In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I sit down with debut novelist Vanessa Beaumont to talk about her evocative and richly layered novel, The Other Side of Paradise. Set in post–World War I Britain, the story follows Jean Buckman, a young American newspaper heiress navigating societal pressures, marital dysfunction, grief, personal desire and deep maternal love in 1920s Britain and the south of France.

Vanessa shares how her background in publishing shaped her writing journey, what inspired her to move from nonfiction ideas into fiction, and the immersive research that brought the interwar period to life. We discuss themes of identity, privilege, and constraint, as well as the role of setting — from remote British country estates to grand London houses to villas in the Riviera and how setting can be a character in its own right. Vanessa’s characters - the people and the places- will stay with the reader long after finishing the last page.

We also talk about Vanessa’s literary influences, her writing challenges, and her upcoming projects. By the end of our conversation, you’ll have a deeper sense of both the historical backdrop of her novel and the craft behind it.

Click here to buy ‘The Other Side of Paradise’.

Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:11 Meeting Vanessa Beaumont and The Other Side of Paradise00:29 Setting the Scene: Britain Between the Wars00:44 Introducing Jean Buckman and Family01:54 The Inspiration Behind the Novel03:47 Vanessa’s Writing Journey and Challenges06:22 Researching the Interwar Period09:35 The Role of Setting and Atmosphere18:14 Houses as Characters20:55 Literary Influences and Craft37:29 Upcoming Projects and Personal Insights

In this special episode of Elena Meets the Author, I step away from my usual author interviews to chat with Diane Garrett, the warm and wonderful owner of Diane’s Books in Greenwich, Connecticut. Diane tells me how she went from growing up in Northern Ontario, Canada, to opening her beloved bookshop in the heart of Greenwich. We talk about how the book industry has changed with Amazon and e-readers, and she shares her philosophy on curating a family-friendly selection that keeps readers of all ages coming back.

We dive into why reading aloud to children is so important, the magic of having knowledgeable “book matchmaker” staff, and her top book recommendations for the summer. Diane also reminisces about unforgettable author events, from J.K. Rowling to Walter Isaacson and shares a charming Harry Potter story. Our conversation is a love letter to the resilience of independent bookstores, the joy of reading, and the community that springs up around them.

Diane’s top summer picks! Buy through these links to directly support the podcast at no extra cost to you.

The Mademoiselle Alliance

It's a Love Story

Jackie

My Sister’s Grave

Presumed Innocent

King Maker

Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction to the podcast01:54 — Interview with Diane Garrett begins02:03 — Diane’s journey to owning a bookshop03:30 — The evolution of bookshops04:12 — Staff specialties and book selection06:36 — The importance of reading aloud08:57 — Challenges and rewards of running a bookshop16:19 — Collaborations with the local community18:12 — Booksellers and libraries: a complex relationship18:52 — Memorable author events: from J.K. Rowling to Walter Isaacson19:10 — The magic of Harry Potter: a personal anecdote22:13 — Top book recommendations: a curated list30:08 — The joy of reading: final thoughts

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I sit down with the incredible Marjan Kamali to discuss her bestselling novel The Lion Women of Tehran. 🌍✨

The novel follows the intertwined lives of two childhood friends, Homa and Ellie, as they grow from girls in 1950s Tehran into women navigating the complexities of adulthood. We dive into the inspiration behind this captivating story, the rich depiction of Iranian culture, and the unique challenges of writing historical fiction. Marjan shares some evocative excerpts from her book and reveals how her own childhood friendships and family history have shaped the narrative. Together, we explore themes of friendship, the fragility of freedom, and the timeless nature of storytelling. 📖💫

Listen now! 🔗 [Link to episode]

#ElenaMeetsTheAuthor #TheLionWomenOfTehran #MarjanKamali #HistoricalFiction #AuthorInterview #BookLovers #Storytelling #Friendship #Iran #WomensRights #NewEpisode #Podcast #Bookstagram

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Meet the Author: Marjan Kamali03:03 – The Story Behind The Lion Women of Tehran04:37 – Exploring Themes of Friendship and Betrayal05:33 – The Historical Context of Women's Rights in Iran14:07 – The Writing Process and Developing Characters30:22 – Imagination's Role in the Writing Journey30:50 – When Characters Take Control of the Story31:41 – Drawing from Emotional Wells and Writing Trauma32:38 – Method Acting: Bringing Characters to Life33:25 – Writing Challenging and Emotional Scenes36:17 – The Heart of The Lion Women of Tehran37:06 – The Many Faces of a Lioness40:36 – Navigating Difficult Scenes and Character Growth45:49 – The Importance of Friendship and Freedom50:20 – The Joy of Reading and Discovering New Stories51:59 – Marjan Kamali’s Upcoming Projects53:18 – Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this week’s episode of Elena Meets the Author, I’m joined by the brilliant Louisa Treger to talk about her captivating new novel The Paris Muse, which delves into the life of Dora Maar, Picasso’s muse behind the iconic Weeping Woman.

We dive into Dora’s incredible journey beyond her relationship with Picasso, exploring her life as a surrealist photographer, poet, and political activist. From the influence she had on Picasso’s art to her redemption and artistic revival, this episode is a deep dive into art, love, and the complexities of history.

Click here to buy The Paris Muse and support the show.

Episode Breakdown:

* 00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast

* 00:16 – Introducing Louisa Treger and The Paris Muse

* 00:42 – Dora Maar: Picasso's Muse and More

* 01:55 – Louisa's Inspiration from Dora's Photography

* 04:37 – Reading from the Prologue

* 08:15 – Dora Maar's Early Life

* 11:19 – Dora's Relationship with Picasso

* 18:56 – The Influence of Dora on Picasso's Art

* 21:44 – Discussing the Novel's Setting and Characters

* 22:25 – Writing About the South of France

* 24:26 – Picasso and Dora's Relationship During Wartime

* 26:00 – Dora's Inner Monologues and Personal Connection

* 29:41 – Picasso's Dark Side and Its Impact

* 32:09 – Dora's Redemption and Artistic Revival

* 35:59 – The Author's Inspiration and Future Projects

* 38:01 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I speak with the brilliant author Allegra Goodman about her historical novel Isola. This captivating conversation delves into the story's inspiration, centered on Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, a French noblewoman marooned on an island in the Gulf of St in 1542. Goodman shares her writing process, research adventures, and the themes of solitude and resilience. She also discusses the joys and challenges of writing historical fiction, the significance of voice in storytelling, and her own journey with the novel. You will gain insights into Goodman's multifaceted approach to writing and her passion for exploring human endurance and transformation.

Click here to buy Isola and support the show at no extra cost!

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:16 Introducing Allegra Goodman and Her Novel 'Isola'

00:42 Synopsis of 'Isla'

02:34 Marguerite's Struggle for Survival

03:13 Interview with Allegra Goodman Begins

03:20 The Inspiration Behind 'Isola'

06:53 Finding Marguerite's Voice

09:46 Reading the First Page of 'Isola'

13:51 Themes of Solitude and Survival

16:41 Writing in Isolation

20:20 Exploring the Concept of Freedom

22:24 Exploring Writing Styles and Language

24:19 The Audible Experience

24:58 Best Writing Advice and Genre Exploration

26:52 Reading Habits and Instagram Insights

29:42 Morning Routines and Creative Processes

31:18 Themes and Inspirations Behind the Book

33:15 Personal Reflections and Writing Pace

39:14 Upcoming Projects and Family Anecdotes

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I interview the wonderful novelist Amy Poeppel about her latest book, Far and Away, a comedic tale of two families from Dallas and Berlin embarking on a chaotic house swap. Amy shares the inspiration behind her book, drawn from her own experiences living in these cities, and we dive into the complexities of writing a multi-layered story. She discusses the humorous misunderstandings and cultural clashes her characters face and gives insights into her unique writing process, including her preference for using a whiteboard over outlining. We wrap up with a conversation about how Amy's characters discover the true meaning of home and community.

Links to books mentioned:

Please buy through these links to directly support the podcast for free!

Amy Poeppel - Far and Away

Amy’s book recommendations:

The Correspondence

The Road to Tender Hearts

Red Island House

Check out my favorite rolling top 10 books, updated regularly!

Watch Amy’s trailer here

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:39 Meet the Author: Amy Poeppel

02:13 The Inspiration Behind the Novel

05:00 Humorous Miscommunications

11:03 Writing Process and Challenges

15:24 Character Development and Research

25:49 Exploring the Vermeer Scandal

26:12 Writing Process and Research

28:49 Teenage Dialogue and Miscommunication

30:14 Character Development and Themes

32:51 Challenges and Joys of Writing

37:18 The Importance of Community

39:17 Starting a Writing Career Later in Life

45:59 Upcoming Projects and Inspirations

49:43 Book Recommendations

52:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I interview Dutch author Yael Van Der Wouden about her debut novel, 'The Safekeep', which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. We delve into the novel's complex themes, including post-war Dutch society, familial relationships, and the nuances of loathing and desire. Yael shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her work, and her experiences growing up Jewish in the Netherlands. The episode concludes with a discussion on building suspense and the art of writing erotica, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the making of a modern classic. Don't miss Yael reading an excerpt from her book and hinting at her upcoming novel.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:15 Meet the Author: Yael Van Der Wouden

00:56 Synopsis of 'The Safekeep'

01:22 Isabelle's Life and Family Dynamics

02:35 Interview with Yael: Writing Process and Inspirations

05:36 Yael's Childhood and Cultural Experiences

09:39 Themes and Historical Context in 'The Safe Keep'

15:55 Isabelle's Relationship with Her Brothers

18:42 Reading an Excerpt from 'The Safekeep'

20:59 Exploring Loathing and Desire

22:38 Crafting Suspense in Writing

25:25 Erotica and Tension

29:26 Cinematic Influences in Writing

31:07 The Three-Part Structure

34:56 Character Development and Morality

39:21 Author's Intent and Reader Takeaways

42:10 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I sit down with the brilliant and beloved romance novelist Annabel Monaghan to talk about her upcoming book, It’s a Love Story, which hits shelves on May 27th. We dive into her creative process and the inspiration behind her central characters—Jane Jackson, a former child TV star trying to find her footing in Hollywood, and Dan Finnegan, her arrogant (but undeniably charming) nemesis turned potential love interest.

Annabel reads a powerful excerpt from the book and opens up about the deeper themes of self-realization and challenging the beliefs we grow up with. We also chat about what makes romantic comedy both joyful and difficult to write, how she crafts characters that are flawed but lovable, explains how to write a sex scene, and tells us why date dresses and straightened hair aren’t necessarily the way to seduce your soulmate.

She even gives us a sneak peek at what she’s working on next—and shares some of her recent favourite reads. If you love thoughtful conversations about books, creativity, and the messy beauty of love stories, you’re going to enjoy this one.

00:14 Introducing Annabel Monaghan

02:38 Reading from 'It's a Love Story'

06:50 Inspiration Behind the Book

08:28 Writing Process and Challenges

15:17 Setting and Future Projects

20:08 Pitching the Book Idea

20:22 Jane's Date Dresses and Long Island Trip

21:51 Uncomfortable Crisis in the Story

22:40 Creating the Character of Dan

23:49 Writing Convincing Love Scenes

26:37 Mother-Daughter Relationship Dynamics

28:37 Potential Film Adaptations

31:36 New Book Project

33:35 Reading Recommendations and Writing Routine

In this episode of 'Elena Meets The Author,' Elena Bowes sits down with Lauren Willig, the New York Times bestselling author of over 25 works of historical fiction. They dive into Willig's latest book, 'The Girl from Greenwich Street,' an enthralling courtroom drama set during America's first recorded murder trial in 1799. Willig shares her intricate journey from law to writing, her fascinating research process, and the historical nuances that make this story so compelling. The conversation also explores the socio-cultural dynamics of 1800s New York and how Willig breathes life into her characters through rich historical details.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:00 Meet the Author: Lauren Willig

00:31 The Historical Context of 'The Girl from Greenwich Street'

02:16 Lauren Willig's Journey from Law to Literature

04:28 The Unique Aspects of the Levi Weeks Trial

05:51 Discovering the Story Through Research

12:19 Life in 1800s New York City

15:54 Reading from the Prologue

19:46 Challenges in Uncovering Elma's Story

23:00 The Defense Team: Burr and Hamilton

26:02 The Manhattan Well and Its Historical Significance

30:07 The Role of Women in the Case

33:02 The Quaker Curse and Its Impact

37:38 Upcoming Projects and Future Works

In this episode, Elena interviews Lynda Cohen Loigman about her latest book, 'The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern,' which has made it to Elena's rolling top 10 books. They discuss the novel's dual timeline, set in a 1920s Brooklyn pharmacy and a 1980s Florida retirement home, its themes of second chances and the magic of youth. Lynda reads an excerpt from the book and shares her inspiration, drawn from family stories and personal experiences. The conversation delves into the historical role of pharmacies, the impact of timing and secrets in the plot, and the power of words. Linda also gives a glimpse into her next book, a coming-of-age story set in 1965.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:26 Book Overview: The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern

02:01 Reading from Chapter One

06:35 Inspiration Behind the Book

17:21 Pharmacy and Historical Context

31:05 Soap Opera Secrets and Storytelling

32:28 Character Dynamics and Plot Twists

33:30 Inspiration from O. Henry

36:11 Research and Writing Process

37:50 Themes in Historical Fiction

41:57 The Power of Words

46:53 Upcoming Projects and Recommendations