The Writer's Story

Kristin and Meredith talk to Heather Abel, novelist and creative writing professor at Smith College, about her new novel THE EMILYS, how she starts her books with setting/place, and all about her favorite writing books that she uses in class.

Meredith and Kristin discuss THE CREATIVE ACT: A WAY OF BEING by Rick Rubin as part of their continuing writing "book club." They share their favorite nuggets, and how reading generally about creativity can be helpful for any kind of artist (including writers).

Kristin and Meredith talk about their recent projects, and then chat with Brooklyn-based author Cassandra Neyenesch about her debut novel A LITTLE BIT BAD.

Meredith and Kristin discuss nonfiction book proposals before bringing in Brooke McIntyre to talk writing for young readers and more. Brooke brings a delightful curiosity and passion for the natural world to her new picture book, If You Went to the Bottom of the Ocean, which earned from Publisher's Weekly a starred review! Whoop-whoop!

Kristin and Meredith talk with Natasha Joukovsky about her book, Medium Rare, her invention of the recursive estimation algorithm, and how she juggles her writing with a busy corporate career.

Meredith and Kristin talk about moderating panels at the recent Virginia Festival of the Book, and then discuss Ray Bradbury's entertaining book ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING as their writing "book club" continues.

Valerie Perreault, a Florida Keys resident whose visual artwork has appeared in all sorts of illustrious places, shares with Meredith and Kristin her journey of returning to her long-time creative love, poetry. Valerie's first book-length collection, Neon Pastoral has already garnered two awards and much acclaim. How she got there - lots of walking, literally! - captivates the podcast hosts and is sure to inspire listeners as well.  

It's a new year, and Kristin and Meredith have decided to use half their episodes in 2026 for a writing "book club". They'll be reading books about writing and sharing their thoughts. This month, they discuss the classic The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.

Kristin and Meredith talk about their writing projects and then get inspired by chatting with songwriter Susan Munson about her creative process.

Kristin and Meredith get together to celebrate the first novel release of Kristin Swenson's new four book historical series set in Babylon/Persia,  Howl of the Golden Jackal, on Amazon Kindle. Since recording the podcast, A Falcon Takes Flight and Beat the Kettledrum have also been released.