Being an Outlaw Among In-Laws, and How to Start a Podcast

In this episode 345, we talk to Jenny Jackson about her funny and wise debut novel Pineapple Street, named a most anticipated book of 2023 by Vogue and Time, and about her career editing some of the biggest authors in the business. Jeff Sovel shares tips for how to make launching a podcast an approachable process. And we have book recommendations, and more!

Today’s Featured Authors

Jenny Jackson Time Stamp: 4:25

Pineapple Street has been called “a delicious new Gilded Age family drama–almost a satire–set in the leafy enclaves of Brooklyn Heights,” and “Succession with a soul.” Jenny drew on her lessons learned as an editor working with authors from Cormac McCarthy to Emily St. John Mandel to Kevin Kwan in writing this debut novel.

Jeff Sovel Time Stamp: 36:34

From Jeff Sovel’s blog post “Ask Your Doctor If Podcasting Is Right for You,” we take the following tips:

  • The mechanics of podcasting shouldn’t be the biggest challenge. There are plenty of websites and videos to help you figure out how to record and upload.
  • Design a unique podcast. Find your niche in the crowded marketplace, and stick to a format that’s sustainable for you.
  • Podcasting can and should be fun!

2-Minute Tip: Time Stamp: 29:02

Don’t miss Charlotte Lit co-founder and executive director Paul Reali’s tip about The Rules of Writing, Part 6: Finish Before Revising.

Elevator Pitches:

Thanks to the following authors for sharing elevator pitches:

Kenneth Chamlee – The Best Material for the Artist in the World

Matt Scott – The Ayatollah Takedown

Community Updates:

         Listen to our episode for updates on the Charlotte writing community, including events from the Charlotte Writers Club, Charlotte Lit, and more.

Book Recommendations: Time Stamp: 51:56

         Hannah recommends:

         Glove Shy by Janet Hurley

         Sarah recommends:

         Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro

         Landis recommends:

         The Collected Short Stories of Louis L’Amour

Mark West, Storied Charlotte Blog, recommends:

Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman 

Community Voices:

Thanks to readers of The Write Quotes series for the wonderful reviews you’re leaving for the first two books! A sampling:

from Claire Fullerton: This gem of a book is a must read for everyone who writes, from seasoned to aspiring authors of any genre. Landis Wade of the Charlotte Readers Podcast has interviewed hundreds of authors through the years (many you will recognize; others well worth your discovery) and assembled this book of quotes from those who know well of the writing life. The Write Quotes: The Writing Life reads like a series of pithy insights into the writing process and sheds a light on facets part and parcel to that which sustains a writer’s motivation and inspiration. A delightful book that delivers important food for thought!

from R. Bertoia: As a writer myself, it was so interesting to read these quotes. Everything was included, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Writers talked about how hard it was to do the work and even harder to be successful after you’re published. So why would anyone do it? Well, that is the question answered in these quotes. We do it in the end because we all love writing. I’m sure when I get discouraged in my writing I will pick up this book for inspiration.

The Write Quotes Series:

Go to https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/writequotes/ to learn more about our series of quote books, download Book 1 for free, or support the show and get more free books by joining our street team.