Romantasy, Hybrid Publishing & the Influence of Readers with Penn Cole (E239)
New York Times bestselling author Penn Cole joins me to celebrate Burn of the Everflame. We talk romantasy, her journey from indie to hybrid publishing, the growing influence of readers, and the books that gave her “lightbulb moments” as a writer.
Truth, Crime & Fiction: Hank Phillippi Ryan on Journalism, Family Secrets & Writing Thrillers (E238)
Hank Phillippi Ryan joins me to talk about her 40-year career as an investigative journalist, her transition from reporting true crime to writing bestselling thrillers, and the family secrets at the heart of Mother, Daughter, Sister, Stranger. We also chat about storytelling, perspective, and why she still learns something new every day she writes.
From the NFL to Crime Fiction: Andre Hardy on Tear the City Down (E237)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Andre Hardy, a former NFL player and author of the debut crime novel Tear the City Down. Drawing from his own experiences in professional football, Andre brings an insider’s perspective to this gritty, atmospheric novel set in San Diego.
BFF Book Club - Spies, Lies & Alibis with Natalie Walters (E236)
Romantic suspense author Natalie Walters joins the BFF Book Club to discuss Spies, Lies, and Alibis, writing authentic suspense, balancing romance and humor, and creating stories readers can escape into.
Motherhood, Sobriety & Writing Complex Women in Book Club Fiction w/ Jessica Guerrieri (E235)
Author Jessica Guerrieri joins me to discuss Both Can Be True, motherhood and identity, sobriety and addiction, and writing complex women who hold multiple truths at once. Plus, she shares a book flight exploring addiction, family dynamics, and the lasting ways our experiences shape who we become.
Alli Dyer on Night Songs, Family Legacy & the Magic of Audiobooks (E234)
Alli Dyer joins me to discuss her latest novel, Night Songs, exploring family legacy, the power of place, and the stories we inherit. We also chat about her love of audiobooks and the books that have influenced her writing and storytelling.
How Art Keeps History Alive: Thao Thai on The Seekers of Deer Creek (E233)
Bestselling author Thao Thai discusses her new novel, The Seekers of Deer Creek, and the inspiration behind its art-centered mystery. We talk about the role art plays in preserving history, what it means to be an artist, balancing creativity with motherhood, and why making art—even in small moments—can be an act of joy, agency, and connection. Plus, Thao shares a book flight featuring art and artists.
Rhys Bowen on The Castle in the Glen, Dual Timelines & Writing Historical Mysteries (E232)
New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen joins Bookish Flights to discuss her latest novel, The Castle in the Glen. We chat about writing historical mysteries, why she always travels to the places she writes about, balancing beloved series with standalone novels, and her book flight of dual-timeline stories perfect for readers who love mysteries that connect the past and present.
Writing Hope, Humor, and Older Characters: Anna Johnston on When Lemons Give You Life (E231)
Internationally bestselling author Anna Johnston returns to Bookish Flights to discuss her heartfelt new novel, When Lemons Give You Life. We talk about writing older characters with dignity and joy, her own experience receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis, the power of empathy through fiction, and why she believes joy is still possible—even when life has lost its flavor.
Neurodivergent Parenting: Faith, Grace, and Practical Strategies with Ginny Kochis (E230)
In Quirky Catholic Kids, author Ginny Kochis offers practical strategies for neurodivergent parenting while discussing emotional regulation, raising children in the faith, and how parents can celebrate the unique gifts of every child.