A Book Finds You!

Heather Flaherty, Robert Jolles, Maryland Writers' Association
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Many believe that authors effortlessly stumble upon the inspiration for their books, when in truth, it's often the inspiration that discovers them. Tune in each week as authors from various genres share the stories behind their creative sparks and the journeys they undertook to bring those ideas to life.

  1. Jul 31

    Robert M. Tobias

    In this episode, we talk with Robert M. Tobias, an 82-year-old debut poet with an extraordinary life story. From working on an automotive assembly line and suing Presidents Nixon and Reagan to teaching federal leadership, Tobias has lived many lives. However, his latest voyage is his most vulnerable yet: publishing his debut poetry collection, What Lives in Me. Tobias discusses how he pivoted from prose to poetry to capture the deep emotional weight of his past. He opens up about his blue-collar childhood, his complicated relationship with his tough father, and the lifelong fear of failure he hid behind professional success. Tune in for a powerful conversation about vulnerability, discipline, and why it is never too late to share your secrets with the world. To learn more about what Robert is working on, please visit his Substack: https://everydaypoet.substack.com/p/what-lives-in-me He is also on Facebook and LinkedIn. To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA

    Robert M. Tobias

  2. Jul 10

    Gregory Tague

    Gregory Tague shares his long road of research and writing that led him to write, Forest Sovereignty (2025). Gregory discusses the long arduous experiences of researching, writing, and seeking out publication for his academic manuscripts, providing a glimpse into what it takes to become a published academic writer. This first-time interview with an academic writer will give aspiring academic writers a peek into what the process could look like for publishing their work, and how self-marketing even after publication, could help increase your bottom line. You don't want to miss this first-time academic author interview! To learn more about Gregory and what he's currently working on visit his website at https://sites.google.com/site/gftague/   To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA

    Gregory Tague

  3. Jul 3

    Patricia Vido

    In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Patricia Vido, a debut author whose journey to writing her first novel, 'For Love of Billie' is both inspiring and relatable. Patricia, a retired journalist, shares how her background in storytelling helped shape her writing process and ultimately led to the creation of a heartfelt narrative that explores love and the complexities of human relationships. To learn more about Patricia and what she's currently working on visit https://patriciavido.com/ If you liked this episode, please share it with someone who would love to hear about Patricia's experience as a writer! To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA

    Patricia Vido

  4. Jun 19

    David Sloan

    In this episode, we explore the intriguing concept of influence through the eyes of author David Sloan. What if an ordinary person suddenly had the power to sway everyone around them? David's latest novel, featuring a shy high school freshman named Trent, tackles this question head-on. Join us as we discuss the writing journey, the challenges of self-publishing, and the importance of finding your voice in a noisy world. David shares his insights on balancing a writing career with a day job, and the unique experiences that shape his storytelling. Don't miss this engaging conversation! Visit David Sloan's website at https://www.tanglemapledawn.com/ for more information on his work.  Bluesky - @tanglemapledawn.bsky.social   To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA

    David Sloan

  5. Jun 12

    Pat Valdata

    In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Pat Valdata, a prize-winning author whose latest novel, Everyday Courage, shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women during World War II. Pat's journey as a writer is not only inspiring but also a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving history. Pat's book is divided into three parts, each focusing on different aspects of the war effort. The first two parts highlight the experiences of the Rosie the Riveter and the WASP pilots, while the third part delves into the lives of air crews. Through her characters, Pat captures the essence of courage and sacrifice, reminding us that even ordinary people can rise to extraordinary challenges. During our conversation, Pat shared her initial inspiration for writing this book, which came from attending a meeting of the Rosie the Riveter Association. She was struck by the stories of these women and the realization that their contributions were at risk of being forgotten. This sparked her desire to tell their stories in a way that had not been done before, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past. To learn more about Pat and what she's working on, visit her website https://www.patvaldata.com/   Rosie the Riveter Associationhttps://www.rosietheriveter.net WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots)https://waspmuseum.org/ To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA

    Pat Valdata

  6. Jun 5

    Sarah Goodman Confino

    In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with bestselling author Sarah Goodman Confino, who has captivated readers with her unique blend of humor, suspense, and historical intrigue. Sarah's journey into the world of writing is both inspiring and relatable, especially for those who are aspiring to pen their own stories. Sarah's latest novel is set in 1962 Washington, a time when the dynamics of journalism were shifting and women's voices were often overlooked. Drawing from her experiences as a journalism teacher for over two decades, Sarah brings authenticity to her characters and their struggles. She shares how the landscape of news reporting in that era inspired her to create a story where a determined young woman breaks through the barriers placed before her. If you’re looking for motivation and practical tips on writing, Sarah's journey is a treasure trove of wisdom. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, her experiences remind us that every writer has a unique path, and the key is to embrace the journey, learn from it, and keep writing. Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how Sarah Goodman Confino navigates the world of writing, journalism, and life as a bestselling author. To learn more about Sara and see what she's working on visit her website https://saraconfino.com/ To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA

    Sarah Goodman Confino

  7. May 29

    Dan Desai Martin

    In this episode, we explore the creative journey of debut fantasy author Dan Desai Martin, whose novel, In the Shadow of the Sanctum, delves into themes of religious oppression and rebellion. Join host Rob Jolles as they discuss Dan's writing process, the inspirations behind his characters, and the challenges faced during his writing voyage. Discover how Dan navigates the complexities of world-building and character development while offering insights into the realities of being a new author. To learn more about Dan and what he's currently working on, visit https://dandesaimartin.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, review, and share it with fellow authors and book lovers who would benefit from Dan's valuable insights. To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA

    Dan Desai Martin

  8. May 15

    Karen Justice

    In the latest episode, we sit down with Karen Justice, a remarkable author who has navigated the turbulent waters of widowhood and emerged with stories of resilience and hope. Karen's journey is one that many can relate to, as she shares how a book can find you during life's most challenging moments. Throughout the conversation, Karen discusses the symbolism of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. This philosophy resonates deeply with her message: even when life shatters us into pieces, we can find ways to rebuild and create something beautiful from our experiences. To learn more about Karen Justice and her works visit http://www.threewidows.com/  If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with fellow authors and book lovers who would benefit from Karen's valuable insights. To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about writers' resources, upcoming events and how to become a member. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/picture-frames License code: ZPY2XQLZ4UJ0B6QA

    Karen Justice
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About

Many believe that authors effortlessly stumble upon the inspiration for their books, when in truth, it's often the inspiration that discovers them. Tune in each week as authors from various genres share the stories behind their creative sparks and the journeys they undertook to bring those ideas to life.

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Flaherty, Robert Jolles, Maryland Writers' Association
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024-2026 A Book Finds You, Maryland Writers' Association
  • Show Website
    A Book Finds You!