PWN's Debut Review

In Part 1 of our BONUS episode, “Joy in Conversation,” we flip the script and interview co-hosts Ray Brunt and Courtney Harler to get to know them better. We discuss their writing journeys as well as what surprised them the most about debuting a podcast. 

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.

For the final episode of our debut season, we talk to Shanda McManus, a family physician and writer. Shanda is a 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellow. Shanda writes about the human side of medicine in her creative nonfiction and is currently at work on a memoir in the form of letters.

Shanda discusses balancing work, family, and her writing life. She also reads an excerpt from her new memoir-in-progress. Please note that this excerpt deals with some intense topics, including suicidal ideation.

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.

Episode 7 features Jennifer Chauhan, co-founder and executive director of Project Write Now. As you know, PWN sponsors this podcast, and Jennifer is also our producer. Jennifer writes YA fiction and especially enjoys working with young writers.

Today we discuss Jennifer’s evolution as a writer and educator. We also talk about honoring authentic voices, lived experiences, and cultural identities in our creative work.

Please note: This episode contains explicit language. 

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.

For Episode 6, we invite Cole Meyer, editor-in-chief of The Masters Review, to share his experiences as a writer and editor. Cole writes flash and short fiction, and is currently pursuing an MFA at Florida State University.

In today’s interview, we discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, serving the literary community, publishing debut authors, and running an established literary magazine.

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.

Today’s guest is Hannah Anderson Harris. Hannah writes essay, memoir, and commentary. Her latest piece appears online in Hypertext. Hannah is a graduate of Sierra Nevada University, where she served as faculty advisor and managing editor of the Sierra Nevada Review.

Ray and Courtney first met Hannah in graduate school in 2017 and are thrilled to reconnect with her in today’s episode. We discuss reinventing the workshop model, finding joy after grief, and celebrating lesbian culture.

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.

Today we interview Ken Womack, a prolific writer and professor at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. A leading worldwide authority on the Beatles, Ken hosts a podcast for Salon called Everything Fab Four. Ken’s latest novel, The Time Diaries, is available now through Mt. Nittany Press.

In our chat, Ken discusses his particular path toward scholarship and publication. He treats us to a reading from his new novel, and then shares his thoughts on his work-in-progress.

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.

Today’s guest is Philip Dean Walker. Philip is the author of three collections of short stories: At Danceteria and Other Stories from 2016, Read by Strangers from 2018, and most recently, Better Davis and Other Stories, which just launched in September of 2021.

In this episode, Philip tells us about his lifelong love of both reading and writing. He also shares his many research techniques for capturing the true zeitgeist of past eras in his short fiction. Philip hints at what’s next for him in his creative life, and offers listeners some of his favorite reading recommendations.

Please note: This episode contains sexual content.

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.

In our first episode, we talk to Brittany Ackerman, author of the debut novel The Brittanys, which launched in June 2021 from Vintage. Brittany’s debut memoir, The Perpetual Motion Machine, won the 2016 Nonfiction Award from Red Hen Press.

In today’s chat, we discuss Brittany’s development as a writer—from literally scribbling on the walls as a young child to winning publication awards soon after graduate school. And, of course, we discuss, in depth, both of her debut books.

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.

Introducing PWN’s Debut Review, a new podcast from Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Join hosts Ray Brunt and Courtney Harler as they “debut” the podcast. They discuss the inspiration for the podcast and what listeners can expect. So follow us today on Apple and Spotify! Episode 1 drops Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

PWN's Debut Review is hosted by Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing studio. Learn more at projectwritenow.org.