This year Grace Wynter and I were recipients of the 2025 Barbara Neely Scholarship for Black crime writers. I wanted to meet my counterpart and here she is! Grace Wynter and I talk books, writing, and the future of publishing. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Grace: Website: www.gracewynter.com BlueSky: @ggwynterwrites.bsky.social Show Notes: books, writers, and topics we discuss: Judy Blume Jane Austen Toni Morrison Jamaica Kincaid Dean Koontz Stephen King Beverly Neely Kari...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 27 min
Noel Stark is a debut author! Her romance has some basis in reality: it’s all about Hollywood. In this interview, we talk about what romance has meant to her, the puzzle of storytelling, and the future of romance fiction. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Noël: Website: www.noelstark.com TikTok: @noelstarkauthor Instagram: @noelstarkauthor Show Notes: movies, books, writers, and topics we discuss: Love, Camera, Action by Noel Stark Lavyrle Spencer Kathleen E. Woodiwiss...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 12 min
It’s April! No fools here. This month, I have the pleasure of speaking with podcaster and mom, Kara Infante. Her podcast is Bookish Flights. On each episode, she features a guest who talks about three books centered on a theme. We talk about ways that women funnel their creativity. Books! Talking! Conversations! All my favorite things. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Kara: Instagram: @bookishflights Facebook: @bookishflights Website: bookishflights.com Show Notes: movies, bo...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 23 min
This month which brings the Ides of March, I have the true joy of speaking with women’s fiction author Brenda Janowitz. I met Brenda about a billion years ago when we co-blogged at Girlfriend’s Book Club, an early author blog co-founded by Hank Phillipe Ryan. Brends’s had an interesting journey that I can’t wait to share with you. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Brenda: Website: brendajanowitz.com Facebook: BrendaJanowitz Instagram: @brendajanowitzwriter Show Notes: movies, ...
Mar 01, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Say hello to thriller author Kimberley Troutte! Kimberley started out like so many of us writing romance but had a hard time staying in a single lane. We talk about genre hopping, starts and stops in a writing career, and what she’s up to now. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Kimberley: Website: https://kimberleytroutte.com/ Facebook: NYTBestsellingRomanceAuthor Instagram: @kimberleytroutte Show Notes: movies, books, writers, and topics we discuss: Anne Marsh Ray Bradbury Lau...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 27 min
This month I have the pleasure of chatting with Laura Drake. I met Laura many years ago when the Orange County romance writers was a chapter of RWA (now disaffiliated). Years ago, Laura left California and took herself and her motorcycle to Texas. It’s been a minute since I’ve seen her, but I really wanted to talk to her because she writes my favorite genre to write and read: women’s fiction. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Laura: Website: http://www.lauradrakebooks.com/ Fac...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 28 min
I’m excited to talk to New York Times bestselling romance author Lynn Raye Harris! We met in Houston, Texas at a writer’s conference several years ago. She’s a former Harlequin Presents author turned successful indie. We talk about writing, reading, and horses. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Lynn Raye Harris: Facebook Author Page: AuthorLynnRayeHarris Facebook Reader Group: HOTReadersAndFans Instagram: @lynnrayeharris Newsletter: http://bit.ly/LRHNews Amazon: LynnRayeHarris...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Lisa and I met in a kitchen in South Pasadena. A few months ago, I signed up for Happy Women Dinners , events that feature women-focused topics. First, I met Lyz Lenz as she discussed her book about divorce. This month it was a talk from Bonnie Wan about getting clear on what we want in our lives. Great talks and as a bonus, I get to meet interesting women like Lisa Cheek. Her debut book, Sit, Cinderella, Sit will release in January 2025. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Lisa...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 16 min
After twenty-plus years in Los Angeles, I get a lot of invites to various shows—a friend of a friend sent over a link to a one-woman show. The caveat? It was… One night only. And…I was jet-lagged having just flown in from Europe. Fortunately, I live about five minute’s drive from the Hudson Theatre and frequent it often enough to know where to park. (Critical to LA plans). That night I had the pleasure of watching Teruko Nakajima dance her way through her life story Made in America . It was so a...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 9 min
I can’t wait for you to hear my conversation with Dee J Adams. She’s a modern-day renaissance woman. From acting, to voiceover work, to on-set coach, to romance author, there’s little she’s shied away from in the creative arena. Tune in while we discuss her parallel paths to creative success and fulfillment. Her nonfiction book covers life on set. It’s a fun read that’s great for party entertainment. Have a listen as we go behind the scenes. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find D...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Enjoy a conversation with Aime Austin, the author of the Nicole Long and Casey Cort series of legal thrillers. In these conversations, I interview brilliant women creators. We talk about creating while being mothers, sisters, daughters, married, divorced, dating, and mapping out our destinies in the meantime.
Aug 15, 2024•4 min
It’s August and in Episode 49, I have a great conversation with crime author Kellye Garrett. Out of the gate, Kellye’s first book won ALL the awards. From cozy, humorous novels, in Missing White Woman, she’s turned to a more serious book dealing with social media’s influence of a murder investigation. We talk books, and publishing, all while keeping it honest. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Kellye: Twitter/X: https://x.com/kellyekell Instagram: https://ww w.instagram.com/ke...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min
This month it’s USA Today bestselling author Pippa Grant ! One day I sat next to Pippa at a brunch in Houston and she talked about relaunching her author brand. Her success has been out of this world. Four of her romantic comedies have debuted at #1 on Amazon. Having the opportunity to see this amazing woman achieve her dreams has been a joy to watch. She’s also so much fun to talk to. I can’t wait to share our conversation. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Pippa: Facebook: h...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Filmmakers are often lifted to mythical proportions in our culture. They create movies that mark the moments of our lives, push new phrases into our common lexicon, and for many leave lasting impressions. This month I have the joy of speaking with a triple-threat writer/director/actor Marlene Rhein Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Marlene: Website: https://www.marlenerhein.com Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/marlenerhein/ Show Notes: Who is Joi Seracha? The So So You Do...
Jun 01, 2024•1 hr 18 min
I love this conversation with USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Forster. We both write legal thrillers but from different perspectives. In this podcast, we talk a lot about reading, writing, and the quest for justice. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Rebecca: Website: http://rebeccaforster.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaForster4/ Twitter: @Rebecca_Forster Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Forster/e/B001HCZP3W/ BookBub : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 19 min
Anthea! I’m so excited to share my conversation with Anthea Sharp who also writes as Anthea Lawson. She is the USA Today bestselling author of Historical Romance, Fantasy, and her portmanteau, Romantacy! She’s not only a successful author, she’s also a trailblazer in the publishing space on the crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Anthea: Newsletter – http://eepurl.com/1qtFb Twitter/X – https://twitter.com/antheasharp Facebook – http://www.face...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 28 min
Welcome to The Murders Began hosted by Blake Hardin Tatum. Stay tuned to listen to the episodes recorded as featured in the Aime Austin legal thriller novel of the same title. Fictional host, Tatum, brings a true crime investigation to her readers and listeners in the third book in the Nicole Long Legal Thriller series. To read the book, click here ....
Feb 10, 2024•4 min
Welcome to The Murders Began hosted by Blake Hardin Tatum. Stay tuned to listen to the episodes recorded as featured in the Aime Austin legal thriller novel of the same title. Fictional host, Tatum, brings a true crime investigation to her readers and listeners in the third book in the Nicole Long Legal Thriller series. To read the book, click here ....
Feb 08, 2024•4 min
New York Times bestselling author Toni Anderson I love that every month I get to share my conversations with brilliant women creators. This month is no exception. You’re in for a treat with New York Times bestselling author Toni Anderson . She’s the only author I know who did not start with romance. Toni jumped into the deep end with romantic suspense. Tune in as we talk Commonwealth, FBI, and the improbable physics of helicopters. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Toni: Autho...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 19 min
2024 starts off with a bang! This month I have a wonderful chat with USA Today bestselling author Renee Rose . Renee was early to the independent publishing game. She’s a generous soul in the romance community and believes in the power of abundance. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Renee: Website: write2riches.com Instagram: @ writetoriches Facebook Group for authors: authorabundance Abundant Author News Live course sign-up: Write to Riches Show Notes: book, writers, and expe...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Retired educator and author Sara E. Johnson is this month’s guest. A long-time Durham, North Carolina resident, Johnson took a year off to live and travel in New Zealand. It inspired her Alexa Glock series. She published her first book at sixty and with six books slated in the series, her forensic odontologist protagonist is still going strong. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Sara: Instagram : @sarajohnsonwrites Facebook : Sarah Johnson, author Website : sarajohnsonauthor.co...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 31 min
Christine Cunningham Ashworth is a genre author with a unique background. Her father was a very prolific genre author as was her brother Scott before he turned to metaphysical nonfiction. In this episode, we discuss Christine’s latest book, an autobiography of Scott Cunningham, what it was like growing up around authors, and her path from romance and back again. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Christine: Instagram : @ashworthchristine Facebook : AuthorChristineAshworth Websi...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 17 min
Psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Debra Holland is one of the earliest indie authors I know. She came to independent publishing well before many of us, and she had a hand in changing not only my career but guiding others in Southern California. Like many of my guests, she’s not only a very successful romance writer but also works as a crisis and grief counselor. The last time I saw Debra was pre-pandemic. We went to dinner in Italy. It’s been a while…. Let’s chat. I have *so* ma...
Oct 01, 2023•1 hr 41 min
This encore presentation features romance author Synithia Williams whose newest book, The Secret to a Southern Wedding is out this month! It’s an Amazon August 2023 Book of the Month ! Throughout her writing career, Synithia has written twenty-five novels in several subgenres including category romance, single-title romance, and even women’s fiction under the pen name Nita Brooks . You can find Synithia: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/@SynithiaW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@SynithiaW ...
Aug 15, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Delilah Marvelle is one of my favorite people. She’s super smart and funny. We laughed so much before recording that it was hard to stop. You have to listen to this one to hear how Jane Eyre changed her relationship with books and writing. She’s also the first writer I’ve interviewed who is writing in her second language. It’s a fascinating discussion of writing influences, growing up as a survivor of trauma, and what it takes to tell stories that r...
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 29 min
This month I have an interesting conversation with NAACP Image Award Winner, Pamela Samuels Young. She writes thrillers that are heavy on suspense. A retired attorney, like many of my guests, she made the transition from practicing law to writing full-time. Now her career is on a new trajectory with co-authoring in the mix. Let’s chat. I have *so* many questions. You can find Pamela: Tiktok: @ authorpsy Twitter: AuthorPSY Facebook: pamelasamuelsyoung Instagram: AuthorPSY Show Notes & books w...
May 01, 2023•1 hr 12 min
OMG this episode is epic! This month I have a super interesting conversation with USA Today bestselling author Blair Babylon. Blair is another author I haven’t seen in some time (damned COVID). Also, admittedly I tried not to talk to her too much about the pandemic as she’s an expert Ph.D. in microbiology and virology. I was too afraid that the truth of what was happening in 2020. It was all too was heavy. On the other hand, Blair is one of a few people I know who completed the Iowa Writer’s Wor...
Apr 01, 2023•1 hr 25 min
A prosecutor fighting for sobriety, an abuse victim in denial, and the reporter who wants to expose it all. ⚖️ This is a special bonus episode of A Time to Thrill! I’m so excited that Without Consent is out today! This is the third title in the Niciole Long series and it’s a good one. To prosecute a priest, Nicole Long will have to sell her soul to the devil… On the brink of solidifying her place as the head of Major Crimes, prosecutor Nicole Long is struggling to stay sober. At the same time, s...
Mar 08, 2023•8 min
This month, I have a great talk with USA Today bestselling author Pamela DuMond. Pamela has had the most varied career. From ‘discovering’ Erin Brockovich to writing for storytelling game apps, she’d done a lot. You can find Pamela: Website: pameladumond.com FB: facebook.com/PamelaDuMondAuthor IG: instagram.com/pameladumond.storyteller Amazon: amazon.com/PamelaDumond BookBub: bookbub.com/pamela-dumond Show Notes & books we discuss: Erin Brockovich Tom’s River by Dan Fagin A Civil Action by J...
Mar 01, 2023•1 hr 17 min
This month I have a great talk with New York Times bestselling author Sharon Hamilton . I met Sharon some years ago at a romance writer’s meeting in Orange County, California. Writing is her second successful career. The first was in real estate. I was surprised that some of what it takes to sell a house transfers to marketing books. You’ll get to hear about how her personal connection led her to write Navy SEALs. “True love heals in the garden of the heart.” —Sharon Hamilton You can find Sharon...
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr 2 min
