Authors Talking Bookish

Authors Talking Bookish

by Donna Norman-Carbone and Hope Gibbs

Season 4

Banned, Challenged and Essential: Who Decided What We Read?

What happens when someone else dictates what is or is not allowed to be read? In this episode, we explore the history and purpose of Banned Books Week, why book challenges and censorship have become increasingly common, and why the freedom to read matters to readers, writers, educators, and communities alike. We share the books that have shaped us, discuss why so many enduring classics continue to be challenged, and highlight the authors, librarians, and organizations working to protect access to diverse stories. Whether you agree with every book or not, this conversation is a reminder that stories have the power to educate, challenge, and connect us, and why preserving that choice is worth defending. SHOW NOTES: History This Year Why are we Bringing Attention to it? Books we support and would like to address Manifesto Library Authors Against Book Bans History: Banned Books Week takes place annually, at the end of September to the beginning of October depending upon the calendar. In 1982, it originated as a call to attention to the rise in the number of books being banned across the US by Judith Krug of the American Library Association and the Association of American Publishers This Year: Dates: October 4–10, 2026 Theme: “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read” Focus: Raising awareness about censorship and supporting public access to diverse ideas and stories. SOURCES & LINKS American Library Association https://www.ala.org/bbooks/banned Banned Books Week https://bannedbooksweek.org/ Pen America: Banned Books https://pen.org/banned-books-week/ Manifesto Library https://www.service95.com/manifesto-library-launch Authors Against Book Bans https://www.authorsagainstbookbans.com/ DO NOW: Create your own awareness by educating yourself, determine what you can do to promote choice in reading and the prevention of book banning. Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with Author Karen E. Osborne

Award-winning author Karen E. Osborne joins Authors Talking Bookish for a conversation about writing suspense and social-issue fiction, creating complex female characters, and exploring family, power, and moral choice through story. Karen shares insights into her novels, including Getting It Right, Justice for Emerson, True Grace, Reckonings, and Tangled Lies, as well as her journey as a writer and her experience hosting the weekly author-interview podcast What Are You Reading? What Are You Writing? Join us for a thoughtful conversation about storytelling, the writing life, and creating fiction that both entertains and makes us think. SHOW NOTES: Biography Current Novels On the Author’s Journey and Writing Life Host to Host Road to Publication Rapid Fire Questions Tangled Lies (2021) – A murder mystery thriller centered on complex family dynamics. Reckonings (2022) – An award-winning indie drama focusing on moral choices and corporate power. True Grace (2023) – A historical fiction family saga set during the Harlem Renaissance. Justice for Emerson (2025) – A dual-timeline mystery that won Best Mystery of the Year. Getting It Right October 15, 2026 SOURCES & LINKS Pre-Order Getting It Right: A Psychological Thriller Email: WriterKarenEOsborne@gmail.com Website: https://www.kareneosborne.com/ Video Podcast: https://www.kareneosborne.com/blog-1 Facebook: (20+) Karen E Osborne, Author | Facebook YouTube: Karen E. Osborne - YouTube Instagram: Instagram LinkedIn: Karen E. Osborne | LinkedIn Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-e-osborne Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

The Emotional Arc of a Writer: Beyond Writing a Novel (Part 2)

You've finished the book—now what? In Part 2 of our Emotional Arc of a Writer series, we dive into the often-overlooked emotional challenges that come after typing "The End." From sharing your work and facing rejection, to navigating publication, marketing, and the realities of building a long-term writing career, every milestone brings new opportunities and unexpected emotions. We'll discuss the surprises, setbacks, and successes that shape writers beyond the page and offer practical advice for approaching each stage with confidence and resilience. Part II: Beyond Writing a Novel (continued from Episode 78) Show Notes: Stages 6-10: Sharing Your Work Querying or Publishing Publication Marketing Your Work and Yourself The Long-term Writing Life Personal Emotional Surprises SOURCES & LINKS: “Caring for your mental health as a writer,” The JED Foundation. PDF https://assets.ctfassets.net/ “Writers and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma,” Atmosphere Press. Fearless Writing, William Kenower, Writer’s Digest Books Before and After the Book Deal, Courtney Maum, Catapult DO NOW: Identify where you are in your post-writing journey & choose one or more of the actionable solutions that resonate most with you. Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

The Emotional Arc of a Writer: Writing Stages (Part 1)

Writing a novel isn't just a craft journey, it's an emotional one. From the excitement of a new idea to the vulnerability of sharing your work and the uncertainty of publication, every milestone brings both triumphs and challenges. In this episode, the first of a two-part series, we'll explore the emotional benchmarks most writers encounter during the stages of writing a novel and offer practical strategies for navigating them with resilience and confidence. Part I: Stages of Writing Show Notes: Personal Assumptions Stages 1-5: The Spark The First Draft The Mid-draft Slump Finishing the Draft Revision Personal Application SOURCES & LINKS “Caring for your mental health as a writer,” The JED Foundation. PDF https://assets.ctfassets.net/ “Writers and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma,” Atmosphere Press. Fearless Writing, William Kenower, Writer’s Digest Books Before and After the Book Deal, Courtney Maum, Catapult DO NOW: Identify where you are in your writing & choose one or more of the actionable solutions that resonate most with your own journey. Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with Author Maggie Giles

What if one of the biggest obstacles to writing compelling fiction became your greatest creative strength? In this episode, we sit down with thriller author Maggie Giles to explore her unconventional path to becoming a suspense writer, why thrillers came more naturally than romance, and how years of experimenting across genres helped her discover her unique voice. Maggie also shares how she balances a full-time career with writing—and offers a fascinating look at creating immersive stories while living with aphantasia, a condition that prevents her from forming mental images. Whether you're searching for your writing voice, struggling to make time for your craft, or curious about the many ways creativity works, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical insights you won't want to miss. SHOW NOTES: Bio Writing Process Books Writing Life Rapid-Fire Questions SOURCES & LINKS Website: https://maggiegiles.com/ Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Planting Seeds in Your Writing: Making Every Detail Count

The most satisfying stories don't come from surprises that appear out of nowhere; they come from details that were there all along. In this episode, we'll explore how writers can strategically plant information, objects, emotions, and clues early in a story that later bloom into meaningful revelations, twists, and character growth. Readers love being surprised, but they love it even more when the surprise feels earned. Let us teach you how to make every detail count. SHOW NOTES: What does planting seeds mean? Types of seeds a writer can plant The rule of set-up and payoff Where writers get it wrong Revision tip: read backwards DO NOW: For examples of effective seed-planting and a writer’s exercise, download our FREE Planting Seeds companion to this episode from our website @ https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with Author Patricia Sands

What happens when a passion for travel, friendship, and embracing life's changes becomes the heart of unforgettable stories? In this episode, award-winning author Patricia Sands shares her journey from indie publishing to traditional success and the inspiration behind her novels set in the South of France. We discuss her latest release, The French Effect, the themes of friendship, reinvention, and aging that resonate throughout her work, and how she's built a career spanning more than a decade. Patricia also offers valuable insights into the writing life, publishing, and finding your authentic voice. Whether you're a writer or an avid reader, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace change and write the stories only you can tell. SHOW NOTES: Bio & books The French Effect Inspiration Writing and travel Narrating an audiobook Process & Research Writing advice SOURCES & LINKS Patricia’s Website The French Effect Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

10 Tips for Deep Revision of Your First Draft

What separates a decent first draft from a truly compelling novel? In this episode, we’ll provide you with 10 tips on the art of revision and explore the strategies that transform rough manuscripts into powerful stories readers can’t put down. Whether you’re tackling your first revision or your fifth, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a sharper editorial eye. SHOW NOTES: Walk Away Read Through Identify your Core Story Focus on Big Ideas First Revise in Layers Strengthen Character Motivation Raise the Stakes Cut and Move Check Scene Purpose Sharpen Openings and Endings SOURCES & LINKS “How to Revise a Novel,” Holly Lisle https://hollylisle.com/how-to-revise-a-novel/ “Novel Revision Checklist,” Nathan Bransford https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2022/06/revision-checklist Books on story structure, character, motivation and stakes Story Genius, Wired for Story by Lisa Kron Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody Related ATB Episodes: Editing and Revision Methods, Episode 21 (backwards outline, color coding, notecards…) Editing (interview with 2 editors), Episode 51 Tension and Conflict, Episode 61 DO NOW: Determine where you are in your editing process and try an editing technique that you haven’t tried yet Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Then vs. Now: Third Anniversary Episode

How much can change in a year or three or more? In this special anniversary episode, Hope and Donna reflect on their journeys as authors and podcasters through a fun and revealing “Then vs. Now” conversation. From evolving writing processes and shifting definitions of success to behind-the-scenes podcast moments, they share what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what they wish they’d known from the start. Honest, insightful, and full of personality, this episode is a celebration of the winding path of writing life. SHOW NOTES: How has your approach to writing changed from when you first started to today? What did you believe about writing or publishing early on that you see differently now? What used to intimidate you most about writing—and does it still? What were your goals as a writer when you began, and how have they shifted? When did you first feel like a “real writer,” and has that feeling changed? How has your confidence—in your voice, your stories, and your place in the writing world—evolved? What’s one aspect of podcasting that has changed from when you first started? What did you think your favorite part of podcasting would be vs. what is it? What is the biggest lesson you learned from podcasting? How do you define “success” as an author today compared to when you started? What’s one piece of advice you would give your earlier writing self? Surprise: Rapid Fire Questions Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Season 3

An Interview with Author Wendy Haller

What happens when a lifelong storyteller finally answers the call to write? In this episode, we sit down with Wendy, a former special education teacher turned multi-genre author, to explore her inspiring journey from the classroom to the page. From her emotionally rich novel The Flannigan Girls to her upcoming release Regret No More, Wendy shares how love, trauma, and personal experience shape her stories for both children and adults. We dive into the art of writing across genres, the influence of teaching and motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Honest, heartfelt, and full of insight, this conversation is a must-listen for writers looking to follow their joy—and their voice. SHOW NOTES: Biography Women’s Fiction Impact of Teaching Multi-Genre Writing Personal Connections in Writing Writing Process Lessons Learned the Hard Way Rapid Fire Questions SOURCES & LINKS https://www.wendyhallerauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyHallerAuthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyhaller_author/ Sign up for her newsletter! Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

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