Shows
Writing StoriesDeveloping the Negatives of a Life: Painter Pat Lipsky on 50 Years of Making Art in New York CitySend us a textIn this episode Pat Lipsky talks about her acclaimed new memoir Brightening Glance and covers:What having a space means as an artist and the discipline necessary to endureHer life in the New York City art scene from 1960s to present day, including accounts of experiences with Tony Smith and Pierre RosenbergThe role Marcel Proust has played in her life and workAnd the experience of entering the publishing world from the perspective of a seasoned painter
2025-11-011h 03
Writing StoriesMake More Pots! Marguerite Sheffer on Perseverance and Experimentation.Send us a textIn this episode Marguerite Sheffer talks about Iowa Short Fiction Prize winning collection The Man in the Banana Trees and covers:the content of Marguerite's wide ranging speculative fiction stories that dive deeply into the practice of making art and some of our most critical justice issues in our culturehow design thinking helped Marguerite get to a place of wildness and fierce play and pleasure with these storieswhat it was like to win the 2024 Iowa Short Fiction Prize and how it has changed her professional...
2025-10-1642 min
This Mama Is Lit!50th Episode Retrospective: Fangirling & Finding a GrooveAmanda Fields, Brianna Avenia-Tapper, Holly Rizzuto Palker, and Eva Langston come together to reflect on the evolution of this podcast, memorable guests, and the conversations we can’t wait to have. From their very first attempts at recording to latest and greatest moments, they take time to reflect, celebrate and appreciate all the authors they have featured in addition to what they have learned from each other. The Literary Mama community is fierce and fabulous. Thank you to our loyal listeners who continue to show up for us. We have so much more to explore with you.Li...
2025-10-1534 min
Writing StoriesTo Have No Shame On Your Face -- T Clark's Journey to a Two-Book Deal.Send us a textIn this episode T Clark talks about All This Want and I Can't Get None and covers:the content of T's feverish and honest short stories about girlhood, shame, want, and choiceshow T found an agentwhat the path to a book deal looked likehow living in a certain place can foster a more balanced writing lifehow writing collaborative plays has informed their fiction
2025-09-2738 min
Writing StoriesWith My Background in Publishing, I Knew Nothing Was Make-or-BreakSend us a textIn this episode Samantha Browning Shea talks about MARROW and covers:writing her own book as a literary agent for otherswhen her first novel didn't find a publisherwriting with small children writing characters in the context of their relationships worry over whether a book will work find out more about Samantha herepre-order Marrow hereLearn more about the upcoming host of Writing Stories Jessica Kinnison here
2025-08-0143 min
Writing Stories"This is my start" — Lorraine Russell tells the story of Love and ShadowsSend us a textLorraine Russell tells the story of Love and Shadows. Along the way she covers: Self-publishing on AmazonUsing Fiverr to find cover designers and editors Fear of failure Getting yourself into a flow state Working with a writing coachWriting as though telling a story around a campfire Also in this episode: The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston Our upcoming new Writing Stories host, Jessica Kinnison (!!!) Catherine Lacey (Catherine Lacey, if you are...
2025-07-1735 min
Writing Stories"I'm not writing just for myself" — Danielle Teller tells the story of FORGEDSend us a textDanielle Teller tells the story of Forged and talks about: success as a writer rule-breaking the pitfalls of newspaper articles in novels Cassie Chadwick All the Ever Afters When your agent can't place your manuscript How her work as a doctor has informed her writing process Learn more about Danielle here buy FORGED here
2025-06-1731 min
Writing Stories“There’s Someone Out There...I just Have to Find Them." — Christine Kalafus tells the story of FLOODSend us a textChristine tells the story of FLOOD and talks about: Westport Writers Workshop Christine PakkalaCopy editing your own work Thinking about text structure like architecture Agent shenanigans Woodhall Press Shampoo and sugar as essential writing tools Combatting perfectionismJaclyn Gilbert and Drift(less) Literary Poets and their memoirs Learn more about Christine hereBuy FLOOD here
2025-06-0430 min
Writing StoriesTwo Things That Are Anathema in Publishing — Deesha Philyaw tells the story of The Secret Lives of Church LadieSend us a textDeesha Philyaw tells the story of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies Along the way she covers: Being in the Norton Anthology of Literature Jamaica Kincaid's story Girl The ways Church Ladies is proudly Black Ways white supremacy shapes the stories we read and tell Misconceptions about race in publishing Revision for her novel Boundaries Her brilliant agent and unorthodox publishing moves Learn more about Deesha hereBuy Secret Lives of Church Ladi...
2025-05-2940 min
Writing Stories"Your Life Can Be Set Up Like An Artist's Residency" — Sasha Hom tells the story of SideworkSend us a textSasha Hom tells the story of Sidework. Along the way she covers: ProfluenceIncluding multiple nows in your writing Making appreciation a disciplinePolyphonic nature of restaurants and motherhood (especially when living in a tent!) Living life as an artist's residency Black Lawrence Press (Immigrant writing series) Learn more about Sasha here or here Buy Sidework here
2025-05-2028 min
Writing StoriesA Safe Place to Explore — Jennie Case tells the story of We Are AnimalsSend us a textJennie Case tells the story of We Are Animals. Jennie talks about: - control, safety, and risk in the creative process - speaking to the current moment - how to gesture toward the place beyond concepts in writing - agent troubles - writing a letter to your book - publishing with a university press (Trinity)Find out more about Jennie hereBuy We Are Animals here
2025-05-1529 min
Writing Stories"Are You All In?" — Rebe Huntman tells the story of My Mother in HavanaSend us a textRebe talks about: querying (and querying again!) hiring a publicistwriting about grief art vs archiving enjoying the ride the changing publishing industry Monkfish Press Find out more about Rebe hereBuy My Mother in Havana here
2025-04-2226 min
Writing StoriesThe Dignity of Small Things — Libby Maxey tells the story of IndwellingSend us a textLibby Maxey talks about: - using sonnets to put the pandemic in a box - writing 'off of' other writers - the ancient tradition of starting a book with an author's address to the book - poetry land vs. fiction land, and how time doesn't matter- editing other poets' poems- giving dignity to small things - being 'bad' at 'pub days' Learn more about Libby here Buy Indwelling here
2025-04-1432 min
Writing StoriesHave The Audacity — Dori Lumpkin tells the story of AntenoraSend us a textDori Lumpkin talks about: Comp titles and queriesCreature Publishing Religious tea drinking Setting up a book signingMethod writing (like method acting) Book tattoosLearn more about Dori here Buy Antenora here
2025-04-0922 min
Writing Stories"I Learned the Hard Way" — Emma Pattee tells the story of TILTSend us a textEmma Pattee talks aboutPostpartum creativity Writing by hand Navigating the distance between one's own vision and feedback and finding one's breaking point with a project Confusing a desire to make art and a desire to be famous Going on sub for only 24 hoursHelen Phillips The Need Julia Phillips Margaret MaloneLidia Yuknavitch and Reading the Waves Buy TILT here
2025-03-3131 min
Writing Stories"Charge into the Messiness" —Wayne Scott tells the story of The Maps They Gave UsSend us a textWayne Scott talks about Writing well-rounded characters that can surprise us Trying to sell a book that publishers don't think will sell to women Marriage as a storyEM Forrester's Aspects of the Novel Publishing a Modern Love piece, getting an agent and then having your agent lose steam Memoir as coping strategy Rayhané SandersCorporeal Writing Tin House residency Christie Tate GROUP Black Lawrence Press and Diane Goettel Molly Roden...
2025-03-2735 min
Writing Stories"It's really annoying to write a novel" — Mariam Rahmani tells the story of LiquidSend us a textMariam Rahmani talks about: Preserving voice How to know when you are ready to bring editors and other readers in to your processRacialized pay gaps and racialized double-standards in publishing Streamlining of stories in publishing Putting a manuscript of 7 years aside Challenges of short story versus novel Danielle Bukowski (agent) and Evan Hanson-Bundy (editor) Buy LIQUID here
2025-03-2033 min
Writing StoriesDo what you have to do to get the work done — Cally Fiedorek tells the story of Atta BoySend us a textCally talks about: Hardware and software in a story A need to detox from the marketplace Woeful inefficiency in the writing processZadie Smith and 'obsessive perspective disorder ' Furious throat-clearing Pregnancy creating writing urgency Sewanee review Keeping a manuscript under wraps and writing as solitary The sense in which approval is contagiousIowa University PressBuy Atta Boy here
2025-03-1731 min
Writing StoriesQuestioning Assumptions — Nicole Graev Lipson tells the story of Mothers and Other Fictional CharactersSend us a textNicole Graev Lipson tells the story of Mothers and Other Fictional Characters. Along the way we talk about: Sexism in publishing The 'mother shelf' Microscopic truth and Brenda Ueland Writing from "low-grade embarrassment" and "both-and-ness" Growing up with with the belief that you can be anyone you want to be and do anything you want to do (and how that might affect the ways you construct the challenges of motherhood in your thinking and writing) Maternal Thinking by Sara Ruddick Publi...
2025-03-1427 min
This Mama Is Lit!Aileen Weintraub: Bedrest Becomes YouHolly Rizzuto Palker and Brianna Avenia-Tapper chat with Aileen Weitraub, author of Knocked Down: A High Risk Memoir, about the sacrifice of motherhood, interfaith marriage, and the gifts of grief. Grieving the loss of her father while on bedrest has Aileen poking at the notion of how the boy becomes a man when he loses a father. But what about the girl? What does she become?Aileen Weintraub is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor whose latest book is Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir, about a Brooklyn girl who moves to the country, gets married, and finds...
2025-03-1225 min
Writing StoriesOnce I found the voice and the mode of the narrative, I could just PLAY — Shubha Sunder tells the story of Optional Practical TrainingSend us a textShubha Sunder talks about: Constructing a narrative through the things that people say to the main characterCharacterization as a "portrait in the negative" Writing through divorce and Covid lockdownWriting from an immigrant perspective and immigration as a step in one's path to becoming an artist Characters as caricatures and the ways some caricature can strengthen a narrative How long it took for 'the gate to open' for Ursula LeGuin's writing Buy Optional Practical Training here
2025-03-1124 min
Writing Stories"I DO belong over here on this side" — Nanda Reddy tells the story of A Girl Within A Girl Within A GirlSend us a textNanda Reddy talks about: Deadlines and focus Manuscripts in drawersQuerytracker critiquematch.comAccepting previously rejected parts of ourselves as part of the process of writing fiction Assimilation BelongingIdentity BookPage review by Stephanie Harrison
2025-03-0736 min
Writing StoriesDon't Revise, Explode — Elyse Durham tells the story of Maya and NatashaSend us a textElyse Durham talks about: Remaining open and flexible in the process Following your fascinations Focusing Most adorable book deal celebration Ballet, Greek Orthodoxy, and the body Historical fiction Writer to agent AWP Alison Hunter Trellis Literary Cameos from Brianna's kiddo Andy (he would like you to know that he DOESN'T have candy) Find out more about Elyse here!
2025-02-2431 min
Writing Stories"Oh, you want a plot? I'll GIVE you A PLOT" — Emily J. Smith tells the story of Nothing SeriousSend us a textEmily J. Smith talks about: Graphing plot points and clues That whole job/money/housing/social class/art tangle Validation, connection, tech, and writing Bouncing back from failureBringing an engineer mindset to writing and bringing a tech mindset to publishing "Prestige thrillers" Writing friends Interesting theory about relative challenges of agents and editorsFind out more about Emily here
2025-02-2038 min
Writing Stories"Take Your Time" — Olufunke Grace Bankole Tells the Story of The Edge of WaterSend us a textOlufunke covers: - Tin House -The importance of the relationships in the process of publishing your work -Elizabeth Demeo (editor) -Danya (agent) -What makes her a 'real' writer - Savoring -How good feedback can shift your relationship with your own writing Learn more about Olufunke here More Writing Stories here
2025-02-1935 min
Writing Stories"You Don't Suck" — Lidia Yuknavitch tells the story of Reading the WavesSend us a textIn this episode, Lidia talks about -story-telling space as a magical shape-shifting place of healing and growth-how to talk to yourself when your writing is lousy- pillow forts - creative coping strategies-being trained to retell the same story -how we and our stories change over time -writing a fable from something that happened to you Find out more about Lidia here More Writing Stories here
2025-02-0637 min
Writing Stories"It Took 8 Years To Write" — Susan Barker Tells the Story of Old SoulSend us a textWhy write 'bad' characters? Why write 'bad' female characters? Being patient and having faith The line between good and evil exists within every man Stephen King and kinds of fear It Follows directed by David Robert Mitchell (film about sexually transmitted haunting!) Dracula Picture of Dorian Gray (please excuse my terrible pronunciation of 'macabre'!!! )More about Susan Barker hereSign up to join a free writing feedback group
2025-01-2926 min
Writing Stories"Please Stop Me if This Is Going Terribly" — Erika Swyler tells the story of We Lived on the HorizonSend us a textAlong the way, Erika covers: Pacing Best moment of the book making processEditing that works with an author's vision Adrian Tchaikovsky and Service ModelAtria (publisher) Michelle Brower (agent) Loan Le editor Icky-post-pub emails Treadmill desk
2025-01-2132 minWriting Stories"Making art is a lot like making a kid—It is just this really intense expression of being alive"Send us a textSeason 4! Coming up! You'll hear from Erika SwylerEmily J SmithDeesha PhilyawLidia YuknavitchSusan BarkerNicole Graev LipsonJennie CaseEmma PatteeElyse Durham Shubha SunderDori LumpkinSasha HomCally FiedorekLibby MaxeyGrace Bankole Nanda ReddyWayne Scott
2025-01-1910 minWriting StoriesRERELEASE! A Major Problem with PublicationSend us a textIn this episode, Yael Goldstein-Love talks about The Possibilities.We cover:Heretic barbiesPutting away ten years of work on a manuscript (possibly the best thing you've ever written)'A genteel form of homeless'Genre and its discontentsFeedback and recognizing a need for a POV shift in a draftHow women are socialized to prioritize others' perceptions of themBenefits of a really great editorHow publication can shift you out of your richest creative modeYou can buy The Possibilities...
2025-01-1432 minWriting StoriesRERELEASE! The most hardcore writing hack everSend us a textElle Everhart talks about Hot Summer. Along the way, Elle covers: Hinge A particular kind of single parenting experienceThe most dangerous writing appWriting as a way to try on alternative selves Collaborating with agent and editor on a contracted second book Romance novelsSomething Borrowed by Emily Giffin (My dog Pretzel makes an appearance.)Buy Hot Summer here. Learn more about Elle here Find out more about Writing Stories here
2025-01-1331 minWriting StoriesRERELEASE! Shannon Sanders talks about her award-winning story collection CompanySend us a textIn this episode, I talk to Shannon Sanders about her linked short story collection, Company. We talk about:- writing your own murder mystery parties- writing through your feelings about others' offhand comments- signing with an agent a week before COVID lockdown- persisting in your writing through the birth of twins- finishing your book while raising three children under three- resisting, as a writer of short stories, the pressure to turn them into a novel- trusting your own aesthetic j...
2025-01-1232 min
Writing Stories"The Blank Space Became the Book" — Amy Wilson Tells the Story of Happy To HelpSend us a text'Burn charts' for writing Linking essays the way one links chapters in a novelWriting and mom guiltBoundaries (and the lack thereof) as they relate to gender socialization Letting a manuscript dieSarina Bowen #AmWriting podcastWhat Fresh Hell podcastZibby Books Andrea Robinson — developmental editor When Did I Get Like This Jenny Nash's Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book Buy Happy to Help hereLearn more about Amy Wilson hereFollow Writing Stories here
2025-01-1029 minWriting StoriesRERELEASE! Letting Go of What You Can't ControlSend us a textIn this episode, I talk to Christina Consolino about her most recent novel, The Weight We Carry.We discuss:- NaNoWriMo- Prioritizing writing- The oozing guts of dead things- Controlling what you can and letting go of what you can't- The idea that not all characters are capable of substantial change- Publishing with a small, independent press- Trusting your book will find an audienceYou can find Christina's novels The Weight We Carry and Rewrite the...
2025-01-1028 minWriting StoriesRERELEASE! "I Had to Do Whatever Was Necessary to Communicate"Send us a textElizabeth Hilborn tells the story of her memoir Restoring Eden. Along the way she covers:Moving from scientific writing to memoirNotes and research for nonfictionHoney bees, pesticides, and environmental degradationMindfulness and writingJill Rothenberg - editorDinty W Moore and the river of the storyFind out more about Dr. Elizabeth Hilborn hereBuy Restoring Eden here
2025-01-0931 min
Writing Stories"Traditional Publishing Industry Bullshit" — Amanda Fields tells the story of My CaesareanSend us a textEditing an essay collection Organizing an essay collection Literary Mama C-sectionsBlurbsWorking with mothersJulie Stevenson (agent) Labor Day (collection of birth stories including one from Cheryl Strayed) Writing your spouse (or not) launch parties The Experiment pressBuy My Caesarean hereLearn more about Amanda hereFollow Writing Stories here
2024-12-2331 min
Writing Stories"If You're Not Getting the Dopamine Boost, Then Why Bother?" — Terese Svoboda tells the story of Roxy and Coco and The Long SwimSend us a textThe key to being able to write a lot YADDO and writing 50 pages a day (????)What makes a 'real' writerWriting groups that last 40 yearsIn-person author events and signings"The sad wilderness of selves calling out for publication"Launch pad from The Authors Guild Getting an editor on Reedsy Learn more about Terese hereBuy The Long Swim hereBuy Roxy and Coco here Follow Writing Stories here
2024-12-1832 min
Writing StoriesThis Very Sacrificial Thing — Jaclyn Gilbert Tells the Story of Late AirSend us a textIn this episode Jaclyn tells the story of Late Air. Along the way she covers: goal orientationRunningDriftless Literary upcoming course on navigating the indie publishing landscapeDavid Ryan (and his revision ideas)the denial of painMarya SpenceBuy Late Air hereLearn more about Jaclyn here
2024-12-0636 min
Writing Stories"What If We Free Ourselves?" — Vera Blossom Tells the Story of How To Fuck Like A GirlSend us a textIn this episode Vera Blossom tells the story of How To Fuck Like A Girl. Along the way she covers: Gender/genre crossover Diary writing Dopamine PressQueer zine cultureBuilding a queer utopia How great editors are like spiritual teachers and therapists Publishing as a trans writer in today's political climatePEN America fellowship and TanaïsLearn more about Vera here Buy How to Fuck Like A Girl Here
2024-12-0426 min
Writing Stories"Too Many Emotions and No Tranquility" — Jessica E. Johnson Tells the Story of MettleworkSend us a textIn this episode, Jessica E. Johnson tells the story of Mettlework. Along the way she covers: Agent troubles Her poetry collection MetabolicsA need for more poetry about motherhoodConnections between form, content, and 'material conditions of creation' in her work Gathering your mentor texts The inheritance of motherhood and the self-sacrificing mother mythMary Ardery's review of her book Emma Copley Eisenberg and HousematesLearn more about Jessica here Buy Mettlework here
2024-11-2340 min
Writing Stories"A Dream Come True" — Polly Rosenwaike tells the story of Look How Happy I'm Making YouSend us a textIn this episode Polly tells the story of Look How Happy I'm Making You. Along the way she covers: - When your conversation partner for your book launch cancel at the last minute- Bathttub stories- Going to auction- Keeping your expectations low- Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern - Finding an agent in Poets and WritersFind out more about Polly hereBuy Look How Happy I'm Making You here
2024-11-1831 min
Writing StoriesWriting From Post-Election Anxiety — Danny Goodman Tells the Story of AmerikalandSend us a textIn this episode, Danny Goodman tells the story of Amerikaland. Along the way he covers:- Anxiety as writing fuel- how sports can be literary, romantic, uniting, and a useful literary tool - writing a different gender - writing pro athletes- Leftover Books - Being married to a brilliant editor - Antisemitism Learn more about Danny here Buy Amerikaland here
2024-11-1238 min
Writing StoriesWonderful and Terrible — Jazmina Barrera Tells The Story of Linea NigraSend us a textIn this episode, Jazmina Barrera tells the story of Linea Nigra. Along the way she covers: World-altering experience of becoming a parentGendered double-standards in terms of what topics are worthy of booksRadical empathy Publishing a book in translation, working with a translatorTwo Lines PressForeign Body Linea NegraEdiciones AntílopeLearn more about Jazmina Barrera Buy Linea Nigra here
2024-11-0635 min
Writing Stories"No One Can Read It If It Doesn't Get Published" — Kate Brody tells the story of RABBIT HOLE (Paperback out Tuesday!)Send us a textKate Brody tells the story of Rabbit Hole. Along the way she covers: Choosing a genre container to move her plot alongSelling fast in one country and slow in anotherSelling a book while in labor with her second childWriting a book while teaching and parenting Writing a second book when the first didn't sell Commercial ambitions and related feelings Dorland Arts ColonySOHO Press, Bloomsbury Find out more about Kate hereBuy Rabbit Hole here (PAPERBACK COMES...
2024-10-2530 min
Writing Stories"Nobody Can Write A Book Everyone Loves" — Brittany Means Tells the Story of Hell If We Don't Change Our WaysSend us a textIn this episode Brittany tells the story of Hell If We Don't Change Our Ways. Along the way she covers: - Taking care of yourself when writing hard things- The best way to protect yourself from post-publication despair and Zibby Books- The power of a good writing teacher- Complicating the popular 'homeless-to-Harvard' narrative- Why the submission process made her feel like a 'ferret with fleas'- Studying nonfiction at Iowa - Writing as coping mechanism - Kiese Laymon
2024-10-1935 min
Writing StoriesMoving from Doubt to Self-Belief — Kate Weinberg tells the story of There's Nothing Wrong With HerSend us a textIn this episode, Kate Weinberg tells the story of There's Nothing Wrong With Her. Along the way she covers: why it is hard to live with a writer Stamina and persistenceHaving your book go to auctionThe emotional and financial uncertainty and fluctuation in an artist's lifeChronic illnessThe importance of celebrating writing winsThe TruantsBuy There's Nothing Wrong With Her hereLearn more about Kate hereFind out more about Writing Stories here
2024-10-1129 min
Writing StoriesMemoir as an Exercise in Perspective — Cheryl Klein Tells the Story of CrybabySend us a textIn this episode Cheryl Klein tells the story of Crybaby. Along the way she covers: Big Feelings and sexism in our beliefs about what is worthy of big feelings Memoir as coping mechanismPresenting the self in memoir Publishing a memoir when you are living through the sequel MiscarriageBaby envy MUTHA MagazineBrown Paper PressZoe Norvell Dani Shapiro The Commuters Lilac Mines Buy Crybaby hereLearn more about Cheryl Klein here
2024-10-0533 min
Writing StoriesThe Power of Lemon Cake — Marie Mutsuki Mockett tells the story of The Tree DoctorSend us a textIn this episode Marie Mutsuki Mockett tells the story of The Tree Doctor. Along the way she covers: The ways women are and are not allowed to write about sexThe depression that can follow publishing a book and how to overcome it (hint: lemons and sugar are involved)Differences in Japanese and American perspectives on the body Embracing one's creative range and curiosity Graywolf Press and editor Ethan Nosowsky The Tale of Genji The End of the Affair Marie's previous books: Picking Bones...
2024-09-2741 min
Writing Stories"Writing is a place I love to come back to" — Rebecca J. Sanford tells the story of The DisappearedSend us a textRebecca J. Sanford tells the story of The Disappeared. Along the way she covers: The Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo in Argentina A new querying technique Being on submission for a year Finding an agent who understands your vision Buy The Disappeared hereFind out more about Rebecca hereFind out more about Writing Stories hereFollow Writing Stories here
2024-08-1216 min
Writing StoriesI'm Choosing This — Elle Everhart tells the story of Hot SummerSend us a textElle Everhart tells the story of Hot Summer. Along the way, Elle covers: Hinge A particular kind of single parenting experienceThe most dangerous writing appWriting as a way to try on alternative selves Collaborating with agent and editor on a contracted second book Romance novelsSomething Borrowed by Emily Giffin (My dog Pretzel makes an appearance.)Buy Hot Summer here. Learn more about Elle h...
2024-08-0730 min
Writing StoriesPeople Think That When You're Not Published, You're Not WorkingSend us a textAida Zilelian tells the story of All the Ways We Lied. Along the way she discusses: - writer's block- the value of touchstone texts and poetry - agents (the good, the bad, and the why) - how to know when to let go of a project - the Armenian genocide - The Stranger by Camus - Anjali Singh (agent) - book coach Karen Clark - The Goldfinch and The CorrectionsFind out more about Aida hereBuy All the Ways...
2024-07-0825 min
Writing StoriesI Had to Do Whatever Was Necessary to Communicate — Elizabeth Hilborn tells the story of Restoring EdenSend us a textElizabeth Hilborn tells the story of her memoir Restoring Eden. Along the way she covers: Moving from scientific writing to memoirNotes and research for nonfiction Honey bees, pesticides, and environmental degradation Mindfulness and writingJill Rothenberg - editorDinty W Moore and the river of the story Find out more about Dr. Elizabeth Hilborn hereBuy Restoring Eden here
2024-07-0330 min
Writing StoriesI was having so much fun, I wasn't concerned about what would happen — Ananda Lima tells the story of CRAFTSend us a textAnanda Lima tells the story of CRAFT: Stories I Wrote for the Devil. Along the way she covers: The importance of giving yourself permission to play Craft talk (and the implicit values therein!) Remembering your opinion is valid Great editing movesLatinx in publishing Black Lawrence PressSewanee Writers' ConferenceRestless Books New Immigrant Writing PrizeFind out more about Ananda hereBuy CRAFT hereFind out more about Writing Stories hereFollo...
2024-06-2632 min
This Mama Is Lit!Amy Shearn: The Sexy EpisodeAmanda Fields and Brianna Avenia-Tapper talk with long-time LM friend Amy Shearn about how kids change over the years, dating during motherhood, life after divorce, the pandemic, and her forthcoming books, Dear Edna Sloane and Animal Instinct. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2024-06-1835 min
Writing Stories"When I was writing it, I was writing it TO her" — Barrie Miskin tells the story of Hellgate BridgeSend us a textIn this episode Barrie Miskin tells the story of her memoir Hellgate Bridge. Along the way she covers: Sarah PerryInferno by Catherine Cho Writing about mental illnessWriting about motherhoodHelpful writing coach moves (including the 'mmmm, I kinda don't get it' move)Writing about traumatic experiences Find out more about Barrie here Buy Hellgate Bridge here Find out more about Writing Stories hereFollow Writing Stories here
2024-06-0628 min
Writing Stories"A Place I Had Never Thought Possible" — Shze-Hui Tjoa talks about The Story GameSend us a textIn this episode, Shze-Hui talks about The Story Game. Along the way, she covers: Evaluating agent responses to your manuscriptWomen and anger How to know when a book is done Recognizing the limits of our knowledge The generative power of getting stuck and the creation of new forms Book tour Writing about family Tin House **The Story Game was actually finished in Oct '22, not in Oct '23 as stated in the episode.**Find ou...
2024-05-2530 min
Writing StoriesWelcoming to Evolution or Change or Rupture — Lucas Mann tells the story of AttachmentsSend us a textLucas Mann tells the story of Attachments: Essays on fatherhood and other performances. Along the way he covers: Writing when you have a newbornTrying for a balance between personal essay and cultural criticismFalse dichotomy of smart writing and embodied writing The perception that books about fatherhood don't sellWhen your publisher doesn't respond to the manuscript you submittedWhat he thinks about when he compiles an essay collection The 'golden age' of mothering literature Rivka Galchen little Labors Dept of Speculation...
2024-05-1233 min
Writing StoriesThe Fight to Retain the Weird and the Feral — Michelle Tea tells the story of SLUTSSend us a textIn this episode, Michelle Tea tells the story of SLUTS, from Dopamine Press. Along the way, she covers: Starting Dopamine PressAnthologies as fundraisersStarting and ending anthologiesPerceptions of 'sluttery' and our culture's relationship to pleasure An iconic '90s San Francisco sexual experienceAssimilationist and anti-assimilationist queernessBeth PickensClement Goldberg and New Mistakes Semiotext(e) Vera Blossom and How To Fuck Like A Girl Cheryl Klein (who will also be joining Writing Stories to talk about her memoir C...
2024-05-0733 min
This Mama Is Lit!Starting Over in Every Way PossibleJessica Strawser chats with Holly Rizzuto Palker and Brianna Avenia-Tapper about her newest book, The Last Caretaker. She talks about how her children inspire her writing, how her characters always try to do the right thing, domestic violence and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2024-05-0123 min
Writing StoriesWhat Will and Will Not Be Translated — Crystal Hana Kim tells the story of The Stone HomeSend us a textCrystal Hana Kim tells the story of The Stone Home. Along the way she covers: - Focus when drafting - When she shares her work with her agent- What questions she is interested in exploring in her work - The best book publication/baby making timeline ever - Strategies for creating a propulsive narrative- Reasons for not translating or transliterating particular words in a text - Learning the power of story early - Writing a second book Find o...
2024-04-2830 min
Writing Stories"It's Never Gonna Happen For Me" — Hannah Sward tells the story of StripSend us a textHannah Sward tells the story of Strip. Along the way, she covers: - A publishing journey full of false summits- Publishing without an agent- Querying agents- Why not to be a writer - That you should not be afraid to write the shittiest shit - Natalie Goldberg and Writing Down the Bones- Jill Schary Robinson - Family responses to memoir - Publishing with a small indie Tortoise Press- Small press distributionFind out mor...
2024-04-2835 min
Writing StoriesNothing is Whole Until It's In Words — Stephanie Clare Smith tells the story of Everywhere the UndrownedSend us a textIn this episode, Stephanie Clare Smith tells the story of Everywhere the Undrowned. Along the way, she covers: Bellevue's Nonfiction ContestGreat Circle Books (whose series editor Marie Mutsuki Mockett is the author of The Tree Doctor and an upcoming guest on this podcast!) University PressesDismantling the fantasy parent in our heads and going back to care for...
2024-04-2131 min
This Mama Is Lit!Erika Hayasaki: Fourth wall journalismAmanda Fields and Brianna Avenia-Tapper talk with Erika Hayasaki: journalist, professor, and author of SOMEWHERE SISTERS: A Story of Adoption, Identity, and the Meaning of Family. SOMEWHERE SISTERS was named an NPR Best Book of the Year, and received a Nautilus Book Award in Journalism and Investigative Reporting, honoring books about social and environmental justice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2024-04-1830 min
Writing StoriesThere's Nothing I Regret — Estelle Erasmus tells the story of Writing That Gets NoticedSend us a textIn this episode, Estelle talks about her book, Writing That Gets Noticed. Along the way she covers: Beauty editor road trips Selling a book with an 'exclusive' A ballsy move to try if one editor accepts your pitch for a short piece and another rejects ASJA 'backlist' vs. 'frontlist' what if you aren't satisfied with your book covera 'book-mitzvah' The situation and the story by Vivian GornickThe Shit No One Tells You About Writing (podcast) F...
2024-04-1731 min
Writing Stories"Write or Die" — Annell López tells the story of I'll Give You A ReasonSend us a textIn this episode, Annell López tells the story of I'll Give You A Reason. Along the way, she covers:Full-time high school teaching while full-time MFAAffordances of short story collectionsGenerating ideas by asking what if the opposite happens Feminist Press and the Louise Meriwether First Book PrizeDrown by Junot Diaz More of This World or Maybe Another by Barb Johnson Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha PhilyawBefore You Suff...
2024-04-1424 min
Writing Stories"What is the book that can only be yours?"— Clare Beams tells the story of The GardenSend us a textIn this episode, Clare Beams tells the story of The Garden. Along the way we cover: Managing the 'type A' part of your brain Selling a partial Doing what you don't know you can do Letting go of a manuscript that didn't sell (that you worked on for 8 years) NEA grant How to know when something is done Getting writing time when you have small children and a global pandemic Publishing a short story collection with Lookout Press Buy The Garden he...
2024-04-1130 min
Writing StoriesWhat If Nobody Likes it? Nicole Haroutunian Tells the Story of Choose This NowSend us a textNicole Haroutunian tells the story of Choose This Now. Along the way, we cover...- Her first book Speed Dreaming- Agent troubles- Rewriting a novella as a chapter- Creating a novel from stories- Having a book die on submission- When you lose your job and your agent at the same time your city goes into COVID lockdown- Pre-publication anxiety - An awesome editing move by John Darcy at Noemi Press- Stella Fiori and Amy Shearn a...
2024-04-0730 min
This Mama Is Lit!Tiffanie Drayton: Demon slayer, here we comeTiffanie Drayton sits in the Literary Mama guest chair with Amanda Fields, Holly Rizzuto Palker, and Brianna Avenia-Tapper to discuss her memoir Black American Refugee, abusive relationships, racism and inequity, and the horrifying landscape of the U.S. family court system.Episode call-outs:* Custody Peace: Website, X/Twitter* Tiffanie Drayton: X/Twitter This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2024-04-0332 min
Writing Stories"If You Don't Like An Edit, Just Don't Do It" — Sarah Rose Etter tells the story of RIPESend us a textIn this episode, Sarah Rose Etter tells the story of RIPE, Along the way we cover: Writing around a full-time job 75,000 words in a monthThe importance of having a good team behind you Difficulties and benefits of being editedThe horrors of being on submission Kent Wolf, Carmen Maria Machado, Two Dollar Radio, and Scribner Careerism and the unreliability of Hollywood Getting a NYT review Doing a reading at The StrandFind out more about Sarah Buy RIPE here
2024-04-0130 minWriting StoriesWriting Stories 'Artist Statement'Send us a textWhat Writing Stories is and is not. (A good listen if you are considering being a guest on the show.)
2024-03-3105 minWriting StoriesSeason 2 Trailer!Send us a textListen for all the goodies coming up in Season 2 of Writing Stories!! (And subscribe so you don't miss them!)
2024-03-3005 min
Writing StoriesA Bold Fearlessness — Deborah Jackson Taffa Tells the Story of Whiskey TenderSend us a textIn this episode, Deborah Jackson Taffa talks about her debut memoir Whiskey Tender. Also discussed: Weaving historical research into memoir Turning an essay collection into a memoirTurning down an offer to publish after working on manuscript for years'Overdue' edits PreemptBecoming an orphan manuscript Getting a review in the Washington Post Natasha TretheweyBrigid Hughes, A Public Space , and A Public Space's Writing Fellowships Sherman Alexie (who is the author of one of Brianna's favorite books of all time: Th...
2024-03-1925 min
Writing Stories"Stay in the Game...Sooner or Later Something Will Crack" — Chin-Sun Lee Tells the Story of UpcountrySend us a textIn this episode, Chin-Sun Lee tells the story of Upcountry. We cover: Writing from an image you can't shake Being 'on submission' (your agent is submitting your manuscript to editors) for yearsUnnamed Press Having your book go to auction between independent and university presses Why you should always check your spam folderBook tour Getting blurbsCults Kate Folk, Katya Apekina, Kimberly King Parsons, Polly Rosenwaike , Chelsea G. Summers Bitterswe...
2024-03-1734 min
This Mama Is Lit!New Ways of Being MeHolly Rizzuto Palker and Brianna Avenia-Tapper chat with author, Estelle Erasmus, about her book Writing That Gets Noticed, about being a midlife mom, and about how she re-invented herself during motherhood. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2024-03-0627 min
Writing StoriesCould My Story Be of Use? —Mary Beth O'Connor Tells the Story of Junkie to JudgeSend us a textIn this episode, Mary Beth O'Connor tells the story of From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and AddictionWe cover: How to protect yourself when writing traumatic memories Choosing and hiring a developmental editor Publishing odds Airport booksPitching agents at a conference panelSelf publishing versus traditional publishingSeeing your book on Amazon Author's GuildMeth and addiction Pulling yourself forward with the strength of your purpose Le...
2024-03-0426 min
Writing Stories"I Thought It Was Very Mainstream, But..." — Cassie Premo Steele Tells the Story of Beaver GirlSend us a textIn this episode, Cassie Premo Steele tells the story of Beaver Girl. We cover: - Asking for help - Characterization - Snowflake method- Querying hundreds of agents - Long COVID- Dirty realism - Writing animal characters with the first person in adult fiction- The importance of small presses - Anxiety Press and Outcast PressAlso in this episode: Brianna continues to mispronounce 'query' to her great shameYou can learn more about Cassie hereYou can...
2024-03-0434 min
This Mama Is Lit!Elizabeth Farfán-Santos: Remembering resiliencyAmanda Fields, Holly Rizzuto Palker, and Brianna Avenia-Tapper talk with Elizabeth Farfán-Santos, a Chicana author and medical anthropologist. Her newest book, Undocumented Motherhood: Conversations on Love, Trauma, and Border Crossing, is a hybrid ethnography, memoir, and testimonio centered on the courageous journey of a Mexican mother fighting for health and educational services for her hearing-impaired daughter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2024-02-2729 min
Writing StoriesFour Agents, Three Books, Two Publishers — Jacinda Townsend talks about Saint Monkey and Mother CountrySend us a textIn this episode, Jacinda Townsend talks about her award-winning books Saint Monkey and Mother Country. Along the way we cover: Fiction writing as coping mechanism Being the only Black kid at a fundamentalist Christian school in rural KentuckyAgent-seeking, scarcity model, and datingWhen you and your publisher disagree on the book's major themeGraywolf press Answering a psychological question with your first draft, and how publishing brings that answer home to your heartBuy Saint Monkey hereBuy Mother Country here...
2024-02-2625 min
This Mama Is Lit!Kelly McMasters: Pretend cultureAmanda Fields and Brianna Avenia-Tapper sit down with author Kelly McMasters to discuss divorce, honesty, and moms in the dating world. Kelly is the author of The Leaving Season: A Memoir in Essays and Welcome to Shirley: A Memoir from an Atomic Town.Margo Steines talked with Kelly for Literary Mama in the January/February 2024 issue, and Kelly also appeared in the January/February 2023 issue with co-editor Margot Kahn to discuss their newly released essay anthology, Wanting: Women Writing About Desire. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with...
2024-02-1925 min
Writing StoriesFun, Ridiculous, and Thrumming with Truth - Rachel Yoder Tells the Story of NightbitchSend us a textIn this episode, I talk with Rachel Yoder about her debut novel Nightbitch. Along the way we cover:Fun, art, pushing the boundaries of story, and permission to find your own work What it's like when your publisher folds before you publish your book How writing a book within a book can be useful for a busy parent writing in short periods of time. How safe isn't always better, and editors don't always know what mattersPushing past the...
2024-02-1834 min
Writing StoriesPlumbers Don't Get Plumbers Block — Talking with Sue Shapiro about American Shield and BarbieSend us a textIn this episode, I talk with Sue Shapiro about American Shield, Barbie, and her broader publishing journey. We cover: Co-authoring and Jungian astrologists How "every book breaks your heart in a different way"Erika Jong and Howard Fast (and the self-published book that became a famous movie)Letting your emotions tell their own storyBarbies, failure, and reinvention You can find out more about Sue hereYou can buy the books we talked about in the episode here:5 Men Wh...
2024-02-1331 min
Writing StoriesThere's Life in the Messiness - Yael Golstein-Love Tells the Story of The PossibilitiesSend us a textIn this episode, Yael Goldstein-Love talks about The Possibilities. We cover: Heretic barbiesPutting away ten years of work on a manuscript (possibly the best thing you've ever written) 'A genteel form of homeless'Genre and its discontents Feedback and recognizing a need for a POV shift in a draft How women are socialized to prioritize others' perceptions of themBenefits of a really great editorHow publication can shift you out of your richest creative modeYou can buy The...
2024-02-0731 min
Writing StoriesIt's a linear narrative... but a trail is a line — Andrea Lani tells the story of Uphill Both Ways: Hiking Toward Happiness on the Colorado TrailSend us a textIn this episode, Andrea talks about her hybrid memoir Uphill Both Ways: Hiking Toward Happiness on the Colorado Trail. We cover: Scooby Doo writing Making sure research doesn't become a speed bump in the narrativeOrphan lines and tightening proseThe value of time for 'digesting' Publishing with a university press and getting feedback from reviewers Creative ways to launch and market your book Mom 'zines, baby-wearing, and the lure of the damn Heartsong catalog You can buy Andrea's book Uphill Both W...
2024-02-0531 min
Writing StoriesThe whole idea of ‘SERIOUS’ writing is a lot of toxic trash — Alyssa Songsiridej tells the story of Little RabbitSend us a textIn this episode, Alyssa Songsiridej talks about: Combatting imposter syndromeFemale friendshipsLetting yourself be surprised, braving uncertainty, and bodily surrender in art making Dance and writing and the willingness to fallCreating a character to embody a tension you feel but don't yet have on the page The surprising sadness of publishing a book Also mentioned: Sheila Heti, Jessamine Chan, a problem with writing workshops, making art under capitalismYou can find Alyssa's book Little Rabbit here. You...
2024-01-2828 min
Writing StoriesYou Have to Do This - Shannon Sanders tells the story of CompanySend us a textIn this episode, I talk to Shannon Sanders about her linked short story collection, Company. We talk about: - writing your own murder mystery parties - writing through your feelings about others' offhand comments - signing with an agent a week before COVID lockdown- persisting in your writing through the birth of twins - finishing your book while raising three children under three - resisting, as a writer of short stories, the pressure to turn them into a novel- trusting your own aesthetic j...
2024-01-2230 min
This Mama Is Lit!Margo Steines: Living as a vessel of careBrianna Avenia-Tapper and Amanda Fields talk with Margo Steines: author, mother, freelance writer, and writing coach. Margo’s memoir, Brutalities: A Love Story, is out now.Literary Mama also talked with Margo for the November/December 2023 issue in “I Like When It’s Messy: A Conversation with Margo Steines.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2024-01-2224 min
Writing StoriesLetting Go of What's Not Under Your Control - Christina Consolino Tells the Story of The Weight We CarrySend us a textIn this episode, I talk to Christina Consolino about her most recent novel, The Weight We Carry. We discuss: - NaNoWriMo- Prioritizing writing- The oozing guts of dead things- Controlling what you can and letting go of what you can't- The idea that not all characters are capable of substantial change- Publishing with a small, independent press- Trusting your book will find an audience You can read more about Christina's writing practice and process on our...
2024-01-1028 min
Writing StoriesMargo Steines Talks About Brutalities - "I Feel Aligned With The Tastes of Men In a Way That I Hope To Grow Out Of"Send us a textIn this episode, I talk to Margo Steines about her memoir BrutalitiesWe talk about: - Not wanting to use suspense as a way to move readers through your work - Having your first manuscript 'die on submission' (meaning an agent represents it, but no editors want to buy it)- Gender dysphoria and the claustrophobia of the body- Steines's friendship with Melissa Febos- How parenting has influenced the stakes of publication for Steines- Judgement of mothers who have done sex work ...
2024-01-0930 min
Writing StoriesIt's Like a Circuit Break. You're Almost a New Person — Talking with Kelly McMasters about The Leaving Season — Episode 2Send us a textIn this episode, Kelly McMasters talks about her memoir The Leaving Season. We touch on:- finding yourself in another writer's work- identifying (or not) as a 'writer'- revision (of manuscripts and life plans)- the terror and possibility that can go along with publishing an honest and intimate memoir - staying hopeful about books and publishing in today's world Get a copy of The Leaving Season here!
2024-01-0222 min
Writing StoriesYou Have to Work Really Hard - Kai Harris Tells the Story of What the Fireflies Knew - Episode 1Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Kai Harris tells the story of her debut novel What the Fireflies Knew. We talk about: - embracing your own voice and material when writing - drafting a novel in a month while caring for a newborn (!!)- querying - working with an agent- getting a book deal - celebrating publication - the recurrent themes in Kai's work- the universality of the Black experience Get a copy of What the Fireflies Knew on bookshop.org here!
2023-12-2630 minWriting StoriesWriting Stories - Trailer 2 - Season 1Keep an eye out for the first 3 episodes of Writing Stories coming very soon! They'll include interviews with 1) an author who wrote the first draft of her novel in a month while taking care of a newborn, 2) an author who loves dead things and has some valuable advice about priorities, and 3) an author whose books are beloved by Oprah and Zibby Owens. Subscribe or follow to be sure you get all the goods! Join us on Writing Stories for struggle, triumph, writing community, publishing insight, and inspiration to persist in whatever difficult but meaningful journey you've chosen fo...
2023-12-1601 minWriting StoriesTrailer 2 - Season 1 Writing StoriesSurprise guest!! If you subscribe to Writing Stories now, you'll be sure not to miss this conversation with one of Brianna's top-five-all-time-favorite authors about a book that was named Best Book of the Year by Vulture and Esquire.
2023-12-1201 min
This Mama Is Lit!Alyssa Ages: Betrayal of the bodyHolly Rizzuto Palker and Brianna Avenia-Tapper talk with Alyssa Ages. Ages is a mom, strongman competitor, endurance athlete, and freelance writer. Her debut book, Secrets of Giants: A Journey to Uncover the True Meaning of Strength, was released in 2023. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2023-12-1119 minWriting StoriesSeason 1 - TrailerSend us a textSeason 1 Trailer for Writing Stories! Writing stories is a podcast about the struggles and triumphs of writing and publishing. We follow books from an idea in someone's head to a collection of pages on a shelf. Each episode features an interview with a contemporary author of fiction and/or creative nonfiction. Join us on Writing Stories for intimate chats, writing community, publishing insight, and inspiration to persist in whatever difficult but meaningful journey you've chosen for yourself.
2023-12-1105 min
This Mama Is Lit!Jacinda Townsend: The mom from hideous kinkyAmanda Fields, Brianna Avenia-Tapper, and Holly Rizzuto Palker talk with Jacinda Townsend. Jacinda is a novelist, creative writing professor, and long-time friend of Literary Mama. Find out more on Jacinda Townsend’s website and in LM’s profile of Townsend.. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2023-11-0221 min
This Mama Is Lit!Did I marry the wrong person? Talking infertility with Susan ShapiroHolly Rizzuto Palker, Brianna Avenia-Tapper, and Amanda Fields talk with Susan Shapiro, an award-winning writer and professor. Susan is the bestselling author/coauthor of 17 books, including Five Men Who Broke My Heart, Lighting Up, Unhooked, The Bosnia List, The Forgiveness Tour, The Book Bible, The Byline Bible, and American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy, coauthored with Aquilino Gonell. Find more on Susan Shapiro’s website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit literarymama.substack.com
2023-10-3121 min