Good Scribes Only

Daniel Breyer, Jeremy Streich
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Good Scribes Only is a podcast featuring a novelist + venture investor (Daniel Breyer) and a novelist + founder (Jeremy Streich), who share an enthusiasm for literature. From classics to sci-fi, moderns to ancient philosophy, your hosts will ramble and banter about it all—particularly the topics they have no business discussing. Each episode dives into the craft of writing as well as questions of plot, character, theme, and philosophy in a work.

  1. 6 days ago

    #174 Sweaty Warm Hugs

    About the Book: Published in 2020, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heartwarming fantasy about found family, acceptance, and the courage to embrace the unexpected. The novel follows Linus Baker, a quiet, rule-abiding caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, whose orderly life is upended when he is assigned to evaluate a mysterious orphanage on a remote island. There he meets six extraordinary magical children—and their enigmatic caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. As Linus spends time at the orphanage, he begins to question the rigid rules that have defined his life and the fears that shape the society around him. Blending whimsical fantasy with heartfelt emotion, The House in the Cerulean Sea explores prejudice, belonging, and the transformative power of compassion. Both charming and deeply sincere, the novel has become a modern favorite, celebrated for its warmth, humor, and enduring message that family is built through love rather than circumstance. About the Author: T. J. Klune is an American author best known for writing imaginative fantasy novels that combine humor, emotional depth, and inclusive storytelling. His work frequently centers on outsiders who discover community, identity, and hope in extraordinary circumstances. Klune has written numerous acclaimed novels, including Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, and the Cerulean Chronicles series. His stories are known for balancing whimsical settings with thoughtful explorations of grief, love, prejudice, and personal growth. Through memorable characters and deeply compassionate narratives, Klune has established himself as one of the leading voices in contemporary fantasy, creating stories that remind readers of the importance of empathy, kindness, and choosing connection over fear. Website TikTok Instagram YouTube Newsletter Jeremy's Website Dan's Website

    #174 Sweaty Warm Hugs

  2. 17 July

    #173 The House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ Klune

    About the Book: Published in 2020, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heartwarming fantasy about found family, acceptance, and the courage to embrace the unexpected. The novel follows Linus Baker, a quiet, rule-abiding caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, whose orderly life is upended when he is assigned to evaluate a mysterious orphanage on a remote island. There he meets six extraordinary magical children—and their enigmatic caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. As Linus spends time at the orphanage, he begins to question the rigid rules that have defined his life and the fears that shape the society around him. Blending whimsical fantasy with heartfelt emotion, The House in the Cerulean Sea explores prejudice, belonging, and the transformative power of compassion. Both charming and deeply sincere, the novel has become a modern favorite, celebrated for its warmth, humor, and enduring message that family is built through love rather than circumstance. About the Author: T. J. Klune is an American author best known for writing imaginative fantasy novels that combine humor, emotional depth, and inclusive storytelling. His work frequently centers on outsiders who discover community, identity, and hope in extraordinary circumstances. Klune has written numerous acclaimed novels, including Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, and the Cerulean Chronicles series. His stories are known for balancing whimsical settings with thoughtful explorations of grief, love, prejudice, and personal growth. Through memorable characters and deeply compassionate narratives, Klune has established himself as one of the leading voices in contemporary fantasy, creating stories that remind readers of the importance of empathy, kindness, and choosing connection over fear. Website TikTok Instagram YouTube Newsletter Jeremy's Website Dan's Website

    #173 The House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ Klune

  3. 3 July

    #172 The Opinions of Nash and Company

    About the Book: Published in 2021, Project Hail Mary is a science-fiction adventure that combines high-stakes survival, scientific problem-solving, and unexpected friendship. The story follows Ryland Grace, a middle-school science teacher who awakens alone aboard a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or why he is there. As his memories gradually return, he discovers that he has been sent on a desperate mission to save Earth from a mysterious threat that could extinguish life on the planet. What follows is a thrilling blend of hard science, ingenuity, and heart. As Grace confronts seemingly impossible challenges, he must rely on creativity, persistence, and collaboration in ways he never imagined. Equal parts suspenseful and uplifting, Project Hail Mary explores themes of sacrifice, curiosity, resilience, and the extraordinary things ordinary people can accomplish when faced with impossible odds. The novel became an international bestseller and is widely celebrated for making complex science both accessible and exhilarating. About the Author: Andy Weir is an American science-fiction author known for his meticulous attention to scientific detail and his ability to turn technical problem-solving into compelling storytelling. Before becoming a full-time writer, Weir worked as a software engineer, a background that heavily influenced his approach to fiction. He first gained worldwide recognition with The Martian (2011), the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars who survives through ingenuity and determination. The novel was adapted into the acclaimed 2015 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon. Weir followed with Artemis (2017) and later Project Hail Mary, further establishing himself as one of the leading voices in contemporary science fiction. His work is celebrated for its optimism, humor, and belief in humanity’s capacity to solve even the most daunting challenges. Website TikTok Instagram YouTube Newsletter Jeremy's Website Dan's Website

    #172 The Opinions of Nash and Company

  4. 25 June

    #171 Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir (Sci Fi)

    About the Book: Published in 2021, Project Hail Mary is a science-fiction adventure that combines high-stakes survival, scientific problem-solving, and unexpected friendship. The story follows Ryland Grace, a middle-school science teacher who awakens alone aboard a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or why he is there. As his memories gradually return, he discovers that he has been sent on a desperate mission to save Earth from a mysterious threat that could extinguish life on the planet. What follows is a thrilling blend of hard science, ingenuity, and heart. As Grace confronts seemingly impossible challenges, he must rely on creativity, persistence, and collaboration in ways he never imagined. Equal parts suspenseful and uplifting, Project Hail Mary explores themes of sacrifice, curiosity, resilience, and the extraordinary things ordinary people can accomplish when faced with impossible odds. The novel became an international bestseller and is widely celebrated for making complex science both accessible and exhilarating. About the Author: Andy Weir is an American science-fiction author known for his meticulous attention to scientific detail and his ability to turn technical problem-solving into compelling storytelling. Before becoming a full-time writer, Weir worked as a software engineer, a background that heavily influenced his approach to fiction. He first gained worldwide recognition with The Martian (2011), the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars who survives through ingenuity and determination. The novel was adapted into the acclaimed 2015 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon. Weir followed with Artemis (2017) and later Project Hail Mary, further establishing himself as one of the leading voices in contemporary science fiction. His work is celebrated for its optimism, humor, and belief in humanity’s capacity to solve even the most daunting challenges. Website TikTok Instagram YouTube Newsletter Jeremy's Website Dan's Website

    #171 Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir (Sci Fi)

  5. 19 June

    #170 Yes, I Can Redeem Myself!

    About the Book: Published in 1985, Lonesome Dove is an epic Western that follows two retired Texas Rangers, Augustus “Gus” McCrae and Woodrow F. Call, as they embark on an ambitious cattle drive from the Texas borderlands to the untamed plains of Montana. What begins as a grand adventure becomes a sweeping journey through a rapidly changing American frontier, filled with hardship, humor, violence, and unexpected loss. Far more than a traditional Western, Lonesome Dove is a deeply human story about friendship, duty, love, and the passage of time. McMurtry subverts many of the genre’s familiar myths, portraying the West not as a place of simple heroism but as a landscape shaped by loneliness, sacrifice, and the consequences of human ambition. Richly populated with unforgettable characters and emotional depth, the novel is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of American fiction. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1986 and remains a defining achievement of the Western genre. About the Author: Larry McMurtry was an American novelist, essayist, and screenwriter whose work chronicled both the mythology and reality of the American West. Born in 1936 in Archer City, Texas, McMurtry drew heavily from the landscapes, communities, and cultural transformations of his home state. His novels often explored the tension between romanticized frontier ideals and the realities of modern life. In addition to Lonesome Dove, McMurtry wrote acclaimed works including Horseman, Pass By, The Last Picture Show, and Terms of Endearment. His fiction inspired numerous award-winning film and television adaptations, while his screenplay for Brokeback Mountain, co-written with Diana Ossana, earned an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Through his novels, essays, and screenwriting, McMurtry became one of the most important literary voices interpreting the American West and its enduring place in the national imagination. Website TikTok Instagram YouTube Newsletter Jeremy's Website Dan's Website

    #170 Yes, I Can Redeem Myself!

  6. 12 June

    #169 Lonesome Dove - Larry McMurtry (Western)

    About the Book: Published in 1985, Lonesome Dove is an epic Western that follows two retired Texas Rangers, Augustus “Gus” McCrae and Woodrow F. Call, as they embark on an ambitious cattle drive from the Texas borderlands to the untamed plains of Montana. What begins as a grand adventure becomes a sweeping journey through a rapidly changing American frontier, filled with hardship, humor, violence, and unexpected loss. Far more than a traditional Western, Lonesome Dove is a deeply human story about friendship, duty, love, and the passage of time. McMurtry subverts many of the genre’s familiar myths, portraying the West not as a place of simple heroism but as a landscape shaped by loneliness, sacrifice, and the consequences of human ambition. Richly populated with unforgettable characters and emotional depth, the novel is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of American fiction. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1986 and remains a defining achievement of the Western genre. About the Author: Larry McMurtry was an American novelist, essayist, and screenwriter whose work chronicled both the mythology and reality of the American West. Born in 1936 in Archer City, Texas, McMurtry drew heavily from the landscapes, communities, and cultural transformations of his home state. His novels often explored the tension between romanticized frontier ideals and the realities of modern life. In addition to Lonesome Dove, McMurtry wrote acclaimed works including Horseman, Pass By, The Last Picture Show, and Terms of Endearment. His fiction inspired numerous award-winning film and television adaptations, while his screenplay for Brokeback Mountain, co-written with Diana Ossana, earned an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Through his novels, essays, and screenwriting, McMurtry became one of the most important literary voices interpreting the American West and its enduring place in the national imagination. Website TikTok Instagram YouTube Newsletter Jeremy's Website Dan's Website

    #169 Lonesome Dove - Larry McMurtry (Western)

  7. 4 June

    #168 Music Has Changed

    About the Book: Incidents Around the House is a chilling psychological horror novel that transforms the familiar safety of home into something deeply unsettling. Told through the perspective of a young girl named Bela, the story begins with the appearance of a sinister entity she calls “Other Mommy”—a presence that lurks just beyond the edges of ordinary life and slowly tightens its grip on her family. What initially feels strange and unsettling soon escalates into a terrifying unraveling of trust, reality, and security. Josh Malerman crafts horror not just from monsters, but from atmosphere, vulnerability, and the distortions of childhood perception. The novel’s intimate point of view creates a sense of creeping dread, forcing readers to experience fear through the eyes of someone too young to fully understand the danger surrounding her. Both emotionally raw and relentlessly tense, Incidents Around the House explores family fractures, trauma, and the terrifying possibility that evil may already be inside the places we feel safest. About the Author: Josh Malerman is an American novelist, singer, and songwriter best known for his work in contemporary horror. Born in Michigan, Malerman gained international recognition with his debut novel Bird Box (2014), a post-apocalyptic thriller later adapted into the hit Netflix film starring Sandra Bullock. Malerman’s fiction is known for its claustrophobic tension, psychological unease, and inventive approaches to fear. His novels often focus less on graphic horror and more on atmosphere, uncertainty, and the emotional consequences of terror. Alongside his literary career, Malerman is also the frontman for the rock band The High Strung. Through both music and fiction, his work consistently explores anxiety, obsession, and the unknown lurking just beneath everyday life. Website TikTok Instagram YouTube Newsletter Jeremy's Website Dan's Website

    #168 Music Has Changed

  8. 26 May

    #167 Incidents Around the House - Josh Malerman (Horror)

    About the Book: Incidents Around the House is a chilling psychological horror novel that transforms the familiar safety of home into something deeply unsettling. Told through the perspective of a young girl named Bela, the story begins with the appearance of a sinister entity she calls “Other Mommy”—a presence that lurks just beyond the edges of ordinary life and slowly tightens its grip on her family. What initially feels strange and unsettling soon escalates into a terrifying unraveling of trust, reality, and security. Josh Malerman crafts horror not just from monsters, but from atmosphere, vulnerability, and the distortions of childhood perception. The novel’s intimate point of view creates a sense of creeping dread, forcing readers to experience fear through the eyes of someone too young to fully understand the danger surrounding her. Both emotionally raw and relentlessly tense, Incidents Around the House explores family fractures, trauma, and the terrifying possibility that evil may already be inside the places we feel safest. About the Author: Josh Malerman is an American novelist, singer, and songwriter best known for his work in contemporary horror. Born in Michigan, Malerman gained international recognition with his debut novel Bird Box (2014), a post-apocalyptic thriller later adapted into the hit Netflix film starring Sandra Bullock. Malerman’s fiction is known for its claustrophobic tension, psychological unease, and inventive approaches to fear. His novels often focus less on graphic horror and more on atmosphere, uncertainty, and the emotional consequences of terror. Alongside his literary career, Malerman is also the frontman for the rock band The High Strung. Through both music and fiction, his work consistently explores anxiety, obsession, and the unknown lurking just beneath everyday life. Website TikTok Instagram YouTube Newsletter Jeremy's Website Dan's Website

    #167 Incidents Around the House - Josh Malerman (Horror)
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About

Good Scribes Only is a podcast featuring a novelist + venture investor (Daniel Breyer) and a novelist + founder (Jeremy Streich), who share an enthusiasm for literature. From classics to sci-fi, moderns to ancient philosophy, your hosts will ramble and banter about it all—particularly the topics they have no business discussing. Each episode dives into the craft of writing as well as questions of plot, character, theme, and philosophy in a work.

Information

  • Creator
    Daniel Breyer, Jeremy Streich
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    177
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 - Good Scribes Only
  • Show Website
    Good Scribes Only