Luella And Ken - Podcast Details

Shows

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Tamara DeanBIO:Tamara Dean has been camping, fishing, hiking, and gathering wild foods from an early age, led and inspired by her parents. She writes fiction and nonfiction and teaches creative writing. Her essays and stories have appeared in The American Scholar, The Georgia Review, the Guardian, One Story, Orion, The Progressive, and elsewhere. She’s also the author of The Human-Powered Home: Choosing Muscles Over Motors. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin and returns to the Driftless area often. SYNOPSIS:In the midst of the environmental crises of the early twe...2025-05-0822 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Felicia ClarkBIO:Felicia is a literary fiction and creative memoir writer and published poet with her debut book AWAKE: Poetry for the Healing. Her work has also appeared in magazines, newspapers, calendars, blogs and multi-authored books. Felicia lives as a nomad in a house on wheels with her three fur babies and partner Vinny. Follow her writing and traveling adventures at FeliciaClarkAuthor.com.SYNOPSIS:AWAKE: Poetry for the Healing invites readers on an intimate journey of trauma, healing, and self-discovery. With grace and unflinching honesty, explore the rawness of mental...2025-05-0727 min

Midwest Writers RoomBonus Episode: Brenda Cárdenas - Wisconsin Poet LaureateBIO:To honor the just concluded National Poetry Month, today we are interviewing Brenda Cárdenas, Wisconsin’s newest poet laureate. Brenda has authored Trace (Red Hen Press, 2023), winner of the 2023 Society of Midland Authors Award for Poetry and silver winner of Foreword Review’s Indie Poetry Prize; Boomerang (Bilingual Press); and three chapbooks. Her poems and essays have also appeared in many literary journals and anthologies, and she co-edited the anthologies Resist Much/Obey Little: Inaugural Poems to the Resistance and Between the Heart and the Land: Latina Poets in the Midwest. She ha...2025-05-0539 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Evelyn Ann CaseyBIO:Evelyn Ann Casey writes stories filled with grace and gumption. A love of language and storytelling grew from her Chicago roots in a multi-ethnic neighborhood filled with Irish brogues and pubs, Sicilian music and cannoli, and the Yiddish banter of delis. Evelyn’s poetry, essays and flash fiction are published in Midwest Review, Medium.com, Potato Soup Journal and elsewhere. She worked in government relations in Milwaukee and Madison before managing outreach programs in healthcare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When not exploring locales near and far with her husband, Evelyn attends mus...2025-05-0122 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Kevin KluesnerBIO:Kevin holds a BA in journalism and an MBA from Marquette University. He’s worked as the outdoor writer for a daily newspaper, taught at the undergraduate and graduate level, and served as the president of an urban safety net hospital and a mental health emergency center. A Wisconsin native, The Killers’ Terms is his third novel set in the state. He’s recently been a guest on WTMJ4’s Morning Blend and 620AM’s “What’s On Tap.” His current release has been chosen to be part of Wisconsin Public Radio’s 2025 book club and he will be ap...2025-04-3020 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 3, Ep. 8 - Kristin Oakley, April 2025BIO:Kristin is the author of two award-winning suspense thrillers, Carpe Diem, Illinois and God on Mayhem Street, and the young adult dystopian Devil Particle Series. She teaches writing workshops, has critiqued manuscripts through the UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies, and has helped writers hone their agent pitches at the Division’s Writers’ Institute. As a past Chicago Writers Association board member, she was the managing editor of The Write City Magazine and The Write City Review and co-chaired CWA’s educational programming. Additionally, Kristin reviews books and writes about being a novelist in her newsle...2025-04-2838 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Denise ForsytheBIO:Denise Forsythe found writing success with several mystery, horror, and science fiction short stories published in Mystery Magazine, Kings River Life, and Blood Moon Rising as well as several anthologies, including Determined Hearts: A Frankenstein Anthology; Black Buttons Vol. 3: A Family Affair; Buried; Murder of Crows; WhoDunit!; A Warm Mug of Cozy Vol 1 & 2; and Portal: The Inner Circle Writer’s Group Children’s Anthology 2019; 518 Pub’s anthology, Cold and Crisp; PulpCult’s It’s All in My Mind anthology; and in this year’s Chicka Chicka Booma anthology published by UK’s Murderous Press Ink.Her...2025-04-2317 min

Midwest Writers RoomBonus Episode: Lakefly Writers Conference with Ruth PerceyBIO:Ruth is a dedicated professional, holding a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in library science. Her experience spans various roles in the literary and library fields, including positions at a daily newspaper and a small press. Currently, she serves as the managing librarian at the Oshkosh Public Library, where she plays a key role in promoting literacy and community engagement.In addition to her library work, Ruth founded the Oshkosh Area Writers Club in 2001, providing a supportive environment for local writers to develop their craft and connect with one...2025-04-2221 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Dave GreschnerBIO:Dave grew up on a dairy farm in northwest Wisconsin, and went on to earn a degree in journalism at UW-Eau Claire. He worked at the Rice Lake (WI) newspaper for more than 40 years as sports/outdoors editor, earning 20 first-place awards in the Wisconsin Newspaper Assn. for writing and photography. In retirement, Dave continues to write an outdoors blog, and an outdoors column for three northern Wisconsin newspapers. He lives with his wife Cathy in northwest Wisconsin, where he enjoys a variety of activities on nearby trails, rivers, lakes, and forestland, and in the...2025-04-2218 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Larissa AntonioniBIO:Larissa is a fantasy romance who recently released her debut, A Realm of Lies and Power. When she isn’t in the trenches of being a mom, she can be found in the library–dreaming up new realms and brooding-anti heroes. She wouldn’t give a second thought to striking a deal with a faerie king if the chance presented itself. SYNOPSIS:"I only killed in one of two ways. By the High Lord’s command, or to protect her."Renwick, the High Lord’s most trusted ass...2025-04-1517 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 3, Ep. 7 - Steven Strackbein, April 2025BIO:Steven W. Strackbein began writing in his early thirties, during his military training amid the final days of the Iraq War. That time marked the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of storytelling, one that’s driven by a deep interest in human nature. Over the years, he earned degrees in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, and an MBA—each one providing insights into the complexities of people and their motivations. Writing is an exploration of what makes us human—The end goal is stories that resonate with readers who see themselves in the characters’ journeys, as flawe...2025-04-1434 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Frank JosephBIO: Frank S Joseph's award-winning “Chicago Trilogy” novels -- TO DO JUSTICE, TO WALK HUMBLY and TO LOVE MERCY -- tell a story of lives forever changed by racial turmoil that marked and marred Chicago at mid century, a great city going up in flames.Frank lived it. As an Associated Press correspondent, he covered the ’60s riots that wracked Chicago’s inner city; the '67 Detroit riot, where 37 died; and the notorious '68 Democratic National Convention street disorders. To Do Justice recently was awarded Book of the Year Honorable Mention (indie fict...2025-04-1020 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Sara HeftyBIO:Born in 1981, at the hospital in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, Sara Hefty (she/her) grew up on a family farm near Pine City, Minnesota, studied at multiple colleges and universities in the Midwest, and later established a home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with her husband Brian. They have two dogs, Bexley Joy and Freyja Sunshine, together known as The Golden Girls. RINGING THE BELLS: SHE’S RECOLLECTING HERSELF NOW is Sara Hefty’s debut poetry collection.SYNOPSIS:Young Sara Ann Carlson is an emblematic daughter in an emblematic American family. When...2025-04-0926 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Lee TrottaBIO:Trotta released his first cheese-based children's book in 2016 titled “Florida Cheese” then his second children's book “Wisconsin Cheese” in 2017, and his third book “California Cheese” in 2019, before unveiling “Minnesota Cheese” in 2025 (after a long Covid break). Trotta, who grew up in Waunakee where his father Dick served as a hall of fame high school football coach, played football under his Dad and later in college. During his 25-year career as a geophysicist and hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey, Lee spent countless hours writing scientific reports on rocks and ground water. He has shifted his focu...2025-04-0315 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with James SalimesBIO:Writing under the pen name J. Ellis Blaise (blaze), James Salimes has served as Chaplain, Pastor, and Spiritual Counselor for two decades. At an early age, he descended into dungeons with pen and paper in hand. Enchanted by spells and sipping bitter tea warmed by dragon fire, he wrote tales of magical places. The Fullness of Time began as a bedtime story for his children. His wife, a creative genius with the flare and grace of a goddess, permitted him passage into the Kingdom of Nantes, where he completed the first book of the...2025-04-0221 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Kelly NelsonBIO:Kelly is a children’s book author from the Fox Valley of Wisconsin, who has had a keen interest in true animal stories from the time she was a little girl. She credits her years working as a preschool director, then public library marketing coordinator, for helping her recognize the book themes and subject matter that most captivate young readers’ attention.She lives with her family, which includes Pug dogs Mabel & ZuZu, and orange tabby cat Lenny. Brownie the War Dog: Veterans’ Best Friend is her first book.SYNOPS...2025-03-2626 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Carol PaurBIO:Carol has an MA in Communication. She freelanced for newspapers and magazines. She did stand-up comedy and wrote and produced children’s plays. Orange Blossom Publishing released her YA Mystery, Early Summer, in 2022. Black Rose Writing published her middle-grade fantasy, Isasnora Snores, in 2019. Rowley Peters and the Lumberjack Ghost is Paur’s third children’s book. Paur is a member of SCBWI, Wisconsin Writers Association, and Sisters in Crime. When she’s not writing, she’d heading up a Rotary Club, singing in two choirs, and letting her two dogs out every five minutes – or so it see...2025-03-2522 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 3, Ep. 6 - Sam Jacquest (Blue House Books), March 2025BIO:Today we are interviewing Samantha Jacquest (jay-quest), owner of Blue House Books in Kenosha WI. Sam grew up in Kenosha, graduating from the Communications Academy from Indian Trail, and went to college at UW-Whitewater majoring in journalism. After a year working in the newspaper industry, she went on to earn her Master of the Arts degree in Publishing from Oxford Brookes University in the UK. After she returned home, she began Blue House Books as a popup bookstore in 2017, then opened as a full brick-and-mortar store in 2020. These days, Sam is living book lovers d...2025-03-2433 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Peggy Joque WilliamsBIO: Author Peggy Joque Williams is a retired elementary school teacher. A Yooper by birth, Peggy grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula; but having raised her family in Madison, Wisconsin, she considers herself a Cheesehead by choice.When not writing, Peggy indulges her passion for genealogy research. She has traced her ancestral roots to 10th century France and England. She is especially proud to be able to have identified over twenty Fille du Roi –[FEE DU RA] Daughters of the King-- among her 7th- and 8th-French-Canadian great-grandmothers, as well as her Ojibwe 3rd-gr...2025-03-1922 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Steven SalmonBIO:Steven has severe cerebral palsy. Morse code is how he writes using his head since he is unable to use his hands. Steven has a Bachelor of Science with a writing minor from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a Liberal Arts degree from Madison College. He is a client of The Purcell Agency. His books, It's A New Life! Mom Is Gone and I Found Love is available on Amazon. Currently, Steven is writing a romance novel about meeting and living with a woman. He lives independently in Madison, Wisconsin with his cat...2025-03-1724 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Malcolm McDowell WoodsBIO:Malcolm McDowell Woods was born in Scotland to Irish parents and spent his childhood on the move, living in Derry, Northern Ireland, before emigrating to Canada and, ultimately, the United States. He is a freelance editor and writer and university lecturer and resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his partner and their two dogs. Woods co-authored the book, Irish Wit and Wisdom, and was a co-founder and managing editor of the former Irish American Post magazine. He is a past recipient of the Milwaukee County Arts Fellowship Individual Arts Grant for Fiction Writing.2025-03-1222 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Rita Williams AtkinsonBIO:Born and raised in Wisconsin, the author developed her passion for writing in sixth grade, courtesy of a first-year teacher’s creative writing assignment. The assignment was to write and illustrate a children’s book. The assignment was considered a big deal by the local newspaper, including a front-page article with pictures. The writing bug had bitten. Writing remained as an infrequent hobby through college, marriage, raising two children, and a demanding career as a public servant. When life allowed time to focus on her writing again, Rita returned to it like she was reun...2025-03-1117 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 3, Ep. 5 - Jennie Goloboy, March 2025BIO:Jennie Goloboy joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2017, after six years at a Twin Cities-based literary agency. She has a PhD in the History of American Civilization from Harvard, and published a book based on her dissertation, Charleston and the Emergence of Middle-Class Culture in the Revolutionary Era, in 2016. Her novel, Obviously Aliens, was published by Queen of Swords Press in 2021. Jennie is particularly looking for fun, innovative, diverse, and progressive science fiction and fantasy for adults. She thinks that one of the most important jobs of science fiction is to imagine a f...2025-03-1039 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 3, Ep. 4 - Diana Peterson & Jodi KiffmeyerBIOS:Jodi Kiffmeyer - Jodi is a native of northwestern Wisconsin who grew up begging her grandma for old family stories. That interest in family history eventually led her to the fascinating world of local history. Now she’s the one telling stories from her home in Eau Claire, where she also works as the archivist for the Chippewa Valley Museum. She’s published two books on Eau Claire history and writes regular local history posts for the museum’s social media and her personal Substack. Diana Peterson - Diana gr...2025-02-2438 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Mary T WagnerBIO:Mary Wagner is a Wisconsin writer living in Sheboygan, and an award-winning essayist and children’s book author. She has been playfully compared to “Erma Bombeck…but in sexier shoes,” and described as “the Midwest’s answer to Carrie Bradshaw.” Wagner’s writing career started with reporting for both of Milwaukee’s major newspapers, and then shifted to magazine freelancing as she raised a young family. A serious accident triggered a change of direction, and she entered law school at the age of forty, becoming a prosecuting attorney for the state. Her love for writing never left...2025-02-2128 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with G. AnthonyBIO:G. Anthony is a poet, writer, and creator of Nobody’s Words, a poetic memoir that reflects his journey of healing, transformation, and self-discovery. A Midwest native, G’s philosophy centers on stripping away imposed identities to embrace authenticity and inner freedom. G’s work is rooted in his experiences with mental health, resilience, and the power of creative expression. When he’s not writing, G enjoys time with his family, exploring nature, and inspiring others to discover their true selves through words and reflection.SYNOPSIS:Nobody’s Words is a...2025-02-1924 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Sally CollinsBIO:Since graduating with a BA in Writing from Winona State University, Sally Collins’ work has appeared regularly in the Peninsula Pulse newspaper and Door County Living magazine.A semifinalist for the 2024 Wisconsin People & Ideas short fiction contest, her creative writing has recently appeared in Barstow and Grand and Feels Blind Literary. She lives in Door County, where she proudly served countless old-fashioneds and fish fries during her many years working in the restaurant industry.SYNOPSIS:A wry celebration of Wisconsin culture and an unflinching commentary on co...2025-02-1320 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Brian ReisingerBIO:Brian Reisinger is an award-winning writer who grew up working with his dad on their family farm in Sauk County, Wisconsin. He lives to tell the hidden stories of rural America and has been published by USA Today, Newsweek, Yahoo News, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, PBS/Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life,” The Daily Yonder, RealClearPolitics, The Hill, and elsewhere. Reisinger’s writing has won awards from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, first place in the Seven Hills Literary Contest, a Solas Award, and more.SYNOPSIS:Land Rich, Ca...2025-02-1226 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 3, Ep. 3 - John Krause, February 2025BIO:John Krause is the author of the Pudge Amazon series for middle-grade readers. A big fan of words, books, and libraries, John is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a member of the Wisconsin Writers Association, and a Distinguished Toastmaster through Toastmasters International. When not writing or reading, he enjoys hiking, camping, and road trips. John lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin with his wife, April who is a ceramic artist, and their three teenagersLINKS:Website: johnkrausebooks.comBlueSky: @john-krause-author 2025-02-1041 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 3, Ep. 2 - Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong, January 2025BIO:Today we are interviewing Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong. Cathie is a literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency with nearly nine years experience in the business. A life-long lover of books, Cathie has vivid memories of the exact day she unlocked the secret code behind letters that, when combined, form words. Since then, it’s the rare occasion when you’ll find her without a book in her hand, a Kindle in her purse, or a pair of AirPods in her ears while she devours the works of whatever author she’s selected as her new favorite of the...2025-01-2741 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Patrick O'DonnellBio:This Chapter Break episode features Patrick O’Donnell and his latest publicationThe Good Collar: A Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice ThrillerPatrick O’Donnell, a retired City of Milwaukee police sergeant with 25 years of street experience, where he supervised various special units and investigated major felonies. He’s the author of ten books, including his upcoming thriller, The Good Collar. He hosts the popular Cops and Writers Podcast and runs a 7,500-member Facebook group for crime writers. He has also hosted true crime television documentaries and has consulted with crime writers for their books...2025-01-1722 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 3, Ep. 1 - Nicholas Chiarkas, January 2025Bio:Nick Chiarkas is a frequent writers’ conference presenter, a Wisconsin Writers Association Board Member, and the author of nine traditionally published books: two award-winning novels, Weepers and Nunzio's Way, and seven nonfiction books. He grew up in the Al Smith housing projects on Manhattan's Lower East Side. When he was in the fourth grade, his mother was told by the principal of PS-1 that "Nick was unlikely ever to complete high school, so you must steer him toward a simple and secure vocation." Instead, Nick became a writer, with a few stops alo...2025-01-1347 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Thomas MalinBIO:Tom lived the first five years of his life in Friendship, WI. He wrote his first story, A Dog Named Beer, in the second grade, to the amusement of his fellow students. Tom went on to earn a MBA and Masters in Creative Writing. He then spent forty years in academic medicine programs and physician practices. Throughout it all, he never lost his passion for writing.After living in Los Angeles for a time, Tom returned home to Wisconsin and has received both Jade Ring and Door County Hal prizes for his short...2024-11-2716 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 20 - Marcy McCreary, November 2024BIO: Marcy McCreary is the author of three published novels. The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon was a finalist for the Silver Falchion award for best investigative mystery. The Murder of Madison Garcia won the prestigious Society of Voice Arts & Sciences (SOVAS) award for best audiobook in the mystery category. The third book in the Ford Family Mystery series, The Summer of Love and Death, was a Mysterious Bookshop Crime Club pick in August 2024 and a Strand magazine’s “Top Summer Reads.” Her essays about crime/mystery fiction have appeared in CrimeReads, Mystery Readers Journal, Mystery & Suspen...2024-11-1848 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Valerie Biel - HavenValerie Biel writes books for middle grade to adult audiences--stories inspired by her travels & insatiable curiosity. She's the author of the award-winning, Circle of Nine fantasy series--inspired by the mythology of Ireland, Beyond the Cemetery Gate—a YA mystery suspense novel, and the new book we'll talk about today. When Valerie's away from the computer, you might find her wrangling her overgrown garden, traveling the world, and reading everything she can get her hands on. She holds a degree in journalism and political science, and lives with her husband on a portion of her family's century-old farm, but regularly dr...2024-11-1317 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 19 - Tracey Phillips, November 2024Today we are speaking with Tracey Phillips. Tracey considers herself a serial artist who is an avid gardener, musician, piano teacher, artist, and author. She writes psychological thrillers and romantic suspense. Her debut, BEST KEPT SECRETS (Crooked Lane Books, 2019) won a Hugh Holton Award in 2018. She is a two-time finalist for the Claymore Award for best unpublished novel in ‘22, and ‘23. She has published 3 short stories, and one was a finalist for Writers’ Digest Genre Fiction awards. In 2020 she created Blackbird Writers, a community of like-minded authors willing to help promote each other and share their love of stories with reader...2024-11-0434 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Valerie Biel - Beyond the Cemetery GateValerie Biel writes books for middle grade to adult audiences--stories inspired by her travels & insatiable curiosity. She's the author of the award-winning, Circle of Nine fantasy series--inspired by the mythology of Ireland, Haven—a contemporary middle grade story and the new book we'll talk about today. When Valerie's away from the computer, you might find her wrangling her overgrown garden, traveling the world, and reading everything she can get her hands on. She holds a degree in journalism and political science, and lives with her husband on a portion of her family's century-old farm, but regularly dreams of writing in...2024-10-2326 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Mindy QuigleyMindy Quigley is the author of two lighthearted mystery series. Her latest, the Deep Dish Mysteries (Minotaur-St. Martin's Press) was a Woman’s World book club pick and has been featured in Parade magazine. Mindy's non-writing career is stranger than fiction, having taken her from the US to the UK, where she worked as the personal assistant to the scientist who cloned Dolly the sheep and as project manager for a research clinic founded by the author J.K. Rowling. She lives in small-town Virginia with her Civil War history professor husband and their children.2024-10-2220 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 18 - Luella Schmidt, October 2024Luella is the board president of the Wisconsin Writers Association, and is co-founder & co-host of WWA's podcast, Midwest Writers Room. She writes fiction and essays about culture, democracy, justice, and history. She is the author of the America This Week series on Medium and the creator of Mirror in the Sky, a virtual community that explores the top 100 novels, movies, and albums. Prior to writing, Luella was a CPA and founded the professional services firm, Fine Point Consulting. She lives in Madison with her husband, Roger, and the best dog ever, Cece.LINKS:https...2024-10-2129 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 17 - Doug Moe, October 2024Bio:Doug is a lifelong Madisonian and has worked as a journalist for more than four decades as a magazine editor, newspaper columnist, freelance writer and book author.He spent 5 years as editor of Madison Magazine and almost 20 years as a daily newspaper columnist, first for The Capital Times, then the Wisconsin State Journal. In that time he was named Madison’s best writer or columnist more than a dozen times in a variety of reader polls.Most recently, Doug was named both Madison’s best local author and best columnist in a Ma...2024-10-0733 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Bill GillardBio: Bill is a professor of English at UW Oshkosh and the author of many books, including the forthcoming “Robert Bloch and the Psycho Century: American Horror from Lovecraft to King” and “Concept Album,” a verse novel about the music scene in New York City in 1981. His creative and scholarly writing is available in all of the usual places online and in local bookstores in the Fox Valley. He lives in Appleton with his wife and two daughters.Synopsis:Bill’s new verse novel “If a Clod Be Washed” tells the story of Mr. Be...2024-10-0229 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Gregory Lee RenzThis Chapter Break episode features Gregory Lee Renz and his latest publication BEYOND THE FLAMES published on 9/1/24. Gregory is an author and retired Milwaukee Hall-of-Fame Fire Captain. When he retired he thought he might like to write a novel based on the deep well of experiences his career provided. After only ten years of creative writing courses, conferences, and workshops, he published his debut novel, Beneath the Flames, which went on to win five literary awards. Synopsis:Embittered Fire Captain LEE GARRISON joins forces with retired Police Captain BRIGID O’BR...2024-09-2526 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Catherine JagoeCatherine Jagoe is a British American poet, essayist and translator. Her poems have been featured on The Writer’s Almanac and Poetry Daily. Her previous poetry collections include Bloodroot, News from the North, and Casting Off. Bloodroot won the 2016 Settlement House American Poetry Prize, the Council for Wisconsin Writers poetry book award, and the Wisconsin Library Association Outstanding Achievement award. Her nonfiction has received a Pushcart Prize and a citation in Best American Essays. She is a contributor to Wisconsin Public Radio’s Wisconsin Life series and lives in Madison, where she works as a translator from Spanish to Engl...2024-09-2418 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 16 - Kim Suhr, September 2024Kim is the author of the story collections Nothing to Lose and Close Call, both published by Cornerstone Press at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Her work has appeared in many journals including at Midwest Review, Wisconsin People & Ideas, and Pink Panther Magazine. Kim is also Director of Red Oak Writing where she leads critique groups, provides individual manuscript feedback and editing, and teaches a prompt-writing class called Time to Write! Kim holds an MFA from the Solstice program where she was the Dennis Lehane Fellow in Fiction. She lives and writes in Southeastern Wisconsin.2024-09-2338 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Amy RenshawAmy Renshaw fell in love with mysteries as a kid, when she discovered Nancy Drew books in her grandmother’s attic. She admires strong women who courageously blaze new trails, both in real life and fiction. Strong Suspicions, the first book in the Sophie Strong Mystery Series, fulfilled her dream to create her own female detective. Amy’s day job is working as Senior Editor for Brilliant Star magazine, an award-winning publication for kids inspired by the principles of peace in the Bahá’í Faith. She also wrote the nonfiction book, Voyage of Love: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in North America. She enjoys hiking...2024-09-2220 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 15 - Laurie ScheerToday we are talking with Laurie Scheer. Often referred to as the Media Goddess, Laurie works with writers and is involved in every aspect of writing - from conception to publication. A former Entertainment Industry executive, Laurie analyzed manuscripts and scripts as they entered the competitive media marketplace. In her role as Faculty Associate and the Director of UW Madison’s annual Writers’ Institute for over a decade, Laurie mentored hundreds of writers in person and online. Laurie is a professional speaker and consultant. She has published two books and shares her ‘pathway to publication’ stories so...2024-09-0937 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Robb GrindstaffThis Chapter Break episode features Robb Grindstaff and his latest publication Bones of Dead Man’s Bluff.Bio: Robb’s journalism career took him from small southern towns to Washington DC, five years in Tokyo, and nine years in Wisconsin. He has five novels and a short story collection published with a small press. Robb is also a fiction editor and teacher, having edited more than 200 books, and has taught writing courses for writing organizations around the world, including the Novel-in-Progress Book Camp in Racine, Wisconsin. Robb’s writing is best classi...2024-08-2927 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Karol LagodzkiBio: Karol Lagodzki, a native of Poland, is an English-language author of fiction. His stories have appeared in numerous journals, and he has won Panel Magazine’s Ruritania Prize for Short Fiction. Controlled Conversations is his debut novel.He holds an MFA in creative writing and buys more books than he can read or afford. Karol’s non-writing careers have ranged from fixing stucco while dangling from roofs to developing medical devices for the critically ill.Karol lives halfway down a Southern Indiana ravine with his wonderful, unconventional family, a scurry of squirrels, a pa...2024-08-2819 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Lukas KlessigThis Chapter Break episode features Lukas Klessig and his latest publication Words With My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times. Lukas edits and manages his late father Lowell's intellectual property. He lives near Stevens Point and looks after the family's investments and real estate.Words With My Father explores how his father's bipolar disorder led to a perilous involvement in the Civil Rights, Antiwar and Conservation Movements. Their narrative memoirs offers readers truths for better mental health through example and storytelling.LINKS:https://wordswithmyfather.com/...2024-08-2715 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 14 - John DeDakis, August 2024In this episode we touch on:Fear as a core component to writer's blockInterviewing characters to appear in your bookJohn DeDakis (de-DAY-kiss) is a novelist, writing coach, manuscript editor, and former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six mystery-suspense novels. In his most recent novel, Enemies Domestic, protagonist Lark Chadwick is a pregnant White House press secretary forced to make her extremely personal abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic and polarized political fishbowl—all while dealing with an attack on the presidency itself. A native of La Cro...2024-08-2641 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with David NashDavid Nash is an author and singer songwriter from the Driftless Area writing emotionally driven, compelling, page-turning fiction. His novels include “The Man in the Pines” (Ten16 Press, 2020), “In Wells’ Time” (Unsolicited Press, 2024), and a yet-to-be titled dark fiction anthology about Northern Wisconsin and witchcraft (Unsolicited Press, 2026). He is a two-time finalist of the Iron Pen Contest as well as the Great River Folk Festival Songwriting Competition. He is a member of the Mississippi Valley Writer's Guild and a regular reader at Adult Story Time with the La Crescent/La Crosse Public Library.In Wells' Time is the story...2024-08-1623 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 13 - Robb Grindstaff, August 2024Ever wonder what habits may be inhibiting your writing? Too much throat clearing or tautologies? How about filters? If you're not sure what those are, take a listen to this episode.Robb Grindstaff’s career as a journalist and media executive took him from Texas, North Carolina, Arizona, Washington DC, five years in Asia, and nine years in Wisconsin. He has five novels and a short story collection published with a small press. As a freelance editor, he has edited more than 200 books over the past 17 years, including clients who are agented, traditionally published, and bestselling independent au...2024-08-1246 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Pamela KyelCharm City Crab Puff - Published April 2024Pamela Kyel (pronounced Kyle) was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Thanks to the US Air Force, life has taken her from Maryland to Montana to Italy and points in between. As the spouse of a now-retired military member, she had a front-row seat to the military's workings and used that in her Charm City series.Special Agent Laci Duvall, AFOSI, expects life to be like her favorite beverage. Sweet and strong. So, what happens when someone throws a lemon in her tea? She finds who...2024-08-0919 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Michelle MeyerMichelle Meyer is a poet and author of The Trouble with Being a Childless Only Child (Cornerstone Press, 2024) and The Book of She (2021), a poetry and visual art collaboration devoted to women. Recent work appears or is forthcoming in ONE ART, Autumn Sky, Tabula Rasa, Under Her Eye: A Blackspot Books Anthology, and Welter Journal among others. In addition, Michelle has written, directed, and produced numerous one-act plays and skits for children and adults. When not van traveling around the U.S. or pet sitting in Europe, she lives in western Wisconsin.Written after the...2024-07-3023 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Mary BehanA former professor of neuroscience, Mary writes fiction, memoir, and short stories. “Abbey Girls,” (published in 2015) is a memoir she wrote with her sister, Valerie Behan, about their childhood in Ireland. Her first novel, “A Measured Thread,” (published in 2020) is set in Wisconsin and Ireland, was named a Top 100 Indie Book in 2020, a finalist in the Page Turner Awards, and an eLit medal winner. “Kernels” (published in 2021) is a collection of short stories. Her stories have been published in the Irish Literary Journal Crossways and received Honorable Mention in Writer’s Digest Writing Competition in 2021. In “Finding Isobel” we follow...2024-07-2323 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with TK SheffieldTK SHEFFIELD WRITES STORIES FOR READERS TO LAUGH AND ESCAPE.THE BACKYARD MODEL MYSTERIES ARE FUNNY WHODUNNITS, MYSTERIES SERVED WITH A BRANDY OLD FASHIONED AND CHEESE CURDS.THEY FEATURE MEL TOWER, A FORMER FASHION MODEL WHO USES HER SKILL AT SPOTTING “POSERS” TO SOLVE CRIMES.THEY’BE BEEN DESCRIBED AS LIKE “TAKING A WISCONSIN VACATION IN A BOOK.”THEY’VE EARNED AWARDS INCLUDING A KILLER NASHVILLE READERS’ CHOICE NOMINATION, AN IPPY BRONZE MEDAL, AND A TOP 100 NOTABLE INDIE. TK IS TEACHING A CLASS ABOUT WRITING SHORT DESCRIPTIONS AT THE WWA EVENT IN OC...2024-07-0914 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 12 - Kira Henschel, HenschelHAUS PublishingAward-winning publisher Kira Henschel founded HenschelHAUS Publishing in 2002 after working as production manager at a small, independent press, preparing textbooks for McGraw Hill, Prentice-Hall, and 16 academic journals. She holds a master's degree in Engineering Management and bachelors' degrees in Geology and International Relations.Kira also taught at Milwaukee School of Engineering's as an adjunct professor in the School of Business. Her technical background served her well when she lived in Austria, in the heart of Europe, for 13 years. Ever the entrepreneur, Kira established a technical translation agency and was asked to help translate books from German to English on...2024-06-1739 min

Midwest Writers RoomChapter Break with Sue Leamy KiesToday we’re launching our Chapter Break episode series. These are a short-form version of our normal show and will feature authors speaking on their latest book publication, with insight to the story origin and an excerpt reading. In this episode we’re talking with Sue Leamy Kies. Sue is a retired high school English teacher who lives in Platteville. After almost thirty years in the classroom at Platteville High School, Sue has focused her efforts on writing a memoir of her teaching experiences, intertwined with memories of her teen years at that same school. It is...2024-06-1015 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 11 - Hedberg Public Library Bookfest, June 2024Today, we are speaking with Phil Schomber and Jamie Swenson from the Hedberg Public Library. Located along the Rock River in Janesville, Wisconsin, the Library’s mission is to build community by providing inviting spaces to discover, share, create, and connect.Hedberg Public Library’s third Annual Book Fest is scheduled for Saturday, June 22. The day will feature a variety of free, craft-focused breakout sessions, a Masterclass taught by USA Today bestselling author Ann Garvin, an author fair/book sale, and a Friends of Hedberg Public Library Reception featuring a reading by Ms. Garvin. Writ...2024-06-0333 min

Cops and Writers Podcast173 True Crime, Murder by Antifreeze, and Blending Fact and Fiction With Ken Humphrey!Send us a textToday on the show we are going to blend true crime and fiction with Ken Humphrey who was the jury foreman for the longest trial in Wisconsin history (lucky him) who eventually turned his experience into a novel, The Breakfast Jury, that blends fact and fiction during this extraordinary event. Ken Humphrey is the author of nine novels, consisting of a middle grade trilogy, a pair of teen books, a thriller trilogy titled The Killing Arc and now The Breakfast Jury. This latest novel arose from a month-long t...2024-06-021h 06

Cops and Writers PodcastBonus Episode! My Interview on The Midwest Writers Room Podcast With Luella Schmidt and Ken Humphrey!Send us a textToday, we are speaking with Patrick O’Donnell. Patrick O’Donnell is a retired police sergeant with 25 years experience with the city of Milwaukee Police Department. During his police career he worked exclusively on the street in patrol, and he participated and supervised different special units (anti-gang unit, licensed premise unit, violent crime task force, and armed robbery unit). He is now the author of nine books, including the police procedurals Cops and Writers reference guides. His last four books in the Brew City Blues series are collaborations with Michael Anderle and...2024-05-2147 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 10 - Patrick O'Donnell, May 2024Today, we are speaking with Patrick O’Donnell. Patrick O’Donnell is a retired police sergeant with 25 years experience with the city of Milwaukee Police Department. During his police career he worked exclusively on the street in patrol, and he participated and supervised different special units (anti-gang unit, licensed premise unit, violent crime task force, and armed robbery unit). He is now the author of nine books, including the police procedurals Cops and Writers reference guides. His last four books in the Brew City Blues series are collaborations with Michael Anderle and is now working solo on anot...2024-05-2046 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 9 - Catherine Young, May 2024Today, we are speaking with Catherine Young. Catherine is author of the environmental memoir Black Diamonds: A Childhood Colored by Coal and the eco-poetry collection Geosmin (pronounce: Jee’ ohz-min), the Midwest Book Awards Silver Medal winner. Her writing is published in literary anthologies and journals nationally and internationally and her work was solicited for the University of Wisconsin Press anthology The Driftless Reader.Catherine worked as a national park ranger, farmer, educator, and mother before completing her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of British Co...2024-05-0645 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 8 - Max Garland, April 024April is National Poetry Month and today we are interviewing former Wisconsin Poet Laureate Max Garland. Max Garland’s newest book of poems is Into the Good World Again (2023). Other books include The Word We Used for It, winner of the Brittingham Poetry Prize, The Postal Confessions, winner of the Juniper Prize, and Hunger Wide as Heaven, winner of the Cleveland State Poetry Prize. He has received an NEA Poetry Fellowship, Michener Fiction fellowship, Bush Artist Fellowship, inclusion in Best American Short Stories, as well as fellowships in poetry and fiction fr...2024-04-1545 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 7 - Nicholas Gulig, April 2024Nicholas is a Thai-American poet from Wisconsin. Educated at the University of Montana (BA), the Iowa Writer’s Workshop (MFA), and the University of Denver (PhD), his work has been published over thirty times in various print and on-line journals. The author of two book-length poems, “North of Order” and “Book of Lake” his work has also received numerous national awards. The recipient of the Grist Pro-Forma Prize, the Black Warrior Review Poetry Prize, the Cutbank prize for Prose Poetry, The Red Hen Press Poetry Award, and the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters Poetry Prize, his most recent boo...2024-04-0149 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 6 - Sharon Woodhouse, Conspire CreativeToday, we are interviewing Sharon Woodhouse. Sharon was a traditional indie book publisher of presses she founded for over 25 years: Lake Claremont Press and Everything Goes Media. She currently owns Conspire Creative, a book business agency serving small publishers and aspiring and established, self-published and traditionally-published authors. Conspire Creative provides author business and milestone coaching, author management, project management, and publishing consulting services, including One Hour Calls with Publishing Pros, Pay-by-the-Minute Email Answers and Advice for Authors, online webinars, in-person workshops, and a virtual lunchtime discussion series on book marketing and author business topics. She is an e...2024-03-1832 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 5 - Tracey Sheffield, March 2024Today we are excited to host author Tracey Sheffield, writing under the name TK Sheffield. She writes mysteries and screenplays for readers and viewers who want to laugh and escape. She grew up in Madison, but as a horse-obsessed teen, she bolted to the country as fast as she could. She has degrees from UW-Madison and Mount Mary University, and in addition to writing comic cozy mysteries—whodunnits served with a brandy old-fashioned and a side of cheese curds—she pens romantic comedies and children’s horse stories. She and her semi-retired pilot husband reside in rural Wisconsin, where, ironic...2024-03-0435 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 4 - Bailey Yeager, IngramSpark, February 2024 We have an industry episode today, featuring Bailey Yeager, Senior Manager at IngramSpark. Bailey started at Ingram in 2014 and quickly transitioned into sales, working with Independent Publishers. She educated and assisted mid-sized publishers on utilizing Ingram's services to maximize revenue. Bailey developed programs and services for Independent publishers and focused on improving communication and interaction with all publishers in her marketing role. As Supervisor, Content Acquisition Sales, she launched a program providing professional services to authors and publishers. Now, as the Sr Manager of Sales and Business Development for IngramSpark, Bailey supports the success of independent authors and pu...2024-02-1943 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 3 - Ken Humphrey, February 2024We have a special episode today, featuring my brilliant co-host himself, novelist Ken Humphrey! Joining me as a guest host is Tracey Sheffield. Tracey writes mysteries set in Wisconsin, and she’s the author of the Backyard Model Series.Ken is the author of a middle grade trilogy The Hunts of Raimy Rylan along with an adult thriller trilogy The Killing Arc. He is also the author of Ghoul, a zombie apocalypse teen novel written for a graduation gift starring his daughter and its sequel Ghouls and Boys, this time featuring his son. There's one child yet to...2024-02-0540 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 2 - BJ Hollars, January 2024Today, we are chatting with prize-winning Wisconsin writer, documentary maker, and innovator in the arts, B.J. Hollars. B.J. is the author of several books, including the forthcoming Wisconsin for Kennedy: The Primary That Launched A President and Changed the Course of History (WI Historical Society Press, March 2024) and Year of Plenty: A Family’s Season of Grief (Univ. of Wisconsin Press, May 2024). He’s also co-directing a documentary on the closing of the Eau Claire tire plant, When Rubber Hit The Road.B.J. is also the founder and exec...2024-01-2248 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 1 - Lisa Lickel, January 2024Today we are interviewing legendary Wisconsin writer Lisa Lickel from Hillsborough, WI. A multi-published novelist, she also writes short stories, radio theater, articles and essays, is an avid book reviewer, editor, and book coach. She loves to encourage authors to put their best work forward.Lisa is the Assistant Director for Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc., She’s the current manager of the Wisconsin Writers Association Press and editor of Creative Wisconsin magazine. Lisa and her husband enjoy reading, gardening, travel, and spending time with their family of two grown sons, daughters-in-law, and lots of adorable gr...2024-01-0839 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 1, Ep. 6 - Laurel Landis, November 2023Today we are interviewing Wisconsin writer and wanderer, Laurel Landis. Her first collection of short stories, Gunshots in Grudgeville was published in October 2023. Her work has appeared in Wisconsin People & Ideas, Lost in Thought, Rosebud (Mary Shelley contest), and Waverly Press, and is excerpted in Judy Bridges’ Shut Up and Write. She was a 2023 semifinalist in the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters 2023 fiction contest.Visit https://laureljlandis.com/ to learn more 2023-11-2035 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 1, Ep. 5 - Kim Mullen-Kuehl and Sarah Tilton, November 2023We get a two-fer today! Kim writes under the pen name E.L. Winters. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband James. They spend their days surrounded by the inhabitants of their imaginations, which they have brought to life through story, pen and ink drawings, and clay. Kim’s debut novel, MythMatched, is the first in a magical realism series. This first volume crafts a world of Witchcraft, Light and Dark Fae Folk, environmentalism, talismans, crystals, spells and herbal concoctions, along with fierce family love and loss, all set in the little fictional town of Autumn Grove, Wisconsin....2023-11-0632 min

Midwest Writers RoomSeason 1, Ep. 4 - Debra Raye King, October 2023Today we are interviewing Wisconsin writer and artist Debra Raye King from Solon Springs, Wisconsin. Debbi’s memoir, Gravedigger’s Daughter: Growing Up Rural, is a collection of short stories and essays based on actual events in the 1950-1970s in northern west-central Wisconsin. Debbi is a retired college dean and university administrator. She and her husband Tom raise registered Icelandic sheep on the hills overlooking Lake Superior at their Sunny Cove Farm. When not writing, Debbi is knitting, creating unique fiber arts in her Sunny Cove Studio, baking, skiing, or reveling in forest trail and i...2023-10-2338 min