Called is a novel about fighting for what you believe in, no matter the cost. And though this particular version is fiction, it’s based very much in reality. Author, Marlena Fiol is the daughter of the John Schmidt of the book, and had previously written about her experiences in the form of memoir. But this time, it’s told from an outside perspective—there’s just a lot of material here! A Mennonite Missionary. His devoted wife. The other woman. WWII. A leper colony in the Peruvian Jungle. And th...
Jul 27, 2021•47 min•Ep. 51
Check out the San Diego Writers Festival July 17 and July 31 (2 full days) it's virtual and free on Facebook here sandiegowritersfestival.com
Jul 14, 2021•15 min
Scott Meyers is a cornucopia of knowledge of screenwriting and he helps others learn it via classes at DePaul University, his workshops, and his highly acclaimed blog on the subject, Go Into The Story. He talks with Jeniffer and Chad about how, like many other creative folks, he came to screenwriting in a round about way. It’s because of this, maybe, that he’s really good at giving practical advice for aspiring screenwriters. If you want straight forward and valuable tips and guidance, Scott Mey...
Jun 22, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 50
Things We Lost to the Water is Eric Nguyen’s first novel, but you would never know by reading it. It’s a multilayered, beautifully written story of the immigrant experience through the eyes of one family, all living a slightly different reality in their new home of New Orleans. And then Hurricane Katrina happens… Eric tells Jeniffer about what inspired him to write his novel, why he chose the setting he chose, and how the novel developed into the story of the three individuals and their unique p...
Jun 03, 2021•51 min•Ep. 49
Jeniffer and Chad talk with Journalist Mike Ayers about how he came up with the idea for his book, One Last Song, and how asking such a specific, and maybe slightly morbid question opened up people to telling so much about themselves. They also discuss how music is powerful, universal and definitive in our lives. And, of course you'll get to hear all of their last songs of choice.
May 18, 2021•59 min•Ep. 48
Chris describes his novel as suspense; a slow burn. But it’s much more than that. Jeniffer and Chris talk about what went into crafting his historical thriller, The Hour of the Witch. As you may have guessed, it centers around a woman who becomes a target— because she stood up for herself against an abusive husband. Chris researched and studied Puritanical society on a deep level to get real feel for life in that dark period. You’ll find out some crazy stuff, not just about the superstitions of ...
May 11, 2021•55 min•Ep. 48
Sue Monk Kidd is no stranger to controversy. From the topics of her books, to deciding she wanted to be a writer in a place and time where that was just not something women did. She tells Jeniffer about how just that act of courage inspired her to reach a little further to write feminine narratives, and about women characters that were also courageous and went against the grain. Website
Apr 20, 2021•59 min•Ep. 47
Donna Leon is the author of the Brunetti Mysteries, and in this episode she tells Jeniffer about her process, and how real life is always inspiring new ideas for her next books. Having lived globally and travelled extensively, it’s no wonder she never seems to run out of those ideas—she writes at a pace of one novel a year! With her character, Brunetti, she wanted to create a protagonist who’s flawed, yet loveable, and put him into real-life situations to see what happens. And for nearly 30 year...
Apr 13, 2021•51 min•Ep. 46
Laraine, despite her mother’s pleas to not go into show business, of course, went into show business. Which, you may have guessed, turned out pretty well for her. She shares some the highlights of her book, May You Live in Interesting Times, casually mentions her friendships with other show business stars like Richard Pryor and Weird Al, and her time at SNL. They also discuss Coachella, The Salton Sea, desert landscapes, and other things Laraine has a love for—and there’s some depression and chi...
Apr 06, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 45
Richard Russo called Gregory Brown’s debut novel, “...a lush, almost mythic portrait of a very specific place and time…” and you’ll get a good sense of that listening to Gregory speak about The Lowering Days. He tells Jeniffer about his process and the characters in the novel and the parts they play. He also explains how he researched the local Penobscot culture to get it right, as someone who’s not Indigenous.
Mar 30, 2021•53 min•Ep. 44
Angela Bole is the CEO of the IBPA, and she tells Jeniffer and Chad a little about the history and purpose of the organization. They discuss how the Independent publishing industry has changed over the years and the upcoming virtual IBPA Publishing University. There are also some great tips on the importance of sticking to publishing conventions as an Indie author, and how education and community are the pillars of Indie publishing success. They even throw in some thoughts on desert island book ...
Mar 23, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 43
The Illness Lesson is historical fiction that takes place in the 19th century, and was inspired by true events. Namely, a mysterious mass illness. Clare Beams talks with Jeniffer about how she managed to write about the time period without falling into the trappings of its writing conventions. She also explains why she chose the setting she did and how she managed to make it still feel modern and have modern themes. Oh, and what it feels like to have her book hailed as a masterpiece. Just enough...
Mar 16, 2021•50 min•Ep. 42
Chris Whitaker’s most recent novel, We Begin at the End , was actually conceived of very early in his writing journey. Like few other authors, Chris never imagined he’d become a writer, but a traumatic event changed that. He started writing as a form of therapy to deal with the aftermath of that event, and to tell his story and express parts of himself in a ways completely removed from the personal. He also talks with Jeniffer about his process, how he found an agent, his missteps along the way,...
Mar 09, 2021•45 min•Ep. 41
Olga Grushin wrote her first story at just seven years old, and it happens to have been a fairy tale. She discusses why she chose to write in English, though Russian is her first language, and how it shapes the way she tells stories while retaining a Russian sensibility. The Charmed Wife is her latest book and she and Jeniffer discuss why she was inspired to reimagine Cinderella as a divorcee. Olga also talks about why she started writing, how she got an agent and a publisher, her genre-bending ...
Feb 23, 2021•56 min•Ep. 40
Her memoir has been called harrowing, and her childhood was unimaginably traumatic. But today, Stephanie is a successful author, the CEO of Heritage School of Interior Design, and the founder of The Heritage Home Foundation. She tells you how through sheer will and resilience she came out on the other side, and how not taking no for an answer, plus her innate design skills landed her a book deal and a best selling book. Website Instagram...
Feb 10, 2021•42 min•Ep. 39
Sally Collings is a Book Proposal Expert, Ghostwriter and former Assistant Editor at Harper Collins and she knows her stuff. Jeniffer and Chad talk with Sally about her six fundamental elements of a winning book proposal, including building your platform, proof of concept, and choosing your publishing path. There’s so much that goes into it. This episode is full of valuable information on the process of writing a book proposal and when it’s time to do it. Are you ready?
Dec 08, 2020•58 min•Ep. 38
Today's guest, Derek Lewis, is a business ghostwriter and author in his own right. Contrary to popular belief, the ghostwriter doesn't just write a book under someone else's name. Derek compares the ghostwriter to a midwife. A facilitator of the text, but not the creator. And it's a lot harder than you'd think. It requires the ability to write in the voice of the "author". So you have to have writing skills and the ability to read people and understand them really well, and kind of become them. ...
Nov 24, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 37
This episode’s guests are Dan Smith, founder of Smith Publicity, and President, Sandy Smith. No, the last name isn’t a coincidence—they’re married. Dan’s decision to start Smith Publicity in 1997 was a make-it-or-break-it plan, and his can-do attitude and dedication paid off. Today Smith Publicity has served over 3,000 clients and Sandy and Dan are at full capacity representing traditional and self-published authors. But it wasn’t always that way. Some of Smith's first clients where strippers, m...
Nov 10, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 36
Both The Editor and A Star is Bored have young, gay, male protagonists who find mentors in older, more powerful, albeit very different women. Both books are based a bit in reality of some sort. Oh, and Byron and Steven just happen to be live-in partners who both happen to be writers. They tell Jeniffer what inspired them to write their novels, what it's like living with another writer, their respective writing processes, and more. There's some fun anecdotes shared and a lot of questions answered...
Oct 27, 2020•48 min•Ep. 35
In another partnership with San Diego’s Warwick’s Books, Jeniffer talks with Literary Agent and Author, Bill Clegg. In this episode, they discuss his latest book, The End of the Day, and do a deep dive into the philosophical questions raised about class, agency, privilege, and power through the eyes of his protagonist, Dana. It’s like a mini book club, and may help you see the book in a new light, or raise some questions of your own about what really matters at the end of the day. Find His Agenc...
Oct 20, 2020•51 min•Ep. 34
Linda Olson was in her late twenties, newly married, and a doctor when she was in a horrible accident while on vacation with her family. The aftermath left her without her legs and her right arm. She thought she would lose her husband too. But it turns out, she adapted and so did he. In this episode Linda tells Jeniffer and Chad about her experience, and how she overcame what seems from her telling, the minor setback of finding yourself with only one limb to work with. Her story is full of adven...
Oct 13, 2020•47 min•Ep. 33
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. In this episode, Wall Street Journal reporter, Justin Scheck talks with Jeniffer about his experience covering the Saudi royal family and the wild reality behind its power hungry prince. Blood and Oil, is a fascinating glimpse into the politics of oil, and how staggering wealth and unchecked ambition created what most would consider a true monster. MBS ordered the ruthless murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, proposed creating a city with a fake ...
Oct 06, 2020•46 min•Ep. 32
Set My Heart To Five is a book that examines the oddities of human behavior by observing them from the outside, via an Android named Jared. It's set in 2054 in what Simon calls a Mistopia. He and Jeniffer talk about how he came up with the idea for the novel and the ways we may relate to Jared when we really start thinking about it. They discuss how he transitioned from Doctor to Writer, a bit about his creative process, and whether he prefers writing screenplays or novels. They share their opin...
Sep 29, 2020•49 min•Ep. 31
Sigrid Nunez is what may be considered a writer's writer, and she references other writers and the art itself often in her newest book, What Are You Going Through. In this episode she tells Jeniffer about her writing process—which starts with just the all important first sentence and builds from there—weaving a whole world by answering the questions that first sentence asks. Sigrid also tells Jeniffer what inspires her to write, and how she decided on the Stream of Consciousness style for What A...
Sep 15, 2020•40 min•Ep. 30
Ann Gonzales is the creator and facilitator of Easel Does it-Art and Recovery workshops and author of the magnificent children's book, Beloved and the Pepper Tree. She Considers herself an artist and seeker. She talks with Jeniffer about how the idea for her book came about, the process of finding her illustrator, and how she's built her brand with clever ideas and creative projects. Beloved and the Pepper Tree is her first book and it deals with facing change and the challenges that brings. Fin...
Sep 08, 2020•36 min•Ep. 29
Jeniffer and Chad talk with John Vorhaus about what it takes to be a good comic writer and how some of those things may be inborn. They discuss everything from his writing process, and his experience teaching comedy writing all over the world, to ultimate frisbee, poker, and dumb jokes. And, yes, there really was a Russian version of Married with Children. John worked on that show and learned some valuable lessons about how comedy isn't always universal. So, knowing your audience is key.
Sep 01, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 28
Jan Eliasberg has written and directed for theater, film, and television, including shows like Miami Vice, Criminal Minds, and Nashville. In this episode Jeniffer and Chad speak with Jan about her novel, Hannah’s War. The novel was inspired by, and tells the story of, Hannah Weiss, a Jewish physicist working on splitting the atom. Hannah realizes the destructive potential of her work but as a woman, was not listened to, nor credited. Jan talks about how she was inspired by her discovery of the r...
Aug 25, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 27
Sara Schaefer is an Emmy winning stand up comedian and comedy writer who's been featured on too many comedy shows to mention. If you don't already know her work, you're missing out. This episode, in another partnership with Warwick's Books, goes deep into the process of how Sara wrote her memoir, what she learned from it, and covers topics everyone can relate to. You'll also get to hear Sara read a passage from Grand, about an all too familiar bad haircut experience. But, of course, you'll have ...
Aug 18, 2020•49 min•Ep. 28
Charles Rosenberg is not only the author of several novels based on imagined history, but a Law professor and script consultant for several Prime Time television shows, such as LA Law and Boston Legal. Charles gets his inspiration from examining history and observing the present to imagine how the past could have been vastly different just by a change in circumstance. Jeniffer talks with him about his most recent work, The Day Lincoln Lost, and how by imagining an alternative past he ended up cr...
Aug 11, 2020•29 min•Ep. 25
You might suspect Brad Thor's background hosting the TV series Traveling Lite had something to do with his interest in international espionage and adventure, and you'd be right. Brad tells Jeniffer about what got him started as a writer, how he created his series protagonist, Scot Harvath, and how that character has changed over the course of writing 20 books. You'll find out how Brad's path to success is an interesting story of hard work, dedication, and some honeymoon trip kismet.
Aug 04, 2020•49 min•Ep. 24
