The Artsy Raven Podcast about Writing and Art with host JF Garrard

JF Garrard
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JF Garrard (writer, editor and publisher) has frank conversations with writers, editors, publishers, artists, actors, directors and other art professionals about what inspires them to create and what led to their success. Writers on the podcast will showcase their work by reading from their book. Main Artsy Raven website with access to 100+ episodes: https://artsyraven.com/ Artsy Raven merch: https://darkhelixpress.com/merchandise The Artsy Raven is on Feed Spot’s list of Top 60 Literature Podcasts & Top 10 Canadian Literature Podcasts on the web.

  1. Ep121 Myths That Ignite Stories and Worlds with Tracy Wolff

    2H AGO

    Ep121 Myths That Ignite Stories and Worlds with Tracy Wolff

    Tracy Wolff shares how working with middle-grade students who hated reading inspired her to start writing, explains her process for choosing a myth for each new book, and talks about the joy she finds in worldbuilding. Tracy Wolff is the #1 New York Times, #1 internationally, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of the Crave series as well as many other novels. A lover of mythology, vampires, and getting lost in a great book, she’s spent her whole life asking “what if” and “what happens next”—questions being a writer has helped her answer again and again. At six, she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow, a unicorn, and a shapeshifting prince—and atseven, she forayed into the wonderful world of middle grade literature with her first Judy Blume novel. A one-time English professor, she now devotes all her time to writing fun, action-packed, romantic stories with fantastical worlds and characters who leap off the page. She has written all her seventy-plus novels from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her partner, her sons, and their three adorable dogs. In this episode, Tracy reads from The Aftermyth. Author website: https://tracywolffauthor.com/ Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonuscontent for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    26 min
  2. Ep120 Journey from Service to Story with Philip Caputo

    2D AGO

    Ep120 Journey from Service to Story with Philip Caputo

    Philip Caputo reflects on why writing is a calling, sharesthe life experiences that shaped his path from Marine Corps veteran to Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, and discusses his latest book, Wandering Souls. Philip Caputo was born in Chicago in 1941 and educated atPurdue and Loyola Universities. After graduating in 1964, he served in the US Marine Corps for three years, including a sixteen-month tour of duty in Vietnam. In addition to Memory and Desire, he has written seventeen books, among them three memoirs, ten works of fiction, and four of general nonfiction. His first book, A Rumor of War, is considered a classic of warliterature. It has been published in fifteen languages and has sold more than 1.5 million copies. A Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, Caputo has written dozens of articles in major magazines, op-ed pieces, and reviews for publications across the United States, including the New York Times, National Geographic, and the Chicago Tribune. He lives in Norwalk,Connecticut, and Patagonia, Arizona. In this episode, Phillip reads from Wandering Souls. Book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1648211585?&tag=skyhorsepub-20 Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free tosend us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonuscontent for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    27 min
  3. Ep119A Transforming Stories into Theatrical Magic with Dean Gilmour

    JAN 24

    Ep119A Transforming Stories into Theatrical Magic with Dean Gilmour

    Dean Gilmour reflects on his remarkable journey building atheatre company, shares how he transforms literary works into dynamic stage productions, and reveals the inspiration behind his latest production, Pu Songling: Strange Tales. Dean Gilmour graduated from the University of Windsor withan Honours BFA degree in Dramatic Arts in 1976 and immediately traveled to Paris, France to attend the School of Jacques Lecoq. He has created, directed, and performed in 42 Theatre Smith-Gilmour productions and has performed hiswork in Toronto, across Canada and in 11 countries around the world. Dean has received 2 Dora Awards for best director, 2 for best actor, 2 for best production, and 1 for best new play for his work as actor, writer, and director in Chekhov Shorts and Chekhov Longs...In the Ravine. Details about the English-language world premiere of PuSongling: Strange Tales at https://www.crowstheatre.com/ https://www.crowstheatre.com/shows-events/pu-songling-strange-tales   Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive freebooks and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonuscontent for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    45 min
  4. Ep118 Inside One Filmmaker’s Documentary Journey with Jon Chiang

    JAN 23

    Ep118 Inside One Filmmaker’s Documentary Journey with Jon Chiang

    Jon Chiang reflects on how he found his voice as a documentarian, the experience of bringing SPRING AFTER SPRING to life, why having a side job can be essential for emerging filmmakers. Jon Chiang of Chifa Studios is an award-winning Chinese-Peruvian filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. Growing up straddling multiple identities, his upbringing has shaped his approach to his films. He’s worked with broadcasters including CBC, Knowledge Network and TELUS originalsand his films have screened at many film festivals including Whistler Film Festival, Vancouver Asian Film Festival and Reel Asian to name a few. SPRING AFTER SPRING follows three Chinese Canadian sisters who all defied their mother’s wishes and became accomplished dancers. After their mother’s death, they reunite to lead Vancouver’s Chinatown Parade, forcedto choose between honouring their past or letting it go. SPRING AFTER SPRING recently had a successful world premiere at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival in November 2025 where it won the award for Best Canadian Feature. Film information: SPRING AFTER SPRING will have a screening and Q&A panelon Feb. 1st, 2026 at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in Vancouver. Then it will have a theatrical run at the VIFF Centre on Feb. 6th, 8th, 9th, 15th and 17th. It will launch on the Knowledge Network for viewers across the country on February 17th. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/spring-after-spring-community-film-screening-tickets-1979911102405 https://viff.org/whats-on/spring-after-spring/ https://www.knowledge.ca/program/spring-after-spring Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    22 min
  5. Ep117 From Page to Podcast Magic with Gemma Amor

    JAN 16

    Ep117 From Page to Podcast Magic with Gemma Amor

    Gemma Amor dives into how she transformed her short fiction into compelling podcast productions, why feminist body horror can be used to tackle thorny issues, and how writing from a place of joy strengthens connections with readers. Gemma Amor is a Bram Stoker and British Fantasy Award-nominated horror author, editor, illustrator, and podcaster based in Bristol, UK. She was named one of Esquire's Writers Shaping Horror's Next Golden Age, and recently featured in Ellen Datlow's prestigious Best Horror of the Year anthology, Vol. 15. Gemma loves to write about misunderstood monsters, both human and supernatural, as well as feminist horror.  In this episode, Gemma reads from Itch! Website link: https://gemmaamorauthor.com/ Podcast link featuring Gemma’s stories: https://www.thenosleeppodcast.com/ Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonuscontent for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    34 min
  6. Ep116 Keeping Folktales Alive Across Languages with Hadil Ghoneim

    JAN 9

    Ep116 Keeping Folktales Alive Across Languages with Hadil Ghoneim

    Hadil Ghoneim discusses writing in two languages, theimportance of keeping folktales alive, and how an online community supported the creation of her latest folktale book. Hadil Ghoneim writes in Arabic and English. She has written many fiction and nonfiction books for children and young adults. Her book The Nights of Shaharzizi won the International award for Arabic Children's Literature, and Sisters Hana and Shefa was a finalist for best picture book for the same award. Her nonfiction essays for adult readers have appeared in Michigan Quarterly Review, Arab LitQuarterly, and other publications. When not writing (or playing tennis), Hadil is engaged in community projects revolving around culture, dialogue and storytelling. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At time 21:14 she reads from Arabic Folktales for Children: Timeless Stories to Share in English and Arabic. Book link: https://www.tuttlepublishing.com/middle-east/arabic-folktales-for-children-9780804858076 Author website: https://hadilghoneim.com/ Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free tosend us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonuscontent for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    23 min
  7. Ep115 Writing Thrillers and Romantasy with Rachel Howzell Hall

    JAN 9

    Ep115 Writing Thrillers and Romantasy with Rachel Howzell Hall

    Rachel Howzell Hall discusses how she navigates writing boththrillers and romantasies, the challenges of worldbuilding, and why she chooses to publish all her work under her own name rather than a pen name. Rachel Howzell Hall is the critically acclaimed author of the Amazon Charts bestseller We Lie Here, These Toxic Things (nominated for the Anthony, Strand, and International Thriller Award), as well as And Now She’s Gone (nominated for theLos Angeles Times Book Prize). Rachel is a former member of the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and was a featured writer on NPR’s acclaimed “Crime in the City” series and the National Endowment for the Arts weekly podcast. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her husband anddaughter. In this episode, she reads from The Cruel Dawn. Author website -  rachelhowzell.com Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    26 min
  8. Ep114 Translating Spirit, Not Just Words with Bruce Allen

    JAN 2

    Ep114 Translating Spirit, Not Just Words with Bruce Allen

    Bruce Allen discusses his journey into Japanese literaturetranslation, his experience working with Ishimure Michiko, and why Spring Castle is considered her magnum opus, emphasizing that successful translation requires patience to move beyond the surface and capture the spirit of the text. About the Author Ishimure Michiko (1927-2018) is regarded as one of Japan's most important modern writers. She published over 50 worksranging from novels, non-fiction, Noh drama and poetry to essays, memoirs and children's stories. She received numerous international and Japanese literary awards including the Ramon Magsaysay Award from the Philippines (1973) and the Asahi Prize for literature in Japan (2001). Her best-known work, Paradise in the Sea of Sorrow; Our Minamata Disease (1969), was reprinted over 30 times in Japan and has been translated into English and several otherlanguages. This work, along with several other books focusing on the Minamata Disease incident, led to her being known as the "mother of the Japanese environmental movement" and the "Rachel Carson of Japan." About the Translator Bruce Allen is retired Professor of translation and global environmental literature at Seisen University in Tokyo. Histranslations include Ishimure Michiko 's novel Lake of Heaven, Japanese Tales of Fantasy and Folklore, and Toward the Paradise of Flowers, a documentary film on Ishimure. He is editor of Ishimure Michiko's Writing in Ecological Perspective: Between Sea and Sky. His translation of several chapters of Spring Castle was recognized by the Kyoko Iriye Selden Memorial Translation Prize of Cornell University. Book link: https://www.tuttlepublishing.com/japan/spring-castle-9784805319659 Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    36 min
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About

JF Garrard (writer, editor and publisher) has frank conversations with writers, editors, publishers, artists, actors, directors and other art professionals about what inspires them to create and what led to their success. Writers on the podcast will showcase their work by reading from their book. Main Artsy Raven website with access to 100+ episodes: https://artsyraven.com/ Artsy Raven merch: https://darkhelixpress.com/merchandise The Artsy Raven is on Feed Spot’s list of Top 60 Literature Podcasts & Top 10 Canadian Literature Podcasts on the web.

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