Award-winning nonfiction author Mary Boone joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk to discuss immersive research, writing for young readers, and the powerful true story behind her picture book, Pedal Pusher: How One Woman’s Bicycle Adventure Helped Change the World.

Mary has written more than 70 nonfiction books for children and is known for diving headfirst into her subjects — riding elephants, jumping out of airplanes, DNA-testing salmon, and even baking cricket cookies — all to create books that make kids say “WOW!”

In this conversation, Mary shares:

• How she transitioned from newspaper journalism to children’s nonfiction
• Why immersive research matters
• The story of Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, the woman who bicycled around the world in 1894
• How nonfiction can inspire curiosity, courage, and big thinking in young readers

Mary Boone lives in Tacoma, Washington, and will be featured at the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest in Vancouver, Washington.

Learn more about the event at NorthwestBookFair.com.

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, Patty Grasher talks with middle grade fantasy author Deb Cushman, creator of the Chronicles of Nadavir series.

Deb shares her fast-writing, slow-revising approach—explaining how she can draft a book in two months but spend up to two years preparing it for publication. She discusses her use of mastermind groups, beta readers, and professional editing to strengthen each manuscript before release.

The conversation also explores Deb’s creative world-building, including her dwarf colony refuge, Norse mythology influences, and the upcoming third book in the series featuring Tip the Elf’s journey to rescue his brother and save the World Tree, Yggdrasil.

Beyond writing craft, Deb shares her highly successful in-person event strategy—complete with her famous Prize Wheel—and how she connects with young readers through her Nadavir Kids Club and active social media presence.

This episode is part of a special 19-week series highlighting some of the authors and creators you’ll meet at the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest on June 27 at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington.

Science fiction and fantasy author L J Dix joins Northwest Book Talk for a warm conversation about cozy sci-fi, found family storytelling, and building a writing career at any stage of life.

Author of the Starship Cat, Star Trader Independence, and Diplomat’s Apprentice series—and her newest cozy sci-fi series, Minstrel’s Luck—L J Dix shares how stories she once told her children became published books, how her background in global supply chains shapes her fictional worlds, and why readers are drawn to hopeful, character-driven science fiction today.

She also talks about meeting readers at book events and her upcoming workshop, “A Writing Career at Any Stage of Life,” at the Northwest Book Fair.

Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher is joined by author C. T. Carey, who returns to the Northwest Book Fair for a second year.

C. T. is the kind of writer readers love discovering in person—approachable, thoughtful, and deeply connected to his stories.

In this conversation, we talk about how he describes his books to new readers, what draws people to his work, and what it’s like meeting readers face-to-face at book events.

C. T. shared about the importance of developing wide distribution for your books through the major distributors such as Ingram, Amazon and others.

Whether you’re searching for your next great read or planning to attend the Northwest Book Fair, this episode is a great introduction to both the author and the stories behind the books.

Cartoonist and graphic novelist Jonno Heyne joins Northwest Book Talk to share his creative journey and love of visual storytelling. He talks about comics as a gateway to literacy and why meeting readers face-to-face at comic cons, book fairs, and community events is the most rewarding part of selling his books.

This episode is part of the runway to the Northwest Book Fair.

For the past two years, Northwest Book Talk has shared conversations with authors and storytellers across the Pacific Northwest. In this solo episode, host Patty Grasher explains a thoughtful reset for the show—bringing a clearer focus to the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest and the community it serves.

This episode reflects on what the show has been, what’s changing, and why this new direction feels both practical and meaningful. Going forward, Northwest Book Talk will spotlight authors, creators, and conversations connected to live literary events, community storytelling, and the growing ecosystem around the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest.

If you care about books, local voices, and the behind-the-scenes work that brings creative communities together, this next chapter of Northwest Book Talk is for you.

Bestselling cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk to share how a simple idea blossomed into the beloved Ashland Mystery Fest, now attracting readers and writers from around the world.

Ellie talks about balancing festival planning with her writing career, the power of community partnerships, and how immersive, reader-driven events deepen the connection between authors and fans.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Oregon’s most charming literary celebrations — and inspiration for anyone who loves mysteries, books, and the Pacific Northwest.

🎧 Listen now on Northwest Book Talk and discover what makes the Ashland Mystery Fest a must-attend event for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Patty talks with mystery author Caren Hahn about what really works—and what doesn’t—when authors attend live book events.

Caren shares insights from her first author conference, discovering that not all events attract readers, and the importance of clear pricing and presentation.

Together, they explore how authors can build deeper reader relationships, manage event costs, and collaborate with others for better exposure.

Caren also reveals her favorite event tools—from tall banners to QR codes—and how small, focused gatherings often lead to the most meaningful connections.

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher talks with Jordan Fitch, author of NoTown and The Cardinal Line, about how live events can transform the way authors connect with readers.

Jordan shares his experiences of meeting new readers at live events, small, large and inbetween. The importance of making real connections, and why in-person events remains a powerful part of building his author platform.

🎧 Tune in to discover how signing books at his favorite bar started his live event journey.

An exciting episode on Northwest Book Talk that guides new authors to find joy in their writing with clear actionionable steps to avoid confusion and overwhelm.