December 2023 Lineup

December Lineup

Episode 368 – December 5

In this episode, we feature Kerry Fryar Freeman and her debut novel Sedona, which follows a spunky editor’s journey behind the veil of a quirky and beautiful town that’s hiding some deep secrets. Author Tom McCaffrey says “Ms. Freeman proves that Sedona really is a state of mind that can be experienced in the pages of her excellent book.” We also hear about Kerry’s blog Books and Bevies and her tips for book marketing.

We also feature Rob Schwartz, editor of the book, “The Wisdom of Morrie” and the son of Morrie Schwartz, the man who wrote the book and who was the subject of the multi-million copy bestseller “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom. Morrie Schwartz passed away from ALS at age 78 after a career as a social psychologist and teacher. The book draws on Morrie’s experience to address how to live and age creatively and gracefully. 

Episode 369 – December 12

In this episode, we feature Sara Johnson Allen’s award-winning literary fiction debut Down Here We Come Up, a novel about three women who have lost connection with their children, through alienation, adoption, and across a militarized border. Ana Reyes, author of The House in the Pines, says “In exquisite prose, Sara Johnson Allen explores motherhood in the face of wrenching economic and racial realities of the American south yet weaves moments of joy and exhilaration throughout. Down Here We Come Up is written with such empathy and grace that I felt I knew these women and will carry them with me for a long time.”

Episode 370 – December 19

In this episode, just in time for Christmas, we feature thriller author Ryan Steck, founder of The Real Book Spy website, and his recent holiday-themed action novella Redd Christmas. Ryan’s work has been endorsed by #1 New York Times bestselling authors Jack Carr, C.J. Box, Mark Greaney, Kyle Mills, James Rollins, Nelson DeMille, and others, He recently signed a two-book deal with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House, to continue the late Ted Bell’s New York Times bestselling Lord Alexander Hawke series, which he will write while he continues writing his own Matthew Redd series. 

Episode 371 – December 26

In this episode, the podcast team is joined by Charlotte writer, professor, and literary blogger, Mark West, where they talk about The Storied Charlotte Blog, reading and writing, the podcast past and future, and favorite reads of the year.