Inside the Writer's Studio

Charlie Lovett talks with Ben Guterson about his middle grades novel Winterhouse, an Indie Next pick. Winterhouse features a young girl sent away alone to a mysterious hotel in the snowy mountains. Our discussion ranged from working with an illustrator to the use of first person narrative to the inspirations for Winterhouse itself—from the Grove Park Inn to The Shining.

Charlie Lovett talks with former Summit School colleague Frank Morelli about his debut Young Adult novel No Sad Songs, a moving story about a high school senior who has to care for his ailing grandfather suffering from dementia. From family dynamics to care for the elderly to music to Philadelphia sports teams—our conversation was wide ranging and enjoyable, just like Frank's book.

In our first episode that is a monologue rather than a conversation, Charlie Lovett talks about his new novel The Lost Book of the Grail, out in paperback from Penguin Books. Charlie talks about his research into English cathedrals, medieval manuscripts, and a host of other topics as he reveals secrets about his novel that spans 1500 years in the history of an English city and one very fusty protagonist.

Charlie Lovett talks to international best selling author Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked and After Alice about his latest novel Hiddensee, inspired by the legend of the Nutcracker. Gregory talks about the influence of Grimm and other traditional fairy tales, his travels in Europe researching the book, and this dark, moving take on old European legends.

Charlie Lovett talks with old family friend Emily Herring Wilson about her new book on Eleanor Roosevelt, The Three Graces of Val-Kill. The two compare notes on trips to Roosevelt houses in Hyde Park, and Emily tells stories about her conversations with Roosevelt descendents in this candid conversation about a little explored aspect of the life of the first lady.