Wild Precious Life

Sarah Freligh is the author of seven books, including Sad Math, winner of the 2014 Moon City Press Poetry Prize, Hereafter, winner of the 2024 Bath Novella-in-Flash Contest, and A Brief Natural History of Women. Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals and is anthologized in New Micro: Exceptionally Short Fiction, Best Small Fiction 2022, and several editions of Best Microfiction. In this episode, Sarah and Annmarie discuss holiday traditions, the importance of both maintaining and breaking with creative routines, and how writing can be an invaluable way to process life’s heartache and joy.

Episode Sponsors:

Pocket Books – An independent, queer, feminist bookstore committed to the idea that bookstores are places for communities to share knowledge, wisdom, resources, and connections. We stock an intentional and eclectic selection of books that we hope will help you feel safe exploring something new. Pocket Books is a place of discovery where readers find support for their ideas and new interests. Stop by one of our Lancaster, Pennsylvania locations or shop online at pocketbooksshop.com.

Hidden Barn Books – An independent bookstore in Bar Harbor, Maine.  Come browse for books! Isn't searching for that next book, not knowing what you might find, wonderfully stimulating and relaxing? We invite you to come and linger, pore through our books, and enjoy your time exploring. Or find us online at hiddenbarnbooks.com.

Books by Sarah Freligh:

Other Emergencies

Sad Math

A Brief Natural History of Women

We

Hereafter

Dear You

Sort of Gone

Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode

The God of the Woods, by Liz Moore

Long Bright River, by Liz Moore

Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout

The Intentions of Thunder, by Patricia Smith

You Could Make This Place Beautiful, by Maggie Smith

How the Word Is Passed, by Clint Smith

Follow Sarah Freligh:

Facebook: @SarahFreligh

Twitter/X: @sfreligh

Instagram: @sfreligh

sarahfreligh.com

Photo Credit: Walter Colley Images

**Writing Workshops: 

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

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here. 

For anyone interested in an online Saturday afternoon writing circle, you can sign up here.

If you’re interested in growing your own practice as a writing instructor, you can learn more about an upcoming teacher training class here.

And if you’d like to travel with your writing practice, Annmarie is co-leading a women’s writing workshop in Santa Fe, NM in April. Reservations are now open.

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Kate Baer is a writer and #1 New York Times bestselling author of four books, including her latest, How About Now. In this episode, Kate and Annmarie discuss women’s health, the importance of vulnerability and connection, and how in order to write you have to be willing to fail.

Episode Sponsors:

Pocket Books – An independent, queer, feminist bookstore committed to the idea that bookstores are places for communities to share knowledge, wisdom, resources, and connections. We stock an intentional and eclectic selection of books that we hope will help you feel safe exploring something new. Pocket Books is a place of discovery where readers find support for their ideas and new interests. Stop by one of our Lancaster, Pennsylvania locations or shop online at pocketbooksshop.com.

Hidden Barn Books – An independent bookstore in Bar Harbor, Maine. Come browse for books! Isn't searching for that next book, not knowing what you might find, wonderfully stimulating and relaxing? We invite you to come and linger, pore through our books, and enjoy your time exploring. Or find us online at hiddenbarnbooks.com.

Books by Kate Baer:

How About Now

And Yet

What Kind of Woman

I Hope This Finds You Well

Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode

The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans

Heart the Lover, by Lily King

The Road to Tender Hearts, by Annie Hartnett

Martyr!, by Kaveh Akbar

Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple

Here’s a trailer for the TV show Arrested Development.

Follow Kate Baer:

Instagram: @katejbaer

Twitter/X: @KateJBaer

katebaer.com

**Writing Workshops:

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

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in an online Saturday afternoon writing circle, you can sign up here.

If you’re interested in growing your own practice as a writing instructor, you can learn more about an upcoming teacher training class here.

And if you’d like to travel with your writing practice, Annmarie is co-leading a women’s writing workshop in Santa Fe, NM in April. Reservations are now open.

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

Coauthors Anne Burt and Christina Baker Kline join us to discuss their recent collaboration, Please Don’t Lie, which has been described as both “psychologically rich and bone-chilling.” In this episode, Anne, Christina, and Annmarie discuss the magic of writing partnerships, making room for more feminism in the thriller genre, and how to research, stare down, and reimagine all those things that go bump in the night.

Episode Sponsors:

Watchung Booksellers – Proud to be the go-to bookstore for a thriving literary community, with well over 100 published local authors, and innumerable publishing and media professionals. We are fierce supporters of small businesses and civic organizations through donations and promotions. We stand with advocates who support the right to read banned books and we proudly carry a large selection of books that represent all people, families, and cultures. Our favorite thing to do is meet readers and introduce them to new books. We thrive on the challenge of helping a reluctant reader or finding a new gem for a voracious reader. We hope you’ll visit and talk books with us soon! Or listen to our community of writers, readers, and book lovers on The Watchung Booksellers Podcast. And you can find us online at watchungbooksellers.com.

Hidden Barn Books – An independent bookstore in Bar Harbor, Maine. Come browse for books! Isn't searching for that next book, not knowing what you might find, wonderfully stimulating and relaxing? We invite you to come and linger, pore through our books, and enjoy your time exploring. Or find us online at hiddenbarnbooks.com.

A Selection of Titles by These Authors:

Please Don’t Lie, by Christina Baker Kline and Anne Burt

About Face: Women Write about What They See When They Look in the Mirror, edited by Anne Burt and Christina Baker Kline

The Dig: A Novel, by Anne Burt

My Father Married Your Mother: Dispatches from the Blended Family, edited by Anne Burt

The Exiles, by Christina Baker Kline

Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline

The Foursome (May, 2026), by Christina Baker Kline

Follow Anne Burt:

Instagram: @anne_burt_writer

Facebook: @Anne Burt

anneburtwriter.com

Follow Christina Baker Kline:

Instagram: @bakerkline

Facebook: @Christina Baker Kline

Twitter/X: @BakerKline

christinabakerkline.com

**Writing Workshops:

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

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

If you’re interested in growing your own practice as a writing instructor, you can learn more about an upcoming teacher training class here.

And if you’d like to travel with your writing practice, Annmarie is co-leading a women’s writing workshop in Santa Fe, NM in April. Reservations are now open.


Photo Credit: Cowbird Creative

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Ann Packer is the author of six works of fiction, including the bestselling novels The Children’s Crusade and The Dive from Clausen’s Pier, which received the Kate Chopin Literary Award, among many other honors. In this episode, Annmarie and Ann discuss Ann’s new book, SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE, a novel about all the messy, complicated, beautiful, and impossible decisions when it comes to end-of-life care for someone you love. 

Episode Sponsors:

Prairie Lights Books – Iowa City’s premier indie bookstore since 1978. Perhaps the strength of our reputation lies in the reading series of local, national and international writers who have read their works which were broadcast live on stations WSUI and WOI and which was the only regular literary series of its kind. All of this could not have been possible without a loyal customer base and a dedicated staff. Learn more or shop online at prairielights.com.

Green Apple Books – In San Francisco, connecting curious 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.

Writing by Ann Packer 

Some Bright Nowhere

Swim Back to Me

Mendocino and Other Stories

The Children’s Crusade 

Songs Without Words

The Dive from Clausen’s Pier

Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Loved and Missed, by Susie Boyt

And here’s a recipe for butterscotch pudding from Gjelina in Venice.

Follow Ann Packer:

Instagram: @annpacker

Facebook: @annpacker

**Writing Workshops: 

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

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

If you’re interested in growing your own practice as a writing instructor, you can learn more about an upcoming teacher training class here.

And if you’re interested in traveling with your writing practice, Annmarie will be leading workshops in Santa Fe, NM and Paris, France in 2026. Reservations for both open soon.

Photo Credit: Beowulf Sheehan

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Kelly Sundberg is a writer and Capricorn and teacher and redhead and recent author of The Answer Is in the Wound. In this episode, Kelly and Annmarie talk about trauma, rage, grief, healing, and everything in-between, as they interrogate what it takes for someone to move beyond domestic violence and learn to love again. 

Content Warning: Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is in search of assistance to break free from partner abuse, there are people standing by 24-7 to help. 

Call 1-800-799-SAFE, that’s 1-800-799-7233. Do not suffer in silence. 

Episode Sponsors:

Prairie Lights Books – Iowa City’s premier indie bookstore since 1978. Perhaps the strength of our reputation lies in the reading series of local, national and international writers who have read their works which were broadcast live on stations WSUI and WOI and which was the only regular literary series of its kind. All of this could not have been possible without a loyal customer base and a dedicated staff. Learn more or shop online at prairielights.com.

Gramercy Books – A locally-owned, independently-minded neighborhood bookstore located in the heart of Bexley, Ohio. Our philosophy at Gramercy Books is simple: we’re about inspiration and discovery, community and adventure. We connect readers and writers with books they love, and host special events and ongoing visits by authors, poets and songwriters who provoke conversation. Stop by or shop online at gramercybooksbexley.com

Writing by Kelly Sundberg:

It Will Look Like a Sunset

Goodbye, Sweet Girl

The Answer is in the Wound: Trauma, Rage, and Alchemy

Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Molly, by Blake Butler

Hotshot: A Life on Fire, by River Selby

American Bloodlines: Reckoning with Lynch Culture, by Sonya Lea

In case you’ve missed it, here’s a trailer for Gilmore Girls.

Follow Kelly Sundberg:

Instagram: @ksundber

kellysundberg.com

**Writing Workshops: 

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

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

Photo Credit: Rachel Barehl

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

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

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