In this episode of the Authors’ Allies podcast, host Rebecca Paciorek welcomes the multi-talented Cari Dubiel — librarian, author, editor, and mindfulness advocate. Known for her award-winning mysteries and the quirky collection I Loved the Mothman and Other Stories, Cari brings a wealth of experience from both sides of the book world.
Together, they discuss:
✨ Cari’s many creative roles and how she balances them all 📚 What really happens behind the scenes at modern libraries 🧠 How mindfulness helps library workers manage public-facing stress 🔍 Current trends in what readers want (Hello BookTok and locked-room thrillers!) 📖 The story behind The Author’s Guide to Libraries — and why indie authors should stop dropping off books unannounced 🧛♂️ Cryptids as modern myth and how Mothman inspired a whole collection 🛠️ Cari’s hybrid publishing venture, Dustbound Books 🧩 Tips for writers juggling creativity with real life 📝 Her upcoming projects: Detective Mothman and The Author’s Guide to Bookstores
Plus: the truth about audiobook formats, why children’s authors need better feedback, and Cari’s favorite writing beverage (spoiler: it’s not just coffee!).
✨ Don’t miss this inspiring and practical deep dive into the literary world from the perspective of someone who truly does it all.
05:10 - Balancing a Busy Life
09:00 - Teaching Mindfulness to Library Workers
13:20 - Stress and Reality of Working in Libraries
17:10 - Current Reader Trends and BookTok Influence
22:30 - Ebooks vs. Print: What's Popular Now
26:00 - Playaway Devices and Streaming Changes
30:20 - How Author’s Guide to Libraries Was Born
35:00 - Children's Authors and Library Events
38:40 - Editing and Hybrid Publishing with Dust Bound Books
44:30 - Creating I Loved the Mothman and Other Stories
49:40 - Upcoming Projects: Detective Mothman and Author’s Guide to Bookstores
53:10 - Cari's Advice for Aspiring Authors
Where to find Cari Dubiel
Cari’s website: https://caridubielauthor.com/
Cari’s Duskbound Books website: https://duskboundbooks.com/ and on Substack https://duskboundbooks.substack.com/
Cari’s books: (Amazon affiliate links)
I Loved the Mothman and Other Stories https://amzn.to/4bG9Xfn
The Authors’ Guide to Libraries https://amzn.to/4hrQqAC
All Cari’s books: https://amzn.to/41VkPCP
Other Links & Resources
Authors’ Allies RoundTable can be found on our website.
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