Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

Shawn chats with John Torres, a professor of political science and a prolific writer, about John's journey from journalism to creative writing, the challenges of balancing teaching and writing, his experiences with short stories and novel writing, the writing process, the importance of community among writers, and how his political background informs his fiction.

Shawn chats with historical fiction author Jane Loeb Rubin about her novel Threadbare, which explores themes of women's rights issues past and present, women's health, general healthcare, immigration, personal growth, Jane's journey from healthcare to writing, the inspiration behind her stories, and the importance of research in historical fiction.

Shawn chats with Rob Hart about his latest book, Assassins Anonymous, which explores the life of a former assassin navigating a 12-step recovery program, Rob's writing process, character development, moral complexities, and the importance of humor in writing.

Shawn chats with Albert Waitt about his new novel, Flood Tide, his journey as a writer, the development of his character, LT Nichols, writing influences, music, challenges, and the significance of the setting in his mystery novels.

Shawn chats with author and crime fiction writer Jode Millman about The Empty Kayak, which is inspired by true crimes in the Hudson Valley, the importance of setting in her stories, her transition from law to writing, and the establishment of the Writers Law School to educate writers about their legal rights.

Shawn chats with Mary Carol Moore about her novel Last Bets, the inspiration behind it, her transition from food writing to fiction, character development, female friendships, lessons learned, and the importance of authenticity in writing.

Shawn chats with Jeffrey Wilson, a co-author of Act of Defiance in the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan series, about Wilson's diverse background, the collaborative writing process with his partner Brian Andrews, the challenges and joys of writing within the established Clancy universe, military service, accountability, keeping a routine with a partner, the importance of family sacrifices, and the creative process behind their writing.

Shawn chats with award-winning author and journalist Brooke Lee Foster about her latest novel, All the Summers in Between, the significance of beach settings in her work, the complexities of female friendships, the historical context that shapes her characters, the challenges of dual timelines, revisions, and the odd coincidence of Shawn and Brooke living in the same dorm and the same floor (different years) at the University of Maryland.

Shawn chats with debut author Parul Kapoor about her novel Inside the Mirror, which explores the lives of twin sisters in 1950s Bombay, India, creativity, societal restrictions, her extensive writing process, the significance of art, and challenges faced in the lives of writers.

Shawn chats with Jesse Rosen about her journey as a writer, her new book, The Heirloom, the importance of sharing work, embracing rejection, inspirations for writing, superstition and marriage in her book, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers.