Inside the Writer's Head - TopPodcast.com

Season 6, Episode 1: Sheila Williams Mar 26, 2021

In this episode of "Inside the Writer's Head" Writer-in-Residence Dani McClain interviews author Sheila Williams. Sheila Williams is the author of Dancing on the Edge of the Roof, On the Right Side of a Dream, The Shade of My Own Tree and Girls Most Likely. She is a contributor to an anthology entitled A Letter For My Mother, compiled and edited by writer Nina Foxx. Sheila is a reformed corporate borg (she drank the Kool-Aid but it made her sick), loves to read, listen to music (most kinds), travel, and eat popcorn, preferably served dripping with butter. She lives in northern Kentucky.

Season 5, Episode 10: Dani McClain Dec 30, 2020

In this episode of our “Inside the Writer’s Head” podcast, Dani McClain reflects on her time as Writer-in-Residence in a tumultuous year, and announces that her residency has been extended through 2021!

Season 5, Episode 9: Gabriela Godinez Feregrino Nov 25, 2020

In this episode of our “Inside the Writer’s Head” podcast, Dani McClain speaks with Streetvibes editor Gabriela Godinez Feregrino.

Gabriela graduated from Ohio University in May of 2018 with a communications degree in media. In school, she studied media production with an emphasis on social change, and also finished a minor in English. She worked at the Ohio University LGBT Center where she found her love for working with and for the community around her.

Her previous employment taught her how to speak on panels, teach advocacy, and grass roots organizing. She knows the importance of advocacy and hopes to spend her life working in this sort of field. She has always been a writer and she was incredibly excited when she found out that we were hiring a new editor—she jumped at the opportunity. She feels it’s a privilege to work for this paper as well as an incredible responsibility. She hopes to showcase as many voices from the community as she possibly can.

Season 5, Episode 8: Gavin DeVore Leonard Oct 23, 2020

For the latest episode of “Inside the Writer’s Head,” Writer-in-Residence Dani McClain interviews Gavin DeVore Leonard. He’s the Executive Director of Ohio Voice, Ohio's 501(c)(3) civic engagement table, a job title that he breaks down for us early in our conversation. They discuss the 2020 election, voting, and more.

Season 5, Episode 7: Gregory Kornbluh Oct 08, 2020

In this episode of our “Inside the Writer’s Head” podcast, Dani McClain speaks with bookstore owner Gregory Kornbluh. They discuss his vision and goal for opening a book store, adapting to COVID-19, and more. A product of Sands Montessori and Walnut Hills High School, Kornbluh got his start in bookselling while doing graduate work in American Studies at UMass Boston. He went on to spend a decade in the Sales & Marketing Department of Harvard University Press, a leading publisher of nonfiction in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, where he worked closely with authors, booksellers, librarians, and media members to help new books and ideas find their audience. After thirteen years on the East Coast, he returned home in November 2018 and opened Downbound's doors late the following year.

Season 5, Episode 6: Luna Malbroux Jul 31, 2020

In this episode of our “Inside the Writer’s Head” podcast, Dani McClain speaks with comedian Luna Malbroux. They discuss one of Malbroux's recent performances that speaks to sex, power, desire, and also about this moment of national uprisings and police violence against Black bodies, and so much more. Named one of KQED's Women to Watch, Luna Malbroux is a comic, writer, and creator of the award-winning play, "How to Be A White Man". Winner of the Comedy Hackday Grand Prize at SF Sketchfest, Luna has made international headlines as the creator of EquiTable, an app that satirically solves the wage gap by creating 'reparations, one meal at a time.' A regular contributor to national publications, Luna has been featured on Fusion TV, AJ+ and Refinery 29. Tastefully crude, Luna is also the host and creator of the live and recording ongoing comedy talk-show, Live Sex. Originally from Louisiana, Luna has dazzled audiences all across the United States with her Southern charm mixed with her bold humor a feature at festivals and clubs alike.

Season 5, Episode 5: Nick Swartsell May 29, 2020

In this episode of our “Inside the Writer’s Head” podcast, Dani McClain speaks with local journalist Nick Swartsell. Nick Swartsell has been staff writer and news editor at CityBeat Cincinnati for six years. He is currently furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but continues to contribute to CityBeat on a regular, pro-bono basis until he can resume full time paid work. Originally from Hamilton, Ohio, Nick completed an undergraduate degree in English and Political Science at Miami's Hamilton, Middletown and Oxford campuses. Shortly after he graduated, he began freelancing for various publications, including a community press covering township government in nearby Fairfield Township. He completed two years of the Americorps Public Ally program in Cincinnati before pursuing a masters degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin. While in Texas, he interned for The Texas Observer and The Texas Tribune, writing stories about everything from a heated political battle over an indigenous cultural site in the Texas hill country to cancer cases around a nuclear waste facility near the New Mexico border. He completed his masters thesis on media coverage in neighborhoods undergoing economic and demographic change and subsequently spent a year covering Congress and federal agencies for The Dallas Morning News in its Washington, DC bureau before returning to Cincinnati for a job at CityBeat. Nick's primary areas of coverage include law enforcement and the justice system, housing, systemic and individual issues around poverty, development and urban land use, transportation and breaking news, including coverage of protests, the 2016 RNC in Cleveland, the 2018 Fountain Square mass shooting and the COVID-19 crisis. Nick currently lives in an 11-person intentional community in Mount Auburn.

Season 5, Episode 4: Tim’m T. West Apr 10, 2020

In this episode of our “Inside the Writer’s Head” podcast, Dani McClain speaks with acclaimed artist and advocate Tim’m T. West. They discuss self-care in quarantine, moving back to Cincinnati, West's poetic memoirs, and more. Tim’m T. West is an educator, poet, youth advocate, and hip-hop artist who has spent decades traveling the nation, speaking about issues at the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, and social justice. A graduate of Duke University (BA), The New School for Social Research (MA) and Stanford University (MA), he is the author of several books and hip-hop projects and is widely anthologized. He has also appeared in multiple documentaries at the intersection of hip hop and black masculinity. Prior to joining Teach For America in 2014, Tim’m served as inaugural faculty at Oakland School for the Arts, impacted educational outcomes as an English teacher and basketball coach at Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School for Public Policy, and more recently as Director of Youth Services at Chicago’s Center on Halsted. A Board member of the LGBT Institute located at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Tim’m was named one of 31 icons during LGBT History Month in October of 2015. Tim’m currently leads Teach For America’s national LGBTQ+ Community Initiative, advancing safer and braver classrooms for LGBTQ educators and students in grades preK-12.

Season 5, Episode 3: Daisy Hernández Mar 20, 2020

In this episode of “Inside the Writer’s Head” Dani McClain chats with her friend and colleague, author Daisy Hernández. They discuss memoir writing and the nature of memory, language, the differences between creative writing and journalism, the Midwest, and more. Daisy Hernández is the author of the award-winning memoir A Cup of Water Under My Bed and co-editor of Colonize This: Young Women of Color on Today’s Feminism. The former editor of Color Lines magazine, she has reported for The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Slate, and has written for NPR’s All Things Considered and Code Switch. Her essays and fiction have appeared in Aster(ix), Bellingham Review, Brevity, Dogwood, Fourth Genre, Gulf Coast, Jute, and Rumpus, among other journals. A contributing editor for the Buddhist magazine Tricycle, Hernández is an assistant professor in the creative writing program at Miami University in Ohio and is currently teaching at Vanderbilt as the visiting writer in nonfiction for the Spring 2020 semester.

Season 5, Episode 2: Jan-Michele Lemon-Kearney Feb 28, 2020

In this episode, McClain and Jan-Michele Lemon-Kearney, who gave McClain her first journalism job in 1997, discuss journalism, the history of the Black press, publishing, objectivity, the upcoming 2020 election, and more. Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney is the president of Sesh Communications, publisher of award-winning The Cincinnati Herald, The Northern Kentucky Herald, The Dayton Defender, seshPRIME magazine, and more. She is also the co-host of WLWT Channel 5’s “Let’s Talk, Cincy” weekly public affairs program and a realtor and attorney in private practice. Before joining Sesh, Ms. Lemon Kearney practiced law with the firm of Taft Stettinius & Hollister before branching out into a solo law career. She was born in Cincinnati and attended Rockdale elementary school and Walnut Hills High School. She graduated cume laude from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. While there, she attended an exchange program at an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. She earned a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School and was selected first class marshal of her law school class and gave the commencement speech at graduation. Ms. Lemon Kearney is married to former state senator Eric H. Kearney, Esq. who now is the president of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce and they are blessed with two children.

Season 5, Episode 1: Kathy Y. Wilson Jan 31, 2020

Welcome to season 5 of Inside the Writer’s Head with our 2020 Writer-in-Residence, Dani McClain! In her inaugural episode, McClain sits down with local author Kathy Y. Wilson, who was the Library’s first Writer-in-Residence in 2014 and a friend and mentor of McClain. Together they discuss everything from writing, health, the marginalization of the voices of Black women and girls, art, and more. Wilson is an acclaimed writer, performer, educator, and art collector, largely known for her provocative column “Your Negro Tour Guide”. Her column was published for eight years from 2000-2005 and again from 2013-2016 in Cincinnati’s alt-weekly City Beat. “Your Negro Tour Guide” was later adapted as a book and a one-woman play. In addition to her multiple creative iterations of “Your Negro Tour Guide”, Wilson has received national exposure through her NPR commentaries on All Things Considered and has been a contributing writer for the monthly Cincinnati Magazine, developing longer-form content about challenging Cincinnati issues and local profiles. She’s also taught writing as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati. Wilson has won accolades for her writings from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, the Cleveland Press Club, and the Associated Press Society of Ohio. Twice, a fellow for the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism at the University of Maryland, she was also a finalist for a National Magazine Award for her profile on Cincinnati-based conservative talk radio host Bill Cunningham. In September of 2014 the Library Foundation named Kathy Y. Wilson its inaugural Writer-in-Residence. In May of 2016, Wilson received the Rosa F. and Samuel B. Sax Fund Prize awarded by secret committee giving recognition to her many contributions to Cincinnati’s cultural life and civic discourse.

Season 4, Episode 10: Dani McClain Nov 25, 2019

In this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Jessica Strawser introduces us to her successor here at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 2020 Writer-in-Residence Dani McClain. Known for her in-depth reporting on race and reproductive health, Dani McClain is a contributing writer at The Nation and a fellow with Type Media Center (formerly the Nation Institute). Her writing has appeared in Time, Slate, Talking Points Memo, Colorlines, EBONY.com, The Rumpus, and other prestigious outlets. Her work has received a James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism, as well as recognition by the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, and elsewhere. A former staff reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, McClain has worked as a strategist with organizations including Color of Change and Drug Policy Alliance. Her book, We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood, was published April 2019 by Bold Type Books. In this episode, they discuss McClain's path to finding her voice as a writer, making it heard, coming back to her Cincinnati hometown as a mother, and what she has in store for the Library community in the year ahead.

Season 4, Episode 9: Gabe Kea Oct 21, 2019

Comedian Gabe Kea's unbridled enthusiasm for entertaining audiences is what truly sets him apart. With a personality as big as his 6'5" frame, Gabe melds well-crafted, storytelling-based jokes with his comedic physicality to create an unforgettable show. Gabe started performing in St. Louis after spending most of his youth living in both the United States and Canada. He eventually relocated to southwestern Ohio, where he won the "Funniest Person in Cincinnati" contest. He has made several appearances on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show, has opened for Joel McHale at Gilda's Laugh Fest, and is a regular here in town at Go Bananas Comedy, The Funny Bone, and elsewhere. He has also been featured in various comedy Festivals; Limestone in Bloomington IN, Laughing Skull in Atlanta GA, the Flyover in St. Louis MO, and of course Cincy Brew Ha-Ha. In this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Gabe joins Writer-in-Residence Jessica Strawser to delve into what writers and comedians can learn from one another, how humor can enhance any type of storytelling, and how to get your message across in an entertaining way.

Season 4, Episode 8: James Patterson Sep 24, 2019

A few weeks ago, our Writer-in-Residence Jessica Strawser had the honor of joining the world’s #1 bestselling author James Patterson onstage, in front of a packed audience of readers of all ages, at the Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts. No ticket? No problem! We’re pleased to bring you the live theater recording of their conversation as this month’s very special episode of Inside the Writer’s Head! Listen as they discuss Patterson’s three newest releases—the adult thriller Killer Instinct (coauthored with Howard Roughan), the middle-grade adventure novel Max Einstein: Rebels With a Cause (coauthored with Chris Grabenstein), and the picture book Bigger Words for Little Geniuses (coauthored with his wife, Susan Patterson)—what it was like collaborating with President Bill Clinton, what’s up next from him (Hint: Alex Cross fans with young readers on your gift list should be very excited!) and much more.

Season 4, Episode 7: D.M. Pulley Aug 20, 2019

In this episode of “Inside the Writer’s Head,” our Writer-in-Residence Jessica Strawser chats with D.M. Pulley about her experiences behind the scenes in Amazon Publishing, the historical real-life inspiration behind her suspenseful new release, and more. D.M. Pulley lives just outside of Cleveland with her family. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a professional engineer, rehabbing historic structures and conducting forensic investigations of building failures. It was a structural survey of a vacant building in Cleveland that inspired her debut novel, The Dead Key, which was the grand-prize winner of the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. The book, a dark, haunting thriller, went on to be published by Amazon’s Thomas & Mercer imprint and to date has a staggering 10,000+ reviews on the site (with a 4+ star average). She has since published three other stand-alone novels in a similar vein: The Buried Book, The Unclaimed Victim, and No One’s Home (debuting on September 1). Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @DMPulleyAuthor and on Instagram @d.m.pulley.

Season 4, Episode 6: Kristen Lepionka Jul 23, 2019

Kristen Lepionka is the author of the Roxane Weary mystery series, hailed as rebooting and expanding the hardboiled genre thanks to its "private eye with little concern for her own safety (or the gender of her shifting sexual partners)" (True Crime Addict's James Renner). Her debut, "The Last Place You Look," won the Shamus Award for Best First P.I. novel and was also nominated for Anthony and Macavity Awards. Her follow-up, "What You Want to See," hit shelves last summer, and this July brings the latest installment: "The Stories You Tell" (all from Minotaur Books). Kristen's writing has been selected for Shotgun Honey, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Grift, and Black Elephant. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her partner and two cats. Visit kristenlepionka.com.

Season 4, Episode 5: David Bell Jun 25, 2019

David Bell (davidbellnovels.com) is the USA Today-bestselling author of eight suspense novels from Berkley/Penguin, including 'Somebody's Daughter', 'Bring Her Home', 'Since She Went Away', 'Somebody I Used to Know', 'The Forgotten Girl', 'Never Come Back', 'The Hiding Place', and 'Cemetary Girl'. His new psychological thriller, 'Layover', is due out July 2, and you can see him discuss the novel in person at Joseph-Beth Booksellers on Monday, July 8. He is an associate professor of English at Western Kentucky University where he directs the MFA program in creative writing. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, he spends his free time rooting for the Reds and Bengals, and confusing fellow fans by being named David Bell while rooting for the Reds and Bengals. He lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with his wife, writer Molly McCaffrey. In this episode of “Inside the Writer’s Head,” our writer-in-residence host Jessica Strawser chats with David about the page-turning premise of Layover—which begins with a memorable encounter in an airport—what makes a good thriller, the perks of being married to a fellow writer, and much more.

Season 4, Episode 4: Sonali Dev May 24, 2019

Award winning author Sonali Dev writes Bollywood-style love stories that let her explore issues faced by women around the world while still indulging her faith in a happily ever after. Her books—including "A Bollywood Affair", "The Bollywood Bride", "A Distant Heart", and "A Change of Heart"—have been on NPR, Washington Post, Library Journal, and Kirkus Best Books of the year lists, but Sonali is most smug about Shelf Awareness calling her “Not only one of the best but also one of the bravest romance novelists working today.” Her latest novel, Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors—a multicultural, gender-swapped reimagining of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice—released from William Morrow on May 7, 2019. Sonali lives in Chicagoland with her very patient and often amused husband, two teens who demand both patience and humor, and the world’s most perfect dog. Find more at sonalidev.com.

Season 4, Episode 3: Meg Leder Apr 19, 2019

Meg Leder is a Cincinnati native who now lives in Brooklyn, New York, working as an Executive Editor at Penguin Books, where she oversees many of their lead nonfiction titles. She is also a talented author of both nonfiction and young adult fiction. Her debut YA novel, "The Museum of Heartbreak", takes a heartfelt look at the artifacts our relationships leave behind. Her most recent novel, "Letting Go of Gravity", is a moving coming-of-age story set here in Cincinnati—now available in hardcover and forthcoming in a new paperback edition this July. She is also the coauthor of several nonfiction books for teens and adults. In this candid conversation, she offers insight into how editors think, what gives writing its spark, and what it meant to her to bring her hometown to life for a new generation of readers.

Season 4, Episode 2: Laurie Halse Anderson Mar 26, 2019

In this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Jessica speaks with non-fiction author Laurie Halse Anderson about her new book "Shout," the impact of sexual assault, and the power of telling stories about it. Content Warning: This article podcast deals with topics pertaining to sexual violence that may be sensitive for some.

Season 4, Episode 1: Jess Montgomery Feb 16, 2019

Our new Writer-in-Residence is local author Jessica Strawser and her first guest on the Inside the Writer's Head podcast is Jess Montgomery Montgomery is the author of THE WIDOWS (Minotaur Books), a new historical mystery set in the 1920s, in which two women work together to solve a tragic murder and save their community. On the podcast, they discuss writing, storytelling, and writing history specifically. Loosely inspired by the true story of Ohio's first female sheriff in 1925, Montgomery's novel is set in Southeast Ohio's Appalachian foothills and depicts coal mining, Prohibition, workers' rights, women's rights, and other issues that still resonate today. Early chapters of the novel earned Jess an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Award and the John E. Nance Writer in Residence at Thurber House in Columbus. She is already at work on the second book in the series, The Hollows, forthcoming in 2020. Listen in for some great insight!

Season 3, Episode 12: Jessica Strawser Jan 28, 2019

In the final episode of Season 3 of Inside the Writer's Head with Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne, we hear from our 2019 Writer-in-Residence Jessica Strawser. Strawser is editor-at-large for Writer's Digest and an author of several novels set in nearby towns, including "Almost Missed You" and "Not That I Could Tell." In this episode, Emma and Jessica discuss how to stay committed as a writer even when you have a full-time job and a family. They also answer questions from participants in Emma's last writer's workshop and talk about Jessica's plans as the new Writer-In-Residence. Tune in!

Season 3, Episode 11: Michael Bourret Jan 11, 2019

On this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, our Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne speaks with Michael Bourret. Bourret is a partner of Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret - a well-known literary agency that represents authors from a myriad of genres. In this podcast, they discuss how to get a literary agent, and what it's like working with an agent to get a book published. Bourret also gives some tips on writing a query letter, namely not to stress too much about it. This is the last episode of Season 3 of Inside the Writer's Head with Emma Carlson Berne! And it's a good one. Tune in!

Season 3, Episode 10: Chuck Sambachino Nov 26, 2018

On this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne talks with the former editor for Writer's Digest Books, Chuck Sambachino. Sambachino is a full-time freelancer, instructor, and humor writer and if you need any advice about getting a literary agent then he's your guy. In this episode, you'll get tips on how to get a literary agent and why it is so important you have one. Sambachino also discusses social media's role in publishing today, what agents actually do for you, and what they can't do for you. If you've ever thought about publishing a book, this is the writer whose head you definitely want to get inside.

Season 3, Episode 9: Aubre Andrus Oct 26, 2018

On this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne talks with children's book author Aubre Andrus. Andrus has authored more than 25 nonfiction books for kids, including "101 Small Ways to Change the World." She is the former Lifestyle Editor for American Girl magazine, and they discuss how she transitioned to writing full time. Andrus talks about what it's like working alone as a freelance writer, and the stress that comes along with finding your own work - but also the freedom and reward. Listen in for some great career writing insight!

Season 3, Episode 8: Brandon Miller Sep 24, 2018

This month, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne speaks with Brandon Miller. Brandon is an author of books on history for young people. Her books cover subjects like Women of Colonial America, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Miller's stories have been honored by the International Reading Association, National Council for Social Studies, and more. During the interview, Millers gives insight on the importance (and fun) of research for historical nonfiction writing, and writing from different historical perspectives. She shares what it is like working with an editor to get a book published and what her daily life as a writer is like. Anyone looking for insight in to writing as a professional career, give this interview a listen!

Season 3, Episode 7: Manuel Iris Aug 22, 2018

In this very special episode of Inside the Writer's Head, the Library's Writer-in-Residence speaks with Cincinnati's poet laureate Mauel Iris. Iris promotes poetry appreciation in our community, and encourages the reading and writing of poetry for all ages. The award-winning poet talks about his origins as a poet, and how music has influenced his lyrical poetry. He tells the story of how his grandfather introduced him to the dictionary, kindling lifetime love affair with words. "Every poem is a love poem, we write because we love something," Iris says. Iris reads an original poem from his latest book, "Translating Silence," in both Spanish and English. They also discuss the publishing process, and how different writing poetry is from publishing it. This episode with a local leader and artist is full of insight on writing and the power of words - don't miss out!

Season 3, Episode 6: Michelle Bisson Jul 24, 2018

In the latest episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne talks with Michelle Bisson. Bisson is the Senior Acquisitions Manager at Capstone, a large publisher of educational books for kids. They discuss her long, unexpected journey to publishing and Bisson shares some uplifting advice for anyone who might feel like their career is headed in a wayward direction: "Everything that I've ever done sort of happened by mistake..." but it lead her to exactly where she wanted to be. You'll learn about what it's like to be an editor, and see evolution of a story from manuscript to print. Get a glimpse in to the relationship between author and editor and why humility is so important in the publishing world. Anyone interested in writing or working in publishing will learn a lot from this podcast!

Season 3, Episode 5: Gwenda Bond Jun 15, 2018

In this month's podcast, the Library Foundation's Writer-in-Residence speaks with Gwenda Bond the author of "Girl on a Wire," a trilogy about the comic books character Louis Lane, and more. Bond has recently been contracted to write the first Stranger Things book, a prequel about Terry Ives, Eleven's mom, and her time with MK-Ultra in 1970. They discuss how Bond knew she wanted to be a writer, and how her career took off. Bond tells us why she loves writing strong, complicated female leads and what it's like co-authoring with her husband. This episode is a must-listen!

Season 3, Episode 4: Gene Luen Yang May 15, 2018

The Library Foundation's Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne talks with Gene Luen Yang, author of the "Secret Coders" series.

Season 3, Episode 3: Teri Robida Apr 17, 2018

In this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson-Berne talks with Teri Robida, an editor at American Girl Publishing. They discuss the ins and outs of editing and publishing for the American Girl doll book series. Teri talks about the history of American girl dolls books and how they are unique from different publishers and presses. They also talk about what the job of an editor is like; from reading and developing stories to giving feedback with care. If you're looking for great insight on publishing, and writing advice straight from an editor, this episode is for you!

Season 3, Episode 2: Mary Kay Carson Mar 15, 2018

On this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson-Berne speaks with award-winning science and history author Mary Kay Carson - who has authored more than 50 titles for kids. They talk about how Carson transitioned from magazine editing and science background to writing kids books for a living. Carson gives her tips for writing kids non-fiction, and the joys of doing research on complex topics to find the interesting stories they can tell. The authors discuss Carson's award-winning series "Scientists in the Field" and how Carson gets those stories by following scientists in to their field work. She tells a very interesting story that involves a very hot, crowded bat cave in Texas. This is an episode any writer won't want to miss!

Season 3, Episode 1: Linda Strauss Feb 21, 2018

In the first episode of Season 3 of Inside the Writer's Head, the new Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson Berne sits down to talk with Linda Leopold Strauss. Strauss authors children's picture books, and talks about the unique writing and approval process for creating engaging illustrated stories for kids. They also discuss their highest and lowest moments as writers, and how they moved forward through setbacks and challenges in their writing careers. Listen in for some great writing insight!

Season 2, Episode 11: Emma Carlson-Berne Jan 04, 2018

In this episode, Kurt sits down with our 2018 Writer-in-Residence Emma Carlson-Berne! She has written and published more than 150 books, including Young Adult thrillers, sports fiction, and children’s books. Berne has written several of the American Girl Doll books and some Star Wars books, too. She talks about being a “writer-for-hire” and what it’s like writing stories that publishing companies ask for. Berne gives insight on how to be an adaptable writer and being able to write with different voices. She also dives in to what she wants to accomplish as the 2018 Writer-in-Residence, including her plans for working one-on-one with writers and holding small writing workshops. Kurt talks about his year as 2017 Writer-in-Residence: the most fun moments, and the most challenging.

Season 2, Episode 10: Jim Spaeth Dec 05, 2017

In this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Kurt talks with Jim Spaeth. Spaeth is the author of the memoir "Up, Up and Astray" which tells the story of his adventures in the airline industry during 4 decades of travelling the world. Spaeth worked for an airline during the "Golden Age of Air Travel" in the 1960s and 1970s. He didn't publish this book, his first one, until he was 77 years old! Spaeth talks about writing a memoir, how he remembered all the stories he told, and gives some self-publishing tips. He also reminisces on what Cincinnati was like in the 1940s and 1950s as he was growing up. This episode isn't one you'll want to skip.

Season 2, Episode 9: Natalie Richards Nov 13, 2017

In this episode, Kurt speaks with Young Adult author Natalie Richards. She's the author of "Six Months Later" and "One Was Lost." They talk about what it means to be a "good" writer and how many books Natalie actually wrote before one was good enough to be published (a lot). Natalie also talks about thinking like a writer and how what you're reading can impact what you write. There's even a little discussion about why writing Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Harry Potter fan fiction helped jump start her writing career - and if that doesn't make you want to listen, we don't know what will!

Season 2, Episode 8: Paul Tremblay Oct 10, 2017

In this episode of Inside the Writer's Head, Writer-in-Residence Kurt Dinan speaks with Paul Tremblay. Tremblay is an author and editor of contemporary horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction. He has written "A Head Full of Ghosts" and "Disappearance at Devil's Rock." Kurt and Paul discuss writing for the horror fiction genre: it's challenges, stigmas, and what's interesting about it. This is the perfect listen for Halloween!

Season 2, Episode 7: Lance Rubin Sep 11, 2017

In the latest episode of “Inside the Writer’s Head,” you’ll get to know Lance Rubin and his hilarious Young Adult novel “Denton Little’s Death Date.” The podcast, hosted by the Library Foundation’s Writer-In-Residence, Kurt Dinan, focuses on writing, reading, and creativity. Lance discusses how he entered the world of Young Adult Fiction, and the challenges and expectations that come along with writing for that genre. His book is set in a world where everyone knows the date of their death, and follows a teenager, Denton Little, through the hours leading up to his “death date.” Lance also discusses what it takes to write comedy, and how real life friends influenced the characters in his novels.

Season 2, Episode 6: Jessica Strawser Aug 14, 2017

Kurt sits down with local Cincinnati author, Jessica Strawser to talk about her latest novel "Almost Missed You," her writing process, and more.

Season 2, Episode 5: Kim Dinan Jul 05, 2017

Library Foundation Writer-in-Residence Kurt Dinan interviews his cousin, Kim Dinan, about how her love of travel led to her new book "The Yellow Envelope."

Season 2, Episode 4 Mar 17, 2017

The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's latest Writer-In-Residence chats about writing, reading, creativity, and more with special guests. Please review & subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. #WIRcincy Music Credit: Kool Kats, Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Season 2, Episode 3 Feb 13, 2017

The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's latest Writer-In-Residence chats about writing, reading, creativity, and more with special guests. Please review & subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. #WIRcincy Music Credit: Kool Kats, Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Season 2, Episode 2 Jan 12, 2017

The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's latest Writer-In-Residence chats about writing, reading, creativity, and more with special guests. Please review & subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. #WIRcincy Music Credit: Kool Kats, Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Season 2, Episode 1 Dec 08, 2016

The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's latest Writer-In-Residence chats about writing, reading, creativity, and more with special guests. Please review & subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. #WIRcincy Music Credit: Kool Kats, Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Season 1, Episode 8 Aug 31, 2016

The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Writer-In-Residence talks books, writing, and creativity in this regular podcast.

Season 1, Episode 7 Aug 05, 2016

The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Writer-In-Residence talks books, writing, and creativity in this regular podcast.

Season 1, Episode 6: Christine Grote Jun 30, 2016

In This Episode: Hear from nonfiction writer Christine Grote. A local writer with a fascinating life story — plus a knack for telling other people's fascinating life stories. She's the author of the memoirs "Dancing in Heaven" and "Where Memories Meet." She discusses this and more with the 2015/2016 Writer-In-Residence, Jeffrey Hillard. The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Writer-In-Residence talks books, writing, and creativity in this regular podcast. SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen to podcasts and please leave us a review after listening! Please RATE this podcast wherever you listen! We appreciate your feedback. Learn more: cincinnatilibrary.org/programs/writerinresidence/

Season 1, Episode 5 May 24, 2016

In This Episode: Hear from longtime Cincinnati resident Pauletta Hansel, Cincinnati's first Poet Laureate. She discusses her new role and reads poems with the 2015/2016 Writer-In-Residence, Jeffrey Hillard. The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Writer-In-Residence talks books, writing, and creativity in this regular podcast. SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen to podcasts and please leave us a review after listening! Please RATE this podcast wherever you listen! We appreciate your feedback. Learn more: cincinnatilibrary.org/programs/writerinresidence/

Season 1, Episode 4 Apr 27, 2016

In This Episode: Listen to Cincinnati poet Arianna Iliff discuss Slam Poetry, her creative process, and read poems with the 2015/2016 Writer-In-Residence, Jeffrey Hillard. The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Writer-In-Residence talks books, writing, and creativity in this regular podcast. SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen to podcasts and please leave us a review after listening! Please RATE this podcast wherever you listen! We appreciate your feedback. Learn more: cincinnatilibrary.org/programs/writerinresidence/

Season 1, Episode 3 Mar 22, 2016

In This Episode: We celebrate the new season of baseball and get in the mood for National Poetry Month in April with the 2015/2016 Writer-In-Residence, Jeffrey Hillard. The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Writer-In-Residence talks books, writing, and creativity in this regular podcast. SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen to podcasts and please leave us a review after listening! Learn more: cincinnatilibrary.org/programs/writerinresidence/

Season 1, Episode 2 Feb 23, 2016

The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Writer-In-Residence talks books, writing, and creativity in this regular podcast. The 2015/2016 Writer-In-Residence is Jeffrey Hillard. *WARNING: Podcast contains some explicit language during book excerpt reading. Learn more: http://cincinnatilibrary.org/programs/writerinresidence/

Season 1, Episode 1 Jan 26, 2016

The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Writer-In-Residence talks books, writing, and creativity in this regular podcast. The 2015/2016 Writer-In-Residence is Jeffrey Hillard. *WARNING: Podcast contains some explicit language during book excerpt reading. Learn more: http://cincinnatilibrary.org/programs/writerinresidence/

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