The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast
Welcome to The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, where we explore the world of books and the stories behind the authors who write them. Join us for fun and exciting interviews with writers, as they share their journey to publication, offer book recommendations, and provide writing tips for aspiring authors. Whether you're a book lover or a budding writer, I invite you to come along and we'll explore my bookshelves.
Episodes
In today's episode, I interview romance author Kay Parquet about her delightful series, Blossom Street. Each story explores a different life and love of the people who populate her cozy town. We discuss some of our favorite stories, talk about her writing journey, and how ADHD affects writing and reading. If you're looking for clean romance stories that feature realistic people, this is the series for you!
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Today's interview is with the cozy mystery author Shannon Symonds! She returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, Murder by the Book, we catch up on all the exciting changes that have to her life this past year, and we then reflect on the year and express gratitude for all that has happened.
Just a note: This episode was intended to come out on Thanksgiving weekend, but due to some illnesses it was delaye...
Today on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, we’re talking about dragons! My guest is YA author Mari Mancusi, a versatile writer who has created stories for readers of all ages. Recently, she’s turned her talents toward crafting a thrilling trilogy about the dragon apocalypse. As we explore her writing journey, you’ll hear how a Disney superfan ended up writing books for Disney, why it’s so important to write what you love...
I’m excited to share today’s episode—our 100th episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey! To celebrate this milestone, I’m joined by author Leokadia George for a conversation about a topic that’s close to my heart: animal conservation. Leokadia has partnered with the New York Wolf Conservation Center to create a delightful series of children’s books about Trumpet, a real Mexican Gray Wolf whose story reflects the ongoing effor...
Can someone accidentally become a writer?
Today, my interview takes us over to beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland as I interview mystery author Val Penny! She writes crime mysteries set in Edinburgh - The DI Hunter Wilson Crime Series and the new spinoff series The Jane Renwick Thrillers. In today’s episode we talk about what we’re currently reading and the joy of rereading books throughout our life, her writing journey th...
Today on the podcast, I’m joined by the talented Michele Pariza Wacek — author of an incredible range of mysteries, thrillers, and cozies, all set within a shared universe. We kick things off chatting about our pets (naturally!), share some great reading recommendations, and gush over one of my favorite series — The Dresden Files. Then we dive into Michele’s writing journey, explore how all her stories connect, and ta...
This week on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I interview author Kimberley Webb, who has just written a wonderful book called Jillian’s Island. I’m excited to introduce you to this talented new author! How does she find time to write and publish her own book while also being a full-time mom and wife? It’s all about balance and making time for the things that matter. We talk about that, dive into the craft of writing whi...
Is reading a form of self-care? In today’s episode, I’m joined by author Ciara Blume for a cozy and thought-provoking chat about how books can bring comfort, healing, and inspiration. We talk about reading as self-care, writing as a path to emotional wellness, and how fiction helps us better understand ourselves and others. Along the way, Ciara shares her reading journey, favorite authors, and her latest book project....
✨ In today’s episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I sit down with urban fantasy author Trisha A. Thacker to talk about her writing journey, love of reading, and passion for adult literacy. We also dive into the world of Doctor Who, the joys and challenges of storytelling, and the magic of books that shape our lives.
📚 Whether you’re a fan of urban fantasy, a reader looking for inspiration, or just love discover...
In today's episode I interview Sci-Fi writer Jenny Ahmed. Her recent book "Utopia" is about "A handpicked team of elite scientists, each prepared to leave Earth behind forever. Their mission: to build a permanent colony and turn the barren red planet into humanity's next home. Mars holds secrets far older—and far stranger—than anyone could have imagined..."
We also talk about her writing...
It's always a fun time when Jessica Thompson stops by the podcast. Today, she and author Heidi O'Barr take a break from their writing retreat to chat with me about the Messy Manuscript Society's newest collection of fantasy short stories, "Beyond the Waves"! We chat about what we're reading, and talk about some of our favorite Cozy mysteries and all the tropes we enjoy. Take a listen toda...
In today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I interview author Jenna Maeson about her writing journey, her books, and a topic that is a passion of ours - the importance of reading aloud to children (and adults!) Jenna and I share a bunch of books that are great to read aloud to children. Please feel free to add more to our list in the comments! Also find out all about her delightful cozy mystery series, ...
Today I continue my conversation with author Stefanie Santone. We have a very open conversation about our struggles with mental wellness - and the important part that writing, reading, and stories have played in helping us in our journey. This is a topic that I have wanted to discuss for awhile, and I am grateful that Stefanie was willing to be open with her journey. We also talk about her nickname "The Mindful S...
Hello bookworms! Today I have the privilege of sitting down with author Stefanie Santone. She's just published a book called "Tangled Magic" - and it's the first book in a new urban fantasy mystery series.
In Part 1 of my interview, the chaos runs strong: In this fun and wide-ranging episode, Stefanie shares her writing journey—from being inspired by Star Wars to crafting magical stories of her own...
Today on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I sit down with fantasy author M.T. Solomon to discuss her latest release, "Liar Queen" – the exciting first book in an all-new fantasy trilogy! At the beginning of the episode I also give a quick update on my podcast, this channel, and life in general.
We then explore her writing journey—from her dreams of being a writer that began as a young child, to an adult making...
In 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 swim...
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 ...
In 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 archeologica...
In 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!
Fin...
Hello 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...
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