Friends & Fiction (Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Patti Callahan Henry, Ron Block)

We are so excited to welcome back New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict! A former lawyer with more than ten years’ experience as a litigator at some of the country’s premier law firms and Fortune500 companies, Marie views herself as an archaeologist of sorts, excavating the untold stories of real women from history. Marie is the author of ten novels including The Other Einstein, Carnegie’s Maid, The Only Woman in the Room, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, and The Personal Librarian which she co-wrote with Victoria Christopher Murray. Marie joins us to discuss her latest work of historical fiction, the much buzzed-about THE MITFORD AFFAIR, which Sourcebooks just published this month to rave reviews. On the After Show we meet British mixed-race writer and granddaughter of Windrush generation immigrants, Eleanor Shearer, who joins us to discuss her remarkable debut novel, RIVER SING ME HOME (out Jan 31st from Berkley Publishing Group). Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2023 by Goodreads, AARP, Boston.com, and BookRiot, this is a page-turning and redemptive story of a mother’s gripping journey across the Caribbean to find her stolen children in the aftermath of slavery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Kristin Harmel & Ron Block welcome bestselling author Madeline Martin to discuss The Booklover’s Library, her heartwarming new story about a mother and daughter in wartime England and the power of books to bring them together. We’re also treated to a pop-in by Emmy-award winning journalist turned novelist Linda Hurtado Bond to chat about her gripping new thriller All the Missing Girls. Madeline Martin is the NYT, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books translated into more than 25 languages. She joins us from sunny Florida to discuss her latest, The Booklover’s Library, which has been dubbed “a must-read for booklovers” by Chanel Cleeton and “a quiet little jewel of a wartime novel” by Kate Quinn. By day, Linda Hurtado Bond is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist. By night, she’s an author of James Bond-like adventures and heart-stopping thrillers. The host of “Tampa Bay Reads,” Linda has hosted all of F&F’s hosts on her television segment. She joins us to discuss her new spine-tingling mystery, All the Missing Girls, featuring her recurring character, Tampa crime reporter Mari Alvarez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fab Five welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author, Chris Bohjalian, author of 22 books, three of which have been made into movies, including his 2018 bestselling novel, THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT, which was the basis for the recent smash hit HBO Max television series starring Kaley Cuoco which was just renewed for a second season. Chris joins us to talk about his brilliant new historical thriller coming May 4th, HOUR OF THE WITCH. Described as part Crucible, part Handmaid's Tale, it centers on a young Puritan woman in 1662 Boston who is trying to plot her escape from a violent marriage. The crew also discuss the Armenian genocide and, to lighten things up, a comical tale about a box of missing hotel-laundered underwear from book tour long, long ago. https://chrisbohjalian.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we welcome TWO journalist-turned-author guests as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Meet Daryn Kagan who spent more than 12 years as an anchor on CNN, reporting live from several major events around the world, including the war in Iraq, the September 11th terrorist attacks, and numerous presidential elections. Today, Daryn is a syndicated newspaper columnist, and the author of HOPE POSSIBLE. We will also welcome Paula Faris who is a journalist (formerly co-anchor of Good Morning America Weekend and co-host on The View), podcaster, and author of the book CALLED OUT. Hear about their journeys from high pressure jobs in national television, to carving out more time for family and for themselves, and to becoming published authors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune in for the Winter 2023 Season Finale epiosde with two blockbuster bestselling authors both joinung us during their publication week to showcase their brand-new novels—Lisa Scottoline & Robert Dugoni! Lisa Scottoline is the #1 bestselling and Edgar award-winning author of 35 novels with 30-million copies of her books in print, published in more than 35 countries. Her weekly Philadelphia Inquirer “Chick Wit” column—written with her daughter Francesca Serritella—have been collected in a New York Times bestselling series of nine humorous memoirs. She has penned dozens of bestselling stand-alone thrillers including last yer's WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BENNETTS, plus the wildly successful Rosato & DiNunzio series. She joins us to discuss her latest historical novel LOYALTY (just out from Putnam)—an emotional, action-packed epic of love and justice, set during the rise of the Mafia in Sicily. Robert Dugoni is the award-winning, critically acclaimed, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series, which has sold more than 8 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, and several stand-alone novels including THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SAM HELL, Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, for which Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. With books sold in more than 25 countries and translated into more than 30 languages, several of Robert’s novels have been optioned for movies and television. He joins us to discuss HER DEADLY GAME (just out from Thomas & Mercer), a twisty new suspense novel introducing the start of a new series featuring Seattle prosecutor Keera Duggan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Wingate joins the Friends & Fiction crew to talk about the process of researching and writing her latest bestseller THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS--and the surprising way the story came to her. https://lisawingate.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK In this powerful and important episdoe, Meg Walker and Ron Block are joined by Stephanie Land to talk about her recent memoir, Class, which was chosen as the November GAM Book Club Pick. Her previous book, Maid, took the book world by storm with it's stark portrayal of her struggles to escape from an abusive situation and care for her young daughter. Maid was turned into a hugely successful and attention grabbing Netflix series. We were honored to speak with Stephanie and learn about her struggles to gain a college education while living below the poverty line. She does not hold back talking about the realities and horrors faced, offering ways we can all help make a difference in the areas of food and housing insecurity, as well as supporting those who have experienced trauma. A vital conversation and a must-listen.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debbie Macomber joins Friends & Fiction to share how she built her influential brand, keeps up with her daunting wriring schedule and behind the scenes of her new book A WALK ALONG THE BEACH. https://debbiemacomber.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK: Ron Block and Patti Callahan host acclaimed writer, Nathaniel Philbrick to discuss his newest work, Travels With George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Meg Walker talk with Carter Bays about his debut novel, The Mutual Friend, and jumping from co-creating How I Met Your Mother to writing novels. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block speaks with Jennifer Coburn about her thoroughly researched and fascinating first historical fiction novel, Cradles of the Reich and about her path to change genres in her writing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Mary Kay Andrews speak with Linda Ketron about her stellar work with Moveable Feast and becoming a beacon to authors and readers alike. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Kristin Harmel & Kristy Woodson Harvey welcome the New York Times bestselling master of suspense, Sally Hepworth, to discuss her forthcoming book, DARLING GIRLS, a thrilling page-turner of sisterhood, secrets, love, and murder. Sally's nine novels (including The Good Sister and The Soulmate) are available around the globe in English and have been translated into more than 20 languages. Several of her novels have been optioned for TV and film and she has sold more than one-million books worldwide. She joins us from Melbourne, Australia, to discuss DARLING GIRLS (just out from St. Martin’s Press), which has been dubbed “a rollercoaster of a novel” by Bookpage and an “unnerving thriller” by Booklist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Patti Callahan Henry, Kristin Harmel & Mary Kay Andrews welcome the three bestselling authors—Heather Gudenkauf, Kimberly Belle & Kaira Rouda—who make up the Killer Author Club, a unique platform for suspense and mystery fans to hear from their favorite authors as they chat about killing—of the fictional kind, of course. Kimberly Belle is a USA Today and internationally bestselling author with over one-million copies sold worldwide whose The Paris Widow came out on June 11th. Kaira Rouda is an award-winning, USA Today, Amazon charts, and internationally bestselling contemporary fiction author whose Under the Palms was released on May 21st. Heather Gudenkauf is the Edgar-nominated, NYT-bestselling author of 10 novels whose Everyone is Watching was released on March 26th. Together they started the Killer Author Club in 2022. Each bi-monthly, half-hour show, airing on Facebook, YouTube & Instagram, features a Killer Author, a Killer Cocktail, and a Killer Giveaway—all in a fun and fast-paced setting. We are excited for this cross-over episode where we deliberately collide our two worlds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Kristin Harmel & Ron Block welcome former news writer and producer turned NYT bestselling author Allison Pataki to discuss her highly-anticipated latest novel FINDING MARGARET FULLER — a sweeping story about America’s forgotten leading lady, an inspiring trailblazer and fierce adventurer who transcended the rigid roles ascribed to women and changed history, all on her own terms. Allison Pataki is the NYT bestselling author of ten books including The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, The Traitor’s Wife, and The Accidental Empress. She joins us to discuss the inspiration for, research, and lasting messages in her high-anticipated latest novel FINDING MARGARET FULLER which has already been featured on the Today Show and gotten starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fab Five sit down with literary legend Jodi Picoult. The discuss Jodi's more than two dozen novels (including her latest The Book of Two Ways), her intensive research process, and how she does not shy away from tackling difficult topics in her writing. THy also chat about Jodi's forthcoming musical, BREATHE, premiering vrtually in May 2021. https://www.jodipicoult.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award winning #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 60 novels, Robyn Carr joins the Fab Five to talk about her career and the latest installment in her Virgin River series, which has been adapted as a Netflix Original Series. https://www.robyncarr.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK This week's guest is Asha Lemmie, author of the breakout GMA Book Club pick, Fifty Words for Rain. Her new book, The Wildest Sun, is the the story of Delphine, an aspiring postwar writer who seizes the opportunity to search for her alleged father, Ernest Hemingway. Asha joins Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block to discuss her research, how she develped this compelling story, and how the epic quest for identity and self worth came together for this beautifully wriiten novel. NOTE: Please forgive some of the glitchy portions of this recording, but know it is well worth your time!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this very special episode of Friends & Fiction we gather with our good friend Jennifer Robson for a show all about the British monarchy. Jennifer is the USA Today bestselling author of seven novels, including THE GOWN and her forthcoming CORONATION YEAR (coming April 2023) which feature Queen Elizabeth II. If you love The Crown, are obsessed with the royals, and have been drawn to recent coverage of Queen Elizabeth’s passing, you'll love this lively conversation and royal bookish chatter with Jennifer — who holds a doctorate in British history from the University of Oxford — as the crew take a deep dive into our shared fascination with the royal family and the rich history and traditions of the monarchy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On tonight’s show, we are excited to welcome back our good friend Joshilyn Jackson! Joshilyn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several novels, including NEVER HAVE I EVER and MOTHER MAY I. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, won SIBA’s Novel of the Year award, twice been the #1 Indie Next Pick, and twice won Georgia Author of the Year among many other accolades. A former actor, Joshilyn is an award-winning audiobook narrator. As a volunteer with Reforming Arts and a member of their board of directors, Jackson has taught creative writing in Georgia’s maximum security facility for women. She joins us to discuss her new novel, WITH MY LITTLE EYE (April25, William Morrow), which F&F fave Karin Slaughter has called, “a dark, twisting confection.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On tonight’s LIVE episode of our web show, we sit down with the incredible Jean Kwok. Jean Kwok is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Girl in Translation, Mambo in Chinatown, and the instant New York Times bestseller and Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club pick Searching for Sylvie Lee. Her work has been published in twenty countries and is taught in universities, colleges, and high schools across the world. She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award and the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award. With a bachelor's from Harvard and an MFA from Columbia, Jean is fluent in Chinese, Dutch, and English. She joins us to discuss her highly-anticipated, brand-new novel THE LEFTOVER WOMAN (William Morrow, Oct 10) which was named to most-anticipated lists by The New York Times, Elle, TIME, People and many more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fab Four talk with THREE author pairs to learn all about what it takes to write as a team. Meet Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, co-authors of THE GOLDEN COUPLE; Ali Brady, the oen name for Alison Hammer & Bradiegh Godfrey who co-wrote their debut nobel THE BEACH TRAP; and Mary Alice Monroe & Angela May the writing team behind the middle grade series whose latest installment SEARCH FOR TREASURE is about to be released. All three pairs talk about their unique process for writing together, what they learn from one another, what makes them tick, and they tell us al about their latest releases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Michael Farris Smith is having quite a year! His latest novel, Salvage This World was released to huge acclaim, and he has written screenplays based on two of his other titles, both of which were released this fall, Desperation Road and Rumble Through The Dark. Michael joins Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block to explore his road to publication, his expeience in Hollywood, and his appreciation for all his success. Michael is such a vivid storyteller and his honesty, humor and humility make this episode truly special.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we are lucky to have TWO incredible author guests joining us—Sadeqa Johnson and Lynn Cullen! Sadeqa Johnson is the award-winning author of four novels, including Yellow Wife. A Kimbilio Fellow, former board member of the James River Writers, and a Tall Poppy Writer, Sadeqa’s accolades include the National Book Club Award, the Phillis Wheatley Book Award, and the USA Best Book Award for Best Fiction. Sadeqa joins us to discuss her latest “triumph of historical fiction” (The Washington Post), THE HOUSE OF EVE, which has just burst onto the literary scene as an instant NYT bestseller, a Reese’s Book Club pick, an IndieNext pick, and a LibraryReads pick. We are so glad to introduce you to bestselling author Lynn Cullen, who has penned the historical novels The Sisters of Summit Avenue, Twain’s End, Mrs. Poe, Reign of Madness, and I Am Rembrandt’s Daughter. A Townsend Prize finalist whose novels have been translated into seventeen languages, Lynn’s books have been named as best-of picks by People magazine, Target, IndieNext, Costco, Oprah, Atlanta magazine, and the Georgia Center for the Book. Lynn joins us to discuss her riveting new novel THE WOMAN WITH THE CURE, coming 2/21 from Berkley Publishing. Based on the true story of the woman who stopped a pandemic, the book has gotten fabulous early reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal along with raves from authors like Pam Jenoff and Bonnie Garmus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling, award-winning author William Kent Krueger joins the Fab Five to talk about his novel THIS TENDER LAND. They each discuss their rituals after handing in a manscript, the influences of Huck Finn and The Odyssey on Kent's latest work, and how his study of childhood resiliency has informed his writing. https://williamkentkrueger.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Friends & Fiction authors discuss their failures, how they've overcome them, and what inspires them to keep writing. www.friendsandfiction.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Summer Season Finale! Who better to spend it with than beach-reads royalty, Queen of Nantucket Island, total rockstar author, and dear friend of the show, Elin Hilderbrand?! After publishing her first work in Seventeen Magazine in 1991 while a senior at Johns Hopkins University, Elin worked in publishing for a bit, attended the Iowa Writers Workshop, earned her MFA, and never looked back, publishing her first novel, THE BEACH CLUB, in 2000. Her 2019 novel, SUMMER OF '69 was her first novel to debut at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. She has said that her Summer 2024 book will be her swan song. We are eager to hear what comes next, and to talk to her all about her new podcast Books Beach and Beyond with Tim Ehrenberg, as well as her latest instant #1 NYT bestselling phenomenon, her 29th novel, THE FIVE-STAR WEEKEND which Little, Brown published on June 13th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan explore the retelling of the Peter Pan story with Liz Michalski, author of Darling Girl See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This very special episode marks the triumphant return of “F&F Theater” as the Fab Four, podcast host Ron Block, and F&F’s Managing Director Meg Walker gather to celebrate the launch of Patti Callahan Henry’s THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA in grand style! You won’t want to miss this show, complete with props and bad accents — but also with loads of great insights about Patti’s new novel and, as always, lots of laughs. With incredible blurbs from an amazing array of bestselling authors, fantastic pre-pub reviews including a starred Kirkus (“magical…an enchanting tribute to the power of storytelling”), Patti’s new novel is shaping up to be one of the hottest books of Spring 2023. It has already been named a Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick, an Indie Next Pick, a Library Reads Pick, an Amazon Editors' Pick, a Books-a-Million Summer Says Pick, and a Book of the Month Add-On Choice among many other accolades. In short, THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA is one book you do not want to miss out on! So be sure to tune in and hear all about it! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three hosts of the award-winning 20-year podcast phenomenon Satellite Sisters swing by to celebrate Mother's Day with the Fab Five in a fun round-robin question-and-answer show. Learn each woman's most embarassing mom moment, the fictional mom they most wanted for their own, and their favorite fictional bad mom. Enjoy a trip down memory lane with lots of insights and revelations and plenty of laughs. https://satellitesisters.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Mary Kay Andrews & Kristy Woodson Harvey welcome national bestselling author Annabel Monaghan to discuss her brand-new, highly-anticipated rom-com, SUMMER ROMANCE, the humorous and heartwarming story of a professional organizer whose life is a mess, and the summer she gets unstuck with the help of someone unexpected from her past. Annabel Monaghan is the author of LibraryReads pick and national bestseller SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER and IndieNext and LibraryReads pick NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT, as well as two young adult novels and DOES THIS VOLVO MAKE MY BUTT LOOK BIG?, a selection of laugh-out-loud columns that appeared in the Huffington Post, The Week, and the Rye Record. She joins us from her home in Rye, New York before departing on book tour to talk to us about SUMMER ROMANCE, the book Publishers Weekly has called “the ideal beach read” in a starred review, and which Abby Jimenez has called “a bingeable five-star read.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Winter 2024 season premiere of the Friends & Fiction Show will get you in the spirit for all the new and exciting things we have ahead in 2024! On this special “Just Us” episode, you will hear from the Fab Four all about our new format for the new year, including a run-down of our guests for the entire Winter season, plus an impromptu chat amongst our four hosts and founders about how F&F has changed them, howwriting advice they've gleaned from our guests has impacted their own craft, what they’re looking forward to in the new year, and their vulnerabilities as writers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa See joins the Fab Five to talk about her latest book, The Island of Sea Women. Listen in as she talks about being part Chinese and growing up fully immersed in Chinese culture, but somehow feeling like an outsider in both white and Chinese cultures—a theme that has found its way into most of her books. https://www.lisasee.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we are so excited to welcome back our dear friend, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, J.T. Ellison. With millions of copies in print and books published in twenty-eight countries, J.T.’s work has been optioned for film and television and won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. The EMMY award-winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS, J.T. also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker. She joins us to discuss her brand-new edge-of-your-seat thriller IT’S ONE OF US (coming 2/21/23 from MIRA/Harlequin), which has been called a “twisting thrill ride” by Lisa Unger, “riveting” by Lisa Scottoline, “heart-stoppingly tense” by Ruth Ware, and “smart, taut, and mind-blowing” by Mary Kubica. We can’t wait to talk to J.T. all about it. Stick around for the After Show when we welcome New York Times bestselling author Jill Santopolo to showcase her new historical novel, STARS IN AN ITALIAN SKY, a sweeping story of two star-crossed lovers in post-World War II Italy, which Putnam will publish on 2/28/23! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author and master of the rom-com, Susan Eizabeth Phillips, joins the Fab Five for a raucous Valentine's Day themed episode. Come along for a wild ride as these six ladies play "Literary Spin the Bottle," a game made up by Mary Kay Andrews. Each author answers rapid-fire questions about their first literary crush, favorite couple from each author's own books, first romance novel they remember reading...oh, and all six authors read their own real-life meet-cute stories. Love was in the air—along with lots of laughs. https://susanelizabethphillips.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet the #1 bestselling author of ORPAHN TRAIN, Christina Baker Kline and learn all about her new novel, the instant bestseller THE EXILES, her research and writing process, and the challenge of blending fact and fiction. http://christinabakerkline.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron is joined by Meg Walker for this wonderful Valentines Day Episode! Lunar Love is a fabulous debut novel by Lauren Kung Jessen that explores the relationship between tradition and technology surrounding Chinese Zodiac matchmaking. Not only a heartwarming love story, but also a deep exploration of race and finding acceptance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The incomparable Sue Monk Kidd joins the Fab Five to talk about her passion for racial and social justice and how writing stories of women journeying to find their own true, authentic self is her “thing.” Sue discusses her arduous research process for her new novel The Book of Longings, the challenges of writing about Jesus as a human, cultivating our bravery as women, and the fearlessness to express our souls as a writers. https://suemonkkidd.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels, Susan Wiggs, sits down with the Fab Five to discuss her latest novel, just released in paperback, The Lost and Found Book Shop. The crew discuss the influences on their writing career, how life experience, failures, and sense of place inform their writing, and the books that shaped them. https://www.susanwiggs.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet NYT bestselling and award-winning author of four novels, John Searles. He tells us all about his brand-new genre-bending thriller HER LAST AFFAIR, what inspired its setting at an old drive-in movie theater, and how writing it during a particularly dark time helped carry him through. John regales us with hilarious and heartwarming stories of his years as Books Editor at Cosmopolitan, penning some of those saucy headlines, his many celeb encounters, and his Instagram famous dog. On the after show we are joined by Wrriter's Digest Editor-at-Large and author of five book-club-favorite novels, Jessica Strawser, so we can hear all about her latest, THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Joy Callaway joins Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey to talk about her fascinating new book, The Grand Design See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long-time friends and romance author Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jayne Anne Krentz join the Friends & Fiction authors for a hilarious bonus episode and deliver what might be our best writing tips yet. https://susanelizabethphillips.com https://jayneannkrentz.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristin Harmel and Patti Callahan Henry discuss Books about Books with author Katherine Reay and her novel The Printed Letter Bookshop, and author Janet Skeslien Charles’ upcoming novel The Paris Bookshop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

F&F is honored to welcome the incredible No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Amor Towles. Amor’s three novels RULES OF CIVILITY, A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW, and THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY have collectively sold more than five million copies and been translated into more than thirty languages. A Gentleman in Moscow spent two full years on the New York Times bestseller list. When it was published by Viking Books in October 2021, The Lincoln Highway debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was named a TODAY Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick, A New York Times Notable Book, and chosen by Oprah, Time, NPR, The Washington Post and Barack Obama as a Best Book of the Year. Amor joins us to talk about his writing and research process and all that goes into creating his incredible and artful novels. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, the Fab Four gather to celebrate this month’s F&F Featured Author, the NYT bestselling novelist and Queen of the Beach Reads herself, our very own Mary Kay Andrews, to discuss her brand-new novel, our May 2024 Pick of the Month, SUMMERS AT THE SAINT, a fresh new summer mystery full of romance, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. With 32 novels and one cookbook under her belt, Mary Kay has been a staple on the bestseller lists every single year for two decades running. She takes a break from her whirlwind book tour to join us LIVE from Dallas, Texas, to celebrate SUMMERS AT THE SAINT in grand F&F style. Our whole community more will learn more about the novel Publishers Weekly calls “a mesmerizing mix of mystery and romance,” and which has been named an IndieNext and LibraryReads pick. It wouldn't be an F&F launch party without some fun games and lots of other shenanigans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A good time is had by all on the 100th episode extravaganza! Joining us is #1 mega-bestselling author and dear friend of the show, Elin Hilderbrand, along with the marketing whiz behind Nantucket’s two indie bookshops, Nantucket Book Partners, and the Nantucket Book Festival, Tim Ehrenberg (known to his legions of social media followers as Tim Talks Books). There are guessing games with prizes and a series of lightning round questions covering everything from holiday traditions to favorite books. Join the Thanksgiving Eve fun as we look back with gratitude on the first 100 shows and look forward to all that lies ahead for this incredible community! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Mary Kay Andrews joins Ron Block and our guest, Jenny Jackson to discuss Pineapple Street, Jenny's highly anticipated novel set in Brooklyn Heights exploring the nuances being a member of a wealthy family while navigating life in modern society. Beautifully told from three viewpoints, Jenny shares how her book came to life and how she manages to balance her work as an editor with becoming a debut novelist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delia Owens joins Friends & Fiction to discuss her runaway #1 New York Times Bestseller WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING and the surprising background that led her to writing. https://www.deliaowens.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Rebecca Makkai, author of The Great Believers which was a finaist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award speaks with Ron Block and Meg Walker about her newest book, I Have Some Questions For You. Our conversation was a fascinating exploration of themes within the book- memory, feminism, our obsession with true crime and a murder mystersy, all set in a boarding school. Truly an honor to speak with Rebecca about this unforgettable triumph of a book. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK: Ron Block and Kristin Harmel Interview S.A. Cosby about his deeply felt, award winning book, Razorblade Tears See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Patti Callahan Henry & Kristy Woodson Harvey welcome New York Times bestselling author, J.T. Ellison, to discuss her new novel, A Very Bad Thing, about one author at the pinnacle of her career, whose past threatens to destroy everything she has and everyone she knows. J.T. Ellison is the NYT & USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels and the Emmy Award-winning co-host of the literary TV show A Word on Words. She also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker and runs the popular blog, The Creative Edge. With millions of books in print — which have been optioned for TV and published in 28 countries — her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. J.T. joins us from her home in Nashville to discuss her taut new thriller, A Very Bad Thing, which Library Journal calls, “a fun, fast-paced thriller that keeps secrets until the very last page.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet #1 NYT bestselling publishing phenom Colleen Hoover! The author of 22 novels and novellas including runaway smash hit bestselling novels like IT ENDS WITH US and VERITY, joins us to discuss her meteoric rise, her writing process, her social media presence, and how living in her Texas hometown keeps her humble even in the face of having four of her books perched on the NYT bestseller list at the same time. Find out what's next for Colleen, hear about movie news on some of her most beloved books, and all about her latest novel REMINDERS OF HIM in this fun and warm interview. Then Ron Block joins the after show to reveal the "March Madness" slate of incredible guests comig up on the F&F Writer's Block Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karin Slaughter joins the Friends & Fiction crew to discuss her unconventional path to selling more than 35 million novels worldwide. https://www.karinslaughter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Mary Kay Andrews & Ron Block welcome the international No.1 bestselling author of psychological crime thrillers, Ruth Ware, to discuss her latest gripping beach read, ONE PERFECT COUPLE, a high-tension and ingenious thriller which follows five couples trapped on a storm-swept island as a killer stalks among them. Ruth’s thrillers (In a Dark, Dark Wood; The Woman in Cabin 10; The Lying Game; The Death of Mrs. Westaway; The Turn of the Key; One by One; The It Girl; and Zero Days) have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including the Sunday Times and New York Times, and have sold more than six-million copies. Her books have been optioned for both film and TV, and she is published in more than 40 languages. Ruth joins us from her home on the coast of England to discuss ONE PERFECT COUPLE, her latest fast-paced, spellbinding thriller coming from Gallery Books on May 21. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings (who write together as Christina Lauren) join the Friends & Fiction authors to discuss their unique process of writing novels as a team and their latest NYT bestselling rom-com In a Holidaze. https://christinalaurenbooks.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK: Ron Block and Mary Kay Andrews kickoff Library Card Sign-up Month with Nancy Pearl, America's Favorite Librarian and Virginia Stanley, Head of Library Marketing at Harper Collins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On tonight’s live episode, we are excited to talk to Thrity Umrigar about her highly anticipated new novel, THE MUSEUM OF FAILURES. Thrity is the award-winning and bestselling author of nine previous novels, including HONOR, which was a Reese's Book Club Pick, as well as three picture books and a memoir. Her books have been published in more than 15 countries and in several languages. A former journalist, she has contributed to the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, the New York Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer. She joins us from her home in Cleveland to tell us all about her compelling family drama THE MUSEUM OF FAILURES, which Algonquin Books published on Sept. 26th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a delicious confection of sweet summertime treats as we welcome four authors to the LIVE web show! Meg Mitchell Moore is a former journalist and the USA Today bestselling author of eight novels including The Islanders, Two Truths and a Lie, and Vacationland. She joins us from the beautiful coastal town of Newburyport, MA, to discuss her shimmering new page-turner, SUMMER STAGE (William Morrow, May 23), about a family of actors grappling with fame, scandal and ambition, which Publishers Weekly called “sparkling” and “equally charming and satisfying” in a starred review.If the name sounds familiar it’s because Victora Benton Frank is the daughter of beloved, dearly departed author Dorothea Benton Frank. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Victoria worked in restaurants in New York before returning home to Charleston, SC. She joins us to discuss her debut novel, MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER (William Morrow, June 6), a gripping tale of self-discovery set on the shores of Sullivan’s Island. According to Ann Patchett, with this book, Victoria “shows that she is the rightful heir to the crown of summertime storytellers. Her mother would be so proud.” Be sure to stick around for the After Show when we welcome the writing pair of Audrey Belleza & Emily Harding to discuss their witty and romantic debut novel, EMMA OF 83rd STREET (Gallery Books, May 23), in which Jane Austen’s Emma meets the misadventures of Manhattan’s modern dating scene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Kristin Harmel and Patti Callahan Henry welcome award-winning, internationally bestselling author Marjan Kamali to discuss her new book, THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN, a heartfelt, epic novel of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran. Marjan Kamali is the author of several novels, including The Stationery Shop, a national and international bestseller, and Together Tea, a Massachusetts Book Award finalist. Born in Turkey to Iranian parents, Marjan was raised in Turkey, Iran, Germany, Kenya, and the U.S. The 2022 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship, her novels are published in translation in more than 25 languages, and her essays have appeared in The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Review of Books. She joins us to discuss her brand-new national bestseller, THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN, which is an Amazon Editors’ Pick, a Book of the Month main selection, an IndieNext pick, and an Apple Best Book of the Month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the Spring/Summer 2022 season finale, the Fab Four are joined by bestselling authors Jamie Ford and Jason Mott. Jamie Ford discusses his research into epigenetics for his new novel THE MANY DAUGHTERS OF AFONG MOY, his own muti-cultural background, his inspriation for writing about a real historical figure, and the challenges of telling a tale that spans 250 years. Jason Mott discusses the phenomenal success of and the winding road to publication for his National Book Award winning novel HELL OF A BOOK. We hear about Jason's inspiration, his bravery in branching out into a different direction with his writing, the challenges of incorporating current events while still weaving in humor, and what he hopes "all the other mad kids, the outsiders, the weirdos, and the bullied" take away from the novel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Lola Akinmade Akerstrom joins Ron and Meg for an absolutely fascinating discussion about her second novel, Everything Is Not Enough. Her breakout debut, In Every Mirror She's Black, was a GMA pick and created immense buzz. Lola talks about the journey to write her sophmore novel, which explores how 3 Black Women face stuggles of racism, gender stereotypes and class in Sweden. She writes compelling characters and weaves their stories flawlessly. Lola openly shares about her life, her passions and her work beyond novel writing. Such a remarkable conversation!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Mary Kay Andrews are joined by Ellen Meister, author of the darkly comic new book, Take My Husband to talk about writing with humor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey celebrate the highly anticipated release of The Wedding Veil!!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Friends & Fiction authors gather to discuss the magic of books and how reading has shaped our lives. Plus a cover reveal of Kristy Woodson Harvey's forthcoming book, Under the Southern Sky. http://friendsandfiction.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Patti Callahan Henry & Kristin Harmel welcome the #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Wingate to discuss SHELTERWOOD, her sweeping new novel inspired by the untold history of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth. Lisa Wingate is the author of the #1 NYT-bestseller BEFORE WE WERE YOURS, which remained on bestseller lists for more than two years, has sold more than 3-million copies, and been translated into more than 40 languages worldwide. The author of more than 30 novels and the co-author (with Judy Christie) of the non-fiction book BEFORE AND AFTER, Wingate is an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, a Southern Book Prize winner, and a Goodreads Choice Award winner. According to a recent starred review in Publishers Weekly, “Wingate is at the top of her game.” We are thrilled to hear from her about SHELTERWOOD, which Adriana Trigiani calls “an instant American classic,” and Marie Benedict calls “Wingate’s best book yet!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Kay Andrews interviews Cindy Spiegel & Julie Grau about their journeys in publishing culminating in the opening of their independant publishing company Spiegel & Grau See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Mary Kay Andrews and Kristy Woodson Harvey welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Anna Quindlen to discuss her latest instant bestseller AFTER ANNIE, a hopeful novel about how adversity can change us in profound ways. Anna Quindlen is a novelist and journalist whose work has appeared on fiction, non-fiction, and self-help bestseller lists. She is the author of ten novels including, Object Lessons, One True Thing, and Black and Blue. Her memoir, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake, which was published in 2012, was a #1 New York Times bestseller. Her book, A Short Guide to a Happy Life, has sold more than a million copies. While a columnist at the New York Times, she won the Pulitzer Prize and published two collections, Living Out Loud and Thinking Out Loud. Anna’s new novel, AFTER ANNIE, was released earlier this month and instantly landed on both the NYT and USA Today bestseller lists. Called “luminous with life, hope and the power of love” by People Magazine (who also named it their Book of the Week), AFTER ANNIE is the Barnes & Noble National Book Club selection for March, an IndieNext pick, a LibraryReads pick, and an Amazon Best of the Month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Listeners will be re-introduced to this interview Ron conducted earlier in the year with this year's winner of the Barnes and Noble Book of the Year, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Enjoy the discussion of how Bonnie became a best-selling debut author in her 60's and created this book that is showing up on Best of the Year lists world wide! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK: Ron Block, along with Patti Callahan & Kristy Woodson Harvey chat with Facebook Reading Groups founders Andrea Katz (Great Thoughts, Great Readers) and Kristy Barrett (A Novel Bee) about all things books, authors and reading groups!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry host debut author Jessa Maxwell about her book, The Golden Spoon, which has been receiving universal praise for it's twist on Clue meets The Great British Baking Show with murder! Jessa talks about her original idea and her road to publication. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we introduce you to Jessica Knoll and her incredible new book, BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN. Jessica Knoll is the New York Times bestselling author of LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE and THE FAVORITE SISTER. She also adapted and executive produced the film Luckiest Girl Alive, starring Mila Kunis, which was released on Netflix in 2022. A former editor at SELF and Cosmopolitan, Jessica’s books have been published in more than forty languages. She joins us from her home in Los Angeles to discuss her third novel, BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN—the instant New York Times bestseller with starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, and Kirkus—which was published by Simon & Schuster / Marysue Rucci Books on September 19th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson joins the Fab Five to discuss her latest book, MOTHER MAY I and how the shift from writing southern women's fiction to thrillers allowed her to "lean in and have a little more 'murdery fun'." They also touch on Joshilyn's acting career, her work as an award-winning audiobook narrator, and her advocacy for literacy and reform in women's prisons. http://www.joshilynjackson.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author, humor columnist, and podcaster, Lian Dolan joins the Friends & Fiction authors to discuss her work as producer and host of the award-winning talk show Satellite Sisters and her latest novel, The Sweeney Sisters. https://www.liandolan.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Join Mary Kay Andrews and Ron Block in a fantastic episdoe with the one and only Craig Johnson about his newest in the Longmire Series, Longmire Defense. Craig never ceases to amaze readers, and is very generous, hilarious and even touching sharing stories about his characters, the hugely popular Netflix show and his tours. Such a heartfelft and funny episode!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Mary Kay Andrews & Ron Block welcome NYT-bestselling author Christina Dodd to discuss her brand-new book A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, a humorous historical update on the Romeo and Juliet story which Susan Mallery has called “a tour de force,” and Kirsitin Hannah has praised as “fun, funny, charming, and absolutely delightful.” Christina Dodd is a perennially bestselling author whose suspense, paranormal, mystery, regency and contemporary romance novels have been translated into 30 languages, have sold more than 15-million copies, and have won numerous awards including the Romance Writers of America RITA and Golden Heart Awards. She joins us from her home in the Pacific Northwest to discuss her new novel, A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, which has been described as "Knives Out meets Bridgerton." This book kicks off a frothy, irreverent, witty new series with an irresistible premise—Romeo and Juliet’s daughter as a clever, rebellious, fiercely independent woman in fair Verona—told from the delightfully engaging point of view of the captivating Rosie Montague herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Kristy Woodson Harvey and Ron Block are joined by author and entrepreneur Cleere Cherry Reaves to talk about her new book, The Miracle of You, along with Cleere's approach to embracing her faith to get through difficult times and celebrate sharing her gifts through her creativity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patti Callahan Henry and Kristin Harmel talk about Modern Takes on Literary Classics with Michael Farris Smith about his novel, NICK, about Nick Carraway from The Great Gatsby, and Rachel Hawkins about her novel The Wife Upstairs, a modern retelling of Jane Eyre.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Beard Award-winning author of 15 cookbooks, Nathalie Dupree, joins the Fab Five to discuss how food and stories go hand-in-hand, her legacy as a "connector," clever entertaining hacks, and who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party. http://www.nathalie.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey talk with Brooke Lea Foster about her new book, On Gin Lane See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK In this special episode, Patti Callahan Henry talks about her new release, The Secret Book of Flora Lea, including some exclusive content; then Patti joins Ron to talk with Mary Beth Keane about her follow-up to Ask Again Yes. The Half Moon, an exploration of the multiple facets of marriage, family and longing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight’s episode is our Fall season premiere! We’ve got two amazing authors in store for you!Adrienne Brodeur is the author of the memoir WILD GAME, which was selected as a Best Book of the Year by NPR and The Washington Post and is in development as a Netflix film. She founded the literary magazine Zoetrope: All-Story with Francis Ford Coppola, and currently serves as executive director of Aspen Words, a literary nonprofit and program of The Aspen Institute. She joins us from her home on Cape Cod to discuss her debut novel LITTLE MONSTERS (Simon & Schuster, June 27) which was an Amazon Best Book of July 2023, the July Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick, and called “an absolutely captivating read” by Elin Hilderbrand. Melanie Benjamin is a prize-winning author of nine books, including the New York Times and USA Today bestselling historical novels THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE, about Truman Capote and his society swans, THE AVIATOR’S WIFE, about Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and MISTRESS OF THE RITZ, based on the true story of the American woman who ran the Ritz during WWII. Her novels have been translated in over fifteen languages and optioned for film. She joins us from her home in Chicago amidst her ongoing book tour to discuss her latest novel CALIFORNIA GOLDEN (Delacorte Press, Aug 8) which has been named a Best Book of the Summer by Entertainment Weekly, called “a breath of bracing salt air” by Beatriz Williams, and about which Shelby Van Pelt said it “left me breathless….will stay with you long after the last page.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK: Ron Block talks with Jenna Blum about her memoir, Woodrow on the Bench about the life lessons her aging dog taught her. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s edge-of-your-seat time! We’re in for a thrilling episode as we talk to three female thriller writers—Julie Clark, Erica Ferencik, and Karen Cleveland.Julie Clark is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of The Last Flight, which has been translated into more than 20 languages, and the 2018 debut novel, The Ones We Choose, which has been optioned for television by Lionsgate. She joins us to discuss THE LIES I TELL, a twisted con-woman thriller about two women out for revenge―or is it justice? Called "riveting" by Laura Dave and "a knockout" by Mary Kubica, the book is hot off the presses and we can’t wait to hear all about it. There is nowhere on earth award-winning author Erica Ferencik won’t go to take you out of your head and into the great wild world. Her adventure novels feature women who brave not only internal struggles but face extreme challenges in their environment: remote forests, steaming jungles, and desolated icescapes. She joins us to talk about this spring’s Arctic-set GIRL IN ICE, which was a New York Times Editors’ Choice, an Indie Next Pick, and an Amazon Editors’ Pick that got starred reviews in Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Book Page.On the after show, we will give a warm F&F welcome to returning guest, former CIA counterterrorism analyst, New York Times bestselling author, and sister of our own Kristin Harmel, Karen Cleveland. Karen joins us to preview her forthcoming domestic thriller, THE NEW NEIGHBOR, which Ballantine will publish on July 26th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Poet and bestselling novelist Marisa de los Santos joins the Fab Five to talk about about her latest novel I'D GIVE ANYTHING, as well as her writing process and the cross section of poetry and novels, the powerful women who have influenced her life, and her collaborative relationship with her writer husband David Teague. https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/marisa-de-los-santos See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us on Thanksgiving Eve as we welcome some of our favorite indie bookseller pals for a very special holiday episode of Friends & Fiction! The Fab Four are joined by Tim from Nantucket Book Partners in Nantucket, MA; Peter from Booktowne in Manasquan, NJ; Susan from Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, DE; Cathy & Serena from Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, FL; Rebecca from Macintosh Books on Sanibel Island, FL; and Laura from Oxford Exchange in Tampa, FL.We hear from each of them about their origin story as a bookseller, their holiday book recommendations, and trends they're seeing in their stores.All hosts and guests don their Friends & Fiction t-shirt for this Thanksgiving "Tee Party!" Join us by wearing yours—on sale now "Buy-One-Get-One-Free" in the F&F merch shop at Oxford Exchange! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK: Mary Kay Andrews speaks with Pam Dorman & Stuart Krichevsky about life in publishing as Agents, Editors and Publishers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are so thrilled to welcome #1 internationally bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, who People Magazine calls “the master of ticking-bomb suspense.” Jeffery’s 40+ books are sold in 150 countries, have been translated into over 25 languages, and have sold more than 50-million copies worldwide. His first Lincoln Rhyme novel, THE BONE COLLECTOR, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. Join us as we hear all about Jeffery’s writing process, intensive research, and his brand-new thriller, THE MIDNIGHT LOCK, the latest installment in his blockbuster, fan-favorite Lincoln Rhyme series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author of The Lost Queen trilogy, Signe Pike, joins the Friends & Fiction authors to discuss her research of Celtic history, myth and folklore, and how her love of history, the great outdoors, early medieval and ancient archeology informs her writing. https://www.signepike.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Meghan Walker are joined by author/comedian/actore Michael Ian Black to talk about his book, A Better Man in a special Father's Day episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of our Wed night web show is the launch celebration for our own Mary Kay Andrews’s BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS! Who’s ready to join in the reindeer games? Put on your Santa (er, thinking) caps and get ready for some holiday themed trivia! We’ve got lots of cheer and merriment in store as emcee Meg and referee Ron oversee the Fab Four in a rousing Christmas-themed game show. We follow that with an insightful interview with MKA about her fifth Christmas novel, which is hot off the presses and in stores everywhere now, ready for your early holiday shopping. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we are so excited to introduce you to the award-winning, bestselling contemporary novelist Elinor Lipman. Known for her keen wit, Elinor Lipman is a master of social satire and has written sixteen books, including The Inn at Lake Devine, Rachel to the Rescue, Good Riddance, and one of Mary Kay Andrews’s all-time favorite books, The Family Man. Her debut novel, Then She Found Me, was made into a movie starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth, and Matthew Broderick. A writing professor who has taught at Simmons, Smith, and Hampshire colleges, Elinor has been a fiction judge for the National Book Awards and been on the literature panel for the National Endowment for the Arts. She joins us to discuss her latest novel, MS. DEMEANOR, just released in late December by Harper Perennial. Chosen as the Barnes & Noble Fiction Pick for the month of January, Ms. Demeanor has been called “a complete and utter delight” by Richard Russo, and “sexy and fun,” “breezy and engrossing” by Tom Perrotta. We can’t wait to talk to Elinor all about it. Stick around for the After Show when we will welcome Nina de Gramont to feature her novel THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR, which was an instant NYT bestseller and a Reese’s Book Club pick in hardcover and is just being released in paperback by St. Martin’s Press. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we welcome two fabulous author guests! Meet John Hart, the author of six New York Times bestsellers (his latest: THE UNWILLING, Feb '21, St. Martin’s Press) and the only author in history to win the Edgar Award for consecutive novels. Meet acclaimed Southern mystery master, Christopher Swann who joins us to talk about his third novel, A FIRE IN THE NIGHT (Sept '21, Crooked Lane Books). With these two masters of the craft, we talk all about plot and character and setting, and what makes a thriller vs a mystery, and how to build suspense. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fiona Davis joins the Fab Five to discuss her new release THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE, a Good Morning America Book Club Pick. http://www.fionadavis.net See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey welcome Natasha Lester, author of the recently released historical fiction novel, The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre, which is a fascinating look at fashion and espionage before, during, and after WWII in Paris. A terrific conversation about her process, her background and how it all came together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who will wear the ugliest sweater? Who will have a few too many rum balls? You’ll have to tune in for the F&F Holiday Office Party to find out! This last web show of the year is chock-full of fun and games. We welcome a few special author guests — Rachel McMillan to chat about favorite holiday movies, Wade Rouse to discuss favorite Christmas books, and Mary Alice Monroe for a segment on holiday gift giving. We highlight favorite moments, guests, and books from the past year with fun reindeer games and fabulous prizes up for grabs for the viewing audience. And we give a sneak preview of some exciting changes afoot and a big guest coming in 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK: Mary Alice Monroe talks with publishing elite Alyson Heller and Faye Bender about writing for children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry celebrate the release of Marple: Twelve New Stories with contributers Alyssa Cole and Jean Kwok, discussing their short stories, the enduring popularity of Agatha Christie and how the project came together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The friends & Fiction authors gather to discuss the concept of legacy and what they as writers hope to leave behind with their body of work. They are joined briefly by novelist Cassandra King Conroy to discuss her recent memoir Tell Me a Story: My Life with Pat Conroy and how The Pat Conroy Lierary Center honors his legacy. Plus a special suprise gift presentation for Cassandra from her agent and her son! https://cassandrakingconroy.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Bly joins the Fab Five to discuss her long, successful career writing regency romances under the pseudonym Eloisa James while living somewhat of a double life as a Shakespeare professor and English Dept chair at Fordham University. We hear about how she made the decision to write contemporary fiction (LIZZIE & DANTE, out now) under her real name just this year for the first time and how her love of Italy and the classics infuses all of her writing. https://www.eloisajames.com/ She’s joined by Sonali Dev who writes clever, deeply layered, and heartwarming Bollywood-style romantic comedies in the Jane Austen tradition (INCENSE AND SENSIBILITY, coming July 6th). Sonali discusses giving readers a glimpse into the Indian American experience through her work, and the importance of revisiting and retelling classics like Austen. https://sonalidev.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Mary Kay Andrews talk with Kristen Mei Chase about her charming and poignant debut novel A Thousand Miles to Graceland. We delve into the humor but also mother/daughter relationships, healing and representation of multi-racial characters in fiction. A don't miss episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices