Cal Freeman was born and raised in Detroit, MI. He is the author of the books Brother Of Leaving (Marick Press) and Fight Songs (Eyewear Publishing). His writing has appeared in many journals and he has also worked as an educator for Oakland University and InsideOut Literary Arts-Detroit.

He has a new book of poetry due out in April, 2022. He is a member, and contributing songwriter, to the folk ensemble, The Codgers. 

Podcast music by Zunsette. 

Beginning Middle End, Summer 2020. 

Lauren Groff's new novel, Matrix, her first since Fates and Furies, is a defiant and timely exploration of the raw power of female creativity in a corrupted world. Lauren Groff is a two-time National Book Award finalist and The New York Times–bestselling author of three novels, The Monsters of Templeton, Arcadia, and Fates and Furies. https://laurengroff.com/ 

Laura Hulthen Thomas is the author of 'States of Motion,' a short story collection (from Wayne State University Press); she also heads the undergraduate creative writing program at the University of Michigan's Residential College, teaching fiction and creative nonfiction. A story that she performed on this podcast is going to be published this month via Fail Better magazine.

In her third novel, Paula Hawkins shows that even good people can be capable of terrible deeds when it comes to revenge... How long can secrets smolder before they explode into flame? Hawkins is the author of the national and international bestsellers Into the Water and The Girl on the Train. Her latest is an exploration (and meditation) on anger, grief, and a nuanced sort of vengeance. 

We're chatting with Sheela Lal and Fatema Haque about the Unerased Book Club, building community through Asian American Literature. The Book Club was founded by Sheela in Ann Arbor in 2018--but she currently resides in Ferndale. Fatema joined as a co-facilitator and that forged a partnership with the non-profit organization Rising Voices of Asian American Families. More info at: https://www.unerasedbookclub.com/ And follow: www.instagram.com/unerasedbc 

Their next book is Bright Lines by Tanwi Nandini Islam

Music by Zunsette. 

Stephen Mack Jones is an award-winning playwright, and recipient of the prestigious Kresge Arts in Detroit Literary Fellowship. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Detroit-based thriller novel August Snow, published by Soho Press. We're chatting about Detroit as a setting, the allure of the mystery genre, and crafting a compelling protagonist! https://www.stephenmackjones.com/august-snow-books 

Music by Zunsette

Megan Abbott is the Edgar-winning author revered for her suspense writing that explores the dark underbellies and competitive atmospheres of intimate, powerful, and vulnerable spaces traditionally reserved for women. THE TURNOUT is a revelatory new psychological thriller set against the hothouse of a family-run ballet studio during an intense and fraught season. https://www.meganabbott.com/

Music by Zunsette

Thanks for listening! This podcast will continue to explore the evolving role libraries can play in their communities as well as featuring more conversations with authors and artists on the creative process. Stay tuned. 

Today, we're chatting with award-winning crime novelist (and journalist) Ace Atkins, about 'The Heathens,' his latest entry in the Quinn Colson thriller series. Atkins worked as a crime reporter in the newsroom of The Tampa Tribune before he published his first novel, Crossroad Blues, in 1998. Along with Colson books, he has also continued Robert B. Parker’s iconic Spenser character after Parker’s death in 2010. https://aceatkins.com/

"Charlie Jordan is being driven across the country by a serial killer. Maybe...." Thus goes the setup for award-winning thriller author Riley Sager's latest, Survive The Night. Riley Sager is the pseudonym of a former journalist, editor and graphic designer. Now a full-time writer, Riley is the author of FINAL GIRLS, an international bestseller. "...Trapped in a terrifying game of cat and mouse played out on pitch-black roads and in neon-lit parking lots, Charlie knows the only way to win is to survive the night..."!