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Let's travel the world one book at a time. Literary Escapes, book inspired travel, travel inspired reading.
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
From Legal Briefs to Rom-Coms: Ash Keller's Maine Inspiration
This week, we are soaking up the picturesque, atmospheric charm of Maine with author Ash Keller. Ash shares her transition from a trial lawyer to author of clean, wholesome romcoms, and tells how she likes to channel life experiences into heartwarming stories.
She started with children's books before pivoting to clean and wholesome romcoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now she writes middle-grade and clean rom-coms which both share a fun, light-hearted approach to stories.
Ash is co-writing the “When in Maine" series, with her author bestie, Sophie Lee Robbins. This series is set in the fictional town of Fog Harbor, Maine, and features standalone books interconnected by characters and setting. In "The Maine Attraction," Ash Keller introduces us to a retired hockey player seeking solace in a secluded lighthouse. But what happens when he runs into his childhood nemesis, now a local contractor?
Let’s go to Maine and find out!
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CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-135-exploring-maine-with-author-ash-keller/
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
New Mexico Inspirations: Kat Bellemore on Writing Cozy Mysteries and Small-Town Romances
In this episode we are chatting with author Kat Bellemore.
Join us as we delve into her fascinating world of cozy mysteries and sweet romances, set against the captivating backdrop of New Mexico and beyond. Kat moved there seven years ago, and she fell in love with its unexpected beauty. Her fiction is infused with the variety of New Mexico, from hot air balloons to White Sands National Park. From unexpected monsoons to the vibrant desert landscape, discover how the state’s unique beauty influences her storytelling.
Kat's series, Maddie Swallows Mysteries, are set in New Mexico, and feature psychologist Maddie Swallows as she returns to her hometown and immediately becomes a murder suspect.
Kat also talks about her transition from writing small-town romances to cozy mysteries, explaining how the genres complement each other due to their similar tones and slow romantic builds amidst the suspense. She discusses her independent publishing journey, which grants her creative freedom but requires strong personal marketing efforts. And she shares her current read and upcoming book releases!
Ready for a deep dive into murder, suspense, and... New Mexico? Let's go!
CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!
CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-134-exploring-new-mexico-with-author-kat-bellemore/
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Literary Adventures in Kentucky: Discovering Kentucky's Gilded Age with Historical Author Lisa Prysock
This week on Literary Escapes we are talking to author Lisa Prysock all about Kentucky.
Lisa’s deep research into Kentucky’s history, especially horse racing and the Gilded Age, adds rich, authentic detail to her series, Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age, and brings to life the vibrant culture of Kentucky, filled with tales of horse racing, bourbon, and more.
Lisa also describes how her Christian faith influences her work, creating deeply inspirational stories. She also delves into her path from an early love for writing, intensified by a pastor's encouragement at a prayer meeting, to becoming a successful author with nearly 60 books published.
Away we go!
CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!
CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-133-exploring-kentucky-with-author-lisa-prysock/
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
From Legal Writer to Mystery Author: Sarah Fox on Vermont and Cozies
This week, we're continuing our journey across the United States with a stop in the picturesque state of Vermont – just in time for the fall leaf season!
Our author of the week is Sarah Fox, author of the beloved Literary Pub Mysteries series. Featuring the charming fictional town of Shady Creek and book one of the series, Wine and Punishment, Sarah shares insights into her writing process and what makes Vermont the perfect setting for cozy mysteries.
Becki and Sarah dig into the details of Fox’s Literary Pub series, particularly the first book, "Wine and Punishment," and how the concept evolved from a bookstore to a literary pub. They also discuss Fox’s approach to plotting—somewhere between plotting and "pantsing" (writing by the seat of one's pants)—and the tricky task of coming up with unique murder methods. Sarah shares her experience of creating multiple mystery series, addressing challenges like keeping characters and settings consistent and balancing overlapping series.
Grab your favorite cup of tea, cozy up in your favorite reading nook, and tune in!
CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!
CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-132-exploring-vermont-with-author-sarah-fox/
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
This week we are getting a taste of Wisconsin's unique landscape, including rolling dairy farms, the majestic Wisconsin River, and the charming fictional town of Harmony.
Author Suzanne Bolden shares her insights into the writing process, details about her current projects, and her love for the Driftless Area of Southwestern Wisconsin—a unique, unglaciated region where her Parker Photography Cozy Mysteries series is set.
In book one, the main character, Jackie, a world-famous photographer, returns to Harmony to run her family's photography studio and soon finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery.
Are you a spreadsheet lover? Suzanne uses spreadsheets and sticky notes to track characters, clues, and story details which helps her to manage an impressive roster of around 170 characters across 12 books! That’s impressive organization!
Let’s head to Harmony, nestled along the banks of the Wisconsin River and surrounded by wooded hills and bluffs, and enjoy a fun mystery!
CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!
CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-131-exploring-wisconsin-with-author-suzanne-bolden/
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Dive into Maryland's charm with Cindy Kirk and her book, The Pink House!
For her fictional town of GraceTown, the setting of The Pink House, Cindy chose Frederick, Maryland, as her inspiration. She captures the small-town feel and integrates the local culture and historical elements into her imagined town. From local treats like Old Bay seasoning to authentic cultural nuances, her careful research adds flavor to every story.
Cindy's GraceTown series also explores unique fantasy elements. From an angel helping townsfolk during the Spanish flu to a magical music box transporting through time, her stories are a blend of reality & wonder.
Are you ready to escape to Maryland?
CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!
CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-129-exploring-maryland-with-author-cindy-kirk/
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
From the hills and trees of the northern lower peninsula to the allure of Mackinac Island and Lake Michigan’s ocean-like shores, this week’s author, Katherine Karrol, introduces us to Michigan.
Discover how Katherine transitioned from wanting to write a funny, self-help book about mental health, into fiction, all while balancing her day job as a therapist. Inspired by chapter prompts during a Wi-Fi-free night, Katherine Karrol found her fiction-writing spark. Her journey proves that sometimes, creativity blooms in the most unexpected moments.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!
CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-129-exploring-michigan-with-author-katherine-karrol/
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Exploring North Carolina: From Blue Ridge Mountains to Literary Legends with Nancy Robards Thompson
Author Nancy Robards Thompson first guested on Literary Escapes podcast in Episode 26 to talk about her book, Lost In Paris (written under pen name Elizabeth Thompson). Today she’s back to talk about North Carolina and her newest cozy mystery series, The Wedding Bell Mysteries.
Nancy takes us through the picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultural tapestry of western North Carolina, a state she has called home for nearly seven years. From the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains to the charming town of Asheville home of the grand Biltmore Estate, North Carolina’s scenic beauty is unmatched!
North Carolina is also the home of several literary giants of the past – do you know who they are?
In our book of the week, Slay Bells Ring, wedding planner Jenna Bell doesn’t panic when the groom is a no-show to the ceremony but when he turns up dead and she is falsely accused… well, it’s time to panic!
Jenna’s mother, Maddie, is a cozy mystery author and immediately puts her mystery writing skills to use to try to clear her daughter’s name.
Are you ready to go? North Carolina, here we come!
CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!
CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-128-exploring-north-carolina-with-author-nancy-r-thompson/
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Crafting Cozy Tales in the Natural State
This week we are exploring the natural beauty and small-town charm of Arkansas with author, Tia Marlee.
Tia shares her deep-rooted love for the Natural State, reminiscing about her childhood in the quaint town of Garfield. She paints a vivid picture of serene lakes, lush forests, and the delightful experience of growing up in a close-knit, rural community.
In fact, our book of the week, Wishing for the Girl Next Door, is part of Tia’s Piney Brook series which is inspired by her time spent in northwest Arkansas as a child.
Tia is also part of the Coffee Loft series. Think sweet contemporary romance, fun coffee puns, and interconnected stories. Her next Coffee Loft book, You Mocha Me Crazy, drops later in September.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!
CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-127-exploring-arkansas-with-author-tia-marlee/
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Lakes, Valleys, and Love: Exploring the Unexpected Beauty of Nevada
This week we are headed to Nevada. Author Ginny Sterling shares her memorable adventures in northern Nevada, from her first glimpse of the jaw-dropping beauty of Lake Tahoe to the fun of visiting the old west in Virginia City.
And you can travel virtually to Lake Tahoe as you read Ginny’s books, The Jilted Bride Rescue and The Soulmate Rescue, both set in that gorgeous environment.
Ginny also talks about how receiving fan mail for Lawfully Gifted inspired her to create a series around its characters. After the Remember series, she developed a few other series including the Flyboys and her latest, Hot Shots, which is described as Top Gun meets Indiana Jones, blending suspense, romance, and adventure.
Wherever you go with Ginny’s books, you will be sure to have fun!
(Ginny was also on Episode 93 talking about the Flyboys and Texas - be sure to check it out!)
CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!
CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!
Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?
CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.
Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Find links to the books, author, and book club here:
https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-126-exploring-nevada-with-author-ginny-sterling/