Shows
The Liars Club OddcastJoel Burcat, Author of Environmental Legal Thrillers Joel Burcat, environmental lawyer and author of environmental legal thrillers talks about his latest thriller, AMID RAGE, incorporating his work life into his writing, adapting his writing process as he became legally blind, and how he keeps themes and ideas from getting in the way of story. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, and Keith Strunk.
2021-03-1042 min
The Liars Club OddcastFaye Kellerman, NY Times Bestselling Crime Author Global bestselling mystery author (20 million copies in print!) Faye Kellerman talks about writing a novel a year, co-writing with her best-selling husband Jonathan Kellerman, creating Orthodox Jewish protagonists, using her training as a dentist and much more. With cohosts Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2021-02-1732 min
The Liars Club OddcastLiars Club Look Back at 200 Episodes In our 200th episode, the Liars look back at four years of interviews with authors, from NY Times bestsellers to Nebula award winners to debuts. Plus much conversation, debate, and beer. Join cohosts Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk as they share the surprises from 199 podcasts. With many thanks to all of our listeners who have traveled this journey with us.
2021-02-0226 min
The Liars Club OddcastRewind: Ben Vaughn, Songwriter, Record Producer, Composer In our last Rewind, we welcome the host of The Many Moods of Ben Vaughn to the Oddcast, Ben Vaughn. A singer, songwriter, record producer, and composer for TV and film, Ben talks about his organic connection to music, how writing for TV sharpened his craft, writing an Italian dance hit, and what led him to record an entire album in the back of a 1965 AMC Rambler. With Oddcast regulars Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk. We'll see you next week with a new interview!
2021-01-1647 min
The Liars Club OddcastRewind: Madeline Miller, NY Times Bestseller Literary Historical Fiction Author This week's Rewind features Orange Prize winning literary historical fiction writer, NY Times Bestseller, and Yale scholar Madeline Miller, author of the acclaimed SONG OF ACHILLES and CIRCE, which was optioned by HBO. She talks about writing, teaching the classics, and more with Oddcast cohosts Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2021-01-0839 min
The Liars Club OddcastRewind: Lesa Cline Ransome and James E. Ransome, Award-Winning Author and Illustrator This week's Rewind features award-winning writer/illustrator team Lesa Cline Ransome and James E. Ransome, talking about working separately and together, their creative processes, and BEFORE SHE WAS HARRIET, their highly acclaimed new picture book biography of Harriet Tubman. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, and Keith Strunk. The LC Oddcast wishes all of our friends, fellow liars, lovers and other strangers a happy, healthy, and safe 2021!
2020-12-3134 min
The Liars Club OddcastRewind: Martha Wells, Award-Winning Fantasy and Science Fiction Author The first in our year-end rewind of Oddcasts Past features Nebula, Hugo and Locus award-winning fantasy and science fiction author Martha Wells. She talks about her acclaimed novella series which is the basis of her new novel (released May 2020) NETWORK EFFECT: A MURDERBOT NOVEL, writing without an outline, the value of workshops, and the creation of a “first-person omniscient” voice in her conversation with cohosts Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-12-1135 min
The Liars Club OddcastWendy Tyson, Bestselling Mystery Author Wendy Tyson is a lawyer, former therapist and the author of 11 books, including the bestselling Greenhouse Mystery Series, as well as numerous short stories. This week, she talks about her work with the International Thriller Writer Organization (ITW), incorporating environmental issues into her work, and her latest book, SOWING MALICE, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Fran Wilde and Keith Strunk.
2020-12-0436 min
The Liars Club OddcastKeir Graff, Author, Editor, and Publisher The former senior editor of ALA’s Booklist Online and executive editor of Booklist Publications, Keir Graff is an author, editor, screenwriter and publisher of the Graff Paper newsletter. On this week’s Oddcast, he discusses screenwriting and collaborating across genres as well as his latest books, THE THREE MRS WRIGHTS (cowritten with Linda Joffe Hull under "Linda Keir") and the middle-grade novel THE TINY MANSION. Co-hosted by Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Fran Wilde, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk.
2020-11-1942 min
The Liars Club OddcastTherese Anne Fowler, NY Times Best-Selling Author On this week’s Oddcast, literary and historical fiction author Therese Anne Fowler, New York Times best-selling author of Z: A NOVEL OF ZELDA FITZGERALD, A WELL BEHAVED WOMAN: A NOVEL OF THE VANDERBILTS, and her latest, A GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD. She discusses adapting Z for television with Amazon, addresses how to tackle historical biographical novels about women maligned in their own time; and reveals secrets of a novel where the narrator is the collective neighborhood itself. With Oddcast cohosts Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Fran Wilde, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-11-1245 min
The Liars Club OddcastLisa Regan, USA Today Bestselling Author Bestselling mystery/thriller/crime author Lisa Regan has published 16 books in eight years. On this week’s Oddcast she talks about her publishing journey with big and small publishers, writing series vs. standalones and across genres, and her latest Detective Josie Quinn mystery, SAVE HER SOUL. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Dennis Tafoya, and Keith Strunk.
2020-11-0538 min
The Liars Club OddcastLily Sparks, YA Novelist and TV Writer A writer for MTV, FX, Amazon, CW & Paramount and a contributor to TV.com, TV Guide, MSNnow, and Gawker's Morning After, Lily Sparks joins the Oddcast to talk about painting, acting, and her acclaimed debut YA novel TEEN KILLER CLUB, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Dennis Tafoya, and Keith Strunk.
2020-10-2939 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: Writing Conflict Time for another spirited authors' roundtable with writers’ tips on how to successfully write conflict into your novels and short stories. An honest discussion about the pitfalls to avoid and techniques to embrace for creating compelling conflict. With Oddcast cohosts Kelly Simmons, Fran Wilde, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-10-1533 min
The Liars Club OddcastGary Phillips, Crime Fiction and Graphic Novel Author Crime fiction and graphic novel author Gary Phillips talks about mixing hardboiled noir and social issues, what explaining comics to his father taught him about story, collaborating on DC's The Killing Joke, plus his latest novel MATTHEW HENSON AND THE ICE TEMPLE OF HARLEM. With Oddcast cohosts Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Jon McGoran, Fran Wilde, and Keith Strunk.
2020-10-1053 min
The Liars Club OddcastAdam Sass, YA Thriller Novelist and Podcaster YA thriller novelist and Buffy the Vampire Slayer podcaster Adam Sass talks about conversion therapy, writing/working at Starbucks and his highly acclaimed debut novel SURRENDER YOUR SONS, described as a queer Lord of the Flies meets the TV series Lost. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Fran Wilde, and Keith Strunk.
2020-09-2440 min
The Liars Club OddcastDaniel Palmer, USA Today Bestselling Suspense Author Bestselling suspense author D.J. Palmer joins the Oddcast for a rollicking fun conversation about his new novel THE NEW HUSBAND, how he landed in the domestic suspense genre and his creative connection to his famous author father, Michael Palmer. With Oddcast hosts Jon McGoran, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, and Keith Strunk.
2020-09-1747 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: How to Ditch the Info Dump Time for another spirited authors' roundtable with writers’ tips and techniques on how to successfully weave facts into your novels and short stories. Inspired by a question from Joel Burcat (author of DRINK TO EVERY BEAST), an honest discussion about how much information the reader needs, and techniques to avoid info dumping. With Oddcast regulars Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-09-1142 min
The Liars Club OddcastCaroline Stevermer, Award-Winning Fantasy Novelist This week on the Oddcast, award-winning fantasy novelist Caroline Stevermer talks about author collaboration, writing epistolary novels and fairy tales, and her latest from Tor Books, THE GLASS MAGICIAN. With Oddcast regulars Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, Keith Strunk, and Merry Jones.
2020-09-0332 min
The Liars Club OddcastDennis K. Crosby, Urban Fantasy Author This week we welcome urban fantasy author Dennis K. Crosby to the Oddcast to talk about his debut novel DEATH'S LEGACY, releasing November 17. Dennis talks about his journey from a poetry writing private investigator to novelist, his experiences working with a hybrid publisher and where he plans to expand his universe in the next book. With Oddcast regulars Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-08-2940 min
The Liars Club OddcastLisa Kohn, Best-Selling Author On the Oddcast this week, we talk to Lisa Kohn, author of the gripping memoir to the moon and back: a childhood under the influence, which details her childhood indoctrination into the Unification Church (which most of us know as the “Moonies.”) She discusses the difficulty of writing about her family’s inner demons and her own spiritual quest for balance. With Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-08-2246 min
The Liars Club OddcastSummer Writers Block Party: Writer's Block The Oddcast is re-running a block of some of our most popular Authors Roundtables to help jumpstart your writing. Learn tips and techniques on battling writers block. An honest, lively discussion for writers of all levels, now featuring a new introduction from Liars Club authors Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk. For a more visual experience, watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/mJtt8IljMz8
2020-08-1339 min
The Liars Club OddcastSummer Writers Block Party: Mid-Book Crisis The Oddcast is re-running a block of some of our most popular Authors Roundtables to help jumpstart your writing. Learn tips and techniques on battling the "mushy middle" of a novel or what the Liars call the Mid-Book Crisis. An honest, lively discussion for writers of all levels, now featuring a new introduction from Liars Club authors Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk. For a more visual experience, watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/kshsOeVpCkI
2020-08-0642 min
The Liars Club OddcastSummer Writers Block Party: Setting The Oddcast is re-running a block of some of our most popular Authors Roundtables to help jumpstart your writing. Learn tips and techniques about the challenges and importance of setting. An honest, lively discussion for writers of all levels, now featuring a new introduction from Liars Club authors Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk. For a more visual experience, watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/MzopkYzDtLo
2020-07-3035 min
The Liars Club OddcastSummer Writers Block Party: Research The Oddcast is re-running a block of some of our most popular Authors Roundtables to help jumpstart your writing. Learn tips and techniques about the impact of good research and how to keep a useful tool from becoming an obsession. An honest, lively discussion for writers of all levels, now featuring a new introduction from Liars Club authors Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk. Catch this episode of the Oddcast on YouTube! https://youtu.be/v2pPlocGJio
2020-07-2433 min
The Liars Club OddcastEd Pettit, Public Programs Manager for the Rosenbach Museum and Philly Poe Guy Philly Poe Guy, book reviewer, and manager of public programs for Philadelphia’s famed Rosenbach Museum, Ed Pettit talks about Poe’s place in Philadelphia, 19th century literary history, and working with the Rosenbach’s world-class collection of original manuscripts and personal papers from Marianne Moore, James Joyce, Bram Stoker, and more. With Oddcast cohosts Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-07-1149 min
The Liars Club OddcastMitchell Kaplan, Owner of Books & Books, Co-Founder Miami Book Fair, Film Producer The founder of Miami’s famous Books & Books chain of indie bookstores and co-founder and chair of the Miami Book Fair, Mitchell Kaplan is also a film producer, podcaster and former president of the American Booksellers Association. He talks about the state of bookselling, film, festivals and more, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, and Keith Strunk.
2020-07-0452 min
The Liars Club OddcastDaniel R. Biddle & Murray Dubin, Award-Winning Journalists, Authors, Biographers Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Daniel Biddle and distinguished former Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Murray Dubin discuss their biography TASTING FREEDOM: OCTAVIUS CATTO AND THE BATTLE FOR EQUALITY IN CIVIL WAR AMERICA, as well as Catto’s role as a black civil rights activist in the 1800s, how his legacy was pushed aside by white historians, and sensitivity over the propriety of two white journalists writing black history. With Oddcast regulars Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-06-2648 min
The Liars Club OddcastJ. Dianne Dotson, Science Fiction and Fantasy Author SciFi and fantasy author J. Dianne Dotson joins the Oddcast to discuss her new book ACCRETION, tips for success in indie publishing, rising to the challenge of the new virtual normal, building vital relationships with independent bookstores, and the challenges of women in space. With Oddcast regulars, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, and Keith Strunk.
2020-06-1949 min
The Liars Club OddcastJon McGoran, Mystery, Thriller and Sci-Fi Author The Oddcast turns the tables on mystery, thriller and sci-fi author (and Oddcast cohost) Jon McGoran, who talks about his books SPLICED, SPLINTERED and SPIKED, plus writing for adults and young adults, launching a book about a pandemic during a pandemic, and watching his stories come true, with his pals Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons and Keith Strunk.
2020-06-1254 min
The Liars Club OddcastBen Vaughn, Songwriter, Record Producer, Composer This week we welcome the creator/host of the public radio show The Many Moods of Ben Vaughn, Ben Vaughn. A contributor to NPR’s Fresh Air, songwriter, record producer, and composer for TV and film as well as a singer/storyteller, Ben talks about his organic connection to music, how writing for TV sharpened his craft, accidentally writing an Italian dance hit, and what led him to record an entire album in the back of a 1965 AMC Rambler. With Oddcast regulars Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk
2020-06-0546 min
The Liars Club OddcastJess Lourey, Bestselling Author The bestselling author of 19 books spanning the genres of YA adventure, magical realism, crime fiction and suspense, Jess Lourey discusses her process, pubbing with small presses vs. Amazon, and the terrifying true story behind her latest novel, UNSPEAKABLE THINGS. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk.
2020-05-3038 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: Beginning a Story Time for another spirited authors' roundtable with writers's tips and techniques for beginning a story. How to craft a hook, how to raise story questions and how much is too much. An honest discussion filled with ideas for effective beginnings with Oddcast regulars Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-05-2230 min
The Liars Club OddcastJohn Scalzi, NY Times Bestselling and Multi Award-Winning Science Fiction Author NY Times bestselling and award-winning Science fiction author, former president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and creator of the hugely popular blog, Whatever, John Scalzi talks about elements of genre, his 10-year book deal with Tor, series vs. standalones, and his new book THE LAST EMPEROX, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Greg Frost, Merry Jones, and Keith Strunk.
2020-05-1744 min
The Liars Club OddcastScott Phillips, Acclaimed Author and Screenwriter Acclaimed author and screenwriter Scott Phillips talks about writing crime/noir, westerns and dystopian, seeing Harold Ramis turn his debut, THE ICE HARVEST into a feature film starring John Cusack & Billy Bob Thornton, and his newest book, THAT LEFT TURN AT ALBUQUERQUE, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons & Keith Strunk.
2020-05-0842 min
The Liars Club OddcastRobert Ward, Award-Winning New Journalist, Screenwriter, Author Award-winning new journalist, screenwriter & author Robert Ward talks about his new novel THE STONE CARRIER, writing movies and TV shows like Miami Vice and Hill Street Blues, and that time Larry Flynt threatened to kill him (then tried to hire him), with Oddcast regulars Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk.
2020-05-0252 min
The Liars Club OddcastSally Whitney, Author, Editor, Journalist On the Oddcast this week, author Sally Whitney. Her latest novel, WHEN ENEMIES OFFEND THEE, is just out. She talks about creating a fictional North Carolina mill town where many secrets lie buried, and what it’s like to have the audio version of your story recorded by Edward Asner and Ellen Burstyn. With Oddcast regulars Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk. Photo Credit: Karen Leigh Studios
2020-04-2440 min
The Liars Club OddcastDotty Brown, Award-Winning Journalist, Author, Editor Former Reporter and editor Dotty Brown talks about her nonfiction collaboration with Columbia School of Journalism classmates, INSIDE THE UPHEAVAL OF JOURNALISM: Reporters look back on 50 years of covering the news. And ....discusses the dizzying changes in the world of news and their impact, with Oddcast regulars Merry Jones, Keith Strunk, Jon McGoran, and Gregory Frost.
2020-04-1843 min
The Liars Club OddcastThomas Wade Jones, Author and Wall Street Titan On this week’s Oddcast, Thomas Wade Jones talks about his new memoir, From Willard Straight to Wall Street, recounting his journey from participant in a 1969 armed takeover by African American students at Cornell University to vice chairman and CEO of corporations like John Hancock, Smith-Barney, Citigroup, Travelers Group, with Oddcast cohosts Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-04-1043 min
The Liars Club OddcastA Mighty Blaze Today on the Oddcast, a special roundup for readers! We’re spotlighting the newly released, critically acclaimed books featured on A Mighty Blaze, where authors with cancelled book tours are getting a hand from fellow authors like Caroline Leavitt and Jenna Blum to publicize their books. With regulars Kelly Simmons, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran & Keith Strunk. Titles featured in this episode include: The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian Beheld by TaraShea Nesbitt The Sm...
2020-04-0336 min
The Liars Club OddcastErica Ruth Neubauer, Acclaimed Debut Author Erica Ruth Neubauer reviewed mysteries and crime fiction for Publisher’s Weekly, the LA Review of Books and Mystery Scene Magazine before writing her acclaimed debut, MURDER AT THE MENA HOUSE. This week, she talks about her background in the military, cop and high school English, the biggest surprises of being a debut author, and more, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2020-03-2635 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: Dialogue Attribution "Who said that," she said? We say it's time for an authors roundtable on dialogue attribution. With writing tips on how to be clear and effective -- and how to avoid pitfalls like the siren call of the adverb. An honest discussion about dialogue attribution with cohosts Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-03-1934 min
The Liars Club OddcastCharity Parkerson and Jennifer Stevenson, Award-Winning Romance and Erotica Writers This week Nebula and multi-Award winning Romance and Erotica writers Charity Parkerson (Second Choice) and Jennifer Stevenson (Trash Sex Magic) gang up on the Oddcast with hilarious and helpful tips about writing good sex scenes, and how to make use of sexy witches and demons—with cohosts Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Keith Strunk, and Jon McGoran.
2020-03-1248 min
The Liars Club OddcastAlison Gaylin, Award-Winning International Bestselling Author Alison Gaylin, the USA Today and International bestselling author of 11 suspense novels, has won an Edgar Award, a Shamus and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award. On this week's Oddcast, she talks about her journalism and theater background, cowriting the graphic novel NORMANDY GOLD with Megan Abbott, and her latest novel, IF I DIE TONIGHT, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2020-03-0548 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: Flashbacks Time for another spirited authors' roundtable, with writing tips for how to make flashbacks an effective valuable tool, and warnings for when and why they can go spectacularly bad. An honest discussion about making flashbacks work with Oddcast cohosts Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-02-2735 min
The Liars Club OddcastMegan “MC” Atwood, YA Author YA author Megan “MC” Atwood has written over 40 books for kids and teens, while working as an assistant professor in publishing for children (and she’s a former literary agent and senior editor in those genres, too.) She talks about children’s literature, publishing and her new YA novel THE DEVILS YOU KNOW, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, and Keith Strunk.
2020-02-1341 min
The Liars Club OddcastErin Entrada Kelly, Author and Newberry Medal Winner This week the Oddcast welcomes Newberry Medal winner Erin Entrada Kelly, author of HELLO, UNIVERSE, BLACKBIRD FLY, and LALANI OF THE DISTANT SEA. She talks to us about writing middle-grade and “tween” fiction, having study guides included in your books, and how it feels to have one novel being adapted by Netflix while another is being adapted for the stage. With Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-02-0640 min
The Liars Club OddcastTori Eldridge, Award-Winning Mystery Thriller Author, Screenwriter, and Performer Award-winning author, screenwriter, and performer Tori Eldridge has appeared on Broadway, television, and in film. On this week’s Oddcast, she talks about all that, plus being a fifth-degree black belt Ninja, her acclaimed debut mystery thriller, THE NINJA DAUGHTER, and going to school with Barack Obama. With cohosts Jon McGoran, Merry Jones, Greg Frost & Keith Strunk.
2020-01-3039 min
The Liars Club OddcastTaylor Grant, Award-Winning Author, Screenwriter, and Filmmaker Award winning author, actor, screenwriter and filmmaker Taylor Grant talks about working with Stan Lee; his job at online comic company Webtoon; screenwriting vs. prose; writing for kids, comedy, horror and other genres and his work adapting Jonathan Maberry’s Rot & Ruin. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones and Keith Strunk.
2020-01-2347 min
The Liars Club OddcastSonja Yoerg, Bestselling Author Washington Post Bestselling Author Sonja Yoerg joins the Oddcast to talk about writing literary women’s fiction like her May 2020 release, STORIES WE NEVER TOLD, making the switch from a Big Five publishing imprint to Amazon, and the crazy aquatic research she did for her next novel. With Kelly Simmons, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2020-01-1635 min
The Liars Club OddcastQuery Letter Writing Tips with Kelly Simmons What’s harder than writing a 400-page novel? Why, writing a 1/2 page agent query letter. Luckily author Kelly Simmons is a letter writing advertising specialist, and offers query tips from her book, How to Write a Great Freaking Query Letter. With Keith Strunk and Jon McGoran.
2020-01-0948 min
The Liars Club Oddcast#tbt Rewind - Lou Berney, Multiple Award-Winning Author The final installment of our #tbt Rewind series features Jon's suggestion — The Edgar, Anthony, and ALA award-winning novelist and screenwriter Lou Berney. He joined us on the Oddcast in the Fall of 2018 to talk about writing novels vs. scripts, the overwhelming reception to his incredible book November Road, and that thing that happened in Cleveland. With Jon McGoran, Greg Frost, Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk.
2020-01-0230 min
The Liars Club Oddcast#tbt Rewind - Robin Benway, NY Times Bestselling Author and National Book Award Winner This week's #tbt Rewind features Kelly's suggestion -- New York Times best-selling YA novelist and National Book Award winner Robin Benway. She joins Oddcast cohosts Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, Greg Frost, and Keith Strunk to talk about writing for teens, finding writing inspiration at Costco, and her latest book, the 2017 National Book Award Winner Far from the Tree.
2019-12-2648 min
The Liars Club Oddcast#tbt Rewind - Robert Crais, NY Times Best-Selling Thriller Author This week's #tbt Rewind features Greg's suggestion -- New York Times Bestseller Robert Crais, whose new book Dangerous Man, came out this summer. In this 2017 interview, he discusses his award-winning Elvis Cole thrillers, his abiding love for science fiction, and his intense dedication to television writing, working on Emmy winning shows like Hill Street Blues and Cagney & Lacey. It’s a crash-course on craft from this Grandmaster-Award-winning author. With Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-12-1938 min
The Liars Club Oddcast#tbt Rewind - Sue Miller, Critically Acclaimed Best-Selling Novelist This week's #tbt Rewind features Merry's suggestion -- best-selling novelist and Oprah’s book club fave Sue Miller. Since we last spoke, Sue has been working on her eleventh novel, MONOGAMY, to add to her lineup of acclaimed novels including THE SENATOR'S WIFE and THE ARSONIST. Cohosts Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, Kelly Simmons and Keith Strunk cajole Ms. Miller into spilling secrets about writing controversial characters, plots brimming with tension, and time management for writers.
2019-12-1331 min
The Liars Club Oddcast#tbt Rewind - Joe Renzetti, Academy Award Winning Composer and Arranger The first in our series of #tbt Rewinds features Academy Award winning composer and arranger Joe Renzetti. From Leon Redbone to Barry Manilow. From albums to films to his online curated music library envision-music.info. Joe Renzetti gives us the inside scoop about writing for, and working with, top actors and singers and musicians. A fascinating glimpse inside an award-winning career with Oddcast cohosts Keith Strunk, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, Kelly Simmons, and Gregory Frost.
2019-12-0647 min
The Liars Club OddcastMichael Ventrella, Author, Editor, Speaker, and Lawyer Michael Ventrella is an author, editor, speaker and lawyer. His latest non fiction book is How to Argue the Constitution with a Conservative from Gray Rabbit Publications, featuring artwork from Pulitzer-Prize winning editorial cartoonist Darrin Bell. Anthologies include Baker Street Irregulars (co-edited with New York Times Bestselling Author Jonathan Maberry) and, most recently, Across the Universe, a Beatles-themed anthology (co-edited with Randee Dawn) from Fantastic Books. He also heads the Pocono Liars Club. He discusses why you want to refresh yourself on the Constitution, writing books about The Monkees, and wearing his editor's hat, with the Oddcast...
2019-11-2934 min
The Liars Club OddcastGavin Grant, Award-Winning Publisher and Editor This week an interview with award-winning publisher/editor/and now bookstore owner Gavin Grant. His publishing house, Small Beer Press, started in 2000 with a story collection, Stranger Things Happen, which Salon named a “Book of the Year,” and The Village Voice proclaimed as one of its 25 Best Books. He offers sage advice on navigating the mad world of publishing, and speaks to the return of the brick-and-mortar bookstore. With Liars Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-11-1639 min
The Liars Club OddcastJohn Vercher: Novelist, Short Story Writer and Essayist John Vercher is a novelist, short story writer and essayist whose fiction and nonfiction dealing with issues of race, identity, and parenting has appeared in Entropy Magazine, Cognoscenti, NPR and WBUR. His acclaimed debut novel, Three-Fifths, won starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal and praise from everyone else. This week he discusses his writing and themes with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-11-0936 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: The Writing Life, Recorded Live at Push to Publish Today on the Oddcast, an authors’ roundtable on the writing life: work/life balance, rejection, finding an agent, dealing with publishers, deciding what to write about, crossing genres and more. With Oddcast cohosts Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Keith Strunk & Jon McGoran. Recorded live at Philadelphia Stories’ Push to Publish Conference.
2019-11-0252 min
The Liars Club OddcastMerry Jones, Award-Winning Author Oddcast cohost Merry Jones is a guest this week, discussing writing, publishing, and how the industry has changed over the decades, plus her latest book, What You Don’t Know, her first standalone, first domestic thriller, and her twentieth book overall. With cohosts Keith Strunk, Gregory Frost and Jon McGoran.
2019-10-2431 min
The Liars Club OddcastKelly Simmons, Women’s Fiction and Suspense Author Today on the Oddcast, international selling women’s fiction and suspense author Kelly Simmons joins us to talk about her new novel WHERE SHE WENT, how she researched college settings and wrote from the perspective of a teenager, and more, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones and Keith Strunk.
2019-10-1738 min
The Liars Club OddcastJohn Hornor Jacobs, Award-Winning Author and Needle Magazine Co-Founder Today on the Oddcast, award-winning author and Needle Magazine co-founder John Hornor Jacobs talks about NaNoWriMo, novellas, writing in a connected universe, and his critically acclaimed books Southern Gods, The Incorruptibles, and the brand new A Lush and Seething Hell. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-10-1137 min
The Liars Club OddcastLise Funderburg, Nonfiction Author and Editor Nonfiction author Lise Funderburg talks about Apple, Tree: Writers on Their Parents, her new book of essays from writers including Ann Patchett and Jane Hamilton on the traits they’ve inherited from their parents, plus plot and pacing in her books Black, White, Other: Biracial Americans Talk about Race and Identity and HER MEMOIR Pig Candy: Taking My Father South, Taking My Father Home. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-10-0344 min
The Liars Club OddcastWendy Ruderman, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist and Nonfiction Author Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and nonfiction author Wendy Ruderman is best-known for cowriting “Tainted Justice,” a Philadelphia Daily News series exposing a rogue Philadelphia police narcotics squad, and the subsequent book, Busted: A Tale of Corruption and Betrayal in the City of Brotherly Love. Wendy talks journalism vs. nonfiction books, collaboration, and being shadowed at work by Sarah Jessica Parker, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-09-2744 min
The Liars Club OddcastJamie Mason, Acclaimed Thriller Author Jamie Mason is the acclaimed author of smart, character-driven thrillers like Three Graves Full, Monday’s Lie, and her latest, The Hidden Things. On this week’s Oddcast, she talks about writing complex people and broken families, framing stories, and her favorite whiskey, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-09-2035 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: Collaboration Time for another spirited authors' roundtable, with writing tips and advice on collaboration including managing boundaries, why contracts are important (especially with friends), and techniques for co-writing. An honest discussion about making collaboration work with Oddcast cohosts Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-09-1334 min
The Liars Club OddcastNeal Shusterman, Best-Selling and National Book Award-Winning Author Neal Shusterman is the best-selling and National Book Award-winning author of more than 50 books of YA fiction, nonfiction and poetry as well as a screenwriter, television writer, playwright, poet and film director. He talks about process, collaboration, writing for different media, ending series, and more, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones and Keith Strunk.
2019-09-0542 min
The Liars Club OddcastAlex Segura, Acclaimed Comic Book Writer and Crime Novelist Co-president of Archie Comics, celebrated podcaster and acclaimed comic book and crime writer Alex Segura is the author of five novels in the Miami Mystery series, including the latest, Miami Midnight. He joins the Oddcast to talk about the similarities and differences in writing for different media, series vs. standalones, and saying good-bye to your series protagonist. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Greg Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-08-2938 min
The Liars Club OddcastRob Hart, Award-Winning Thriller Author Former publisher for MysteriousPress.com, current class director at LitReactor, and an award-winning crime writer, Rob Hart is author of the acclaimed new dystopian thriller The Warehouse. He talks about changing genres, working with James Patterson, and selling film rights to Ron Howard. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-08-2239 min
The Liars Club OddcastMadeline Miller, NY Times Bestseller Literary Historical Fiction Author This week, listen to the Orange Prize winning literary historical fiction writer, NY Times Bestseller, and Yale scholar Madeline Miller, author of the acclaimed Song of Achilles and Circe, which has just been optioned by HBO. She talks about writing, teaching the classics, and more with Oddcast cohosts Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-08-1539 min
The Liars Club OddcastMark Oshiro, YA Novelist and Creator of Mark Does Stuff Today on the Oddcast, Mark Oshiro talks about the Hugo-nominated Mark Does Stuff universe (Mark Reads and Mark Watches), their acclaimed debut young adult novel, Anger is a Gift, non-gendered pronouns, and their lifelong goal of petting every dog in the world. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Gregory Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones and Keith Strunk.
2019-08-0842 min
The Liars Club OddcastStephanie King, Novelist and Philadelphia Writers' Conference Board Member Novelist and Philadelphia Writers' Conference Board Member Stephanie King joins the Oddcast at the bar for a spirited look at genre fiction versus literary fiction, why we write, Appletinis, Sybil the Server, and more (along with drop-in authors Lanny Larcinese and Andrew Chadbourne). With cohosts Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk. Recorded at the 2019 Philadelphia Writers' Conference.
2019-08-0243 min
The Liars Club OddcastLive from PWC: Jonathan Maberry, NY Times Best-Selling Author NY Times Best-Selling author and Liars Club co-founder Jonathan Maberry joins the Oddcast at the conference bar to talk about how building community fuels optimism, why he's helming the Weird Tales anthology reboot, how he kills friends, and more with cohosts Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk. Recorded at the 2019 Philadelphia Writers' Conference.
2019-07-2645 min
The Liars Club OddcastRobb Cadigan, Author and Bookstore Owner This week, author of the novel Phoenixville Rising and bookstore owner Robb Cadigan visits the Oddcast to discuss how shucking oysters, driving a forklift, editing TV Guide, and working as a television executive for QVC prepared him for the world of publishing and books and the struggles of writing. With Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-07-1844 min
The Liars Club OddcastNoir at the Bar, Authors Reading their Works, Recorded Live in Philly, Part Two A special two-part Oddcast featuring select readings recorded at Noir at the Bar Philadelphia, April 14, 2019. Part two includes readings from Bill Lashner, Jane Kelly, Kelly Simmons, Matty Dalrymple, and Don Lafferty. Hosted by Jon McGoran with Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk.
2019-07-1146 min
The Liars Club OddcastNoir at the Bar, Authors Reading their Works, Recorded Live in Philly A special two-part Oddcast featuring select readings recorded at Noir at the Bar Philadelphia, April 14, 2019. Part one includes readings from Merry Jones, Erik Arneson, Tony Knighton and Jen Conley. Hosted by Jon McGoran with Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk.
2019-07-0446 min
The Liars Club OddcastLive from PWC: Autumn Konopka, Poet and Philadelphia Writers' Conference President Poet and Philadelphia Writers' Conference President Autumn Konopka joins the Oddcast at the conference bar to talk about the struggles of a poet's life, her love of teen TV dramas, why she thinks poetry is a good beach read, and more with cohosts Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk. Recorded at the 2019 Philadelphia Writers' Conference.
2019-06-2835 min
The Liars Club OddcastHilary Davidson, Award-Winning Novelist and Short-Story Writer Award-winning novelist and short-story writer Hilary Davidson discusses character and point of view, the importance of research, how her experience as a travel writer informs her fiction, and her critically acclaimed latest novel, One Small Sacrifice. With Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Greg Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-06-2142 min
The Liars Club OddcastHoward A. Rodman, Award-Winning Screenwriter and Novelist On this week's Oddcast, a fascinating conversation with award-winning screenwriter, novelist, journalist and educator Howard A. Rodman, who talks about writing screenplays vs. novels, adapting your own work, and his acclaimed new novel, The Great Eastern. With Jon McGoran, Greg Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-06-1444 min
The Liars Club OddcastDonald Maass, Literary Agent and Author This week on the Oddcast, legendary literary agent Donald Maass talks about publishing industry trends, how to find an agent, the agent/author relationship, balancing agenting & writing, and the craft of writing a novel. With Jon McGoran, Greg Frost, Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones & Keith Strunk.
2019-06-0655 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: Audience Q & A Recorded Live at the Towne Book Center A special live authors' roundtable is driven by questions from publishing execs and writers -- about idea theft, the dangers of creating characters from real people, the perils of writing near-future sci-fi, and more! Recorded live at the Towne Book Center and Wine Bar. Legendary children's book author Judy Schachner even shows up with a question or two for Oddcast cohosts Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-05-3045 min
The Liars Club OddcastJudy Schachner, NY Times Best Selling Children's Book Author/Illustrator Award winning NY Times Best Selling children's book author and illustrator Judy Schachner offers a lively look at her unique writing process, her love of animals as characters and the challenges of starting a new series. Recorded live at Towne Book Center & Wine Bar with Oddcast cohosts Kelly Simmons, Jon McGoran, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, and Keith Strunk.
2019-05-2448 min
The Liars Club OddcastAnna Kashina, Award-Winning Fantasy Author Award-winning fantasy author Anna Kashina discusses her Majat Code novels, her latest book, SHADOWBLADE, and reveals how being a competitive ballroom dancer and a scientist can help with your writing. She joins Oddcast cohosts Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk.
2019-05-1635 min
The Liars Club OddcastTim Kirkman, Emmy Nominated Screenwriter and Director Emmy nominated screenwriter/director Tim Kirkman talks about the screenwriting techniques he teaches at USC and UCLA, his new Amazon Prime film Lazy Eye, and what it was like to work at Miramax. With Oddcast regulars Jon McGoran, Keith Strunk, Merry Jones, and Gregory Frost.
2019-05-0944 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: Writing Sex and Violence Time for another spirited authors' roundtable, with writing tips for crafting sex and violence scenes. it's an opportunity to either insightfully reveal characters at their most vulnerable, or spew out dialogue and action so clumsily written they reduce the story to laughable shtick. An honest discussion on when to employ these tools, and how far to take them. Join Oddcast cohosts Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-05-0235 min
The Liars Club OddcastJessica M. Rinker, Children's Author Jessica M. Rinker is the author of the children's picture book biography of Gloria Steinem, Gloria Takes a Stand, and the forthcoming, Send a Girl: The Brenda Berkman Story, due out in 2021. An award winning short story and creative nonfiction writer, she discusses the techniques for writing children's fiction, the challenges of condensing a person's life into a picture book and more, with Oddcast cohosts Keith Strunk, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, and Jon McGoran.
2019-04-2640 min
The Liars Club OddcastRachel Howzell Hall, Critically Acclaimed Crime Novelist Rachel Howzell Hall is the author of eight novels, including her latest, They All Fall Down, as well as the critically acclaimed Lou Norton series, featuring an African American woman detective in Los Angeles. This week, she talks race and class, standalones vs. series, and stealing time to write, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Merry Jones, Keith Strunk, and Greg Frost.
2019-04-1841 min
The Liars Club OddcastAngie Kim, Thriller Author Angie Kim's debut novel Miracle Creek is a psychological thriller that is winning rave reviews and appearing on “best of” lists just about everywhere. On this week’s Oddcast Kim talks about her books, her writing process, and her journey from pre-teen immigrant to editor of the Harvard Law Review to trial lawyer to writer to big-deal debut author, with cohosts Jon McGoran, Merry Jones, Greg Frost, Kelly Simmons, and Keith Strunk.
2019-04-1142 min
The Liars Club OddcastDanny Gardner, Crime Novelist, Comedian, and Publisher On this week’s show, a no-holds-barred conversation with Danny Gardner—actor, director, screenwriter, comedian, crime novelist, and now, publisher—who talks about his novel A Negro and an Ofay, his new publishing imprint, Bronzeville Books, and lots and lots of other stuff, with Oddcast cohosts Jon McGoran, Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, Greg Frost and Keith Strunk.
2019-04-0450 min
The Liars Club OddcastAuthors Roundtable: Managing Advice Time for another spirited authors' roundtable on managing writing advice. You get it from agents, beta readers, fellow writers and yes even your mom and idiots on Facebook. But when should you heed it? An honest discussion about sifting bad advice from good, and choosing what's right for your writing career. Join Oddcast cohosts Kelly Simmons, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-03-2832 min
The Liars Club OddcastMartha Wells, Award-Winning Fantasy and Science Fiction Author This week on the Oddcast, award-winning fantasy and science fiction author Martha Wells. Her latest work is a series of four novellas collectively titled The Murderbot Diaries. The first, All Systems Red, has already won the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards. She explores writing without an outline, the value of workshops, and the creation of a “first-person omniscient” voice in her conversation with cohosts Gregory Frost, Merry Jones, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-03-2135 min
The Liars Club OddcastRichie Narvaez, Award-Winning Crime Writer Award-winning crime writer Richie Narvaez is a poet, essayist, editor & teacher. On this week’s Oddcast, he talks with cohosts Jon McGoran, Keith Strunk, Merry Jones and Gregory Frost about writing short stories, his stint as president of the New York Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and his debut novel, Hipster Death Rattle, which takes a sardonic look at gentrification, class tension, and, of course, murder.
2019-03-1442 min
The Liars Club OddcastE.A. Aymar, Hard-Boiled Crime Writer On this week’s Oddcast, crime writer E.A. Aymar talks about his work with the International Thriller Writers Organization, what it’s like to co-edit a novel-in-stories with 14 contributors, his musical collaboration with DJ Alkimist, and his brand new standalone crime thriller, The Unrepentant, with co-hosts Jon McGoran, Merry Jones, Greg Frost and Keith Strunk.
2019-03-0743 min
The Liars Club OddcastLanny Larcinese, Award Winning Writer and Novelist Award winning writer Lanny Larcinese published two novels and a memoir at an age when many people would rather retire and relax. Hear him talk about his fascinating writing journey, what he's learned about editing and publishing, and what he'd advise writers just starting out. Hosted by Oddcast regulars Merry Jones, Kelly Simmons, Gregory Frost, Jon McGoran, and Keith Strunk.
2019-02-2837 min
The Liars Club OddcastLive from The Writers' Coffeehouse Hear a wide-ranging discussion about writing for TV & film, structures in women's fiction, marketing novellas, book-pricing, book launch & promotional strategies & more! Hosted by Keith Strunk, Kelly Simmons, Jon McGoran & guest Liar Janice Gable Bashman. Recorded live at the Philadelphia Writers’ Coffeehouse.
2019-02-211h 15
The Liars Club OddcastNancy Bilyeau, Historical Thriller Author Acclaimed historical thriller author & writer/editor for InStyle, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly, Nancy Bilyeau joins Oddcast hosts Jon McGoran, Keith Strunk, Merry Jones & Gregory Frost to talk history, thrillers and research, being an Oprah pick & her latest book, The Blue.
2019-02-1433 min
The Liars Club OddcastGeoffrey Haines-Stiles, Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker Geoffrey Haines-Stiles is an internationally known, award-winning documentary writer & producer whose work, including Cosmos with Carl Sagan and Earth: The Operator's Manual, have been seen by over a billion people. He talks with hosts Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, Keith Strunk & Jon McGoran about working with Al Gore, exploring seven continents, bringing his kids on location & the planethood of Pluto.
2019-02-0739 min
The Liars Club OddcastKatrina Carrasco, Debut Novelist Katrina Carrasco’s acclaimed debut novel The Best Bad Things was on numerous "Best of 2018" lists. On this week’s Oddcast, Katrina joins hosts Jon McGoran, Keith Strunk, Merry Jones and Greg Frost to discuss the origin of ideas, research for historical fiction, and writing about gender, sexuality, and social roles.
2019-01-3140 min
The Liars Club OddcastLawrence H. Levy, Award-Winning TV Writer and Author Lawrence H. Levy is a two-time Emmy-nominated and Writers Guild Award-winning TV writer and the author of the Mary Handley historical mysteries, including his latest, Last Stop in Brooklyn. He joins Jon McGoran, Keith Strunk, Greg Frost and Merry Jones to discuss the differences between writing books and TV scripts, his experience on shows including Roseanne, Fantasy Island, and Seinfeld, and the secret power of mangoes.
2019-01-2442 min
The Liars Club OddcastBrian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, Best Selling Authors and Collaborators This week on the Oddcast, Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, co-authors of the Wall Street Journal and Amazon #1 Bestselling Tier One series of thrillers, talk about their collaborative process, the perils of pen names, and how their military backgrounds inform their writing, with hosts Jon McGoran, Keith Strunk, Merry Jones, and Gregory Frost.
2019-01-1736 min