KJZZ's Word

What do a retired veteran, a museum archivist and a technical writer have in common? They all finished the challenge of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and wrote at least a 50,000-word novel during November.

What do a tourism writer from Albuquerque, New Mexico; a Glendale life coach; and a burlesque performer and creative from the Valley have in common? They're all engaging in National Novel Writing Month.

It’s nearly Halloween and almost National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). As we close out October, we celebrate the holiday and those who are stepping up to write 50,000 words in a month beginning Nov. 1.

On this episode, we welcome Annika Clark, chosen by Creative Youth of Arizona as the Phoenix Youth Poet Laureate. Plus, we talk to poet and retired teacher Joey Connolly and Pueblo Indian writer and NYT bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse, who has a new fantasy novel called “Black Sun” out this month.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to present challenges for creatives. We’ll talk to a returning guest about it. Plus, we turn our attention to younger audiences and readers, beginning with puppets.

"Word" is a KJZZ original podcast about the literary arts in Arizona and the region. We begin this season with the first of three returning guests, David Hemphill, executive director of Black Theatre Troupe in Phoenix.

On this penultimate episode for Season 11 of Word, everything old is new when it comes to a Roman Emperor who practiced Stoicism. Plus, we offer a new spin on a gothic literary classic. And, we propose a couple of adult fiction summer reading suggestions.

On this penultimate episode for Season 11 of Word, everything old is new when it comes to a Roman Emperor who practiced Stoicism. Plus, we offer a new spin on a gothic literary classic. And, we propose a couple of adult fiction summer reading suggestions.

Arizona State University will host a CantoMundo retreat with Latinx poets; a new play about two beloved film critics comes to the stage in the Valley; and David Ignatius from the Washington Post talks about his new fictional spy thriller, and real-world technology that poses a serious national security concern.

Arizona State University will host a CantoMundo retreat with Latinx poets; a new play about two beloved film critics comes to the stage in the Valley; and David Ignatius from the Washington Post talks about his new fictional spy thriller, and real-world technology that poses a serious national security concern.