Northwest Book Talk

Patty Grasher

Tune in to Northwest Book Talk to hear behind the scene stories of what today’s writers are doing to successfully promote their books.

  1. Shirley Karr on Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, and Writing Happy Endings

    1D AGO

    Shirley Karr on Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, and Writing Happy Endings

    Award-winning Regency romance author Shirley Karr talks with Northwest Book Talk about writing historical romance, researching Regency England, sailing on the Lady Washington, and building stories filled with humor, adventure, and emotional connection. Shirley shares her publishing journey, from selling to HarperCollins/Avon to returning as an indie author, and explains why romance remains one of publishing’s most beloved genres.

    28 min
  2. Jesse Morse | Place-Based Writing, Poetry & Creative Writing at Clark College

    MAY 13

    Jesse Morse | Place-Based Writing, Poetry & Creative Writing at Clark College

    Poet, educator, and musician Jesse Morse discusses place-based writing, poetry, nature writing, and teaching creative writing at Clark College. In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, Jesse explores how writers can capture the spirit of a place through observation, sensory detail, and storytelling. He also shares insights into teaching poetry, balancing music and writing, and leading a workshop on place-based writing at the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest. Perfect for writers, readers, poets, educators, and anyone inspired by the Pacific Northwest literary scene. NorthwestBookTalk.com

    26 min
  3. Michelle St. Romain — Song of Belonging & Writing Ancestry

    MAY 6

    Michelle St. Romain — Song of Belonging & Writing Ancestry

    Author Michelle St. Romain shares the story behind Song of Belonging, exploring ancestry, memory, and the creative process behind her debut novel.

    27 min
  4. Craig Orback – Children’s Book Illustrator & Storytelling Through Art

    APR 29

    Craig Orback – Children’s Book Illustrator & Storytelling Through Art

    Illustrator Craig Orback shares how visual storytelling brings books to life, his work with major publishers, and the influence of Charles Schulz.

    28 min
  5. Temple Lentz: Not Quite Home, Community, and the Power of Story

    APR 22

    Temple Lentz: Not Quite Home, Community, and the Power of Story

    Temple Lentz—author of Not Quite Home and an international award-winning novelist—joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk. In this episode, Temple discusses how her debut novel explores homelessness, community-building, and unlikely partnerships between women from different backgrounds. Drawing from her work in public service and nonprofit leadership, Temple shares how real-life experiences shaped the story, why fiction can make difficult topics more accessible, and what it takes to create meaningful change at the local level. If you’re interested in socially relevant fiction, women-centered stories, or community-driven solutions, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and hope. Find out more at NorthwestBookTalk.com

    26 min
  6. Deb Miller – Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness | Book Marketing & Personal Empowerment

    APR 14

    Deb Miller – Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness | Book Marketing & Personal Empowerment

    Deb Miller, award-winning author of Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness, joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss breaking free from expectations and creating your own path to fulfillment. In this conversation, Deb shares:• Her journey from corporate executive to author• Creative, real-world book marketing strategies• How authors can “start where they are”• The connection between storytelling and personal empowerment With insights drawn from both business and life experience, Deb offers inspiration for readers and practical guidance for authors. 📍 Meet Deb at the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest🔗 Learn more: NorthwestBookTalk.com

    27 min
  7. Anna Paul & Brook Trang – Read Northwest: Changing Children’s Lives Through Literacy

    APR 1

    Anna Paul & Brook Trang – Read Northwest: Changing Children’s Lives Through Literacy

    How can one hour a week change a child’s future? In this inspiring episode of Northwest Book Talk, Anna Paul and Brook Trang of Read Northwest share how their Clark County nonprofit is helping children build confidence, improve reading skills, and succeed in school through one-on-one mentoring. From just two schools in 2022 to more than 25 locations and 300 volunteers, Read Northwest is growing rapidly—and making a real impact. You’ll hear how their program works, why early literacy matters so much, and a powerful real-life story of transformation that shows what’s possible when a child is given support and encouragement. We also explore their creative community programs, including Bites and Books and Love and Literacy Boxes, which bring reading into homes and make literacy a shared family experience. 👉 Learn how you can get involved and make a difference. 📍 Meet Read Northwest at the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest, June 27 at Clark College🔗 Learn more: https://readnw.org

    29 min
  8. Karen Kent – Writing Magical Middle Grade Stories | How to Almost Win a Gingerbread Contest

    MAR 26

    Karen Kent – Writing Magical Middle Grade Stories | How to Almost Win a Gingerbread Contest

    Karen Kent, indie author of How to Almost Win aGingerbread Contest, joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss creating magical middle grade stories filled with friendship, humor, and heart. In this episode, Karen shares the inspiration behind hercharming story set in Cinnamon Falls, where a young girl enters a gingerbread contest only to discover something mysterious—and magical—happening to hercreation overnight. We also talk about writing for middle grade readers, building relatable characters, and the realities of indie publishing and book marketing. Perfect for authors, educators, and readers who love cozy,imaginative storytelling.

    28 min
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About

Tune in to Northwest Book Talk to hear behind the scene stories of what today’s writers are doing to successfully promote their books.

Information

  • Creator
    Patty Grasher
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Patty Grasher
  • Show Website
    Northwest Book Talk