Friends & Fiction

On this episode, hosts Mary Kay Andrews & Kristin Harmel interview bestselling authors Kate Quinn & Janie Chang all about their new co-written novel, THE PHOENIX CROWN, a thrilling and unforgettable narrative about the intertwined lives of two wronged women, spanning from the chaos of the San Francisco earthquake to the glittering palaces of Versailles. Kate is a NYT & USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction (including THE ALICE NETWORK, THE HUNTRESS, THE ROSE CODE, and THE DIAMOND EYE) whose work has been translated into multiple languages. Janie Chang writes historical fiction (including the Globe and Mail bestsellers DRAGON SPRINGS ROAD and THE LIBRARY OF LEGENDS) often drawing on her family history with 36 generations of recorded genealogy. We hear from them about their inspiration and research, the logisitcs of writing a novel together, and all that they learned along the way. Tune in to hear all about the book NYT bestselling author Jamie Ford calls “impeccably researched, magnificently rendered, and breathlessly paced.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, hosts Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block welcome critically-acclaimed author Amy Jo Burns who previously penned the memoir CINDERLAND and the novel SHINER, which was a Barnes & Noble Discover Pick and an NPR Best Book of the Year. We will hear all about Amy Jo's new novel, MERCURY, in which a roofing family's bonds of loyalty are tested when they uncover a long-hidden secret at the heart of their blue-collar town. Tune in and learn about the inspiration for the mystery at the heart of the novel, how she crafted the blue-collar setting and strong female characters, her path to publication, and lots more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, hosts Patti Callahan Henry & Kristy Woodson Harvey interview award-winning, bestselling author, Jennifer Moorman about her new novel, THE MAGIC ALL AROUND, a treasure hunt through the past that reveals one woman’s extraordinary gift for arranging the future. Jennifer is the author of the Mystic Water Series, which includes the reader favorite, The Baker’s Man. A southern Georgia native, Jennifer once toured the US for 5 years as a singer-songwriter with a full band. A Harry Potter fanatic, she considers herself a traveler, an amateur baker, and a dreamer who can always be won over with chocolate, unicorns, or rainbows. Tune in to hear about the inspiration behind her new novel, her writing life, her baking, and of course, magic!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, hosts Patti Callahan Henry & Kristin Harmel welcome NYT bestselling author Abbott Kahler to discuss her new novel, WHERE YOU END (in stores Jan 16), which is inspired by a true story of identical twins and amnesia. Once named “a pioneer of sizzle history” by USA Today, Abbott Kahler is the author of four NYT bestselling works of narrative nonfiction under the name Karen Abbott. A prolific writer and media guest, her books have been optioned for television and film, and been featured as Indie Next picks, Amazon’s and Library Journal’s best books of the year, and Smithsonian Magazine’s best history books of the year. Tune in to hear about her leap to writing fiction, her real-life inspiration for this novel, her research, her writing process, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join F&F hosts as they interview Kristin Hannah, bestselling author of over 20 novels, discussing her book The Women. They explore the importance of pushing boundaries in writing, celebrate marginalized stories, and uncover the shocking treatment of female veterans in the Vietnam War. Also, they discuss upcoming releases and the significance of pre-ordering books.

Join Mary Kay Andrews and Ron Block as they welcome award-winning screenwriter and bestselling novelist, Grady Hendrix. He is the author of of more than a dozen books including Horrorstör, My Best Friend’s Exorcism (which is being adapted into a feature film by Amazon Studios), and the NYT bestseller The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires (currently being adapted into a TV series). Grady joins us to discuss his latest instant New York Times bestselling campy and darkly comic Gothic thriller, How to Sell a Haunted House, just released in paperback. Tune in to hear from this master of horror about what drew him to the genre, why puppets and dolls are so compelling, his roots in Southern storytelling, along with lots of self funny and deprecating insights into his road to publication and his writing process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four bestselling authors discuss their love for books and their commitment to supporting independent bookstores. They announce the lineup of upcoming guests, including Chris Bajalian and Grady Hendricks. The hosts share their excitement for the upcoming episodes and invite listeners to join in. They discuss the thrill of performing on stage and taking risks as writers. Moments of advice that impacted writing are shared, and the hosts express their excitement for the upcoming year and changes in 2024.

WRITERS' BLOCK This week's guest is Asha Lemmie, author of the breakout GMA Book Club pick, Fifty Words for Rain. Her new book, The Wildest Sun, is the the story of Delphine, an aspiring postwar writer who seizes the opportunity to search for her alleged father, Ernest Hemingway. Asha joins Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block to discuss her research, how she develped this compelling story, and how the epic quest for identity and self worth came together for this beautifully wriiten novel. NOTE: Please forgive some of the glitchy portions of this recording, but know it is well worth your time! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITERS' BLOCK Michael Farris Smith is having quite a year! His latest novel, Salvage This World was released to huge acclaim, and he has written screenplays based on two of his other titles, both of which were released this fall, Desperation Road and Rumble Through The Dark. Michael joins Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block to explore his road to publication, his expeience in Hollywood, and his appreciation for all his success. Michael is such a vivid storyteller and his honesty, humor and humility make this episode truly special. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITERS' BLOCK Patti Callahan Henry and Kristin Harmel are joined by literary superstar #nitaprose to talk about her newest, The Mystery Guest, which is a sequel to the hugely popular and GMA Book Club Pick, The Maid. Nita talks about deciding to write this engaging sequel, how she approached the project following huge success and what is involved in switching gears between being a successful writer and a Vice President/Editor in Chief at Simon and Schuster, Canada. A true insider conversation sure to delight and fascinate our listeners!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.