Episodes
Send us a textIn today's episode I speak with author Nat Bickel! She was just written and published a new YA novel called "The Catalyst". We discuss some favorite books, her writing journey, and the highs and lows of self publishing! "Kelynn Sanders has a head full of dreams almost as overwhelming as the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. She can't contain it nor control it. The constant swimming of what ifs, wants, aspirations, and the possible failure of it all causes her to black out....
Published 11/09/24
Published 11/09/24
Send us a text In today's episode, I sit and have a fun conversation with authors Heidi O'Barr and returning guest Jessica Thompson! Secrets will be revealed! They will shock you!... Ok maybe not, but I had a delightful time discusing the joys of reading and writing with two cozy mystery writers. They have a new collection of cozy mystery short stories out just in time for Halloween. Watch our conversation today and then run out and get their new collection: A Graveyard of Secrets! ...
Published 10/25/24
Send us a textIn today's story I interview Mary Kendall, the author of "Bottled Secrets of Rosewood", how her experiences inspire her creativity, and we discuss our favorite authors including Louise Penny, Alan Bradley, and more! If you need more books to add to your TBR, listen to this episode today!Find Mary and her book online here: https://www.marykendallauthor.com/ "After an archeological dig at Rosewood, Miranda's historic house, unearths an ancient blue bottle of questionable origin, i...
Published 10/09/24
Send us a textIn today's episode, I interview author Felicity Green. She is the author of the Scottish Witches Cozy Mystery Series. Her books are an excellent choice if you want some witchy cozy mysteries to read this October! Not only do we also explore her author journey from actress to author, we also end up talking about a lot of great cozy mysteries! So get ready to add to your TBR list with this fun episode!Find Felicity Green online: https://felicitygreenauthor.com/ Books Mention...
Published 09/13/24
Send us a textHello Bookworms! Have you ever wondered what goes into writing a retelling of a classics story, legend, or myth? I discuss that topic and more with our guest today, author Jeanne Blasberg. She has written the book "Daughter of a Promise", and it is a modern day retelling of the Biblical story of David and Bathsheba. We talk about how different the story is seen in the modern "me too" movement, what goes into writing a retelling, and the powerful connection our myths and legends ...
Published 08/30/24
In this episode of "The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast" we celebrate being boring! I have the pleasure of interviewing cozy mystery writer Anna A. Armstrong - who is NOT a boring writer! We kick off our conversation by discussing our mutual love for Jane Austen, acknowledging that while it may seem basic to some, we find immense comfort in her timeless works like "Pride and Prejudice." Embracing our so-called "boring" tastes, we chat about the joy and comfort these classic stories bring us. Anna a...
Published 07/15/24
After an unplanned short hiatus from the podcast, I'm back behind the mic talking about my favorite author, Charles Dickens. My guest today is author Jesper Soerensen and he's just written a book about Dickens and his stories. In the episode we talk about his book, we share plenty of recommendations, and have a lot of discussion about the stories that Dickens wrote. We do not talk spoilers, so whether you're relatively new to Dickens or are a hardcore fan, there is something for everyon...
Published 06/21/24
In today's episode, I play part 2 of my interview with authors Jessica Thompson and J. R. Lancaster. We talk about Jane Austen, our experiences reading her books, and favorite adaptations. I also share some of my favorite Jane Austen memes that came up out of the Super Bowl, we discuss other favorite mystery writers, and more! Thanks for joining us on this hilarious discussion about one of the greatest authors to put pen to paper! Pre-Order: The Luck of the Irish:   Jessica Thompson:...
Published 03/22/24
Welcome to the first part of a two part conversation I have with mystery authors J. R. Lancaster and Jessica Thompson. Today, we're talking Murders, mysteries, and St. Patrick's Day... along with some "meet cute" stories! These authors are here to talk about their new St. Patrick's Day-Themed Cozy Mystery Anthology, edited by Jessica Thompson and Kate Darroch. We also talk about St. Patrick's Day traditions, and of course we will give you a big list of Irish themed mysteries to read! And...
Published 03/15/24
My guest today is the author Boo Trundle, who has written one of the most interesting and captivating novels I've ever read. "The Daughter Ship", a very personal novel that tells of one woman's journey to find healing. The story focuses on Katherine, a wife and mother who is struggling on the brink of despair. Helping to tell her story are "Truitt, Star, and Smooshed Bug—her inner children, each with their particular strategy for coping with Katherine’s past at the hands of a hopeless mother...
Published 03/07/24
My guest today is Margarita Barresi, author of "A Delicate Marriage". Her novel is a personal one, a novel that "celebrates Puerto Rican culture while delving into themes of class, oppression, and the effects of colonialism through the lens of a marriage." In our conversation, Margarita tells stories of her family that inspired her story, we talk about the importance of knowing your people's history, and of course there will be plenty of book recommendations and some writing advice! I...
Published 02/22/24
In today's episode, I have author Jessica Thompson back on the podcast. We talk about her new book coming out just in time for Valentines Day: A Caterer's Guide to Valentines and Violence. Then we get down to discussing one of our favorite mystery writers: Agatha Christie, the Grand Master of detective fiction! We chat about our history with reading Christie, some of our favorite novels, movie version, actors, and more! Find Jessica Thompson Online here:...
Published 02/08/24
My guest today is cozy mystery author Anne Seidel. She has a new book in a new series out called "Bullet Through the Art: A Sam Gordon Cozy Mystery." In today's episode we talk about her writing journey from screenplays to mystery novels; We talk about her reading life and our mutual love for audio books; and she offers up a ton of writing tips that will be an inspiration to any writer - no matter where you are on your own journey. So take a listen today and find out more about Anne's...
Published 01/06/24
Welcome to our Christmas episode! Today I talk to author Amey Zeigler. She's just written a new Christmas book called "The Christmas Mug" - It's book two in the Helping of Hope Series! In the interview we talk about our favorite reads and authors (Brandon Sanderson is a must; Calvin & Hobbes is essential reading... ). Then we explore her writing journey and the power of "just keep going!" Then, we end our discussion talking about her tips for new writers. It's some excellent,...
Published 12/15/23
My guest is cozy mystery writer Shannon Symonds. She's just published the first book in the brand new Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery Series! In this interview we get distracted talking about all the books we've enjoyed reading lately, but then dig into her story and talk about her writing journey. She also talks about her Christmas mystery "The Seaside Murder Before Christmas". Then we take some time to share Christmas memories, and more! This episode is absolutely stuffed full of book...
Published 12/08/23
Join us on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast as we embark on a captivating journey with acclaimed author Lynne Golodner. In this episode, Lynne shares her journey behind her novel, "Woman of Valor." This novel delves into the intricate layers of identity, infidelity, true love, and the liberating process of shedding the need to please others.  In our interview, Lynne shares with me the joys of being a voracious reader, the victories and challenges of writing, and offers some helpful tips for...
Published 11/30/23
In today's episode, I talk to author Jessica Thompson. She has a new book out called "Shoot Shovel & Shut Up". We talk about her new book and discuss some writing tips. Jessica Thompson's website: https://jessicathompsonauthor.com/ ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey -Buy me a coffee:...
Published 11/02/23
Hello! In today's episode I interview new author Katie Lumsden - she is a booktuber and we share a love of Victorian literature in general and Dickens in particular. We talk about her new book The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, her reading journey into Victorian literature, and discuss why it's important to read the classics, even if they can at times be problematic. Find Katie on youtube at: @katiejlumsden Book: The Secrets of Hartwood Hall (bookshop.org affiliate link)  Books mentioned: The...
Published 10/05/23
 In today's episode I get the privilege to sit down with J. R. Lancaster and talk about her new mystery, "Someone's Always Watching". We talk about some great books we've read lately, her writing journey, writing tips, and more!  Find J. R. Lancaster online - website, newsletter, and more: https://linktr.ee/jrlancaster  Books Mentioned:  Blood and Moonlight by Erin Beaty  Book Lovers by Emily Henry  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffner  One of Us is Lying...
Published 07/12/23
My guest today is an absolute inspiration - a young author who didn't wait to follow her dreams to become a writer! Shanti Hershenson is the author of The Bane of Angelfall Academy and the Biome Lock Saga - and many more, all at the age of 15 years old. My hope is the young people, and people young at heart!, will find inspiration from Shanti's journey and will follow their own dreams and tell your stories. Find Shanti online: https://www.shantihershenson.com/...
Published 06/26/23
In today's episode, I sit down with children's author Tonya Duncan Ellis to delve into the world of literature that tells interesting stories but also educates. We talk about her immensely popular YA book series, Sophie Washington, and her journey to publication. We'll also get a sneak peak at her upcoming children's picture book, "They Built Me for Freedom," which explores the significance of Juneteenth. From heartfelt discussions about Juneteenth to the exploration of racism in literature,...
Published 06/19/23
As school is out for the summer now, I'm going to have a couple of episodes that encourages teens - or anyone really - to pick up that pen or sit down in front of the computer, and write a story. So today, my guest is author Raquel Drosos. I was inspired by her recent blog post "7 Tips for Teenage Writers" and found it to be good advice for kids of all ages. And Raquel has some experience in this as she was first published when she was a teenager. So in today's episode Raquel and I talk...
Published 06/17/23
In today's episode, I go to "the land down under" to speak with author Melanie Notaras. She wrote the children's book "The Art Show that Came to Life" and it stars Your School! Find out all about this custom made book can help your local school put the "FUN" in FUNdraising! Melanie and I also share some tips about how to encourage kids to read, especially during the summer break. And stay tuned, because coming up in a few days, I'll have a two part episode where I'll talk about how to...
Published 06/15/23
Have you ever wondered why food blogs and online recipes always seem to attach a lengthy story to their recipes? It turns out, there's a good reason for that... My guest today is cozy mystery author Wendy Sand Eckel. She is the author of the "farm-to-table" Rosalie Hart Mystery Series. In today's episode we talk about her journey to publication, and how food tells a story. We give some book recommendations, talk about the writing craft, and what Wendy loves most about writing stories. We...
Published 06/12/23