Join us for this lively interview with Anne Greenwood Brown. Ann grew up sailing the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior, leaning over the bow, and wondering what amazing thing might flash by. In her book, “Lies Beneath,” she answers that question. “Lies Beneath” is a Young Adult fantasy about three scary mermaids and their more Read More
Nancy B. Kennedy has gathered a collection of inspiring stories from all branches of medicine in her book, “Miracles & Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Doctors”, the second in her “Miracles and Moments of Grace” book series. From family doctors, military doctors, dentists, neurosurgeons, missionary doctors and more, they each tell their stories, both Read More
Larry Baker, an Iowa City writer, returns to Writers’ Voices to discuss his new book, “Love and Other Delusions”. This book puts a fresh perspective on a story of a married woman’s affair with a younger man. It is a complicated and confusing journey inside a relationship. Larry’s other books include, “Athens, America” and “The Read More
Sharelle Byars Moranville, the award-winning versatile author of fiction for all ages, has had her recent book, “The Hop”, published by Disney/Hyperion. The book chronicles the intertwined stories of Tad, a small toad trying to save his home, and Taylor, a girl determined to stop her grandmother’s pond from being turned into a strip mall Read More
Humorist, Polly Frost is the guest on this episode of Writers’ Voices. Polly will be presenting her one-person show, “How To Survive Your Adult Relationship with Your Family”, Saturday, May 19 at The Englert Theatre, in Iowa City. Combining anecdotes, storytelling, and humorous tips, Polly takes a heartfelt and humorous exploration of what families go Read More
Our guest, Priscilla Warner, has written the new book, “Learning to Breathe: My Yearlong Quest to Bring Calm to My Life”. For years, Priscilla struggled to overcome anxiety and panic attacks despite having a loving family and a successful book (“The Faith Club”). In this book, she chronicles her journey and transition from panic into Read More
In “Autobiography of a Recovering SkinHead: The Frank Meeink Story as Told to Jody M. Roy, Ph.D.”, you’ll find the raw true life story of Frank Meeink, from his angry childhood that found an outlet in the Neo-Nazi movement through his time in prison, encountering fellow prisoners of all backgrounds and race, that first caused Read More
Our guest this week is a Master Gardener and mindfulness meditation teacher, who brings her two passions together in her book, “The Meditative Gardener”. Cheryl Wilfong guides readers in practical easy-to-follow practices to bring full awareness into your gardening through sitting, walking, strolling or bending over in your garden. This book helps show you how Read More
Caroline Preston has created the first ever scrapbook novel, “The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures”. Growing up enamored with her families scrapbooks, she has collected a large collection of vintage ephemera, including vintage postcards, magazine ads, ticket stubs, catalog pages, fabric swatches, fashion spreads, menus, and more. All of which she uses Read More
Author, editor, blogger, and humorist, Wendy McClure is the author of “The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie”; also a recently released e-book, “Don’t Trade the Baby for a Horse and Other Ways to Make Your Life a Little More Laura Ingalls Wilder”, that explores her fascination Read More
Emerging writer, Rae Bryant is a teacher at the John Hopkins University graduate writing program and is editor-in-chief of the program’s new literary and arts journal. “The Indefinite State of Imaginary Morals”, Her short story collection, is a Pen Hemingway and Pushcart award nominee. This collection pushes the boundaries and explores all the humor and Read More
Join Cheryl Fusco Johnson for a delightful conversation with Iowa native, Beth Howard. Beth has recently written “Making Piece: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Pie”. A journalist for more than 25 years, Beth recounts the sudden loss of her husband and her healing journey that took her across the country and back to her Read More
Luis Alberto Urrea, the 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist for nonfiction, discusses his most recent novel, “Queen of America”. Following beloved healer and “Saint of Cabora”, Teresita Urrea, as she flees with her father from Mexico, the book, a sequel to Urrea’s “The Hummingbird’s Daughter”, takes the reader on a journey through turn of the century Read More
Author, economist, attorney, and entrepreneur, Michael H. Shuman has authored, coauthored, or edited eight books, including, the award-winning, “The Small-Mart Revolution”, “Going Local”, and, his newest, “Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Shift Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity”(Chelsea Green Publishing). In this book, Michael shows investors how to Read More
Village in Nepal. Growing up in poverty, Khakendra dreamed of coming to America for a better life. His dream came true in 1991, arriving in San Francisco and embarking on an entirely new journey. In his book “Nueli Cried in the Himalayas”, Khakendra tells the story of his life, describes the life of his people, Read More
In today’s fast moving, media entrench culture, kids are forced to deal with situations their parents never had to face. In their new book “From Santa To Sexting: Helping Your Child Safely Navigate Middle School and Shape the Choices that Last a Lifetime”, Dr. Brenda Hunter and Kristen Blair, tackle difficult topics, such as media, Read More
For 10 years, Deborah Halverson edited children’s books before starting to write herself. She is the author of teen novels “Honk If You Hate Me” and “Big Mouth”. Her most recent book, “Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies”, gives aspiring writers for young adults writing exercises, tips, and more. She has also written three books Read More
Check out this podcast – a delightful conversation that gives a behind the scenes look at the world of book publicity. Molly Brouillette works for Penguin books as a publicist at Tarcher, an imprint focused on mind/body/spirit books. Molly, a life-long lover of books, has worked on campaigns for books ranging from healthy soul food Read More
Dan Buettner is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Zones and the author of “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest”. In 2004, Dan worked with National Geographic and some of the world’s top longevity experts to identify places around the world where people lived measurably Read More
Don’t miss out on this very inspirational Writers’ Voices! Allan Lokos, the founder and guiding teacher of New York City’s Community Meditation Center, has written “Patience: The Art of Peaceful Living”. In our fast paced, ever changing culture, patience is often our most needed, but least cultivated virtue. Allan’s book lays out a helpful and Read More
Author, speaker, and consultant, Seth Braun discusses his new book, “Indestructible Success: Creativity, Leadership and The Art of Small Business”, and shares about his passion for helping others reach their fullest potential. In his book, Seth lays out a blueprint for both inner and outer success. His book explains how to build your mind, heart Read More
Author, speaker, and teacher, Melissa Tosetti founded the online magazine, The Savvy Life, and, with coauthor Kevin Gibbons, wrote the book “Living the Savvy Life: The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Living” (Morgan James Publishing 2011). Her book explores ways the reader can save money, so you have more to spend in Read More
Cheryl Fusco Johnson discusses storytelling this week with Larry Brooks. A critically acclaimed best-selling author of six psychological thrillers, Larry has written “Story Engineering”. The book describes six core competencies that any writer should master. Larry is also the creator and editor of Storyfix.com, an award winning instructional writing site. Don’t miss this fantastic informational Read More
Cheryl Fusco Johnson hosts this conversation with long-time educator, Sharron McElmeel. Sharron is an award-winning literacy advocate, author of educational materials, and publicist for many Iowa authors. She has been awarded with Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year and nominated as Iowa’s Teacher of the Year. She has written extensively on integrating literature into every Read More
Writers’ Voices welcomes back best-selling author, Dr. Rick Hanson. The author of “Buddha’s Brain”, which has been published in 21 languages, Dr. Hanson recently wrote “Just One Thing: Developing a ‘Buddha Brain’”, a pocket-sized companion to “Buddha’s Brain”. Featuring many quick, easy, yet helpful practices to change the neurocircuitry in our brains to enable us Read More
Environmental educator, writer and historian, Dr. Bruce Hopkins has written the book “When Foxes Wore Red Vests”, a collection of poetry, essays, drawings and photographs that show how sense-of-place can serve as a role-model for future generations, as well as helping us learn how we can best inhabit our communities and the natural world around Read More
Harvard grauduate, Barry Spector is the author of “Madness At The Gates Of The City: The Myth Of American Innocence” (2011, Regent Press). Dissecting America’s belief in innocence, this book explains how that has allowed America to re-enact old patterns that cause us to subvert our goals and miss the deeper meaning in events. Through Read More
Cheryl Fusco Johnson speaks with three Iowan children’s books creators on this week’s Writers’ Voices. First, conversations with the writer and illustrator of “The Juggler”(published by Ice Cube Press). “The Juggler” follows the wiry and tan young farmer, who desperately wants to be a great juggler. Children’s author and educator, Jeanette Hopkins provided the words, Read More
Writers’ Voices welcomes two guests with books helping others deal with difficult life issues. Over 12,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year, dramatically altering their lives and lives of their families. Lynda Young has written a helpful and compassionate book to give support to those families. “Hope for Families of Children with Read More
Listen to a conversation with Young Adult book author, Delia Ray. Her most recent book, “Here Lies Linc”, a Junior Library Guild Selection, describes what happens when young Lincoln Crenshaw Jr. investigates a curse connected with an ominous statue in a nearby cemetery. A graduate of the Radcliffe Publishing Course, Delia Ray wrote two nonfiction Read More
Current Fairfield resident, World War II veteran, and co-director of Operation Warrior Wellness, Jerry Yellin is the author of four books, including his most recent, “The Blackened Canteen”. In this interview he will discuss “The Resilient Warrior: Healing the Hidden Wounds of War”, which describes the pain of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome experienced by returning Read More
Philosopher Robert Sessions, author of “Becoming Real: Authenticity in an Age of Distractions”, believes that our modern culture makes it very difficult for us to develop a coherent identity. His book, filled with quotes and examples from ancient wisdom to modern politics, uses personal stories and philosophical musings to discuss the way everyday distractions keep Read More
We have a very special Writers’ Voices interview with author and activist, Frances Moore Lappé. “Diet For A Small Planet”, her first book, sold millions of copies and has received praise from around the world. She has since authored 17 other books, including her newest “EcoMind: Changing the Way We Think to Create the World Read More
Cheryl Fusco Johnson welcomes children’s author Dori Butler and her publicist Michelle Bayuk. Dori is the author of many children’s books and stories. Her book “The Buddy Files: Case of the Lost Boy” won the 2011 Edgar Award. Dori has been “ghostwriter” for ten Sweet Valley Twins and Boxcar Children books. With 20 years experience Read More
Seventh-generation Iowan, Zachary Michael Jack has written the book, “Native Soulmate: A Season in Search of a Love Homegrown”. It tells of his attempts to love fresh, love local. Travelling across the state of Iowa, giving lectures and signing books, Zachary tests his theory that the girl of his dreams may be closer than he Read More
Diane Wilson, fourth-generation shrimper who made a living along the Texas Gulf Coast, was driven to activism when she discovered her area was number one in the nation for toxic waste disposal. Through determination and hard work, Diane convinced local plastic manufacturers to sign a zero-discharge agreement. She has become a strong and vocal determined Read More
Tune in for an exciting interview, as our guest is an expert in “disrupting the ordinary” and tries to help others do the same. Kristen Moeller, author, speaker, personal coach, and radio show host, has recently written the book “Waiting for Jack: Confessions of a Self-Help Junkie”. After struggling with addictions to drugs, alcohol, and Read More
2011 saw two children’s books released by Iowa author Wendy Henrichs. “I Am Tama, Lucky Cat” (Peachtree) retells the 17th-century Japanese legend behind the beckoning cat figurines commonly displayed in Japanese shops and restaurants, with pictures by award-winning illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi. “When Anju Loved Being an Elephant” (Sleeping Bear Press), illustrated by accomplished artist John Read More
This Writers’ Voices features an interview with local Fairfield author, Andrew Edlin. Andrew Edlin was born in Brighton, U.K. and currently lives in Fairfield, Iowa. Andrew has written the fantasy novel “Inaccessible: Dragon Retreat”, which was self-published and is being released through e-book applications. Taking place in 1961, when the few solitary dragons are threatened Read More
Monte Schulz, son of famed Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz, is our guest. Monte is the author of several books, including his upcoming novel, “The Big Town”, the third book in Schulz’s trilogy of books delving into the American psyche during the Jazz Age. The book follows the story of a failed businessman, whose future prosperity Read More
Writer’s Voices has the honor of having two State Poets Laureate on this show, Iowa’s curent Poet Laureate, Mary Swander, and former State Poet Laureate of Missouri, Walter Bargen. They are both featured in the recently released anthology, “An Endless Skyway: Poetry from the States Poet Laureate”. This collection gives a glimpse into the heart Read More
This episode features a discussion with author Zoe Ghahremani, author of “Sky of Red Poppies”. The book, Zoe’s first, starts with a strange friendship between two women coming of age in a politically divided 1960’s Iran under rule of the Shah. The book is a glimpse into a part of the world that many people Read More
Michael R. Rosmann Ph.D., psychologist and small Iowa farmer, discusses the fulfillment found in life’s simple pleasures. His book, “Excellent Joy: Fishing, Farming, Hunting, and Psychology”, is a collection of essays exploring the reasons why humans have engaged in these activities for generations. One starts to wonder, in a society that keeps telling us to Read More
This Writers’ Voices takes a focus on screen writing with guest John Rainey. John began as a professional actor, but worked his way into becoming one of the industry’s most sought after script consultants. Creative Screenwriting magazine voted John #1 script analyst in the country. He has professionally analyzed and consulted on thousands of scripts. Read More
This show welcomes back Fairfield, IA based writer, Rudy Wilson. In this interview, Rudy talks about the writing process, his current work, and much more. Wilson’s books include “The Red Truck”, “Sonja’s Blue,” and more. Rudy was honored with the James Michener Fellowship, a CCLM-GE Award for Fiction published in “The Paris Review”. He has Read More
Social media has become one of the most popular tools for online marketing. Facebook has become a part of our everyday lives. To have an effective marketing campaign in our current culture, it is necessary to learn the tools of social media, especially Facebook. Our guest is Phyllis Khare, co-author of “Facebook Marketing All-in-One For Read More
Writers’ Voices welcomes world-renowned psychiatrist and author, Dr. Norman Rosenthal, to discuss his most recent book, “Transcendence: Healing and Transformation Through Transcendental Meditation”. This wide-ranging book uses stories, research, and his own clinical experience to show the benefits and value of TM. Interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Martin Scorsese, Russell Brand, and Laura Dern Read More
Don’t miss this inspiring discussion with international best-selling author, Kristine Carlson. Her new book, “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff For Moms: Simple Ways to Stress Less and Enjoy Your Family More”, is the first new installment in nine years of the “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff” series (originally started by her late husband, Dr. Richard Read More
On this Writers’ Voices, Cheryl Fusco Johnson visits with children’s book illustrator, Jeni Reeves. Jeni has been illustrating children’s picture books, since 1998, for the Lerner Publishing Group. Her work ranging from American biography and history to world culture and folklore, She recently began illustrating for a new series, ‘History Speaks’ which dramatizes important events Read More
Writers’ Voices host, Monica Hadley, along with “Filmosopher” Bruce Miller, dive into the topic of crop circles with a discussion with filmmaker Suzanne Taylor. Her film, “What On Earth? Inside the Crop Circle Mystery”, speaks with a number of crop circle researchers and aficionados, from visionary artists, philosophers, scientists, educators and farmers, who discuss their Read More
