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Madeline Martin, bestselling author of historical fiction and romance, joins us for an intriguing discussion on her journey from business analyst to full-time writer. Her childhood experiences as an army brat in Germany ignited a fascination with history, leading to meticulously researched novels. Set against the backdrop of World War II in Nottingham, this novel captures the emotional turmoil of a mother's decision to send her daughter away for safety. 

Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply a lover of historical narratives, Madeline's story is a testament to the transformative power of following one's passion. 

Madeline Martin

The Booklover’s Library, Madeline Martin

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows

article on the Boots website dated October 23, 2019

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Hi, and welcome to The Bookshop Podcast!
In this episode, I chat with Joyce Carol Oates about the 2024 republication of her novel Broke Heart Blues by Akashic Books. We explore how nostalgia and adolescent pressures shape her storytelling, with John Reddy Hart at the center—a character in Broke Heart Blues who encapsulates the dual nature of high school fame and the journey from family protector to solitary adult. Joyce lends her unique perspective, rooted in her rural upbringing and experience navigating more affluent circles, to reflect on how external perceptions often clash with self-view.

Venture into the enigmatic isolations of celebrity life with insights into iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. Joyce shares her reflections on how these stars were often imprisoned by their fame, becoming reflections of their public personas. We also discuss the intricacies of adapting Joyce's novel Blonde into a film, the interconnected worlds of friendship, fashion, the arts, and her friendship with Gloria Vanderbilt.

I ask Joyce about teaching, an anchor amidst the creative whirlwind that emerges as a profound pillar of her life. She explains how teaching balances the uncertainties of writing with the gratifying structure of education. This episode celebrates a life committed to the arts, creativity, and the ever-evolving landscape of expression.

Joyce Carol Oates

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Broke Heart Blues

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Broke Heart Blues

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In this episode, I'm in conversation with Martijn Meerts, the co-director of the American Book Center in Amsterdam. Martijn's anthropology background subtly colors his approach to this role, and he shares how it adds a unique perspective to his daily work. We also uncover the enchanting history of the American Book Center, originally founded by Lynn Kaplanian-Buller and her husband, and how it has joyfully remained in the family for generations.

Martijn shares his love of The Hague and Amsterdam, capturing the essence of these cities' book culture and vibrant atmosphere. From the serenity of the canals to the artistic treasures of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam offers a backdrop to our discussions on literature's role in these communities. Martijn shares insights into the growing fascination with cozy crime novels and beloved Dutch children's stories, including the iconic Miffy series. Our episode serves as a tribute to the creative energy that buzzes through these cities and a celebration of the American Book Center's role at the heart of it all.

ABC Bookstores

Bookshop.org

The Miffy Children’s Books, Dick Bruna and Patricia Crampton

Richard Osman Books

JD Kirk Books

yourbookstore.io

The Miffy Children’s Books, Dick Bruna and Patricia Crampton

Richard Osman Books

JD Kirk Books

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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What drives a paralegal to switch gears and pen a rom-com novel? Discover the inspiring journey of Danica Nava, an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, as she shares her transition from the corporate world to the literary scene. We delve into her academic achievements, the barriers she overcame as a first-generation college graduate, and the significant impact of her Indigenous Native American identity on her career and personal life. This compelling conversation sheds light on her perseverance, the critical role of mentorship in her journey, and the real-life experiences that influenced her debut novel, The Truth According to Ember.

In this episode, Danica opens up about the moment she decided to pursue her passion for writing despite a demanding schedule. She provides an inside look at her creative process, the importance of representation in literature, and the inspiration behind her characters, Ember and Danuwoa. The discussion navigates through the complexities of Indigenous identity, generational trauma, and societal pressures, all while maintaining a humorous and thought-provoking narrative. Tune in to hear about Danica's upcoming projects and how she continues to blend comedy with poignant storytelling in her exploration of Indigenous themes in contemporary romance.

Danica Nava 

The Truth According to Ember, Danica Nava

Say You’ll Be Mine, Naina Kumar

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What if unlocking the secrets of an ancient puzzle could take you on a thrilling journey across continents? Welcome back to The Bookshop Podcast, where we sit down with New York Times bestselling author Danielle Trussoni to uncover the mysteries behind her latest novel, The Puzzle Box. As the second installment in the Mike Brink series, this book showcases Danielle's meticulous research and the fascinating world of savant puzzle-solving. Follow along as we explore Brink's adventure from New York to Japan, unraveling enigmatic characters and deadly puzzles.

Danielle takes us behind the scenes of her character development process, particularly focusing on Dr. Gupta and Ume. From taking classes on cryptocurrency and encryption to drawing inspiration from historical female warriors known as onna-bugeisha, Danielle's dedication to authenticity is nothing short of impressive.

Danielle Trussoni is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels The Ancestor, Angelology, and Angelopolis, all New York Times Notable Books, and the memoirs The Fortress and Falling Through the Earth, named one of the ten best books of the year by The New York Times Book Review. She writes the monthly horror column for the New York Times Book Review. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and winner of the Michener-Copernicus Society of America Fellowship, her work has been translated into more than thirty languages.

Danielle Trussoni

The Puzzle Box, Danielle Trussoni

The Puzzle Master, Danielle Trussoni 

Angelopolis, Danielle Trussoni

The Woman in the Window, A.J. Finn

End of Story, A.J. Finn

Shutter, Ramona Emerson

Exposure, Ramona Emerson

Sing Her Down, Ivy Pachoda

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In this episode, I chat with author Clare Beams about her new novel The Garden, earning her MFA from Columbia University, her surprising stint as a high school English teacher on Cape Cod, and how these experiences have informed her writing career. Claire's work is renowned for its enchanting touch of magical realism, earning comparisons to literary greats like Shirley Jackson. 

We discuss the history of diethylstilbestrol (DES). This synthetic non-steroidal estrogen was historically widely used to prevent potential miscarriages by stimulating the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone in the placenta. Claire’s thoughtful insights provide a deep dive into the complex issues surrounding the use of DES and how they are intricately woven into The Garden.

Clare reflects on her childhood in Newtown, Connecticut, and reveals how her early fascination with magical realism was sparked by the historic house she grew up in. We touch on the generational impact of maternal suffering and resilience, and Claire shares her current reading recommendations alongside a sneak peek into her upcoming project.

Clare Beams

The Garden, Clare Beams

Terrace Story, Hilary Leichter

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In this episode, I chat with author and poet David Ebenbach about Possible Happiness, his latest teen and YA novel set in Philadelphia in the 80s.

What can a high school journey in the late 80s tell us about today's struggles with mental health and sexuality? Acclaimed author and academic David Ebenbach explores this question through the lens of his latest novel, Possible Happiness. Discover how David's personal experiences shape his characters and narrative, providing a deeply relatable and insightful look into the complexities of teenage life. Unpack the surprising classification of his novel as a YA book and understand the nuances behind the protagonist Jacob's experiences and challenges.

We also dive into the multifaceted world of David Ebenbach's career, from his poetry and short stories to his commitment to student-centered teaching at Georgetown University. Learn about his creative process, the importance of the arts in education, the therapeutic nature of reading, and the bittersweet emotions tied to an empty nest. 
Enjoy,
Mandy

David Ebenbach

Possible Happiness, David Ebenbach

A Thousand Times Before, Asha Thanki

The Bees, Laline Paull

Les Fourmis (Empire of The Ants), Bernard Werber

Ada Limon Books

Anne Carson Books

For Australian listeners, you can purchase books from yourbookstore.io

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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In this episode, I chat with one of my favorite authors, TJ Klune, about his much-awaited sequel to The House In The Cerulian Sea, titled Somewhere Beyond The Sea. TJ discusses the characters in the story, how he refills his creative cup, and how he uses his platform to speak about the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

In Somewhere Beyond The Sea, T.J. Klune sheds light on what it's like to parent children who don't fit into societal norms and what it's like to be a child who is a little different. This segment is a profound discussion on empathy, understanding, and the fierce protective instincts of parents, all while touching on the broader struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The evolving relationship between Arthur and Linus and their children in Somewhere Beyond The Sea is a testament to love and acceptance in a world that often fails to embrace diversity.

The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over, and T.J. Klune is using his platform to make a difference. We talk about the political and social challenges the trans community faces and the interconnectedness of transphobia and misogyny. T.J.  reflects on the importance of friendship, acceptance, and the role of writing in processing complex emotions. This episode is an inspiring blend of personal anecdotes, creative insights, and a call to action for positive change, reminding us of storytelling's transformative power.

TJ Klune

Somewhere Beyond The Sea, TJ Klune

Grief is the Thing With Feathers, Max Porter 

You Like It Darker: Stories, Stephen King

Horror Movie, Paul Tremblay

Flamer, Mike Curato  

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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In this episode, I chat with the accomplished author, editor, educator, speaker, and prominent figure in contemporary American literature, Dr. Kate Gale,

Dr. Gale is the Publisher, Co-founder, and Managing Editor of Red Hen Press, one of the largest independent literary publishers in the United States. Under her stewardship, Red Hen Press has earned a reputation for championing diverse voices and publishing high-quality literature that challenges and inspires readers worldwide.

As an author, Kate has penned numerous acclaimed works, including poetry collections such as The Loneliest Girl and The Goldilocks Zone, which showcase her distinctive voice and keen observation of life's intricacies. Her debut novel, Under a Neon Sun, interrogates the epidemic of unhoused community college students in California, with her insights on this subject gaining momentum through additional writing in the Los Angeles Times. Her work delves into complex themes with a narrative style that captivates and engages readers across genres.
 
Additionally, Dr. Gale is a passionate advocate for arts education and has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting literacy and creative expression among aspiring writers and students.
 
With a deep-rooted commitment to fostering a vibrant literary culture, Dr. Kate Gale continues to make a lasting impact through her work with Red Hen Press, as well as her writing, editing, and advocacy efforts. Her career embodies a blend of intellectual rigor, emotional depth, and a profound belief in the power of literature to illuminate and transform lives.

Red Hen Press

Kate Gale 

Under a Neon Sun, Kate Gale

All Fours, Miranda July 

James, Percival Everett 

Los Angeles Times Opinion: I was homeless in college. California can do more for students who sleep in their cars, Kate Gale

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to document the most pivotal moments in air, space, and exploration history? Join us for an exclusive conversation with renowned historian James R. Hansen as he shares his remarkable journey from an academic in the history of science and technology to a leading NASA historian. We'll uncover the meticulous efforts behind his acclaimed works, including the authorized biography of Neil Armstrong, First Man, and the probing investigation into the Challenger disaster, Truth, Lies, and O-Rings. Hansen's narrative is not just about historical events but also about resilience, adaptability, and seizing the right opportunities that have defined his career.

Hansen shores the gripping tales of two extraordinary adventurers, John Fairfax and Tom McLean, who undertook solo rows across the Atlantic in the late 1960s. Their stories, filled with contrasting approaches and unique backgrounds, capture the essence of human endurance and spirit.

Completely Mad: Tom McClean, John Fairfax, and the epic race to row solo across the Atlantic, James R. Hansen

Cutting For Stone, Abraham Verghese

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