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Let's travel the world one book at a time. Literary Escapes, book inspired travel, travel inspired reading.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
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!
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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/
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
From Sagebrush to Coastlines: Inside Oregon with a Local Author!
With an immensely varied geography – from rugged coastlines to lava fields, the high desert to the Columbia River and Crater Lake – Oregon is just begging to be explored!
Shanna Hatfield has lived in Oregon for nearly her entire life and she loves sharing her home state with readers. Her writing career started after her husband challenged her to “write a better one” and she has published 123 books since then.
This week we are diving into the charming, quirky world of Summer Creek in "Catching the Cowboy." A billionaire’s daughter serving community service on a ranch? It’s laugh-out-loud funny and full of heartwarming goodness. Plus, you won’t want to miss the town mascot, a goat named Ethel!
Oregon, 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-125-exploring-oregon-with-author-shanna-hatfield/
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
This week’s episode is taking us to the heartland of the US… Nebraska!
Author Kelly Brakenhoff shares hidden gems and surprising facts about the Cornhusker State. From the quirky Carhenge to Nebraska’s largest lake, Lake McConaughy, Kelly paints a vivid picture of a state rich in history and natural beauty. Learn about the friendly Midwestern culture and must-visit spots like the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Willa Cather house!
Our book of the week, Death by Dissertation, stars Cassandra Soto who recently moved from Hawaii to Nebraska. Amidst the culture shock of this transition, she finds herself caught up in a mystery at the local college.
Kelly brings her experience as an ASL interpreter to her stories and she is passionate about representing the deaf community in her books. Her children's series, "Duke the Deaf Dog," introduces kids to deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL) in an engaging way. Plus, her mystery novels feature deaf characters and provide a unique perspective on various cultures.
Ready to explore Nebraska in a whole new way? 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-124-exploring-nebraska-with-author-kelly-brakenhoff/
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Massachusetts isn't just about Boston! This week we are exploring the rich history, stunning natural beauty, and charming coastal towns of the state with author Meghann Whistler’s book, Their Unlikely Protector.
A gripping opening scene inspired by real-life heroism kicks things off. With fire, bravery, and an old high school nemesis popping up at every turn, this is a book you won't want to miss!
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-123-exploring-massachusetts-with-author-meghann-whistler/
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
This week we are unraveling mysteries in North Dakota with author Ellen Jacobson. Inspired by her sister and her husband, her newest cozy mystery series is a love letter to both libraries and North Dakota.
Thea Olson is an amateur sleuth who teams up with her grandmother and the new library director to solve mysteries in the fictional town of Why, North Dakota. Murder at the Library is packed with nods to North Dakota’s vibrant Scandinavian community, adding a rich cultural layer that brings a great sense of place to the story.
You’ll love hearing how Ellen started her writing journey with a sailing blog and how her background in anthropology plays into her stories.
North Dakota is often overlooked and rarely visited but it has so much to offer. 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-122-exploring-north-dakota-with-author-ellen-jacobson/