Author Pep Talks

Author Pep Talks

By Laekan Zea KempArtsBooks
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Author Pep Talks episodes

  • Episode 6: Steven Salvatore

    Today I'm interviewing Steven Salvatore, the author of the Young Adult Contemporary novel, Can’t Take That Away, which debuted in March of 2021.

    Steven grew up in Tarrytown, New York. They studied writing and art history at Ithaca College, and received their MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children from The New School. Formerly a full-time Assistant Professor of Composition and Director of the Writing Center at CNR, they oversaw the Freshman Writing Program and taught creative writing. After CNR officially ceased academic operations in August of 2019, they began teaching part time at Pace University and Westchester Community College. They also volunteer at The LOFT (an LGBTQ+ resource center in White Plains, New York) where they facilitate a creative writing workshop. As an educator, Steven is passionate about progressive activism on and off campus and advocating for young people. Steven currently lives in Peekskill, New York, with their amazingly patient husband, whose name is also Steve.

    Today, we’re talking about the anti-climactic free fall into nothing that is debuting during a pandemic, coming to terms with an author’s lack of control, and the gift of closure in such uncertain times.

    I had such a great time talking with Steven two months post their debut and one month post my own and I felt so validated by our conversation. They reminded me that even though it feels like something has come to an end, we’re actually at the beginning of, hopefully, very long careers, and that it’s important to keep your eyes on the horizon, even in the midst of life’s storms.

    So find your favorite spot on the couch, get cozy, and then enjoy my conversation with Steven Salvatore.

    Connect with Steven online:

    Steven's Website

    Twitter

    Instagram

    Buy their books!

    53 min
  • Episode 5: Sam Taylor

    Today I’m interviewing Sam Taylor, the author of the Young Adult Fantasy novel, We Are the Fire, which debuted in February of 2021.

    Sam grew up in Arizona's desert and now lives among Connecticut's trees. She writes fantasy novels for teenagers, and magic is always at the heart of her stories. For her writing, Sam has won the Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in Children's Literature and twice received the Young Adult Romance Writers of America Rosemary Award. She's worked as a proofreader, copywriter, and instructor of university writing courses before deciding to write her own books.

    When she's not writing, Sam spends her time being mom to the world's cutest boys, whirling through dance workouts, and baking too many cakes. She does not possess fire magic, but does have one fire-colored cat.

    Today, we’re talking about the power of play, how writing in a new age category might be just the escape you need, and when stepping away from the work is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.

    Sam was such a joy to talk to and I was so inspired by her optimism during a year when so many of us have struggled to see the silver lining. Her emphasis on family and community and the ways a good writing schedule should serve both, reminded me that no story is worth your sanity and that loving others is what life is truly about. So pull on your favorite oversized sweatshirt, get comfy, and then enjoy my conversation with Sam Taylor.

    Sam's Website

    Twitter

    Instagram

    Buy her books!

    39 min
  • Episode 4: Amparo Ortiz

    Today I’m interviewing Amparo Ortiz, the author of the Young Adult Fantasy novel, Blazewrath Games, which debuted in October of 2020.

    Amparo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and currently lives on the island’s northeastern coast. She holds an M.A. in English and a B.A. in Psychology from the UPR’s Río Piedras campus.

    Her short story comic, “What Remains in The Dark,” appeared in the Eisner Award-winning anthology PUERTO RICO STRONG , and SAVING CHUPIE, her middle grade graphic novel, comes out with HarperCollins in 2022.

    When she’s not teaching ESL to her college students, she’s streaming Kpop music videos, vlogging for her eponymous YouTube channel, and writing about Latinx characters in worlds both contemporary and fantastical.

    Today, we’re talking about scheduling moments of joy, music as an emotional entry point into story, and giving yourself permission to suck.

    Amparo is so witty and funny and full of optimism. Her anecdotes and advice left me feeling so much lighter and I hope our conversation leaves you feeling lighter too. So curl up in a cozy spot, maybe even with a snack nearby, and then enjoy my conversation with Amparo Ortiz.

    If you’d like to learn more about Amparo or her books, please visit her website at http://www.amparoortiz.com/ or find her on social media @Amparo_Ortiz on Instagram and Twitter. Also be sure to buy her book, Blazewrath Games, published by Page Street Kids, at your local indie bookstore.

    Amparo's Website

    Twitter

    Instagram

    Buy her books!

    1 hr 1 min

About Author Pep Talks

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A podcast on writing through grief, trauma, and heartbreak.