Shows
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 119 - A Most Puzzling Murder w/ Bianca MaraisSend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex and Tara sit down with powerhouse author and podcaster, Bianca Marais. A newly minted USA TODAY bestselling author who is also co-host of the popular writing podcasts, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, aimed at helping emerging writers get published, Bianca has penned several extremely successful books, such as The Witches of Moonshyne Manor, Hum If You Don't Know the Words, If You Want to Make God Laugh, and the Audible Original, The Prynne Viper. Listen as t...
2025-09-0151 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 118 - Flameheart w/ Emily and Dalton BequetteSend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex sits down with husband-wife powerhouse Dalton and Emily Bequette. With a meet-cute as beta readers, it is no wonder they went on to take their love beyond the page with their upcoming YA fantasy novel (out July 29th), FLAMEHEART. Emily is a high school English teacher, where she works to instill an appreciation for reading and writing in her students. A blue-collar man, Dalton works in heavy machinery, which allows him to brainstorm plot points and get his audiobooks in. Listen as they discuss thei...
2025-06-171h 01The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 117 - I See You've Called in Dead w/ John KenneySend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex and Tara have a thought-provoking and wisdom-filled discussion with John Kenney, author of three novels and four books of poetry, including LOVE POEMS FOR MARRIED PEOPLE. His first novel, TRUTH IN ADVERTISING, won the Thurber Prize for American humor. He is a long-time contributor to The New Yorker magazine’s Shouts & Murmurs column and currently lives in Larchmont, NY. Listen as they discuss what it’s like writing a darkly humorous book about death, the beauty and healing in confronting grief, the importance of writ...
2025-04-1547 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 116 - A Palace Near the Wind w/ Ai JiangSend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex talks with Ai Jiang, the author of multiple award-winning short fiction and the highly anticipated A PALACE NEAR THE WIND (releasing April 15th). Ai is a Chinese-Canadian writer, Ignyte, Bram Stoker, and Nebula Award winner, and Hugo, Astounding, Locus, Aurora, and BFSA Award finalist from Changle, Fujian, currently residing in Toronto, Ontario. She is the recipient of Odyssey Workshop's 2022 Fresh Voices Scholarship and the author of A Palace Near the Wind, Linghun, and I AM AI.Listen as they discuss who Ai’s lite...
2025-03-2545 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 115 - Bluebird Day w/ Megan TadySend us a textIn today’s episode, Tara and Alex chat with Megan Tady, author of award-winning SUPER BLOOM, published May 2023 via Zibby Books, and her most recent, BLUEBIRD DAY. She runs the freelance writing and editing company Word-Lift. Her writing has appeared in Woman's Day, Reader's Digest, The Huffington Post, and Ms. Magazine, among others. Listen as they discuss where the idea for Bluebird Day came from, how she achieves the precarious balance between humor and heart, the effect of competitive sports on kids, and how being an editor has both help...
2025-02-0439 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 113 - Better Than Revenge w/ Kasie WestSend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex and Tara chat with prolific writer, Kasie West, author of YA books such as The Fill-In Boyfriend, P.S. I Like You, Listen to Your Heart, and her newest: Better Than Revenge. Her books have been named ALA-YALSA Quick Picks, Junior Library Guild selections, and ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults books. When not writing, Kasie loves binge-watching television shows, reading, and traveling. Listen as they discuss everything about her new book, Better Than Revenge, how her teens help her...
2025-01-0632 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 112 - Borderless, White Space, & Humanity w/ Jennifer De LeonSend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex sits down with Jennifer De Leon, award-winning author of the YA novels Borderless, featured on the TODAY show, and Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From. She is also the author of White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing. She is an active speaker, presenter, and educator who loves to connect with readers of all ages. Jenn lives outside the Boston area with her husband and two sons.Listen as they discuss everything from the white spaces BIPOC authors find in the writin...
2024-12-2255 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 111 - Voices of the Future w/ Sarina LouiseSend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex and Tara sit down with Sarina Louise, an up-and-coming author from The Author Conservatory Program. As a teen, Sarina was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease, an illness that made her give up on her dream of being an author. Now, after walking a miraculous healing journey, she writes young adult stories that don’t shy away from brokenness, but always promise that healing is coming. Listen as they discuss the launch of her first Anthology publication with the Conservatory, Voices of the F...
2024-12-1044 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 110 - Not Nothing, Empathy, and Respect w/ Gayle FormanSend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex and Tara sit down with the wisdom-filled talent Gayle Forman. An award-winning author and journalist, Gayle has written several bestselling novels, including those in the Just One Day series, Where She Went, and the #1 New York Times bestseller If I Stay, which has been translated into more than forty languages and was adapted into a major motion picture. Her first middle-grade novel, Frankie & Bug, was a New York Times best children’s book of the year. Her second middle-grade novel Not N...
2024-11-1142 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 108 - A Song to Drown Rivers w/ Ann LiangSend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex and Tara sit down with the icon herself, Ann Liang. Ann is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of the critically acclaimed YA novels This Time It’s Real, If You Could See the Sun, and I Hope This Doesn't Find You. Born in Beijing, she grew up traveling back and forth between China and Australia but somehow ended up with an American accent. She now lives in Melbourne, where she can be found making overambitious to‑do lists and having profound conversations with her pet labrad...
2024-09-3051 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 106 - Season 4 Wrap Up + Updates!Send us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Alex and Tara sit down for their end-of-season wrap-up and chat about their hopes for the future and beyond. → Connect with Alex on her Instagram or visit her TikTok to find out more about what she’s working on and upcoming projects! → Connect with Tara on her Instagram, or website to find about more about her publications, interviews, and more!
2024-07-1527 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 105 - Historical Romance w/ Hannah HoneggerSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Alex and Tara are throwing it way back in time and chatting with debut historical romance author Hannah HoneggerHannah is an author, screenwriter, and actress who was destined to write a series about the American Revolutionary War when she was born on July 4th. Finding obscure stories in history is one of her passions and she never seems to be without a new book idea.. Listen as they discuss her debut A...
2024-07-0136 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 104 - Literary Agent Bethany JettSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Alex sits down with literary agent extraordinaire Bethany Jett. Bethany is an associate literary agent with the C.Y.L.E. agency, as well as a multi-award-winning author, and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. Her motto is “Teach as you go,” which she lives out as the co-owner of Serious Writer, a company that teaches and empowers writers and authors.
2024-06-1039 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 103 - Isolation, Community Board, and Tara ConklinSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara Conklin sits down to chat with Tara and Alex to discuss her latest book Community Board. A lawyer turned novelist, her books have been New York Times bestsellers, selected for Read With Jenna (the Today Show book club), Target book club, Barnes & Noble book club, IndieNext Pick, and translated into 8 languages.Listen as they discuss the importance of community, why she switched from law to fiction, Community Board's unique f...
2024-05-2742 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 101 - Geocaching, Love, & Tracey Garvis GravesSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, New York Times Bestselling author Tracey Garvis Graves sits down to chat with Tara and Alex about her latest release THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS. Listen as they chat about what jumpstarted her career into writing, geocaching, the struggle of writing a character-driven book rather than plot, and her love of using landscapes as a secondary character. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of the show notes with content wa...
2024-03-2543 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 100 - A Deadly Endeavor w/ Jenny AdamsSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Alex chat with debut Jenny Adams about her first book A Deadly Endeavor. She is a librarian turned novelist and holds degrees in Medieval Studies and Library Science from Ohio State University and Drexel University. She has studied fiction at Johns Hopkins University is an alumna of Blue Stoop’s 2019 YA Novel Intensive and the 2021 Tin House YA Workshop, and was a 2021 PitchWars Mentor.Listen as Jenny walks us through her journey to pu...
2024-03-1938 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 99 - Removing Ego in Creativity w/ Erica BauermeisterSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Alex chat with Erica Bauermeister, the New York Times bestselling author of 5 novels, including The Scent Keeper, The School of Essential Ingredients, and her latest, No Two Persons.Listen as Erica showers them in wisdom about the craft of getting out of the way of your character, the art of the linked story, how to tell when you are ready to write your story idea, and the risks we take to share our work with others.
2024-03-0440 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 98 - Epic Fantasy and Lord of the Rings With Gillian Bronte AdamsSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Alex talk with Gillian Bronte Adams about the most recent installment in her epic YA fantasy. Gillian writes epic fantasy novels, including the award-winning Of Fire and Ash and The Songkeeper Chronicles. She loves strong coffee, desert hikes, and trying out new soup recipes on crisp fall nights. When she’s not creating vibrant new worlds or dreaming up stories that ring with the echoes of eternity, she can be found off chasing sunsets with her horse, or...
2024-02-0540 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 97 - Valley Verified & Dealing With Imposter Syndrome w/ Kyla ZhaoSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Alex sits down with Kyla Zhao to talk about her latest book “Valley Verified”, and perfect for fans of Legally Blonde. Born and raised in Singapore, Kyla Zhao graduated in 2021 from Stanford University with an MA in Communications and BA in Psychology. Right now, she works in marketing at a tech company in Silicon Valley, California.Besides novel writing, Kyla has an extensive magazine editorial portfolio. Previously, she was a fashion and lifestyle writer at ...
2024-01-1538 min
Sideline SessionsAlex Auerbach, PhD — Toronto Raptors Sr. Director of Wellness and Development, Performance Psychologist, and Executive Coach on Achieving Individual and Team SuccessToday, I’m thrilled to share a conversation with Dr. Alex Auerbach. Alex is an expert on peak performance and the psychology of coaching who is currently Sr. Director of Wellness and Development for the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. In addition to his work with NBA players, Alex has worked with NFL and NCAA athletes, elite head coaches, military members, Fortune 500 executives, and venture capital funds as a performance psychologist and executive coach. We discussed Alex’s definition of high performance, his experience working with athletes at a variety of level...
2024-01-1159 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 96 - How Fiction Can Help Us Grieve w/ Emma GreySend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Alex and Tara sit down for a vulnerable, heartfelt discussion on grief, love, and hope with author Emma Grey. Emma is a novelist, feature writer, photographer, professional speaker, and accountability coach. She wrote her first adult novel, The Last Love Note, in the wake of her husband’s death. It’s a fictional tribute to their love, an attempt to articulate the magnitude of her loss, and a life-affirming commitment to hope, which has gone on to win hearts around the world....
2023-12-1845 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 95 - The Realities of Publishing & Annette ChristieSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Alex and Tara chat with rom-com/Women’s fiction extraordinaire, Annette Christie. Annette is the author of For Twice in My Life and The Rehearsals, and the author/narrator of Love Lessons. She has a BFA in Theatre and a history of very odd jobs. The back of her head is featured prominently in the film Mean Girls and she currently resides with her husband and two children in Alberta, CanadaListen as they chat about what prompted her ca...
2023-12-0536 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 93 - An American Immigrant and Our Family History w/ Johanna Rojas VannSend us a textIn today’s episode, Tara and Alex sit down with debut Adult fiction author Johanna Rojas Vann. With a background in journalism, Johanna is a big fan of words—speaking them, reading them, and (especially) writing them. She is passionate about stories that highlight the complexity and beauty of diverse families. But nothing brings her more joy than her role at home as a wife and mom of two toddlers. She lives and writes in Nashville, TN where the coffee is good and the people are even better. Listen as they...
2023-10-3038 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 92 - Writing Banter and Quest Novels w/ Moriah ChavisSend us a textIn today’s episode, Tara and Alex return to their YA roots and chat with fantasy author Moriah Chavis. She is the author of ‘HEART OF THE SEA’ and various other short stories, and it's been said you can often find her perusing bookstores, attempting to persuade strangers to read her favorite books, and oscillating between watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy (her husband’s favorite) or Harry Potter (hers). Listen as they discuss all things HEART OF THE SEA, her journey to publication, the secret to incredible banter and fast...
2023-10-0932 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 91 - In Defense of Love Stories With Katherine CenterSend us a textPrepare for joy in the latest episode of the podcast! Alex and Tara sit down with the “reigning queen of comfort reads” Katherine Center, New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, including How to Walk Away, Things You Save in a Fire, The Bodyguard, and her newest, Hello Stranger—an instant New York Times bestseller. Katherine writes laugh-and-cry books about how life knocks us down—and how we get back up. She’s been compared to both Jane Austen and Nora Ephron, and Emily Henry said her books are like th...
2023-09-2558 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 88 - Co-authoring, Comfort zones, and more w/ Ali BradySend us a textToday’s episode of Hope Prose showcases a first for the show! You’ve heard Tara and Alex talk to authors before, but you’ve never heard them interview CO-AUTHORS. Well, today is the day they break that streak by having Ali Brady in the studio! Ali Brady is the pen name of writing BFFs Alison Hammer & Bradeigh Godfrey. Their debut novel, THE BEACH TRAP, was a ‘Best of Summer’ pick for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Parade Magazine, and Katie Couric Media last year. Their second book, THE COMEBACK SU...
2023-06-2750 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 86 - The Art of the Short Story and You Are Here w/ Karin Lin-GreenbergSend us a textKarin Lin-Greenberg joins Alex and Tara to chat all things her debut novel You Are Here. Karin’s first story collection, Faulty Predictions, won the 2013 Flannery O'Connor Award in Short Fiction from the University of Georgia Press. Her second story collection, Vanished, won the 2021 Prairie Schooner Raz-Shumaker Book Prize in Fiction and was published by the University of Nebraska Press in 2022. You Are Here was published by Counterpoint Press in May 2023.Listen for tips on finding magazines and journals to submit your short stories, what inspired You Are Here, writing interwoven na...
2023-05-2845 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 85 - The Do-Over with Suzanne Park and Second ChancesSend us a textIn today’s episode of Hope Prose, Suzanne Park joins Alex and Tara to chat about her newest book The Do-Over. Suzanne is a Korean American writer born and raised in Tennessee and in her former life as a stand-up comedian, she appeared on BET, was the winner of the Seattle Sierra Mist Comedy Competition, and was a semi-finalist in NBC's "Stand Up For Diversity" showcase. Her novels have been featured in “best of” lists in NPR, Popsugar, Real Simple, Country Living, Bustle, Buzzfeed, Marie Claire, Parade, Shondaland, and The Today Show. Lis...
2023-05-1643 minThe Hope Prose PodcastBONUS - E.A Hendryx & Crowdfunding Your NovelSend us a textIn today’s BONUS episode of Hope Prose, Emilie (AKA E.A. Hendryx) sits down with Alex to talk about her YA fantasy/sci-fi novel Suspended in the Stars and her experience crowdfunding it. When she’s not reading, writing, or working in her Etsy shop, she loves long walks in the woods and listening to music. Listen as they discuss the pros and cons of crowdfunding a novel, the differences between self-publishing a novel and crowdfunding it, why she decided to write sci-fi with magical elements, and her experience as a gho...
2023-03-2949 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 82 - The Book Incubator & Mary AdkinsSend us a textIn today’s episode of Hope Prose, acclaimed author Mary Adkins sits down with Tara and Alex to talk about her latest novel Palm Beach, and her book coaching program The Book Incubator. A former lawyer turned book coach and writer, Mary is a graduate of Duke University and Yale Law School. Her books have been published in 13 countries, and her essays and reporting have appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, and more.Listen as they have a robust discussion about why she left her corporate New York Ci...
2023-03-2746 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 80 - How to Make Paper When the World is Ending w/ Dallas WoodburnSend us a textIn today’s episode, Dallas Woodburn drops in to talk with Alex and Tara about her YA novel Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life, and her recent collection of short stories How to Make Paper When the World is Ending.Dallas Woodburn is an award-winning writer of fiction, nonfiction, and plays. She’s an in-demand book coach; and host of the Thriving Authors Podcast. Her debut YA novel, The Best Week That Never Happened, was the Grand Prize Winner of the Dante Rossetti Book Award for Young Adult Fiction. Her short stor...
2023-02-2144 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 79 - Brighter Than the Sun W/ Daniel AlemanSend us a textIn today’s episode, Daniel Aleman drops by to talk with Alex and Tara about his newest novel Brighter Than the Sun (releasing March, 21st, 2023) about a teen girl shouldering impossibly large responsibilities and ultimately learning that she doesn’t have to do it alone. Daniel is the award-winning author of Indivisible, his debut novel. While born and raised in Mexico City, he currently makes the Toronto area home where he is passionate about books, dogs, and coffee. Listen as they chat about the important message of Brighter Than the Sun, raci...
2023-01-2336 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 78 - Don't Quit Your Daydream w/ Charity AlyseSend us a textIn today’s episode of Hope Prose, author Charity Alyse sits down with Tara and Alex to talk about her debut novel Other Side of the Tracks. Charity earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature at Rowan University and when she’s not writing, she is working toward a master’s degree in clinical mental health therapy. Listen as they have a robust discussion about her debut, racism, the importance of fiction in conveying serious issues, her hopes for her readers, and fighting back against people who tell you to “quit” your...
2023-01-0943 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 77 - Pretty Little Pieces and Carmen SchoberSend us a textIn today’s episode, Carmen Schober joins Tara and Alex to talk about her newest novel Pretty Little Pieces (releasing Dec. 6th, 2022) about the next Joanna Gaines. A mother of three, Rocky enthusiast, and perpetual project starter, Carmen writes clean, faith-based contemporary romance. Her MMA-themed debut After She Falls is available wherever you buy books. Listen in to hear what inspired her to write a story about a celebrity home designer, if a writing degree is necessary for being a successful writer, the redemption in brokenness, and her journey to publication. TR...
2022-12-0643 min
The Alex Stone ShowLocal Action = National Impact - With Daryn Ross from Patriots with GritIn this episode of A StoneWall's Perspective Podcast, Alex is in Branson, Missouri for the ReAwaken America Tour. Alex interviews the co-host of Patriots with Grit, Daryn Ross. Alex and Daryn discuss the fact that local action leads to national impact! I hope you enjoy this episode!If you go to mypillow.com/stonewall you can get a discount of up to 66% off of your order! When you go to mypillow.com and use promo code GenZ, you can get a discount of UP TO 66% off your order!!!
2022-11-1009 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 75 - Light-Hearted Rom-Coms with PurposeSend us a textIn today’s episode, Ashley Mays sits down with Tara and Alex about her clean YA novel The Great Date Experiment. She is now a creativity connoisseur, nature nerd, and ardent fan of all things peanut butter. Ashley and her husband live in the Southeast United States where they enjoy stargazing, exploring local parks, and humidity. Listen as they discuss Ashley’s heart for teens—specifically teen girls—her unique ability to taste(?) names, and her journey from being surrounded by books to writing them. Enjoy! Due to character limitation...
2022-11-0743 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 74 - Melissa Ferguson on Meet Me in the Margins, Social Media, and PublishingSend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex and Tara sit down with bestselling author and Instagram powerhouse, Melissa Ferguson to chat about her latest novel Meet Me in the Margins. Currently, she makes Tennessee her home, where she enjoys chasing her children and writing romantic comedies full of humor and heart. Listen in as they chat about her humble beginnings, how the Twilight series inspired her to start writing, the key to building a successful social media presence as an author, and some of the true stories behind the story of Meet Me in the Ma...
2022-09-2652 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 73 - Lemons, Hope, and PTSD with Zoulfa KatouhSend us a textIn today’s episode of Hope Prose, debut author Zoulfa Katouh joins Alex and Tara to talk about all things AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW (forthcoming September 13th, 2022). Zoulfa is a Syrian-Canadian based in Switzerland and currently pursuing her master's in Drug Sciences. She finds Studio Ghibli inspiration in the mountains, lakes, and stars surrounding her and will tell anyone who will listen that BTS paved the way.Listen as they have a heartfelt discussion about her debut, PTSD representation in literature, her journey from the draft on her...
2022-09-0545 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 72 - On Art, Writing, and History with Author/Agent Kristy CambronSend us a textToday on Hope Prose, Tara and Alex sit down with the amazing Kristy Cambron, an award-winning, best-selling author turned literary agent. A self-proclaimed history nerd, she loves to chase all things research like going behind the scenes at a Ringling Bros. Sarasota mansion. She holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing and spent 15 yrs in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 corporation, partnering with such companies as the Disney Institute, before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling and championing her clients. Listen as she t...
2022-07-1153 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 71 - Novel Thoughts & On Being A Writing Coach with Ann KroekerSend us a textToday on Hope Prose, Tara and Alex sit down with Ann Kroeker, a writing coach leveraging twenty-five years of publishing and editing experience, author, speaker, and host of the podcast, “Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach”. Together with her Belgian-born husband, she has four adult children busy pursuing their own creative lives and be it at work or play, she strives to live a life full of wonder and curiosity…Oh, and drink lots of tea! Listen as she talks about her favorite aspects of being a...
2022-06-2736 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 58 - The Nature of Small Birds and Writing Outside of Your Comfort ZoneSend us a textWelcome back to Hope Prose! In this episode, CBA bestselling author Susie Finkbeiner of THE MANNER OF ALL THINGS, THE STORIES THAT BIND US, and THE NATURE OF SMALL BIRDS, joins Tara and Rebekah in the studio. Together, they talk about the joys and trials of writing more recent historical fiction, the role birds play in her novel THE NATURE OF SMALL BIRDS, her search to accurately and gently portray adoption in fiction, and the story behind her STUNNING covers. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of...
2021-11-2239 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 57 - GILDED & Marissa MeyerSend us a textYou asked and we delivered! In today’s episode, Marissa Meyer stops by the studio to chat about her newest release GILDED, a haunting retelling perfect for the fall season! Listen in as she talks to Tara and Bekah about her world-building process, how she tackles imposter syndrome, balancing home life and work, and her top tips for writers’ getting ready to query agents. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: ht...
2021-11-0838 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 56 - An Editor's Tips & Tricks for NaNoWriMo and BeyondSend us a textOn this episode of Hope Prose, Rebekah and Tara sit down with the uber-talented Olivia Smit, author and editor, to talk about all things drafting, editing, revisions, and how to move through each stage with ease. Allow Olivia to walk you through key things you should have in place before starting your novel, how to write your book quickly, editing tips on common problems beginner writers face and how to avoid them, plus advice on how to find CP’s and critique groups. Enjoy! Due to ch...
2021-10-2539 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 55 - Writing Messy Characters and Tackling Tough Subjects with Lauren K. DentonSend us a textIn today’s episode, USA Today Bestselling author, Lauren K. Denton, stops by the show to chat about her latest release THE ONE YOU’RE WITH and all things Southern fiction! Listen as she takes Tara and Bekah back to where it all started, gives advice on writing messy characters, and her tips for overcoming imposter syndrome. Enjoy! - Lauren’s book can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopep...
2021-10-1139 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 54 - Peril and Romance with Melanie DickersonSend us a text On this episode of Hope Prose, Rebekah and Tara kick off a brand new season with New York Times Bestselling author, Melanie Dickerson. Listen as they chat about her newest release A PERILOUS PLAN, the first book of her new series: IMPERILED YOUNG WIDOWS and what makes a good romance, how she keeps all her characters straight, the in’s and out’s of writing a series, and how she keeps her writing fresh over the course of 20+ books. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full...
2021-09-2739 minThe Hope Prose PodcastSeason Two FinaleSend us a textOn the last episode of Season Two, Tara and Bekah sit down to reminisce about their favorite guests and episodes of the year, the best advice they’ve received from the authors who've chatted with them, tease Season Three, and get you excited about all the fun things yet to come. Stay well, happy, and tuned in.We’ll see you here next season! The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2021-09-0622 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 53 - The Creativity Epidemic & Engaging Reluctant ReadersSend us a textC.R. Stewart joins Rebekah and Tara in an almost hour-long discussion about his Britfield series for middle-grade through YA, education, and the alarming decline of creativity in our youth. Born in Newport Beach, California, C. R. Stewart has 20 years of experience in writing fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays. He is an award-winning, bestselling author, creativity specialist, international consultant, and prolific writer. Enjoy! Due to character limits, please find a full version of our shownotes with links and more at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-show-notes...
2021-07-1252 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 52 - Weaving Stories with Lindsay FranklinSend us a textIn today’s episode, Tara and Rebekah gab with Carol Award-winning and best-selling author, Lindsay Franklin! Lindsay is a native San Diegan who lives with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their precious geeklings, and three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats), and a stuffed marsupial named Wombatman. Listen in as Lindsay takes them behind the scenes of her querying journey, how the Story Peddler Series came to be, how she fights to balance chronic illness and work, as well as what’s next for her down the road. Enjoy!
2021-06-2841 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 51 - Robotic Aliens, Whimsical Guardians, & More with Amy Michelle CarpenterSend us a textToday, Tara and Rebekah interview Amy Michelle Carpenter, YA Sci-fi and fantasy author of the book BECOMING HUMAN.Listen as they discuss the highs and lows of writing sci-fi, tackling more than two POVs in a book, how to world-build like a pro, and her tips for authors wanting to get published either by a small press or traditionally.Enjoy! Due to character restraints, please visit our website to view the show notes for this episode. https://www.tarakross.co...
2021-06-1431 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 50 - Celebrating Milestones and A Special Guest PanelSend us a textThis is a LIVE and UNEDITED episode we recorded with FOUR loyal and talented listeners of the podcast! We're embracing the imperfections today - mouse clicks, awkward pauses, and clearing of throats included. ;) Listen as we (Tara and Rebekah) talk about some of the show's highlights, stats, memorable moments, and interview our listeners of the podcast and panelist! Due to character limitations, you can find our show notes, resources, and links to all our guest's social media at our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-show-noteshttps://www.patre...
2021-05-3152 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 49 - Addressing The Elephant in the RoomSend us a textWhat do you get when you cross a blockbuster film director turned writer with two curious authors from Canada and California? An hour-long episode full of heart, laughter, and an enlightening conversation about the impact words have on our young people today. Holly Goldberg Sloan is the author of seven books for young readers of which have been published in twenty-seven languages. Her most popular novel, Counting By 7s, was an E.B. White Honor book, made 44 state reading lists, and with English language sales now approaching one million copies. She a...
2021-05-1757 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 48 - Mesoamerica, The Jade Bones, & Lani ForbesSend us a textToday’s episode brings you a conversation between your hosts and YA fantasy/adventure author Lani Forbes! Lani is the daughter of a librarian and an ex-drug smuggling surfer (which explains her passionate love of the ocean and books). A former teacher turned trauma counselor, her passion is showing readers the transformative and encouraging power of story on the human experience.Listen as they talk about her trilogy, THE AGE OF THE SEVENTH SUN, her tips for research and how she went about researching mesoamerican myths, mentorship with the Mar...
2021-05-0342 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 47 - The Wonders of Science Fiction, Advice for Self-published authors, and More with C.F.E. BlackSend us a textToday, Rebekah and Tara sit down with C.F.E. Black, YA sci-fi and fantasy writer. And no, she’s not related to Rebekah but hey, they are soul sisters so technically ….anywho! C.F.E is a high school Spanish teacher with a love for stories that sweep her away into another world and when she’s not chasing her son, she’s reading & writing, or hiking in the great outdoors. Join them in a cozy roundtable where they discuss her debut book, The Veritas Project, a dystopian/sci-fi sto...
2021-04-1434 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 46 - Exploring The Depths of Space with Chuck BlackSend us a textIn today’s episode, Tara and Rebekah gear up and travel to a distant galaxy far, far away to chat with legendary YA fantasy (now turned Sci-fi!) author, Chuck Black!Chuck is a former F-16 fighter pilot and tactical combat communications officer, is the author of eighteen novels, including the popular and household name at this point, Kingdom Series. Listen in as he drops by to talk about what it’s like to make the switch from writing fantasy epics to sprawling sci-fi worlds in what is to be a 12...
2021-03-2943 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 45 - Tearing Down Systems and Building Up Our POC Communities: a conversation with Jael RichardsonSend us a textToday’s podcast guest is a multi-published author, book columnist, guest host on CBC’s q, and founder and Executive Director for the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD). Her latest release, GUTTER CHILD, is a dystopian story of courage and resilience that arrived last January with HarperCollins Canada. Can you guess who it is? That’s right, Jael Richardson joins the Hope Prose family alumni to talk about her debut novel GUTTER CHILD, racism and its many forms, what makes a YA book vs. Adult, the systems that make us, and...
2021-03-1452 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 44 - The Marvels of Japan and A Dream Becomes RealitySend us a textIn today’s episode, Bekah and Tara sit down with Ellen McGinty to talk about her YA debut, THE WATER CHILD which takes place in her current country of residence, Japan! Ellen originally hails from Texas with cowboy blood in her veins and is the working mom of not one, not two, but three boys. Listen as the trio discusses the dream and real-life event that inspired Ellen’s stunning novel, the Japanese word she would use to describe the Water Child, and the importance of mental health and illness representation in YA...
2021-02-2232 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 43 - The Means That Make Us Strangers: a conversation on race, writing, and diversity with Christine KindbergSend us a textIn today’s episode of The Hope Prose Podcast, Rebekah and Tara talk to Christy Award-winning author of The Means That Make Us Strangers---Christine Kindberg! Christine was born in Peru and grew up in Chile, Panama, Kentucky, North Carolina, and studied English at Wheaton College. Now, she lives in the Chicago area where she works as a Spanish-language editor at Tyndale House Publishers and guest teaches a creative writing class at Wheaton College.Listen in as they chat about her groundbreaking and thought-provoking nov...
2021-02-0743 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 42 - I Can & I WillSend us a textIn today’s episode of The Hope Prose Podcast, Tara and Rebekah are absolutely thrilled to sit down with multi-award-winning YA author Caroline George. Caroline graduated from Belmont University with a degree in publishing and public relations and now travels the country speaking at conferences and writing full-time. Her latest book Dearest Josephine from HarperCollins releases February 2nd and is available for pre-order now! Curl up with your warmest blanket and headphones as you listen to the trio discuss all things from what it’s like to be a young...
2021-01-2540 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 41 - Woven In Moonlight + More with Isabel IbañezSend us a textIn their first episode of 2021, Rebekah and Tara are ecstatic to talk with Isabel Ibañez, a novelist born in Boca Raton, Florida, who is the proud daughter of two Bolivian immigrants. A true word nerd, she received her degree in creative writing and has been a Pitch Wars mentor for three years, is the author of Woven in Moonlight which was named one of the best YA fantasy books of all time by Time magazine, and the soon to be released Written in Starlight (January 26th).In a...
2021-01-1048 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 40 - Exploring THE WOLF QUEEN + Small Press LoveSend us a textToday on Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah have the joy of talking to YA author Tabitha Caplinger. Tabitha is the author of The Chronicle of the Three Trilogy, a Christian urban fantasy, and most recently authored, The Wolf Queen. When she’s not writing books, she either getting way too emotionally invested in the lives of her fictional characters, obsessing over a book or tv show, or traveling the vast realms of her own worlds. Listen as they talk about why Tabitha would rather be toast for a day...
2020-12-2847 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 39 - Hope In the MailSend us a textTonight on the Hope Prose Podcast, Bekah and Tara have the pure joy of being encouraged by Wendelin Van Dranaan, bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the long-running Edgar-winning Sammy Keyes mystery series.Her novel Flipped, named a Top 100 Children’s Novel for the 21st Century by SLJ, became a Warner Brothers feature film, and Shredderman became a Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie. In this interview, they chat with Wendelin about her first non-fiction book, Hope in the Mail, Reflections on Writing and Life which is part memoir, part cra...
2020-12-1453 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 38 - Relentless Perseverance, Coping with Bad Reviews, and More with Gena ShowalterSend us a textToday on Hope Prose, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter joins Tara and Rebekah for a light-hearted discussion about perseverance in writing, how she handles bad reviews as a creative, what inspires her novels, her tips for fast drafting, all things The EVERLIFE trilogy (her clean YA series), and her latest YA release THE GLASS QUEEN. Gena lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two adult children who grew up way too fast, and a menagerie of dogs and cats who enjoy walking across her keyboard during pivotal s...
2020-11-2941 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 37 - Poetry Prose, Hope in the Dark, and Shining A Light On Mental HealthSend us a textToday on Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah have the pleasure of hosting their first poetry author, Amie Woleslage! Amie is a suburban cowgirl with a penchant for words. What started as a coping mechanism quickly became a burning passion and a desire to help others with the same challenges she faces. Listen as they chat candidly about all things mental health, her debut poetry book FIFTEEN, healing from grief, the amazing job Amie did organizing her marketing campaign, and how writing can help aid in the recovery of a wounded spirit. ...
2020-11-1637 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 36 - Publicity, Perseverance, and Whimsical TalesSend us a textIn today’s episode of The Hope Prose Podcast, Tara and Rebekah sit down with kid-lit novelist Laura Segal Stegman, an arts publicist from Los Angeles to talk about her debut novel: SUMMER OF L.U.C.K.. Listen in as they discuss Laura’s foray into the writing scene after being an actress for many years, what prompted her change in careers, why SUMMER OF L.U.C.K. is the embodiment of her own journey of self-discovery, why family issues can help craft relat...
2020-11-0244 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 35 - WINTER Comes to Hope Prose: a conversation with Shannon DittemoreSend us a textIn this week's episode of The Hope Prose Podcast, Tara and Rebekah chat with author, speaker, and contributing writer to the blog GO TEEN WRITES, Shannon Dittemore. Bundle up in a warm blanket or grab a cup of tea and listen as they talk about her return to the publishing world with her newest book, WINTER WHITE AND WICKED. Learn what sparked the idea for WINTER, why it took five years to get from draft to the shelves, the hidden but not so hidden message found within its pages, and what c...
2020-10-1947 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 34 - Lovin' the Skin You're In + Writing A Book In Thirty DaysSend us a textIn this week's episode of The Hope Prose Podcast, Tara and Rebekah pick the brain of award-winning author Marian L. Thomas, who pushes the boundaries of their usual YA genre format, but who they think you’ll enjoy listening to all the same. Settle in and listen as they chat about her book, “CAGED BUTTERFLY” which has been featured on national TV stations around the country such as the Oprah Winfrey Network, A&E, and Ovation to just name a few. Marian takes your hosts deep into her world a...
2020-10-0540 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 33: Writing Fantasy, and Facing Fears Through Exploring Differences, With R.J. AndersonSend us a textIn this week's episode of The Hope Prose Podcast, Tara has a heartfelt and lively conversation with children's fantasy author R.J. Anderson. Listen in as they chat about the benefits of tackling difficult subjects and themes through a fantastical lens, and how great stories, including her newest releases, The Flight and Flames Trilogy through Enclave Publishing, encourage us to be brave in exploring how our differences can sometimes be our greatest strengths. Make sure to check out our Instagram page for details on how you can win your own advanced reader copy...
2020-09-2149 minThe Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 32 - Welcome to Season Two & Highlighting Neurodiversity Within FictionSend us a textIn the first episode of season two, Rebekah and Tara talk about their decision to spread their wings this year and begin to include more diverse voices within their show--which just so happens to include highlighting more middle-grade gems. Together, they sit down with James Bird, a California native of Ojibwe descent, screenwriter/director, and now middle-grade author, to talk candidly about his foray into the writing scene and his debut book, THE BRAVE.Listen as they discuss all things neurodiversity, the secret code within THE BRAVE that readers should be...
2020-09-0754 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 31: Season Finale - Wrapping It UpSend us a textGet ready for a completed unscripted laugh-fest about all the highs and lows of the first season of the Hope Prose Podcast. Listen as Tara and Rebekah discuss the results of their listener survey, including plans to continue in September with more diverse guests, clean reads from across genres, and the inclusion of some MG authors and expert opinions on writing, publishing, and becoming an author. Enjoy and until next season!!The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2020-08-0331 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 30 - PART TWO of Following God, Writing Christy, and Being KnownSend us a textIn part two of Tara and Rebekah's interview with Robin Jones Gunn (best-selling and Christy Award-winning author of more than 100 books including the 3.5 million-selling Christy Miller Series), the three continue their chat about her newest book, Being Known, her lack of socks, why she chose to focus her novel on healing from grief, her God-story about Africa, and the importance of community. Stay tuned till the end because the winner of the giveaway run last week is revealed! Enjoy!The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2020-07-2042 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 29 - Following God, Writing Christy, and Being KnownSend us a textIn today’s episode (part one of TWO!) of The Hope Prose Podcast, your hosts have the honor of sitting down with one of their most highly anticipated guest yet, Robin Jones Gunn! Robin is a best-selling and Christy Award-winning author of more than 100 books including the 3.5 million-selling Christy Miller Series. Listen as they chat about her newest book, Being Known, her lack of socks, why she chose to focus her novel on healing from grief, her God-story about Africa, and the importance of community. Stay tuned because at the end, there is a su...
2020-07-1335 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 28 - We Like Big books & A Conversation On Platonic Relationships in YASend us a textIn this week's episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah converse with epic indie fantasy author, AnnMarie Pavese. AnnMarie is the author of So Sang the Dawn and abides in the mountains of Arizona. She writes far more than she reads and spends her free time mentoring other girls, not only in the art of writing but also in the art of navigating the hardest parts of life.Listen as we pick her brain about the trials and tribulations of writing a book that is (no joke!) 750 pages long, what inspired her unique world...
2020-06-2946 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 27 -Fantastical History and How to Balance Research With CreativitySend us a textToday on Hope Prose, Rebekah and Tara sit down with extremely successful YA author, Nadine Brandes. Nadine is the Carol-Award winning author of FAWKES, ROMANOV, and the Out of Time Series. When she's not busy writing novels about bold living, you can usually find her drinking her weight in tea, hanging out on Instagram, or adventuring through Middle Earth with her husband and their Halfling children.Listen as they have a candid conversation about plotting, her perspective on respecting history while incorporating elements of fantasy within her novels, and her love for allegorical stories...
2020-06-1539 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 26 - Hope in AnxietySend us a textRebekah and Tara switch roles in today’s episode for the launch of Tara’s debut novel, FADE TO WHITE. Listen as they have fun chatting about what started Tara on her journey towards authordom, how important mental health is, and how reading and writing can help others in their own road to healing, and of course, all the details on how FADE TO WHITE came to be. Tara lives with her husband, two daughters and rescued fur-baby in a field of cookie-cutter homes near Toronto, Canada. When she is not writing, she works as a...
2020-06-0153 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 25 - Facing Destiny and Conquering NeverlandSend us a textIn today’s episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah are whisked away to the land of childhood novelty by none other than YA author, Kara Swanson. Kara spent her childhood running barefoot through the lush jungles of Papua New Guinea and is the award-winning author of The Girl Who Could See and Peter Panretelling/sequel Dust (Enclave Publishing, July 2020). She helps young writers explore their passions as a faculty member of the Young Writer’s Workshop and also offers her own author coaching services.Listen as she talks about all things Peter Pan, her...
2020-05-1850 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 24 - Middle Grade MagicSend us a textIn this week's episode, Tara and Rebekah sit down and chat with the extremely talented middle-grade author, Claire Swinarski. Claire is the author of multiple books including What Happens Next (coming May 19th, 2020 from Harper Collins) and Girl, Arise: A Catholic Feminist’s Invitation to Live Boldly, Love Your Faith, and Change the World.Listen as they chat about what makes middle grade books so special, why it’s important for books directed towards younger readers to tackle tough subjects, and what her favourite middle grade books are and why. Enjoy!The Hope Pros...
2020-05-0449 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 23: Seeing Voices, Editing and Writing Small Town StoriesSend us a textIn this week's episode, Tara and Rebekah get to celebrate the book launch of Seeing Voices with fellow debut Canadian YA author Olivia Smit. We learn about the benefits of completing an undergraduate program in creative writing, how to write from a hard of hearing character's POV, and how Olivia's passions for small towns, baking and hope-filled stories work into her own novels.Enjoy!The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2020-04-2055 min
The Hope Prose PodcastBonus Episode - CPA Hope CollaborationSend us a textHappy Easter! This bonus episode is a collaborative effort created in light of the global pandemic we are currently faced with. As a member of the Christian Podcast Association, we wanted to come together to create a message of hope for listeners this Easter. And so began the Hope Collaboration.In this episode, we share some of the amazing hope-filled podcasts available for free through your favorite podcast player.We have also included some suggestions for hope-filled reads across ages in our own segment at the end. Thank you so much for your support...
2020-04-1322 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 21 - Home...Is Where the Heart IsSend us a textIn today's episode, Tara and Rebekah have the pleasure of sitting down with June Hur. Born in South Korea, raised in Canada, and she studied History and Literature at the University of Toronto. Her debut novel THE SILENCE OF BONES (Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, April 2020) is a murder mystery set in Joseon Dynasty Korea (early 1800s), and also a coming-of-age tale about a girl searching for home. It was recently selected by the American Booksellers Association as one of the top debuts of Winter/Spring 2020.Listen as June takes them behind the scenes in a...
2020-04-0646 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 20 - Travel, Trilogies, and Hedgehogs Oh My!Send us a textIn today’s episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah sit down with widely successful YA author, Taylor Bennet. Taylor Bennett is a dandelion-wishing, world-traveling lover of books, words, and stories. Based in the Pacific North West, she dreams of seeing the world and writing stories set in unique locations. Listen as she chats with your hosts about all things hedgehogs, traveling, and how it feels to have ended her well-loved Tradewinds Trilogy after debuting with the first book of that series at the tender age of seventeen! Enjoy!The Hope Prose Podcast's In...
2020-03-2341 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 19 - Unhealthy Technological Habits & Our WritingSend us a textIn today’s podcast, Tara and Rebekah sit down with an extremely talented YA author and talented film producer. Phillip Telfer began his journey as a creative communicator through singing and songwriting. He also started teaching and mentoring teens as a youth pastor and camp speaker. He now directs the non-profit ministry Media Talk 101 and is author of the book Media Choices: Convictions or Compromise & Why Save Alexander. Listen in as they chat about his passion for youth trapped in unhealthy technology habits, what inspired his newest endeavour of writing YA fiction, and film ma...
2020-03-0950 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 18 - Two Halves of a Whole & Why Good Stories Need Two Important ThingsSend us a textIn today’s podcast, Tara and Rebekah sit down with an extremely talented YA author and teacher. Chawna Schroeder is a Minnesotan writer who enjoys snow, chai tea, and playing “what if?”—even if that game occasionally gets her into trouble. She loves stretching both imagination and faith through story. Chawna’s books include The Vault Between Spaces, Beast, and the Bearing the Sword curriculum. Listen in as they chat about Chawna’s three hundred book traveling library, why a good story must have two CRUCIAL elements, and why being exposed to good books early in lif...
2020-02-2441 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 17 - Writing with HeartSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah chat with McCall Hoyle who is a young adult and middle-grade author, including her two YA novels, The Thing with Feathers and Meet the Sky while also teaching middle school language arts. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s spending time with her family and one of their golden retrievers or their three-legged tabby cat, who may make a cameo in Meet the Sky. Listen as they discuss what makes a good novel, what inspired The Thing with Feathers, writing with heart, how Mcca...
2020-02-1040 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 16 - Public Relations and Writing?Send us a textToday, Tara and Rebekah sit down with YA author Susan Miura and chatted about her book SHARDS OF LIGHT. Susan is the author of three young adult novels, HEALER, SHARDS OF LIGHT (A continuation of the story form Healer), and her third novel SHOW ME A SIGN is set for rerelease in October of this year. Faith, family and a passion for nature, traveling, writing and photography nurture Susan’s soul. Her poetry and wildlife photos are featured in a children’s book, Pawprints in the Snow. Listen as they break down how working in p...
2020-01-2747 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 15 - Q&A - New Year's Goals and How to Find Clean YA ReadsSend us a textIn this episode of the Hope Prose Podcast, Tara and Rebekah answer your questions on everything from what their New Year’s goals are, what’s on their TBR list, and what their most anticipated reads of 2020 are. Listen as they give some exciting updates on our writing lives and give tips on finding clean YA reads and how to query an agent well. Enjoy!The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2020-01-1348 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 14 - How Empathy and Method Acting Can Help Develop Strong CharactersSend us a textIn today's episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah sit down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels, C. J. Lyons. C.J.'s most recent novel, The Colour of Lies, veers from her usual adult 'Thrillers with Heart' to share the story of Ella, a young girl with synesthesia who can see everyone else's lies except the one haunting her own life. Find out why a library card was one of CJ's favorite gifts as a child and how empathy and method acting play strongly into her...
2019-12-3048 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 13 - Asking Deep Questions Within WritingSend us a textIn today's episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah sit down with award-winning novelist, Shawn Smucker and discuss his YA novels, THE DAY THE ANGEL FELL and THE EDGE OF OVER THERE. They also talk about writing routines, the influence of great stories on our craft, and why asking deep questions is a big part of what makes Shawn's work so intriguing. (Think: What if death is a gift? OR What if someone could get out of Dante's inferno?)Enjoy!The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2019-12-1643 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 12 - Starting a YouTube channel and Finding your Writing GenreSend us a textIn this episode of the Hope Prose podcast, Tara and Rebekah are joined by Melanie Kilsby who pens Fairy Tale retellings, rich in history, hoping to draw readers closer to the love of her life--Jesus. Mother of five, she has never been one to shy away from hard work and joins them on the show to chat about her writing journey, starting her YouTube channel, Christian YA Books and More, and how difficult situations helped her find her genre sweet spot in historical fairytale retellings. Enjoy!The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's...
2019-12-0250 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 11 - The Power of Overcoming Fear as A WriterSend us a textIn today’s episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah have the honor of sitting down with Nicole Quigley award-winning author of the young adult novel “Like Moonlight at Low Tide,” which was published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing/Zondervan. The book was later released in the Zondervan imprint Blink YA Books and also released in Germany. USA Today listed “Like Moonlight at Low Tide” as a “recommended teen read,” and the novel won the “Carol Award” for YA fiction by the American Christian Fiction Writers. Listen in as they discuss her novel, LIKE MOONLIGHT AT LOW TIDE, the f...
2019-11-1836 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 10 - Tips to Increase Your Writing Speed & How to OutlineSend us a textIn this episode of the Hope Prose podcast, Tara and Rebekah answer 5 of your questions about YA books, writing and living as a Christian teen. Some of the highlights include their outlining styles, ways to increase your writing speed, and what are some of the first steps towards publishing.The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2019-11-0440 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 9 - Savanna RobertsSend us a textIn today's episode, Tara and Rebekah sit down with Savanna Roberts, a YA author living in Utah and she enjoys delving into the Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Contemporary genres. She’s written stories and poems since she could hold a pen, and she published her first book on Amazon when she was eleven.Listen as they chat about her newest release STORYTELLER, what her favorite childhood book was, what inspired the idea for her Quelmirian Duology, and what the most daring thing she's done was. Enjoy!The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram
2019-10-2131 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 8 - Stephanie MorrillSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah chat with Stephanie Morrill an author who writes books about girls who are on an adventure to discover their unique place in the world, and is the founder of GoTeenWriters. She is the author of several contemporary young adult series, as well as the 1920s mystery, The Lost Girl of Astor Street, and the WWII era romance, Within These Lines.Join them as they talk about her latest release, who her favorite author is, how she juggles writing both contemporary and historical fiction, and what...
2019-10-0738 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 7 - Tessa Emily HallSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah sit down with Tessa Emily Hall, an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to remind them they’re not alone. Tessa writes both fiction and devotionals, including her most recent fiction release FALLEN LEAVES and her upcoming devotional, LOVE YOUR SELFIE, which is slated to release March 2020 from Ellie Claire. Listen as she talks about all things Fallen Leaves, her advice for writer’s looking to build their platforms, her favorite thing about the writing process, and what she hopes readers take...
2019-09-2340 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 6 - Laura GallierSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah sit down with Laura Gallier, winner of the prestigious 2018 Christy Award for The Delusion series. Having battled her own enemies of the soul, particularly during her teen and young adult years, Laura’s writing exposes deception with the light of truth, bringing hope and healing to a generation in need. Listen as they chat about all things her latest release, the latest about her movie deal for The Deception, how important spiritual warfare is in the Christian's life, and what she hopes readers take away fr...
2019-09-0931 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 5 Q&A!Send us a textIn this episode of the Hope Prose podcast, Tara and Rebekah sit down to answer 10 of your questions about YA books, writing and living as a Christian teen. Some of the highlights include their favorite contemporary and historical Christian or Clean YA reads, how to finish your book and start your next one, and a guest response from Pastor Erik Jenson about some of the deeper questions related to faith, hope and the great beyond. Enjoy!The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2019-09-0258 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 4B Douglas Bond - Part TwoSend us a textIn PART TWO of Tara and Rebekah's interview with Douglas Bond, (who is the author of more than twenty-five books and the director of the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class) get a peek at his latest release, THE RESISTANCE, a YA historical thriller, find out what inspired him to start writing, what he thinks makes a truly great story, and why he thinks young writers tend to have a hard time finishing the novels they start.The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2019-08-2735 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 4 - Douglas Bond - Part OneSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah sit down with Douglas Bond who is the author of more than twenty-five books and is the director of the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class.Get a peek at his latest release, THE RESISTANCE, a YA historical thriller, find out what inspired him to start writing, what he thinks makes a truly great story, and why he thinks young writers tend to have a hard time finishing the novels they start.The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2019-08-1934 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 3 - Alison GervaisSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Alex chat with contemporary YA Author Alison Gervais, who first gained recognition by posting her writing at the age of 16 on Wattpad. Those chapters, read by millions, turned into her first novel, In 27 Days. That same story is now optioned for film! Listen as they discuss Alison's new book, The Silence Between Us, mental health, finding healing in writing, and her best advice for authors.The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2019-08-0528 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 2 - Elizabeth D MarieSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Alex sit down with Elizabeth D. Marie, author of Crown of Stars series, and discuss her upcoming release and her advice for writers on crafting realistically flawed characters.The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2019-07-2228 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 1 - Hope BolingerSend us a textIn this episode of Hope Prose, Tara and Alex sit down with agent and author, Hope Bolinger and discuss all things publishing in your 20s and how to find the balance between agenting and writing.The Hope Prose Podcast's InstagramAlex's Instagram Tara's Instagram
2019-07-0824 min