WJHG Chapter Chat

Kristy Woodson Harvey joins Chapter Chat to talk about her latest release, Summer State of Mind and why “found family” remains one of her favorite themes to explore on the page. We also dig into the power of a “hook book,” the irresistible read that sparks a lifelong love of reading, and how Kristy approaches writing stories that pull readers in and keep them there.

Corinne Sullivan joins Chapter Chat to talk about her latest thriller, Yours Always, and the eight-year gap between her first and second novels. She shares what it’s like balancing writing with motherhood and her role as Senior News Editor at Cosmopolitan, plus how the changing media landscape has shaped her career and her storytelling.

Author and former TV news producer Nikesha Elise Williams joins Chapter Chat to talk about her latest novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. It's a layered family story where secrets don’t stay buried and generational trauma shapes what gets passed down. The Seven Daughters of Dupree touches on the resilience of Black women and the complicated love that holds families together. In this episode, Williams also breaks down what writers should know about self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and how her media background informs the way she tells stories.

Author Emily Carpenter joins Chapter Chat to talk about her newest novel, A Spell for Saints and Sinners, a Southern Gothic story set in Savannah, Georgia. We dig into her research process, how she builds characters and scenes, and the winding road that led her to becoming an author—ups, downs, and all.

In this episode of Chapter Chat, Donna Jones Alward takes us aboard the Titanic through her novel Ship of Dreams. From meticulous historical research to the overlooked realities of women’s lives at the time, we explore what the tragedy reveals about society, ambition, and the personal stories history can’t fully capture.

This week on Chapter Chat, author Jennifer Moorman discusses her newest release, The Charmed Library. Together, we dive into the heart of magical realism, a genre where the extraordinary slips into the ordinary just enough to change what we notice, what we believe, and what we’re brave enough to imagine.

Jennifer shares the inspiration behind The Charmed Library, what draws her to stories rooted in wonder, and why “magic” doesn’t have to mean wands and spells. It can be the moments that crack open our routines and remind us we’re alive. From the emotional resonance of place to the way books help us find our way back to ourselves, this conversation is an invitation to look for enchantment in the world around us.

If you’ve ever needed a story that feels like a warm light in a familiar room, this episode is for you.

Shelley Noble joins Chapter Chat to discuss her new novel, The Sisters of Book Row, and the enduring power of stories in a time when books and the people who write, share, and protect them are increasingly under pressure. We talk craft, creative curiosity, and how art (including writing) helps us make meaning, build empathy, and keep history from repeating itself.

Noble also reflects on the real-world conversations around censorship and book challenges, why access to literature matters, and what’s at stake when communities decide which stories get to be heard. A thoughtful, timely episode about the freedom to create and the responsibility to keep pages turning.

Terah Shelton Harris joins Chapter Chat to talk about her new novel, Where the Wildflowers Grow, and the kind of literary, character-driven storytelling that lingers long after the last page. We dig into fresh starts and second chances, and why the best books leave you knowing something you didn’t when you began.

Harris also shares her journey from librarian to best-selling author, and how years spent connecting readers with stories shaped her voice as a novelist. Plus: an honest conversation about censorship and book challenges, and why library access matters more than ever.

In this episode of Chapter Chat, we explore the "Sophomore Shift" with author Karen Winn as she discusses the release of her highly anticipated second novel, The Society. Karen takes us inside her writing process, sharing how she navigated the unique challenges of following up a successful debut and the evolution of her craft.

We dive deep into the world of elite social clubs and the toxic power of rumors that fuel the mystery within her pages. Karen explains her approach to character development and how she builds complex, layered figures who must navigate the high-stakes social circles of Boston. We also discuss how the historic and atmospheric Boston setting serves as a vital backdrop, adding depth and tension to the suspense. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a fan of sophisticated thrillers, this conversation offers a masterclass in building character and atmosphere.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Sophomore Shift: Navigating the pressure and process of writing a second novel.

Character Craft: Building deep, motivated characters within a suspenseful narrative.

Elite Circles & Rumors: The inspiration behind the social clubs and secrets in The Society.

The Boston Atmosphere: Using a real-world setting to create a layered, immersive experience.

The intersection of mystery, reputation, and social status.

In this episode of Chapter Chat, we sit down with debut author Angela Shupe to discuss the release of her first novel, In the Light of the Sun. Angela takes us behind the scenes of her debut journey, sharing the highs and lows of becoming a published author and the pivotal role her faith played throughout the process.

Beyond the technicalities of writing, Angela opens up about how she found profound joy in the creative process and how family stories she heard as a child are woven into the fabric of her novel. Whether you are an aspiring writer looking for inspiration or a reader seeking a story of hope and light, this conversation offers a heartfelt look at what it means to follow a calling and find purpose in the pages.

In this episode, we discuss:

The inspiration behind In the Light of the Sun.

What it’s really like to navigate the journey of a debut author.

How to maintain joy and faith during the long road to publication.