Elena Meets the Author

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I speak with critically acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Amazon bestselling author Robert Dugoni, whose books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, primarily across his police, espionage, and legal thriller series.Today we focus on Robert’s standalone literary novel, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, published in 2018. The book has sold over a million copies and has become a word-of-mouth favourite among readers.Newsweek once called it “the best book of all time.” I must admit, I felt as if I’d been sleeping under a rock, because I hadn’t heard of Sam Hell until a few months ago when I was interviewing Lisa Scully, the owner of Locust Valley Bookstore in Long Island.Lisa told me that the store sells about 15,000 books a year, and The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell is the only book they sell with a money-back guarantee.If you don’t like it, you get your $14.95 back.She said to me, “We tell people: trust me on this one.” According to Lisa, readers have gone “Bonko nuts” for the book. Men and women love it equally.I absolutely adored it. It grabs you right away and doesn’t let go of your heartstrings until the tearful and hopeful final page.The novel tells the story of a man looking back on his life. It’s a coming-of-age story about a boy who was different from everyone else, and how that shapes his relationships with his family, other people, and most importantly with himself.Maternal love, bullying, resilience, deep friendship, romance, humour, forgiveness, and faith all feature in this poignant, page-turning story.In our conversation, Robert shares the journey behind the book, how the story developed over many years, and why the novel explores faith rather than religion. We also talk about his writing process, character creation, and the long path that led him from journalism and law into a full-time writing career.Topics we cover in this episode00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:16 Why The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell Matters00:34 Why Sam Hell Stands Out02:18 Moving from Series Thrillers to a Standalone Novel02:24 Early Reading and Classic Influences03:34 From Journalism to Law School04:27 Leaving Law to Pursue Writing05:04 The Breakthrough of The Cyanide Canary05:35 Writing Sam Hell: Five Weeks to Draft07:22 Finding Sam’s Emotional Throughline09:19 Publishing the Book and Its Slow-Burn Success10:54 Religion Versus Faith in the Story13:24 Accepting Imperfection in Writing14:15 Where Great Lines Come From16:19 An Organic Writing Process and Character Development19:39 Thrillers Versus Literary Craft22:21 Using Humour as Relief in Difficult Stories23:36 Humour in War Stories25:00 Teaching the Craft of Writing25:19 Avoiding the Information Dump26:41 Writing with All Five Senses27:42 Ambiguity Versus Tension in Storytelling29:29 Finding the Right Agent, Editor, and Publishing Team32:23 From Rejection to Amazon Publishing36:04 Ideas for the Next Literary Novel40:18 Wrap Up and Outro Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

Today I’m speaking to the remarkable author and journalist Haley Cohen Gilliland, whose nonfiction book A Flower Traveled in My Blood reads like a novel, but is entirely true.Haley’s book - which The New York Times and The Washington Post among others named one of the best books of 2025 - tells the story of the Argentine grandmothers who fought to find a stolen generation of grandchildren.Haley’s account weaves together a family saga, a forensic detective story and a sweeping human rights history. At its heart are the grandmothers who used their perceived status as harmless “little old ladies” to move beneath the radar of Argentina’s military and police, organising quietly but relentlessly in search of the truth.A bit of background.During Argentina’s military coup of 1976, the junta launched what it called the National Reorganization Process, a chillingly bland name for a brutal dictatorship. Over the years that followed, thousands of Argentines forcibly disappeared. Human rights groups estimate the number could be as high as 30,000.Among the regime’s most horrific crimes was the systematic abduction of pregnant mothers. Women were held in clandestine detention centres, gave birth in appalling conditions, and were then murdered. Many were drugged and thrown from planes into the Río de la Plata or the sea to erase evidence. Their babies were taken and placed with families connected to or sympathetic with the regime, often under false identities.The distraught mothers of these young women began gathering in Buenos Aires’ Plaza de Mayo. From this movement emerged the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who realised they would have far greater power working together than searching alone.Haley’s compelling and deeply moving book follows these women over decades, their courage, their strategy, their painstaking documentation, and eventually the scientific breakthroughs that allowed them to identify stolen grandchildren through genetic testing.We talk about the extraordinary reunions, moments of joy and relief, but also about the pain and identity confusion experienced by many of the grandchildren when they learned the truth. We reflect on how Argentina, as a nation, continues to grapple with this dark chapter in its history.This is a conversation about memory, justice, science, motherhood, and collective love that proved stronger than fear.Click here to learn more about my paid newsletter Behind the stories.00:00 Meet Haley Cohen Gilliland and the true story behind A Flower Traveled in My Blood01:05 Argentina’s dictatorship and the Dirty War, disappearances, stolen babies, and state terror02:43 How Haley came to the Abuelas story and why it still feels underknown outside Argentina05:56 The lead-up to the 1976 coup and Argentina’s political instability08:38 Rosa Tarlovsky de Roisinblit’s family story and the beginnings of the Grandmothers’ movement15:58 The science breakthrough, Dr. Mary-Claire King, and the Index of Grandpaternity21:24 The title’s meaning, Juan Gelman’s poem, and mitochondrial DNA25:07 Reporting the book, endnotes, archives, and writing nonfiction with narrative drive27:12 The “what to leave out” decisions that kept the story centred27:36 Finding the right agent and the question of whether American readers would care29:24 Choosing a publisher and building trust with an editor30:03 The behind-the-scenes team: fact checking, outside edits, and accountability31:45 Shifting from magazine writing to a book-length voice33:38 Researching detention centres and survivor testimony, including ESMA36:14 The Grandmothers’ documentation, archives, and paper trail38:15 A high-stakes smuggling story involving chocolate truffles41:03 Haley’s advice for aspiring nonfiction writers44:19 What she hopes readers take away about collective power, truth, and love over fear46:56 What’s next, current reads, future ideas, and closing thanks Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

Today, I’m speaking to Brigitte Dale about her debut novel, The Good Daughters. It is a powerful, beautifully written story that takes us back to early 20th-century England, when women from all social classes united to fight for the right to vote.Brigitte’s suspenseful and fast-paced novel weaves historical fact with gripping fiction, centring on four young suffragettes from vastly different backgrounds who come together in London. In 1912, this was not a safe or symbolic act. These women lived in a treacherous world where they risked being beaten, sexually assaulted, imprisoned, and brutally force-fed in jail. The laws and the justice system were firmly stacked against them.If you enjoy going deeper into the themes and ideas that come up in these conversations, you can also subscribe to Behind the Stories, my optional newsletter where I share writing insights, reflections from the podcast, and a closer look at what connects these authors and their work.In this conversation, we talk about the real dangers of being a suffragette, the cost of speaking up, and how these forgotten histories shaped the story Brigitte wanted to tell.We also dive into the four central characters. Charlotte is a middle-class girl who discovers that education does not equal freedom. She shocks her parents by fleeing her English boarding school, escaping to London, and joining the suffragette movement. Beatrice is aristocratic, armed with a law degree she is not legally allowed to use, and engaged to a man she feels little connection to. While handing out leaflets and joining protests, she falls into a forbidden and dangerous love with Sadie, a fellow suffragette and American expat.Then there is Emily, the daughter of the warden at the notorious Holloway Prison. When suffragettes are brought into the jail, Emily is forced to question everything she has been taught. Her father dismisses the women as hysterical and unstable, yet they do not seem crazy at all. They simply want the right to have a voice and decide their own future.This is a timeless story about politics, friendship, chosen family, love, perseverance, sacrifice, and the courage it takes to speak up when doing so is dangerous.Timestamps00:00 Elena meets Brigitte Dale00:42 Character deep dive: the four suffragettes03:13 Writing historical fiction and research05:44 The realities faced by women in the movement08:49 Protest, public response, and change17:17 Suffragists vs suffragettes20:32 Placing the story in its historical context29:00 What Bridget is working on next32:48 Final thoughts Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I’m joined by the talented Samantha Greene Woodruff to talk about her gripping historical novel The Trade-Off.Set against the backdrop of the 1929 Wall Street crash, the novel follows Bea Abramovitz, a mathematically gifted and young jewish woman who foresees the financial collapse but struggles to be taken seriously in a world dominated by men. We explore the inspiration behind the book, the harsh realities of Wall Street in the 1920s, and what it takes to write complex, compelling female characters in historical fiction.Samantha also shares fascinating insights into her research process, how she balances historical accuracy with narrative tension, and the surprising parallels between the world of the 1920s and the financial and political climate we see today. It’s a thoughtful, timely conversation about power, intuition, and whose voices get heard, then and now.Highlights00:00 Introduction00:15 Introducing Samantha Greene Woodruff00:35 The story behind The Trade-Off01:49 Samantha’s writing journey and inspirations04:17 Researching Wall Street in the 1920s07:04 Character development and key themes08:48 Women in finance during the 1920s22:59 Building suspense in historical fiction24:27 Writing tension when readers know the outcome25:04 Financial research and real-world data27:33 The 1929 market crash30:15 Choosing the right book title32:30 The Lobotomist’s Wife and earlier work34:33 Core themes and takeaways35:29 The road to publication39:20 New projects and what’s next41:54 Final thoughts and surprising discoveries Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this new episode of Elena Meets the Author, I’m joined by debut American novelist Emily Everett to talk about her novel All That Life Can Afford.We talk about how Emily’s own experiences shaped the story, and explore themes of social class, ambition, friendship, and belonging. We also discuss the influence of Pride and Prejudice on the novel, and what it was like for Emily to write while balancing a demanding day job.Emily shares insights into her writing process, reflects on the long road to finishing her debut, and tells me about her next novel, set in western Massachusetts. The episode also includes a reading from the first chapter, offering an early glimpse into the life and aspirations of the novel’s protagonist, Anna Byrne.00:16 Introducing Emily Everett and Her Novel00:35 Plot Summary of ‘All That Life Can Afford’02:52 Interview with Emily Everett Begins04:37 Autobiographical Elements in the Novel15:57 Insights into Emily’s Next Book20:12 Choosing St Tropez Over Zurich20:45 Love for the British Library22:28 Living in London: A Magical Experience26:48 Writing Challenges and Successes28:36 Audiobook Narration Insights30:29 Book Recommendations and Inspirations32:01 Hopes for Readers and Personal Reflections Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this special holiday episode of Elena Meets the Author, I’m joined by Lisa Scully, the owner of the wonderful Locust Valley Bookstore on Long Island.Lisa shares her journey into independent bookstore ownership and speaks openly about the challenges and rewards of running a local bookshop today. We talk about competing with Amazon, the importance of community support, and what keeps independent bookstores alive and thriving, especially during the Christmas season.We also dive into the joy of bookselling. Lisa talks about how she curates her shelves, why book covers matter more than we sometimes admit, and how Instagram has become an essential way for her to connect with readers and share thoughtful, often unexpected recommendations. Along the way, she offers plenty of reading inspiration, including Christmas gift ideas, bestselling titles from the year, standout children’s books, and some personal favourites.It’s a warm, funny, and uplifting conversation about books, community, and resilience, and a perfect listen for the holidays.You can explore Locust Valley Bookstore and Lisa’s recommendations athttps://www.locustvalleybooks.comYou can also follow the bookstore on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/locustvalleybookstoreEpisode chapters00:00 Introduction00:15 Special Christmas episode00:32 Lisa Scully and Locust Valley Bookstore03:16 Lisa’s journey to owning a bookstore09:13 The challenges and triumphs of running a bookstore15:06 Competing with Amazon19:48 Instagram and modern bookselling24:13 The importance of book covers26:40 What makes Locust Valley Bookstore unique27:28 Book recommendations28:24 Christmas reading suggestions29:36 Top-selling books of the year36:27 Children’s books highlights37:51 Favourite books of the year39:37 The resilience of independent bookstores🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

New episode out now! In episode 37 of Elena Meets the Author, I speak with award-winning journalist and debut biographer Chris Sweeney about his fascinating new book, The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne.Chris’s book introduced me to a woman I had never heard of but now can’t stop thinking about: Roxie Collie Laybourne, the trailblazing scientist whose work quite literally changed aviation safety. Known as the world’s first forensic ornithologist, Roxie had an extraordinary ability to identify bird species from the tiniest fragment of feather, skills she developed during her decades at the Smithsonian Institution.Roxie’s expertise became essential to understanding bird strikes, a major risk to aircraft. Her feather-identification methods helped the FAA and aircraft manufacturers design safer planes, refine engine tests, and prevent accidents. Today, her techniques remain foundational in aviation forensics.While aviation made up the bulk of her career, Roxie’s feather work also touched the world of criminal investigations, including poaching cases and a KKK murder. The New York Times called her the Miss Marple of Eiderdown. Chris and I talk about what he uncovered in his research, what surprised him, and what it was like to piece together a life lived partly behind laboratory doors.We also dive into Chris’s writing process: how he first came to hear of Roxie, how he structured her biography, how he kept the science vivid and accessible, and how he grappled with portraying a woman who valued precision, privacy, and sometimes mischief. Roxie began her Smithsonian work long before “forensic ornithology” had a name, and she left an imprint on both science and safety that is still felt today.I loved this conversation, and I hope you come away admiring Roxie Laybourne’s genius as much as I now do.👉 Tap here to leave a quick star rating on Apple Podcasts — it takes 5 seconds!If you’re enjoying the Podcast, subscribe for free to receive new posts and support the show⏱ Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction00:16 Meeting Chris Sweeney and discovering Roxie Laybourne01:04 Roxie’s early life and path into natural science01:36 The feather-identification breakthrough02:41 Challenges, opportunities, and major achievements05:37 How Chris first stumbled onto Roxie’s story09:28 Aviation disasters and how feather forensics played a role12:51 The FAA and the history of bird-strike investigations14:40 Roxie’s long-term impact on aviation safety20:31 Her broader contributions to forensic science22:07 Feather evidence in wildlife and poaching cases25:15 Roxie as mentor and collaborator27:51 A significant family decision and how Roxie handled it28:51 How Chris approached writing an engaging biography30:33 Structuring a life story on the page32:39 Roxie’s legacy today33:46 How she navigated sexism in subtle—and not-so-subtle—ways35:59 Her deep commitment to her craft37:56 Creating the book cover for The Feather Detective40:13 Behind-the-scenes research surprises43:38 The emotional journey of writing a first book45:08 Future projects and inspirations46:46 Final thoughts and recommendations Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I talk to the brilliant and bestselling author Fiona Davis about her new novel The Stolen Queen, a dual-timeline mystery that moves between 1936 Egypt and 1978 New York City.Fiona shares the real inspirations behind the story (thank you Kim Kardashian), as well as her fascination with antiquities and the stories behind them. She looks at the ways history can be reshaped or lost over time. We explore the novel’s two vividly drawn protagonists, a serious and studious curator and her arch opposite, a young, inexperienced over-eager assistant to the Met Ball who have to work together to recover a stolen artefact. We also talk about the lesser known women of history who spark Fiona’s imagination, the meticulous research that bring Fiona’s settings to life, the energy of NYC in the late 70’s and the busy world behind the scenes at the Met. Fiona likes to blend a good story with some fascinating history and page-turning mystery into her NYC-based novels. She also touches on her own career, from acting to journalism to writing historical fiction.This episode is a rich, thought-provoking conversation with one of today’s most beloved voices in historical fiction. If you love stories that uncover hidden histories and spotlight remarkable women, this episode is for youEpisode Guide:00:00 Welcome to Elena Meets the Author00:20 Introducing Fiona Davis and The Stolen Queen01:37 Inspiration Behind the Novel03:45 The Ancient Queen Who Sparked the Story06:15 Forgotten Women in History06:37 Diana Vreeland and the Met in the 1970s10:24 Building Atmospheric, Authentic Settings12:28 Research and Story Development15:30 Blending Mystery with Historical Fiction17:19 What Fiona Is Working on Next17:52 New York’s Hidden Corners18:18 A Storied Mansion and Its Remarkable Resident19:29 From Acting to Journalism21:46 The Path to Becoming an Author24:13 Research Rituals and Writing Process29:38 Fiona’s Book Recommendations & Final Thoughts Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I had such a fun and fascinating chat with Katie Yee, the debut author of Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar. Her novel has been compared to Nora Ephron’s Heartburn, it’s witty, warm, and full of heart, finding humour even in the hardest moments.We talk about where the story came from, how Katie created her wonderfully observant narrator, and why she chose to leave her protagonist nameless. We also dive into friendship, love, identity, and the surprising ways storytelling can help us heal.Katie’s energy is infectious, we even got into her writing process, what she’s been reading lately, and a sneak peek at her next project. I absolutely loved this conversation and I think you will too!Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:17 – Meet Katie Yee and her debut novel01:55 – Themes of humour, heartbreak, and identity03:01 – Writing through personal experience12:01 – Exploring race and motherhood22:26 – The role of women and friendship25:45 – Writing as healing26:04 – Craft and structure29:17 – Advice for aspiring authors31:13 – Hopes for readers and future projects33:50 – Book recommendations and closing thoughts Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with Annie Hartnett, the bestselling author of The Road to Tender Hearts, to talk about finding humour in heartbreak and the power of storytelling to carry us through difficult times. Annie shares how moments of adversity have shaped her voice as a writer and how she balances grief, chaos, and laughter in her latest novel, a darkly funny, deeply tender story about family, loss, and connection.We talk about her unforgettable characters, including PJ Halliday, his adult daughter Sophie, two orphaned children, and Pancakes, a clairvoyant cat who can predict death and how the book’s strange mix of tragedy and magic reveals what it means to love and keep going. Annie also opens up about her writing process, her love of storytelling, and offers thoughtful advice for anyone working on their own creative projects.It’s an honest, warm, and funny conversation about the beauty in life’s messier moments. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:25 Meet Annie Hartnett & The Road to Tender Hearts02:04 Inspiration Behind the Book06:33 Writing Through Adversity07:39 Reading from Chapter One10:23 Character Inspirations & Family Ties21:43 Omniscient Voice & Magical Elements26:39 The Randomness of Road Stops28:56 Real-Life Inspirations41:25 Writing Tips & Support43:46 Upcoming Projects & Book Recommendations Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

This week I’m joined by the wonderful Virginia Evans, whose debut novel The Correspondent captured my heart. And I don’t say that lightly. Her main character 73-year-old Sybil Van Antwerp is the best! We dive into the joy of epistolary storytelling, explore the wide world of the smart, snappy and funny Sybil, and talk about how letters can hold so much power in today’s digital world.Virginia shares the wisdom she’s gained from her mentor, the superstar author Claire Keegan, the challenges she faced on her long road to publication, and the magic moments that kept her going. Along the way we laugh about family, gush over favourite books, and celebrate the perseverance it takes to follow your creative dreams.If you love heartfelt, character-driven fiction or simply need a reminder of why storytelling matters, you’ll adore this conversation. 💌Highlights:00:00 – Meeting Virginia Evans02:50 – Why epistolary novels still shine05:34 – Lessons from Claire Keegan11:10 – Crafting Sybil’s world24:00 – The magic of letter writing28:43 – A touching family moment29:43 – Favourite books32:05 – Advice for aspiring authors35:09 – The journey to success37:40 – Overcoming writer’s block40:43 – Upcoming projects45:16 – Closing thoughts Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

I am so excited to share this episode of Elena Meets the Author with you! I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Gretchen Young, a powerhouse in publishing and the inspiring founder of Regalo Press.Gretchen’s journey is incredible, from her early days in television production, to decades at major publishing houses, and now running her own indie press with a beautiful philanthropic mission at its heart. We dive into the changes shaping publishing today, the joys and challenges of building an indie press, and the advice she wishes every debut author knew.We also chat about the power of great storytelling, how belief and perseverance can carry writers through, and why social media and AI are transforming the way people discover books. Gretchen even gives us a sneak peek at some exciting new titles coming soon from Regalo Press.If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book or simply love hearing about the world behind the stories you read, this is an episode full of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Introduction and pre-interview chatter00:28 – Meet Gretchen Young02:17 – Gretchen's publishing journey03:49 – How the industry has changed04:32 – Challenges and innovations in publishing07:38 – The birth of Regalo Press09:26 – Impact and partnerships11:11 – Indie publishing vs. big houses15:03 – Gretchen’s advice for aspiring authors16:58 – Fresh trends and experiments in publishing20:09 – The power of belief and perseverance20:33 – The meaning behind “Regalo”21:10 – The state of publishing today23:28 – How social media and AI are reshaping reading29:05 – Upcoming books to get excited about34:35 – The inspiring journey of a publisher Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I sit down with debut novelist Vanessa Beaumont to talk about her evocative and richly layered novel, The Other Side of Paradise. Set in post–World War I Britain, the story follows Jean Buckman, a young American newspaper heiress navigating societal pressures, marital dysfunction, grief, personal desire and deep maternal love in 1920s Britain and the south of France.Vanessa shares how her background in publishing shaped her writing journey, what inspired her to move from nonfiction ideas into fiction, and the immersive research that brought the interwar period to life. We discuss themes of identity, privilege, and constraint, as well as the role of setting — from remote British country estates to grand London houses to villas in the Riviera and how setting can be a character in its own right. Vanessa’s characters - the people and the places- will stay with the reader long after finishing the last page. We also talk about Vanessa’s literary influences, her writing challenges, and her upcoming projects. By the end of our conversation, you’ll have a deeper sense of both the historical backdrop of her novel and the craft behind it.Click here to buy ‘The Other Side of Paradise’.Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:11 Meeting Vanessa Beaumont and The Other Side of Paradise00:29 Setting the Scene: Britain Between the Wars00:44 Introducing Jean Buckman and Family01:54 The Inspiration Behind the Novel03:47 Vanessa’s Writing Journey and Challenges06:22 Researching the Interwar Period09:35 The Role of Setting and Atmosphere18:14 Houses as Characters20:55 Literary Influences and Craft37:29 Upcoming Projects and Personal Insights Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this special episode of Elena Meets the Author, I step away from my usual author interviews to chat with Diane Garrett, the warm and wonderful owner of Diane’s Books in Greenwich, Connecticut. Diane tells me how she went from growing up in Northern Ontario, Canada, to opening her beloved bookshop in the heart of Greenwich. We talk about how the book industry has changed with Amazon and e-readers, and she shares her philosophy on curating a family-friendly selection that keeps readers of all ages coming back.We dive into why reading aloud to children is so important, the magic of having knowledgeable “book matchmaker” staff, and her top book recommendations for the summer. Diane also reminisces about unforgettable author events, from J.K. Rowling to Walter Isaacson and shares a charming Harry Potter story. Our conversation is a love letter to the resilience of independent bookstores, the joy of reading, and the community that springs up around them.Diane’s top summer picks! Buy through these links to directly support the podcast at no extra cost to you. The Mademoiselle AllianceIt's a Love StoryJackieMy Sister’s GravePresumed Innocent King MakerTimestamps:00:00 — Introduction to the podcast01:54 — Interview with Diane Garrett begins02:03 — Diane’s journey to owning a bookshop03:30 — The evolution of bookshops04:12 — Staff specialties and book selection06:36 — The importance of reading aloud08:57 — Challenges and rewards of running a bookshop16:19 — Collaborations with the local community18:12 — Booksellers and libraries: a complex relationship18:52 — Memorable author events: from J.K. Rowling to Walter Isaacson19:10 — The magic of Harry Potter: a personal anecdote22:13 — Top book recommendations: a curated list30:08 — The joy of reading: final thoughts Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I sit down with the incredible Marjan Kamali to discuss her bestselling novel The Lion Women of Tehran. 🌍✨The novel follows the intertwined lives of two childhood friends, Homa and Ellie, as they grow from girls in 1950s Tehran into women navigating the complexities of adulthood. We dive into the inspiration behind this captivating story, the rich depiction of Iranian culture, and the unique challenges of writing historical fiction. Marjan shares some evocative excerpts from her book and reveals how her own childhood friendships and family history have shaped the narrative. Together, we explore themes of friendship, the fragility of freedom, and the timeless nature of storytelling. 📖💫Listen now! 🔗 [Link to episode]#ElenaMeetsTheAuthor #TheLionWomenOfTehran #MarjanKamali #HistoricalFiction #AuthorInterview #BookLovers #Storytelling #Friendship #Iran #WomensRights #NewEpisode #Podcast #BookstagramEpisode Breakdown:00:00 – Meet the Author: Marjan Kamali03:03 – The Story Behind The Lion Women of Tehran04:37 – Exploring Themes of Friendship and Betrayal05:33 – The Historical Context of Women's Rights in Iran14:07 – The Writing Process and Developing Characters30:22 – Imagination's Role in the Writing Journey30:50 – When Characters Take Control of the Story31:41 – Drawing from Emotional Wells and Writing Trauma32:38 – Method Acting: Bringing Characters to Life33:25 – Writing Challenging and Emotional Scenes36:17 – The Heart of The Lion Women of Tehran37:06 – The Many Faces of a Lioness40:36 – Navigating Difficult Scenes and Character Growth45:49 – The Importance of Friendship and Freedom50:20 – The Joy of Reading and Discovering New Stories51:59 – Marjan Kamali’s Upcoming Projects53:18 – Final Thoughts and Farewell Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of Elena Meets the Author, I’m joined by the brilliant Louisa Treger to talk about her captivating new novel The Paris Muse, which delves into the life of Dora Maar, Picasso’s muse behind the iconic Weeping Woman.We dive into Dora’s incredible journey beyond her relationship with Picasso, exploring her life as a surrealist photographer, poet, and political activist. From the influence she had on Picasso’s art to her redemption and artistic revival, this episode is a deep dive into art, love, and the complexities of history.Click here to buy The Paris Muse and support the show. Episode Breakdown:* 00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast* 00:16 – Introducing Louisa Treger and The Paris Muse* 00:42 – Dora Maar: Picasso's Muse and More* 01:55 – Louisa's Inspiration from Dora's Photography* 04:37 – Reading from the Prologue* 08:15 – Dora Maar's Early Life* 11:19 – Dora's Relationship with Picasso* 18:56 – The Influence of Dora on Picasso's Art* 21:44 – Discussing the Novel's Setting and Characters* 22:25 – Writing About the South of France* 24:26 – Picasso and Dora's Relationship During Wartime* 26:00 – Dora's Inner Monologues and Personal Connection* 29:41 – Picasso's Dark Side and Its Impact* 32:09 – Dora's Redemption and Artistic Revival* 35:59 – The Author's Inspiration and Future Projects* 38:01 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I speak with the brilliant author Allegra Goodman about her historical novel Isola. This captivating conversation delves into the story's inspiration, centered on Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, a French noblewoman marooned on an island in the Gulf of St in 1542. Goodman shares her writing process, research adventures, and the themes of solitude and resilience. She also discusses the joys and challenges of writing historical fiction, the significance of voice in storytelling, and her own journey with the novel. You will gain insights into Goodman's multifaceted approach to writing and her passion for exploring human endurance and transformation.Click here to buy Isola and support the show at no extra cost! 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:16 Introducing Allegra Goodman and Her Novel 'Isola'00:42 Synopsis of 'Isla'02:34 Marguerite's Struggle for Survival03:13 Interview with Allegra Goodman Begins03:20 The Inspiration Behind 'Isola'06:53 Finding Marguerite's Voice09:46 Reading the First Page of 'Isola'13:51 Themes of Solitude and Survival16:41 Writing in Isolation20:20 Exploring the Concept of Freedom22:24 Exploring Writing Styles and Language24:19 The Audible Experience24:58 Best Writing Advice and Genre Exploration26:52 Reading Habits and Instagram Insights29:42 Morning Routines and Creative Processes31:18 Themes and Inspirations Behind the Book33:15 Personal Reflections and Writing Pace39:14 Upcoming Projects and Family Anecdotes Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I interview the wonderful novelist Amy Poeppel about her latest book, Far and Away, a comedic tale of two families from Dallas and Berlin embarking on a chaotic house swap. Amy shares the inspiration behind her book, drawn from her own experiences living in these cities, and we dive into the complexities of writing a multi-layered story. She discusses the humorous misunderstandings and cultural clashes her characters face and gives insights into her unique writing process, including her preference for using a whiteboard over outlining. We wrap up with a conversation about how Amy's characters discover the true meaning of home and community.Links to books mentioned:Please buy through these links to directly support the podcast for free! Amy Poeppel - Far and AwayAmy’s book recommendations: The Correspondence The Road to Tender HeartsRed Island House Check out my favorite rolling top 10 books, updated regularly! Watch Amy’s trailer here 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:39 Meet the Author: Amy Poeppel02:13 The Inspiration Behind the Novel05:00 Humorous Miscommunications11:03 Writing Process and Challenges15:24 Character Development and Research25:49 Exploring the Vermeer Scandal26:12 Writing Process and Research28:49 Teenage Dialogue and Miscommunication30:14 Character Development and Themes32:51 Challenges and Joys of Writing37:18 The Importance of Community39:17 Starting a Writing Career Later in Life45:59 Upcoming Projects and Inspirations49:43 Book Recommendations52:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I interview Dutch author Yael Van Der Wouden about her debut novel, 'The Safekeep', which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. We delve into the novel's complex themes, including post-war Dutch society, familial relationships, and the nuances of loathing and desire. Yael shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her work, and her experiences growing up Jewish in the Netherlands. The episode concludes with a discussion on building suspense and the art of writing erotica, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the making of a modern classic. Don't miss Yael reading an excerpt from her book and hinting at her upcoming novel.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:15 Meet the Author: Yael Van Der Wouden00:56 Synopsis of 'The Safekeep'01:22 Isabelle's Life and Family Dynamics02:35 Interview with Yael: Writing Process and Inspirations05:36 Yael's Childhood and Cultural Experiences09:39 Themes and Historical Context in 'The Safe Keep'15:55 Isabelle's Relationship with Her Brothers18:42 Reading an Excerpt from 'The Safekeep'20:59 Exploring Loathing and Desire22:38 Crafting Suspense in Writing25:25 Erotica and Tension29:26 Cinematic Influences in Writing31:07 The Three-Part Structure34:56 Character Development and Morality39:21 Author's Intent and Reader Takeaways42:10 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I sit down with the brilliant and beloved romance novelist Annabel Monaghan to talk about her upcoming book, It’s a Love Story, which hits shelves on May 27th. We dive into her creative process and the inspiration behind her central characters—Jane Jackson, a former child TV star trying to find her footing in Hollywood, and Dan Finnegan, her arrogant (but undeniably charming) nemesis turned potential love interest.Annabel reads a powerful excerpt from the book and opens up about the deeper themes of self-realization and challenging the beliefs we grow up with. We also chat about what makes romantic comedy both joyful and difficult to write, how she crafts characters that are flawed but lovable, explains how to write a sex scene, and tells us why date dresses and straightened hair aren’t necessarily the way to seduce your soulmate.She even gives us a sneak peek at what she’s working on next—and shares some of her recent favourite reads. If you love thoughtful conversations about books, creativity, and the messy beauty of love stories, you’re going to enjoy this one.00:14 Introducing Annabel Monaghan02:38 Reading from 'It's a Love Story'06:50 Inspiration Behind the Book08:28 Writing Process and Challenges15:17 Setting and Future Projects20:08 Pitching the Book Idea20:22 Jane's Date Dresses and Long Island Trip21:51 Uncomfortable Crisis in the Story22:40 Creating the Character of Dan23:49 Writing Convincing Love Scenes26:37 Mother-Daughter Relationship Dynamics28:37 Potential Film Adaptations31:36 New Book Project33:35 Reading Recommendations and Writing Routine Get full access to Elena Meets the Author at elenabowes.substack.com/subscribe