Exploring the Hard Parts of Being Human Through Small Press Books with Martha Engber (E224)
This week on Bookish Flights, I’m joined by award-winning author Martha Engber for a thoughtful conversation about storytelling, curiosity, and the power of fiction to help us better understand ourselves and others. We chat about her Mary Donahue Chronicles, including Winter Light and Scattered Light, and explore themes of trauma, healing, self-worth, and the experiences that shape us throughout our lives. Drawing from her background in journalism, Martha shares how observation and asking questions have shaped her writing, why curiosity matters more than judgment, and how stories can offer readers a safe space to explore difficult topics.
Episode Highlights:
Martha's journey from journalism to novelist and screenwriter
How journalism taught her the art of observation and asking better questions
Why curiosity is essential for both writers and readers
The role fiction plays in helping us understand our own lives and experiences
Writing about trauma, healing, and the hard things we face as humans
The conversation around trigger warnings in books
Giving ourselves grace and letting go of unrealistic expectations
Reading what you love instead of what you think you should read
Martha's book flight featuring small press books and authentic human stories
Connect with Martha:
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Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Book Flight
Perfect Little Worlds by Clifford Mae Henderson
A Little Lifeby Hanya Yanagihara
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Dessert Pairing
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
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