The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast

Art the Bookworm
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  • 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. Fate vs. Destiny, and Creating Sympathetic Villains

    FEB 16

    Fate vs. Destiny, and Creating Sympathetic Villains

    Send a text Fate vs. Destiny, and Creating Sympathetic Villains | A Conversation with Author H. R. Cole  Welcome back to the new season of The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast! Today I interview H. R. Cole, author of the epic fantasy Daughter of the Void. We discuss her novel and how it explores fate vs. destiny; we dive into what makes for a fascinating and sympathetic villain (with some side tracks discussing MCU supervillain Thanos!), and she shares some tips on how writers can avoid burnout by showing kindness to themselves and their writing process. We also share some books we've been reading lately! www.hrcole.com  www.hrcole.substack.com  Books mentioned:  Daughter of the Void by H. R. Cole, Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Emily Wilde, The Dreaming Tree by C J Cherryh, Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, Dresden Files by Jim Butcher  ____________ 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

    40 min

  2. 12/11/2025

    Finding Life and Love on Blossom Street: An Interview with Author Kay Parquet

    Send us a text  In today's episode, I interview romance author Kay Parquet about her delightful series, Blossom Street. Each story explores a different life and love of the people who populate her cozy town. We discuss some of our favorite stories, talk about her writing journey, and how ADHD affects writing and reading. If you're looking for clean romance stories that feature realistic people, this is the series for you!  Find Kay Online: https://kayparquet.com/  Her AuthorTube channel:  @KayParquet Here's a couple of blog posts she written about ADHD and burnout, I found these to be really helpful in my own journey!  https://kayparquet.com/youre-not-lazy-you-just-have-adhd/   https://kayparquet.com/burnout-in-creatives/  Books Mentioned:  The Expanse Series by James S. A. Corey  The Silo Series by Hugh Howey  Deryni Series, Katherine Kurtz  Dragon Riders of Pern series by Anne McCaffery  Dresden Files by Jim Butcher  Recommended Writing Books  Save the Cat Writes Horror (and other Save the Cat books)  Outlining Your Novel by K. M. Weiland  Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes  How to Write a Romance Novel by Judy Angelo  Show, Don't Tell by Sandra Gerth  Dear Writer, Are You In Burnout? by Becca Syme  Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury  ____________ 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

    54 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    Triumph Sells! An Interview with Cozy Mystery Writer Shannon Symonds

    Send us a text Today's interview is with the cozy mystery author Shannon Symonds! She returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, Murder by the Book, we catch up on all the exciting changes that have to her life this past year, and we then reflect on the year and express gratitude for all that has happened.  Just a note: This episode was intended to come out on Thanksgiving weekend, but due to some illnesses it was delayed in getting out, which is why I refer to Thanksgiving so much. Also I was just getting a cold and Shannon was suffering from some allergies. Tis the season for sneezing I guess!  Find Shannon Symonds online at: https://www.shannonsymonds.com/  The Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery Series:  Booked for Murder  Murder by the Book #podcast #booktube #cozymysteryauthor #cozymystery #authorinterview #authortube  ____________ 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

    44 min
  4. Here There Be Dragons: Writing What You Love, A Conversation with Author Mari Mancusi

    11/30/2025

    Here There Be Dragons: Writing What You Love, A Conversation with Author Mari Mancusi

    Send us a text Today on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, we’re talking about dragons! My guest is YA author Mari Mancusi, a versatile writer who has created stories for readers of all ages. Recently, she’s turned her talents toward crafting a thrilling trilogy about the dragon apocalypse. As we explore her writing journey, you’ll hear how a Disney superfan ended up writing books for Disney, why it’s so important to write what you love, and—of course—plenty about dragons.  Mari has a whole collection of books that would make fantastic gifts for the readers in your life, whether they’re young or simply young at heart!  Author Website: www.marimancusi.com MG/YA BOOK LIST  Dawn of the Dragons - LBYR - out September 2nd  The Official Wednesday Cookbook - PRH - Out July 22nd  Sally’s Lament: A Nightmare Before Christmas Twisted Tale - Disney  All is Found: A Frozen Anthology - Disney  New Dragon City - LBYR  Frozen: Polar Nights, Cast into Darkness - Disney  Frozen: Dangerous Secrets - Disney  ____________ 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. Trumpet, the Miracle Wolf Pup! A Conversation with Author Leokadia George

    11/20/2025

    Trumpet, the Miracle Wolf Pup! A Conversation with Author Leokadia George

    Send us a text I’m excited to share today’s episode—our 100th episode of The Bookshelf Odyssey! To celebrate this milestone, I’m joined by author Leokadia George for a conversation about a topic that’s close to my heart: animal conservation. Leokadia has partnered with the New York Wolf Conservation Center to create a delightful series of children’s books about Trumpet, a real Mexican Gray Wolf whose story reflects the ongoing efforts to protect this endangered species.  In our interview, we dive into the inspiration behind her stories, the vital work being done at the NYWCC, and what we can all learn from wolf behavior and conservation efforts.  I walked away from this conversation inspired—and I think you will too. Don’t miss this special episode!  Trumpet's story is available everywhere, but here is the Wolf Conservation Center's shop where you can get Leokadia's books, along with teaching guides and more: https://shop.nywolf.org/collections/education-guides-books  Find out more about New York Wolf Conservation Website: https://nywolf.org/  Find out more about Leokadia George here: https://brileybaxterbooks.com/author-leokadia-george/  Find our more about LightHawk Conservation Flying: https://www.lighthawk.org/  ____________ 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

    44 min
  6. Accidentally a Writer? The Incredible Writing Journey of Mystery Author Val Penny

    11/11/2025

    Accidentally a Writer? The Incredible Writing Journey of Mystery Author Val Penny

    Send us a text Can someone accidentally become a writer?  Today, my interview takes us over to beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland as I interview mystery author Val Penny! She writes crime mysteries set in Edinburgh - The DI Hunter Wilson Crime Series and the new spinoff series The Jane Renwick Thrillers. In today’s episode we talk about what we’re currently reading and the joy of rereading books throughout our life, her writing journey that began with a hard battle with cancer, and we find out how, as she puts it, “ignorance of how publishing works and illness” helped her to “accidentally” get published! Once you read her books, you’ll realize that her success is in no way an accident.  Val Penny: www.valpenny.com   Books Mentioned:  Hunter's Chase by Val Penny  The First Cut by Val Penny  A Fighting Chance by Val Penny dffasfsafasfasfasfsadfsadf None of this is True by Lisa Jewell  Born a Crime by Trevor Noah  ____________ 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

    40 min
  7. From Thrillers to Cozies: an interview with author Michele Pariza Wacek

    11/03/2025

    From Thrillers to Cozies: an interview with author Michele Pariza Wacek

    Send us a text Today on the podcast, I’m joined by the talented Michele Pariza Wacek — author of an incredible range of mysteries, thrillers, and cozies, all set within a shared universe. We kick things off chatting about our pets (naturally!), share some great reading recommendations, and gush over one of my favorite series — The Dresden Files. Then we dive into Michele’s writing journey, explore how all her stories connect, and talk about the craft of writing and the lessons she’s learned along the way.  Find Michele online: https://michelepw.com/   She has several new books out right now, and her latest Christmas themed one will be out in just a couple of weeks!  Books Mentioned:  The Mysterious Case of the Missing Ghost  A Mysterious Christmas Collection  Arson, Old Lace, and Murder  The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher  Louise Penny  Elizabeth George  ____________ 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

    48 min
  8. Balancing Writing & Life: Author Kimberly Webb on the Craft (and Chaos!) of Creativity

    10/19/2025

    Balancing Writing & Life: Author Kimberly Webb on the Craft (and Chaos!) of Creativity

    Send a text This week on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I interview author Kimberley Webb, who has just written a wonderful book called Jillian’s Island. I’m excited to introduce you to this talented new author! How does she find time to write and publish her own book while also being a full-time mom and wife? It’s all about balance and making time for the things that matter. We talk about that, dive into the craft of writing while busy, explore the art of creating believable characters, our love of genre mashups, and learn how her passion for the book Ella Enchanted inspired her to begin her own writing journey!  Find Kimberly Webb online: https://authorkimberlywebb.com/  Books Mentioned:  The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling  Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen  Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury  So Far Gone by Jess Walter ____________ 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

    54 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
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast