Shows
Northwest Book TalkNorthwest Book Talk: A New Focus on the Northwest Book Fair & Media FestFor the past two years, Northwest Book Talk has shared conversations with authors and storytellers across the Pacific Northwest. In this solo episode, host Patty Grasher explains a thoughtful reset for the show—bringing a clearer focus to the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest and the community it serves.This episode reflects on what the show has been, what’s changing, and why this new direction feels both practical and meaningful. Going forward, Northwest Book Talk will spotlight authors, creators, and conversations connected to live literary events, community storytelling, and the growing ecosystem around the Northwest Book Fair...
2026-01-2328 min
Northwest Book TalkInside the Ashland Mystery Fest with Author Ellie AlexanderBestselling cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk to share how a simple idea blossomed into the beloved Ashland Mystery Fest, now attracting readers and writers from around the world. Ellie talks about balancing festival planning with her writing career, the power of community partnerships, and how immersive, reader-driven events deepen the connection between authors and fans.Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Oregon’s most charming literary celebrations — and inspiration for anyone who loves mysteries, books, and the Pacific Northwest.🎧 Listen now on Northwest Book Ta...
2025-11-1228 min
Northwest Book TalkBook Events: Lessons, Costs & Connections with Author Caren HahnPatty talks with mystery author Caren Hahn about what really works—and what doesn’t—when authors attend live book events. Caren shares insights from her first author conference, discovering that not all events attract readers, and the importance of clear pricing and presentation. Together, they explore how authors can build deeper reader relationships, manage event costs, and collaborate with others for better exposure.Caren also reveals her favorite event tools—from tall banners to QR codes—and how small, focused gatherings often lead to the most meaningful connections.
2025-11-1229 min
Northwest Book TalkJordan Fitch on How live Events can make lasting connectionsIn this episode of Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher talks with Jordan Fitch, author of NoTown and The Cardinal Line, about how live events can transform the way authors connect with readers. Jordan shares his experiences of meeting new readers at live events, small, large and inbetween. The importance of making real connections, and why in-person events remains a powerful part of building his author platform.🎧 Tune in to discover how signing books at his favorite bar started his live event journey.
2025-11-1129 min
Northwest Book TalkFind Your Unique Author Voice with Abigail RaekeAn exciting episode on Northwest Book Talk that guides new authors to find joy in their writing with clear actionionable steps to avoid confusion and overwhelm.
2025-09-2529 min
Northwest Book TalkHidden History of Pearson Field with Author Martin Middlewood | Northwest Book TalkStep back in time with Northwest Book Talk as author and historian Martin Middlewood shares stories from his new book, Hidden History of Pearson Field. Discover why Pearson Field in Vancouver, Washington is considered the nation’s oldest continuously operating airfield and how it shaped the aviation history of the Pacific Northwest.From the golden age of flight to daring pilots like Silas Christofferson and Tex Rankin, and even connections to Amelia Earhart, Middlewood reveals the fascinating people and events that made Pearson Field a landmark in Clark County history.Whether you’re a fa...
2025-09-1129 min
Northwest Book TalkFantasy, Courage & the Craft of Writing with Dawn ShipmanAward-winning fantasy author Dawn Shipman joins us on Northwest Book Talk to explore her magical world of strong heroines, rich mythology, and heartfelt adventures. From her lifelong love of horses and storytelling to the epic journey behind The Lost Stones of Argonia, Dawn shares her creative process and inspirations. Tune in for a conversation full of imagination, wisdom, and a touch of Pacific Northwest charm.
2025-07-0229 min
Northwest Book TalkExploring Grace-filled Historical Fiction with Kendy PearsonJoin us as Christian historical fiction author Kendy Pearson shares how her faith and love of history intertwine to shape powerful, redemptive stories. From strong female protagonists to richly researched settings, Kendy brings the past to life with heart and purpose. Discover her writing journey, creative insights, and the message of hope woven through every page.
2025-06-0528 min
Northwest Book TalkMystery, Hardware, and a Zen Goat: Meet Paula CharlesIn this episode of Northwest Book Talk, we’re divinginto the charming and twist-filled world of cozy mysteries with author Paula Charles. A fresh and engaging voice on the cozy mystery scene, Paula brings small-town charm, quirky characters, and page-turning puzzles to life in her HomeTown Hardware Mysteries. Writing also under the pen name Jana Rollins, she takes readers on a more meditative but equally mysterious path with her Zen Goat Mystery Series. Tune in as we chat about her writing journey, herinspirations from growing up in a small town, and what it’s like launching notone but...
2025-05-2129 min
Northwest Book TalkUncovering the Threads of Mystery with Jordan FitchSome stories hook you with suspense. Others make you question everything you thought you knew. In The Cardinal Line and Name Town, author Jordan Fitch masterfully does both.A former U.S. Marine turned thriller writer, Jordan brings sharp precision, emotional depth, and a love for the Pacific Northwest into his novels. In our recent Northwest Book Talk interview, we explored the hidden layers of his books, his journey into fiction, and how his real-life adventures have shaped the worlds he creates on the page.
2025-04-2429 min
Northwest Book TalkToni Woodard on Chronic Pain, Resilience, and Her Book I’m FineIn this episode of Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher speaks with Toni Woodard, author of I’m Fine: A Practical Guide for Living with Chronic Pain. With honesty, empathy, and hard-earned wisdom, Toni shares her personal journey through years of physical pain, unsuccessful spinal surgeries, and the emotional toll that often goes unspoken.We dive into the realities of living with chronic pain, the gaps in traditional medical support, and the small, powerful practices that can help people reclaim their joy and purpose—even in the midst of daily discomfort. Whether you're living with pain...
2025-04-1528 min
Northwest Book TalkAron Steinke on SPEECHLESS: Creating Graphic Novels Kids Truly UnderstandIn this episode of NW Book Talk, host Patty Grasher interviews Aron Steinke, Eisner-nominated cartoonist and author of the popular Mr. Wolf’s Class series. Aron discusses his newest standalone graphic novel for kids, SPEECHLESS — a powerful, nearly wordless story about navigating middle school, communication, and self-expression.We explore the creative process behind SPEECHLESS, how Aron’s background as an elementary school teacher informs his stories, and why graphic novels resonate so deeply with young readers.Whether you're a parent, educator, librarian, or middle-grade reader at heart, this episode will leave you inspired.🎧...
2025-03-2629 min
Northwest Book TalkA Lifetime of Art: Gregory Gorham Shares His Story Behind the Strokes🎨 A Lifetime of Art: Gregory Gorham Shares His Story Behind the Strokes 🎨In this inspiring episode of NW Book Talk, we sit down with renowned artist Gregory Gorham, whose book A Lifetime of Art chronicles over 50 years of creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic passion. Gregory takes us on a journey through his evolution as an artist—sharing stories behind his commercial success, personal projects, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re an art lover, an aspiring creative, or simply enjoy a good story about following your passion, this conversation will leave you inspired.🔗 Lea...
2025-03-1124 min
Northwest Book TalkCaren Hahn on Dragons, Suspense, and Fantasy: Best-Selling Author’s Journey – Northwest Book TalkBest-selling author Caren Hahn talks aboutdragons, suspense, and fantasy. This Northwest author started writing for fun and passion before becoming an increasingly in-demand author with 14 books and counting. In this episode, she shares her journey and how the joy of reading and writing helps her deal with life’s stresses.
2025-03-0627 min
Northwest Book TalkHealing, Hope, and Love: Connie Morgan on More Than Luck Required – Northwest Book TalkIn this episode of Northwest Book Talk, author Connie Morgan shares the heartfelt journey behind her book, More Than Luck Required. Through resilience, faith, and love, she navigated life’s challenges to find healing and hope. Listen in as she discusses her personal transformation, the power of perseverance, and the lessons she hopes to share with readers. Tune in now and be inspired! Available on NorthwestBookTalk.com and your favorite podcast platforms.
2025-03-0525 min
Northwest Book TalkThe Secret Behind Jessica Julian's Stunning & Affordable Books: Publishing in CroatiaIn this interview, artist and author Jessica Julian reveals her innovative technique of using her paintings to inspire her children's books.
Learn how her unique approach blends visual art with storytelling, creating engaging narratives that captivate young readers.
Discover the creative process behind her work and how her art enhances the world of children's literature.
2025-01-0929 min
Northwest Book TalkHow to Promote Your Book with Christy Caplan
Join PR expert Christy Caplan on this episode of NW Book
Christy shared valuable tips on leveraging social media, engaging with bloggers, hosting events, and more to help authors boost their book visibility.
Stay tuned for a conversation packed with actionable insights!”
2025-01-0929 min
Northwest Book TalkTransforming Education: Emily Cadiz’s Techniques for Boosting Reading and Creative ThinkingIn this episode of Northwest Book Talk, we sit down with Emily Cadiz, an accomplished author and Early Childhood Reading Specialist, to discuss her innovative approach to early literacy and cognitive development.
Emily’s unique award-winning program is designed to help young readers build foundational skills that not only enhance their reading abilities but also foster creativity and critical thinking.
We dive deep into how her techniques, which focus on developing cognitive reading skills, can be applied to children of all ages—and even adults—stimulating creativity and empowering minds to think outside the box.
...
2024-12-1328 min
Northwest Book TalkPR Made Simple: Easy Strategies for Independent Authors with Christy Caplan
Join Christy Caplan in this insightful podcast episode as she shares easy and effective PR strategies for independent authors.
Learn practical tips on building your author brand, boosting book visibility, and engaging with readers to increase sales.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your PR efforts, Christy provides actionable advice to help indie authors succeed in a competitive market.
Tune in for expert guidance on mastering public relations without the need for a big budget or PR firm.
2024-12-1129 min
Northwest Book TalkDeb Cushman: Crafting Fantasy Adventures for Young Readers
In this episode, we chat with Deb Cushman, author of the middle-grade fantasy-adventure series Chronicles of Nadavir. Deb shares the inspiration behind her debut novel, Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar, and offers a sneak peek at the upcoming second book, Ping’s Mystery in Pixiandria (now available). With roots in the Pacific Northwest, Deb’s love for magical worlds like Narnia and Middle Earth fuels her enchanting stories for young readers. Join us as we explore her creative process, her connection to nature, and the magic of writing for children and teens. Don’t miss this journey into the realms o...
2024-12-0629 min
Northwest Book TalkFrom Manuscript to Masterpiece: Abigail Raeke’s Advice for WritersBook Coach & Developmental Editor Abigail Raeke is a highly respected book coach and developmental editor based in the Pacific Northwest. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry, Abigail has guided countless authors through the creative process, helping them shape their stories and refine their manuscripts for publication.
Her expertise spans multiple genres, from fiction to memoir, with a keen eye for structure, character development, and narrative flow.
Abigail’s personalized coaching empowers writers to find their unique voice and bring their book projects to life with clarity and purpose.
When she’s...
2024-12-0329 min
Northwest Book TalkRebecca Rook: Writing Young Adult Fiction with Magic, Malice, and Mystery
Step into the imaginative world of Rebecca Rook, a hard of hearing author and tabletop game designer from the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, Rebecca reveals how she brings together magic, malice, and mystery in her young adult fantasy, thriller, and horror novels. A former Hugo House Fellow and participant in the Tin House YA Fiction Workshop, Rebecca shares her insights on storytelling, her experiences in prestigious writing programs, and how her work in tabletop game design informs her approach to crafting compelling narratives. Tune in for a conversation about creativity, representation, and the art of writing unforgettable YA...
2024-12-0329 min
Northwest Book TalkRuby McConnell: Insights on Wilderness, Writing, and the American SpiritJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Ruby McConnell, a geologist, science writer, and advocate for the outdoors. Ruby shares her passion for exploring the human-landscape connection through her acclaimed books, including A Woman’s Guide to the Wild and Ground Truth. We dive into the themes of her upcoming works, Wilderness and the American Spirit and Dirty Secrets, which explore the importance of preserving nature and understanding our impact on the environment. From her journey as a geologist to her role as a storyteller, Ruby offers valuable insights into the beauty and complexity of our natural world. Don’t mi...
2024-12-0329 min
Northwest Book TalkDede Montgomery: Exploring Forgiveness, Courage, and Legacy in Her Memoirs and Fiction
In this episode, we sit down with Dede Montgomery, a 6th generation Oregonian, memoirist, and fiction author, to explore the themes of forgiveness, courage, and resilience in her works. Dede shares insights into her writing journey, including her acclaimed memoirs My Music Man and her latest release, From First Breath to Last. We discuss how her family history and Oregon roots inspire her stories, her passion for advocating worker safety, and how she finds solace in the great outdoors near Portland. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about life, legacy, and the power of storytelling.
2024-12-0329 min
Northwest Book TalkDarcy Guyant’s Real-Life Search and Rescue Missions Inspire Fiction for Kids
Retired U.S. Coast Guard helicopter pilot, Darcy Guyant turns
stories of his actual search and rescue missions into action- packed books for elementary school age readers. And while Darcy uses some social media to promote his books, his greatest success is with live events at schools, book fairs, bazaars, and other venues. If you are an author with captivating true-life stories looking to promote your books, give this episode a listen.
2024-12-0328 min
Northwest Book TalkHow Sue Dockstader Brought Family Tales to Life in Children’s FictionSue shares her challenges of modern publishing and the joys of preserving family legacies through the written word.
2024-12-0329 min
Northwest Book TalkMastering the Craft: Katie Wall’s Insights on Editing and Coaching WritersProfessional Book Coach Katie Wall, a certified book coach and editor at Craft Better Books offers honest, constructive feedback about empowering writers to reach their full potential.
2024-12-0329 min
Northwest Book TalkChristy Peterson Reveals How Authors Can Get Into Independent Bookstores
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Christy Peterson, an expert bookseller, to explore the essential steps for authors looking to get their books into independent bookstores. Christy shares invaluable advice on the importance of professional editing, crafting a compelling book cover, and developing an effective, ongoing marketing plan. These strategies not only make your book stand out but also demonstrate its marketability to bookstore owners, ensuring it earns a spot on their shelves. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you succeed in the competitive...
2024-12-0329 min
Northwest Book TalkExploring Fantasy Worlds with Shawna Reppert: Award-Winning Author of The Stolen Luck
Dive into the magical worlds of fantasy and steampunk with award-winning author Shawna Reppert. Known for her gripping storytelling in The Stolen Luck and the Ravensblood series, Shawna shares her creative process, inspirations, and the journey behind her acclaimed works. From Irish music and wolves to historical reenactments and life in Oregon’s wine country, discover the influences that shape her captivating tales. Whether you’re a fantasy fan or an aspiring writer, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration from one of the genre’s most imaginative voices.
2024-12-0325 min
Book Marketing Success PodcastJohn Kremer: Book Marketing Q&A WebinarOn January 16, 2024, John Kremer hosted his 75th Birthday Bash with a Book Marketing Q&A session. In this session, he answered participant questions on marketing books, publicizing books, and more.Sources: https://www.bookauthorauthority.com and https://www.bookmarketingbestsellers.comFree Book OffersFive of the participants in the Q&A webinar made free offers to anyone listening in. Here are their offers.Freddy Niagara Fonseca offer a free ebook for poetry lovers, Nature Poems for a New Dawn. It’s packed with witty and mystical poems you can read on yo...
2024-01-181h 15
5 Things I Love About Books PodcastI Love Books Recommends: Explore Vancouver WashingtonExplore Vancouver Washington showcases little-known destinations across the river from Portland that only insiders know about but visit time and time again. Discover secrets, best tips and inside knowledge to make visiting or even moving to Vancouver the best decision ever.Besides the top 10 must-see attractions in Vancouver and the 10 do-not-miss stops in Clark County, discover breath-taking hidden spots along the river plus amazing historic sites that will deepen your appreciation of Vancouver’s contribution to Pacific Northwest history.Gather a friend and visit Downtown, Uptown and surrounding areas to discover fun places for daytime an...
2023-08-1705 min