

Friends & Fiction
Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Patti Callahan Henry, Ron Block, Bleav
We're four bestselling novelists and friends whose common love of reading, writing, and independent bookstores bound us together. Now we want to share and celebrate stories—of the books we’ve written, the ones we’re reading now, and the art of writing—with each other and the guest authors we invite to join us. If you love books and are curious about the writing world, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 10, 2022 • 1h 16min
Friends & Fiction with Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict & Brenda Janowitz
On this episode we are so lucky to have THREE authors joining us! For the main event we sit down with both Marie Benedict and Fiona Davis!Marie is the New York Times bestselling author of nine historical novels (including The Personal Librarian, The Only Woman in the Room, and The Mystery of Mrs. Christie). She found her calling unearthing the hidden stories of the most complex and fascinating women of history and introducing them to readers so we can reflect on their contributions and the insights they bring to modern day issues. She joins us to discuss her latest book, HER HIDDEN GENIUS, which reveals the story of Rosalind Franklin, the woman who changed the world with her discovery of the double helix DNA structure for which three men took the credit.Fiona Davis, the New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue, returns to F&F to discuss her tantalizing new novel about the secrets, betrayal, and murder within one of New York City's most impressive Gilded Age mansions. Every one of Fiona’s six historical novels (including The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Chelsea Girls), are set in a different iconic New York City building. She joins us to discuss her new instant New York Times bestseller, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, which has not only met with rave reviews, but is a Book of the Month Club pick.Stick around for the after show when we're joined by Brenda Janowitz whose new novel THE LIZ TAYLOR RING was just released on Feb 1st. Named a Katie Couric Must Read Book for 2022 and one of PopSugar’s Most Anticipated books of the year, Brenda’s seventh novel is an immersive work of historical fiction about three siblings, a priceless family ring, and one legendary love story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 4, 2022 • 39min
WB S2E5 Author Allies
WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Mary Kay Andrews speak with Linda Ketron about her stellar work with Moveable Feast and becoming a beacon to authors and readers alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 3, 2022 • 1h 11min
Friends & Fiction with Alafair Burke & Allison Pataki
Welsome to another double-header episode! On the first half of the show, meet New York Times bestselling, Edgar-nominated author of 20 crime novels, Alafair Burke. Alafair’s books include The Ex, The Wife, and The Better Sister, and two series—one featuring NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher, and the other, Portland, Oregon, prosecutor Samantha Kincaid. Alafair joins us to discuss her latest thriller, FIND ME. Released a few weeks ago, it has met with rave reviews from Laura Dave, Chris Bohjalian, and Megan Abbott. On the second half of the show we’ll welcome New York Times bestselling author of adult fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, Allison Pataki. A former news writer and producer, Allison has written for outlets like The New York Times, ABC News, and USA Today, and has appeared on such shows as The TODAY Show and Good Morning America. She joins us to discuss her latest work of historical fiction, THE MAGNIFICENT LIVES OF MARJORIE POST, which is an epic reimagining of the remarkable life of American heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. Coming out on Feb 15th, Pataki’s new novel has been met with raves by F&F faves Fiona Davis, Susan Meissner, and Kate Quinn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 28, 2022 • 34min
WB S2E4: Dazzling Debuts!
WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block is joined by guest co-host Nancy Johnson to celebrate the paperback release of her brilliand debut, The Kindest Lie. They then speak with Lizzie Blackburn about her highly anticipated debut Yinka, Where is Your Huzband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 27, 2022 • 1h 17min
Friends & Fiction with Amor Towles
F&F is honored to welcome the incredible No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Amor Towles. Amor’s three novels RULES OF CIVILITY, A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW, and THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY have collectively sold more than five million copies and been translated into more than thirty languages. A Gentleman in Moscow spent two full years on the New York Times bestseller list. When it was published by Viking Books in October 2021, The Lincoln Highway debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was named a TODAY Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick, A New York Times Notable Book, and chosen by Oprah, Time, NPR, The Washington Post and Barack Obama as a Best Book of the Year. Amor joins us to talk about his writing and research process and all that goes into creating his incredible and artful novels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 21, 2022 • 33min
WB S2E3: Reckless Girls
WRITERS' BLOCK Patti Callahan and Ron Block talk with NYT Bestsellilng Author Rachel Hawkins about her new release, Reckless Girls, an Island Gothic Thriller that explores class and gender set against a remote island setting that harbors a dark history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 20, 2022 • 1h 16min
Friends & Fiction with Jillian Coantor and Jenny Judson & Danielle Mahfood
This episode is a two-parter! On the first half of the show, we welcome internationally bestselling author of eleven novels for teens and adults, Jillian Cantor. Jillian joins us to discuss her new atmospheric historical novel, BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS, which will be released on February 1st! The book is a reimagining of THE GREAT GATSBY where the female characters take center stage.On the second half of the show we greet the writing team of Jenny Judson and Danielle Mahfood who met in high school and bonded over a mutual love of historical fiction and romance novels. They join us to discuss their October 2021 novel THE LAST SEASON—a juicy Victorian-era saga of forbidden love, social upheaval, and changing fortunes features an unlikely romance between a well-to-do heiress and a stable boy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 14, 2022 • 53min
WB S2E2: Breathing Life Into History
WRITERS' BLOCK: Ron Block and Kristin Harmel talk with Historical Fiction Authors Genevieve Graham (BLUEBIRD) and Julia Kelly (Last Dance of the Debutante) about their new books and about the art of showcasing history throuh fiction. .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 13, 2022 • 1h 6min
Friends & Fiction with Jeffery Deaver
We are so thrilled to welcome #1 internationally bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, who People Magazine calls “the master of ticking-bomb suspense.” Jeffery’s 40+ books are sold in 150 countries, have been translated into over 25 languages, and have sold more than 50-million copies worldwide. His first Lincoln Rhyme novel, THE BONE COLLECTOR, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. Join us as we hear all about Jeffery’s writing process, intensive research, and his brand-new thriller, THE MIDNIGHT LOCK, the latest installment in his blockbuster, fan-favorite Lincoln Rhyme series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 7, 2022 • 32min
WB S2E1: Honor, with Thrity Umrigar
WRITERS' BLOCK: Ron Block talks with Best-Selling author Thrity Umrigar about her powerful new novel, HONOR and about the importance of reading outside our own experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


