CraveBooks

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Bob talks about how balancing his love of writing fiction, non-fiction, and screen plays allows him to give himself needed breaks. He talks about the importance of an outline for his process and why he loves that rules can be broken when writing.Highlights•Bob has a physics degree and originally wanted to become a physicist.•Bob took some film making classes and started to write.•To pay his bills he became an engineering consultant which gives him flexibility to take time off to write.•Bob enjoys being able to switch from one writing style to the other to give himself a break.•Bob finds that outlining the story streamlines his process.•When Bob was younger, he required his office and a specific schedule to focus on his writing. But now he can write almost anywhere.•Bob enjoys high stakes poker and can actually write while he as at a table playing. •Bob has played poker against some high ranked players and has won hands. •He is starting a new business called Good Beat Poker where you can watch live tournament poker online.•The Blue Knight by Joseph Wambaugh was a book that greatly inspired Bob.•The Blue Knight helped Bob understand that in writing, rules can be broken.•The success of his non-writing career allows Bob to be very flexible in his writing and try new genres as he please.•Bob has a collection of short stories that he is writing now.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Monica talks about her transition from Mexico City to the Midwest if the United States. She also discusses the difficulty of creating a fantasy universe and how she approaches the task.Highlights•Monica is originally from Mexico City and lived there for almost 25 years before relocating to the Midwest.•Monica has an office, but she prefers to work on her kitchen table where she has plenty of room to work.•Monica prefers to have some noise around her while writing. Music, noise of the household, etc. all help her focus.•She enjoys listening to music to help set the mood for whatever scene she is writing.•When not writing Monica loves to paint.•One of her favorite authors is Wilbur Smith. She loves how descriptive he is and how he can transport you into the story. His writing heavily influenced her interests and writing.•Monica finds it difficult to create a fantasy world and finds starting small is helpful.•Monica tries to write at least 30 to 45 minutes for days a week. The weekend is usually for family.•Monica is currently working on a new series that is science fiction.•She has a 3-year-old Husky that is a workout partner. She also has parakeets.•Some of her pets inspire or are parts of characters in some of her stories.•Monica loves to hike, and it makes a great vacation. She also loves Hawaii and wants to return.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Rachel discusses how loving poetry in her youth transitioned into her novel writing. She talks about the importance of writing stories that inspire people to heal and be better versions of themselves.   Highlights•Rachel first started writing poetry when she was in middle school. •She wrote her first book in 2019.•She had gone to college for photography but never lost her love of writing.•Photography allowed her to tell a story without words.•Rachel likes to write in her bedroom or her husband’s studio.•Rachel prefers to have some music or some other sound in the background to help with the mood.•Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons by Ann Rinaldi and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd were two of Rachels favorite books.•Rachel found that writing poetry was a way to heal and release things from her mind.•For any aspiring writers, Rachels advice is to write whatever words come. Just start writing. Then you can rearrange them and work through the story.•Drafting is an important part of Rachels writing process.•Covid gave Rachel more free time to start writing.•Deja Soul is Rachels favorite of her characters. She feels that she shares more in common with Deja Soul.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Richard discusses his transition from a career in commercial writing to starting to write his own stories. He talks about where he finds inspiration and what sent him on the path to write his book 50 States. Highlights•Richard has been writing for about 30 years. He had mostly helped tell other people’s stories.•Richard taught for 20 years at UNLV.•Richard has a home office that he likes to use for writing.•He has many objects in his office, but he finds that his St. Christopher medal gives him inspiration. It was something from his grandmother who he was very close with.•Richard is usually in the process of reading 4 books.•Richard writes fiction but he finds inspiration all around him in real life.•Stefan G Bucher’s The Daily Monster project was part of what inspired Richard to write his anthology.•Deadlines were something that Richard responded well to after 30 years of commercial writing. He liked the idea of 50 stories in 50 weeks because it gave him some structure around deadlines.•Jeff Livingston helped Richard understand that you have to put your projects first in order to fit them in with your career and other interests.•Short stories allow you to do some experimentation. If you write something that you do not like then you can put it aside for use later or try it again with a different approach.•Always try to bring humanity to the story and be honest about what emotions you are bringing to the story. •Brian Callanan was the narrator for the audio version of 50 States and Richard felt like Brian was a perfect match for the project.•Covid was not good for Richard’s writing. Much of what he writes is inspired by being out and what he sees in daily life. Covid prevented him from doing that.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Joann discusses how she hesitated to write because she thought that it was only something that “smart” people could do. She talks about the fear of publishing and having people that she knew be critical as well as what event inspired her to finally write and publish her books.Highlights•Joann started writing small stories when she was a child to give to people as gifts.•She wrote her first novel around the age of 12.•She earned her master’s degree in creative writing.•For a long time, she didn’t think that writing was for her. She thought it was something that only smart people could do.•She was inspired to start writing while she was sitting at her husband’s bedside in the hospital. She realized that she may not get the chance if she didn’t act now.•She likes to write in coffee shops but also has a tent that she writes in outside.•Joann likes to start her writing with a loose framework but along the path she can veer into unexpected directions.•In her spare time, Joann enjoys taking hikes and being in nature.•Covid removed distractions and allowed Joann to focus on her writing.•Joann loves Fannie Flagg.•Joann found it difficult to publish her first book because she was worried about the feedback from people that she knew.•Her advice to anybody thinking about writing is to just write. Everyone’s definition of success is different.•Joann still finds it difficult to plot.•Her favorite part of the process is editing, and she sometimes has 8 to 9 drafts before publishing.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, John discusses the bond that he feels with his characters and the challenge of writing to get them where he wants them on their journey. Highlights•John grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, New Your City.•John attended Hunter College and studied Anthropology.•While John is a writer, he considers himself a Journeyman. He has had many professions and jobs across his career.•John worked in the wine industry. The name of his Nebilon Series was derived from his favorite grape the Nebbiolo.•John can write and take notes almost anywhere while moving around the city. He does like writing at his kitchen table because it has more space.•John used to write short stories, but he discovered that his characters wanted more so he started writing novels. •John found building his fantasy world a difficult task.•He enjoys fantasy that isn’t too dark or gruesome.•Book 4 in the Nebilon series is in process.•John sees Millie Bobby Brown as Luma, Patrick Stewart as Glanzing, and Sean Astin as Vigo.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Kelly discusses how her childhood as an introvert helped her fall in love with stories and put her on the path to becoming a writer. She talks about the power of good critique groups as well as the challenge of grabbing the attention of a public that has so many options for entertainment.Highlights•Kelly was raised as a “military brat” and her family moved every 3 years.•As a child, Kelly was an introvert, so she turned to stories and reading. She always felt like she would be a writer.•She writes in her spare time, and it usually takes her about a year to complete a book.•Kelly gets up early and writes in her living room before anybody gets up so that it is quiet.•Kelly shares her creative space with a cat and a dog.•Kelly found inspiration in Sandra Brown’s writing.•If a book doesn’t have some exciting elements, then Kelly will stop reading it.•Kelly recommends to any writer to find someone that can give you honest but kind critique.•Her goal is to constantly improve so that she can see that she is mastering her writing.•If Kelly could pick the lead actor for Nick, she would pick Hugh Jackman or Jamie Dornan.  K.D. Lang would be her pick for Pat.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Nate discusses how growing up near the ocean shaped his writing. He talks about how he enjoys the research process for writing his stories and also has advice for those wanting to write their first book.Highlights•Nate was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida.•He grew up on the beaches of the gulf and loved marine life and that influenced what he wanted to convey to the readers.•Nate enjoys writing in his backyard when the weather is nice.•He also has a nice library that he uses to write.•Nate always has his portable Bluetooth speaker with him to help get in the zone when he is writing.•Nate has two cats that are part of the creative process.•Nate loves to scuba dive.•Doing research and learning is one of Nate’s favorite parts of writing.•Nate is finding that the second book is going faster since he knows his process and understands his characters.•Nate’s advice to anyone that wants to write is to never stop. Do not let setback, problems, or opinions stop you. Find a way to move forward.•Matthew McConaughey would be Nate’s choice to play the leading role if his book was turned into a movie.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Dean discusses his journey through the entertainment industry as well as the career that allowed him to live abroad in Turkey and Germany. He also talks about how Shakespeare inspired him on his path to becoming a writer.  HighlightsDean was born and raised in Calgary, Canada.He has lived in Germany for 17 years and prior to that lived in Turkey for 9 years.Dean started out in the entertainment industry as a singer, actor, and technician.Dean writes on a desk in his office. He does not find it practical to write at home.Dean has a lucky rock that he found on a vacation that he keeps near him when writing.Dean is not the most voracious reader.Shakespeare is a big inspiration for Dean.Dean likes to write in the evening. He believes that he can find clarity in the evening with fewer people on the frequencies to create.Dean sees Jake Gyllenhaal as a good fit for his main character if a movie was made.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Sanhita discusses how her travels have inspired her writing and how she manages to stay focused as she frequently moves.  HighlightsSanhita has lived most of her life in India and draws inspiration from the atmosphere and culture there.Sanhita lives a nomad life and has moved frequently. All she needs is her laptop and a good space and she is ready to write.Her job allowed her to travel frequently, and she found inspiration from all over while traveling.Ernest Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea was inspirational for Sanhita.The story that you start with usually ends up being something different than you expected when you finish.Sanhita designs her book covers.For new writers it’s important to know that self-publishing requires much work.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Carlyle discusses her inspiration for writing, how she manages her schedule around her busy family life, and why she loves fiction writing.HighlightsWhen on safari with her family she was inspired by a tree, and she started writing poetry.When she was young, she wrote in her diary religiously.Carlyle wrote her first book in 4 weeks.Carlyle has a writing room that was recently renovated.She can write anywhere if needed but she prefers to be in clean, modern, and pretty space.Coffee is a requirement when she writes, and she enjoys a double espresso.When not writing she loves swimming. When she has writers block, she will swim.Carlyle writes when she can fit it in while managing the family schedule.There are 2 family dogs that sometimes inspire non dog characters in her writing.Carlyle was inspired by a book that she read in school. Child in Darkness inspired her to write science fiction.She brought African elements into her science fiction writing.Carlyle needs a deadline even though she isn’t the best at meeting them.If Carlyle was casting for her book, she would choose Jensen Ackles as the lead.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, John discusses the importance of knowing character well enough to allow them to help write the story. He talks about how poetry helped him refine his writing and why it is critical to be in critique groups.HighlightsJohn writes at a cluttered desk in his study and always has coffee nearby.He feels more productive in a quiet space where nothing but writing can take his focus.John’s wife is a writer as well and sit’s across from John. They often write together in the mornings.John loves to spend time at the beach swimming.Pat Conroy is John’s favorite author.When John was young, he read The Comancheros and that caused him to start thinking about becoming a writer.His profession as a doctor and raising a family had him put writing on the backburner for quite some time.During one of his courses John fell in love with poetry and published Heart Murmurs.Writing poetry helped him learn to write succinctly and in ways that weren’t standard.John uses his knowledge of his characters to allow the story to unfold as he writes.John believes that being part of a critique group of like-minded writers is critical.John does not set deadlines for himself. 

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Alexandra discusses how she balances her career as a professor with her love of writing. She discusses her love of kids and why she includes them in many of her stories. She talks about her love of action movies and how they can influence her writing.HighlightsMost of Alexandra’s novel are interracial romance.Her day job is a college professor.Alexandra’s favorite place to write is in her office.She has a bowl of fidgets in her office that helps her while she is working.In her spare time Alexandra enjoys reading, taking walks, and going for a drive while listening to audiobooks.She loves kids and often includes children in her story.The Brotherhood of the Rose changed how Alexandra viewed the world.Alexandra loves action movies, and her writing is influenced by them.She is currently binge-watching Yellowstone.Her advice is to write any story ideas down so that you do not forget them.Alexandra keeps a journal book for each story.If she could cast her characters she would pick The Mandalorian as the hero and Halle Berry as the heroin.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Marie discusses her background as a divorce attorney and why she decided to write her book, How to Divorce a Narcissist and Win. HighlightsIn addition to being a divorce attorney and author, Marie is a divorce coach.Marie works from home most of the time and has difficulty finding time to fit writing into the day. She tends to write after midnight in her home office.She likes to have her dog with her and/or a cup of coffee when she is writing.Marie likes to try different types of coffee.Her German shepherd is named Athena.Marie’s Christian faith is very important to her.Marie wrote How to Divorce a Narcissist and Win because she felt like many people didn’t understand what a narcissist truly was, how to recognize one, or how to deal with them in a divorce.Marie mostly reads case law and work-related material.Marie was intrigued by The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.Even though her book is non-fiction, Marie believes that it could be turned into a movie or TV series.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Lyn discusses her mother-daughter collaboration on the Mae December series, her transition to solo writing, and where she finds inspiration for her writing.HighlightsLyn wanted to be a writer but took a different path. Then when she retired, she started writing again.Lyn writes “cozy mysteries”.Lyn writes with her daughter, Lisa under the pen name Lia Farrell.Lyn has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Desi.Lyn has an office space that she uses almost exclusively to write in.She has a nice window view in her office to help with creativity and focus.Lyn finds inspiration in nature. When she needs some inspiration, she will take Desi out to a park.Lyn is a master gardener and is in a local gardening club.She is the chair of the Michigan State University writers’ group.Lyn finds it challenging to grow vegetables. In 2020, Lyn started with the pen name Lyn Farrell and started a new series that she was writing on her own.The first book in her new series is The Blind SwitchAfter 9 books, Lyn still feels like she is learning.Lyn likes Mark Wahlberg for the role of Detective Nichols.Blind Split is Lyn’s newest book and is released in January 2022

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Julie discusses what it’s like to try and balance her career as a high school teacher and her writing. She talks about how she frequently injects things that she loves from her real life into her writing as well as how she had to adjust to Covid.HighlightsJulie lives in Canada.She writes romance, romantic comedy, and contemporary romance.Julie enjoys teaching high school.Julie pulls from her real life for much of what she writes.Julie uses her summers off to write as much as possible.Teaching is demanding and it can be difficult to find time to write.Julie likes to write in bed.Julie likes to use Discord and a writer bot to help her keep focused.Covid gave many writers more time, but it took a while for Julie to optimize her schedule around that time.Describing things is a challenge for Julie.Julie got her start writing fan fiction.Peanut butter is Julies favorite food.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Regina talks about the inspiration for her books and how she hopes that they inspire children and families to find healthy connection. HighlightsRegina is a dedicated children’s authorRegina lives in Iowa and has a music studio where she teaches.She is also a life coach and that overlaps well with music instruction.Regina loves learning and is a lifelong learner.She had a rough childhood.Writing happened accidentally and combined all of her passions.She prefers to be cozy when she writes.She finds that a lot of inspiration comes at inopportune times.She will use her phone to record in those moments when she isn’t in her cozy space.Regina enjoys time at the gym and lifting weights.Regina has three Pomeranians.Covid forced Regina to look for ways to work with small children online and that eventually lead to her writing.Dark chocolate is Regina’s favorite food.Regina loves Mr. Rogers and would choose him to sing her songs if it were possible.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Leslie reveals the books and authors that inspired her the most. She discusses what she likes in a heroin character. She explains her style of “going there” to help her maintain focus and write.HighlightsLeslie writes in her own home office and has a sign on the door that qualifies entry during writing.When Leslie writes, she transports herself mentally into the story. She refers to the technique as “going there” and she can maintain focus and lose track of the real world. Sewing, painting, jewelry crafting, and beach walks are some of Leslie’s favorite hobbies.She finds the ocean calming and she loves how it clears her head. Leslie has an 11-month-old Doodle named Josie.Leslie reads two to three books a week.Salem’s Lot was a very influential book for Leslie. After reading it she knew that she wanted to write.Kathleen Woodiwiss was also a large influence for Leslie.Leslie isn’t comfortable writing in first person.Leslie has published 16 books.Love in the Mix is a cookbook for romance readers. Top romance writers contributed recipes and anecdotes. 100% of the profits are spent for Pro Literacy.Leslie finds the middle of the story the most difficult to write.Appropriate and accurate research is critical in Leslie’s mind.Favorite food: chocolate.Leslie highly recommends Pinot noir and chocolate cupcakes.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Evan discusses how J.R.R. Tolkien inspired him and ultimately lead him to epic fantasy as a genre. He outlines his strategy for shorter episodic books in a large fantasy world and why he prefers that style. HighlightsEvan was inspired by JRR Tolkien and that lead him to Norse fantasy.His genre is epic fantasy.Evan writes part time but works in IT as a day job.  Evan enjoys IT but he would be happy to write full time.He likes to write an hour or two early in the morning and then later in the evening review and strategize his work.Endless coffee is a requirement for writing sessions.Gardening and carpentry are two hobbies that Evan enjoys.He enjoys the perspectives that his hobbies give him and feels like it helps him write.His wife reads his book and gives him honest feedback that is incredibly helpful.Evan has two dogs that he doesn’t intend to make it into his writing.Karik’s First Battle takes place in an epic fantasy world but each book will be an episode that has an ending.