In this episode of "The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast" we celebrate being boring! I have the pleasure of interviewing cozy mystery writer Anna A. Armstrong - who is NOT a boring writer! We kick off our conversation by discussing our mutual love for Jane Austen, acknowledging that while it may seem basic to some, we find immense comfort in her timeless …

After an unplanned short hiatus from the podcast, I'm back behind the mic talking about my favorite author, Charles Dickens. My guest today is author Jesper Soerensen and he's just written a book about Dickens and his stories. In the episode we talk about his book, we share plenty of recommendations, and have a lot of discussion about the stories t…

In today's episode, I play part 2 of my interview with authors Jessica Thompson and J. R. Lancaster. We talk about Jane Austen, our experiences reading her books, and favorite adaptations. I also share some of my favorite Jane Austen memes that came up out of the Super Bowl, we discuss other favorite mystery writers, and more! Thanks for joining us…

Welcome to the first part of a two part conversation I have with mystery authors J. R. Lancaster and Jessica Thompson. Today, we're talking Murders, mysteries, and St. Patrick's Day... along with some "meet cute" stories! These authors are here to talk about their new St. Patrick's Day-Themed Cozy Mystery Anthology, edited by Jessica Thompson and K…

My guest today is the author Boo Trundle, who has written one of the most interesting and captivating novels I've ever read. "The Daughter Ship", a very personal novel that tells of one woman's journey to find healing. The story focuses on Katherine, a wife and mother who is struggling on the brink of despair. Helping to tell her story are "Truitt,…

My guest today is Margarita Barresi, author of "A Delicate Marriage". Her novel is a personal one, a novel that "celebrates Puerto Rican culture while delving into themes of class, oppression, and the effects of colonialism through the lens of a marriage." In our conversation, Margarita tells stories of her family that inspired her story, we talk a…

In today's episode, I have author Jessica Thompson back on the podcast. We talk about her new book coming out just in time for Valentines Day: A Caterer's Guide to Valentines and Violence. Then we get down to discussing one of our favorite mystery writers: Agatha Christie, the Grand Master of detective fiction! We chat about our history with readin…

My guest today is cozy mystery author Anne Seidel. She has a new book in a new series out called "Bullet Through the Art: A Sam Gordon Cozy Mystery." In today's episode we talk about her writing journey from screenplays to mystery novels; We talk about her reading life and our mutual love for audio books; and she offers up a ton of writing tips tha…

Welcome to our Christmas episode! Today I talk to author Amey Zeigler. She's just written a new Christmas book called "The Christmas Mug" - It's book two in the Helping of Hope Series! In the interview we talk about our favorite reads and authors (Brandon Sanderson is a must; Calvin & Hobbes is essential reading... ). Then we explore her writing jo…

My guest is cozy mystery writer Shannon Symonds. She's just published the first book in the brand new Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery Series! In this interview we get distracted talking about all the books we've enjoyed reading lately, but then dig into her story and talk about her writing journey. She also talks about her Christmas mystery "The Seaside …

Join us on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast as we embark on a captivating journey with acclaimed author Lynne Golodner. In this episode, Lynne shares her journey behind her novel, "Woman of Valor." This novel delves into the intricate layers of identity, infidelity, true love, and the liberating process of shedding the need to please others. In our in…

In today's episode, I talk to author Jessica Thompson. She has a new book out called "Shoot Shovel & Shut Up". We talk about her new book and discuss some writing tips. Jessica Thompson's website: https://jessicathompsonauthor.com/ ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate…

Hello! In today's episode I interview new author Katie Lumsden - she is a booktuber and we share a love of Victorian literature in general and Dickens in particular. We talk about her new book The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, her reading journey into Victorian literature, and discuss why it's important to read the classics, even if they can at times b…

In today's episode I get the privilege to sit down with J. R. Lancaster and talk about her new mystery, "Someone's Always Watching". We talk about some great books we've read lately, her writing journey, writing tips, and more! Find J. R. Lancaster online - website, newsletter, and more: https://linktr.ee/jrlancaster Books Mentioned: Blood and Moon…

My guest today is an absolute inspiration - a young author who didn't wait to follow her dreams to become a writer! Shanti Hershenson is the author of The Bane of Angelfall Academy and the Biome Lock Saga - and many more, all at the age of 15 years old. My hope is the young people, and people young at heart!, will find inspiration from Shanti's jou…

In today's episode, I sit down with children's author Tonya Duncan Ellis to delve into the world of literature that tells interesting stories but also educates. We talk about her immensely popular YA book series, Sophie Washington, and her journey to publication. We'll also get a sneak peak at her upcoming children's picture book, "They Built Me fo…

As school is out for the summer now, I'm going to have a couple of episodes that encourages teens - or anyone really - to pick up that pen or sit down in front of the computer, and write a story. So today, my guest is author Raquel Drosos. I was inspired by her recent blog post "7 Tips for Teenage Writers" and found it to be good advice for kids of…

In today's episode, I go to "the land down under" to speak with author Melanie Notaras. She wrote the children's book "The Art Show that Came to Life" and it stars Your School! Find out all about this custom made book can help your local school put the "FUN" in FUNdraising! Melanie and I also share some tips about how to encourage kids to read, esp…

Have you ever wondered why food blogs and online recipes always seem to attach a lengthy story to their recipes? It turns out, there's a good reason for that... My guest today is cozy mystery author Wendy Sand Eckel. She is the author of the "farm-to-table" Rosalie Hart Mystery Series. In today's episode we talk about her journey to publication, an…

My guest today is Douglas Robbins. He's the author of "Naricon: The Cloaked Deception", "Love in a Dying Town", and more. He's also the host of the podcast "Den of Discussion"! Today we talk about his writing journey, why he chose the self-publishing route, and why that might just be the route for you to take too! And of course, we have some writin…

In today's episode I interviewed author Michelle Rene DeBellis, the author of the book "The Music We Make." We talk about her book, her writing journey, and how love, music, and family can guide us through pain. "She is proud to be the recipient of the following awards and nominations: Literary Titan's Book Award, The Kirkus Star/as well as being i…

In today's episode I get the privilege to sit down and talk with screenwriter, novelist, (and playwright!) Matt Witten. He's had an Emmy nomination for his work on the TV-show "House" starring the brilliant Hugh Laurie, and has many television credits to his name. Our conversation covers topics like what it's like to write for television and how th…

Star Trek. Romance. Zombies. What more do you need? In today's episode we're diving into the wonderful world of Zombie Apocalypse literature. But first, author A. M. Geever and I share our love for all things Star Trek, our love for reading, and what's the first, best thing you can do to prepare for the Zombie apocalypse... We then explore Anne's w…

My guest today is author Kelly Vincent - their recent published works include the novel "Ugly". It tells the story of Nic Summers and her journey to find out who she is. Find out more about this book in today's episode, the book that Kirkus Review said was would "resonate with young adults going on their own difficult journeys and should help them …

In this episode, I sit down with author Max Friedman to discuss his latest book, "Painful Joy." The book explores the experiences of Max's parents during the Jewish Holocaust, and the impact that this had on Max's life growing up. We delve into the history of the Holocaust and its effects on subsequent generations, as well as the process of writing…

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…

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 l…

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,…

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 i…

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 t…

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 …

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 conversatio…

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 t…

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 …

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. Pl…

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 o…

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 ve…

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 wo…

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.c…

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 t…

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 h…

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 f…

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 b…

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 bo…

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 Lik…

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…

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…

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 y…

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 …

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 b…