Why Authors Write

Mary J Cronin
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In candid conversations with bestselling authors, Why Authors Write goes behind the covers to get inside creative minds and find out what propels these authors to keep on writing, from inspiration to publication.   Join Mary J. Cronin and co-hosts Kristie Dickinson, Sara Standon, and Becca Cronin as we dive into the personal backstories that make a writer’s work unforgettable. Follow along on the path that authors travel, from that irresistible spark of an idea, through overcoming frustration and sometimes tear-your-hair out writer's block, to finding the confidence and flow to get a book over the finish line.    We dig deep to ask the questions you are curious about: Where do your best plot ideas come from? Is that villain based on a real-life character? How long does it take you to get from the book’s starting line to publication?  And much, much more.   If you want to find out what inspires your favorite authors to keep on writing, subscribe now so you won’t miss out on a single episode. Looking for more details on your favorite authors and interviews?  Visit Mary’s website: 4QCatalyst for Why Authors Write show notes, author clips and quotes, and previews of future episodes.   

  1. HACE 4 DÍAS

    Lori Gold on Crafting Kiss, Marry, Kill

    Kristie Dickinson welcomes bestselling novelist and book coach Lori Gold to Why Authors Write to unpack the making of her twisty new novel, “Kiss, Marry, Kill.”  Lori shares her struggle to wrangle three POVs, multiple timelines, and parallel realities into a complex but readable story, and why she had to revise the plot again and again.  The episode also dives into the realities of a working writer’s life: why most authors need multiple income streams, the truth about advances, and Lori’s best advice on query letters, comps, and building a sustainable literary career.  For aspiring writers and readers who are curious about how bestselling authors navigate everything from revisions to negotiations with publishers, this episode has the answers.    The novel follows three lifelong friends who co‑found a wellness app company and, after playing a game of Kiss, Marry, Kill at a company retreat, wake up in an alternate universe where their game choices may have come true; or maybe not quite true. Lori talks about the spark of inspiration for the book’s central story that came from a short‑lived TV show, and her determination to push the idea into a more high-concept book based on her love of Sliding Doors, Palm Springs, and grounded speculative fiction. She talks candidly about the need for heavy revision, walking away from early, over‑complicated drafts, and why she believes that even if experience and writing practice doesn’t make perfect, it gives writers confidence to make radical changes on the way to a final draft.   This episode is a deep, generous conversation about craft, career, and the very real challenges of writing speculative fiction. Listeners get an inside look at how an initially over‑complicated plot was pared down so the emotional core—and the twists—could really land. Character building is where Lori feels most at home, and she breaks down how each of the three friends emerged as a different facet of choice in Kiss, Marry, Kill: - one who charges ahead and chooses selfishly, - one who sees the world in rigid right vs. wrong, - and one paralyzed by indecision and fear of choosing Lori offers us a rich blend of craft wisdom, publishing industry realityies, and creative encouragement—especially for writers wrestling with big concepts, bigger doubts, and the question of how to build a career in writing. Chapters 00:00 The Origin of Kiss Marry Kill05:59 Wrangling Multiple POV and Timelines12:02 The Art of Query Letters23:04 Making a Living as a Full Time Writer

    24 min

  2. 10 ABR

    Ben Shattuck on The History of Sound

    How does it feel when the story you wrote a decade ago anchors your award-winning book and becomes an acclaimed feature film? In this episode of Why Authors Write, host Mary Cronin talks with author and now screenwriter Ben Shattuck about living that dream with The History of Sound. Ben reveals how the carefully paired stories in The History of Sound speak to each other across centuries, linked by themes, houses, landscapes, and artifacts. From Edwin Chase of Nantucket and Silver Clip to the chilling duo August in the Forest and The Journal of Thomas Thurber, he explains how each story pair offers an ending—or a deeper meaning—to the other. Moving from authoring stories to screenwriting as “architectural plans for a hallucination,” Ben talks about the humbling, exhilarating experience of walking onto the movie set of The History of Sound and hearing actors Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor speak lines that once lived only in his imagination. Reflecting on his early work, Ben offers surprising and reassuring advice.  He urges younger writers not to rush to publish, noting how life experience is an essential compost that enriches fiction. He also emphasizes the essential discipline of simply showing up to write every day, and why, paradoxically, “letting time pass is the greatest shortcut.” Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or simply curious about how stories move from idea to page to screen, this episode offers an intimate, generous look at how one author thinks about time, structure, and the evolving pleasures of a deeply creative life. Chapters 00:00 The History of Sound: Structure and Inspiration13:30 Screenwriting As Blueprints for a Film27:08 Don't Rush to Publish: Experience as Creative Compost

    35 min

  3. 3 ABR

    Julie Dobrow on Love and Loss After Wounded Knee

    Why did Julie Dobrow spend decades researching the tragic  love story at the center of her dual biography, Love and Loss After Wounded Knee?  In this episode of Why Authors Write, Julie reveals her obsession with the forgotten life of New England writer Elaine Goodale, who turned her back on fame as a teen poet, moved west, and married Lakota-born Charles Eastman right after the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre.  Dobrow acknowledges the challenge of understanding the dynamics of a failed interracial  marriage that endured relentless public scrutiny, and what it cost Elaine to pour her talent into her husband’s literary legacy instead of her own.  Julie begins by taking us back to her own origin story as a biographer. As a 21‑year‑old college student working a summer job at Smith College she helped to process the Goodale–Eastman–Dayton family papers. Among the crumbling letters, curling photographs, and yellowed clippings, one narrative “leapt off the pages and grabbed” her: the improbable, cross‑cultural love story of Goodale and Eastman. Throughout, Julie reflects honestly on the difficulty writing about such complex and controversial characters: falling in and out of love with one’s subjects, and grappling with archival gaps—including the fact that Elaine deliberately destroyed most of the documentation of her marriage.   Julie also shares how her long journey to get inside the motivations and marriage of Elaine and Charles transformed her own understanding of the limits of historical research in bringing a gripping story of love, loss, and bitter disillusionment to life on the page. Don't miss this episode if you have ever wondered what motivates biographers to devote years to researching their subjects, and what it takes to do justice to complicated, imperfect love stories in the full context of American history. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Love in History 07:34 Elaine Goodale: A Trailblazer's Journey 13:18 Love and Loss: The Impact of Wounded Knee 19:41 The Struggles of a Writer and Mother 24:58 Reflections on Legacy and Identity

    31 min

  4. 27 MAR

    Marriage and Monuments: Writing About Lives in Chaos

    In this episode of Why Authors Write, Mary Cronin talks with historical novelist Virginia Pye about why she likes to write about private lives and intimate relationships pressured by public upheaval and change.  Virginia shares her secrets for completing complex storylines, and talks about how she transformed decades of publisher rejection into a series of bestselling books. The conversation moves from the appeal of historical settings and portraying memorable characters surviving in times of crisis  to heartfelt, real-life advice about organizing complex storylines, wrestling with rejection, and wondering how to transform an unpublished manuscript into your first blockbuster book. Here’s what we cover: The real-life events in Richmond, Virginia, in the summer of 2020—protests after the murder of George Floyd and the removal of Confederate monuments—that inspired  her latest novel, Marriage and Other Monuments.Virginia's advice that novelists should research by curiosity, not perfectionism, and avoid getting lost in historical “rabbit holes.”The long road from “aspiring writer” to multi-book author: five unpublished novels completed before her debut best seller finally arrivingHow she “fillets” her unpublished novels—reusing characters, relationships, and scenes from earlier manuscripts to create stronger new books.Why she now feels she can relax into her identity as an author, write and revise with joy, and meet readers and fellow writers without feeling she has something to prove.Encouraging, candid advice for writers with “books in the drawer” aboutassuming you have more than one book in you,maintaining self-respect in a tough marketplace,embracing small presses and literary communities, andstaying connected to the joy of the work itself. Two Big Insights Historical settings provide a rich backdrop for exploring societal change and its impact on relationships.Persistence and evolution are key aspects of a writer's journey, leading to growth and success. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Historical Settings06:17 The Writing Process and Inspiration15:34 Character-Driven Plot Development22:04 Completion and Publication of a Book

    30 min

  5. 20 MAR

    Daphne Kalotay and Short Story Power in The Archivists

    Why do some stories fit perfectly into 15 pages, while others insist on becoming novels? In this episode of Why Authors Write, bestselling author Daphne Kalotay pulls back the curtain on deciding when an idea demands a novel, and when a short story is the perfect fit. Daphne traces her path from writing early short stories to expansive, multi‑timeline novels like Russian Winter, and explains how she now “sees” an idea and knows whether it belongs in 20 pages or 400. She describes the elements that will likely require a full-length novel; complex subplots, a wide cast of characters, and threads that demand more space.  In the next sentence, Kalotay emphasizes the compressed power of short stories, where a single line of dialogue or a brief exchange can unlock an entire character.  Satisfyingly, she shares her hard-won experience and advice on what it takes to master both genres and writing styles. We also delve into her latest short story collection, The Archivist, highlighting the stories and characters she feels closest to. Daphne unpacks the deeply personal family story that inspired a feisty, 99‑year‑old Hungarian protagonist modeled on her grandmother in the opening story, and talks about why she added the last‑minute, first‑person piece “A Guide to Lesser Divinities,” with its brash, funny narrator, as a nod to Grace Paley and to the rich possibilities of voice in short fiction. Taking a step back from her published work to the challenges of completing a novel, Daphne opens up about the doubt that still overtakes her midway through completing a new book.  She describes the feeling of being lost in a tangle of timelines, places, and plot threads, or realizing a book has veered away from her original vision. Besides reassuring new authors that this is a normal phase, she talks about the practical toolkit she uses to find her way back, from creating retrospective outlines and using Scrivener to “see” what she’s already built, to treating the book like a jigsaw puzzle she can rearrange. Just as importantly, she shares the psychological strategies that keep her going: reminding herself she’s navigated this dark middle before and finished three complex novels, and holding in mind the readers who are waiting for the next book and whose emails give her the resolve to press on. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a short story fan, or simply curious about how long narratives and short stories take shape, this conversation offers an honest, generous look at the creative process behind both short stories and novels—and why experienced, best-selling authors often alternate between these two genres.  Find out how  Kalotay powers through the low points when doubts overtake her, and persists in writing her way to the final word. Daphne Kalotay’s experience, mastery of both the short story and the novel formats, and her advice to authors at all stages of their publishing journey provide fascinating insights into the creative process along with practical techniques for authors navigating between different genres and storytelling formats. Highlights and Insights Deciding when an idea will be the perfect fit for a short story vs a novelCharacter development and powerful turning points in short storiesThe swampy middle; how Daphne overcomes her mind-novel doubtsLearning to love the revision stage of writingAdvice for aspiring writers -  Advocate for your book every day!Chapters 00:00 Exploring Different Genres08:05 Creating Unforgettable Characters19:07 Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Revisions

    30 min

  6. 13 MAR

    Why Eric Dolin Preserves the Shocking Reality of Left for Dead

    In this episode of Why Authors Write, Mary J Cronin sits down with best-selling maritime historian Eric Jay Dolin to explore the larger-than-life shipwreck and survival story that inspired “Left for Dead: Shipwreck, Treachery and Survival at the Edge of the World.” Set against the backdrop of the Falkland Islands during the War of 1812, Dolin's book follows Captain Charles Barnard of the American sealing vessel Nanina, who is betrayed and marooned — twice — by the survivors he knows best. We learn how rapidly civilization gives way to survival at all costs when a ship captain saves fifty stranded British castaways — only to have his vessel seized as a war prize and his crew taken prisoner.  In drawing back the curtain on a shocking historical episode, Dolin’s book raises questions about human nature, and how far hardened, shipwrecked men will go to stay alive.  He skillfully rachets up the tension in this story of betrayal, improbable survivals, and one very good dog hanging on at the edge of the world.   Dolin opens up about what drew him to this long-forgotten story as he reflects on the allure of bringing an incredible series of disasters to life.  He talks about the challenges of chronicling a cast of flawed, morally compromised people caught up in a historical moment.   What does it mean when the story’s questionable heroes and darkest villains make their way home from unimaginable disasters, resume their normal lives, and are quickly forgotten?  From the thin line between obscurity and historical legacy, to retaining one's moral compass in the struggle for survival, Dolin explains his commitment to presenting just the facts when recounting despicable behavior and misguided heroics, so that his readers can judge history through their own lens. Chapters 00:00 Dolin’s affinity for forgotten histories and maritime disasters09:12   Staying true to the facts of unsavory characters and unforgivable acts15:55   Attractions of bringing forgotten episodes to life24:08 Making a living as a nonfiction writer – rewards and challenges

    28 min

  7. 6 MAR

    Why Leah Cohen's "To & Fro" Meets in the Middle

    What happens when a novel refuses to follow a straight line - and the author asks her readers to meet her halfway? In this episode of Why Authors Write, host Mary J. Cronin talks with award-winning Leah Hager Cohen about the creative journey that inspired To & Fro, a riveting story of parallel worlds and two heroines who cross the time barrier to meet midstream.  Leah describes how she set out to recount a mystical heroine’s timeless journey, but hit a wall of doubt and frustration that forced her to pause writing. Months later, a contemporary heroine called her to tell a different story. Soon these contrasting characters revealed their shared quest and gradually intertwined with one another, meeting in the middle of To & Fro in a moment that feels both mysterious and inevitable. At the heart of both narratives are children on the threshold of adolescence, asking timeless questions: How did I get here? Who made me? To what extent do I make myself? For Cohen, these questions are deeply connected to the creative act itself. Writing fiction means embracing uncertainty and listening closely to what emerges from the imagination. “One of the mysteries involved in making art,” she says, “is not trying to have mastery over one’s imagination, but listening to what issues from it.” Rather than controlling every aspect of the narrative, Cohen strives to listen. “My role has to do with listening with humility,” she explains. “These characters are fictional, but when I’m writing they become very real to me.” The novel’s unusual ending reflects that philosophy. Instead of offering a tidy resolution, To & Fro leaves space for readers to participate in meaning-making—mirroring Cohen’s belief that stories are ultimately about relationships between writer and reader. In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, Cohen reflects on the courage it takes to write without knowing where the story will lead. For readers and writers alike, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the inner life of a novelist—and into the beautiful, powerful, and mysterious uncertainty that fuels creative writing. It delves into the imaginative storytelling process and the power of open-ended narratives. Insights and Highlights Listening to characters with open minded humility frees Leah to createWorld-building is grounded in a deep relationship with fictional characters“Why am I here” and “Where am I going” are universal questions that drive the storyline in To & FroLeah hopes her readers will feel empowered to create their own next chapter in her bookChapters 00:00 The Genesis of Two Narratives08:06 Exploring Universal Questions14:27 Building Explicit Connections19:57 The Culmination and Conclusion25:03 The Porous Membrane Between Two Fictional WorldsChapters 00:00 The Genesis of Two Narratives08:06 Exploring Universal Questions14:27 Building Explicit Connections19:57 The Culmination and Conclusion25:03 The Porous Membrane Between Worlds

    31 min

  8. 27 FEB

    Why and How Chris Castellani Wrote Last Seen & Leading Men

    In this episode of Why Authors Write, award-winning author Christopher Castellani talks about what happens when he gives up on controlling the story line and simply listens to his characters.  We hear about the mysterious voices that inspired Last Seen, and how Chris mixed fact and fiction to get to the heart of the relationship between Tennessee Williams and Frank Merlo in Leading Men. Last Seen, a darkly original, genre-defying work emerged from the real-life mystery of the so-called "Smiley Face Killers," whose alleged victims, young men found dead in icy rivers. "I really got caught up in the stories of these young, college-age men," Castellani recalls. "I went down the rabbit hole... reading all sorts of things about this supposed group."  He learned that the conspiracy theories were bogus – and realized he wasn’t interested in writing true crime stories.  To find another path, he gave voice to the dead. Last Seen is no conventional thriller. Told from a purgatorial beyond — four young men narrating their own stories after death, communicating with each other and reaching back toward the people they loved — the novel evolved slowly, through false starts and years of frustration, until Castellani heard a voice: "I am one of those boys they keep finding in the river." "It sounds a little woo-woo," he says, laughing, "but I kind of followed that voice." In contrast, his prior novel Leading Men was inspired by the relationship between Tennessee Williams and his working-class Italian American partner Frank Merlo — a man Castellani describes as central to Williams's greatest creative period. "While they were together for 15 years or so, that was the period in which Williams wrote the majority of his great plays. And then after Frank died, he never had another big hit." Castellani opens up about the audacious choice to write the text of a fictional "lost" Tennessee Williams play within the novel.  He created a pivotal character in Anya, whose outsider perspective finally unlocked the Williams-Merlo dynamic for him. Castellani reflects on his instinctive, non-outlining creative process, shares why he is still excited about the film option of Leading Men even after waiting for years for production, and ends with a tantalizing preview of his novel-in-progress, a comic Italian American coming-of-age story. A deeply candid conversation about craft, obsession, grief, love, and the peculiar courage it takes to follow character voices you didn't expect to hear. Chapters 00:00 How listening to his characters shapes the plots of Last Seen and Leading Men05:35 Finding love, humanity, and humor in dark story lines11:16 How a new book idea rescued Chris from doubts about Last Seen19:38 Mixing fact and fictional  characters in Leading Men25:36 Advice for celebrating a film option offer by giving up ownership

    33 min
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In candid conversations with bestselling authors, Why Authors Write goes behind the covers to get inside creative minds and find out what propels these authors to keep on writing, from inspiration to publication.   Join Mary J. Cronin and co-hosts Kristie Dickinson, Sara Standon, and Becca Cronin as we dive into the personal backstories that make a writer’s work unforgettable. Follow along on the path that authors travel, from that irresistible spark of an idea, through overcoming frustration and sometimes tear-your-hair out writer's block, to finding the confidence and flow to get a book over the finish line.    We dig deep to ask the questions you are curious about: Where do your best plot ideas come from? Is that villain based on a real-life character? How long does it take you to get from the book’s starting line to publication?  And much, much more.   If you want to find out what inspires your favorite authors to keep on writing, subscribe now so you won’t miss out on a single episode. Looking for more details on your favorite authors and interviews?  Visit Mary’s website: 4QCatalyst for Why Authors Write show notes, author clips and quotes, and previews of future episodes.   

Información

  • Creador
    Mary J Cronin
  • Años de actividad
    2 k
  • Episodios
    13
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mary J Cronin
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    Why Authors Write