In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, we’re divinginto the charming and twist-filled world of cozy mysteries with author Paula Charles. A fresh and engaging voice on the cozy mystery scene, Paula brings small-town charm, quirky characters, and page-turning puzzles to life in her HomeTown Hardware Mysteries. Writing also under the pen name Jana Rollins, she takes readers on a more meditative but equally mysterious path with her Zen Goat Mystery Series.

Tune in as we chat about her writing journey, herinspirations from growing up in a small town, and what it’s like launching notone but two series filled with cozy intrigue and heartwarming fun.

 Find more information about Paula Charles at NorthwestBookTalk.comto discover her books, website, socials and the answers to a number of follow-up questions after the interview.

Some stories hook you with suspense. Others make you question everything you thought you knew. In The Cardinal Line and Name Town, author Jordan Fitch masterfully does both.

A former U.S. Marine turned thriller writer, Jordan brings sharp precision, emotional depth, and a love for the Pacific Northwest into his novels. In our recent Northwest Book Talk interview, we explored the hidden layers of his books, his journey into fiction, and how his real-life adventures have shaped the worlds he creates on the page.

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher speaks with Toni Woodard, author of I’m Fine: A Practical Guide for Living with Chronic Pain. With honesty, empathy, and hard-earned wisdom, Toni shares her personal journey through years of physical pain, unsuccessful spinal surgeries, and the emotional toll that often goes unspoken.

We dive into the realities of living with chronic pain, the gaps in traditional medical support, and the small, powerful practices that can help people reclaim their joy and purpose—even in the midst of daily discomfort. Whether you're living with pain yourself or love someone who is, this episode is full of practical insights, encouragement, and hope.

Topics Include:

• The emotional side of chronic pain no one talks about

• Toni’s turning point and how she found her voice

• Tips for navigating medical burnout

• Tools for building a rewarding life despite pain

• Why Toni wrote I’m Fine—and who it’s really for

In this episode of NW Book Talk, host Patty Grasher interviews Aron Steinke, Eisner-nominated cartoonist and author of the popular Mr. Wolf’s Class series. Aron discusses his newest standalone graphic novel for kids, SPEECHLESS — a powerful, nearly wordless story about navigating middle school, communication, and self-expression.

We explore the creative process behind SPEECHLESS, how Aron’s background as an elementary school teacher informs his stories, and why graphic novels resonate so deeply with young readers.

Whether you're a parent, educator, librarian, or middle-grade reader at heart, this episode will leave you inspired.

🎧 Learn more about Aron’s work at https://www.aronsteinke.com

🎨 A Lifetime of Art: Gregory Gorham Shares His Story Behind the Strokes 🎨

In this inspiring episode of NW Book Talk, we sit down with renowned artist Gregory Gorham, whose book A Lifetime of Art chronicles over 50 years of creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic passion. Gregory takes us on a journey through his evolution as an artist—sharing stories behind his commercial success, personal projects, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re an art lover, an aspiring creative, or simply enjoy a good story about following your passion, this conversation will leave you inspired.

🔗 Learn more about Gregory and his work here: northwestbooktalk.com/gregory-gorham

Best-selling author Caren Hahn talks aboutdragons, suspense, and fantasy.

This Northwest author started writing for fun and passion before becoming an increasingly in-demand author with 14 books and counting.

In this episode, she shares her journey and how the joy of reading and writing helps her deal with life’s stresses.

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, author Connie Morgan shares the heartfelt journey behind her book, More Than Luck Required. Through resilience, faith, and love, she navigated life’s challenges to find healing and hope. Listen in as she discusses her personal transformation, the power of perseverance, and the lessons she hopes to share with readers. Tune in now and be inspired! Available on NorthwestBookTalk.com and your favorite podcast platforms.

In this interview, artist and author Jessica Julian reveals her innovative technique of using her paintings to inspire her children's books.

Learn how her unique approach blends visual art with storytelling, creating engaging narratives that captivate young readers.

Discover the creative process behind her work and how her art enhances the world of children's literature.

Christy shared valuable tips on leveraging social media, engaging with bloggers, hosting events, and more to help authors boost their book visibility.

Stay tuned for a conversation packed with actionable insights!”

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, we sit down with Emily Cadiz, an accomplished author and Early Childhood Reading Specialist, to discuss her innovative approach to early literacy and cognitive development.

Emily’s unique award-winning program is designed to help young readers build foundational skills that not only enhance their reading abilities but also foster creativity and critical thinking.

We dive deep into how her techniques, which focus on developing cognitive reading skills, can be applied to children of all ages—and even adults—stimulating creativity and empowering minds to think outside the box.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or lifelong learner, Emily’s insights offer valuable tools for nurturing creativity and cognitive growth through the power of reading.

Tune in to learn how you can use Emily's proven strategies to enhance the learning experience for young readers and inspire creativity in people of all ages.