The Writer's Story

Kristin and Meredith talk about secondary characters in stories, and chat with guest Alma Katsu about her new book THE FERVOR, historic fiction with supernatural and horror elements. They also talk about her thriller RED WIDOW, based on her career in intelligence, and her recent television deal.

Martien Halvorson-Taylor, professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia joins Meredith and Kristin in conversation about writing and the Bible - writing about the Bible, writing in the Bible, and Martien's Great Courses on Audible course, Writing the Bible. Writing as an act of discovery and angles on translation, it's a conversation that tracks along many levels.

Kristin and Meredith talk about their latest projects, and the pros and cons of using software like Scrivener to write your novel. They're joined by author Ellen Crosby, the author of the Virginia wine country mystery series; who Meredith has known for years. Ellen's newest book BITTER ROOTS is out April 5, 2022.

Virginia Pye, author of two novels and  a collection of short stories The Shelf Life of Happiness, joins Meredith and Kristin in conversation about the hows and whys of community in writing (and surviving snow). She shares encouragement and advice with her inspiring story of "overnight success" following decades of honing her craft and building relationships. 

Kristin and Meredith look back on the books they've read this year that have influenced their writing and thinking about creativity. They also catch listeners up to date on new books for past guests.

Kristin and Meredith discuss revising and writing conferences, and interview Irene Ziegler--writer, actor, and voice-over artist. They talk about her varied body of work and how her acting influences her writing.

Kristin and Meredith talk about revision and deepening the emotion (and upping the stakes) for their characters. They interview Michael Cordell, screenwriter, playwright and novelist, whose legal thriller CONTEMPT came out last year. He has a new paranormal thriller out, OUR TRESPASSES.

Kristin and Meredith talk about their writing projects, puppies and broken arms, and then interview writer and friend Jocelyn Nicole Johnson on her stunning debut "My Monticello." The book is making a splash before its October pub date: It's been covered in the New York Times, is being made into a Netflix movie and has already garnered an award nomination.

Meredith and Kristin talk writing one-handed, and Earl Swift shares his journey from journalism in its heyday to writing page-turning nonfiction on a wide range of topics. His new book, ACROSS THE AIRLESS WILDS: THE LUNAR ROVER AND THE TRIUMPH OF THE FINAL MOON LANDINGS is just out with HarperCollins. 

Kristin and Meredith discuss the pros and cons of writing while you're on vacation, and chat with Mollie Cox Bryan about her cookbooks, mysteries and other writing. They also discuss indie publishing for cozy mysteries, and her latest book Goodnight Moo.