Welcome to episode one of season eight of the Secret Library Podcast. I can think of no better guest than Katherine May who will start us in this journey of seeking wonder. Katherine is an internationally bestselling author and podcaster, most known for her book Wintering. Her newest book, Enchantment is the topic of our conversation today. We talk about looking for wonder through writing and choosing to write about topics that will change us and shift our perspectives. Happy listening!

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Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue

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I am really excited to have Sonal Champsee on the podcast today where we are taking her concept of writer therapy and accepting questions from The Secret Library cafe about the murky middle and discussing them. We hone in on three different questions that I think will be really relevant to you because struggling with these issues are part of what it means to be a writer. It’s safe to say we both enjoyed this experiment. Dig deeper with us an enjoy Sonal’s advice for making your way through the murky middle!

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Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue

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Show veteran Hannah Dennison is joining me this week. As the author of 17 books, I know she’s no stranger to the murky middle and finding her way through it. I love having Hannah on because we really get into what it means to get stuck in the middle, the various solutions we’ve tried, and our successes (and failures) with NaNoWriMo. This episode will help you think about your writing process as a whole and help you recognize the writer that you are. I know you’ll love this conversation! 

Visit this episode's show notes page here.

Connect with Caroline on Instagram @carodonahue.

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There will be many stories similar to yours, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put yours on the page! Today on the podcast, Danny Ramadan, author of The Foghorn Echoes, shares his 5-year experience writing his book. He’ll inspire you to persevere through the murky middle - even when that includes 17 drafts! In particular, his thoughts on structure and the framework he uses to continue through the drafts is a lifesaver. Enjoy this must-listen episode.

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Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue

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I’ve completely fallen in love with Cooper’s Chase, the setting in Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club Mystery book series, so much so that my husband and I joke that is where we want to end up when we get older. With that being said, I’m so honored to have Richard on this week’s episode of the SLP. He’s sharing so much value on writing not only a series, but writing within the comedic crime genre. His ability to track and trust his characters is unparalleled. Still, there’s something for every author in this episode. Enjoy! 

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Connect with Caroline on Instagram @carodonahue

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My guest this week is Emerson Whitney and I had so much fun recording this interview, it felt like one of those episodes where you get to play. His upcoming book, Heaven, is a powerhouse of a book that I can’t recommend enough, it was as much of a joy to read as it was to talk about the process of writing it. Emerson shares how the relationships in his life have influences his writing, taking risks with confidence, and why he’ll always choose autobiography. There are so many gems in this episode, listen in now!

Show notes here.

Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue

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The romance genre is going through a revolution — more and more books include deeper storylines that people are clamoring for (and publishers and bookshops are taking note). Today’s conversation with Jasmine Guillory is a real treat. She’s written eight fantastic romance novels, all with engaging and relatable characters. But even with a stunning finished product, there was still a murky middle to wade through. Listen in to Jasmine’s advice for reaching the end happy. 

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Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue

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Thomas Kearney, the author of Thumbs Up: A Hitchhiking Irishman and 25,000 Kilometres from Patagonia to the Arctic, is joining me on the podcast today to share a bit about his journey of hiking from the most southern point to the most northern point of the globe as well as writing the story of it. I’m excited to bring this to you because the murky middle during both projects is very apparent. As a first time writer, Thomas has a great perspective on the process as whole. You’ll hear how he worked through doubt to hold himself accountable to finish both momentous goals. 

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Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue.

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The murky middle during memoir writing is one that deserves it’s own episode because you’re quite literally writing about your own life, so it can feel a bit more personal. I’m excited to have Courtney Zoffness, Sunday Times Short Story Award winner and author of Spilt Milk on the Secret Library today. She shares her decades long journey of authorship and how to stay encouraged, navigating the risk of sharing your work, knowing what material to include in your book, and more. If you’re feeling unsure of your own story as an author or you’re ready to tell your story, this episode is for you. 

Visit this episode's show notes page here.

Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue

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Sometimes you start your novel without fully knowing the depth of the story that you’re telling. LaToya Watkins, author of Perish, is joining me today on The Secret Library Podcast to share her writing process. I learned so much about method writing, creating multi-dimensional characters, and the journey of getting your book (and yourself!) ready for submission. Perish was such a gripping read, pulling me fully into the characters’ world, so this conversation was so satisfying. If you’re stuck in the draft phase and still trying to find your story, this episode will light the way to the reward that lies ahead.

Read this episode's show notes here.

Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue

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