Rae Garringer, the author of Country Queers: A Love Letter, joined the podcast being an oral historian, why rural stories matter, and how we can support Appalachia when the region needs us the most. To support support rural disaster relief please consider donating to the following mutual aid funds recommended by Rae: Western North Carolina - Rednec…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Lilliam Rivera reads an excerpt from their debut novel TINY THREADS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593600…

Ledia Xhoga, the author of Misinterpretation, joined the podcast to discuss K-Drama recommendations, combining humor and suspense, and finding inspiration in hearing conversations. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781959030805 Ledia Xhoga on the Internet: https://www.lediaxhoga.com/ Ledia Xhoga on Instagram: htt…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Benjamin Resnick reads an excerpt from their debut novel NEXT STOP! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97816680666…

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Emilie Menzel. Books Mentioned The Girl Who Became a Rabbit by Emilie Menzel The Book of Frank by Caconrad Sea & Fog by Etel Adnan Whatsaid Serif by Nathaniel Mackey Grief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter Guest Info Emilie Menzel: Instagram | Web…

Jessica Elisheva Emerson, the author of Olive Days, joined the podcast to discuss how libraries helped mold her and why she writes about Los Angeles. Plus, she gives book recommendations! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781640096530 Jessica Elisheva Emerson on the Internet: https://www.elishevaemerson.com/ Jess…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Nora Lange reads an excerpt from their debut novel US FOOLS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781953387516 Emil…

In today’s episode, host Kendra Winchester talks to debut authors Monic Ductan and Laura Leigh Morris. Things Mentioned Debutiful Books Mentioned Daughters of Muscadine by Monic Ductan The Stone Catchers by Laura Leigh Morris Mama Said by Kristen Gentry Deep Ruts by Julie Rae Powers The Sound of Holding Your Breath by Natalie Sypolt Horsepower by J…

Katherine Packert Burke, the author of Still Life, joined the podcast to discuss the books she wrote before her debut, writing close to her real life, and the future of trans writing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781324076360 Katherine Packert Burke on the Internet: https://katherinepackertburke.com/ Katheri…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Emilie Menzel reads an excerpt from their debut novel THE GIRL WHO BECAME A RABBIT! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a…

Gina María Balibrera, the author of The Volcano Daughters, joined the podcast to discuss turning a short story into a novel, finding inspiration in the past, and why ghost stories are so appealing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593317235 Gina María Balibrera on the Internet: https://ginabalibrera.com/ Gina…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Komail Aijazuddin reads an excerpt from their debut novel MANBOOBS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97814197738…

Sam Sax, the author of Yr Dead, joined the podcast to discuss poetry, finding inspiration, and what the process was like for writing their debut novel. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781952119996 Sam Sax on the Internet: https://www.samsax.com Sam Sax on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsax1/ Sam Sax on…

Kendra Winchester, the founder of Read Appalachia, to discuss the Appalachian literature she loves, why reading as much as we do isn't a recommendation, and how she has created two of my favorite podcasts of all time: Read Appalachia and the now-finished Reading Women. Plus, listen to me on Kendra's podcast, where we discuss the importance of debut…

In the special episode of the podcast, Kendra Winchester is joined by Adam Vitcavage, the founder of Debutiful. Books Mentioned Housemates by Emma Copley Eisenberg Daughters of Muscadine by Monic Ductan Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal Good Women by Halle Hill Mouth by Puloma Ghosh There is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben R…

Anamely Salgado Reyes, the author of My Mother Cursed My Name, joined the podcast to discuss finding herself and following her dreams, learning the publishing process on the fly, and what makes her happy. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668038000 Anamely Salgado Reyes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Holly Baxter reads an excerpt from their debut novel CLICKBAIT! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780063375765 H…

Lena Valencia, the author of Mystery Lights, joined the podcast to discuss being playful with her writing, why connective tissue is important for story collections, and finding inspiration to start writing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781959030621 Lena Valencia on the Internet: https://http://www.lenavalenc…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Kat Tang reads an excerpt from their debut novel FIVE-STAR STRANGER! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668050…

Ruben Reyes Jr., the author of There is a Rio Grande in Heaven, joined the podcast to discuss growing up in a house of non-readers, using high concepts as a launching point for stories, and using political events to generate ideas. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780063336278 Ruben Reyes Jr. on the Internet: ht…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Alisa Alering reads an excerpt from their debut novel SMOTHERMOSS! You can purchase a copy of their book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781959030…

It’s Read Appalahia’s fourth birthday! In today’s episode of the podcast, Kendra Winchester talks to authors Mesha Maren and Taylor Brown. Books Mentioned Shae by Mesha Maren Rednecks by Taylor Brown The MANIAC by Benjamín Labatut You Are the Snake by Juliet Escoria Fight Like Hell: the Untold Story of American Labor by Kim Kelly The Hammer: Power,…

Jordan Kopy, the author of Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters, joined the podcast to discuss Middle Grade fiction, how to write for young people, and the childhood classics that inspired her. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781665906838 Jordan Kopy on the Internet: https://jordankopy.com/ Jor…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Chris Koslowski reads an excerpt from his debut novel KAYFABE! You can purchase a copy of his book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781952119859 Ch…

Alana Saab, the author of PLEASE STOP TRYING TO LEAVE ME, joined the podcast to discuss cats, mental health, and empowerment through writing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593686782 Alana Saab on the Internet: https://www.alanasaab.com/ Alana Saab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alana.saab Alana Sa…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Samuel Kọ́láwọlé reads an excerpt from his debut novel THE ROAD TO THE SALT SEA! You can purchase a copy of his book here: https://bookshop.org/a/…

Marcela Fuentes, the author of MALAS, joined the podcast to discuss growing up in a border town in Texas, her career as a writer/educator and how they intersect, and what teaching has taught her about writing. You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593655788 Marcela Fuentes on the Internet: https://www.marcelafuent…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Sarai Johnson reads an excerpt from her debut novel GROWN WOMEN! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780063294431 …

August Thompson, the author of ANYONE'S GHOST, joined the podcast to discuss the Boston Celtics, metal music, and writing sad books. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593656563 August Thompson on the Internet: https://www.august-thompson.com/ August Thompson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustpthomp…

Isabel Banta, the author of HONEY, joined the podcast to discuss early-2000s pop, reading across genre, and writing a coming-of-age novel. You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781250333469 Isabel Banta on the Internet: https://www.isabelbanta.com/ Isabel Banta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabel.banta/ De…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Manuel Betancourt reads an excerpt from his debut book The Male Gazed! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97816462…

Santiago Jose Sanchez, the author of HOMBRECITO, joined the podcast to discuss finding yourself in your writing, writing stories vs writing novels, and why time was needed to finish the debut. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593542187 Santiago Jose Sanchez on the Internet: https://www.santiagojosesanchez.com…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Ananda Lima reads an excerpt from her debut novel Craft: Stories I Wrote For the Devil! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.o…

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Amy M. Alvarez. Books Mentioned Makeshift Altar by Amy M. Alvarez Blue on a Blue Palette by Lynne Thompson Becoming AppalAsian by Lisa Kwong Incendiary Art by Patricia Smith Mothman Apologia Volume 116 by Robert Wood Lynn Guest Info Amy M. Alvarez’s work…

Joanna Pearson, the author of BRIGHT AND TENDER DARK, joined the podcast to discuss non-mystery mysteries, psychiatry, and publishing a debut novel on a bigger press four books into her career. You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781639732890 Joanna Pearson on the Internet: https://www.joanna-pearson.com/ Debutiful…

Puloma Ghosh, the author of MOUTH, joined the podcast to discuss having a regular ol' non-writing day job as a writer, not caring about spoilers, and what her experience was like in a low-residency MFA. You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781662602474 Puloma Ghosh on the Internet: https://www.pulomaghosh.com/ Pulom…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Frankie Barnet reads an excerpt from her debut novel Mood Swings! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781662602597…

In today’s episode of the podcast, Kendra Winchester talks to authors Natalie Naudus and Jonathan Corcoran. Books Mentioned Gay the Pray Away by Natalie Naudus No Son of Mine by Jonathan Corcoran The Prettiest Star by Carter Sickels Another Appalachia by Neema Avashia Shae by Mesha Maren Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips Black Tickets by Jayne Ann…

Kimberly King Parsons, the author of WE WERE THE UNIVERSE, joined the podcast to discuss what advice she gives her students, how she sets goals, and the business side of publishing. You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780525521853 Kimberly King Parsons on the Internet: https://www.kimberlykingparsons.com/ Kimberly …

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Annell López reads an excerpt from her debut story collection I'll Give You A Reason! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org…

Emma Copley Eisenberg, the author of HOUSEMATES, joined the podcast to discuss literary community, writing across genre, and all things Philadelphia. You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593242230 Emma Copley Eisenberg on the Internet: https://www.emmacopleyeisenberg.com/ Emma Copley Eisenberg on Instagram: https…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, J. Nicole Jones reads an excerpt from her debut novel The Witches of Bellinas! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/…

Melissa Mogollon, the author of OYE, joined the podcast to discuss fake degrees and MFAs, writing to see herself in a book, the joys of teaching, and more! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593594902 Melissa Mogollon on the Internet: https://melissamogollon.com/ Melissa Mogollon on Instagram: https://www.insta…

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Dorian Hairston. Books Mentioned Pretend the Ball Is Named Jim Crow: The Story of Josh Gibson by Dorian Hairston Love Child's Hotbed of Occasional Poetry: Poems & Artifacts by Nikki Finney Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts by Crystal Wilkinson The Big Sm…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Charlee Dyroff reads an excerpt from her debut novel Loneliness & Company! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781…

Alina Grabowski, the author of WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST, joined the podcast to discuss being an only child who told a lot of stories, her college and MFA experiences, and creating distinct voices for all of her narrators. You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781638930785 Alina Grabowski on the Internet: https://www.…

Jiaming Tang, the author of CINEMA LOVE, joined the podcast to discuss his mother's relationship to his work, finding out who his book was about, and growing in the years since his book was finished and what excites him about the future. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593474334 Jiaming Tang on the Internet:…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Garrard Conley reads an excerpt from his debut novel All the World Beside! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780…

In today's episode of the podcast, Kendra Winchester talks to photographers Raymond Thompson Jr and Julie Rae Powers. Books Mentioned Buy Deep Ruts Appalachian Ghost by Raymond Thompson Jr The Book of the Dead by Muriel Rukeyser The Hawk’s Nest Incident: America's Worst Industrial Disaster by Martin Cherniack The Hawk’s Nest Tunnel: An Unabridged H…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Uche Okonkwo reads an excerpt from her debut short story collection A Kind of Madness! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.or…