The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast

Art the Bookworm
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, where we explore the world of books and the stories behind the authors who write them. Join us for fun and exciting interviews with writers, as they share their journey to publication, offer book recommendations, and provide writing tips for aspiring authors. Whether you're a book lover or a budding writer, I invite you to come along and we'll explore my bookshelves. 

  1. May 26

    Constructive Homicide: What Happens When a Plotter and a Pantser Write a Novel Together?

    Send us Fan Mail Two friends of the show, Jessica Thompson and JR Lancaster, come on the show to talk about what their experience was like co-writing a new cozy mystery novel, Murder Under Construction! In today's episode, we'll find out how these two friends and their vastly different writing approaches were able to work together to make a new cozy mystery. We also share some of what we've been reading lately, and recommend some great Jane Austen retellings, cozy mysteries, and more!  JR Lancaster: https://writingwithjessica.wordpress.com/  Jessica Thompson: https://jessicathompsonauthor.com/  Get Murder Under Construction: Amazon Kindle and Paperback!  Book Recommendations:  Mr. Darcy’s Folly by Melani Rachel  The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow  The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet by Catherine Cowley Don’t Mask Don’t Tell by Jessica Brimer - The Messy Bookshop Mystery Series  The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, by Katherine Cowley  The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie  Shakespeare and Hathaway series  ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey  -Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod  - My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3  _____________ Find Me Online:  Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/  Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey  Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe     Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey  Twitter: @odyssey_podcast Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast

    43 min
  2. Taking a Chance on Yourself: A Conversation with Author J.D. Barker

    May 7

    Taking a Chance on Yourself: A Conversation with Author J.D. Barker

    Send us Fan Mail Once upon a time, J.D. Barker took a chance, risked it all, and pursued a dream. In today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, find out how author J.D. Barker became a NYT Best-selling writer, ended up working with James Patterson, writing a prequel to Dracula with Dacre Stoker, and many more unbelievable accomplishments. We also dig into self publishing vs trad publishing, his serial killer murder mystery series 4MK, and how to write dark and disturbing characters without losing yourself. And we even manage to find a legitimate reason to talk about my favorite writer, Charles Dickens! So pull up a chair, settle in, and join us on today's Bookshelf Odyssey.  J.D. Barker Website: https://jdbarker.com/  His Books: https://jdbarker.com/books/  Writer's Ink Podcast: https://writersinkpodcast.com/  Books and Authors Mentioned: Dracula by Bram Stoker  Great Expectations by Charles Dickens Dracul by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker She Has a Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be by JD Barker 4MK Series The Fourth Monkey by JD Barker Stephen King Dean Koontz James Patterson ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey  -Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod  - My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3  _____________ Find Me Online:  Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/  Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey  Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe     Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey  Twitter: @odyssey_podcast Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast

    51 min
  3. There Were Always Books to Read: A Conversation with Author Kwei Quartey

    Apr 23

    There Were Always Books to Read: A Conversation with Author Kwei Quartey

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I talk with mystery writer Kwei Quartey. In our conversation, find out how a well-stocked library and a deep love for Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle led him into a career of medicine and writing. We'll also discover his heritage - growing up in Ghana, working in the US, and now living in Spain. Of course we'll dig deep into his books and find out the stories behind the creations of his two series, Darko Dawson and Emma Djan! Plus stick around and find out what he's working on next. One thing's for certain: a well stocked library can inspire children far into their futures!  https://www.kweiquartey.com/  https://www.kweiquartey.com/blog  Books: https://www.kweiquartey.com/books-2#anchors-lak5x5yq  ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey  -Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod  - My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3  _____________ Find Me Online:  Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/  Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey  Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe     Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey  Twitter: @odyssey_podcast Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast

    50 min
  4. Stories with Hope and Heritage: A Conversation with Author Jennifer J. Chow

    Apr 11

    Stories with Hope and Heritage: A Conversation with Author Jennifer J. Chow

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I am so excited to bring you an interview with one of my favorite cozy mystery writers, Jennifer J. Chow! She is the author of the Sassy Cat Mystery Series, LA Night Market Series, and the recent Magical Fortune Cookies Series. In the interview we talk about her writing journey, books and authors who have helped and inspired her to write, and the importance of bringing her heritage into the stories she crafts. Along the way we also share a bunch of books to add to your TBR list!  Find Jennifer and her books online at: https://jenniferjchow.com/  Other sites mentioned:  Crime Writers of Color: https://www.crimewritersofcolor.com/  Chicks on the Case: https://chicksonthecase.com/  Sisters in Crime: https://www.sistersincrime.org/  Books Mentioned:  The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett  Secret Staircase Mysteries by Gigi Pandian,  The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst  The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong  ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey  -Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod  - My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3  _____________ Find Me Online:  Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/  Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey  Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe     Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey  Twitter: @odyssey_podcast Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast

    47 min

  5. Mar 31

    Ray Bradbury and the Power of (Short) Stories | A Conversation with Author John Holley

    Send us Fan Mail Today on the podcast, I speak with author John Holley about one of our favorite writers, Ray Bradbury, and the power of stories. We discuss John's writing as well, but then dive deep into some of our favorite short stories written by the master story teller. Take a listen and find out why Bradbury's stories are still just as relevant today!  John's Website: https://www.johnholley.com/  Something To Hold: A Collection of Stories: https://www.amazon.com/SOMETHING-HOLD-Collection-John-Holley-ebook/dp/B0FSSVRPN9?ref_=ast_author_mpb  Get a chance to meet John at the Knoxville Book Festival! https://knoxvillebookfestival.com/  Books and Stories Mentioned: The Veldt The Emissary The Big Black and White Game The Rocket The Pedestrian The Martian Chronicles The October Country The Illustrated Man Golden Apples of the Sun Zen in the Art of Writing Dandelion Wine  Time Stamps  00:00 Intro to Ray Bradbury  03:55 Finding Bradbury, short stories, and more  18:00 Short Stories by Bradbury  47:17 John Holley's books and writing and events  49:58 My thoughts on the importance of telling stories  ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey  -Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod  - My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3  _____________ Find Me Online:  Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/  Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey  Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe     Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey  Twitter: @odyssey_podcast Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast

    59 min

  6. Mar 23

    Do What Scares and Delights You: A Conversation with Author E. K. Kidwell

    Send us Fan Mail Do you have a dream that both scares and delights you? Something you've always wanted to try but haven’t taken the leap yet? My guest today is YA author Evan Kidwell, and that question lies at the heart of his writing journey. Ever since he was young, his mind has been filled with dreams, characters, and stories. One day, someone challenged him to do what scared and delighted him. And Evan knew the answer to that challenge: write my book. In today’s interview, you’ll discover how a boy who found refuge from school bullies in stories found the opportunity to pursue his dream of telling his own story. Do you have a story to share?  Find Evan Kidwell online: https://www.timeaousspark.com/  Purchase Timeaous Spark and the Luck Curse: Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Timeaous-Spark-Curse-K-Kidwell-ebook/dp/B0DJGYLK35?ref_=ast_author_mpb Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/56283/9798231894451  Books and Authors mentioned:  Animorphs  Harry Potter  Nicola Tyche - North Queen  Brendan Noble  Rebecca Yarros - Fourth Wing  Halie Fewkes - Secrets of the Tally  D.D. Black  ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey  -Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod  - My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3  _____________ Find Me Online:  Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/  Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey  Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe     Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey  Twitter: @odyssey_podcast Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast

    42 min
  7. Creating Convincing Characters: A Conversation with Author Melanie Anagnos

    Mar 12

    Creating Convincing Characters: A Conversation with Author Melanie Anagnos

    Send us Fan Mail Today I have another mystery writer on the podcast. Her name is Melanie Anagnos, and she is the author of Nightswimming, the first book in the Jamie Palmieri mystery series. Set in the late 1970's in Paterson, New Jersey, it is a "classic police procedural charged with the social turbulence of the 1970s."  In our conversation we talk about her writing journey, and dig into what makes a compelling character, how a writer can create convincing female characters that avoid all the tropes, and why she chose the 70's as her setting. Of course you know we will also share some of what we're reading, our favorite books, and we even find time to bring up classics like Jane Eyre!  Find Melanie Anagnos online at: https://melanieanagnos.com/  Melanie's substack: https://melanieanagnos.substack.com/  Buy Nightswimming: https://www.amazon.com/Nightswimming-Palmieri-Mystery-Melanie-Anagnos/dp/1962931153/   Books Mentioned:  Willa Cather  Lonesome Dove  Martin Beck Series by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö  Cormoran Strike Series by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling)  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte  Jill by Amy Dillwyn  Louise Penny  Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman  Julia Spencer-Fleming  Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and What We're Reading  05:00 Writing Journey  13:51 Creating Convincing Characters  28:24 Writing Advice  34:22 My Mystery book recommendations  ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey  -Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod  - My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3  _____________ Find Me Online:  Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/  Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey  Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe     Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey  Twitter: @odyssey_podcast Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast

    38 min
  8. A Murder Most Fowl! A Conversation with Cozy Mystery Writer Carmela Dutra

    Mar 5

    A Murder Most Fowl! A Conversation with Cozy Mystery Writer Carmela Dutra

    Send us Fan Mail This is a cluckin' good mystery! Today on the podcast I am interviewing Carmela Dutra, who is the author of A Murder Most Fowl, book 1 in the new Food Truck cozy mystery series.  In our conversation, Carmela and I talk about some of our favorite mystery reads, and some of the authors who have encouraged her on her journey. We talk about her book and how she found her way to writing cozies. As we look into her writing journey, she talks about what it was like to keep getting so many rejection letters. And yet, she came to see that rejection was not a failure, but learning opportunities that helped her learn to craft the story she wanted to tell.  This was a fun interview, and you'll learn all about Carmela's writing journey, her books, and our favorite Chicken dishes!  Find Carmela online: https://carmeladutra.com/  Buy her book: https://bookshop.org/a/56283/9798892423175  Marry Me Chicken: https://littlesunnykitchen.com/marry-me-chicken/  Books Mentioned:  Veronica Speedwell Mystery Series by Deanna Raybourn  Sheila Connolly - Orchard Mystery Series  Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn  Kills Well With Others by Deanna Raybourn  A Murder Most Fowl by Carmela Dutra  Hot Wings and Homicide by Carmela Dutra - Coming out May 12th!  Janet Evanovich's Recovery Agent series  The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann  The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson The Better Mother by Jenniffer van der Kluet  Ellery Adams, Danielle Paige, Vicki Delany,  ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a bookshop.org affiliate - check out my shop and find your next great read! https://bookshop.org/shop/bookshelfodyssey  -Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookshelfpod  - My Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PTGNQWISVZE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3  _____________ Find Me Online:  Podcast: https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/  Voxer: @artbookshelfodyssey  Discord: https://discord.gg/8MFceV2NFe     Facebook Group Page: @thebookshelfodyssey  Twitter: @odyssey_podcast Instagram: @bookshelfodysseypodcast

    42 min
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About

Welcome to The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, where we explore the world of books and the stories behind the authors who write them. Join us for fun and exciting interviews with writers, as they share their journey to publication, offer book recommendations, and provide writing tips for aspiring authors. Whether you're a book lover or a budding writer, I invite you to come along and we'll explore my bookshelves. 

Information

  • Creator
    Art the Bookworm
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast

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