Do you ever meet someone and just click? That's what happened when I hopped on the call with Sheila Roberts. She writes novels that are contemporary mysteries set in a larger community. You can tell from the cover that they have humor and fun. It only takes a few minutes of chatting with Shelia to see how much that fun comes from her personality and perspective on life.
The Man Next Door is her most recent novel, and the idea dropped into her mind like so many do. It's a twist on Alfred Hitchcock with an unreliable narrator and multigenerational family dynamics. She wants to tell a good story that pulls readers in with its cast of characters and layers. This book does exactly that. She's been creating stories since she was a child, telling herself bedtime stories.
I hope you enjoy our conversation and learning more about her books and writing process.
Connect with Sheila Roberts
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
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In this episode of 'Book Talk with Cara,' I interview Nicole Baart about her newest book, Where He Left Me. Nicole shares insights into her background, inspiration for the book, and her writing process. The conversation reveals Nicole's melding of personal experiences and creative what-ifs that shaped the suspenseful, nature-versus-man story set at a remote cabin. We discuss the challenges older women face, highlighting the protagonist Sadie's mid-life turmoil and struggle for survival. Nicole also touches on the balancing act between writing and family life, sharing how she finds time to write among her responsibilities as a mother of five. I loved talking with Nicole about research, inspirations from astronomy, and the intricacies of writing mystery and suspense.
We concluded our chat with a light-hearted conversation about our favorite sparkling water flavors and Nicole’s social media presence, where fans can connect with her.
Connect with Nicole Baart
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In this engaging episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman welcomes author Ann Swindell to discuss her latest novel, Love in the Castle Library, the second book in her Christmas series. Anne shares the joys of transitioning from non-fiction to fiction, creating the imaginary kingdom of Leathersby, and blending this fictional world with the real-life charm of Oxford, England. They delve into the challenges of writing dual perspectives and developing rich, believable characters. Anne also talks about her process and gives hints about the upcoming third book in the series. Topics include character development, integrating real-world inspiration into fiction, and tips for writing a compelling series.
Connect with Ann Swindell
Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram
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Some people are such fun to have a conversation with, and today's Book Talk guest is one of those. Amanda Wen is the author of multiple books, and today we're talking about her latest novel, Echoes of a Silent Song. What I love is that she brings elements of her day job -- working as an accompanist for school choirs to this book. Yet she's also diving into a slight mystery with mental health aspects as she explores the role of music in our lives.
Like many of my guests, Amanda has always been a writer, but she would tell herself to be patient and not give up. It's great advice for all of us on this writing journey. We all have a role to play, and God will use us. As you read Echoes of a Silent Song, that's one aspect you hope she'll take with you. Find a few minutes and dive into this episode as we talk books, writing, and so much more.
Connect with Amanda Wen
Facebook | X | Instagram | BookBub
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, I get to interview my friend, author Kate Angelo, about her latest book, Girl Lost. Together, we delve into the book's innovative use of cutting-edge technology, such as 3D-printed organs, and its deep ethical issues. Kate shares her journey from a tech-loving nerd to an inspired writer, discussing her background, her engagement with scientific innovation, and her ethical considerations influenced by personal experiences and a strong Christian perspective.
We also explore the themes of second-chance romance and the concept of 'found family' within the novel. Throughout the discussion, Kate reflects on her rapid ascent in the literary world, attributing her success to divine guidance and hard work. She also gives insights into her writing process and approach to blending structured plotting with character-driven storytelling. Listeners learn about Kate's unique perspective on adolescent love, her deliberate decision-making in her writing career, and her upcoming events and book-related content available on her website.
Connect with Kate Angelo
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If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
Robin Pearson is one busy woman, as you'll quickly learn in today's episode of Book Talk. An author who writes in North Carolina, she incorporates her southern roots into her stories. In our conversation, we got to talk about our shared love of bookstores and dream of owning one... for her that led to her latest novel, The Stories We Carry, which focuses on a woman working in a bookstore and confronting more than the stories on her shelves. There are layers inspired by the Count of Monte Cristo and the idea of can there be righteous Vengeance. Robin loves to think of her stories as syrup — they develop slowly and are filling.
There's so much life in this interview. I can't wait for you to meet Robin and learn more about her books and writing.
Connect with Robin W. Pearson
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If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
In this episode of Book Talk, I interview Ash Clifton, a debut author from Gainesville, Florida, about his intense thriller, Twice The Trouble. I like to compare this novel to works by Michael Cane, Tom Clancy, and Daniel Silva. Ash shares his journey of becoming a writer, inspired by his father's role as Chief of Police and Ash's exposure to former football players on his college team. He discusses the creation of his complex protagonist, a former cop and football player. Ash also talks about the challenges he faced, including cutting characters and scenes based on his agent's recommendations, and how he managed to keep the story engaging.
He emphasizes the importance of a hero being both good at heart and having a sense of humor. Additional topics include the writing process, dealing with self-doubt, and his aspirations for a movie adaptation of the book.
Connect with Ash Clifton
X | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky
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In today's episode of Book Talk, I have the pleasure of bringing my friend Kelly Goshorn onto the show to talk about her latest novel The Undercover Heiress of Brockton. I loved writing in a novella collection with Kelly a couple years ago, so I loved getting the chance to read this full-length novel. It's set in the very real events that happened when a shoe factory in Brockton exploded and the ensuing fire devastated the plant in mere minutes. I was fascinated to talk with Kelly about how she created her story around these very real, historical happenings.
Lest you think this book is all heaviness, the heroine is an heiress who goes undercover as a man so she can report on the day's important events. That leads to all kinds of madcap events and happenings. Kelly's a pantser, so the way these true events and a couple characters wove together into this moving story is fascinating to me. I know you'll enjoy meeting Kelly and learning more about her books and her writing process.
Connect with Kelly Goshorn
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Y'all, there are rare moments when I read a book and think, "I wish I'd written this one." Connie Mann's book that comes out in the spring is one of those (spoiler alert: I endorsed it!). But her current book, The Liar's Treasure is soooo good. That's why when I was planning this season of Book Talk I had to invite her to be a guest. This current series makes me think of Ally Carter books all grown up, or Oceans 8, or something else equally fun yet filled with so much fun.
I really enjoy them (as you'll notice as I gush--I do book gush from time to time and this is such a time.). In this episode, Connie discusses having a group cast. Bringing together so many elements that she loves in one novel and other elements that are just plain fun. She also talks about all the jobs in and around publishing and writing that she took on her way to being a novelist. She'd tell aspiring writers to be more confident and chase that dream. I know you're going to enjoy this chat.
Connect with Connie Mann
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I have known Kim Duffy (also writing as Kimberly Duffy) for several years, and it was past time to have her on as a guest. She is someone I love brainstorming with and spending time with because she's wicked smart and has this wry sense of humor I enjoy. She also loves to travel and homeschools her kids, so there are so many points of intersection even as we are so different.
While I love her historical women's fiction novels, I had her on Book Talk to share about her latest novel, The Meet-Cute Manuscript, a book she wrote when her family was in a point of crisis. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to write again, and her agent gave her beautiful advice: write something entirely different. The Meet Cute Manuscript is the result. I loved this contemporary rom-com, which has depth but is also light and a breath of fresh air. I think we've all had times where we wonder where God is and if a dream has died. There is such beauty in finding His hand in a pivot.
I really hope you enjoy meeting Kim and learning more about all of her books.
Connect with Kim Duffy
For today's episode of Book Talk, it's a treat to welcome Kristen Hogrefe Parnell back. Kristen writes page-turning romantic suspense, and her novella in Truth started with a what-if when she was on vacation at Rosemary Beach. She kept adding layers until she had the plot for the book.
Like many authors, Kristen has always wanted to write. If she could go back in time, she'd ask herself what if it could be wonderful? as a way to break out of the fear of what might happen. I love that idea! It's such a great way to reframe a business that is largely out of our control as writers.
Connect with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
For today's episode of Book Talk, I'm so pleased to introduce you to Sarah Hamaker. On her website, Sarah hosts quick takes with authors, a great way to learn about what authors are working on and their newest books (you can listen to my part in one recent episode here). In addition to encouraging and supporting other authors, Sarah writes page-turning romantic suspense. She has a novella in the Truth collection, and it's one you won't want to miss.
Like many authors, Sarah grew up telling stories and wanting to write. She's turned that lifelong love of reading and writing into award-finaling and winning novels in the romantic suspense genre.
Connect with Sarah Hamaker
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
One of the things I enjoy most about hosting Book Talk is making new writing friends. I love connecting with writers I've known for years, but today I get to introduce you to a new friend. Paul Bradley Carr and I hadn't met before we recorded, but as you enjoy this conversation, I think you'll find that we had so many things to talk about. It was a fast and fun chat about his new book The Confessions.
Why? Because for 25 years, Paul covered Silicon Valley for the British newspaper The Guardian, and he brings all of that knowledge to this book. As I told Paul, I didn't plan to read an AI thriller, and I certainly didn't plan to inhale it, but I really enjoyed The Confessions. It's fresh, and it's the kind of book that will make you think while taking you on a wild ride.
Connect with Paul Bradley Carr
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
t is so much fun to welcome Bethany Turner back to Book Talk. She was my first guest at the very beginning of Book Talk, and it is a delight to have her back as we discuss her latest romantic comedy, Wes and Addie Had Their Chance. I was surprised to learn that this was the first book idea that she had...ten years later, it's finally seeing the light of day. I love these characters and story. This one isn't as funny as some of her others, but it is still an ode to pop culture and so much more.
Bethany Turner is such fun. She brings joy to everything, including this interview.
Connect with Bethany Turner
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
Today, it's a thrill to get to introduce you to the delightful Lisa T. Bergren. The author of more than 70 books, Lisa is a wonderful person who writes fantastic novels. Today we're talking about her River of Time series. This series is one of my favorites, a passion I share with my oldest daughter. She inhaled this series multiple times as a teen, selecting different locations in Siena and Florence based on the books. Now I'm introducing my other daughter to this amazing time travel series that combines the romance of Twilight with the action of Hunger Games.
In addition to talking about this series, we discussed what we collect on vacation, what it takes to write. Then there's finding your space in the world of books and genres. I can't wait to hear what you think of Lisa and her books.
Connect with Lisa T. Bergren
Facebook | X | Instagram | Pinterest
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
In this episode of Book Talk, I get to introduce you to my friend Dan Walsh, a writer who has been compared to Nicholas Sparks. He has published traditionally and as an indie, with great success in both. We talked about why he's made the publishing choices he has as well as the journey two of his books have had on the path to possibly becoming books. It was a fascinating conversation as we explored branding and more. I can't wait to hear what you think.
Connect with Dan Walsh
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
There are some authors that I aspire to write like, and Susan Meissner is one of them. I am delighted to introduce you to her in this episode of Book Talk. Her latest novel A Map to Paradise, was featured in PEOPLE magazine. Woot! There is a gentleness to Susan that I so appreciate, and this episode grew out of reconnecting with her at a published author retreat in February. I know you'll enjoy learning about her path to published author, how A Map to Paradise is woven together, and how it evolved in the writing and editing. There's so much to learn from her. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.
Connect with Susan Meissner
Facebook | X | Instagram | Pinterest
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
Becca Kinzer is the award-winning author of romantic comedies like Dear Henry, Love Edith. I LOVED First Love, Second Draft, a book of second-chance love and forced proximity, so it was such fun to talk about it with Becca. I think we could also bond over our fondness of Jimmy Stewart, but we didn't dive down that rabbit hole in today's conversation. What we did talk about is the way love and second-chance love give us a chance to dig deeper and explore God's heart and character. We talked about her journey in writing and how she writes. And we just had a fun conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Connect with Becca Kinzer
Facebook | X | Instagram | Goodreads
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
It is always a delight to share my friend Jaime Jo Wright with y'all. In November, we were at the Christy Awards, and it was a thrill to watch her win the Christy for mystery/suspense/thriller. Y'all, I don't want to go head-to-head against this amazing writer. I can say this because I love Jaime and her writing. Jaime's books fill an interesting niche: Christian gothic. What is that? I'm glad you asked because that's what we will start this Book Talk discussing.
Then we move on to her new novel, The Tempest of Annabel's Lighthouse. This story was the first idea that Jaime had, and it's now coming to you. I can't wait to see what you think of it. Then we move on to discuss what makes a great hero, and I think her definition will surprise you. As will whether she reads her reviews and which of her books she'd love to see turned into a movie. As always, you will enjoy this conversation with Jaime.
Connect with Jaime Jo Wright
Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | Threads | Podcast
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!
There are some episodes of Book Talk that are a special treat and today's is one of those. Sarah Arthur and I met briefly at the Christy Awards where everyone was abuzz about her nominated novel Once a Queen. What I learned quickly is that novel and her latest, Once a Castle, are heavily influenced by her love of Tolkein, Lewis and L'Engle. She has written many non-fiction works including A Walk with Frodo and A Light so Lovely, now sitting on my TBR pile, which explore the themes and lives of books and great authors. Those influences dash across the pages of her novels.
I so enjoyed this conversation that covered everything from the difference in writing a first novel over 20 years versus a second in 8 months and the way fiction and nonfiction are so vastly different to write. We also explored the themes of her books and the joys she finds in writing -- it's such a sweet joy -- I don't want to spoil it for you. My Amazon cart filled, and I can't wait to hear what you love most about meeting this delightful author.
Connect with Sarah Arthur