Shows
Jibber Jabber with JimBecoming an Audiobook Narrator: Theresa BakkenTheresa Bakken narrates some of your favourite audiobooks, and speaks to novelists on the Desideratum Podcast. In this episode, Theresa shares some tricks of the trade. If you're an aspiring voice actor, you can't afford to miss this episode. You can find the Desideratum Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@desideratumpodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1ollfr2tWVZTK9MfwwtE4o https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/desideratum/id1559383958 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/theresa-bakken/ https://theresabakkennarrator.com/desideratum-podcast/
2025-04-1437 min
DesideratumAll the Flowers of the Mountain with Christina HolbrookIn this episode, we delve into a poignant summer romance that transcends time and societal boundaries. Join us as we explore the intricate layers of "All the Flowers of the Mountain" with author Christina Holbrook. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque lake, this story follows the love between a local boy and a girl from an affluent family, unraveling the secrets and uncertainties that linger long after their summer together.
Christina Holbrook opens up about her personal connection to the story, sharing how her family history and her own experiences have influenced her writing. We discuss...
2024-06-2830 min
DesideratumThe Duke in QuestionThis is a story about a woman using all her abilities to complete a spy mission and also get exactly what she wants.
We’re talking to Helen Day about the sexy and determined characters she narrated as Hedra Knight for the Regency Romance The Duke in Question by Amalie Howard. I loved learning how Helen physically gets into character, how she performed so many different action and spicy scenes, and how performing world tours with Cirque du Soleil was part of her storytelling journey. Thanks to Dreamscape Media you’ll hear several fun moments from the audiobook.
I want to th...
2023-10-1938 min
DesideratumThe Wrong Woman with Leanne Kale Sparks and Erin deWard
This is a thriller. It’s the story of an FBI agent and a homicide detective working together to catch a serial killer with a chilling perspective on killing.
You'll hear narrator Erin deWard bringing all the chills and characters to life in your ear. We'll talk about why and how she does it, and you'll hear author Leanne Kale Sparks talk about how she maps out and finds the 'woulda, coulda, shoulda' in her crime stories.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media you’ll hear several tense moments from the audiobook. Dreamscape is an i...
2023-10-1241 min
DesideratumAn American Beauty with Shana AbèThis is a story about a beautiful, powerful woman who captured the imagination of historical fiction author Shana Abè.
We’re talking about Arabella Huntington, the intriguing woman at the heart of An American Beauty: A Novel of the Gilded Age Inspired by the True Story of Arabella Huntington Who Became the Richest Woman in the Country.
This week we return to a favorite author of mine. Shana Abè first wowed me with her story about the 2nd Mrs Astor who was widowed by John Jacob Astor as she survived their honeymoon aboard the Titanic. In S...
2023-10-0723 min
DesideratumDouble the Lies with Patricia RaybonThis is a murder mystery. It's the second book in a 1920s series starring the prim, poor but clever, Annalee Spain - a fan of Sherlock Holmes - who solves murder and crime in Colorado's dangerous Klan era.
We’re talking with Colorado author Patricia Raybon about race and faith, why we love a good mystery, and how transparency is essential.
I want to thank The Colorado Sun for shining their light on Patricia’s work. I listen to the Sun's podcast called The Daily Sun-Up, and every Sunday I check out their SunLit feature for...
2023-09-2935 min
DesideratumCheap Land Colorado with Ted ConoverThis is a real life story set in a vast land, the San Luis Valley of Colorado. It’s a huge flat prairie flanked by mountains, and it's far off the beaten path. Author Ted Conover takes us there in this Desideratum.
A desideratum is an essential thing and this story got me thinking about lots of essential things - like wide open spaces, what to do with a rattlesnake, the peace you find in silence, and the need for connection.
Ted Conover is perhaps best known for spending a year as a prison guard at...
2023-09-2250 min
DesideratumA Light in the Forest with Melissa PayneThis is a story about a young woman running away and finding her home. It begins with the moment she decides to run, when she faces a painful truth about her boyfriend.
We’re talking about A LIGHT IN THE FOREST - a Colorado Book Award Finalist - on this Desideratum.
A Desideratum is an essential thing. I’m audiobook narrator Theresa Bakken and I think this story is full of essential things. This week we’re talking about being a work in progress with author Melissa Payne whose new novel A Light in the Forest g...
2023-09-1531 min
DesideratumLeigh Howard, the Ghosts, and Shawn WarnerHave you heard the story about the author who was in a grocery store, set up with a little table and a folding chair, selling his books one book at a time... when something life changing happened.
We’re talking about the crazy experience author Shawn Warner is having with his debut novel Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons Pierce Manor - how a small act of kindness from a stranger set off a ripple effect of good will for Shawn. You’re going to hear about his YA book featuring a girl and some ghosts who...
2023-09-0533 min
DesideratumA historical and timely story, Linda Rosen's The Emerald NecklaceThis is a story about a group of women in the late 1960’s. Their shared love of art and some unusual coincidences bring them together. Author Linda Rosen decided to anchor her fiction to a real event in New York City in 1970 that ended up being more relevant today than she first imagined.
From Black Rose Writing, with the audiobook published by Tantor Audio, we're talking about The Emerald Necklace. You'll hear a scene from narrator Traci Odom who's narrated more than 300 audiobooks and whose narration style was described by AudioFile Magazine as "...one of high-quality invisibility. Her technique is sor...
2023-08-2915 min
DesideratumCamelot & Vine, slipping through time with Petrea BurchardThis is a story about a woman who slips through time..
It's the day before Casey's 40th birthday, and her acting career and personal life are a disaster. Frantic to escape her own emptiness, she hops a plane to England and heads to the countryside to hide.
That’s when a lightning strike, a skidding car and a horse that might be magical send her through a gap in time to the Dark Ages.
We’re talking to author and narrator Petrea Burchard about her historical fantasy Camelot & Vine.
A big thank y...
2023-08-2715 min
DesideratumThe Writing Retreat with Julia BartzThis is a story about a struggling writer who gets invited to a writing retreat. She's thrilled because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity with a famous horror novelist. The retreat takes place at a remote estate, where even the house has a dark and storied past. We’re talking about the NY Times bestseller The Writing Retreat, with author, therapist and creative coach Julia Bartz.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for providing the foreboding moments from the audiobook narrated by the wonderful and award winning Gail Shalan. https://www.gailshalan.com/
To he...
2023-08-1833 min
DesideratumWhat Remains with Wendy WalkerThis is a story about a detective, a cold case forensics expert named Elise. But this isn’t just a cold case, crime solving detective story. This story begins with our detective caught in the middle of an active crime scene. She fires her weapon for the first time. She takes a man’s life to save another man. Then, the saved man disappears from the scene, and Elise is drawn to him looking for answers. What she finds when this man enters her life is a very dangerous game.
We’re talking about Wendy Walker’s new thriller What Remai...
2023-08-1143 min
DesideratumMadness at the Movies with Golden Voice Narrator Grover GardnerThis is a story about movies - classic films - that a psychology professor at Yale University adored, explored and built a long standing popular college course around. Author and Professor Dr. James Charney brings you the Yale course that explores the portrayal of mental illness in films in his book Madness at the Movies. The audiobook is narrated by Golden Voice (too many awards to list, more than a thousand titles to his name) Grover Gardner. We’re talking about Grover's work on Madness at the Movies, as well as some of his other favorite projects. And, he also sha...
2023-06-3035 min
DesideratumEverything the Darkness Eats by Eric LaRocca with narrator Andrè SantanaThis is a scary story. A classic horror story - with a haunted house, a monster, and unflinching violence. But, there’s something else here too… we’re talking about Everything the Darkness Eats by Eric LaRocca with narrator Andrè Santana.
This episode is sponsored by Dreamscape Media, an independent award-winning audiobook publisher. Dreamscape produces a wide range of titles from motivational self help to mysteries, thrillers and happily ever afters. This title is in the horror genre, but Andrè and I take good care of the listener in our conversation and we stay away from spoilers and triggers. I am excit...
2023-06-1433 min
DesideratumKantika by Elizabeth Graver, narrated by Gail ShalanThis is a story about a life - a beautiful life - lived across 4 countries, with struggle, multiple languages and loves. We’re talking about Elizabeth Graver’s new novel Kantika and we begin with home recordings she made decades ago with her grandmother Rebecca. You’ll also hear some of narrator Gail Shalan’s skillful and delightful narration. She is an incredible guide as the story takes us from Istanbul, to Barcelona, to Havana and New York. For her - Gail says - narrating Kantika was a meaningful act of generational healing and love. A special thank you to Kantika’s a...
2023-06-1034 min
DesideratumThe Good Time Girls, Wild-Willed Women of The West by KT BlakemoreThis is a story set in the Wild West in the early 1900’s. The story centers around a woman named Ruby who is living a mostly quiet and mostly lawful life… when out of the blue her past comes hustling into town and takes her and us on a journey filled with missteps and mayhem.
We’re talking about KT Blakemore’s Wild-Willed Women of the West series - book one is called The Good Time Girls.
I hope you get on the road with The Good Time Girls and have as much fun as I did with dire circumst...
2023-06-0224 min
DesideratumThe Confidante, The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America, by Christopher C. GorhamThis is a story about a remarkable woman. She was trusted by American presidents and generals. Her impact on our nation can still be felt today. But, you’ve probably never heard of her, and you might never have if not for a high school history teacher.
We’re talking about the first biography written about the incredible Anna Marie Rosenberg (appropriately titled The Confidante) by teacher and debut author Christopher C. Gorham on this Desideratum.
Narrator Ann Richardson shines in non-fiction work like this. She’s won several Audiofile Earphone awards for her work.
I hope you enjoyed hearing Christ...
2023-05-2640 min
DesideratumIn the Time of Our History by Susanne Pari narrated by Mozhan MarnòThis is a story about a family. It is a close up look at a father and daughter, at two sisters, at a husband and wife. But, it’s also this huge story about tradition and patriarchy and freedom. It felt like poetry to me at times.. and this conversation about it was so rich. We’re talking about In the Time of our History with author Susanne Pari on this Desideratum.
The narrator Mozhan Marnò is an Iranian-American film and television actress and a playwright. She speaks English, French, German, Farsi, and Spanish. She is known for her...
2023-05-1944 min
DesideratumMarriage : From the Feminine Perspective, Ten Classic Stories curated, annotated, and narrated by Christine MascottThis is a collection of 10 classic short stories written over a hundred years ago, brought together in a carefully curated anthology. Each story gives a feminine perspective on marriage - its role in society and the personal beauty and pain that can be found within its bonds. We’re talking about Marriage from the Feminine Perspective annotated, published and narrated by Christine Mascott. The anthology earned Christine an Audiofile Earphones Award and a coveted Audie Finalist in the Short Stories and Collections category. Listen to what led her to these public domain, royalty free, stories from the past in th...
2023-05-1232 min
DesideratumThe View From Half Dome by Jill Caugherty narrated by Theresa BakkenThis is a story about a girl growing up in San Francisco in the 1930’s - her family suffers one tragedy after another and she decides to escape the city and head to Yosemite…
Where she crosses paths with a real person in history - a Park Ranger named Enid Michael.
We’re talking about the historical fiction, The View From Half Dome, with author Jill Caugherty.
Jill shares how her storyline and characters evolved. It always fascinates me to hear how one idea built up from the last - how one thing leads to a...
2023-05-0525 min
DesideratumRed Clay Suzie by Jeffrey Dale Lofton narrated by Pete CrossThis is a story about a young boy named Philbet. He’s growing up in the deep south in the 1960’s and ‘70’s. He loves cars and his grandaddy’s garden and an older boy named Knox. In this story, you see how Philbet hides himself and then finds himself. We’re talking about Red Clay Suzie, a fictionalized memoir written by Jeffrey Dale Lofton.
Lofton is a natural storyteller and not just on the page. His voice has a timbre and a rhythm and accent that draws you in, and I felt like instead of asking questions, I just kept say...
2023-04-2830 min
DesideratumThe Perfect Neighborhood with Liz AltermanThis is a story set in what looks like a perfect neighborhood - rocking chairs on covered porches, manicured lawns and families looking out for each other. But in this story, the illusion of perfect families and close friendships fractures when a child goes missing. We’re talking about the novel The Perfect Neighborhood with author Liz Alterman. Liz made me laugh and think deeply. I loved her perspectives on rejection and serendipity. The scene you will hear from the audiobook is from one of my favorite narrators - Gail Shalan. The novel's suspense unfolds through five key perspectives, and the...
2023-04-2131 min
DesideratumDeath by a Honeybee to Death by Greed, the Josiah Reynolds Series with author Abigail KeamThis is a story set firmly in Kentucky bluegrass - a story swirling around a retired history professor who finds herself in one murder mystery after another. We’re talking with the author of the Josiah Reynolds cozy mystery series Abigail Keam, and we begin our conversation with something she has in common with her main character… beekeeping.
While Death By Greed (Book 18 in the series) just released, you are going to hear the very beginning, the very first scene. We’re going back to book 1 page 1 - and there will be bees in this reading from Death b...
2023-04-1428 min
DesideratumCode Gray narrated by Champ WestwoodThis is a story about a string of murders - assassinations - of media pundits. They were extreme peddlers of their party's agendas, and their murders feel politically motivated. Assigned to the case is a group of grizzled and green FBI detectives. We're talking about the crime novel Code Gray with narrator Champ Westwood on this Desideratum.
Listen as Champ reveals what he appreciates about author Benny Sims intent. He loves how Sims grain of sand becomes a pearl as the story unfolds. Champ also explains his controversial process for prepping his audiobooks. And, you'll hear how...
2023-04-0830 min
DesideratumNarrator by Landon Beach performed by Scott BrickNarrator by Landon Beach is a mystery thriller that will have you asking - what just happened and whodunnit?! Listen as Landon describes how he got inside the head of this hot mess of a main character - an audiobook narrator. And, find out how Landon first met his real life narrator the legendary award winning Scott Brick. Congratulations to Scott on being an Audie 2023 Finalist for Best Male Narrator for this project. Visit www.landonbeachbooks.com for all his books and his newsletter.
2023-03-2424 min
DesideratumGradle Bird by J.C. Sasser(00:00) Introduction with scratchy recording from a lone singer who inspired the novel Gradle Bird by JC Sasser
(02:52) Oral storytelling and walking around with a tape recorder gathering stories
(04:18) Setting in small town feels timeless
(05:35) Rooted in reality to distill the truth looking back on life experiences using fiction
(07:00) Abandoned structures sparked imagination starting in childhood with her father who was paralyzed taking her to a pig slaughterhouse
(09:34) Audiobook introduction of scene with a confrontation
(10:17) Audiobook excerpt from Gradle Bird by JC Sasser
(20:38) Human cruelty themes ba...
2023-02-1743 min
DesideratumSuch A Pretty Girl with T. Greenwood(00:00) Introduction this is Such A Pretty Girl by T Greenwood
(02:15) Words are powerful and 1970's advertising cringe
(04:52) Me too movement lens and two time lines give characters a reason to revisit their past
(06:42) Child narrator storytelling give out of the mouth of babes moments
(08:27) Desire for something right out of reach and key to all stories is
(10:51) Settings with danger children always need to be kept safe
(12:57) Anxiety and panic language and what soothes these feelings
(15:13) Photographers and taking or making an image
(17:12) Art...
2023-02-0341 min
DesideratumFolly Park by Heidi Hackford E66Folly Park is a story about history, race, identity, and friendship. At its heart is a woman named Temple Preston and her old, crumbling, ancestral plantation in Virginia. With the discovery of long hidden, disturbing family secrets, Temple gets wrapped up in exposing these family secrets as a way to save the ancestral home, until she begins to question whether it's really worth saving.
Author Heidi Hackford talks about the character she eventually grew to like, about the power of semantics, and about how her work at Monticello - and how people responded to it - helped sha...
2022-11-1827 min
DesideratumBeasts of the Earth by James Wade E65This is a story about a quiet, thoughtful man named Harlan Leblanc. The story is about how and why Leblanc gets tangled up in a murder investigation. You'll hear from author James Wade about the action and the allegory he created, and about the ways he tried to mirror and balance the darkness and hope in this gritty tale. We talk about the humor he found in indecision and inflammation. And, how his young daughter is shifting his perspectives. You'll feel narrator Roger Clark walking in the shoes and looking out through the eyes of the characters in an exce...
2022-11-1134 min
DesideratumDouble Exposure with Jeannée Sacken and Nicole Swanson - E64This is a story about a seasoned war photojournalist named Annie Green. The timeline is 2015 and Annie is headed back to Afghanistan on assignment. She’s struggling through PTSD from the last time she was there - when a girls school she was working at exploded killing her closest friend. She’s also facing betrayal from a rival journalist, and she’s navigating a delicate balance between love, motherhood and a dangerous career.
We’re talking about the thrilling fiction created by author Jeannée Sacken called Double Exposure and we're doubly lucky because the narrator for this series is also join...
2022-11-0447 min
DesideratumImprobably Yours by Kerry Anne KingThis is a story that author Kerry Anne King says began with a house: a house that won't stay painted, whose shingles won't stay on, and the lawn won't stay mowed. It's in a constant state of falling apart. Like it's grieving, or possessed by ghosts.
Kerry's new novel IMPROBABLY YOURS is her 13th, and it does have some spooky elements. But, it's also an adventure complete with a real treasure map. It begins with a memory, a young girl sitting with her grandmother who speaks in fortune teller fashion about a prediction for the little girl's future. You'll hear th...
2022-10-1424 min
Desideratum9 Days - A Dee Rommel Mystery by Jule SelboHer new crime mystery 9 Days got us talking about tarot card readings and wondering if how the stars aligned at the time of our birth could shape or guide us... That's because author Jule Selbo's new murder mystery 9 Days opens with a world famous astrologist confessing to murder. When the astrologist's 12 year old son doesn't believe his mother is guilty, he hires Private Investigator Dee Rommel to find the truth in just 9 Days. Listen as Jule explains why being underestimated can be a good thing, where a family heirloom of hers turned up in the book, and how a fa...
2022-10-0732 min
DesideratumThe Deception by Kim Taylor BlakemoreThe Deception is about life and death and the delicate veil between the two. The story spirals around an Illusionist running from her past, and a Medium whose past fame and spirit guide have abandoned her. The pliable Maud (the Medium known as the Maid of Light) and the clever Clementine (a master of tricks and illusions) join forces to find fame and fortune, but at what cost… does the end justify the means?
Listen as author Kim Taylor Blakemore shares how she scoured history to find her own muses for this tale of authenticity and duplicity. We...
2022-09-3033 min
DesideratumSlade by Robert Grindstaff, Ep60Imagine a character waking you up with his story… that’s how Robb Grindstaff describes writing his new novel SLADE. For me - talking to Robb about writing SLADE was a meta moment - interviewing an author about his life and his book that is about interviewing an author about his book and his life. Turns out interviewing skills are all over Robb’s resume. The newspaper biz took him from small town Wisconsin to Washington DC. He describes himself as a small town kid who’s as comfortable in Tokyo as he is in Tuna, TX.
Listen to the advice R...
2022-09-2323 min
DesideratumThe Lost Girls of Willowbrook - Ellen Marie Wiseman, Ep59Ellen Marie Wiseman is drawn to the dark corners of history, where rumors and mystery shroud the truth. It's where she finds and develops characters who shine. Listen as she shares how her own history led her to write about hidden truths and social injustices. We're talking about her new novel, The Lost Girls of Willowbrook, which is set in a real state run institution exposed back in 1972 for its atrocious abuses. Ellen opens the novel with quotes from a real doctor who was there in 1972. Dr. William Bronston's physician activism helped bring an end to the institution. He is...
2022-09-1726 min
DesideratumOrchid Blooming with Carol Van Den Hende - Episode 58Author Carol Van Den Hende sought solace in writing and then committed to sharing what she learned about resilience with her readers. Her novels Goodbye Orchid and Orchid Blooming are about love, personal growth, and trauma recovery. Listen to how she drew inspiration from combat wounded veterans. Find out why her own personal love story (how she met her husband) influenced her characters' brushes with kismet. Hear an excerpt of Carol narrating Goodbye Orchid, and find out how she used her first novel's backstory to create her 2nd novel - Orchid Blooming - which launches this month.
Here...
2022-09-0925 min
DesideratumHannah and Ariela by Johnnie Bernhard Ep57With a cast of many characters, telling the story from more than a dozen vantage points - Johnnie Bernhard takes readers on a journey with a widow and a sojourner in her new novel Hannah and Ariela. Johnnie's connection to the land, the people, and the history of Texas shine through, but listen to how writing from all these different points of view challenged her and made her "put her ego in her back pocket". We talk about the layers of miracle and faith and we dig deeper into the real life tragedy of human trafficking at the heart o...
2022-08-1222 min
DesideratumBrand Chaser by Randi Samuelson Brown, Ep56She comes from a long line of resilient, resourceful, and quirky Colorado women, and she loves finding obscure historical facts to write about. But, while Randi Samuelson Brown's new novel is rooted in the past, it's action and suspense are current and contemporary. We're talking about book one in her new series featuring a Brand Inspector in Colorado cattle country. It's called Brand Chaser and it's layered with history, mystery, danger, suspense and even a little romance. We begin with what made Randi jump from writing about Colorado's colorful past to this modern take on the wild west.
Tha...
2022-07-2217 min
DesideratumLegends & Lattes by Travis Baldree Ep55Author and narrator Travis Baldree has created an escapist fantasy that - as the first line promises - is "for anyone who wondered where the other road led." It's the story of a fabled artifact (a stone that promises a ring of fortune) and an Orc named Viv who is ready to change her life - ready to leave mercenary work behind and open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune.
The shop, its regulars, its slowly developing menu, and sapphic love story have all struck a chord with legions of fans (fans from all genre camps). In resp...
2022-07-1528 min
DesideratumA Child Lost by Michelle Cox Ep54Michelle Cox - the author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series - talks about how her spunky, sleuthing, sexy character Henrietta is based on a real woman. We’re talking about book 5 in the series - A Child Lost - where multiple story lines of crime and passion weave together. It’s easy to pick up the threads even if you’re new to Henrietta’s adventures. And, while there aren’t any cliff hanging loose ends, you will find clues to draw you to Book 6, which is coming out this fall. You’ll hear us talk about the book’s theme...
2022-05-2727 min
DesideratumThe Lost Book of Eleanor Dare by Kimberly Brock, Ep53A real life, centuries old mystery surrounding the fate of Eleanor Dare and her carved stone whispered across time and gave wings to Kimberly Brock's storytelling imagination. Kimberly plants her story in 1945, and then carefully reveals its deep roots. It’s an exquisite story about being found and seen - about finding your way and feeling lost. And - wow - the truths Kimberly illuminates along the way about mothers and daughters! Find out what a marsh means to Kimberly and hear about a serendipity between the author and award winning narrator and voice actor Brittany Pressley. The Lost Book of...
2022-04-2928 min
DesideratumThe River Between Hearts by Heather Mateus Sappenfield, Ep52When was the last time you read a middle grade fiction? This week's featured author Heather Mateus Sappenfield will convince you it's time with her new novel The River Between Hearts. It’s an adventure with an almost-11 year old girl named Rill. It’s a story about friendship and compassion - and loss and longing. You'll spend a few minutes with her main character Rill and her friend Perla in a reading that hints at the loss they both are struggling with. We also chat about why Heather creates characters with dyslexia and we find out how a forme...
2022-04-2228 min
DesideratumNo Names To Be Given with Julia Brewer Daily, Ep51This week's featured story is a Pandora's box of secrets. We are talking to author Julia Brewer Daily about how secrets reverberate through her character's stories. Her debut novel - No Names to be Given - begins in a maternity hospital in New Orleans in the late 1960’s where three young women relinquish their babies for adoption on the same day. It’s a fiction based on truth - the maternity hospital really existed and Julia herself was born there! We begin by talking about how in her fiction she uses DNA testing to reveal long hidden truths and end with wha...
2022-04-0819 min
DesideratumForestborn by Elayne Audrey Becker Ep50Welcome to Episode 50! We’re talking to author Elayne Audrey Becker about her novel Forestborn - a fantasy story about human frailty, self doubt, and the dangers of othering - all examined through a magical lens. We begin with Elayne sharing why she made her main character Rora a shapeshifter.
You will hear a scene from Chapter 1 when Rora is working as a spy for the king - tracking cases of a deadly disease. The scene takes place in a forest where you can hear the vivid nature Elayne creates. You’ll also hear the skill of the n...
2022-04-0126 min
DesideratumThe Emancipation of Evan Walls, Jeffrey Blount Ep49In our conversation with Jeffrey Blount, we talk about foundations, race relations, thunderstorms, banana seat bicycles, and parenting. His novel The Emancipation of Evan Walls centers on the childhood of a boy in the late 1960’s who decides he wants to be somebody. Jeffrey's characters frustrate, illuminate, foster empathy and inspire. The novel is not an audiobook yet, so I asked my friend and fellow narrator Earl Sewell to read for us. Earl is an author, narrator, and audio drama podcaster - and as he does with every project - he brought a lot of heart to this reading.
...
2022-03-1832 min
DesideratumRiver Sing Out with James Wade Ep48James Wade’s writing washed over me. I felt and heard the rhythm and tone he gave his novel River Sing Out. You’re going to hear some of the audiobook from his narrator Roger Clark - who has voiced about a hundred audiobooks, worked in theater and film, and is perhaps best known for portraying Arthur Morgan in Rock Star Games’ Red Dead Redemption. But first, listen to James explain why his characters have vivid dreams - why it’s so hard for him to give his characters names - and why he began this story with the origin of...
2022-03-1122 min
DesideratumBonus Behind the Scenes with James Wade and River Sing OutJames tells a tale steeped in nature and human nature - with violence and addiction creating a ripple effect in his character's lives. It is hard for me to articulate just how poetic his prose and his writing style is - how he conjures something musical in his writing. In this outtake we talk about the cycles where he found his rhythm and truth. Listen to the full episode this Friday. #desideratumpodcast #riversingout #cycleofviolence #texasfiction #blackstonepublishing #JamesWade
2022-03-0901 min
DesideratumRed Burning Sky by Tom Young Ep47Tom Young's novel Red Burning Sky is told through characters with a lot of heart. They don't accept impossible. This little known WWII story based on the daring Operation Halyard will have you holding your breath and hearing the music of the slipstream.
Tom's answer to the question 'what's most essential to you?' was one of my favorites. The excerpt you'll hear from the Red Burning Sky audiobook was produced by Recorded Books, and is performed by Pete Bradbury - an actor of stage and screen and an accomplished narrator.
Thanks to Ann Pryor at...
2022-03-0423 min
DesideratumBonus Behind the Scenes with Tom Young - Red Burning SkyWhat it feels like to be there - that's what Tom Young delivers in his historical fiction Red Burning Sky. It is a thrilling aviation rescue story - and so much more. In this sneak peak at this week's Desideratum Podcast episode, Tom shares how a scholar of Russian Literature worked his way into this story. Hear more about the impossible that became possible in the secretive and dangerous WWII mission called Operation Halyard. #redburningsky #DesideratumPodcast #WWII #OperationHalyard #RecordedBooks #audiobooks #aviationrescue
https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/
https://tomyoungbooks.com/
2022-03-0401 min
DesideratumBlue Fire, The Victoria Emerson Thriller Series With John Gilstrap, Episode 46Listen as thriller writer John Gilstrap tells us why his new heart pounding book Blue Fire has so much heart and why his storytelling often includes teenage characters. You'll hear a few minutes of the first chapter of Blue Fire's audiobook produced by Recorded Books and read by narrator Kate Forbes.
We begin with Blue Fire's real life jumping off point - the truth that there was a secure government location where our leaders would go if our country was ever in imminent danger.
Thanks to Ann at Kensington Books for introducing me to John. Ken...
2022-02-2521 min
DesideratumBonus Behind the Scenes with John Gilstrap Victoria Emerson Series, Book 2 - Blue FireThis week’s peak Behind the Scenes vodcast of the #DesideratumPodcast is ready…
John Gilstrap ‘s #BlueFire really got my heart racing! He puts his characters in imminent danger in a post nuclear war world he creates with gritty detail. But you should also know that this 2nd book in his #VictoriaEmersonThriller series is a story about how humanity needs civilization, community, and leadership focused on the common good.
Episode 46 is coming soon with more about the skills his characters need, the reason all his storytelling includes teenagers, and a heart pounding excerpt from the audiob...
2022-02-2201 min
DesideratumThe Saints of Swallow Hill by Donna Everhart Ep45Episode 45 of the #DesideratumPodcast features Donna Everhart and her new novel #TheSaintsOfSwallowHill The story takes us somewhere I'd never heard of - a Turpentine Camp. Donna's characters suffer - but that's the way she likes it - struggle provides a path to perseverance and growth. Listen as Donna shares how steeped in reality this story's suffering really is. The audiobook was produced by Tantor Audio a division of Recorded Books and narrated by Amy Melissa Bentley who has performed over 200 audiobooks. She has an Audiofile Earphones Award, and she has a real gift for dialects from Russian to New Y...
2022-02-1833 min
DesideratumBonus Behind the Scenes for Donna Everhart - The Saints of Swallow HillListen and look behind the scenes of this weeks Desideratum Podcast Episode with Donna Everhart. We are talking about her new novel #TheSaintsOfSwallowHill - set in the Depression Era with all its suffering and hardship. Donna’s main characters try to escape their troubles - but they end up going from the frying pan into the fire. There are some near death experiences that shape them. In this Bonus Behind the Scenes Donna shares a very personal moment from her own life that she drew on for this story of loss, suffering, love and safety. Kensington Publishing Corp. #southernfiction #no...
2022-02-1702 min
DesideratumThe Cicada Tree with Robert Gwaltney Ep44This week's featured story is The Cicada Tree by Robert Gwaltney. It's a story about secrets and obsessions set in an oppressive southern summer. Our conversation with Robert touches on his fascination with (not fear of) the cicada emergence that inspired the title. And, we explore his love of music, fashion, architecture, and that mixture of joy and fright he's found experiencing firsts in the middle.
Below is a link to his website, the book trailer and the cocktail recipe inspired by the novel and created by his brilliant brother Chris. The book launches February 22, 2022.
Than...
2022-02-1132 min
DesideratumBonus - Behind the Scenes with Robert Gwaltney and his debut novel The Cicada TreeBehind the scenes of this week’s episode with Robert Gwaltney talking about the way his childhood reaction to Cicadas made its way into his debut novel - The Cicada Tree - would you be afraid or fascinated? Oh - and we talk about secrets, self discovery, obsessions and disillusionment too - Hear his complete audio conversation and an excerpt from the book In the Desideratum Podcast Episode 44 #southerngothic #podcastrecommendation #thecicadatree #audiobook #AtlantaAuthor #LiteraryFiction
2022-02-0902 minDesideratumSugar Baby And Other Stories by River Jordan Ep43Today's episode features River Jordan's collection of short stories - 13 Southern tales gathered in a book she called Sugar Baby And Other Stories. We talk about the Divine and it's connection to strangers. River reads for us, and tells us stories, and shares her essential truth. You can hear more from her on the ClearStory Radio Show which she has hosted in Nashville for over 15 years. Please visit her website to find her award winning work including Praying for Strangers, The Ancient Way, Confessions of a Christian Mystic, and her most recent - Sugar Baby And Other Stories - which the...
2022-01-2825 minDesideratumSurvivor's Guilt by Robyn Gigl Ep42Our featured story is from author, attorney and LGBTQ+ activist Robyn Gigl. We are talking about Survivor's Guilt, Book 2 in Robyn's Erin McCabe legal thriller series that launches this week. Part of Robyn's writing genius is how she quietly and skillfully introduces readers to things and people around them that they might not otherwise see or understand. You will also hear about: a real person she immortalized in the series, her mental health connection to sports, and why her main character wears lucky socks to court. This story is about the greedy and powerful coming up against the system w...
2022-01-2129 minDesideratumA Day Like This by Kelley McNeil Ep41In her debut novel A DAY LIKE THIS, author Kelley McNeil explores intuition, memory, motherhood, science, the mystery of creativity and the magic of place. Her main character Annie is an artist who is haunted by visions and memories of things she can not explain. The novel follows Annie far from home as she tries to reconcile her memories with her reality. Our conversation is full of wit and wisdom. Kelley's essential thing made me so happy. It's about belonging and family and home. Her narrator is one of my favorite voice actors. Amanda Leigh Cobb delivers this immersive story...
2021-12-3130 minDesideratumMurder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge Ep40This week's Episode features author Colleen Cambridge aka Colleen Gleason. Her latest novel MURDER AT MALLOWAN HALL from Kensington Publishing Corp. is a gem for anyone who enjoys a good old fashioned English manor murder mystery. Her heroine Phyllida Bright is self assured, knows her worth, pays attention to detail, is friends with THE Agatha Christie, and becomes a smashing good amateur sleuth in this - Book 1 - of Colleen's new series. Listen to the multitalented audiobook narrator Jennifer Dixon perform Chapter 1 from MURDER AT MALLOWAN produced by Highbridge a division of Recorded Books. You can find Colleen's previous NY...
2021-12-2437 minDesideratumThe Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes Ep39You had me at chocolate... but then a crossdressing woman navigating a 1920's man's world... and a talking cockatoo who eats cacao seeds and gives clues... seriously this week's featured novel The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes is just that rich! Listen as Lorena talks about strong women, wealth, family ties and a lush coastal town in her native Ecuador that really was known as the 'birthplace of cacao'.
Learn more about Lorena who was named one of 9 Rising Latina Authors You Don’t Want to Miss by HIP LATINA.
https://www.lorena-hughes.com/
Pre-order The Spanish Daughter using the code...
2021-12-1726 minDesideratumTwenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea, Episode 38This week's featured novel is the latest thriller from the imagination of author Charlie Donlea. Twenty Years Later kept me puzzling and guessing until the very end. You will meet characters who work to uncover the truth behind a 20 year old murder case while they also confront and face things they are hiding from. It's a story about memory, betrayal and reinvention.
Listen to a scene from the audiobook performed by Vivienne Leheny. And, listen as Charlie shares: How the idea for this story came from a headline... What he uses as a beacon when he's writing... And w...
2021-12-1030 minDesideratumThe Kimono Tattoo by Rebecca Copeland, Ep37Author Rebecca Copeland understands the power of words - and the many meanings behind them. She explores the idea of home and identity while unwrapping a multilayered mystery in her debut novel The Kimono Tattoo. The character she has created to walk you through this story within a story is an American woman living in Japan and working as a translator. Listen to why Rebecca feels so connected to Japan, and hear the scene that reveals the title worthy tattoo. The Kimono Tattoo is this weeks featured novel, available from Brother Mockingbird Publishing. The audiobook is in production at Nort...
2021-12-0328 minDesideratumWhat happened After Alice Fell - by Kim Taylor Blakemore, Ep36Our conversation with author Kim Taylor Blakemore begins and ends with how her stories come to her - sometimes it's dark. We talk about gothic tropes, Gettysburg Battlefield ghosts, and the drive to find the voice of a lost loved one. There are also some big ideas about sibling relationships and mercy. Kim uses mercy - both how we show it and how we deny it. What you will not find here are spoilers. This historical thriller (with gothic roots) delivers a delightfully uncertain and sometimes weird ride and we deliberately navigated away from ruining it for anyone getting on a...
2021-11-1934 minDesideratumOther People's Things by Kerry Anne King Ep35Our featured story is author Kerry Anne King's new novel Other People's Things. We talk about how the main character Nickel sparks change and creates a ripple effect of consequences in her own life and in the lives of others with her unusual compulsion to move objects that don't belong to her (it sounds like stealing - but it's not that simple). The story plays with the concepts of fate and destiny, in an entertaining ride from lost to found. Kerry explains what makes her a catalyst, why she is an active pursuer of joy, and what she loves abo...
2021-11-1237 minDesideratumThe Rebellious Tide - Eddy Boudel Tan - Episode 34This week's featured story is The Rebellious Tide by Eddy Boudel Tan. In our conversation with Eddy, we talk about: how a ship untethered from land became the perfect setting for this story, why he paid homage to Greek mythology’s Achilles and Patroclus in the story, and what his main character Sebastian’s reasons were for stalking instead of confronting his father. I hope you’re curious about Eddy’s essential thing, and that you will want to take advantage of the discount code his publisher is offering to Desideratum listeners. Dundurn Press says they publish books that reflect the world...
2021-11-0534 minDesideratumFreedom Lessons from Eileen Sanchez, Episode 33This week's featured story is Eileen Sanchez's novel Freedom Lessons. Its timely themes of race, unity and education celebrate a 50 year anniversary this week. A US Supreme Court ruling on October 29, 1969, forced a change in the way public schools educated children. On that day, in Louisiana, as change led to conflict and upheaval, Eileen Sanchez was teaching 2nd graders in a segregated school. But, her personal experience is just part of the story. Her novel Freedom Lessons brings multiple lenses to the Jim Crow South and invites you to see a history that still sparks conversation and feels relevant today. Lis...
2021-10-2923 minDesideratumRunner by Tracy Clark Ep32This week's featured author Tracy Clark delivered a story I shivered through, feeling the Chicago winter on every page. Runner is book 4 in her Cass Raines detective series and it centers on a runaway 15 year old and the race to find her.
Tracy shares why this was a winter she didn't see coming - how a delightful little thief showed up and won't ever leave - and when and where she finds her essential things.
Thank you to Kensington Press for connecting me with Tracy and her books and thank you to Highbridge Audio , A Division of Recorded Books for...
2021-10-2232 minDesideratum10 Days: A Dee Rommel Mystery by Jule Selbo, Ep3110 Days : Dee Rommel Mystery #1 is just the beginning for novelist Jule Selbo. Her plans for Dee Rommel - the justice seeking cop who was injured on the job - include a countdown style series starting with 10 Days, then 9 Days, then 8 Days... each book's action set in that specific time frame. Jule has worn several career hats preparing her for this work - playwright, screenwriter, and professor. She shares WHY the mystery and crime genre was something she always wanted to write, and tells us HOW a middle school experience in Fargo, North Dakota was the first step in her jo...
2021-10-1526 minDesideratumA Bright Young Thing, by Brianne Moore Episode 30This week's featured story tugged at the author's imagination for 20 years. Her character Astra Davies (Astra means star) is bright and witty, charming and unconventional. Author Brianne Moore explains why she told this story about a young woman finding her way specifically in the 1930's, what her personal connection is to enchanting gardens, and how PBS shows shaped her as a storyteller. You will hear an excerpt from the audiobook released today narrated skillfully by Shiromi Arserio (her performance as Astra is dazzling!). You can find Brianne's novels and audiobooks on her website. Thank you to Alcove Press and Dreamscape Medi...
2021-10-0827 minDesideratumIsland Queen by Vanessa Riley Episode 29This weeks featured story is from author Vanessa Riley. Her novel Island Queen is an intricately woven tale of an 18th century woman's rise from slavery to autonomy. You will hear how narrator Adjoa Andoh's performance matches and elevates the rich tapestry of Vanessa's storytelling. In our conversation with Vanessa, she shares how her technical background gives her perspective and allows her to examine the historical record with an intense level of detail. She also tells us the fascinating story behind her discovery of the real Dorothy Kirwan Thomas hiding in history. Dorothy's story from slavery to wealth and power i...
2021-10-0131 minDesideratumDesideratum Podcast TrailerDesideratum is a Latin word meaning 'things that are desired as essential'. The Desideratum Podcast celebrates storytelling as an essential thing - the art of telling and the journey of listening. I am Theresa Bakken - an audiobook narrator. Join me and my wordsmith friends for new episodes every Friday showcasing the talents of authors and narrators. Listen to conversations with writers and scenes from their audiobooks. I hope you’ll tune in to hear an artist you love or to find your new favorite storyteller. Thanks for listening.
2021-09-2800 minDesideratumThe Second Mrs. Astor, A Novel of the Titanic, by Shana Abé Ep28The real story of The Second Mrs. Astor is told with rich detail and a romantic's touch. When Madeleine Force fell in love she was a teenager. Who she fell in love with fascinated the press and the public. How the love ended is revealed on the very first page. But, then there is so much more to her story. New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Shana Abé shares how she envisioned this true story of opulence, scandal, a young woman's strength, and a love drenched in both devotion and loss.
We tal...
2021-09-2426 minDesideratumFollow your heart Behind the Lens, Episode 27 with Jeannee SackenOur featured story comes from freelance photographer and writer Jeannee Sacken. In her debut novel, Behind the Lens, Sacken honors strong women. She champions their education and freedom to follow their hearts and passions. Her characters are courageous and complicated. She takes us to a war zone with a photographer who focuses on truth and witnesses cruelty, love, cultural beauty and betrayal. It's a riveting, multifaceted story set in Afghanistan. You will hear a scene from the novel and find out why Sacken's own life trajectory changed - why she followed her heart and started sharing women's stories. You can...
2021-09-1728 minDesideratumA journey of darkness and light - Luz by Debra Thomas, Episode 26Our featured story is a harrowing tale, a heart wrenching story about a journey through compassion and cruelty. Author Debra Thomas spent years writing the novel Luz and more years finding just the right publisher for the story - She Writes Press. In our conversation, she shares personal insight into the life lessons about perseverance and living with regrets that she wove into the characters. She talks about real life experiences that gave the story its authenticity and explains why she thinks fiction is the best vehicle to move us towards empathy and truth. You can find a great boo...
2021-09-1037 minDesideratumThe best person for the job, in When the Men Were Gone by Marjorie Herrera Lewis, Episode 25Our featured story comes from Marjorie Herrera Lewis. Marjorie is a career sports writer covering football at all levels in Texas. In fact, she was the first female sports writer to cover the Dallas Cowboys. So when, through a happy set of coincidences, she found out about another female sports enthusiast who stepped up during WWII and coached high school football in Texas, she knew it was a story she had to tell. Tylene Wilson's story was lost to the dust bins of history before Marjorie wrote her novel When the Men Were Gone. Now, the book has made th...
2021-09-0331 min
DesideratumEpisode 24, author Claire Fullerton, Little Tea, and how the past is always with usOur featured story is from Claire Fullerton, a storyteller who visits the past and studies how it shapes us over and over again in her writing. We talk about how being an outsider and an observer sparked her study and love for the south. She shares her unplanned writing style - you won't find it in any writing class. And, she describes her first trip to Como, Mississippi, where she set part of the novel Little Tea. You will hear a reading from Little Tea - a section from the beginning of the novel where you discover the title's s...
2021-08-2731 minDesideratumDiscover dark secrets, inner demons, and fate Walking Among the Trees with Frank Oliva, Episode 23Our featured story is from Frank Oliva's debut novel Walking Among the Trees. The Psychological Thriller is a journey through secrets and past sins. You will hear the beginning of the book as the two priests venture into the trees. And then, you will walk a little farther into the trees with the author to hear about: what he researched to get just right in the story; how the seed of the story was planted when he was a teenager working at a Catholic church; and how he found the time to create the novel's slow burn - with a...
2021-08-2030 minDesideratumThe surprisingly timely historical fiction - The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore, Episode 22Inspired by a surprising find in a library, today's featured story is from author Amanda Skenandore. She is an award winning historical fiction writer and a registered nurse. Her latest novel The Second Life of Mirielle West is set one hundred years ago in America's only leper colony. We talk about The Carville Leper Home and how the patients quarantined there long ago gave Amanda perspective on the current health crisis. Her essential thing is evident in her storytelling, and her ideas about what historical fiction writers might be exploring a hundred years from now intrigued and surprised me. She sh...
2021-08-1326 minDesideratumAfter Francesco - grief, hope and gallows humor with Brian Malloy, Episode 21Our featured story comes from author Brian Malloy's new novel After Francesco. You will hear his talented and award winning narrator Michael Crouch read an excerpt from the audiobook - a scene where the main character Kevin measures his grief not by remembering what was, but by thinking about what will never be. You will also hear Brian explain - in his even and calming voice - how this emotional ride of a story is anchored in his personal experiences in many different ways. I love what his character Aunt Nora says about family. And, Brian's answer to the 'es...
2021-08-0628 minDesideratumForever 51 it's not your daughter's vampire story, with Pamela Skjolsvik Episode 20Our featured story comes from author Pamela Skjolsvik. She always considered herself a non-fiction writer, trained to tell the truth, but then one day she discovered she likes to make things up and she's good at it. She's written a vampire novel called Forever 51 that she says is not your daughter's vampire story. She's funnier than her last name and she's open and direct in surprising ways. I've been asking authors and everyone else about their COVID pandemic experiences - the silver linings and the losses. Her experience took my breath away. I'll put more about her and her pict...
2021-07-3025 minDesideratumEpisode 19 Hunting Teddy Roosevelt historical fiction with James A RossToday's featured story is an excerpt from the historical thriller Hunting Teddy Roosevelt. The story takes place during Roosevelt's well documented safari in Africa in 1909. Author James Ross places an assassin on the trip hired by forces who want to keep Roosevelt out of politics forever. And he creates a female journalist / explorer who travels with the safari and whose work shines a light on colonial atrocities in the Congo. The story has layers of excitement and personal discovery. You can find the book wherever books are sold and connect with James on his website and through his newsletter...
2021-07-2320 minDesideratumEpisode 18, When the Apricots Bloom with author Gina WilkinsonOur featured story comes from former foreign corespondent and award winning journalist Gina Wilkinson. Her rich and suspenseful novel, When the Apricots Bloom, was inspired by her time in Bagdad twenty years ago. The story is told through the lens of three resilient women: an artist, a diplomat’s wife, and a secretary. Their complicated friendship and shared goal to protect their families is peppered with historical truths that transport you to their reality. My conversation with Gina explores the long standing idea that fiction is the lie that reveals the truth. You will hear Chapter 1 of the book come to l...
2021-07-1641 minDesideratumThe River Maiden Book 1 The Once and Future Series by Meredith Stoddard, Ep17Our featured story is from author Meredith Stoddard who writes folklore inspired fiction. You will hear the beginning of her Book One, The River Maiden, in her Once and Future Series. There are five books in this contemporary fantasy series - so far. Meredith says she has more story to tell. 'These characters have mountains to climb, caves to feel their way through and emotional swamps to navigate.' Listen for how Meredith's characters are changed by betrayal and kindness. Hear what informs the choices they make and the way they see the world. There's an echo of this cha...
2021-07-0920 minDesideratumThe Flying Cutterbucks with Kathleen Rodgers and Michelle Williams, Ep16As we head into the Independence Day holiday, on today's episode Kathleen Rodgers shares her impassioned convictions about democracy and talks about the stand she found the courage to take as an author. She invited her narrator and dear friend Michelle Williams to join the conversation. They dive into high school memories about CB radio handles and the eastern New Mexico sky. Kathleen says she can feel the land and smell the wind in Michelle's narration of Kathleen's 4th novel, The Flying Cutterbucks. Hear for yourself in our featured story, Chapter 1 of The Flying Cutterbucks, where the opening lines will ta...
2021-07-0231 minDesideratumSpellbound Under the Spanish Moss by Kevin Garrett and Connor Judson Garrett Ep15This week's featured story is from a father and son writing team. You're going to hear Chapter 1 from their book Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss, A Tale of Southern Magic. You will also hear why the 'why' is so important to them, how the magical world they've created has real world 'good truths', and what impact a real life car accident had on a fictional character.
When you are ready to hear the rest of the story, here is a link to the book and audiobook. Thanks for listening!
https://www.amazon.com/Spellbound-Under-Spanish-Moss-Southern/dp/B094K3W3DV/ref=tmm...
2021-06-2543 minDesideratumThe Library of Lost Souls by Meghan Holloway Ep14Today's featured story was inspired by a teller of tall tales - a lover of stories. As we head into Father’s Day weekend, listen to Meghan Holloway talk about the ways her grandfather enriched her life and her writing. Meghan Holloway wrote a successful WWII Historical Fiction published by Polis Books called Once More Unto the Breach as well as a trilogy in the Thriller Crime genre with Hunting Ground released last year, and Hiding Place out this August. But, we are talking about something very different - a book she wrote that is set in the future. At its...
2021-06-1820 minDesideratumThe Eves by Grace Sammon Ep13Today's featured story is from Grace Sammon's novel The Eves. Grace describes The Eves as a multi-generational novel portraying lives lived well and lives in transition. It captures the conversations we wish we had had with our parents, if we had taken the opportunity, and the lessons we would want to impart to our children, if they were ready to listen. Told through the voice of the psychologically complex Jessica Barnet, this is her story. Listen to: why Grace struggled with her main character being called a liar, how Grace uses a nerdy explanation of Mitochrondrial DNA, and what Grace...
2021-06-1118 minDesideratumGawk by Dianne Bilyak Ep12This weeks featured story is from author Dianne Bilyak. It's a vignette from her memoir Nothing Special: The Mostly True, Sometimes Funny, Tales of Two Sisters. The title tells you a lot. This book with a long descriptive title took an unusual and interesting path to publication. I am excited for you to hear about it. I loved Dianne's dedication in the book "To my inimitable sister, Chris Bilyak, thanks for making my life fun, for always singing with me in the car, for 'liking me a lot', and teaching me that dancing can solve most problems." You can find the...
2021-06-0422 minDesideratumMercy - Mystery Short Story in Peace Love and Crime Anthology by Joseph S. Walker, Ep11Today's featured story is from Edgar Award Nominee Joseph S. Walker. The Edgar Allan Poe Awards are presented every year by the Mystery Writers of America. The short story Joe chose for the podcast is titled Mercy. It was inspired by the growled word 'mercy' in the the Roy Orbison song Pretty Woman. It's published in a clever anthology called Peace, Love and Crime where each story draws inspiration from a song of the '60s. Listen to why Joe enjoys contributing to anthologies and what essential thing he fights for everyday. You can find all his published work through hi...
2021-05-2837 minDesideratumBorder Song short story by Paranormal / Romance author Laura Kemp, Ep10Our featured story this week is from Laura Kemp. Border Song is set in Oklahoma, a long way from Laura's Michigan based Yellow Wood series. She explains how she feels about nature - especially the wild places. And, she talks about being a spooky storyteller at heart. You can find her books on her website and check out the world she has created at 'Kemp Camp' on FB. Thanks for listening.
https://laurakempbooks.com/
2021-05-2133 minDesideratumGarden Crow excerpt from The Cicada Tree by Southern Gothic author Robert Gwaltney, Ep9Todays featured story is from Robert Gwaltney. It's a special excerpt from his debut novel The Cicada Tree. Before the story, we talk about how powerful early childhood experiences can be, what advice his granny Louise gave him about where to sit, and what music influenced him while he was writing The Cicada Tree. After the story, hearing about his essential things will make you want to reach out and be friends! You can find him on Facebook, and I highly recommend you check out his website and blog. The Cicada Tree will be released in January 2022. Thanks for listening.
https...
2021-05-1427 minDesideratumMommy Van Gogh from parenting with humor book I Love You More Than Coffee author Melissa Face, Ep8Today's featured story is from Melissa Face and her collection of parenting essays called I Love You More Than Coffee. Her book celebrates early motherhood, but it's not just for new moms reaching for their coffee. It's also for moms looking back and remembering. Melissa is quick to smile and laugh, a joy to talk to. Listen to why she's glad she wrote these essays, how her daughter's confidence makes her say wow, and when she felt the cosmic shift of motherhood - that moment of no longer feeling like the center of her own universe.
You can find her book...
2021-05-0715 minDesideratumThe Hedonist short story from A proud Scot lass author Alison Ragsdale Ep7Our featured story comes from Alison Ragsdale, a proud Scot lass, who writes emotionally charged novels that often require tissues. I want you to listen to how her own personal resets - adapting to her life's unexpected events - shapes her characters and her storytelling. I love what she says about supporting characters grounding her stories and the gift her father gave her that shows up in her characters lives. She has lived a global life and walked a winding path...
Alison's latest novel Her Last Chance launched this month. You can find it and all her novels on her we...
2021-05-0127 minDesideratumVoices short story from Body Language by author Marylee Macdonald, narrated by Adam Barr Ep6The featured story this week is from Marylee Macdonald's collection of short stories Body Language: Twelve unforgettable portraits of heartbreak and desire. The story is brought to life by her talented audiobook narrator Adam Barr. Marylee's work in this collection is about the solace of touch and it's connection to well being. She also talks about place and how she uses it to put her characters in uncomfortable situations. Why she does this, turns out to be very personal for her. Her ideas about nature and nurture and love are rooted in her experiences with adoption. Listen for what she has...
2021-04-231h 01DesideratumIgnorance or Innocence short story by upmarket Women’s fiction author Johnnie Bernhard, Ep5Our featured story Ignorance or Innocence is from Johnnie Bernhard. It will be included in an anthology of short stories about home, in September, 2021. Johnnie wrote this story awhile ago, before her successful novels. Unlike her novels, this story is autobiographical, set in a small Texas town where she moved in 8th grade. It's kind of a story about being an outsider, but Johnnie has this way of seeing the 'Gift' in things, even hard things like loneliness. You will hear why she starts every story with character and family and what part of writing she equates to a runner's hi...
2021-04-1621 minDesideratumUnexplained Aerial Phenomena short story by PEN/Faulkner Award Finalist Steve Wiegenstein, Ep4Our featured story comes from Steve Wiegenstein's twelve story collection Scattered Lights. Like Steve, the characters in these stories are deeply rooted in the Ozarks. Yet through his storytelling, he unearths something more universal than regional in each human motivation and interaction. In Unexplained Aerial Phenomena the character Janine says, "Every story fills a need." I hope after you listen, you feel the need to read all of Steve's stories from this collection and from his series of historical novels. You can find them on his website where you can also read 'whatever he feels like writing about' on his bl...
2021-04-0953 minDesideratumThirteen Seconds from Follow me to Alaska by Texas to Alaska author Ann Parker Ep3In this season of rebirth and renewal, when new beginnings are announced by every budding leaf and celebrated by every spectacular bloom; it is the perfect time to meet Ann Parker and hear her perspective on seasons, bravery, truth and essential things. Her featured story is called Thirteen Seconds. It's about a plane crash. It is just one of many stories in Ann's practical and deeply personal book Follow Me to Alaska.
Look for Ann on social media @annparkerfollowmetoalaska, and @realalaska2day. You can see some of her breathtaking videos on her YouTube channel (Follow Me to Alaska Ann Parker). H...
2021-04-0218 minDesideratumAperture spoken word poetry written and performed by Irish novelist Daniel Wade, Ep2A talk with Daniel Wade is a walk on a wandering path. Come along as he talks about the sea, about Ireland's long history of storytelling and about how we should all be looking for a lighthouse. The featured story is from Embers and Earth, Daniel's spoken word album. Aperture is about Daniel's grandmother and darkness. I am grateful to hear it in his own voice. Daniel is a poet, a playwright, a debut novelist and like all of us, he's hard to put in one category. As he says, he's something in between.
You can hear more and read more...
2021-03-2615 minDesideratumSomething More short story by author of literary fiction with a Southern drawl Mandy Haynes, Ep1Today you will get to know author Mandy Haynes and hear her story Something More about a little girl named Jewell who sees beauty in small things and who is truly more precious than diamonds and rubies. Mandy Haynes is an author of literary fiction with a southern drawl. Her official tag line is "Hell, we cain't all be saints." You can find her books Walking the Wrong Way Home and Sharp as a Serpent's Tooth: Eva and Other Stories wherever you buy your books and on her website https://mandyhaynes.com/ You can keep up with Mandy's latest projects on...
2021-03-2024 min