Off The Page

In 1963, Carole Denise McNair was one of four girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. The event shook the nation and was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. A year after that bombing, Lisa McNair was born. Her new book is called Dear Denise: Letters to the Sister I Never Knew. In it, she writes letters to her sister about her life, about growing up in the shadow of the bombing, about missing her, about her family and more. It’s a beautiful and vulnerable look at one family’s legacy and about growing up black in the South during the Civil Rights era.

After Rachel Dickinson's son committed suicide, she found herself both unable to leave home, and running away from home, unable to face the aftermath of his death. She talks with host Crystal Sarakas about her collection of essays that came from that time.

Laura Anne Gilman's new novel, UNCANNY TIMES, takes place in upstate New York in 1913. She talks about the challenges of writing historical fantasy, especially women, and the creation of her new series, The Huntsmen.

On the next Off the Page, we’re unearthing the secret history of cemeteries. Host Crystal Sarakas talks with Greg Melville about his new book, OVER MY DEAD BODY. It’s a conversation about the things you learn when you look at where the bodies are buried.

On this episode, host Crystal Sarakas talks with romance author Jennifer D. Bokal. She's been writing romance for a number of years and is a member of the Romance Writers of America. Her latest book is Colton’s Rogue Investigation, part of the Coltons of Colorado series.

Host Crystal Sarakas talks with horror author Mercedes M. Yardley about her new book, DARLING. It’s a southern gothic story about a mother fighting to protect her children against monsters both seen and unseen.

Ithaca author Megan Shull talks about her new book, BILLION DOLLAR GIRL. It's a story about a girl who is on a journey to find out who - and what - really matters in life. It's the perfect book for anyone who craves deeper, more meaningful connections in life. Hosted by Crystal Sarakas.

Novelist Yuvi Zalkow talks with host Crystal Sarakas about his latest book, I ONLY CRY WITH EMOTICONS. It’s a quirky comedy about family, disconnection and the ways technology brings us together but also keeps us apart.

Host Crystal Sarakas talks with Keri Blakinger, the author of CORRECTIONS IN INK, a memoir that details her life from being a figure skating competitor with an eating disorder, to her life as an addict, her arrest and time spent in prison, and her life after prison. Piper Kerman, author of ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK says that CORRECTIONS IN INK is "a groundbreaking debut from an extraordinary writer."

Keri Blakinger wrote for the Ithaca Voice, the Houston Chronicle, and she’s now a reporter covering prisons and jails for The Marshall Project.

As a content note, this interview does touch on addiction and suicidal ideation. It contains details that may be upsetting to some listeners.

Therese Walsh is the author of The Moon Sisters and The Last Will of Moira Leahy. She’s also the co-founder of Writer Unboxed, an online community for writers. She talks with host Crystal Sarakas about developing a community of writers, and tips on writing your next book!