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. Ep115 Writing Thrillers and Romantasy with Rachel Howzell Hall

    5H AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. Ep113 Writing Through Little Women’s Lens with Katie Bernet

    JAN 2

    Ep113 Writing Through Little Women’s Lens with Katie Bernet

    Katie talks about the influence of Little Women on her latest book, the biggest challenge faced in writing her first book and what her latest project is. Katie Bernet lives in Dallas, Texas. As one of three sisters, she’s a diehard fan of Little Women. Beth Is Dead is her debut novel. In this episode, she reads from Beth Is Dead. Author link: https://www.katiebernet.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 bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    19 min
  4. Ep112 Volunteering Strengthens Writers and Community with Christopher Gorman and Brandi Tanner

    12/26/2025

    Ep112 Volunteering Strengthens Writers and Community with Christopher Gorman and Brandi Tanner

    Chris and Brandi discuss the programs offered by theCanadian Authors Association, how volunteering can enrich a writer’s life, and the personal and professional benefits that come from giving back to the literary community. Christopher Gorman is the national Co-Chair of the CanadianAuthor Association, and co-host of the Words with Writers Podcast. His first novel, Dawn of Magic: Rise of the Guardians was released in 2020 and explores what he identifies as the trilogy of powers in this world—nature (magic), faith, and science. Book two in the series is scheduled for release in the fall of 2026. gn the mountains and explored sites of ancient wisdom and magic in England, Scotland Wales, and Ireland. His passion for the environment and inclusivity inform his work and life. Brandi Tanner is the Administrative Director for CanadianAuthors Association (CAA). She holds roles with several non-profit organizations in the Canadian written works sector, including as a Board Director for Book and Periodical Council (BPC). Brandi is a cohost of Words with Writers Podcast. An avid fan of reading, writing, and cats, Brandi can be found writing short stories and STILL working on her science fiction novel.   Link to CAA-Toronto: https://canadianauthors.org/toronto/ Link to CAA-National: https://canadianauthors.org/national/   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

    23 min
  5. Ep111 Storytelling Through Puppets and Miniatures with Lindsay and Justin Lee

    12/26/2025

    Ep111 Storytelling Through Puppets and Miniatures with Lindsay and Justin Lee

    Lindsay and Justin Lee share the story of founding theirpuppetry animation studio, reveal their inspiration for Go Togo’s transit vehicle characters, and reflect on the challenges of bringing their films to life. Founded by wife-and-husband team Lindsay & Justin Lee,Gazelle Automations is an award-winning Toronto-based film production company redefining practical storytelling through puppetry, model miniatures, and animation. Their preschool series Miikshi (TVOkids) earned the 2023 KidscreenAward for Best Web/App Series and the 2022 WIFT-T Award for Best Writing, while Lindsay was named the 2025 Youth Media Alliance Emerging Talent Award recipient. Together, the Lees continue to elevate Canadian children’s media bymerging imagination, craftsmanship, and heart, and Go Togo remains their proudest ride yet. GO TOGO: https://gem.cbc.ca/go-togo Gazelle Automations: https://www.gazelleautomations.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

    25 min
  6. Ep110 The Art of Gothic Storytelling with Carolyne Topdjian

    12/19/2025

    Ep110 The Art of Gothic Storytelling with Carolyne Topdjian

    Professor Carolyne Topdjian explores the many shadesof gothic storytelling, draws from her experience of living in a haunted house, and reveals how writers can sustain tension and suspense. Carolyne Topdjian is a MARTY award-winning suspense writerand the author of the critically acclaimed gothic novels The Black Moth and The Hitman’s Daughter—the latter which received a starred review from Library Journal. Shortlisted for the Ghost Prize by Fractured Literary, her work has appeared in PRISM International, Dreamers Magazine, Firewords Quarterly, and elsewhere. She is a grant recipient from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Mississauga ArtsCouncil, holds an interdisciplinary PhD, and is a professor of fine arts at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto. Fittingly, she’s lived in a 100-year-old haunted house for over a decade.  You can connect with her on Instagram or Facebook:@TopdjianC. In this episode, she reads from The Hitman’s Daughter. Website: https://www.carolynetopdjian.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topdjianc/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/TopdjianC  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21374056.Carolyne_Topdjian  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://jfgarrard.com/arpodcast 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

    30 min
  7. Ep109 A Curator’s Journey Through Art with Meher McArthur

    12/19/2025

    Ep109 A Curator’s Journey Through Art with Meher McArthur

    Meher McArthur reflects on her journey from living in the UKto becoming a curator of Japanese art, discusses the importance of storytelling in curatorial work, and highlights the artworks that have most deeply moved her and are featured in her memoir.   Meher McArthur has decades of experience as an Asianart historian and curator specializing Japanese art. With degrees from Cambridge University and London University's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), she has served as Curator of East Asian Art at Pacific Asia Museum, Creative Director for the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, AcademicCurator for Scripps College and Art and Cultural Director for Japan House in Los Angeles. She has also taught courses in Asian art at the University of Southern California, Scripps College and Claremont Graduate University. She regularly lectures and trains docents at various museums in SouthernCalifornia. For over a decade, McArthur has curated exhibitions for International Arts & Artists (IA&A) including Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper and Kimono: Garment, Canvas, and Artistic Muse. She also curated the exhibition Shiki: The Four Seasons in Japanese Art at the Sturt Haaga Gallery at Descanso Gardens. She lives in Pasadena, CA. In this episode, she reads from A Japanese Art Journey: A Curator's Memoir of Polka Dot Pumpkins, Paper Dolls and Woodblock Prints.    Book website - https://www.tuttlepublishing.com/japan/a-japanese-art-journey-9784805319901   Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or tojoin our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/arpodcast 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

    33 min
  8. Ep 108 Building a Business that Represents with Samantha Ong

    12/19/2025

    Ep 108 Building a Business that Represents with Samantha Ong

    Samantha Ong discusses why representation matters, thecritical role insurance plays for small businesses, and what she learned from her experience on Dragon’s Den. Samantha Ong is the founder of Joeydolls, a Toronto-basedtoy company on a mission to celebrate culture, identity, and belonging through play. Inspired by her own experience growing up without dolls that reflected her heritage, Samantha created Joeydolls to help all children seethemselves—and others—with pride and empathy. Since launching in 2023, Joeydolls has sold over 15,000 dolls worldwide and continues to expand its diverse line to represent more cultures and communities. Featured on Dragons’ Den Canada, CBC News, and Good Housekeeping, Joeydolls has earned national recognition for fostering inclusivity and joy in every child’s playroom. Samantha’s work continues to spark meaningful conversations about representation, diversity, and cultural connection. Link: https://joeydolls.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

    23 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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