Inside the Writer's Head

In this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Jessica speaks with non-fiction author Laurie Halse Anderson about her new book "Shout," the impact of sexual assault, and the power of telling stories about it.

Content Warning: This article podcast deals with topics pertaining to sexual violence that may be sensitive for some.

Our new Writer-in-Residence is local author Jessica Strawser and her first guest on the Inside the Writer's Head podcast is Jess Montgomery Montgomery is the author of THE WIDOWS (Minotaur Books), a new historical mystery set in the 1920s, in which two women work together to solve a tragic murder and save their community. On the podcast, they discuss writing, storytelling, and writing history specifically. Loosely inspired by the true story of Ohio's first female sheriff in 1925, Montgomery's novel is set in Southeast Ohio's Appalachian foothills and depicts coal mining, Prohibition, workers' rights, women's rights, and other issues that still resonate today. Early chapters of the novel earned Jess an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Award and the John E. Nance Writer in Residence at Thurber House in Columbus. She is already at work on the second book in the series, The Hollows, forthcoming in 2020. Listen in for some great insight!

In the final episode of Season 3 of Inside the Writer's Head with Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne, we hear from our 2019 Writer-in-Residence Jessica Strawser. Strawser is editor-at-large for Writer's Digest and an author of several novels set in nearby towns, including "Almost Missed You" and "Not That I Could Tell." In this episode, Emma and Jessica discuss how to stay committed as a writer even when you have a full-time job and a family. They also answer questions from participants in Emma's last writer's workshop and talk about Jessica's plans as the new Writer-In-Residence. Tune in!

On this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, our Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne speaks with Michael Bourret. Bourret is a partner of Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret - a well-known literary agency that represents authors from a myriad of genres. In this podcast, they discuss how to get a literary agent, and what it's like working with an agent to get a book published. Bourret also gives some tips on writing a query letter, namely not to stress too much about it. This is the last episode of Season 3 of Inside the Writer's Head with Emma Carlson Berne! And it's a good one. Tune in!

On this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne talks with the former editor for Writer's Digest Books, Chuck Sambachino. Sambachino is a full-time freelancer, instructor, and humor writer and if you need any advice about getting a literary agent then he's your guy.

In this episode, you'll get tips on how to get a literary agent and why it is so important you have one. Sambachino also discusses social media's role in publishing today, what agents actually do for you, and what they can't do for you. If you've ever thought about publishing a book, this is the writer whose head you definitely want to get inside.

On this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne talks with children's book author Aubre Andrus. Andrus has authored more than 25 nonfiction books for kids, including "101 Small Ways to Change the World." She is the former Lifestyle Editor for American Girl magazine, and they discuss how she transitioned to writing full time. Andrus talks about what it's like working alone as a freelance writer, and the stress that comes along with finding your own work - but also the freedom and reward. Listen in for some great career writing insight!

This month, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne speaks with Brandon Miller. Brandon is an author of books on history for young people. Her books cover subjects like Women of Colonial America, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Miller's stories have been honored by the International Reading Association, National Council for Social Studies, and more. During the interview, Millers gives insight on the importance (and fun) of research for historical nonfiction writing, and writing from different historical perspectives. She shares what it is like working with an editor to get a book published and what her daily life as a writer is like. Anyone looking for insight in to writing as a professional career, give this interview a listen!

In this very special episode of Inside the Writer's Head, the Library's Writer-in-Residence speaks with Cincinnati's poet laureate Mauel Iris. Iris promotes poetry appreciation in our community, and encourages the reading and writing of poetry for all ages. The award-winning poet talks about his origins as a poet, and how music has influenced his lyrical poetry. He tells the story of how his grandfather introduced him to the dictionary, kindling lifetime love affair with words. "Every poem is a love poem, we write because we love something," Iris says. Iris reads an original poem from his latest book, "Translating Silence," in both Spanish and English. They also discuss the publishing process, and how different writing poetry is from publishing it. This episode with a local leader and artist is full of insight on writing and the power of words - don't miss out!

In the latest episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne talks with Michelle Bisson. Bisson is the Senior Acquisitions Manager at Capstone, a large publisher of educational books for kids. They discuss her long, unexpected journey to publishing and Bisson shares some uplifting advice for anyone who might feel like their career is headed in a wayward direction: "Everything that I've ever done sort of happened by mistake..." but it lead her to exactly where she wanted to be. You'll learn about what it's like to be an editor, and see evolution of a story from manuscript to print. Get a glimpse in to the relationship between author and editor and why humility is so important in the publishing world. Anyone interested in writing or working in publishing will learn a lot from this podcast!

In this month's podcast, the Library Foundation's Writer-in-Residence speaks with Gwenda Bond the author of "Girl on a Wire," a trilogy about the comic books character Louis Lane, and more. Bond has recently been contracted to write the first Stranger Things book, a prequel about Terry Ives, Eleven's mom, and her time with MK-Ultra in 1970. They discuss how Bond knew she wanted to be a writer, and how her career took off. Bond tells us why she loves writing strong, complicated female leads and what it's like co-authoring with her husband. This episode is a must-listen!