Inside the Writer's Studio

Charlie talks with novelist and screenwriter Timothy Reinhardt, author of the novel Jesus's Brother James, about writing for the page and for the screen. They discuss putting yourself in a character's shoes, writing humor, the influence of Tim's growing up near a monastery, and Tim's unique way of drafting a novel.

Charlie talks with New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott author of The Returned, which was adapted as the television series Resurrection. They discuss Jason's latest book The Crossing and topics range from the appeal of dystopian literature to drawing inspiration from classical mythology to writing about twins.

Charlie talks with debut novelist Amy K. Green about her murder thriller The Prized Girl. They discuss pacing, dysfunctional families, secrets, multiple points of view and more as they talk about this novel of two half-sisters—one murdered before the first page and one determined to find the killer of the sister she never really knew.

Charlie talks with his old friend Michael Huie about Michael's debut spy thriller Spitfire. They discuss the French Resistance, the genre of the espionage novel, and the creative life that actor, playwright, journalist, teacher, and father Huie has pursued. Michael will appear at the Bookmarks Moveable Feast in Winston-Salem on February 8 & 9, 2020.

Charlie talks with the creator of Dexter, the basis for the hit TV series, about his newest novel, Just Watch Me, which launches a new series and a new hero, master thief Riley Wolfe. They discuss anti-heroes, planning a heist, how current events can shape readers' view of a novel, and much more. 

For a special 50th episode, Charlie talks with internationally bestselling author Robin Cook, who created the genre of the medical thriller with his 1977 novel Coma. Thirty-six novels later, Robin has written Genesis, a novel that uses the thriller format to explore the use of DNA in crime fighting. The discussion covers medicine, character development, plotting, why the thriller is a great medium to discuss public policy, and much more.

Charlie chats with Chandler Baker, New York Times bestselling author of The Whisper Network—a work place thriller set against the background of #MeToo—about making the transition from YA to adult novels, the hidden (and no so hidden) secrets of women in the corporate world, and the challenges of balancing a age turning thriller with a true life behind the curtain look at workplace politics.

Anne Bogel, aka The Modern Mrs. Darcy, chose Charlie's novel The Bookman's Tale for her October Book Club read. Anne came to Winston-Salem to interview Charlie live at Bookmarks in front of an audience of about 150 and her interview makes up this special episode of the podcast. 

Charlie talks with recent Bookmarks Festival presenter and Hugo Award winning science fiction author Becky Chambers about (you guessed it) both science and fiction. They look at how sci-fi can explore the human condition and how humans might explore the universe, all through a discussion of Becky's lovely novella To Be Taught if Fortunate. Trust us, you don't have to like science fiction to love Becky, this book, and this episode!

At the Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors in Winston-Salem, Charlie talks with Orange Prize winner Téa Obreht, author of The Tiger's Wife, about her acclaimed new novel, Inland. Charlie and Téa talk about the immigrant experience (both in real life and in fiction), the Arizona Territory, magical realism, and Téa's beautiful style of writing.