Wine, Women and Words

We talk about what it's like to write short fiction, the publishing industry, and the trouble with italics (along with the Oxford comma)

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We discuss the research that it takes to write a novel, regardless of the genre, developing strong female characters, and the messy legacy of the …

We talk with Vaness about her incredible record of writing books and what keeps her going; the incredible history behind her most recent novel and a bit about her writing process.

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We chat with author Katrina Kittle about her latest book, Morning in this Broken World. We also talk about pacing yourself to write a novel, writing …

We chat with Temi Oh about her book More Perfect. We also talk a bit about writing while in university and Diana gets nerdy about Doctor Who. 

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We chatted with Ore about her debut novel, The Three of Us and what could happen if a husband and best friend don't get along. We also talk about the …

Diana and Michele discuss The Queen of Exiles up to Chapter 4. Michele talks about how cool she was in elementary school and Diana talks about the …

Claire joins us to discuss utilizing Tarot, research, and the friendship between Remedios Vera and Leonora Carrington.

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We chat with Stephen Kiernan about his latest book The Glass Chateau along with his adventures in researching including making his own glass flowers. Stephen also does our show's first-ever reading!

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We sit down with Laura Morelli to talk about Italian history and WW2. Laura and Diana fan girl over a mutual "character" and Laura discusses her plotting process.

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In this episode Kristen and Diana bond over their shared ADHD, their shared history of being in the legal field and the importance of black joy.

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TJ talks about their new novel, Chef's Choice. Michele and TJ also talk about the joys of buying the good cheese (you know the fancy stuff behind glass) and the whacko do requests in wills that may or may not be …

While we intended to talk to TJ Klune about his latest book In the Lives of Puppets we ended up having a wonderful conversation about the brave …

Author Lee Bukowski joins us to discuss her novel "A Week of Warm Weather" and we dive into what we think the old adage "write what you know" really …

We catch up with Bryn Turnbull to discuss her latest novel, The Paris Deception. We talk about art forgery and why novelists will always be the first …

***THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS***

In this episode we chat with William Landay about his latest book, All That is Mine I Carry With Me. We get into the details of the book, how the way you write a book can affect …

In this episode we chat with Diane Marie Brown about her new book. 

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We sit down with author Harper Kincaid to talk about the difference between murder mystery books and cozy mystery books, newsletter marketing, and why you want Diana and Harper on your trivia team. 

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Weina talks to us about the Chinese Schindler who is in her book, the Night Angels. Weina and Diana discuss the details that go into researching historical fiction and how there is some truth to the saying, "Lost in …

Molly talks about the history behind the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. Diana talks about what it's like to wear a corset and we discuss marketing …

We chat with Jess about her debut novel, The Golden Spoon. We also talk about boundaries for writers and their partners and how much baking went into …

In this talk with Margaret Verble, Michele learns the importance of never throwing away a shelved book and she finds another pantser! 

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Greer Macallister pays another visit to the podcast to talk about her latest book Arca. We talk about the editing process, what it's like to write a …

Diana and Stina bond over Ted Lasso, Michele learns about heirloom carrots and their effect on Loki's Ring. Stina also talks about the subtle ways we can subvert the patriarchy through literature.

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We catch up with our long-time podcast friend, Heather Webb to discuss her book Strangers in the Night.

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We discuss all things Pandora including the Georgian time period and Greek Mythology with Susan Stokes Chapman. Susan and Diana bond over a mutual …

We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Janie Chang about her most recent novel, The Porcelain Moon. 

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In chatting with Emmi we explore epistolary books, writing science fiction, and how Emmi writes in two different languages (English and Finnish!).

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In this week's episode, we chat with Jamie Ford about his latest book The Many Daughters of Afong Moy. We also discuss the science behind epigenetics, the joys of writer's retreats, and becoming a …

In this episode, we discuss up to Chapter 14. Diana and Michele share their frustrations with certain characters, library pet peeves, and the many …

Diana and Natalie discuss the mythology and history behind Medusa in Natalie's latest novel, Stone Blind. We also discuss what future literary …

Join us as we chat about writing comedy; the difference between writing a screenplay and writing a novel; and like in NYC. We also come up with a new party game.

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We chat with Audrey Burges about her book The Miniscule Mansion of My Myra Malone and the personalities each house contains. Be sure to get your copy …

***THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS***

Catch up with Gabriella Saab to talk about her latest book, Daughters of Victory.  We do discuss some very big spoilers so if you haven't finished the book, listen at your own …

We chat with Roni about her novel Hands of Gold which was inspired by her grandparents. We get real about imposter syndrome and where do we get our …

In our first episode of the year, we chat with Adrienne Young and Isabel Ibañez about the Storyteller's Workbook and how useful it is for authors.

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On our last episode of the year, we chat with Amy Reichert about her latest books, Christmas markets, and Christmas Kringle...

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***Spoilers**

We sit down with Kristina McMorris to talk about her latest book, The Ways We Hide. We get into the grit about writing.

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We chat with Annette Chavez Macias about food, cousins and her latest book Big Chicas Don't Cry. 

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Author Yasmin Angoe joins Diana and guest co-host Alex Kiester to discuss her latest novel "They Come at Knight," the second installation of her Nena Knight series. They discuss the inspiration behind the novel, the …

Author Gwendolyn Kiste joins Diana and guest co-host Alyssa Palombo to discuss her latest novel, "Reluctant Immortals." They dive into reinventing …

**CAUTION: SPOILERS**

We chat with Olesya Salnikova Gilmore joins us to discuss our October Book of the Month (and her debut novel!) "The Witch & the Tsar." We dive into the debut novel experience, the history and …

Historical fiction author Karen Heenan joins us to discuss her latest novel "Coming Apart," a story of two sisters set during the Great Depression. We dive into shifting writing styles to a different period of history, …

Author Brandie June returns to discuss "Curse Undone" the second book in her "Gold Spun" duology. We dive into sparkly cocktails, Brandie's …

We get to talk with Helene Wecker about both The Golem and the Jinni and Hidden Palaces. Diana and Helene commiserate over historical fiction woes …

Join us as we chat with Daniella Bernett about setting, plotting our books and more!

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Stacie Murphy returns to the show to discuss "The Unquiet Dead," the next adventure of Amelia and Jonas (the characters from her debut novel "A Deadly Fortune"). We discuss the agent-author relationship, Stacie's …

Have you ever wondered what the little yellow person is on google maps? Well with the help of Kim Taylor Blakemore we find out. Kim isn't just here to shed light on a google mystery, she returns to the show to talk …

***CAUTION: SPOILERS***

We welcome Sunyi Dean for our August Book of the Month episode to unpack all things "The Book Eaters." We discussed the inspiration behind the novel, how Sunyi created taste descriptions for the …

Author Danielle Jackson joins us to discuss her debut novel "The Accidental Pinup." We discuss Danielle's inspiration and research process behind "Dreamland," the lingerie line featured in the novel, how Danielle's past …

Author Katalina Gamarra joins us to discuss her debut novel, "Ben & Beatriz." We have a mini Shakespeare nerd-out session before discussing Katalina's inspiration for a modern-day Beatriz, how her theater background …

Author Rebecca Stott joins us to discuss her latest novel, "Dark Eart" set during the Dark Ages in Londinium, the Roman settlement in Britain. We …

Author Melody Razak joins us to discuss her debut historical fiction novel "Moth." We dive into the research behind the story, the craft of building dialogue in the writing process, Melody's year living in India writing …

Debut author Zoe Sivak joins us to discuss her historical fiction novel "Mademoiselle Revolution." We discuss pub week, what drew Zoe to this time …

Author Laura Galloway joins us to discuss "Dalvi: Six Years in the Arctic Tundra," her memoir of her experiences living in a reindeer village in the Arctic Tundra. We dive into her experiences learning the language, the …

Author Alex Kiester returns to discuss her novel "The Truth About Ben and June." We dive into the research she did for her characters, writer's quirks and more amid a conversational tangent or two. Or three. 

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It's our book of the month episode to unpack "Let Me Be Frank" with author Tracy Dawson. We dive into all things about the book, from how it originated to the epic title to the phenomenal artwork to the women and …

Piper Huguley joins us to discuss her latest historical fiction novel "By Her Own Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social …

J. Ryan Stradal joins us to discusses his latest novel "The Lager Queen of Minnesota." We dive into the research that went into the novel, author quirks and host a writer's workshop on his technique of starting a novel …

Erin Litteken joins us to discuss her debut historical fiction novel "The Memory Keeper of Kyiv." We dive into Erin's experiences pulling from her …

Vanessa Riley returns to the show to discuss her latest novel "Sister Mother Warrior." We dive into the real women behind the novel, finding the balance of history and fiction as a historical fiction writer and -- of …

Author Meng Jin returns to discuss "Self-Portrait with Ghost," her collection of short stories. We discuss writers who influenced Meng's writing, how …

Liz Michalski joins us to discuss her latest novel, "Darling Girl" a dark reimagining of J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" and we dive into fairytales in general, narrator perspectives, Liz's take on Peter and Tinker Bell and …

***CAUTION: SPOILERS!!***

It's our book of the month episode, so we're diving into all the spoilers of "The Candid Life of Meena Dave" with author Namrata Patel. From the phenomenal characters to the food to the plot …

Amanda Bestor-Siegal joins us to discuss her debut novel, "The Caretakers." We dive into the experiences that inspired the novel, what it was like to layer those experiences into character perspectives and the different …

C. D'Angelo joins us to discuss her latest novel "The Visitor." We dive into the inspiration behind the story (and which kind of stores we would …

Alma Katsu joins us to discuss "The Fervor," her latest historical horror novel set in the Japanese American internment camps during WWII. We dive …

We discuss "The Patron Saint of Second Chances" with debut author Christine Simon and dive into the creation of Signor Speranza and Prometto, his small Italian village. Our conversation veers into Italian dialects, …

Weina Dai Randel joins us to discuss her historical fiction novel "The Last Rose of Shanhai." We discuss the history and historical figures behind the novel, traditions Weina has begun with her family and her novels and …

Karen White joins us to discuss "The Shop on Royal Street," the first book in her Royal Street series -- a spinoff frrom her Tradd Street series. We …

***CAUTION: SPOILERS***

Kristy Woodson Harvey joins the show to unpack her novel (and our book of the month) "The Wedding Veil." We discuss the women of the Biltmore and Edith Vanderbilt's wedding veil that really did …

Connie Berry discusses the fourth installation of her Kate Hamilton mystery series, "The Shadow of Memory." We dive into exploring/developing characters over the course of a series, pantsing versus plotting and so much …

T.J. Alexander joins us to discuss their debut novel "Chef's Kiss" and we nerd out about all things baking, slow-burn romances and so, so much more amid *lots* of laughing. 

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Author Jenn Bouchard joins us to discuss her debut novel "First Course" -- and we dive into some of the recipes from the novel, writing complex sibling relationships and much more!

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Aimie K. Runyan to returns to discuss her latest novel "The School for German Brides" and we dive into the history behind the novel, Aimie's research …

Lydia Kang discusses "The Half-Life of Ruby Fielding" and we dive into *so* many fun conversations, including merging medical accuracy with plot points, building tension in the writing and the easter eggs hidden away in …

Author Stefanie London discusses her latest novel, "The Dachshund Wears Prada." We dive into the chaos of pub week/deadline days, creating character arcs for animal characters and, of course, the dachshund!

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**CAUTION SPOILERS!!**

Peng Shepherd joins us to unpack "The Cartographers" in our Book of the Month episode for April. We discuss the found family of the novel, Peng shares some real-life stories she came across during …

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Author Maya Rodale discusses her latest novel, "The Mad Girls of New York." We nerd out about Nellie Bly, discuss the true story behind Maya's novel and much more! 

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Elise Hooper returns to discuss her newest novel "Angels of the Pacific." We discuss her inspiration behind writing this novel, the research she conducted, some of the connections she's made with readers through this …

Author Bryn Turnbull discusses her novel "The Last Grand Duchess" and all things Romanov as we chat about Olga Romanov, the daughter of Nicholas and …

Author Jeffrey Blount joins us to discuss his novel "The Emancipation of Evan Walls." We discuss the importance of creating characters that guide both the main characters and the reader through the story, our own love …

Author Madi Sinha joins us to discuss her latest novel "At Least You Have Your Health." We dive into crafting tension in a novel, exploring complex relationships and so much more!

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Rachel Gibson joins us to discuss her latest novel, "Drop Dead Gorgeous" and we dive into world and character building, Rachel's experience shifting from romance to women's fiction and so much more!

We launch our …

Kate Quinn joins us again to discuss her latest novel, "The Diamond Eye." We dive into her research, weighing autobiographical sources against historical record -- and when and where to apply artistic liberty when …

***CAUTION: SPOILERS!***

G.R. Macallister returns to the show, this time to discuss her debut fantasy novel (and our March book of the month) "Scorpica." 

Listener beware: Spoilers ensue.

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Author Stephanie Wrobel discusses her latest novel "This Might Hurt" and dives into the creation of characters so far from our own personalities, the art of subtlety in writing and so much more!

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Author Amy Tector joins us to discuss "The Honeybee Emeralds." We absolutely nerd out on archives and research and have so much fun diving into her …

Diana and special guest co-host Alex Kiester welcome author Julia Kelly to discuss her latest historical fiction novel "The Last Dance of the …

Ariane Torres joins us to discuss her debut novel, "We are the Kings." We dive into the inspiration behind the novel, the evolution of the title -- …

We welcome V.E. Schwab to the show to discuss her latest novel, "Gallant." We talk about her "mental six-burner stove" of ideas, the incorporation of visual art into "Gallant," how she approaches creating atmosphere in …

Author Maggie Smith joins us to discuss her debut novel "Truth & Other Lies." We dive into the relationship dynamics between the three women in the novel and creating those layered complexities in the writing …

*CAUTION: SPOILERS*

It's our book of the month discussion, so you know that means spoilers! We unpack "The Paris Bookseller" with Kerri Maher and dive into the history behind the story, writing these larger-than-life …

Katie Lattari joins us to discuss her debut thriller "Dark Things I Adore." We dive into earlier versions of the novel, adding the dual timeline, the beauty of editors, how she approached creating art on the page and so …

We welcome back Heather Webb to discuss her newest historical fiction novel "The Next Ship Home." We dive into Heather's inspiration for this novel set at Ellis Island, the island's history and so, so much more. 

Be …

Christina Consolino joins us to discuss her debut novel "Rewrite the Stars." We chat about first lines, the three certainties for writers (according …

Shauna Robinson joins us to discuss all things about her debut novel "Must Love Books," from how her teenage love of fanfiction inpsired the earliest idea for the story to what it meant to her to weave more serious …

*CAUTION: Spoilers!*

It's our book of the month discussion about "Antoinette's Sister" and we dive into all Michele's notes she's kept throughout the month, from dissecting her favorite scene to the history behind …

Allison Pataki joins for a Habsburg happy hour as we discuss her historical fiction duology about Empress Elisabeth (the "Sisi Series") & …