Jolene's Book and Writers Talk

Jolene's Book and Writers Talk

Discussions with authors, narrators, publishers, editors, and others in the book business about writing, publishing, book marketing, and more. It is an open forum with no strict structure so you just never know what we are going to talk about. The next season is going to be even more fun. Please subscribe, share and comment!

Episodes

September 19, 2025 24 mins

Exploring Science and Sustainability in Picture Books: An Interview with Melissa Rooney


In this episode of Jolene's Book and Writer's Talk, sponsored by Southern Dragon Publishing, Jolene McFadden interviews Melissa Rooney, a freelance editor, writer, and award-winning picture book author. Melissa discusses her latest release, 'Larry the Log Perch,' commissioned by the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, Virginia, and her e...

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Eden Estabrook: Adventures with Arnie the Armadillo | Jolene's Books and Writers Talk

In this episode of Jolene's Books and Writers Talk, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with North Carolina author Eden Estabrook. Eden shares her journey as the indie author of 'Arnie The Armadillo Goes to Antarctica' and 'Arnie The Armadillo Goes Backpacking in Brazil.' She discusses her experiences with indie publishing, the challenges of being a on...

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Welcome to Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk! In this episode, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with Linda G. Smock, a children's author from Pinellas County, Florida. Linda shares her inspiring journey from writing devotionals during a challenging time to creating educational and imaginative children's books about the natural world. Discover her writing process, publishing tips, and advice for aspiring authors! Visit...

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Empowering Professionals Through Writing: A Conversation with Cathy Fyock

In this episode of Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with Cathy Fyock, a prolific author and book coach. Sponsored by Southern Dragon Publishing, this discussion delves into Cathy's extensive journey from HR consulting to becoming a business book strategist. Highlights include Cathy's insights on hybrid publishin...

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From Army Nurse to Fantasy Romance Novelist: Lynn Westhoff's Inspiring Journey

 Join host Jolene MacFadden on Jolene's Books and Writers Talk, sponsored by Southern Dragon Publishing, as she converses with Lynn Westhoff. Lynn, a retired Army nurse and healthcare professional, pivoted to writing fantasy romance novels at the age of 64. In this episode, Lynn discusses herdebut novel 'Chronicles of a Time Bound Warrior,'...

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The Lady Thistle Series with Author DH Anderson

Welcome to Jolene's Books and Writers Talk, sponsored by Southern Dragon Publishing! In this episode, we chat with Donna Anderson, who writes as DH Anderson, the creator of the 'The Lady Thistle' children's book series. Inspired by the real-life birth of a foal named Polly on her family farm, Donna's books capture the wonder of farm life, animal bonds, and life less...

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Unveiling Hidden Family Secrets: A Journey Through the Holocaust with Kenneth d. Wald


In this episode of Jolene's Book and Writer's Talk podcast, we welcome Kenneth d. Wald, author of 'The Ghost on the Wall: A Grandson's Memoir of the Holocaust.' Ken shares his emotional journey of discovering letters from his Jewish grandparents trapped in Nazi Germany, which led to a transcontinental quest for historical tr...

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Unveiling Bill Smith's Legacy: An Interview with Author Joanne Spiller


In this episode of Jolene's Book and Writers Talk podcast, sponsored by Southern Dragon Publishing, host Jolene interviews author and curator Joanne Spiller. Joanne shares her journey from director of education at the Jefferson County History and Art Center to becoming an author and curator of Bill Smith's jewelry collection. Discover the challeng...

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Exploring Historical Romance with Award-Winning Author Sarah Hendess


In this episode of 'Jolene's Books and Writer Talk,' proudly sponsored by Southern Dragon Publishing, we welcome Sarah Hendess, an award-winning romance author, historian, teacher, and co-owner of a small press. Sarah shares her insights into her writing process, historical research methods, and her experiences with traditional and self-publishing. ...

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Teen Author Millennia's Thriving Fantasy Series | Jolene's Books and Writers Talk


Welcome back to Jolene's Books and Writers Talk, where host Jolene highlights the journey of Millennia, a dynamic teenage author who has already self-published two books in her 'Lost Souls Fantasy' series while balancing high school and college. This episode dives into her experiences with platforms like KDP Select, her marketin...

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Interview with Marie Morton: Author and Festival Organizer


In this episode of Jolene's Books and Writers Talk, brought to you by Southern Dragons Publishing, Jolene interviews Marie Morton, a multifaceted author and the coordinator of the Literary Indulgence Festival. Set for June 28th, 2025, this community-driven festival at the Historic Friday Music Hall in Jacksonville offers live music, food trucks, children's storyt...

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Interview with Prolific Author CS Bennett: From BedtimeStories to Hollywood Screenplays


In this episode of Jolene's Books and Writers Talk, hostJolene welcomes acclaimed author CS Bennett. A versatile writer and president of the First Coast Romance Writers, Bennett discusses his journey from telling bedtime stories to siblings to authoring almost 20 books across multiplegenres. Highlighting his diverse career, Bennett delves...

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Heartfelt Debut: Tracy Jackson on 'This Love' and Navigating the Author World

In this episode of Jolene's Books and Writers Talk, we welcome Tracy Jackson, a debut memoir author with her book 'This Love: Love that Covers a Multitude of Sins,' Volumes 1 and 2. Tracy shares her deeply personal journey of over 32 years of marriage, a life of travel with her retired Air Force husband, and her experiences in marriage...

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Exploring the Depths of Storytelling with Joan T. Warren | Jolene's Books and Writers Talk Podcast

Join host Jolene in this episode of Jolene's Books and Writers Talk podcast as she interviews Joan T. Warren, a retired occupational therapist turned full-time author. Joan discusses her latest historical fiction novel, 'The Ventry Path, A Secret Trail of Tears,' which delves into multi-generational trauma and recovery....

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Discover the Magic of 'The Dragon's Tooth' with Fantasy Author Benjamin Coward


In this engaging episode of Jolene's Books and Writers Talk podcast, we welcome fantasy author Benjamin Coward, whose debut novel, 'The Dragon's Tooth,' is making waves in the genre. Recorded just before his appearance at the Literary Indulgence Festival, Benjamin talks about his inspiration, world-building, and storytellin...

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Exploring the Journey of Christian Author Dr. Grace M. Davidson

Today on Jolene's Books and Writers Talk, we welcome Christian author and Bible teacher Dr. Grace M. Davidson. Dr. Davidson shares her insights on what makes a writer, the difference between a writer and an author, and her inspiration behind her debut book, 'The Redemptive Story of Christmas.' She also discusses dealing with writer's block, the therapeut...

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Unlocking the Mind: Dr. Jaya Explores 'Baby Senses' and the World of Sensory Neuroscience


In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jaya, a neuroscientist, engineer, artist, and award-winning author of 'Baby Senses,' a sensory neuroscience primer for all ages. Dr. Jaya discusses her journey in combining art and science, her self-publishing experience, and the creative process behind 'Baby Senses,' a book that explores 16 fascinating hum...

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Interview with Children's Author Jennifer Nestor: EmpoweringStories and Writing Journeys

Welcome to Jolene's Books and Writers Talk! In this episode,host Jolene MacFadden interviews children's author Jennifer Nestor about herbook 'Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality,' self-publishingexperiences, and her advice for new authors. Jennifer discusses the importanceof nurturing individuality and self-worth in c...

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Join multi-genre author Debra Parmley as she shares her experiences and insights on writing, living as a full-time RVer, and adapting to changes in her life. Known for her military romantic suspense novels and 1920s romance series, Debra has authored over 40 books. She discusses her journey from traditional to indie publishing, the importance of making books accessible through large print and audio formats, and her innovative use o...

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Interview with Author Lori Thorn: Navigating Indie Publishing & Paranormal Romance


Join us as we sit down with contemporary romance author Lori Thorn. Lori shares insights into her writing journey, life in Clearwater, Florida, and her latest book, 'Enchanting Elixirs.' Discover her transition into paranormal romance, her strong presence on TikTok, and her experiences with indie publishing. Lori also discusses her aspiration to c...

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