A Literal Journey

“Once you see how big the world is and all the options that are there, you stop feeling kind of doomed, right?”

In this fascinating episode, J. W. Ocker pulls back the curtain on his unconventional (and very literal) writing journey, from blogging about odd roadside attractions on "Odd Things I’ve Seen" (OTIS) to winning the Edgar Award (I was trying so hard not to fan-girl)!

Ocker has built a prolific career researching the strange and unusual: cryptids, cursed objects, haunted places, and the darker corners of history. Along the way, he makes a compelling case for seeking a “bigger context”—commenting that when you expand your view of the world (even by a millimeter), you deepen your sense of wonder and become far less likely to feel stuck (I really loved that segment—such great advice).

Throughout the episode, J. W. and I discuss many of his books, including: The New England Grimpendium, Poe-land, The United States of Cryptids, Don’t Go There, Death and Douglas, and more.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone who just loves learning about dark and odd things, I hope this episode encourages you to open a book (or pick up a pen) and embark on your own literal journey.

About J.W. OCKER:

J. W. Ocker is the Edgar Award-winning author of Poe-Land: The Hallowed Haunts of Edgar Allan Poe, A Season with the Witch, and Death and Douglas. His work has appeared in The Guardian, the Boston Globe, CNN, the Atlantic, and other places people stick writing. He's from Maryland but has lived in New Hampshire for more than a decade.

He is also the creator of OTIS: Odd Things I've Seen (Oddthingsiveseen.com), where he writes about his visits to oddities of nature, history, art, and culture.

💻 VISIT J. W. Ocker’s official website: https://www.oddthingsiveseen.com

📖 READ The United States of Cryptids: https://amzn.to/4u0m3J5

📚 CHECK OUT J. W. Ocker Books: https://amzn.to/3P8LwzZ

🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/

🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTQ34vyf-9NkrTcSH0KEwXPOhdVqZRVZ

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨

#JWOcker #EdgarAllanPoe #Cryptids #Bigfoot #SkinwalkerRanch #HorrorWriters #MiddleGradeBooks #WritingAdvice #AuthorInterview #ALiteralJourney #WeirdHistory #TrueCrime #Paranormal #HorrorBooks #RayBradbury #WritingLife #SpookyStories #Folklore #MysteryWriters #StrangePlaces

“Scary stories give kids a chance to be brave without any risk to themselves.” -Wendy Parris

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Wendy Parris, the author of middle-grade novels Field of Screams and Stage Fright (side note: I just finished finished Field of Screams, it's fantastic!). During the interview, Wendy explains how scary stories are a great way for young readers to explore big emotions like fear and grief, and come away feeling braver and stronger.

Along the way, Wendy opens up about her 12-year path to publication—a path marked with delays, rejection, self-doubt, perfectionism, and how a little bit of encouragement from her son came at just the right moment. We go behind-the-scenes on her books Field of Screams and Stage Fright, and then Wendy even gives some insider info on her latest book! Wendy's journey to publication is a powerful reminder that "no" isn't the end of your story... it's leading you to your "yes"!

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone looking for encouragement on your creative path, I hope this episode encourages you to open a book (or pick up a pen) and embark on your own literal journey.

About WENDY PARRIS:

WENDY PARRIS grew up loving books and hoping—but failing—to see a ghost. After graduating from Northwestern University, she acted in small Chicago storefront theaters, performed improv comedy, and worked in public relations. When not thinking up spooky tales, she likes to kayak, travel, and go to movies. She lives with her family near Chicago in an old house that is probably not haunted.

💻 VISIT Wendy Parris’s official website: https://www.wendyparris.com/

📖 READ Field of Screams: https://amzn.to/3MlW1PC

📚 CHECK OUT Wendy Parris’s Books: https://amzn.to/3ZthbhJ

🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/

🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTQ34vyf-9NkrTcSH0KEwXPOhdVqZRVZ

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨

#WendyParris #FieldofScreams #AuthorInterview #ChildrensBookAuthor #MiddleGradeBooks #WritingProcess #HowWritersWrite #WritingLife #AuthorLife #ReadingMatters #KidsBooks #ALiteralJourney #BookPodcast #sethadamsmith #horror #scarystories 

When you feel like you stick out more than you fit in, a good story can remind you that belonging isn’t about blending in... it’s about embracing your voice and cranking up the volume so you can find your people! 🙌

In this heartfelt episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Erin Soderberg Downing, an author of more than 75 books for young readers (you read that right)! During the interview, Erin shares how she grew up feeling loud and being told she was "so weird" (and she didn't know whether or not people meant that as a compliment). But now, years into her successful writing career, Erin tells viewers and listeners that those EXACT qualities have become the heartbeat of some of her most meaningful stories.

Throughout the episode, Erin and I talk about the research that goes into her writing, and the personal stories that went into several of her books, including: Just Keep Walking, and What Happened Then.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone learning to trust your own voice, I hope this episode encourages you to open a book (or pick up a pen) and embark on your own literal journey.

About ERIN SODERBERG DOWNING:

Erin Soderberg Downing has written more than seventy-five books for kids, tweens, and young adults, including the bestselling novels Controlled Burn and Just Keep Walking, as well as several popular series for young readers: The Great Peach Experiment, Puppy Pirates, and The Quirks. Her next middle grade novel - What Happened Then - will be in stores July 2025 and she also has a new series, Just Like Home, debuting in Fall 2025!

💻 VISIT Erin Soderberg Downing’s official website: https://www.erinsoderberg.com/

📖 READ What Happened Then: https://amzn.to/4aos3lU

📚 CHECK OUT Erin Soderberg Downing’s Books: https://amzn.to/4aipjGI

🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/

🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTQ34vyf-9NkrTcSH0KEwXPOhdVqZRVZ

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨

#ErinSoderbergDowning #WhatHappenedThen #AuthorInterview #ChildrensBookAuthor #MiddleGradeBooks #WritingProcess #HowWritersWrite #WritingLife #AuthorLife #ReadingMatters #KidsBooks #ALiteralJourney #BookPodcast #sethadamsmith 

When we're tempted to feel discouraged, a good story can remind us that we're not powerless and that our most difficult chapters don’t have to be the final ones…

In this delightful episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Julie Wright, the prolific author of more than 30 novels (across numerous genres). Julie opens up about her own literal journey as a writer—beginning with encouragement from a seventh-grade teacher, DIScouragement from “a cranky, angry little man” (and CHOOSING to prove him wrong), enduring 187 rejection letters, and learning that success isn’t about accolades, but about persistence, purpose, and defeating the dragons by finishing the work.

Along the way, Julie shares a number of personal stories: how her husband encouraged her to submit her first manuscript, why she paid a publisher to take a book out of print, and how one of her books literally helped save a young reader’s life. We talk about redefining success, celebrating small victories, building a writing community, and why fairy tales still matter—because they remind us that dragons can be defeated.

We also talk about a number of Julie’s books, including Swimming In A Sea of Stars, Wendy’s Ever After (a bold and empowering sequel to Peter Pan, written from Wendy’s perspective), and her upcoming fairy-tale mashup Threads of Red.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone who just loves a story of triumph, I hope this episode encourages you to open a book (or pick up a pen) and embark on your own literal journey.

ABOUT JULIE WRIGHT:

Julie Wright (1972-still breathing) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She's lived in LA, Boston, and the literal middle of nowhere (don't ask). She wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, she's written twenty-three novels and coauthored three. Julie is a two-time winner of the Whitney award for best romance with her books "Cross My Heart" and "Lies Jane Austen Told Me." The America Library Association listed “Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me” in their 2020 top ten best romances and "A Captain for Caroline Gray" in their 2021 top ten best romances. Her book "Death Thieves" was a Whitney finalist.

💻 VISIT Julie Wright’s official website: https://juliewright.com

📖 READ Wendy’s Ever After: https://amzn.to/4jWyGQN

📚 CHECK OUT Julie Wright’s Books: https://amzn.to/3O1HeKc

🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/

🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTQ34vyf-9NkrTcSH0KEwXPOhdVqZRVZ

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨

#JulieWright #ALiteralJourney #AuthorInterview #WritingLife #Storytelling #FairyTales

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Paul Tremblay (and do my absolute BEST to keep my inner fan in check). Paul Tremblay is the award-winning (and jaw-dropping) bestselling author of A Head Full of Ghosts, The Cabin at the End of the World, Another, and so much more!

During the interview, Paul shares his unlikely path to becoming an author (he has a degree in mathematics, after all), how the gift of a book by Stephen King was a turning point for him, and the the power of ambiguity in horror, and his outspoken stance against generative AI, especially when it comes to creativity (seriously… his response was a total knockout).

Along the way, we talk about Pauls books: A Head Full of Ghosts, The Cabin at the End of the World, No Sleep Till Wonderland, Another, Dead But Dreaming of Electric Sheep, and many more!

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone who just loves a good scary story, I hope this episode encourages you to open a book (or pick up a pen) and embark on your own literal journey.

ABOUT PAUL TREMBLAY:

Paul Tremblay has won the Bram Stoker, British Fantasy, Sheridan Le Fanu, and Massachusetts Book awards and is the national bestselling author of The Beast You Are, The Pallbearers Club, Survivor Song, Growing Things and Other Stories, Disappearance at Devil's Rock, A Head Full of Ghosts, and the crime novels The Little Sleep and No Sleep Till Wonderland. His novel The Cabin at the End of the World was adapted into the Universal Pictures film Knock at the Cabin. Two short stories "The Last Conversation" and "In Bloom" were Amazon Original shorts.

His essays and short fiction have appeared in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, and numerous "year's best" anthologies. He lives outside of Boston, Massachusetts and has a master's degree in Mathematics.

💻 VISIT Paul Tremblay’s official website: https://www.paultremblay.net

📚 CHECK OUT Paul Tremblay’s Books: https://amzn.to/4sSETBi

🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/

🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨

#PaulTremblay #ALiteralJourney #AuthorInterview #HorrorAuthor #HorrorBooks #PsychologicalHorror #BookPodcast #WritingLife #Storytelling #AmReading #AmWriting #CreativeProcess

When the world gets dark, a good story can remind us that light will ALWAYS overcome darkness...

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I chat with Ryan James Black, a man who goes by all three names (respect!) and the author of the “unputdownable” book: The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham. (For real: I could NOT put this book down!) Set during the London Blitz, Nimble Nottingham blends real history with a uniquely terrifying monster… while simultaneously, and brilliantly, delivering a message of hope.

Along the way, Ryan shares some of his own story: what attracted him to storytelling, the long road to publication, and how years of revision and perseverance eventually led to his debut, award-winning novel.

We also talk about creativity in a world filled with shortcuts, why human (not hollow) stories still matter, why Middle Grade books are full of heart and hope, and what Ryan hopes readers take away from Nimble Nottingham.

Whether you’re a writer, a parent, a teacher, or someone who just loves a good story, this conversation will encourage you to keep going—and that “even the darkest of times can’t last forever.”

ABOUT RYAN JAMES BLACK:

Ryan James Black is a writer from Manitoba, Canada, where he lives with his wife, two children, and a Jumanji’s worth of pets. When not writing or reading, Ryan enjoys travelling, watching scary movies with all the lights on, and exploring the Great Outdoors with his family.

His debut middle grade historical fantasy novel, The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham, is available now from Nancy Paulsen Books.

VISIT Ryan James Black’s official website: https://ryanjamesblack.com

📚 READ The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham: https://amzn.to/4bCwZ8V

🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/

🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTQ34vyf-9NkrTcSH0KEwXPOhdVqZRVZ

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨

#RyanJamesBlack #ghoststories #london #ww2 #worldwar2 #londonblitz #history #londonhistory #supernatural #ghosts #ALiteralJourney #AuthorInterview #WritingLife #Storytelling #BookPodcast #ReadersOfYouTube #SethAdamSmith

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Lindsay Currie, a USA Today AND New York Times bestselling author. (And Sweet Moses, it was a WONDERFUL interview!) Lindsay talked about graveyards, history, and what it’s like to write and publish spooky stories for Middle Grade readers. 

Along the way, Lindsay shares a bit of her background, what got her into reading and storytelling, and how her love of walking through cemeteries (with a cup of coffee in hand, of course) shaped her path as an author.

During the interview, Lindsay gives some behind-the-scenes insights from her books, including: The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street (2017), Scratch Scratch (2020), The Mystery of the Locked Rooms (2024), and her newest book, X Marks the Haunt (2026).

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or someone who just loves a good scary story (like me!), this conversation will inspire you to pick up a book and embark on your own “literal journey.”

ABOUT LINDSAY CURRIE:

Lindsay Currie is the author of six middle grade novels, Including The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street, Scritch Scratch, What Lives in the Woods, The Girl in White, and It Found Us. She grew up on Nancy Drew and loves a good mystery. Bonus points if it's spooky! When she's not writing, Lindsay can generally be found looking for an adventure of her own. She loves researching the forgotten history in her city, Chicago, taking long walks with her family, and as pretty much everyone knows . . . Disney World!

VISIT Lindsay Currie’s official website: https://www.lindsaycurrie.com/

📚 READ X Marks the Haunt: https://amzn.to/49kOh99

👀 CHECK OUT Lindsay Currie’s Other Books: https://amzn.to/4pCfucc

🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/

🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTQ34vyf-9NkrTcSH0KEwXPOhdVqZRVZ

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨

#LindsayCurrie #ghoststories #chicago #chicagohistory #history #graveyards #ghosts #ALiteralJourney #AuthorInterview #WritingLife #Storytelling #BookPodcast #ReadersOfYouTube #SethAdamSmith

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with writing coach (and long-time friend) Kimberly Lauren, the voice behind the popular Instagram account @talkwordytome_—and chat about why stories matter, how writing can LITERALLY heal you, and what it really takes to finish a “meaningful” book. During the interview, Kimberly shares her journey from childhood journaling to working across publishing and now helping writers turn their ideas into books that truly matter.

We talk about the therapeutic power of storytelling, the science behind expressive writing, why writer’s block may not be real, and the importance of reconnecting with what Kimberly calls the “white-hot center” of your story.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone who has a story to tell, I hope this episode encourages you to open a book and embark on your own literal journey.

📚 CHECK out Kimberly Lauren’s website: https://www.talkingwordy.com
👀 FOLLOW Kimberly Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkwordytome_/
🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/
🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTQ34vyf-9NkrTcSH0KEwXPOhdVqZRVZ

KIMBERLY LAUREN is a writer, editor, and storytelling coach who helps people turn their ideas into books that matter. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Lesley University and has worked across publishing—as a magazine editor, publicist, and audiobook narrator. Her work has appeared in The Elephant Journal, No Sidebar, Utah Valley Magazine, and Scary Mommy. She is currently working on her third novel. A former founder of a journal company focused on the science of writing for well-being, she now helps other founders, creatives, and professionals finally write the books they’ve been dreaming about.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨

#TalkWordytoMe #ALiteralJourney #AuthorInterview #WritingLife #AmWriting #Storytelling #AuthorLife #Writing #BookPodcast #ReadersOfYouTube #SethAdamSmith

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with author Rebecca Connolly and talk about the real path to becoming a writer: a path characterized by uncertainty, persistence and success though doing. Rebecca shares how just one creative writing class set her on the path to becoming a writer, how she continued writing without “formal training,” and how learning that sometimes the only way forward is simply to keep going. Throughout the interview, we talk about her books: An Arrangement of Sorts, A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice, Hidden Yellow Stars, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens, and The Claire Walker Mystery Series.

This conversation is an honest look at becoming an author, growth, and what it means to stay committed to the journey—especially when the road isn’t clear.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone learning to trust the slow work of becoming, I hope this episode encourages you to open a book and embark on your own literal journey.

📚 READ Hidden Yellow Stars: https://amzn.to/4qmUSpg
👀 CHECK OUT Rebecca Connolly’s other books: https://amzn.to/4s8uP6L
🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨

#RebeccaConnolly #ALiteralJourney #AuthorInterview #WritingLife #AmWriting #Storytelling #HistoricalRomance #BookPodcast #ReadersOfYouTube #SethAdamSmith

In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I talk with award-winning author and educator McCall Hoyle. During the interview, McCall shares how her deep love for dogs, her years teaching at-risk youth, and her own experiences with grief shaped novels like Stella and her newest “heart book,” Forever Ripley. We talk about the power of writing from a dog’s perspective, helping kids navigate big emotions, and why one young reader described Forever Ripley this way: “Sad… but hopeful.”

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, animal lover, or lifelong reader, this conversation will leave you inspired to open a book and embark on your own “literal journey.”

📚 READ Forever Ripley: https://amzn.to/4pyvpZS
👀 CHECK OUT McCall Hoyle’s other books: https://amzn.to/4pY8as2
🎧 LISTEN to more episodes of A Literal Journey: https://aliteraljourney.buzzsprout.com/

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and literary discussions. 📖✨

#McCallHoyle #ForeverRipley #MiddleGradeBooks #Dogs #AnimalFiction #KidLit #GriefAndHope #Reading #Parenting #Books #Literacy #AuthorInterview #ALiteralJourney #SethAdamSmith #HeartDog #HeartDogs