Authors Talking Bookish

How much can change in a year or three or more? In this special anniversary episode, Hope and Donna reflect on their journeys as authors and podcasters through a fun and revealing “Then vs. Now” conversation. From evolving writing processes and shifting definitions of success to behind-the-scenes podcast moments, they share what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what they wish they’d known from the start. Honest, insightful, and full of personality, this episode is a celebration of the winding path of writing life.

SHOW NOTES:

How has your approach to writing changed from when you first started to today?

What did you believe about writing or publishing early on that you see differently now?

What used to intimidate you most about writing—and does it still?

What were your goals as a writer when you began, and how have they shifted?

When did you first feel like a “real writer,” and has that feeling changed?

How has your confidence—in your voice, your stories, and your place in the writing world—evolved?

What’s one aspect of podcasting that has changed from when you first started?

What did you think your favorite part of podcasting would be vs. what is it?

What is the biggest lesson you learned from podcasting?

How do you define “success” as an author today compared to when you started?

What’s one piece of advice you would give your earlier writing self?

Surprise: Rapid Fire Questions

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

What happens when a lifelong storyteller finally answers the call to write? In this episode, we sit down with Wendy, a former special education teacher turned multi-genre author, to explore her inspiring journey from the classroom to the page. From her emotionally rich novel The Flannigan Girls to her upcoming release Regret No More, Wendy shares how love, trauma, and personal experience shape her stories for both children and adults. We dive into the art of writing across genres, the influence of teaching and motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Honest, heartfelt, and full of insight, this conversation is a must-listen for writers looking to follow their joy—and their voice.

SHOW NOTES:

Biography

Women’s Fiction

Impact of Teaching

Multi-Genre Writing

Personal Connections in Writing

Writing Process

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Rapid Fire Questions

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.wendyhallerauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyHallerAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyhaller_author/

Sign up for her newsletter!

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

What does it take to reinvent yourself through storytelling and truly find your voice? In this episode, we sit down with Grace Sammon, award-winning author of The Reliable Narrator, The Eves and the LAUNCH PAD series, to explore the transformative power of writing at any stage of life. From her own career reinvention to crafting authentic narrative voice, Grace shares hard-earned insights on storytelling, publishing, and what it really means to connect with readers.

SHOW NOTES:

The Reliable Narrator

Storytelling and Voice

Writing and Publishing

Personal Insights

Reading Recommendations

The Reliable Narrator

As one of New York’s most sought-after ghostwriters, she tells other people’s stories so seamlessly they forget she was ever there. In an age of AI-generated prose, she is prized for what machines cannot do: capture a voice so authentic it feels lived-in. For Darby, disappearing into other lives is both her superpower and her refuge.

Then comes a late-night message from Phoebe Zaslove, Darby’s truest friend – fearless, magnetic, and now terminally ill. For reasons Darby cannot name, the women have not spoken in a year. But Phoebe is running out of time and makes one final request: Write my story.

Set between the wooded banks of New York’s Hudson River and Albuquerque’s lush North Valley, The Reliable Narrator is a layered, emotionally charged novel about the unbreakable bond between friends, the legacies carried from mothers to daughters, and the truths we bury to survive. As Darby walks Phoebe into the last chapter of her life, she is forced to confront her own traumas, her family’s silences, and the realization that fragments of her truth have been hiding in plain sight in every book she has ever ghostwritten.

SIGNED COPY GIVEAWAY: All you have to do is subscribe to our website @authorstalkingbookish.com AND Grace Sammon’s @ https://www.gracesammon.net/contact

by June 1st and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a free signed copy of The Reliable Narrator

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.gracesammon.net/

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In this episode, we explore the rising genre of mid-life fiction with authors Elissa Bass (Happy Hour) and Christina Consolino (The Marriage Debt), who are redefining what it means to find love, identity, and purpose in the middle chapters of life. Through their unforgettable protagonists, KK and Nika, these writers explore how relationships evolve under the weight of experience, shifting expectations, and hard-earned self-awareness. Together, we unpack why readers are increasingly drawn to these stories now, and how mid-life fiction balances realism with possibility.

SHOW NOTES:

Book Summaries

Mid-life fiction

Connecting with audience

Inspiration

Balance

Writing Life

What’s next

What you learned the hard way

SOURCES & LINKS

Elissa Bass Links

Website https://www.elissabass.com/general-8

Happy Hour: https://bookshop.org/p/books/happy-hour-elissa-bass/4ca0d102bfc3fed9?ean=9781665756747&next=t

Please Wait to Cross: https://bookshop.org/p/books/please-wait-to-cross-elissa-bass/0ec211895feba746?ean=9781665783354&next=t

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14319840.Elissa_Bass

Christina Consolino Links

Facebook Instagram

or @AuthorChristinaConsolino for FB and @cmconsolino for IG

Website: https://christinaconsolino.com/

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Authors, are you looking to build a strong foundation as an entrepreneur who is at the helm of marketing your own work? After hearing about all the scams and red flags in our January episode, it’s important to know that there are honest, effective, and affordable ways to promote your book. These proven strategies (and a long directory with links) help you build visibility, connect authentically with readers, and establish long-term credibility.

SHOW NOTES:

Build a Strong Author Platform

Collaborate with other Authors

Work with Reputable Publicists or Marketers

Pursue Authentic Media Coverage

Optimize your Book Metadata

Leverage Paid Ads the Smart Way

Engage Readers Directly

Final Takeaway

SOURCES & LINKS

Qwoted Connects credible experts with authors (podcasts, blogs, PR…)

Haro: Help a Reporter Out Connects journalists to stories/potential interviews

Writer Beware Blog that identifies scams and provides advice

ALLi Watchdog Alliance of Independent Authors, protects from predatory practices and misinformation

SOURCES & LINKS

Links available on our website/ click link below

DO NOW: Research some of the links we’ve provided, so you not only know what’s available to you but to curate a list of marketing strategies that meets your specific goals.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

DO NOW: Research some of the links we’ve provided, so you not only know what’s available to you but to curate a list of marketing strategies that meets your specific goals.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we provide brainstorming techniques you can use today to help spark ideas and methods to begin to flesh them out. From character-driven sparks to high-concept “what if” questions, we’ll show you how to move past creative paralysis and into momentum. Whether you’re starting your first novel, searching for your next project, or feeling stuck midway through a draft, this episode will help you unlock creativity with purpose — and walk away with ideas you’re excited to write.

SHOW NOTES:

Idea Generators (lots of them)

Methods of Brainstorming

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.well-storied.com/blog/three-powerful-ways-to-brainstorm-new-story-ideas

DO NOW: Choose an idea generator and combine it with a method. Repeat until you have have a strong premise for your next story.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Sue William Silverman is the award-winning author of five books of creative nonfiction, including her latest, Selected Misdemeanors which has been longlisted for the 2026 PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay, two craft books on writing, and three poetry collections. Her memoir Love Sick: One Woman's Journey through Sexual Addiction was also made into a Lifetime TV Original Movie. As a professional speaker and writer, Sue has appeared on many nationally syndicated radio and TV programs including The View and Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN; She's the co-chair of the MFA in Writing Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

SHOW NOTES:

Selected Misdemeanors

The Butterfly Effect

Writing Process

Teaching writing (craft books & MFA Program, Vermont College of Fine Arts)

Writing poetry

Advice for Writers

Next Steps

Rapid Fire Questions

Sue’s Book Recommendations:

anything by novelist Jean Rhys & The Love by Marguerite Duras

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.suewilliamsilverman.com

https://www.instagram.com/suewilliamsilverman/ https://www.facebook.com/SueWilliamSilverman https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19942.Sue_William_Silverman

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

This episode explores genre not just as a marketing label, but as a powerful storytelling framework that shapes reader expectations, craft choices, and publishing opportunities. We’ll begin by defining what genre really means, then break down how different genres function, what readers of each genre expect, and how those expectations influence plot, pacing, character, and tone. By the end of the episode, you will have a clearer understanding of how to position your stories, communicate your genre, and use it as a creative tool instead of a restriction.

SHOW NOTES:

Why Genre Matters More than you Think

Understanding Genre as a Framework

Positioning Your Story in the Marketplace

Communicating Genre to Agents and Readers

Genre as a Creative Tool

Common Pitfalls

SOURCES & LINKS:

“How Important is Genre When Pitching and Promoting a Book?” Sangeeta Mehta, Jane Friedman, FEB 2025

“Understanding Genre: How to Writer Better Stories,” Savannah Gilbo, 2026

“In Defense of Labels: On Genre as a Literary Conversation," Lit Hub, Lincoln Michel, 2021

DO NOW (with samples):

Identify your primary genre. Study 5 successful books w/in that genre. Fill out the FREE DOWNLOAD to help get you started writing a genre positioning statement.

Next, write a pitch using genre-specific language:

[Genre] + Protagonist + Goal + Obstacle + Stakes

EX: Romance

A contemporary romance about a burned-out wedding planner who’s forced to work with the cynical journalist who once broke her heart—only to discover that saving her career might mean risking it all for love again.

EX: Thriller

A domestic thriller about a woman who begins to suspect her perfect husband is connected to a string of disappearances—and must uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In this episode, we dive deep into the differences between Writer's Block and Writer's Burnout. Discover how burnout manifests through symptoms like fatigue and a waning passion for writing. We’ll share effective recovery strategies that are not only practical but also inspiring. Learn the importance of taking refreshing breaks, establishing a consistent writing routine, and exploring new environments to spark creativity. We'll also discuss how engaging with various creative works and building connections with fellow writers can reignite your passion. Plus, find out which foods can boost your mood and help you on your writing journey

SHOW NOTES:

Understanding Writer's Burnout vs. Writer’s Block

Signs to Look For

How to Get Inspired Again (10 methods)

RECAP

SOURCES & LINKS:

“Writers, We Need to Talk About Creative Burnout,” Medium, Erin Fulmer, OCT 2022

“Writer’s Burnout: Will you let yourself smolder until you become a cinder?” CreativeIndie, Laura Hartman

“8 Foods to Beat Writer’s Block,” The Writer, APR 2024

“How to Blast through Writer’s Burnout…or Block…or Not,” Lit News Magazine, Betsy Robinson, DEC 2022

DO NOW:

If you are looking for a creative boost in your writing, use some of these ideas we’ve discussed. Or come up with a list of your own, tailored to your needs. Also, perhaps take an inventory of your writing habits. Look to see if any of these signs are creeping into your work and think of ways on how you can avoid them.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Linda Rosen is the author of four historical fiction novels, The Disharmony of Silence, Sisters of the Vine, The Emerald Necklace, and her newest release, Abandoning the Script, available March 6th. Linda’s novels are set in the “not-too-distant past” and examine how women

reinvent themselves despite obstacles thrown their way – and they always feature a piece of

jewelry!

She is a member of the Women Fiction Writers Association and co-founder of the South Florida chapter of the Women’s National Book Association where she holds the position of VP of Programming. In addition, Linda is on the board of Trails of Delray, her local chapter of the Brandeis National Committee, an administrator of the 5K+ member Facebook Group Bookish Road Trip and editor of their newsletter, Wanderlust.

Fitness professional turned novelist Linda Rosen, after living most of her life in New Jersey (and only a short trip into NYC) now lives with her husband in sunny Florida happily wearing sandals all year long. When she’s not writing, you’ll find Linda on the Pickleball court, in the pool, or reading with her feet in the sand.

SHOW NOTES:

Abandoning the Script

Back Catalogue

Writer Life

Rapid Fire Questions

SOURCES & LINKS

Website: https://www.linda-rosen.com/

Abandoning the Script is available for pre-order, the paperback, discounted at 15% off until March 5th. And a first chapter sample of all of Linda’s books including Abandoning the Script, as well its trailer, are available on her website.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you