Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

By Shawn Reilly SimmonsArtsBooks
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Five Compelling Questions with Shawn episodes

  • EP223: 5CQ for James T. Bartlett, Author of THE ALASKAN BLONDE and GOURMET GHOSTS OF LOS ANGELES

    Shawn chats with James T. Bartlett, a travel and lifestyle journalist turned True Crime author, his books THE ALASKAN BLONDE & GOURMET GHOSTS series, Bartlett's journey into writing, the appeal of true crime, surprising discoveries during research, the process of crafting compelling narratives, Los Angeles, a new True Crime book focused on Burbank, the importance of sensitivity in true crime writing and the responsibility authors feel towards the families affected by the stories they tell.

    38 min
  • EP222: 5CQ for Mary Karnes, Author of SAVE THE FATE

    Shawn chats on Valentine's Day with professional wedding planner and author Mary Karnes about the most recent book in her cozy wedding planner mystery series, the inspiration behind her books, the challenges of balancing her writing career with her growing wedding planning business, the impact of being a published author on her life and family, her writing process, her multi-cultural roots, future plans for the series, and personal reflections on her role as a mother and a businesswoman.



    21 min
  • EP220: 5CQ for AX Foster, Author of GAVEL TO GAVEL

    Shawn chats with AX Foster about his unique journey from a prosecutor to an author of legal thrillers, his debut novel GAVEL TO GAVEL, inspiration, justice, Foster's background in law and acting, societal fascination with legal dramas, Agatha Christie, John Grisham, James Patterson, and the importance of justice in the courtroom.



    43 min
  • EP219: 5CQ for Jeff Markowitz, Author of THE OTHER

    Shawn chats with Jeff Markowitz about his novel THE OTHER, social justice, the historical context of Nazi activity in New Jersey, the significance of storytelling, addressing uncomfortable truths, crafting dual timeline narratives, the importance of standing up against hate, and the power of fiction to evoke empathy and understanding.



    33 min
  • EP218: 5CQ for Robert Crais, NYT BESTSELLING Author of THE BIG EMPTY

    Shawn chats with bestselling author Robert Crais about his latest novel, THE BIG EMPTY, which marks the 20th book featuring private investigator Elvis Cole, the evolution of his characters, internet influencers, family secrets, loyalty, betrayal, the nuances of plotting and character development, and the emotional stakes involved in Crais's storytelling.



    23 min
  • EP215: 5CQ for Kate Michaelson, Author of HIDDEN ROOMS

    Shawn chats with debut author Kate Michaelson about her novel HIDDEN ROOMS, medical mysteries, murder investigations, the importance of representing chronic illness in literature, teaching, the journey of becoming a published author, and the themes of homecoming and personal growth.



    35 min

About Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

From the publisher's feed

Award-Winning Author and Editor Shawn Reilly Simmons gets to know her guests by asking Five Compelling Questions (plus a few bonus ones) about the writing life. Topics include finding inspiration,…