Shows
Casual Babble: Creative Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy & Founder StoriesCasual Babble #3 | Marketing A Queen City Startup Ft. Alyssa PresslerOne of Hygge's earlier members, Alyssa Pressler moved up to overtake the company's marketing initiatives. BC sits down with Alyssa to discuss what brought her on to join the team and what marketing for a young startup with 4 locations entails. We also discuss what is like having Garrett Tichy as a boss.
2025-06-0756 min
Charlotte Readers PodcastA Christmas Novel, a Football Story, and Mental Health and the Struggling WriterEpisode 319 is full of holiday cheer! Paul Reali joins us as a guest co-host and we have an interview with internationally bestselling author Wade Rouse, aka Viola Shipman, about his new heartwarming Christmas rom-com A Wish for Winter. We also feature Carey Henry Keefe's book A Tide of Dreams: The Untold Backstory of Coaches Paul "Bear" Bryant, Carney Laslie, and Frank Moseley, and we discuss Lucy McLaren's blog post about mental health for writers.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Wade Rouse aka Viola Shipman: Time Stamp: 9:20
A Wish for Winter, named a Country Living must-read holiday no...
2022-12-201h 39Charlotte Readers PodcastAppalachian Mystery, Children’s Books, and Writing the Ending FirstIn this episode 318, Kathie Collins joins us as guest co-host as we explore Culley Holderfield’s novel Hemlock Hollow, a family drama centering around a century-old murder. We’ve also got a fun feature with two local children’s authors, Sheryl Smiley-Oliphant and Christopher Singleton, talking about writing for children and getting kids engaged with reading, and Cortney Donelson tells us how writing the ending of her novel first helped fuel her creativity and passion to complete the novel.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Culley Holderfield: Time Stamp: 6:10
Hemlock Hollow is an Appalachian mystery that flows back and...
2022-12-131h 27Charlotte Readers PodcastDavid Baldacci’s Three 2022 Releases, an Iraq War Thriller, and Writing Believably about PlaceIn this episode 317, co-hosted by Charlotte Writers Club president Dave Collins, New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci brings not one but three very different and engaging books to the podcast: Dream Town, The 6:20 Man, and Long Shadows. We also share another thriller, Outside the Wire, by Gary Edgington, a law enforcement and counterterrorism veteran. And we explore how to write believably about places you’ve never seen.
Today’s Featured Authors:
David Baldacci: Time Stamp: 7:19
Global #1 bestselling author David Baldacci returns to the podcast to discuss Long Shadows, his new thriller in which an FBI cons...
2022-11-291h 40Charlotte Readers PodcastWomen’s Fiction, Writing Communities, and Why Some Writing Rules Cannot Be TrustedIn this episode 316, we’re joined by guest host Grace Sammon, a fellow podcaster and the founder of Author Talk Network, to hear about her multi-generational women’s fiction novel The Eves and talk about writing communities. We also get Tom Stewart’s fresh take on some oft-repeated writing rules, and we share book recommendations, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Grace Sammon: Time Stamp: 6:00
The Eves is a psychologically complex novel about a group of diverse, determined, and sometimes ditzy women living in a sustainable farm community atop the cliffs of the Chesapeake Bay. Learn mo...
2022-11-221h 33Charlotte Readers PodcastNYT Bestselling Author Sophie Cousens, Romance Writing Tips, Serial Writing, and MoreIn this episode 315, we dive into New York Times bestselling author Sophie Cousens’ new British rom-com Before I Do, which Kirkus says is “a charming and surprising take on the classic love triangle formula.” Jill Brashear talks about the formulaic parts of writing romance, why they work, and how writing serial fiction re-ignited her spark for writing. And we’ve got book recommendations, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Sophie Cousens: Time Stamp: 5:38
Before I Do is a funny rom-com with a thoughtful take on love, asking the question “What would you do if your ‘one who got aw...
2022-11-151h 17Charlotte Readers PodcastNairobi Thriller, Road Trip Love Story, Blitz Writing, and the Spiritual and Emotional Aspects of WritingIn this episode 314, we’re joined by guest co-host Misha Lazzara to talk about writing craft and her novel Manmade Constellations, a modern-day love story wrapped up in road trips and small town life in the Midwest. We also feature Akbar Hussain’s novel Truth Is a Flightless Bird, which one reviewer calls a fast-paced story set in an African city that never sleeps. Plus Bryan Mitchell shares how blitz days help him finish a first draft.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Akbar Hussain: Time Stamp: 7:45
Truth Is a Flightless Bird, soon to be an eight-part TV min...
2022-11-081h 40Charlotte Readers PodcastCode-Breaking Thriller and Writing TipsIn this episode 313, joined by guest host Mark West, we share NYT bestselling author Charlie Lovett’s rollicking new novel The Enigma Affair, a fast-paced thriller that hearkens back to code-breaking secrets in WWII. We also talk about rethinking your assumptions in writing, and we share new writing tips, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Charlie Lovett: Time Stamp: 21:46
In the suspenseful novel The Enigma Affair, a hitman and a small-town librarian solve a mystery while escaping everything from trained killers to explosions to imprisonment. Learn more at https://charlielovett.com/.
Cara Bertoia: Time...
2022-11-011h 13Charlotte Readers PodcastLiterary Fiction, Children’s Poetry, and the Gift of WritingIn this episode 312, we have some fun with guest co-host Mark West’s humorous children’s book, and we hear from award-winning writer Terry Roberts about his new historical novel The Sky Club, set in an Asheville speakeasy. Plus we hear from mystery writer Joe Congel about how writing can be a gift, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Terry Roberts: Time Stamp: 14:30
The Sky Club, a richly imagined look at Asheville in the 1920s-30s, is a tale of money, greed, and life after the stock market crash, from the eyes of one remarkable woman...
2022-10-281h 40Charlotte Readers PodcastModern Day Horror, First Century Crime, and Writing TipsIn this episode 311, we’re joined by guest host Mark West to explore two novels: NYT bestselling author Jennifer McMahon’s chilling horror story The Children on the Hill, and award-winning author Nicholas Graham’s crime fiction novel The Judas Case, which takes a new look at biblical history. We also share helpful articles from our community blog, book recommendations, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Jennifer McMahon: Time Stamp: 23:36
Publishers Weekly describes Jennifer McMahon’s new psychological thriller The Children on the Hill as “a stellar take on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.” Learn more at https://jenni...
2022-10-252h 15Charlotte Readers PodcastReach, Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and Working with a Book PublicistIn this episode 310, we’re all about the publicity and marketing. With guest host Alyssa Pressler, we feature Becky Robinson’s book Reach, about expanding your audience, and learn tips for how to make the most of your relationship with your publicist. Plus of course we offer book recommendations, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Becky Robinson: Time Stamp: 17:06
In Reach: Create the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, Becky offers tons of practical advice for how authors can build their platforms. We discuss her tips for both fiction and non-fiction writers. Learn...
2022-10-181h 22Charlotte Readers PodcastSmall Town Life, Third Languages, and Writing TipsIn this episode 309, we’re joined by guest host Alyssa Pressler to feature Bobby Finger’s debut novel The Old Place, an insightful and funny portrait of small town Texas life. Plus we talk about writing in a second or third language, share listener pitches and book recommendations, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Bobby Finger: Time Stamp: 17:22
Bobby Finger, co-host of the popular podcast Who? Weekly, brings us his moving debut novel The Old Place, about the secrets submerged within a small Texas town. Learn more at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/703745/the-old-place-by-bobby-finger/.
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2022-10-141h 21Charlotte Readers PodcastPassports and Pacifiers, Friends as Characters, and Writing TipsEpisode 308 is our first episode of the Beyond 300 format to feature a guest host, Alyssa Pressler! Just in time for the arrival of Hannah’s new daughter, we have a practical guide to traveling with family. Plus we have advice on getting to know your characters, community updates, book recommendations, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Kaitlyn Jane: Time Stamp: 29:08
Passports and Pacifiers–Traveling the World, One Tantrum at a Time is the true story of two crazy parents traveling with four small children… on a budget. Learn more at https://www.kaitlynjain.com/.
Le...
2022-10-111h 41Charlotte Readers PodcastBooks and Writing Tips, Writing Process, Best-Selling Author, One-Hour Adventure Read, and MemoirIn this episode 307, we explore practical writing advice on going from blank page to book, writing what you know, and finding your personal process. We feature new contemporary fiction from New York Times bestselling author Therese Anne Fowler, a Southern memoir, and a one-hour read. Plus we have community events, book recommendations, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Therese Anne Fowler Time Stamp: 30:13
In New York Times bestselling novelist Therese Anne Fowler’s new novel, It All Comes Down to This, Therese invites the reader into the world of the strong-minded Geller sisters, the men...
2022-09-272h 52Charlotte Readers PodcastWriting Poetry, Writers and Procrastination, Plus True Crime Novels and a Smoky Mountain Family SagaIn this episode 306, we explore how writers can defeat procrastination–or harness it for good. Plus we talk about how to write poetry, and why; we encounter some amazing true crime stories; and we feature a Smoky Mountains saga.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Avery Caswell: Time Stamp: 29:32
Salvation is based on the true story of two young sisters who were kidnapped by a traveling evangelist outside Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more at https://averycaswell.com/.
Kenneth Chamlee: Time Stamp: 1:02:52
We feature Kenneth Chamlee’s poetry craft blog post: https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/squeezing-the-excess-out-of-a-poem/.
...
2022-09-133h 16Charlotte Readers PodcastAspiring Author Tips, Writing Perseverance, and Noir, Historical Fiction, Relational, and Suspense NovelsIn this episode 305, we give advice for aspiring authors to jumpstart the process of writing your first book, plus thoughts on harnessing a tool that’s valuable for any writer: perseverance. And we celebrate authors in a variety of genres, including New York Times bestselling novelist Megan Miranda. And of course we have book recommendations, and more!
Today’s Featured Authors:
Stephen Eoannou: Time Stamp: 21:52
One reviewer calls Rook a “terrific Technicolor Noir that breathes life into the period.” Learn more at https://www.sgeoannou.com/
Malika Stevely: Time Stamp: 1:28:20
Song of Redempti...
2022-08-302h 32
Open BookOpen Book Episode 14: We're backHey world, we're back to recording. In this episode Garrett and Alyssa catch up on the books they've been reading and listening to over the past few months. You'll also finally hear their thoughts on The Hobbit and they'll talk about the movies they think were actually better than the books. It's good to be back 💛
2021-06-2343 minOpen BookEpisode 13: Let's talk self-publishingThis week on Open Book we got the honor of having Raven Solomon, a local author and all-around incredible human being, on our show to talk about the writing process for her first book as well as the self-publishing process. Raven is a leadership guru and two years ago wrote and published Leading Your Parents: 25 Rules to Effective Multigenerational Leadership for Millennials and Gen Z. She was incredibly open about her writing process and how difficult it was, but then she tackled the self-publishing industry after, making her a total badass in our eyes. Plus, hear what Garrett and...
2021-02-0350 minOpen BookEpisode 12: Are you Ready Player One?New year, new book discussion! Alyssa has finally read one of Garrett's favorite books, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, and watched the movie so they can have an in-depth argument about it. To help ease the tension, they have special guest Taylor Florio, a close friend who happened to watch and read the book the weekend before this discussion, on as well. There's also some weird mentions of hand hugging, podcasts to fall asleep to and Garrett's daemon animal from the His Dark Materials series.
2021-01-2054 minOpen BookEpisode 11: Our favorite 2020 readsHappy holidays from Open Book! In our last episode of the year, Garrett and Alyssa talk all about their favorite reads of 2020, giving you short descriptions and what we liked about each. Don't be shocked... prehistoric sharks are mentioned once again. We also talk about some of the local businesses we're supporting this holiday season (support local business, y'all) and what we're reading right now for the end of the year.
2020-12-1654 minOpen BookEpisode 10: Let's get bookishThis is the type of podcast episode you get when things get crazy for the holidays and Alyssa doesn't have time to prepare a better topic: we rapid fire answer a bunch of bookish questions we found on the internet for ya. Do we judge books by their covers? Where is our favorite place to read? Do we have a favorite book character of all time? You'll just have to listen to find out.
2020-12-0300 min
Scraping The VaultLady and the Tramp 2: Scamp’s Adventure
Lady & The Tramp 2: Scamps Adventure is a movie. You can watch it if you want to but you might want to listen to this first to find out all you need to know about it. This of course involves discussion about the lineage of Jim Dear and the Dear family, who let which dogs out and for what purpose, and whether or not Tony is a stable adult human being who can be trusted to be in public. Join Audrey (voiced by Audrey), Jimmy (voiced by Jimmy), and Dan (voiced by Alyssa Milano) for this pawtastic howling good podcast. I me...
2020-12-021h 32Open BookEpisode 9: Writing children's books with Lawrence GordonThis week we're honored to have local children's author Lawrence Gordon on the show sharing about his two published books and his plan for what comes next. Lawrence co-authors each of his book, making them extra special. His whole mission is to get more fathers reading with their children and talking about emotional issues with them. Garrett and Alyssa also discuss their favorite children's books and share what they're reading.
2020-11-1800 minOpen BookEpisode 8: The Only Good IndiansThe day has finally come: over two months after finishing up our buddy read of Stephen Graham Jones' The Only Good Indians, Garrett and Alyssa are finally ready to discuss the breathtaking horror novel in all its glory. *Warning* there are spoilers ahead. We also talk about the books we're currently reading, what our Small Business Saturday plan is, books that have changed our lives and Garrett's favorite horror movies.
2020-11-0500 min
Those in our CLT communityEP01: Alyssa Pressler - That's Novel BooksIn this episode, Alyssa talks about her journey of opening a book store, That's Novel Books. She speaks about the challenges and take aways after what has happened this year.
2020-10-2428 minOpen BookEpisode 7: Do the write thing: support localGarrett finally finishes his buddy read, we talk about our holiday plans for the store and we have a special guest on to talk about all things writing and journaling ahead of November's National Novel Writing Month! We're pumped to welcome Ashley Wright, a local author and journaling expert, to the show to talk about how writing affects her life and journal prompts.
2020-10-2200 minOpen BookEpisode 6: Burning beans and how we readAlyssa ribs Garrett for not finishing their buddy read on time - surprise surprise. They also discuss how they read so much and what they'd say to folks who say they don't have time to read. You'll also hear some business updates and a debate on hardcover versus paperback books.
2020-10-0700 minOpen BookEpisode 5: JK does not mean just kiddingGarrett and Alyssa talk about the latest JK Rowling controversy. Yup, she's at it again. We discuss whether you can truly separate an artist from their art, or in this case, and author from their books, given that Harry Potter has meant so much to us as readers in the past. You'll also hear us discuss books we believe everyone should read and Garrett will talk about his prehistoric shark book that he *finally* finished.
2020-09-2448 minOpen BookEpisode 4 - Charlotte Author Chat with Jeneva RoseAlyssa talks with Charlotte Author Jeneva Rose, who published her first book just over a month ago and has already sold the movie rights while landing another book deal for a series. Garrett and Alyssa talk about what they're reading, the highs and lows of business ownership and genres they wish they read more of.
2020-09-0948 minOpen BookEpisode 3 - Intentional ReadingGarrett and Alyssa talk about our upcoming September buddy read of The Only Good Indians, why it's important to us to read intentionally and what our top 3 favorite books are. And, yeah, Garrett mentions prehistoric sharks... again.
2020-08-2652 minOpen BookEpisode 2 - Oh Amazon...Garrett and Alyssa talk about how many unread books they own, supporting Amazon and how it affects local business, and, yeah, prehistoric sharks, again.
2020-08-1235 minOpen BookEpisode 1 - Open BookGarrett and Alyssa talk about how Covid-19 has affected the business, weird prehistoric shark books and equity in the publishing industry.
2020-07-2744 min