Send us a text My guest today is cozy mystery writer Kate Darroch. After years of wanting to be a writer, she gave herself the ultimate challenge: It's now or never! Find out all about her journey on today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey. We also have a great time talking about our favorite books and authors who inspire us - it turns out we had a lot in common! Kate also shares her encouragement to writers, and she also tells us the incredible story of one of our favorite writers Co...
Apr 10, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 59
Send us a text Today we're talking about the classics, and I have a special guest to join with me: Mimi Matthews. She's the author of such works as "The Belle of Belgrave Square" and the gender swapped retelling mashup of Jane Eyre and another gothic horror classic, entitled "John Eyre". This was a wonderful interview that easily could have been a million hours long - we chat a little bit about our pets, give book recommendations, and writing tips, but the majority ...
Apr 03, 2023•47 min•Season 3Ep. 58
Send us a text In today's episode I interview crime writer Laura Burke. And believe me, you won't want to miss this amazing story of her incredible journey to becoming a published writer. Laura has had many lives and adventures: she's worked as a police officer, a private investigator, a nurse, and now she spends her weekends killing people... only in her novels, of course. In the interview I talk to her about one of the darkest moments in her life, and how that started her on her...
Mar 15, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 57
Send us a text Who says science has to be boring? Hello, in today's episode of the Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I interview scientist and author Leah Elson. She is the writer of the forthcoming book "There are (No) Stupid Questions in Science". We have a fun conversation about her journey as a scientist and author, how she found her passion for explaining science in a fun way, and then we cover the really important questions like - how does the science hold up in films like "An...
Feb 27, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Send us a text What is Reading? How can we do it better? How can we help promote literacy? A recent study showed that half of US adults can't read at an 8th grade level. I know that on a book podcast, my guest today is going to be preaching to the choir, but I think you will find it a fascinating and helpful interview! After making some book recommendations, we talk about the literacy crisis and what he is trying to do to help it. Matt walks me through the process that he calls “zincing”, w...
Feb 13, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Send us a text My guest today is author and podcaster Wendy Kok. Her new book, An Awakening, is out now: "Brooke Larken's year has not gone as planned. Her neighbor was killed, her boyfriend is missing, and her town of Neelsville is slowly...changing. She just wants things to get back to normal. But a cryptic visit from a dangerous acquaintance makes her realize that things may never be the same again." Wendy is also the host of the Juicy Pear Podcast - a podcast that explores top...
Jan 16, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 54
Send us a text My guest today is blogger Cathy Jean-Francois. She currently writes the blog "Cathy's Cross: a Depressive's Positive Perspective". She has written several other blogs in the past and is currently looking to get her first novel published. Cathy is early in her writing journey, but she's no stranger to the struggle with depression. In our conversation we talk about depression, teaching ELA to middle-schoolers, and writing - even while depressed. I personally...
Dec 26, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Send us a text In today's episode I talk with author Stephanie Cotsirilos about her novella "My Xanthi" and about what she calls a new hero: the elder migrant woman. We also talk about our family histories and how their stories affect us even today. We talk a lot about immigration, our forebears, and the power of story and loving across cultures. This is one of the most beautiful interviews I've experienced, and I can't wait for you to hear from the gentle wisdom of my g...
Dec 19, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Send us a text Hello and Merry Christmas! Today's episode is all about Christmas. I talk to Brian Earl, the host of the popular "Christmas Past" podcast. He stopped by to talk about his new book "Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions". So join us today as we chat about the book, Christmas traditions, and what the future might hold for Christmas. Brian Earl: https://christmaspastpodcast.com/ Get "Christmas Past", i...
Dec 06, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Send us a text Hello! My Guest today is Kirsten Weiss, she writes cozy mysteries. She has a new one out called "Gingerbread Dead" and it's been published just in time for the Christmas season. On today's episode we talk about her journey to becoming an author, the joys of writing in the cozy mystery genre, and some encouraging and helpful tips for new authors. Plus lots of bookish chat! https://www.kirstenweiss.com / I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop a...
Nov 29, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Send us a text Today I welcome author Teri M. Brown to my Bookshelf Odyssey. We discuss many topics including marketing yourself, reading recommendations for all ages, and how riding across the United States on a tandem bicycle changed her life and her perspective on the country while it was going through some of the darkest moments of it's recent history. Find out how that epic bike ride of 3,102 miles inspired her to write! This is an interview that I found to be personally encouraging in...
Nov 21, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Send us a text In today's episode I sit down with Juno Jakob and talk about his writing journey. We talk about mental health, the necessity to talk openly and compassionately about it, and how his diagnosis of Schizophrenia 15 years ago has led him to write a fictionalized account of it in "Atticus", his new book that is coming out this week. Juno's story is a very personal and heartfelt one, and I know you will find his real life journey just as amazing. Near the end of the ...
Nov 15, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Send us a text In today's episode of the Bookshelf Odyssey, I speak with fantasy writer J. V. Hilliard about his work, The Warminster series, and we talk about some of the authors and books that inspire his imagination. There's a lot of discussion about JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy - and also vampires! If you're a fan of well written fantasy, strong world building, and compelling characters, this is a series for you. Find out more about it at: http://jvhilliard.com...
Nov 08, 2022•44 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Send us a text On today's podcast I interview author Shannon Lawrence. She has written a ton of short stories in the horror genre. I talk about her writing journey, about why she writes horror, and lots of book and movie recommendations. If you are in the mood for a Halloween treat this weekend, this episode won't disappoint! Find Shannon online: thewarriormuse.com Timestamps 01:30 what am I reading 03:30 getting into horror 07:30 the podcast - Mysteries, Monsters and Mayhem; local leg...
Oct 30, 2022•34 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Send us a text In today's episode I interview author Tracee Garner who wrote the book "Disability: An Anecdotal Field Guide for the Rest of Us". In the interview we talk about her love of reading, her writing journey, and her life in a wheel chair. None of the challenges life threw at her stopped her from achieving incredible things - Find out more about her on today's episode! This is one of the most encouraging conversations I've had with an author, and I know you will...
Oct 22, 2022•44 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Send us a text In today's episode I talk with booktuber CJ from @CJ Reads and owner/operator of the new mobile bookstore, Sunny's Book Truck! We talk about her journey to becoming an entrepreneur, the joys and challenges of owning your own bookstore on wheels, and of course there's plenty of book talk! It's like a modern day "Parnassus on Wheels"! (Which if you haven't read it yet, check out the book by Christopher Morley!) Sunny's Book Truck Website: http...
Oct 14, 2022•25 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Send us a text On today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey, I am exploring the fantasy section of my bookshelves. My guest today is fantasy author Danielle Orsino, and she is the author of the Birth of the Fae series. She's also an expert cosplayer, martial artist, a nurse, AND is featured modeling on the covers of the novels she writes. She's also a comic book fan, and an incredibly talented writer. Take a listen to today's episode as we talk comic books, writing, and Daniel...
Oct 07, 2022•44 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Send us a text In my interview today, I speak with lawyer turned author Reyna Gentin. We talk about her journey to becoming an author, as well as her YA book called My Name is Layla. It's a story that deals with the trials of being an 8th grade girl with dyslexia. Reyna and I also talk about dyslexia and the impact it has on so many people. We'd love for you to be apart of this conversation! If you or someone you know has dyslexia, we'd love to hear your voice added to the discuss...
Sep 30, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Send us a text In today's podcast I interview Liz Alterman, who is the author of several books including the wonderful thriller "The Perfect Neighborhood". She joins me today to talk about coffee, books, the writing life - and how she took one of the most difficult moments in her life - unexpected layoffs - and turned it into an opportunity. We also share some book recommendations and so much more! Whether you like memoirs that make you laugh/cry or mysteries that keep you on the ...
Sep 23, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Send us a text In today's episode, I talk to the author of the Regency mystery, Murder in Westminster Vanessa Riley. We talk about her new mystery book, diversity during the time of Jane Austen and the importance of reading diversely... and of course plenty of talk about the genius of Jane Austen. Vanessa Riley: www.vanessariley.com Books mentioned: Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins Walter Mosely's Easy Rawlins series The Rose Code by Kate Quinn Wild Woman and the Blues by Denny S...
Sep 16, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Send us a text Season 2 begins! And we kick off with a great guest talking with me about one of the best books I've read all year: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Brendan stops by to chat with me about his book, comic books, music, and so much more. He's a man of many talents, and I can't wait for you to hear what he has to say. Please note a portion of our interview does contain spoilers for the book but it is well-marked when we begin the spoiler discussions. See the t...
Aug 26, 2022•49 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Send us a text Hello everyone! as we continue our celebration of Jane Austen July I'm excited to bring you this interview with author Tirzah Price. She is the author of Pride and Premeditation - a Pride and Prejudice retelling that's part mystery, part lawyer drama, part Regency romance. Tirzah and I talk about her novel and share our love of Jane Austen. We also talk about adaptations, modernizations, and basically gush over how wonderful Jane Austen is. Enjoy! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro...
Jul 28, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Send us a text Nancy Churnin is my guest today - she has just published the award winning children's book "Dear Mr. Dickens". Beautifully illustrated, It tells the powerful story of Eliza Davis, a Jewish woman who wrote letters to Charles Dickens asking him to change how he wrote Jewish characters in his novel. We talk about her book and the importance of using your voice and the power that words can have. Eliza may not be as well known as Dickens, but they both had the same tools...
Jun 16, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Send us a text Hello! We're back to the mystery genre on my bookshelves today. I'm joined by culinary cozy mystery writer Jessica Thompson. She is the author of the Caterer's Guide to Crime series. We talk about the first book in the series, "A Caterer's Guide to Love and Murder." Jessica is a fun person to talk to and I know you will enjoy this interview! Along with the usual questions about the power of stories, reading recommendations and writing advice, Jessica ...
Jun 08, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Send us a text The dramatic moments are high in these latest chapters of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. In the video I discuss chapters 47-50 and a lot of plot points and questions I had earlier in the novel get answered. Find out what happens as Pip finds out about Estella's history, Miss Havisham's history, Magwitch's history... pretty much everyone's backstory. So buckle up and get ready, this one is a roller coaster ride! Find Me online: Voxer: @artbookshelfodysse...
May 22, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Send us a text My guest today is a new up and coming author of science fiction. She has published several short stories and is working on a novel. I sit down with Jendayi to talk about how she became a writer, the impact of reading diversely, and why taking a chance on herself turned out to be one of the best choices she's made. We also share some book recommendations! I've read Jendayi's short stories and I believe that we are seeing the beginning of a great writing career! Check...
May 17, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Send us a text In today's episode, I look at chapters 43-46 of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. As Pip deals with the fallout of the revelation of who his patron is, he also experiences yet another heartbreak by Estella and is given a cryptic message - Don't Go Home! Find out why! Timestamps 00:00 intro 02:24 Part 27 Chapter 43 05:45 Part 27 Chapter 44 14:16 Part 28 Chapter 45 17:04 Part 28 Chapter 46 19:19 What’s next Find Me online: Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey Discord: https://...
May 14, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Send us a text Hi everyone, we're back at it with book 3, chapters 40-42 of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. Thank you all for hanging in there with me as we've had quite the adventurous April - nothing bad, just really busy and then I had some technical difficulties with this video last week. But we're back at it, and ready to rumble. So... now what? After Pip discovers who his benefactor is, the big question on his mind is - What do we do now? This is a revelation that ...
May 07, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Send us a text Today I'm interviewing cozy mystery writer Darci Hannah about her wonderful series called The Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries. "After catching her celebrity chef fiancé sizzling in the arms of another woman, Lindsey Bakewell left big city Wall Street for small town Beacon Harbor, Michigan to pursue her own passion as a pastry baker—and gets mixed up in someone’s sweet taste of revenge..." This is a fantastic series full of great characters, a cozy setting, intriguing myst...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Send us a text Hello! In today's video discussion of Charles Dickens' classic work Great Expectations, we talk about chapters 38-39 which will bring us to the end of book 2 - and a doozy of a plot twist. We find out more about Estella, whether or not she was intended for Pip, and Pip's benefactor is revealed! (And our jaws are left gaping, right?) So come on in, and get ready for all your questions to be answered and all your answers questioned. Just a reminder, we will be taking ...
Apr 15, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 30
