Always Authors

Melissa Pritchard and Lauren Aliza Green "Some Words Are Just Better Than Others" Dec 02, 2024

What do acting, waitressing, Goodwill item-sorting, house cleaning, teaching story-writing to women in prison, journalism, teaching poetry-writing to sex trafficking victims, and achieving a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List in 2024 have to do with these two incredible authors? Listen in to find out!

You'll also find out how writing "puts the imprint of your soul on the page."

Amber and Danielle Brown "You Can Write Yourself Out of Anything" Sep 10, 2024

Twin sisters. Fur babies. And a love of writing. These two amazing women break it all down for you - from why they write, to what they expect. Plus you'll hear about their newest release, Zetas Till We Die,

which comes out Sept. 10th! Is it possible they write thrillers....on their phones?

Juliet Grames and Lynda Cohen Loigman "When the Bronze Package Pops" Sep 03, 2024

Join this fun conversation with two charming ladies as they talk about writing, research and whether or not they were really separated at birth. From finding corpses in Italy to finding love later in life, you'll go on a journey through exotic lands and families alike, and learn a bit about writing and publishing to boot. We promise there will be lots of conversation about rum cake.

Mary McCormack and Melissa Fitzgerald "What's Next?" Aug 12, 2024

These two powerhouse women discuss the process of writing their new exciting book What's Next. Based on their years of experience as long-time cast members of the hit television The West Wing, this book is a must read - informative, moving, hilarious and full of never before seen pictures from this 'family' of cast and crew. A huge takeaway is learning about the amazing organizations they support - you'll want to jump on board as well!

Brooke Lea Foster and Beatriz Williams "The Deep Fugue State of Writing" Jun 17, 2024

Two fantastic authors, each with new with newly released novels discuss historical fiction, how it's not historical to their characters, the universal themes of writing, and how the past is more familiar than the present. And you might find out a thing or two about naked running...

Adriana Herrera and Joanna Lowell "Historical Romance...It Delivers!" Jun 03, 2024

What a joy to listen to these two historical romance authors discuss their process, what drives them to write, the importance of diversity and inclusion in their work, and of course the 'delightfully filthy' parts and unapologetic happy endings!

Garrett Graff and Adam Higginbotham "Do You Remember Where You Were?" May 13, 2024

This may be the first time these two prolific authors and journalists are meeting, but they have so much in common. From Watergate to Chernobyl to the Challenger disaster, they'll take a deep dive into the issues and the importance of writing an accurate detail of major historical events. A must listen...

Stephanie Dray and Kate Quinn "It's Not Some Whackadoo New Idea" Mar 11, 2024

Listen in as Stephanie and Kate discuss the importance of historical fiction; passion for your subject versus what the market wants; and how the fight for women's rights is really not a new idea.

We're sure you'll enjoy this lively conversation between friends, and maybe you'll find out why Stephanie is holding Kate's book hostage.... What will it take to get it back??

Rachel Linden and Kristy Woodson Harvey "Bright Shiny Objects" Mar 06, 2024

These two fantastic women reveal how they transitioned from previous careers to into prolific writers. Listen in as they discuss the difference between storytellers and authors, bringing "book it" back into the limelight, and the importance of creating "mom camp"!

Mimi Matthews and Gail Carriger "How to Give Your Muse Wiggle Room" Jan 29, 2024

Do you like historical fiction and romance? Your mind may be blown by how these two prolific authors spice it up by adding, comedy, Steampunk, futurism, fairies and horses. And, you'll get some great advice on protecting your books in the publishing world.

John Marrs and Jennifer Hillier ”A Gift From the Universe” Jan 01, 2024

Join these two award winning writers as they discuss their latest novels, how they write while raising families, and the difference between thrillers and speculative fiction. You may even hear about cowboy erotic aliens....

Carissa Orlando and Rachel Harrison ”The Crucifix Hidden in the Cabinet” Dec 11, 2023

Are you a horror enthusiast? Listen in as these suspense/horror writers discuss the mysteries behind their stories, the stress of getting your book picked up and why you might be wearing a full body skeleton outfit while reading a horror novel!

Virginia Kantra and Sonali Dev ”Frank Baum and the Suffragettes” Dec 04, 2023

Join these two good friends as they discuss their latest novels, the worlds of Frank Baum and Jane Austen, and the importance of self worth and men who can cook!

Raquel Vasquez Gilliland and Rachel Lynn Solomon ”I Don’t Think I’ve Ever Said This Word on a Podcast” Nov 27, 2023

Join these two prolific writers of adult and YA books as they discuss characters, relationships, sex and the importance of research for their novels. They share agents, editors and a love of tea, stickers and chocolate!

Jacquelyn Mitchard and Adriana Trigiani ”Getting Hit by a Magic Wand” Nov 14, 2023

In a perfect launch to our third season, Jacquelyn and Adriana will take you on a joy filled romp through their novels, process and the experience of selling millions of best selling books. Warning: they may make you laugh and cry all within a perfect hour of conversation.

”Feel Good Fiction” with Phaedra Patrick and Clare Pooley Jun 14, 2023

Join Phaedra and Clare, friends and fellow Brits, as they discuss becoming their characters.... and when exactly the magic happens in the writing process.

”Acts of Defiance” with Bryn Turnbull and Madeline Martin May 29, 2023

Bryn and Madeline discuss their love of writing historical fiction, how much research it takes to write that genre, and how lucky they feel to be able to call themselves authors. From art forgery to book burning, join this enlightening discussion between two friends.

TJ Newman and Meg Gardiner ”Our Dark Little Hearts Come Up With These Crazy Plots” May 22, 2023

TJ and Meg discuss their latest novels, switching careers from the legal world and musical theatre, and the stress and sleeplessness that comes with releasing a new book. Just listening to their conversation about the thrillers they write will make you squirm in your seats and want to hear more!

Alex Hay and Sarah Penner ”Heists, Housekeepers and a Coven of Witches” May 15, 2023

Alex and Sarah discuss their love of writing historical fiction, steps to building a book and other tips for aspiring writers, and the importance of supporting fellow authors. Join us to get a sneak peek at their next book ideas and hear what they're reading now!

Ashley Winstead and Carley Fortune ”Your Goal is to Have a Hot Mess...” May 08, 2023

Ashley and Carly share their insights into writing styles, how to write for a variety of genres, how to manage your personal life with your writing career, and the joys of discussing your craft with your favorite authors. Join us for this fun and fascinating episode!

Lisa Unger and Rick Mofina ”A Nickel and a Cheese Sandwich” Apr 24, 2023

Lisa and Rick, two prolific crime novelists discuss their books, their writing process, seeing their names in print for the first time, and children of those who commit evil acts. Listen in.....you might even learn about the gene for violence.

”Trying to Invoke Our Emotions” with Anita Amirrezvani and Alka Joshi Apr 12, 2023

Anita and Alka discuss their books, their history as mentor and student, the family histories in their homelands of Iran and India, and the importance of exemplary storytelling. You won't want to miss one scent of this episode!

”The Constant Struggle of Creativity” with Kerri Schlottman and Amy Shearn Mar 27, 2023

Kerri and Amy discuss their books, what they're reading now, why people should read fiction books and what we don't talk about enough in this country, including rural poverty. Join these two friends in a lively conversation and maybe you'll also learn out about "Solastalgia".....

Adrienne Young and Isabel Ibanez ”So You Want to Write a Book” Jan 03, 2023

On this episode we are excited to bring you Adrienne Young and Isabel Ibanez, who recently co-wrote The Storyteller's Workbook, An Inspirational, Interactive Guide to the Craft of Novel Writing. Adrienne, the New York Times besteslling author of the Sky and Sea duology, and the Fable series;and Isabel, an award-winning designer and the author of Woven in Moonlight, which was included in Time's 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time. …. discuss their collaboration and how its many features serve as an inspirational and organizational companion to the journey of creating a book. They also provide a sneak peak of their next novels and compare notes on how they use The Gilmore Girls to reset their creative juices.

Ashley Griffin and Stephen Schwartz ”The Magical Work of the Unconscious” Dec 19, 2022

A must listen for aspiring writers of any genre, Ashley and Stephen explore the commonalities of multiple artistic vocabularies, including adapting novels to theater, pairing technique with the magical work of the unconscious, and finding confidence as the youngest creative person in the room.

”Freezing Bits of Time” with Alan Gratz and Ransom Riggs Nov 29, 2022

In this reflective discussion, Alan and Ransom mull the nature of nostalgia in the digital age, compare early video games and explain how to find your way to a story through detailed research.

You'll also learn about the Ghost Army. Seriously.

”Finding Feminism” with Amber Tamblyn and Jessica Valenti Nov 14, 2022

In this invigorating conversation, they discuss how to survive in this hellscape of a world after the overturning of Roe V. Wade; the political and cultural gaslighting that women face, and how to find your intuitive process.

Sulari Gentill and Robert Gott ”There’s a High Corpse Count...” Oct 31, 2022

In this lively romp, Sulari and Robert reveal the ways they injure their characters tastefully, compare how they handle bad reviews and debunk the myth that Australia is the home of scary, venomous creatures.

Antoine Wilson and Sarah Manguso ”Ride the Wave You’re On” Oct 18, 2022

In this free-flowing discussion, Antoine and Sarah explore the transition from writing non-fiction to fiction, mull the motivation of likeability in their approach to their work and examine whether poets smoke more weed than fiction writers.

Chloe Gong and Tashie Bhuiyan ”What if They Didn’t Mean it Like That?” Oct 04, 2022

In this wonderfully exuberant conversation, these ex-roommates extol the benefits of including suggestions from friends into their books, examine Chloe’s “sighing problem” whenever she writes, and re-visit the origin story of Harry Styles following Tashie on social media. Spoiler alert: between offering great insight about the craft of writing, they laugh. A lot.

Jill Bialosky and Lynn Steger Strong ”I Write to Embarrass my Ancestors” Sep 19, 2022

Lynn and Jill examine Jill's latest novel, The Deceptions, to take a deep dive into a variety of issues, such as personal power, shame, and the complicated ways patriarchal systems affect feminine sensibilities within the creative process, and inform their receptions in the world.

Rebecca Makkai and Aleksandar Hemon ”Around the World in 84 Books” Sep 06, 2022

In addition to sneak peaks of their books arriving in early 2023, Rebecca and Aleksandar discuss her new literary initiative Around the World in 84 Books, wherein she will read a single book from 84 different countries beginning in September 2022.

”Nostalgia Is an Inherited Trait.” with Jess Walter and Amor Towles Jul 19, 2022

On this episode we are excited to bring you former National Book Award finalist and winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award, Jess Walter, author of the number one NY times bestseller The Beautiful Ruins, which spent more than a year on the bestseller list, as well as the national bestselling novel Cold Millions, and his latest short story collection The Angel of Rome and Other Stories. Jess is joined by Amor Towles, the NY Times bestselling author of Rules of Civility, A Gentleman From Moscow, and his latest novel, The Lincoln Highway that debuted at number one on the NY Times best seller list and was on the annual book recommendation lists of Bill Gates and Barack Obama. These two friends compare their early story-telling inspirations from Hollywood and music, parse the merits of timely vs timeless writing and examine their yearning to have lived in other eras.

”Shut Up, Lindsey.” with Bakari Sellers and Jonathan Martin Jun 28, 2022

This episode debuts an occasional special series called "Live At…" wherein we record a live conversation at an independent bookstore. From Charleston, South Carolina, we bring you Live at Buxton Books.

CNN political analyst Bakari Sellers, author of the NY Times bestseller My Vanishing Country, speaks with CNN political analyst and NY Times national correspondent Jonathan Martin.

Set against the backdrop of the January 6th hearings, these two friends and colleagues discuss Jonathan’s new book This Will Not Pass, which he co-authored with Alexander Burns. This riveting work presents an inside look at the political events leading up to the January 6th insurrection, first hand reporting inside the Capitol on that fateful day and a detailed look at the political aftermath over the past 15 months. You will hear never before revealed stories, both hilarious and horrifying, of current figures who have been at the center of this political maelstrom.

”Write the Story You Want To Write.” with Zakiya Dalila Harris and Kellye Garrett Jun 14, 2022

Zakiya Dalila Harris is the author of the debut novel The Other Black Girl, which she is adapting into a Netflix series produced by Rashida Jones. Zakiya received her MFA in creative writing from The New School then spent nearly three years in editorial at Knopf/Doubleday. Her essays and book reviews have appeared in Cosmopolitan, Guernica, and The Rumpus.

Zakiya is joined by Kellye Garrett, author of the suspense novel Like A Sister which was featured on the TODAY show and was a Book of the Month April 2022 selection. She also wrote the Detective by Day lightweight mysteries, which have won the Anthony, Agatha, Lefty and IPPY awards and have been featured on the TODAY show as a Best Summer Read. Kellye also wrote for the hit TV series Cold Case and is a co-founder of Crime Writers of Color.

Speaking for the first time, Zakiya and Kellye share with each other the role TV writing has played in their book authorship, the courage it takes to write unapologetically about their experience, and how to make the current "golden age” of BIPOC mystery writing more than a trend.

”I Am My Wildest Dream.” with Keah Brown and Ryan O’Connell May 31, 2022

Keah Brown is the creator of #DisabledAndCute, journalist, screenwriter, author and whose writing has appeared in Teen Vogue, Elle, and The New York Times, among other publications. Her debut essay collection, The Pretty One is out now and her debut picture book, Sam’s Super Seats will be out in the Fall of 2022.

Keah is joined by Ryan O'Connell, actor, director and writer whose work has appeared in Vice, BuzzFeed, and other publications including The New York Times. He is the author of the memoir, I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, which he adapted into the Emmy nominated TV series Special on Netflix. His new novel, Just By Looking At Him, is set to drop on June 7th and he plays Julian on Queer as Folk, which debuts June 9th on Peacock.

In their first ever conversation with each other, these multi-hyphenate authors get real about the benefits of their Virgo-driven ambition, the constant struggle to push back against the limitations placed on them as disabled artists and the importance of savoring their success.

”I Did It All In My Pajamas” with Jean Hanff Korelitz and Emma Straub May 24, 2022

Jean Hanff Korelitz is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels including The Latecomer, The Plot, You Should Have Known (which aired on HBO as The Undoing, starring Nicole Kidman, and Hugh Grant) and Admission (adapted as a film in 2013 starring Tina Fey), The Devil and Webster, The White Rose, and Interference Powder, a novel for children. Her company BOOKTHEWRITER hosts Pop-Up Book Groups in which small groups of readers discuss new books with their authors.

Emma Straub is the New York Times-bestselling author of five novels - This Time Tomorrow, All Adults Here, The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, Laura Lamont's Life in Pictures - and the short story collection Other People We Married. Her books have been published in more than 20 languages, and All Adults Here is currently in development as a television series. She and her husband own Books Are Magic, an independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York.

These Manhattan natives share their love of all things New York (especially the Museum of Natural History), the pleasure of incorporating childhood nostalgia into their novels and how opening a bookstore may be harder than writing.

”Art Out Of Chaos” with Nicole Chung and Taylor Harris May 17, 2022

Nicole Chung is an editor, essayist, and the National Bestselling author of All You Can Ever Know, which was named a Best Book of the Year by nearly two dozen outlets, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography, and was long-listed for the PEN Open Book Award.

Taylor Harris' work has appeared in TIME, O Quarterly, The Washington Post, Longreads, and The Cut, to name a few, and her memoir, This Boy We Made, was one of the Indie Next List's picks for January 2022.

These good friends delve into their approach to creative non-fiction, the emotional layers of parenting, and the mental health benefits of puppies and cheeseburgers.

”That Would Be My Rap Name: Young Curmudgeon” with Glory Edim and Blair Imani May 10, 2022

Glory Edim is the founder of Well-Read Black Girl, a book club, digital platform and now a podcast that celebrates the uniqueness of Black literature and sisterhood. Her Well-Read Black Girl Anthology was named a best book of the year by the Library Journal and her latest release, On Girlhood, was one of NPR's Best Books of 2021.

Blair Imani is an award-winning educator, historian, influencer and the LA Times best-selling author of three books: Read This To Get Smarter, Making Our Way Home, and Modern HERstory.

Glory and Blair share their joyful perspectives on literature as a tool for healing, the continuing work of self-discovery, and their delight in making diverse stories accessible to all.

”If a Monster with Claws Attacked a Man in Armor...” with Tracy Wolff and Brigid Kemmerer May 03, 2022

Tracy Wolff is a New York Times bestselling author of 60 novels including the wildly successful Crave series. The latest installment, Court will be released on November 8th, 2022. The series has been optioned by Universal Films.

Brigid Kemmerer is a New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen YA novels including Defy the Night and A Curse So Dark and Lonely.

Both Tracy and Brigid are mothers of three boys and they will discuss the challenges of writing books and motherhood, staying true to your process, and going all in on your dreams. And if you need to know what color dragon blood is - tune in!

”Take the Big Swing” with Esmé Weijun Wang and Brandon Taylor Apr 26, 2022

We're excited to bring you Esmé Weijun Wang, New York Times bestselling author of The Collected Schizophrenias and the novel The Border of Paradise, which was called a Best Book of 2016, by NPR. Esme is in conversation with Brandon Taylor, author of the national bestseller Filthy Animals, which won the 2022 Story Prize and was a finalist for the Dylan Thomas Prize, and his first novel, Real Life, which was a finalist for the 2020 Booker Prize and was named a New York Times Notable Book.

Don't miss out, Esmé's new nonfiction writing school, The Unexpected Shape Writing Academy, is open for registration through May 8. You can learn more about it at www.unexpectedshapeacademy.com.

In a heart-warming reunion, these two friends detail how their shared passion for film photography helps their writing, why they miss the early days of Twitter and what surprises are in store for their editor as they work on their latest novels. Prepare to be surprised, as well.

”But She Also Sees Dead People” with Karen White and Susan Meissner Apr 12, 2022

Karen White is one of the foremost creators of southern women’s fiction. She is the NY Times best-selling author or the Tradd St. series set in Charleston, SC and her latest novel, The Shop on Royal Street, is set in New Orleans.

Susan Meissner is a USA best-selling author of beloved historical fiction such as The Nature of Fragile Things and The Last Year of the War.

In addition to discussing the inspirations for their popular books, these two friends compare notes on inspirational cemeteries, the power of a good ghost story, and how they got their creative mojo back after the pandemic.

”And...Vampires!” with Shelby Mahurin and Adrienne Young Mar 29, 2022

Shelby Mahurin is the New York Times bestselling author of the Serpent & Dove series. Her rampant childhood imagination has continued into adulthood where her stories are awarded accolades and win over audiences around the world. Her newest work, The Scarlet Veil, hits shelves November 2022. Adrienne Young is the New York Times, USA Today, and Indie list bestselling author of the Sky in the Deep duology, the Fable series, and the forthcoming Spells for Forgetting and Saint. Her books have been published in over twenty-five countries around the world and have even had the honor of being selected as a Reese’s Bookclub YA Pick. With great humor, Shelby and Adrienne bring you into the world of successful YA authors who manage family, deadlines, and even home improvement projects while creating inspired spin-offs for their loyal readership.

”All of Us In Our Hoop Skirts” with Kerri Maher and Fiona Davis Mar 22, 2022

Kerri Maher has written three historical fiction novels: The Kennedy Debutante, The Girl In White Gloves: A Novel of Grace Kelly and just released in 2022, the national best-selling The Paris Bookseller, about trailblazing entrepreneur Sylvia Beach and the original Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris.

Fiona Davis, is the New York Times best-selling author of six historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her latest novel, The Magnolia Palace, was released in February of 2022.

Kerri and Fiona have a wide-ranging discussion that includes their work, lives, passions and creative process. They cover it all, from fictionalizing real people, to researching real places, to their mutual love of hoop skirts.

”Are You a Plotter or a Pantser?” with Jeffery Deaver and John Gilstrap Mar 22, 2022

Jeffery Deaver is an international number-one bestselling mystery author who has written more than 40 novels, including The Bone Collector, part of the acclaimed Lincoln Rhyme series, which was adapted in to a hit film starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. His book A Maiden’s Grave was made into an HBO movie starring James Garner and Marlee Matlin, and NBC television recently aired the nine-episode prime-time series, Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector. He was recently named a Grand Master of The Mystery Writers of America, whose ranks include Agatha Christie, Ellery Queen, Mary Higgins Clark and Walter Mosely. His latest Lincoln Rhyme novel, The Midnight Lock, was released in 2021.

John Gilstrap is a New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty thrillers, two of which, Nathan’s Run and At All Costs, were optioned for movies. In 2009, John wrote No Mercy, which started the massively popular Jonathan Grave series and in 2021, Crimson Phoenix initiated the Victoria Emerson series, the latest installment of which is The Blue Fire, released in 2022.

These good friends share their perspectives on genre writing: the difference between mysteries and thrillers, the elements of the perfect thriller, and who outlines stories before writing (plotters) and who writes by the seat of their pants (pantsers). They also get personal, getting into their mutual love of music and skiing, with an emphasis on their apres ski rituals.

”I’m Writing A Book, I Swear!” with Mia P. Manansala and Lyn Liao Butler Mar 22, 2022

Mia P. Manansala is a 2021 debut author of the acclaimed Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series, Arsenic and Adobo and most recently, Homicide and Halo-Halo. She is the winner of the 2018 Hugh Holton Award, the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, and the 2016 Mystery Writers of America/Helen McCloy Scholarship.

Lyn Liao Butler has lived several lives as a concert pianist, ballerina and now, as a yoga instructor, mother, wife and acclaimed 2021 debut author of The Tiger Mom's Tale and most recently, Red Thread of Fate.

Mia and Lyn’s discussion offers a frank look into the world of debut writers, where they learn to ward off impostor syndrome, practice self-care to improve their craft, plot new ways to embed their passion for traditional Asian food into their books…and mostly avoid writing steamy sex scenes in their novels.

”A Pedestal is a Different Kind of Box” with Kelly Sue DeConnick and Adrienne Mayor Mar 22, 2022

Kelly Sue DeConnick is a trailblazing comic book writer. She is credited with creating the new and improved version of the Captain Marvel heroine Carol Danvers that influenced the story foundation for the 2019 Captain Marvel movie. In response to criticism about her feminism, she created the series Bitch Planet, which has inspired a whole generation of female comic book readers. She moved from Marvel to DC comics where she reimagined the Aquaman series and, most recently, she completed DC’s Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons.

Adrienne Mayor, is a pre-eminent folklorist and research scholar in the history of science and classics at Stanford University. She has written more than a half-dozen award winning books, including the seminal works The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World and Gods and Robots: Myths, Machines, and Ancient Dreams of Technology. Her latest title, Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws, and Other Classical Myths, Historical Oddities, and Scientific Curiosities, was released in early 2022.

Though a generation apart, these two accomplished women begin their discussion with a mutual-admiration love-fest, and then dive into a spirited dialogue that includes super heroes, the myth of a female utopia, grieving like the Greeks and the consequences of having sex at Aphrodite's shrine.

”The Simple Act of Going Back” with Andre Aciman and Edmund de Waal Mar 22, 2022

André Aciman is the NY Times best-selling author of nine titles including Call Me By Your Name, which was made into an Oscar winning film, Out of Egypt, Eight White Nights, and his latest collection of essays, Homo Irrealis.

Edmund de Waal, CBE, is a contemporary English artist, master potter and NY times best-selling author. His most notable titles are The Hare with Amber Eyes (awarded the Costa Book Award for Biography, Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize, and Windham–Campbell Literature Prize for Non-Fiction); The White Road, and most recently, Letters to Camondo.

André and Edmund engage in a passionate discussion about their lives, creative process and the challenges of capturing their family histories for readers. They cover it all, from Penthouse to Proust.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected