The Acknowledgments podcast

31:10

TRUE BIZ (adj./exclamation; American Sign Language): really, seriously, definitely, real-talk In this episode of The Acknowledgments, I'm joined by Sara Nović, the author of "True Biz." Her novel introduces us to the students at the River Valley School for the Deaf. In this fictional story, the reader has the opportunity to explore the experiences, relationships, and unique aspects of the Deaf students at the school and the adults around them. During our conversation, Sara shares her thoughts as an author who is Deaf and how her writing process has been influenced by her life experiences. Sara also opened up about the challenges and experiences she encountered during the book's publication. Since Sara and I use different languages to communicate in that I speak English and she uses ASL, our conversation was translated by Kristin Steinmetz , an ASL/English interpreter, who volunteered her time to interpret our conversation. A full transcript is available here . Connect with Sara: https://sara-novic.com .…

The Acknowledgments

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"With Regrets" by Lee Kelly with a chat about mixing genres 34:37

1 year ago34:37

34:37

In this episode of The Acknowledgments, author Lee Kelly talks about her genre-blend book, "With Regrets." The book was compared to a mix between “Big Little Lies” and “Bird Box,” witha story that revolves around four couples and their struggles when faced with an apocalyptic event. Lee shares how her own experiences as a parent influenced the book's themes, as well as how the COVID pandemic influenced her writing and impacted the events in the book. Lee also highlighted how fascinated she has always been with genre blends,those that are not common mixes of genres, leading to the themes of her books. This episode also touchedf topics regarding parenthood, and how it affected, and even started, Lee’s writing process for “With Regrets.” Future plans were also mentioned in this episode, with Lee having an upcoming book called “The Starlets,” a thriller-meets-hollywood type of novel. She also talks about her desire to explore more genres and write about them. Connect with Lee Kelly: www.leekellyauthor.com…

The Acknowledgments

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"First Course" by Jenn Bouchard, with a chat about rom-coms 29:30

2 years ago29:30

29:30

In this episode of The Acknowledgments, Nutan chats with author Jenn Bouchard. They delve into her book "First Course" and her journey into the literary world. The novel, which revolves around the life of Janie Whitman, a young journalist in Chicago, has received several accolades, including being a finalist in the Women's Fiction category of the 2021 American Fiction Awards. Nutan and Jenn talk about her inspirations that show up in the book, including music and food (check out the recipes on her website)! Along with a chat about the mutual love of rom-coms, the conversation further unravels the themes of sisterhood, parenting, and relationships in "First Course.” We also get a sneak peek into Jenn's upcoming project, "Palms on the Cape" and chat about Jenn's dual role as a high school social studies teacher. Listen in and hear the advice she would give her students on being a writer! Connect with Jenn: https://jennbouchard.com/…

The Acknowledgments

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"Governing Bodies" by Sangamithra Iyer, with a chat about connection 44:28

2 years ago44:28

44:28

In this episode, we chat with Sangamithra Iyer about topics spanning from her unique education, connection to her family, and passion about the natural world around her. Although Sangu’s book, “Governing Bodies,” won’t grace our shelves for some time, she gives a preview by reading a beautifully written section of the book. Throughout the conversation, Sangu shares her interest in animal welfare, environmentalism, and social justice through her work on Satya magazine, writing projects, and launch of the The Literary Animal Project. Listen to this episode to hear about the many facets of Sangu – her experience at a primate sanctuary in Cameroon, thoughts on invisible labor, and exploration into ancient Tamil poetry. Learn more about Sangu and her work: Sangu’s Website https://sangamithraiyer.com/ The Literary Animal Project https://literaryanimal.substack.com/ More about the book, “Governing Bodies” https://www.whiting.org/content/sangamithra-iyer#/…

The Acknowledgments

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"A House Full of Windsor" by Kristin Contino, with a talk about the royal family 19:30

2 years ago19:30

19:30

In this episode of the Acknowledgements podcast, author Kristin Contino chats about her royal-themed book, “A House Full of Windsor.” Kristin shares her personal interest in the royal family and how it led to her book's concept which follows mother-daughter duo Debbie and Sarah. Debbie, who's a compulsive hoarder of Royal Family memorabilia ends up on a hoarding reality show with Sarah, who is a TV etiquette expert, and how it turns both of their lives upside down. Kristin shares the major influences that shaped her writing interest and process, all deeply-rooted from her family, especially her mother and grandmother. She also talks about her early writing endeavors and her favorite city. Kristin shared her process in writing "A House Full of Windsor" - where the idea originated, how she went on with her research, and how she reflected her personal l experiences in the book. Join us in this episode as Kristin gives us a fun glimpse of her writing journey and her future writing projects. Connect with Kristin: https://www.kristincontino.com/…

The Acknowledgments

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"Loot" by Tania James, with a chat about the power of play 26:14

2 years ago26:14

26:14

In this episode of the Acknowledgements podcast, host Nutan Rubinson sits down and chats with author Tania James to dig into her uniquely-themed book "Loot," a historical fiction, a heist novel, a romance, and a story about colonialism and artistic growth. The story is set in 18th century South India and follows a young wood carver named Abbas who is tasked with creating a mechanical tiger as a gift for the ruler's sons. The tiger, known as Tipu's Tiger, is eventually stolen by British forces, leading Abbas on a journey to retrieve it and fulfill his dream of becoming a great artist. In her acknowledgments, Tania discusses the influence of her family, particularly her father's broad curiosity and her mother's support, on her writing journey. She reflects on her childhood imagination and playfulness, comparing it to the wonder and creativity of children at play. Tania looks into how her role as an associate professor of English influenced her writing process, and how she finds inspiration in the works she teaches and the discussions with her students.…

The Acknowledgments

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"The Bangalore Detectives Club" by Harini Nagendra, with a discussion about writing both fiction and non-fiction 23:24

2 years ago23:24

23:24

In this episode of The Acknowledgments, author Harini Nagendra discusses her captivating book, "Bangalore Detectives Club." Set in 1920s Bangalore, India, the story follows the determined 19-year-old protagonist, Kaveri, as she forms a detective club after stumbling upon a murder. Harini shares her inspirations for the book, drawing from the strong women in her family and the history of Bangalore, where she expertly weaves a narrative filled with intrigue and mystery. As an ecologist, Harini also talks about her transition from writing non-fiction to fiction, highlighting the importance of switching off the non-fiction voice to allow creativity to flow. She emphasizes the impact of South Asian authors and representation in literature, praising the connection readers feel when they find characters that resemble them or share their experiences. Harini reveals exciting plans for the future of the Bangalore Detectives Club series, with upcoming books set in a mysterious circus and during the Indian Independence movement. Additionally, she mentions her non-fiction project, "Shades of Blue," focusing on water in Indian cities, aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues. Overall, the episode offers a delightful and insightful glimpse into Harini's writing journey and her passion for ecology and history. Connect with Harini: https://harininagendra.com…

The Acknowledgments

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"Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac" by Bruce Goldstein, with a conversation about mental health 27:29

2 years ago27:29

27:29

Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know needs support, please refer to the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline . Welcome to another episode of The Acknowledgments, featuring special guest Bruce Goldstein, author of "Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac". Bruce takes us on a journey through his battle with depression and anxiety, revealing how the unconditional love of his dog, Ozzy, brought hope and healing into his life. From the early challenges of puppy training to becoming a beloved duo known throughout the city, Bruce shares anecdotes of their adventures together, highlighting the transformative power of their bond. One of the book's highlights is the "Bruce and Ozzy Show," where Bruce recounts their encounters with people and celebrities.. Bruce expresses his gratitude towards individuals who played pivotal roles during this transformative period, including George, a trusted friend who cared for Ozzy, and Frank, a stranger at Barnes and Noble Cafe. Bruce's psychologist also holds a special place in his heart, having not only provided therapy but also comforting hugs that brought solace during difficult times. Throughout the episode, Bruce candidly discusses the struggles he faced, the inspiration behind writing his book, and the importance of mental health awareness. He contemplates the possibility of getting another dog and shares his ongoing writing endeavors, highlighting the therapeutic nature of storytelling as a way to channel his experiences into meaningful narratives. Join Nutan on this enlightening journey into the depths of mental health struggles and the transformative power of the human-canine bond. Connect with Bruce through his socials and website: https://workingnotworking.com/1916-bruce http://www.brucegoldsteincreative.com/#/new-gallery-3/…

The Acknowledgments

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"The Perfect Neighborhood" by Liz Alterman, with a chat about mom guilt 28:49

2 years ago28:49

28:49

Welcome to another episode of The Acknowledgments! In this episode, we have a conversation with Liz Alterman, author of the thriller, The Perfect Neighborhood. Liz takes us on a journey through her fictional upscale community, challenging the perception of a perfect neighborhood, and exploring the pressures faced by mothers. We delve into the motivations behind her choice of setting, the influence of her own experiences living in New Jersey, and the relatable themes of mom guilt and the struggle between independence and protection. During the discussion, Liz shares her personal connection with storytelling. We also learn about Liz's dear friends Celeste and Chris, who provide invaluable feedback as early readers and offer unwavering support. And let's not forget Liz's cousin Kim, her constant cheerleaders, who effortlessly charms friends and strangers into buying Liz's words. Tune in to this episode filled with warmth and laughter as we explore the inspiration, relationships, and moments that have shaped Liz Alterman's writing journey. Join us as we celebrate the power of community and the importance of having a strong support system while pursuing creative endeavors. Visit http://theacknowledgments.com/links to know more about the podcast.…

The Acknowledgments

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"A Game of Fox & Squirrels" by Jenn Reese, with an exploration into fantasy 22:43

2 years ago22:43

22:43

Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to abuse. If you or someone you know needs support, please refer to organizations such as www.childhelp.org and www.childwelfare.gov . Nutan chats withJenn Reese about her middle-grade book, "A Game of Fox and Squirrels." The story follows Samantha and her sister Caitlin, who find themselves in Oregon after a domestic incident. Samantha's birthday gift, a card game called Fox and Squirrels, brings the game's creatures to life, leading Samantha on quests to find the Golden Acorn and make life-altering choices. Jenn's decision to include an author's note stands out to Nutan, as it reveals Jen's motivation to connect with vulnerable readers and spark conversations. By incorporating fantasy elements and a card game, Jenn explores difficult subjects while providing emotional distance and a safer reading experience. Nutan and Jenn acknowledge the power of fantasy in offering clarity and a fresh perspective on reality. In the acknowledgments, Nutan highlights Jenn's gratitude towards her editor, Tiffany, who understood the book's vital elements and protected them during revisions. They reflect on the impact of editors and the writing process, noting that "A Game of Fox and Squirrels" was Jen's fastest yet longest book to write.…

The Acknowledgments

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"The Summer My Grandmother's Yard Tried to Kill Me" by Harry Harvey, with a talk about imagination 22:13

2 years ago22:13

22:13

In this episode of the Acknowledgements podcast, host Nutan Rubinson sits down with author Harry Harvey to discuss his book "The Summer My Grandmother's Yard Tried to Kill Me." The book follows the adventures of Peter Mulligan, a young boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as he spends his summer with his grandmother on Johnson Island. Harry draws on his love for classic monster movies and his experience as a high school teacher to create a story that combines comedy, adventure, and a heroic protagonist with ASD. Inthe interview, Harry expresses gratitude towards his supportive neighbors, who served as storytellers and provided inspiration. He emphasizes the value of a writer's group, where members exchange chapters and provide critiques to enhance their work. The podcast explores Harry's four-year journey from conception to publication, shedding light on his writing process.Hear about the influence of monster movies and unwieldy bamboo! Harry tells a story discovering Hemingway in a giant bin of books and how that influenced his path in life. Looking ahead, Harry discusses his upcoming projects, including a middle-grade book centered around ping pong and a dystopian tale set in a world where food has been replaced by pills. You can listen to the full podcast episode and learn more about Harry Harvey and his book on his website.…

The Acknowledgments

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"Make Me Disappear" by Jessica Payne, with a chat about found family 28:17

2 years ago28:17

28:17

In this episode, author Jessica discusses her debut novel "Make Me Disappear," a gripping domestic suspense thriller. The story follows Noel, a nurse in Seattle, who plans her own kidnapping to escape her controlling boyfriend, Daniel. However, the situation takes a dark turn when her fake kidnapping becomes real, and she realizes she is still trapped. Determined to break free, she resolves to turn the tables on Daniel. Jessica shares that she found solace and creativity through writing since middle school, with her mother's best friend, Carol, offering unwavering support. She also talks about her connection with Jamie Lynn Hendricks, her critique partner whom she met on Twitter. They provided each other with feedback and support, motivating Jessica throughout her writing process. The conversation highlights Jessica's passion for writing thrillers, as she enjoys crafting captivating puzzles for readers to solve. She mentions her upcoming book release and expresses gratitude for the supportive people in her life. Jessica also discusses her involvement in the "Mom's Writer Club," a support group that offered camaraderie to mothers who were writers during the isolating lockdown period of the pandemic. She dedicates her third book to her late mentor and critique partner, Evie Hughes. Sit back, relax, and tune in to The Acknowledgments. Learn more about Jessica Payne and her works: visit https://jessicapayne.net/ Follow her on Twitter: @authorjesspayne…

The Acknowledgments

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"The Shore" by Katie Runde, with a dialogue about dads 36:25

2 years ago36:25

36:25

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with author Katie Runde, a writer, and mom, from Iowa, whose book, The Shore, is a poignant and hopeful tale of a family facing the challenges of a family member living with a glioblastoma brain tumor. Katie shares with us the inspiration for her book, which was inspired by her own family’s experience. Her father was diagnosed with the same condition and the family had to keep their business running in the midst of his illness. Katie talks about the support network that helped her family through this difficult time, and shares how her acknowledgments provide recognition to people for their kindness and support. We also discuss the writing process, and Katie emphasizes the importance of endurance and perseverance when it comes to writing. She encourages everyone to keep showing up, even when the task seems daunting. Sit back, relax, and tune in to The Acknowledgments. Learn more about Katie Runde and her works: visit https://www.katierundewriter.com/ Follow her on Twitter: @khrunde 00:39 – 12:15 Book’s premise with a tragic element 02:29 – 04:27 Jeff, Liz, Marty’s Doghouse staff in the acknowledgments 04:41 – 05:31 Katie’s family fights glioblastoma and receives support 05:52 – 07:55 Katie thanks father and supporters in acknowledgments 15:39 – 17:59 Writing requires endurance and perseverance 22:40 – 25:11 How similar the book is to Katie’s life 25:14 – 31:06 How Katie’s reading habits influenced writing 32:55 – 34:06 Running, Katie’s favorite memory with father…

The Acknowledgments

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"Finding Tessa" by Jaime Lynn Hendricks, with a conversation about resilience 26:48

2 years ago26:48

26:48

In this episode, we dive into the world of thriller novels with renowned author Jaime Lynn Hendricks. Her book, Finding Tessa, follows the story of a wife who goes missing, and her husband's journey to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. Jaime talks about her writing journey and the arduous process of writing a book. Her writing community played a crucial role in keeping her motivated during the lengthy process towards getting the book published. In chatting about her acknowledgments, we uncover the mystery of why Jaime owes a particular person a few martinis! She then talks about her best friend Anne Marie and their special relationship. She also shares a regretful moment of forgetting to acknowledge someone in her book. This episode gives a fascinating look into the world of thriller novels while giving insight into the journey of an author bringing their story to life. Jaime’s resilience in getting her first book published is an inspiring story for anyone on that writing journey. If you're a book lover, aspiring writer, and a fan of books like Gone Girl and The Girl On The Train hit the play button and tune in! —------------ Follow Jaime on her socials: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJLH Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058297073833 -------------- Time stamps: 00:52 – 02:00 Mystery book about Tessa and her husband 02:51 – 08:11 Literary agent Barbara in the acknowledgments 10:06 – 12:23 How Jaime kept grit all along 12:47 – 13:57 Jaime’s interest in the thriller genre 14:23 – 15:05 Young Jaime’s reading preferences 15:15 – 18:49 Long process of her writing journey 18:50 – 19:14 Writing is an arduous process 19:36 – 19:59 Pet dog Cosmo in the acknowledgments 20:00 – 22:11 Character Jace’s life resembling Jaime’s 22:27 – 26:09 Book dedicated to Jaime’s best friend Anne Marie 26:35 – 29:01 New book also a thriller 29:02 – 29:41 Jaime regrets forgetting to acknowledge someone 29:42 – 30:47 Jaime’s industry contacts get bigger…

The Acknowledgments

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"Revival Season" by Monica West, with a conversation about gratitude 36:53

2 years ago36:53