Christine Pride is an editor, writing instructor, and author whose debut solo novel ALL THE MEN I’VE LOVED AGAIN is out now. In this episode, Christine and Annmarie talk about the importance of female friendships, being daddy’s girls, and the improbable fun of reconnecting with an old flame decades after you thought the fire had burned out.

Episode Sponsors:

The Little Bookshop – Bookstore, cafe, and soon to be bar. A community of readers, dreamers, and creatives. The Little Bookshop is a unique space in Brooklyn that offers a cozy atmosphere for all book lovers and socializers. Stop by or find your next great read at thelittlebookshopbk.com.

Books Are Magic – A family-owned independent bookstore in Brooklyn, committed to being a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive space for all people. We believe that books are indeed magic and that literature is one of the best ways to create empathy, transportation, and transformation. Stop by or shop online at booksaremagic.net.

Books by Christine Pride:

You Were Always Mine, by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

We Are Not Like Them, by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

All the Men I’ve Loved Again, by Christine Pride

Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Awake, by Jen Hatmaker

The Keeper of Lost Children, by Sadeqa Johnson

Here’s a trailer for the film The Five Heartbeats.

Follow Christine Pride:

Instagram: @cpride

christinepride.com

**Writing Workshops: 

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. 

If you’re in Northeastern Ohio and looking for an in-person class to jumpstart your writing, you can find that here. 

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more. 
Photo Credit: Christine Han

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

Ren Cedar Fuller is a writer, preschool founder, and parent facilitator at TransFamilies, an online hub for families with gender diverse children. And she’s the author of Bigger, a collection of personal essays and winner of the 2024 Autumn House Nonfiction Prize. In this episode, Annmarie and Ren talk about neurodivergent parenting, collective sibling memories, and how to be loving advocates for gender nonconforming children. 

Episode Sponsors:

Brain Lair Books – A black-owned, woman-owned children's bookstore located in South Bend, Indiana. At Brain Lair, we partner with local schools and universities to help build an inclusive, welcoming community. We specialize in juvenile and young adult literature written by and for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and Disabled communities, as well as adult nonfiction about ending white supremacy, promoting anti-racism, and becoming a social activist. We can help you find the books you need. Drop by or browse online at brainlairbooks.com.

Browsers Bookshop – Olympia's downtown independent bookstore since 1935. At Browsers, we make it our work to support both emerging and established literary voices, and our staff work tirelessly to match readers of all ages with their next favorite book. Stop by or shop online at browsersolympia.com.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Bigger: Essays, by Ren Cedar Fuller

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong

Here’s a trailer for the series The Leftovers. 

Follow Ren Cedar Fuller:

Instagram: @RenCedarFuller 

rencedarfuller.com

**Writing Workshops: 

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. 

Or if you’re in Northeastern Ohio and looking for an in-person class to jumpstart your writing, you can find that here. 

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.

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

Carla Fernandez is an impact strategist, facilitator and writer exploring how circles of people come together for change when a new status quo is needed. And she’s the author of Renegade Grief, a resource for people at any stage of the grieving process. In this episode, Annmarie and Carla talk about rituals and support networks to help us understand that there is no “getting over” the loss of a loved one but rather grief can be a pathway into our own version of a soulful life.

Episode Sponsors:

Blue Willow Bookshop – A locally-owned, independently-minded West     Houston bookstore. Blue Willow is run by a team of opinionated, well-read women. Our staff meetings are full of laughter, our back room is full of snacks, and we absolutely love putting the right book into a reader’s hands. We’ve got recommendations. We’ve got pizzazz. And we look forward to welcoming you to our happy place. Stop in or shop online at bluewillow bookshop.com.

Oblong Books – Independently owned and operated bookstores in the Hudson Valley. Since 1975, Oblong has featured a carefully curated collection of books in all genres. Find your next great read and shop online at oblongbooks.com.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Renegade Grief: A Guide to the Wild Ride of Life After Loss, by Carla Fernandez

The Mother Code: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Myths That Shape Us, by Ruthie Ackerman 

Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age, by Amanda Hess 

All the Mothers: A Novel, by Domenica Ruta

For more information about The Dinner Party, click here.

Here is the preview for the film Chocolat.

Follow Carla Fernandez:

Instagram: @carlitafernandez

LinkedIn: @carlafernandez

Substack: @carlafernandez

www.carlafernandez.co

**Writing Workshops: 

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. 

Or if you’re in Northeastern Ohio and looking for an in-person class to jumpstart your writing, you can find that here. 

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.

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

Karen Walrond is an award-winning author, speaker, and leadership coach. And she’s on a mission to create a kindness revolution. She’s the author of The Lightmaker’s Manifesto and Radiant Rebellion, and she’s out now with a new book, In Defense of Dabbling, in which she urges all of us to stress less and play more. In this episode, Karen and Annmarie talk about cultivating curiosity, self-compassion, and even failure in order to do the things we love– even if we’re not any good at them.

Episode Sponsors:

Blue Willow Bookshop – A locally-owned, independently-minded West     Houston bookstore. Blue Willow is run by a team of opinionated, well-read women. Our staff meetings are full of laughter, our back room is full of snacks, and we absolutely love putting the right book into a reader’s hands. We’ve got recommendations. We’ve got pizzazz. And we look forward to welcoming you to our happy place. Stop in or shop online at bluewillow bookshop.com.

Lit Youngstown – A literary community proud to support beginning and experienced writers who seek to hone their craft, foster understanding, and share and publish their creative work. Read, write, and tell your story at lityoungstown.org.

Books by Karen Walrond:

In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur

Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell

The Lightmaker’s Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy

The Beauty of Different: Observations of a Confident Misfit

And here’s our previous conversation with Karen about Radiant Rebellion.

Follow Karen Walrond:

Instagram: @heychookooloonks

Facebook: @chookooloonks

Substack: Karen Walrond

www.chookooloonks.com

**Writing Workshops: 

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. 

Or if you’re looking for an online class to jumpstart your memoir, you can find that here. 

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.

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

Maureen O’Leary and Naomi J. Williams are California authors who join us to discuss their inclusion in Sacramento Noir, an anthology showcasing the gilded splendor and, as editor John Freeman puts it, the “not-at-all-buried contradictions” of that historic state capital. In today’s episode, Naomi, Maureen, and Annmarie talk about the erasure of a Japanese-American neighborhood, the powerful sway of mean girls, and what we can learn from the dark stories our cities hide in plain sight. 

Episode Sponsors:

Pegasus Books – With shops in Berkeley and Oakland, Pegasus bookstores are welcoming and inclusive neighborhood spaces, where we believe in the printed word and in the alchemy of sharing books with one another. Find a huge selection of new, used and sale titles in our stores or shop online at PegasusBookstore.com.

Green Apple Books– We’ve been connecting curious San Francisco readers to great books since 1967. Browsing at Green Apple is a unique experience. From our handmade signs and book recommendations to the many nooks and crannies, you can both get lost in here and find serendipity. Our friendly, well-read employees also stand ready to help you in any way. For your next great read, stop by or go to greenapplebooks.com

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Sacramento Noir, edited by John Freeman

Landfalls, by Naomi J. Williams

Physics of Weight: Collected Poems, by Maureen O’Leary

Time’s Mouth, by Edan Lepucki

Detransition, Baby, by Torrey Peters

The Heart of It All, by Christian Kiefer (You can listen to our WPL conversation with Christian here.)

Here’s the opening for The Brady Bunch. What do you think – terrifying or not?

Here’s the trailer for the noir film Notorious with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.

Follow Maureen O'Leary:

Instagram: @maureenow

Twitter/X: @maureenow

Bluesky: @maureenow.bsky.social‬

maureen-oleary.com

Follow Naomi J. Williams:

Instagram: @naomijwilliams

Twitter/X: @NaomiWilliams

Bluesky: @naomijwilliams.bsky.social‬

naomijwilliams.com

**Writing Workshops: 

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. 

Or if you’re looking for an online class to jumpstart your memoir, you can find that here. 

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more. 

Photo Credits: Jesse Egner for Naomi Williams

Aaron Cameron for Maureen O’Leary

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

Cleyvis Natera is a novelist, short story writer, essayist, and critic, whose debut novel, Neruda on the Park, was a New York Times Editor’s Choice and awarded a Silver Medal by the International Latino Book Awards. Her second book, The Grand Paloma Resort, is out now. In today’s episode, Cleyvis and Annmarie discuss the often long and winding road to literary publication, marathons versus triathlons, and the high cost of luxury travel both on and off the resort.

Episode Sponsors:

McNally Jackson – Independent booksellers with locations in Nolita, Williamsburg, Seaport, Rockefeller, and Downtown Brooklyn. To find your next great read, drop by or shop online at www.mcnallyjackson.com

Books Are Magic – A family-owned independent bookstore in Brooklyn, committed to being a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive space for all people. We believe that books are indeed magic and that literature is one of the best ways to create empathy, transportation, and transformation. Stop by or shop online at booksaremagic.net.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Neruda on the Park, by Cleyvis Natera

The Grand Paloma Resort, by Cleyvis Natera

The Farming of Bones, by Edwidge Danticat

In the Time of Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez 

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water, by Angie Cruz (You can listen to our WPL conversation with Angie here.)

Here’s the trailer for the Netflix series Envidiosa.

Follow Cleyvis Natera:

Instagram: @cleyvisnatera

Twitter/X: @cleyvisnatera

Bluesky: @cleyvisnatera.bsky.social‬

cleyvisnatera.com

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: 

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

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. 

This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or if you’re looking for an online class to jumpstart your memoir, you can find that here. 

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more. 

Photo Credit: Beowulf Sheehan

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

Janet Clare is a former apparel designer-turned-writer whose first novel, Time Is the Longest Distance, was published in 2018, and now, nearly seven years later, her second, True Home is making its debut. Janet worked on True Home during the difficult days of her husband’s illness. And in her words, his “humor and supreme focus on living every moment” taught her how to press on and do the same. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Janet talk about coming-of-age stories, author blurbs, and how writing can be a powerful antidote in the face of grief and loss.

Episode Sponsors:

Book Soup – Known for our floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, high-profile author readings, limited-edition books, vinyl records, and celebrity clientele, Book Soup is an essential stop on any tour of Los Angeles. Find your next great read and shop online at booksoup.com.

Village Well Books & Coffee – A community-focused & impact-driven bookstore-café in the heart of Downtown Culver City, California. Village Well is a third place where we go for rest and nourishment between home and work. A place where neighbors have surprise encounters and people who might otherwise feel lonely at home can be surrounded by the comfort of lively, friendly human interaction. Stop by to eat, read, connect, learn about our community and our world, and be inspired, healed, accepted and loved. Or find us online at villagewell.com.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Time Is the Longest Distance, by Janet Clare

True Home, by Janet Clare

James, by Percival Everett

Kitchens of the Great Midwest, by J. Ryan Stradal

The Snowbirds, by Christina Clancy

The Heart of Winter, by Jonathan Evison

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous AND The Emperor of Gladness, by Ocean Vuong

Here’s the trailer for the 1973 film, The Way We Were, starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. 

Follow Janet Clare:

Facebook: @janet clare

Instagram: @janetclare1

Bluesky: @janetclare.bsky.social‬

janetclarewriter.com

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment:

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

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.

This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or if you’re looking for an online class to jumpstart your memoir, you can find that here.

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.

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

Michelle Young is an award-winning writer and journalist, and the author of the narrative non-fiction book The Art Spy: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland, which is longlisted for the 2025 American Library in Paris Book Award. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Michelle talk about Rose Valland, an unsung hero of the French war effort, and how an unlikely heroine infiltrated the Nazi leadership to save the world’s most treasured masterpieces.

Episode Sponsors:

McNally Jackson – Independent booksellers with locations in Nolita, Williamsburg, Seaport, Rockefeller, and Downtown Brooklyn. To find your next great read, drop by or shop online at www.mcnallyjackson.com

Bluestockings – A collectively-run NYC activist center, community space and feminist bookstore that offers mutual aid, harm reduction support,    non-judgemental resources, and a warming/cooling place that is radically inclusive of all genders, cultures, expansive sexualities and identities. Bluestockings seeks to empower all people to challenge oppression and participate in creating a society which is equitable, cooperative, and free, and we strive to empower our worker-owners through non-hierarchy,   cooperation, and consensus-based decision making, providing an example of the society we are working toward. Stop by or shop online at bluestockings.com.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

The Art Spy: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland, by Michelle Young

The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon, by Laurie Gwen Shapiro, the aviator and the showman

Here’s the trailer for the 1964 film, The Train, starring Burt Lancaster. 

Follow Michelle Young:

Instagram: @michelleyoungwriter

Threads: @michelleyoungwriter

Twitter/X: @michelleyoungny

Bluesky: @‪michelleyoung.bsky.social

michelleyoungwriter.com

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: 

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

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. 

This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.

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

Holly Gramazio is a writer, game designer and curator. She founded the experimental games festival Now Play This, wrote the script for the award-winning indie videogame Dicey Dungeons, and her debut novel, The Husbands, is out now in paperback. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Holly talk about attics, games, husbands, online dating apps, and how art can help people to interact with their surroundings in new ways.

Episode Sponsors:

Another Story Bookshop – Located in the West end of Toronto, Another Story Bookshop sells a broad range of literature for children, young adults, and adults with a focus on themes of social justice, equity, and diversity. We are a proudly independent bookstore with 30 years of history and a commitment to providing quality customer service. Stop by or shop online at anotherstory.ca.

Blue Heron Books – The unpretentious atmosphere of Blue Heron with its comfy chairs, wood shelving, and creaky floors lends itself to long, slow, browsing sessions. However, under that sleepy atmosphere vibrates a strong pulse. In its storied, thirty-plus-year history, Blue Heron Books has played host to and continues to showcase a veritable who’s who of the world’s literary community. Two-time winner of The Libris Award (Best Bookstore in Canada), Blue Heron is a hub for the community and a bastion of friendly chaos where everyone is welcome. Stop by or shop online at blueheronbooks.com.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

The Husbands, by Holly Gramazio

Dicey Dungeons

Art Deck, created by Sophie Sampson and Holly Gramazio

Greta & Valdin, by Rebecca K. Reilly 

Memento Mori, by Eunice Hong 

Glorious Exploits, by Ferdia Lennon

Follow Holly Gramazio:

Instagram: @holly_gramazio

Bluesky: ‪@hollygramazio.bsky.social‬

hollygramazio.net

Photo credit: Diana Patient

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: 

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

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. 

This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.

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

Uzma Jalaluddin is a critically acclaimed and bestselling novelist, playwright, public speaker and teacher. She writes authentic, nuanced and entertaining stories about Muslims, South Asians, and Canadians and is the author of DETECTIVE AUNTY, MUCH ADO ABOUT NADA, THREE HOLIDAYS AND A WEDDING, HANA KHAN CARRIES ON, and AYESHA AT LAST, as well as her first play, THE RISHTA. Her novels have been optioned for film and television by Amazon Studios and Mindy Kaling. In today’s episode, Annmarie welcomes Uzma back to talk about how to write a mystery, how to revise a book, and how to walk in the direction of your wildest dreams.

Episode Sponsors:

Another Story Bookshop – Located in the West end of Toronto, Another Story Bookshop sells a broad range of literature for children, young adults, and adults with a focus on themes of social justice, equity, and diversity. We are a proudly independent bookstore with 30 years of history and a commitment to providing quality customer service. Stop by or shop online at anotherstory.ca.

Blue Heron Books – The unpretentious atmosphere of Blue Heron with its comfy chairs, wood shelving, and creaky floors lends itself to long, slow, browsing sessions. However, under that sleepy atmosphere vibrates a strong pulse. In its storied, thirty-plus-year history, Blue Heron Books has played host to and continues to showcase a veritable who’s who of the world’s literary community. Two-time winner of The Libris Award (Best Bookstore in Canada), Blue Heron is a hub for the community and a bastion of friendly chaos where everyone is welcome. Stop by or shop online at blueheronbooks.com.

Books by Uzma Jalaluddin:

DETECTIVE AUNTY

MUCH ADO ABOUT NADA

THREE HOLIDAYS AND A WEDDING, co-authored with Marissa Stapley

HANA KHAN CARRIES ON

AYESHA AT LAST

Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Blood Betrayal, by Ausma Zehanat Khan 

The Unquiet Dead, by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Here’s a trailer for The Good Place.

Follow Uzma Jalauddin:

Instagram: @uzmajalaluddin

Twitter: @UzmaWrites

Facebook: @UzmaJalaluddinAuthor

Substack: @uzmajalaluddin

uzmajalaluddin.com

**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.

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. 

This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.

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