The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast

Art the Bookworm
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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. 4D AGO

    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

  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Fate vs. Destiny, and Creating Sympathetic Villains

    FEB 16

    Fate vs. Destiny, and Creating Sympathetic Villains

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  6. 12/11/2025

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

    Send us Fan Mail  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

  7. 12/08/2025

    Triumph Sells! An Interview with Cozy Mystery Writer Shannon Symonds

    Send us Fan Mail 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
  8. 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 Fan Mail 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
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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
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast