Advertise on podcast: Book Lover's Companion - The English Version

Host Edith welcomes regular guest and co-host Teri M. Brown to discuss her upcoming novel “Peg Unhinged,” releasing April 21, 2026. Brown introduces Peg, a near-50 woman navigating menopause symptoms, brain fog, hot flashes, and anger while her husband abruptly leaves to date younger women. The conversation explores how women’s health concerns are often dismissed, cultural pressures on women to stay quiet and “perfect,” and the double standards women face in professional settings. Brown explains the book’s inspiration from reading “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” and describes humorous yet realistic scenes including disastrous dating-app encounters and frank “conversations with God” chapters. They also touch on Peg’s evolving friendships, her rediscovering self-worth, and Brown’s next writing idea involving Incan quipu storytelling, plus where to find her online and the importance of reviews. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:24 New Book Premise 03:02 Menopause Reality Check 04:14 From Margaret to Peg 05:50 Is Peg Based on Teri 10:42 Culture Aging and Freedom 15:21 Menopause Rage Moments 16:49 Double Standards for Women 21:44 Husband Leaves and Dating Apps 26:39 Why Peg Stays Likable 28:31 Friends Who No Longer Fit 31:25 Finding Herself Again 32:18 Worth and Wake Up 33:45 Romance Not the Point 34:45 Hormones and Teen Brain 35:22 God Talks Interludes 38:08 Writing Humor Tightrope 41:39 Making Menopause Funny 46:54 Write What You Feel 49:27 Boundaries and Parenting 54:07 Team Peg Wrap Up 54:40 Next Book Quipu Mystery 57:41 Where to Find Teri 58:23 Reviews and Goodbye If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Host Edith interviews author and college professor Jess Bowers about her debut short story collection, Horse Show, named one of Electric Literature’s most exciting debut collections of 2024. Bowers, a lifelong equestrian and haflinger owner, explains that each story features a horse (or horse-adjacent animal/object) and a “show,” using entertainment and spectacle to examine human mistreatment and misunderstanding of horses and other sentient beings. She discusses research methods shaped by her PhD in English, including archives, photographs, and repeated film viewing, and shares a disturbing unused anecdote about Eben Byers giving radioactive water to racehorses. Bowers reflects on favorite stories, the appeal and demands of short fiction, challenges of dialogue, harmful breeding trends, and her next animal-focused collection, including a new story, “Canis X Machina.” 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:29 Horse Woman Origins 02:06 Vienna Horse Culture 05:14 Inside Horse Show 07:37 Write What You Know 12:36 Research Rabbit Holes 16:17 Darkest Unused Fact 19:39 Most Touching Stories 22:23 Breeding for Vanity 26:50 Spanish Riding School 29:51 Why Short Stories Work 31:28 Why Short Stories Win 33:12 Reading Short Stories Differently 35:50 Writing Short Stories Takes Patience 40:18 Ideas Over Plot 42:12 Visual Thinking and Photos 46:22 Dialogue and Script Curiosity 50:29 Horses and Forgotten History 53:29 Advice for Aspiring Writers 55:46 New Work and Animal Collection 58:36 Final Thoughts and Farewell If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Host Edith welcomes author Tudor Alexander to Book Lover’s Companion to discuss his historical fiction family saga The Last Patient, published in February 2025. Alex explains the novel is inspired by his parents’ and his own experiences across five decades of communism in Romania, ending with his parents’ immigration to the United States and the challenges of starting over in their sixties, including a doctor’s inability to practice without U.S. exams. He describes limited research due to lived experience, the need to fictionalize for narrative arc, and generally positive reader reception with over 100 strong reviews. Alex previews a companion novel based on his Jewish wife’s family history, In Darkness and Light, and shares his writing routine (about 500 words daily), views on marketing, and advice to aspiring writers to write daily and organize life around the craft. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:05 What The Last Patient Is 03:36 Romania Under Communism 06:34 Research vs Lived Memory 10:05 Reader Reception and Reviews 11:28 Companion Book on Jewish Story 17:06 Defection and Leaving Romania 24:40 Why People Don’t Revolt 27:38 Immigrating in Your Sixties 29:50 Writing Routine and Marketing 35:18 Marketing Grind Reality 36:37 Breakthrough Success Stories 38:57 Maturity To Write Novels 41:25 Romania Readings Translation 42:39 POV And Editing Notes 45:15 Writing What You Know 47:07 Immigrant Experience Theme 54:01 Advice For Aspiring Authors 56:59 History Books Connections 01:01:18 Upcoming Books And Wrap Up If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Host Edith welcomes fiction author Lexy, a retiring or recovering lawyer joining from Paris, to discuss her cross-genre romantic supernatural thriller series. Lexy explains that the first three books can be read in any order (including a legal thriller, a coming-of-age high school story, and a WWII Deep South historical romance), with storylines converging later, and that the series will span eight books. They focus on book five, released in October, which tells the villains’ backstory through an eternal-mates couple tasked with keeping reality functioning, drawing on comparative religion, mythology, metaphysics, biology, and themes of consciousness. Lexy shares her varied career path (modeling, acting, music, science, law, startups, 23andMe), discusses neuroscience sparked by medical experience, critiques traditional publishing gatekeeping, and advocates self-publishing, comic cons, and clear goals for writers. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:40 Series Genres and Structure 02:01 Book Five Overview 03:33 Metaphysics and Consciousness 05:54 From Arts to Law 08:59 Law School Stress Stories 13:48 Neuroscience and Serotonin Crisis 17:36 Raising Kids and Family Editing 20:41 Forces of Nature Romance 25:11 Building an Eight Book Saga 28:23 Editing and Spinoff Tales 33:33 History Politics and Publishing 39:51 Comic Cons and Self Publishing 41:50 Agent Conference Reality Check 43:04 Prologues and Gatekeeping 44:44 Why Self Publish 44:51 Kayo Plot and Pushback 47:01 Misogyny on Zoom Call 48:07 Control and Indie Power 49:49 Appearance Versus Reality 52:46 Fanning Fireflies Characters 55:48 Planting Seeds Through Fiction 59:44 Echo Chambers and Oligarchy 01:05:15 Publishing Funnel to Mediocrity 01:09:37 Advice for Aspiring Authors 01:14:08 Readers Not Fans 01:16:31 Write Crap and Support Indie 01:17:17 Final Thanks and Sign Off If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Host Edith welcomes returning guest Kristina Bak from Bellingham, Washington to discuss the third and final book in Bak’s near-future, non-dystopian YA trilogy about Stevie, a young healer shaped by her father’s disappearance, a childhood abduction, and traumatic amnesia. Bak explains how Stevie’s coming-of-age from 16 to 18 culminates in new strength as she navigates an uneasy friendship with Coral, a homeless teen caregiver who claims a gift for accompanying the dying and asks Stevie to ease patients’ pain, raising questions of trust and escalating toward a life-and-death climax. The conversation also covers characters “talking” to authors, reading as comfort and escapism, the value of writers’ groups, marketing via Facebook and a website, plans for an audiobook collection, support for independent bookstores and libraries amid censorship pressures, and Bak’s shift toward a dark adult literary project set in Australia. 00:00 Welcome Back Kristina 01:05 Stevie Takes Over 02:51 Fatherless Daughters Theme 06:09 Book Three Setup 07:49 Coral And Hospice 10:59 Characters That Talk 13:45 Why We Read Fiction 19:02 Non Dystopian Comfort 22:38 YA Fiction Bravery 26:05 Finding Coral Voice 28:19 Next Writing Chapter 29:37 Writers Group Life 31:27 Self Doubt And Marketing 32:43 Social Media And Website 37:25 Bookstores Kindle Audiobook 41:25 Writing For Readers Not Money 44:26 Libraries Censorship And Control 50:17 Politics Anxiety And News 53:59 Next Dark Australia Novella 58:04 Authentic Marketing And Farewell If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

In this episode of Book Lover‘s Companion, host Edith welcomes author, editor, and book podcast host Ekta Garg Ekta from Illinois to dive into the world of modern fairy tales. They discuss Ter's book, 'The Witch's Apprentice and Their Stories,' a micro collection of short stories filling the gaps in beloved fairy tales and nursery rhymes. They explore the relevance of fairy tales today, the process of fracturing fairy tales, and the importance of universal themes. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on creative writing, the preservation of languages, and Ter's future writing projects. Tune in for an enriching discussion about the timeless magic of fairy tales and storytelling! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:57 Discussing 'The Witch's Apprentice' 01:35 The Relevance of Fairy Tales Today 02:45 Exploring the Origins of Fairy Tales 03:58 Diving into the Writing Process 06:39 Modern Takes on Classic Tales 08:37 The Emotional Impact of Fairy Tales 16:02 Fairy Tales for Adults 28:22 The Evolution of Fairy Tales 29:01 The Little Mermaid: A Tale of Transformation 29:41 The Role of Reading in Historical Context 30:30 Language Preservation and Cultural Identity 34:12 The Impact of AI on Art and Creativity 47:40 Hollywood Gossip and Movie Insights 51:45 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

In this episode of Book Lover‘s Companion, Edith interviews Carmen Amato, a CIA veteran, crime fiction writer, and dog mom, about her exciting novels. They delve into Carmen's popular Emelia Cruz Mystery series and the Gallo Club historical fiction thrillers. Carmen shares insights about her characters, her experiences in the CIA influencing her writing, the research process behind her books, and the inspiration from her family history. They also discuss the challenges and triumphs of writing about complex themes like corruption, femicide, and Mexican society. Carmen offers valuable advice for aspiring authors and gives a sneak peek into her upcoming releases and audiobooks. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Meet Carmen Amato: Dog Mom and Author 01:50 Diving into the Emelia Cruz Mystery Series 02:29 Barracuda Bay: Plot and Characters 08:38 Exploring Mexican Society and Corruption 18:34 Challenges and Realities of Publishing 25:52 Carmen's Writing Process 30:26 Organized Writing System 31:03 Challenges with Character Names 32:21 First Person Narration 33:32 Femicide in Mexican Society 39:39 Historical Fiction Inspiration 44:07 Researching for Historical Fiction 47:49 Advice for Aspiring Authors 53:45 Upcoming Releases and Projects 57:25 Audiobooks Announcement 59:13 Conclusion and Farewell If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

In this episode of Book Lover's Companion, Edith welcomes author Laura McHale Holland to discuss her latest novel 'Shinbone Lane,' set in 1974 San Francisco. Laura shares insights into the characters, the plot, and the magical realism that infuses her storytelling. The conversation also touches on themes of nostalgia, societal changes, and the impact of the past on the present. Tune in for a deep dive into the writing process and an engaging discussion about the power of fiction to offer hope and connection. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:51 Discussing 'Shinbone Lane' 03:23 Writing Process and Inspirations 04:45 Magical Realism and Character Development 09:52 Nostalgia and Setting in the 1970s 28:54 Challenges of Modern San Francisco 35:28 Art's Role in Dark Times 40:16 Discussing New Year Resolutions and Cultural Differences 41:58 Reflections on Career Choices and Life Paths 44:24 The American Work Ethic vs. European Perspectives 45:51 Debating Universal Healthcare Systems 47:01 Challenges in the US Healthcare System 54:22 Writing About the 1970s: Research and Memory 58:00 Character Development and Writing Process 59:30 The Role of Setting in Storytelling 01:00:53 Exploring Antagonistic Characters 01:03:38 The Importance of Love and Home in Stories 01:06:49 Writing Dark Characters: Challenges and Thoughts 01:10:20 Connecting with Readers and Social Media 01:13:36 Conclusion and Farewell If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Join host Edith in this engaging episode of Book Lover's Companion as she welcomes back returning guest Laury A. Egan. Dive into a captivating discussion about Egan's thriller, 'Jenny Kidd,' set in the atmospheric Venice, and uncover the main character's journey and the dark, thrilling narrative. They also explore the psychological elements inspired by Patricia Highsmith and discuss the multifaceted city of Venice as both a setting and character. Additionally, hear about Egan's charming and humorous book about a basset hound named Morley. Tune in for a literary and psychological exploration with these intriguing reads! 00:00 Welcome to Book Lover's Companion 01:02 Diving into 'Jenny Kidd' 04:47 Exploring Jenny's Character and Journey 06:28 The Dark and Sinister Elements 11:05 Influences and Inspirations 15:52 Venice as a Character 20:53 Psychological Elements in Thrillers 25:26 The Impact of Patricia Highsmith 28:18 Exploring a Complex Personality 29:14 Literary Success and Struggles 29:56 The Intriguing Love Triangles 30:18 A New Book Project 30:41 A Fun and Exhausting Journey 32:08 Introducing a Charming Dog Book 33:04 The Unique Perspective of Morley 33:27 Challenges in Publishing 37:10 The Joy of Writing from a Dog's View 42:43 Reflections on a Writing Career 43:41 The Publishing Experience 45:20 Future Projects and Audiobooks 49:28 Final Thoughts and Recommendations If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

In this episode of Book Lover's Companion, host Edith welcomes crime fiction and historical fiction author Libby Fisher Hellman from Chicago. They discuss Libby's latest book 'Max's War,' part of her saga series focusing on World War II. Libby shares her extensive research process, including the role of the Richie Boys, a group of Jewish refugees trained in counterintelligence. They also delve into the complexities of writing historical fiction, the impact of Hitler's rise to power, and Libby's unique writing process. This episode offers a deep dive into the historical context of her work and provides valuable insights for aspiring authors. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:44 Discussing 'Max's War' 02:43 The Richie Boys and Their Role 05:56 Historical Context and Research 10:08 Personal Connections and Inspirations 19:16 Comparisons to Modern Times 33:10 The Role of Generals in Blitzkrieg 34:10 The Richie Boys: Unsung Heroes 36:35 Camp Ritchie: Training Ground for Intelligence 37:47 The German Translation and Reader Feedback 38:45 The Rise of Audiobooks 41:51 Libby's Writing Process 52:51 Advice for Aspiring Authors 54:43 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans 56:48 Closing Remarks and Farewell If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Join host Edith on the Book Lover‘s Companion podcast as she welcomes writer and journalist David Finkle. In this riveting episode, Edith and David delve into his books 'Humpty Trump and the Second First Hundred Days' and 'Humpty Trumpy Hit a Brick Wall,' which present the tumultuous presidencies of Donald Trump through verse. David shares inspirations, challenges, and candid thoughts on the political landscape. The conversation also touches upon David's mystery novel, 'The Great Gatsby Murder Case,' and the upcoming 'Oliver Twist Murder Case.' Don't miss out on this compelling dialogue about writing, history, and societal upheaval. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:32 Discussing Trump's First 200 Days 01:59 Writing Humpty Trumpy 03:16 Trump's Second Term and Healthcare Act 05:39 Zelensky's Visit and Global Reactions 07:45 Reflections on Trump's Administration 15:14 Marjorie Taylor Greene and Political Shifts 31:02 David's Writing Process and Inspirations 31:25 The Great Gatsby Murder Case 48:47 Teaching and Encouraging New Writers 51:07 Holiday Parody and Final Thoughts 53:36 The Changing Dynamics of US-Europe Relations 54:31 The Impact of Leadership on International Relations 59:26 The Influence of Media and Fictional Characters 01:04:53 Exploring Literary Inspirations and Travel 01:11:40 The Reality of Historical and Political Tensions 01:16:51 The Role of Fear in Politics and Society 01:32:04 Upcoming Works and Reflections on Writing 01:37:19 Conclusion and Farewell If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

In this episode of Book Lover‘s Companion, host Edith interviews healthcare expert and fiction author David Shactman about his book 'Mortal Choice: A Medical Mystery.' The conversation delves into the harrowing realities of the illegal kidney trade, the ethical dilemmas faced by parents with critically ill children, and the real-life inspiration drawn from David's experience researching medical tourism. They also discuss the development of the book's protagonists - an FBI agent and a Boston detective - and the challenges David faced in writing fiction, particularly from diverse perspectives. The episode also touches on broader healthcare issues, the complexities of organ donation laws, and the socio-political landscape affecting these issues today. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:40 Discussing 'Mortal Choice': A Medical Mystery 01:42 The Reality of Kidney Trade 02:49 International Black Market for Kidneys 04:41 Organ Donation Systems: US vs. Austria 07:27 Introducing the Protagonists 10:02 Character Backgrounds and Dynamics 13:12 Moral Dilemmas in the Story 15:19 Inspiration Behind the Book 15:26 Medical Tourism and Its Implications 20:00 Fiction vs. Nonfiction: Conveying Truths 21:53 Ethical Questions on Organ Trade 26:42 Blood Donation Program 27:28 Challenges in Policing Black Market Organs 28:33 International Organ Trade and Legal Loopholes 34:13 Writing Fiction vs. Nonfiction 36:10 Navigating First Person Narration 42:36 Addressing Misogyny in the FBI 43:51 Reflections on Social Progress and Prejudices 46:50 Advice for Aspiring Authors 47:37 Upcoming Books and Future Plans 49:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Join host Edith in this episode of Book Lover’s Companion with special guest Dakota Jackson. They discuss Dakota's new fantasy book, 'The Construction of Shadows,' which is the first in a planned five-book series. Discover the fascinating world Dakota has created, where the 16 Divinities of the Sun and Moon have reshaped the earth, and dive deep into the lives of two best friends from divergent backgrounds. Dakota shares insights about the inspirations behind the book, the challenges of making a complex character arc for a 'golden child', and the joys and hurdles of being an indie author. Stay tuned for upcoming releases and Dakota's journey in bringing compelling fantasy stories to life. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:45 Discussing the New Book: The Construction of Shadows 01:28 Exploring the Book's Universe and Characters 02:39 Politics and World-Building in Fantasy 08:58 The Lunar Eclipse Massacre 14:26 Influences and Inspirations from Mythology 16:21 Writing Process and Character Development 17:59 Target Audience and Series Growth 21:01 Challenges of World-Building in Fantasy 26:01 Character Development and Redemption Arcs 26:59 Gender Double Standards in Fiction 27:41 Complexity and Representation in Female Characters 30:20 Fantasy and Sci-Fi as Tools for Broader Perspectives 35:08 Challenges and Community in Indie Publishing 38:55 Editing and Cover Design Insights 43:09 Advice for Aspiring Authors 47:30 Future Projects and Final Thoughts If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Join host Edith on the latest episode of Book Love Companion as she interviews Izzy Arnfeld, an aspiring author from Upper Austria. Izzy discusses her lifelong passion for writing, from early storytelling with a childhood friend to her current projects. She delves into her fascination with true crime, discusses her writing process, and debates between prose and scriptwriting. They also cover the challenges of maintaining focus, the importance of writing communities, and Izzy's upcoming films and projects. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the craft of writing and literature. 00:00 Welcome to Book Love Companion 00:42 Izzy Arnfeld's Journey to Becoming an Author 02:27 Childhood Reading Influences 04:48 True Crime and Personal Experiences 07:41 Exploring Different Writing Forms 09:48 The Challenge of Choosing a Writing Form 12:34 The Importance of Writing Communities 15:53 Balancing Perfectionism and Creativity 20:46 Writing for Different Audiences 26:22 Writing for the Market vs. Writing for Yourself 28:48 The Challenges of Following Market Trends 31:39 Balancing Writing and Day Jobs 33:27 The Writing Process: Tools and Techniques 36:08 Editing and Overthinking 39:01 Future Goals and Publishing Aspirations 48:01 Film Projects and Creative Ventures 52:03 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Welcome to 'Book Lovers Companion' with your host Edith! Join us in this captivating episode as we delve into the fascinating world of historical fiction and nonfiction. Edith is joined by special guests Emma Woodhouse and Caroline Ailanthus, discussing their unique approaches to writing, the joys of historical research, and the challenges of blending fact with fiction. From the detailed historical elements in Emma's works to Caroline's imaginative fantasy rooted in Civil War era characters, this episode is a treasure trove for lovers of history and storytelling. Don't miss their insights on giving voice to forgotten histories, the importance of thorough editing, and the intriguing 'what if' scenarios that make historical narratives so compelling. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that combines creativity, meticulous research, and a passion for uncovering the past. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:55 The Beginnings of a Writing Journey 01:59 Exploring Historical Fiction 05:09 Diving into Nonfiction 07:31 Research Challenges and Discoveries 13:51 Balancing Science and Fantasy 15:06 Technical Difficulties and Continuation 18:47 Historical Context and Character Development 30:38 The Appeal of Historical Eras 47:23 Understanding Triggers vs. Being Upset 47:34 Personal Experiences with Triggers 48:08 The Ineffectiveness of Trigger Warnings 50:11 The Market for Historical and Fantasy Fiction 53:39 Balancing Historical Accuracy and Modern Sensibilities 01:02:08 Writing Techniques and Perspectives 01:09:32 Creative License in Historical Fiction 01:21:38 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E