A Book Finds You!

Heather Flaherty, Robert Jolles, Maryland Writers' Association
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

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. Pat Valdata

    1d ago

    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

    35 min
  2. Sarah Goodman Confino

    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

    39 min
  3. Dan Desai Martin

    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

    35 min
  4. Karen Justice

    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

    34 min
  5. M Frost

    May 1

    M Frost

    Megan Davis, writing under the pen name M. Frost, explains how her relationship with her mother influenced her love for stories and mythology. As they read together, she began to see these ancient tales from a new perspective, recognizing the strength and complexity of the female figures often overshadowed by male counterparts. This realization inspired her to write poetry that celebrates these women, allowing them to take center stage. One of the most intriguing aspects of our conversation was Megan's approach to writing. She emphasizes the importance of capturing ideas as they come, whether by jotting them down on paper or recording them on her phone. This method ensures that no spark of inspiration is lost, allowing her to transform these ideas into fully realized poems or stories later on. She also shares her thoughts on the balance between drafting and editing, encouraging aspiring writers to embrace the creative process without the pressure of perfection. To learn more about M. Frost and what she's working on, visit http://mfrostwords.com/  If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with fellow authors and book lovers who would benefit from Megan'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

    37 min
  6. Steven Gellman

    Apr 17

    Steven Gellman

    In this episode, we meet the talented Stephen Gellman, an award-winning songwriter turned author, as he shares his journey into the world of writing. His debut young adult novel, Somewhere in Nowhere, follows a closeted 16-year-old grappling with panic attacks, first love, and a life-altering secret. Join us as Stephen discusses the inspiration behind his book, his writing process, and the challenges he faced along the way. This heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for aspiring writers and anyone navigating the complexities of adolescence. To learn more about Steven Gelman and his work visit https://hiddenpoet.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

    35 min
  7. Cherrie Woods

    Apr 10

    Cherrie Woods

    Cherrie shares her journey from a director of marketing to a book publicist, revealing valuable insights on how to connect books with readers. Tune in to learn about her book, 'Where Do I Start? 10 PR Questions and Answers to Guide Self-Published Authors,' and gain practical tips for authors looking to promote their work! To learn more about Cherrie Woods and her work, visit her website at https://eclecticpr.com/. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with fellow authors and book lovers who would benefit from Cherrie'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

    41 min
  8. Kate McElderry

    Apr 3

    Kate McElderry

    Join us as we explore the inspiration behind her writing, her unique creative process, and the challenges she faced along the way. From her experiences in Ireland to the insights gained from her students, Kate shares how her personal journey has shaped her work and the importance of representation in literature. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!   To learn more about Kate McElderry and her work, visit her website at https://www.katemcelderry.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with fellow authors and book lovers who would benefit from Kate'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

    37 min
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5
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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
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024-2026 A Book Finds You, Maryland Writers' Association
  • Show Website
    A Book Finds You!