Written in the Stars

Author Rob Edwards is in studio to discuss his novel, North of South Haven, which he co-wrote with his late wife, Dayna Marie Edwards. Inspired by Dayna's childhood in South Haven, Michigan, the book follows North, a woman whose life takes an unexpected turn after discovering some life altering truths. Edwards shares how they worked closely to develop the book together and the special meaning behind completing the book, as a tribute to her.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Rob Edwards

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Lansing Community College Library

On this episode, MSU Comics Studies Librarian Jason Larson is in studio to discuss how the university’s extensive comic book collection supports research, teaching, and public learning. He explains how comics can strengthen literacy and visual reading skills while helping students connect academic subjects to stories and characters they already enjoy. The collection includes comics from around the world and preserves important cultural history, including the contributions of creators who have often been overlooked.

Jason Larsen joined the Stephen O. Murray and Keelung Hong Special Collections in 2023 as the Comics Studies Librarian. He has worked in the Comics Collection since 2021, starting as a practicum student, then graduate assistant, and finally as an on-call staff. Additionally, he worked as a graduate assistant and then academic help at the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign Library’s Global Popular Culture comics collection.

He is active in the academic comics librarian community and considered one of the pioneers in establishing crowdfunded comics collections in academic libraries. His research interests are crowdfunded comics, academic comics library sustainability, collection development, and outreach/instruction. He earned his BA in Marketing from Michigan State University and his MSLIS from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2022).

Website: MSU Murray & Hong Special Collections

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Lansing Community College Library

On this episode, author, educator, and scholar Dr. LeConté Dill is in studio to discuss her poetry collection Soul Survivors. Dill explores how the places like Oakland, Atlanta, and Brooklyn shape the book’s stories while examining violence, community, healing, Black identity, and the resilience of young people. She also discusses her use of erasure poetry to reclaim narratives from historical, legal, and medical documents, as well as the importance of rest, mindfulness, and creative expression.

Dr. LeConté Dill was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. She is a storyteller, artist, educator, and community-accountable scholar. Her debut poetry collection, Soul Survivors, was co-published by np: and Counterpath in 2026. She currently guides, creates, and learns with students, fellow faculty, and community members as the Director of Graduate Studies and an Associate Professor in the Department of African American and African Studies at Michigan State University. LeConté is also a Certified Mindfulness Instructor and Yoga Nidra Instructor. In her art, research, teaching, and advocacy, she aims to listen to and show up for Black girls, in particular, and is committed to documenting their/our strategies of wellness, healing, and resistance.

Website: Dr. LeConté Dill

Website: Dr. LeConté Dill at Michigan State University

Website: Counter Path Press

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Lansing Community College Library

On this episode, Tony Bailey joins hosts Ami Ewald and Robin Moore in studio, to share how smart investing and consistent financial habits helped him build long-term wealth. He explains the power of compounding, the value of starting early, and why anyone can take control of their financial future with patience, confidence, and a solid plan. He also has authored a book on his financial journey, The Nurse Who Beat Wall Street.

Mentioned This Episode:

Amazon: The Nurse Who Beat Wall Street

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Lansing Community College Library

This episode explores the art of flash writing with author Jane Hertenstein, who shares how short, meaningful stories can capture powerful moments from our lives. She discusses how flash writing is accessible to writers of all experience levels and encourages listeners to find inspiration in everyday experiences. The conversation celebrates personal storytelling and the impact of sharing our unique voices.

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Lansing Community College Library

In this episode, outgoing Lansing Poet Laureate Ruelaine Stokes shares how her love of writing began in childhood and grew into a passion for poetry. She also talks about her project, My Secret Lansing, and how poetry helps people connect with their community, share their stories, and see their city in new ways.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Ruelaine Stokes

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Lansing Community College Library

This episode explores the creative world of art, illustration, and book design with Lucy A. Synk, an experienced artist known for her work with publishers and convention exhibitions. Lucy shares behind-the-scenes insights into designing book covers, the creative challenges illustrators and authors sometimes face, and the inspiration behind her modern Americana series celebrating diversity and everyday American life.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Lucy Synk Fantasy Art

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Lansing Community College Library

Takeaways:

• The podcast discusses the intricate relationship between illustrators and publishers in the book industry, highlighting how communication is often limited during the cover design process.
• Listeners will gain insights into the significance of art in literature, particularly how illustrations can shape a reader's expectations and experiences.
• The episode features an exploration of various artistic mediums, including traditional painting and modern digital techniques used to create compelling book covers and illustrations.
• The guest shares her journey into the art world, including her experiences at conventions and the evolution of her artistic style through collaboration with other artists.
• Insights are provided into the challenges and rewards of working on large-scale projects, such as murals for museums, emphasizing the detailed planning and execution required.
• The discussion includes reflections on the changing landscape of the art industry, particularly in relation to conventions and the commercialization of artistic spaces.

This episode highlights the 2026 Michigan Notable Books, featuring works by Michigan authors or those that capture the spirit of The Great Lake State. Guests Adam Oster and Mindy Babarskis from the Library of Michigan share insights into the program, its selection process, and the diverse genres included. The conversation also previews the upcoming Night of Notables event, celebrating these authors and their contributions to Michigan’s literary community.

Mentioned This Episode:

Event Information: Night of Notables Celebration 2026

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Location: The Library of Michigan : 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48911.

Parking is free in the Butler Visitor Lot southwest of the Michigan Library & Historical Center. Please enter off of W. Kalamazoo St. The suggested dress is business dressy. Light appetizers and beverages are included in your event registration.

Website: Michigan Notable Book Program

Website: Library of Michigan

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Lansing Community College Library

On this episode, hosts John Szilagyi and Robin Moore are joined in studio by Jimmy Coyer, to discuss the upcoming Lansing Independent Comics and Zine Fest. This homespun literary festival is open to the public and is free of charge, and will take place at Grewal Hall on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Mentioned This Episode

Event Info: Lansing Independent Comics & Zine Fest

Location: Grewal Hall at 224

Website: Fieldmouse Press

Website: ultramega.studio

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Lansing Community College Library

This episode highlights the upcoming 39th Rally of Writers on April 11th at Lansing Community College’s West Campus. Guests Stephen Mack Jones and Rob Edwards discuss the realities of being a writer and balancing creative work with the business side of publishing. From those starting out, to seasoned writers, everyone is invited to celebrate Michigan’s vibrant and growing literary community.

Event Informaton: A Rally of Writers

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Lansing Community College Library