WRITERS' BLOCK In this powerful and important episdoe, Meg Walker and Ron Block are joined by Stephanie Land to talk about her recent memoir, Class, which was chosen as the November GAM Book Club Pick. Her previous book, Maid, took the book world by storm with it's stark portrayal of her struggles to escape from an abusive situation and care for her young daughter. Maid was turned into a hugely successful and attention grabbing Netflix series. We were honored to speak with Stephanie and learn ab...
Dec 01, 2023•46 min•Ep. 334
On tonight’s LIVE episode of the web show, we are so excited to welcome back our dear friend, Ariel Lawhon. Ariel is a critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction whose novels include THE WIFE THE MAID AND THE MISTRESS, I WAS ANASTASIA, and CODE NAME HÉLÈNE. Last year, she also co-authored the Amazon Editors’ Pick, WHEN WE HAD WINGS with Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have been Library Reads, One ...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 333
Who’s ready for some surprises?! We’ve got plenty in store for you on tonight’s Thanksgiving Eve show! Trust us, you do not want to miss this one as it’s going to be loads of fun! Each of the Fab Four has invited a mystery guest of their choosing. They’ve all kept the identities of their guests a secret from each other. No one will know what fabulous author each host has invited until it comes time to introduce and reveal them one-by-one. Do you have any guesses as to whom each Mary Kay Andrews,...
Nov 25, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 332
WRITERS' BLOCK Isaac Fitzgerald joins Ron Block and Meg Walker to celebrate the paperback release of his memoir/confessional, Dirtbag Massachusets, which received huge acclaim across the board. He is highly engaging and brutally honest about his scattered youth, his unusual path finding his way to become a highly regarded writer, frequent Today Show guest, and sought after speaker. His personality and enthusiasm is infective, and you'll end up wanting more! His stories truly captivate. See omnys...
Nov 24, 2023•59 min•Ep. 331
Our guest on this LIVE episode of our wed night web show is none other than the internationally bestselling author of the Rizzoli & Isles series, TessGerritsen ! Dubbed her the “medical suspense queen” by Publishers Weekly, Tess Gerritsen took an unusual route to a writing career. A graduate of Stanford University, Tess earned her MD at UC San Francisco and began to write fiction while on maternity leave as a physician. Since publishing her first novel in 1987, she has been a top-three US be...
Nov 20, 2023•49 min•Ep. 330
WRITERS' BLOCK Popular Rom-Com author, Ali Hazelwood joins Kristy Woodson Harvey & Ron Block to talk about her first foray into writing for young adults, Check & Mate. A great conversation about the popularity of chess among young people and how this solid romance truly charms readers. Ali shares her research, building her characters and how their stories refelect the realities facing the young population. Ali is charming sharing her background in neuroscience and how it influences how s...
Nov 17, 2023•33 min•Ep. 329
WRITERS' BLOCK Karen Kingsbury is perhaps the most popular and prolific writer of inspirational fiction. She joins Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block to showcase her first historical fiction novel, Just Once. Karen tells the riveting backstory to creating this WWII novel, and shares a great deal about her writing process, her deep faith and her growing endeavors in branching out to film and television projects. You can get a sneak peek at the upcoming theatrical release of Someone Like You here:...
Nov 10, 2023•37 min•Ep. 328
On this episode, we are thrilled to introduce you to the legendary author Meg Cabot ! Meg Cabot’s 80+ books for both adults and tweens/teens have included multiple #1 New York Times bestsellers, with more than 25-million copies sold worldwide. Her PRINCESS DIARIES series has been published in more than 38 countries and was made into two hit films by Disney. Meg’s numerous other award-winning books include the MEDIATOR series, the Heather Wells mystery series , and AVALON HIGH , which was adapted...
Nov 09, 2023•40 min•Ep. 327
WRITERS' BLOCK Beloved NYT Opinion columnist and Bestseling Author, Margaret Renkl joins Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block to talk about her glorious new collection of essays, The Comfort of Crows, which Ann Patchett calls a "howling love letter to the world". This sublime collection of stories follows Margarets year long astute and thought-provoking view of the natural world outside her window. There's something so soothing, tender and vital about hearing her talk about the joy, the grief and ...
Nov 03, 2023•43 min•Ep. 326
On tonight’s LIVE episode, we meet Angie Kim ! After moving from Seoul, South Korea, to the suburbs of Baltimore as a pre-teen, Angie Kim earned a philosophy degree from Stanford and attended Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. Her debut novel, MIRACLE CREEK , won the Edgar Award and the ITW Thriller Award, and was named one of the 100 best mysteries and thrillers of all time by Time, and one of the best books of the year by Time, The Washington Post, Kirkus Re...
Nov 02, 2023•45 min•Ep. 325
WRITERS' BLOCK William Kent Kruger talks with Kristin Harmel and Ron Block about his latest release, The River We Remember, which was just named one of Barnes & Noble's best books of the year. This deep and meaningful conversation explores the creation of this tender and compelling story set in 1958, but also features William's inspiration and background reavealing the personal connection with the book. A beautiful episode full of the warmth and humanity we have come to expect from this reve...
Oct 27, 2023•33 min•Ep. 324
On tonight’s LIVE episode, we meet crime fiction author Lori Rader-Day ! Lori Rader-Day is the Edgar Award-nominated and Agatha, Anthony, and Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author of seven novels including DEATH AT GREENWAY , THE BLACK HOUR , and THE DAY I DIED . A past president of Sisters in Crime , Lori is co-chair of Midwest Mystery Conference , and teaches creative writing at Northwestern University. She joins us from her home in Chicago to discuss her latest chilling suspense novel, THE ...
Oct 26, 2023•48 min•Ep. 323
WRITERS' BLOCK Lola Akinmade Akerstrom joins Ron and Meg for an absolutely fascinating discussion about her second novel, Everything Is Not Enough. Her breakout debut, In Every Mirror She's Black, was a GMA pick and created immense buzz. Lola talks about the journey to write her sophmore novel, which explores how 3 Black Women face stuggles of racism, gender stereotypes and class in Sweden. She writes compelling characters and weaves their stories flawlessly. Lola openly shares about her life, h...
Oct 20, 2023•32 min•Ep. 322
On tonight’s LIVE episode of our web show, we sit down with the incredible Jean Kwok . Jean Kwok is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Girl in Translation , Mambo in Chinatown , and the instant New York Times bestseller and Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club pick Searching for Sylvie Lee . Her work has been published in twenty countries and is taught in universities, colleges, and high schools across the world. She has been selected for numerous honors, including the ...
Oct 19, 2023•53 min•Ep. 321
WRITERS' BLOCK What do you do when a song gets stuck in your head and you want to figure out the backstory of the lyrics? Why, write a book imagining how real life influenced the song. Rochelle Weinstein is captivating talking to Kristy Woodson Harvey and Ron Block about how she created a powerful and emotional novel based on "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's who also gave Rochelle their blessing. Such a great conversation! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 13, 2023•31 min•Ep. 320
On tonight’s live episode, we are excited to talk to Thrity Umrigar about her highly anticipated new novel, THE MUSEUM OF FAILURES . Thrity is the award-winning and bestselling author of nine previous novels, including HONOR , which was a Reese's Book Club Pick, as well as three picture books and a memoir. Her books have been published in more than 15 countries and in several languages. A former journalist, she has contributed to the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, the New York Times, the Cle...
Oct 12, 2023•50 min•Ep. 319
WRITERS' BLOCK Ashley Winstead is the guest on this week's episode, discussing her departure thriller, Midnight is the Darkest Hour. She joins Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block for a deep discussion about how this Louisiana Swamp set tale explores the effect a fundamentalist focus can have on it's small town gothic town. The murder mystery begins with Ruth, whose world was changed when she discovered life in the pages of Twilight, who may have had a hand in the discivery of a skull in the swamp...
Oct 06, 2023•38 min•Ep. 318
On this episode, we introduce you to Jessica Knoll and her incredible new book, BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN . Jessica Knoll is the New York Times bestselling author of LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE and THE FAVORITE SISTER . She also adapted and executive produced the film Luckiest Girl Alive , starring Mila Kunis, which was released on Netflix in 2022. A former editor at SELF and Cosmopolitan, Jessica’s books have been published in more than forty languages. She joins us from her home in Los Angeles to discuss her...
Oct 05, 2023•42 min•Ep. 317
WRITERS' BLOCK Revisiting a classic with a twist! Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey are joined for a fabulous conversation with Melinda Taub about her new book that honors Pride and Prejudice (with a twist) in her new book, The Scanadalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch . Melinda talks about creating a new angle on the classic Bennet sisters story, infusing it with magic and insight into the elusive sister, Lydia. Melinda talks about her work as former Head Writer and Excecutive Producer o...
Sep 29, 2023•32 min•Ep. 316
This episode of our Wed night web show is the launch celebration for our own Mary Kay Andrews ’s BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS ! Who’s ready to join in the reindeer games? Put on your Santa (er, thinking) caps and get ready for some holiday themed trivia! We’ve got lots of cheer and merriment in store as emcee Meg and referee Ron oversee the Fab Four in a rousing Christmas-themed game show. We follow that with an insightful interview with MKA about her fifth Christmas novel, which is hot off the ...
Sep 28, 2023•59 min•Ep. 315
WRITERS' BLOCK Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block have an inspiring and touching conversation with Author Ruth Watson about her recent historical fiction novel, A Right Worthy Woman, which tells the story of Maggie Lena Walker, the first Black woman to establish and preside over an American Bank (which still exists today!). Ruth's journey to get this story told is fascinating and showcases her persistance and determination to bring untold but necessary stories to light in fiction. This episode i...
Sep 22, 2023•32 min•Ep. 314
On tonight’s LIVE episode of our Wednesday night web show, we are excited to host two incredible bestselling authors, Sarah Pekkanen and Etaf Rum ! Sarah Pekkanen is the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of four novels of suspense including THE GOLDEN COUPLE and THE WIFE BETWEEN US . A passionate volunteer for rescue animals, she serves as an Ambassador for RRSA India, and works hands-on in India to heal and vaccinate street dogs. She joins us from her home outside of Washington, D.C. to d...
Sep 21, 2023•52 min•Ep. 313
WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey knew there was somethng special about Mother Daughter Murder Night by debut author, Nina Simon. This sparkling, lively and heartwarming conversation will give listeners a glimpse into why this book was named the September 2023 Reese's Book Club pick! From the origin story, to the natual setting and the relationships between the grandmother, Lana, her estranged daughter Beth, and Jack the grandaughter, each page illuminates this compelling murder...
Sep 15, 2023•40 min•Ep. 312
On tonight’s LIVE episode of our Wed night web show, we have two incredible author guests in store for you! J.R. Ward is the author of more than 60 novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood . There are more than 20-million copies of her novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 27 countries. After law school, Ward worked in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the nation’s premi...
Sep 14, 2023•52 min•Ep. 311
WRITERS' BLOCK Join Mary Kay Andrews and Ron Block in a fantastic episdoe with the one and only Craig Johnson about his newest in the Longmire Series, Longmire Defense. Craig never ceases to amaze readers, and is very generous, hilarious and even touching sharing stories about his characters, the hugely popular Netflix show and his tours. Such a heartfelft and funny episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 08, 2023•44 min•Ep. 310
On this live episode of our Wed night web show, we are thrilled to introduce you to the National Book Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Acevedo ! Elizabeth Acevedo is the author of THE POET X , which, among other honors, won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and the Carnegie medal. She is also the author of WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH , named a best book of the year by the New York Public Library, NPR, and Publishers Weekly, and CLAP WHEN YOU LAND , whi...
Sep 07, 2023•54 min•Ep. 309
WRITERS' BLOCK Ready for a Laugh? Helen Ellis is the best-selling author of American Housewife and Southern Lady Code. She joins Patti Callahan Henry and Kristy Woodson Harvey for a hysterical conversation about her newest essay collection, Kiss Me in the Coral Lounge, which was written when she and her husband were on lockdown in their New York City apartment. Helen brings her incredible wit and humor, sharing stories of how the book came together, and about her own path to becoming a leading e...
Sep 01, 2023•40 min•Ep. 308
On tonight’s LIVE episode, we’ve got two great authors in store for you! We first met New York Times bestselling author Tracey Lange in 2021 when she joined us on our podcast to discuss her debut novel WE ARE THE BRENNANS . Born and raised in New York City, Tracey earned a degree in psychology from the University of New Mexico and owned a behavioral healthcare company for fifteen years. She completed the Stanford University online novel writing program while writing her debut novel. Tracey joins...
Aug 31, 2023•56 min•Ep. 307
On this episode we’ve got two fabulous and super fun authors in store for you! Ann Garvin is the USA Today bestselling author of five funny and sad novels about people who do too much in a world that asks too much from them. A nurse with her Ph.D., Anne taught for thirty years in the University of Wisconsin system and currently teaches creative writing at Drexel University. The founder of Tall Poppy Writers and a sought-after speaker on writing, leadership and health, Ann is committed to helping...
Aug 25, 2023•47 min•Ep. 306
WRITERS' BLOCK Patti Callahan Henry is joined by David Katz, Director and Chief Organizer of the Kauai Writer's Conference. Listeners are treated to a history of the conference, along with a deep discussion about why writing communities and conferences are so important to the writers, teachers and members of the publishing industry. This episode is sure to make you think about a trip to Hawaii! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Aug 25, 2023•37 min•Ep. 305
