Charlotte Readers Podcast podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 300

Celebrating 400 Episodes of Reading and Writing and Talking About Both
In this 400th episode, we share why this is the last episode of Charlotte Readers Podcast, we reflect on our experiences as podcasters over 399 episodes, we talk about memorable podcast episodes, books, and writer quotes, and we share audio clips of previous interviews and readings on the show. We also express our gratitude to you, our listeners, and to our supporters, authors, and partners, and we talk about what’s next for the podcast and the hosts. We couldn’t have done this podcast without you and we’re grateful you took the time to listen. Please enjoy what remains on charlottereaderspodcast.com: 400 episodes with 450 authors, 88 community blog posts by different writers, and 47 vlog posts (video conversations with different writers). Today’s Featured Topics Because we reflect on six years of podcasting, we have a lot of content packed into this episode–our longest episode ever– but we provide time stamps for each Act in case you choose to listen in bite size chunks or in case you want to skip around. Here are the topics for the main part of the show today, with audio clips from the past thrown in for fun. Act 1: Gratitude for 400 Episodes Time Stamp: 18:45 Act 2: Podcast Stuff We Learned How to Do Time Stamp: 30:00 Act 3: Challenges, Bloopers, and Missed Opportunities Time Stamp: 37:58 Act 4: The Joys of Podcasting on Charlotte Readers Podcast Time Stamp: 50:52 Act 5: Memorable Episodes with Audio Clips Time Stamp: 1:14:40 Act 6: Memorable Books Read with Audio Clips Time Stamp: 2:06:28 Act 7: Memorable Quotes from The Write Quotes Series Time Stamp: 2:35:58 Act 8: Hosts’ 400th Episode Blog Posts Time Stamp: 2:45:54 Act 9: Recently read book recommendations Time Stamp: 2:52:34 Act 10: Farewell Time Stamp: 2:57:05 As our parting gift to the writers who are listening, we have added at the end of this show, two bonus segments. Bonus 1: Audio Collage of 20 writers offering writing advice Time Stamp: 3:09:42 Bonus 2: Audio Collage of 44 writers reflecting on the advice they would give to their younger writer selves Time Stamp: 3:37:35 What’s Next for the Hosts: We intend to continue to collaborate together and stay in touch through a rebranded newsletter. We will continue writing, supporting authors, and maybe even do some more podcasting. Farewell But Not Goodbye Landis, Hannah, and Sarah wave farewell but not goodbye. We hope you continue to enjoy what Charlotte Readers Podcast has to offer: 400 episodes, 450 authors, 88 blog posts, and 47 vlog posts. You can reach us using the Contact page at charlottereaderspodcast.com. Our Podcast Books If you’d like to support the maintenance of our website, buy one or more of podcast books. Cheers! Death by Podcasting Death by Podcasting is a mystery novella written by Sarah Archer and Landis Wade, with input from Hannah Larrew, because podcasting can be a dangerous business. Learn More and order your copy Here: https://books2read.com/u/mKVrvy The Write Quotes Book Series: Put the wisdom of the podcast in your pocket by purchasing one of more of the eight books in The Write Quote series, a collection of writing quote books compiled from 500+ Charlotte Readers Podcast interviews (episodes, blogs, and vlogs) with bestselling, award-winning, and hard-working authors. Download Book 1 of the Write Quotes Series for free Here: https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/writequotes/
--------
4:15:25
The Inspiring Act of Connecting to Each Other and Ourselves in Kathy Izard’s Trust the Whisper
In this episode 399, we feature award-winning author and philanthropist, Kathy Izard, and her new nonfiction book, Trust the Whisper. New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff says that "If you are looking for a life inspired by grace and fueled by big dreams, Trust the Whisper is full of people who are doing just that.” Show discussion highlights: ● Growing up in El Paso, TX ● Transitioning from owning a graphic design company to being involved in the homelessness initiative ● What’s a whisper? ● What Kathy calls a “God dot” ● Highlighting change-makers in communities ● How to listen to our whispers ● The concept of doing good and loving big ● Finding your soul purpose ● Kathy’s pairing children’s book Grace Heard a Whisper ● Our live plan vs. our life path ● Combating the emotions that come with doing difficult work ● Writing process for a collection of stories ● How to connect stories thematically in a collection ● Rejection and how it’s part of being a writer Brief author bio: Kathy Izard is an award-winning author and speaker who helped bring transformation to Charlotte in homelessness, housing and mental health. Her first memoir written in 2016, The Hundred Story Home, received a Christopher Award for outstanding inspirational nonfiction. In 2019, she created an illustrated children’s book called A Good Night for Mr. Coleman, that can be read together to help children understand homelessness and how one person can make a difference. Kathy has been recognized as a William J. Clinton Distinguished Guest Lecturer, and her work has been featured on NPR as well as the Today Show, inspiring people to be changemakers in their communities. A seasoned speaker for conferences, retreats, workshops and fundraisers, Kathy has encouraged audiences from California to Maine. Learn more about the author and their books HERE. https://www.kathyizard.com/ Death by Podcasting Support the show by ordering Death by Podcasting, a mystery novella by Sarah Archer and Landis Wade, because podcasting can be a dangerous business. Learn More and order your copy: https://books2read.com/u/mKVrvy The Write Quotes Series: Support the show by purchasing one of more of the eight books in The Write Quote series, a collection of writing quote books compiled from 500+ interviews with bestselling, award-winning, and hard-working authors. Learn more about our series of quote books and download Book 1 for free at https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/writequotes/ Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter for free HERE: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/79263/78112905026864634/share
--------
44:35
Novel Writing Tips with Award-Winning Author Joel Burcat
In this episode 398, we focus on the craft of novel writing. Our featured guest is award-winning author Joel Burcat. Steve Berry, the New York Times #1 internationally bestselling author of the Cotton Malone series, had this to say: “Joel Burcat’s writing is tight and clean…Gritty, tough, poignant.” His books have won many awards including his novel Strange Fire, the GOLD MEDAL WINNER, Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards for Environmental Fiction (2022). A version of this recording was released on our exclusive Patreon channel. We thank our Patrons for making it possible for us to release this updated version on the regular podcast. Also listen to the Author’s Earlier Podcast Episode: You can listen here: https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/environmental-lawyer-oversees-a-mining-dispute-turned-deadly-in-joel-burcats-amid-rage/ In this earlier episode that released on July 9, 2021, we visited with Joel about his novel “Amid Rage,” an environmental legal thriller and the second in the Mike Jacobs series. Mike Jacobs is an environmental prosecutor with Pennsylvania’s environmental agency, DEP, and finds himself caught in the middle of a mine permit battle between a psychotic coal mine operator and cynical neighbors with an anti-mining agenda. With offers from both sides and political bosses, Mike must find the courage to do what is right. Author bio: Joel Burcat writes environmental thrillers that are both electrifying and accurate. John Lescroart (author of The 13th Juror) calls his writing “complex and intelligent, deftly plotted and character rich.” William Landay (author of Defending Jacob) says, “Burcat writes with an insider’s edge…A treat for thriller fans.” Burcat’s writings explore many facets of life, although he has a true fascination with unexpected twists. His characters’ reasons for doing things are as important as their actions. From the person lying in bed next to you to psychopathic strip mine operators, each has an underlying motive to be explored and revealed. Three of Burcat’s novels have been published. DRINK TO EVERY BEAST, AMID RAGE, and STRANGE FIRE (published by Headline Books). They are available at bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble in paperback and electronic formats. REAP THE WIND (published by Sunbury Books, Inc.) is coming out on February 6th, 2024. Burcat grew up in Philadelphia. He lives with his wife in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the place that provides the setting for many of his stories. Author Website: https://joelburcat.com Show discussion highlights: • What to think about first when writing a novel • Think about the characters • How to get started—just write • Find the time to write—there has to be a commitment • Regarding outlining—yes and no • Avoid passive language • Avoid head-hopping in point of view • Hire a good editor • Take writing courses • Put some good stuff up front • Avoid vanity presses • Don’t share the first draft for feedback until you self-edit • Sometimes write the ending first • Writing when legally blind • If you are going to write, you need to read Death by Podcasting Support the show by ordering Death by Podcasting, a mystery novella by Sarah Archer and Landis Wade, because podcasting can be a dangerous business. Learn More and order your copy: https://books2read.com/u/mKVrvy The Write Quotes Series: Support the show by purchasing one of more of the eight books in The Write Quote series, a collection of writing quote books compiled from 500+ interviews with bestselling, award-winning, and hard-working authors. Learn more about our series of quote books and download Book 1 for free at ...
--------
43:27
Finding Humor in Life’s Messier Moments with NC Journalist Katherine Snow Smith
In this episode 397, we welcome author and journalist Katherine Snow Smith to the show! We discuss Katherine’s latest memoir, Stepping on the Blender & Other Times Life Gets Messy, which takes a closer look at the process of beginning again after a divorce. Katherine laces her transparent account of more difficult experiences with positivity and humor. Southern Literary Review says, “Smith knows her craft well. She is a sharp observer, skilled writer, and an engaging and entertaining storyteller.” Show discussion highlights: ● Katherine’s relationship with her father, News & Observer reporter AC Snow ● The importance of bathroom reading material…! ● The difference between undergrad at UNC for journalism, and getting a Masters decades later ● The story behind the title, Stepping on the Blender ● Katherine’s hope for women who read her memoir ● Humor in memoir writing ● The idea that we all change, and so do the places we grew up in ● How to prepare for releasing a more personal book and answering the question, do you tell your friends/family first? ● Katherine’s career in journalism across the Southeast ● What Katherine would tell anyone who wants to write their story but is nervous to do so Brief author bio: Raleigh native Katherine Snow Smith has lived throughout the south as a newspaper reporter, editor, daughter, sister, mother, wife, divorcee and friend. She’s worked at small town papers and business journals, but spent most of her career at the esteemed Tampa Bay Times. A few decades (no need to count them) after graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism, she’s getting her master’s at her alma mater so she can teach on a college level. Katherine, who has three 20-something children, divides her time between Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and St. Petersburg, Florida. Learn more about the author and their books HERE. https://katherinesnowsmith.com/ Death by Podcasting Support the show by ordering Death by Podcasting, a mystery novella by Sarah Archer and Landis Wade, because podcasting can be a dangerous business. Learn More and order your copy: https://books2read.com/u/mKVrvy The Write Quotes Series: Support the show by purchasing one of more of the eight books in The Write Quote series, a collection of writing quote books compiled from 500+ interviews with bestselling, award-winning, and hard-working authors. Learn more about our series of quote books and download Book 1 for free at https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/writequotes/ Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter for free HERE: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/79263/78112905026864634/share
--------
45:53
Melissa Broder’s “Death Valley” Finds Wisdom, Humor, and Healing in the California Desert
In this episode 396, we feature acclaimed writer Melissa Broder discussing Death Valley, a comedic odyssey through the desert of grief. The novel was named a best book of 2023 by Oprah Daily, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times, who called it “a triumph, a ribald prayer for sensuality and grace in the face of profound loss, a hilarious revolt against the aggressive godlessness, dehumanization and fear plaguing our time. All ten of Melissa Broder’s finger lamps are blazing. Why not be totally changed into fire.” Show discussion highlights: ● The alchemy that transforms life into writing (and sometimes the reverse) ● The role of real-life struggles with mental health and grief in the creative process, and the role of joy ● Why pee is a valid plot point! and other thoughts on capturing both the divine and the visceral in her work ● Coping with the pressure of critical expectations ● Broder’s experiences in adapting her work for the screen ● A hint at the topic of her next novel Brief author bio: Melissa Broder is the author of the novels Death Valley, Milk Fed, and The Pisces, the essay collection So Sad Today, and five poetry collections, including Superdoom: Selected Poems and Last Sext. Her books are translated in over ten languages. Broder has written for The New York Times, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Italia, Bon Appetit, VICE, and New York Magazine. Poems appear in POETRY, The Iowa Review, Guernica, Fence, et al. She is the winner of a Pushcart Prize for poetry. Learn more about the author and their books HERE. https://www.melissabroder.com/ Death by Podcasting Support the show by ordering Death by Podcasting, a mystery novella by Sarah Archer and Landis Wade, because podcasting can be a dangerous business. Learn More and order your copy: https://books2read.com/u/mKVrvy The Write Quotes Series: Support the show by purchasing one of more of the eight books in The Write Quote series, a collection of writing quote books compiled from 500+ interviews with bestselling, award-winning, and hard-working authors. Learn more about our series of quote books and download Book 1 for free at https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/writequotes/ Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter for free HERE: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/79263/78112905026864634/share
--------