban stories to life, and mu...
