Wild Precious Life

World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker is a poet and a maths graduate. He writes about important stuff like hope, dinosaurs and German falafel-spoons. His work has been shared on TED.com and viewed by millions online. In this episode, Annmarie and Harry discuss babies, boundaries, bottle-feeding, his newest book Tender, and how poetry just might help us change the world.

Bookstore Shout-outs:

Between the Covers Bookstore – Telluride's locally owned and independent bookstore since 1974. Called "Telluride's living room," the bookstore and Bruno coffee welcome thousands of locals and visitors each year with stunning views of Bear Creek Canyon and sunny sidewalk cafe seating. Stop by or shop online at http://between-the-covers.com/.

Open Books: Poem Emporium – A poetry bookstore and community space located in historic Pioneer Square, in Seattle, Washington. Stop by our Seattle location or shop at http://open-books-a-poem-emporium.myshopify.com/.

Titles by Harry Baker:

Tender

Wonderful

Unashamed

The Sunshine Kid

Follow Harry Baker:

Instagram: @harrybakerpoet

Threads: @harrybakerpoet

Substack: http://harrybaker.substack.com/

YouTube: @harrybakerpoetry

http://harrybaker.co/

Here’s Harry Baker on a TEDx stage years ago, a performance that helped jump-start his performing career.

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for a month of accountability writing hours and workshops, learn more here.

For women looking for a weekend beach retreat to Florida, early bird pricing is available here.

Photo Credit: Alijphotos

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer is a poet, teacher, speaker and writing facilitator who co-hosts Emerging Form, a podcast on creative process. Her recent collections are All the Honey and The Unfolding, and she’s out now with The Wonderment. In this episode, Annmarie and Rosemerry discuss grief, joy, how to write a poem, how to launch grown-up-but-still-our-babies children into the world, and the playful possibility of a daily writing practice.

Bookstore Shout-outs:

Between the Covers Bookstore – Telluride's locally owned and independent bookstore since 1974. Called "Telluride's living room," the bookstore and Bruno coffee welcome thousands of locals and visitors each year with stunning views of Bear Creek Canyon and sunny sidewalk cafe seating. Stop by or shop online at http://between-the-covers.com/.

Open Books: Poem Emporium – A poetry bookstore and community space located in historic Pioneer Square, in Seattle, Washington. Stop by our Seattle location or shop at http://open-books-a-poem-emporium.myshopify.com/.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

The Wonderment, by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

All the Honey, by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

The Unfolding, by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

Sidekick, by Naomi Shihab Nye

Alhamdulillah Anyway, by Moudi Sbeity

The Sacred Everyday, by James Crews

Accidental Devotions, by Kelli Russell Agodon

Follow Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer:

Instagram: @rosemerry.trommer

Facebook: @rosemerry.trommer

Threads: @rosemerry.trommer

Substack: @rosemerrywahtolatrommer

http://wordwoman.com/

http://ahundredfallingveils.com/ ← Sign up to get a poem a day from Rosemerry.

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for a month of accountability writing hours and workshops, learn more here.

For women looking for a weekend beach retreat to Florida, early bird pricing is available here.

Photo Credit: Joanie Schwarz

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elissa Bassist is an award-deserving author, humor writer, teacher, and speaker. Her first book is HYSTERICAL, a semi-finalist for The Thurber House Prize for American Humor. Her latest, co-authored with Caitlin Kunkel, is INSIDE JOKES: A Comedy and Creativity Guide for All Writers.

In this episode, Elissa and Annmarie discuss hair-care products, female medical symptoms and how they’re often dismissed by male doctors, and whether or not writers can be taught to be funny.

Bookstore Shout-outs:

Gramercy Books – A locally-owned, independently-minded neighborhood bookstore located in the heart of Bexley, Ohio. Our philosophy at Gramercy Books is simple: we’re about inspiration and discovery, community and adventure. We connect readers and writers with books they love, and host special events and ongoing visits by authors, poets and songwriters who provoke conversation. Stop by or shop online at http://gramercybooksbexley.com.

Loganberry Books – An independently owned and operated bookstore in the historic Larchmere neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Loganberry features a carefully curated collection of new, used and rare books in all genres for both readers and collectors, with an inventory over 100,000 volumes. Find your next great read and shop online at http://loganberrrybooks.com.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Hysterical, by Elissa Bassist

Inside Jokes: A Comedy and Creativity Guide for All Writers, by Elissa Bassist and Caitlin Kunkel

Like This, But Funnier, by Hallie Cantor

Acne: A Memoir, by Laura Chinn

Here’s a trailer for Florida Girls.

Follow Elissa Bassist:

Instagram: @elissabassist

Facebook: @elissa.bassist

LinkedIn: @elissabassist

Substack: @elissabassist

http://elissabassist.com

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for support writing their memoir, Annmarie is teaching a class here.

For anyone looking for a month of accountability writing hours and workshops, learn more here.

For women looking for a weekend beach retreat to Florida, early bird pricing is available here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nathan Batchelor is the author of the collection The Judas Goat and Other Southern Horrors. In this episode, Nathan and Annmarie talk about unlikely midlife friendship, diving into books across genres, and how to keep both the reader and the writer surprised by the sometimes tedious work of drafting sentences.

Bookstore Shout-outs:

Gramercy Books – A locally-owned, independently-minded neighborhood bookstore located in the heart of Bexley, Ohio. Our philosophy at Gramercy Books is simple: we’re about inspiration and discovery, community and adventure. We connect readers and writers with books they love, and host special events and ongoing visits by authors, poets and songwriters who provoke conversation. Stop by or shop online at http://gramercybooksbexley.com/.

Loganberry Books – An independently owned and operated bookstore in the historic Larchmere neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Loganberry features a carefully curated collection of new, used and rare books in all genres for both readers and collectors, with an inventory over 100,000 volumes. Find your next great read and shop online at http://loganberrrybooks.com/.

Titles to Explore Based on This Episode:

The Judas Goat and Other Southern Horrors, by Nathan Batchelor

Edgar One, written by Nathan Batchelor and performed by voice artist Kristin Holland

The Heart Response, by Nathan Batchelor

Hellraiser: Resurrections Vol. 0, by Clive Barker

Little Fires Everywhere, by Celeste Ng

White Noise, by Don DeLillo

The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri

Here’s a scene from the 1987 film Moonstruck, one of the only movies that Nathan and Annmarie both enjoy.

Follow Nathan Batchelor:

Twitter/X: @NateBatchelor

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for support writing their memoir, Annmarie is teaching a class here.

For anyone looking for a month of accountability writing hours and workshops, learn more here.

For women looking for a weekend beach retreat to Florida, early bird pricing is available here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vanessa Hua is the award-winning, best-selling author of Forbidden City, A River of Stars, and Deceit and Other Possibilities. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Newsweek, among other publications. In this episode, Annmarie and Vanessa talk about her latest book, Coyoteland, which asks “vital questions about race, class, and what it takes to truly belong.”

Bookstore Shout-outs:

Booksmith – An independent bookstore and mainstay of San Francisco's Haight Ashbury district since 1976. Booksmith offers signed copies by local authors and ships worldwide. Shop online at https://www.booksmith.com/.

Orinda Books – An independently-owned bookstore just 30 minutes east of San Francisco. We are open six days a week with free parking, and the Orinda BART station is a pleasant half-mile walk away. We provide a diverse range of books and our children's department is extensive and inviting. Besides books, we also carry puzzles, toys, cards, and calendars, as well as locally-made chocolate, olive oil, ceramics, and artwork. We love to read and recommend our favorites — so don't hesitate to ask! Stop by or shop online at http://orindabooks.com.

Books by Vanessa Hua:

Forbidden City

Coyoteland

Deceit and Other Possibilities

A River of Stars

Other Titles Discussed in This Episode:

How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder, by Nina McConigley

Where the Girls Were, by Kate Schatz

Bad Asians, by Lillian Li

When We're Born We Forget Everything, by Alicia Jo Rabins

Here’s a Link to the Recipe for Summer Cake on http://smittenkitchen.com

Follow Vanessa Hua:

http://vanessahua.com

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for support writing their memoir, Annmarie is teaching a class here.

For anyone looking for a month of accountability writing hours and workshops, learn more here.

For women looking for a weekend beach retreat to Florida, early bird pricing is available here.

Photo Credit: Marc Puich

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Milan Carter-Gilkey is a writer, a lover of books, and a bookseller. She writes personal essays, articles, creative nonfiction and occasionally, fiction. Her work has appeared in Huffington Post, mater mea, Mutha Magazine, the anthology All the Women in My Family Sing, and elsewhere. In this episode, Meilan and Annmarie talk about favorite books of the past, present, and future, and how to reach for a title to transport you to a world you didn’t know was possible.

Episode Sponsors:

Octavia’s Bookshelf – An independent bookstore in Pasadena, California where readers of all walks of life can enjoy our store full of books written by BIPOC writers. Octavia’s Bookshelf is a place to find your new BFF inside a book, a space to find community, enjoy a cup of coffee, read, relax, find unique and specially curated products from artisans from around the world and in our neighborhood. Stop by or shop online at http://octaviasbookshelf.com/.

Porter Square Books: Boston Edition – A welcoming space to gather with neighbors, linger over books, read with kids, chat with booksellers, and feel part of the community. Whether it’s an author series, book club, or regular story hour, we’ll work to make it happen. Shopping with us also supports GrubStreet, one of the nation's leading creative writing centers. Learn more or shop online at portersquarebooks.com.

Titles Recommended in This Episode:

Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume

Then Again, Maybe I Won’t, by Judy Blume

A Handful of Earth, a Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia Butler, by Lynell George

Beloved, by Toni Morrison

Sula, by Toni Morrison

Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison

Kin, by Tayari Jones

Silver Sparrow, by Tayari Jones

An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones

The Untelling, by Tayari Jones

Good Grief, Pass the Bread, Mom Is Dead, by Angela Nissel

Oreo, by Fran Ross

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, by Deesha Philyaw

Long Division, by Kiese Laymon

Heavy, by Kiese Laymon

Martyr!, by Kaveh Akbar

O Sinners! by Nicole Cuffy

There’s Always This Year, by Hanif Abdurraqib

The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros

Wild Seed, by Octavia E. Butler

Dawn, by Octavia E. Butler

Parable of the Sower, by Octavia E. Butler

The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy

Running in the Family, Michael Ondaatje

Things in Nature Merely Grow, by Yiyun Li

Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution, by R. F. Kuang

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, by Dawnie Walton

Good Talk, by Mira Jacob

Follow Meilan Carter-Gilkey:

Instagram: @meilancg

Substack: @meilancartergilkey

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for support writing their memoir, Annmarie is teaching a class here.

For anyone looking for a month of accountability writing hours and workshops, learn more here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julie Carrick Dalton’s most recent novel, THE FOREST BECOMES HER, has been described as “a lush, lyrical exploration of sisterhood, rage, and the sacred ties between women and the wild.” In this episode, Julie and Annmarie talk about Transcendentalism, favorite trees, the blessings of mugwort, and how to open our eyes more fully to the beauty of the natural world.

Episode Sponsors:

Porter Square Books: Boston Edition – A welcoming space to gather with neighbors, linger over books, read with kids, chat with booksellers, and feel part of the community. Whether it’s an author series, book club, or regular story hour, we’ll work to make it happen. Shopping with us also supports GrubStreet, one of the nation's leading creative writing centers. Learn more or shop online at portersquarebooks.com.

Belmont Books – An honest to goodness real mom-and-pop brick-and-mortar bookstore in beautiful Belmont, MA. Why would we open a bookstore in the age of Kindles, Kobos, iPads and eBooks? Because: Every town needs one; People still love to browse real books on real shelves; Traditional bookstores provide more help, expertise and personal service than online ones; Small town stores are centers where people come together in the most impromptu fashion and exchange ideas and stories, make new friends, and find support. Plus, real bookstores often come with coffee shops. Stop by or shop online at http://belmontbooks.com/

Titles by Julie Carrick Dalton

Waiting for the Night Song

The Last Beekeeper

The Forest Becomes Her

Titles and Author Discussed in This Episode:

Wild Dark Shore, by Charlotte McConaghy

Salvage the Bones, by Jesmyn Ward

The Gatepost, by Tim Weed

Westerly, by Susan Donovan Bernhard

Follow Julie Carrick Dalton:

Twitter/X: @JulieCarDalt

Instagram: @juliecdalton

Facebook: @JulieCarrickDalton

Substack: Julie’s Plot Twist

http://juliecarrickdalton.com/

Photo Credit: Sharona Jacobs

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in an August weekday accountability hour, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for support writing their memoir, Annmarie is teaching a class here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Searles is the best-selling author of the novels Her Last Affair, Help for the Haunted, Strange but True, Boy Still Missing, and his latest, Single Girls, which is out now. In today’s episode, John and Annmarie discuss the joys and risks of the writing life, and the legendary career of Helen Gurley Brown, the most famous and transformative editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine.

Bookstore Spotlights:

Three Lives & Company Booksellers – Three Lives is an anachronism.​ It’s the shop around the corner. A touchstone in a neighborhood. A place with a human face and a cast of characters. 84 Charing Cross Road colored by the time and place. A haven for people who read. We (the store and our customers) have grown up and evolved together. People come here to see and buy what we consider to be some of the best books available today. We thrive on discovering literary books that might otherwise be overlooked, and we are thrilled to give them to our customers. Stop by our West Village shop and learn more at http://threelives.com/.

BookHampton – Situated in the village of East Hampton on Long Island's storied East End, BookHampton provides a vibrant year-round environment for discovering books that intrigue, amuse, educate, and inspire. A dedicated and knowledgeable staff, lively events with fascinating authors, and a warm, welcoming space all combine to create a community for book lovers. Stop by or shop online at http://bookhampton.com/.

Books by John Searles:

Her Last Affair

Help for the Haunted

Strange but True

Boy Still Missing

Single Girls

Additional Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

The Foursome, by Christina Baker Kline

Take Me with You, by Stephen Rowley

The Amateur, by Chris Bohjalian

Helpless, by Jessica Knoll

Follow John Searles:

Instagram: @johnsearles

Facebook: @JohnSearlesAuthor

http://john-searles.com/

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in an August weekday accountability hour, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for support writing their memoir, Annmarie is teaching a class here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whitney Vale is the author of two chapbooks, Journey with the Ferry Man, and her latest, Sermon of Swallows, which is out now. Her poetry and prose have been published in Anti-Heroin Chic, Rogue Agent, Black Fork Review, and The Rumpus, among many others. In today’s episode, Whitney and Annmarie discuss the joy of a creative life, the pain of beginning again, and what it might look like if we committed ourselves to filling the world with just a little more beauty.

Bookstore Spotlights:

Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. Learn more and shop online at http://newtonvillebooks.com.

Carmichael's Bookstores – In Louisville, Kentucky. From the very beginning Carmichael’s has been committed to being a community gathering place, open seven days a week and every evening. Our stores are in neighborhoods that hum with activity—walkers, joggers, dogs and children, families and couples—lively streetscapes never darkened by the shadow of a big box store. Carmichael’s is actively committed to Keeping Louisville Weird and spreading the word about the importance of buying from locally-owned businesses. Stop by any of our locations or shop online at http://carmichaelsbookstore.com

Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Journey with the Ferry Man

Sermon of Swallows

Kelli Russell Agodon

Beth Ann Fennelly

Maggie Smith

Ada Limón

Kathleen Driskell

Sarah Freligh

Alison Hurwitz

Kristi Maxwell

Lung Hours, by Jessica Purdy

Diane Seuss

Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Joy Harjo

Follow Whitney Vale:

Instagram: @whitneyvale

Facebook: @whitneyvale

http://whitneyvale.org

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in an August weekday accountability hour, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for support writing their memoir, Annmarie is teaching a class here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sara Lippmann is the author of the novel Lech and the story collections Doll Palace and Jerks. Her fiction has won the Lilith Prize and been honored by the New York Foundation for the Arts, and her nonfiction has appeared in The Millions, The Washington Post, The Chicago Review of Books, Lit Hub and elsewhere. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Sara discuss the 80s, the 90s, the joy and pain of writing workshops, and what healing can look like when we must reach deep into the past to find our way forward again.

Bookstore Spotlights:

Narberth Bookshop – At Narberth Bookshop, we’re a community of readers, writers, and lifelong learners, and we look forward to welcoming you to our store. Stop by our Narberth, Pennsylvania store or learn more at http://narberthbookshop.com.

Powerhouse Arena – A laboratory for creative thought in Brooklyn, New York. Home to world-renowned art book publisher POWERHOUSE BOOKS, the Arena is a gallery, boutique, book store, performance, and events space. The POWERHOUSE ARENA showcases a series of landmark exhibitions, performances, and controlled mayhem fusing the worlds of art, photography, design, fashion, pop culture, advertising, music, dance, film, and television into a glorious whirlwind of captivating spectacle. And they’re opening a new location this summer at the Upper West Side in the Shops at Columbus Circle. Learn more and shop online at http://powerhousearena.com.

Titles by Sara Lippmann:

Hidden River

Lech

Doll Palace

Jerks

Smashing the Tablets, co-edited with Seth Rogoff

Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

The Delegation, by Avner Landes

Consolation, by Deborah Shapiro

The World Between, by Zeeva Bukai

Everybody Needs Something, by Melanie Pappadis Faranello

Follow Sara Lippmann:

Instagram: @sara.lipp

Twitter/X: @saralippmann

Bluesky: @saralippmann.bsky.social

Facebook: @saralippmann

Threads: @sara.lipp

Substack: @saralippmann

http://saralippmann.com

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in an August weekday accountability hour, you can sign up here.

For anyone looking for support writing their memoir, Annmarie is teaching a class here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jill Christman is a 2020 NEA Prose Fellow and the author of If This Were Fiction: A Love Story in Essays and two memoirs, Darkroom: A Family Exposure and Borrowed Babies: Apprenticing for Motherhood, and The Heart Folds Early: A Memoir. In today’s episode, Jill and Annmarie discuss healthcare, heartaches, and how to make it through when the thing we fear most comes true.

Bookstore Spotlights:

Barrett Bookstore – The oldest and largest independent bookstore in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Woman-founded in 1939 and woman-owned today, Barrett booksellers develop relationships with authors (hosting many events like our yearly Ladies of Summer panel), partnerships with local schools and libraries, and friendships with our loyal patrons. Visit Barrett in Darien, CT or at http://barrettbookstore.com.

Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. And learn more and shop online at http://newtonvillebooks.com.

Titles by Jill Christman:

If This Were Fiction: A Love Story in Essays

Darkroom: A Family Exposure

Borrowed Babies: Apprenticing for Motherhood

The Heart Folds Early: A Memoir.

Follow Jill Christman:

Instagram: @jillchristmanwriter

Bluesky: @jillchristman.bsky.social

Substack: @riverteethjill

http://jillchristman.com

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Priya Parmar is the author of the novel, Vanessa and Her Sister, a New York Times Notable Book, and her latest novel, The Original, is out now. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Priya discuss their shared obsession with movie star, Katharine Hepburn, gender norms in old Hollywood, and how to know when a book is really finished. 

Bookstore Spotlights:

Barrett Bookstore – The oldest and largest independent bookstore in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Woman-founded in 1939 and woman-owned today, Barrett booksellers develop relationships with authors (hosting many events like our yearly Ladies of Summer panel), partnerships with local schools and libraries, and friendships with our loyal patrons. Visit Barrett in Darien, CT or at http://barrettbookstore.com/.

Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. And learn more and shop online at http://newtonvillebooks.com/.

Titles by Priya Parmar:

Exit the Actress

Vanessa and Her Sister

The Original

Additional Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

The Foursome, by Christina Baker Kline

Desk Set

The Philadelphia Story

Adam’s Rib

Sylvia Scarlett

Follow Priya Parmar:

Facebook: @priyaparmar

Instagram: @priyaparmarwriting

Substack: Plum Bean Notes @priyaparmarwriting

http://priyaparmar.net/

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kelli Russell Agodon is a poet, writer, editor, and book designer whose Dialogues with Rising Tides, was named a Finalist for the Washington State Book Awards. In today’s episode, Kelli and Annmarie discuss texting Emily Dickinson, how to write a poem, and Kelli’s latest book Accidental Devotions which Traci Brimhall describes as “the kind of beauty you wish to hold forever.”

Episode Sponsors:

Open Books: Poem Emporium – A poetry bookstore and community space located in historic Pioneer Square, in Seattle, Washington. Stop by our Seattle location or shop at http://open-books-a-poem-emporium.myshopify.com/.

Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. And learn more and shop online at http://newtonvillebooks.com/.

Titles by Kelli Russell Agodon:

Accidental Devotions

Dialogues with Rising Tides

Hourglass Museum

Everything Is Writable, co-authored with Annette Spaulding-Convy

The Daily Poet: Day-By-Day Prompts, co-authored with Martha Silano

Demystifying the Manuscript: Essays and Interviews on Creating a Book of Poems, co-edited with Susan Rich

Additional Titles and Authors Mentioned in This Episode:

The New Economy, by Gabrielle Calvocoressi

Blue Atlas, by Susan Rich

Dear Selection Committee, by Melissa Studdard

Glitter Road, by January Gill O’Neil

Terminal Surreal, by Martha Silano

Follow Kelli Russell Agodon:

Facebook: @agodon

Instagram: @kelliagodon

Bluesky: @kelliagodon

Threads: @kelliagodon

Twitter/X: @kelliagodon

Substack: Postcards from a Poet @kelliagodon

YouTube: @PoemsYouNeed

http://agodon.com/

http://twosylviaspress.com/

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in a May weekday accountability circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone in search of an evening class to jumpstart their creative practice, you can sign up here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Martha Conway is the author of several novels including The Underground River, which was a New York Times Book Editor’s Choice. Her novel Thieving Forest won the North American Book Award for Best Historical Fiction, and her novel The Physician’s Daughter has been called “historical fiction at its finest.” In today’s episode, Annmarie and Martha discuss multiverses, theater kids, and how her latest book We Meet Apart was both a puzzle Martha created and a puzzle she needed to solve.



Episode Sponsors:

Green Apple Books – Connecting curious San Francisco readers to great books since 1967. Browsing at Green Apple is a unique experience. From our handmade signs and book recommendations to the many nooks and crannies, you can both get lost in here and find serendipity. Our friendly, well-read employees also stand ready to help you in any way. For your next great read, stop by or go to http://greenapplebooks.com/.

Orinda Books – An independently-owned bookstore just 30 minutes east of San Francisco. We are open six days a week with free parking, and the Orinda BART station is a pleasant half-mile walk away. We provide a diverse range of books and our children's department is extensive and inviting. Besides books, we also carry puzzles, toys, cards, and calendars, as well as locally-made chocolate, olive oil, ceramics, and artwork. We love to read and recommend our favorites — so don't hesitate to ask! Stop by or shop online at http://orindabooks.com/.

Titles by Martha Conway:

Thieving Forest

The Underground River

12 Bliss Street

Sugarland

The Physician’s Daughter

We Meet Apart

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

And The Ancestors Sing, by Radha Lin Chaddah

Bug Hollow, by Michelle Huneven

Skylark, by Paula McLain

Recipe for Joy, by Monica Comas

Follow Martha Conway:

Instagram: @marthamconway

Threads: @marthamconway

Substack: @marthaconway

http://marthaconway.com/

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

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For anyone interested in a May weekday accountability circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone in search of an evening class to jumpstart their creative practice, you can sign up here.

And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us!

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Annie Hartnett is the award-winning author of three novels: Rabbit Cake, Unlikely Animals, and the national bestseller The Road to Tender Hearts, which won the 2025 New England Book Award for fiction and was named a best book of 2025 from NPR, LitHub, and Southern Living. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Annie discuss parenting worries, janky rental houses, and how to write a road trip book with or without a cat that can predict death.

Episode Sponsors:

Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. And learn more and shop online at http://newtonvillebooks.com.

Blue Willow Bookshop – A locally-owned, independently-minded West Houston bookstore. Blue Willow is run by a team of opinionated, well-read women. Our staff meetings are full of laughter, our back room is full of snacks, and we absolutely love putting the right book into a reader’s hands. We’ve got recommendations. We’ve got pizzazz. And we look forward to welcoming you to our happy place. Stop in or shop online at http://bluewillowbookshop.com.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Rabbit Cake, by Annie Hartnett

Unlikely Animals, by Annie Hartnett

The Road to Tender Hearts, by Annie Hartnett

Margot’s Got Money Troubles, by Rufi Thorpe

Follow Annie Hartnett:

Instagram: @annie_hartnett

Threads: @annie_hartnett

Substack: @anniehartnett

http://anniehartnett.com

http://accountabilityworkshops.com

Photo credit: Traer Scott

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in a May weekday accountability circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone in search of an evening class to jumpstart their creative practice, you can sign up here.
And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us!

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tara Pringle Jefferson is the founder of The Self Care Suite, a digital wellness community for Black women. Her voice has been featured on New York magazine’s The Cut, Black Enterprise, and Essence. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Tara discuss Bloom How You Must: A Black Woman’s Guide to Self-Care and Generational Healing, and the importance of both self-care and community care as a sustaining force for Black women.

Episode Sponsors:

Tastes & Tomes – A Black woman-owned, mission-driven, pop-up/mobile bookshop in Columbus, Ohio. Founded during the pandemic by author, poet, advocate, and educator, Tracy Ramey (pen name Tracy D.F. Resonance), Tastes & Tomes centers historically underrepresented stories, banned and challenged books, and indie authors. Find Tastes & Tomes online at http://bookshop.org/shop/tastesandtomes. And if you’re in the Columbus area today, April 7, 2026, come on out to Zora’s House for the Inaugural National Black Bookstore Day. Come support your local Black bookstore. Let’s celebrate and recognize literacy, knowledge, and those who paved the way before us.

Literary Cleveland – Developing writers, amplifying voices, and transforming our community through storytelling. Explore other voices and discover your own. Search for classes and find your creative community at http://litcleveland.org/.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Bloom How You Must: A Black Woman’s Guide to Self-Care and Generational Healing, by Tara Pringle Jefferson

Firstborn Girls, by Bernice L. McFadden

Dominion, by Addie E. Citchens

The Price of Exclusion: The Pursuit of Healthcare in a Segregated Nation, by Nicole Carr

Follow Tara Pringle Jefferson:

Facebook: @wherewomenbloom

Instagram: @wherewomenbloom

Threads: @wherewomenbloom

Substack: The Well Rested Black Woman

http://tarapringlejefferson.com/

http://theselfcaresuite.com/

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in an evening class to jumpstart your creative practice, you can sign up here.

And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us!

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Melody Chu is a writer and attorney. The daughter of Chinese immigrants from Taiwan, she graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School and has practiced as an attorney in Hong Kong, Beijing and the United States. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Melody discuss her debut novel Mathey Girls. They also talk about independent publishing and the power of female friendships across distance, time, and grief. 

Episode Sponsors:

Loganberry Books – An independently owned and operated bookstore in the historic Larchmere neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Loganberry features a carefully curated collection of new, used and rare books in all genres for both readers and collectors, with an inventory over 100,000 volumes. Find your next great read and shop online at loganberrrybooks.com.

Mac’s Backs – A proud Cleveland indie bookstore with three floors for browsing, great online service, and chocolate milkshakes right next door. Find your new favorite book and shop online at http://macsbacks.com/.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Mathey Girls, by Melody Chu

Kundun (1997) Official Trailer

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Official Trailer

Follow Melody Chu:

Facebook: @MelodyChu

Instagram: @MelodyChu_author

Threads: @melodygchu

http://melodychuauthor.com/

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in an evening class to jumpstart your creative practice, you can sign up here.

And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us!

Photo Credit: Melissa Lipnick, Life Unscripted Photography

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Natalie Haynes is a writer, broadcaster and “rock star mythologist.” Her retelling of the Trojan War, A Thousand Ships, was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction and has been translated around the globe. She’s out now with No Friend to This House, a reimagining of the story of Medea. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Natalie poke fun at Perseus, demystify Greek myths, and discuss the relevance of classic literature in our modern world.

Episode Sponsors:

Pocket Books – An independent, queer, feminist bookstore committed to the idea that bookstores are places for communities to share knowledge, wisdom, resources, and connections. We stock an intentional and eclectic selection of books that we hope will help you feel safe exploring something new. Pocket Books is a place of discovery where readers find support for their ideas and new interests. Stop by one of our Lancaster, Pennsylvania locations or shop online at http://pocketbooksshop.com.

Books Are Magic⁠ – A family-owned independent bookstore in Brooklyn, committed to being a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive space for all people. We believe that books are indeed magic and that literature is one of the best ways to create empathy, transportation, and transformation. Stop by or shop online at ⁠booksaremagic.net⁠.

Titles by Natalie Haynes:

No Friend to This House

A Thousand Ships

The Children of Jocasta

Stone Blind

Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth

Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths

Additional Titles Mentioned in This Episode

The Overstory, Playground, and Bewilderment, all by Richard Powers

O Brother, Where Art Thou? Official Trailer

Clash of the Titans (1981) Official Trailer

Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics

Follow Natalie Haynes:

Facebook: @nataliehaynesstandupclassicist

Twitter/X: @officialnhaynes

Instagram: @NatalieHaynesAuthor

Threads: @nataliehaynesauthor

Bluesky: @NatalieHaynes

http://nataliehaynes.com

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in an evening class to jumpstart your creative practice, you can sign up here.

And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us!
Photo Credit: James Betts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beth Ann Fennelly is the former poet laureate of Mississippi and the author of seven books, including Heating and Cooling and The Titled World. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Beth Ann discuss her latest book, The Irish Goodbye: Micro-Memoirs, and what we can learn from everyday moments observed with extraordinary clarity and humor.

Episode Sponsors:

Square Books – A general independent bookstore on the historic town square of Oxford, Mississippi, home of the University of Mississippi and many great writers, including William Faulkner, Barry Hannah, Larry Brown, and, for a time, both Willie Morris and John Grisham. Square Books is known for its strong selection of literary fiction, books on the American South and by Southern writers, and its emphasis on books for children. The store hosts the popular Thacker Mountain radio show and over 150 author events a year. Stop by our Oxford location or shop online at http://squarebooks.com.

Fountain Bookstore – An independent, general, full-service bookstore serving the Metro Richmond area and the world! Fountain hosts more author programming than any other entity in the state of Virginia. We also ship autographed copies worldwide. Come check us out! You’ll find enthusiastic booksellers happy to talk about their favorite titles. Or find us online at http://fountainbookstore.com.

Titles by Beth Ann Fennelly

Open House

Tender Hooks

Unmentionables

Great with Child: Letters to a Young Mother

The Tilted World, coauthored with Tom Franklin

Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs

The Irish Goodbye: Micro-Memoirs

Additional Titles Mentioned in This Episode

House of Smoke, by John T. Edge

Me vs. Slugs: Pandemic Edition, by Beth Ann Fennelly

Outtakes from the Highlight Reel, by Beth Ann Fennelly

Follow Beth Ann Fennelly:

Facebook: @BethAnnFennelly

Instagram: @bethannfennelly

Threads: @bethannfennelly

Substack: The BethAnnigan

http://bethannfennelly.com

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in an evening class to jumpstart your creative practice, you can sign up here.

And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us!

Photo Credit: Paul Gandy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times Bestselling author of six award-winning novels, including Yellow Wife and The House of Eve. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Sadeqa discuss her latest novel, Keeper of Lost Children, and how one American woman’s vision in post WWII Germany changed the course of countless lives.

Episode Sponsors:

Fountain Bookstore – An independent, general, full-service bookstore serving the Metro Richmond area and the world! Fountain hosts more author programming than any other entity in the state of Virginia. We also ship autographed copies worldwide. Come check us out! You’ll find enthusiastic booksellers happy to talk about their favorite titles. Or find us online at http://fountainbookstore.com.

Politics and Prose – DC’s premier independent bookstore and cultural hub. At Politics and Prose, we’re devoted to cultivating community and strengthening the common good through books, programs, and a respectful exchange of ideas. And we’re committed to exceptional customer service and to the values of independence, inclusion, and diversity. Stop by one of our Washington, DC locations or shop online at http://politics-prose.com.

Titles by Sadeqa Johson

Keeper of Lost Children

Yellow Wife

The House of Eve

Second House from the Corner

And Then There Was Me

Additional Titles Mentioned in This Episode

Broken Country, by Clare Leslie Hall

Harlem Rhapsody, by Victoria Christopher Murray

Follow Sadeqa Johnson:

Facebook: @SadeqaJohnson

Instagram: @sadeqasays

TikTok: @sadeqasays

http://www.sadeqa.net

**Writing Workshops:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.

For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.

For anyone interested in a memoir writing class, you can sign up here.

And if you’re looking to write and learn with Sadeqa, she’s hosting a writing retreat in Arcachon, France this April. You can sign up here.

And if you’d like to travel with Annmarie is leading a writing workshop in Paris this June.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.