In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with Sarah P. Blanchard, a dynamic author who proves that great storytelling knows no age limit. At 73, Blanchard is making waves in the literary world with her gripping psychological suspense novel, "Grab Town."
The story behind the book is as intriguing as its plot. Inspired by a real-life location in North Carolina, "Grab Town" weaves a complex narrative spanning two timelines. The novel follows twin sisters who discover an unfinished manuscript written by their mother's best friend, uncovering a decades-old cold case murder that challenges everything they thought they knew about their family.
Blanchard's writing journey is a testament to persistence and passion. With a background as diverse as a radio news announcer, volunteer firefighter, and college professor, she brings a rich tapestry of experiences to her writing. Her approach to storytelling is both meticulous and compassionate, with a focus on protecting vulnerable individuals and shedding light on important social issues like human trafficking.
The author shares valuable insights into the writing process, emphasizing the importance of writing communities, accepting constructive criticism, and the art of "rehoming" rather than killing your literary darlings. Her advice resonates with aspiring writers: develop a thick skin, embrace feedback, and never stop learning.
"Grab Town" is more than just a mystery novel. It's a carefully crafted exploration of family secrets, generational trauma, and the power of uncovering hidden truths. Available for pre-order on Amazon and set to be released in multiple formats, the book promises to be a must-read for fans of psychological suspense.
Whether you're a book lover, aspiring writer, or simply enjoy a compelling story, this podcast episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative mind of Sarah P. Blanchard and the intricate world of "Grab Town."
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.