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AUTHORS TALKING BOOKISH
a podcast for writers and readers


An Interview with James Arnett, Episode 52
In this episode, we sit down with James Arnett, acclaimed author of The Monmouth Manifesto and Bean Fate, two gripping works of historical fiction.
Donna Carbone
Aug 132 min read


Editing Uncovered: What Writers Need to Know, Episode 51
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the editing process with two expert guests: Sarah Rexford, a seasoned editor from a Manhattan publisher and John DeDakis, author, freelance editor, book coach and former CNN editor.
Donna Carbone
Jul 302 min read


“Fifty and Fearless: Hope and Donna Unfiltered,” Episode 50
For our 50th episode, we’re turning the mic inward! Join Hope and Donna as they interview each other in a candid, no-holds-barred...
Donna Carbone
Jul 163 min read


An Interview with author Lisa Montanaro, Episode 49
Lisa Montanaro is the author of the debut novel, Everything We Thought Was True , which released in January 2025, by Red Adept...
Donna Carbone
Jul 22 min read


Writing Resistance: Breaking Down The Handmaid’s Tale from the Writer’s Lens, Season 3, Episode 48
SUMMARY: In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish , we take a deep dive into The Handmaid’s Tale —not just as readers, but as writers....
Donna Carbone
Jun 182 min read


Pen to Page: How Journaling Fuels Storytelling, Episode 47
In this episode, we explore how a simple journal can become a novelist’s most powerful tool. From unlocking character secrets to breaking...
Donna Carbone
Jun 42 min read


An Interview with author Jenn Bouchard: Episode 46
Author Jenn Bouchard is a member of Grub Street and the Women Fiction Writers' Association, as well as a board member for her local...
Donna Carbone
May 211 min read


The Write Resources to Set You on the Path to Writing, Publishing & Marketing, Episode 45
In this episode, we dive deep into the best resources for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're plotting your first...
Donna Carbone
May 71 min read


Character Alchemy: Crafting Complex Characters, Episode 44
When writing a novel, it’s essential to develop complex, authentic characters that your readers come to care about in some way. In this...
Donna Carbone
Apr 233 min read


An Interview with NY Times Bestselling author J.D. Barker, Episode 43
Join us as we interview author J.D .Barker, renowned for his thrilling novels, including Forsaken , The Fourth Monkey , and Dracul...
Donna Carbone
Apr 92 min read


Writing the Dreaded Book Jacket Summary and Pitch, Episode 42
Writers craft thousands of words to create a novel, so why is it so difficult to write a summary and pitch for books? We’ll delve into...
Donna Carbone
Mar 263 min read


Our Take on Publishing Industry Predictions: Episode 41
Each year some of the top industry publications predict trends in publishing for the upcoming year. In today’s episode, we’ll share some...
Donna Carbone
Mar 122 min read


An Interview with Sarahlyn Bruck, Episode 40
Sarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction—slice-of-life stories with heart and humor centered on friendships and family. She...
Donna Carbone
Feb 261 min read


The Mystique of Book Reviews and Blurbs: Episode 39
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of book reviews and blurbs. These essential elements serve as crucial communication tools...
Donna Carbone
Feb 124 min read


Best Book Recs from 2024 and Most Anticipated in 2025: Episode 38
To kick off the new year, we’re talking about our top reads of 2024 and what we’re most looking forward to in 2025. What’s on your TBR...
Donna Carbone
Feb 51 min read


Authors Making the Most of the Holidays, Episode 37
This episode speaks to marketing techniques to help you make the most of the holidays as a vehicle to sell more books. Learn how to...
Donna Carbone
Dec 11, 20241 min read


Bookstagrammers: Helping Authors Establish a Platform, Episode 36
Curious about how to get traction for your book before it’s released or after? Today, we are joined by three bookstagrammers who will...
Donna Carbone
Nov 27, 20243 min read


Is Creating Ads Right for You? The Basics of Advertising on FB and/or Amazon, Episode 35
In this episode, we'll dive into the fundamentals of advertising on Facebook and Amazon for authors. We’ll explore whether ads are the...
Donna Carbone
Nov 13, 20242 min read


To Blog or to Newsletter? Episode 34
Blogs and newsletters are excellent ways for you to connect with readers. Have you ever wondered whether you should do one over the other...
Donna Carbone
Oct 29, 20242 min read


Leveraging a Successful Career through Public Relations, Episode 33
Today we are interviewing two publicists, Michelle Glogovac and Lilian Sue, to help you leverage a successful career through public...
Donna Carbone
Oct 15, 20242 min read
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