Page One Podcast

Holly Lynn Payne
  • 4.8 (17)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Page One Podcast

Master storytellers share the stories and struggles that go into writing the first page of their books. Page One celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most re-written page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader.

  1. Ep. 45: Rachael O'Meara - PAUSE, the book

    12/24/2024

    Ep. 45: Rachael O'Meara - PAUSE, the book

    In Episode 45 of The Page One Podcast, we get to hear my dear friend and author Rachel O'Meara discuss her groundbreaking book, PAUSE, which explores the powerful impact of taking intentional breaks to avoid burnout and find fulfillment. Rachel shares her personal decades-long journey of corporate burnout at Google and how a three-month unpaid leave transformed her life, leading her to become a transformational leadership and executive coach. The conversation delves into the importance of self-awareness, courage, and the transformative power of pausing. Rachael discusses her process of writing the book over a five year period and how the process had a positive impact on her life. We take a moment to reminisce about our experiences working together on PAUSE—me as her writing coach and she as a first time author— and the significance of listening to one's inner voice and making space for personal growth. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone feeling overwhelmed and seeking a path to a more satisfying and balanced life. If you’re wondering what’s next for you in your life, take a moment to hear Rachael’s wisdom and wonderful laughter. This is a great one to hear on a walk between holiday gatherings. I hope you enjoy it and discover the delight of what’s PAUSE-able. There’s so much value in taking time to find out what you want! Learn how to do that and so much more in Ep. 45. 02:24 The Power of the Pause 04:46 Rachel's Personal Journey 07:34 The Writing Process and Coaching 09:46 Courage and Commitment 19:05 The Importance of Pausing 24:44 Rachel's Transformational Break 25:51 Creating Time for Self-Reflection 26:38 Returning to Google and Personal Growth 27:14 Birthday Reflections and Rose Girl 29:36 Navigating Career Changes and Coaching 30:32 The Importance of Pausing 33:31 Spirituality and Coaching 37:01 Embracing Change and Personal Development 40:43 The Power of Presence and Self-Awareness 43:20 The Magic of Pausing 45:02 Closing Thoughts and Book Recommendations

    52 min
  2. Ep. 44: Kurt Wagner - Battle for The Bird

    11/29/2024

    Ep. 44: Kurt Wagner - Battle for The Bird

    In Episode 44 , we interview Bloomberg journalist and author Kurt Wagner about his book, Battle for the Bird: Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk and the $44 Billion Fight to Save Twitter’s Soul. The conversation explores the unexpected turns and challenges Wagner faced while writing this book. Intending at first to write a biography about Jack Dorsey, Wagner took an unforeseen detour when Elon Musk entered the scene and changed the trajectory of the narrative—and Dorsey’s vision. The ensuing transformation of the book’s theme illustrates the fluid yet chaotic nature of creating anything. Kurt’s meticulous research and tenacious pursuit of sources —including 150 interviews and interactions with 115 Twitter employees results in a narrative rich in detail, providing an inside look at a company—and a founder’s soul, caught between the fierce demands of activist investors and a compromised vision. The transition from short-form journalism to an expansive book format posed its challenges. Wagner reflects on the demands of outlining, crafting a coherent flow, and the importance of maintaining reader engagement throughout. He describes his disciplined routine during his three month book leave—a regimen of writing that required an unwavering focus akin to endurance sports. And bonus: Kurt shares some of his favorite sentences from other writers that he keeps on his phone. We get to hear him read a few—and share so much more. You'll love Kurt and Battle for the Bird! Hope you enjoy this episode.

    54 min
  3. Ep. 43: Rachel Lehmann-Haupt - RECONCEPTIONS

    10/30/2024

    Ep. 43: Rachel Lehmann-Haupt - RECONCEPTIONS

    In Ep. 43, we take a close look at the creative brain of Rachel Lehmann-Haupt, an award-winning science writer and expert on the future of family life. We explore her latest work, Reconceptions, and the fascinating journey behind her path to becoming a science writer which was deeply influenced by her journalism background and personal life. From ghostwriting the bestseller The Female Brain to exploring topics like egg freezing and modern family structures, Rachel has carved a niche in science storytelling. She opens up about her upcoming project, The Literary Brain, an exploration inspired by her late father, the former literary critic for the New York Times. She intends to weave family history with neuroscience, examining storytelling's genetic links across generations and how writing literally optimizes your health. Rachel also discusses her admiration for Joan Didion and how her poignant prose in The Year of Magical Thinking is inspiring her next work. There’s a whole lot of good stuff packed into this intimate conversation between two friends, writers, and single mothers who are forging new paths into being professional writers in modern times.

    37 min
  4. Ep. 42: Crystal King - In the Garden of Monsters

    09/30/2024

    Ep. 42: Crystal King - In the Garden of Monsters

    In Episode 42 of the Page One Episode we get to hear author Crystal King discuss her latest novel, In the Garden of Monsters, a gothic fantasy published by Mira. We discuss the courage it took to take a double dare, not only to write in a new genre, but to write for the market. Of course we delve into the artistry of writing the prologue in this novel and the first chapter, with insights into how setting up parameters, in this case, making the story timeline fit into one week made the novel that much better. King shares insights into working with her editor and her research on the enigmatic Italian garden featured in the story, working with historical figures like Salvador Dali, as well as her strategic use of marketing and AI tools in staying relevant and successful. King's unique approach offers valuable wisdom for both seasoned authors and aspiring writers. I hope you love this episode as much as I enjoyed creating it. Please tell me what you think on IG @hollylynnpayne Thank you and happy listening! 00:38 Meet Crystal King: Author and Culinary Enthusiast 02:11 Summary of 'In the Garden of Monsters' 04:19 The Importance of Prologues 04:49 Crystal King Reads the Prologue 06:35 Exploring the Myth of Hades and Persephone 07:47 Setting the Stage: Bomarzo and Salvador Dali 11:19 Crafting a Gothic Novel 12:11 Diving into Chapter One 16:29 The Role of Editors in Shaping a Novel 21:58 Research and Historical Accuracy 29:00 Navigating Feedback and Authenticity in Writing 29:30 The Challenges of Publishing During the Pandemic 29:53 Balancing Market Demands with Story Integrity 30:25 The Importance of Complex Characters in Fiction 31:06 Rejection and Resilience in the Publishing World 32:05 The Role of Marketing in a Writing Career 33:37 Exploring Genre and Literary Fiction 37:32 Researching Market Trends for Writing Success 39:45 The Impact of AI on Writing and Publishing 50:34 Current Reads and Inspirations

    55 min
  5. Ep. 41: Ellen Hopkins - Sync

    08/29/2024

    Ep. 41: Ellen Hopkins - Sync

    In Episode 41, we have the honor of talking with the most banned author in the world and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Ellen Hopkins, about her latest book, SYNC—a riveting story about two teenage twins separated in the foster care system. After co-founding the youth program Sierra Ventana in Reno, Nevada with her daughter to help get kids off the street, Hopkins was driven to share what she learned and observed about the challenges foster kids face once they ‘age out’ of the system. As her fifteenth book written in verse, SYNC represents Ellen’s hallmark style, blending her love of poetry and crisp prose that makes her work accessible to teen readers. “ I wanted to reach readers who weren't readers and verse hits reluctant readers right where they need to be because nothing's overwhelming on the page.” Her debut CRANK put her on the map of literary greatness and cultivated a groundswell of teen fans who often see Ellen Hopkins as the kind of mother they never had. I can’t think of another writer with a more humanitarian and literary mission—serving young people with the truth they need to navigate an ever changing world that too often terrifies them. Ellen’s deep compassion for young people and her commitment to social issues keeps her focused on her writing, despite the decades-long controversies surrounding her books. Perhaps even more inspiring is her commitment to telling the truth. I hope you enjoy this intimate conversation with a very grounded, big hearted and courageous storyteller. With more than five million books in print, there is no stopping this literary force.

    53 min
  6. Ep. 40: Nina Schuyler - In This Ravishing World

    07/30/2024

    Ep. 40: Nina Schuyler - In This Ravishing World

    In Episode 40 of the Page One Podcast, host Holly Payne interviews award-winning author Nina Schuyler about her latest short story collection, In This Ravishing World, winner of the WS Porter Prize and the Prism Prize for Climate Literature, which explores themes of climate change and the natural world in nine interrelated stories. Bestselling author Karen Joy Fowler describes it as "powerfully beautiful and beautifully powerful." This is not a dystopian narrative, but a powerful set of connected stories that instills hope. In This Ravishing World is an act of literary activism that reminds us of nature’s restorative power and our role in preserving it. If you seek inspiration and a renewed connection with the natural world, this book is a must-read. Schulyer discusses the inspiration behind the collection, the interconnectedness of nature, and the choice to anthropomorphize nature as the narrator. Schuyler also shares insights into her writing process and the importance of collective effort in addressing the climate crisis. The episode offers a deep dive into Schuyler’s broader body of work, and makes for an intimate, compelling conversation into the craft of writing. If you’ve ever wanted to learn from one of the best writing teachers in the country, this episode is especially for you! Enjoy it and be well!

    57 min
  7. Ep. 39: Kevin Smokler - Brat Pack America

    06/29/2024

    Ep. 39: Kevin Smokler - Brat Pack America

    Ep. 39 of the Page One Podcast engages in a captivating conversation with Kevin Smokler, writer, documentary filmmaker, and purveyor of pop culture, known for his books like Brat Pack America and the upcoming Break the Frame: Conversations with Women Filmmakers. Smokler’s candid discussion about the pressures of writing and meeting multiple deadlines provides invaluable insights into the behind-the-scenes struggles of prolific authors. One highlight is his reading the opening paragraph from his recent essay on the 40th anniversary of the largest mass murder in California's history. The powerful first sentence emphasizes the importance of evoking emotion and curiosity to create a visceral connection with readers from the very beginning.

    51 min
  8. Ep. 38: Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket) Poison for Breakfast

    05/30/2024

    Ep. 38: Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket) Poison for Breakfast

    In Episode 38, we interview beloved author, Daniel Handler, also known as Lemony Snicket, about his book, Poison for Breakfast, a new stand-alone adventure appropriate for all ages. In Lemony Snicket’s long and suspicious career, he has investigated many things, including villainy, treachery, conspiracy, boredom, and various suspicious fires. In this book, he is investigating his own death—and the concept of bewilderment. Poison for Breakfast is quite possibly different from any book you’ve ever read. And this episode is different from any Page One podcast you’ve heard as Daniel engages an unknown author, the courageous Hilary Hamilton, about the first page of her book in progress, Boobs. There is nothing quite like bewilderment—and boobs. WARNING: if you don’t like to laugh, you will not like this episode. If you don’t like books, libraries or pondering uncertainty, please do not listen to Episode 38. And if you don’t like stories about poison—and truth, as related to breast cancer, please, DO NOT listen to this episode. However, if you like an adventure of the heart, listen up. You will be pleasantly bewildered. (This is a rebroadcast of Episode 6 with a new introduction. Holly was in the hospital... she'll tell you why).

    58 min
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Master storytellers share the stories and struggles that go into writing the first page of their books. Page One celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most re-written page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader.

Information

  • Creator
    Holly Lynn Payne
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Page One Podcast
  • Show Website
    Page One Podcast

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