More to the Story Podcast with Janna Maron

Welcome to episode six of More to the Story, a podcast all about telling true stories and sharing them with the world!In this episode, I talk with previous Under the Gum Tree contributor, Maddy Walsh. Maddy is the lead singer and primary songwriter for Ithaca, NY-based, nationally touring, seven-piece moxy rock band The Blind Spots. She received her Bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 2005 and received her Master’s degree in the same field from California State University Sacramento in 2007. Her thesis was a manuscript of poetry, the form that most heavily influences her songwriting. Maddy’s essay “Placer County Jail” appears in the October 2012 issue of Under the Gum Tree and was listed as a notable in The Best American Essays 2013. Learn more about her current work, visit www.theblindspots.com and maddmoxy.blogspot.com.In this episode, we talk about:Discovering cohesive of a life story without spewing unnecessary detailsWriting and sharing about a shame-inducing experienceTuring an unpleasant experience into a piece of artThe benefits of sharing stories instead of not talking about unpleasant experiencesMaddy's song writing and her band, The Blind SpotsVisit Maddy online at www.theblindspots.com and maddmoxy.blogspot.comVisit us online at moretothestorypodcast.com and visit Under the Gum Tree at underthegumtree.com. Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Former journalist turned creative nonfiction writer, Timothy Kenny, discusses his book 'Far Country' and the process of compiling a manuscript of essays. Exploring the impact of sense of place on identity, Tim shares personal experiences from his travels abroad. From navigating darkness in Kosovo to capturing essence of places, he reflects on fear, vulnerability, and writing challenges.

Exploring Samuel Autman's writing background, the influence of journalism on creative nonfiction, and the delicate balance of sharing personal stories. From growing up in Arkansas to grappling with internal conflicts, Samuel's journey into bold storytelling is a captivating tale.

Welcome to episode three of More to the Story, a podcast all about telling true stories and sharing them with the world!In this episode I talk with former Under the Gum Tree contributor, Kate Washington. Kate is a writer based in Sacramento, California. Her work has appeared in such publications as The Washington Post, Yoga Journal, Sunset and the Bellingham Review, and she is a contributing writer at Sactown magazine. She is a co-founder of Roan Press, a small nonprofit literary press. Kate’s essay “Promises Like Piecrust” appears in the October 2014 issue of Under the Gum Tree, and it was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.In this episode, we talk about:Kate’s writing background and what draws her to creative nonfictionThe impetus for “Promises Like Piecrust”Precise language and descriptions when writing about foodChristina Rosetti’s poem “Promises Like Piecrust,” and pies during the Victoria AgePromises, what they mean, and what happens when we inevitably break themLiving with a mother who has bipolar disorderVisit Kate online at kawashington.com or on twitter @washingtonkate.Visit us online at moretothestorypodcast.com and visit Under the Gum Tree at underthegumtree.com. Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to episode two of More to the Story, a podcast all about telling true stories and sharing them with the world!Today I talk with previous Under the Gum Tree contributor Laurie Easter. Laurie writes from her home in Southern Oregon where she lives in a funky little cabin off the grid and on the edge of wilderness. She holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has been awarded a fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center. Her work has appeared in Hippocampus Magazine, Connotation Press: An Online Artifact, and Oregon English Journal. She is working on an essay collection about loss and grief. Her essay, “Something to do With Baldness,” appears in the January 2014 issue of Under the Gum Tree, and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.In this episode, we talk about:Laurie’s writing background and what draws her to creative nonfictionThe impetus for writing “Something to do With Baldness”Writing about griefLaurie’s experience shaving her headFemininity and the perception of beautyThe sometimes challenging dynamic of female friendshipsVisit Laurie online at laurieeaster.comVisit us online at moretothestorypodcast.com and visit Under the Gum Tree at underthegumtree.com. Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to episode one of More to the Story, a podcast all about telling true stories and sharing them with the world!In this episode I interview previous Under the Gum Tree contributor, Katy Sargent. Katy is a recent graduate from the Stonecoast MFA program. She is a freelance, nonfiction writer who dabbles in screenwriting. She lives in South Portland, Maine with her husband, two daughters and three chickens. Her story, “Long Play,” was published in the April 2014 issue of Under the Gum Tree, and she is one of four writers we published that year who were nominated for the Pushcart Prize, which is one of the most coveted literary awards.In this episode, we talk about:Katy’s writing background and what draws her to writing creative nonfictionJo Ann Beard The Boys of My Youth and In ZanesvilleThe origin of her story “Long Play”How connection to objects shapes our memoriesBorn Standing Up: A Comic’s Life, Steve Martin’s memoirVisit Katy online at enter link description herekatherinesargent.comVisit us online at moretothestorypodcast.com. Visit Under the Gum Tree at underthegumtree.com. Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Explore the essence of storytelling without shame and the origins of 'Under the Gum Tree' magazine in this pilot episode. Delve into personal stories, struggles with bullying, and the empowering act of defiance. Discover how to transform shameful narratives into meaningful stories under the metaphor 'under the gum tree'.