Friends & Fiction

On this episode, we introduce you to Jessica Knoll and her incredible new book, BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN.Jessica Knoll is the New York Times bestselling author of LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE and THE FAVORITE SISTER. She also adapted and executive produced the film Luckiest Girl Alive, starring Mila Kunis, which was released on Netflix in 2022. A former editor at SELF and Cosmopolitan, Jessica’s books have been published in more than forty languages. She joins us from her home in Los Angeles to discuss her third novel, BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN—the instant New York Times bestseller with starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, and Kirkus—which was published by Simon & Schuster / Marysue Rucci Books on September 19th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITERS' BLOCK Revisiting a classic with a twist! Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey are joined for a fabulous conversation with Melinda Taub about her new book that honors Pride and Prejudice (with a twist) in her new book, The Scanadalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch. Melinda talks about creating a new angle on the classic Bennet sisters story, infusing it with magic and insight into the elusive sister, Lydia. Melinda talks about her work as former Head Writer and Excecutive Producer of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and how it influenced her writing. The book is a unique and absorbing triumph and you absolutely don't want to miss this chat about this emerging author and book! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of our Wed night web show is the launch celebration for our own Mary Kay Andrews’s BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS! Who’s ready to join in the reindeer games? Put on your Santa (er, thinking) caps and get ready for some holiday themed trivia! We’ve got lots of cheer and merriment in store as emcee Meg and referee Ron oversee the Fab Four in a rousing Christmas-themed game show. We follow that with an insightful interview with MKA about her fifth Christmas novel, which is hot off the presses and in stores everywhere now, ready for your early holiday shopping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITERS' BLOCK Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block have an inspiring and touching conversation with Author Ruth Watson about her recent historical fiction novel, A Right Worthy Woman, which tells the story of Maggie Lena Walker, the first Black woman to establish and preside over an American Bank (which still exists today!). Ruth's journey to get this story told is fascinating and showcases her persistance and determination to bring untold but necessary stories to light in fiction. This episode is certain to touch our listeners' hearts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On tonight’s LIVE episode of our Wednesday night web show, we are excited to host two incredible bestselling authors, Sarah Pekkanen and Etaf Rum!Sarah Pekkanen is the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of four novels of suspense including THE GOLDEN COUPLE and THE WIFE BETWEEN US. A passionate volunteer for rescue animals, she serves as an Ambassador for RRSA India, and works hands-on in India to heal and vaccinate street dogs. She joins us from her home outside of Washington, D.C. to discuss her new novel, GONE TONIGHT (St. Martin’s Press, Aug 1), which Harlan Coben calls “a wild ride.”The daughter of Palestinian immigrants, born and raised in Brooklyn, Etaf Rum is an undergraduate literature professor in North Carolina. She runs the Instagram account @booksandbeans, and is a Book of the Month Club Ambassador, showcasing her favorite selections each month. We first met Etaf in F&F’s tech-challenged early days when she came on the show to discuss her acclaimed New York Times bestselling debut novel, A WOMAN IS NO MAN. She joins us to discuss her highly-anticipated new novel, EVIL EYE (Harper, Sept 5).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey knew there was somethng special about Mother Daughter Murder Night by debut author, Nina Simon. This sparkling, lively and heartwarming conversation will give listeners a glimpse into why this book was named the September 2023 Reese's Book Club pick! From the origin story, to the natual setting and the relationships between the grandmother, Lana, her estranged daughter Beth, and Jack the grandaughter, each page illuminates this compelling murder mystery that combines with the multi-generational sleuths to give readers a highly satisfying read. What a great story and author! Don't miss this one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On tonight’s LIVE episode of our Wed night web show, we have two incredible author guests in store for you!J.R. Ward is the author of more than 60 novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 20-million copies of her novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 27 countries. After law school, Ward worked in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers. She joins us to discuss her thrilling coming-of-age novel, THE ST. AMBROSE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, which Gallery Books published in July under the pseudonym Jessica Ward, and which is described as “Heathers” meets The Secret History. Denene Millner is an Emmy-nominated TV host, an award-winning journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of 31 books, including Taraji P. Henson’s AROUND THE WAY GIRL, and the picture book EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. Millner is also the editorial director of Denene Millner Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, whose awards include two Caldecott Honors, a Newbery Honor, the Kirkus Prize, and a Southern Book Award. A MacDowell Fellow, Millner has written essays for the New York Times, Glamour and NPR, and hosted the acclaimed podcast, “Speakeasy with Denene.” She joins us from her home in Atlanta to discuss her multi-generational epic triptych on Black motherhood, ONE BLOOD (Forge, Sept 5).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITERS' BLOCK Join Mary Kay Andrews and Ron Block in a fantastic episdoe with the one and only Craig Johnson about his newest in the Longmire Series, Longmire Defense. Craig never ceases to amaze readers, and is very generous, hilarious and even touching sharing stories about his characters, the hugely popular Netflix show and his tours. Such a heartfelft and funny episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this live episode of our Wed night web show, we are thrilled to introduce you to the National Book Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Acevedo! Elizabeth Acevedo is the author of THE POET X, which, among other honors, won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and the Carnegie medal. She is also the author of WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH, named a best book of the year by the New York Public Library, NPR, and Publishers Weekly, and CLAP WHEN YOU LAND, which was a Kirkus Prize finalist. A National Poetry Slam Champion, Elizabeth holds a BA in Performing Arts from The George Washington University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. She joins us from her home in Washington, DC, to discuss her much-buzzed-about, highly-anticipated first novel for adults, FAMILY LORE (Ecco Press, Aug 1), which is the August GMA Book Club Pick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ready for a Laugh? Helen Ellis is the best-selling author of American Housewife and Southern Lady Code. She joins Patti Callahan Henry and Kristy Woodson Harvey for a hysterical conversation about her newest essay collection, Kiss Me in the Coral Lounge, which was written when she and her husband were on lockdown in their New York City apartment. Helen brings her incredible wit and humor, sharing stories of how the book came together, and about her own path to becoming a leading essayist. You'll find yourself laughing out lout listening to these three! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.