How many threads connect us to a journey? S. J. Rozan joins the program along with her feline companion to speak about her latest work Family Business, a work nominated for the G.P Putnam’s Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award. Along with articulating the complexities of Chinatown, the Tong organized crime family, and the hierarchy of Chinese culture, S. J. and Larry draw a comparison between the film In the Heights comparing “abuela” in latin culture and “gao” in Tong culture. S.J. also posited that there are 2 things a writer cannot do to a reader and how sidekicks are a must in crime fiction. Returning to the podcast is Larry’s old friend Tom Clavin. Tom has returned to speak with Larry about his old friend and collaborative co-author Phil Keith who recently passed, and to talk about his bookLightning Down, the story of Lt. Joe Moser, a P-38 Lightning pilot downed in World War II. Tom speaks about his love of research in preparation for writing, his love of military aircraft and how it played into his love for the P-38. In his research for the book, Tom learned of a chance encounter between Lt. Moser and a bomber crew member years after the war and their amazing connection. Larry and Tom also reflect on how Moser may have interacted with the fellow who inspired the character 007, James Bond. Please also check out Tom’s newest workTo the Uttermost Ends of the Earth,which chronicles a US Civil War naval battle off the coast of Europe.
How man threads connect us to a changing way of life? A boxcar, a spiral notebook and a pencil, the root of the “origin story” of author Ed Davis who has pennedThe Last Professional. Larry explores that “origin story” and how Ed’s early life riding boxcars inspired him to write about a yesteryear of “hobos, tramps and bums” and which are wonderers. Are the characters running away from something or towards something else and what the power of freedom is to the mind. Ed also talks about how the soundtrack of boxcar life is the rhythm of the rails and how it is juxtaposed against the rhythm of writing. Is wanderlust part of a persons DNA? Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Rory Vecsey joins the program and has a conversation withManda Kalimianfounder of the CANA Foundation, political action committee Saddle PAC and author ofBorn toRewild. Rory, being a horse person herself explores what it is like to fall in love with horses, the treatment of wild horses by the Federal Government (including roundups via helicopter and confinement using taxpayer dollars) so wild lands can be used for fracking, farming or grazing cattle, slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada and how this all contributes to climate change. Manda also discusses solutions and introduces us all to her concept of “rewilding”, re-introducing wild horses back to their habitat. Facebook Twitter Instagram
How many threads connect us from the original idea to the time the work gets to the reader? Larry pulls back the curtain of publishing with Jenny Rossberg, Senior Publicist at Pegasus Books. Jenny and Larry broach subjects of crime fiction (and how you can learn about a town from those works), what a Novella is and why they can be as entertaining as a full novel, and the difference between commercial versus literary fiction. Jenny also discloses the types of works she reads when she is not at work, and what the draw was for her to enter the publishing world. Larry posits the question “how does an idea for a book develop to the point where the work is on the shelf in a bookstore” and what the “life” of a book looks like. Jenny also speaks about authors S.J. Rozan, Paul Vitich, Heather Martinand Jennifer Murphy. We also get a window into the new or upcoming books Europe’s Babylon, Learwifeand On the Trail of the Jackalope.
How many threads connect us to the movies? Joining the podcast is Kevin Goetz, author and film researcher/audience tester with his firm Screen Engine/ASI. Kevin speaks to Larry about his latest work Audience-ology: How Moviegoers Shape the Films We Love,and how the audience matters and shapes film. Kevin de-constructs the subtitle of his book, discusses the difference between writing a book and film making (even when the movie comes from the book). Kevin shares his journey as a young actor to his role in entertainment today. Larry posits the question “does a mega star influence a movie or does the character they play steer the actor”. Returning to the podcast with commentary is Reverend Gayle Fisher Stewart, the author of the new bookBlack and Episcopalian: The Struggle for Inclusion. Gayle discusses how the narratives of history tend to devaluate other races or genders, how the African American heritage has been whitewashed and minimized. She speaks about how the seeds of Black History Month started as Negro History Week and has evolved in spite of whitewashing. Now Black History Month tasks people to recognize the achievements of people of color and recognize the sins of the pas. It also challenges us all to remember and not allow those injustices to be repeated today in a world that is so fractured.
How many threads connect us to history and heritage. Joining the podcast in this installment is Buki Papillon and Charles Lichtman. Buki Papillion, author of her premier novel An Ordinary Wonder, takes Larry on a trip to her childhood growing up in Nigeria, her friendship and mentor Lori Foos, the uniqueness of the Yoruba people and the rate of having twin children, how the Native American concept of “two spirits” is linked to the culture of Nigera, and we even get a reading from Buki’s book! Larry discusses what the thought process is in creating a title for a book and what the promise of America means to new immigrants. Buki on Twitter Buki on Facebook Charles Lichtman, author of The Sword of Davidjumps into the conversation to talk about writing and when a writer writes, there are always two stories; the story that is in the book and essence of the writer himself. Chuck also talks about growing up as a Jewish American in the midwest and the challenges he faced along the way. He also talks about his book which has been described as a meshing of The DaVinci Code and Raiders of the Lost Ark. He also talks about the research for the book and being moved by the Whaling Wall and Temple Mount. He even discusses his attempts at conducting an interview with Carlos the Jackal. Charles on Twitter Charles on Facebook Charles on Instagram
How many threads connect us to complicated family secrets? In this installment, Larry, along with contributor Rory Vecsey chat with author John Copenhaverabout his new bookSavage Kind. Larry explores how crafting a purposeful prologue can set the table to manipulate the readers perspective to then make it easier for the author to create plot twists. John discusses 2 characters Phillippa and Judy, 2 teens and the perception of the stereotypical young person in the 1940’s. Not all is what it seems. One of Larry’s favorite topics is discussing “femme fatale” characters and he explores with John the concept of a male in that role. Rory inquires about the power of foreshadowing, along with the use of poetry and mythology in the book. Joining Larry is singer/songwriter Rorie Kelly. Rory plays 4 original songs, talks about being a “Lady Beast”, how the female voice effects people, and how the guitar is an extension of her body. Rorie talks about her beginnings with her family, the influences in her songwriting. Rosie also does a Facebook Live called “Monday Night Muses“. Rorie’s setlist: Magick Comin Full Moon Charm Bracelet This Girl Liminal Spaces
How many threads lead us to survival? Larry is joined by Erika Hecht, author of the bookDon’t Ask my Name: A Hidden Child’s Tale of Survivala story of her life surviving German occupation during World War II and in post war Europe as a Jewish person who converted to Catholicism. Erika discusses mixed traditions and how it saved her and her family’s life. Joining the Podcast for the new feature Rory’s Islandis Rory Vecsey. Rory explores the plight of women in Afghanistan after the Taliban regained control. She also discusses their hopes of a full life an education before the fall of the nation and the fear and courage that they muster in the shadow of Taliban rule.
How Many Brush Strokes or Guitar Strings are the Threads of Creativity? Larry is joined by two amazing artists in Jonathan Santlofer and Karen Bella. Jonathan Santlofer is the author of the bookThe Last Mona Lisa, a story based on the true events surrounding the iconic painting’s theft in 1912. Jonathan shares his thoughts on the time period the book is set in, along with his life as an artist. He also talks about personal events that have effected his writing and artwork. Larry also shares how his book touched him personally and makes a connection to his own grandmother. Karen Bella, a talented singer/songwriter joined Larry in studio. She spoke about her connection to her guitars, the differences between performing in a studio vs. a live crowd and where she draws inspiration for her songwriting. Larry explores the concept of the universality of music that transcends generations, from Larry’s love of Jackson Brown to Karen’s love ofJohn Mayer. Karen performs the songs Landslideby Fleetwood Mac, Needle in the Hay,Good Morning and Jack Honey.
How many threads are needed to uncover the truth? Former NBC reporter and author Arthur Kent joins the podcast speaking about his new bookMurder in Room 117: Solving the Cold Case that Led to America’s Longest War. Arthur tells the story of Spike Dubs, ambassador to Afghanistan in 1979 who was kidnapped and ultimately assassinated by the KGB. Arthur recounts the tale and his search for the truth behind the international incident that eventually led to the war in Afghanistan. Arthur Kent is affectionally known by his colleagues as the “Scud Stud” for his coverage of the first Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm for NBC News. He is an internationally known and Emmy Award winning journalist who is well respected in the field. His work can now be seen at skyreporter.com. Arthur can also be found on Twitter, Facebook&Instagram.
How many threads connect unto a series of events. Joining the podcast is author Amanda Fairbanks, author of the bookThe Lost Boys of Montauk. Amanda speaks to Larry about the process of writing this story and how it was a labor of love, being a resident of the South Fork of Long Island. We learn about how the Montauk of1984 (a primarily fishing town) transitioned to a playground for the ultra wealthy along with the secrets that can haunt the families of the lost. Also joining the podcast is singer/songwriter/seachanteyman Stuart Markus. Stuart joined Larry in studio to play some tunes both popular and original, includingThe View from the Side of the Roadand Gloucester Ladies. Stuart spoke about growing up with music in Rochester, New York, his first experiences with music as a kid and what inspires him to write music and perform with his bandGathering Time. You can get more information about where to find Stuart here.