Jolene's Book and Writers Talk
Jolene’s Book & Writers Talk is a weekly podcast for writers, authors, and publishing professionals who want honest conversations about the business of books. Hosted by author and publisher Jolene MacFadden, each episode features real discussions with fiction and nonfiction writers, poets, children’s authors, and publishing pros. We talk craft, storytelling, book marketing, author platforms, and what actually works—without hype or gimmicks. New episodes weekly. Like, review, share, and subscribe. Guest links and resources are in the show notes.
Episodes
In this episode of Jolene's Book & Writers Talk, I'm joined by Lauren Gilbert, a Port St. Lucie-based author whose lifelong love of English literature and deep immersion in Regency-erahistory shapes every page she writes.
Lauren shares how she brings authentic Regency heroines to life without the 21st-century makeover, why Jane Austen's private letters unlock a layer of wit and social critique that thenovels alone c...
Host Jolene MacFadden welcomes Gay-Lynn Grigas, a licensed mental health counselor and credentialed addiction professional with 30 years’ experience in drug and alcohol rehab and five traditionally published books, including her latest, "Psychedelics Dreams and Rituals," which explores healing trauma through self-compassion and self-forgiveness using non-ordinary states of consciousness such as psychedelics, dreams, and r...
Host Jolene MacFadden interviews North Florida writer Nancy Blanton, author of five independently published historical novels set in 17th-century Ireland, including her latest, The Noblest Share of Earth, about a family conflict over the fertile peninsula of Inishowen in County Donegal. Blanton shares her background in journalism and corporate communications, her research-driven process using timelines and character profiles, and h...
Host Jolene MacFadden interviews recently retired U.S. diplomat and federal law enforcement officer Vida Gecas about her children’s book, Lucky Puppy Finds Two Families, a true story inspired by her rescue dog Lucky who she met while posted to the U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea. Gecas explains the book’s themes—dreams, exploration, and the idea of “two families” (the one you’re born or adopted into and the communities you build th...
What drives a retired chemist with a PhD to write her first book at this stage of life? For Miami author Gladys Barrio, the answer is simple: her grandchildren needed to know where they came from.
In this episode, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with Barrio to discuss her award-winning memoir, *Empowered by the Dream: A Journey of Resilience*, which traces three generations of her Cuban-Spanish family through the Spanish Civil War, ...
Orlando Author Mindy Killgrove on Cozy Mysteries, Indie Publishing, KU vs Wide, and Writing Life | Jolene’s Books & Writer’s Talk
Host Jolene MacFadden interviews Orlando, Florida author Mindy Killgrove, who writes cozy mystery series and romance and is finishing the final book in her Buena Ventura Beach Mystery series set in a fictional Florida beach town. Mindy discusses creating a community-focused cozy setting with varied my...
In this episode of Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with author Pamela D. Marshall, a former television journalist turned children’s book author. They discuss Pamela's journey from journalism to writing, her books on forgiveness and environmental awareness, and the importance of connecting with other authors and utilizing social media to reach audiences. Pamela also shares insights into ...
In this episode of Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with Kerry Kriseman, author of 'Accidental First Lady'. Kriseman shares her unique experiences as a political spouse, navigating life, marriage, and motherhood in the public eye. She talks about her writing journey, challenges faced, and how she transitioned into author marketing. The conversation also delves into Kriseman's pot...
This episode is for anyone navigating major life transitions and wondering if renewal is still possible.
I’m joined by Georgette Beck, author of Junk to Jewels: A Journey from Brokenness and Despair to Beauty and Delight. Georgette shares her deeply personal story of divorce, faith, healing, and rebuilding a life rooted in purpose and self-worth.
We talk about vulnerability in nonfiction, writing through trauma, the power of communit...
This episode is for writers and readers interested in speculative fiction that reflects the world we’re living in now.
Author Marie Q. Rogers talks about writing young adult dystopian and climate-focused fiction, including Season of the Dove, a novel many readers describe as prophetic for Florida’s future. We discuss cli-fi, world-building that stays emotionally grounded, and why speculative stories don’t need sequels to leave a las...
In this episode of Jolene’s Book & Writers Talk, I’m joined by author Sarah Bewley, who writes procedural mysteries rooted in the landscapes, weather, and rhythms of North Florida.
Sarah shares how her background in playwriting andinvestigation shaped her approach to crime fiction, why setting matters as much as character, and how real-world experience informs believable procedural storytelling. We also talk about writing authen...
Exploring Faith Through Literature: Interview with Constance Hastings | Jolene's Books and Writers Talk
Join Jolene MacFadden on this episode of Jolene's Books andWriters Talk as she sits down with Jacksonville, Florida author Constance Hastings. They discuss her unique journey into faith and literature, her debut book 'The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away,' and thechallenges she faced througho...
Empowering Education with Matthew D. Hale: Black History, Financial Literacy, and Innovative Teaching
Welcome to Jolene's Books and Writers Talk podcast! In this episode, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with Matthew D. Hale, a visionary educator, retired US Marine, and award-winning self-published author. Hale discusses his innovative approach to teaching black history, civics, financial literacy, and coding through his uniq...
Exploring Gothic Horror with Victoria Nations - Jolene's Books and Writers Talk
Welcome to Jolene's Books and Writers Talk! In this episode, host Jolene MacFadden dives into the eerie and atmospheric world of Florida's swamps with horror author Victoria Nations. Victoria, a native Floridian biologist and elder goth, shares insights into her unique brand of gothic and weird fiction, her writing process, and her signif...
Alabama Author Danny Lampkin's Writing Journey
In this episode of 'Jolene's Books and Writers' Talk,' host Jolene MacFadden engages in an insightful conversation with Alabama author and retired military veteran, Danny Lampkin. Danny, who served over 22 years in both the Navy and the Army, has transitioned into a full-time indie author known for his raw and honest non-fiction works. They discuss Danny's ne...
Exploring 'Caro's Comet': An Enchanting Intersection of History, Literature, and Music
In this episode of 'Jolene's Books and Writers Talk', host Jolene MacFadden interviews Robin Pullen, a playwright, composer, and children's author. Pullen discusses her book 'Caro's Comet', which tells the story of Caroline Herschel, the first woman to discover a comet. Originally a musical featuring a s...
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...
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...
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...
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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