Joseph Earl Thomas is the author of Sink, a memoir, and his debut novel God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer, longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Literary Excellence, and winner of the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. On today’s show, Annmarie and Joseph talk about working-class upbringings, how to write complicated families with sensitivity and grace, and whether or not to raise an alligator in the backyard.

Episode Sponsors

The Head & The Hand Books – A community-focused Philadelphia bookstore that provides curated fiction, local lit, and children’s/middle grade books to the Fishtown neighborhood and beyond. We do readings, workshops, curated events, children’s programming, and more. Stop by for a visit! Or shop online at theheadandthehand.com.

Novelette Booksellers – Nashville's only queer-owned bookstore. We are a fun, vibey, safe space for book lovers of all ages. We boast a highly curated selection of both fiction and non-fiction books by diverse authors, and a great selection of graphic novels. With an eye toward inclusivity and the celebration of our differences, Novelette strives to welcome people of all backgrounds. Stop by or shop online at novelettebooksellers.com

Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Sink, by Joseph Earl Thomas

Leviathan Beach, by Joseph Earl Thomas (available for pre-order)

God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer

 Zone One, by Colson Whitehead

The Gilda Stories, by Jewelle Gomez

Here’s a trailer for the Japanese anime Attack on Titan.

Follow Joseph Earl Thomas:

Instagram: @jetvgc

Substack: @birthworldproblems

Twitter: @JETVGC

josephearlthomas.com

Photo Credit: Marcus Jackson

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: 

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025.

Or you can join Annmarie and co-leader Phyllis Biffle Elmore for a writing retreat in France.

You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make your wishes come true. 

As of this moment, we only have 2 spots left for France, but you can click this link for $900 off. 

Enter the password RetreatWriteRepeat 

and the coupon code is 25AK

In 2025, Annmarie is teaching online Tuesday nights for Writing Workshops. Learn more and register HERE.

For folks interested in an online Saturday morning writing class, message Annmarie to learn more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices